Toys & Family Entertainment, August 2012

Vol. 7, No. 5, August 2012

New Ne ew Licens Licenses ses Stuff Plush M Mark Market ket et

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AUGUST 2012 VOLUME 7, NO. 5

features

16 Beyond Basic Bubbles

by Jennifer Lynch

17 Product Presentation: Bubbles

by Jennifer Lynch

20 The Marriage of Traditional Crafts with Contemporary Trends

by Chris Adams

departments 4 6

Observations & Opinions Sizzlers

22 Product Presentation: Activity Toys

8

Entertainment Marketplace:

24 More New Licenses Stuff Plush Market

10

Industry Forum: TIA

by Chris Adams

by Laurie Leahey

25 Product Presentation: Plush

by Laurie Leahey

12 14 34

Clifford the Big Red Dog Industry Forum: ASTRA

Merchandise Makers: Famosa Calendar of Events

28 Product Presentation: New York International Gift Fair

On this page, from the left: Wi-Spi from Interactive Toy, Duct Tape Bangles from Alex, Bounce Bounce Tigger from Just Play, Scholastic celebrates 50 years of Clifford the Big Red Dog, Crayola’s Outdoor Colored Bubbles, Ohio Art’s Sandzini

32 Product Presentation: R/C

On the cover: The Fortune Cookie Maker is from Moose Toys.

by Nancy Lombardi

by Nancy Lombardi

cover created by Jennifer Lynch

OBSERVATIONS & OPINIONS

WWW.ANBMEDIA.COM

Technology and Toys: It’s Not What You Think BY

BOB GLASER

he conversation concerning technology and toys usually revolves around the use of technology in a toy. Does it enhance the play value or is it being used simply because it is available? Does it benefit the child? How will parents react?

Yet, there are several issues currently facing the toy industry regarding technology. However, the issues are not what you think. Most of the recent controversy surrounds using technology to sell toys.

There has been a lot of discussion recently about the concept of showrooming.

Showrooming is when a consumer with a smart phone goes into a traditional brickand-mortar store, looks for a product, and then searches online while in the store to find a better price elsewhere. To combat this occurance, several brick-and-mortar stores are asking manufacturers to give them exclusive products that can only be purchased in-store at that retailer. It’s too early to predict how successful retailers will be in combating this phenomenon—or even how long the phenomenon will last—but this should be an interesting holiday season as more consumers carry smart phones and the number of people shopping online continues to grow.

The other technological conundrum concerns QR codes, or quick-response codes.

In simplistic terms, these are barcode-like images that are scanned by the consumer using a smart phone. It leads consumers to a designated landing page for the product. Manufacturers are being proactive and incorporating QR codes onto packaging.

But some manufacturers have told me they don’t yet understand what the benefit will be but they feel including the codes is necessary. Yet, these same manufacturers are telling me retailers are not asking for QR codes on packaging. In fact, we’ve heard that some retailers are telling manufacturers to leave the QR code off the packaging.

That small tactic may cut down on showrooming because it forces the consumer to take a few extra steps to find a product online. I’m very curious to get feedback from these manufacturers later in the year as to the results of the QR code use.

No matter how a consumer shops this holiday season one thing’s for sure, whether it’s online or offline, consumers are researching toys on aNb Media’s consumer website www.TimetoPlayMag.com before purchasing. Just to give you an idea of how many consumers, earlier this summer TimetoPlayMag.com surpassed 50 million video views of products reviewed on the TimetoPlay YouTube channel.

At TimetoPlayMag.com we take the product out of the package and play with it.

The TimetoPlay team offers consumers insight into the play experience, the product’s directions, packaging, and other relevant facts—both pro and con. We invite you to visit TimetoPlayMag.com and see for yourself.

T

4 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT AUGUST 2012

August 2012 • Volume 7, Number 5 PUBLISHER BOB GLASER BOB@ANBMEDIA.COM ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER ANDY KRINNER ANDY@ANBMEDIA.COM ADVERTISING MANAGER DONNA MOORE DONNA@ANBMEDIA.COM CONTROLLER MARY GROGAN MARY@ANBMEDIA.COM EDITOR IN CHIEF JIM SILVER JIM@ANBMEDIA.COM EDITORIAL DIRECTOR NANCY LOMBARDI NANCY@ANBMEDIA.COM EDITOR AT LARGE CHRISTOPHER BYRNE CHRISB@ANBMEDIA.COM CONTRIBUTING EDITOR CHRIS ADAMS CHRISA@ANBMEDIA.COM EDITOR LAURIE LEAHEY LAURIE@ANBMEDIA.COM ASSISTANT EDITOR JENNIFER LYNCH JENNIFER@ANBMEDIA.COM WEB MASTER ERIK KIECKHAFER ERIK@ANBMEDIA.COM WEB CONTENT MANAGER BRENDAN SANABRIA BRENDAN@ANBMEDIA.COM CONTRIBUTORS KATHLEEN MCHUGH; KRISTIN MORENCY PUBLIC RELATIONS REPRESENTATIVE JOSSLYNNE WELCH LITZKY PUBLIC RELATIONS, 320 SINATRA DRIVE, HOBOKEN, N.J. 07030 (201) 222–9118 EXT. 13 • JWELCH@LITZKYPR.COM INTERESTED IN A SUBSCRIPTION? CONTACT SUBSCRIPTIONS@ANBMEDIA.COM ANB MEDIA, INC. 229 WEST 28TH STREET, SUITE 401, NEW YORK, N.Y. 10001 PHONE: (646) 763–8710 • FAX: (646) 763–8727 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT is published six times per year by aNb Media.

Copyright 2012 aNb Media. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher. Printed in the U.S.A. TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT and SPECIALTY EMPORIUM are registered trademarks of aNb Media.

Opinions and comments expressed in this publication by editors, contributing writers, or solicited or unsolicited documents are not necessarily those of management.

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SIZZLERS

Sizzlers: What’s Moving Off Store Shelves?

What Are the Hottest Web Orders?

Here is an alphabetical listing of the hottest-selling items in the toy industry, based on a combined survey of both offline and online retailers, reflecting the previous month’s sales.

Beyblade

Lalaloopsy Littles doll assortment

LeapPad Explorer Learning Tablet

Angry Birds Knock on Wood Game LEGO Friends Café Set

Spider-Man figure

ANGRY BIRDS KNOCK ON WOOD GAME Mattel

AVENGERS 12-INCH FIGURES: HULK, CAPTAIN AMERICA, IRON MAN, AND THOR Hasbro

BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT RISES FIGURE ASSORTMENT Mattel BEYBLADE METAL FUSION Hasbro

IMAGINEXT DC SUPERFRIENDS BATCAVE Mattel

6 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT AUGUST 2012

LALALOOPSY LITTLES DOLL ASSORTMENT MGA Entertainment LEAPPAD EXPLORER LEARNING TABLET LeapFrog LEGO FRIENDS LEGO

MONSTER HIGH SWEET 1600 ASSORTMENT Mattel SKYLANDERS FIGURES Activision

SPIDER-MAN FIGURE ASSORTMENT Hasbro

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ENTERTAINMENT MARKETPLACE

CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG

BY LAURIE LEAHEY

here’s a BIG birthday celebration happening this year, and it involves a big dog.

Clifford the Big Red Dog will turn 50 on Clifford’s official birthday, February 14, 2013.

Since the first Clifford book was published in 1963, the property has expanded to include 126 million books in print and an Emmy Award-winning TV series, currently in its 12th consecutive season on PBS Kids in the U.S. The show has been sold to 30 countries in 12 languages worldwide.

Scholastic is starting the celebrations this year and will kick off the 50th anniversary on September 24, 2012, with “Clifford’s BIGGEST Birthday Party Ever,” a live celebration at Scholastic’s New York City headquarters that will be streamed to classrooms nationwide.

The live birthday celebration launches in conjunction with the publication of Norman Bridwell’s Clifford Collection: The Original Six Stories, a collection of six stories originally published between 1963 and 1977.

