Christmas Time Is Here! Gather All That Cheer! This year we are bringing you the best of the best toys we have out there. It was hard this year to find items that were actually worth the money you can spend on them. Is it just me? Or have toys just gotten kinda repetitive and sad?
   Everything is tiny, blind, or does little to nothing- literally.  I see the kids rip open the package in a fury then place the unicorn poop hybrid figure on their shelf never to be touched again,.  Nothing promotes imaginative play, or stimulates education like they use too.
      Oh my goodness I am sounding old aren't I? Well If I am I am sorry, but I am feeling  the loss of Toys R Us.I use to walk up and down the aisles to pick and choose what I wanted to buy the kids. I use to reminiscence about my father telling me "go for it" when I finally found something worth asking for. I am missing the toys on those shelves. The hidden gems you found that weren't screaming at you during our kids shows commercial breaks. that "ahhh" moment when you knew you found that perfect gift for that kid in your life. I MISS it dammit.
      I am feeling the loss of innocence during the holidays, and as someone who works directly with the toy companies I feel like they are at a loss too. They are pushing products but without the same enthusiasm they once held. 90 percent of what I say this year was not even worth mentioning.
 We need toys to promote imagination, we need to promote fun and yes we even need toys that promote education (bleh). Right now these companies are just repeating the same things they have come up with for the last four years and re- making it into something slightly different from the original. Where are the new ideas!  Four years ago was the last time I was truly excited about what was coming for the holidays. After that I feel like the world has went stagnant.  You will read studies and they will all say that it is because we live in the time of the screens. Which is partly true. As an eighties baby myself, we may not have had mobile phones and tablets and alike, but we had TV, VHS, game boys and gaming systems. We had portable "laptops" that had games on them that made the beep beep beep that drove all our parents nuts. Yes things have gotten wayyy cooler but honestly I don't think that technology is not the only problem here. It is the way we parent. Instead of giving the kids toys that promote imaginative play, we give them the game controller. Instead of sitting and reading with them we give them a tablet. We say sure when they want to download an app then delete it five minutes later. For crying out loud most kids would rather watch other kids play with toys on Youtube than play with them themselves.
    I think this year we all need to make a resolution to cut it out (as Dave Coulie would say) and make our kids imagine, stop doing things because its easy, and maybe this will give the toy companies the drive to produce some truly spectacular things next year! Lets bring the fun back to toys as a community! I think we can do it.

    Now that, that rant is over I can tell you that all the toys that I am reviewing, I love. We are sent a lot of toys every year, and to the marketers dismay there is no guarantee that they will make it on my site. (Sorry guys it is true.) I don't get paid for my reviews, which means basically that it is up to me whether or not I write about something. So if you see an item up here- unless it says "AD" then I am not getting any money for the review. What I am writing I believe, because otherwise you wouldn't see it on my site. Period. My point being that I think that despite my kinda melancholy monologue up there I think we do have some cool things for the kiddos this year, and we hope you like them as well! Let us know what you think- let us know what you think we should add- and finally- Let The Mommy's Guide To Toys, finally begin!

-MJ Aucone

HUGE CABBAGE PATCH NEWS! Limited Edition Collectible Available NOW!

      Just like you, the Cabbage Patch Kids are growing up! And now, for the first time ever, Wicked Cool Toys is introducing the Cabbage Patch BIG Kids! Each 18'' Big Kid is an extremely limited edition in nature and will be retired after a short production run.  The accessories and dresses will match the Kid's unique personality and will be the highest end CPK apparel ever.  There are only 2 Styles for Fall 2015 – the Class President (Violet Anne) and Ballerina (Sofia Lorraine) and include their birth certificate. Ages 6+, SRP: $99.99. Available at www.tru.com and select Toys “R” Us Stores.

There are only 1000 pieces of each style produced and once they are gone there will be no more available for purchase as they will retire. New styles will be released for Fall 2016.

Check out all the details on their facebeook page!

https://www.facebook.com/Cabbage-Patch-Kids-347051282049527/timeline/

Limited Edition Journey Girl Doll Giovanna!

    This year’s special edition Holiday Doll – Giovanna! Joining the line for a limited time, Giovanna is dazzling in a striking deep red gown, perfect for the 2015 holiday season in Italy. Fun for any child or collector, the doll comes adorned in a full-length formal dress that features asymmetrical tiers and lush chiffon ruching. Accessorized with a metallic mask, gray faux fur stole, sparkly silver formal gloves, beautiful diamond and pearl earrings, as well as diamond bracelet, Giovanna is sure to make the holidays molto felice. No batteries required. Ages 6 years and up.
            here!

