ToyNews Show Guide Special 2009

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Nuremberg 2009 The Nuremberg Toy Fair promises to be bigger than ever this year and ToyNews has put together your essential guide to the increasingly popular and important event. We feature the exhibitors, brands and products that you won’t want to miss, plus we give you an early preview of what will be causing a stir at the event...

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Exhibitor

Stand

Adrenaline Brush

Hall 10 C-17

Albion Alloys All in 1 Products

Exhibitor

Stand

H. Grossman

Hall 7 D-69

Hobby Products

Hall 7A D-111, D-117D

Hall 10.1 E-04

Hornby Hobbies

Hall 7 F-30, F-36

Amalgam Distribution

Hall 7 E-60

House of Marbles

Anthony Peters Manufacturing

Hall 9 C-02

Hy-Pro International

Art Meets Matter

Hall 5 B-54, C-57

Hall 12 B-04-3

Hall 10, B-04, C-09 Hall 8 E-18, D-21

IMC

Hall G16 F-12

Infantino UK

Hall 1 C-101

Bigjigs Toys

Hall 11.1 NEC07

Bluw Toys

Hall 12 B-03-2a

Brainstorm

Hall 12 B-03-5

Invicta Education

Hall 12 C-01-6

Brian Clegg

Hall 12 C-01-3

James Galt & Co.

Hall 4 E-51, F-50

Cassidy Brothers Century UK

Intertoy

Hall 5 B-54, C-57

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Exhibitor Renart Richard Edward

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Stand Hall 12 C-01-5 Hall 12 A-04, B-03

Ripmax

Hall 7A B-165

RTL Games

Foyer Hall 10.0 12

Rubie’s Masquerade

Hall 9 D-57, E-58

Russ Berrie (UK)

Hall 1 F-149

Russimco

Hall 5 D-72

Sambro International

Hall 10 D-24

Schumacher Racing

Hall 7A B-147

Selwood Products

Hall 12 C-04

Kablamm

Hall 6 B-13

Seven Towns

Hall 7A B-135

Keel Toys

Hall 1 A-51

Shesto

Hall 8 E-15 Hall 10 H-12 Hall 7 B-79

Kiddimoto

Hall 3 B-51

Skipper Toys

Hall 2 B-37

Hall 3 A-23

Kit for Kids

Hall 4 A-26

Smiffy’s

Hall 9 C-50

Creativity International

Hall 9 B-25

Kitfix Swallow Group

Hall 4 B-88

Sport and Playbase

Hall 12 B-03-9

Danbar International

Hall 6 B-15

Le Toy Van

Hall 3 B-32

Taskmaster

Hall 12 B-03-8

Deans Marine

Hall 7 D-69

Learning Resources

Hall 4 A-05

Teleview Marketing Group

Hall 5 A-57

Dice & Games

Hall 10 J-01

LI-LO Leisure Products

Hall 6 A-39

The Christy Group

Hall 9 A-79

Hall 2 A-20

The Trading House

Hall 4 C-20

Character Options

Hall 5 B-54, C-57

Community Playthings

Direct Eductional Services

Hall 12 A-04, B-03

Lucy Locket

Hall2 B-27

Hall 12 B-03-6

Magmatics

Easyplay

Hall 12 B-03-2

Malcolm H. Evans

Hall 6 C-08

Tidy Books Europe

Hall 2 A-21

Mamas & Papas

Hall 1 B-03

TOBAR

Hall 4 F-95

Manhattan Toy Europe

Hall 3 D-44

Tomy UK

Martin Yaffe International

Hall 6 C-29

Top Call Products

Early Bird Edtech Educational Technology Educational Advantage

Hall 12 D-08 Hall 5 D-82 Hall 12 B-04-2

Hall 12 A-04, B-03

The Win Green Trading Company

Drake Eductional Associates

Toys and Fine Things

Hall 12 C-01-7 Hall 11.1 NEC15

Education Essentials

Hall 4 B-39

Mattel

Elephant Brands International

Hall 5 C-11

Meadow Kids

TP Activity Toys

Hall 8 B-04

EQD

Hall 2 F-21

Millhouse

Hall 4 F-34

Treasure Trove

Hall 4B-25

FIA Toys

Hall 4 B-02

Mookie Toys

Hall 7 A-20

Trends UK

Fiesta Crafts

Hall 1 B-39

MRRC Model Road Racing Cars

Hall 7 B-57

TY UK

Hall 1 B-22

Orchard Toys

Hall 10 I-18

UKIC

Hall 1 E-113

Oxford Diecast

Hall 7 B-49

Unique Party

Findel Eduation Five Star Products

Hall 12 A-04-01 Hall 7 F-59

Hall 7 A-68,Hall 12.2 P-09, P-14, P-15

Hall 12.2 P-17a

Hall 12 F-04a

Paladone Products

Hall 12 B-03-4

Universal Cycles

Gen Four Two

Hall 10 D-03

Peco

Hall 4A A-230

Weston UK

Goldbug Europe

FlightPower

Hall 7A A-123 Hall 1 B-129

J. Perkins

Hall 7A F-135

Willis Toys

Golden Bear Products

Hall 5 C-15

Peta UK

Hall 12 B-04-6

Wizard

Grant & Bowman

Hall 4 C-01

Peter Haddock

Great Gizmos

Hall 5 A-89

Pocketbond

Hall 10 F-07 Hall 7 F-31

Worlds Apart WOW Toys

Hall12 B-03-1

Polydron

Hall 12 B-04-1

Yes Superbaby

H.P. Gibson & Sons

Hall 10.1 F12

Premium World

Hall 12 A-04-2

Zak Designs

Halsall International

Hall 12.2 P-17

The Puppet Company

Green Board Game Co.

Hall 10.1 E-12

Hall 9 E-30 Hall 7 B-06 Hall 7A F-101 Hall 12 C-01-4 Hall12 B-04-4 Hall 8 C-15 Hall 12 C-01-1 Hall 11.1 NEC02 Hall 12 C-08

Hall 1 F-55 FEBRUARY 2009

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MATTEL The Mattel Girls’ Brands team is gearing up for a busy 2009, with new product launches, new entertainment releases, innovative marketing activity and a huge campaign to celebrate Barbie’s 50th anniversary.

The doll’s heritage in fashion will be celebrated with partnerships with top names in fashion, while girls will be able to experience the Barbie magic with an activity that allows them to become the designers. An extensive year-long marketing campaign will include interactive, experiential, online, TV sponsorship and advertising activity, including girls’ and mums’ print.

In March 2009, Barbie’s latest release will be the animated DVD movie Barbie Thumbelina. It will be supported by a spring entertainment release first for Barbie – a major sponsorship deal with a leading children’s TV channel, which will introduce children to the story-line.

The Barbie offering for 2009 features new additions across the whole range, including modernised versions of strong historic performers including the quintessential Barbie town-house and campervan. The collectable Petites Club will be extended with new items and supported by a major sponsorship deal and the continuation of the online activity that has seen over 140K hits in the three months since launch.

Mattel will continue its partnership with Disney with key activity for both High School Musical and Hannah Montana. The release of HSM3 on DVD in February will coincide with the launch of new HSM3 product on a whole new scale; while in May, Hannah Montana’s first theatrical release will be celebrated with new lines that bring the story to life.

A first for the UK will be the launch of a range of Disney Princess large dolls, boasting feature-led and collectable dolls from well-known Disney movies.

Perennial favourite Polly Pocket’s new product line will develop successful core play patterns – water-play and fashion.

Innovative new launches include the stackable court-yards and the super-size Rollercoaster Hotel which lets girls combine imaginative play with light, sound and moving features.

The My Baby brand will expand its presence within the large dolls category with the launch of new product I Can Do It, which takes the wow features of previous My Baby items to a completely new level.

In boys, Hot Wheels will continue to be promoted in 2009 with the launch of a major marketing campaign including TV, partnerships, online, PR and in-store activations.

New product joins the line-up including spring launches of the decotransforming Colour Shifters and Jurassic additions for the

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HALL 7 A-68, HALL 12.2 P-09, HALL 12.2 P-14, HALL 12.2 P-15

collectible Trick Tracks line. Colour Shifters enable kids to experiment with 1:64 scale vehicles to change colours in warm and cold water, including the Colour Shifter Blaster play-set. And, for Christmas 2009, the shark play theme is to make a comeback in a key track set.

Hot on the heels of Batman – The Dark Knight’s success, new animation is on the way for the brand. The Brave and Bold will feature on GMTV and Mattel’s supporting line-up incorporates figures and vehicles.

A new Toy Story collection launches this summer, featuring a strong range of figures and vehicles. The hype for Toy Story will continue through 2009 as a 3D digitally remastered theatrical release hits cinemas in October.

Now in its third year since launch, Disney Pixar’s Cars remains a firm favourite. Die cast cars are the most hotly collected vehicles for boys and there are two major introductions in spring, the Tractor Tippin track set which enables fans to

recreate the popular scene from the animation and the Minis Race n Rescue Playset, the first to feature popular character Red the Fire Engine.

In games, Scrabble’s 60th anniversary has caused a resurgence of the line and a major marketing campaign throughout 2009 will continue the momentum. Mr Men Scrabble also joins the portfolio to engage younger word fans.

2009 also sees the 20th anniversary of The Simpsons, with a Simpsons Edition Scene It? launching in the autumn.

The quick draw game is also set for an electronic interactive makeover, as Pictionary Man is brought to life, fusing drawing, clues and interactive accessories to create a whole new way to play.

New to the Radica range this autumn, U-Create will unleash artistic potential with the U-Art and U-Mix systems for artists and budding DJs. Top selling game 20Q is set to get off to a strong start in 2009 with the launch of a marketing campaign incorporating TV, PR and online activity ahead of a brand new multiplayer launch for autumn.

A high impact marketing campaign will engage tween girls in the Girl Tech brand. The campaign will reinforce existing lines such as Password Journal and new spring line Sugar Cubes, as well as providing a backdrop for Christmas 2009 launches, including FAMPs, a range of collectible electronic characters enabling girls to unlock a world of screensavers, games, emoticons and more on their PC.

Fisher-Price built momentum in 2008, delivering strong results on key items including Bounce ‘n’ Spin Zebra, Little People Eddie’s Racetrack and Elmo Live.

2009 will see new licence acquisitions and innovation in core products, each supported with strong marketing campaigns in print, TV, online and PR. The Amazing Animals range grows with the chunky activity toy Rollin Around Jungle Treehouse. The successful Bounce ‘n’ Spin Zebra will also get a pink edition.

A new range will also launch in autumn for the Infant portfolio as Fisher-Price introduces a brand new take on activity blocks with the Stack n Surprise range.

In Preschool, 2009 is a big year for the Little People line, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary. Special edition anniversary play-sets in retro take-along tins will mark the occasion.

Imaginext also remains in the spotlight for the year, with Ocean, City and Lost Creatures themes engaging boys with chunky play-sets and accessories.

Kid Tough Walkie Talkies, complete with super tough specification and a range of 300ft, will add a new dimension to preschool play in the second quarter.

Character brands continue to play a key part for Fisher-Price, which now includes Disney and Nickelodeon licences from Handy Manny and Little Einsteins to firm favourites Dora and Diego. Following recently introduced Mr Men and Wonder Pets, the hotly anticipated Waybuloo will join the line-up for the last quarter. The CBeebies animated series takes an original approach, focusing on children’s feelings through transporting children to the magical land of Nara.

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TOMY

With the re-launch of K’Nex, the announcement of innovative new boys toys and the introduction of a music loving flower, Tomy has a packed line-up.

The company is combining its bestselling brands with new licences to create toys for all age groups. It is also looking to become a key player within the boys’ toys market with the launch of unique vehicle brands which are proven performers in Japan.

Highlights at this year’s show for Tomy include the Rockin’ Flower, which dances to music while the leaves flash in up to 30 different LED colour combinations in

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tune with the music, and Flex, a children’s game which puts kids and adults’ flexibility to the test.

Set up the Flex tower, spin the spinner and use the sucker on the wrap-around band to pick up the piece at the top of the tower with the body part indicated on the spinner – will it be elbow (easy), knee (harder) or forehead (not for the feint hearted)?

Elsewhere, there are new products from big lines including Thomas the Tank Engine, Nemo, and Tellytubbies. The company is also planning a strategic entry into the growing boys’ vehicle market with the ChoroQ and AI brands. ChoroQ became an instant hit when it launched in Japan and has since sold 140 million units to date.

ChoroQ is an umbrella vehicle brand encompassing a variety of play patterns. The new vehicle ranges include the ChoroQ Battle Deck System and ChoroQ Steer micro remote control cars.

The AI Deluxe Racing Set has the only artificially intelligent racing cars which can avoid hazards.

Unique technology allows the cars to swerve around obstacles and continue on their way and it takes skill and wit to know when to use the speed boost and hit the brakes to make it around the track and win the game. The set comes with a large customisable racing track, two remote controlled cars and obstacles.

HALSALL

The 2009 Nuremberg Toy Fair will see the opening of a new permanent 300 sq. metre showroom for Halsall, located in Hall 12 of the Nuremberg Messe. The move is a strategic decision by Halsall, underlining a commitment to its global growth strategy, and it will provide Halsall with a location to showcase its portfolio of international licenced ranges and core own brand products to its worldwide customers.

John Hutt, Halsall MD commented: “Strategically this is a significant move for the company as we continue to expand international business.

Halsall’s investment in this permanent showroom space in the Nuremberg Messe affirms the company’s commitment to its international growth strategy. Halsall is proud to have been awarded panEuropean licence deals for leading brands such as

GEN 42 GAMES Having made a name for itself with board-free, fast paced games with a slice of strategy thrown into the mix, Gen 42 will be making itself known at Nuremberg this year with a new addition to its range.

Logan Stones, a mix of tried and tested game elements – namely combining stones, four in a row and rock paper scissors – will be making its debut at the show, joining established Gen 42 favourites such as the addictive Hive and brilliantly titled Army of Frogs. Without the need for a board, and thanks to its fast paced games with easy rules and depth of strategy, many of Gen 42’s titles have proved solid sellers. Hive was the first in the company’s line of board-less

HALL 12.2 P-17

Barbie, Spiderman, Ben 10, Baby Annabell and Baby Born as well as worldwide licence rights for JCB and The Simpsons and territory specific deals on Dora the Explorer, Science Museum and WWE. This bespoke designed showroom will enable us to present all of these ranges and many more, to maximum effect to really impress customers at this important global trade event.”

The showroom launches the firm’s Autumn/Winter 2009 product lines, with many high-profile licenced ranges such as Hannah Montana, Disney Fairies and Ben 10 summer lines and The X Factor musical toys.

Halsall will also present its new Silver Cross junior collection and generic dolls prams, and PreSchool Roleplay market with own-design role-play toys.

HALL 10 D-03

games, and already has a number of awards under its belt. Next up is Army of Frogs, a game that takes elements of Hive and builds on it to provide another easy to play 2 to 4 player game.

Marketing Support: AW 09 TV Campaign Online, PR & More

All star software library for 2009

Good for you gaming from LeapFrog.

Visit us at London Toy Fair stand SJ37 www.leapfrog.co.uk

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KIDS@PLAY

Making the journey to Nuremberg for the first time this year, Kids@Play will be showing off its wares as it enters its third year of trading. Specialising in the wheeled toy manufacturing business, a

GIBSONS For the first time in a number of years, Gibsons will be exhibiting at the Nuremberg Toy Fair.

The firm will primarily be looking for distributors for its range of games and jigsaws including a line-up of children’s puzzles entitled My World. The ‘planetfriendly’ puzzles are made on recycled board, and were created in conjunction with child psychologist Dr Amanda Gummer with the aim of creating jigsaws that are developmentally appropriate at every stage. The My World range consists of eight puzzles aimed at pre-school children. Each box features a slot within the lid allowing children to post their pieces back into it.

A broad selection of new puzzles for adults with varying piece counts can also be seen at the show, in particular images of nostalgic Britain, which so far have been very popular with overseas customers. Following the ‘Shopping Baskets’ range will be ‘Sweet Memories’ – four new puzzles showing the

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HALL 6 C-08

large range of children’s tricycles will be on display. Malcolm Evans, KIDS@PLAY’S managing director, told ToyNews: “Our products have their own uniqueness, like the go-tiger, go-panda, and go-bunny

HALL 10.1 F-12

confectionary brands of the 1940s, 1950s 1960s and 1970s. Other new puzzles include four 1000 piece photographic puzzles featuring a host of images of well-loved places in Britain, as well as eight National Trust jigsaw puzzles. Reflecting the diversity of the work of the National Trust, these 250 and 1,000 piece jigsaws include a selection of images of the vast collection of property, landscape, wildlife and coast line that the National Trust is responsible for.

trikes. All have back packs, and a removable carry bag, and additionally a take off and play carrying case.”

The company has a range of bicycles for children of two to seven years, and a

GOLDBUG Following on from successful product launches across the US and Australia, the Goldbug range of Baby Accessories has recently been launched into the EU. The Out-&About and Travel Accessories have all been chosen in order to enhance kids’ safety and comfort, as well as parents’ peace of mind, and is part of the London-based Goldbug Europe’s official distribution of the Goldbug range.

The 2in1 Harness Buddy is available in 15 animal characters for boys and girls, and is worn as a backpack on the toddler and strapped in front, with the tail of the animal providing a handy leash for parents who want to ensure their child doesn’t wander off.

The Mummy Hook frees parents hands from holding baby bags or handbags so they can take full care of their child. It snaps on/off and allows for the addition of other carry-items. The Moms Invented range, developed by mums, includes Crustless Sandwich

range of battery operated ride-ons, including the new police patrol bike with lights and sounds. As an added bonus, every UK customer that visits the stand will be given a free wheel track puzzle.

HALL1 STAND B 129

Cutters in various shapes and colours, Tinkle Targets – potty training aids in boys themes, and Shoe Clues – stickers to improve right/left recognition. Also available are Head Support Cushions, Boosters and other Baby Goodies.

Marketing Support: AW 09 TV Campaign Online, PR & More

2009 all star Tag library

The amazing touch reading system that brings stories to life!

Visit us at London Toy Fair stand SJ37 www.leapfrog.co.uk

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FIESTA CRAFTS

Fiesta Crafts is a familiar face at Nuremburg thanks to its collection of pre-school toys aimed squarely at the European market.

New for 2009 is the Bunny Family Holiday Play Set, which holds many play opportunities for an inquisitive tot with its open top car, pull along caravan and family of rabbits. The caravan has everything expected of a modern mobile home: beds, kitchen and lounge area plus a fold-down side for easy access.

