The Toy Guy Chris Byrne is back to share his favorite toys for summer. Be sure to keeeeep scrolling down the list to see his Web-Only picks, and visit http://www.timetoplaymag.com/ for more great ideas!
WEB-ONLY PICKS: Check out more of the Toy Guy’s summer favorites! Aeromax 2000 Glow ($4.99)
Fishin' Frenzy
Giant Treehouse
Ages 3 +
$19.99
Who knows what you're going to catch when you go fishing? This indoor/outdoor game includes a fishin' barrel, two rods, and lots of stuff to throw in the barrel. Cast your lure and see what you come up with. Score points for catching fish, coins or the elusive treasure chest.
Light Up Marble Racers
Skullduggery
3 and up
$7.99
Collectible, customizable cars, powered by an integrated light up marble and can be decorated with the included decals.
Alien Invasion Aeromax
Ages 8+
$7.99
Kids have the power to launch this alien invader into the air and then who knows where? This light-up flying saucer design comes in purple and green. Aeromax introduces this toy in 2010 for hours of outdoor play.
The Original Aeromax 2000
Aeromax
Ages 5+
$3.99
The toy that started the Aeromax brand back in 1997, this tangle free parachute is a constant best seller for its simplicity and affordability. It even stars as the Aeromax logo! Simply toss it high and watch it fly.
Drop this parachute in a darkened room or at night for glow-in-the-dark fun. It’s tangle free just like the original Aeromax 2000
Graffiti Sky Ball
Maui Toys
6 and up
$12.99
Sky Balls are the highest bouncing balls ever! And now the hottest sensation in bounce balls just got hotter! For those who demand the unmatched performance of Sky Ball, but with unique patterns, Maui Toys introduces the Graffiti Sky Ball. It’s the perfect blend of ultimate performance with the artistic creativity of Graffiti art.
KOOSH
Basic Fun
3 & Up
$3.99.
Now Basic Fun is bringing back the original KOOSH ball, under license from Hasbro, Inc., for a new generation of kids to enjoy. Hundreds of colorful, soft strands of latex make the KOOSH ball fun to throw, easy to catch and just plain impossible to put down. The sound that the ball makes when you catch it, was actually the inspiration for its name
Solar Airship Wild Creations
5 and up
$15.99
On a bright sunny day take this airship kite outdoors and watch it fly. This cleverly designed toy doesn’t require pumps, gas, puffs or hassle! It’s so simple to use – inflates and rises outdoors due to the laws of physics, as it is easily explained in the instructions. It flies like a kite-- so hold on tightly! A tether line, 2 cable ties and controller are included.
Smart Toss Sports Theme Math Game
Learning Resources
5 and up
$44.99
This is major league math fun! This tossing game with bean bags targets simple addition and subtraction skill and is a hole-in-one with young sports fans. Features four different sports themes – baseball, bowling, golf and basketball. Has easy-carry handle. Vinyl surface wipes clean; folds flat for easy storage. Activity Guide included.
Wild Planet
3+
$24.99 in mass, $34.99 online/specialty
An active-learning game that exercises the body and the mind. Players run to tag different Toy Story characters that correspond to the clues Woody calls out. Woody keeps track of how much time each round takes and announces the score at the end. The game can be played indoors or out, solo, or the whole family can play together (up to 6 people).
Toy Story Buzz Lightyear rocket blast sprinkler
Banzai
All ages
$19.99
Kids can blast off with the Blast Sprinkler, featuring a cool rocket that hovers on a stream of water that kids can control with a pressure gauge, and it easily attaches to any garden hose for hours of backyard fun.
The Toy Story 3 3D water slide
Disney
SRP $39.99
Provides the ultimate summer fun experience with an 18-foot water slide and special 3D aqua goggles to increase the fun, kids will have a truly intergalactic experience.
Big Top Spin ‘n Splash Sprinkler
Prime Time
4 and up
$20
Turn the backyard into a 3-ring circus with this adorable sprinkler. There are three misting nozzles at the base of the sprinkler but it’s the elephant’s trunk that will splash you at random intervals! No one stays dry with this fella’s indiscriminate squirts!
Fire Power
Aeromax
5 and up
$12.95
Every boy and girl on the block will want to get their hands on this super soaker fire hose that rests comfortably on your back as a backpack and weighs just two pounds when loaded with water. Each backpack can hold up to 60 pumps, and each pump can shoot over 30 feet, for an afternoon of outdoor fun.
