Awesome Uncategorized Toys
Buddyphones
Originally a Kickstarter, GeekDad covered Buddyphones back in the day. However, the product is so amazing that it really deserves an extra shout-out here. Buddyphones are headphones specifically designed with families, and children, in mind. First, Buddyphones have a decibel rating specifically intended to protect kids’ hearing and don’t go above age-oriented decibel recommendations. Second, for families that travel with multiple kids, Buddyphones have headphone jacks that allow for up to four headsets on the same device.
Hape Germany
When walking the floor, I tried to find a good mix of traditional toys, branded toys, electronic toys, and unplugged toys. My second stop at Toy Fair was a brand that is pronounced Hap-AY: a German brand with unmechanized, unplugged wooden toys. Walking through the booth, I really loved the train line with the music. Unlike the branded Thomas line, this particular one is multifunctional. Their new train line won best toy at the Nuremberg Toy Fair.
Morph: The Non-Sticky Molding Clay
OK, let’s start with: I. Hate. Play-Doh. I mean, I hate it a lot. It smears into the grout in my kitchen floor. It smells gross. It’s slimy. I just hate the stuff. I love the concept of molding and free artistic play. I hate hate hate Play-Doh specifically. Morph, on the other hand, is more foamy and lightweight. It’s non-sticky. I was introduced to Morph by two exhibitors playing with the stuff before walking into the main Toy Fair halls. With Morph, you can not only mold cool objects, but you can clean up just by tapping the Morph to itself. The feel is foam-like as opposed to slimy. There’s no disgusting smell.
Re-Marks
Re-Marks sucked Jackie and me in because they had Harry Potter bookmarks. Although one of the smaller booths at Toy Fair, Re-Marks sells puzzles, bookmarks, and sticker collections that are phenomenally cool. Excellent as small prizes or just for fun, many of these are found at Barnes & Noble stores. In addition, some of their puzzles include a puzzle of the United States as well as one consisting of book covers from women authors.
Pacific Play Tents
GeekMom Jackie was already a huge fan of Pacific Play Tents when we stopped by the Toy Fair booth. Stephanie Zuckerberg, the art director for the company, sold me on the product. Her personality and the joy she brings to her work made me want to highlight their tents. Some of the new tents coming out this year will be a firefly light up tent as well as the retro American flag tent. Some of their main lines include a tent shaped like a food truck as well as more traditional indoor/outdoor play tents. But seriously, if for no other reason than the sheer joy Stephanie brings to this video, you have to watch it.
Saturnian: Fungripper
In business for eight years now, the Fungripper balls have a patented grip technology to help kids learn how to hold balls correctly. Made of a softer material than most sports balls, the Saturnian lines are intended for kids who find regular balls too hard and to protect children during sports. By making these softer, children are less afraid of injury and more willing to engage in athletic play. In addition, some of the Fungripper line come in a cloth covering which makes them better for indoor soccer. Finally, Saturnian also makes a line of oversized balls that are excellent for balance practice.