Both car and caravan can be played with together or separately as children take their Bunny family on adventures in the great outdoors.

RUSSIMCO Having launched the Ecotronic toy collection at Nuremburg last year Russimco returns to the Messe with even more eco-friendly electronic toys this year.

Since spring 2008, the Ecotronic toy collection has gone from strength to strength and now provides a clear green alternative to traditional battery operated toys, thanks to a mix of preschool toys, radios and gadgets in the range. A burgeoning collection of character torches, which have been attracting cult status in the playground, are also on show.

The Ecotronic torch collection is the first part of this brand to be extended with a host of new animal characters for spring – Zoo and Farm animals have been added that should appeal to boys and girls alike. However, the new ecotorches are just a taster of what’s in store for the ecotronic collection, as new battery-less bath-toys are also about to enter the portfolio.

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Also making its debut this year is Match it! This wooden eight game compendium is supplied with multilingual instructions and includes a crafted wooden game board with 28 bright wooden pieces. The eight games include variations of favourites such as solitaire, bingo and dominoes, as matching games are often used to enhance cognitive and memory skills.

This game is suited for all ages and the recessed board means playing games whilst travelling is made easy, whilst four wooden racks are included to rest pieces discreetly and shield them from prying eyes.

HALL 5 D-72

The first toys to be included will be in the form of a submarine and tug boat – bath-toys which include all the features of an electronic toy yet still work after being submersed. These toys don’t need batteries and are sealed to withstand rough water-play.

THE PUPPET COMPANY The Puppet Company is based in North Hertfordshire and designs over 750 different types of puppets including finger puppets, glove puppets and body puppets.

Started in 1999 by husband and wife team Sue and Peter Lockey (and still directed by them), it produces a large range of puppets that will be on show at Nuremberg. With a background in teaching and retail, The Puppet Company looks to add an educational and commercial twist to the puppets it designs.

Many have full working mouths and hands and some, like the ‘Large Birds’ and ‘Socketts’, include sound (though no puppets include batteries).

LE TOY VAN

Emergency Services Playsets are among Le Toy Vans new lines.

The range includes a Fire Engine with accessories and a Fire Station Playset with pole. The line-up is perfectly complemented by the all New ‘Budkins’ poseable and collectable unique wooden characters each with its own

designer fabric costume. An ambulance with trolley and wheelchair plus a twostorey hospital with lift are also available.

All the sets are accessorised with Budkins medical characters. All UK designed with unique style, the painted playsets are created for imaginative play.

HALL 1 F-55 The company supplies point of sale stands that have a small ‘foot print’ but can hold up to 35 glove puppets in the space of a carpet tile. The Puppet Company is also the UK and Ireland distributor for ‘Living Puppets’ – the premium German brand. Many of the puppets have working mouths and hands, and there are hundreds of characters and animals in the range.

The Puppet Company is a member of the Gift Association, as well as The British Toy and Hobby Association, and is fully committed to ethical trading. All puppets and The Wilberry Doll collection have full EN71 test reports and meet or exceed all current health and safety requirements.

Marketing Support:

NEW

AW 09 TV Campaign Online, PR & More

7 great titles available at launch

Get ready to read with the amazing little book explorer.

Visit us at London Toy Fair stand SJ37 www.leapfrog.co.uk

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SCHLEICH

The Scheleich stand at this year’s show will feature three new launches, with all existing collections on show, including the entire year’s new launch pieces.

Home nation visitors will be able to speak with the UK sales team whilst viewing the new products in this German company’s premier show of the year.

Just one of the many ranges that will be extended is the Wildlife Collection featuring zebras, giraffes and a family of

AMALGAM Amalgam Fine Model Cars is based in Bristol and has been creating models for leading designers in all areas of design and architecture since 1985.

Its large scale models are not only available to collectors, but are used extensively by manufacturers, teams and sponsors as gifts to VIPs and as marketing tools. In particular Amalgam’s relationship with Ferrari has been very fruitful with yearly small editions of models of the modern Formula 1 cars both at 1/8th and recently 1/5th scale, and now a growing collection of historic and current race and road cars in small limited editions.

They are now creating models for premium brands like Aston Martin, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Bugatti, Lamborghini and Bentley Motors along with all the top Formula 1 teams including McLaren.

Alongside the large scale display models Amalgam also create amazingly accurate full size Formula 1 steering wheels, as well as displays and design development models of all sorts including swanky superyachts.

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Meerkats. As with all Schleich’s figurines, these pieces are hand-painted and representative of the animal in its natural habitat.

Schleich’s UK retailers have been supported by a dedicated UK office for the past three years and are now to receive even more support with new display units and point of sale materials.

In addition, a full PR strategy is in place for 2009.

GREAT GIZMOS

Great Gizmos will be unveiling a new theme to its rapidly expanding ownbrand range of Tech-Card Kits at Nuremberg this year.

The initial themes of Power Bots and Power Racers have proved successful since their launch to the UK market in 2008, so much so that the range is to be extended with two new themes – Power Lights and Power Circuits.

All the kits use Tech Card Technology – a system that takes pre-cut cards, rivets and motorised parts to make techprojects that really work.

HALL 5 A-89

The new Power Lights and Power Circuit Kits are all about home accessories and are stylish and fun to construct.

First up are three new brushed silver LED light kits, each of which are designed to produce a very different lighting effect. Whether fibre-optic, lava, or disco, there is a style of lamp to suit any kid’s room. Completing the Power Lights and Power Circuit Kits collections are three further kits including a multipositional Desk Lamp, a Desk Fan and a Door Bell.

HALL 7 E-60

NEW

Marketing Support: AW 09 TV Campaign Online, PR & More

LeapFrog learning meets Disney fun in a new high-energy experience.

Visit us at London Toy Fair stand SJ37 www.leapfrog.co.uk

www.toynewsmag.com

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KIDDIMOTO

Kiddimoto will be showing off its award winning wooden balance bikes at this year’s show. The Nuremberg Toy Fair will provide the backdrop for the new line-up for 2009, featuring two new models to the range, the Scooter and the Chopper.

GALT James Galt will be presenting its portfolio of new products for 2009 at Nuremberg, including a variety of lines from its new parent company, Elmer’s – the first time James Galt will be showcasing Elmer’s products to the European toy trade.

The range includes a number of ‘no mess’ painting products (a line which Elmer’s is well known for in the US), including ‘Go Paint’ – non marking paint brushes and colouring book sets, ‘Paintastics’ – colour changing paint pens and paint by numbers, and ‘Squeeze ‘n Brush’ paint sets.

Also from Elmer’s Scientific Explorer range, James Galt will be introducing a selection of ‘My First’ kits, aimed at children aged five plus, such as Aeroplane, Chemistry, Dino, Geology and Weather, as well as two other experimental kits in the form of Disgusting Science and Rocket Car for older children. Completing this range are three kits aimed at girls – Perfumery, Spa Science and Ultimate Spa and Perfume Kit. There will also be a raft of new products under the Galt brand on display, including four additions to the popular First Years range, including an innovative Tummytime Playmat, two giant pop-up soft books and a set of soft books.

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Also on display is the hugely successful Suzuki GSX-R and Raleighbranded models, showcasing the strong merchandising opportunities that Kiddimoto can offer a brand. Aimed at early years, Kiddimoto’s range of wooden

HALL 4 E-51, F-50

A variety of puzzles – including glow in the dark and sparkle puzzles – enter the Galt catalogue for 2009, along with a refreshed look for the Activity Pack range with six new items and two new Creative Craft kits.

Finally, completing the line-up for Nuremberg 09, are additions to Galt’s popular licenced ranges, including three new Horrible Science kits, as well as Postman Pat Special Delivery Playnest and Playnest and Gym.

balance bikes aim to work as a learning tool for the next generation of cyclists.

Constructed from tough and durable natural birch plywood, Kiddimoto is a platform that helps to teach children the important motor skills of balance and co-

RICHARD EDWARD LIMITED At this year’s International Toy Fair, games card manufacturer Richard Edward will be launching GreenCards, the first-ever range of eco-friendly playing cards in Europe.

As a European manufacturer of bespoke games cards, trading cards and playing cards, the company supplies retailers throughout Europe and around the world from its manufacturing plant in London. The GreenCards will be available to European and global retailers through Richard Edward’s new retail division, RedWood Cards, which will also make its international debut at Nuremberg.

The GreenCards range offers retailers a potential mark-up of around 40 per cent on the trade price, whilst also enabling them to show customers that they are concerned about the environment. At Nuremberg, Richard Edward will also be offering its ‘green card’ technology to global toy and games brands that want to make their existing products more eco-friendly. The company already produces card-based products for international brands such as Winning Moves, DeAgostini and Hasbro.

ordination in a fun and controlled manner.

An ideal first bike, without pedals or brakes, Kiddimoto bypasses the need for stabilisers, allowing children to quickly move from Kiddimoto to a pedal cycle.

HALL 10 D-11

The new GreenCards are manufactured entirely in the UK using sustainable and recycled materials – even boasting a carbon footprint some 90 per cent lower than cards produced in the Far East. The GreenCards range was created in response to two key consumer trends: growing demand for environmentally sound products, and the return to traditional activities – such as card games and puzzles – as the crunch continues to squeeze budgets.

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TIDYBOOKS

Another manufacturer making its debut at Nuremberg this year is Tidybooks, the children’s bookcase, storage and toy specialist with a range of products made from sustainable sources. The Tidybooks brand began with a new concept in children’s bookcases, appealing to a gap in the market as there were no bookcases available that were compact and allowed children to choose their books easily from the shelf. The design encourages children to choose books independently, and allows neat storage of up to 85 differently sized children’s books. The Tidybooks bookcase helps to give books a central place in the family

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home, and has been acclaimed by educational specialists.

The Tidybooks range now includes the Bunk Bed Buddy, a specially designed shelf for the top bed bunk, and the 3D cabin puzzle, a toy that children and adults alike can enjoy.

The Tidybooks bookcase and Bunk Bed Buddy are available in a range of quality finishes, including natural lacquered wood, painted white, pale rose or pure azure. The bookcase has been successful in the UK, and is available from a range of leading children’s stockists including JoJo Maman Bebe, Blooming Marvellous and Toy R Us online.

SEVEN TOWNS

London-based Seven Towns, the company behind the original Rubik’s Cube has a brand new brain-teaser ready to launch to consumers in May 2009 called The Rubik’s 360 As its name suggests, the 360 is spherical as opposed to cube-shaped and although similarly challenging, it has an obvious appeal to fans of the original cube and newcomers to the challenge. In essence, the object of the puzzle is to steer the six coloured balls through holes in the spheres and into their respective coloured ‘home slot’ domes on the outside, whilst contending with gravity along the way.

Like the Cube, you don’t have to solve it

DANBAR TOYS Danbar Toys designs and manufactures its own products and specialises in a complete shopping experience, which not only include its high quality remote control toys but also a demonstration system for point of sale and on-the-shelf displays. The system, developed over the past seven years, aims to create a shopping experience that significantly increases consumers’ excitement and satisfaction from the purchase process and turnover per square meter.

With a record of customer retention, including UK’s leading department stores (including such luminaries as Harrods, Hamleys, Debenhams and Fenwick) as well as mega malls and in more than 70 franchised points of sale across the UK and Ireland, the company is celebrating its first anniversary of successful global expansion.

A solid performance in 2008 has meant a winning year, and with orders already in place for 2009 for the Ground Assault play set (launched this year with

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in one go. The 360 has special horizontal rings to ‘lock’ the balls in place once you’ve captured them correctly on its circumference.

The team at Seven Towns views the puzzle as complementary rather than competitive to the original Cube, and is expecting it to considerably expand the existing market for the Rubik’s brand.

“We see the 360 as potentially appealing to an even wider and more international audience than our original puzzle,” says David Hedley Jones, Rubik’s brand senior vice president.

“And of course, requiring no electricity or batteries, it’s very much in the current eco-friendly mode.”

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a national TV campaign) the company has it sights set on continuing its

performance to date. The Ground Assault line joins the company’s miniature,

medium and large-scale helicopters and other air and land remote control toys.

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SHOW GUIDE

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THE CHRISTY GROUP

HALL 9 A-79 The Christy Group, which encompasses Christy by Design and Christy Asia, has evolved over the last eight years to become one of the UK’s premier dressup specialists with offices, showrooms and partner factories across Europe and Asia.

With the focus firmly on innovative design, Christy sells to over 40 countries worldwide, and in 2007 successfully bid for the exclusive pan-European licence for Disney dress-up. Christy’s attention

MAMAS & PAPAS

Mamas & Papas is known for creating new collections each season and Spring/Summer 09 is no exception.

Taking inspiration from the global travels of their in-house design team, Mamas & Papas has created a whole new landscape of children’s toys. New collections including ‘Joolly Whumpers’, a collection of character knit toys that are perfectly modern in style, as well as

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to detail, industry knowledge and ability to transform ideas into highly marketable outfits has enabled it to successfully bid for a large number of new licences including Britannia High, Storm Hawks and The Nutcracker to name a few.

The Christy Group was also delighted to win the award for ‘Best Licenced Dress-up 2008’ at the prestigious Licencing Awards which took place in London last year.

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an interactive soft toy range called ‘Little Land’ that has already wowed the parenting press in the UK and who will be featuring it heavily in coming issues.

Mamas & Papas commercial director, Tim Maule described some of the detail behind the brand’s attendance at Nuremburg Toy Fair this year: “We are launching a fresh new stand to complement the look and feel of the

new collections we are launching at Nuremburg. This will be the first time that anyone in Europe has seen the new collection and we are very excited to return to such an amazing toy fair with a truly original retailing proposition that has international appeal.

“As retailers increasingly demand diversity of product to define their shopping environments, Mamas &

Papas offers something for everyone; from the boutique gifting stores to the high-end department stores to traditional nursery stores. The company was recently voted International Rising Star at a global retail awards and we are delighted to be able to show the crowds at the Nuremburg Toy Fair just why the judges choose Mamas & Papas above everyone else.”

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STEVENSON BROTHERS Carrying on in the footsteps of their uncle, twin brothers Marc and Tony Stevenson set up their business in 1982 and today, 26 years later with over 7,200 horses, it is still going strong.

Combining the quality materials, traditional techniques and skilled craftsmen, the company will have plenty to show off at Nuremberg, including limited edition designs such as the zebra and the 25th anniversary horse – a traditional dapple-grey horse fitted on to a antique oak base. The blanket has the Stevenson Brothers logo in silver five per cent thread. Wood is selected from all over the world, including the Royal Parks

MARTIN YAFFE Fisher-Price is a recent addition to the Born to Play portfolio, with the main focus of the Fisher-Price area falling on the Farmhouse Playset, which is manufactured at Born to Play’s own roto-moulding factory in the UK. Also on display will be the UK manufactured Teeter Totter Tractor Rocker and wheeled items including the Grow with Me Trike.

Meanwhile, old favourite Fireman Sam will be a main focal point of the stand. Products on show will include the roto-moulded Ride-in Jupiter, and the Fireman Playset, both of which allow little ones to emulate the hero next door. Also on display will be the Activity Fire Station which has real working lights and sounds from the hit TV show, as well as a working microphone and knock over fires, which can be put out with the water balls. Amongst the new additions to the Fireman Sam range is Wind Up Floating Neptune, inspired by the coastal location in the new CGI programming.

New products will also be showcased from master toy licence Little Princess, which aired in Germany on KIKA in August, September and early October

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HALL 3 B-46A in England and carries the FSC certificate.

As a double guarantee that the wood of their rocking horse is being replaced, the company will send out a tree to customers to plant.

With regards to the rocking mechanism, the most consistently popular design remains the safety stand horse, with the spring stand coming second.

When completed, each horse is numbered and dated on a brass, gold or silver plaque. For the forthcoming Nuremberg show, the company will be showing a white and grey dapple horse customised in pink and blue for a girl or boy, as well as a selection from our range of horses.

Best known for designing and manufacturing educational games and puzzles for children from 18 months to 12 years, Orchard Toys will be showing off plenty of product at the fair. Of interest to international buyers will be Orchard Toys’ new range in French, which will be available to order from their stand at the Fair. Other than French lines, the company will showcase a large selection of its products, including seven of its latest games and puzzles, all but one of which have been designed specifically for younger children: One banana, Two Banana is a board game for up to four players that will help children in the four-plus age group with

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their counting skills; Fairy Cottage is a busy 15 piece puzzle designed with little girls (two to five years) in mind; Great Britain and Ireland puzzle and poster, is a 150 piece puzzle aimed at 5-11 years.

Elsewhere, the board game Flea circus is designed for up to four players, 5+ age group, whose aim is to be the first to build their big top; Doodlebugs is a simple fun card game suitable for the youngest of players (3+), and Tutanloot’em again is a card gamefeaturing Egyptian illustrations, for up to four players of five years plus. Finally, Fruit Frenzy, another card game, will help the 4+ age group with their colour recognition and counting skills.

HALL 6 C-29 2008 every day. New additions to the successful plush range include themed beanies for Autumn/Winter. Fans of the royal rogue will be able to transport their possessions in style with either the Gilbert Backpack or Little Princess Pram, which comes with a Gilbert plush. Both products are available Autumn/Winter 09.

Also new for Spring/Summer are foam play balls and the Greenhouse Playset.

Another recent addition to the portfolio is Lazy Town. Building on Lazy Town’s 50/50 gender spilt, where girls see the programme as a song and dance show and boys as an action show, Born to Play is producing two product lines to maximise this opportunity – one in ‘Stephanie pink’ and one in ‘Sportacus blue’. Highlights of the Spring/Summer collection include wheeled toys, inflatables and outdoor play items.

Wheeled toys also feature in the Autumn/Winter line-up along with talking plush, figures and dress-up sets.

Evergreen brands Bob the Builder and Thomas & Friends will also be on display, with outdoor and roto-moulded items including the Bob the Builder and Thomas Sand and Water Playsets being showcased.

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LEARNING RESOURCES

Learning Resources never fails to introduce at least 100 new products each year, enhancing its already extensive product range. This year, the main focus will fall on the new educational range.

2009 sees the launch of new additions to the Pretend & Play range including a Bakery Set for children to strengthen basic early skills and stir up some cooking fun. Encouraging role play and creativity, this set will get children cracking eggs, sorting fruit pie pieces and rolling out pretend cookie dough.

