Monday, April 6, 2009
Oppenhiem Platinum Award Winners 2009
Best Toy Awards
Best DVD Awards
Best Audio Awards
Best Book Awards
Outlook for 2009
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Friday, December 26, 2008
Hasbro Electronic Hyper Slide

Be quick, pick the right colored hyper disc, and flick it under the arch before time runs out. The Hyper Slide from Hasbro packs three fast-paced electronic table-top games into one compact unit. Recommended for ages eight and up, these fast-sliding games for one or two players are fun and exciting for kids and adults.
Three Games for Solo Play or Two-Person Play
While the objects of the games are simple, playing them can be a fun challenge. The first game, "Fast Pass," is all about speed. The game commands a color and you've got to pass it through the goal quickly before the buzzer blasts. With "Add One," you've got to remember the order of colors. You start with a color and add one to the sequence each time you complete a round. "Code Buster" gives you 90 seconds to decipher the secret series of colors.
Best of all, you can play all these games with a friend or by yourself. With both "Fast Pass" and "Add One," you can even play head-to-head with another player or team. For solo play, the rubber "hyper band" is attached under the arch, bouncing the discs back to your side.
Put to the Test
3 fast-paced games for 2-person and solo play
Lighted buttons make it easy to switch through games
Games remember high scores
Electronic game shuts off on its own
Game must be played with announcer and music going
Volume can't be controlled
Fisher-Price Little Superstar Sing-Along Stage

Sing Songs or "Compose" You Own
Select the "build-a-song" mode for your child to experiment with sounds herself. When she shakes the "magic microphone," a voice singing a "scat" will start. When your child plays with any of the musical instruments, she will hear that instrument play. It will continue to play a "solo" until she presses the buttons on any of the other instruments. Their sounds will then be added to the instrumental piece. For example, press the drum, and a back beat will be added. In all, the toy has three different, jazzy "add-on" instrumental pieces -- even our adult toy testers enjoyed these catchy, authentic-sounding tunes. The toy also says several fun phrases, as well as the sound of cheering and applause, encouraging children to dance or sing along.
Musical Toy Grows with Your Child
Friday, December 12, 2008
Learning Resources Soft Magnetic Combo Set

This giant 154-piece set of magnetic soft foam uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and operation signs and counting stars is a great way to practice building words or performing simple math operations. Soft form material is both durable and washable. Pieces measure 1½".
CHOKING HAZARD -- Small parts. Not for children under 3 yrs.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Vtech - Tote 'N Go Laptop Plus
Program your preschooler for early learning with the Tote & Go Laptop Plus! The Tote & Go Laptop Plus offers big style for little learners, and it¿s just like the computer mom and dad use! This unique learning product comes complete with a colorful keyboard and detachable mouse that¿s designed for both left-handed and right-handed users. Plus, the Tote & Go Laptop Plus features 30 engaging activities that teach language, math, games and music. You'll love the nifty handle for easy fold-up and go!Monday, December 8, 2008
Inexpensive Christmas Stocking Stuffer Ideas For Kids
If you are at a complete loss of what to get, take a trip to your local dollar store and walk the isles. There should be a large selection of goods at a price that is right for you to choose from which should quickly fill up the stockings. In addition, consider the following Christmas stocking stuffer ideas that can have a dual benefit:
Batteries: Instead of wrapping up the batteries with the gift, separate them into stocking stuffers. Since you'd need to purchase them anyway for the toys, they aren't an extra expense. By separating them out, you make a start on your stocking stuffing and the kids will love them because they can start playing any electronic devices they received.
School Supplies: Here is another practical stocking stuffer that you'd have to purchase in the future for your kids anyway. You kill two birds with one stone by getting them the school supplies they need and filling up the stocking a little more.
Disposable Camera: With all the activity going on during Christmas day, you probably don't have the time to take pictures and document the day. Let your children do it for you. They'll have great fun taking photos from their own unique perspective that will add to any photo album.
Art and Craft Supplies: Again, these are supplies that you are likely to need for other activities in the future. Kids love to create and any arts and craft materials make great stocking stuffers. Coloring books, crayons, colored pencils, markers and paints all fit the bill and can be used for other activities long after Christmas is over.
Mini Games or Card Games: Travel size editions of their favorite games or card games that can be played in the car are another good stocking stuffer. The kids can play these on their own, but they have the multiple benefit that they can be used in the car to keep the children occupied during any holiday trips you make.
Christmas Letter: You might want to consider writing a Christmas letter to your child telling him or her all the fun things you remember from the past year. This doesn't cost any money, can become a lovely Christmas tradition and will be a gift that the child will treasure long after Christmas is over.
By taking a little time to consider stocking stuffers, you won't need to spend a lot of money to fill those socks over the fireplace mantle while still bringing smiles to the faces of your children when they peak inside.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Holiday Saftey Tips - Must Read!
http://blogs.consumerreports.org/safety/2008/12/holiday-safety.html
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/611.pdf
Dry and neglected trees can cause a real threat as this dramatic video from the USFA shows.
Please share this information with your friends and family.
Be safe and enjoy your holiday season!
eeBoo I Never Forget a Face Memory Game

