Some Great Toys Coming In 2016!

       This year we went to the Toy Fair and expected to see some great things, but we were completely and totally blown away by some really stand out products. One of them is the Wonder Crew, and I would like to introduce you moms out there with little boys to the item that will blow your mind and make them super happy.  Wonder crew is a new line of “Crewmates” or dolls that combine “the adventure of an action figure with the emotional connection of a child’s favorite stuffed animal.” Finally, there is a doll that is made just for a boy. One that he can carry around and have adventures with, and that is made with a boy in mind.  The Crewmate comes in his superhero costume, and stands about 15 inches tall, he has a tough head and a soft plush body and can go through an array of adventures, as well as costume changes when need be.  There are four sets available, the Dino Adventure Set, Dream Adventure, Builder Adventure and Chef Adventure. This little guy retails for $42.99 and is available now. I am so very excited to see where this line goes, I am sure it will be a huge hit!

    Who Drew It? is a fun new game that has everyone at every level engaging in fun interactive

gaming. Simply pick a category, like Food, and everyone draws an item that fits in that category.  Once finished they give it all to the person in charge during that round or the Drewit, who then mixes

Hog Wild Presents: BroBo- Your Cuddly Night Light! Enter to Win One Of Your Own!

     Hog Wild is a wildly fun company that has come out with some real home runs with kids and adults in the past years.  Their Poppers line is soo much fun that they have sold over 4.5 million and are adding a fun Unicorn character as well as a Sea Life line this year!
     They are adding to the fun by releasing for your child a new bedtime bedfellow BroBo.  BroBo may just be the sleep solution you were looking for. These stuffed plushes that come in five different characters, BroBo, Pep, Tex, Mumu, and Dog, all have a very special power--they keep away the dark. Swipe their right hand over their heart and a light shines from his tummy, giving your child instant control over their surroundings.  With BroBo at their side any scary noise or shadow on the wall will be discovered quickly and quietly with the aid of their buddy's "superpower".  They have two settings, a brighter and a soft glow light which are both great for bedtime.  They even have a five minute timer that shuts off the light.       

      We received Trex from the BroBo line and he is awesome.  So soft to the touch, he has an exaggerated head with two huge eyes with embroidered pupils, as well as nose and mouth.  His tag explains that he is a robot from the future with the power of Shine Force that can help make dreams come true!  His likes are pizza, pizza, sharing, knock-knock jokes, and oh yeah pizza.  Trex's profile on the official site states that his beanie is what helps him fly through space!  Each character has their own profile, just like Trex, and can help your child make a unique connection with the plush--which is important if you are using this item to help your child conquer their fear of the dark. When I place Trex's right arm (it has a small patch on it so children will have no problem locating the correct arm) near the light on his tummy it glows strong and instantly.  Make him tap it once more to dim the light and another to shut it off.  The light does not get hot and it stays cool the whole time it is on, making it completely safe to the touch.  There is a slight vibration each time you change a mode that will be a comfort for the little ones-- giving them yet another nudge of reassurance to your little guy that their buddy is right there with them.

     The concept of this is simple yet is a complete necessity if your child has that nagging fear of the dark.  Your child can carry his BroBo plush with him in the middle of the night and have a clear path ahead of him. They do not have to go searching for a light switch, or depend on the dull light of a nightlight, because their buddy will be right next to them to light the fear away.   The super soft fabric was made for naps and nighttime cuddles, and the size of the plush is made to be substantial but not over-sized.  It's perfect for those as young as 18 months to as old as 29 years :).  

  What truly impressed me were were the details put into this product.  They are what make this line very special. The majority of the eyes and the one tooth in Trex's mouth are made of soft fabric (not embroidery thread) for supreme softness.  A child will gain comfort from an object that is gentle on their skin and that has the same likes that they do. Those small details are as important as the light itself. Without them this would be just a regular nightlight instead of a comforting tool.

http://brobo.com/

     Oh and before I forget there is even a BroBo bounce App that goes along the lines of Doodle Jump. It is a cute game that is free on the App store and will let your little ones see their friends in action!
     The BroBo Line became available this January and can be found online and in some retail stores. They run about $29.99 each and come with batteries included.

        Now who wants to win a BroBo of their very own? Enter today! 

