Time to Play – The Next Kid Thing

TimetoPlayMag.com Debuts Price Comparison Tool; Doc McStuffins is the IT Toy

November 21, 2012November 21, 2012 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Ok, so, we haven’t even had a chance to cook our Thanksgiving dinners yet, much less digest this holiday, but ready or not, the holiday shopping season is underway. I have my lists penciled in, but nothing firm quite yet, not to mention, we’re still finalizing our Holiday Gift Guide with quite a few last minute submissions.

With that said, shopping, no doubt, takes a bit of planning. Just in time for the holiday shopping season, my friends at TimetoPlayMag.com have just debuted their new price comparison tool which provides users with live pricing details of the hottest toys and games. For bargain hunters, online shoppers and even those braving the Black Friday/Gray Thursday sales, this tool is geared to make shopping for the best deal seamless and more efficient. This tool tracks product inventory and prices at five major retailers, updating information in real-time.

At a recent lunch I hosted, toy industry expert and TimetoPlayMag.com Editor-in-Chief, Jim Silver, reminded us that their web resource offers thorough reviews and information on toys and playthings and not selling toys, underscoring the difference between their site’s price comparison tool and online shopping outlet tools.

When asked which toy will be the hard-to-find toy this year, Jim mentioned that Just Play’s Doc McStuffins Time for Your Checkup Doll will be the one. Not all retailers ordered this doll as of a few months ago, so expect there to be a shortage, making her hard to find. The show is wildly popular—my five-year-old boy loves this show. Jim made the parallel that Doc McStuffins is like Pixar’s Toy Story, but for preschoolers. This show that focuses on a little girl who is a “toy doctor” to all of her toys is both catchy and cute. Knowing this info I had to take a screenshot of this doll and the price comparison tool. And sure enough, the doll (which I adore btw) is not currently available at Target and out of stock at two other retailers. As of right now, Doc McStuffins is at Toys R Us and WalMart in-store. I clicked on both stores and it appeared that neither retailer offered the doll online. So, I can only assume Doc McStuffins is available at the store.

My friends have been searching for this doll since they came out. Word of the wise, if you see her on the shelf and know a DocMcStuffins fan, grab her!

I’ve yet to decide whether or not I’ll hit the sales tomorrow or Friday, but on the hunt for a few deals on toys for my nephews, I’m totally loving the locator on TimetoPlayMag.com’s price comparison tool. The less driving for the best deals makes for a happy, albeit exhausted shopper. I think this feature is a brilliant complement to an already comprehensive site for all things toys. A small business supporter, I hope to see the small toy stores included in the future.

Full disclosure: I am a TTP Parent Panelist and I contribute a monthly blog post to TimetoPlayMag.com. I hosted a lunch with several of my blogging friends recently as part of my TTPPP duties. As always, all opinions on NKT are my own.

TimetoPlayMag.com Unveils Holiday 2012 Most Wanted

October 5, 2012 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Last week, my friends at TimetoPlayMag.com unveiled their ‘Most Wanted’ list, and I was onhand to gawk—in the first row, no less! As usual, their list is filled with a wide variety of new and innovative toys, many of which they warn just may be gone by the time Thanksgiving rolls around. As Jim Silver and Chris Byrne suggest, quite a few retailers have aggressive layaway programs, so don’t be surprised if hot toys are already hard to find.

I loved their list and am excited to get my hands on quite a few of these. With Biggie’s birthday so close to the holidays, it usually coincides with the release of these lists. So, it’s fun to shop for said hot toys and put the others aside for Christmas.

Without further ado, here’s TimetoPlayMag.com’s Most Wanted Holiday 2012 list with my own notes below the toys:

Thomas & Friends Steam n Speed R/C Thomas
(FISHER-PRICE/Ages 2 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $45)
-I actually just saw this commercial and told Biggie that I’d love this toy even more if it cleaned my floors with that steam. Nevertheless, I expect Thomas fans to swoop this one up in a hurry.

LeapPad 2 Explorer
(LEAPFROG/Ages 3 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $99.99)
-I never did find the LeapPad in last year’s frenzy. I’ve seen this guy twice so far and may try to scour Toys R Us this weekend. It’s awesome, but I’m wondering if I should just buy myself a new iPad and give Biggie the old one?

