Beginning as a wooden toy company in in the village of Billund, Denmark in 1932 by master carpenter and joiner, Ole Kirk Kristiansen, the name Lego was formally adopted by the company in 1934, and comes from the Danish phrase “leg godt”, meaning “play well”, although they later discovered it also means “I put together” in Latin. Handy, eh?

The First Foundations

Lego Duplo was first launched internationally for children under five back in 1969, and the bricks came in four colours: yellow, blue, white and red. Designed for children from 18 months to six years, Duplo bricks were the larger, more toddler friendly version of their older sibling. Twice the height, width and length of standard Lego, they were much easier to use and also made for a handy missile to throw at friends, family or the babysitter when the opportunity arose. Duplo became a product brand in 1975, and has been renamed twice, to Lego Preschool in 1977 and Explore in 2002.

Let’s Get Complicated

But after the simplicity of Duplo, and the adventures of Lego Space and Pirates had worn off, there was Lego Technic which soon became the ultimate big (geek) boy’s toy. Created in 1977, and originally known as a Technical Set, or Expert Builder Sets, Lego Technic was comprised of traditional studded construction of previous Lego sets, but also had a number of new parts which were designed to reproduce realistic technical functions. Axels, plates, wheels, tyres, and gears were just some of the special parts that allowed these sets to move. Launching with just four sets, which included a tractor, helicopter and a forklift, Technic has evolved into a sophisticated motorised toy phenomenon, with fans of all ages from all over the world completing to produce new products in the monthly Lego Technic challenge.

Out of all of these interactive and educational infant toys, the Leapfrog Learn and Groove Music Table truly stands out from the crowd.   Its cheerful and bright table provides numerous activities that can all be set to music to provide the fantastic combination of visual and audio stimulation.

Not only teaching the basics of ABC’s, 123’s, colors, and shapes, this wonderful product also aids your infant in learning first words, cause and effect, and more than 40 songs, melodies, and real instrument sounds.

I personally love the foldable leg feature that allows the toy to grow with your child and makes it easy and simple to store and take with you wherever you go.    The language feature also sets this toy apart from others like it and gives your child a great jump start into learning a second language whether it be English or Spanish.

The suggested age range is from six months to 36 months which is quite accurate.  The longevity of this product, along with the number of activities and uses makes this product worth the price.  It requires three “AA” batteries which are included when purchased.

Inspired from the Clone Wars TV series, the LEGO Star Wars Anakin’s Fighter includes 153 building pieces and instructions for assembly. Not only do kids love building the toy and feeling a sense of accomplishment, but they have a blast playing with the toy as well because of some really cool features that transform the regular building blocks into awesome vessels of imagination.

Building Anakin’s Fighter

The Fighter includes an ejection seat for R2-D2 that spirals the little guy through the air and provides tons of amusement. There’s no doubt that your kids will spend hours just using this feature alone. Also included in the toy are flick firing missiles and retractable landing gear. These features in particular make the toy a winner because they allow it to be interactive and there for more realistic.

With all likelihood, your child will really get into the action of Star Wars by firing the fake missiles at random objects all throughout their rooms and performing tons of “emergency crash landings” with the retractable landing gear.

Because of some small parts, this toy isn’t suitable for children under the age of three.   And even if your child isn’t that familiar with Attack of the Clones or Star Wars in general, this toy is still a build-it-yourself space ship, which never go out of style. Trust me.

UP, Pixar’s latest animated feature opened in theaters last week, and surprised everyone by grossing a hefty $68.2 million.

But you might be asking, where are the UP movie toys?   They are almost nowhere to be seen in the marketplaces around the globe.  In fact, Thinkway Toys, who manufactured a slew of great toys for Pixar’s Cars actually did not make a single toy for this movie.

You are not the only one who’s left scratching their heads.  The movie UP has been criticized by many analysts as not being commercial enough.  The film is based on the adventures of an old man, a pudgy boy and a few talking dogs, not exactly giving toy and game tie-ins much to work with.

