TDmonthly Magazine's reporters were on the floor of the Javit's Center at the 2012 New York International Toy Fair, scouting out interesting new specialty products and uploading videos each day. If you'd like to see the mass-market product videos too, including potential crossover items like LEGO Star Wars and Lord of the Rings sets, go here.
MagnaMobiles are designed for kids to exercise their creativity. Put the pieces together and take them apart to create new and inventive vehicles. Magnamobilles roll, carry, lift, dig, drop and spin much like the real life machines they are modeled after. With multiple connectors on every piece, kids will have fun creating their own custom vehicles. All MagnaMobiles are made from high quality beech wood with a non-toxic finish. Launch date: January 2012.
The newest Perplexus model requires a player to twist, turn, and realign the tracks within to escape traps, dead ends, and cliffhangers. A captivating new dimension for the Perplexus family of toys. Thirty transition points. Awards: 2012 ASTRA Best Toys for Kids – Gameplay/Brainteasers
Coloring meets crafting in the innovative, patent-pending COLORGAMI. It debuts with several thematic sets, including "Space Adventure," "The Red Carpet Collection" and the "Puppet Maker Activity Kit." Each COLORGAMI kit includes markers, giant COLORGAMI design sheets with characters, accessories, themed environments and more. When the coloring is finished, the illustrations can be popped out, folded and constructed into a three-dimensional scene. Launch date: February 2012.
The JumpSport kids trampoline is a fun and engaging way for preschoolers to exercise and learn. Every iBounce also comes with the 12- minute exercise adventure video cartoon, “Hop-Along with RompyRoo™ - Where Is Mr. Fuzzy?” Preschoolers can bounce along with RompyRoo as they help him search for his lost teddy bear. This video introduces basic movement skills and counting concepts as children bounce through the woods, over logs and across lily pads. The iBounce uses a bungee cord system that gives a soft and lively bounce. Plus, the sturdy handle bar adds stability so little ones can safely develop their balance, coordination, endurance and motor skills. Parents that own iPads or other tablet devices can download the cartoon animation, then attach the iPad to the kid-tough, universal tablet mount that’s included. Or, kids can watch the DVD version on the TV. To keep exercise activities fresh, the company will introduce a new RompyRoo adventure every few months. Launch date: 2012. Awards: 2012 Creative Child Magazine Product of the Year, 2012 Dr Toy Best Vacation Product, 2012 Mom's Choice Gold Award, 2012 National Parenting Center Seal of Approval, 2012 Parents Choice Approved Seal, 2012 Parent Tested Parent Approved Winner, 2012 Tillywig Top Fun Award. — As of 09/13/2012 this product had 4.6 out of 5 stars from 10 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Triangular platform helps prevent tipping; Great exercise option for the winter; Rompy Roo DVD is fun. Cons: Assembly is involved, but is doable with two adults.
Schoenhut® Piano Company has taken the concept of pianos for the very young a step further with this new three-octave Elite Baby Grand. With a keyboard almost half the size of an adult piano, this new model is designed with the three-to-nine-year-old in mind. "Not just a toy," it is a fine musical instrument and beautiful piece of furniture as well.
Little rock star swill take center stage playing Schoenhut's “next generation” guitar. Schoenhut's innovative design incorporating a molded composite body with dual curves greatly enhances sound and durability. The birch soundboard which offers excellent tone and resonance, hardwood neck (for rigidity), and molded composite fretboard ensure proper height and spacing of the frets. Six steel strings permit a wide range of rich sounds. Available in several vibrant designs. Includes: Pick and Extra String.
Wooden castle has a simple connector system with many construction possibilities. Large - 26" x 28" - with lots of room for knights and royalty. Figures not included, but can be ordered separately. Launch date: January 2012.
The plush stands 14-1/2” tall and sounds “Hip Hop Jingle Bells” when the music note on his hand — an on and off switch — is pressed. The bear’s arms, hips, mouth and head move in unison with the music.
Fishing Camp is a game where both children & adults can play & learn fun facts about Fishing. The game is designed to grow with the player, starting at level one questions, which are primarily identification of fish and fishing tackle. As the players increase in their knowledge about Fishing, they grow into the higher level questions. A fun & educational game where parents & children can play to see who catches the first fish and gets back to the docks. Game includes: 1 game board, 200 game cards(400 questions, and 100 fun facts), 1 decoder, 8 game characters, 1 die, 16 level cards, and 1 GPS card. Launch date: 2012.
The innovative Wind n Sun Specialty Kites were design with the Museum, Gift and Specialty customer in mind. There is a wide selection to choose from and each WNS kite has incredible graphics. The Wind n Sun also includes Lawn & Garden decor. "Customers will not only want to fly these kites you will see them displayed in children's bedrooms as room decor," Richard Brady, SR VP of Sales at BrainStormProducts/X Kites told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2012.
Meet Mrs. Pinkelmeyer, Silliest, Warmest Know-It-All™ and her lovable dog Moopus McGlinden. Follow their adventures in the Pinkelmeyer book series, dance along with their music or snuggle up with their plush, singing doll as they inspire self-esteem in children through love, warmth and silliness.
Flexdex Clear29 LT Green Lighted Skateboard by FLEXDEX SKATEBOARDS LLC
The Clear29 LT lighted longboard skateboard is a hot seller that looks great both day and night. Created with all superior quality parts that provide a high performance ride that experts and novices will appreciate. The addition of LIGHTS makes for a one-of-a-kind longboard. Made from clear polycarbonate for a super smooth ride and incredible light dispersement.
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
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
