Toy Fair 2011: Top 10 Low-Tech Toys
Filed under: Toys
As much as we love our Wi-Fi-enabled, remote-controlled toys, sometimes we all just need to unplug (and stop the beeping noises). Luckily, Toy Fair 2011 had lots of cuddly, creative and just plain cool toys that were decidedly low-tech, but still tons of fun.
Eco-friendly products are good for the environment, but it's also nice when they make your life easier. The new Dandelion Organic Toddler Doll does both. Because the filling is made with corn fiber, you can put these dolls in the washing machine AND the dryer. And don't let the "toddler" title fool you; according to the company, children of all ages are already enjoying these cute little organic friends. Available in blonde and brunette.
Available now for $24.99.
Toy Fair 2011 - Non Tech USE
Dandelion Dolls
Eco-fri! endly pr oducts are good for the environment, but it's also nice when they make your life easier. The new Dandelion Organic Toddler Doll does both. Because the filling is made with corn fiber, you can put these dolls in the washing machine AND the dryer. And don't let the "toddler" title fool you; according to the company, children of all ages are already enjoying these cute little organic friends. Available in blonde and brunette.
Available now for $24.99.
Happy Nappers:
It's a pillow! It's a plush toy! Actually, it's both. Seriously. The concept -- a stuffed animal that easily converts into a comfy pillow -- is brilliant in its simplicity and execution. Basically, the geniuses at Jay At Play take an animal and then design it so that it converts into its own house -- Doghouse to Dog, Igloo to Penguin, Castle to Dragon. The "house" is the pillow. These things are so soft your child won't be able to stop hugging them. Currently available only through As Seen On TV, the new line will be available at major retailers. Run -- don't walk -- and then settle in for a happy nap.
Available now for $19.99.
Dragons Universe
Dragons Universe has been around for awhile, and 2011 brings more dragons, hum! ans, veh icles, and all-around cool dragon-y stuff for your kids to enjoy. Do the words "Hyper Assault Dragon Slayer" sound good? Then keep your eyes peeled this spring. Prices for some toys in the Dragon Universe are as low as $6.99, which in this economy is always a big help.
Available now for $6.99 and up.
Green Lantern Quickshot
Sometimes it's good to keep things simple. The upcoming multi-million dollar Green Lantern film is going to be a special effects extravaganza. The Green Lantern Quickshot Game has an MSRP of $19.99, and that's the most expensive toy in Pressman's GL arsenal. The game itself is a lot of fun; you shoot marbles at characters from the movie. Think Hungry Hungry Hippos but in space and with power rings.
Available May 2011 for $19.99.
Take It Easel
Kiddie art toys are great, but clean up is not. Take It Easel, one of the many wonderful creations from the brilliant designers at B. toys, addresses this problem in true B. style. It has a chalkboard and a whiteboard, and includes 10 washable markers (non! -toxic, of course). The best part? You can store everything inside the Easel, fold it up, and use the easy handle to carry it wherever you go.
Availability TBD.
Mon Petit Art Habitadule
Have you ever seen something that just blows you away? That's what happened when I walked by the Mon Petit Art booth and saw what they had done with their Habitadule giant construction set. Made from thick cardboard and painted in bright, inviting colors, you and your children can create amazing and large things with Habitadule, such as a four-foot-high fort, or even a headboard for your child's bed.
Available now for $103.
Tegu blocks
If you've never actually played with Tegu blocks before, you will have to believe me when I tell you that it is virtually impossible not to play with them when they are in front of you. It sounds simple -- wooden blocks with magnets in them. Each block fits together with a satisfying "snap," allowing you to make all sorts of nifty creations. But unlike some magnetic toys, Tegu blocks don't have any indicator of where the polarity of the magnets are (plus/minus), forcing you to figure it out for yourself.
Available now for $24 and up.
Tetris Link
Despite the fact that this toy is based on the popular computer game and has the word "link" in the title, it is not electronic at all. It works just like the Tetris you know and love -- you score points by linking "Tetriminos" (those funny-shaped colorful blocks) together. Two big differences between Tetris Link and old-fashioned computer Tetris are that you have to stop your opponent from linking their pieces (think Connect Four), and you keep score manually.
Available spring 2011 for $19.99.
Helmtops
Want to hear something that should scare you? A lot of kids don't wear helmets when they ride a bike. So how can you get your kid to protect her noggin when she rides? Helmtops were created by Gregg Mastoras and his wife Laura to try and make wearing helmets more fun. They're definitely more fun to look at, and the design makes them easy to pop into the holes on the helmet. With tons of styles to choose from, your child will have a harder time finding an excuse not to protect their delightful dome.
Available now for $7.99 and up.
Nanodots are magnets that are as powerful as they are small. Interestingly, their small size means that they won't damage your electronic devices; a Toy Fair rep dropped a bag of them on his iPhone to prove it. They are also fun, addictive, and amazing versatile -- many of the people at the booth were wearing attractive jewelry (pun intended), and with the new Nanopad Play Field and Gaming Board, you and your family can make an entire chess set.
Available now for $29.99
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