Fun, Games And Chimps At Toy Fair
Toy inventors and manufacturers from all over the globe are gathered in New York City in hopes of introducing the "next big thing" to hit toy stores.
The Early Show correspondent Melinda Murphy was joined by co-anchor Hannah Storm to sample some of the
Nearly 5,000 new toys make their debut at the American International Toy Fair, the largest toy trade show in the western hemisphere. Nearly 1,600 manufacturers, distributors, importers and sales agents from 30 countries showcase products.
MEGA MASK
Giggle Gear Mega Mask from Cranium combines activity with fantasy, letting kids become a robot, bug, alien or fun fairy by transforming their voices and faces with colorful, outrageously fun ears, lips, eyes and more. Each Mega Mask includes more than 15 snap-on parts, a voice changer with three voice pieces and an activity guide. Ages 5 and up. Price: $19.99. Available: Fall 2006. www.cranium.com
CUDDLE CHIMP
Now you can have your very own baby chimp. FurReal Friends Cuddle Chimp is a "life-like" electronic plush baby chimpanzee from Hasbro's Tiger Electronics' brand. The chimp cuddles and makes happy baby chimpanzee noises in its owner's arms. He can reach out and give a hug and claps his hands when he's happy. Or tickle his feet to hear him laugh and go bananas or stroke him to sleep and hear him snore. Comes with a banana bottle. Ages 4 and up. Price: $29.99. Available now. www.hasbro.com
LET'S DANCE! BARBIE
Inspired by Barbie as Princess Genevieve, the star of Barbie's sixth princess movie, "Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses," Let's Dance! Barbie doll, at approximately 15-inches-tall, imitates the choreography from the movie. Children can dance with Barbie in three different ways: by following girls' dance moves, teaching girls a new move by demonstrating and saying phrases, or dancing to music while a girl watches. Ages 3 and up. Price: $54.99. Available: Fall 2006. www.mattel.comBEACH FUN KEN
A new and improved Ken doll has emerged, restyled by celebrity primper Phillip Bloch. Not only does Ken have a new wardrobe (cargo pants, a fitted suit and a motorcycle jacket), but a new sculpted face, as well as new hair color and style. According to Mattel's Ken-Barbie storyline, "Two years after their headline break-up, Ken is making a dramatic play to win Barbie back." So will Ken's makeover lead to a reunion? Ages 5 and up. Price: $4.99. Available now. www.mattel.com
SUPERMAN RETURNS INFLATO-SUIT
Just in time for this summer's Warner Bros. Blockbuster, "Superman Returns," Mattel gives kids the chance to imagine that they have the strength, the power and the physique of the Man of Steel. A dedicated battery-operated fan inflates the Superman suit, transforming kids into a superhero. Ages 4 and up. Prices: $21.99. Available: April 2006. www.mattel.com
HEAD BANGERS
Head Bangers is the newest edition to Home Arcade. Each oversized sports figure is fully articulated with dual-motion kicking action. Position the figure, adjust the ball, bang the figure's head and win the game. Comes in Big Kick (football), Big Goal (soccer), or Big Shot (hockey), featuring realistic figures, goal post and ball or puck. Ages: 5 years and up. Price: $19.99. Available: Fall 2006. www.funrise.com
LITTLE HANDS CREATIVITY CENTER
The perfect art table for a young artist or two. Comes with two benches, paper roll holder and an 18" x 75' roll of white drawing paper, paper cutter, canvas storage bag and two recessed cup holes for the two cups that keep markers, crayons and brushes tidy. Tabletop is also a chalkboard. Table measures 49" W x 29.5"D x 18"H. Benches measure: 23.5"W x 10"D x 11"H. Assembles easily with the included tool. From Alex Toys. Ages 18 months and up. Price: $159.99. Available now. www.alextoys.com
LITTLE HANDS FUNKY ARTIST
Alex Toys introduces its "Little Hands" line for the youngest of Picassos. Ages 2 and up. Price: $20. www.alextoys.com
MY ART SHOW
Display artwork in soft, fabric frames that Velcro to a larger wall mat. Price: $25. www.alextoys.com
CANDY FACTORY
Experiment with the art of making candy, and learn the science behind how it forms and why it tastes so good. Make hard candy, lollipops, chocolates, caramels, fudge, gummy shapes, chocolate eggs, gum drops, marshmallows, licorice, marzipan, pralines, peppermint patties, and more. The kit by Thames & Kosmos includes recipes and tools: plastic and metal molds, shape cutters, candy thermometer, spatula, dipping fork and various other tools to form and coat your candies. Finish them with foils, paper cups, sticks and wrappers. Age 10 and up. Price: $39.95. Available: July 2006. www.thamesandkosmos.com
DODGE DISCS
Shoot 'em fast, dodge 'em faster! These long-range launchers send them flying. Unleash one at a time or barrage your opponent with rapid-fire action. Block incoming discs with a flick of the wrist, aim and launch again. Ages 6 and up. Price: $14.99. Available now. www.wildplanet.com
N.S.E.C.T.
The remote-controlled N.S.E.C.T. From Tyco is a biomechanical bug that transforms from a bio-bug to bio-blaster in seconds, and uses its powerful mandibles to grab and "capture" smaller toys. Includes battery. Ages 8 and up. Price: $99.99. Available: November 2006. www.tycorc.com
The Toy Fair runs until Feb. 15 at the Jacob Javits Center in New York.