Lego Builds Futures
April 29, 2008 by dungan
Filed under Building Toys
We just learned that Lego is teaming up with public schools next fall to encourage building and engineering interest.
According to Toy News , Lego and the National Schools Partnership (NSP) will work together to develop an after school program called the Lego Technic Club. The purpose of the club is to help kids have the materials to engage their creativity and interest in technology design.
Wood toys: The Safest Toys Around
April 28, 2008 by dungan
Filed under Wooden Toys
Wood toys are more popular than ever. Why? We think it is because of the recent backlash against plastic toys due to the dozens of toys recalls last year. Many of these recalls are about lead paints, which continue to be pumped into the American marketplace from China and Indonesia.
It’s too bad that it takes a tragedy such as a child lead poisoning case for consumers to notice the trend of cheap, disposable, and unsafe toys in our homes and schools.
Wood toys , on the other hand, are always safe for children. Wood is naturally bacteria-resistant (in other words – practically germ free). Wood toys are perfect for infants who are teething so parents can relax about their baby’s safety. And guess what – no hidden lead, guaranteed.
Ugly Doll Guide to the Uglyverse Released
April 25, 2008 by dungan
Filed under Ugly Dolls
We hope we don’t disappoint, but we missed the release of the Ugly Dolls Ugly Guide to the Uglyverse just two days ago! Well, there’s still plenty more left, according to our sources.
This is volume one of the Ugly Dolls’s foray into print, transforming our favorite misshapen plush pets into comic book heroes. Volume two was simultaneously released: Ugly Doll Ugly Guide to Things that Go and Things that Should Go but Don’t.
Webkinz Day April 25-27
We figured Webkinz had some more tricks up their sleeves. Reschedule that dentist appointment – starting tomorrow is a huge world-wide event: Webkinz Days!
From April 25-27, select and participating retailers will each be giving away 500 free Webkinz stuffed animals to their first 500 customers. Be sure to check out webkinz.com for more details, and to find a participating retailer near you.
Melissa and Doug Puppets
April 23, 2008 by dungan
Filed under Melissa and Doug
We forgot to mention last week how much we love Melissa and Doug puppets and plush toys too. Melissa and Doug make traditional stuffed animals as well as some innovative puppets with occupation themes.
Ugly Dolls Guide
April 21, 2008 by toy-tma
Filed under Ugly Dolls
Ugly Dolls are soon to take over! These plush pets are one of the most original stuffed animals we have seen in a long time. And they are growing in popularity every month.
What is it about Ugly Dolls that makes them so attractive? And, yet, so ugly? The toy design is a brilliant combination of cuteness with traditional scary features. Think Where the Wild Things Are meets Cabbage Patch Kids.
Schylling Vintage Toys and Tin Toys
April 18, 2008 by toy-tma
Filed under Schylling Toys
Schylling Toys has been making vintage toys since 1975, and since then has become a world leader in providing quality toys and games from yesterday and today. Rather than review all of Schylling’s offerings, we want to hone in on our favorites.
We have always had a fascination with traditional toys, and Schylling is one of our all-time favorites for collectibles, tin toys, and retro toys and games. Schylling offers a romantic view of “the good ‘ole days,” back when gigantic robots from outer space were our greatest worries. Keeping tabs on this by-gone era is one of Schylling’s core missions.
Melissa and Doug Puzzles and Arts and Crafts
April 17, 2008 by toy-tma
Filed under Melissa and Doug
A small innovative toy maker recently caught our eye: Melissa and Doug. They started out in the basement making hand-crafted puzzles and have since grown to produce over 600 unique toys and games for children. Even with this fantastic surge in growth, Melissa and Doug are staying close to their original dream of producing high quality and uniquely crafted toys that will stand the test of time.
Melissa and Doug have been rewarded by the toy community for their impeccable values too. They have been honored as Vendor of the Year by retailers such as Toys R Us and FAO Schwarz. Their toys and games have also been named “Toys of the Year” by Child Magazine, FamilyFun Magazine and Parenting Magazine.
HABA wins Best Boardgame Award at Middle East Toy Fair
HABA was recognized recently as the maker of the year’s Best Boardgame at the Annual Middle East Toy Fair in Dubai. This is another indication that the toymaker of classic wooden toys is having some success as it branches out into new arenas for contemporary play.
