Archive for October, 2011
« Older Entries |This post was written by Ericka Johnson
Battle for Earth in a New iOS Game, Powder Monkeys
Monday, October 31st, 2011
In the new iOS game from XMG, Powder Monkeys, the second ice age is wiping out the human race and monkeys and insects are battling it out.
Combining exploration and role playing, Powder Monkeys is a game for both the serious and casual gamer. Players start out inexperienced, with no gold, reputation, or knowledge of the seas. To become experienced, players complete quests, plunder treasures, and fight fierce bug-pirates all while exploring the open seas. Players use Monkey Coins and Golden Banana Coins to buy cannons and additional ship upgrades and power-ups.
Powder Monkeys is available for download in the Apple App Store for $0.99.
Tags: Powder Monkeys, XMG
Posted in News | No Comments »
This post was written by Ericka Johnson
More Microbes Are Coming
Monday, October 31st, 2011
- Microbes Stocking Box
GIANTmicrobes, Inc. is releasing its latest set of collectible microscopic toys, the Stocking Box, November 1.
Joining last year’s Tree Box, the Stocking Box will include five ornaments: Dust Mite with antlers and a red nose, Red Blood Cell sprinkled with snowflakes, Salmonella decked out with festive holly, Penicillin decorated with colorful ornaments, and an exclusive Green Amoeba bundled up in a red scarf and ear muffs. These educational holiday toys are modeled after actual microscopic organisms, and blown up a million times their actual size.
Tags: Christmas, Giantmicrobes
Posted in 6-8, 9 and up, New Products | No Comments »
This post was written by Ericka Johnson
A Gift For You: 20 Percent Off at Kaskey Kids
Monday, October 31st, 2011
Kaskey Kids is offering 20 percent off its sports action figures and other new products for the holidays. Kaskey Kids’ sports action figures encourage imaginary play and allow children to control the action all the time. To redeem your discount, enter the promo code “Sports” during checkout.
Tags: discount, Kaskey Kids
Posted in 3-5, 6-8, 9 and up, holiday season | No Comments »
This post was written by Ericka Johnson
Kid-Friendly Products for All Things “i”
Thursday, October 27th, 2011
- The Woogie 2
Griffin Technology has released the Woogie 2. The colorful plush toy securely houses a user’s iPhone or iPod touch with the product’s integrated Velcro-like pockets. The touchscreen protector allows kids to play a variety of games without making a mess. The Woogie 2 can be propped on its fuzzy legs or nestled comfortably in a child’s lap for viewing. Designed in the United States and built from non-toxic materials, the Woogie 2 is available in pink or blue for $19.99 online.
Tags: AppCrayon, Big Grips Frame, Big Grips Stand, Dano Toys, Griffin Technology, Joystick-It, KEM Ventures, ThinkGeek.com, Woogie 2
Posted in 3-5, 6-8, New Products | No Comments »
This post was written by Elizabeth A. Reid
North American Safety Commissions Release Statement on Summit
Wednesday, October 26th, 2011
The first North America Product Safety Summit was held September 26-27 at the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) Maryland headquarters. The three main parties, CPSC, Health Canada, and the Consumer Protection Federal Agency of the United Mexican States, released a statement on last month’s event.
The organizations noted the importance of the gathering, explaining the increasing volume of world trade. