Toys R Us – The Next Kid Thing

What to See and Do at Play Fair in NYC + ticket giveaway

February 10, 2016February 10, 2016 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

For the first time ever, kids will be heading to Javits Center in NYC for Play Fair on Saturday and Sunday, February 13-14. Presented by Nickelodeon and Lego, Play Fair will allow kids and families to experience the latest and greatest toys, as well as meet fun characters and YouTube personalities.

Play Fair, hosted by Toy Industry Association and Leftfield Media, will be taking place alongside of the International Toy Fair, the annual trade show for industry professionals. Because it is a trade show, kids are not allowed to walk the showroom of Toy Fair. Play Fair, however, was designed for kids and families to experience new toys and then some. Hasbro, Mattel, Marvel, Cartoon Network, Crayola, Bandai, Toys R Us and Warner Bros will be onhand at Play Fair showcasing the coolest toys.

Play Fair logo Circle

My family will be onsite with me on Sunday to check out all the goodies! Though we get to check out cool new toys regularly, fun experiences like this excite my guys to no end. My 8 year old will likely be in amazement of his favorite YouTubers. While my 4 year old will most likely go nuts over the entire thing! As for me, I can’t wait to let loose and check out the fun. Toy Fair is work for me, so I’m taking videos, tons of photos and taking notes. Play Fair with kids and families will most certainly add a totally different perspective to Toy Fair itself!

So, here’s what you’ll get to see and do at Play Fair:

• Check out the new Batmobile from Warner Bros. Pictures’ Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, in theaters March 25, 2016

• Slide down the exclusive PAW Patrol slide, snap photos with PAW Patrol costume characters Chase, Marshall, Skye and Rubble, and get an exclusive look at the newest PAW Patrol pup, Tracker, who will join the series this fall

• Join Hasbro for the ultimate lightsaber training session! With the help of the Empire Saber Guild, get a hands-on learning experience about lightsaber forms and techniques

• Build a LEGO car and race it down a ramp against other LEGO builders

• Explore the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle tunnels and mimic their favorite Turtle moves with Magic Mirror technology

• Gross out with an epic booger battle, experience the slimy, gross play of Booger Balls for the first time by picking and flicking them at Booger Ball targets

• Enjoy the interactive Thomas & Friends experience by Mattel

• Create their own toy review videos and have chances to win Toys“R”Us gift cards

• Test out the latest from NERF in the NERF arena

• Test out the newest Razor rides, like Jetts, the new sparking Heel Wheels, and other awesome Razor rides like the Power Core E90, Crazy Cart and RipSurf

• Purchase exclusive collectible toys

• And every attendee will receive a gift bag with toys and fun goodies from event sponsors

Play Fair’s live performances and appearances include:

• Meet and take photos with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Shimmer and Shine, SpongeBob SquarePants, the Miraculous Ladybug and Cat Noir, Chase and Marshall from PAW Patrol, Dora, Saban’s Power Rangers Dino Super Charge, Peppa Pig, PJ Masks, and more

• The cast of Nickelodeon’s hit show Game Shakers – Cree Cicchino (Babe), Madisyn Shipman (Kenzie), Thomas Kuc (Hudson), Benjamin Flores Jr. (Triple G), and Kel Mitchell (Double G) – will host a panel on Saturday to debut their new app, Nasty Goats

• Jon Scieszka, best-selling author behind The Stinky Cheese Man and The True Story of the Three Little Pigs, will read from his Frank Einstein science book series

• All-ages comic creators Art Baltazar, Franco Aureliani, Abby Denson, Dave Roman, Matt Loux, and Misako Rocks! will sketch and sign their books for fans

• Meet Toys“R”Us mascot, Geoffrey the Giraffe, enjoy story time and participate in fun birthday-themed activities

• Take in episodes of Ultimate Spider-Man: Web-Warriors, We Bare Bears, and Teen Titans Go! on a massive movie screen

• Take photos with Shopkins mascot characters, including Strawberry Kiss and Lippy Lips, and color your favorite Shopkins characters

• LEGO Master Builder Erik Varszegi presents insider tips on creating LEGO masterpieces

