In This Issue

Summarized Conclusions of May Articles

By TDmonthly Staff
May 2011

May Staff Picks: These 12 toys caught our eye. _{read more}

ASTRA Marketplace & Academy Preview: We interviewed three retailers to find out the benefits of ASTRA. _{read more}

Astra Preview: General Games: See 12 new games from companies who will be exhibiting at ASTRA. _{read more}

Astra Preview: Educational and Developmental Toys: These 12 new toys are more than just fun. _{read more}

Astra Preview: Plush Toys: Get cozy with offerings from these seven companies, then see them at ASTRA. _{read more}

Astra Preview: New Twists on Classic Toys: These 12 new products put a wild spin on old ideas. _{read more}

Astra Preview: Fun For Under $20: Yes, it is possible- 12 toys that are fun AND affordable. _{read more}

Astra Preview: Creative Activities: These ten products inspire imagination and creation. _{read more}

Astra Preview: Outdoor Fun and Action Toys: These nine toys get kids off the couch and excited to play. _{read more}

Astra Preview: New Companies: Five new companies bring fresh ideas to the table. _{read more}

Top-5 Most-Wanted Travel Toys and Games: Portable art and brain-teasers topped this list. _{read more}

Top-10 Most-Wanted Bath Toys: 92 percent of retailers surveyed said Alex brand is most popular. _{read more}

Top-10 Most-Wanted Infant & Toddler Toys: Our survey of 12 retailers showed a varied list of best-sellers for 2011. _{read more}

The Hub Channel And Its Competitors: If this new channel is to succeed, it will need to keep advertisers interested. _{read more}

Schoenhut Toy Pianos: History in Music : Since purchasing the company in 1996, the Trinca family has navigated changes in toy testing and customer demand to continue success of the 139 y/o brand. _{read more}

Maple Landmark Woodcraft: The Classic Wooden Toy: After lead-paint scares in 2007, eco-friendly, USA-made toys are more desirable than ever. _{read more}

How to Create a Commission Structure That Motivates: Group goals are more successful than individual incentives. _{read more}

How to Turn Motherhood Into Money: Everyday solutions to everyday problems spawned these Mom-helmed companies. _{read more}

How To Deal With Studs and Duds: Changing trends can lead to overstock- or bare shelves. 17 tips inside. _{read more}

Manage Your Time, Part 1: Create More Time: 18 steps to Organize and Consolidate your monthly tasks. _{read more}

Manage Your Time, Part 2: Preparation & Vacation: These 30 tips include Toy Fair prep and vacation time planning. _{read more}

The Women Behind Toy Soldiers: Part III: Sculpting toys was her bread and butter, but it wasn't always easy. _{read more}