GOTRAX Releases Limited Edition GALAXY Versions of its Best Selling Hoverboards

March 15, 2018 by Leave a Comment

GOTRAX™, a Denver-based brand of electric rideables driven by imagination and innovation with a focus on science and education, today announces limited edition GALAXY versions of two of its most popular hoverboards for sale, the off-road ready HOVERFLY XL, and the budget-friendly HOVERFLY ECO.

The limited edition GALAXY versions feature a durable and unique colorful water transfer graphic wrapping the board, consisting of signature space-themed GOTRAX characters.

GOTRAX engineered the HOVERFLY XL to take riders beyond the pavement with dual 350-watt motors and 8.5-inch rubber all-terrain tires for maximum traction in dirt, sand, gravel and grass, and the ability to scale slopes up to 30 degrees.

The HOVERFLY ECO is one of the best values available on a hoverboard for sale, featuring powered by dual 250-watt electric motors capable of propelling riders up to 7.4 miles-per-hour for 12 miles on a single charge.

Both are fully UL 2272 certified for electrical and charging safety.

In addition to the limited edition GALAXY graphics, the XL is also now available in Neptune Blue, Planetary Purple and Pulsar Pink for a total of seven cosmic colors.

The GOTRAX HOVERFLY XL and HOVERFLY ECO retail for $299 and $199 respectively and are available now at GOTRAX.com for $229 and $169 for a limited time, as well as onAmazon.com.

Filed Under: toys Tagged With: ,

Toy Fair Trends 2018 #NYTF

February 20, 2018 by Leave a Comment

It Febuary, so you know what that means. Parents@Play was at the New York Toy Fair, checking out all the newest and best toys and games that are coming out this year, and we think it will be a fantastic year for toys. James Hamilton, of the popular pop-culture website http://geekstronomy.com was there to lend a hand covering the massive show floor (and we thank him for his contributions to this coverage). 

We found that some of the trends for the next year are somewhat of a continuation of old trends, albeit slightly updated. Some of these continuing toy trends do venture into new territories, and it’s always fun to see what the year will bring to our families. 

blister packs

One of the continuing trends has to be the “blind boxes”. While these have been growing in popularity, one of the variations on these “blind box” items is that the blister pack will show some of the toys or contents with one or more figures being obscured. The remaining contents are visible to the consumer, and the hidden toy is often a “rare” item.  The other big news in blind boxes is the packaging has gotten very creative, having the packaging serving a dual purpose such as being used as a Christmas ornament, storage tin, or as part of the toy itself. We LOVE this, and we think your kids will, too. 

kids coding toys

One of the other trends we witnessed is expansion of STEM based products. If you are not familiar with the term STEM, it stands for Science, technology, engineering and math (another variation is “STEAM”, where the “A” stand for Art- which we like better). Build a robot, learn to code, build atoms, mix colors, new takes on old classics like volcano building- there is no shortage of truly fun with learning options.  Starting from months old and up, the child can learns coding though programming a robot’s actions, how to use a musical instrument, and so much more. This year, education is king, and we are happy to see that trend. 

Another trend which doesn’t seem to be losing any steam is the prevalence of potty humor. There is no end to a child’s (or his father’s) fascination with poop and fart noises, so the demand continues and the products expand to fill it. There is everything from games to toys with the potty theme. I guess no amount of flushing with make this one go away. 

alien stuffed toys

One thing that continues year to year and will never go away is the popularity of plush toys. This year, there are a few plush toys that seem to be everywhere. Not new, but continuing to be hot trends are mermaids and unicorns (many with sparkles, glitter, or “magic” sequins that go in multiple directions) donuts, and narwhals. In addition, you will find a multitude of dinosaurs, flat stuffed toys in every variety (even superheroes), and the new fun food toys are bananas,  pineapples, avocados, which you will see everywhere by every brand. The new trendy animals this year? Sloths, llamas, and aliens. 

While we saw tons of these toys stuffed, you will find them in blind packs, action figures, pull toys, as bouncy balls, as pillows, coloring books, crayons themselves, and in more options then you can imagine.

