It was the first day of Toy Fair, and a lot of companies had a lot to show. TDmonthly Magazine hit the lower show floor to see what products made the best first impression:
BamZ Interactive Insoles by BAMZ LTD
BamZ are fun interactive insoles for kids’ shoes. These intelligent insoles have a programmable LED display, which is positioned on the rear of the shoe. As the kid walks, the insoles' powertread sensor activates their personally programmed message. With 40 characters and symbols to choose from, kids can now “Let the walk do the talk.” The product is available in both single and double packs. “Totally original and a new product line, BamZ allows kids to express themselves in a fun and unique way,” Design Director Andrew Brodie of BamZ told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 2007.
This patent-pending kit allows children to design and create their own pair of personalized boots. It comes with six distinctive, revolutionary rubber colors, 32 erasing pads, a palette for mixing colors, two paint brushes and instructions to help stimulate creativity. Accessories such as pompons, fur and stickers are optional. Three different packages — a backpack, a clear tote and a box — are available. “It’s a new ... kit that doesn’t exist in the market — both water-resistant and erasable. … You can design and redesign your boots multiple times,” Ran Schilo of My Design told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2007.
In Yoga Bingo, each player draws a card, performs the pose and then places a chip on the board. The first player to complete a row yells "Yoga.” “Yoga Bingo is an enjoyable opportunity for children to learn yoga through play and receive all of the benefits, such as increased flexibility, focus, self-confidence and an overall sense of well being,” Katie Feldman, a certified yoga instructor and Spiraling Hearts President and Creative Director, told TDmonthly. This product is a 2007 National Parenting Center Seal of Approval Award winner. Launch date: February 2007. — "The illustrative bingo cards feature photos of [Katie's] students who volunteered to help Katie make Spiraling Hearts a reality. All of the games have been kid tested and parent approved by her students and their parents," Cynthia Roberson, account executive at Carolyn Izzo Integrated Communications, told TDmonthly. Additionally, "a portion from the sale of each Spiraling Hearts game is donated to children’s charities."
The Micro Mosquito is the world's smallest, most stable and lightest indoor helicopter. The future of R/C fits in the palm of your hand with this high-tech chopper. This miniature helicopter flies up, down, left, right, forward and reverse. It comes ready to fly and includes an R/C transmitter, a flight battery, a charger and instructions. Two frequencies are available. It requires a 9V battery for the transmitter and 6 C batteries for the charger. The Micro Mosquito was named a Computer Times Editor's Choice Toy in March 2007. Launch date: Spring 2006.
Part of the Safari Pack, this super-soft plush is also a pillow and a blanket. It is three products in one. Zoobie Pets received a 2007 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award and a 2007 Top Toy of the Year Award from Creative Child Magazine. ― Debbie Scholl, owner of Fundamentally Toys in Houston, favored these transformable pets/pillows/blankies at Toy Fair 2007.
Children can mix-and-match these cuddly plush friends that feature magnetically interchangeable heads and tails. Collecting all six in the collection allows kids to create more than 200 PlajaPets. In June 2007, new PlajaPets Tiger, Platypus, Rhino, Monster, Pig and Monkey were launched. “The very unique look and feel of our characters draws kids (and adults) to them. Once children get these in their hands, they honestly do not want to put them down. [They have been embraced by] teachers ... in classrooms all over the United States, as well as by child psychologists who teach cognitive development,” COO Jason Johnson of Plaja International told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2007.
Touted as “the fastest ball on the planet,” this ball with a flat-edge surface design is known for its incredible speed, amazing ability to curve and tremendous control. Maximum air deflection leads to 50 percent less drag for more speed and more curve.
This electric-powered vehicle features a quiet motor and a top speed of 20 mph. Children can cruise around the campground, golf course, beach, race track or neighborhood without disturbing others. The Vector has dual front disc brakes, low-profile tires, rechargeable sealed batteries, an adjustable seat with a safety belt, rearview mirrors, aluminum wheels, direct chain drive, a fiberglass safety flag and a twist throttle with a keyed switch. Called a "skoogo," it falls somewhere between an electric scooter and a go-cart in design and functionality. "Continuous improvement is part of our theme at ITV. We are constantly looking for improvements in safety and performance, weight [and] cost,” Founder Ron Carl of Innovative Transportation Vehicles told TDmonthly.
Writer's Bio: Julie L. Jones has written articles for both newspapers and magazines. Before joining the staff of TDmonthly Magazine, she worked as a communications writer and provided editorial support for a market research company. Read more articles by this author
Writer's Bio: Julie L. Jones has written articles for both newspapers and magazines. Before joining the staff of TDmonthly Magazine, she worked as a communications writer and provided editorial support for a market research company. Read more articles by this author