T

8 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT AUGUST 2012

NEED TO KNOW

• Leading up to Clifford’s birthday, fans can send the fictional dog personalized birthday cards at scholastic.com/clifford.

Clifford’s BIG Birthday app will be available on iOS and Android devices.

The book also includes the original and never-before-seen painting that inspired the Clifford series as well as the story behind the real Emily Elizabeth. Spring 2013 brings the publication of Clifford’s Birthday Party and an all-new board book, Clifford’s Bedtime Story.

Along with an online birthday sweepstakes, the broadcast premiere of Clifford’s Really BIG Movie on PBS Kids in December, the new Clifford’s BIG Birthday App for iOS and Android, and three Facebook apps on the Clifford the Big Red Dog Facebook page, Scholastic and its licensees are providing new licensed merchandise.

Mills Entertainment will bring the Clifford: A BIG Family Musical live show to fans across the nation. Tour dates are scheduled throughout spring 2013. And other licensees such as Patch Products, Bendon Publishing, Douglas, Lionsgate, Hansen’s, and Buy Seasons will all introduce new toys, games, and entertainment products to celebrate this BIG birthday.

• Clifford’s BIG Ideas are Share, Help Others, Be Kind, Be Responsible, Play Fair, Be a Good Friend, Believe in Yourself, Have Respect, Work Together, and Be Truthful.

• Clifford was originally called “Tiny” but was named “Clifford” after author Norman Bridwell’s imaginary childhood friend.

• The character Emily Elizabeth from the Clifford book series is named after Bridwell’s daughter Emily Elizabeth.

• The late John Ritter was the voice of Clifford in the 65 episodes of PBS Kids’ Clifford the Big Red Dog TV series. He also voiced Clifford in Clifford’s Really BIG Movie.

PATCH PRODUCTS

Patch Products will introduce new Clifford board games and puzzles, including the Clifford the Big Red Dog Game in its Tales to Play line, for children ages 3 and up.

BENDON PUBLISHING

Bendon Publishing has developed several new Clifford-branded coloring and activity books for the 50th birthday celebration.

BUY SEASONS

Buy Seasons is celebrating Clifford’s big birthday with three new paper party goods and favors.

DOUGLAS COMPANY

LIONSGATE

The Clifford brand has sold more than six million DVDs to date. In celebration of the brand’s 50th anniversary, Lionsgate will release a new DVD in early 2013.

Douglas Company adds to its Clifford the Big Red Dog fashion collection with new bags. The collection includes six new pieces: Clifford Zebra Tote, Clifford Zebra Clutch, Clifford Zebra Whatever Sak, Clifford Pink Leopard Clutch, Clifford Pink Leopard Satchel, and Clifford Pink Leopard Whatever Sak. The bags feature sparkly rhinestone accents, shiny patent leather trim, and animal prints.

HANSEN’S

Clifford the Big Red Dog is featured on a selection of Hansen’s natural and organic fruit juice boxes.

AUGUST 2012 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT 9

INDUSTRY FORUM

What Spot

to

thE

ExpEct

trEndS

for

holiday 2013:

at thE induStry’S

n a world where product sales are increasingly driven by fads and trends, savvy retailers know that few industries rival toys and fashion for the need to know what’s hot (and what’s not). Buyers must stay abreast of the latest trends that will attract attention in the aisles and stock their shelves with innovative toys from those spanning traditional game play to techladen toys and apps and everything in between. What factors and trends affect the industry? Let’s look at two factors: • U.S. birth rates bottomed out in 2010 as a result of the recession, but increases are predicted for both 2012 and 2013. Toymakers clearly had this in mind when they chose to roll out this year’s broad array of toys and games for the youngest of children. Factor in the high proportion of youth in developing markets such as Brazil, China, India, and the Middle East and it’s easy to see opportunities for the industry’s expansion.

• By successfully incorporating new technology in ways that attract older children, toymakers are reversing the

I

10 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT AUGUST 2012

tradE EvEntS BY KRISTIN MORENCY, TIA

“KGOY” (kids getting older younger) threat that had previously confronted the industry. According to recent reports from The NPD Group, sales of traditional toys to older children ages 6-11 have increased at double-digit rates, while sales of toys to younger children have remained flat.

Spotting trends means looking at what’s happening now and trying to predict what will be seen across both product categories and retail opportunities for holiday 2013 and beyond.

The Toy Industry Association’s (TIA) Fall Toy Preview—to be held October 2–4, 2012, in Dallas, Texas—offers an exclusive first look at the latest product lines and emerging patterns. Many of the buyers who attend Fall Toy Preview say it is “the essential first stop” on the toy-buying circuit that occurs annually from fall through spring. The event provides long lead and mass-market toy retailers with a central marketplace in which to broker business deals with vendors 12–15 months in advance of in-store delivery. To participate, exhibitors must currently sell to mass market accounts and all products shown must be available for fourth quarter sales in the following year. More information, including a constantly updated roster of buyers and exhibitors, can be found at www.FallToyPreview.org.

Many of the trends spotted at TIA’s Dallas event will be seen on a larger scale during the busy first quarter tour that takes buyers from Asia (Hong Kong) to Europe (Nuremberg) to the U.S. (TIA’s Toy Fair in New York City).

These and other foreign and regional U.S. go-to-market events held throughout the year offer exciting products to see, things to learn, relationships to build or nurture, and more.

TIA’s 110th American International Toy Fair—to be held February 10–13, 2013, in New York City—is the largest and most comprehensive toy trade show in the Western Hemisphere. The products from more than 1,100 manufacturers, distributors, importers, and sales agents from nearly 100 countries on display at this event will be the revenue drivers in toy store aisles during the holiday 2013 shopping season. More information can be found at www.ToyFairNY.org.

TIA is helping to foster opportunities to bring toy buyers together with toy sellers for the mutual benefit of the industry and, ultimately, consumers. Nearly all of the nation’s top toy sellers send buying delegations to Fall Toy Preview and Toy Fair every year. TIA has also taken groups of U.S. toy companies to foreign trade shows and continues to focus on bringing additional foreign buyers to U.S. go-to-market trade events. These efforts provide domestic retailers with broader product selections and U.S.-based toymakers with access to global markets that would not be available elsewhere.

Kristin Morency is communications specialist for Toy Industry Association (TIA). For more information on TIA events and the toy industry’s global buying circuit, visit toyassociation.org/events.

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INDUSTRY FORUM

Start Planning now: ideaS for neighborhood toy Store day 2012

U Specialty

Toy

BY

KATHLEEN MCHUGH, ASTRA

nique, high quality prod-

retailers’ creativity and demonstrated the wide

magicians, clowns, balloon artists, face

independent toy retailer.

thirds of participating stores in 2011 mounted

ing talent right from the community to rein-

ucts with strong play value

are the lifeblood of the Members of the American Retailing

Association

(ASTRA) build their businesses around toys that are not likely to be heavily advertised and, for the most part, can’t be found in big box stores. So how can a retailer communi-

cate the specialty toy difference to parents, grandparents, and additional gift givers?

One way is to celebrate ASTRA’s annual

Neighborhood Toy Store Day with a special

event in your community. The concept was

created by ASTRA as a way to grow the specialty side of the industry for retailers, manu-

facturers, reps, and anyone else whose busi-

ness is dependent on robust specialty toy sales.

On the second Saturday in November every year, ASTRA supports media and mommy

blogging efforts at the national level and pro-

vides tools for local retailers to mount a suc-

range of ways that this event can be used to highlight specialty stores. While roughly twoa special event in their communities, nearly 20

percent kept it simple and uncomplicated by marking the day with signage to accompany

its business-as-usual activities in the store and

Kids and families can look forward to a

memorable day of fun and play, and retailers can showcase their stores for current and prospec-

tive new customers. Built into the concept is a

“hook” for local media and bloggers through the announcement of ASTRA’s Best Toys for Kids

award winners, plus tie-ins with local charities.

ASTRA and its members are now planning

for the third annual Neighborhood Toy Store Day. The first two years have showcased

12 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT AUGUST 2012

• COORDINATION EVENTS.

