Archive for the ‘Outdoor toys’ Category
Monday, May 10th, 2010
I headed up to the studio this morning with my intern Daniel — after putting toys together for us all semester, I thought it would be fun for him to see the studio and the end result of so many packages, emails and testing. I tried doing my hair this morning–and emerged from the building looking like a bad 1970s “before” picture. Happily, the hair and make-up people at the show are so terrific, that I knew it was going to be ok. I think they were even a little shocked by the sheer volume of hair. Thanks to high def tv, I also think make up takes longer (not to mention that I’m a little older!) than it used to. It really is amazing what professionals can do. Everyone emerges from the hair and makeup area a better, more polished version of themselves.
This morning we had about ten kids. One family has tested for us since their son was born five years ago. They moved to Hong Kong in between and as I traveled up to the studio I realized that we had never met–so that was fun! They now have two kids and I’m so happy they’re back from their adventure and can resume testing for us! Other kids were on with me about a year ago–so to see them now as full preschoolers was fun. A new group joined us – I have to say this was the most well-behaved group of kids in the green room. Their parents were really careful to hold off on the delicious donuts and cookies until after the segment. Smart move.
The challenge was to show toys and equipment for active play –indoors! The YBIKES were a hit and disappeared when we went to talk about them–but I think they got camera time later on. The Kazam Balance Bike – also great was on the pedestal–and may have been blocked a little by the fire truck. You really couldn’t see how amazingly high the Sky Balls bounce in the air–or the 3D bubbles…but trust me – there are fun choices this season.
A very polite "excuse me" in the middle of the segment
Half way through the segment one of our testers very politely asked if she could go play in the playhouse…one of those great real live moments…priceless.
Natalie, Finley and Stephanie...at the end of the segment
Segment over, chocolate donut enjoyed on the car ride home…a good day!
Taking a look at the indoor Hopscotch Rug from Alex
To read the full article about the toys featured, visit www.toyportfolio.com.
Tags: Active Play Toys, Alex, Crayola, Kazam, Little Tikes, Natalie Morales, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Award Winners, Optrix 3-D Bubbles, Step 2, Stephanie Oppenheim, Today Show, toyportfolio.com, Wonderworld, YBike
Posted in active play, Activity Kits for Kids, Best Games for Kids, Best Toys for Kids with ADHD, Best Toys for Kids with Special Needs, Best Toys for Preschoolers, Best Toys for School Aged Kids, Best Toys for Toddlers, Gender Free Toys, Green toys, High Tech toys, hot toys, Little Tikes, Math games, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Award Winners, Outdoor toys, Play Time, Retro Toys, safety for kids, Today Show, toy trains, toy trends, toys, Toys for Kids with Special Needs, Uncategorized, Vehicles, Wheel Toys | No Comments »
Tuesday, April 27th, 2010
3D seems to be taking over our entertainment world–so why not toyland? This year Crayola has new 3D Activity Sets that feature Toy Story stencils. The set comes with one pair of 3D glasses, 16 sidewalk chalk sticks in a really fun palette of colors…as well as 5 sidewalk crayons and a how to booklet. To me–this type of kit screams Spring Outdoor Fun. We’ve been fans of these sets since they first came out.
Tags: 3D Chalk Activity Set Toy Story, Crayola, toyportfolio.com
Posted in active play, Best Toys for Preschoolers, Best Toys for School Aged Kids, Crayola, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Award Winners, Outdoor toys, Play Time | 1 Comment »
Thursday, February 18th, 2010
Crayola Spira Chalk Blaster
Check out our video of Crayola’s new spinning chalk top…looks like fun and even more fun to say if you pretend you are Tina Turner in Mad Max…Spira-Chalk Blaster!!! Click here to watch our video. Our review will be posted on our website, www.toyportfolio.com. If you’re not in cold weather like we are here in New York City–and looking for a fun chalk set, we’d recommend their current 3D Chalk Sets. With all of the cold weather we’ve had recently, the thought of being in a warm enough climate for chalk…sounds really good!
Thanks to Susan and Stacy for demonstrating the spinning top!