To see our full write up on the Journey Girls click

Toys 'R 'Us Has Has The Force! And Toys! Plus Sneak Peak Of SpinMaster's Line Of Toys!

 

      Today we went to the mega event that Toys 'R 'Us had for the unveiling of the new line of Star Wars Toys. Boy did they do it right. Throughout the store you got a chance to see collectibles from the original line of toys-some of them really rare.   Geoffrey the Giraffe was decked out in Star Wars gear- and there were areas all over the store with sneak peaks of the toys to come at 12:01 am.  You got to  make your own Wookie Cookies, build a Star Wars Lego mini kit and best of all have a one on one session with the New York Jedi Academy- who are amazing!  All of this to celebrate the most amazing thing to happen in the 2015 year- the release of the new Star Wars movie!   People lined up outside the Flagship store for the 12:01 re-opening and to get their hands on the most amazing toys to be added to the line in recent years.
 
  When I asked people in the line- who started lining up at 5pm why they felt the need to be there at 12:01, the answer was simple really. "Because it's Star Wars Man" David Huttly of Long Island said. Most of the people on line were adults and Steve Johas of Yonkers NY said:
 "For us, this is a way to relive our childhood. Star Wars has been such a huge part of our lives and for the world to understand that this is such a big deal- it means so much to us. That they have a event like this. Well it means a lot.  There is nothing that would keep me away from this line."
      I had a follow up question for the father of four, "So is this for you or for your kids that you are here?"

Journey Girls From Toys'R Us are Celebrating Their Five Year Anniversary and A Trip To Italy!

     

     Five years ago Toys'R Us created their own line of 18 inch dolls for their customers with the goal to create a doll that would entice enthusiasts, keep them interested with unique characters and accessories, and to make them affordable for everyone.  The brainstorming team came up with the original Journey Girls; four dolls, that go on wild adventures while looking fabulous and pursuing their interests. Journey Girls became one of the top selling in-house products sold in the stores, and there is a good reason for that. This is a top of the line product with an affordable price tag, making the ever popular 18 inch doll available to all families no matter what their budget.  With a retail price of $39.99 per doll, and affordable accessories starting at $10 for five pairs of shoes to $39.99 for a fashion pack that includes a variety of pants, shirts, shoes, and even a cell phone! All changed and ready, well now your Journey Girl can head
over to the beach with this adorable set available for $16.99 that includes an umbrella, towel, lounge chair, cooler and beach bag.  These are just some of the amazing products that are available now--no wonder why the crowd went wild when these babies hit the shelves!

Skylanders Trap Team Available NOW!

     

       Whooooohooooooo! Today is the day to rejoice for the new Skylanders Trap Team has been released!   Available on all major consoles as well as Tablets (yeah you heard me-tablet!).    This is the must have game of the year so get it before the buying frenzy begins!  If you cannot wait for the holidays to play your favorite stores have exclusive Trap Team characters and accessories. Learn all about the new game and where to buy your favorite characters here! 

    " Behold, Portal Masters! Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATVI) is pleased to announce thatSkylanders Trap Team is officially available at major retailers nationwide on Xbox 360^™ and Xbox One^™ video game and entertainment systems from Microsoft, PlayStation^® 3 and PlayStation^® 4 computer entertainment systems, Nintendo’s Wii^™ system, Nintendo’s Wii U^™system, and a completely unique adventure is also available on the Nintendo 3DS^™ hand-held system.  The launch of Skylanders Trap Team also ushers in the complete console gaming experience on Tablet*, introducing a Starter Pack that supports iPad^®, Kindle Fire and Android tablets.

      “The Skylanders® franchise was built on a foundation of creativity and innovation,” said EricHirshberg, CEO of Activision Publishing. “And with Skylanders Trap Team, we’re taking that tradition of innovation to new heights. For the last three years we’ve allowed kids to bring their toys to life in a video game, and this year, we’re letting them reach into the game, and pull characters out into the physical world by letting players trap and play as the villains. Skylanders Trap Team is also the first console game to simultaneously bring the entire AAA experience to tablet devices. Overall, we think Skylanders Trap Team represents our most magical innovation yet. But most importantly, it’s just a great game.”