KABLAMM MechRC is a new concept in consumer robotics born out of a partnership between UK-based concept provider Kablamm Ltd. and the Taiwanese manufacturer Gadget Lab International. Standing approximately 30cm high and boasting 17 high powered servo motors, MechRC is capable of displaying a range of motion from break dancing to robotic Kung Fu, all accessible from a remote control handset. The robot also comes with a fully featured software package that allows users to create their own motions and download them to the robot. There is also a community website where they can share their motions with other users and show off videos of their robots in action.

Setting the MechRC apart from other humanoid robots in the market, the robot’s designers have focused their attention squarely on the user. “Our aim is to deliver cutting edge technology that everyone can enjoy and feel confident using,” says Jim Wyatt of Kablamm. “There is nothing worse than feeling like you need an IT degree just to get your new toy up and running. The robot comes with a whole array of motions and action sequences out of the

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The popular Gears!Gears!Gears! range will be delivering a constructive challenge, especially with the launch of an appealing school-themed set for 2009. Children can build their creativity and design their own school and playground of colourful spinning gears.

Older children can go head-to-head with Number Knockout, a fast-paced electronic dice game. Children race to knock out numbers and practice mental maths as the game’s cheering crowd and boxing-style announcer add to the excitement.

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box, but really these are just a starting point. We want people to get in there and start creating their own motions straight away, so we have done everything we can to make the accompanying software and user guides as simple and exciting as possible.”

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COMMUNITY PLAYTHINGS

With a sixty-five year history in manufacturing, Community Playthings has drawn on expertise from childcare professionals from the very beginning.

As a result, its modular wooden furniture and play equipment supports flexible environments where children can play, grow and learn. All items come with a full 10-year warranty, and Community Playthings offers free

MANHATTAN TOY

Manhattan Toy will be unveiling an impressive 100-plus new products at this year’s Nuremberg Toy Fair. The launch will include additions to a number of ranges, including the baby, plush, puppets and Groovy Girls lineups, as well as more Puzzibits and Automoblox options.

Look out for the new Baby-Ville range – research has shown that babies are fascinated by faces, especially those of other babies. This collection of toys for babies aged 0-12 months is actually the first of its kind, and features the images of the celebrated photographer Penny Gentieu, who is recognised worldwide for her baby photography.

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resources to help with planning and room layout.

At Spielwarenmesse 2009 the company will be demonstrating its Roomscape furniture in newly designed sets that make it even more simple and flexible to use. The company will also be featuring our baby range of equipment for the first time in Nuremberg.

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New to Groovy Girls are three mermaids complete with removable tails and two pet friends. Also, the addition of four more RSVP dolls makes the interactive website www.groovygirlsRSVP.com, which features games, activities, chatting, fashion design and even downloadable music.

As the exclusive world-wide distributor of Automoblox, the range which combines modern car designs with a building block construction system, Manhattan Toy will be revealing the Automoblox Performance Series which promises to add even more power to the 2009 collection.

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SHESTO

This London based company specialises in the development, marketing and distribution of several ranges of specific tool and lighting products aimed at the model, hobby and craft trades. Over the years Shesto has developed brands designed to appeal to professionals and enthusiasts alike.

The Model Craft Collection of precision hand tools has gained a reputation worldwide as one of the most comprehensive ranges of sometimes otherwise difficult-to-find tools.

Reasonably priced, the Model Craft collection allows distributors and retailers to source all their tool requirements under one recognisable brand. Shesto has a network of distributors worldwide that carry the entire range and represent them exclusively in their territories.

Rotacraft Miniature Precision Power Tools and Accessories have been

HORNBY

2009 looks packed for Scalextric with a number of high profile sets and cars being added to the already extensive range. From Championship winning Lewis Hamilton inspired sets, to a Limited Edition celebration of 50 years of the Mini, there is plenty to see.

First up is the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Set. A fitting way to launch the new Scalextric range – a special Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Lewis Hamilton set, honouring Hamilton’s Championship win.

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developed by Shesto to enable the model and hobby trade to have access to a low cost range of tools specifically designed for the needs of the demanding modeller and crafter but at prices that compete against the competition from non-traditional outlets.

Light-Craft is the latest addition to Shesto’s list of specialist brands, providing a dedicated lightsource for serious modellers. Soldercraft is a range of heat tools from soldering to wood burning suitable for a multitude of uses.

This year a new brand will be launched at the show – Spraycraft: a range of cost effective airbrushing kits for everyone. Finally, Shesto also specialises in the supply of any of its wide range of products in OEM packaging as well as designing and supplying tools and tool kits to customers own specifications and requirements.

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Based on the hit EA video game, Need For Speed Scalextric and MicroScalextric sets will be launching mid-2009.

Inspired by the Disney/Pixar movie, the MicroScalextric Disney Cars set is aimed at the family market. Lightning McQueen and Chick Hicks race along Route 66 and for the Piston Cup. Finally, the Great British icon, the Mini, will be 50 years-old in 2009. Scalextric pays homage to the first ever Mini to roll off the production line 50 years ago.

KIT FOR KIDS

HALL 4 A-26

Originally designed for the education market this range of giant floor toys by Kit for Kids is now available for the retail sector. Launching in Nuremberg, the Under The Sea and Back To Nature floor creatures look set to make a great impression. These heavy-duty tactile cushions are meant as play mates as well as for children to relax and cuddle up to.

The cushions feature soft and differing textures, as well as funky colours and

CASSIDY BROTHERS

friendly designs, not to mention removable and washable covers!

Due to retail reaction the play toys have had so far, development plans are already in place for two brand new ranges of Farm Yard and African Animals. Expansions to the current ranges are due for 2009 to include complementing snuggle mats, perfect for creating comfortable themed areas in nurseries and schools.

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Cassidy Brothers had a great 2008 with increased FOB business.

In 2009 the firm is looking to better this even further. Its range of role-play products are being well received by the rest of the world, with distributors now in Spain, Australia and the UAE, with the company actively looking for distributors in other territories.

For 2009, the new FOB product will be the latest Dyson Cylinder Vacuum, the DC22.

The company hopes to continue its success with lines such as Little Henry, Little Hetty and the renowned Dyson DC14 replica.

Its lesser-known generic lines such as the Chip N Pin Tills and Baby Huggles Dolls Accessory lines are also worth a look, as they are performing well world wide.

This will be Cassidy Brothers’ 48th year at Nuremburg Toy fair and with third generation family members at the helm, the company is sure this will continue for years to come.

© 2008 Lucasfilm Ltd & TM. All rights reserved.

See us at: Birmingham Spring Fair: Stand 5E19 I Nuremberg Toy Fair: Hall 12.2 P-16 Revell GmbH & Co. KG, HP23 5AH. Tel: 01442 890285. Email: ukbranch@revell.de © Revell is the registered trademark of Revell GmbH & Co. KG, Germany.

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ir yfa To 5 at G1 us S e nd Se Sta GOWI’s established line of indoor and outdoor activity toys.

Valued by parents – Loved by children available from Earlybird Toys Telephone: 01536 200925 sales@agentamarketing.com Edison Courtyard, Earlstrees Ind. Est., Corby NN17 4LS

IMC will be the exhibiting at Hall 5 Stand Spring Fair 2 mberg Hall 1 e r u N d n a 1 F5 12 Stand G16-F

SHOW GUIDE

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WIZARD TOYS

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Bringing its extensive range of shrinkles to Nuremberg this year, Wizard Toys has a huge range of exhibits to chose from.

Shrinkles, craft kits that kids can colour, cut and then shrink in the oven, can be made into key fobs, magnets, jewellery

and any number of additional applications. Also on show will be the company’s extensive range of ‘Bumper Boxes’, including the Knights and Dragons themed set, which includes everything needed to make 12 figurines.

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MEADOW KIDS

Meadow Kids launches its new ‘Learn and Play’ activity range for 2009 at this year’s show. Designed to encourage learning through family interaction, this range covers core aspects of elementary education including diet, numeracy, the alphabet and good behaviour.

The ‘My Family’ Five Food Group Reward Chart is an interactive way to motivate a family to eat a balanced diet

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and learn the benefits of the five food groups. It comes with a comprehensive ‘five food group’ info insert sheet plus a write on/wipe off pen. Bath time Basketball is, as you would expect, a toy for children to enjoy in the bath and is a good way for them to develop their hand to eye co-ordination and number association by trying to get the different creatures in the hoop.

HY-PRO

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Hy-Pro International, the toys and sports specialist, will be unveiling its wheeled toys brand at Nuremberg Toy Fair this month. And this will include a new look for its Street Glider skate range.

Attendees at the Nuremberg Toy Fair will be the first to see the new brand that will initially include Street Gliders and a range of scooters. The range will also feature three scooters that will be making their debut at the show, which

will include the ‘Phantom’ scooter which has light-up effects never before seen on a scooter. The details of the other scooters are currently under wraps for the show, but Hy-Pro has been able to reveal that their names will be ‘Bandit’ and ‘Venom’.

Simon Pickavance, Hy-Pro commercial director, said: “This is an exciting time for Hy-Pro as we launch our new wheeled toys brand into the market.

“With our hugely successful Street Gliders products coming under the new banner, as well as our innovative new product, the brand will instantly become one of the biggest names in the toy market, and this will give us the freedom to expand our wheeled toys category within the outdoor toys industry.”

The new brand and designs for HyPro’s wheeled toys will be revealed at the Nuremberg Toy Fair.

TREASURE TROVE

HALL 4 B-25 Having moved its prime exhibition from ExCel to Nuremberg in 2008, Treasure Trove will be continuing with this strategy in 2009. The appointment as Breyer’s exclusive distributor for the UK and Ireland, and its ongoing support of Breyer’s European expansion, was the big news for the company in 2008.

As usual there are many new additions to the Breyer line-up, including two exclusives: Pippin (Pony Club hero 2008) and The English Riding Gift Set. The two

Breyer ranges which will be the focus of Treasure Trove’s marketing efforts for the Toy Trade in 2009 are Stablemates, with price points starting at just £2.99, and the Activity line, which has proved so successful since introduction.

Activity products now form a very important part of the Treasure Trove portfolio. Not only does the company distribute the extensive SES Creative line, but it has seen big sales with its Sticky Mosaics.

“This line totally sold out at

Christmas and there is an extensive range of new titles and ideas going into 2009,” comments business director Liz Nield. “Repeat purchase levels are high and, not surprisingly, sales are strong year round.”

Liz continues: “We are very focused on products which are going to sell through all year and this was why we were delighted to introduce ‘Grow-AHeads’ late in 2008, only £6.99 retail. We are also introducing a wonderful outdoor line called ‘Explore’.”

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SAMBRO

HALL 10 D-24 Sambro will be beginning 2009 with a wide range of new licences to add to its portfolio.

Creative play and stationery items will be launching from Littlest Pet Shop, Transformers Animated, My Little Princess, Polly Pocket, Fireman Sam, Barney and many more.

Also available in the Transformers animated range will be full-size pin-ball machines and outdoor toys.

A generic range of outdoor toys will also be available and a giant inflatable Connect 4 takes board games to a different level.

The firm’s successful Thumb Wrestling Federation will also be on show alongside a range of other pocket money toys.

GOLDEN BEAR

Golden Bear will be launching an extensive range of new products at the 2009 Nuremberg Toy Fair.

The introduction of the My 1st JCB range in 2008 will be extended to include lines based on various construction vehicles, including Mini JCB Pull Backs based on the existing characters Joey JCB, Larry Loadall, Doug Dumptruck and Rex Roller alongside a new character Freddie Fastrack. Two other talking characters are being introduced – Elvis Excavator and Max the World’s Fastest Diesel.

Golden Bear will also be launching a collection of Shaun the Sheep products.

The 2009 ranges will be aimed at a wider audience, including message plush, aprons, ear and hand muffs, keyrings, CD holders, demister pads, air

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freshener, hanging car dice, mobile phone and iPod holders.

The Talking Thomas & Friends range introduces a new character for autumn.

The talking Thomas & Friends range will be refreshed with a Crash ‘n’ Bang Thomas play set, featuring pull back action. Drive Away Talking Thomas & Friends range will also continue.

The Peppa Pig range will be extended to include new wooden products. The wooden range will reflect themes from the animation such as Grandpa Pig’s Boat and train. All items will help to enhance a child’s development skills.

In addition, the Charlie and Lola collection will broaden to include new items such as Bouncing Lola, as well as the Charlie and Lola space hopper and the introduction of Sizzles the Dog.

EARLY BIRD

Distributed in the UK by Agenta/Earlybird, Austrian toy manufacturer Gowi has been producing toys for over 100 years.

For 2009 there’s a new collection of traditional tea sets available in different sizes, from 18 pieces including a tea pot, cups and saucers, sugar pot and spoons right through to a 39-piece set including items such as egg cups and plates. Each set is available in red, blue, yellow, orange, lemon and pink and come shrink-wrapped for a ‘what you see is what you get’ display.

IMC

IMC is moving into 2009 with numerous extensions to its popular ranges, which will be on show at the International Toy Fair.

IMC Toys offers its customers product from I6 leading licences including Ben 10, Power Rangers and Clone Wars for boys, Disney Princess and Barbie for girls and a strong preschool mix encompassing Cars, Dora, Toy Story, Mickey Clubhouse and Winnie the Pooh.

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Other pieces in the range include Serve ‘n’ Play Trolley, Cook Sets and Mini Kitchens. With the onset of summer the firm will introduce a range of water and sand toys including buckets, spades and sandpits.

These products and ranges are just a small selection of what’s available from Gowi’s as it offers a range of high quality plastic toys for both boys and girls, including role-play items for preschoolers including push-along vehicles, garages to house them in, road sets and much more.

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Visitors to the show will be able to see a wide cross-section of 173 products that start at low price point musical key-rings and feature electronic role-play musical instruments, walkie talkies, games and arts and craft products.

There are also three TV promoted items for 2009; the Power Rangers Intercom Mask, the amazing Mickey Sings and Dance figure and Baxter the remote control Dog.

Redwood are delighted to announce the launch of their new brand of environmentally friendly playing cards. Call Louisa Moger on 020 8311 8888 to place your order.

GreenCards

Recycled Playing Cards printed on paper sourced from sustainable forests

A Better Way to Play

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ToyNews takes you through what the UK trade has to offer as we head towards ExCeL once again for Toy Fair 2009....

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EXHIBITOR Halsall International Ltd Hands in Wax Hasbro UK Ltd Hive Entertainment Hong Kong Orange Elephant Co Hong Kong TDC House of Marbles Imagination Games Injusa Inspired Gifts & Toys Interplay UK Ltd Intertek Testing Services (Leicester) J C Games Ltd John Crane Ltd Jumbo Games Just Pals Limited Kamtronik Games Ltd KidKraft Theo Klein Ltd

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EXHIBITOR Le Toy Van Ltd Leapfrog Toys (UK) Ltd Learning Resources Ltd Lego UK Company Ltd Mapcargo International Ltd Marbel Limited Marvins Magic Meccano Mediak UK Ltd Meeting Rooms Mega Brands Melissa & Doug LLC Mental Health Foundation Micro Scooters Ltd Modo UK Ltd Music Sales Group Ltd My Wonder Ltd NATLL NPD Group Ltd

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EXHIBITOR Orchard Toys Padgett Bros (A to Z) Ltd Paladone Products Ltd Paul Lamond Games Ltd Playmobil (UK) Ltd Plum Products Ltd Point Zero Games Ltd Pyramid Posters Ltd Ravensburger Ltd RC2 Re: Creation Group Plc Red Robin Toys Relaxation Zone Richard Edward Limited Robbie Toys Ltd Rolly Toys Russimco Ltd S & B Art Products UK Sakar International

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EXHIBITOR University Games UK Ltd Upper Deck Europe BV Vivid Imaginations Ltd West Design Products Ltd Wicked Vision Ltd Wilton Bradley Ltd Winning Moves UK Ltd Worlds Apart Ltd Wow Toys Xanadu Games Ltd Yanki Toys Ltd Yes! Superbaby Ltd

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GREENHOUSE & GUIDE INDEX Now in its sixth year, the Greenhouse section is one of the most vibrant and innovative parts of Toy Fair, promoting nearly 40 starts-ups and fledgling companies within the specially-created area....

Greenhouse Exhibitors Exhibitor 1745 Trading Company Ace Murder Mystery Art Meets Matter Artesania Latina Berg Toys Boden Boo Games Cuckoo Ecoboo Eezee Kricket Feel Good Friends

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Exhibitor Games and Gadgets Getretro.co.uk Global Brand Factory Hands in Wax Hive Entertainment Intelligent Retail Just Pals Kamtronik Games Mediak UK Micro Scooters

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Exhibitor Music Sales Group My Wonder Point Zero Games Sionica Street Surfing Streets Ahead Dollshouse Tailten Games The Friendly Alien The Wagon Company Trimex UK

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Exhibitor Lamaze LeapFrog Learning Resources Lego Le Toy Van Marbel Martin Yaffe/Born to Play Marvin's Magic Meccano Mega Brands Melissa and Doug My Wonder NATLL Orchard Toys Padgett Bros Paladone Products Paul Lamond Point Zero Games

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Exhibitor Will International Venom Yanki Toys Yes! Superbaby Aardvark Swift Recruitment NPD Group NATLL

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Exhibitor Gear 4 Games/Underground Toys Getretro.com Golden Bear Great Gizmos Halilit Halsall Hasbro H Grossman Hive Entertainment Imagination Games Inspired Gifts and Toys Interplay James Galt JC Games John Crane Jumbo Games Just Pals Kidkraft

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G.I. JOE is a highly trained, classified Special Operations Unit composed of men and women from around the globe.

Officially, these warriors don’t even exist. Few know the truth - that G.I. JOE fights a secret war, as the first and last line of defence against forces that seek to plunge our world into chaos. Wherever there’s trouble, G.I. JOE is there.

Over 1000 TVR’s

Movie release date: 14th August 2009

Exciting reveal at Hasbro Stand SN19, Toy Fair

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BANDAI

Bandai comes to Toy Fair with another strong line-up including buoyant boys’ property Ben 10 and perennial favourite Power Rangers, now in its 16th year, as well new lines in girls and pre-school.

Power Rangers Jungle Fury is the latest incarnation of the boys favourite, taking over from Operation Overdrive. The series is already airing on TV in the UK. The range launched in January and will be spread across the full year, with marketing support also planned.

