Recently, The Big Toy Book hosted its first event focused on juvenile products, with great sponsors like Delta Children, VTech Toys, Madame Alexander, Cloud b, Mega Bloks, and The First Years.

The take away from our … Continue reading →]]>

Recently, The Big Toy Book hosted its first event focused on juvenile products, with great sponsors like Delta Children, VTech Toys, Madame Alexander, Cloud b, Mega Bloks, and The First Years.

The take away from our Baby Palooza event is that these six brands are smart: Safety Smart, Parent Smart, Technology Smart and Baby Smart.

Safety for our children and are families are the number one concern for parents, grandparents, caregivers and more. All of the Baby Palooza Sponsors have great products that parents can trust for their kids and with their kids. Delta Children is especially focused on the safety of sleep. It has eight product test facilities worldwide and has made its mission to educate families nationwide with tips on how to create a safe sleep environment for all infants and children.

The value of teaching children the basics in special and emotional intelligence such as nurturing role-playing and communications skills is a Parent Smart move. Alexander Dolls by Madame Alexander has over 90 years of providing baby dolls and dolls for life. With its new line of dolls with washable fabrics, these dolls are great in preparing toddlers for new siblings.

Technology that enhances without being overwhelming, is Technology Smart, and the hallmark of a good product. The First Years Car Seat provides parents with the latest technology and the convenience of digital communications to make sure your child is in the safest car seat possible. Alternatively, the InnoTab 2 Baby by VTech offers life readiness skills, education and entertainment with parental controls for safe interaction with digital technology. The Cloud b Twilight Turtle provides comforting sounds, lights and lullabies to sooth baby to sleep. It is great for travel, providing comfort to children with a common night time ritual, where ever they are.

Babies learn at different stages, and the first year of life is especially full of learning opportunities. Brands that provide those learning opportunities are Baby Smart. Mega Brands has been testing their Mega Bloks products across multiple age groups for years and has founds that building blocks are the building blocks for math, logic and language skills with role-playing and cooperative play opportunities. The larger size makes it safe for the littlest ones and easy to grasp in toddler hands.

2013 is the year for parents to be Smart in their purchasing power. These six brands and their products provide the opportunity for us to do so.

Really awesome brands like Delta Children, The First Years, Mega Bloks First Builders, VTech, Madame … Continue reading →]]> This Sunday, The Big Toy Book is bringing out the babies! Well, kind of. We’re bringing out the bloggers for Baby Palooza!

Really awesome brands like Delta Children, The First Years, Mega Bloks First Builders, VTech, Madame Alexander Dolls and more are set to be on hand to talk about the latest and greatest products they carry for babies.

Many NYC/NJ/Philly area bloggers are embarking on a great treat learning about a new car seat that has amazing technology to inform parents when their children are out of their seats! Plus so many other items from your favorite household brands.

Want to take part in the fun with a chance to win over $200 in awesome toys from The Big Toybook?

Join us on Twitter from 11a-2p on Sunday April 21, 2013.

Be sure to tweet along with the hashtag to win!  Plus, follow the hosts & sponsors for the fun.

Hashtag:

#BTBBabyPalooza

Hosts:

@TheBigToyBook, @CharChronicles, @JoeyFortman

Lead Sponsor:

@DeltaChildren

Sponsors:

@VTechToys, @TheFirstYears, @Cloud_b, @MegaBloks, @AlexanderDollCo

Mexico Barbie, part of Mattel’s Dolls of the World collection, is causing a stir on the interwebs, with some not-so-happy consumers saying the passport-carrying, Chihuahua-loving brunette is playing to cultural stereotypes.

Sporting an olive … Continue reading →]]> by Loren Moreno

Mexico Barbie, part of Mattel’s Dolls of the World collection, is causing a stir on the interwebs, with some not-so-happy consumers saying the passport-carrying, Chihuahua-loving brunette is playing to cultural stereotypes.

Sporting an olive tan and wearing a pink ruffled dress, critics believe Mattel may have gone too far in its line of dolls that introduces girls to the world’s various cultures.

Of main concern is her passport. Some say during a time when immigration is causing hot debate, and with states like Arizona passing “papers, please” legislation requiring suspected illegal immigrants to show their documents, that giving Mexico Barbie a passport fans the flames of a very sensitive fire. I’d be tempted to agree with the argument if all the other Dolls of the World didn’t come with passports of their own, but they do.

Same with the Chihuahua criticism. Sure, not all Mexican families own a Chihuahua, but thanks to Taco Bell and other pop culture references, the little dog has become synonymous with all things Mexican. Again, if all the Dolls of the World didn’t come with their own animal, and if the Chihuahua wasn’t native to Mexico (Chihuahua is a state in Mexico, FYI), it might be reason to feel offended. To me, it just seems silly.

For the record, I’m part Mexican. I was raised by a Hawaiian-Portuguese grandmother and Mexican grandfather. Having grown up in Hawaii, one of the most diverse places in the world, cultural sensitivity is in my blood. Yet, I feel mostly unoffended by Mattel’s choices, even though the company seems to leave no stereotype unturned.