Tags: Crayola, Crayola Spinning Chalk Top, Mad Max, Outdoor toys, Spira-Chalk Blaster, Tina Turner, toyportfolio.com
Posted in Activity Kits for Kids, Crayola, Outdoor toys, Toy Fair, toy trends, toys | No Comments »
Thursday, February 18th, 2010
Crayola's Model Magic!
Based on our visit at Crayola, there’s a lot of promisingly fun products rolling out this year. Happily these toys will start arriving soon. For reviews, check our website www.toyportfolio.com.
Chalk News. You know I’m all a huge fan of their chalk. This year there are new super sets of 3D Chalk (one features Toy Story). I love this stuff. But what’s really new is a chalk making set. Looks like our kind of craft kit- we’ll have to see how it works. They also have a spiral top for chalk. My brothers will tell you, I really stink at the spining top thing but even I think I can make this one work. Watch the next post for a demo of the spiral chalk top.
Model Magic. How cute is this new set where you can make little pieces to add to forms.
New Model Magic Sets
Also big, things that Glow in the Dark. During our visit to their showroom, the lights were being turned off repeatedly to show off more glow-in-the-dark sets. I have a sense some will be more successful than others -but we’ll put them all to the test as they come out. We gave their Glow Station an Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award.
Glow Station...larger glow-in-dark toy!
New Crafts for Tweens. They have a new line called Pop Art Pixies, featuring four tweens (that look like they’re related to the Fashion Angels) – each has a theme. One likes to recycle, one likes to decorate…you get the idea. Some of the kits looked like they would be great fun for 9-12 year old crafters. Stay tuned. I particularly liked the look of the recycle kits – and will be interested to see how our testers react.
Tween Craft Sets
Amazing On-line Program. You send in a picture of your child, they create a cartoon image based on that photo, you then customize your own coloring book adventure featuring your now “cartoon” child. LOVE this. You get the code for this site when you buy a certain size box of crayons (hey, who doesn’t need a new box of Crayola?). This new platform will launch officially in the fall–but we’re working out details for making it available to our readers soon.
Tags: award winners, Chalk, Crayola, Crayola 3D Chalk, Crayola Model Magic, Crayola On line program, Crayola Tween Crafts, Glow in the Dark toys, Stephanie Oppenheim, Toy Fair 2010, Toy Story 3, toy trends, toyportfolio.com
Posted in Activity Kits for Kids, Crayola, Outdoor toys, Play Time, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Thursday, October 8th, 2009
Even though most of us haven’t even contemplated buying our Halloween candy yet (ok, I’ve contemplated but I haven’t bought any yet), the major box retailers want you to think holiday toy shopping TODAY! Walmart has expanded its offer of toys for $10 to 100 items…KB Toys saw that and raised it to 200, and Target is trying to match prices. There’s free shipping to be had…and if you’re really sharp, you can find certain Barbie dolls for as little as $5.
So what’s a toy consumer to think?
1. Toy prices are getting a much needed adjustment. All of that toy safety testing costs a lot –and if you’ve bought a toy recently you’ll know that the added expense has been passed on to consumers. While we don’t rate toys based on price, we have had sticker shock here as we’ve watched the prices just continue to climb for the past two years. So from this point of view toy wars are good, very good.
2. Less Inventory. If there’s something your child wants for the holidays, buy it early. Tight inventories is another way retailers have protected themselves this year.
3. Shrinkage…
One of the trends we’ve watched this season is shrinkage…which always makes me thing of Seinfeld’s infamous shrinkage episode with George in the Hamptons.
Toy makers are making many of the same type of toys they used to…but smaller…much smaller…and much less expensive.
For example, last year we featured Playskool’s $300 Kota My Triceratops Dinosaur. This high tech dino-wonder was big enough for your child to sit on! 
This year, the same manufacturer is offering Kota & Pals Stompers – Triceratops. 
He walks on my desk. Watch the video. He’s very cute and he actually walks (something the big guy can’t do)…but still, this is what the price wars mean.
So does this mean you should buy only $10 toys this holiday season?
