The 2013 New York International Toy Fair is just a month away (February 10-13th), and one of the best ways to prepare for the show is to research products and companies you might be interested in visiting before you get to New York. (Read 7 tips for a successful Toy Fair)
The following companies will be exhibiting at Toy Fair. Take a look at some of the products they've shared with us in the past, then decide who you'll visit at the show.
Get picture perfect views of your surroundings with this PlanToys® camera. Point, focus, and click the camera and see the different images through the kaleidoscope lens. Launch date: February 2013.
This 2-in-1 sturdy and colorful wooden push-walker is also a ride-on. It encourages kids to take their first steps, improves balance, and brings lots of fun by riding it around the house! Comes with built-in Xylophone with 2 Drumsticks, and shape sorter. Launch date: February 2013.
The NEW midnight-black, winged Areion from Safari Ltd® has one of the fiercest spirits of all. Stare into its untamable brown eyes and let it show you the way to the mythical world. This hand painted replica measures 5.5” L x 4.25” W x 5.25” H (13.75 x 10.75 x 13.25 cm) and is suitable for ages 3 and up. All Safari Ltd® products are 100% guaranteed and lead free to ensure children’s safety. Visit www.safariltd.com to explore educational information in five languages and to view and purchase Safari Ltd® 2013 introductions and all other products. Launch date: January 2013.
Ultra soft plush Grover comes with a satin cape 15". A silver helmet and lightning bolt logo complete the super hero look. Launch date: January 1, 2013. — Isaac Judd from Magic Beans in Brookline, Mass., told TDmonthlyin a June 2013 survey that Sesame Street plush from Gund is their best-selling plush item. They sell about 50 each month of all the characters combined.
Available in two styles, these "sitting" plush pieces are squeezably soft and bean filled; Princess Honey and Sad Sam don a pink crown and baseball cap, respectively. Launch date: January 2013.
Simplistic shape. Endless possibility. The only tools required are the children's imagination. Plus Plus bricks is made in Denmark of PE (polyethylene). Free of phthalates and PVC.
Featuring a compact size and fanciful designs, Bachmann’s new Large Scale Li’l Big Haulers® are the perfect introduction to model railroading. Choose from three different ready-to-run sets - Fast Freight, Short Line Special, and North Pole Express - that include a steam locomotive with operating headlight, brightly colored freight or passenger cars, hook-and-loop couplers, 4'3" of steel alloy track (12 pieces), and power pack/speed controller. There’s also a full selection of colorful separate-sale Li’l Big Haulers locomotives with tenders, tank engines, hoppers, tankers, coaches, baggage cars, and cabooses. Launch date: November 2012.
Learning about dinosaurs has never been so much fun. Expand your knowledge of dinosaurs with this 100-piece Puzzle Double! After you put the puzzle together, turn off the lights and the puzzle glows in the dark! Additionally turn the puzzle over and you have a coloring activity. The bright illustrations encourage parent-child conversation. Each 100-piece puzzle measures a giant 3’ X 2’. Launch date: November 2012.
Fans and collectors can outfit their Captain Action figure with this all new classic Iron Man costume set, based on the 60's and 70's version of the Iron Man suit. When wealthy industrialist Tony Stark is forced to build an armored suit after a life-threatening incident, he ultimately decides to use its technology to fight against evil which is elegantly depicted in this depiction of Tony Stark's Armored Avenger costume. The Iron Man deluxe set includes a modern mask, a classic mask, plastic boots, chest plate, gloves, belt and energy pods. Fabric costume elements complete Iron Man's look. The deluxe version also comes with a Tony Stark face mask and promotional pieces to Assemble-An-Avenger – including Hawkeye's wrist band, arm bands and arrows! What could be more fitting? Long-time fans will remember Hawkeye first appeared as an Iron Man villain.
This series is great for little readers who love to build and repair things. Sam is not only a skillful builder, but also a good teacher. In these books he shows kids how to repair a car or build something special. Each book include the sounds of tools, amusing melodies, and colorful pictures.
