Fun, Games And Chimps At Toy Fair

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

(CBS)  BEACH 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.