Jurassic park toys

While we are speaking of dinosaurs- you won’t be able to turn your head this year without looking at one (or take a step without tripping on one, as it might turn out). With the new Jurassic Park movie coming out shortly, as well as the 25th anniversary of the movie (don’t you feel old now? I sure do), not only are there a wide array of Jurassic Park toys and characters and more, but never before have there been so many books, paleontologist kits, stuffed animals, figures, remote control toys, costumes, and anything else you can think of that will have your child in a pteroble state of dino-madness.

 

Filed Under: review, toys Tagged With: , , ,

Win Roblox Toys

January 11, 2018 by 134 Comments

Recently, Roblox announced their new toy line, inspired by some of the games, characters, and developers in Roblox’s user-generated universe, and its is the perfect gift for any Roblox gamer!

 

With the toys, Roblox is seeking to “Power Imagination” in the same way they inspire participants in their online platform to express their creativity.  Fans can take apart the characters in the physical toy line and mix and match parts to create new characters just like they can in Roblox’s virtual world.  To make the games even more interactive, each toy comes with a code that can be uploaded to the game for cool, new in-world accessories.

The Roblox toys are sold Target and Toys ‘R Us.

Roblox, the massively popular user-generated content gaming platform, and the largest user-generated social gaming platform, has gone offline with their new toy line from Jazwares. With the toys, Roblox is seeking to “Power Imagination” in the same way they inspire participants in their online platform to express their creativity.  Fans can take apart the characters in the physical toy line and mix and match parts to create new characters just like they can in Roblox’s virtual world. The imagination of users is also strongly reflected in the toy offerings, with a selection of playsets and characters based on the creations of some of the most popular community developers. To tie the toys back to the online platform, each comes with a code that can be uploaded to the game for cool, new in-world accessories.

You can win a Roblox Toys Prize pack- feel free to use the RC form below. Ends Jan 26, 2018. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: giveaway, toys Tagged With: ,

Magnaflex – Fun Building Toys

January 10, 2018 by 2 Comments

In the landscape of building toys available there, are a few characteristics which make the greats stand out.  Originality, simple, form, function, and ease of use as well as of course use of colors.  One of the most interesting building toys available right now is the Magnaflex by Wowwee.  These building pieces are magnetic, flexible, and easily stick to one another to make anything your imagination can put together. From buildings and robots, to flowers and animals, even faces and a crown.  Make them in 2D or 3D, these shapes can make just about anything with the right amount of imagination and creativity.

Some of what we like most about Magnaflex is its ability to be used anywhere. The pieces are big enough to not get lost easily, yet small enough to keep hands busy in the car.  Also, Magnaflex are brightly colored and make for a wonderful gift.  Magnaflex uses the power of magnets to hold themselves together, so your works of art can last for as long or as short a time as you would like.  Pieces separate with ease.  These pieces can be incorporated into a metal surface like a filing cabinet or refrigerator door, adding to the places you can play with them.
Kids can build 2D or 3D creations anywhere with this innovative, educational toy that promotes creativity, visualization, and fine motor skills. Magnaflex high-quality building pieces are interchangeable and can be combined with different colors from other sets for more complex projects. Neodymium rare-earth magnets safely enclosed inside the Magnaflex strips ensure a strong magnetic connection. And when playtime is done, Magnaflex strips can be stacked together for easy storage and transport.  Magnaflex ae available now at fine retailers everywhere including Amazon, where you can get a starter animal set for $19.99 which includes 14 pieces.

Filed Under: toys Tagged With: ,

Win All-New Squishmallows Stuffed Toys

January 5, 2018 by 138 Comments

”Squishy” Style, super cuddly, Japanese-Inspired Collectible plush toys are available and oh-so soft- You will never want to let them go.

Both my son and my intended like to sleep on the larger sizes- and I have to admit, they make a nice pillow.  The Squishmallows collectible plush toy line is available in four sizes. Clip-ons (3.5”), small (8”), medium (13”) and large (16”) sizes have a suggested retail price of $2.99, $6.99, $9.99 and $19.99, respectively. They are very, very soft and snuggly- this can not be overstated, honestly, and adults would like them as well. I know we do, and not sorry to admit it!

The all-new collectible Squishmallows squad is now available in eight styles and in four sizes, including pink and blue penguins, purple and grey owls, a cat, fox, frog and hedgehog. You can sign up for the email list at www.squishmallows.com get the first look at four special editions available later this year. The line will expand in 2018 with seasonal styles including Valentine’s Day and Easter.

“These collectible characters are as cuddly as they are cute. Not only will Squishmallows be on everyone’s ‘squishlist,’ but they will make great gifts any time of year. Squishy and comforting, Squishmallows make great couch pals, pillows, bedtime buddies and travel companions—take them anywhere on the go.”

The unique line is made of super soft spandex “EF” and polyester stuffing — similar to memory foam — for crazy, cuddly fun. Caring for Squishmallows is easy; give them lots of love, wash in warm water and tumble-dry on medium heat.

Join the squad online and follow @Squishmallows on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube.

One of you can win a Squishmallows prize pack of your own. Please feel free to enter using the RC form below.  Ends Jan 20, 2018. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: giveaway, review, toys Tagged With: ,

Holiday GIft Guide- Hot Toys For kids

December 20, 2017 by Leave a Comment

With only about a week to go, you will be on the lookout for the hottest toys for the little ones in your life. These are a few we think will make those kiddos shriek with delight as they tear off the wrapping paper.

Last year’s hit toy, Hatchimals, are back with an ever bigger surprise inside. The all new Hatchimals Surprise have let you hatch two sweet and cuddly Hatchimals out of the same egg- that’s right, you get twins. As you play with and hold your colorful egg, the Hatchimals inside make all sorts of sounds to let you know they are trying to hatch. When they are about ready, you will see their rainbow eyes and they will begin to “push” their way out of the egg. Even though they are twins, they are unique in personalities. As you interact with them, they learn new tricks and habits, like how to talk, dance, sing, tell jokes, play games, repeat what you say, and more. They also interact with each other, both being sweet and occasionally arguing, like any siblings will. Get yours for around $60 in stores and online.

Did you ever want your own droid? I know I have. Now you can, which is very cool and interactive- Droid BB-8 . It is pretty lifelike in scale, at 16 inches tall (19 inches with antenna) so it will feel like you are a true Jedi or padawan. BB-8 glides about just like his movie counterpart and can have pretty realistic interactions, as well as lights and sounds. Put on the “Follow Me” mode and have him roll next to you. You can use voice recognition (which is pretty sticky sometimes) and it has remote control capabilities as well. Hero Droid BB-8 is a great gift for any Star Wars fan, young or old, new to the films or long time aficionado.  Grab yours quickly (these run out at times) for about $150 in stores or online.

 

Family Game Night a big deal in your house? Have you ever tried Headbandz? This fun game is great for all ages- though for non readers, you will have to whisper their “who” in their ear for them. At the start, every player gets three chips and a card with a personality on it to stick in a headband. When it is your turn, turn the timer and ask “Yes” or “No” questions to guess who you are. If you are right, hand in a chip and go again. If you are wrong, you lose your turn. The winner is the first person to hand in all their chips. It is a fun, not too challenging game that will have everyone laughing and trying to figure out who is who. Get yours in stores or online for about $12.

Another fun Family Game Night option is Escape Room The Game from Spin Master. This fun game brings all the fun of the physical “escape the room” craze into your living room, and you and your family can play together and as often as you would like.  You all work together to solve each puzzle and to find hidden clues before your time runs out. The “Chrono Decoder” counts down from 60 minutes as you play your choice of four different adventures.  Pick yours up in stores or online for about $35.

 

If you want to play your kid one on one, or teach them some fun strategy, check out Othello. It is a two-player game that has you outsmart your opponent to win. Your goal is to trap and capture your opponent’s pieces in a game that is decided so play by play, the winner often isn’t decided until some of the last pieces are left on the board. This is available in stores or online for about $15.