WITH MAJOR COMMUNITY

Some ASTRA retailers collaborate

ping local. Neighborhood Toy Store Day

As an idea starter for planning your 2012

ed consumer traffic on past Neighborhood Toy Store Day events: • HANDS-ON

PLAY WITH TOYS.

Specialty toy

stores are all about play, so this is an obvious feature of any special event in your store.

Those that are participating in ASTRA’s Best

Toys for Kids awards program have a natural group of toys to feature—toys that are not

only award-winning, but that cover multiple categories and age groups.

• CRAFTING

ACTIVITIES.

Crafts are another

type of play can be messy and time consuming

service that ASTRA stores provide.

mitment to the local community.

event, here are some ways stores have attract-

standing products, the reliable expertise about toys and play, and the “spoil the customer”

force the local nature of the store and the com-

with other independent store owners—such

sidered a memorable extravaganza.

Neighborhood Toy Store Day favorite. Many

The intent is to help consumers better

ing squad. Most retailers make a point of hir-

nearly 15 percent hosted what could be con-

cessful event tailored to each specific market.

understand the specialty difference: the out-

painters, and even the high school cheerlead-

busy parents are attracted to out-of-home

opportunities for craft activities because this to plan and execute at home. For a special in-

store event, you want: (1) quick art projects that

are appealing to a wide range of ages; (2) sim-

ple for a staff member to explain and require minimal “supervision” by staff; and (3) a “takewith” that will remind children and adults of the

fun time they had at your store. Ask manufacturers to support your event by providing complimentary or low-cost play-day kits.

• LIVE

ENTERTAINMENT.

Some retailers have

made Neighborhood Toy Store Day truly special through performances by musicians,

as bike shops, clothing stores, and bookstores—to promote the advantages of shopoffers the opportunity to include other local-

ly-owned retailers in a block-wide or entire strip mall event—which expands the shop local message and educates buyers, business leaders, and others about the significant

environmental, economic, and cultural benefits of a strong local economy.

• TIE-INS

WITH LOCAL CHARITIES.

Another

way to attract attention to your event is to tie

it to a local charity, which 45 percent of participating ASTRA stores did in 2011. Nearly one quarter donated a percentage of the day’s sales to a designated charity. Just under 20

percent donated toys and almost 25 percent encouraged customers to make donations through the store to a charity.

Whether your plan is to celebrate a sim-

ple, uncomplicated Neighborhood Toy Store Day on November 10, or to make it the big

signature event of the year, the time to start planning is now.

Kathleen McHugh is president of the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA).

For more information about Neighborhood Toy Store Day visit www.astratoy.org or

http://neighborhoodtoystoreday.com/.

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MERCHANDISE MAKERS

FAMOSA: CHANGING UP THE TOY INDUSTRY

BY JENNIFER LYNCH

amosa may be a new name in U.S. toy aisles, but as Spain’s leading toy maker, the company has a long history in the international toy market. Formed in 1957 by a group of 25 artisan doll makers from Onil, Spain, Famosa—the first Spanish toy-making company—has grown from its traditional toy roots into a global company.

“Since its beginning, Famosa’s evolution has been parallel with the rest of the toy market,” says Ed Young, general manager at Famosa North America. Rooted in Spanish culture, Famosa’s first brands include Famosita, created as a gift for customers during the Valencia Toy Fair, and Familia Telerin, based on an animated PSA cartoon broadcast that encouraged children in Spain to go to bed on time. But in 1968, the company designed its Nancy line, which struck a chord with thousands of little girls throughout Spain and remains among the company’s top brands.

Today, Famosa boasts a presence in more than 95 countries worldwide and is currently in the midst of executing an international expansion strategy, Young says.

“The company is taking measured, decisive, and safe steps in this direction,” he says. “The construction of a new factory in Mexico and opening of a new sales office in the U.S. coupled with a growing presence in less-attended markets such as Russia underpin the company’s evolving strategy.”

Most importantly that strategy entails seizing opportunities for long-term growth. Part of that has been aided by Famosa’s acquisition of Spain-based toy companies Feber

F

14 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT AUGUST 2012

The Pinypon line of mini dolls offers interchangeable features, clothing, and accessories.

and Play by Play, which have allowed the company to diversify across categories such as outdoor play. (Feber now includes an extensive line of unique powered ride-on vehicles, playhouses, and slides. Play by Play launched a Chupa Chups plush toy range earlier this year, inspired by the lollipop brands’ favorite flavors.)

But perhaps the most pivotal step in Famosa’s expansion came in 2010 when Sun Capital acquired Famosa with the intention to take it to the world’s largest toy market—North America. “This was a huge opportunity to further Famosa’s global success and very exciting for our company,” says Young. One of the first jobs Famosa was tasked with under the Sun Capital acquisition was determining which of its brands would translate best in the U.S. market. To aid in the process, it conducted a survey to see which brands consumers found most engaging. Pinypon mini dolls, Nenuco baby dolls, Nancy fashion dolls, and Feber outdoor play will be the four brands of focus for the U.S. The findings

showed that brands such as Pinypon and Nancy offered unique features that appealed to moms and girls alike. Pinypon is already finding success in the mini doll category due in part to the dolls’ innovative interchangeable facial features.

“Since launching Pinypon at Toys “R” Us and Target in the spring, brand awareness has been growing,” says Young.

“Consumers have helped to generate excitement behind Pinypon and created a Pinypon World community as well. There is genuine enthusiasm in collecting Pinypon, sharing their own creations, entering our giveaway contests, and finding out what new collections are coming next.”

Famosa also launched a licensing program for Pinypon in Southern Europe (Elastic Rights) and Russia (Rio Licensing) this year, with an initial product focus on stationery and publishing. Expanding that program to the U.S. will be the company’s next step, which Famosa hopes will also help to build the brand’s awareness in the U.S. throughout 2012.

The survey also found that moms liked that Nancy fashion dolls were more modestly dressed and found the play potential to be more age-appropriate than competitors.

“In 2013, we will focus our efforts on Nancy,” says Young. “We believe Nancy has a strong place in the market and will be a favorite of children and moms alike for the 2013 holiday season.”

With a new digital marketing and social media strategy targeting not just girls but also moms, Famosa has its sights set high for the U.S. and is surely a company to look out for.

NG G KO N O H T POCKE R O D VEN 2013 GUIDE

RETURN

THIS FORM (BY FAX, EMAIL, OR MAIL) TO BE

HONG KONG VENDOR POCKET GUIDE, SUPPLEMENT TO THE DECEMBER 2012 ISSUE.

INCLUDED IN THE A STAND-ALONE

Hong Kong Vendor Pocket Guide 2013 Edition

AN B

MEDIA, in conjunction with the TIA, will publish a stand-alone pocket guide of manufacturers that have showrooms in Hong Kong in EARLY 2013. THE HONG KONG VENDOR POCKET GUIDE will be mailed to TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT’s subscribers in the December issue. In addition, it will be distributed in Hong Kong in manufacturers’ showrooms coinciding with/in anticipation of the Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair. The take-along guide (at 4-inches wide x 8.5-inches high) will offer a number of options to direct buyers to your Hong Kong location and deliver your brand’s message.

Place an ad in the December issue of TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT and run an additional ad in the POCKET GUIDE for only $2,500.

A full-page ad in THE POCKET GUIDE is $3,500 for TIA members. The non-TIA-member rate is $5,000.

A bold listing is $700. The bold listing will be free with an ad in THE POCKET GUIDE.

A basic company listing is free.

Please note: If you don’t fill this out accurately and in its entirety we can’t guarantee the accuracy of your listing.

EVEN IF YOU WERE INCLUDED IN THE GUIDE LAST YEAR YOU MUST FILL OUT THIS FORM AND RETURN IT.

Company Name:

Company Headquarters’ Address (include street address, city, state, zip):

To be included you must FAX this back to (646) 763–8727 by SEPTEMBER 5, 2012.

