Bratz versus Barbie
August 31, 2008 by dungan
Filed under Toy Industry News
Bratz rocking the world
We’re on a roll for reporting Mattel’s various lawsuits. The toy giant was awarded $100 million in its Bratz ownership suit against MGA Entertainment. The hip fashion dolls were designed by Carter Bryant while he was under contract with Mattel.
Scrabulous Removed in the UK too
August 29, 2008 by dungan
Filed under Toy Industry News
photo by Jeffrey Collingwood
Following up on last month’s demand by Hasbro to remove the game Scrabulous on Facebook in the US and Canada because of its similarity to Scrabble, BBC news reported this week that the UK has followed suit. No more free Scrabulous in the UK.
Ugly Dolls Guides Still Selling Out in US Bookstores
August 19, 2008 by dungan
Filed under Ugly Dolls
We reported back in April about Ugly Doll’s foray into children’s literature with its two volume Ugly Doll Guide. And now it seems that stores can’t keep the books in stock!
Because Ugly Dolls is a really a cross-over product (from adult novelty to children’s toys), some book stores may be confused about how to organize the Ugly books.
New World of Warcraft Action Figures Revealed
August 18, 2008 by dungan
Filed under Action Figures
Tuskarr the Scaly
World of Warcraft continues to surprise even veteran game analysts with its increasing popularity, nay, its world dominance. (And for a good guide to improving your W.O.W. skills, Click Here!)
Webkinz Buffalo release Confirmed by Ganz
Ganz has released official pictures for the new generation of Webkinz Pets, including the adorable Webkinz Buffalo, the Webkinz Clown Fish, and the Webkinz Porcupine.
We love Webkinz Pets because they are more than just another stuffed animal, but a window into a world of learning on the Internet. Ganz has proved that Webkinz are not a fad, but represent the leading edge of educational toys of the future.
Autumn Fair 2008 Boasts Hundreds of Toy Vendors
The famed Autumn Fair is coming up soon: September 7 – 10, 2008. This is one of the biggest gift fairs in England, with over 2000 vendors. The fair is also considered by many to be the best place to unveil upcoming holiday product launches, so visitors are always delighted with all the fresh presentations.
Some up-and-coming educational toy vendors this year include Insect Lore, Alphabet Jigsaw, Brainstorm Limited, Happy Nature and Mudpuppy. These are all quality toy makers committed to education, traditional toys, and natural products.
Nintendo’s Wii Still on Top
August 15, 2008 by dungan
Filed under Toy Industry News
Despite this summer’s weakened world economy and toy spending, Nintendo is still strongly leading all other game console devices.
Wii overtook Microsoft’s Xbox back in April 2008, and the gap is ever widening.
Nintendo has excelled over the years at creating new markets for its products, and we think this behind its continued success. For instance, the Wii Fit is gathering steam by convincing gamers to make their own steam. Gamers who like to exercise – who knew that was a potential market?
Dark Knight Toys – Too Dark for Kids?
August 12, 2008 by dungan
Filed under Action Figures
Are the new Dark Knight Toys too dark for kids? That’s the drama being kicked up in Australia, where a leading family advocacy group is shunning the Batman toys. Why? The toys are given away with a burger and fries at a popular fast food chain known as Hungry Jacks.
The Australian Family Association does have a point: the toys may be sending mixed messages to parents that the newest Batman movie is suitable for watching by children. I saw this movie last weekend, and it is admittedly not something I would take my nine year old to. Too scary!
US Bans Lead Toys and Phthalates
August 9, 2008 by dungan
Filed under Toy Recalls and Safety
In case you missed the headlines, the US House voted 424-1 to ban lead toys. This is an important piece of legislation known as the Children’s Product Safety Act. Not only does it ensure that lead paint will never come into contact with our children’s mouths again, but it also outlines some strict guidelines for third-party evaluations of toy safety.
The ruling also passed a ban against six different kinds of phthalates - which are plastics that have been linked with reproductive damage. Phthalates can be found in dozens of baby and kid products, including bath toys and baby lotions.
Toy Walkie-Talkie Picks up Profanity on Trucker Channel
August 8, 2008 by dungan
Filed under Outdoor Toys
This is just too weird to not report. From the AP Press comes the story that:
A West Virginia mother is seeking a recall of a popular walkie-talkie after her 3-year-old’s toy apparently intercepted a profanity-laced conversation between truckers about drugs and strip clubs.
