Published on Friday, March 12th, 2010 — Comments
That’s right, “FREE”! Today and tomorrow only, Toys “R” Us is giving away a free carrying case for Nintendo DS Lite and Xbox 360 when you purchase one of these game systems. The DS case also includes a Littlest Pet Shop stylus.
This deal is for in-store purchases only and will only be available today, March 12th and tomorrow, March 13th. Visit ToysRUs.com for more information.
Published on Friday, March 12th, 2010 — Comments
Every Friday at 1 p.m. Eastern, Jim and Chris go live in this fully interactive, fast-paced hour that will show you the latest toys kids want, tackle the issues that face today’s busy families and bring you insightful guests that will take you behind the scenes of toys and much more. The show is completely interactive. We take your questions, and give away lots of cool stuff. Tune in and come play.
To join the show, head over to MomTV.com/TimeToPlay.
Published on Wednesday, March 10th, 2010 — Comments
The Batman movies might generate the most talk among adults but ask any kid, especially boys, to tell you about their favorite Batman and chances are good that they will describe an episode of Batman, The Brave and The Bold. The Brave and the Bold is the animated series on Cartoon Network in which Batman joins forces with other heroes to fight villains. This Fall, fans of the series will be treated to a Brave and the Bold video game for the DS and Wii that will recreate the fun, humor and excitement of the popular animated show.
Gamers can play as Batman and have a friend or family member join them as one of Batman’s allies including Robin, Green Lantern, Blue Beetle and even Aquaman. The game will also feature a cool surprise for gamers who own both the DS and Wii versions. These two versions can be linked together to unlock a playable character that can be controlled in the Wii game with the DS.
Look for Batman, The Brave and the Bold video game in stores this fall from Warner Bros., Interactive Entertainment. In the meantime, you can check out the game’s site at www.BraveandtheBoldVideogame.com and watch the animated series on Cartoon Network.
Published on Wednesday, March 10th, 2010 — Comments
On March 9, Barbie officially turned 51. Barbie is not the only toy brand to achieve this milestone—Play-Doh, Mr. Potato Head, Etch-A-Sketch, Erector Sets, Tinkertoy, LEGO and many others have demonstrated their ability to stand the test of time. What makes a toy brand last is that it becomes new for each generation that encounters it. Heck, it becomes new for each child that encounters it.
What makes Barbie so different, however, is the personal relationship everyone who plays with—or knows about—Barbie has. Perhaps it’s because the toy is a doll, and the essence of doll play is the projection of imagination on the doll. Love her (as most people do) or hate her, few people who choose to engage are neutral about Barbie.
Over the years, Barbie’s little plastic shoulders have had to carry a lot—and not just Mattel’s stock price. Barbie has been adored and idolized and loathed and derided. At the end of the day, however, that always says more about the person reacting than the inert lump of (mostly) polyvinylchloride that is Barbie, when completely deconstructed.
There has never been a doll that has so fully had to bear the projections of millions and millions of girls, women and a culture as a whole. Because that’s what it is. When someone looks at Barbie, what they see is what lives in their imaginations, not in the doll. That’s common with any kind of toy or play, but with Barbie the impact is magnified exponentially because she’s lasted five decades and touched millions upon millions of lives.
Fortunately, despite the volume of complaints sometimes and the “blaming” of Barbie for all kinds of things, naysayers have very little power when it comes down to the level of play. Good or bad, it’s a tribute to how powerful the brand is that the slightest change in her triggers headlines across the planet. However, the little girls engrossed in Barbie play are deaf to this, focusing more on their immediate experiences than the noise in the culture. And it’s obvious that the vast majority of Barbie experiences have been positive. If they were not our free market would have shoved her off the stage years ago. It’s a tribute to the folks of Mattel who have kept evolving the doll over the years that she still speaks to girls today. Barbie in 1959 and Barbie in 2010 are hardly same doll. The history of Barbie has followed the history of women, and while she was originally a fashion model as well as a cool teen with dreams of the prom and marriage, today she’s on her 125th and 126th careers and reflects the dreams of kids at all ages (Barbie in a Mermaid’s Tale to the amazing Christian Louboutin collector Barbie.) It’s also a reinforcement of the elemental human need to play with dolls (or action figures for boys) as the part of play that allows children to locate themselves in the culture and express themselves.
