TDmonthly’s Top 10 Most Wanted Sand Toys

By Brenda Ruggiero
April 2005

Sand play helps to develop physical, social, and mental skills. While any beachgoer will admit that the sand itself can attract a child’s attention for many hours, adding accessories will only increase the “fun-factor” and learning opportunities.

Giant Beach and Storage Pail Set by PROCESSED PLASTIC CO.

This set wraps it all up neatly – a 12-piece toy set in a five-gallon bucket that can also be used for play.
-- This popular set sold out on Amazon.com (02/18/05).
-- According to Michael Ladin of Processed Plastics Co., “This set includes one of the largest beach pails around – at nearly five gallons. The durable plastic items are strong enough for many hours of play for kids of all ages.”
-- Parents like the fact that this toy can hold everything to tote along to the sand box or beach. 3/18/2005 (MSRP: $11.99; Age: 2 to 8)

7 Piece Sand Set in Backpack by BRIO CORPORATION

7 Piece Sand Set in Backpack by BRIO CORPORATION This set includes everything for a day of sand play, including a bucket, shovel, rake, and three molds, with a handy backpack for carrying it all.
-- This set is listed as a top seller on Amazon.com (02/18/05).
-- Parents like the fact that the toys can be easily organized and carried in the backpack.
-- The low pricing and good value are attractive features for customers. 3/18/2005 (MSRP: $9.99; Age: 3 and Up)

Sand and Beach Playset with Mesh Bag by PROCESSED PLASTIC CO.

This 18-piece set keeps the whole caboodle in a neat mesh bag for less mess, while including sand essentials such as molds, shovels and a sieve.
-- This set is listed as a best seller on KBtoys.com (02/18/05).
-- Customers like the fact that this set includes more toys than some other sets, but is priced approximately the same.
-- Michael Ladin of Processed Plastics said, “This item is a tremendous value. It includes 18 pieces of the most popular toys, including one of the largest toy boats available (nearly two feet long).” 3/18/2005 (MSRP: $11.99; Age: 1 to 4)

Hot Wheels Sand Toys Set by PROCESSED PLASTIC CO.

Hot Wheels Sand Toys Set by PROCESSED PLASTIC CO. This set combines all the fun of Hot Wheels with sand; it includes molds, a pail, sieve, and ball.
-- This set is listed as a best seller on etoys.com (02/18/05).
-- The popularity of Hot Wheels adds to the sales value of this set.
-- “Utilizing the hottest boys license, this playset has everything for the young boy to have a blast at the beach,” said Michael Ladin of Processed Plastic Co. 3/18/2005 (MSRP: $11.99; Age: 3 to 10)

Beach and Back Yard Tote Toy Box by PROCESSED PLASTIC CO.

This is a set that offers toys and organization at the same time, including a handy tote that converts into a bag, a sieve, rake, shovel and hoe.
-- This popular set is currently sold out on Sears.com (02/18/05).
-- The large size of this tote offers more storage space.
-- “This unique item serves as a toy storage box in the backyard and then doubles as an easy-to-carry mesh tote,” says Michael Ladin of Processed Plastic Co. 3/18/2005 (MSRP: $11.99; Age: 6 to 12)

Beach Bones T-Rex by SMALL WORLD TOYS

Beach Bones T-Rex by SMALL WORLD TOYS Beach Bones allows kids to create a giant T-Rex with sand and water.
-- This set was listed as a Dr. Toy’s Best Vacation Toy in 2002.
-- This set has sold out of stock on Growingtreetoys.com (02/18/05).
-- Parents like the fact that this toy is versatile, since it works with snow as well (or even Jell-O!) 3/18/2005 (MSRP: $15.95; Age: 4 and Up)

Beach Heads by UNCLE MILTON INDUSTRIES INC.

Beach Heads by UNCLE MILTON INDUSTRIES INC. This sand activity allows kids (and parents) to create wacky faces in the sand.
-- Sheldon Dubow, president of SpeedyDog.com, said, “This product is definitely a great seller. Sales have been very, very brisk, and I expect them to continue into the summer months. It’s very creative, and kids can create their own faces, wash it off, and use it again.”
-- This set was one of Dr. Toy’s Best Vacation Toys for 2004.
-- Beach Heads were a featured prize at Grandparent’s Magazine, and one parent said, “We used these cool toys on our cruise vacation and the kids had a blast! It was easy to mold the sand and then make crazy creations.” 3/18/2005 (MSRP: $16.99; Age: 4 and Up)

Sand Mill and Truck Beach Toy by BRIO CORPORATION

This water/sand wheel toy includes a spade and a truck, and is packed in a net bag.
-- It is listed as the best selling sandbox toy by Ann Sauerland, co-owner of iqkids.com.
-- A review of this toy on epinions.com stated, “Take it to the beach or use it in the tub, this combo set is a great investment for kids that love to use their imagination.”
-- Kay Thomson of BRIO commented on the versatility of the toy, noting “Kids can put sand or water in the top of the mill, it spins through the wheel and comes out at the bottom dumping into the truck so they can transport their load.” 3/18/2005 (MSRP: $13.99; Age: 2 and Up)

Dig 'n Blast Water Shovel by LITTLE KIDS INC.

Dig This sand digger has a fun added feature — a built-in water shooter that sprays over 25 feet.
— Robert Slye, owner of ToysAhoy in Barrington, R.I., said, “This is a brand new toy, and sales look pretty promising. I did put them out now, and sold more than I expected, even though it’s March and it’s snowing. It’s different, and people think it’s cool.”
— Parents like the fact that this toy is kid-powered and requires no batteries to make it work.
— Kirk Bozigian, Little Kids vice president of marketing, said, “This toy is a dream come true for preschoolers who love to dig in sand and play with water. Whether at the beach or in the backyard, this toy is great fun!” 3/18/2005 (MSRP: $5.99; Age: 4 and Up)