Product diversity key at Toy Fair
Staff -- Kids Today, 3/1/2005 12:00:00 AM
The 102nd annual Toy Fair got under way in New York last month with more than 1,400 exhibitors, and booths and showrooms were packed with all sorts of toys, from new infant developmental toys and plush to room decor and accessories of a playful nature. Bright, vibrant colors and patterns were showcased on items designed to stimulate babies' development with crinkles, rattles and sound chips. And room décor items that combine themes or characters, like KidKraft's firehouse table or Kids Only's Care Bears resin chairs, put some fun into furniture. The Toy Industry Assn. noted a trend of non-traditional toy retailers such as Bed, Bath and Beyond and Home Depot attending the show — a sign of the changing times.
The Chatting Critter Cube is new from Small World Toys, and features three animal sounds and songs that play when each animal is touched on the nose. The cube is made of super-soft materials of varying textures, and the top has a beaded handle for easy transport.
The Three Little Pigs activity toy, based on the fairy tale, is new from Mary Meyer and features an 11-inch pig with a stretchy pouch that holds a wolf doll and three little pig dolls. The retail price is $15, and the toy includes a hang tag that recounts the story. A Three Little Bears version is also offered.
KidKraft's firehouse table set features child-size chairs with backs shaped like a hydrant and Dalmatian.
Smart Splash Color Link Frogs, new from Learning Resources, can be sorted by color or size and link together to help develop patterning skills. They come in a set of nine with a mesh bag, perfect to use as a tote for the pool or beach.
Gund introduced a new line of Let's Play! Puppets from the babyGund line. Each puppet features a parent with a 4-inch baby puppet tucked inside the pocket, designed for interactive play with babies and toddlers. The puppets are available in six character styles.
First-time exhibitor Tatutina showed this collection of nesting bins featuring baby animals. A set of three boxes retails for $64, and other coordinating room décor, including picture frames, keepsake boxes and diaper caddy are available.
This new baby toy from Brio features a cute rabbit and carrot motif along with nice teething and mirror play.
The Spin n' Stack rings from Lamaze feature colorful fabric and crinkly ribbons and spin to music as they are stacked. For ages 9 months and up, retail price is $24.99.
Kids Only showed off its latest license, Care Bears, seen here on a stackable resin chair with laminated inlay graphics.
Aurora's new Activity Cube features zippers, buttons, shoelace pockets and surprise shapes, as well as squeaker, rattle and crinkle sounds. Retail price is $15.99.
The Big Top Sounds is new from Manhattan Toy Baby. When the lion is dropped in the circus tent, it makes a "roar" sound, and when the soft toy is pulled out again, baby hears the word "lion." For ages 9 months and older, this classic fill-and-pour play set encourages development of motor skills and cause-effect understanding. It retails for $30.
Pint Size Productions is the distributor for Latitude Enfant's new Grannimals collection, featuring nostalgic cuddly playmates made of washable acrylic wool accented by detailed appliqué and embroidery. Three sizes and several characters are available, each packaged in a gift box.
We would love your feedback!
-
Summer Gift Shows - Part II
Jul 1, 2011 -
Toy Fair Preview
Feb 16, 2011 -
Up Close
Feb 1, 2010 -
Toy Fair intros designed for teaching, hugging
Feb 15, 2006
Featured Company
-
Brandwise Inc.
Brandwise serves a model - not just an industry - by integrating, automating, and optimizing the entire sales channel, from wholesale Suppliers to their Reps and the Retailers they service. In short, our software helps Reps and Suppliers sell more and create... more
