Last week I attended the Toy Insider “Holiday of Play Fall 2016 Toy
Showcase.” Among the bustling crowd of media and bloggers were toy companies
displaying and demonstrating their top toys for this holiday season. I always enjoy these events and learn a
lot. Then I try to step back and think
about what grandparents would like to give to their grandchildren. And so my favorites list is personal and
usually different than what the PR is all about. Here are MY favorites from the show.
Octotunes
by Lamaze (TOMY)
Octotunes by Lamaze (TOMY) |
This is a large colorful soft toy that can be enjoyed by the smallest
baby and older ones too. It has 8 legs
and a different note is sounded when you squeeze each leg. The package has color coded songs so you can
play a familiar tune even if you can’t read music. Eye catching and will be fun to play with a
baby.
Once
Upon a Craft – The Gingerbread Man by Educational Insights
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Once Upon a Craft -Gingerbread by Educational Insights |
This is an easy craft project that is excellent for grandparents and
grandchildren to enjoy together. You
start by reading the 24 page storybook and then the foam gingerbread man can be
decorated with the stickers provided.
There are also 7 ready to color finger puppets and decorative frame that
can be used as a puppet show stage. This
low cost all-in-one package craft is an excellent item to have on hand for when
your grandchildren visit. Perfect
sleepover activity.
Betty
Spaghetty – Popstar Betty by Moose
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Betty Spaghetty Popstar |
Betty Spaghetty dolls were very popular in the 1990s and discontinued
in the early 2000s. She is back this year
and expected to be a big hit. When I opened
my swag bag my 7 year old grandson knew right away who she was. There are 12 different themed dolls available
in single packs. This is the popstar and
she comes with 21 interchangeable parts.
To get a better idea of how you play with her watch this video:
Teenage
Mutant Ninja Turtles Mutagen Mayhem Battle Game by Nickelodeon
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TMNT Mutagen Mayhem Game by Nickelodeon |
Shopkins
Happy Places House Playset by Moose
Shopkins Happy Places House Playset |
This is an amazing building set for older kids. You build a wall
climbing robot – Geckobot - with an air
suction system that allows the robot to walk vertically up walls. There are six other building models with
accompanying physics experiments making this an excellent learning opportunity
while having great fun. Geckobot is
also an excellent project for a grandparent to participate in.
I hope you enjoyed these reviews. All the pictures were taken by me as seen at the show - no stock photos here. Please leave your comments and let me know what you think of these toys. Here I am as I arrived:
I hope you enjoyed these reviews. All the pictures were taken by me as seen at the show - no stock photos here. Please leave your comments and let me know what you think of these toys. Here I am as I arrived:
Marion Conway at Toy Insider Fall 2016 Showcase |