***We received this item for review purposes but all the opinions stated are our own***

Edited by Mike Aucone

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Madame Alexander at the New York Fair

                                                        Madame Alexander at The New York Toy Fair


    Madame Alexander Doll Company has been producing beautiful pieces of artwork in doll form for over 90 years.   Now they are changing a little bit, but not in a bad way.  We can still look forward to beautiful collectors items from them for years to come, but they are also making more play-friendly dolls.  They have worked up to this, with their line of Nursery Dolls, and soft and beautiful plushes with brands like Angelina ballerina, Wizard of Oz, and the Muppets.  They have a wonderful line of 18" Play dolls, Dollie & Me, that are well made and have matching outfits for both kids and dolls that are just wonderful!  Last year they came out with a wonderful line of 8' travel friends play doll, that had dolls in attire inspired from around the world. The packaging had little spinets of the countries they lived in as well,  I thought they were the bees knees. They were even in our top ten gift guide! Well I am so super excited to announce that they are expanding and partnering up with some awesome brands as well. One brand in particular

that you know we here are absolutely in love with.... CRAYOLA!!!  How have they not worked together before! (Well actually they have partnered in the past with Madame Alexander's Collectors Dolls, but I digress)  With Madame Alexander Doll Company's dedication to quality and creating beautiful works of art, and Crayola's commitment to inspire the artist in all of us, I feel like this is just a match made in heaven!
    The new doll will be branded in the DIY category because the little one who receives her will be able to craft and draw on dolls (there will be a few for different
age groups) and customize them with their own imagination.  I cannot wait till these hit the shelves,  I think they are going to be a HUGE hit!

     Another licensed doll for the 8" colection will be NASCAR! This will be huge!  We always say that everyone loves NASCAR, (Except for New Yorkers because we do not get it, and it is true.)   But even though I have no real idea about the NASCAR line, I know how amazing it will be to have a female doll enter the world of racing carrying the NASCAR Logo, and I am so excitend for all the little girls out there that will have these dolls available to them soon!  Also coming soon to the play line will be 8" dolls that will be dressed up as our favorite fairy tale princesses!  I saw an Alice In Wonderland doll that has my niece's name on it!  Whoo Hoo!

Disney Princess in Period Correct Dress

     As always we will be looking forward to a whole bunch of beautiful collectors pieces, that will have girls young and old all drooling to have in their collection. Including myself!

Minions The MOOOOOOVie! Toy Fair Exclusive!

     It is a fact universally known that everyone LOVES the Minions. I have not met one person that has not had a smile plastered on their face when I have uttered the word Minion. NOT ONE! So I know that everyone will be just as excited as I am to see the new Minion MOOOOVIE, coming this June.
    "The story of Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment’s Minions begins at the dawn of time. Starting as single-celled yellow organisms, Minions evolve through the ages, perpetually serving the most despicable of masters. Continuously unsuccessful at keeping these masters—from T. Rex to Napoleon—the Minions find themselves without someone to serve and fall into a deep depression.
     But one Minion named Kevin has a plan, and he—alongside teenage rebel Stuart and lovable little Bob—ventures out into the world to find a new evil boss for his brethren to follow. "

      Today we got a sneak peak at the movie as well as the amazing Minion toys that are coming with its release.  You think the Minions make you smile now, wait till you see this new movie. It is going to be great, add that to the new toys they have lined up and you will have an everlasting grin!

         From Hasbro board games- like Minion Operation, to spinning Minion tops, and Mega Bloks, these toys will have you laughing and playing all year long.

  SPINNIN’ MINIONS.  I mention these first not only because they are fun, but because of the reaction I witnessed first hand at the event.  There were two of these bad boys on the play table they had set up for the kids, and the kids lined up to play with them. This is essentially a top in Minion form that lights up.  Showing us yet

Moff: Sound Track To Your Child's Imagination!