Attn: Hong Kong Listing

Or email the form to: Nancy Lombardi at nancy@aNbMedia.com; (646) 763–8722;

FOR ADS CONTACT BOB GLASER at bob@aNbMedia.com; (646) 763–8720 or DONNA MOORE at donna@aNbMedia.com; (646) 763–8718.

Company Contact Person:

Contact Person’s Phone Number: Contact Person’s Email:

HONG KONG LOCATION FOR JANUARY 2013:

Hong Kong Contact Person:

Hong Kong Contact Person’s Phone Number:

Hong Kong Email (only if different from above):

2013 Edition

BEYOND BASIC BUBBLES

BY JENNIFER LYNCH

ith each passing summer, bubbles remain a fam- but with an easier cleanup. ily favorite. But “in the past, bubbles had been a One of the original innovators in the category, Little Kids’ No Spill commodity,” says Marcus Huey, Gazillion Bubbles just celebrated its 20th anniversary this year with the support of Bubbles brand manager, Funrise. “As a result, its “Only The Fun Comes Out” ad campaign. This summertime classic bubbles were produced at extremely low prices continues to build on the simple concept of clean play with its patentand lacked innovation.” However, over the past few years the category designed bubble machines and bottles that can be dropped, knocked, or has been revolutionized. tipped upside down without bubble spillage.

Innovation is one of the biggest contributing fac“When you’re not spilling your bubbles, you have tors to its sustained success. “As always, competition more time to play,” says Joyce Reid, director of in the space is fierce, not only in North America, but international marketing and sales for Little Kids. also overseas,” says Peter Tiger, co-president of “That keeps kids happy, and when kids are happy Imperial Toy. “People are always coming up with we know that parents are happy as well.” innovative bubble toys. So, to keep ahead of the Extending the playtime for bubbles is anothcompetition, one has to continue to innovate.” er focus for bubble makers. “It’s no secret that Because of the seemingly basic nature of bubbles, consumers look for quality and value,” says innovating in this category can be difficult. It can Kathy Hawk, senior director of marketing, require heavy investment in technology and testing.

Funrise. “But they also want a bubble product For years, the innovation was focused on the bubble that is going to provide hours of play along with blowers, bottles, and wands. Now the innovation is long-lasting bubbles for the value.” By broadenshifting to the bubble solution. This year, Imperial ing the range of bubble offerings to include bublaunched its patented Glow Fusion bubble solution ble machines, blasters, and action toys, such as after almost two years perfecting its glow-in-thethe Funrise Gazillion Bubble Rocket, companies dark bubble solution. “The technology is not easy to can take better advantage of their quality bubble do because glow has always been self-contained, as solutions. “Bubbles are no longer just about dip Imperial Toy Glow Fusion bubbles with glow sticks, bracelets, or toys,” says Tiger. and blow,” says Hawk. “It’s about interaction “This was the first time anyone has ever taken glow and entertainment.” solution out in the open and made it non-toxic and non-fading.” Making these The right license can bring an added entertainment value to bubbles. kinds of solutions safe and mom-friendly can be some of the biggest hurdles “It’s really about looking at what’s appropriate for your sweet-spot age,” during this process. “You want to make the toys as fun as possible for the says Little Kids’ Reid. “I think that’s where our Dora the Explorer and kids, but you do have to take moms into account,” says Imperial’s Tiger. “If SpongeBob SquarePants licenses complement the product.” Imperial has it’s going to stain and not be mom-friendly, then they are not going to buy it.” also focused on licensing deals with properties that cover its 0–5 core age Another company that has one eye on innovation and the other on moms group. Little Tikes Cozy Coupe Go Bubbles battery-operated bubble blowis Crayola. “A lot of this type of innovation and outdoor shift in the bubbles er is designed to look like the classic Little Tikes Cozy Coupe. Imperial play pattern has happened because of Crayola,” says Kelly Anne Cohen, also recently added Disney to its roster this year and is exploring ways to product manager at Crayola, referring to Crayola’s launch of its first-ever apply the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles license to future bubble products. colored bubbles last year. “Adding color to bubbles has brought a whole new While the core target is preschool, “with all the innovation and technoldimension of fun to this outdoor activity.” But Crayola had some challenges ogy that’s happening within the bubble category, every year the age range along the way. This year it revamped its solution and clarified its cleaning becomes a lot broader,” says Funrise’s Hawk. While there is surely more instructions after the original formula drew criticism for staining surfaces, innovation on the way in the category, the nostalgia for the classic bubbles skin, and clothing. The new formula maintains the messy fun of the original is something that appeals to any consumer at a great value.

W

16 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT AUGUST 2012

Blow continuous bubbles with Little Kids’ redesigned No-Spill Bubble Whistle, a working whistle with a break-away neck cord. No dipping is required.

Simply twist to remove the cap and fill the chamber with bubbles. It includes two ounces of Blastos! Bubbles. The line features new Jelly Belly-, Chuggington-, and Dora the Explorer-licensed bubble whistles. Whistles are for ages 3 and up.

Little Kids

Extreme Bubbles’ DipStix Grab & Go Big Bubble Kit is a specially designed portable big bubble kit. The kit contains a collapsible wand, a fourounce bottle of bubble solution concentrate (mixes to create a quart), and a carrying pouch to transport the bubble solution anywhere.

Extreme Bubbles

The Funrise Gazillion Groovin’ Bubble Flower dances to the beat of its own music and blows bubbles. Fill the flower with the Gazillion Bubble solution and turn the machine on for hours of bubble dancing fun.

Four ounces of Gazillion Bubble Solution is included. Six AA batteries are required but not included. It is for ages 3 and up.

Funrise

Fisher-Price has updated its classic Bubble Mower with an all-new one-touch refill system. The system features a bigger bubble dispenser for less fill-ups and a one-press, no-mess refill. Just press it once and go for a yard full of bubble fun. The mower is also available now in a pink version. Fisher-Price Bubble Soap solution is included. The mower is for ages 2 and up.

Fisher-Price

Imperial’s Glow Fusion Bubble Solution is specially formulated to light up outdoor bubble play in the dark with an orange glowing bubble solution. Other new products featured in the Super Miracle Bubble Glow line include the Hi-Beam Sabre and Hi-Beam Illuminator bubble blaster.

Imperial Toy

AUGUST 2012 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT 17

Bubble Toys With Thames & Kosmos’ Bubble Science kit, kids ages 9 and up can blow giant bubbles, mini bubbles, bubbles within bubbles, chains of bubbles, and bubble blankets while learning the science behind bubbles’ unique properties. Mix the perfect bubble solution, observe the subtle colors of bubbles, and discover how a bubble’s color can reveal when it will pop. The kit also teaches tricks and games that kids can play with bubbles. It includes a full-color, 48-page book that guides kids through 29 experiments.

Thames & Kosmos

Crayola’s Outdoor Colored Bubbles come in three colors— Unmellow Yellow, Purple Pizzazz, and Fuchsia. While the bubbles will leave colored marks on outdoor surfaces and clothing, the solution has been reformulated to easily rub off skin and clean up from most outdoor surfaces and clothing.

Crayola also offers a preparation and clean-up guide on its website. Built-in bubble wands are included. The bubbles are for kids 3 and up.

Crayola

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18 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT AUGUST 2012

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The Marriage of Traditional Crafts with Contemporary Trends BY

CHRIS ADAMS

ometimes the arts & crafts and activities category gets a bum rap. A quick walk through the activity aisle can leave an uneducated consumer to think that the category’s part and parcel is retreading basic craft activities that have been around since the beginning of craft-as-hobby. Digging a bit deeper into the category’s offerings, while there are certainly elements of traditional crafting that are evident, manufacturers spend a good deal of time keeping up with trends and giving even the most classic of activity play patterns a contemporary twist.

While adding fresh twists and keeping up with current trends, offerings in this category feature many of the same benefits of more staid craft sets. The ability to create something from nothing and to make it wholly personalized is something that always has (and hopefully always will) appeal to parents Activity kit manufacturers see and kids alike. success by adding contemporary “Our design team is conflair to traditional craft components.