Saturday, December 6, 2008
Award Winner: Deluxe Toy Cash Register with Scanner, Toy Money & Banking Products.

Friday, December 5, 2008
The Cat In the Hat I Can Do That!

Thursday, December 4, 2008
Little Tikes Cookin Fun Interactive Kitchen
This Interactive kitchen has 40 different sounds and sayings. Kitchen recognizes and responds to each food a child plays with. Microwave makes 3 cooking sounds and has a lighted countdown timer. Faucet makes running water, "clinking" dish and silverware sounds. Pretend coffee maker, dishwasher, refrigerator,oven, sink, and 13 accessories.Product Description
This unique kitchen plays along with children by recognizing and responding to individual foods placed on the burner. Other deluxe features include a microwave that makes three cooking sounds and has a lighted countdown timer. When kids turn on the faucet, they'll hear running water, and when they "wash" the dishes, a motion sensor triggers dish and silverware sounds. Features realistic house details on the outside, plus a pretend coffee maker, dishwasher, refrigerator, oven, sink and 13 accessories. Measures approximately 37" x 30" x 44". Requires 4 "AA" alkaline batteries (not included). Limited warranty.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Fisher-Price® Roll-a-Rounds™ Drop & Roar™ Dinosaur

Dinosaurs capture the imagination of even the youngest minds. Your little learner will be rewarded with music, sound and lights by sending adorable roll-around creatures down color-coordinated paths. Busy activities like a twirling butterfly, a rattle bird and spinning dinosaur also keep baby's head and hands occupied. Ten songs and five sound effects stimulate your child as she plays. It Includes four roll around balls and it requires 3 "AA" batteries, which are included.
Product Features
Color coordinated ball drops and ramps allow baby to follow the rounds down one of 4 paths accompanied by 3 colored lights and lively tunes
There are busy activities that add to the play, including a twirling butterfly, a rattle bird, and spinning dinosaur
10 songs and 5 sound effects encourage and entertain baby
Each of the 4 pre-historic themed rounds feature little baby creatures, each with a unique action
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
List of Kids Toy Brands
Children have, probably since the beginning of human kind, always needed something to entertain themselves with. There are accounts as far back as The Bible of children playing with various forms of toys. Realizing the need for children to be entertained, many companies and brands of toys have popped into the market, particularly during the 19th and 20th centuries. The toys they produce can be placed in a large list of different categories.
Here is a partial list of toy brands and/or companies:
Action figures
* Action Man
* Bendos
* Dukes of Hazzard
* G.I. Joe
* Green Soldiers
* Kung Fu
* Masters of the Universe
* Power Rangers
* Rambo
* RoboCop
* Rocky
* Star Trek
* Star Wars
* Starting Lineups
* Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Board games
Major Board Game brands
* Parker Brothers
* Ravensburger
* Intellect Games
* Milton Bradley Company
Popular Games
* Candy Land
* The game of Life/Life
* Monopoly (game)/Monopoly
* Risk (game)/Risk
* Sorry! (game)/Sorry!
* Scrabble
* Operation
* Trouble (board game)/Trouble
Die-Cast toys
* Corgi (toys)/Corgi
* Dee Toys
* Dinky Toy
* Dyna-Flytes
* Hot Wheels
* Maisto
* Majorette
* Matchbox
* Muki
* Tonka
* Lone Star
* Racing Champions
Dolls
* Barbie
* Blythe
* Bratz
* Lizzie McGuire
* Mary-Kate and Ashley
* My Little Pony
* Razanne
* Sabrina the teenage witch
* Sailor Moon
* Sindy
* Strawberry Shortcake
* Cabbage Patch Kids
* Raggedy Ann
* Mr. Potato Head
Educational
* Bob the Builder
* Crayola
* Fisher-Price
* Fuzzy felt
* LeapFrog
General brands/toy companies
* Kid Galaxy
* Louis Marx and Company
* MacFarlane
* Mattel
* Hasbro
* Wham-O
Model toys
* Airfix
* Erector Set
* Hasegawa
* LEGO
* Lincoln Logs
* Lionel Trains
* Meccano
* Mega Bloks
* K'NEX
* Nostalgair
* Playmobil
* Revell
* Schabak
* Tinkertoy
* Tyco Toys
* Wooster
Sports toys
* Koosh ball
* Nerf
* Schwinn
Video games
* Atari
* Nintendo
* PlayStation
* Sega
* Xbox/Microsoft Xbox
Monday, December 1, 2008
Bounce House - Inflatable bouncers

Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Best 25 Toys of 25 Years

It’s the magic that’s the key. All toys worth their salt have it. They strike flint in the child’s mind; they ignite imagination, stimulate creativity, elicit striving, and provoke the desire to make order. They whet and saturate appetites. They push, pull, and comfort. They help a child build a sense of self, a sense of ability to accomplish.
Good toys are not instant gratification. They have staying power; they engage. They help build attention spans, not fragment them. Good toys do not glamorize or reflect the destructive aspects of society. A good toy does not offer answers; it stimulates questions and presents problems for solving- all in good humor.” - Parents’ Choice Founder, Diana Huss Green
Gymini 3-D Activity
Ages: Infant - 10 months
Skwish Classic
Ages: 3 months & Up
Manhattan Toy,
Little ones are fascinated with the brightly colored nontoxic beads that slide easily back and forth as the child moves them. In addition, shiny bells provide a pleasant sound in response to baby's touch. Suitably named, this toy "skwishes flat and bounces back."
A springy, three-dimensional wire and bead maze sends one to ten multicolored wooden beads careening around the continuous length of blue wire, which has been bent in such a complex shape that it seems soft, not rigid.
Hugg-a-Planet: Earth
Ages: 9 months & Up
Hugg-a-Planet,
Hugg-a-Planet is a colorful stuffed globe covered in a soft but sturdy fabric that is patterned with a map of the earth. Children can play with it like a ball, study it like a map, and hug it like a friend. Its message - love our earth - was an early one in the spate of ecological toys.
Welcome, Toddler, to a world of exploration, discovery and learning. Each side of the 14-inch velour cube presents a different combination of color, shape, music and related activities. For example, when the circle faces up, the music is "Ring Around the Rosy," and a round button opens the round flap, under which is a round pocket containing a ball on a string. Every baby instinctively tugs at the ball, and when (s)he lets go, the string slowly retreats with a clicking sound, pulling the ball back down again. Each time the baby turns the cube to a different side (exercising big arm, leg, and back muscles), there's a new shape with related song, flap closure, and toy or activity inside (for developing the small hand and finger muscles).
Cozy Coupe
Ages: 18 months - 5 yrs.
The Little Tikes Company,
The Original Rollercoaster
Ages: 2 - 5 yrs.
Anatex Enterprises, Inc.,
With its multicolored swoops and dips, this toy inspires the same finger-fiddling that an abacus invites. Each length of colored metal is bent into a different pattern and each is threaded with variously shaped bright beads. Children slide the beads along each wire, following its twists and turns, dips and rises, from end to end. The toy provides absorbing fun at the same time it challenges a child perceptually, physically, and mentally.
Imagibricks Giant Building Blocks 40-Piece Set
Ages: 2 - 6 yrs.
Imagiplay, Inc.,
Constructive play begins with the kind of large corrugated cardboard blocks beloved by generations of children. They are light enough even for toddlers to carry and stack, big enough to show quick results, and strong enough to stand or sit on. Their proportional sizes, based on a 6"x6" square that is 3" high, also include half-squares and double squares; you can easily see how preschoolers will learn the concepts of addition, equality, and fractions even before they can understand numbers.
