Biff baff! We saw some knockout toys at Toy Fair 2012, the annual trade show displaying a dizzying array of toys, games and hobbies.
You’re not allowed to bring kids older than 5, so it was just Jed and mama and I have to say my toddler behaved impeccably given all the stuff there was to grab and fiddle with. He also got to meet his old pals Peppa Pig and Holly (Ben and Holly’s Magic Kingdom).
We were invited by the team at Leapfrog who took us on a whizz stop tour of some of their newest and hottest products, including the sell-out Leappad Explorer and their amazing Leapfrog Tag World Map (review coming soon).
It was a brief visit to the show, as I had to dash for the school run, but here’s a quick look at some of the toys and brands that caught our eyes:
Poppin’ Hoppies (from University Games)
This old-school game reborn won a Best New Toy award at the Toy Fair. Jed could have stayed for hours pressing down the little hoppers and watching them POP back up! It’s aimed at ages 6 upwards but it’s popping fun for anyone. Out later this year.
Le Toy Van
Ethically sourced in Indonesia, they make a brilliant range of pretend play kitchens, doll houses, pirate ships, garages and play mats. I was all about the delicious Honeybake sets including cake stand and stacking ice cream sundae, whereas my little lad wanted to hit the road mats.
KidKraft
Another company specialising in wooden craftsmanship, including some amazing dolI houses and furniture, I was totally hooked on their Harley Davidson baby rocker. For the child that’s born to be wild!
Lilliputiens
We adored this soft and cuddle range from John Crane, the company that’s built its reputation on wooden toys. It includes plush toys, puppets, travel gear and a fabulous crocodile Theophile sleeping bag that I just wanted to crawl inside. Do they make one for grown-ups?
Make Do
They make useful widgets to transform recyclable products – eg cardboard boxes – into imaginative play objects. Eco-cool and simply genius.
AppToyz
Following on from the success of AppBlaster and the AppCopter, their latest iPhone/Android app toy releases include the AppWheel and AppArcade (for serious gamers) and AppSing karaoke.
Coming soon is a new app toy for toddlers, with free downloadable app and furry case that transforms your iPhone into a (kid-proof) cuddly monster.
Watch the short clip above of Jed coming to grips with the AppToyz critter!
We’ll have more reviews and competition giveaways from some of our Toy Fair faves, including LEGO, Great Gizmos, House of Marbles and WOW Toys over the coming weeks so stay tuned!
Top pic: Socker Boppers inflatable boxing gloves from www.wickedvision.co.uk
The Day My Baby was Born