Shown are two examples of this: stantly working to come up Creativity for Kids Feather Fashions with new craft activities Jewelry by Faber-Castell and Klutz’s Beaded Bands. based on classic, fundamental crafting and creative techniques such as cutting, pasting, paint, decoupage, etc.,” says Janet Simon, marketing manager at Alex Toys. “There is no end to things that can be achieved and the way that current trends in the market, fashion, pop culture, etc., can be transformed into basic art methods and new products.”

The marriage of classic crafts and current trends can result in endless possibilities. While a traditional craft store may offer a near-endless array of staid craft items, adding the creative twists is important for the activity category.

“We look toward traditional crafts, like those sold in stores such as Michaels,” says Michael Sherman, creative director at Klutz. “For

S

20 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT AUGUST 2012

instance, pipe cleaners have always been included in crafts, but usually as a flower stem that is shoved into something. We like to give something like pipe cleaners the ‘Klutz makeover.’ ” The perfect showcase for taking traditional crafting products and activities to new heights is the popular Pinterest website, which provides new inspiration for those with a flair for crafts. And Pinterest isn’t the only high-tech element that is influencing the activity category. Manufacturers are finding many new ways to incorporate the old with the new.

For instance, Crayola has a history of offering creative, tech-enhanced activity items and this fall will be no different. Its Digital Light Designer allows kids to create and animate images with light.

The key to integrating technology into crafts is ensuring that the crafting DNA remains. Products have to offer the same level of engagement, expression, critical-thinking skills, creativity, and motor skills that any arts & craft activity item needs to succeed.

So what differentiates a great activity item— whether high- or low-tech— from one that falls flat?

“A great activity includes not only experiences that surprise, delight, excite, and engage kids, but also help build critical thinking skills for kids now and into the future,” says Beth Gallant, PR and social media manager at Crayola.

“The open-ended nature of a great activity allows kids to come back time and again to see what else they can create.”

If a tech-enhanced activity item can’t offer these elements, parents will leave it sitting on the shelf. There are certain expectations that parents have for this creative category. It’s not that they want to keep their kids away from technology, but rather they are trying to help foster well-rounded kids.

“In a culture dominated by electronics, many parents and teachers still value and appreciate the skills learned and the fun had through art projects,” says Thomas Pritchard, president of art & stationery at MEGA Brands. “Parents understand the value of technology in education and, yet, the best app or device can’t compare with crafting and art when it comes to developing fine motor skills, dexterity, creative problem solving, and personal expression.”

aisle differentiate themselves? The front line in this battle is packaging.

“Packaging for an activity item should convey the basics of what a child can do with the activity without limiting his or her perception of what the finished product should look like,” says MEGA’s Pritchard. “We like to offer suggestions for possible creative solutions, but it is important to enforce open-ended play so kids can feel a sense of accomplishment and self-expression through the creative process.”

Klutz utilizes unique, book-inspired packaging to differentiate its products. This offers the company a unique advantage. In Sure, much of what happens in the activretailers that don’t offer Klutz product on ity space is inspired by traditional craft their own stand-alone island, the company’s techniques. Yet, if the same old offerings offerings are generally placed in the book were on the shelf year-in and year-out, there aisle and not the activity aisle. “We think would be a lot of boxes collecting dust. So, that is cool because our items are sitting where do manufacturers turn to when develnext to a bunch of books and our products oping activity items for each new crop of have all of this other stuff that books don’t burgeoning artists? have to catch people’s attention,” says “Our team of developers watches trends in Klutz’s Sherman. fashion and other categories unrelated to In addition, Klutz also conveys the same activity and applies them to ‘classic’ themes,” tone to both kids and adults in all of its prodsays Heather Lambert-Shemo, brand manager, ucts. “We don’t talk down to kids,” says children’s products, at Faber-Castell. “It realSherman. “We address everybody in the same Technology does have its place in this category. ly is a matter of taking tried-and-true play patsarcastic, smirky, witty way.”

Shown is Crayola’s Digital Light Designer. terns and adding a modern twist.”

Value is another important component in Fashion and lifestyle trends play a big role in driving new products in standing out from the competition in this aisle. “Value doesn’t mean the activity category. Much like the fashion world, the activity category price,” says Faber-Castell’s Lambert-Shemo. “Most of our bestselling would grow stagnant without regular refreshing. products are not our lowest priced kits. Our consumers want great “There is a trickle down of trends,” says Arlene Biran, director of mar- activities with quality components, excellent instructions so their child keting at Spin Master. “What is on trend with adults will eventually come can successfully complete the project with limited parental help, and down to children. There is a year to react with trends happening with kits with high utility.” adults to get them into toy products.”

And, of course, as any parent will tell you, there is nothing as persuaThis trickle down plays into the parent-approved nature of this catego- sive as the all-powerful nag factor. While TV advertising is rare among ry. Parents already know of the benefits of creative play embodied by the manufacturers in this category, Spin Master has had success showcasing activity category, but also seeing subject matter in line with their interests its activity items in television ads. helps create bonding moments between parent and child. This category “We look for a demonstrable TV feature in our activity offerings,” says presents a great opportunity for parents and children to create something Spin Master’s Biran. “We call it the ‘the hook.’ The hook is what causes together that can be on display for years to come. the nag factor in kids that gets parents to buy.”

In what may at first appear to be a limited category, the arts & crafts activity space offers a wide array of products, both low- and high-tech, to Standing Out cater to a wide range of interests and needs. By keeping offerings fresh, The activity category includes many top-name brands, with a wide array manufacturers keep kids interested in creatively expressing themselves, of on-trend offerings. So, exactly how do manufacturers in this crowded which is why the category is a perennial favorite among parents.

Fashion Trends

AUGUST 2012 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT 21

Activity Toys

BY

CHRIS ADAMS

To keep offerings fresh in the arts & crafts activity category, manufacturers scour pop culture for the latest trends that they can combine with either traditional craft items or new technology. Below is a range of activity items that incorporate contemporary trends with classic activity play patterns.

Crayola

The Crayola Marker Airbrush gives new airbrush effects to the standard marker. Also from Crayola is Catwalk Creations, a new fashion-based activity that lets tween girls create anything they want with fabric. This item’s online feature allows girls to create their own fabric designs and patterns.

Cra-Z-Art

The Fashion Marks Handbag & Purse assortment lets girls color in the purse and add shimmer effects to their customized bag. Each includes a fashion bag, four markers, and one shimmer effects overlay. Shown is Tropic Vibe.

Klutz

Fashion Forms lets kids create fully formed, fashionable outfits. It comes with plastic guides that are used like sewing patterns to trace and cut the double-sided designer papers. The resulting shapes can be folded, wrapped, rolled, and creased into fashion pieces that can be embellished.

22 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT AUGUST 2012

MEGA Brands

The RoseArt Illuminate Color Blanks lets kids decorate a six-inch figurine that comes with color-changing and lightup features. Each includes a figure, permanent mini markers, and a sticker sheet.

Faber-Castell

Among Faber-Castell’s 50 new Creativity for Kids product introductions for 2012 is Scrapbook Banner, which lets kids create their own banner with the included 180+ pieces. The company has 15 large kits on the way for fall and has recently doubled its mini kit offerings.

Alex

Due to the success of its All Duct out, Alex is offering additional duct tape activity kits, including Duct Tape Bangles, which is shown.

Hasbro

Buster the Power Crane’s button-activated voice encourages interaction and play. And when kids push Play-Doh through the crane boom, more lights and sounds are activated. Buster is a fully functioning vehicle that includes 10 Play-Doh dig tools.

Ohio Art

Sandzini is a molding mix that takes any shape. Kids can cut it, mold it, sculpt it, cover it, and let it dry, and they are left with a usable creation. Products in the line include T-Rex Sculpting Kit (shown), Pony Sculpting Kit, and Ice Cream Parlor Set.