Hawaii Barbie, for instance, wears a bikini top and a grass skirt and comes with a sea turtle. Having lived in Hawaii my whole life, I can tell you, no one is walking around in grass skirts. You’ll possibly encounter them at a tourist-filled Waikiki luau, or the prestigious Merry Monarch Hula Festival, but that’s about it. And the sea turtle, or honu, is considered an ’aumakua, or spirit guide—no one would dare be caught walking around with a sea turtle under the arm. Still, the doll is specific to Hawaii. You’ve got to give it to Mattel, for that.

Many other choices seem equally stereotypical, but harmless. China Barbie cradles a little panda bear, a monkey clings to the arm of India Barbie, and a koala hitches a ride on Australia Barbie’s arm.

Dolls of the World, and Mexico Barbie included, seem to serve the purpose of introducing kids to cultures they’d likely not encounter on their own. Mattel seems to make some typical—maybe even stereotypical—choices, sure. But I also think it’s incredibly difficult to boil down complex cultures into a few pieces of clothing and accessories on a doll. In that sense, Mattel succeeds. They’re giving us the world, whether you like or not.

For more commentary from Loren, check back often. Views expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Toy Book as a whole. We hope that you will share your comments and feedback below. Until next time!

With the recent beautiful weather in New York City, our office is gearing up for spring. We’ve been testing out everything from bikes and scooters to bubble toys and R/C vehicles. We’ve been looking at eco-friendly toys … Continue reading →]]> by Ali Mierzejewski

With the recent beautiful weather in New York City, our office is gearing up for spring. We’ve been testing out everything from bikes and scooters to bubble toys and R/C vehicles. We’ve been looking at eco-friendly toys to celebrate Earth Day and flying planes and bionic birds. But there are certain toys that have really triggered my own memories of spring as a child and the activities I used to do with my family.

When I was a kid, spring meant trout fishing with my dad. But if you can’t make it to the stream, or if baiting a hook with a live worm is a little too much for you this spring, Small World Toys has got an alternative. Catch of the Day is a battery-powered fish that swims through your pool or, on a rainy day, the bathtub. Just drop the line with the magnetic bait attached to the end and wait for a bite. The Catch of the Day swims around the pool or bathtub until the bait is caught in its mouth, then it fights as it is reeled in.

My brother was (and still is) a big fan of flying kites, and I always loved to fly them with him, which may be why I found the WindNSun Uglydoll SkyPals from Brainstorm Products so appealing. These licensed Uglydoll kites feature the characters Ox, Ice Bat, Uppy, and Wage as durable nylon kites that are easy to fly and fun for everyone in the family.

So save the tech toys for a rainy day, and get outside and play! Make some memories of your own!

For more commentary from Ali, click the Commentary tab on our blog homepage. Views expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Big Toy Book as a whole. We hope that you will share your comments and feedback below. Until next time!

Seemingly endless construction and bumper-to-bumper traffic. Dead batteries in the PS Vita or Nintendo 3DS. No wi-fi connection and nothing good on the radio. Uncomfortable seatbelts and restless little bodies. Though road tripping is a … Continue reading →]]> by Marissa DiBartolo

Seemingly endless construction and bumper-to-bumper traffic. Dead batteries in the PS Vita or Nintendo 3DS. No wi-fi connection and nothing good on the radio. Uncomfortable seatbelts and restless little bodies. Though road tripping is a great option for a large family looking for an affordable summer getaway, sometimes a long journey in a crowded car can make a vacation more stressful than it’s worth. Portable gaming systems can be great (especially when coupled with headphones), but sometimes battery-free options are a safer bet for long journeys. For parents just looking to relax, there are a few great products on the market sure to keep little ones occupied in the car for extended time periods.

Brain Box Animals, from University Games, is great for on-the-go fun. Players ages 8 and up choose a card from the box and study the picture on one side until the timer runs out. Then the players flip the card over to the question side and try to answer as many questions about the picture side as they can. The player who can answer the most questions correctly wins. Brain Box Animals helps kids stay entertained while practicing memorization and recognition and learning new information.

Uncomfortable seatbelts are always a complaint with younger kids, but with SeatPets, from Jay at Play International, kids’ seatbelts stay in place. SeatPets are soft, cuddly animals that attach to the shoulder restraint portion of a seatbelt. Perfect for long carrides, SeatPets provide a soft cushion between the neck and the belt and a cozy pillow for naps. Each colorful, furry SeatPet has three pockets and two zippered compartments designed to store all of the things that kids want and need when they’re in the car including, MP3 players, hand-held games, toys, snacks, and an eight-ounce water bottle.

Stuffies, from martFive LLC, are super-sized plush animals with seven top-secret pockets that are fun to discover and store all kinds of keepsakes. For parents who don’t want their car to turn into a second toy box during travel, Stuffies allows kids to bring a few of their favorites and keep them all safe in one place. In addition, every Stuffies toy comes with a surprise roll of collectible stickers and a free storybook from the Stuffies Adventures collection. Each book shares important lessons in fully illustrated, rhyming stories on topics including controlling tempers, using imaginations, volunteering, teamwork, and embracing chores.

