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Figpickels Gets Kids to Prove That Specialty Toys ARE Special

Testing Events Provide Direct Feedback on the Toys You Sell

By Alison Marek
February 2014

As if their annual Holiday Board of Directors Toy Testing event and Birthday Bash weren't enough, Figpickels Toy Emporium in Coer D'Alene, Idaho ran a customer-based TDmonthly toy testing and giveaway, thanks to Schoenhut Piano Company, Hohner, HABA USA and Gymnic (Toy Marketing International).

Customers Tested Toys to Win "Thank-You Giveaway"

To thank their customers for being loyal to specialty toys and games, Figpickels opened testing on select products to the general public. Anyone who walked through their doors during the holiday season was able to play with Schoenhut Piano Company's guitars and drums, Hohner's new eco-friendly Green Tones instruments, HABA USA's games and Gymnic's Rody, Rody Max and Bounce Ball. The customers' evaluation sheets served as entries to a raffle held on December 22 to win the tested toys.

And the Kids Said ...

Want to see what kids and their parents REALLY think about the toys you sell or are thinking about selling? Watch the following videos and read on! Products were rated on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest score:

HABA Makes Kids Smart

Ten customers played with HABA's games – Rhino Hero, Secret Code 13 + 4, Loco Lingo Fastgraphs, Loco Lingo Kindergarten, My Very First Games – Counting Fun, and Marcel Memory Game. The games are meant for kids aged 5 and up.

Here's their Report Card:

Packaging: 4
Materials: 4.5
Appearance: 4.5
Durability: 5
Fun Factor: 4

"These games make you learn and make the process of decision making fun and rewarding," said Jeff S.

"[The games] look very intellectual," noted Avina B. "I would most definitely buy [these] for my nieces and nephews."

"Love the fact [some of the game pieces] are made of wood and are durable," raved Carina L.

"The quality of the products are very good," agreed Jenn H. "[They are] durable enough for all ages."

Hohner Hones In on Green Lovers

Twenty-six families played with Hohner's new Green Tones instruments, which are made from eco-friendly and sustainable mangowood. Instruments included the Beginner Drum Set, Temple Wood Blocks, Melody Glockenspiel, Square Tone Drum and the Stirring Xylophone, designed for kids aged 3 and up.

Here's how they played:

Packaging: 4
Materials: 5
Appearance: 4.5
Durability: 5
Fun Factor: 5

"The tone and quality are excellent," raved Steve Griffits. "My wife is an elementary music teacher with a large inventory of various instruments... but she would want these as well." Her wish was Figpickels' command: Steve had the winning ticket in the Hohner raffle!

"The beginner drum set and Melody Glockenspiel [were] very durable and engaging for [a] 7-year-old autistic boy," enthused Alisa R. "He absolutely loved them! Could have played for hours!"

"My son is 5 and LOVED the beginner drum set," noted Rachel R. "I like the all-wood set and that it isn't TOO loud."

"I like the idea behind the product – Green!—and save the planet," said Jerry S. "I also really like the sound of the toys. They sound like real instruments and not plastic children's toys."

"Very durable product for kids that go through toys fast," appreciated Russ W.

"I like how you can take the drums out and play them individually," noted Ashleigh I.

"This group of toys is awesome," raved Lia B. "My son loves the sounds, and I love that they are made of a responsible material."

Schoenhut Rocked Out

Thirty-two customers played with Schoenhut's child-sized drumset and electric guitar with amp.

Here's what was noted:

Packaging: 5
Materials: 5
Appearance: 5
Durability: 5
Fun Factor: 5

"For the inner rock star in all of us; this guitar makes me wish to be young again," said Jeff Schoengarth, who noted the similarity between his name and the company's name on his entry form. "I know my son will drive me crazy with it, but I welcome the noise." Lucky guys: They won the Schoenhut drum set!

"Although I don't know much about music products, I want my niece to have the option to learn different forms of music. I think she would learn a lot from these," speculated Elizabeth Bailey. She'll find out soon: Elizabeth won Schoenhut's acoustic guitar!

"I've played guitar for 10+ years and would love to give this to my son," said Chris Goodrich. He got his wish and won the Schoenhut electric guitar!

"Amazing little set up!" raved Jen F. about the guitar and drumset. "We come from a family of music and this would be a wonderful gift to our family."

"The drums are loud. Yeah!" proclaimed Cayden G.

"Fun little guitar. Just like a full-sized with working tone and volume switches. Love it," summed up Mark K.

"I thought it was cool," remarked Kalista K. "I really want it to start a band and be really famous! It was amazing."

"Good for entertainment and developing musical talent," noted Maricela L.

Bridget N. said she loved the instruments because they "help with math skills."

"An excellent learning tool for children," agreed Joanna L. "The size is just right for little hands and legs. All kids love to hit a drum and make music."

"Man, if my nephews had this, my sisters would still hate me in 30 years," joked Johnny N. in appreciation.

Rody Bounces High

Thirty-two kids bounce-tested Gymnic's Rody, Rody Max and Bounce Ball.

Here's how they rode out:

Packaging: 5
Materials: 5
Appearance: 5
Durability: 5
Fun Factor: 5

"I like that it can be used for a couple of years, not just a few months, as the child grows with it," said Jodi Skantel, who won Rock-n-Rody.

"Great toy for hours of exercise, camouflaged as fun... followed by a nap, so [it's] a gift for yourself and the child," said Jeff Schoengarth. He'll get to put his theory to the test, as he won the Hop Ball.

"[Rody] is the most bounciest and funnest toy I've played on and seen!" raved Dot C.

"Rody was a HUGE hit with both of my children. They were fighting over whose turn it was," said Rachel R. "Rody Max is great for my older kiddos... ages 5 and 7."

"Great toy! I run an Early Learning Center – this is a perfect toy for our preschoolers!" said Becky B.

"This toy would be great exercise for winter days," recommended Brenda L.

"Good toy to help improve balance," noted Josh H. "Like the design [and] that you hold onto the ears."

"Happy to see a larger size Rody!" exclaimed Armande G. "It was perfect for my 7-year-old. She had a blast!"

"My 5 year old son said it felt good on his bottom. LOL. And it was great because it jumped high," summed up Gabriel C.

Watch this video to see how Brett and Susan Sommers of Figpickels Toy Emporium maximized the opportunity given to them by TDmonthly and donors Schoenhut Piano Company, Gymnic (Toy Marketing International), Hohner and HABA USA by creating a memorable Holiday Event to reward their customers for supporting specialty toys and local businesses.

You knew the toys you sell were great, and now you have proof, thanks to Figpickels and their customers!

Do you want YOUR toys tested? Contact alison@toydirectory.com for options and details.

Green Tone Beginner Drum Set by HOHNER

Four instruments on a central base perfect for the budding Ringo Starr: Two removable drums, bright cymbal and multi-timbre wood block add to the array of sounds kids can make. 12.5” Ergonomically designed Mangowood base fits easily on a lap or table. Includes pair of wooden mallets. Closed box with handle.