Groovy Girls- J Series 13"
Ages: 2 & Up
Manhattan Toy,
A bouquet of fun comes with one or all of these groovy girls. Jayna, Jordan, Janisse, Josi, Jada and Jacinda are washable lovable 13" dolls with belly buttons and ears that stick out. The clothes fashion the namesake with textures, colors, patterns and shoes that can't get lost. Great value both for the dollar and the play.
Big Dump Truck; Big Loader
Ages: 3 & Up
The Little Tikes Company,
These two sturdy yellow and black plastic vehicles may take care of a child's sandbox landscaping needs for years to come. About knee-high to a preschooler, the equipment is virtually indestructible, even by the elements. Both feature cabs that turn easily and move on large air-filled treaded tires. The lifting and hauling mechanics are just sophisticated enough to set scientifically inclined minds to wondering.
Chimalong
Ages: 3 & Up
Woodstock Percussion, Inc.,
Doorway Puppet Theater
Ages: 3 & Up
HearthSong,
Every doorway becomes a stage for the imagination with this magnificent fabric puppet theater that hangs from its own adjustable rod and fits securely into any doorway. Commendable details include a clear plastic pocket in front to hold a poster announcing the show, storage pockets in back for easy access to puppets and props, and a fold-out ledge to serve as stage.
Storybook Village
Ages: 3 & Up
T.C. Timber,
You've heard of coffee-table books? This is a coffee-table toy, so beautiful that you won't mind if your children leave it there. The houses are chunky wood blocks with cutouts that can be oriented to represent doors, windows, or balconies. Line them up or stack them, and top them off with curved, peaked, angled, or gabled roofs. Add the trees, people, benches, fences, dogs, horses and cart, and you have 105 satiny-smooth red, green, blue, and natural color wood pieces with which to construct a fantasy world.
Groovie Blocks
Ages: 4 - 8 yrs.
Uncle Goose Toys,
Can You Dig it Sand Tools
Ages: 4 - 12 yrs.
Days At the Beach,
Blocks & Marbles Standard Set
Ages: 5 & Up
Tedco, Inc.,
Quarto Classic Board Game
Ages: 5 & Up
Gigamic,
Quarto's wooden pieces are about the size of little wooden saltcellars, and the board is another solid, handsome piece of wood. This is a game of similarity. The factors are tall/short, rounded/square, solid/hollow, light/dark, with each piece containing some combination of those features. Players try to create a line in which the pieces express "family resemblance" in terms of one of those variables. But change-o!, at each turn the player gets to choose the next piece for his opponent to play - with diabolical helpfulness. Its initial simplicity makes it appealing for younger kids to tackle, but the complexities are enticing for older kids.
Neocolor II Painting Crayons
Ages: 6 & Up
Caran d'ache of Switzerland Ind.,
In this game of logic, perception, concentration and speed, players must form three-card sets from an array of cards showing figures that differ in shape, quantity, color, and shading. To try it out, play a sample game at http://www.setgame.com.
Pictionary Junior
Ages: 7 - 11 yrs.
Hasbro Games/Milton Bradley,
Clues to 480 possible words are given in pictures, and response time is limited, in this "charades on paper" game, which includes two wipe-off drawing boards, nontoxic crayons, and 120 cards.
GeoSafari
Ages: 8 & Up
Educational Insights, Inc.,