The ability to envision a reality in the imagination is the first step to creating it in the world. Despite her place as a cultural icon, every Barbie experience is individual and unique to the person playing with her. Indeed, I get to hear from many, many people about their Barbie experiences, and while they may have similarities (For instance, the reissue of Superstar Barbie in honor of her birthday has triggered a flood of email and memories from women who had the original when they were kids.), they are unique to the individual.
That, perhaps, is Barbie’s greatest gift to us. She is both unifying allowing for shared experiences and commonality across the culture and unique. While girls and women (mostly) can share their Barbie experiences, it is still their own. Name another toy that has created so many opportunities for connection between people while fostering individuality? I don’t think you can.
Whatever you think of Barbie, it is not the doll, but the insight into yourself that is important. That’s the power of play in helping us to define, express and locate ourselves in our world. That, indeed, is a powerful toy—as powerful as each of us are in creating our own lives.
So, here’s hoping that Barbie has another 50 years. It would be fun to see how today’s kids respond to their grandchildren’s Barbies. One thing’s for sure, no matter how much the doll will change to reflect the world around her, one thing will always be constant: It’s the unique experience she inspires and not the appearance of the doll that gives her longevity and lasting value. Come to think of it, that’s not a bad lesson for our kids today, either.
Published on Tuesday, March 9th, 2010 — Comments
In order of appearance:
Tyrannosaurus Rex Puppet
from Puppetoys
Ages 3 to Extinct
$59.99
available now
This is not your typical cuddly puppet. Well, it can be, if you want. Created by a Hollywood Special Effects artist, these puppets inspire all kinds of creative play for kids.
Rockboard Scooter
from M.Y. Products
10 and up
$199.99
available now
The Rockboard Scooter incorporates new propulsion technology, allowing it to be ridden for hours without putting a foot on the ground. It can be used as a classic kick scooter or, when in Rockboard Mode, requires no kicking, batteries, charging or gasoline. While standing on the Rockboard deck, the rider rocks their weight back and forth in order to power the chain that drives the scooter. Propulsion is achieved with each rock, wasting zero energy and allowing the scooter to reach speeds up to 10mph.
Barbie Basic
from Mattel
3 and up
$19.99
available now
Most Barbie dolls are geared toward little girls, but everyone knows that no Barbie fan ever really outgrows her. Barbie collectors are looking for unique Barbie dolls that offer more than just fun fashion play. The Barbie Basics Doll Assortment celebrates the quintessential fashion staple-The Little Black Dress or LBD. With 12 unique dolls each wearing a different LBD, it’s easy to accessorize and customize the dolls to suit a collector’s signature style. 12 different Barbies in little black dresses–for the 18+ Barbie girl.
Superstar Barbie
from Mattel
3 and up
$3.00, for a limited time only.
First introduced in 1977, Superstar Barbie had the look of the times. When every girl wanted to look like Farah Fawcett Majors, Barbie was way ahead of them. This recreation of the doll that introduced a new style and a new look is a must-have for every Barbie fan. Her look has been updated a bit, but it’s still that classic Superstar look that every girl in the 70s loved. And, for a limited time, it’s available for just $3.00. A reproduction of the original, complete with her two full length dresses and feather boa is available at Barbiecolector.com
Gazillion Bubbles Incredibubble Wand
from Funrise
3 and up
$9.99
available now
The Gazillion Incredibubble Wand lets you make bubbles as big as you! Simply pour the solution into the tray, dip the wand into the solution, and wave the wand to create enormous bubbles. The wand includes a 16-ounce bottle of the Special Super Strength Blue Gazillion Bubbles solution.
Velcro Kids
from The Velcro Companies
3 and up
$49.99
available March 2010
Have a ball with the VELCRO KIDS a beautifully designed portable playset made of durable, rigid foam and fabric. Features innovative hook edges that easily touch-fasten walls to floors. Introducing HOOX decorative pieces – new, soft-touch VELCRO brand micro-hooks on the back of tear resistant pieces. Each piece is designed to easily attach and detach from the playspace and characters. Kids can do it all on their own.