      The latest installment of the franchise that pioneered the Toys-to-Life genre is already poised to become one of the top family games this holiday season. Toys“R”Us^® recently namedSkylanders Trap Team as one of the “Fabulous 15” on the company’s 2014 Holiday Hot Toy List, while Target named Skylanders Trap Team to their Top Toys for the Holidays List.  In addition, the game was featured in Toy Insider’s Hot 20 Holiday Toys of 2014, which highlights the most sought-after and anticipated items of the holiday season.

     Skylanders  continues to lead and evolve the category with Skylanders Trap Team by letting fans seek out and defeat the most wanted villains in all of Skylands, pull them out of the game and into living rooms by capturing them in magical Traps. Once they’ve defeated the villains, players will be able to place a Trap into the new Traptanium Portal^TM to capture them. Players can then send villains back into the game where they can play as them to fight for good, reversing the magic. They will also be able to hear the villains inside the Traps, an innovation that truly brings life to toys.

     “Since it launched four years ago, the Skylanders brand has continued to captivate young fans around the world who eagerly crowd our stores every time a new collectible character is introduced,” said Richard Barry, Executive Vice President, Chief Merchandising Officer,Toys“R”Us, Inc. “In preparation for the debut of Skylanders Trap Team, which truly reinvents the franchise’s signature gameplay, our teams across the globe have worked year-long to ensureToys“R”Us is THE destination for Portal Masters ready to experience all the fun the new game – and our exclusive Legendary Skylanders toys – have to offer.”

     Portal Masters everywhere can get into the Skylanders Trap Team spirit by taking advantage of exclusive Skylanders products at retailers nationwide:

·         Get Legendary at Toys”R”Us – Toys“R”Us stores in North America and online atToysrus.com will be the only places fans will find the limited edition Legendary Series ofSkylanders toys at launch. The Legendary Series features alternative versions of new Trap Master characters and packs, such as Jawbreaker, Déjà Vu and the Nightmare Express Adventure Pack, all of which feature in-game stat boosts.

·         Meet the Minis at Walmart – Skylanders fans can visit participating Walmart stores or go to Walmart.com to participate in the ‘Meet the Minis’ program to unlock special content featuring the fully playable and upgradeable Minis, including Gill Runt, Stealth Elf,Weeruptor, Pet Vac and Small Fry via the official Skylanders Collection Vault^TM app. Walmart will also be the only place fans can find the Skylanders Minis Buddy Pack, featuring Tidal Wave Gill Grunt and Gill Runt.

·         NITRO Trap Masters at Target – U.S. Target stores nationwide and Target.com will once again be the only place where fans can get their hands on the Skylanders NITRO series of toys, which features the powerful Trap Master NITRO Krypt King.

·         Portals for Punch Pop Fizz at GameStop – During the first week of launch, fans that bring in a Portal of Power® from any Skylanders game can trade it in to receive a free Punch Pop Fizz character, a bright red version of the fan-favorite Skylander.

·         Three Skylanders for Two at Best Buy – Players that purchase any two Skylanders Trap Team game products at Best Buy will receive a free Volcanic Eruptor character, who’s unique appearance is visible in-game. This promotion is available only at Best Buy.

     Skylanders Trap Team introduces heroes known as Trap Masters that wield powerfulTraptanium^TM weapons used to defeat Skylands’ most notorious villains including Kaos, as well as brand new Core Skylanders characters and reposed fan-favorite Skylanders characters. The game also features a variety of elementally aligned Traps with unique and interesting designs. In addition, Skylanders Trap Team welcomes Skylanders Minis, 16 small but powerful Skylanders now fully playable, who join the battle against Skylands’ most nefarious villains. Coming to Skylanders fans worldwide on November 1, Eon’s Elite collectors’ toys feature never-before-seen decoration with a distinct, metallic finish and a golden base that sets them apart from other Skylanders toys. 

Skylanders Trap Team is compatible with more than 175 unique toys from all previous games -- Skylanders SWAP Force^TM, Skylanders Giants^TM and Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure® -- every character also will be able to defeat and trap villains using Traptanium Traps, providing fans more ways to enjoy their collections.

       To celebrate the launch of Skylanders Trap Team, Activision hid a “villain” inside a seemingly normal Skylanders Trap Team demo kiosk. Starting October 6 at 10 a.m. PDT, watch what happened here on the official YouTube channel: www.YouTube.com/SkylandersGame.

Wild Kratts Toys: Review

     Get ready adventurers because the new line of Wild Kratts Toys have hit the shelves of Toys 'R Us!  Wicked Cool Toys have designed the toys that represent the hit PBS TV series, and they did a great job!  If you are unfamiliar with the show (which airs everyday on your local PBS channel) it is a live action and animated show that follows the adventures of the two Kratts brothers.  Every adventure explores an age appropriate science concept central to an animal's life.  Using laughter and education, the show has won the following of legions of kids, as well as parents' approval.

     Who doesn't like a good plush, especially a well made one.  The Wild Kratts Wildlife Plush assortment retail for $7.99, and come in a variety of characters.  They are six inches and super soft, and durable.  Made for many adventures- and even to survive a vicious poodle attack! 

     The four piece figure set will also have your little adventurer going wild!  Each set are retailed at $9.99 and includes one of the two Wild Kratts and three animal figures, and 4 collectible creature power discs.  Chris and Martin are ready for action, wearing their full creature power suit! They are well painted sturdy replicas of the beloved characters sure to excite the little ones in your home.

     By far my favorite in the line is the addition of Wild Kratts BOOKS! Yes, yes I am trying to raise a bookworm like myself and I think it is working.  We really enjoyed the first book in what I hope is a long line of series printed by Random House Kids.  This Step 2 reader features basic vocabulary and short sentences to tell simple, yet exciting, stories!  

     Only available at Toys 'R Us, this toy line is going to be a huge hit just like the show.  If you have a young Wild Kratts fan remember it's never to early to stock up for Christmas! They will go wild over the line and you will walk away with a smile on your face!

: Mcfarlene's New Line Of Rabbids Toys Have ARRIVED!

.  




        We already told ya'all about the awesome new lines that the AMAZING Todd Mcfarlene is coming out with this year- now we get to share our reviews of some of those toys! Excited!? I know we are!  Ubisoft’s line of Rabbids video games have been turned into an awesome new TV series on Nickelodeon.  Mr. Mcfarlene has designed an incredible line of toys to go with it that are hitting the shelves just in time for Easter!

    We received the Rabbids Plunger Blaster- oh yeah be jealous. This thing is AWESOME.  Well-crafted with a slight velvety smooth finish, this toy could line one of the many shelves we have dedicated to the "adult" line of "toys that Mcfarlene has made in the past. But what fun would that be?  The Plunger Blasters were my favorite mini-games in the video game series and I know they make more than one appearance in the show, so I was so excited to see it so well utilized in the toy line.  This Blaster makes 15 unique Rabbids sounds: Bwaaah, burp, fart, flush, laugh, and scream until your heart’s content. Or until your husband takes it away from you-err your son...You can also put the blaster into prank mode and play a joke on your unsuspecting friends! Which means, it will go off ALL the time. I have hidden it in many areas of the house and heard yelps as it screams out Bwaaaah for absolutely no reason. My favorite spot is under the sink in the bathroom, I mean how funny is that?! This is available RIGHT NOW at Walmart for $12.97, and worth every penny.  It is soooo funny, and if you are a fan of the games, and now the show- you are going to keep on finding it funny even after the 1878493578439754 time you hear the flush sound.  I promise.

   

   Next up in the line is the Rabbids Sound and Action Figures. These two pack toys comes with a crazy action play, and assorted sounds that will have you laughing your butt off.  Made in the same high quality style as the blaster, these little guys will give your little ones some loud and funny imagaplay. (Yeah, I just made up a word) You can even attach them to coats, zippers, backpacks, baby bags or anything else to carry on the go! Great basket stuffers, Christmas stocking stuffers (never too early) or anytime fun for the aunties to bring over for no reason at all! These guys are available at Walmart for $12.95 and as my husband just informed me Toys 'R Us RIGHT NOW.

     So Moms and Dads Grandmas, Poppy's, Aunties, Uncles, now is your time to act.  Get the kids what they want, RABBIDS. If for some reason you don't know who the RABBIDS are, then hurry to the store and buy the video games (the Wii ones are my favorite) check your local listings for the new television show, and hop on to the store before Easter.  Fill up your kiddos gift baskets with these amazing new toys from Todd Mcfarlene!