There are in fact lots of toys for $10 and under that are really great. We have many award winners that fit the bill, but buying lots of “stuff” seems like a mistake in the long run. Keep in mind that 60% of our toy dollars are spent this time of year…so bringing home toys that will have lasting play value makes more sense in terms of having toys your kids will play with after the holidays are over.
Open-ended toys and supplies are a better bet. I love novelty toys as much as the next guy…and there are some on our list this year. The holidays are about making dreams come true, but if you’re looking to make your dollar stretch…buying more open-ended toys is the way to go. Art supplies, games (that are played again and again), blocks, pretend props (toy kitchens, dollhouses), and toys for active play (ride-ons, sporting equipment)…all will be enjoyed for a long time and played with differently as your child grows.
Pool your resources. If there’s a toy that your child really wants that costs a little more, have your family chip in. Much more fun to get the present you wanted, then lots of little token gifts from aunts and uncles.
The olden days. There was a time when we didn’t go to the toy store with a shopping cart. We got fewer toys…not necessarily a bad thing.
Get Your Screwdriver Ready. One way to keep prices down…toy makers leave more for parents to do. Many toys don’t even come with the pre-drilled holes. If you’re handy with a power drill/screwdriver, you’ll be fine. If you’re not, we warned you.
Make it count. We started the toyportfolio with the tag..we test all the toys so that “you don’t waste your money or your child’s time.” So no matter what your budget, we’ve tried to take the mystery of finding a great toy. So take a look at our Platinum List!
Tags: George Costanza Shrinkage Factor, KB Toys, KOTA, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Awards, Playskool, Seinfeld, Target, toy price wars, Toy Wars, toyportfolio.com, Toys Under $10, Walmart
Posted in active play, Barbie, Best Games for Kids, Best Toys for Babies, Best Toys for School Aged Kids, Best Toys for Toddlers, Classic Games for Kids, Construction Toys for Kids, dolls, Elmo, High Tech toys, hot toys, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Award Winners, Outdoor toys, Playskool, preschoolers, pretend play, toy trends, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Monday, July 20th, 2009
The Spinmaster RC Air Hog Switchblade — has gotten a lot of buzz lately. It was featured on Letterman–where happily for the company and our friend Shannon…it worked on air–much to the delight of the audience (and Dave).
So we were eager to give this one a try. The results were decidedly mixed. If the Switchblade is fully charged, there is no wind–and you’re relatively skilled with these types of toys–it goes up and will fly–and it is extremely cool. Now here’s the down side–we could only get it to do what it’s supposed to do two or three times in the course of a full afternoon of testing. This is not a load it up, charge it, take out and fly it kind of toy — it requires much more finesse.
After having several teens try it with limited success — (they all really wanted it to work)…in come my two adult engineering friends (one designs drone helicopters and the other has a degree in nuclear engineering). Nothing like watching grown men get very excited about these types of toys. I shared the reports of the day—and they both were not satisfied. They were sure that they could get it to work. After about a half-hour of consulting –they both gave in and concurred with their younger counterparts. “Great idea, poor execution.” They then offered a much more detailed report about why it wasn’t working. (I love these guys. I remember when we first started toyportfolio.com, one dad (he worked for Dupont) sent back a ten page review of an Erector set with design modifications!)
One of my go to teen testers told me that he often reinforces the very lightweight material with some duck tape–so that crashes are less likely to do permanent damage to the toys. I thought that info was worth passing on–of course, he warned that if you don’t put it on the right way you can blow the whole aerodynamics of the toy. Of course!
So even though this toy can be fantastic…in the end, it can not sustain the wow factor.
Tags: Erector Set, Flying Toys, Outdoor toys, Spinmaster, Spinmaster RC Air Hog Switchblade, toyportfolio.com
Posted in active play, Flying Toys, High Tech toys, hot toys, Outdoor toys, remote control cars, toy trends, toys, Vehicles | No Comments »
Friday, July 17th, 2009
The Max Liquidator from Prime Time Toys is great fun for the pool. Unlike many other water shooting type toys, the spray in this one is not as harsh–making it a safer choice. It also looks more like a water toy -rather than a plastic assault gun. I personally love the kickboard that has the mechanism built in…allowing you to surprise your kids when they think you’re just just floating around.