The popular 12.5cm Sound Fury figures feature all of the Power Rangers – Tiger, Shark, Jaguar, Elephant, and Bat – and come equipped with a shock sensor sound feature, which activates the sounds effects as they are played with. Jungle Fury Cheetah Ranger and Evil Space Aliens are also available. In March the Savage Spin Rangers will arrive, with an arm spinning feature activated by

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the dial on the back of the Ranger. The faster it spins, the more the Ranger lights up. The 12.5cm Animalized figures come with battle gear which configures into a weapon.

Moving up the range, the 30cm Mega Action Figures feature three interchangeable helmet plates – Ranger, Battlized and Training. Sounds and phrases are activated by a button and each comes with authentic weapons and the Fireball accessories can be combined to make a Super Tiger Weapon.

Micro Animal Zord sets include various animal Zords which can be combined to create a vehicle or Megazord. The Strike Rider Animal cycles include three modes of play – cycle mode, attack mode and bite mode. Each is equipped with a missilefiring action and every vehicle comes with a fully poseable action figure. The Thunder Roar Animal vehicles transform from vehicle mode to Zord

mode. Each has a missile-firing option and a Power Rangers figure.

The traditional role-play range includes the wrist-held Morpher, the Wolf Ranger Morpher, as well as the Solar Morpher clip-on headset, which features three interchangeable Ranger shields – Red Tiger, Blue Jaguar and Yellow Cheetah.

Tiger Battle Claws are also new and feature motion-activated sound effects. Completing the role-play range are the Jungle Tonfah Staff with Shock Sensor and sounds and the Claw Cannon Air Blaster, which is released in March.

The top of the range figures are the Transforming Beast Master Megazord which features five animal Zords, which can be combined to make the Beast Master Megazord. The Jungle Pride Megazord combines the Tiger, Jaguar and Cheetah Fury Zords. The Zord tails can be attached to make a spinning weapon for the Megazord.

Lastly, the Deluxe Jungle Master Megazord is the top of the range item and can throw a Swinging Thunder punch and use its spinning arms to move across any flat surface.

Ben 10 Alien Force is the next chapter in the Ben 10 story and moves the plot on five years, with Ben able to transform himself into a new bunch of aliens as he searches for his missing grandfather. Some 26 episodes of the new show will be shown on Cartoon Network from February.

New lines include the Alien Creation figure sets. Each set contains two 6.5cm figures, an alien key and a recipe card. Aliens can be mixed and matched to create new creatures. Also available are 10cm figures which come with a card and a transparent minifigure. The Deluxe Alien Collection each comes with an individual feature (such as Brain Storm’s mouldable brain). The 15cm DNA Alien Figures each have a unique battle feature:

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Planetary Powder can be added to Swampfire to make him ooze goo; Chromastone is transparent, with a liquid arm; Humungous has flexing muscles and a jaw opening action.

The 20cm Alien Action Figures are two toys in one. The Humungosaur transforms into a DNA missile launcher, while Jet Ray can be launched like a glider. There’s also a range of stretch aliens including Swampfire, Waybig and Humungosaur. Alien vehicles are also available, as is Kevin Levin’s Action Cruiser, which features DNA alien capsules filled with Planetary Powder.

Hero item is the Alien Creation Chamber, which can be used with the 6.5cm figures to create new alien combinations with a twist of chamber dial. New Omnitrix items include the Omnitrix Projector, which projects the selected alien onto a surface, and the Ultimate Omnitrix which can be used in conjunction with the transparent

figures from the 10cm figure range to create a light-up transforming effect.

In the standard Ben 10 range, the Deluxe Omnitrix becomes available from May. The newest Tamagotchi version is Music Star, which sees the electronic pets nurtured to become pop-stars.

They can choose their instruments, attend auditions, perform and even marry other band members.

The launch will be backed with a new online environment, eyecatching fresh packaging and each Tamagotchi comes with a plectrumstyle chain charm.

Star Friends are a range of new 36cm function dolls with realistic features and virtual pet-type interaction. They are available with a complete range of accessories including a stroller, bed and additional outfits. The virtual pet that comes with each doll can be used to help sooth or entertain.

Key for tweens are a new range of mini-dolls and play-sets which open to reveal different themes. The dolls’ bodies and outfits can be mixed and matched. Each doll comes with a key used to unlock the different themed playsets. The line includes Adventure World dolls and Princess World, plus Small Adventure World and Small Princess World sets.

Lastly, Harumika is a new girls fashion concept which allows girls to create fashion design on special mannequins, out of any type of fabric.

Each set contains two mannequins and a variety of fabrics and accessories including stickers, flowers and ribbons. The range launches in May.

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FLAIR

Toy Fair 2009 will see Flair step up to the mark with its new creative play ranges reinforcing the company’s position in the sector, whilst heritage brands and new concepts, including a collection of feature dolls, should open up further horizons.

One new product in the world of girls’ creative play is Wammy. This is the patented, tactile new toy from Japan that allows a girl to make whatever she wants using multicoloured common-shaped pieces.

Each soft, pliable piece can be flexed and connected in a variety of ways to create anything from small, cute models of animals to huge themed scenes. There are many sized kits to

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collect, from themed packs of 18 pieces to a bumper 200-piece set.

Each set contains pastel-coloured Wammy pieces, plus detailed instructions showing project ideas to get a girl started, but once she has the Wammy habit a girl’s imagination will be the only limit. Wammy will be supported by a massive TV campaign plus covermounts, point of sale materials and in-store demo DVD. Disney licensed creative play sets featuring Hannah Montana, High School Musical and Disney Princess are also high on the agenda with a completely new range. Each set has been designed to incorporate key features from each licence, such as

the Fairytale Beadazzles, a kit that takes its inspiration from sun-catchers to create a bejewelled tiara, wand and looking glass.

Brand new for Flair this year is a range of feature dolls that has already sold well in Italy, France and Spain.

The Cicciobello Love & Care doll is unlike most others on the market as it’s a boy doll with a nurturing play pattern. The doll is fully interactive and responds to tender loving care.

When he cries his cheeks glow and it’s time to take his temperature with the ear thermometer. The play pattern is random and the girl has to decide whether he is hungry or thirsty, or if he is unwell. By testing whether it’s his

bottle of juice, milk or medicine needed, or maybe an injection that is required, she will find a way to make him well again and help him settle down to a restful sleep.

Flair’s Sylvanian Families will continue to be a huge part of the company’s portfolio with new themes and play-sets for spring and autumn 2009. Early in the year the Village Square, with its Applewood Department Store, will be introduced together with a retro-styled Caravan, perfect for towing behind the very popular Family Car. Then, for autumn, a new mode of transport in the form of the Sylvanian Families Pleasure Boat will be added together with further

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Village Square play-sets and a new mid-price family home called Babblebrook Manor.

For boys, the Gormiti collection will continue to grow. Series 2 has just been launched with a new range of collectable 3D figures and play-sets including the rock shaped Cavern of Roscamar play-set, home to the People of the Earth, featuring moving platforms, hiding places and a working catapult.

For spring, there’s the Lords of the Tribes 5 Figure Box Set which makes the perfect gift for the Gormiti collector, while Gormiti Magic Eggs have exclusive figures from Series 2 buried deep within them.

Also, Magnetic 12cm Figures and the fully poseable 22cm Light and Sound Figures will add a new dimension to the brand.

Continual development will see an entirely new collection arrive for autumn when the Gormiti Atomic range is launched with more collectable 3D figures and play-sets.

This series comes with special features such as glow in the dark, colour changing and transparent properties. Also supporting the range will be a new outdoor toy in the form of a Gormiti lightweight scooter and, entering the electronics market, a mini Gormiti LCD game at pocket money prices. Gormiti will be supported

throughout the year by heavyweight TV advertising and continual PR including covermounts, advertorials and consumer competitions.

Last, but not least, is a new boys’ concept that will satisfy those with a need for speed. GX Racers is a new brand of track cars. Designed around the power of the gyro, these 1:64 scale cars have patented techonology, achieving extreme speed and performing stunts.

Interchangeable, stylised speed and stunt gyros will drive collectability. New play-sets, focusing on speed or stunts, at different pricepoints will be available from autumn, all of which will have solid TV support.

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HASBRO

For boys, the three big blockbusters of the year are the long awaited live action GI Joe movie; the second Transformers film – Revenge of the

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Fallen; and Wolverine, a prequel to the popular X-Men trilogy. Each film will be supported with a wide selection of figures, vehicles and role-play toys,

such as the Wolverine Battle Claw that includes retractable claws and sound effects, and an all new Transformers voice changer helmet.

Next year will see the continued support for the Star Wars: Clone Wars animated series that will continue to be shown on Sky Movies into 2009, and then transfers to the Cartoon Network in February. Fans of the series can get their hands on more of their favourite characters and vehicles, including the Turbo Tank hero product.

There will also be new figures from the Build a Droid and Legends ranges, as well as an six-inch remote controlled R2D2 that includes a 360-degree spinning head.

The girls range will have two strong reinventions – Strawberry Shortcake and My Little Pony. Strawberry Shortcake returns with a totally new look and the range will include strawberry scented figures, play-sets and mini plushes.

My Little Pony will also be getting an update and the introduction of a new range, the Newborn Cuties, that are a smaller version of the popular Newborn range. The main figures are set to have more distinctive figures, with slimmer frames, larger eyes and more defined feet.

The pre-school sector sees the return of the Care Bears.

CHARACTER OPTIONS

Character Options will launch a host of new products at Toy Fair, across both existing and new licences and brands.

The major launch for 2009 is the highly detailed HM Forces range, which covers all three of the armed forces in both figures and vehicles.

This will be supported by Character’s

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Available from autumn, the key focus are the plushes, with six core characters that will include light-up bellies. The Big Hug Bear is set for release for the end of the year with other characters due in 2010.

In games, Hasbro will be bringing out new variations of some all-time favourites – Connect 4, Battleship, Trivial Pursuit and Cranium. The new Connect 4 includes a ‘pop-out’ option in the bottom so players can either start with a full grid and pop-out checkers to win, or pop-out opponent’s checkers. Battleship Reinvention introduces a hexagonal battlefield as a vertical design brings the game to a different level. With the latest version of Trivial Pursuit, player’s moves are judged by the difficulty level of their questions, so if they answer a level six question they move six spaces. Cranium, which was acquired by Hasbro in 2008, returns with new questions and two additional games – family and junior.

Collectables will also be big for Hasbro in 2009 with 300 additional animals being added to the Littlest Pet Shop range, including the new Deco Pets that can be personalised with gems, stickers and glitters. The major collectables range for boys will be the Super Hero Squad Marvel Universe figures and Star Wars Galactic Heroes.

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most comprehensive marketing launch to date.

The Scooby Doo range has been refreshed and the collectible range of Mystery Mates is being launched. The range consists of 24 figures sold in packs of two, with a good and a bad guy in each. There are also additional

new vehicles to go with the figures, along with the Mystery Mansion.

Dork Hunters from Outer Space is based on the popular GMTV series.

The range consists of all seven main characters as five-inch action figures, with accessories, stink blasters and scratch and sniff stickers.

The range also includes Eddie’s Car and a Dork Detector. Terminator Salvation is one of the biggest film licences for the next year. The Playmates range includes 3¾ inch, sixinch and ten-inch figures, role-play items, the Deluxe T600 Fist and a Terminator Voice Changer Mask.

Disney plays a major part in the girls’ range with a new Hannah Montana series of audio and electronic lines including guitars, keyboards and microphone and stand sets. The High School Musical range includes the activity products of Hop-It Skip-It and Hoola hoop alongside a range of audio electronic and fashion items.

The Disney Princess line-up includes a great range of Mini Princesses and play-sets. There is also a range of Snow White toys including a styling head and a new Wedding carriage.

Also launching is the new Let’s Cook brand. Building from the awardwinning Cupcake Maker, there will be a new Cake Bakery and Sweet range.

Additionally there is the healthy Fruit Factory for making smoothies, shakes and lollies. Joining the pre-school portfolio is the new Postman Pat SDS range. This has been developed around the new Special Delivery Service series. The new range includes figures, vehicles and building playsets. The vehicles include a Special Delivery van and a helicopter. In plush there is a range of eight-inch figures and a 12-inch Pilot Pat Talking Plush.

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MEGA BRANDS

MagNext is the firm’s lead product for this year. Must-have additions to this multi award-winning range include new System Assortments Tube, Deluxe, Ultimate and Tricks assortments with free ideas booklets boasting a range of build ideas. The System Ultimate Vehicle set sees the introduction of ‘Jack’, the new MagNext figure.

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For girls, MagNext Creations delivers new themes, play patterns, colours and graphics, including new sets such as the Core, Tube, Deluxe and Ultimate, offering girly build ideas, plus special parts to allow for decorative finishing touches.

MagNexts’ iPark is a magnetic amusement park. New to the range is the Furious Wheel, which is a magnetic

Ferris wheel with a number of lighting effects. The iCoaster features 20 extreme build options, new stunts, a light effect magnetic elevator and MP3 compatibility.

Battle Strikers is the very first battling top that does not require a string or ripcord to rip into battling action. Using the power of magnetic attraction, the ‘Turbo Launcher’

VIVID IMAGINATIONS

SN37 The year begins with strong TV and movie boy-oriented licences. Monsters vs Aliens launches in April with an action figure toy line, while the Dinosaur King range will start shipping and TV-promoting in February.

Elsewhere for boys, 2009 sees more WWE figure series and play-sets with TV advertising. GX Racers is a new mini vehicle line that uses gyro technology to enable vehicles to do racing stunts. The range will be TV-advertised from August onwards.

Girls toys are key for 2009.

Toys and electronic lines for tween series iCarly will launch in July with TV advertising. Vivid’s High School Musical tween electronics will expand to coincide with the planned launch of the fourth movie in the autumn.

Vivid has two new contenders in the large doll market. PJ Sparkles, a hit back in the ‘80s, is re-launched with enhanced features, while Baby Sweet Touch is a feature doll also being TV-supported from September.

Lucky Bee-Bee is a new girls collectable range targeted at ages six to tweens. This year, the brand will be TV-promoted in spring and autumn, retailing at sub-£20. A full line of plush

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(controller) will let kids battle it out, mixing and matching the four ‘modes’ of battle with the 16 individual designs. Streetz is the first construction system to feature Mega’s new Touch Command technology, bringing micro-sized vehicles to life through the power of a child’s hand.

Realistic urban street scenes packed full of stunts and tricks can be built up using the Streetz Stunt Series.

Additional stunt combinations and dramatic tricks can be created with the Streetz Advanced Series, Marvel Stunt Studios and Police Chase sets.

There are also new additions to the core Mega Bloks range. The Scoop and Dump Truck, 2-in-1 Rescue Fire Station and 2-in-1 Learn to Recycle Truck are sturdy freewheeling trucks that provide open-ended role-play fun.

The Fire and Recycle trucks easily convert into a fire station or recycle centre for added play value. Perfect for small hands with big imaginations is the new 3-in-1 Build-a-Town Table.

Including 20 blocks, building plates, decorated wall-plates, a car and fun figure for imaginative building and fun play, it can also be folded away for easy storage and transporting.

New licences will also be announced for 2009, including In the Night Garden, Wonder Pets and Yo Gabba Gabba.

toys from the CBBC hit show The Owl will also be launched in spring.

Moving on, and Crayola will be supported by a record ten TV campaigns across the year. New introductions include Colour Me A Song, Crazy Croc, 3-in-1 Sticker Machine, Spinaroo Magic Colour and Glow Station.

Pre-school is now Vivid’s largest category thanks to Fifi & the Flowertots, Roary the Racing Car, Winnie The Pooh and i-Teddy. New for this summer is Timmy Time from Aardman Animations.

Fifi will enjoy six TV campaigns, while new for the Roary collection this year are 12 new lines with six TV-advertised items across the range. i-Teddy 2.0 will also launch with new high definition screen, greater memory, new styling and more embedded games.

My Pet Monster was a hit in the ‘90s with its boys pre-school plush positioning. In 1991 it retailed for £29.99 and this year Vivid will relaunch with additional talking feature plush for £24.99.

This year sees the introduction of a new TV-advertised dual blaster set. RDoggee is a high-tech interactive, street rapping, joke telling pet dog targeted at boys aged four plus. Guitar Blast, available in July and TV-advertised from September, is a game-based high-tech guitar that teaches classic rock guitar riffs and scores their performance.

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RE:CREATION

Just before Christmas, it was announced that the company was going to handle Popco toy brands in the UK, Ireland and Europe through 2010, in a deal that will see the firm handling the toys for the next Harry Potter film.

No sooner had the dust settled on that news, Re:Creation was appointed as UK distribution partner for Sprig

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Toys, commencing with the Sprig Adventure Series.

Elsewhere, jOG is a Wii product where each character only moves when you do. The Nano Scooter is the smallest ever folding scooter. Razor is the leading global brand in wheeled action sports-based product and the brand’s RipStik product was named Toy of the Year in the US last year.

A national 14-week TV campaign running periodically from the end of July through to Christmas will target children aged eight to 14.

Skeleflex, the construction system that comes to life, will be the subject of a full-year national TV campaign running periodically from January to Christmas primarily aimed at boys aged four to nine.

UPPER DECK

Chop Socky Chooks is a range of merchandise based on the Cartoon Network show, while Zeebeez will have a full year national TV campaign.

Disney Consumer Electronics represents a major opportunity for Re:Creation, while there is a new Stylophone variation in the shape of Beat Box and H2Go is a water powered remote control car.

SM59 2009 will see Upper Deck not only launch a range of new products, but also launch into a range of new categories.

For the first time, the company will be showcasing a line of innovative pre-school products, starting with a moving puzzle called Scrolly. The totally selfcontained puzzle for children aged three-plus years has seven different puzzles to create. Scrolly will launch Europe-wide from March featuring Disney licences.

Upper Deck will then extend its pre-school range with Kikaboo, a twist on a classic memory game featuring cards and a 3D element of figurines.

There’s also a new creative play product from Upper Deck called

Spongi and a sound-based toy called Crazy Soundz.

In addition to pre-school, it will also be showing its first ever range of toys, including the latest toy lines for Yu-Gi-Oh! 5Ds. Other Upper Deck products tipped to be hot for 2009 include the Dinosaur King Trading Card Game, based on the top rated TV series of the same name, and the brand new Huntik Trading Card Game based on the new TV series Huntik Secrets & Seekers, which has been running on Jetix from January.

The Huntik Trading Card Game will be launched in March 2009, featuring a Starter and Booster set containing a Learn to Play DVD and Huntik episode in every Starter Deck. Further sets will then launch in summer and autumn 2009.

