Move over baby boomers, the iconic Fisher-Price Little People are turning 50 this year. The Little People Farm that seems like it’s been around forever, first hit the shelves in 1968…and the School House arrived in 1971.
This year we tried the updated (there is always a new version!) of the school bus and airplane. These classic toys got rave reviews from new parents. If you’re looking for vehicles for toddlers, this line is really a consistently strong choice. The vehicles make some sound, but not overpowering and you can use the vehicles without the sound (a plus). The openings, handles and weight also make these appropriate choices for toddlers that love moving their toys about.
We put the School Bus on our SNAP Award list (Special Needs Adaptable Product Award)– a long time ago when the company added a play figure with a wheelchair. We’re delighted that feature has continued. The farm has been a focal point for us over the years–especially when they made the “barn” talk — so if you put the cow where the pig is supposed to go — your cow will oink…not moo. We love technology but here’s an example of missing the way kids play with toys. There shouldn’t be only one right place to fit an animal. Or here’s a novel concept…your child can provide their own sounds!
We arrived at our offices a few days ago to be greeted by this moose, a bumble bee and a black bear- three of the new animals from Zoobie Pets. Here’s the great things about 
Part of LeapFrog’s new product line this year includes the Text & Learn that references the design of the adult BlackBerry. While there seems to be a lot of uproar about this latest grown-up device scaled down for the sandbox crowd, there’s really nothing very new about the concept. When fax machines were new (remember that?), Tyco had a really neat version for kids. The typical toy phone has gone through many variation that track the design and functions of the real thing. So it didn’t really seem that unusual to me that there would be a BlackBerry styled toy–given the adult dependence on their devices. In terms of play value, preschoolers love taking on grown up roles with literal props. Pretend kits for playing office, restaurant, firefighter, etc. are generally a huge hit with this age group. It’s developmentally right on target in terms of expanding their own sense of themselves in a larger community. Of course that doesn’t necessarily mean they need this particular electronic prop or any other. The proof will be in the game play – which is really hard to judge until we see a finished product and try it out with kids. There is another problem that every parent runs into at some point…even toddlers know the difference between your keys and some fake set of toy keys. Most kids will not accept the substitution! On the other hand, if this is a fun, easy to take along hand held device that has age appropriate content–it might be very appealing.
My mother just handed me this book across our desk. While it’s intended for babies and toddlers, it will make even the most cynical adult melt. The book features photographs of babies from all over the world. Each picture captures the beautiful essence of each featured nation including India, Fiji, South Africa, USA, Peru, Afghanistan. Part of the proceeds will be donated to The Global Fund for Children (www.globalfundforchildren.org). The book is published by Charlesbridge ($6.95).
I’m often asked for good truck recommendations–so I’m eager to see this new line of trucks from Sprig Toys. Their products are made from repurposed plastic milk cartons and saw dust–so there is a very nice green component to this line. We should have samples soon. Each of the three trucks (Dump Truck, Excavator and Loader) retail for $14.99 – making them competitive with the big guys in this category.
Move over Wii. LeapFrog is vying for that active plug in play experience for kids 3-5. Zippity is co-developed with Disney. While we haven’t tested it yet, we like the idea that kids are up and moving while playing games that require them to run, jump and hop on the play mat. Of course the big question will be the content. The price is $79.95 (comes with eight pre-loaded games)–additional games will be $24.99. Scheduled for a summer release.
Good news– Spot is back! Toddlers will love the new oversized 16″ ($30) friendly pup from Kid Preferred –just right for hugging and lugging about. Spot is not too heavy making him a fun companion. Equally appealing is the 6″ bean bag version ($9.00) (much squishier than the larger Spot). A great take along choice. Our recommendation is to bring Spot home with some books. We’re giving both versions an Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award. Also notable from the Kids Preferred is their line of Eric Carle inspired plush.