TrayKit, from Kids Preferred, is a carry-on backpack that kids can pack themselves and carry on a trip using the handle or shoulder straps. TrayKit can be hung from the back of a seat or strapped to a tray table. When the kit is opened, kids have a play surface with raised sides so nothing falls to the floor. There are colors and patterns for boys and girls ages 3 and up, and the play surface can be cleaned easily. TrayKit accessories include passport holders, luggage tags, travel journal kits complete with pencils and erasers, and TravelBugs, which are small clip-on plush bugs in four styles.

Each of these products are noise-free, don’t require any batteries, and will provide easy entertainment for kids during long trips. There’s enough play value in these items to keep kids happy, while mom and dad stay stress-free (as long as the GPS doesn’t malfunction).

For more commentary from Marissa, check back each Monday afternoon. Views expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Big Toy Book as a whole. We hope that you will share your comments and feedback below. Until next time!

Little ones have the power to turn the most basic objects into adventure props with their own minds. Sometimes, large and high-tech toys are cast aside for the box they came in. I remember making guitars to … Continue reading →]]> by Marissa DiBartolo

Little ones have the power to turn the most basic objects into adventure props with their own minds. Sometimes, large and high-tech toys are cast aside for the box they came in. I remember making guitars to play with out of old tissue boxes and toilet paper rolls when I was young. Now, Box Play for Kids is bringing colorful fun to recyclable, around-the-house objects, including milk cartoons, egg crates, and mac-and-cheese boxes.

Box Play for Kids makes eco-friendly stickers that can be applied to cardboard items that would otherwise be thrown away. The stickers are printed on 100 percent recycled paper and are made in the U.S. Helping to inspire creativity and imagination, Box Play for Kids has more than 35 different designs available. Kids can make anything from a barn to a pair of binoculars to a school bus with these adorable stickers.

Now in its second year of business, Box Play for Kids is in the middle of a Kickstarter campaign. With a goal to raise $12,000 by May 8, Box Play is hoping to increase their inventory, hire additional staff members, and attend trade shows. To back Box Play for Kids on Kickstarter, click here: http://kck.st/10R4gz6.

Continue reading →]]> This morning, Toy Insider Mom Laurie Schacht shared retro toys that make you feel like a kid again on the Today Show. Check out the video below!

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Do you remember these toys and characters?
(Click on the product link to go to the product page for more info!)

1990s
Gosei Great Megazord (Bandai)
Power Rangers 6.5” Morphin Ranger Figures (Bandai)
Deluxe Gosei Morpher (Bandai)

1980s
Cabbage Patch Kids (Jakks Pacific)
Smurf Beach (Mega)
Gooage Spewing Pac-Man (Bandai)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutage Ooze Action Figures and Ooze Cannisters (Playmates)

1970s
Star Wars Anakin to Darth Vader Action Figure (Hasbro)
Battroborg (TOMY)

1960s
Spirograph (Kahootz)
RoseArt Extreme 3-D Spin Art (Rose Art)
Easy-Bake Ultimate Oven (Hasbro)
Mega Bloks Hot Wheels (Mega)
Rock Crawler Extreme (Maisto)

1950s
Play-Doh Frosting Fun Bakery Playset (Hasbro)
10″ Potholder Pro Loom – Pro Size (Harrisville Designs)

Early 1900s
Lincoln Logs Horseshoe Hill Station (K’Nex)
Tinkertoy Transit Building Set (K’Nex)
Tinkertoy 100 Piece Essentials Building Set (K’Nex)

1890s
Berg Buddy (Berg Toys)
BERG Extra AF Sport (Berg Toys)

Skylanders Giants Happy Meals arrive at McDonald’s restaurants! Activision Publishing, Inc. launches the company’s first-ever partnership with McDonald’s USA LLC. In North America, the inaugural Skylanders Giants Happy Meal program will run … Continue reading →]]>

Skylanders Giants Happy Meals arrive at McDonald’s restaurants! Activision Publishing, Inc. launches the company’s first-ever partnership with McDonald’s USA LLC. In North America, the inaugural Skylanders Giants Happy Meal program will run from April 12 to May 2, while supplies last, and will rollout in other select countries later this year.

Participating McDonald’s restaurants across the United States and Canada will offer customers who purchase a Happy Meal one of nine unique toys from Skylanders Giants, each with their own play feature, as well as a coupon for $10 off the Skylanders Giants starter pack. The upcoming Happy Meal program includes figurines inspired by such fan-favorite Skylanders Giants characters as Spyro, Gill Grunt, Drobot, Chop Chop, Ignitor, Jet-Vac, Tree Rex, Crusher – and the diabolically likable nemesis Kaos, from the video game and action figure toy line that pioneered bringing toys to life.

To maximize awareness, McDonald’s will support the three-week promotion with a fully-integrated marketing campaign that includes branded television advertising, in-restaurant merchandising, custom packaging, and an online web and social media presence.

Will your kids be checking out these Skylanders toys in their next Happy Meal? Let us know what you think!