MSRP: $26.95 Age Range: 8 and up Specialty: Yes (as of 2012) Made in: Thailand, China, USA SKU or Item #: PN-MT Launch Date: June 2010 Gender: Boys And Girls
Pangaea Mountain comes with a fascinating book about Dr. Geostone and his two students Rocky and Crystal. The students fall asleep in class and wake up on a mysterious mountain in search of the "Living Dinosaur." As the three explore, Dr. Geostone teaches the children about the many fossils and Gems discovered within. In the end they learn a bit about everyday life, geology, geography, biology and earth science. Finally they are amazed that the mountain really does contain living organisms (Triops) they bring back to life by just adding water. This kit keeps you learning and having fun for months. "Most "I dig" kits simply let a kid dig something out and go wow. Activities are lacking and education is not the objective...TOYOPS stands behind its image of Tops in Toys That Teach. The illustrated book which accompanies this kit along with all the tools of a field scientist are fun, and teach while enjoying the excavation. The book is written to permit simple activities to make science hands on and fun. You will learn...My favorite is the story behind the buried hematite and how it defined the auto industry sprouting up in Michigan. It isn't just a mineral - it is part of history," Eugene Hull, Ph.D., President of ToyOps told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 2013.
Tablet Teddy Bears are plush tech tablet accessories for kids and their tablets. Fits all and any size tablets and iPads, with a removable backpack to store tablets. Ergonomiclly and therapeutically designed by pediatric occupational therapist. Patents Pending, copyrighted, and trademarked. Launch date: January 2012. Awards: 2012 CES Las Vegas Best Kids Tablet Accessory product; Featured on MSNBC, FOX news, and Bloomberg News 2012.
Nemo swims into the hearts of a new generation of children with a re-release in theaters and on Blu-Ray/ DVD. Retailers can “Find” Nemo Pillow Pets® Plush in Q1 2013. He’s sure to make a splash on store shelves. Launch date: February 2013.
Have you heard - Word's out? It’s the fast, fun, easy to play word game for the whole family. Just roll the dice, then find a letter in the 'Lettergraph' on the game board. If that letter matchers one in your word card, place a chip on the Corresponding space. Players may get to remove an opponent’s chip, swap words, or lose one of their own chips. Be the first player to 'spell out' the word and that player wins the game. Words Out is about having fun with letters and words, and for the younger players what a great way to learn.
Super-clear directions walk kids through seven unique bracelet designs, all based on a simple weaving technique. Use our custom loom and included beads, cord, needle, and thread to create a wardrobe of beautifully beaded bands that can be worn wrapped, stacked, or stylishly solo. Comes with: custom loom, over 900 glass and specialty beads, closure beads, cord, beading thread and 3 needles.
The USS Enterprise is the longest aircraft carrier in the US and the oldest. It has recently taken its final voyage after more than 50 years. With over 900+ assorted size and colored pieces kids can create a 3D image of the USS Enterprise down to the tiniest detail. It is the end of an era for the US Navy, making it the perfect gift for any Navy buff or construction enthusiast. With a finished size of 3.25” x 15.25” d x 3.25” h , it would make a nice addition to any den.
The Nite Ize ClipLit LED is a bright, water-resistant white light encased in a durable plastic housing and molded to a rugged plastic carabiner clip. Easy to activate - a quick twist turns it on and off - it's just as easy to clip onto and off of almost anything with a loop. Attach it to your key ring, belt loop, zipper pull, backpack or purse, and you'll have efficient, bright illumination wherever you are, whenever you want. The ClipLit is perfect for everything from reading fine print to finding a keyhole. And, when it's attached to your clothing, it's a fun and stylish way to let people know where YOU are when it's dark, increasing your visibility and safety.
Farkle Around combines dice with cards for a new take on everyone’s favorite game of skill and luck. This whirlwind game of dice and cards may leave players' heads spinning, but not before the last dice fill the card. Roll the dice and match them to what’s shown on the card. If a player Farkles,they pass the dice cup to the next player and try again when either of the game’s two dice cups comes back their way. The only goal: be the one to fill up one side of the card in play to win those points. Includes: 55 cards, 6 burgundy dice, 6 ivory dice and two shaker cups. Farkle Around is for 3 or more players ages 8 and up.
