Toy Fair 2009

Taking a Short Break in Lego Land

Last week Nisha and I ventured to the 106th American International Toy Fair at the Javits Center in New York in search of the latest and greatest travel toys, games and accessories among 1,100+ exhibitors, more than 361,000 square feet of exhibit space, and over 100,000 products. Yes, it was totally exhausting, but, thankfully, quite fruitful. Little Jet Set was awarded the Zoobies Retailer of the Year Award (see 2/19/09 post) and we got to see the new additions to the Zoobie Pets family – the Wildlife Collection and the Bugs Collection. Unfortunately, we got there too late to see the Zoobies staff in their animal costumes. They got busted by the Toy Fair police for not paying extra to play dress up.

I also paid a visit to the Busquets booth where I was blown away by the new travel and back to school accessories. Founded in Barcelona, Spain in 1922, Busquets combines quality and design to produce beautiful and functional children’s bags and travel accessories with distinctive European style. This year’s collections are even more gorgeous than last year’s which I would not have thought possible. Busquets was brand new to the U.S. last year, and we carried backpacks, rolling duffels, pencil cases, lunch bags and wash bags in four designs. This year, we will be carrying eleven designs, and have added messenger bags, duffel bags, and an additional lunch box style. The first group of accessories will be available in mid-April, and the remainder by mid-July. I will definitely keep you posted.

My other favorite find was Sand-Goh, an innovative beach toy developed by Jerry Taufield, a fellow New Jersey attorney. The product launched late last summer, but has been upgraded for this year – the plastic is sturdier, yet lighter, making for easier transport to the beach. Sand-Goh is a unique alternative to classic sand castle building. The toy consists of plastic molds that interlock and can be combined, stacked and mixed and matched to create various three-dimensional sea creatures and a boy.

Nisha and I also stopped to see our amazingly talented friend, Peiling, who owns The Piggy Story. Every year she adds a new design to her lineup – this year Piggy Mermaids join Piggy Pirates, who were a late addition last year. These two may just be the cutest of her designs yet. She also introduced a new product – Chalk N Doodle, which is perfect for travel. With a built in lap cushion, the flexible chalk board also doubles as a mini desk. It has elastics that keep a doodle pad or coordinating activity book secure. It comes with chalk that conveniently stows in two side pockets as well as an eraser. And the whole things folds up with a closeable flap and is small enough to throw in a purse or carry-on.

Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t wish Barbie a happy 50th birthday. You look good girl!