Wow! The excitement is building with the countdown almost over for Toy Fair. It all starts tomorrow! That means that companies are finishing up their booths at the Javits Center which will transform into a wonderland of toys.
I’m getting so many emails each day highlighting new products to be featured at the show and wanted to share some that look fun:
Playmobil’s new Space Rocket with Launch Site is 
outfitted with working lights and sounds, a maintenance platform with space technicians, and a repair robot with tools and a computer to ensure as successful mission.
Also looking forward to Mattel’s Toy Fair Sneak Peak where there undoubtedly will be a lot of buzz around the new Barbies of curves and color. I for one am thrilled that Barbie has branched out to include more of us with a pear shape or shorter frame. I’m admittedly the former, not the later.
I’m already seeing companies marketing a new emphasis on play based language learning as they promote playing together and introduce new sets with a story theme. SmartLab Toys began an initiative this year to encourage parents to join in the fun and play together with their child. They quoted research that shows that “Families that play together are more cooperative, supportive and communicative.” I know from a language perspective that parents can elevate the play when they join in with their child. Now skills like collaboration, sharing, negotiating and verbalizing critical thinking are strengthened.
Okay, I just picked up my new business cards with our new address on it, ready to hand out as we meet Corolle, Janod, Alex, Wonderforge, Ravensburger, Playmobil, Lego, VTech, Crayola and more tomorrow! Stay tuned.
