"Beam-O. It's a large 30-inch lightweight nylon and foam disc. It sells very good, because it's colorful and lightweight."

—Susan Pruett, manager, Kilmarnock Toy Store, Kilmarnock, Va., December 2006

 

"[Our] best sellers are Flexa bedroom furniture and Kid Craft table and chairs."

—Paula Bolte, owner, Imaginations Toy & Furniture Co., Blacksburg, Va., August 2006

www.imaginationsofva.com

 

"The Marshmallow Shooter from Marshmallow Fun is new for us and our customers love it. The Marshmallow Blaster is just as popular. It shoots large marshmallows over 40 feet."

—Bettie Lee Moore, owner, Kaboom!, Leesburg, Va., December 2006

www.kaboomzone.com

 

"Active learning and fun with little setup or parental involvement" is what she looks for in toys.

—Mary Porter, owner, Curiosity Zone, Ashburn, Va., December 2006

 

"We also sell an authentic plane that's not really difficult to put together from New Ray — a pilot model kit. You add things to it like a tail fin, nose and wheels. It's for young children, like 7 years old. They get to feel like they had some input."

—Gwen Bowden, manager, Doodlehopper 4 Kids, Springfield, Va., December 2006

www.doodlehopper.com

 

"We love going to Toy Fair every year. It is valuable. It's just learning the trends, having face time with industry people, getting away from the shop, and getting a new perspective."

—Jacquie Lambertson, owner, Noodles & Noggins, Clifton, Va., November 2006

 

"What would be an interesting or appealing format to draw me? I like the idea of the video format: picture and demo. Probably the awards it's won, the age appeal, specifics about that toy, its educational value. The packaging."

—Danny Givens, Little Dickens, Lynchburg, Va., November 2006