Teddy Ruxpin gives Webkinz Plush Pets a Scare
January 30, 2008 by toy-tma
Filed under Stuffed Animals, Toys
Teddy Ruxpin, that heavy weight of plush toys, is back. This talking plush teddy bear was a favorite over twenty years ago, but now he’s remodeled with new technology and new stories too.
The return of the T. Rux will no doubt send shivers amongst today’s hottest stuffed animals: Webkinz plush pets. These diminuitive toys are favorites for their collectability and their cuteness. Both of the these toys are what we call hybrid products; they are part plush toy and part educational toy. While animated Teddy tells stories – his mouth matching the sounds – Webkinz plush pets have a second life on-line at Webkinz World.
Beware: Recalled Toys are Still on Shelves
January 27, 2008 by toy-tma
Filed under Toy Recalls and Safety
The class-action lawsuit against the maker of Thomas & Friends wooden railway toys is the first step towards a safer world for our babies and children. However parents should beware: according to this article at About.com, many recalled toys are still being sold in some locations. Many of these toys are being sold at a fraction of their original cost, therefore targeting the poorer families who may not have access to the lastest news about toys.
Lead Paint Toy Case Settled in Court
January 24, 2008 by toy-tma
Filed under Toy Recalls and Safety
One down, a dozen more to go. Illinois-based toymaker RC2 Corp, the makers of Thomas & Friends wooden railway toys, have agreed to a 30 million dollar payout in the class-action lawsuit.
From the AP press article,
“We believe this really is the first step toward cleaning up the problem of lead paint in toys,” the Chicago lawyer said. “It will put a lot of pressure on other companies to step up and act morally. We hope this becomes a problem of the past.”
Puzzles for Kids
January 19, 2008 by toy-tma
Filed under Learning Toys
Last time we discussed the benefits of puzzles for babies and toddlers. Of course, puzzles continue being great educational toys all the way into adolescence. Some people even claim that doing puzzles as an adult helps build brainpower, just like doing the daily crossword.
For preschoolers, the best puzzles are large jigsaw puzzles with thick pieces. The completed picture should be something recognizable like a school house or a farm. This is also a great age for kids to work together on a large puzzle. Together, they can develop strategies to figure out specific patterns. Read more
Baby Puzzles: the Original Mystery
We all love a good puzzle, whether that’s a crossword challenge in the daily paper, a mystery novel, or an old-fashioned jig-saw puzzle. This curiosity and drive to “figure it out” actually develops very early in childhood development – about six months, or when babies begin to explore on their own.
Taking it to the Next Level
January 13, 2008 by toy-tma
Filed under Science & Discovery Toys
Many parents worry about the educational value of their children’s toys. Trying to maximize their kids’ experience, some parents seize on new toys, literally wrenching a child’s favorite toy away because it may be not challenging enough. To these parents, we say: relax.
It can be difficult to judge how beneficial a toy is, but rather than taking toys away, consider bringing newer ones into the mix. Toys are favorites because they are serving some purpose – perhaps it is a comfort, or reminiscent of a trusted relative.
Toys at the Consumer Electronics Show
The Consumer Electronic Show is ongoing this week in Las Vegas, Nevada. Over 20,000 electronic gizmos from around the world are being showcased for a very thirsy public. And, of course, many of these products are toys.
While it’s too early to call favorites, we are impressed with some of the advances made in electronic toys, especially the Radio Controlled Ornithopter by Interactive Toy Concepts. Who wouldn’t want their own electronic flying insect?
How to Make Sure Your Child’s Toys are Safe
January 7, 2008 by toy-tma
Filed under Toy Recalls and Safety
This past year was a rough one for parents, as dozens of toys were recalled on the market for not meeting safety requirements. Many of these toys contain levels of toxic materials such as cadium and lead. Yikes!
Rather than shunning all toys, take an educated look around your backyard. We just discovered a wonderful toy site maintained by parent advocacy groups on toy safety. Check out Healthytoys.org to learn if your toys are safe. You can search your toy by brand, name, or type.
Sandboxes for Raising Nature Kids
January 2, 2008 by toy-tma
Filed under Outdoor Toys
Playing in the sandbox is a wonderful pasttime for children for many reasons. First, sandbox play can encourage group play as kids work together on a big project like a sandcastle. Also, kids who prefer to play alone can also benefit from sandbox play, taking the opportunity to delve into their imaginations and explore their inner worlds.
Sandboxes are safe, too, creating great areas for rambunctiousness. There is no better place to practice headstands and other tumbling tricks except for indoor mats.