    You may not know it now, but THIS, is a product you are going to want buy by the end of this review. Making it's debut in this years New York Toy Fair showroom, we got an amazing opportunity to try it out before the masses.  Moff is a soundtrack for our child's imagination and all you need is the Moff band an iPhone or iPad and a Bluetooth connection.  After downloading the FREE app and turning on your Bluetooth,  you simply press the the one button on the orange Moff band that you are wearing on your wrist until your screen says "connected".  You are then brought to a screen with a series of icons.  The fun has begun there is a witch, a star, ninjas, a drum kit and more. Press one of those icons and now move the arm the Moff band is on- BAM let there be...noise!! With every twist turn or shake of your wrist the Moff band will respond and make the selected sound through your smart device.

Stickman Stew The Review!

 

  Stickman Stew is made an appearance at the New York Toy Fair and lucky me -I have one sitting on my shoulder right now! 

      Take the classic stick-man drawing. You know what I am talking about, circle head and five lines representing the body, arms, and legs. The Gold Heart Crew pushed the stick figure to the next level, keeping its stick-like physique but  giving it a soft, plush, sometimes bendable, body with a heart of gold!

     I have to admit it, I am kinda in love with this little guy and so is my son. It's a very simple concept that has morphed into something that is strangely endearing. My Stickman Stew came in a tube shaped clear container that explained what my little guy represented.

"the GOLD HEART CREW™ spends their days spreading respect and love to the children of the world. At night, they meet high in the branches of the STICKLAND™ Forest. Together, they sing songs

TOMY Is Taking Over This 2014

     Attention Pokemon Fans! TOMY  is bringing the toy line onto a whole new level with role-play items! These are designed to help transform kids into Pokemon trainers, with Battle Ready Picachu that you can place on your shoulder and have him launch foam discs! This also includes an awesome adjustable backpack harness with storage compartment!  And you know what you need with a shoulder riding, foam disc throwing Pikachu right?  Trainer Gloves with sound! Get your very own pair of Ash's gloves that are motion activated! Hear four different sound effects every time you throw your Poke Ball into battle- sweet!

  Battroborg Warriors hit the market with a fierce bang this holiday season, but you haven't seen anything yet!  These guys have gone from bare knuckle brawlers to stealthy warriors!  You can choose from a Samurai, Ninja Alien Roman, Knight, and Viking! Players control the battle and the borg's every move with a single handled katana blade controller built for slashing and swordfighting! It was soooo coool!


  TOMY set a world record with the Chuggington StackTrack, now you can try it out at your home with these new features! For the first time ever, new StackTrack sets feature super-sturdy mega cranes, working escalators and elevators that help die-cast engines scale extra-tall layouts. Use these awesome new features to bring the engines back to the top of the set for even more interactive and continuous fun.

"This year, TOMY inspires Chuggington fans to get creative by combining StackTrack play sets to create amazing Megabuilds. The new Megabuild Junction at www.stackyourtrack.com makes it easy to do, by showcasing awe-inspiring layouts, offering helpful tips from the Chuggington toy team experts, and providing step-by-step instructions for how to combine sets. The easy-to-follow instructions at Megabuild Junction show which sets and track pieces are used, encouraging kids to re-create sample Megabuilds and challenging them to use their imaginations to create new combinations to share on social media. When kids use Chuggington StackTrack with Megabuild Junction, they discover endless possibilities for their imaginations to take them on new adventures with sky-high builds."

Crayola- Bringing Creativity To Your Home in 2014

      Crayola is not just crayons anymore! Their new line of amazing and colorful imagination-inspiring products are going to have your kids of all ages occupied for HOURS!  At the New York Toy Fair 2014 I was able to see what is happening with the household brand and you will not be disappointed.  First, there is the Marker Creator which lets you create your own colored markers by either using the mixing chart or your own imagination to make your own unique color. For ages 8-10 years old your children will be able to customize everything from the color, the label and the box making these markers truly their own!

 

   The Paint Maker, coming out in June 2014, is the same idea, only (yeap you guessed it) you get to make your own PAINT colors!  No wait guys it's not as messy as you think! The paint is completely washable once created and uses your basic base paint which you add color STRIPS--yeah strips--to mix and match your own paint. Just like the markers you use your chart to create the basic colors of the rainbow-and then some, but then you get to go CRAZY and mix and match the paint strips to create your own unique blend of colors. One of the best parts is the shaker! Yes once you mix the base paint with the strips you get to put your small pallet in a awesome paint mixer (think of a miniature home depot in your home) It's amazing!!