Tags: active play, Best Pool Toys, Kickboards, Max Liquidator, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Awards, Outdoor toys, Prime Time Toys, toy safety, toyportfolio.com
Posted in active play, Outdoor toys, Play Time, safety for kids, toy safety | No Comments »
Wednesday, July 15th, 2009
As we’re wading through all of the new toys that will be vying for your toy dollar come December, I was just thinking how much fun blowing bubbles can be. I’m not sure why I keep focusing on bubbles, but for the past few days, I’ve really wanted to play with some bubbles.
When you’re really little there’s the excitement of watching bubbles being blown by others and chasing them down–and as you get a bit older there’s the ultimate satisfaction of making your own bubbles. Now I find it really pleasing because it is such a pure play experience-no batteries, no instructions…you’re good to go. Come to think of it, that’s probably why it’s on my mind so much–many of the toys we’ve been looking at this week are very high tech. Not that there’s anything wrong with high tech toys–but none of them deliver what bubbles do. You make something so beautiful and then, in a matter of moments, watch it as it floats away….lovely really.
I loved the pink and blue plastic jars of bubbles –with the wand. Remember those? The way the bubble solution always found it’s way to my hands…it was just fun- unless of course I knocked it over…and then there were tears! The picture below is from one of my birthday parties (my brother James is on the left). That is not me in the background, but I do remember that ride-on.
For this new generation, bubbles are a whole new experience–thanks in large part to the folks at Little Kids–the inventors of the No Spill Bubble Tumbler…no more tears from an accidential spill. No more sticky fingers from trying to get the wand out of the solution.
They have them now in all sizes–the little ones make great party favors!
Now for super big bubbles–I’m a huge fan of the BeeBoo Big Bubble Mix Kit from Extreme Bubbles, Inc. You can watch my demo on the TODAY SHOW last year. I’ve also noticed that it doesn’t matter how old people are–they love trying this toy out. Even my most reserved teen age (and mostly retired) toy testers love this product.
Tags: active play, BeeBoo Big Bubble Mix Kit, Best Bubbles, Best Outdoor Toys, Extreme Bubbles, Inc., James Oppenheim, Little Kids, No Spill Bubble Tumbler, Outdoor toys, Parenting Information, Retro Toys, Stephanie Oppenheim, Today Show, toyportfolio.com
Posted in active play, Best Toys for School Aged Kids, classic toys, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Award Winners, Outdoor toys, preschoolers, Retro Toys, Today Show, toys, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Thursday, June 4th, 2009
I really love that we’re heading into summer with longer days – which means more time to be outside with our kids. Here are some of our new favorites for the season…we’ll be continuing to update this list in the coming weeks.
Nature Station Playhouse (Step 2) I love this little playhouse that is designed for older toddlers and preschoolers – maybe because it looks like Pooh, Tigger and Piglet should be there too. Kids enjoy having small spaces that are designed just for them. This playhouse has a working periscope (really fun), a sink, a working shutter, and a fenced in area so if you’re invited in- there’s a bigger space for adults. This product is pricey at $249.99 but will be used for a long stretch. (This playhouse is marked 3 & up due to all the extra things that come with it–but the structure itself will be enjoyed by younger children. There are larger play sets from Step 2 that have more height–our recommendation is take your kids along when you’re shopping for this type of equipment. If you decide to bring this product home to older toddlers, put the goodies away until they’re older.)
Sandbox Vehicles 
Eco Trucks from Sprig Toys were a hit with our testers. These are very lightweight – making them easy for kids to use and to take along to the park or backyard sand box. Made from recycled materials. Our favorite is the Dump Truck.
Dump Truck (Green Toys) The new line of green trucks from Green Toys are heavier than the Sprig trucks. They feel more like a traditional plastic toy truck- with the upside here being that they are also made from recycled materials. Handsomely designed – they got high marks from our testers.