Mrs. Grossman’ s

Each die-cut, detailed crown in Mrs. Grossman’s Party Crowns and Party Tiaras are fashioned from shiny, silver, heavyweight paper. They come ready to decorate with more than 70 brightly colored sticker jewels. The head pieces are adjustable and fit for kings (or queens) of any age.

Spin Master

Color Bloomz is a new item included under Spin Master’s newly created Umagine activity banner. With this kit, kids create and color a scene that will, with the help of a solution, bloom within 24 hours.

Moose Toys

The Fortune Cookie Maker Set lets children write, create, and decorate fortune cookies by writing down a fortune, combining its mix with water, heating in the microwave, rolling out dough, and then placing it in the Fortune Cookie Maker.

Kid Constructions

The Wearables line of creative constructible toys features die-cut corrugated pieces that construct to create a wearablesized airplane, bulldozer, or princess coach.

The Orb Factory

The PlushCraft BFF Pillow contains a stylus, 220 fabric pieces, six button connectors, eight EVA pieces, and more than 45 sticky jewels that help kids create their own plushy photo pillow.

AUGUST 2012 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT 23

MORE NEW LICENSES STUFF PLUSH MARKET

BY LAURIE LEAHEY

alk down the plush aisle at any toy store, and you’ll see traditional teddy bears and other plush animals. But you’ll also see a plush toy for just about every character that is currently popular with kids.

From TV shows and movies to app games, licensed plush is leaving no property unstuffed.

“Licensed plush has been a very successful category as it provides an emotional engagement with a brand,” says Jill Nordquist, vice-president, marketing, Jakks Pacific. “[Licensed] plush also has a cross-generational appeal. It can appeal to the youngest fans all the way up to adult fans, collectors, and enthusiasts.”

This year Jakks Pacific is releasing plush items based on predominantly kid-friendly properties such as Disney’s Club Penguin. But many of the company’s new plush toys are based on properties that have kid and adult fans, including Hello Kitty, Marvel Super Hero Squad, and The Smurfs.

Plush based on app games crosses the generation gap because both kids and adults enjoy playing the games. Jakks Pacific released plush toys based on Disney’s Where’s My Water? this year, and Jazwares has a line of Fruit Ninja plush.

“People enjoy purchasing toys that remind them of a character, movie, video game, or even an app, so when it comes to plush, brand recognition is what drives the sale,” says Laura Zebersky, executive vice-president of sales and licensing at Jazwares.

Most licensed plush is feature plush with lights, sounds, and movement that bring the characters to life. “We have found that adding features to licensed plush products makes them stand out,” Zebersky says. “Our Fruit Ninja line launched to rave reviews this year because the plush all included familiar slashing sounds from

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the popular mobile app.”

Friends line: Baby Butterscotch, Charlie Emby, Just Play’s My Magical Show Pony and co-president, says the company Bouncy, My Happy to See Me tries to infuse some features Pup. “While traditional plush in every segment of prodpets are continually a mainstay uct in order to compete with for young kids, feature plush video games, apps, iPhones, allows us to take it one step further and and other electronic accessories bring true-to-life features to the anithat are capturing children’s attenmals kids know and love,” says tions. Just Play’s plush for Michelle Paolino, vice-presiHasbro’s FurReal Friends brand Jake and the Never Land dent, global brand strategy and celebrates 10 years with two new Pirates, Doc McStuffins, marketing, Hasbro. “With the pets, including Bouncy, My Happy Marvel, and Skylanders will right combination of technoloto See Me Pup. all feature lights and sounds. gy and plush, these pets come “The ability to have a character that a child sees to life in a truly magical and believable way and every day replicated for them to actually have is offer a big ‘wow’ factor for the child.” kind of a magical thing for children,” Emby says.

Vince Smart, vice-president of marketing at Adding special features to a plush item can Gund, known for its classic plush, says that feadrive up the cost, and keeping costs low without ture plush is an important part of Gund’s product sacrificing interactivity is challenging. Some line. “Feature plush can add great play value for manufacturers hope that, despite the higher young and old and bring classic plush characters price, a parent will see that it’s worth paying a to life in awesome new ways,” he says. This little more for the play value of feature plush. summer Gund introduced Crawl with Me Turtle, “We strongly believe that when we infuse the a plush turtle that slowly walks and encourages ‘magic’ into our feature items that brings the babies to crawl after it. character to life in a unique and entertaining However, for some consumers, nothing beats way, then the consumer will respond,” says a simple, classic plush toy. “You can’t beat the Susie Lecker, senior vice-president of Fisher- roleplay and imaginative play sparked by classic Price Friends. “We work hard to keep the price plush,” Smart says. “You decide what your plush down with clever designs and engineering. But friend says and does. And . . . you can’t beat at the end of the day, it’s the value the toy offers classic plush as a cozy, nighttime companion.” that makes it a compelling purchase.”

In the end, consumers purchase plush toys Licensing is certainly important to the plush based on an emotional connection, such as sharing category, but feature plush doesn’t always have childhood memories with grandchildren through a to be licensed. Hasbro’s FurReal Friends line is classic stuffed bear or playing with a favorite TV an example of non-licensed feature plush that character. “Classic plush, licensed plush, and feacontinues to be successful each year. This year ture plush are all the same,” Smart says. “As long marks the brand’s 10th anniversary, and Hasbro as the product evokes a positive, emotional will release two new animals to the FurReal response, it works today much like it always has.”

24 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT AUGUST 2012

Just Play

Arete LLC

Bounce Bounce Tigger is a dancing, shimmying, rocking version of the character from Disney’s Winnie the Pooh. While playing a signature theme song to the tune of a classic hip hop song, Tigger shows off dance moves in sync with the music. Kids 3 and up can dance along with Tigger as the toy bounces to the left, bounces to the right, rocks back and forth, and “wiggety, wiggety wiggles.”

The Adventures of Zylie the Bear is a new line of 18-inch teddy bear dolls featuring Zylie and her friend Shen. Zylie is a 12-year-old bear from New York City. Shen is a panda bear from China. Each bear comes with an illustrated storybook.

Small Swampy

Jakks Pacific

Jakks Pacific is producing Where’s My Water? plush in a variety of sizes: clip-on mini plush, small and large plush, and jumbo plush. The plush is available in the characters of Swampy, Cranky, and Allie.

Folkmanis

New puppets from Folkmanis include the Rooster Puppet, shown. Kids can make the rooster strut and peck by animating its head and beak. The Folkmanis Rooster Puppet is 17 inches tall and is for ages 3 and up.

Jazwares

five-inch Fruit Ninja Pineapple

Jazwares’ Fruit Ninja plush come in a variety of sizes. The five-inch plush feature splat sound effects and include a Fruit Ninja bandana and a mouth that is slightly sliced. The assortment includes bomb, strawberry, green apple, and pineapple plush. The 2.5-inch mini plush feature a bandana and clip. The assortment (bomb, strawberry, watermelon, and orange) is available with or without sound.

The Bridge Direct

Glo-Glo Inkoos are plush characters that kids 4 and up can draw on and decorate in two ways: in the light with washable markers and in the dark with the included light pen. Glo-Glo Inkoos are made with special fabric that has glow-in-the-dark patterns that glow even brighter when activated by the light pen. Kids can draw, wash, and redo over and over again.

Gund

Gund signed a licensing deal with Pretty Ugly, LLC to make Uglydoll-branded plush characters. Gund began selling and shipping Uglydoll plush products worldwide this summer.

Gund is launching a plush line for Boo—The World’s Cutest Dog, the real-life dog that stars in his own book, calendar, and YouTube videos. The eight-inch Gund version of Boo looks just like the celebrated dog with a fluffy head and smile. Boo is recommended for ages 1 and up.

Boo plush

AUGUST 2012 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT 25

Plush Fisher-Price

Master Moves Mickey features a new set of 15 break-dancing moves, including a signature handstand. Master Moves Mickey also includes eight original songs and interactive dances. It is for ages 2 and up. Six AA batteries are included.