DOC MCSTUFFINS TIME FOR YOUR CHECKUP DOLL
(JUST PLAY/Ages 3 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $39.99)
-There’s already been chatter about Doc among my friends, and where to find her in stores. We absolutely love this show, and were super excited to see this doll in person at the Disney Holiday preview over the summer. No surprise this newcomer is a big hit already in the toy aisle.

LITTLE TIKES iTIKES CANVAS
(MGA ENTERTAINMENT/Ages 3 years & up/Approx. Retail Price $39.99)
-This thing looks cool, and perfect for the preschool set. It’s a perfect combo of tech and good ol’ fashioned creativity.

WINX CLUB EVERYDAY CONCERT COLLECTIONS and BELIEVIX DOLLS
(JAKKS PACIFIC/Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $12.99 – $13.99)
-Winx looks like such a fun, girly show. Who doesn’t love fairies!?

LEAPSTER GS
(LEAPFROG/Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $69.99)
-I love how the Leapster looks like a gaming system, but it’s educational. For the littler guys who think they’re old enough for a DS, but really aren’t the Leapster seems like a perfect alternative.

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES BASIC FIGURES and DELUXE POWER SOUNDS FX FIGURES
(PLAYMATES TOYS/Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $7.99 – $12.99)
-TMNT were huge in our house when we were kids, so I’m actually excited about this line, merely out of nostalgia. My guy loves ninjas, so we’ll see if he’ll appreciate TMNT as well.

LALALOOPSY SOFT DOLLS
(MGA Entertainment/Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $14.99)
-I love that Lalaloopsy is still on the list. You can never go wrong with colorful soft dolls.

MY LITTLE PONY PONY PRINCESS WEDDING CASTLE PLAYSET
(HASBRO/Ages 3 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $34.99)
-I have to say, we’re such huge fans of The Hub that we watch My Little Pony all the time. I love the spendor of this castle set. And the price point for that giant thing? What a steal.

MONSTER HIGH GHOULS RULE DOLLS and MONSTER HIGH HIGH SCHOOL
(MATTEL/Ages 6 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $29.99 – $94.99)
-I’m always intrigued by Monster High…but I get it. This line keeps those almost tweens playing with toys, and most importantly, keeps them young.

MEGA BLOKS SKYLANDERS CONSTRUCTION SETS
(MEGA Brands/Ages 5 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $11.99 – $29.99)
-I can’t type enough exclamation points about just HOW EXCITED I am about these toys!!! On Biggie’s Christmas List for sure! Tiny sheep? Need I say more?

LEGO FRIENDS
(LEGO/Ages 6 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $19.99 – $49.99)
-I’m still torn about LEGO Friends. But since I’m such a fun of LEGO, I still love that they’re included on the Most Wanted list.

WWE BRAWLIN’ BUDDIES
(MATTEL/Ages 3 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $29.99)
-Boys will be boys, and these buddies are perfect for preschoolers and wrestling fans in general.

BARBIE PHOTO FASHION DOLL
(MATTEL/Ages 6 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $49.99)
-When Barbie merges with tech, you get this. Camera-loving set will get a kick out of her.

APPFINITY APPDRIVE
(SPIN MASTER/Ages 7 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $19.99)
-Toys that have a tech/app component are my absolute favorite. I think these sort of toys are the next big thing, but I definitely need to try it out to see if they’d keep my car and app-loving kid engaged.

FURBY
(HASBRO/Ages 6 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $59.99)
-I am still amazed that Furby is back…just not sure if there will be the same frenzy as the first time around. Nevertheless, this new generation is pretty impressive.

AIR HOGS R/C HELI REPLAY
(SPIN MASTER/Ages 12 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $44.99)
-Helicopters are always getting caught up on my roof and IN my hair, but I do love the Air Hogs line. Innovative toys that simply work well.

NERF N-STRIKE ELITE HAIL-FIRE BLASTER
(HASBRO/Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $39.99)
-These look intense, and fun enough for my adult friends to enjoy. The sheer amount of ammo that can be used is enough to buy it for myself.

