|
|
Holiday Preview: 6 Toymakers Share Their Anticipated Hits Manufacturers told us which of their toys will be Holiday hits.Many retailers do their holiday buying between April and October, so we’re sharing with you nine new products that manufacturers told TDmonthly Magazine will be their best sellers for the Holiday season. Inexpensive, small items make great stocking-stuffers — and great add-on sales.  Jessica Forlenza, a rep for Zing Toys, told TDmonthly about their new line of products, Ickee Stickeez. These small collectibles would easily fit in stockings or advent calendars, are easy to take on the go, and like the popular Sqwishland Characters, there is an interactive website that kids can go on to learn more about each character."They are different from any competition because unlike other collectible miniatures Ickee Stikeez can stick to any flat surface and because of their patented suction cups that when pulled off any flat surface they make a loud POP," adding additional play value, she told TDmonthly.  John Shelley, creator of family card game Bag-O-Loot, told TDmonthly that their game makes a great stocking-stuffer. "Bag-O-Loot is a perfect stocking stuffer because the cards come in a shiny gold draw string bag you don't even have to wrap! It is an appropriate gift for any age (8-108) so you can give one to everyone. At $7.99 it is very affordable in a tough economy and has a very high fun-per-dollar ratio."Its gold bag and small size make Bag-O-Loot a quick and easy Hanukkah gift, too: "Throw a couple chocolate coins in with the cards and you have an awesome Hanukkah gelt gift idea." And, perhaps most importantly, "everyone can play and enjoy the game later on that day after the gifts have all been opened." Giggle-its™, from Blossom Bucket, Inc., are another stocking stuffer option. These colorful PVC computer charms help liven up any kids’ study area, shoelaces or zipper pulls, and school lockers. Sharon Nixon, marketing coordinator for Blossom Bucket, told TDmonthly that "Giggle-its are innovative due to their collectible characteristics...If you find a theme or style that you like in the Clips, you will be able to find coordinating pieces in the Mini Magnets and Monitor Wear," and their small size and versatility make them an ideal toy for kids on-the-go. For adults on the go, finding the perfect present can be difficult. Help your customers out by carrying some of these easy to choose gift items in your store.  Robin Ball from Noontidings shared with TDmonthly several of their new room decor items, which make nice gifts for new parents or grandparents: "Our USA-Made wooden signs with whimsical children’s images are perfect for a child's bedroom, grandparent's guest bedroom, or a foyer or rec room." There are three different designs so far, and each can be personalized. "This is perfect décor for budget sensitive young parents that desire nice décor for their children," Ball said.Christmas morning can be stressful and tiring for parents — cooking for family visitors, cleaning up mountains of wrapping paper, searching for batteries — but it can be hard to take a breather with energetic kids running around. That's where interactive gifts like The blankZ from Always Been Creative, Inc., come in handy.  "The blankZ combine creativity, fantasy, reusability and great fun in each original design. The blankZ are a 3 dimensional painters palette in the shape of a cute and cuddly creature," Glenn Rudin, president of Always Been Creative, Inc., told TDmonthly. Kids can decorate their new plush friends while the adults have a nap — or a glass of eggnog. Rudin also pointed out that “In a world increasingly dominated by thoughtless digital distractions," The blankZ are a great way to get kids involved in a hands-on, sensory activity.The months leading up to the Holidays can sometimes feel even more hectic than the Holidays themselves. Carting around kids while trying to maneuver through crowded shopping malls can be a challenge — so why not make things easier for your customers?  Brittany Roderick from Nourish, Inc., told TDmonthly about two new products that can make shopping with young children easier on parents — and provide a nice add-on for retailers. "Nourish Baby is a patented, ready-to-serve baby bottle complete with 8 oz of purified spring water, volume markings and a baby nipple top that gives traveling parents immediate access to pre-measured, purified spring water in a clean bottle. Just add formula, shake and serve."For older kids there’s Nourish Toddler, a spill-proof, ready to drink bottle of spring water with a sippy top, giving parents immediate access to a beverage for thirsty youngsters while shopping. Kids often indulge in cookies, candies, and cocoa during the Holidays, but Nourish offers "a terrific alternative to sugary drinks, and helps establish a healthy habit of drinking water," Roderick said. You can see the products mentioned above described in more detail at the end of this article. Don't forget to check out our next Holiday Preview in the October issue of TDmonthly!
 Writer's Bio: Justina Huddleston graduated Magna Cum Laude from Emerson College with a BA in Writing, Literature, and Publishing in 2009. After graduating she was the on-site director of the Boston Children's Museum gift store for a year, selling educational, developmental, and creative activity toys that tied in with the museum's exhibits. Justina also interned at children's book publisher Candlewick Press before moving from Boston to Los Angeles, where she is now Editorial Director of TDmonthly Magazine. Read more articles by this author |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Disclaimer Privacy Policy Career Opportunities
Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use.
© Copyright 2024 PlayZak®, a division of ToyDirectory.com®, Inc.