Manhattan Toy

Manhattan Toy’s new Curlicues collection features curly fabric with weighted bean-filled bottoms, hands, and feet. There are three different styles: Dugan Dog (shown), Bauer Bear, and Mortey Mouse. Each style is available in two sizes: small or large. Curlicues are for ages 3 and up.

Demdaco

Demdaco’s Cupcake Cuties are six-inch stuffed animals in cupcake-shaped holders.

Each Cupcake Cutie is adorned with soft “icing” with embroidered accents and a stuffed strawberry or cherry on top.

Aurora

Aurora’s Miyoni Mom & Baby features six new two-piece sets of jungle and domestic animals: Panda with Cub, Giraffe with Calf, Lioness with Cub (pictured), Polar Bear with Cub, Orange Tabby with Kitten, and Golden Lab with Puppy. The line is for ages 18 months and up.

26 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT AUGUST 2012

Hasbro

This fall, Hasbro will reintroduce its popular ’90s toy Furby with new technology. Feed it, speak to it, tickle it, or play music for it to shape the Furby’s personalitiy. Furby will let kids know how it feels through a series of animations displayed in its LED eyes. Tickle Furby and hearts may appear in its eyes. When kids first bring Furby home, it will speak Furbish. The more Furby interacts with its owner, the more English it will start speaking.

Place two Furbies side by side and they will interact. Furby owners can also download the free Furby app for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. With the app, kids can virtually feed their Furby, access a Furbish-to-English dictionary, and use the Furbish-to-English translator. At launch, Furby will be available in six colors with four more colors available by the end of the year. Furby is for ages 6 and up.

Ganz

Webkinz Rockerz are rock ‘n’ roll pets. Each comes with a secret code. The pet can be brought to life when kids enter the code at webkinz.com.

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7/24/2012 11:27:57 AM

NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL GIFT FAIR BY

NANCY LOMBARDI

The New York International Gift Fair is scheduled to take place in New York City August 18–22 in the Jacob Javits Convention Center and Piers 92 and 94. Exhibitors across numerous categories and industries will have items on display. Here is just a sampling of what will be available for the Baby & Child segment.

GEOTOYS

Geotoys, a six-year-old company, expands this year with the following releases. Puzzle Pouch USA is a fun and educational jigsaw puzzle in a soft portable pouch. It is based on Geotoys’ USA/Canada GeoPuzzle. Each 36-piece puzzle includes a print-out to help kids put the puzzles together.

Flag Frenzy is a fast-paced card game where players race to match flags from 57 countries around the world. Each of the 49 flag cards features eight flags, and every set of two cards has exactly one flag in common. Players must find the matching flag, play the card, and then match the next one. Eight continent cards add to the fun, as players can match a flag to the appropriate continents. Designed for two to six players, ages 6 and up, the game comes with 58 total cards and a set of rules.

The company’s original GeoPuzzle is available in versions for Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, U.S./Canada, and as a World version. Animals GeoPuzzle is also available and features animals from around the world.

BEGINAGAIN TOYS

BeginAgain Toys introduces Bathtub Ball. This heavy-duty rubber playset is ideal for bathtub and pool time play. The shark tank set features a natural rubber shark tank, hero diver, rubber octopus, and two shark characters. The bathtub ball doubles as a carrying case and is great for cleanup time. BeginAgain says it is dishwasher safe for ages 3 and up.

PEACEABLE KINGDOM

Peaceable Kingdom introduced a line of what the company calls “preschool builder games” throughout the year. Peaceable Kingdom says these cooperative games offer non-stressful play situations, promote self-esteem, offer a sense of community, and initiate problem solving. Feed The Woozle, just one example from the line for ages 3–6, is currently available.

The goal of this game is for children to collectively feed the Woozle 12 snacks and then everyone wins. Level 1 introduces basic counting. Level 2 adds gross motor movements that a child must perform while making his way to the Woozle. In Level 3, players rely on guidance from teammates to find the Woozle because they must close their eyes.

Additional games in this line include Willy’s Wiggle Web (ages 3–6), Snug as a Bug in a Rug (ages 3–6), Seeds for the Birds (ages 3 and up), and Race to the Treasure (ages 5 and up).

28 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT AUGUST 2012

ECO-KIDS

Eco-Kids introduces eco-coloring books. From the creators at Eco-Kids and artist Mike Lewis, each book contains 48 coloring and/or activity images featuring a cast of six hand-drawn characters. The coloring books are printed in Maine using wind power on recycled paper with soy ink.

JACK RABBIT CREATIONS

The Funny Bunny Activity Toy, from Jack Rabbit Creations, is 12 inches tall and features a pleasant chime sound when shaken. The ears make a crinkly sound when touched, and it also features a squeaker in the foot.

KIDSTYLE

kidStyle, a division of Resource International, introduces Amikins throw pillows. Each is a cute companion for sleeping, napping, and cuddling. Each Amikin is hand-crocheted in vivid colors by a single artisan using soft, sustainable, and organic bamboo viscose yarn. Equally soft and fluffy eco-friendly stuffing is spun from recycled soda bottles. The size of each Amikin is 11.5 inches in diameter x four inches deep. The exception is the Owl, which is 11 inches high x 9.5 inches wide x five inches deep.

FUNNYBONE TOYS

Funnybone Toys introduced three new card games this year. Array, Cubu, and Spectrix each offer a seamless blend of engaging play pattern, vibrant color, and stunning graphics. Array, for ages 8 and up, has players connect the cards to build a beautiful array of colors. But wait until someone tosses a “splatter” or “slam” card your way, changing the dimension of the game. Play Array on a table, but for even more fun, play it on the floor and see how big your array can grow. Be the last person in the game by building the largest array of color possible.

Cubu, for ages 8 and up, is a visual illusion that leads to confusion as players try to follow number and color sequences. Watch out for the action cards that could completely disrupt your turn. Get to 100 points before the rest and you’ve won the Cubu challenge. Play Speed Cubu and test visual perception. The Cubu design was inspired by Bauhaus artist Josef Albers’ famous body of work, Homage to the Square, a series of paintings that explored color.

Spectrix, for ages 8 and up, lets players build and expand groups of beautiful color sequences. Mix and match your own and other players’ cards into strategic groups to be the first to play your entire hand. Yet, it’s not as easy as it seems. Complete and collapse a spectrum into “white light” to increase your chances of winning.

AUGUST 2012 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT 29

NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL GIFT FAIR OOTS!

PLUS-PLUS

Plus-Plus is a new concept construction toy. Made in Denmark, it offers open-ended, imagination-driven simplicity. Each piece is the same simple yet elegant shape—two plus symbols joined together, which the company says allows for endless possibility.

Available in basic or neon colors, the sets are available in 100-piece, 300piece, 600-piece, and 1,200-piece sets.

Plus-Plus is distributed in the U.S. through Geared for Imagination. This Ohio-based creator and distributor of products reaches a network of retail outlets around the U.S., including gift shops, toy stores, museum shops, and many additional types of retailers.

SHAINSWARE

OOTS!, a design company from Santa Fe, N.M., with Dutch (design) roots, produces and distributes Dutch-designed products. In collaboration with a range of Dutch artists, OOTS! brings products to the U.S. that share the modern yet practical design sense that the Dutch are known for.

Two examples of items in the OOTS! lineup include Woodmobiel, which is a construction kit that lets kids build their own life-size wooden toys.

Kids can sit in their own wagon, ride on their own tricycle, lift up things from the driver’s seat of their own crane, or “fly” their own plane. The starter kit has an MSRP of $165 and the standard kit is $300. The sets are expected to begin shipping this month.

The other item, which began shipping last month, is Esthex, which are a family of dolls, stuffed animals, and other toys with lots of personality. Shown here is Anna the Ballerina.

RED FISH TOYS

All Red Fish Toys products are hand-crafted of rubber wood, using non-toxic paints or coatings. Red Fish puzzles are available in a variety of styles such as the butterfly (shown) and also include a dinosaur, giraffe, elephant, snake, fish, and many other options. The puzzles encourage letter and number recognition, prereading skills, and help develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination for kids ages 3 and up.