Skunk & Pig Whoopee Cushions
from Play Visions
5 and up
$14.99
available now
What can you say about a Whoopee cushion? Oops comes to mind. But this classically hilarious item will delight kids with its perfectly tasteless sounds and cute look. It’s self-inflating so kids can play again and again.
Real Construction
from Jakks Pacific
4 and up
$24.99
available Fall
Real Construction reinvents construction play by using Kid Wood, a durable foam material that looks, saws, nails and builds just like real wood. Kid Wood allows kids to build whatever they can imagine, but is very safe and easy-to-use with very little clean-up required. Real Construction playsets come with cool, safe, easy-to-use tools that work just like real tools to help kids develop and learn practical construction skill sets, craftsmanship, creativity and pride of accomplishment.
AirHogs-Titan
from Spin Master
5 and up
$9.99
available now
This oversized glider flies like a dream up to 45 feet. It’s easy to assemble and easy to fly, and the tough foam construction stands up to a lot of play. Small chips and cracks are fixed easily with cellophane tape or glue. This is a lot of fun for not much money.
Sharp Shooter
from Spin Master
8 and up
$34.99
available Spring 2010
New from Air Hogs it’s the Sharpshooter, a revolutionary new indoor missile firing helicopter. Using patented “tail lock” stabilizing technology, you can pinpoint your target and fire at will! Carrying a payload of two onboard missiles which launch remotely, you will never miss an opportunity to take down the opposition. With two frequencies to choose from, the Sharpshooter allows you to simultaneously battle with friends, fly tandem missions, or battle your own chosen targets.
Puzzle Furniture: Princess Castle Table & Chair Set
from Jakks Pacific
3 and up
$69.99
available Fall
Princess Puzzle! The Princess Castle Table & Chair Set majestically doubles the fun as girls can easily transform their dazzling designed Disney Princess puzzle furniture from an exquisite castle into a noble table and 4 chairs, perfectly suited for royalty! Parents will be pleased that their princesses can be entertained for hours by building their enchanting castle, and then turn around and have a tea party with their friends or do homework all in the same day! The Princess Castle Table & Chair Set is made with safe and durable plastic construction and manufactured in the U.S.A.
Flickin' Chicken
from The Haywire Group, Inc.
6 and up
$19.99
available Spring
Get your family moving and laughing together with nine rounds of chicken-throwing insanity! Players try to hit the target with their rubber chickens, but it’s not so easy when the chickens bounce and roll in all sorts of crazy ways! Scored like mini-golf, the player who reaches the target in the least amount of chicken flicks wins. Perfect for the park, the beach or your own backyard!
Real Talking Stinky the Garbage Truck
from Mattel/Matchbox
3 and up
$59.99
Last year Rocky the Robot Truck was one hot truck! Boys loved the hauling and dumping action of this real-working truck, plus all of Rocky’s jokes and dancing, not to mention his hip attitude. Building on the popularity of the innovative and interactive Rocky, Mattel is introducing a whole slew of pals for Rocky under the Real Talking Rigs brand. Real Talking Stinky is a robotic garbage truck with an attitude and some very wonderful sounds.
Flitter Fairies
William Mark Corporation
8 and up
$19.95
available now
Flitter Fairies magically flit and fly all around you with enchanted flapping wings! It’s easy to guide your fairy with your magic wand! Fairy characters who seem to fly on their own using “invisible Pixie Silk!”
Mashoonga Sabers
from Revel King
7 and up
$24.95
available now
Mashoonga! is a new competitive and high energy contact game played with Mashoonga! Sabers and Mashoonga! Bo-Staffs. The game, name and equipment were invented by a group of six teenage friends. They’re great for active play, competitive play.
The following toys were pulled from the show at the last minute because we ran out of time. However, we like them so much that we decided to share them with you as an online exclusive.
Dr. Seuss The Cat in the Hat--What's in the Cat’s Hat?
from I Can Do That Games
3 and up
$19.99
available Fall
Multisensory game of exploration and fun for kids 3 & up that encourages little ones to use their senses to discover what household object is hidden inside the Cat’s giant red hat.