Disney Princess Bike
Huffy
$59.99 for 12" and $69.99 for 16"
Kids' will cruise around in style on Disney bikes, created by Huffy, that feature a Disney Princesses. Bikes feature special details such as a handlebar bag that's great for transporting small toys or snacks.
Jeep® Junior Pedal Go-kart
BERG Toys
$300
3-8 Years
This new lightweight and compact go-kart, designed in Holland for children as young as three, delivers the thrill of real Jeep® off-roading. The go-kart is designed using a unique patented BFR-hub technology, making going forward, in reverse, freewheel and braking simple, easy and controlled with only the use of the pedals. This technology allows for optimum safety and maximum driving pleasure. The Jeep® Junior Pedal go-kart also features an adjustable steering wheel and seat providing optimal comfort for ages three to eight.
Flying Turtle
DiscoveryStore.com
5 and up
$79.95
Just swing the handlebars and off you go on this totally unique, multiple-award-winning scooter that's been thrilling kids for over 30 years.
Flash Flight LED Flying Disc – Disco
DiscoveryStore.com
all ages
$24.95
Made of lightweight, durable materials, with true balance and long, straight flight, it weighs in at 185 grams and looks, feels, and flies like the highest quality non-illuminated discs. In other words, you’ll want to reach for it even during the day.
But at night, with a simple press of the switch, the Flashflight lights up with a long-life (100,000 hours) patented L.E.D. fiber-optic array that extends to its rim, so the entire disc is illuminated from every angle. In bright "disc-o" colors, it provides endless hours of nighttime entertainment for every skill level.
Radio Control Xenox
DiscoveryStore.com
Price: $29.95
Age: N/A
Take to the skies with the grace of an expert with this easy-to-fly plane that turns with the tilt of your wrist.
Extreme Slip’ N Slide® Freestyle Boogie®
Wham-O
SRP: $39.99
Ages: 8+
Description: Catch big air like never before with the all new Extreme Slip’ N Slide® Freestyle Boogie® water slide with Boogie® board kneeboard! Go at max speed down the super fast slide and master freestyle land tricks….or add the included water-filled ramp for some extreme action!
Mini Frisbee® Golf Set
Wham-O
SRP: $24.99
Ages: 5+
Description: This action-packed game set combines all the fun of golf and Frisbee! The freestanding target sets up anywhere—indoors or out—and comes with six 4" Frisbees that are perfectly sized for children’s hands. Kids just aim for the target…and try to be the first to throw all their Frisbees in the basket!
Hot Wheels Accu-Length Golf Clubs
Mattel
Ages: 4-11
$139.99-$179.99
Available: Summer 2010
Designed with speed, power and performance in mind, Hot Wheels® Accu-Length Golf Clubs grow in size as boys grow in height and skill level utilizing special “spacer” technology. Available in two different sizes – NEED SIZES (left or right handed) – each set comes with standard basic equipment to make the game fun for boys: a 17 degree Fairway wood, 7-iron, pitching wedge, putter and Hot Wheels™ golf bag.
Gazillion Bubbler Flyer (NEWLY REDESIGNED)
Funrise
3 and up
$11.99
Just insert the Bubble Flyer into the Hand-Held Docking Station, fuel with Gazillion Bubble solution, pump and press the trigger to watch the Bubble Flyer soar in to the sky leaving a trail of bubbles behind! Includes Bubble Flyer, Launcher and 4oz Gazillion Bubble solution. Spring Activated, no batteries required. Flyer comes in two different styles.
Big Bubble Friends
Little Kids
3 and up
$19.99
Moo-ve over traditional toys and make room for this dual action, adorable bubble cow! This motorized bubble machine easily creates large streams of bubbles and makes a “moo” sound when children pull back the cow’s head. Each Big Bubble Friend includes 4 oz. of Little Kids Bubble liquid.
Kiddie Pools
Kids Only
2 and up
$14.99
Colorful inlaid graphics featuring either Toy Story 3 or Disney Princesses.
V.Reader™ Animated E-Book System
V-Tech
Ages 3 to 7
$59.99
On Shelf Target June 20
Innovative Learning Fun
Using the world’s first children’s animated e-reader, children who are new to reading will have fun practicing their skills. VTech’s V.Reader™ provides the necessary building blocks for kids to grow into a fluent reader as they learn reading comprehension, vocabulary, phonics, word building and definitions that are easy for them to comprehend
Aqua Sand
SpinMaster
$19.99
4 to 7
Aqua Sand is the amazing sand that never gets wet! Aqua Sand is not like ordinary sand. Pour it in water and build up sculptures, pillars and creations. Then take it out of the water and...wow! The sand is instantly dry! Create underwater worlds using plastic molds, special tools, or just use your imagination! Aqua Sand can be used over and over again. Pour it! Sculpt it! Take it out – Wow! It’s dry!