According to the Guardian, Disney chief executive, Robert A Iger, said the company is more interested in making “great films,” not just producing movies that are tied to commercial interests.

Once Again, Pixar Prizes Art over Commercial Interests

Luckily, there’s that bit with the talking dogs.  That’s Pixar’s way of throwing the toy industry a bone.

So Disney is offering a few plush toys like this amusing Gamma dog plush as well as other members of the cute doggie cast of UP.  It’s just hard to market a plush doll of a old man, you know?

But once you see the movie, you’ll understand why the toy bling was an afterthought.  UP actually tackles the values of commercialism itself as well as other heart-felt issues as the characters embark on a bizarre journey in a floating house full of dust and antiques.

As much as I love toys, I respect Pixar for the way it continues to reframe what it means to be a maker of Blockbuster movies.  Talking dogs and all.

Terminator: Salvation is about the hit the big screen tomorrow on May 21st so you can expect the toys are on the shelves by now.

But before reviewing the new Terminator toys, let’s catch up to speed.  This movie is the much awaited missing chapter of John Connor’s life when he is in his prime.  Played by Christian Bale, Connor leads the resistance against the machines: three hours of non-stop action are promised.  Some reviewers have said this movie is the most action-packed thriller in years outside of the Mummy Returns.

Others have not been so positive, calling the movie Reign of Fire…. with robots.

However thin the character development in Terminator: Salvation, the movie has launched an entire new series of fantastic sci-fodder in the form of cyborgs, warplanes, and futuristic military weaponry.   And that’s where the toys come in….

Terminator Salvation Action Figures

Be warned, there are several styles of action figures out for this movie.  Some are 3.75” and others are 6”, and some of the accessories and vehicles are meant for one and not the other.  That’s a lot of opportunity for play, and of course this isn’t a problem if you collect them all…

Let’s start with the collector figures.  DC Comics has released a gruesomely detailed bust of the T-600 model.

Sculpted by Mike Locascio, the collector’s bust  measures approximately 6-inches tall x 5-inches wide x 5 1/4-inches long. It is hand-painted, and cold-cast in porcelain.

Other busts include Blaire Williams, Marcus Wright, Kyle Reese and mysterious T-R.I.P. bust (got to see the movie first for that insight!).  The busts aren’t available until June 17, but you can pre-order the T-600 collectors bust here.

The Terminator T-800 is the backbone of any Skynet Army.  This action figure by Playmates is fully articulated and painted in style like the movie.  Compatible with the 3.75” vehicles.

These figures are perfect for display or for nitty-gritty play in the sandbox or the bathtub.  All the major players in the movie have their own figure, including John Connor.

The 3.75” figures also have a series of vehicles and accessories.  Of these, I was impressed most by the Skynet Hunter Killer.   Retailing for less than $25, this toy is a detailed reproduction of the classic airships that reign doom onto the survivors of humankind.  All 3.75” figures fit in the vehicle, but the ship comes with one T-800 figure.

Now for the 6” figures.  Seems like this is where action figures are moving these days, towards larger and more detailed figures.  The Terminator Salvation series does not disappoint, with most of the film’s stars represented in high quality.

Check out the T-600 six inch.  These were the first human-like cyborgs alluded to in the original Terminator and seen for the first time in the Conner Chronicles. (Apparently they were supposed to “blend in” but humans are pretty good at spotting plastic face masks….so the story goes.)

This T-600 action figure is depicted stripped clean of its human shell.  Pretty scary, and well detailed.  The eyes have an eery glow and the toy has convincingly metalized parts.

You can get the whole wave of Terminator machine figures for less than $40; this set comes with a T-600, T-700, a T-1 and T-R.I.P.   To battle the Machine hordes, I recommend John Connor and his sidekick Marcus in 6”.

