The predominant trend for boys toys at this year's Toy Fair seemed to be the integration of technology with entertainment properties, resulting in engaging, interactive toys like the Monsuno Core™ and Transforming Action Figures from JAKKS PACIFIC INC. and the LEGO DC Universe Super Heroes The Batcave Set. The reliance on licensed characters didn't feature as prominently in girls toys, perhaps because the anticipated block busters and hit television shows coming out in 2012 are more geared to the male audience. See all the Top 10 Boys toys below, and don't forget to check out our overall Top 10 and Top 10 Girls Toys, too.
Skylanders Giants by ACTIVISION
This follow up to last year's Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure features 8 Giant Skylanders, 4 Light Skylanders, 8 New Skylanders, and will also work with the 24 re-released Skylanders. Each Giant Skylanders is about twice as large as the originals. The toy can be used for Xbox 360, Wii, PS3, and Nintendo 3DS. Launch date: 2012.
Using a free app, users mount their iPhones into a plastic laser shooter and can begin playing a game of laser tag with up to 24 other players. Each blaster has a range of up to 250 feet. Players can also play the game solo. Launch date: August 2012.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Power Sounds FX Figures by PLAYMATES TOYS INC.
Each of the figures stands 5.5 inches tall and features proprietary wire coil activation in the arms and legs that triggers heroic battle phrases. The longer kids pull back that limb, the longer the sound is activated, and will not end until released. Launch date: 2012.
This board features an LED light system which provides visual effects without getting damaged. Made of 7 Ply hard rock maple; available in blue, green, or orange. Launch date: 2012.
Micro heroes, mega battles! Iconic STAR WARS characters get a collectible new gaming twist, as players use Fighter Pods to knock down as many figures as possible. Spin, Launch or Roll the Pod into battle…even connect the Pods together or place the figures on top or inside of them for extra “power.”More than 100 STAR WARS FIGHTER PODS figures available in a unique new style from all six STAR WARS films and The Clone Wars animated series. Each set sold separately. Launch date: 2012.
Regal Elite launches its new "Glove Force" technology, which allows users to direct their 'copters by turning their wrists left or right, with the help of a small thumb-controlled throttle. Launch date: Spring 2012.
Monsuno Core™ and Transforming Action Figures by JAKKS PACIFIC INC.
Collect hundreds of favorite characters from the Monsuno Animated TV Series for amazing transformation reveal and controllable, fast-action battle play. Each 1-pack comes with 1 collectible Monsuno core, 1 transforming action figure and 3 collector game cards. Launch date: March 2012.
Hot Wheels Wall Tracks Power Tower Track Set by MATTEL INC.
Hot Wheels wall tracks are taken to the next level with this set, which includes a spiral elevator and fun demolition elements like a car chomper and a moving saw. Attached to the wall with 3M command strips, to avoid ruining walls. Launch date: June 2012.
— In a Summer 2012 survey, four out of 10 retailers told TDmonthly that Hot Wheels was their best selling brand of die-cast toy.
LEGO DC Universe Super Heroes The Batcave 6860 by LEGO
This set consists of a large model of the Batcave, and is the second set to be based off of this location, the first being 7783 The Batcave: The Penguin and Mr. Freeze's Invasion. The Batcave playset is comprised of three sections, two vehicles - the Batcycle and Bane's drill - , as well as five redesigned minifigures, three of which are exclusive to the set; Batman in his blue Super Heroes suit with a cape, Robin, Bruce Wayne, Bane, and Poison Ivy. Launch date: 2012.
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
