If We Were Kids ... Xmas List

By Alison Marek
December 2007

If you're caught in a bind of last-minute-I don't know what I wanna get, here's a list from TDmonthly and Playzak staffers of the toys we wish we could have had when we were kids. Happy shopping!

Instant Solid Powder (Smart Tube) by DUNECRAFT INC.

Super-absorbent, this slush powder can absorb tap water and immediately solidify. The large Instant Solid Powder Smart Tube test tube comes with powder, three food-coloring tablets and lots of fun experiment and project ideas. “The Instant Solid Powder Smart Tube can absorb 200 to 300 times its weight in water and hold it in a gooey gel.” Dunecraft Inc. Public Relations Specialist Alicia Borley told TDmonthly. “Kids can learn all about osmosis, polymers, saturation and more with this exciting Smart Tube.” Launch date: 2006. 9/4/2007 (MSRP: $7.99; Age: 4 and Up)

Calico Critters - A Carriage Ride for Connor & Kerri by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC

Connor and Kerri Snow-Warren bounce happily in their carriage as Mother Shannon takes them for a stroll to Cloverleaf Corners’ Community Park. The Carriage Ride for the Connor & Kerri set includes Mother Shannon Snow-Warren Rabbit, the Snow-Warren Rabbit twins Connor and Kerri, a pram with a pillow and blanket, a rattle and a bottle. This playset also comes with a storybook about the Snow-Warren family.
— "You know what? Calico Critters do great in [the 4 to 8] age range," said Linda Hays, owner of Hopscotch Inc. in McMinnville, Ore., when sharing her Christmas 2007 predictions with TDmonthly. Six of 54 retailers agreed.
— "Calico Critters: It’s been crazy and I expect it to continue," said Cathy Foland, manager for Imagination Station in Fenton, Mich., when discussing the upcoming 2007 holiday season.
— "The carriage is highly detailed with moving wheels, sun shade, pillow and blanket," said Sue Tice for International Playthings. 9/20/2007 (MSRP: $16.99; Age: 3 and Up)

Gaucho SuperPower by PEG PEREGO

Gaucho SuperPower is the ultimate children's riding vehicle! Your child will cruise along in style with all the “extras”. This powerful, child-sized SUV has unique, long-lasting “QuietRide” tires with super strong grip for great traction on any surface. The dual, 24-volt high performance motors and 3-speed gearshift make it possible for your child to travel at speeds of 2 ½, 5, or 7 ½ mph forward or 2 ½ mph in reverse. Your child will love controlling the speed with Peg Perego’s innovative touch-sensitive, progressive accelerator pedal with coasting action and separate brake pedal. You can even use the high speed lockout option until your child is ready to reach maximum speeds. Your little driver will have everything a great driver needs, including rack & pinion steering, rear suspension, adjustable padded seats, rearview mirrors, and seatbelts. And for even more fun, the Gaucho SuperPower has an electronic FM radio, a working horn and a glove compartment. ( Watch Video) 4/26/2007 (Age: 3 to 10)

Zoobie™ Pets - Orangutan by ZOOBIES

This cuddly, hairy friend is a pillow, blanket and stuffed animal all in one, designed to serve as the perfect travel companion. “We at Zoobies continue to be on the curve of innovation for plush and for children's products, and we have some great new products debuting at the Toy Fair [2008],” Owner J.C. Smoot of Zoobies told TDmonthly. Launch: March 1, 2008. ( Watch Video) 9/17/2007 (MSRP: $35.00; Age: 3 and Up)

Deglingos - Pikos the Hedgehog by GEARED FOR IMAGINATION

“Deglingos (deh-GLING-goes): common noun. Animalos molto funnios and muy crazios. A distinctive species of contagiously quirky animals, the Deglingos speak their own language, which consists of finishing many words with "os.'" Found living at the best shops in town.” Designed in France, these machine-washable characters stand from 8.5” to 11” tall and meet European (CE) safety standards. “The Deglingos are created from 48 different fabrics, which give them a stunning visual and tactile appeal. Specialty retailers will see repeat purchases on these items because of their collectibility, and they will be sold in no mass-market retailers,” Ryan Hamilton of distributor All New Materials told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 2007. ( Watch Video) 9/19/2007 (MSRP: $40.00; Age: 0 and Up)