Then there’s the 10” action figures like this T-600.  What’s the big pull here?  In a phrase, great detail and deluxe weapons and accessories.  The figures have fully articulated joints that make display easy.  The Terminator models also have real LED eyes.   These are the action figures of choice for the real Terminator collectors.

Terminator Salvation Games and Roleplay

For more imaginative ways to get into the Terminator spirit, check out all the different roleplay accessories.  Available are masks, cybernetic forearms and robotic hands to transform yourself into a Machine.   (It’s up to you if you want to become a mischief machine or a homework machine tho…).

But my favorite is definitely the Terminator Head.  It’s the size of a real human skull and is loaded with interactive features that accentuate its main ability – super creepy voice change.

Just speak into the head and your voice sounds like a 22nd century robot.  Made with actual steel and chrome, this is a solid toy that will outlast most other toys in its class.

Be one the look out for more hot movie toy reviews soon!

Details have not been released to the public yet, but we do know that the large open-floor store will be called Grandpa Grey Goose. Kids and parents will be able to roam around the store freely, with access to hundreds of toys, games and activities.

The investment group behind this amazing toy multiplex is Vision Investment Ventures, who promise a new kind of toy shopping experience that combines safety and freedom to play.

Thanks to Toy News Online for the story.

Recommended for ages 8 and up, this kit is great for those who show an interest in learning more about how electronics work as well as for those who simply love to build.

The kit requires 4 AA batteries (not included), and comes with a “circuit board” or base for the projects, and lots of connecting pieces such as wire, resistors, and other parts specific to certain projects.

Other Snap Circuit systems may be combined with this one to add to the creative options and additional pieces may be purchased separately. Smaller kits (SC-100) are available for those wanting to start out with a smaller price tag.

The instruction manual groups projects by the level of difficulty and offers color-coded instructions for each, making the assembly easy and fun. The projects are set up with an objective so that parents and kids can see just what they are learning when they build each one. The younger kids will probably need a bit of help understanding the concepts behind the individual projects, and those answers – available in the instruction booklet as well as online – may educate the grown-ups helping out too.

Find the Electronic Snap Circuits Kit here

The assortment of projects offered in the instruction booklet gives an opportunity for increased challenges as the basic concepts are understood. The pieces can be used to create projects not included in the instruction booklet too, which allows those budding engineers to design their very own projects.

Awards for this toy include Dr Toy Best Educational Products, Dr Toy 100 Best Children’s Products, and The National Parenting Center Seal of Approval. This kit is a great educational investment for kids of nearly any age.

The hand-held microscope attaches to a belt clip battery pack (5 AA batteries required) so that it can go all over the house and outside without dragging along a bunch of equipment. The hand-held “eye” takes digital pictures and video which are viewable on the hand-held LCD and may be saved to the included USB memory stick.

Once the batteries and USB stick are inserted, the camera can be used immediately without the need for a lot of instruction. Controls on the handset let the user zoom (100x, 200x, or 400x magnification), choose to save photo or video, view the gallery on the LCD screen, or delete items. The focus during magnification must be done manually and takes a bit of practice to get just right; this might be frustrating for younger kids, especially initially.

The included video cable allows the close-ups to be viewed on a TV. The BioniCam is operational while plugged in this way, offering fun family play with a larger screen to view the real time close-ups of Uncle George’s wrinkles. The saved images and videos can be transferred for editing and storage to a computer without downloading any extra software.

Find the Eyeclops BioniCam here.

The instruction booklet offers some tips when starting out, giving recommendations for items with intricate patterns that kids will find interesting. Once they get started they’ll be off and running, inspecting everything around the house with their new toy.

At the International Toy Fair held in February 2009, the Toy Industry Association awarded Bakugan its 2008 honor as Toy of the Year, Boy Toy of the Year, and Property of the Year.  While these awards are not necessarily for the game itself, they do show the popularity of the cartoon/toys in general and lead one to understand the catching popularity of the Bakugan in its many forms.

Fans of the show Bakungan are sure to love most toys associated with its characters, but this game ends up being a bit of an addiction for fans and newbies alike.  (Beware: Some parents have even admitted that they enjoy playing this game with the kids!)

