Two of Step 2’s Buggies have been recalled. Please read the following release from the CPSC to see if your product is covered by the recall. If you do have one of these buggies, you can contact Step 2 for a free repair kit – you can call Step 2 at (866) 860-1887.
Crayola Spira-Chalk Blaster
Crayola has a new Spira-Chalk Blaster. You can watch our video demonstration. It comes with five chunky pieces of sidewalk chalk and two spinner rings–that fit into the launcher. We loved the fact that the launcher does not require batteries and that it really does create a spiral design on the sidewalk. With the exception of one of our testers, we got positive feedback on this product. (One tester found the release mechanism difficult to work–we think she got a dud.) 
We wish that it came with two launchers so that two kids could use it as the same time…but for $15.99–it’s still a good add-on if sidewalk chalk is big in your neighborhood.
We can’t seem to keep up with all the vampire inspired entertainment – how to date vampires, cook for vampires…we’ve seen it all. We thought.
Take a look at a new line of Vamplets…
from the artist known as G-Ra…you can also buy Disappearing Bottles of Blood to feed them. I guess breast feeding is not pc for vampires. More about the vamplets can be found at www.vamplets.com.
In case you missed the segment this morning, you can watch it here.
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.
I’ll be on the Today Show Monday morning to discuss great toys and equipment to encourage active physical play. We have kids coming from all over the tri-state area to help me out. Looking forward to sharing some of our best picks of the season. The article is on our website at www.toyportfolio.com. We have some really fun new 3D bubbles, ride-ons, retro games…get ready to play!
Crayola's new Model Magic Presto Dots
We just got the new Model Magic Presto Dots and I’m in love. I do have to own up to really enjoying the original Model Magic. It’s fun to work with and it doesn’t leave your hands oddly moist like other molding materials. So with the Presto Dots you use the little blue tool to cut out some of the model magic. They suggest using wax paper but if you just use the inside of the model magic pouch–it also works. When you press the blue tool against the form for your animal, the model magic comes out like a little marshmallow — very satisfying. That said–be careful that smaller children don’t mistake them for candy! There is a sheep and a puppy kit–as well as a larger multi-pack (comes with two forms) – and more alien-like creatures. The sets start at $9.99. Not a big deal, just fun. For other craft kits, visit our site at www.toyportfolio.com.
Guidecraft's Interlox
I’m big on things that you can put out on the family coffee table that everyone will enjoy. Interlox from Guidecraft is just that kind of toy. If you were in a classroom in the 70s, you probably played with something that looked very similar. The Interlox are pleasingly colorful plastic pieces that have notches on all sides- providing builders with an open-ended building opportunity. They connect with relative ease- making this a good choice for 4s and up. While many kids are happy to follow directions for building LEGO or KNEX models, there’s something to be said about building whatever you heart dictates. There’s room here for trial and error. For younger kids, this can start as a parent/child project–but chances are your kids will be building independently before you know it. The 96 piece set gives you enough pieces to really make something fun. We’re giving this set an Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award. For the review of this toy and other building sets, visit www.toyportfolio.com.
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.
LEGO CITY FIRE BOAT
The CITY theme sets from LEGO are usually great fun to build. This year is no exception. While all things STAR WARS are big with the LEGO building crowd, we also recommend these more Earth-bound rescue heroes. The LEGO Fire Boat comes with 306 pieces–it has real heft to it and it floats! (Whether a boat floats is always one of our standard questions at toy fair–you’d be surprise by the number of boats that don’t float.)
The large red boat has a moving ladder and several water hoses. The set also includes a little yellow motorboat. Marked 5 -12. Younger builders will need assistance with this one. There is also a very spiffy LEGO Fire Station. Now while the Fire Boat seems big, the Fire Trucks and Station look a bit on the small size to us but the trucks and multi-level stations gives kids a lot to build. Both would make great birthday presents. 