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LEGO

Lego’s core ranges for 2009 are City, Bionicle, Star Wars and the all-new Power Miners, all supported with ‘big bang’ marketing.

Power Miners is a conflictorientated fantasy play-theme for boys aged seven to nine.

The range is based on miners who find a map leading to a portal taking them deep into earth, where they realise the crystals they are mining are crystal rock monsters. Vehicles, rock

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monsters and combination models make up the range, including the Stone Chopper, Mine Mech, Granite Grinder, Claw Digger, Crystal Sweeper and Thunder Driller.

A new construction theme launched for City last month and, in March, a Farm theme will be added with Police and Rescue remaining core.

In construction, building on the success of its power items, the firm will launch the Dozer.

Also launched last month were the Crane and Construction Site play-set.

Other new SKUs include mini-figure collections and a Loader and Dumper.

The Farm playset arrives in March, supported by TV. Other products include a Horse Trailer and Harvester.

Bionicle returns with a refreshed style, new storylines, a DVD release and a new location. In September, Universal will release the DVD Bionicle: Where Legends Are Made.

DKL

DKL is the UK distributor of Corolle Dolls, Wonderworld Wooden Toys, Hama Beads, Viking Plastic Toys and Uniset and has plenty to show.

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Some 13 SKUs launched in January including Agori, Glatorian, Fero and Skirmax. Ten more will hit shelves before the DVD in August with further TV activity.

To mark Lego and Star Wars moving into their tenth anniversary year together, six new SKUs were unveiled in January, including the Clone Walker Battle Pack and the Republic Attack Shuttle. A further six items will arrive in August.

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Corolle offers a range of premium quality dolls for babies through to preteens. Originating from France, they are steeped in French tradition and

come with an array of fashions and accessories. This year Corolle has expanded its collection with new dolls for every age range.

New to Babicorolle for infants from birth-plus are both small and large rag dolls. There are also additions to the Mon Premier Range of dolls for 18 months-plus.

New Calin Dolls, Calin Cheerful Lavender, a re-vamped Calin Darling and more are also planned. Tidoo Dolls will see new packaging that will emphasise the bathing benefit. They too have new dolls such as Tidoo Graceful and Tidoo Bright. New to the Les Classiques range is the Marie Doll, 42cm interactive doll that speaks six languages.

Wonderworld and softwood toys also has plenty of new products launching this year. The success achieved with the Eco House and Eco Games has led to additions of further Eco products such as the Eco Town Game. The new two storey Modern House has all rooms equipped with modern-looking furniture and a set of three family dolls.

A favourite on display at the DKL stand will be Hama beads. The product continues to offer the largest range of bead craft kits, including generic and top Disney licences.

Hama has a large range of accessories, various assortments of coloured beads, pegboards and design booklets.

They are totally safe and can be played with either individually or with a group of friends.

New to the large gift sets are Disney Cars and Woodland Friends.

Also available now are the new Lacing sets. These add a new dimension to Hama. A new pack dispenser is due in 2009, plus a raft of special offers.

Wall-E and Disney Princess are just two of the new licences that Uniset’s flagship range, Magic Stickers, will be heralding at Toy Fair.

Magic Stickers are travel sets aimed at keeping children on the move entertained. Each Magic Stickers set comprises a pictorial background on to which transferable stickers are placed to create a scene that can be simply changed by peeling the stickers off and moving elsewhere.

Uniset currently has licences for popular television and film characters including Thomas The Tank Engine, Barbie, Spider-man, My Little Pony and those under the umbrellas of Disney and Warner Brothers.

DKL accepts that its responsibility is to not only distribute these great brands, but also to offer customers comprehensive marketing and sales support, and to maintain a good level of brand awareness. To this end, their products can be seen regularly featured in high profile consumer marketing campaigns.

Also, Hama will be on television over Easter.

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GOLDEN BEAR

Golden Bear launches its brand new In the Night Garden nursery collection this year. The company has been awarded the nursery licence for the phenomenally successful pre-school brand and its new range will be targeted at babies aged from six to 18months old.

The collection will include a combination of fabric and plastic

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products, all based on characters such as Iggle Piggle and Daisy, as well as the imaginative graphics from the programme.

The nursery items comprise of travel toys, teethers and activity toys and include the Upsy Daisy and Iggle Piggle Tinkle Chimes, Tombliboos Twist and Play Toys and an In the Night Garden Travel Mobile.

The introduction of the My 1st JCB range in 2008 went very well for Golden Bear.

For 2009 the collection will be extended to include more lines of various construction vehicles, including Mini JCB Pull Backs based on the existing characters Joey JCB, Larry Loadall, Doug Dumptruck and Rex Roller. New character vehicles will also

ESDEVIUM

Pokémon continues to be key for Esdevium, with a new release of decks and boosters every four months, hitting a range of price points from pocket money to gift prices.

Meanwhile, joining the evergreen in the trading card game category this year is Chaotic.

The game is based upon a TV series of the same name and allows users to link online using the code found on

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be launched including Freddie Fast track, Elvis Excavator and a Talking Max – the fastest diesel car in the world.

The successful Peppa Pig range will be extended to include new wooden products. Based on Peppa and her family, the wooden range will reflect story themes from the animation such as Grandpa Pig’s Boat and his train. All items will enhance a child’s development skills.

The Thomas and Friends range will continue to be available throughout 2009, and the range includes the new character Victor. The Talking Thomas & Friends range remains in the top preschool licensed vehicles.

Golden Bear will also launch a diverse collection of Shaun the Sheep gifts at Toy Fair which will complement the existing toy range. The collection will feature a range of Shaun Plush with message t shirts, aprons, ear and hand muff, CD and mobile phone holders, mouse mats and car accessories. The appeal of this Aardman character extends to tween, teens and adults alike and the 2009 ranges will reflect this, with products aimed at the wider audience to maximise sales In addition, the Charlie and Lola collection will be extended to include new plush items, as well as the introduction of Sizzles the Dog.

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each card, enabling them to play the game for free with other collectors across the world.

Elsewhere, Esdevium is also a main distributor of a diverse range of collectibles, which grows annually and includes Upper Deck, Topps, Wizards of the Coast, Match Attax and many more. In order to appeal to a wider range of retailers, many companies are also now looking to develop items

specific to the toy trade, including collectors’ tins and games, which will enhance the offering of the products.

Late in 2008, Esdevium signed a deal for the distribution of a children’s games company.

Rocket’s portfolio includes heritage board games including Blow Football, Mousie Mousie, Tell Me Quiz, Multipuzzle, Floundering and Car Capers with larger boxes such as

Coppit, Misfits, The House That Jack Built and Flying Hats.

The final main string to Esdevium’s bow is the specialist game sector.

Axis Allies is introducing a 50th anniversary edition to celebrate the key milestone. World of Warcraft will introduce licensed versions including a Lord of the Rings game.

Catan, Carcassonne and Ticket to Ride also continue to sell steadily.

SHOW GUIDE

www.toynewsmag.com

JUMBO GAMES

Jumbo Games will have many new developments at Toy Fair 2009.

The Wasgij brand, which has to date sold over 2.3 million units in the UK, undergoes a refresh. The packaging has been redesigned to strengthen the communication of the brand to the end consumer and new box sizes have also been developed for different distribution channels.

The Falcon Deluxe brand has also undergone a makeover with new pack

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colours, new images and additional piece counts. Furthermore, a new brand of decade puzzles is also being introduced bringing the best from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s.

The children’s puzzle category has also been strengthened this year with new licensed properties including the new Mr Men Show and Fireman Sam (in his latest CGI format), plus properties with a proven and strong heritage such as the Teletubbies.

Jumbo will also be unveiling a range of new developments for its successful pre-school Peppa Pig range. New products include a story puzzle, a new, larger floor puzzle and many refreshes within the existing line. There is even a new electronic game within the range called Tumble & Spin. With music and sounds from the TV animation, children will be able to help Peppa Pig find all of her friends in this game of hide and seek.

There will also be new ranges of games to grow the line that features hit games such as the Disney Princess Magic Mirror game. The new introductions feature some of the most established kids and tweens properties including Peppa Pig, Mr Men, Power Rangers and Hannah Montana. There are also developments for Stratego, including an all-new version based on the high profile Clone Wars property.

SJ37 In the learning toys category there’s a new range of products featuring the friendly dog character, Scout, first seen on ClickStart My First Computer. There’s an eponymous plush dog which can be programmed with personalised, downloadable educational content, for example, songs and games including a child’s name and favourite colours.

Also available will be an on-thego phonics tablet, a PDA that introduces early maths, time-telling and letters and a writing product that teaches letter formation through gameplay.

In the reading category, where the launch of Tag was the big event for Christmas 2008, the new news is in the licences that will expand the product’s library of interactive books. The library will be more than double its 2008 size by the end of the year and will feature some of the best performing licences for boys and girls aged four to eight.

In the educational gaming category, Leapster2, the connected educational gaming handheld will be further enhanced with a range of additional online elements including more rewards (certificate, activities and game downloads) and five more software titles featuring licensed characters.

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SHOW GUIDE

MECCANO

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The next item to be released from the seven-strong range is Spykee Mini Vox, a voice-controlled robot, which has eight voice orders including: movement, dance and attack. His inbuilt sound and light system activate as he whizzes about to voice commands on his speedy wheels.

Mini Vox’s arms and legs can be positioned into different poses and he makes multicolour facial expressions.

The Spykee range is suitable for seven years and over.

Also new to the UK market are Micro Kits, which make an ideal counter display product at the pocket money price of £3.99. Four metal models – a bi-plane, racer, helicopter and F1 car – are offered to retail as a 12-piece assortment together with a counter display unit. Suitable for eight-plus.

Also new is the Metal Robot Assortment, which offers sets to build small and large robots within the sixstrong range. All pieces of the set are packed in a tin and the robots are easy to build and are suitable for children age eight and over.

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Flexible metal and metallic paint feature in the Design Vehicle construction sets, suitable for boys aged eight and over. The new Design R/C Concept Car, which contains parts to build three vehicles, is set for release next year. The pack includes a remote control with all functions: forward, rear, left and right and is packaged in a flip-top box.

For children with a passion for the fast and furious, there is the Tuning R/C Carbon Style Car (£39.99), which uses a nuts and bolts construction system based upon new and innovative parts in flexible metal for children eight and over. The set comes with a full remote control system, parts to construct three models and colourful stickers to allow the child to customise their racing car.

Sue Barratt, country manager for Meccano Toys UK, said: “2009 is an exciting year for Meccano. The ranges are becoming more and more progressive, whist continuing to maintain our construction roots.

“Spykee has been a huge success this year – we look forward to the release of the other robots throughout next year. The new Micro and Robot kits are great introduction to Meccano and the careful price point selection offers great value to the customer and retailer too.”

SJ43 The Mrs Goodbee house launched into ELC and independents last year and will roll out to all retailers this year.

RC2 has added refreshments to the Family and Friends collection this month, with another to launch in May. Two new SKUs will be added to Special Moments in July.

The firm will add a new Happy Camper line to the Caring Corners brand in July, focusing on the Great Outdoors. The hero product for the range will be the Happy Camper itself – a camper van which opens up to unveil an intricate interior with 100 activities, sounds and words.

The rest of the Happy Camper range includes the Family and Friends assortment – a figure with an accessory, such as Nature Walk, which includes Dad and a dog. Fun Times Assortment will launch with two themes, Keep Nature Green and Picnic in Paradise, which include figures, animals and accessories.

The Happy Camper Special Moments assortment will feature two sets, including Caring for Critters and Backroads Biking.

The range was supported by 400 TVRs in 2008 and a similar campaign is set to run through 2009, with advertising planned for March and April and then again in Q4.

Thomas & Friends will see 22 new lines and six new characters this year.

Highlights include a new carry case, a water tower figure-of-eight track and

Wellsworth Station, complete with lights and sounds.

The cherry on the cake is Knapford Rail Express, featuring lights and sounds, a flip-up mail car and a Thomas figure. Knapford will be promoted with a 20-second advert in H2, with 600-650 TVRs planned.

The Thomas and Friends Wooden Railway series will see eight new and three relaunched characters and a ‘Happy Birthday’ Thomas Gift Pack.

At Easter, a new Thomas and Rosie 17-piece set will be launched with TV support. In the second half, the hero line will be the Thomas-saurus Rex Set with figure-of-eight track and a T-Rex tunnel. The set will be supported with 650 TVRs in Q4.

The Wooden Railway range has also enjoyed a packaging redesign with window panels and ‘Great Value’ flashes. On the play-sets, images of the contents are exploded on the side of the box giving a clearer idea of what is included. Retailers will be supplied with yearbooks and in-store support, but the greatest benefit is likely to be the price, which remains static.

The evergreen Britains range appeals to children and adults alike.

The latest line-up, launched last August, is Big Farm, a 1:16 scale plastic collection developed to hit a younger age bracket. Six products will be added to the range in 2009, including a John Deere 4WD tractor and a Chevrolet pick-up.

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CASSIDY BROTHERS

SC09 New for 2009 will be a number of Casdon Classic creations, including the Postman Pat Steering Wheel, which simulates driving the new Special Delivery Service van.

The wheel features Pat’s voice and realistic sound effects including a horn, revving engine, gear changes and braking.

Flashing indicators and the catchy Special Delivery Service theme tune complete the interactive package.

The George Foreman Toy Grill is also being unveiled, a toy version of the famous grilling machine, which includes an imitation side hot plate and features realistic sizzling sounds and various pieces of play food. The real grills are known for draining fat from the food as it cooks and this functionality is simulated by the child pressing a large button and water dripping into the tray below.

CORINTHIAN

Following a busy year with In My Pocket, Corinthian is now ready to canter into 2009 with the introduction of Pony In My Pocket and a host of new additions to the existing Puppy and Jungle ranges.

In My Pocket fans have been keen to see a horse theme included in the range of collectables, so the launch of Pony In My Pocket will no doubt prove to be popular. With a variety of figure

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packs starting at £3.99, and three new Pony themed playsets from £11.99, the young collectors are going to have plenty of choice at pocket money prices.

Puppy and Jungle In My Pocket are also undergoing a refresh in 2009, as Corinthian looks to add more play value to the collectables offering.

Following the success of the Dalmatian babies with colour changing

nappies in the Pocketville Hospital playset, this feature is now being rolled out in the Mum & Babies packs so girls can see if their newborns are boys or girls.

In addition, there are now Super Furry double flocked Puppies and Jungle animals in selected blister types with ‘try me’ packaging, so children can feel how soft and fuzzy the figures are to touch.

Also new to the world of In My Pocket playsets is the Puppy Ski Lodge, Puppy Dreamhouse, Elephant Hut and Koala Hut, which all come with exclusive figures and start from just £11.99.

Corinthian will also be showcasing its latest confectionery lines at Toy Fair this year, alongside some new developments for its other key licences, including Disney and Ben 10.

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POINT ZERO GAMES

The company’s first product is Army Of Zero – a card and dice game in which two players pit their team of warriors against each other.

Players use their judgement to pick the right character to use at the right time, and second-guess their

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opponent to choose when to attack and when to defend. The game is designed to be quick and easy to learn and play, encouraging children and their parents to play together.

The game’s unusual feature is that the deck of eighty-four character cards

hides a series of puzzles. The person who submits the best solution before the closing date will win a cash prize.

The puzzles are aimed at older children and adults, making the product one that appeals to a wide range of consumers.

EEZEE KRICKET

From Barbados, the Caribbean island that produced Sir Garfield Sobers, the greatest cricketer the world has arguably ever known, comes the international award-winning cricket trivia board game EeZee Kricket – the teaching, learning game.

An educational family game for age eight to adult, it comes with easy and

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The game is supported by a community-based website, which works by encouraging players to become engaged with the game characters and to use their creativity to contribute to the background of the game.

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more challenging questions, and players can add their own commentary as the game progresses.

Eezee Kricket captures all the nuances of the limited overs game in a handy, portable kit. Before the game begins, competing teams agree the number of overs. Bowling an over is simulated by throwing a dice six times,

and as the batsman moves around the board depending on the throw of the dice, runs and extras are scored and a batsman may lose his wicket by landing on an “OUT’ (Bowl, Caught, LBW, etc) square. When this event occurs, the batsman is required to answer a cricket trivia question. If the batsman answers the question

correctly the score is incremented by one. If the batsman fails to answer the trivia question he loses his wicket.

Competing teams bowl overs on an alternate basis to maximize strategy and fun.

At the end of the agreed number of overs, the team with the highest score wins the game.

SHOW GUIDE SPIN MASTER

Spin Master has plenty on display this year including Bakugan, which will be a major range on show. The strategic move for the brand will be to focus on new SKUs which convert collectors into gamers while highlighting special attack features, strategy and skill.

The extended range will include large Deka Bakugan, card boosters, collectors cases and accessories.

Bakugan will be supported with a major marketing campaign and a new series of the cartoon is scheduled for spring on Cartoon Network.

Moon Sand more than doubled its market share in 2008, making it the number four biggest property in arts and crafts (according to NPD data, Oct YTD).

The 2009 range will include new play-sets aimed at girls and boys and will have an increased TV campaign supporting three SKUs, which will kick off in spring with TV support for Cement City and Ponies, followed by Amusement Park in Autumn.

Following from Spin Master’s success as the fastest growing supplier in arts and crafts, it will also be launching Bendaroos and Paperoni into the category.

Bendaroos is aimed at boys and girls aged five to nine years. These are flexible sticks available in rainbow, neon or glow in the dark, and adhere to paper, windows and walls, but lift away for play and hold their shape. Bendaroos offer open-ended play at a range of price points and will be backed by TV, PR and a sampling campaign.

Paperoni is a paper creation activity which lets kids design, build, display and even wear their own 2D and 3D paper creations without heating, gluing or mess. The range will be supported by TV and print advertising, PR and an in-store merchandising programme.

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Air Hogs continues to develop its core range of flying toys and R/C vehicles with a 25 per cent growth in consumer sales (NPD Oct YTD) is number two in the R/C vehicle market. Air Hogs celebrates ten years in Flying Toys this year and has achieved its success by constantly

launching product backed by its consumer helpline. Zero Gravity Micro continues into 2009 with a selection of new decals and frequencies. TV adverts return to our screens at Easter.

Yo Gabba Gabba makes its national UK launch of characters, vehicles and Groovin’ Guitar in spring.

