Kids can make a cup of coffee or grill up a burger with Hape's new Educo sets, and they're sure to be delighted when pieces of puzzle pictures and constructions fall into place. See these and other TDmonthly Magazine trade show videos below.
Children start by joining the puzzle bases together and then twist the shapes on the appropriate post. Children can make up their own way to play this stacking and sorting activity that triples as a puzzle, too. Designed with solid baltic birch bases, the Creative Peg Puzzle posts have elasticized bases in case a child falls onto the post. Multiple bases allow for more than one child to play at the same time. Launch date: February 2010.
The Eni Puzzle is a unique puzzle that is simple to play and designed to enhance problem solving and dexterity in both young children and seniors. The Eni Puzzle is cylindrically shaped and divided by several ring shaped sections. Each ring section is composed of a multitude of colored tiles that rotate independently. The tiles can travel each ring by one empty space and then be rotated into different positions. The puzzle is solved by a combination of ring rotations and the movement of colored tiles between rings.
Tomy Puzzle Ups Helicopter by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC
These 2-in-1 toys combine simple building with the excitement of pull back and go action. Each package includes five colorful chunky parts that are easy for little hands to construct. Comes in 2 assorted styles: Helicopter & Sports Car.
Giant Activity Tablecloth by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC
The Playdate Central Giant Activity Tablecloth is imprinted with more than 50 mazes, word finds, connect the dots and pictures to color. Children can color one side then flip it over for more creative activities. The tablecloth comes with six colored markers and works with any washable markers. Cloth is machine washable in cold water, no detergent, on gentle cycle. Measures 55" x 38".
The Gourmet Fridge is a modern white wood cabinet-style refrigerator with a top-mounted freezer and six ice cubes ready to provide instant refreshment. Hape Marketing Manager Robin Lehnert told TDmonthly, "High-quality Baltic Birch plywood materials combine with a modern, realistic design in lifestyle colors for this working ice-maker." Launch date: February 2010.
Top Chef, Food Network, and “Julie & Julia” have made cooking popular once again, and BANDAI’s Chef Kids capitalizes on this current popularity. While most cooking programs are aimed at adults, the Chef Kids line includes instructional DVDs created for kids with interest in the kitchen. The ChocoPot lets kid chefs make chocolate treats using a battery powered pot and three molds. Everything is included—just add chocolate!
Thomas Early Engineers Busy Day on Sodor Roundhouse Set by RC2 BRANDS
This Thomas and Friends train playset has been designed so that it can be used with or without the normal Thomas Wooden Railway gauged track, but has oversized engines for little hands can easily grasp and manouvre. The set includes two destinations for Thomas to visit on Sodor Island: Maithwaite Station and Crossing Gate. Launch date: February 2010.
Add an outdoor patio to any dollhouse with bamboo plants, decking, a patio set with a working umbrella, and a miniature grill with four shish kabobs. Hape International Marketing Manager Robin Lehnert told TDmonthly about the company's "use of bamboo to create a very unique and realistic dollhouse furniture set." Launch date: Feb. 2010.
Children can prepare a cup of joe for themselves or a guest with this modern coffee maker and sugar and cream. They can insert the single-serve coffee filter in the basket and push the button to pretend the coffee is brewing. This product is constructed with a combination baltic birch plywood and maple. Robin Lehnert, Marketing Manager at Hape, told TDmonthly this product features a "modern realistic design in lifestyle colors." Launch date: Feb. 2010.
This realistic-looking barbecue set features a hood that opens and a collapsible side table. It includes red knobs to pretend adjusting the heat during play, and wheels to roll it around to different locations. Primary materials are plywood, MDF and non-toxic paint. It measures 47 cm x 37.5 cm x 60 cm. — This BBQ set was one of the top-two products mentioned by specialty retailers during ASTRA's Share the Fair event at Toy Fair 2010.
Living on a farm is a lot of hard work, but just think about the variety of animals under care. Using the stiff straw, the soft feathers and the bubble wrap, preschoolers can learn through their sense of touch about these animals. "Children ages 2 to 5 years old learn best when engaged in activities that integrate their fine motor skills. 1-2-3 Preschool Projects develops hands-on activities that are packaged according to themes. They feature a variety of textural materials that encourage the development of a child’s fine motor, gross motor, cognitive, language, math, drama, science, and tactile skills," Linda Scanlan, owner,1-2-3 Preschool Projects LLC, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 2010.
Kids can make mud pies with this Little Tikes outdoor kitchen set. They use the hand-crank mud mixer to get the right consistency. The real working sink uses the water reservoir that releases when the pump button is pushed. No batteries are needed. The outdoor fun table includes a sink strainer, a shaker and lid, a pie mold, a large mixing bowl, a mixing spoon, a measuring cup and a cutting board. Makin' Mudpies is "one-of-a-kind," Susan Hale, PR Director of MGA Entertainment, told TDmonthly. Awards: Parent's Choice Award 2010. Launch date: 2010.
The Easter Grass-kit offers an eco-friendly, all-natural alternative to wasteful plastic grass. It's designed as a fun and educational activity for parent and child to enjoy together in anticipation of the holiday. Each kit contains enough materials for two medium baskets of real grass. Recommended growth time is seven to 10 days. Launch date: March 5, 2010.
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