Lego Toy Story3
from LEGO
6 and up
$20.99
Relive the magic of the Toy Story films by building favorite scenes and characters! Kids can reenact adventures from the movies or create new ones for Woody, Buzz and the gang. First look at Toy Story 3 characters coming later this year.
Thomas the Tank Engine Busy Day at the Quarry
from MEGA
3 and up
$19.99
available now
It’s Thomas’s 65th Anniversary, and Mega has an incredible collection of sets that kids can build and play with. Each of the sets has about 50 pieces for versatile building excitement, and the molded plastic packages become part of the structure. All of the sets fit together to create a complete Thomas world.
Published on Monday, March 8th, 2010 — Comments
Time To Play’s Chris Byrne, a.k.a. The Toy Guy, will be on LIVE! With Regis & Kelly tomorrow. Chris will have with him some of his favorite finds from Toy Fair and beyond!
Tune into LIVE! tomorrow morning at 9am (EST) and then check back here afterward to see the list of toys from the show.
For more information about LIVE! With Regis & Kelly, visit the show’s official website by clicking here.
Published on Monday, March 8th, 2010 — Comments
By Andrea Millay, Manager, Mommy PR
You can also follow her on Twitter
I never put much stock into “gender toys” until I had my first son. I was over-diligent exposing him to “girl toys”- babies, dolls, tea parties, etc. All he wanted was balls, cars and anything else that had wheels or moved. So when my second son was born I naively thought he would be the same. To my dismay, I was horrified when, shortly before Christmas this year, I found out that my 20-month-old had a deep abiding love for babies and dolls and I simply had no clue!
We visited family, who had a new baby, and my little guy sat for hours watching this baby. He talked to her, patted her and even got to hold her with Mommy’s help. Did that clue me in to his fascination with babies? Sadly, no. It took him tossing all his Christmas toys aside and playing with my niece’s crawling baby doll to make me realize my mistake. Since then I have made an effort to expose both of my boys to the so called “girl toys.” Now, my sister is even getting my youngest son baby doll gear (playpen, high chair and car seat) at my request for his birthday. I know he will love it since I watch him putting his babies in makeshift beds and pushing them around in a baby stroller on a daily basis.
Does this make my son less boy? Of course not! We still have daily fights over Thomas trains, cars and balls – all “boy toys.” The boys still wrestle and hit way too much as boys will do. But, when I see my youngest patting his babies or bringing them a blanket to cover up with, I am proud: proud he is learning to nurture, proud he is learning that it is OK to play with “girl toys.”
Does this mean I will force “girl toys” on my oldest? Nope. But will I expose my niece to “boy toys?” You bet I will. She already has an interest in Thomas engines and Disney Pixar cars thanks to my sons and I hope that they will all continue to share their toys with each other so there will no longer be “gender toys” and all toys will just be toys.
Published on Friday, March 5th, 2010 — Comments
Gimme Back That Filet-O-Fish
If you tuned into our MomTV show today, you probably noticed Jim and Chris having fun with Frankie the Fish. Frankie is the mechanical singing fish from the McDonald’s filet-o-fish sandwich commercial that became an Internet hit last year. The singing fish with the quirky song, “Gimme Back That Filet-O-Fish”, has generated millions of online views, hundreds of user-generated videos, fan parodies and a boat-load (pun intended) of filet-o-fish sandwich sales for McDonalds.
Now everyone can bring Frankie home thanks to Gemmy Industries and their replica of Frankie The Fish. You can find Frankie in retail stores nationwide including Bed Bath & Beyond, KMart, CVS, Rite Aid, and BJ’s for $20. Be warned, however, his song will be stuck in your head for days! Don’t believe us? Watch the commercial below and find out for yourself.
Published on Friday, March 5th, 2010 — Comments
Every Friday at 1 p.m. Eastern, Jim and Chris go live in this fully interactive, fast-paced hour that will show you the latest toys kids want, tackle the issues that face today’s busy families and bring you insightful guests that will take you behind the scenes of toys and much more. The show is completely interactive. We take your questions, and give away lots of cool stuff. Tune in and come play.
To join the show, head over to MomTV.com/TimeToPlay.