44-Key Baby Grand Piano by SCHOENHUT PIANO COMPANY

This dynamic, new line of 44-key baby grand and upright pianos, launched to coincide with Schoenhut’s 135th anniversary, features true piano sound … without the use of electronics. The mid-sized piano is less intimidating for small children who want to learn to play the piano. This line is not intended to replace Schoenhut’s vintage models that feature chime-like tones, such as those originally developed by Albert Schoenhut in 1872. Rather, the introduction is in response to requests from customers for a “new” sound. It’s available in black, white or red. Launch date: January 2007.
— If parents wish to start their kids on the piano before they’re ready for the real baby grand, this stunningly beautiful instrument with authentic piano sound is the way to go. It received a TDmonthly Top Toy 2007 award for innovation in mechanics and design within the category of musical instruments for children, as well as its ability to grace any space while furthering a young child’s music education.

Past Videos:
Toy Fair 2007 ( Watch Video) 2/26/2007 (Age: 5 and Up)

Ragdoll Cat by FOLKMANIS INC.

Put side-by-side with a real, live cat, it would be hard to tell the difference from this puppet. True to its breed, this cat looks and feels like the living feline — floppy, relaxed and almost boneless. It is made of long, spiky plush in browns and tans with white paws and face, and has a long, fluffy tail.
— This relaxed feline garnered a TDmonthly Top Toy 2007 award for its realistic fur and overall appearance, as well as its friendly persona. It’s a loveable creature that kids can carry around while “speaking” to others by manipulating its mouth.
— As of 05/13/2011 this product had 4.7 out of 5 stars from 13 reviews on Amazon.com. Cons: One user said that the eyes looked "demented and pretty scary" and that "Its little mouth is red and open, as though ready to take little nips out of me while I sleep."

Where to Buy: Really Great Toys ( Watch Video) 8/13/2007 (MSRP: $41.99; Age: 3 and Up)

Wild Safari® Jungle Wart Hog by SAFARI LTD.®

Our Wild Safari® Jungle Wart Hog is authentically sculpted, hand-painted and phthalate-free. Developed with the leading animal experts, these replicas are just like the real thing, only smaller. Safari’s jungle series has over 70 realistic replicas. All animals include five language educational information to educate children about our planet’s endangered wild kingdom. Replica size: 4.25” L x 2.5” H. View our entire collection at www.safariltd.com 9/27/2007 (MSRP: $3.50; Age: 3 and Up)

BlongoBall by BLONGO FAMILY FUN

BlongoBall by BLONGO FAMILY FUN BlongoBall is a great family game on the beach, at a picnic, on a camping trip, indoors or outdoors. Toss the unique BlongoBalls and wrap them around a horizontal bar to score points. Fun for all ages and skill levels. BlongoBall is easy to learn, exciting to play and will be enjoyed by the entire family for years to come. This Toss It, Wrap It and ScoreGame consists of two BlonGoals (racks) and two sets of BlongoBalls (yellow and orange) — enough for two players or two teams. Each of the two goals is 24”W x 26 ½”L x 39 ½”H and made of PVC. Ball sets include six balls of 1.625” in diameter. The toy is made of plastic, surlyn and nylon rope. ( Watch Video) 9/1/2004 (MSRP: $59.95; Age: 8 and Up)

Building Blocks Cordoba by HABA USA/HABERMAASS CORP.

Stacking can be lots of fun. The colors and forms of these building blocks are especially pretty and the small structures inspire even adults. The blocks are made of beechwood with a base dimension of 1.5". The Cordoba set, which can be combined with HABA building blocks, has 16 pieces, which include rattles, bells, mirrors and a prism. They are made in Germany.
– “HABA … just straight across the board, we sell something every day,” Dennis Hofsetter, owner of The Toy Store in Atlanta, Ga., told TDmonthly.
– “Our best-selling wooden company is HABA,” Steven Aarons, co-owner of Barston’s Child's Play in Baltimore, told TDmonthly.
– Over 14 percent of retailers who spoke with TDmonthly in early 2008 named HABA’s building blocks as their stores’ best-selling wooden toy item. 12/7/2007 (MSRP: $40.00)