Fun, Games And Chimps At Toy Fair

Annual Toy Trade Show Offers Cuddle Chimp, Head Bangers and More

(CBS)  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 more promising offerings from the world of fun and games.

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.com