How to Play Bakugan

This collectable card game teaches a bit of strategy and skill since the players must place the cards strategically and aim the balls so that they pop open when landing on the appropriate magnetic cards.  The balls are magnetic and the card sets come with some magnetic cards (Gate Cards) and non-magnetic cards (Ability Cards).  Accessories like the play arena and ball launchers are not necessary to play the game, but can add to the fun.

Bakugan Battle packs come with balls and cards enough to share and play (battle) together.  Starter sets can be used to update to a new series or to start a new collection of Bakugan.  Of course, booster packs are also available to expand a set with the most recent series cards.

Each set comes with Gate Cards and Ability Cards.  Sometimes finding these toys in stores can be difficult due to their popularity, but you can find Bakugan Battle Packs here.  Since this is a collectible game there are plans for updates and changes with each series released.

Webkinz Easter Bunny

Bashfully Lamb

In the Easter plush toy (aka stuffed animals) category we really like the Webkinz Cotton Candy Bunny. What’s great about the Webkinz bunnies is that they are more than just cute and fuzzy. Kids can also play games with them online at the Webkinz World site. As one reviewer says, “Great toy with a safe fairly educational internet website where the kids can play with their bunny.” There’s an Easter option for the wildly popular Zhu Zhu Pets, the Zhu Zhu Pets Fluffy Bunny, sure to be a hit for a wide age range.

Super Bunny!

Then there are these sweet Mary Meyer Chocolate Crouching Bunny, in Powder Pink for girls and Baby Blue for boys. Classic and adorable.

Haba Running Bunny Train

For younger kids, take a look at Haba – one of our favorite toy maker. For example,  the Running Bunny Benny Train – it’s awfully cute and well designed, like everything from Haba, and has an Easter feel to it.  Another fun twist on the traditional basket is the Play-Doh Super Craft Caddy. Why give them 20 pounds of sugary candy that will make them go crazy when you can give them something that will entrance and delight them for hours and days to come (in a non-crazy kind of way!)

If you simply must give them some of the sugary stuff we do understand. Every kid loves Easter baskets too of course, and while they aren’t exactly toys, they certainly fall into the what-kid-wouldn’t-want-one-on-Easter-morning. For the best baskets on Amazon, with an assortment of choices for different ages and for grownups, too, go to Art of Appreciation’s page on Amazon here. And remember to order soon to get your packages there on time.

Click to Shop Now

The popular Omnitrix is just like Ben's

As the new Cartoon Network show, Ben 10, gains popularity, so do its toys.  The show about a boy, Ben, who is able to transform into any number of alien life forms thanks to his technologically advanced watch, the Omnitrix, is rapidly growing fans.  This Japanese animation inspired cartoon rides the wave of other popular shows about kids with special powers such as Digimon, and Pokemon.

Also much like the former, Ben 10, has its own series of increasingly popular toys.  From action figures to Action Cruisers, the Ben 10 world of toys is vast indeed.  The more recognizable toys seem to be the different kinds of aliens Ben can morph, as well as the villains he is destined to combat.  These Aliens, like the XLR8 & Alien Vehicle, even come mounted their own creature from their own planet.

Four Arms from the Alien Collection

Some are even available with vehicles stylized to resemble the aesthetic of their specific Alien riders.

Not just limited to action figures, Ben 10 toys also come in the make-believe variety.  There is a replica of Ben’s Omnitrix watch available for around $25.  The Omnitrix has lights and sounds that help any little Ben 10 fan imagine that he or she is battling evil aliens and saving the world.

Also to stimulate the imagination, consider the Ben 10 Total Transformation Game where players can try to combat intergalactic villains in a more traditional board-game arena.   Much like the other shows of its genre, Ben 10 also features a collectible trading card game, as well as video games available for most major consoles as well as hand-held sets for slightly older fans.