Eco-friendly and versatile, Shains is a sustainable accessories line that is composed of letters, numbers, and icons that can be mixed and matched. Targeted toward young girls, the product line, from Shainsware, includes bookmarks, bracelets, necklaces, belts, and key chains, among other items. The company says that all items are made from recycled and recyclable content, including the packaging.

Shains Watch Kit, shown here, features two bracelets to interchange in pink/cherry, grape/violet, and black/red. The set includes 33 letters and 12 icons. The company offers a one-year warranty and the battery is replaceable.

30 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT AUGUST 2012

FAT BRAIN TOYS

Hook Chalktrail to any bike and as riders move it’s possible to draw a figure eight, wavy meandering paths, perfect circles, or fascinating designs by retracing the same route.

Fat Brain Toys says that Chalktrail will fit almost any bicycle that is designed with one of the standard six different wheel sizes—12 to 29 inches in diameter. That means Chalktrail will fit an adult’s bicycle down to a preschooler’s tricycle, according to Fat Brain Toys.

A simple wishbone clamp connects the Chalktrail device to the center hubs of the back wheel. Insert chalk into another squeeze clamp at the other end of Chalktrail. No tools are required, and it’s easy enough for kids to attach it on their own. One piece of chalk is expected to last 1.5 miles. It comes with one piece of non-toxic, washable chalk.

MELE & COMPANY

Mele & Company Fairy Princess Jewelry Box features castles and a whimsical fairy princess fashion paper overlay. It sits on a footed base and has four drawers. The top and bottom drawers offer open storage. The second drawer has four sections and the third drawer has one open section plus ring rolls.

It is hand lined in pink suede fabric.

AUGUST 2012 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT 31

R/C VEHICLES BY

NANCY LOMBARDI

The R/C category has always been a staple in the industry including all sorts of vehicles, spanning from trains to planes and automobiles. While the classic play pattern of car and controller is still popular, advances in technology have allowed the play experience to become even richer through apps that turn a smart device into an even smarter controller. Shown here is a sampling of what consumers of all ages can expect to see on shelf this fall.

SPIN MASTER

As the master toy licensee for NASCAR, Spin Master began introducing a line of products this past spring, with more to follow this fall. Currently in stores is the 1:24th R/C stockcar. Each car features a race-inspired design and has a range of up to 30 feet.

Choose from Dale Earnhardt Jr. (Amp Energy or National Guard), Tony Stewart (Office Depot), and Jimmy Johnson’s (Lowe’s) cars and create your own starting grid.

The cars feature multiple R/C frequencies and are designed for ages 5 and up.

HASBRO

The My Little Pony Wedding R/C car features an easy-to-use two-button remote that puts kids in control of the adventure, allowing them to drive the car forward and spin the car around. The car plays the theme song to the My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic television series and features headlights and sound effects.

The My Little Pony Wedding R/C comes with one Twilight Sparkle pony and has room for one additional pony and three animal friends, which are sold separately.

Designed for ages 3 and up, the car will be available in the fall.

MATTEL

Mattel’s Hot Wheels R/C iNitro Speeders, designed for ages 8 and up, were introduced earlier this year. Hot Wheels transforms the iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch into fully functioning control pads for Hot Wheels micro R/C vehicles. To get started, download the free iNitro Speeders functionality app with controller-themed skins. Next, plug in the included wireless iOS adapter to the device’s headset jack, tap on the app, and race. iNitro also comes with a racing game to play when not using the R/C mode of the app.

Each vehicle includes a compact carrying case that also doubles as a charger.

32 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT AUGUST 2012

SILVERLIT

Last year, Silverlit introduced a line of interactive Bluetooth R/C vehicles that use the iPod Touch, iPhone, or iPad as the remote control. For this holiday season, Silverlit is introducing a version featuring the Mercedes Benz SLS AMG. The car features hobbygrade steering and variable speeds that offer real-feel racing. The Mercedes SLS body is crafted with authentic features such as functional headlights, tail lights, and signal lights.

Using your own iTunes library, play your favorite songs two ways using the car. Play music from your smart device while driving, which would function just like playing the radio in a real car or stream music through speakers in the car as a display item on a desk.

Gull-wing doors open remotely from the smart device allowing the music to stream through internal speakers.

Lights flash to the beat of the music, giving an opportunity for custom light shows or pre-configured patterns.

The app is free for download with purchase of the vehicle, which has an MSRP of $99.99. It is recommended for ages 8 and up and will be in stores in the fall.

FISHER-PRICE

Fisher-Price introduces the Steam ’n Speed R/C Thomas, which allows kids to control the action and real steam. Use the remote control to send Thomas forward or backward while hearing whistles, chugging, and fun phrases from Thomas.

Thomas puffs real steam, which is water that parents add to the train and is cool to the touch and safe. Press the “Special Moves” button to see Thomas spin and move to special sound effects and a song. Thomas includes three special moves, phrases, and sound effects and comes with an easyto-use remote control. Designed for ages 2 and up, it’s available this month and requires 4 AA batteries, which are not included.

INTERACTIVE TOY

The Wi-Spi Helicopter from Interactive Toy offers full R/C control via Wi-Fi with the feature of a live video transmission from the helicopter to the control device. Users can record video and upload it directly to social media sites instantly.

The onboard camera sends live video transmission directly to the device offering the opportunity to record video and/or take still pictures. Videos and pictures are inserted directly into the device’s camera roll so it can easily be uploaded in seconds. The helicopter has three channel flight controls with gyro stability for smooth and controlled flights. Designed for ages 14 and up, it will be available this fall. The Wi-Spi Helicopter works with Apple and Android devices.

The Wi-Spi Intruder offers full R/C control via Wi-Fi along with a live video transmission from the Intruder to the control device. This item also allows users to record video and upload it directly to social media sites. Much like the Wi-Spi Helicopter, the onboard camera of the Intruder sends live video transmission directly to the device offering the opportunity to record video and/or take still pictures.

Videos and pictures are inserted directly into the device’s camera roll so they can easily be uploaded in seconds.

The Intruder can record sound and has the capabilities for stealth night time missions. It will be available this fall for ages 14 and up. It works with Apple and Android devices.

AUGUST 2012 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT 33

EVENTS OF

CALENDAR

Industry-Related Trade Shows SEPTEMBER 28

TIME TO PLAY FALL SHOWCASE

TIMETOPLAYMAG.COM

THE ALTMAN BUILDING

NEW YORK CITY

1–4

G2E

globalgamingexpo.com

The Sands Expo & Convention Center

Las Vegas

8–11

MIPCOM

mipworld.com

OCTOBER 2–4 6–7

11–14

14–17

TIA Fall Toy Preview MIPJunior

17–18

3–7

JANUARY 7–10

22–24

10–13

MARCH 10–13

The I–X Center

Cleveland

theabcshow.com

Kentucky Exposition Center

Chicago Toy & Game Fair

tandgcon.com

chitag.com

Navy Pier

Chicago

Grand Strand Gift Show

grandstrandgiftshow.com hiaonline.com

Myrtle Beach Convention Center

Halloween Tower

Myrtle Beach, S.C.

New York City

Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair

hktoyfair.com

Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre

Hong Kong, China

Spielwarenmesse International Toy Fair

toyfair.de

Nuremburg Exhibition Center

Jacob Javits Convention Center

New York City

ToyFest West

toyfestwest.com

South Point Hotel

Las Vegas

iHobby Expo

ABC Kids Expo

Toy & Game Inventor Conference

International Halloween Show

The Toy Fair

FEBRUARY 7–10

Dallas

Palais des Festivals

DECEMBER 2–5

Dallas Market Center

mipworld.com

NOVEMBER 15–16

toyassociation.org

American International Toy Fair

34 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT AUGUST 2012

ihobbyexpo.com

toyfair.co.uk

toyassociation.org

Palais des Festivals

Navy Pier

Olympia Grand Hall

Cannes, France Cannes, France Louisville

Chicago

London, UK

Nuremburg, Germany

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7/24/2012 11:30:37 AM