Spira Chalk Blaster
Crayola
6 and up
$9.99
Turn ordinary sidewalk chalk into a spinning top a top with a brightly colored tip that draws fun designs as it spins! Fully kid powered, the Spira-Chalk Blaster needs no batteries: just imagination and a little bit of oomph!
Mighty Beanz SpinMaster
5 and up
$2.99 - $12.99
Mighty Beanz are back! Mighty Beanz are zany and eccentric ‘bean’ characters. Each Mighty Bean belongs to a specific "Bean Team" and each Bean Team has a rarity level - common, rare and ultra rare - to signify their collectable value. Mighty Beanz move using a wacky, unpredictable and unique movement. Collect them all, Play Games & Race!
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The Toy Guy on Live
June 08, 2010
March 09, 2010
2010 Toy Fair
Air Hogs Titan
From Spin Master, Ages 5 & up
Available now, $9.99
This oversized glider flies like a dream up to 45 feet. It’s easy to assemble and easy to fly, and the tough foam construction stands up to a lot of play. Small chips and cracks are fixed easily with cellophane tape or glue. This is a lot of fun for not much money.
Barbie Basics
From Mattel, Ages 3 and up
Available now, $19.99
Most Barbie dolls are geared toward little girls, but everyone knows that no Barbie fan ever really outgrows her. Barbie collectors are looking for unique Barbie dolls that offer more than just fun fashion play. The Barbie Basics Doll Assortment celebrates the quintessential fashion staple-The Little Black Dress or LBD. With 12 unique dolls each wearing a different LBD, it's easy to accessorize and customize the dolls to suit a collector's signature style. 12 different Barbies in little black dresses--for the 18+ Barbie girl.
Disney-Pixar's Toy Story 3
From LEGO, Ages 6 and up
Available later this year, $20.99
Relive the magic of the Toy Story films by building favorite scenes and characters! Kids can reenact adventures from the movies or create new ones for Woody, Buzz and the gang. First look at Toy Story 3 characters coming later this year.
Dr. Seuss The Cat in the Hat- What's in the Cat’s Hat?
From I Can Do That Games, Ages 3 and up
Available Fall, $19.99
Multisensory game of exploration and fun for kids 3 & up that encourages little ones to use their senses to discover what household object is hidden inside the Cat’s giant red hat.
Flickin' Chicken
From The Haywire Group, Inc., Ages 6 and up
Available Spring, $19.99
Get your family moving and laughing together with nine rounds of chicken-throwing insanity! Players try to hit the target with their rubber chickens, but it’s not so easy when the chickens bounce and roll in all sorts of crazy ways! Scored like mini-golf, the player who reaches the target in the least amount of chicken flicks wins. Perfect for the park, the beach or your own backyard!
Flitter Fairies
From William Mark Corporation, Ages 8 and up
Available now, $19.95
Flitter Fairies magically flit and fly all around you with enchanted flapping wings! It’s easy to guide your fairy with your magic wand! Fairy characters who seem to fly on their own using "invisible Pixie Silk!"
Gazillion Bubbles Incredibubble Wand
From Funrise, Ages 3 and up
Available now, $7.99
The Gazillion Incredibubble Wand lets you make bubbles as big as you! Simply pour the solution into the tray, dip the wand into the solution, and wave the wand to create enormous bubbles. The wand includes a 16-ounce bottle of the Special Super Strength Blue Gazillion Bubbles solution.
Mashoonga Sabers
From Revel King, Ages 7 and up
Available now, $24.95
Mashoonga! is a new competitive and high energy contact game played with Mashoonga! Sabers and Mashoonga! Bo-Staffs. The game, name and equipment were invented by a group of six teenage friends. They’re great for active play, competitive play.
Puzzle Furniture: Princess Castle Table & Chair Set
From Jakks Pacific, Ages 3 and up
Available Fall, $69.99
Princess Puzzle! The Princess Castle Table & Chair Set majestically doubles the fun as girls can easily transform their dazzling designed Disney Princess puzzle furniture from an exquisite castle into a noble table and 4 chairs, perfectly suited for royalty! Parents will be pleased that their princesses can be entertained for hours by building their enchanting castle, and then turn around and have a tea party with their friends or do homework all in the same day! The Princess Castle Table & Chair Set is made with safe and durable plastic construction and manufactured in the U.S.A.
