Gumby named to TIME Magazine's list of 100 Greatest Toys
TIME magazine has just released their 100 GREATEST TOYS from 1923 to the present. Not sure I’d put fake vomit, Wrestling Buddy, or Bratz on any list of “Greats”. The list reads more like a “notable” list.
Right before we went on--I'm not sure what we were looking at!
Yesterday we did our last holiday piece of the season. The assignment was to feature toys for every budget. With so many toys on our award list, making the selection for this one was really hard. We had just four minutes to highlight toys that we really love. If left to our toy-geek selves, my mother and I could talk about each of these toys for at least that! Since this was more of a gift segment than a piece focusing on the developmental advantages of each toys, we did more toys than usual.
Two best friends getting ready for the segment!
Can you say cutie-pie?
When we got there at 7:30 the green room was already very full. We always want the kids to be there early but it is a really long, long time to wait. There are donuts — kids eat donuts–kids get a little hyper. It’s all part of the pre-segment experience! (I on the other hand wait to eat my chocolate donut until after the segment is over). Dustin Hoffman was also there. Unlike many stars that come through the green room…Dustin smiles at every one. He’s beloved at the Today Show for being such a nice guy–and you can see it. He looks great–and I guess the word is…happy. While the Meet the Fockers series just makes me uncomfortable (I guess it’s supposed to) I realize that he is one of those touchstone people that I have grown up with. Remember Little Big Man? I remember probably because my folks took us all to see it at the underground theater at Columbus Circle. As a kid, I thought that was amazingly cool.
Before the segment actual airs there are often teases – which promote what will be coming up on the show in the next half hour. So the girls did one tease with the dolls from Manhattan Toy and the Nursery Carriage from Corolle. I then did one with Jay–we played with the 3-D Flash Art from Hasbro.
Jay and I are using the 3-D Flash Art
You can see what the camera is getting from the 3-D Flash Art
After the tease! We did it!
I love this toy–we didn’t do it justice since we couldn’t turn down the lights…but it’s the best spin art toy you’ll ever find. The blue light changes the images as they spin on the black paper…and in the dark, it’s really special. I also like that you can wipe off the black papers and start over. The process of making the spin art is the thing here–not really the finished product.
The segment went well. The kids had a good time. Al and I were so worried about not getting through to the end that we rushed…and ended up with time to spare. I hate when that happens–but it’s worse not to finish.
The boys playing with the Citiblocs and Planimals
When the segment was over the set gets taken down super quickly to make room for the next segment that involves product. It’s a whirlwind…but definitely fun! (A special thanks to Donna for taking all the pics! Next time I’ll have a zoom!)
After the segment with Al and the boys!
This toddler kitchen by Step 2 arrived late –but it certainly deserves to be on our top award list. It’s just the right size for toddlers to sit next to and explore! Read our complete review.
A whole new bunch of toys arrived from Sassy just in time for our holiday list! I love this activity ball–lots of aspects for babies to explore. Not only is this the perfect kind of floor toy to enjoy with your baby and toddler–it’s under $10- which just goes to show that you don’t have to spend a fortune on great toys. Read our full review.
We’re getting ready for our annual trip uptown to see Richard Davies at ABC Radio Network. Richard was one of the first members of the mainstream press to take a chance on the toyportfolio when we first started. Each year we go up to the ABC studios with a collection of NOISY toys. It’s radio after all–so the noisier the better! Last year Richard started doing podcasts of his interviews – so now this also means there is video tape–calling for more toys and oh yes, some hair and makeup.
Radio -especially shows that are going to be edited always invite a much more laid back feeling to them. The video camera is another aspect – you have to sit up straight–you can’t poke your mother in the same way you would if no one was looking. No wacky faces. In other words you have to behave more.
We probably have too many toys in our bag–many are talking all on their own. The snake is hissing, Mickey is asking us to dance along!
If you’re looking for a first doll – we love Corolle’s Babipouce line – perfect for older babies and toddlers. No hair makes this a safe choice…the outfits are soft and cozy and extremely huggable! Read our review.
Ride on toys for toddlers is always one of the hardest categories we review. Over the past few years we’ve noticed that one of the ways companies have cut back is to do away with steering mechanisms. Now this bumper car also doesn’t steer but because it’s on casters – it does move easily in any direction your child would like to go. What really annoys me are ride-ons where your child has to stand up and move the toy and then sit down again- where’s the fun in that? To read our full review and for shopping info — click here!
Leap Frog Cook & Play Potsy
I told Al Roker yesterday that I had a little crush on this toy, to which Al expressed some concern for me – but I really do love this pretend toy! Most concept toys are so boring or they have that same sweet woman’s voice (I think she’s related to the annoyingly perky GPS woman). The folks at Leap Frog have a male actor saying “open” “shut” or “off” “on” -every time you take the lid off the pot or put it back on. But instead of just saying it the same way…you know the guy has some theater background…the tenor of his voice changes. It’s just funny and very welcomed. I do wish that when you put the pieces of food in the pot that the pot recognized them–that would have been very cool, but probably would have made the toy super expensive. Fill and spill toys are always a hit with sitting up babies and young toddlers–so this toy is right on target without the sound effects. I’m not in love with the songs it sings…but the open/shut gets me every time. Watch our video. Read our complete review at www.toyportfolio.com.
It takes a village--right before we went on
I got there at 7:30 even though our segment isn’t until 9:38. There are a few teases that happen before the actual segment, but I like to be there so there’s plenty of time for hair and make-up! This morning was a great day to be in the Green Room. I assumed that George Clooney and Hillary Swank would be in the upstairs Green Room–but much to the delight of the entire room they were both downstairs. When you hear George speak about humanitarian issues, you just get that he’s more than a great actor. He’s smart and uses his platform and celebrity in a way that should inspire all celebrities. It’s just real. Ok, so that’s my take on the thoughts and works of George Clooney …and now I can also say that the man is just incredibly handsome. To top off the George Clooney experience–he was then hugged by Hillary Swank. Stunning! I don’t know either of these people, but they are polite and friendly to everyone that comes through the green room and the hallway. Sam Rockwell was there as well to promote Conviction (Swank also stars). For trailer, click here. (I’m sure he was nice too–just didn’t get to see him but for a second). It was a busy Green Room!
Cosmo's Bachelors getting ready to go on
Oh and I almost forget the Cosmo Bachelors! My niece (and assistant extraordinaire) Ali pointed out that they were there last year when we launched our list. They all look so young to me!
We had so many kids this morning!
Two of my favorite testers (sister Kena & Dehlina) with their Dollie & Me dolls
Matthew and his mom Jessica
Lots of little boys running around the lower concourse before it was time to go up to the studio. Some of our kids have been on the show before “when they were truly babies” as opposed to just active three and four year olds.
Harper, who did a good part of the my last segment with me, was joined by her little brother Hannes today! Alex (pictured with Al and me) was a pro on all things technical and did a great job demonstrating the Tron Zero Gravity RC. A special thank you to Victor (Matthew’s Dad) for taking all the pictures during the segment!) and to James from Spinmaster –for expertly flying the Air Hogs RC Video Camera Helicopter (something that I would never try in a studio full of high-wattage lighting!). All in all a good day!
Afterwards: Al Roker, Stephanie Oppenheim and toy tester Alex!
Hannes enjoying the Radio Flyer after we were done