The main feature of the range are interactive music and dance toys which not only appeal to kids, but have established a cult following with DJs (Scott Mills – Radio 1), celebrities (Jack Black) and adults alike. The range will be extended in the autumn with the addition of a number of entry priced puzzles, card games and the ultimate TV advertised Dancing Brobee to support the character show on Nick Jnr. Tech Deck will see a selection of new skateparks launched during the year along with continually updated graphics across the boards. A new range for extreme sports fans will be Flick Trix – miniature, authentic replicas of BMX bikes with working parts for ‘riding’ and performing jumps, spins and cool tricks.

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WICKED VISION

Known for launching new products into the UK toy, sports and gadget markets, Wicked Vision is debuting its 2009 range at this year’s Toy Fair with an all-new stand on show.

First up is Rangs Magic, a range of accurate and versatile sports boomerangs. One of the biggest

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selling range of boomerangs in the world and manufactured in the UK, they are even exported back to Australia.

The Wicked range of sports toys will also be on show. The line-up features eye-catching packaging and creative designs and has a number of new

products for 2009. The Funkix series, the first intelligent, high-tech footbags based on the Hacky Sack (an international craze during the ‘80s), will also be on display.

Additionally, the firm has acquired the UK distribution of two new lines.

Goplay is a magnetic travel games

range, offering classic games updated with a contemporary twist, including Snakes and Ladders, Car Racing, Bingo, and Football. The firm will also be distributing Duncan Yoyos in 2009.

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With a small but unique range of Feel Good products for children aimed at building confidence and self esteem, the company’s main product is the board game Feel Good Faces, which recently won silver at the annual Good Toy Awards.

A family game that helps children to build positive beliefs and explore different feelings, Feel Good Faces is non-competitive so there are no losers just lots of sharing and caring.

Children act out different feelings, answer questions on what they are good at and why they are special and carry out tasks while turning the characters’ faces from sad to happy.

Feel Good Friends are four multicultural characters which feature in all Feel Good Friends products: Tiggy Tutu, Roly Rainbow, Pippin Pocket and Betty Brightstar. They each help children in a different way to feel good about themselves and their world.

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SHOW GUIDE YES! SUPERBABY

Finalist at the Nursery World Awards and Winner of the Practical Pre-School Awards, Yes! SuperBaby is a UK toy company exhibiting for the first time at Toy Fair 2009.

Yes! SuperBaby’s Miracle Scarf and Band encourage little ones to discover their mobility and explore their senses, combining play with educational benefits to bring parent and child closer.

“We already export our innovative infant toys to nine

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countries, so it is time to start exhibiting at the London and Nuremberg Toy Fairs,” explained Susanne Chishti, director of Yes! SuperBaby. “Our products help the stimulation of baby’s senses and bonding between parent and baby.

“Letting your child play with the Yes! SuperBaby range creates a feeling of happiness and closeness. Special memories which all parents long for in these turbulent economic times.”

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JOHN CRANE

John Crane is the UK distributor for PINTOY, GoGo Toys, TOLO, TOLO Baby and Branching Out. Branching Out is the firm’s own brand collection and exploits its vast experience in wooden toys, high quality plastic and design. This year sees the introduction of over 50 new

JUST PALS Little Pals will be exhibiting its range of garden tools to keep little hands busy.

The Garden Kit, which comes in bright pink and green or blue and green, contains a bucket, hand trowel, hand fork, two plant markers and a pair of groovy gloves, jam-packed into a fabric carry bag, so there is plenty of fun to be had helping out in the garden.

For those rainy, indoor days, kids can design their own rain mac and brolly. The kit contains a mac in pink and green or blue and green and four paint pens. You can visit Little Pals at Toy Fair in the Greenhouse Section, or take a look at www.justpals.co.uk for the complete range.

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items to the Branching Out range, including pocket money toys, nursery toys, puzzles and small world play.

The Acorn Garage will appeal to all budding mechanics, with its three tiers, there is plenty of space for cars to be fixed then filled up with petrol from the pumps on-site and there is

even a car wash so young motorists can get their cars returned to them in tip-top condition.

Alternatively, the Little Cottage harks back to countryside holidays, and with its pink roof and chocolatebox styling, it has an obvious appeal to young girls.

Finally, the Branching Out collection also caters for the tiniest of customers with a range of new mini push-alongs, Sliding Snails, which feature brightly coloured shells and smiley faces.

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SHOW GUIDE MARTIN YAFFE/BORN TO PLAY

Born to Play is set to arrive at Toy Fair ‘09 with a host of new licences and products representing its biggest portfolio to date.

A new range of LazyTown spring/summer and autumn/winter products will be showcased following the firm’s appointment as master toy licensee. The spring/summer collection will boast a range of play items aimed at getting children outdoors and active. Scooters, skateboards, play balls and skate sets will all be on display in Sportacus blue and Stephanie pink colourways, inspired by the show’s 50/50 gender split.

Sportacus and Stephanie will have to watch out for Pinky and Perky bursting on to Born to Play’s stand.

The first products under the new master toy licence will be unveiled at Toy Fair, inspired by the themes in the CBBC show.

Born to Play will continue to develop its Friction Vehicle range for Bob the Builder in 2009, with the introduction of a new baby vehicle making its debut appearance in the new CGI series. A new addition to the Snap Trax range is the Bob Vehicle and Crane Play Set, which can be connected to other sets in the range.

Growth for Fireman Sam continued throughout 2008 with the Activity Fire Station – and 2009 will see the launch of new outdoor play items, vehicles and furniture. The new CGI programming, which launched on DVD last year and will broadcast from February, has inspired new products including Wind-Up Floating Neptune.

2009 is set to be an exciting year for Born to Play and Little Princess.

The royal rogue and the narrator of the show, Julian Clary, stole the show last year; once again Little Princess will be one of the key licences. The spring/summer range will feature a Greenhouse Play House, lunchware and play balls, with new plush and pram sets planned for launch in autumn/winter 2009.

Wheeled toys under Born to Play’s new Wonder Pets licence will launch

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in autumn/winter 2009. Scooters, trikes and skates will form part of the range, which will feature Linny the Guinea Pig, Turtle Tuck and Ming Ming Duckling. To support the Wonder Pets consumer product release plan, Nick Jr will be scheduling heavyweight TV coverage and online activity.

Born to Play will also be unveiling new additions to its Fisher-Price outdoor play and wheeled toy ranges.

The spring/summer 2009 wheeled range consists of trikes and scooters and further products will roll out throughout the year. The first outdoor products, the Farm Play-Set and Teeter Totter Tractor Rocker, have been carefully developed by Born to Play and Fisher-Price’s specialist design teams. Both are manufactured at MYI’s UK factory.

Outdoor play item such as Sand & Water Play Sets, roto moulded play centres, sports sets and inflatables feature heavily in Born to Play’s ‘09 product offering. In the Night Garden, Bob the Builder, Fisher Price, Lazy Town and Thomas & Friends products will all be on show.

In the boys’ area there will be a number of products available with the launch of new Power Rangers Jungle Fury wheeled toys and Ben 10 play balls. Meanwhile, girls will love the new colourways on the Dora the Explorer wheeled items.

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WOW TOYS

SF01 Now in its second decade, Wow will be celebrating by launching Best Buddies at Toy Fair. There are six figure and animal sets and each Best Buddy contains a character figure with its best friend. Each are ‘boy and girl’ themed and can be used with other toys from the range. The sets include a Medieval Knight and Green Dragon, Farmer and Muddy Pig, Girl and Cute Lamb, Fireman and Cat and Astronaut and Funny Alien. These toys are intended for mothers’ impulse buying, treats and birthday party bags. They come presented in a display tray pack with eighteen pieces, three of each version

UNIVERSITY GAMES University Games introduces The Splatter Mat at this year’s Toy Fair. An activity mat for young children, the surface of the Splatter Mat is coated in a patented material called Flip Faze that instantly changes colour with heat. Warm hands and feet, warm water and sunlight will all do the trick.

As it cools, it returns to its original colour so kids can watch it change over and over again. It aims to bring creative and active play to the home without the mess. The mat comes with Splatter Tools for drawing and seven foam Splatter Mat pieces that can be put together like a puzzle in a multitude of designs.

Also on show this year is Sort it Out, the game where you put things in order. Could you sort your favourite movie stars by their height? How about by the number of times they’ve been married? There are hundreds of topics included in this family game.

In Murder Mystery Mansion, players work in teams to solve a mystery using simple deductive reasoning. Who did it? How did they do it? Why did they do it? Where did they do it? With each guess, players move one step up on the 3D staircase, getting closer and closer to the mansion.

University Games is also extending its line of products based on the books

by Eric Carle, the author of The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

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in each tray. The packaging comes with hooks for alternative display methods.

To further support the Wow toy range, the company is unveiling a new look to Police Chase Charlie, a friction powered police car with a push button, flip open roof featuring a policeman figure and police dog and Robin’s Medical Rescue, a fully working ambulance complete with stretcher, wheel chair, working x-ray, push button ramp, injured boy, mother and paramedic. Both are up-to date additions to the range that brings themes from real life to children aged from 18 months and upwards.

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SHOW GUIDE RAVENSBURGER

Ravensburger will expand its childrens puzzle ranges for all key licences in spring 2009. The range offers jigsaw puzzles featuring the top ten toy licences, whilst the company’s strategy is to build on this success. The company’s licence portfolio now includes Bob the Builder, Charlie and Lola, Clone Wars, all Disney properties including High School Musical 3, plus Doctor Who, Dora the Explorer, Go Diego Go, Hello Kitty, In The Night Garden (wooden puzzles), Lazytown, Little Princess, Noddy, Numberjacks, Postman Pat and Thomas and Friends.

“Ravensburger continues to lead the way in the category of licensed puzzles,” says Tim Hall, managing director of Ravensburger. “And puzzles is a category that continues to deliver a very good profit level to all retailers who devote sufficient shelf space and keep in stock throughout the year.”

Elsewhere, the company’s adult puzzle sales are buoyant and it will introduce over 25 new titles in January to meet growing demand.

Key items for spring/summer 2009 will include new High School Musical and Disney titles, specially commissioned nostalgic scenes, comic illustrations and Cat Conundrums – a concept designed to test both puzzling and brain skills.

More titles will be launched for autumn/winter 2009.

Additionally, this year marks the 50th birthday of Memory and Ravensburger plans a year of celebrations to support the game.

Spring will see the launch of online activity targeted at children to raise

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awareness of the game, and there will be a nationwide Memory competition and a major charity tie-in planned for later in the year. Ravensburger has worked to ensure the popularity of Memory endures by pairing character licences with the picture-matching game concept.

2009 is no exception and two new licences will be on display at Toy Fair: Star Wars Clone Wars – timed to coincide with the start of the Clone Wars TV series in spring – and Power Rangers Jungle Fury, the latest chapter in the Power Rangers franchise. In addition, Disney Fairies Memory is likely to be a big seller, following the release of the Disney Fairies film on DVD. The Disney Princess Memory is another popular choice, with young girls loving the heart-shaped cards.

Ravensburger is also licensee for Ice Age 3, as Tim Hall explains: “The Ice Age 3 licence is a growing phenomenon – the franchise grew with the second film – so we’re delighted to be able to offer a range of puzzles featuring the movie’s characters.

“All the products will be launched in plenty of time to benefit from the film’s pre-publicity in the summer so we’re confident they will be a big success.”

With Manny the woolly mammoth, Sid the sloth, Diego, the sabretoothed tiger and, of course, Scrat, the range will include a 96-piece Puzzleball, a mammoth sized – and shaped – floor puzzle, a three-in-abox puzzle set and an XXL 100-piece puzzle.

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RICHARD EDWARD At this year’s Toy Fair, Richard Edward will be launching GreenCards, the UK’s first-ever range of eco-friendly playing cards.

Richard Edward is the UK’s only remaining manufacturer of bespoke games cards, trading cards and playing cards. The GreenCards will be available to retailers through Richard Edward’s new retail division, RedWood Cards, which will also be unveiled at the Toy Fair.

With a suggested retail price of £3.99, GreenCards will give retailers a potential mark-up of around £2.44 per deck, whilst also enabling them to show customers they're concerned about the environment. Richard Edward will also be offering its ‘green card’ technology to toy and games brands that want to make their existing products more eco-friendly.

The company already produces card-

SM39 based products for a number of brands such as Winning Moves, DeAgostini and Hasbro.

Richard Edward will also be offering its bespoke card manufacturing services to major retail groups for the production of own-brand playing cards.

The new GreenCards are manufactured entirely in the UK using sustainable and recycled materials. They have a carbon footprint that is some 90 per cent lower than cards produced in the Far East. The GreenCards range is being launched in response to two key consumer trends: the increasing demand for products that are environmentally sound, and the return to traditional leisure activities – such as card games and puzzles – as the credit crunch continues to squeeze family budgets.

INTERPLAY Interplay will be unveiling many new products at Toy Fair this year, with an increase in its existing ranges plus a brand new licensed collection that is ideal for the boys’ market. After launching itself into the world of TV in 2008, Interplay found its brands built quickly thanks to small screen advertising, so much so that more TVRs are planned for 2009.

One range to benefit will be Living World, the nature brand that includes Ant World, Worm World and Triop Volcano. These three products are to benefit from TV advertising throughout the early spring and summer, a move that will increase brand awareness still further and boost sales for the retailer.

New lines will also be added to the existing range.

Another TV line will be the new Technokits for Girls. With the Solar Powered Technokit Rainbow Maker, girls aged seven to twelve can create hundreds of real rainbows every time the sun shines. The Solar Powered Butterfly Technokit has everything needed to build a colourful butterfly that gently flaps its wings whilst basking in the daylight on a sunny ledge or window sill.

Completely new and representing a leap into the world of licensed products is a collection for boys of all ages. Drawn from The Dangerous Books for Boys by Conn and Hal Iggulden, the range consists of science projects and classic model kits that

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SM26 perfectly encapsulate the spirit of the best selling books.

The Dangerous Books for Boys Science Discovery Kits are not quite what they seem. They may look like old fashioned books from the outside, but open them up and you will find an experiment to undertake. There are five to choose from, all of which will appeal directly to fans of the book whether it’s producing antigravitational forces or creating bouncy rocket balls To complement the range, Interplay is producing two model kits that reproduce the heavy artillery of the 1st and 13th centuries, again drawing inspiration from the book.

SHOW GUIDE BARNARDOS

As a leading children’s charity, Barnardo’s works directly with over 110,000 children, young people and their families.

Every year, Barnardo’s runs 406 vital projects across the UK to help some of the most vulnerable children and young people believe in

PADGETT BROS

Formed by Terry & David Padgett in 1996 following a management buy out, the company(formerly Woolman Imports) has expanded to establish itself as one of the UK's leading importers and distributors of value for money consumer goods.

In 2002 Mr David Padgett retired and his shares were bought by Alison Padgett (Terry's Eldest Daughter) and Alex Kenyon, one of the company's salesmen. This move provided continuity of the company's ethos and has proved successful thus far.

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themselves. Whatever the issue; from family drug misuse to disability; from youth crime to mental health; from sexual abuse to domestic violence; Barnardo’s believes it can bring out the best in every child, and that all children deserve the chance to fulfill their potential.

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Padgett's provides a number of products across a range of areas including pre-school, nursery, interactive play, arts and crafts, Disney toys and traditional toys, as well as radio-controlled vehicles, diecast toys, summer toys, pocket money toys, dolls and accessories, games, and sit and rides.

The company also offers a storage and distribution service which includes pick, pack and dispatch operation, a service that can be tailored to the customer’s requirements by the piece, carton or pallet.

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SIONICA

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Sionica will be showing off the The Dimension Board series at the show, a new gaming platform that provides playtime at competitive prices.

Applicable to any licensed IP, branded gaming franchise or bespoke game designs, the rotating storage base, folding 3D game boards and playing pieces are completely customisable to suit your own needs.

D-Board is launched with the new family trivia IP Qubed3T, where up to four teams manoeuvre playing pieces across the five surfaces (even the sides), spinning the board to play from a different angle.

Game lengths are variable and moves are made vertically or horizontally in four directions according to dice rolls. This flexibility means that teams will always have a chance of reaching their favoured categories: Man Made, Natural World, Sport & Leisure, Entertainment or Word Play. The first team to drop the pieces through the central holes, in any order, is the winner of the game.

Easy to manufacture, cheap to produce and delivering the highest value perceptions, the D-Board series enhances the spirit of fun board play in an entertaining and easy to use technology.

JAMES GALT James Galt will be presenting its portfolio of new products for 2009 at Toy Fair, including a variety of lines from its new parent company, Elmer’s. This is the first time James Galt will be showcasing the Elmer’s products to the retail trade.

The range includes a number of ‘no mess’ painting products (a line which Elmer’s is well known for in the US), including ‘Go Paint’ – nonmarking paint brushes and colouring book sets, ‘Paintastics’, colour changing paint pens and paint by numbers, and the ‘Squeeze ‘n Brush’ paint sets. Also, from Elmer’s Scientific Explorer range, James Galt will be introducing a selection of My First kits, aimed at children five and over, such as Aeroplane, Chemistry, Dino, Geology and Weather, as well as two other experimental kits, Disgusting Science and Rocket Car,

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SG20 for older children. Completing this range are three kits aimed at girls, Perfumery, Spa Science and the Ultimate Spa and Perfume Kit. James Galt will also present a raft of new products under the Galt brand. There are four new additions to the First Years range, including Tummytime Playmat, two giant popup soft books and a set of soft books. A variety of puzzles – including glow in the dark and sparkle puzzles – enter the catalogue for 2009, along with a refreshed look Activity Pack range with six new items and two new Creative Craft kits.

Finally, completing the line up for Toy Fair 2009, are additions to Galt’s popular licensed ranges, including three new Horrible Science kits, as well as Postman Pat Special Delivery Playnest and Playnest and Gym.

SHOW GUIDE BRAINSTORM

Brainstorm has announced its appointment as the exclusive UK & ROI distributor of the Smartlab range of products. Toy Fair 2009 will be the major launch date for this collection of items.

“We are delighted to bring this range of science toys to the UK market,” comments product director Rosanne Kenealy. “All Smartlab kits include books that encourage a child’s natural curiosity and tie directly into the science behind each toy. It is the perfect mix of fun and facts, exploration and education.”

Kids get eye-to-eye with the anatomy of a Great White Shark with the snap-together Shark Model and a book full of gory shark facts. The Human Body kit gives kids a guided tour of the human body, complete with a human body model that has all the squishy bits left in.

