After the introductions we had the chance to tour the showroom in small groups led by a Hasboro staff member. We viewed the toys one by one and had a detailed explanation of the toy’s history, uses, safety features, and price. Each staff member showed a true interest for their toy and welcomed feedback and suggestions from everyone. Many of the toys (Mr.Potato Head, Gloworm and My Little Pony) were toys that I remember from childhood. It was neat to see how they improved and changed the toy in so many ways. I would love to write about each and every cool toy from the fair, but instead I will highlight a few favorites:
ALPHIE
(Ages 3 years & up; Approx. Retail Price: $39.99; Available: Fall 2010)
The modern ALPHIE pal from Playskool features important educational activities that help develop early learning skills in preschoolers. Preschoolers can learn the alphabet, rhyming, counting, color and shape recognition, matching, animal names, instrument sounds and much more! I loved this toy because it is educational and fun! Since I am a teacher by trade I am constantly looking for toys that will inspire learning. Alphie does just this and this is a toy that will keep your child occupied for hours. This would be an ideal pick for a preschool age child because many of the skills that Alphie teaches are ones that are should be acquired before kindergarten. Since Alphie is so easy to carry it would be the perfect toy to take to Grandma’s House, a family trip, or a play date.
BABY ALIVE BOUNCIN’ BABBLES
(Ages 3 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $24.99 /Available: Fall 2010)
With her big eyes open wide and a loveable smile on her face, BABY ALIVE BOUNCIN’ BABBLES doll can’t wait to play with her “mommy!” Hold her hands and watch this adorable, energetic tot bounce up and down while giggling and making playful baby sounds. BABY ALIVE BOUNCIN’ BABBLES will also “chuckle” and “coo” just like a “real” baby when “mommy” comes near. The Baby Alive Bouncin’ Babbles is so cute that many parents will want to pick it up and play with it. A few bloggers couldn’t resist the urge to do so! Your little one will love the way it interacts by laughing and making sounds. The perfect fit for any “little mommy.”
EASY-BAKE DELUXE DELIGHTS
Cake and Cookie Kit
(Ages 8 years & up; Approx. Retail Price: $29.99; Available: Fall 2010)
Set to debut in October 2010, this deliciously new bake-set offers girls the opportunity to show off their creativity with edible works of EASY-BAKE art. The EASY-BAKE DELUXE DELIGHTS Cake and Cookie Kit comes with a microwave container and lid for baking tasty sweets and loads of accessories that a pastry chef in training will need. I must admit that I wish my four year old was old enough to play with this. I was amazed and how much Hasboro had added to this toy. I remember making brownies in my easy bake oven…now they can make cake with fondant. It includes a wide variety of supplies and with a price less than $30 it is an outstanding value.
FURREAL FRIENDS GOGO, MY WALKIN’ PUP
(Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $59.99/Available: Fall 2010)
The Furreal friends pets will give your child all of the joy and excitement that pets brings without the hassle of a live pet! They would also be great “practice” for a pet. Gogo was so cute and so much fun to walk! I loved how the pet responded to touch. This will be a great toy to play with independently or share with a group of friends! Although it seems early to plan for the holidays of 2010, this may want to be a toy on your list!
OPERATION: Toy Story 3 Edition
(Approximate Retail Price: $19.99; Ages: 6 and up; Availability: Spring 2010)
Bring BUZZ LIGHTYEAR back to full flying speed by removing all 13 of his malfunctioning parts without touching the sides of his spacesuit and setting off the laser sounds. The new edition of operation has all of the fun of the old game with a new twist! The Toys Story 3 Edition will bring hours of family fun to your home! Another great feature of this game is that it helps to improve coordination and fine motor skills! I also liked how it reinforced math skills with the money component of the game.
Written by Alicia, Cool Baby Kid Contributor
Stay in Touch: Subscribe to Cool Baby Kid via RSS or email for more toy picks as well as special discounts and giveaways.