Real Construction
From Jakks Pacific, Ages 4 and up
Available Fall, $24.99
Real Construction reinvents construction play by using Kid Wood, a durable foam material that looks, saws, nails and builds just like real wood. Kid Wood allows kids to build whatever they can imagine, but is very safe and easy-to-use with very little clean-up required. Real Construction playsets come with cool, safe, easy-to-use tools that work just like real tools to help kids develop and learn practical construction skill sets, craftsmanship, creativity and pride of accomplishment
Real Talking Stinky the Garbage Truck
From Mattel/Matchbox, Ages 3 and up
Available later this year, $59.99
Last year Rocky the Robot Truck was one hot truck! Boys loved the hauling and dumping action of this real-working truck, plus all of Rocky's jokes and dancing, not to mention his hip attitude. Building on the popularity of the innovative and interactive Rocky, Mattel is introducing a whole slew of pals for Rocky under the Real Talking Rigs brand. Real Talking Stinky is a robotic garbage truck with an attitude and some very wonderful sounds.
Rockboard Scooter
From M.Y. Products, Ages 10 and up
Available now, $199.99
The Rockboard Scooter incorporates new propulsion technology, allowing it to be ridden for hours without putting a foot on the ground. It can be used as a classic kick scooter or, when in Rockboard Mode, requires no kicking, batteries, charging or gasoline. While standing on the Rockboard deck, the rider rocks their weight back and forth in order to power the chain that drives the scooter. Propulsion is achieved with each rock, wasting zero energy and allowing the scooter to reach speeds up to 10mph. The Rockboard Scooter comes fully assembled and can be folded to a compact size for storage.
Sharp Shooter
From Spin Master, Ages 8 and up
Available Spring, $34.99
New from Air Hogs it’s the Sharpshooter, a revolutionary new indoor missile firing helicopter. Using patented “tail lock” stabilizing technology, you can pinpoint your target and fire at will! Carrying a payload of two onboard missile,s which launch remotely, you will never miss an opportunity to take down the opposition. With two frequencies to choose from, the Sharpshooter allows you to simultaneously battle with friends, fly tandem missions, or battle your own chosen targets.
Shred Sled
From Shred Sled, Ages 8 and up
Available now, $119.99
Are you ready to SHRED!? Start shredding in no time with the Shred Sled, the next generation caster board. The first 4-wheel, dual-deck inline caster board, the Shred Sled makes it smoother and easier to start carving up the streets. How it works: Shred Sled's two boards and flexible connector allow both boards to rotate around the vertical and horizontal axes so it's easy to maneuver the board.
Skunk & Pig Whoopee Cushions
From Play Visions, Ages 5 and up
Available now, $14.99
What can you say about a Whoopee cushion? Oops comes to mind. But this classically hilarious item will delight kids with its perfectly tasteless sounds and cute look. It’s self-inflating so kids can play again and again.
Superstar Barbie
From Mattel, Ages 3 and up
Available for a limited time only, $3.00
First introduced in 1977, Superstar Barbie had the look of the times. When every girl wanted to look like Farah Fawcett Majors, Barbie was way ahead of them. This recreation of the doll that introduced a new style and a new look is a must-have for every Barbie fan. Her look has been updated a bit, but it’s still that classic Superstar look that every girl in the 70s loved. And, for a limited time, it’s available for just $3.00. A reproduction of the original, complete with her two full length dresses and feather boa is available at Barbiecolector.com
Thomas the Tank Engine Busy Day at the Quarry
From Mega, Ages 3 and up
Available now, $19.99
It’s Thomas’s 65th Anniversary, and Mega has an incredible collection of sets that kids can build and play with. Each of the sets has about 50 pieces for versatile building excitement, and the molded plastic packages become part of the structure. All of the sets fit together to create a complete Thomas world.
Tyrannosaurus Rex Puppet
From Puppetoys, Ages 3 to Extinct
Available now, $59.99
This is not your typical cuddly puppet. Well, it can be, if you want. Created by a Hollywood Special Effects artist, these puppets inspire all kinds of creative play for kids.
Velcro Kids
From The Velcro Companies, Ages 3 and up
Available March, $49.99
Have a ball with the VELCRO KIDS a beautifully designed portable playset made of durable, rigid foam and fabric. Features innovative hook edges that easily touch-fasten walls to floors. Introducing HOOX decorative pieces - new, soft-touch VELCRO brand micro-hooks on the back of tear resistant pieces. Each piece is designed to easily attach and detach from the playspace and characters. Kids can do it all on their own.