Hot Wheels Color Shifters Blaster (Mattel) I’ve already blogged about this toy and I think I’m a little sad that I gave our sample away! My mother doesn’t agree with my over the top enthusiasm for this play set–but I really think this is one of the best toys going. I’m suggesting that it’s even better if you play with it outside–because truth be told-it does get alittle wet if you’re really playing with it full tilt. The cars react to cold and hot water–and will turn a different color when put into either temperature (I KNOW!) Best yet, it comes with a squirt bottle so you can change the cars by squirting them. If you don’t want to buy the whole set–I’d suggest buying one of the cars–you can use any squirt bottle to have the same experience. If you want to be the super cool grown up, bring this toy home to any three year old you know. I do think the car that turns from blue to yellow is much more dramatic than some of the other color changes (yellow/orange).
Sports
Drive, Chip and Putt Golf Trainer (Little Tikes) There are two different”ts’ to hit the golf ball from…making this a little different from your average plastic golf set. Our testers really enjoyed the sport of this game and the sturdy design made it a solid choice for the 2-4 crowd.
Monster Badminton Set (International Playthings) This set will be ready next month but I had to show it to you now. These over-sized rackets and birdies are just what our family needed. They are fun for little kids–but truth be told, if you’re not the most athletic person–this is a set for you! You’d be hard pressed to miss this birdie! It does not come with a net–our toy testers just liked playing with it alone.
Scooters
Maxi Scooter (Kickboard USA) Maybe because I’m not the most coordinated person, I loved the idea of this scooter. It comes with three wheels and a wider platform for added stability but still looks cool. As I hoped, our new scooter testers had no trouble with this scooter and really enjoyed it. It comes with two handles–a traditional T-handle and a joystick. We recommend the traditional handle as a starting point. It’s designed for kids 6-10. The company now also makes a Mini Kick Scooter (smaller in scale for younger kids 2-5)…also with three wheels. Helmets are a must!
Razor Spark Scooter (Razor) The granddaddy of scooters just got a very neat feature. When you break, it sparks out the back. Our testers thought this was pretty cool–although if you’re the one doing the braking, it is hard to see the spark–but your friends will!
Outdoor Treats
Freeze Pop Factory (Little Kids) According to the company, more than 7 billion freeze pops are sold each year (makes you think we should all go into the freeze pop business!) ….in any case, this do-it-yourself kit is really fun. Comes with those pop sleeves (which magically close up and don’t leak) and plastic molds for making bigger pops. You can experiment with making your own family recipes and limit the amount of sugar your kids use. Every grown-up I’ve mentioned this kit to has asked the same question, “Could you make grown up freeze pop for a party?” and then they say…don’t say that out loud….but it’s true. Just don’t get them mixed up. It comes with 36 sleeves for making the pops…and the good news is that you can also order more ($4.95 for 50 including shipping) from the company’s site or by calling (800) 545-5437.
Tags: Best Outdoor Toys, Color Blaster Hot Wheels, Drive Chip and Putt Golf Trainer, Ecotrucks, Freeze Pop Factory, Green Toy Trucks, Green toys, Hot Wheels, International Playthings, Kickboard USA, Little Kids, Little Tikes, Mattel, Maxi Scooter, Monster Badminto Set, Nature Station Playhouse, Razor, Razor Spark Scooter, Sprig Toys, Step2, Stephanie Oppenheim, Today Show
Posted in active play, Activity Kits for Kids, Best Toys for School Aged Kids, Classic Games for Kids, classic toys, Gender Free Toys, Green toys, Hot Wheels, International Playthings, Little Tikes, Mattel, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Award Winners, Outdoor toys, Play Time, preschoolers, pretend play, Sandbox toys, science toys, Today Show, toy trends, toys, Uncategorized, Vehicles, Wheel Toys | No Comments »
I headed up to the studio this morning with my intern Daniel — after putting toys together for us all semester, I thought it would be fun for him to see the studio and the end result of so many packages, emails and testing. I tried doing my hair this morning–and emerged from the building looking like a bad 1970s “before” picture. Happily, the hair and make-up people at the show are so terrific, that I knew it was going to be ok. I think they were even a little shocked by the sheer volume of hair. Thanks to high def tv, I also think make up takes longer (not to mention that I’m a little older!) than it used to. It really is amazing what professionals can do. Everyone emerges from the hair and makeup area a better, more polished version of themselves.