If you and your children like hands on projects, building, or robotics, this toy will be your fast favorite. The latest Meccano robot, M.A.X., has both Artificial Intelligence and customizable programming so that you get to build a pretty one-of-a-kind robot.  Little hands build upon or start their knowledge of programming and robotics as they give their robots flair and personality. M.A.X can be controlled using voice commands, buttons in his MeccaBrain, or via free included app.

M.A.X., a S.T.E.M. robot, has expressive facial graphics that are designed to engage kids. He is both a learning tool and tons of fun. Some of the other items M.A. X. comes with are a gaming platform, he can tell jokes, has built-in infrared sensors thatcan avoid obstacles , and so much more. If your child loves to learn, and has hands that like to be kept busy, she will love M.A. X. You can grab yours for about $99 in stores or online.

 

Filed Under: Holiday Gift Guide, review, toys Tagged With: , , ,

Holiday Gift Guide- For the Home

December 13, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Getting ready for the family and/or friends to head over for some holiday celebrations? If you are like us, you are. Here are some items we are loving right about now as we deck the halls and cook too much.

The Ninja® Intelli-Sense™ System with Auto-Spiralizer is perfect for meal prep, and has a “smart” base with a touchscreen that lets you choose between four high-performance appliances. Intelli-Sense Technology lets you use a Smart Menu of choices for each appliance on it’s base, and it’s both easy to clean and durable enough for regular use and wear as well, so you don’t need to worry that because it’s high tech, it’s super delicate- it’s not.  It also comes with a recipe book with creations by chefs you can make at home using your new machine(s). Choose from items like home made pastas, margaritas, pizza dough, fresh salsa, and much more. You can pick yours up at retailers nationwide for about $269.99.

The Ninja® Cooking System with Auto-iQ™  is another fantastic four appliances built into one machine- you get the ever-useful slow cooker, a stove top, a steamer, and an oven you can use for baking. One of the cooler aspects of the Auto-iQ is that it lets you choose from more than 80 pre-programmed recipes (as well as whatever other recipe you choose). All you have to do is add the ingredients, select a recipe from the included cookbook, and the Auto-iQ will cook it.  Really. If making meals in one pot weren’t easy enough, doing it at the push of a single button makes it almost too easy- almost. Pick yours up wherever kitchen gear is sold for about $149.

Gatherings mean extra cleanup- and you will love The Shark® IONFlex™ 2X DuoClean™ Cordless Ultra-Light Vacuum. Yes, the name is a mouthful, but it also describes what it does. It’s  cord-free vacuum with DuoClean™ technology, that comes with two rechargeable ION batteries so that you can be charging one while using the other- never any downtime. It also has MultiFLEX Technology which gives it a flexible reach for under furniture but also easy for storage. The DuoClean Technology means that it has a bristle brush for a deeper clean in carpets as well as a soft brushroll to pull in bigger floor gunk- it covers all it’s bases. It also has a handheld vacuum so you can clean hard to reach spots, the couch, ceiling, take it out to the car, or wherever it’s needed.   It also comes with lots of extras, like an Anti-allergen dust brush, MultiFLEX under app wand, cradle, and more.

UPDATE- after about 2 months of use, this vacuum was totally useless. It stops working constantly, overheating, clogging, dirt etc won’t go to the correct space to empty, shuts itself off,  etc. I have sent it back for replacement, which was incredibly difficult and time consuming. Customer service ran me in circles. After I got the replacement, guess what started happening? If you guessed the exact same problems, you’d be right. Don’t waste your time and money on this one.

laser tag

You will want to keep the kids busy while you are getting the house ready- and you can even get them outside if the weather is cooperating at all- with the new Laser X laser tag game. The new Laser X has an updated, technologically-advanced laser blaster system that features sophisticated electronics and optics which gives players up to 200 feet accuracy. The game only needs two players, but can have many more then that. The system knows when the players are being hit, shooting, hiding, running, or more- though from what we can tell, if you “hide” too long, it tells you to “run!” and gives your spot away- not a good hide and seek buddy, haha.  It is available in sets that equip two players for $49.99 or that equip one player for $24.99.  The Long Range Blaster ($39.99) and Gaming Tower ($39.99) are also available.  Gets yours at GetLaserX.com.

laser tag toys

Filed Under: Holiday Gift Guide, home, review, toys Tagged With: , , ,

Great Holiday Toys For Kids (And Kids at Heart)

December 5, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Getting ready for the holidays can involve a fair amount of shopping for the kiddos. Here are a few items we know are sure to be on a lot of lists this year.