WEB-ONLY:
Bubble Talk
From Techno Source, Ages 8 and up
Available Spring, $19.99
Bubble Talk, challenges players to match funny pictures with even funnier captions. Each round provides comical, clever and creative results, guaranteed to keep everyone in the group laughing.
Be sure to visit www.thetoyguy.com for more great toy ideas!
December 10, 2009
August 06, 2009
Rainy Day Fun with Toys!
It’s been one of the rainiest summers on record, and if your kids aren’t mildewed, they’re probably bouncing off the walls. Here are some great ideas to keep them entertained on rainy days—and maybe learn a thing or two…
CREATIVE PLAY
Crayola Color Switchers
Dual-ended markers that allow kids to magically change color as kids draw
Crayola Pip Squeaks
Mini Colored pencils sized right for kids hands.
Crayola Telecsoping Crayon Tower
150 crayons in a very cool tower. Easy for kids to grab. Enough crayons so there are no fights.
Crayola Pip Squeaks
From Crayola
Ages 5 +
$4.99
Crayola Color Switchers
From Crayola
Ages 3+
$4.99
Crayola Telescoping Crayon Tower
From Crayola
Ages 5+
$14.99
Crayola Color Town
A complete playset that uses the crayons to make the decorations—and become the animals in the zoo.
Crayola Color Town
From Wild Planet
Ages 3 +
$19.99
Ready, Set, School
Tons of great school readiness activities in a box. Writing, lacing, letter and number identification. All the things that kids need to know as they get ready to go to Kindergarten
Ready Set School
From Alex
Ages 3+
$24.99
Paperoni
Arts and crafts play with rolled paper. Make 2-D or 3-D designs.
Paperoni Deluxe Studio
From Spin Master
Ages 6+
$19.99
Play-Doh Burger Builder
One of the all-time classics since 1956. And the food sets are among the best-sellers. Make the perfect Play-Doh burger. Then mush it up and do it again.
Play-Doh Burger Builder
From Hasbro
Ages 3 +
$14.99
LEARNING TOYS
Tag Jr.
Following up on the incredible success of the Tag reading system, LeapFrog has introduced a new item for younger kids. It’s great for exploring and pre- and early reading.
Tag Jr.
From LeapFrog
$24.99 Additional books $10.00
Ages 2-4 Years
Alphabet Soup
Fun letter, color and early spelling toy from VTECH.
Alphabet Soup
From VTECH
$29.99
Ages 3+
Nitro Tech Notebook
Great learning laptop for little kids with more than 70 activities, online connectivity and much more. Great styling, too. Looks like a real grown-ups notebook
Nitro Web Notebook
From VTECH
$49.99
Ages 5-8
Super Why Zap & Learn Why Writer
Just like on the show, the Why Writer gives kids answers and encourages them to learn
Super Why Zap & Learn Why Writer
From Learning Curve
$19.99
Ages 3-5
FUN & GAMES
Spy Gear Evidence Kit
Be your own Closer or part of a CSI Team with this great set that lifts fingerprints.
Spy Gear Evidence Kit
From Wild Planet
$15.00
Ages 6+
Nerf N-Strike Tech Target
Indoor target practice and 3 games with a Nerf gun. What else do you need?
Nerf N-Strike Tech Target
From Hasbro
$24.99
Ages 6+
Polly Pocket Roller Coaster Resort Playset
Polly’s having a blast in her own combination roller coaster and mall. A little girl’s dream come ture
Polly Pocket Roller Coaster Resort Playset From Mattel
$49.99
Ages 4+
Trio Basic Tub Set
The first preschool construction system that is designed specifically for 3-year-old hands
Trio Basic Tub Set
From Fisher Price
$29.99
Ages 36
Mickey’s Magic Choo-Choo
A train that can run on its own track or lay it’s track as it rolls along.
Mickey’s Magic Choo Choo
From Fisher Price Friends
$49.99
Ages 3 +
1-2-3- Stomp!
Very cool active learning game. Stomp on the console to send the numbers flying, then run around and put them back in according to three different games
1-2-3 Stomp!
From Wild Planet
$29.99
Ages 3+
Dr. Seuss’s Super Stretch ABC’s
A great game that keeps kids active and learning with a great, silly Dr. Seuss twist.
Dr. Seuss Super Stretchy ABC Game
From I Can Do That! Games
$29.99
Ages 3+
Ticket to Ride
One of the most popular games in the world—and no one knows it. Use strategy to build your railway empire. Great for kids and families.
Ticket to Ride
From Games of Wonder
$49.99
Ages 8 +
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