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TDmonthly's Top 10 Most Wanted Toys for Boys: Infant to Preschool The research for this article was compiled by November 19, 2004. High-tech gadgets and retro favorites are hot commodities for little boys. Electronic gaming has reached the preschool set, with companies like VTech, Leap Frog and Fisher-Price hoping to corner the market with educational game systems. Meanwhile, Learning Curve and Radio Flyer bank on the classics by updating old-time toys.  V.Smile TV Learning System ($59.99, 3 to 7 years) by VTechThis preschool video game system teaches language, math, phonics and problem solving. • "The V.Smile is very appealing to little boys," states Sheilah Gilliland, marketing representative for KBToys/eToys.com. • NPD expects V.Smile to become one of the few must-have toys for the season. • The unit has earned a 2004 Parents´ Choice Recommendation and has been cited by many major retailers.  InteracTV ($39.99, 3 years and up) by Fisher-Price Combining DVD technology with an easy-to-use wireless tablet, InteracTV makes watching TV educational. • DVDs feature popular titles like SpongeBob Squarepants and Blue´s Clues that appeal to young boys. • NPD expects InteracTV to do well, riding the strong electronics and video game markets. • Retailers Wal-Mart, Toys R´ Us, Target, and KB Toys/eToys.com all list InteracTV as a hot holiday pick.  Leapster™ Multimedia Learning System ($79.99, 4 to 10 years) by LeapFrog This multi-functional handheld lets children play games, read books, create artwork and watch interactive videos. • Titles are available for pre-K through 2nd grade, ensuring long-term use. • "The Leapster and the new software now coming out, like Spider Man, are great for boys," says Jennifer Laughridge for LeapFrog. • The system is listed as a top pick by KBToys/eToys.com and "In the Spotlight" on Amazon.com.  Laugh & Learn Learning Home (Approx. $60.00, 6 to 36 months) by Fisher-Price The brightly-colored Learning Home teaches educational concepts using lights, music and texture. • A wide variety of stimulating activities are packed in this compact unit. • It was featured in NBC´s "Toy Test 2004" as one of the best toys for toddlers, in Parents´ "Best Toys of the Year" and in Parenting´s "Toys of the Year." • Both Wal-Mart and Toys R’ Us consider the Learning Home a best pick.  Thomas and Friends Wooden Railway Sights and Sounds Deluxe Set ($599,2 ½ and up) by Learning Curve Based on the popular “Thomas & Friends” television series, these train sets offer a wide variety of vehicles and accessories. • Compatible with the high-tech Thomas & Friends Interactive Learning Railway, as well as other Wooden Railway Sets. • "These sets give little boys a lot of different options for creative play," says Sheilah Gilliland, for KBToys/eToys.com. • The set was awarded a 2005 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award.  Retro Rocket (approx. $65, 10 months to 3 years) by Radio Flyer Merging old-fashioned styling with high-tech features, this ride-on packs lighted buttons, space sounds, and rumbling vibrations in a shiny shell. • Low to the ground, with four sturdy wheels and a narrow body, the Rocket is safe and easy for toddlers to use. • "Ride-ons are always popular at the holidays," Sheilah Gilliland for KBToys/eToys.com • The Rocket has been recognized with an Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award for 2005.  E-L-M-O ($29.99, 18 months and up) by Fisher-Price Elmo returns this year with a new song and dance routine based on The Village People´s “Y.M.C.A.” • The “Y.M.C.A.” cover has retro appeal with parents. • The product line has been steadily popular since 1996´s Tickle Me Elmo. • The doll is listed as a top pick by major retailers Wal-Mart, Toys R’ Us, and KB Toys/eToys.com.  Musical Stack and Play ($19.99, 6 months and over) by Tiny Love (ToyDirectory)This well-designed soft-stacker offers more than its competition by including music, lights and a ball-drop activity. • Safe, cloth-covered rings are good for teething infants. The on/off switch allows for parental control and the balls store conveniently in the base. • The stacker was featured in Parents´ "Best Toys of the Year" and in Parenting´s "Toys of the Year." • The toy was awarded a 2005 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award.  Peek-a-Blocks Gobble & Go Hippo (Approx. $25, 6 to 24 months) by Fisher-PriceThe friendly blue hippo gobbles up Peek-a-Blocks as it bobs along, helping the toddler clean up. • Works as both a walker and a ride-on. • "All Peek-a-Block products are selling very well, especially this holiday season," says Sheilah Gilliland for KBToys/eToys.com. • The toy was featured in Parents´ "Best Toys of the Year." Recommendation: Other Peek-a-Blocks toys likely to be popular with young boys this season include the IntelliBlock, the 2-in-1 Wagon, the Press & Go Train and the Rollin´ Rumblin´ Dump Truck.  Letter Factory Game ($24.99, 3 to 5 years) by Leap FrogThis educational board game transitions from a letter and color matching game for youngsters to a pursuit game for older children. • "It is a very hot seller right now and winning many awards," says Jennifer Laughridge for LeapFrog. • Featured in Parenting´s "Toys of the Year." • The game was awarded a 2005 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award. Additional Entry:  Little People Discovery Village (Approx. $40.00, 2 to 5 years) by Fisher-PriceLittle People are a perennial favorite, and the Discovery Village offers a lot of bells and whistles to attract children and parents. I spoke with several large retailers, manufacturers, consumer groups/award programs, industry specialists and individual consumers. I viewed listings of several consumer-based bulletin boards, the top picks both generally and for specific categories from major retailers and discounters as well as smaller/specialty retailers. I also researched holiday themed "Best of" lists. |
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