 

If your children love cars, or shows like Pokemon or Battlebots, they will enjoy the Power Rippers™ 2-IN-1 Competition Set. This set is very complete, and makes a great gift that comes with everything you’d want or need. It includes a Track Set and Battle Arena, dual loops that you can reconfigure for side-by-side racingas one long track, a crash zone and “epic jump” when your toys reach the end of their track. They can use the Battle Arena to- you guessed it, battle each other (or mom and dad).   The set comes in its own case, which makes for easy storage, clean up, and take along as well. Grab yours anywhere that sells toys for about $29.99.

Justice League BIG-FIGS™ take action figures and super size them for giant fun and BIG play. These are great for both the kids and collectors in your life- ok, and the “big kids”, too. ( I can think of more then one adult who would love them.)  Choose from Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Aquaman, and my son’s favorite, Cyborg.  They are detailed, though not fully articulated, and include items like soft capes and removable accessories.  These BIG-FIGS™ are priced right at $19.99, so they are a “big” value as well, considering the regular sized figures usually start at about $11.99.

Have a Nintendo fan? Have they played Splatoon? (If not, you guys are missing out, as we have mentioned previously, it is a lot of fun!) This toy is based on the hit videogame by Nintendo, the Splatoon™ Splattershot Blaster brings into real life all the fun, mess (not really!), and strategy the game is all about.  You and your kids can play all day with these blasters that fire water-based compound up to 30 feet.  Each Splattershot Blaster comes with a pair of Inkling Goggles and two compound canisters that are good for up to 50 shots each.  You can get yours on stores like Amazon for about $29.99. I’d pick up at least 2, so you can play together.

Based on the hit Disney movie, the Glow ‘N Style Rapunzel doll showcases her blonde hair- on this doll, down to her toes. Your child will spend hours of styling and playing with it.  When they push a button, Rapunzel’s signature magical hair will glow as she sings the award-winning song from the show, “I See the Light.”  She wears her well known dress and coordinating shoes, and comes with six hair clips that your child can also wear. One is even in the shape of her chameleon pet, Pascal, which is adorable.   The suggested price of this doll is $34.99, but I’m seeing it for prices all over the chart, so shop wisely.

Smooshy Mushy are an adorable and new collectible craze that your kids as well as any adults who like to fidget will love- honestly, these serve a dual purpose.  Fun and useful! Inside each Smooshy Mushy package you will find one of eight random Pets. Unwrap it’s container to find out which scented Smooshy Mushy you will find- even the packaging is cute, really- milkshake or ice creams, for example.

Every pet comes with a “Bestie” they like to tag along with, so make sure you keep them together.  Each of the currently available 24 food themed sets also comes with a “what’s your smooshy name?” game, a nametag, mini container, stickers  a poster.  There are also rare and ultra-rare Pets. $9.99

You can collect more Besties by picking up a  Smooshy Mushy Snack Pax.  These are 39 random blind bags which include a Bestie, a poster, and a game. $2.99

Have you started your Advent Calenders yet? It’s not too late if you haven’t- and PLAYMOBIL has a fun variety to choose from. You can choose from sets like Santa’s Workshop or an NHL Hockey theme, or even a more non traditional set like the “Jewel Thief Police Operation” which is fun and silly -every day, your child opens another door and finds a new surprise waiting behind it. There is also a cardboard backdrop to place figures and toys/props on, to help create the intended theme should you so desire.  Don’t forget the non-holiday sets as well- PLAYMOBIL recently released super fun playsets from Ghostbusters (with highly accurate details, lights and sounds, great accessories, and more) and How to Train Your Dragon. Prices vary, but we love PLAYMOBIL for their long term play use, creativity, bonding time, as well as how well made and sturdy they are. These are definitely on our holiday lists this year.

 

Filed Under: Holiday Gift Guide, holidays, toys Tagged With: , , ,