Budding astronauts will enjoy the Remote Control Rocket, complete with launch pad, remote launcher and a book full of space information – rocket science and kitchen chemistry combined.

Kids can also enjoy the Voice Changer kit. They can choose between a squeaky, scary, robotic or booming voice, whilst learning about the science of sound. With a book full of information about safes, locks, escapology and more, the Double Security Safe allows kids to build a safe with their own secret code.

Toy Fair 2009 sees Brainstorm launch products developed in conjunction with the Natural History Museum. The Natural History Museum Earth Globe contains a detailed 30cm modern globe and a full colour poster. The poster has a reproduction of a map dating from 1787. On the reverse are details of ten voyages of early exploration with

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images from the Natural History Museum archives.

The Natural History Museum Tyrannasaurus Rex Scan is a scanner that gives kids an under-the-skin look at a T-Rex skeleton, and includes a colour poster packed with information about prehistory’s most fearsome predator. Also for dinosaur lovers, the Natural History Museum Glow 3D Dinosaurs are huge, scary and glow in the dark, with three styles to choose from.

There is plenty in store for 2009 from Brainstorm’s The Original Glowstars Company brand. Three new Glow boxed sets have been developed to give retailers a higher retail price point, retailing from between £10 to £20. Kids can give any room a galactic make-over with Glow Superstars, which boasts 500 stars and cosmic shapes to launch a bedroom into outer space.

Brainstorm’s Glow 3D range benefits from the addition of three new licenses.

Glow in the dark Disney Tinkerbell and Barbie have obvious and immediate appeal amongst younger girls, whilst glow in the dark Hello Kitty crosses all generations, appealing to young kids, tweens and teens.

Brainstorm is also delighted to announce its appointment as the exclusive distributor of the Zipbin range of products – the toy chest that’s also a toy. Each themed bin comes with a toy or toys and has four zips allowing the chest to open up into a playmat – and, when playtime is over, it just zips back up into a storage box. Zipbins are available in three sizes – mini, small and medium and in a variety of themes including dinosaur, cars, doll’s house and fairy castle. Shaped Zipbins available include Country Stable, Train Depot and Wheelie.

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www.toynewsmag.com

GREAT GIZMOS

At Toy Fair this year Great Gizmos will be debuting craft and science kits aimed at encouraging boys and girls of all ages to

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get creative whilst having loads of fun.

Its own-brand range of Power Bots and Racers have been successful since

their launch in 2008, so much so that the range is to be extended with two new themes – Power Lights and Power

RUSSIMCO

Following 2008’s debut of ecotronic toys, Russimco returns to Toy Fair to show off a new take on its electronic toys with no batteries, with the world’s first electronic toys for the bath.

Ecotronic toys were launched with wide media acclaim as they took ecofriendly to a new level, dispensing with

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Circuits. All the kits use Tech Card Technology – a system that takes precut cards, rivets and motorised parts to make tech-projects that really work.

The new Power Lights and Power Circuits kits are all about home accessories and are meant to add to the decorations in any room. First up are three new brushed silver LED light kits.

The Light Tube is designed to look like a lava lamp, with only a small, colour changing LED and a tube of frosted paper. The fibre optic Light Fountain and the flashing disco ball style Light Crystal create different effects using the same colour changing LED and hands-on construction methods.

The Power Circuit collection comprises three further kits - a multi positional Desk Lamp, a Desk Fan and even a Door Bell. The Kidzlabs range has also been extended with four mechanics kits joining the collection including two new wacky robots. There’s Doodling Robot, which does exactly as the name suggests and doodles a picture while vibrating around demonstrating its energetic spinning powers. Secondly, there’s Brush Robot, which glides across smooth floor surfaces removing dirt as it goes.

Joining them is Amphibian Rover – is it a car? Is it a boat? Well actually it’s both.

There’s also the Propeller Racer – easy to assemble and incredibly fast.

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the need for the millions of batteries that go from toy to landfill site each year. Toddler toys, character torches, radios and gadgets were all part of the first collection and sold well both at home and internationally.

2009 will see a leap into the deep with a new water range. The initial line

includes a classic Tug Boat and Submarine, longtime staples in the bathroom and popular with boys of all ages. But now when a boy plays with his sub in the tub, he can have even more fun as it will come with all the lights and sound effects of the real thing, whilst remaining eco-friendly.

Also joining the new ecotronic toys collection for 2009 will be an extension to the baby and infant toys range including the new eco-remote – a toy available in different colours that will have baby copying dad changing channels. Like all ecotronic toys, no batteries are required and babies will soon learn that to make it work it has to be shaken from side to side. Then, once charged, a press of the buttons will result in a host of educational lights and sounds.

For big kids there will be two radios ideal for the bedroom, including a Robot Head version and a Red Retro Rocket that will add a touch of kitsh to the proceedings.

Russimco’s ecotronic collection has changed the course of this West Country company but never forgetting its roots, another collection will be at Toy Fair that offers retailers an entirely different side of things. The Retro Games collection is a myriad of games and puzzles inspired by yesteryear, which includes some classics such as Old Maid and Tiddlywinks as well as a number of lesser known titles that are forgotten treasures of a time when after dinner entertainment was all about a classic board game. Amongst the many new titles for 2009, and reflecting Russimco’s broad range of games, there is the Comical Game of Who?, a game for any number of players and Rolo Polo, a parlour game of balance for all the family.

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MY WONDER

When Helen Twigge-Molecey watched her baby daughter enthusiastically tear wet wipes out of their packet for the 100th time, it gave her an idea.

My Wondercube is a new educational children’s toy. It is a cube

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packed with textile squares that children call pull out one by one – like wet wipes, or a magician pulling scarves out of a hat. The pieces can be pulled apart, stuck back together and rearranged in any order.

LE TOY VAN Tutti Frutti House is one of three new painted wooden doll’s houses from Le Toy Van in addition to seven all-new furniture sets, which are complemented by the doll’s house play mat and a new family of dolls.

With 12 houses and 15 furniture sets, Le Toy Van has the biggest selection of children’s doll’s houses and furniture in the UK. They include a comprehensive range of sizes and options, from fully furnished cottages to large manor houses ready to furnish.

Tutti Frutti House comes complete with the new deluxe furniture set (the set is also available separately) and is fully decorated inside and out. Features include opening shutters and windows, as well as a removable roof section.

Le Toy Van is introducing many new products in other ranges, including the Budkins, an extensive collection of approximately ten-cm high, fully poseable wooden characters that are beautifully detailed and scaled to fit Le Toy Van painted wooden play sets; they make ideal collectables.

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The cube comes in two formats, wooden and soft. Care has been taken to organically source materials and still manufacture it at a competitive price, starting at £14.95, with extra fillings from £0.95. My

Wondercube has a choice of fillings suited to each child’s needs.

Numbers, letters, animals – it’s an adaptable little cube with plenty of options. It can grow with the child from nought to six years.

SC10 Fire engine and fire station sets, along with a hospital and ambulance, are just some of the new Le Toy Van play sets.

The hugely popular Honeybake range will be bolstered by a smart new wok set. The award winning garage range features an all new garage and a remarkably detailed car play mat.

All Le Toy Van painted wooden toys are designed in the UK and manufactured in Indonesia.

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LAMAZE

Within the Learning Curve nursery brand portfolio from RC2, Lamaze is launching 14 new toys for 2009. Each maintains the developmental features long associated with the Lamaze brand name. These are clearly identified on new, individual packaging with more pronounced age grading and bolder highlighting of product features and developmental stages. Providing value for money, many of the toys have been designed to grow with the baby, satisfying different developmental needs as

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children progress through the varying stages of learning.

New product highlights include the Dream Screen, for attachment to cot sides. The Dream Screen encourages visual tracking through a dual motion screen that also plays soft music. The Dream Screen can be parent or child activated and is MP3 player compatible, so parents can tailor their childrens early listening habits.

The Pyramid Play House Gym features a reversible play mat containing developmental features on

JC GAMES JC Games will launch Qb, a travel word game, at the London Toy Fair this year. With a bag, no board and solo and multi-player games, Qb is suited to play at home or away. It can be played on any surface, even one as small as the drop-down tray on an aeroplane, making it ideal for regular travellers.

The novel inclusion of two-letter combinations [e.g. st, ch, ed] helps make and link words to the word-grid. Examples are shown on the demo page of its new website: qbgame.co.uk.

The idea for Qb came to John Chambers whilst travelling to the 2008 Toy Fair to launch his board game, Blackhole. Dozing in the car, bored with the slow moving London traffic, he suddenly awoke and announced to his wife, Fiona, that he had come up with the next game. On hearing about the game, Fiona immediately recognised its potential and said: “Let’s turn round and go home to start development.”

Qb can be played at several different skill levels from a family game to competitions between word enthusiasts. Not only a game, it is also an activity like Suduko and can be played solo for fun and to stimulate the mind.

Qb has a year-round market with a wide variety of potential retailers. It is competitively priced at £12.99 and the small footprint and attractive packaging should prove to be an incentive for retailers to stock it.

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both sides to satisfy baby's everchanging needs. The mat has a removable play arch plus interchangeable plug and play toys for multi-function, customisable tummy time play. For even greater versatility, the playmat folds up to form an interactive play pyramid.

The Stack, Roll & Crawl Ball is a new 3-in-1 toy can be used as a ring stacker, a ball or converted to a crawl toy for open-ended, extended play.

The different coloured, textured plastic rings stack to form a colourful

ball with a bead rattle top, making this a highly adaptable toy with plenty of bang for buck. Furthermore, by removing the inner rings, the ball is transformed into a brightcrawl toy.

Also on display is the Lights & Sounds Flower Pot, which has been designed to promote visual tracking through its colourful flower with contrasting petals, bendy stem, music and flashlight features. This soft toy can be easily attached to cot rails or used for on the go fun for parent and child on the move.

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ORCHARD TOYS

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Orchard Toys launches new games and puzzles every year, but this year the company is especially excited about the seven it will be bringing to Toy Fair 2009, with six of its latest games and puzzles specifically designed for the pre-school plus age group.

Doodlebugs is a simple card game for children aged three-plus. Players have to match the colour or the quirky Doodlebug character card that the preceding player has played. Because players can see each other’s cards, older players will be able to play tactically, which adds to the strategic aspect of the game. First to discard all their cards by matching them to the previous player’s cards is the winner.

One Banana, Two Banana is a board game for up to four players that will help the four-plus age group with their counting skills, whilst Fairy Cottage is a busy fifteenpiece puzzle designed with little girls in mind. The Great Britain and Ireland puzzle and poster is an illustrated 150-piece puzzle aimed at five to eleven-year-olds that is full of historical locations, regional foods and people and places. The board game Flea Circus is for up to four players, whose aim is to be the first to build a big top and win performing fleas, whilst Tutan Loot’em again is a card game, this time with Egyptian illustrations for up to four players; finally, Fruit Frenzy will help the four-plus age group with their colour recognition and counting skills.

GEAR 4 GAMES/UNDERGROUND TOYS Gear 4 Games is exhibiting at Toy Fair this year, and is currently the exclusive distributor of Underground Toys’ new range of Star Wars plush. It also has the range of In Your Pocket voice key chains, which now include new titles such as Star Wars, Monty Python, Thundercats and Star Trek.

Furthermore, Gear 4 Games has a brand new line of lower priced voice key chains called the Sound Blaster, which will be available for kids licences such as Ben 10, Gladiators, Clone Wars and Scooby Doo. In addition, Gear 4 Games is distributing the innovative Transformers USB Hubs as well as Transformers plush items and voice key chains. Also, watch out for its Bobbleheads, including Star Wars, Ben 10, Marvel, The Simpsons and Family Guy. As usual, the company will also be showing off some of its more offbeat and quirky properties such as Domo and Skelanimals.

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SHOW GUIDE CREATIVITY INTERNATIONAL It is the start of a new era for Creativity International. Toy Fair will see Creativity showcase its extensive new range of licensed craft toys.

Fresh from signing new licences with Mister Maker, Postman Pat, Numberjacks, Mr Men and the hit favourites Pingu, Bob the Builder, Thomas the Tank Engine and Fireman Sam, Creativity International is positioning itself to compete throughout the craft toy sector, as it showcases its new range of licensed craft toys at Toy Fair this year.

Creativity is already one of the largest suppliers of educational craft in the UK. The showcase will feature a range of 25 Mister Maker kits, linked to the children’s arts and crafts series on CBeebies. Mister Maker is a popular pre-school series aimed at helping children develop their artistic skills. “This is an ideal fit for us as a company, building on our educational

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SG25 heritage,” commented Mark Jones, retail controller at Creativity International. “Anything which can encourage children to engage in craft and stimulate creative play is unbelievably valuable for a child’s neurological development, helping to give them a good start in life.”

The Creativity kits combine imaginative product development with some much loved licensed children’s characters. “All the products are linked to the educational curriculum,” continued Jones. “Our licensed craft helps educate children, but with a fun twist.”

The Creativity range of Mister Maker craft kits include badge making, magnet making, animal masks, sponge painting, finger and hand puppets, jigsaw painting, pen toppers, plus lots more fun activities offering great value and lengthy and fun playtime.

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FIESTA CRAFTS Fiesta Crafts will be showing off its Squeeze and Speak hand puppets – Lippy Lion and Snappy Shark – at this year’s show. As the best of friends or as sworn enemies, these two larger than life characters make for a cheeky addition to the toy shelf. The Squeeze and Speak puppets make a personal gift idea (shoppers can even record a special message to the recipient beforehand) and are competitively priced to offer value for money whilst allowing good margins for retailers. In store, the new Puppets are attractively packaged for shelf or hanging display.

‘Try me’ demonstration samples are also available.

The new puppets join a host of other new items from Fiesta Crafts for 2009 including pre-school role-play toys such as the Bunny Family Holiday Play Set. This toy provides endless play possibilities for an inquisitive tot with its open-top car, pull-along caravan and family of rabbits. The caravan has everything expected of a modern mobile home: beds, kitchen and lounge area, plus a folddown side for easy access.

Both car and caravan can be played with together or separately as children take their Bunny family on adventures in the great outdoors.

NATLL The National Association of Toy & Leisure Libraries (NATLL) was created more than 50 years ago to support toy libraries and ensure that a high standard service is offered to all users.

Toy libraries are sometimes considered to be similar to libraries, but they offer the loan of toys rather than books. Many of them also offer play sessions for children and their parents or carers to stay and try out the toys before they borrow them.

The NATLL offers advice to people wanting to set up a toy library and continues to offer training to toy librarians and provide a helpline that answers any questions a toy library may have. The helpline also provides regular helpsheets ensuring that toy libraries are kept up to date with any changes made in the world of childcare and toys.

It also tests toys with children all over England, Scotland and Wales and prints the results in the Good Toy Guide. All the toys in the Guide are tested in several different situations – toy libraries, family homes, schools, children’s hospices and children’s clubs.

This thorough testing ensures that it’s not left to adults to guess what the children will enjoy playing with. All the toys are tested in age appropriate settings by children and young people with a wide range of ability, social background and preferences, so you can be sure the toys recommended in the Guide have been given a valuable stamp of approval.

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TOY FAIR 2009 SK10 Also new for spring are some new titles for the ever-growing Fiesta Crafts games portfolio, such as Match it!, a wooden eight-game compendium.

Match It! has a crafted wooden game board with 28 bright wooden pieces.

The eight games include variations of classic favourites such as solitaire, bingo and dominoes, whilst matching games are suited to enhancing cognitive and memory skills. This game is suited to all occasions and ages, the recessed board means playing games whilst travelling is made easy, and four wooden racks are included for little fingers to rest their pieces, discreetly shielding them from prying eyes.

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SHOW GUIDE H GROSSMAN

2008 has been an exciting year for H Grossman and the company is promising more to come for 2009.

Having secured some strong licensed products like Ben 10 and Bakugan, the firm will be working with these new lines and will be

GETRETRO.COM

Torchwood returns to our screens in 2009 with a brand new series, and the popularity of the last outing has seen it promoted from its most recent BBC2 slot to a prime time BBC1 transmission.

To take advantage of this, Getretro has released the first wave of its brand new five-inch articulated action figures, featuring Captain Jack,

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launching a number of other licensed products at the show. With the opening of the company’s new Hong Kong office/showroom in December and the increased flexibility that this will bring, 2009 looks set to be a busy year for the ambitious firm.

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Gwen, The Weevil and the Cyberwoman. These are presented on a detachable Torchwood Logo engraved plinth, making them suited to display as well as play.

Wave two of the figures has already gone into production and the next four figures – consisting of Captain John, Ianto, The Blowfish and Tosh – are expected in May/June.

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TOY FAIR 2009

EARLY BIRD Educational toy specialist Earlybird has some bright new releases from Gowi and Voilà this year.

Gowi has been around for over 100 years and has seen recessions come and go – the reason being it offers toys with significant product development year on year, all at realistic prices. For 2009 there’s a new collection of traditional tea sets available in different sizes for all manner of tea parties. The Tea Sets start from 18 pieces including a teapot, cups and saucers, sugar pot and spoons, right through to larger dinner sets with 39 pieces including items such as egg cups and plates.

Each set is available in primary colours of red, blue and yellow or the citrus tones of lime green, orange, lemon and pink. They come shrink wrapped for a simple ‘what you see is what you get’ display.

The tea sets from Gowi complement other pieces in the range including Serve ‘n’ Play Trolley, Cook Sets and Mini Kitchens.

In contrast to the bright plastics of Gowi, Voilà is all about traditional wood. Made in Thailand from rubber wood from renewable resources, the Voilà collection has plenty to offer. An example is the traditional Workbench.

Equipped with tools, accessories, pieces of wood and a tool belt, the

CLEMENTONI Clementoni will have a raft of new product on display, including the Disney Interactive Quiz Puzzle, a giant puzzle and educational game in one.

Around the 40x30cm puzzle are a series of pieces which feature questions relating to the puzzle scene. Children can use the musical pen to select yes or no as the answer.

The product is available in five Disney designs, including Disney Princess, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Disney/Pixar Cars, Tigger & Pooh and Wall-E. A major success in 2008, Clementoni’s Young Learners range for 2009 will feature four products in a new product size. Including a new collection of products for children aged four-plus, the range features Disney Winnie the Pooh, Disney Cars and Disney Princess.

Clementoni’s science and play range goes from strength to strength, too, with ten new product additions. There are four new scientific sets for youngsters age nine and up, plus a completely new Scientific Junior collection which features six products for children aged six and up.

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SG15 Workbench will enable children to familiarise themselves with the basic techniques of carpentry and construction.