• The girls of Make it Pop will reveal their new fashion doll series on February 14. Join them on the Toys“R”Us stage at 11:30 a.m. for an exclusive interview, live performance and a chance to meet the cast

• YouTube personalities including DisneyCarToys, Mommy and Gracie Show, and KittiesMama will meet with fans and host toy unboxings live on the Toys“R”Us stage

Buy Tickets

Tickets start at $30 and can be purchased at PlayFairNY.com/tickets Family packs with a small discount are available online as well. Morning sessions run from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and afternoon sessions are open from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Giveaway

And thanks to my friends at KidzVuz, I have a family four pack of tickets for Play Fair to giveaway! Make sure you visit my awesome friends at KidzVuz at booth #156 at Play Fair!

Enter below! Good luck! This giveaway will end on Friday night 2/12 so the winner can be notified.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Be sure to follow my coverage of Toy Fair from Saturday February 13 to Monday February 15! I’m @jenrab on Twitter, Periscope and Instagram. I’ll have photo and vids up on the Next Kid Thing Facebook page, and I will snap some Snapchat photos too! I’m jen_rab on Snapchat

Toys ‘R’ Us Great Big Christmas Book: There’s an App for That

November 1, 2010 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Halloween’s over and you know what that means? That’s right, the Holiday shopping season cranks up a notch. While the shelves might have been touting dancing Santas and singing reindeers for a few weeks now, marketers and retailers have been working overtime for months in preparation for the upcoming Holiday season.

As mentioned before, many of us bloggers were attending holiday previews way back in May, so, be prepared to see an influx of holiday coverage on blogs this year, NKT included.

We can’t cover holiday shopping without highlighting the thrill of the hunt—for kids, that is! While many of us plan to scour the malls, websites and shops for the best deals, in many cases, it all starts with that carefully-crafted Christmas list. And guess what?

Of course, there’s an app for that.

British Baby Brand Mamas & Papas Arrives Stateside

August 18, 2010August 18, 2010 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Beloved British baby brand, Mamas & Papas, has officially landed stateside. Mamas & Pappas, which is synonymous with a simple, yet modern aesthetic, launched a line of strollers, lightweight strollers, travel accessories and toys online and at select Babies ‘R’ Us and Toys ‘R’ Us this week.

The lineup of Mamas & Papas products that are now available in the U.S. include:

The Urbo, Sola and Luna-Mix (below) comprise M&P’s travel system compatible strollers that are now available in the U.S. Both the Urbo and Sola come with or without bassinets. The Urbo is more reminiscent of a pram, whereas the Solas has a sleek, modern silhouette. The Luna-Mix is a three-wheeled stroller that has a compact fold and can be coupled with complementary or contrasting accessories.

Light weight strollers that offer a convenient carrying strap, perfect for urbanites trekking on public transit, as well as parents who seek a swift option for strolling. Each stroller varies in features ranging from basic to reclining seat to extra cushion for comfort. Trip, Trek, Tour (below), Cruise and Voyage

High chairs that don’t compromise style, safety or flexibility, the Loop Highchair boasts a high-lacquer white shine and bright green seat pad accessories and the Go Eat Highchair is a black and white chair that features convenient fold-up capabilities.

Many babies and their parents rely on bouncers for the first few months to soothe and play. Mamas & Papas offers the Magic Astro (below), Apollo and Ripple bouncers that feature music, toys and plenty of cushion to cradle any sweet babe. With its MP3 compatibility, the Magic Astro sounds like both gear and a gadget that would’ve landed a spot on my must-have baby list.

And because babies just can’t have enough cool toys when on the go: Mamas & Papas offers Made with…Love Activity Spiral, Travel Charm and The Jumbles Collection, which look like such sweet, fun play things. These guys would make great shower gifts, carrier and stroller toys. I’m doting on the Are We There Yet Charm Toy (below.)

Mamas & Papas product pricing varies by product description ranging from the Urbo stroller at $499 all the way to the travel toys at $9.99. Mamas & Papas products are available exclusively at select Babies ‘R’ Us stores. An expanded selection of Mamas & Papas gear and accessories will also be available at Toys”R”Us Times Square, Babies”R”Us Union Square and FAO Schwartz Fifth Avenue in NYC, as well as online at Babiesrus.com/MamasandPapas.

