Heavily Promoted: Fisher-Price's Trio Building Set

Posted on November 30, 2009 by Stephanie

I got to catch a lot of tv this holiday weekend–and started to see the waves of toy tv commercials. Some reminded me of toys that did not win awards from us…and that we needed to post more reviews!!

When we first saw TRIO at toy fair we were all excited. We love open-ended building sets and really get psyched when a large toy company gets behind a new system–making the access to it more affordable. Unfortunately TRIO did not fare well with our testers. The product is marked for kids 3 and up – so we enlisted one of our hard core DUPLO builders–thinking this would be the most likely audience. He had the same trouble we did manipulating the pieces. Unlike DUPLO, it’s hard to pull the pieces apart. We then tried them with a four year old builder–and had the same reaction. We hope the folks at Fisher-Price work on the “pull” factor. The pieces are pleasing–but too frustrating for the intended audience. Our recommendation is to stick with a basic DUPLO bucket at this age.

Uptick in sale of real Hamsters?

Posted on November 29, 2009 by Stephanie

How many parents will opt for the real thing when they can find the fake Zhu Zhu Hamsters?

Remember if you bring them home…Hamsters are known for eating their young. One parent had to explain to their kids why there were 14 little hamsters when they went to sleep and only four when they woke up!

toyportfolio.com's Mr. Robot's first date…

Posted on November 27, 2009 by Stephanie

Watch the video of their first date and watch the romantic sparks begin to fly!

Happy Thanksgiving from Mr. Robot!

Posted on November 26, 2009 by Stephanie

toyportfolio.com's Mr. Robot enjoying Thanksgiving!

Watch Mr. Robot’s Thanksgiving Dance, click here!

Stephanie Oppenheim on Today Show: Hot Toys 2009

Posted on November 24, 2009 by Stephanie

Here’s the link for the video from this morning’s segment on the Hottest Toys in Toyland.

Today at the TODAY Show

Posted on November 23, 2009 by Stephanie

Alex and Mr. Robot in the Today Show Green Room

My wonderful toy tester Alex and I arrived just as Susan Boyle was arriving. We hurried in — ahead of her entourage. I heard her — what a distinct voice! We then went to the Green Room which was pretty crowded today. Senator Chuck Schumer was there as was “That Girl” Marlo Thomas. (Or as other people know her- Rachel Green’s mother on Friends.) As I was getting hair and make-up done (the best folks on the planet!) , Susan Boyle was rehearsing. Every time she sings, people just stop talking and listen. It’s pretty incredible. I kept thinking where she was two years ago–and now all of this fame around the world. She joked with the audience that was already there–she seems to be in the moment and enjoying herself.

My segment today was part of a whip–where they have several experts talk on the same subject. One of the toys we had was the Mindflex Game which Alex demo’ed on air–no small feat when you have a room full of cameras, stage managers and oh yes, millions of people watching at home–but he did it!! I was really so proud of him. As we were leaving –Susan Boyle was about to sing. I asked if he wanted to stay and listen—but he’s 11 — and he had no interest. Not really her demographic!