In addition, Voila’s activity range of toys has a number of colourful pullalong animals and vehicles joining the portfolio this year. There is a seal, cow and a pair of mice together with a train, cement mixer and a truck.

These pull-along toys help little ones to focus on developing and refining motor skills and coordination, and will promote concentration and help associate sound and sight with movement.

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KIDKRAFT KidKraft is now available in Europe and will be previewing its collection at London Toy Fair.

Originally formed in 1968 as a manufacturer and supplier to the earlychildhood sector, KidKraft began competing in the multi-billion dollar US juvenile retail market in 1996. The company mission emphasises quality, design, dependability and competitive pricing and, as it was founded by engineers, integrity of design.

As a result of increased demand for wooden products from Europe, KidKraft has opened a distribution warehouse in the Netherlands. KidKraft can now ship direct from Rotterdam to leading retailers and can also drop ship smaller quantities to specialty retailers, catalogues and internet sites.

All products have been tested to meet the EN71 Toy Safety Standard and there are no minimum orders on the European product line.

KidKraft is a design and development company that not only creates toy and gift items for its own brand, but offers private brand labels too. Since the company was first established, its goal has been to create and manufacture distinctive products that will have an impact on customers and boost sales. KidKraft has stayed true to this vision over the years and has grown into one of the leading

RED ROBIN TOYS

After announcing a merger with Postman Pat, Red Robin Toys aims to bring a special delivery of volume sales and healthy margins to all its customers in Pencaster, Greendale and beyond in 2009.

Its range of traditional and fashionable Craft Kits will now carry the Postman Pat brand to further boost sales. The Monsters from the Swamp is another growing brand, with

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manufacturers of wooden toys and room accessories, distributing products beyond the United States and

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new sets and price points available in the Swamp Monsters range.

Never being a company to break with tradition, Red Robin is still the home of the original Wooden Tool Set, a must for every budding DIY enthusiast. Supplementing its wooden range, the company also offers a Double Sided Chalkboard Easel and a Traditional Wooden School Desk and Chair.

Europe to Japan, Korea, Canada, South America, Australia, Europe, Mexico, the United Kingdom and South Africa.

INSPIRED GIFTS AND TOYS

Inspired Gifts and Toys is less than two years old and specialises in distributing sporting gifts and toys, such as All About Football, Terry Venables Title Chase and FT Champs.

At London Toy Fair the company will officially introduce the KidKraft Europe product range.

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It will also have construction products such as Cobi and StadiCo, board games like Wheeler Dealer and Cat Attack, and novelty products for the UK market on display.

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SCHLEICH

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SJ60 Just one of many ranges to be extended this year is the Wild Life collection featuring zebras, giraffes, racoons and other wild animals. As with every Schleich piece, each figure represents the actual animal in its natural habitat, offering educational value.

Farm Life is another range with many new faces joining the line-up this year.

There are Swabian pigs and a Simmental bull, cow and calf, together with new additions to Schleich’s already extensive horses range. But farms also need farm hands and a Stable Girl and Riding Instructor will be available complete with tools, together with a new modern-day Farmer and Farmer’s Wife.

One of Schleich’s most popular ranges, the World of Elves, has a number of new figures joining the line-up in the form three Sun Elves – Nimsay, Vialis and Surah. Each figure has striking wings and ornate clothing symbolic of its people.

Each Elf comes with its own extra, such as a horse for Surah and a pink lilly pad for Vialis to float on.

Finally, a host of new figures has been added to other collections, too.

These include the World of Knights with two fantasy knights on horseback and two foot soldiers dressed and ready to join the battle.

ART MEETS MATTER

Bookchase is the world’s first board game about books – according to the firm – which comes with a bookshelf, library card, bookshop and a set of tiny books to collect.

The first player to fill up their tiny bookshelf with six different books and head for home wins the game. Bookchase is a family game designed for anyone from six years upwards.

You can get your books in lots of ways, with players having to answer a question on anything

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from Homer to Horowitz, Proust to Pilkey, Dahl to Dickens. Easy to play, and lasting anything from 20 minutes to two hours, it’s a game of chance and skill. Each question card is accompanied by a piece of literary trivia, so you are guaranteed to learn something along the way.

MELISSA AND DOUG

US traditional toy specialist Melissa & Doug is launching its own UK operation at Toy Fair.

Having established itself as one of the most popular and best selling ranges of traditional toys in the US during the past 20 years, Melissa & Doug is looking to overseas markets to follow its rapid US domestic growth.

The UK was Melissa & Doug’s first entry into an overseas market through a distributor relationship with Flair, five years ago. Brian Bernstein, vice president of international sales,

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confirmed that Melissa & Doug feels that now is the right time to build the Melissa & Doug range through its own dedicated team, details of which will be announced shortly.

“We thank the Flair team for the successful launch of the Melissa & Doug brand and we look forward to the continued rapid growth of our business as a result of our own dedicated Melissa & Doug team working with a solid customer base established by Flair,” Bernstein commented.

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HALSALL Halsall’s stand at Excel Toy Fair presents the company’s most extensive array of high profile licensed toy ranges for 2009.

Halsall will be showcasing its Toy Story range of wheeled toys, featuring popular characters both old and new.

The range will support the new 3D theatrical releases of Toy Story 1 and 2 in cinemas towards the end of 2009 and spring 2010, followed by the highly anticipated Toy Story 3 release in summer 2010.

Consistently in the top three wheeled toy manufacturers in the UK, Halsall cements its competence in this category with brand new wheeled toy designs for Star Trek, the big action adventure movie release coming May 2009, and Hello Kitty, the tween fashion brand taking the girls market by storm. With The Simpsons continuing its reign as the most watched TV series in the world, Halsall also presents new Bart and Lisa scooters and protection. In addition, there are extensions to existing wheeled ranges such as Fifi and the Flowertots, Baby Annabell and Baby Born, Hannah Montana, Roary the Racing Car, Spider-man, Scooby-Doo, JCB, WWE, Wall-E, Batman and Crazy Bones. With worldwide rights for the JCB brand, Halsall’s JCB range of vehicles, role-play and wheeled toys continues to build for success with many exciting new lines, as well as new girls pink JCB toys.

Halsall also has new musical and wooden toys for the Wonder Pets, the photo puppetry animation pre-school series about three singing classroom pets currently enjoying big ratings on Nick Jr. There are also new Diego and Dora the Explorer wooden toys to explore, as well as new additions to Fifi & the Flowertots prams, musical, wheeled and summer toys.

Another new range on show are the Peppa Pig role-play toys, wheeled toys and dolls prams. Andrew Coplestone, Halsall’s marketing director, comments: “Halsall’s unrivalled expertise as market leaders in dolls prams and pushchairs, as well as our number two position in the pre-school role-play market, has enabled us to develop a fantastic product offering for Peppa Pig which has already excited many of our retail customers.

This popular character brand continues to go from strength to strength and Halsall’s innovative, brand-relevant approach is sure to excite little fans as much as watching the series itself.”

Elsewhere, the Chef’s Kitchen features realistic voice phrases, cooking lights and sounds to recreate the excitement of a real, busy chef’s kitchen. Boys and girls can take customers’ orders from the menu included and let chef get to work. With plenty of accessories to cook up a treat, chef can wash food and utensils in the sink with real running water, store ingredients in the play

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TOY FAIR 2009 SA24 refrigerator, set the oven timer and watch the hob glow. The new Self Service Checkout with chip n pin machine features real scanning technology, interactive sound effects and voice phrases, recreating a real self-service check out. When playtime is over, it even packs away neatly into a compact carry case for tidy away and mobile play. Halsall’s role-play kitchen toys and accessories have been developed under the Belling brand, the number one cooking brand in the UK, providing realistic play value.

Halsall’s fully endorsed Science Museum range introduces many new sets for 2009, including a new EcoFriendly range of green toys to teach curious minds about environmental issues and provide ways to get involved such as the new Recycling Bin, Eco-Composter, Solar Eco-House and Solar Speed Boat. There’s also a new Smart Electronic Interactive Globe providing a world of informative play, as well as new Exploring Kits to encourage learning with fun experiments to do at home.

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WORLDS APART

Worlds Apart is introducing two brand new play-sets, doubling the size of its existing Dream Town collection. On display for the first time at Toy Fair, the Dream Town Gaskett’s Garage and Crystal Castle complement the existing Rose Petal Cottage and Cherry Blossom Stores play-houses and offer children the chance to experience hours of imaginative role-play entertainment.

Dream Town’s Gaskett’s Garage and accessories provide everything a budding mechanic needs to open their

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first garage. A double-sided role-play structure, the Garage features a dropdown work bench for storing tools and an air pump to keep tyres at full pressure. Gaskett’s Garage Dream Racer is the main accessory – made from sturdy MDF, the bonnet lifts up to reveal a realistic role-play engine that allows them to check the oil, pull out the spark plugs and remove the oil cap.

Additional accessories include a Petrol Pump & Attendant’s Outfit and a Mechanics Tool Box.

Crystal Castle and its accessories is also on show; complete with a princess dress and tiara, the Castle even features in-built fairy lights for a touch of sparkle. Accessory sets include the Silver Sparkle Banqueting Set, Vanity Table and the Sitting Pretty Throne.

Both these new Dream Town sets will benefit from strong marketing support including TV advertising and a PR and press campaign.

With the Mr Men licence on board for 2009, Worlds Apart’s new range of Mr

Men Sit ‘n’ Giggle Talking Chairs feature Mr Bump, Mr Happy, Mr Tickle, Mr Rude and Little Miss Naughty and produce three comical phrases/sounds when sat on.

The range will also be backed with marketing support. And, with Toy Story destined to be big news from autumn, Worlds Apart has added this licence to its popular range of Ready Room items – Go Glow Light, Go Glow Time, Pop Up Cube Tidy, Cosy Sofa, Flip Out Sofa and Toddler Bed.

SM29 2009 Toy Fair sees the launch of over 150 new products to the already extensive Bigjigs Toy range.

The Bigjigs Rail selection goes from strength to strength and over 40 new items have been added since Toy Fair 2008. A range of individual engines and wagons are now available. The new Pink engine fills a gap Bigjigs is often asked about.

At the other end of the price scale is the Grand Central Station.

This large item offers excellent play value with extra accessories including four cars and a helicopter for the built-in heli pad. The firm is often asked for a shop rail display stand and this can be seen for the first time at the ExCeL show.

The Baby Bigjigs range has also grown – a new shape sorter and an baby walker will be launched at the show. The walker doubles up as an activity centre.

The market for role-play items is huge and Bigjigs has introduced a number of new food items. The range of Santa products has also been extended and a new range of single items, fruits, vegetables and savories will be available, along with a retail display stand for 30 items.

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HIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Having sold over three million units in the UK last year, TYE’s Gacha Collections – distributed by Hive Entertainment – are showing no signs on letting up in 2009.

These pocket-money priced capsule toys proved to be something of a sales phenomenon over the past 12 months,

GB EYE

GB Eye has been selling licensed film, music, branded and iconic images for over 22 years. GB’s products include posters, badge merchandise, postcard packs, prints, canvas and newly launched 3D lenticulars.

This latest product is enjoying success with titles from Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United Football Clubs, Transformers, Camp Rock, WWE, Harry Potter, Rocky and Batman, plus new images from The Simpsons, Ben 10, Pokemon and more throughout the year.

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with the most noted success coming from collections featuring licences such as High School Musical, Pokémon and Hannah Montana.

Toy Fair 2009 will see Hive Entertainment exhibiting a sneak preview into TYE’s release plans for the forthcoming year.

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GB supplies over 3,500 stores, 2,200 of which have permanent poster racking. It also has exclusivity in all of the leading retail chains – including Asda, Borders Books, Clinton Cards, HMV, Morrison’s, Smyth’s Toys, Tesco, Toys R Us, and Tussauds.

Also for this year, the company has some major releases including Hannah Montana’s first movie, plus Star Trek 11, Transformers 2, Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs and Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince.

Among these will be new collections featuring Camp Rock, Hello Kitty, Winnie The Pooh and Animal Crossing.

There will also be new updated collections on show from existing favourite licences such as Pokémon, Disney Pixar Cars and SpongeBob SquarePants.

HALILIT The firm will be showing its Blue Box and Talentoy nursery and pre-school products on its stand for the first time.

Sales of popular lines – including Blue Box Noggins and Clickeroos – have exceeded Halilit’s expectations and additions to the range are being planned.

An extensive line of musical instruments will also be on show, with 2009 seeing the introduction of new gift sets for babies, along with a Conga Drum which doubles up as storage for an assortment of instruments. There is also a CD of playalong music included.

The Edushape range of preschool and water play products also boasts a number of new additions including the Happy Hippo storage solutoons for bath toys.

The Magic Creations line of wet and stick bath products will also be bolstered.

All of Halilit’s products are designed to provide developmental opportunities through play and with the use of colour, textures and ingenious design, according to the company.

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PAUL LAMOND

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To celebrate this, the company is launching a new pre-school educational range under the Chimp and Zee Games brand consisting of six games and four puzzles.

In the existing pre-school area Postman Pat has been updated to Postman Pat SDS and there are three Gruffalo products – two puzzles and a snakes and ladders. The children’s range has six new Rainbow Magic puzzles, an updated Famous 5 range and the great Fundex Skill and Action game When Pigs Fly. The family area sees the addition of Cacophony, a game of noisy charades, plus In a Pickle and Luck of the Draw, two American games. There is also Revelations, the game where the sins are revealed, but not the sinner.

Family puzzle additions include Where’s Wally, Alex Baird’s Impossible Puzzles and three dragon puzzles from The Dragon Chronicles.

The Murder Mystery Dinner Party range sees the return of Inspector McClue in A Vintage Murder, while the McNaughty range is extended with Sexual Secrets and Legless joining the Paul Lamond veteran, Pass-out.

PALADONE PRODUCTS Paladone Products has recently reached an agreement with the Tech Group to distribute its range of paintball-style products. These are aimed at the eight-plus and 14-plus toy and gift markets and feature a range of brightly coloured handheld shooters and air pump action guns.

The paintballs themselves are water soluble and bio degradable. The paintball range is sold as target games with each set including a pair of safety glasses and a wipe off target.

The current portfolio of products will be enhanced in the spring by a brand new combat concept with a chalk dart technology called Wipeout.

This features a range of guns that fire chalk-tipped darts. The chalk mark wipes off easily, and each dart can be fired over 30 times.

Graeme Carr, managing director of Paladone, comments: “Paladone has built up a strong reputation within the gift industry of developing innovative gifts and delivering an excellent level of service to our customers. We strongly believe that we will be able to offer the toy industry that same level of service with the Tech Group range, as well as offering them our own innovation from our existing ranges."

Mark Bradshaw, chief executive of the Tech Group, adds: “Paladone is the ideal partner for us in the UK with a fantastic reputation with gift retailers and a growing presence in

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the toy sector. Its reputation for delivering excellent quality of service combined with the strength of the

range is just what we need to relaunch in the UK. This allows Tech Group to focus on the rapidly growing

US market where the ranges are currently selling tremendously well with both Target and Wal-mart.”

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MARBEL

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Last year’s Toy Fair was a huge success for Marbel, meaning the company will be returning to the event with a stand that has increased in size dramatically.

The new booth allows Marbel to exhibit the Plan Toys range to full effect. Made from sustainable and preservative free rubberwood, Plan Toys products meet the latest standards and won numerous awards during 2008.

Marbel will be featuring over 60 new Plan Toys products, with this show representing the first chance to take a look. A sneaky peak of the up and coming Plan Toys products that will be released over the next 12 months will also be on offer.

IMAGINATION GAMES Following a successful year of growth, Imagination Games is now looking to expand distribution.

With a packed catalogue of products across all board game categories, the company will spend 2009 further developing its own games whilst maximising sales of licensed products. Its Top Gear board game has been a success in 2008 and a potential new TV campaign for 2009 should further drive sales.

The Planet Earth DVD game continues to be a focus for 2009 as does Catchphrase DVD, Tetris 3D cube and Beat the Parents To maximise its presence in the retail market, the company has reviewed its current ranges and pricing to provide a more focused product offering.

It has devised express versions of the Family Trivia Beat the Parents games, while its range of DVD games has now been re-engineered to deliver gameplay for under £10.

Card games continue to be a focus for Imagination and the range is expanding to deliver gameplay at impulse price points. New games coming through ready for launch at the Toy Fair including Carol Vorderman’s Tribond and Quelf Card Game.

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MARVIN’S MAGIC

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The ever popular Marvin’s Magic Made Easy category has a new look, with many additions especially aimed at youngsters just starting out in magic.

Following the success of Freaky Body Illusions, Marvin’s Magic is launching two more sets in its popular Freaky Illusions range – Freaky Eyeball Illusions and Freaky Finger Illusions. These will retail at around £10 and £15. Both will appeal to those aged eight and upwards, with an innovative variety of special effects and illusions – all highly visual and creating maximum impact.

The Freaky Eyeball Illusions includes incredible eye-popping illusions such as the Hypnotic Eyes, Multiplying and even Floating Eyeballs.

Marvin’s Magic has teamed up with the massively popular BBC TV series The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. Following the success of the first series, the second and third longrunning series will be aired throughout 2009. The new series starts from January and the third series will be shown from the autumn through until Christmas.

It has a huge following of budding magicians on CBBC and will be given the most popular and prestigious Sunday morning slot on BBC 1. The Sorcerer’s Apprentice Magic Kit will feature special tricks from the series. Marvin himself featured in the show as the special guest magician and expert on mind magic. The Sorcerer’s Apprentice follows a group of boys and girls at a special magic school.

LEARNING RESOURCES Learning Resources has over 100 new products on show at this year’s Toy Fair.

2009 sees the launch of new additions to its Pretend & Play range, including a Bakery Set for children to strengthen basic early skills and stir up some cooking fun.

Encouraging role-play and creativity, this set will get children cracking eggs, sorting fruit pie pieces and rolling out pretend cookie dough.

Meanwhile, the Funny Phone is an electronic character packed full of over 300 questions which get children involved in a multitude of activities from tongue twisters to rhyming and singing.

The Gears!Gears!Gears! range always delivers a construction challenge, especially with its new addition – a schoolthemed set. Children build their creativity and design their own school and playground of colourful spinning gears.

Older children can go head-to-head with Number Knockout, a fast-paced electronic dice game. Children race to knock out numbers and practice mental maths as the game’s cheering crowd and boxing-style announcer add to the excitement.

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