A shiver of electronic lights selects a question on your chosen subject. You type in an answer and get a musical pat on the back if you're right. (You get a groaning computer if you're wrong.) Try again. The card for your subject (countries, capitals, the solar system, physical and political maps, bird and animals, world landmarks) remains on GeoSafari's slender console. Fascinating as it all is, the learning still comes through trial, error, thinking, thinking, and repetition. Response time will shorten as you go through the questions again. More and more quickly. But unknowns remain and noodge you to try and find the answers. A sleek, motivating teaching machine, GS electronically delivers lessons about our world and beyond. Reluctant and ravenous scholars - privileged and underprivileged - will stand in line for a chance at it.
Rubik's Cube
Ages: 8 & Up
Hasbro, Inc.,
Winning Moves Games,
Rush Hour
Ages: 8 & Up
ThinkFun Inc.,
Players must time their moves in the right sequence to extricate the red car from a traffic jam. Please see Rush Hour Jr. for a description of the game for younger players.
The A-Maze-Ing Labyrinth
Ages: 8 & Up
Ravensburger,
Players must wend their way through the labyrinth to retrieve treasures assigned at the start of the game. But before each turn, a player shifts part of the maze, opening up some passageways and closing off others. A unique game, it's absolutely intriguing.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Parents' Choice Award Winners - Games
Parents' Choice Award Winners
Category: Games
I Spy Memory Game 15th Anniversary Silver Tin Edition - Ages: 4 & Up
Pirates Undercover - Ages: 5 & Up
Square Up - Ages: 6 & Up
Marrakech - Ages: 8 - 14 yrs.
Pengoloo - Ages: 4 & Up
Double Shutter Junior, Shut The Super Box! - Ages: 6 & Up
FUNDOMINO - Ages: 6 & Up
Hyper Jump - Ages: 6 & Up
Pocket Fundomino - Ages: 6 & Up
Flibbix - Ages: 7 & Up
Double Shutter, Shut The Super Box - Ages: 8 & Up
On the Dot - Ages: 10 & Up
Animal Scramble - Ages: 3 - 5 yrs.
Rondo Vario - Ages: 3 & Up
Cranium Family Edition - Ages: 8 & Up
Jishaku - Ages: 8 - 99 yrs.
Link 26 -Ages: 10 & Up
Ruin Ages: 10 & Up
Guess What I Am! - Ages: 3 & Up
Bamboo Kombino - Ages: 4 & Up
Little Thunder Witch - Ages: 5 & Up
Buzzword Junior - Ages: 7 & Up
Rock! - Ages: 7 & Up
Tiki Topple - Ages: 10 & Up
Perfect Sense - Ages: 12 & Up
Go Nuts! - Ages: 8 & Up
Learning Resources Teaching Cash Register

Learning Resources Gears! Gears! Gears! Movin' Monkeys
A variation of the award-winning Gears! Gears! Gears! construction set, Movin’ Monkeys adds a jungle theme to the building fun. Kids can follow the instructions and turn this set into the scene pictured on the box or can use their imaginations to create their own jungle setup. Monkeys hang from their hands or tail on the palm trees, vine, or each other and can even move down the length of a spiral building piece when the gears turn. Newcomers to these gear-shaped blocks may need to refer to instructions the first time they play with this toy—especially for details on how the palm trees fit together. The manufacturer’s targeted beginning age is four years old, but we recommend starting at age five or six after observing younger children having difficulty constructing the palm trees and inadvertently knocking them over. The 136 pieces include the building platform, gears, cranks, palm tree components, vines, and monkeysThis engaging set has tremendous play value, and will engage curious minds and busy hands for many happy hours.