Clearly Ben 10 fans are never at a loss for ways to incorporate themselves into his world using their imagination.  The interesting thing about these toys, however, is the variety of ways in which fans can enjoy this imaginary world.  Far from just the traditional video game market, Ben 10 merchandise has managed to cross over into various different arenas, making the emphasis more on imagination and hero-play than entertainment.

UPdate: Here’s our review of  Pixar’s UP movie toys.

Coraline Leads the Pack of Dark Themed Toys

Now that the movie has been released, Coraline toys are available in stores as well as online.  Fans can find lots of collectibles including NECA’s pose-able dolls from 3” up, fashion dolls, magnet sets, lunch boxes, throw pillows and messenger bags.

Also, Dark Knight toys are continuing to creep out into the market as well — the most recent addition are Dark Knight head knockers.  The popularity of other dark-style cartoons such as The Nightmare Before Christmas and Goth-inspired toys in certain markets is sure to up the ante for all these new toys.

And don’t forget about Harry Potter. The release of the next Harry Potter feature eight months later than originally planned is bound to allow more time for merchandising and the popularity of the books brings with it a love of all things Potter.

Continuing the dark-themed movie pattern:  collectible (and rare) Twilight dolls are available for all the fans of Edward Cullen and Bella Swan, with a potential for more varieties once the sequel New Moon is released in the fall.

More Hot Movie Toys for 2009

• Monsters vs. Aliens is sure to bring with it some great toys and the release of UP is bound to bring new love to balloons at the very least.

• The planned release of the “classic” Toy Story in 3-D later this year will bring with it a fresh release of Buzz and Woody toys as well as a market for those collector’s items from the first release in the 90s.

• A potential release of Where the Wild Things Are in the fall has parents and children alike excited about the movie and all the Wild Thing toys that will soon be on the market.

• Disney’s The Princess & the Frog, which offer its first animated African-American heroine in December,  has already announced its new toy line.

Some other 2009 releases of movie toys are cult-pleasers meant for teens, young adults, and kids alike, including Terminator, Star Trek, X-Men, Transformers, G.I. Joe and a big screen version Land of the Lost.

These movies will find fans in the younger generation, but my guess is all those toys will really be created with the collectors in mind.  I predict older fans with more disposable income will be pre-ordering Sleestacks and G.I. Joe dolls before the movies premiere.

Toy News announced the winners today of the annual Toy Fair in London.   The winner of “2009 Toy of the Year” is the Ben 10 action figure series by Bandai. One of the most popular figures in this series is the DNA Alien Big Chill.

The Ben 10 Franchise has been growing in popularity ever since 2005, when Cartoon Network aired the sneak-peak pilot during the last week of the 2005 holiday season.  Four seasons later, and with dozens of product tie ins, Ben 10 has emerged as the most popular American cartoon franchises of the decade.

For more info about this hot toy series, check out our review of:  Ben 10 Games.

Here’s the list of the other big winners from this years Toy Fair, as reported by Toy News:

Creative Toy of the Year: Cup Cake Maker, Character Options

Innovative Toy of the Year: Elmo Live, Mattel

Film License of the Year: High School Musical, Disney

Collectable Toy of the Year: Go Go Crazy Bones, Magic Box

TRA Special Recognition: Esdevium Games

Pre-School Range of the Year: In the Night Garden, Hasbro

Construction Toy of the Year: Lego

Girls’ Range of the Year: Sylvanian Families, Flair

Boys’ Range of the Year: Ben 10, Bandai

Pre-School Toy of the Year: Kidizoom Camera, VTech

Girls’ Toy of the Year: FurReal Biscuit My Lovin’ Pup, Hasbro

Toy of the Year: Ben 10 Action Figures 10” and 15”, Bandai

Supplier of the Year: Playmobil

It’s official, the new Star Trek action figures will be released on April 19, 2009.  These classic figures are made by Playmates, and will be available in 3¾-inch ($7), 6-inch ($9-$10) and 12-inch ($30) models, according to USA Today.