Safety in mind, TRU unveils trade-in program

August 26, 2009August 26, 2009 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Toys “R” Us wants logo_tru to take some unsafe baby products off of your hands. Dubbed “cash for cribs” by the LA Times, the big box toy and baby retailer announced a national program that will give customers a chance to trade-in used cribs, car seats and other baby products in exchange for savings on a new item.

With safety in mind, TRU says the “Great Trade-In” event, which begins on Friday, August 28, puts focus on second-hand and older baby gear that may have been passed down, but could be potentially unsafe. According to Kids In Danger, a consumer advocacy organization, less than 30% of affected items are returned when a baby product is recalled. Those unreturned items that were recalled could be passed down and in some cases, perhaps become a cause for serious concern.

TRU’s Great Trade-In event, possibly the first of its kind in the juvenile products sector, lasts until September 20. All Babies “R” Us and Toys “R” Us locations will accept returns of any used cribs, car seats, bassinets, strollers, travel systems, play yards and high chairs in exchange for a 20% savings on the purchase of a new baby item, in any of the listed categories, from select manufacturers*.

With safety having paramount importance, baby and children’s product manufacturers must adhere to rules and regulations established by agencies like the CPSC. Even in my short time as a mom, I’ve seen sometimes the most trusted brands issue recalls. Off the top of my head, even after all of the research and recommendations, I can think of at least three items we’ve purchased that have had some kind of recall.

I know 20% off a new crib may not be much in terms of defraying costs for big ticket purchases (vs. free second-hand items,) but in my opinion, you can’t put a pricetag on your kid’s safety and well being.

Prior to the kid’s arrival, I had a debate with my parents about the safety of the beautiful, but second-hand crib they purchased for the nursery at their house. Not knowing the history of the drop-down crib and other second hand products they bought, I felt extremely uncomfortable.

This Spring, because of the ongoing safety hazards, Toys “R” Us said they have stopped ordering drop-side cribs because of safety concerns.

To my fellow new moms and dads, in addition to all of those wonderful recommendations you receive from family and friends, please continue to do your homework before buying baby and kid products. (Baby Bargains by Alan and Denise Fields is more than just a bargain resource, with its excellent rating system, I consider it a bible.)

Big kudos to TRU for helping consumers to filter out potentially unsafe baby products and the option to purchase safer alternatives. I’m hoping other retailers follow TRU’s direction to give more new parents a chance to provide a safe and healthy environments for all babes.
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Got Milk? Toys “R” Us Might

April 30, 2009May 1, 2009 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Toys “R” Us announced that they’re adding some new inventory. In addition to Barbies and Thomas the Train, the retailer will now sell snacks, beverages, paper goods, laundry detergent and cleaning supplies. Just a few weeks after announcing their discount shop concept, Toys “R” Us will be adding the “R” Market to the front of 260 stores. While the new concept may not offer the same variety as a grocery store, the “R” Market aims to accommodate shoppers with the convenience of one-stop shopping.
TRU
According to an article in Time, the prices at “R” market weren’t as competitive as other big box stores. Convenience is the keyword here, so expect to pay more for the accessibility to your Annie’s Cheddar Bunnies while shopping for Polly Pockets. Ok, so they won’t have a full blown dairy aisle, but it seems like they will have a lot of good stuff to offer.
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Toys “R” Us introduces $1-$2-$3 Fun

April 15, 2009April 15, 2009 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Fellow barganistas, behold: Toys “R” Us has set up a new shop with us in mind. Toys”R”Us has introduced a new concept within their stores called $1-$2-$3 Fun!

1-2-3-fun-low-res The feature shops are located in the front of its stores nationwide and are aimed to provide affordable fun. In this economy, you can’t go wrong with inexpensive and fun goodies. In the same vein of Target’s Dollar Spot and other discount store concepts, each shop features around 100 items for $1, $2 or $3. The shops will showcase different themes such as dinosaurs, games and fun toys, princess dress up, musical instruments, art supplies and party favors. The goodies found in $1-$2-$3 Fun would be ideal for party favors, stocking stuffers and other daily events where inexpensive goodies are appreciated!

Who says you can’t get anything for a dollar anymore!?