Two players co-star as they attempt to get the audience to guess 6 phrases. Trouble is, each only has half the phrase and it's up to the audience players to put it all together. Lots of laughs and fun in this charageous game for 3-8 players. Launch date: July 2012. Awards: 2012 Games Magazine Top 100 - Party games category
"The Big Bang Theory" Soft Kitty Plush brings to life one of the most memorable recurrences from the Emmy Award winning sitcom. Adapted from the song of the same name, the original ditty has propelled Soft Kitty into pop-culture phenom status. "The Big Bang Theory" Soft Kitty Plush is officially licensed and features a built in speaker. Just squeeze the front right paw and Soft Kitty sings Sheldon’s favorite lullaby. Launch date: 2011.
Anger Management Board Games explores questions like: are players annoyed by drivers who don't notice the light has changed because they're yakking on their cell phones? Does a trip to the beach make you think of cleaning sand out of your car? Have you ever yelled at the tv even though you know it can't hear you? If so, then everyone will love playing Anger Management, the subversively humorous board game that encourages players to lighten up and laugh at all the things that drive us all crazy as they whine their way to victory.
The Speedster Race Car lets children 6+ get a detailed look inside to see how it works. The Speedster Race Car comes with an illustrated Howie Work’s adventure hardcover storybook that takes kids through how each of the major parts work in real life. Check out the working engine, transmission, steering and much more. The doors can be opened to get even closer to the action. Launch date: July 2011.
This is the Conductor Carl 100 piece piece train set. Wooden train sets are great for any curious child. Children can build train sets from scratch and then role play with the various characters. Children have to use problem solving skills to build their set and will act out real world situations with the pieces. It's fun and enjoyable for kids and parents alike," Yi Sun, Graphic Designer at Brybelly Holdings Inc. told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2011.
Constructive Eating's Construction and Garden Fairy "Fun Bundles" are gift packages of the companies hottest selling items. Choose between Construction or Garden Fairy theme. Each Bundle includes U.S.A made three piece utensil set, and plate along with matching easy clean placemat and accompanying plush (choose between front loader or 1 of 3 plush garden fairies). Launch date: March 2007.
Duct Tape Doggie Fashions is the newest addition to the duct tape trend. This kit includes a stuffed dog and puppy, five rolls of duct tape, duct tape stickers, scissors, patterns and printed paper. Six-year and older crafters can transform rolls of colorful and printed duct tape and printed paper patterns to create pet fashion and accessories. — Mark Rosenblum, owner of Hobbytown in Fairfield, Conn., told TDmonthlyin a May 2013 survey that Duct Tape Fashion is one of their best-selling activity kits.
These Sidekix Toys are just like the pets kids have at home — only they can take them anywhere and they're a lot easier to clean up after. When these little furry friends are zipped into a ball they are ready for action. They can be tossed, kicked, thrown or anything a ball can do. By pulling on the custom made Sidekix Toys zipper pull kids can transform their sidekix back and forth from the ball to their lovable and furry friends.
The Mega Bloks® Hot Wheels® collection brings the world's most famous car brand to building toys, featuring speed, action and performance. Boys can build and collect their favorite Hot Wheels vehicles, and even customize their own creations. The product line also includes cool launchers and each set features a collectible Team Hot Wheels micro action figure to further enhance the play. Build, customize & play with Mega Bloks Hot Wheels. Launch date: Fall 2013.
Writer's Bio: Justina Huddleston graduated Magna Cum Laude from Emerson College with a BA in Writing, Literature, and Publishing in 2009. After graduating she was the on-site director of the Boston Children's Museum gift store for a year, selling educational, developmental, and creative activity toys that tied in with the museum's exhibits. Justina also interned at children's book publisher Candlewick Press before moving from Boston to Los Angeles, where she is now Editorial Director of TDmonthly Magazine. Read more articles by this author
Writer's Bio: Justina Huddleston graduated Magna Cum Laude from Emerson College with a BA in Writing, Literature, and Publishing in 2009. After graduating she was the on-site director of the Boston Children's Museum gift store for a year, selling educational, developmental, and creative activity toys that tied in with the museum's exhibits. Justina also interned at children's book publisher Candlewick Press before moving from Boston to Los Angeles, where she is now Editorial Director of TDmonthly Magazine. 