Star Trek figures represent a holy grail for toy manufactures: namely, earlier (and now collectable) Star Trek toys were some of the first action figures that were marketed to kids and adults.  This new series will also include key sets that are to scale with the action figures such as a Transporter playset, and a Bridge playset.

The Star Trek movie is opening in theaters on May 8.  By then, expect Star Trek toys to be everywhere!  The marketing plan is exuberant even by the standards of the final frontier.

Other tie-ins include card games (Uno), board games (Monopoly and Scrabble), a line of collector Babie dolls, plus die-cast vehicles and radio-controlled vehicles.  And that’s just the toys….. also be ready for new apparel, fragrances (Tribble perfume?), and even jewelry.

Oh, and don’t forget the Star Trek bobble heads!  These will probably go over better than these collectible Star Trek nutcrackers.

What makes this launch so important from my perspective is that the Star Trek universe has been moldering for so long that it has largely left the cultural landscape.  As Liz Kalodner, Executive Vice President and General Manager of CBS Consumer Products, puts it:

“The momentum is building for the Star Trek brand as we approach the new feature film this May.  We are excited to continue our focus on expanding the Star Trek universe and bringing the whole franchise to a new generation.”

So, whether you are interested in collecting action figures, or are a Star Trek enthusiast, the action figure launch this spring should get you fired up for a whole new universe of characters.

This disturbing possibility has been documented by The National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and Public Citizen, who

charge in the complaint filed in Manhattan Federal Court that the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is flouting “the will of Congress” by allowing retailers to stockpile and continue to sell products from dolls to rubber ducks containing the chemicals after Feb. 10—the date a federally mandated ban on their production and sale is set to take effect—as long as they were manufactured before the deadline.

Let’s review: we know that phthalates could be dangerous in toys, but retailers are still allowed to sell them through the busy holiday season.

To learn more about the issue of phthalates, visit this information center.

Lego lost its bid to make the iconic brick shape of its products a trademarked-protected design.  According to ToyNews,

The ruling rejected Lego’s claims that its bricks have special chacteristics that set them apart and ruled that Lego’s two rows of studs on top of the brick performed a utilitarian function and were not ‘for identification purposes in the trademark sense.’

This claim has become increasingly important for Lego as other markets have grown up around the classic look of the plastic building blocks.  For example, this MP3 player by HOMADE is styled to look like blocks in order to attract the youngest of the technological age.

We agree with the ruling’s sentiment that functional designs for stackable blocks should not be the intellectual property of only one toy producer.  It seems that Lego is forgetting its own history – after all, the design of LEGO bricks is based on the design of Kiddicraft’s “Self-Locking Bricks,” which were sold in the UK up until the 1940.

It seems that LEGO may also have forgotten the sentiment behind its generations, too.  The term “Lego” is a contraction of the Dutch phrase “LEg GOdt” which means, “Play Well.”  Building blocks are a great toys for kids of all ages, and the right to “own” the simple mechanisms behind building blocks in simply nonsensical… LEGO should remember how to share.

From the article in ToyNews: it is predicted than

companies with good financials and their own brands are more likely to survive, while others, such as those dependent on OEM (original equipment manufacturing), will find it more difficult.
According to figures from the association, since 2006, the total cost of producing toys has risen by about 60 per cent, while contract prices have gone up by an average of just 10 per cent.

Why the doom and gloom?

This analysis came after the closure of the Smart Union toy factory in Dongguan last week. The economic slow-down is due to a menagerie of reasons, starting with the global market collapse.  With the weakening US dollar, as well as the quickly rising cost of supplies, the future of cheap toy outsourcing is looking grim.

The Star Wars Clone Trooper Voice Changer is On Everyone's Santa List

Toy News has announced its top 12 toys for Christmas.  These are the most sought-after toys in the United States and the UK that Toy News predicts will dominate sales… and maybe inspire a few toy line brawls.

