From the Floor of Toy Fair

 

American International Toy Fair Features Must-See Companies for 2014

The Toy Industry Association's 111th annual American International Toy Fair that took place February 16-19 in New York showcased 1,153 companies. The largest toy marketplace in the country kicked off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring singer/songwriter Alicia Keys. Among the vendors from 94 countries present at the massive show, hundreds were unveiling children playthings for the first time. Thousands of retailers also attended the show to see what the upcoming year has to offer in plush, costume, building and electronic toys, among other categories. Baby & Kids has highlighted some of the must-see companies for 2014. 

This felt-covered briefcase holds art supplies so little Picassos can draw at home or on the go.

KidKraft's teepee playhouse is perfect for adventurous campers.

Play dreamy dress-up with Douglas Toys many costume selections, from the makers of the soft Lil Snugglers plush toys.

Aurora displayed classic plush toys that have been favorites for years.

Top Toy Trends of 2014 Announced by Toy Industry Association (TIA), the Official Voice of Toy Fair

The Toy Industry Association unveiled this year's hottest playthings during a packed seminar for media and buyers at their 111th American International Toy Fair. The toys, games and youth entertainment products revealed at the "Toy Trends Tea" seminar will be appearing in stores now through the Holiday 2014 shopping season.

A summary of the six top trends follows:

• LARGER THAN LIFE
  Large-sized toys are becoming increasingly common in just about every category, from plush and play sets to RCs and building toys. As a counter-balance to the micro-sized trend seen in years past, these toys engage kids in imaginative role-play activities and make impressive gifts for special occasions. They don't all come with hefty price tags, either – the value-conscious shopper will find many "BIG" toys at affordable prices.
  
  
• RC RAMPAGE
  Playtime will shift into high gear thanks to an influx of innovative remote-controlled vehicles for various ages and at varying price points. Older kids with a 'need for speed' will have plenty of options to choose from, including helicopter RCs and vehicles that launch projectiles. Animal-themed and licensed RCs based on popular entertainment properties will engage younger children and promote active and imaginative play.
• 
  
• FULL "STEAM" AHEAD!
  Educational toys, games and crafts that teach kids STEAM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) are heating up in the toy aisle and getting kids of all ages, interests and abilities excited about learning. Toymakers are increasingly incorporating storytelling and other artistic components into science, engineering and building toys to get more kids than ever on board with STEAM.
  
  
• FRIGHTFULLY FUN: ZOMBIES, MONSTERS AND MORE!
  Vampires were hot … but now zombies and monsters are all the rage, thanks to a rise in popularity of zombie-themed movies, TV shows and video games. Ghoulish action figures and dolls with relatable characters and back-stories are less frightening for younger kids, while older boys and girls will get a kick out of 'gross out' toys. These toys not only have the ability to transport children to mysterious worlds – they also teach them that it's OK to be different and stand out from the crowd.
  
  
• RETRO / BACK-TO-BASICS
  First identified by TIA in 2013, the retro and back-to-basics trend is alive and well this year thanks to a huge abundance of classic toys and games slated to hit store shelves. Today's parents and grandparents fondly remember these playthings from their own childhoods and are excited to share them with the little ones in their lives.
  
  
• CUSTOM BUILT
  2014 will take building to a whole new level. In addition to building and construction toys, this trend extends across several toy categories – from arts and crafts to action figures – and encompasses playthings that allow kids to create, customize and personalize to reflect their unique tastes, styles and imaginations.

110th American International Toy Fair Transforms NYC into Massive Playground

An estimated 33,000 toy industry insiders from 100 countries attended the 110th annual American International Toy Fair (Feb. 10-13) opened its doors for four, fun-filled days of business-building, networking, trend-spotting, and more.

Owned and operated by the Toy Industry Association (TIA), Toy Fair (Feb. 10-13) is expected to draw nearly 20,000 retailers, wholesalers, importers, buying groups and trade guests to scope out 150,000 innovative toys, games and youth entertainment products across a record-breaking 375,000 net square feet of exhibit space.

More than 1,000 companies - 239 of which are exhibiting at Toy Fair for the very first time - will reveal their hottest toys and product lines - including tried-and-true classic and nostalgic playthings; DIY design, construction toys, arts and creative activities; extreme and outdoor sporting equipment; licensed figures and accessories; virtual / augmented reality games; and more. The Toy Fair playground is divided into 13 specific product zones to keep the experience focused and efficient.

In addition to business-building, trend-spotting and licensing opportunities, Toy Fair offered its diverse audience with unparalleled educational seminars, networking events and special activities. For information about TIA's Content Connection, the Digital Kids Conference & Digital Kids Safety Summit, TIA's Annual Toy Safety and Compliance Update, Independent Thinking and Creative Factor seminars, and more, be sure to visit the Education section of ToyFairNY.com or consult the on-site signage at the Javits Center for details.

Ribbon Cutting

DEMDACO

Dress by Aurora

Douglas Toys

WELCOME TO THE 2103 TOY FAIR

My Pet Blankie Preps for Official Launch at the 2012 New York TIA Toy Fair

The design and manufacturing company, FFD Designs, that has brought FouFou Dog™ and Love Your Breed™ products to the Pet & Gift Industry, is ready to officially launch their newest product, My Pet Blankie.

My Pet Blankie is a new and innovative roll-up plush blanket that transforms into a cute plush toy; huggable and lovable for infants and children of all ages. When unrolled, the blanket is made of hypoallergenic, snuggly soft, fleecy material that is completely machine-washable and stuffing free. This 2-in-1 blanket and plush toy is perfect for gifts, traveling and is ideal for pets too.

HOT PRODUCTS:
Little Buddy Wipes Makes Cleaning Cuts Easy and Painless
These 32 count antibacterial wipes are for cleaning all kinds of owies and everything in-between from Me4Kidz. They are great for on the go; cleaning hands, dirty face and scrapes too and have a fresh cucumber and tea tree scent that kids like. Kills 99% of germs without the sting and free of alcohol.

Little Baker's NuWave L'ovenware Baking Set Gets Kids in the Kitchen
The new Little Baker's L'ovenware Baking Sets from NuWave is a colorful and fun way to get kids in the kitchen and interested in cooking. This Colorful 15-piece baking set includes 9 silicone baking molds in fun shapes including a butterfly, teddy bear, star, tree, bunny, heart and more, Silicone Brush, Little Spoon, Silicone Little Spatula, Silicone Little Flipper, Silicone Little Mitt, Little Baker's Bag. The tools are perfectly sized for kids' hands and the nonstick silicone baking molds are easy to clean up. All of the items are dishwasher safe, (except Little Baker's Bag) and oven-safe to 500 degrees F. Little Baker's L'ovenware Baking Book is included and it is all just $19.99.

Cookies Boost Breast Milk Supply, Deliciously
Lactation cookies from milkmakers are an easy, delicious and nutritious way to boost milk supply. Baked into each milkmakers lactation cookie are oats, brewer's yeast, and flax seed – traditional remedies used to help increase breast milk production. Semi-sweet chocolate or raisins add the perfect touch of sweetness to every bite. Milkmakers cookies have all natural (and organic) ingredients - they are delicious and nutritious and they boost milk supply! Key ingredients in milkmakers cookies include oats, brewer's yeast and flax seed.