Time to Play Names Top Spring and Summer Picks

May 1, 2012 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Just a few months out of Toy Fair, one would think I’d be toy-ed out. Not so much, friends. Time to Play’s showcases are some of my favorite events to attend, not only because they focus on the best toys, but because it’s a great one-on-one networking event. I get to ask questions and really get into the nitty gritty of what’s hot (and not) in the toy realm.

At this year’s Time to Play Spring Showcase, the manufacturers displayed a small selection of their latest wares. And because it was the Spring Showcase, most toymakers had goodies and gadgets suited for spring and summer play, as well as toys that complement this summer’s blockbuster movie hopefuls.

Here’s the round up of what Time to Play thinks that’s hot for this Spring.

LEGO Friends

LEGO prettied some of their sets to create this line geared to girls. LEGO Friends has parents both loving and despising this girl-centric line, but one thing you can’t ignore that it has people talking. My thoughts: LEGO is and will always be a brand that families know and trust, even if those tiny pieces can stab you in the feet when you step on them. I may not be a mom of girls, but I’ve seen my nieces and friends’ kids’ play patterns. Building blocks are well known to encourage creativity and logic, if making LEGOs pink and purple gets the girls inspired, then so be it.

LaLaLoopsy Littles

These characters continue to engage girls with their quirky style and funky fashions. The Littles are portable and convenient for smaller hands.

Monsuno Cores, Wild Core and Strike Launcher

Monsuno is a show that’s become super popular quite recently, so naturally, the toys are following suit. This is a line from Jakks that I need to learn more about to get a better grasp. One thing I do know? My next door neighbor’s grandson is a huge fan and gave these toys a thumbs up.

Monster High Operetta, Rochelle Goyle and Toralei dolls

The storied characters continue to get girls talking. There’s a huge fan base for Monster High, so it’s no surprise these gals made it on to the TTP list.

Skylanders Wave 4 Figures

Where do I even begin with Skylanders? My family is completely smitten with Skylanders, just like many of yours, I’m imagining. In fact, at Toys R Us just a few weeks ago, I almost had to wrestle a kid for a certain character. Skylanders characters are hot! I’ll go more into detail about Skylanders later, but don’t expect this franchise to die down anytime soon.

Squishy Baff

My first thought? This messy stuff is gross and won’t ever find its way in my bathtub. Part of that statement is true; Spinmaster sent me a sample, and while it didn’t find its way into the tub, it did entertain my 4 year old for hours. He played with it on the deck, and I have to say, my opinion about it has totally changed. I don’t love it, but the kid sure does! More on this soon!

Movie Toys

The Dark Knight Rises The Bat

Imaginext DC Super Friends Batcave

The big kid received this as his big birthday present last year. Of all the toys we’ve bought in recent years, it’s perhaps been the best investment. Kids are drawn to it when they come over to play, and my kid continues to play with it regularly as well. It’s perfect for role playing and exercising creative, imaginative play.

Classic Battleship Movie Edition Game

The Amazing Spider-Man Electronic Figure

Merida: Disney/Pixar’s Brave Merida Doll, Disney/Pixar’s Brave Merida Forest Adventure

• I can’t WAIT for Brave. Actually, the husband can’t wait for it either. Whenever we see the commercials, it sparks a conversation on how it’s exciting to see a non-girly redhead in the lead role of a Disney story. That said, I can’t wait for all of these toys to hit the shelves!

Outdoor Fun:

Outdoor toys are some of my favorite! I loved the ones they picked, but would’ve loved to see something that might engage the older girls as well. What? I’m not sure….
I’m working on a piece on my favorite outdoor toys, so expect to see a few of these on that list.

• Air Storm Z-X Crossbow

• The Original Big Wheel Racer

• FlashRider 360

• Sandy Lagoon Waterpark from Little Tikes

Time to Play Announces Holiday Must Haves

October 1, 2010October 1, 2010 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

It’s October, and fall is officially in full swing. (How did that happen so quickly?)

Even though the season is just now starting to change, media and bloggers alike have had the holidays in mind for months now. In fact, I think I went to my first holiday preview back in May?

Nevertheless, I’m excited once again to curate—what I consider—cool new kid gear that would make fun gift for the holidays. But this week, to get the season started right, I had the chance to attend Time to Play magazines Holiday Showcase here in NYC.