• Baby Born with Magic Potty (Zapf Creation)

• Bakugan Starter Pack (Spin Master)

• Ben 10 Deluxe Omnitrix (Bandai)

• Catcha Beast (Bandai)

• Cupcake Maker (Character Options)

• Elmo Live (Mattel)

• FurReal Biscuit My Lovin’ Pup (Hasbro)

• High School Musical 3 Musical Dance Mat (Vivid)

• In The Night Garden Upsy Daisy and Her Chase and Play Bed (Hasbro)

• My Life (Flair)

• Rescue Pals Swim to Me Puppy (MGA Entertainment)

• Star Wars Clone Trooper Voice Changer (Hasbro)

This is ToyNews’s comprehensive list based on their analysis of the top top trends for boys, girls, and preschoolers.  It’s interesting to see that classic ragdolls like the Upsy Daisy Plush doll is still winning young hearts as much as the electronic Star Wars Clone Trooper Voice Changer.

Baby Born is a Learning Toy that can eat, drink, and more...

Also, the Baby Born with Magic Potty shows how lifelike dolls are finally entering the mainstream, after years of occupying a niche for educating teens about pregnancy and how to care for a bay.  The Baby Born eats, sleeps, urinates, and babbles like a real baby.

Changing diapers was never such a precise task!

Another familiar theme includes the Cupcake Maker by Character Options. This is no “easy-Bake” Oven: the cupcake maker is even safer, for use in the microwave.  The real treat seems to be the hundreds of possibilities for decorating the cupcakes once they come out of the oven.  The best tea parties ever!

We expect that many of these items will be found no problem throughout the holidays, especially because the global economy predictors suggest that many people are cutting back on gift-giving this year.

Below is the original trailer for the popular animated TV show in the 1980s.

Since the franchise began in 1984, Rainbow Brite has made over a billion dollars in sales, due to toys, coloring books, and other kid-related products.

Playmates says it will honor the “nostalgic” look of Rainbow Brite, but also plans to update her image:

The property’s refreshed design will position Rainbow Brite as a role model who is socially-aware, inspirational and innovative, helping girls develop an inner strength, while focusing on the importance of being confident and caring about the world.

I am speaking from experience that Rainbow Brite has influenced millions of children.  I personally have a friend who helped name her baby brother “Brian” because she had a crush on the Rainbow Brite character of the same name.

Hopefully, the new rendition of Rainbow Brite will strike even deeper!

Toy Retailers Won't be Squeezed Too Hard due to the psychology of recession

The global financial market is pretty gloomy these days, and analysts are finally using the “r” word.  As in Re-cession.  What does this mean for toy retailers, and for your average shoppers looking for toys and games?

First off, you may be surprised to learn that toys is one of the more protected sectors of the economy during a down-turn.  As analyst Steve Buxbaum said in a CNN money article earlier this year, “You just can’t explain to a 4-year-old that he won’t get the toy he wants because there’s a recession.”

But of course our children must learn that during tough times, we have to make sacrifices.  What this means for many consumers is that they will find ways to meet their needs at discount stores, warehouses and outlet stores more than before.  In market lingo, this kind of shopping behavior is known as “trading down.”

Small Retailers May Suffer

On the flip side, recessions hit small businesses the hardest, so small toy retailers and unique toy boutiques are more likely to suffer than the big box stores.  This may mean that many small toy shops will go out of business as they cannot cut corners like larger and more monied institutions.  However, those toy shops that focus on popular toys that cannot be found at the big box discount stores may find the “sweet spot” to financial success during the credit crunch.

Also, online retailers may be protected from the economic downturn too, as online shoppers typically have more discretionary income to spend in the first place.

If we take a wide-angled view of this process, we can see how this process actually strengthens the value of toys.  The shops that prosper in this economic climate do so not only because of their deep coffers, but also because they offer excellent products and value.  For toys, this means that traditional toys and games may rebound somewhat, as these toys are well-built, produced with quality materials, and well-loved by millions.