Wooden Trains…an interesting twist from Plan Toys

It’s really unfortunate that wooden trains have taken such a hit this past year. Wooden trains are one of our favorite play experiences for preschoolers. Putting down tracks is really an open-ended puzzle (hence our recommendation to stay clear of play tables that recommend gluing down tracks). If you’ve ever watched a preschooler work at the process of putting the tracks down, you can almost sense the brain power involved. I’ve also discovered that somewhere around four, most kids are far better at figuring out the tracks than their parents!

Since Brio was acquired by K’nex, the train line has taken a back seat to their core business. Sure there were a couple of new add-ons shown at toy fair, but I miss the “lines” of trains that had interesting themes. Having covered wooden train sets for over seventeen years (how many people can say that?), it’s sad to see how the line has diminished. The lead issue also rocked the world of parents who believed that they were bringing home heirlooms to their kids when they bought pricey bridges and sets from Learning Curve’s Thomas the Tank Engine line.  The bridges, stations, and other accessories are always great from this line. It will be interesting to see if they can regain the trust of parents.

So you can imagine that we were pretty happy to see Plan Toys new Road and Rail set. The handsomely designed station also converts into the storage box for the whole set (pretty neat). We look forward to testing this set. Plan Toys had a number of sleekly designed wooden play settings (garage, airport, etc.) that have that level of design you won’t mind having out in your home. The company also reports that they are phthalates and lead free. We look forward to testing these sets when they’re ready.

Trends from Toyland: Crank it Up!

As part of the green movement, there are two new lines that pull from the past. Both Ecotronic Toys (a British company) and SEE toys are offering toys that you crank up  in order to get lights and sound. Ecotronics even has a crank radio in their line. The idea is to cut down on batteries. When the SEE Toys first arrived in the office, my mother pointed out that the “crank” idea was common in toyland in the ’40s. Of course the toys weren’t plastic–but the idea of getting something to happen without a battery is pretty cool.  We’ve requested the Ecotronic toys–we’ll put both to the test with our testers.

Trends from Toyland: Soy Fiber in Toys

As part of the green trend, Aurora is introducing a new line of plush called Aurora Naturally. According to the company, these stuffed animals are made from 100% soy fiber — who knew? The stuffing is 100% Kapok (I didn’t know that kapok is a silky fiber known for its hypoallergenic softness). It’s also a sustainable rainforest crop–cool. We’re looking forward to testing this line.

When recycling was a huge trend in toyland (about 15 years ago) it translated into a lot of clever recycling trucks–but that was about it. We’re really looking forward to seeing how the industry responds in a more meaningful way by using greener or re-purposed materials as well as delivering the message in a way that is playful (as opposed to overly preachy).

My personal goal–to remember to bring all the bags I already purchased to the grocery store!

Trends from Toyland: Hasbro’s Biscuit, My Lovin Pup

Most of the hype this holiday season will probably be for Hasbro’s high tech, interactive Kota (a 40″ triceratops). At toy fair, Kota looked pretty amazing– friendly and interactive in a playful way. There is another entry in the Furreal line that should not be overlooked. Biscuit is an over-sized golden retriever that also looks extremely promising. He can sit up, give you a paw, bark, sit down on his hind legs–really great if you can’t handle the real thing.  Apparently all the new york press commented on how great Biscuit would be for city dwellers—no need to walk or pick up after Biscuit.  Biscuit will retail for $150– so again, a big holiday gift.

Trends from Toyland: IToys ME2

We’re looking forward to trying out IToys new ME2 - a plug-in that encourages kids to move around. The more they move around in the real world with the hand-held ME2–the more award points they get for playing on line.  The ME2 has sensors that monitor movement. Of course we will need to have our testers weigh in on the games (kids create their own avatar to play on line).

The ME2 is part of a new (positive) trend in toyland.  Last year Fisher-Price introduced the Smart Cycle for preschoolers- a stationary bike that also requires kids to cycle in order to play the video games.   Parents that we talked to really like the idea of anything that gets kids up and moving– one of the reasons the Wii has been such a hit.  At least you know the kids are moving something besides their thumbs.

Trends in Toyland: K’NEX and Sesame Street

K’NEX is going to launch a new line of preschool sets that feature Sesame Street characters. Unlike traditional K’nex sets, these include more building “bricks” (you know like the other guys) - that will make the sets easier for young builders. They look like fun–we’ll look forward to trying them with our testers.

Trends for Toyland: New Geo Trax

Geo Trax (Fisher-Price) fans will be really happy with the new sets scheduled for later this year.  One includes an airplane that does a loop in the air (on special track).  You can add this “airplane” feature to your existing track. The plane is controlled by remote control–very cool as a center piece for this play environment.  Many of our five and six year old testers really prefer this set to traditional trains.  As sad as that makes me on some levels, it’s easy to see why–it is a fun setting that has lots of motion.  We look forward to testing this set!

Trends from Toyland: The Ultimate Potty Doll: Little Mommy Gotta Go Doll

You know we’re always looking for good potty dolls.  In fact we have certain testing families that really seem focused on this issue.  One of the dolls that we will be certain to pass on to them is Little Mommy Real Loving Baby Gotta Go Doll.  This new doll comes with her own potty that has sound effects.  Now here’s where you may feel the doll has gone too far— when you flush the toilet, there is simulated poop and pee in the potty.  Unlike other dolls, this is all simulated–so you don’t have to worry about cleaning the doll. To her credit, she also comes with a sink–and part of the play is that the doll will wash her hands.  Thankfully. 

Trends from Toyland: Cavemen

Dinosaurs are the “it” creature from toy fair.  Everywhere! (Mattel, Hasbro, Lego, Gund, Playmobil–just to name a few!) But here’s our problem with so many of the new play sets….cavemen. We understand the need to have “action figures” - they’re fun to play with but they pose a problem.  It goes without saying that they are factually incorrect–the same way that we often find playsets that combine polar bears with penguins (another pet peeve of ours).   One of the reasons dinos are so adored by preschoolers and early school aged kids–they know that dinos were never EVER around when man was around.  It’s fun to think about these huge creatures roaming the Earth — without the thought of what would have happened if they were around when there were men (and more specifically, little children).  You may think this is silly — but the last time this trend came around, this was exactly the reaction we got from small dino-enthusiasts.  The kids in the know were offended by the cavemen and they often put them away–preferring to have their dinos battle it out!  

Trends From Toyland: Step 2’s Gender Free Kitchens & Retro Diner

Step 2 is continuing their wonderful line of gender free kitchens.  To their credit these kitchens also have some sound effects–but not overly intrusive bossy instructions (an unfortunate trend in this category).  For the holidays, Step 2 will also have a new Retro Diner, complete with a cooking side and a two person “booth” side.  Both boys and girls will love this pretend setting.  The retro diner styling (complete with licks of red–our favorite) looks fresh and fun.  On the upside, the company is also phthalates free. The company is also working to address the issue with the Infantino toy line– a company they recently purchased.We were also delighted to report that the company took our concern over their small plastic hot dogs and french fries to heart. The hot dog is now in a bun (much larger) and the french fries are being combined so that they are also larger.  All good!