The pros, Chris Byrne, content director, and Jim Silver, editor-in-chief of TimetoPlayMag.com unveiled Time to Play’s Most Wanted list, the 16 toys they predict will be the “must haves” for the upcoming holiday season. And once again, NKT was onhand to check things out and tweet all about it.

And here they are, TimetoPlayMag.com’s Most Wanted List for the 2010 Holiday Season:

AIR HOGS MOTO FRENZY
(Spin Master/Ages 8 years & up /Approx. Retail Price: $24.99)

DISNEY PRINCESS & ME DOLLS
(JAKKS Pacific/Ages 6 years & up /Approx. Retail Price: $49.99)

HOT WHEELS R/C STEALTH RIDES
(Mattel/Ages 6 years & up /Approx. Retail Price: $24.99)

LEAPSTER EXPLORER
(LeapFrog/Ages 4 years & up /Approx. Retail Price: $69.99)

LEGO Games – LEGO Systems
(LEGO/Ages 7 years & up/Approx. Retail Price $29.99)

LOOPZ
(Mattel/Ages 7 years & up /Approx. Retail Price: $29.99)

MONSTER HIGH Dolls
(Mattel/Ages 6 years & up /Approx. Retail Price: $16.99)

NERF N-STRIKE STAMPEDE ECS Blaster
(Hasbro/Ages 8 years & up /Approx. Retail Price: $49.99)

PAPER JAMZ
(WowWee/Ages 5 years & up /Approx. Retail Price: $24.99)

REAL CONSTRUCTION
(JAKKS Pacific/Ages 5 years & up /Approx. Retail Price: $24.99)

SCRABBLE FLASH
(Hasbro/Ages 8 years & up /Approx. Retail Price: $29.99)

SING-A-MA-JIGS
(Mattel/Ages 3 years & up /Approx. Retail Price: $12.99)

SQUINKIES
(Blip Toys/Ages 4 years & up /Approx. Retail Price: $6.99)

TONKA CHUCK & FRIENDS CHUCK’S STUNT PARK Playset
(Hasbro Playskool/Ages 3 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $39.99)

V.READER
(VTech/Ages 3 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $59.99)

ZOOBLES
(Spin Master/Ages 4 years & up/ Approx. Retail Price: $4.99)

They also highlighted three family-friendly video games, which include:

Kirby’s epicYarn
Epic Mickey
Dance Central

Most of the toys at the showcase were toys that I’ve had the chance to check out at Toy Fair, at media previews or have even been dubbed NKT faves, so some of the “must haves” were no surprise. They’re all great picks, but I have several more on my radar that I think should’ve made the mark. I’ll be sure to share those in my holiday gift guide, which is coming soon.

Do you guys see any toys that you think might be the “it” toy this year?

Whatever you think might be hot, put it on your radar NOW. Time to Play’s sage advice for consumers and industry insiders alike: “If you see it early, grab it early.”

Crayola Touts Creative Outdoor Play with New Sets

May 18, 2010May 26, 2010 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Crayola, always a favorite here on NKT, was one of the many fabulous exhibitors at the recent Time to Play Spring and Summer Showcase.

Crafts and the outdoors should go hand in hand, what with the fairly easy clean up and the expansive canvas. And as always, Crayola is at the forefront of the outdoor artistry when it comes to kids.

At the showcase, Crayola’s table had a variety of colorful goodies, including the latest additions to their product line: the Sidewalk Chalk Maker, Spira-Chalk Blaster and the 3D Disney Fairies and 3D Disney Toy Story Activity Sets.

It’s Time to Play!

October 2, 2009October 2, 2009 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Yesterday, I had the unique opportunity to attend the Time to Play holiday showcase, an event that highlighted some of the latest innovative and noteworthy toys. In good company with many influential bloggers and online media representatives, I was fortunate to meet and connect with a lot of toy publicists and execs to hear all about the latest and greatest goodies for kids. Quite simply, it was toy heaven. Can this really be considered work?

I seriously can’t wait to talk about my finds and share all about some of the products that will definitely be creating lots of buzz. But for now, check out Time to Play’s picks for the top must-have toys for this holiday season!

Stay tuned for more!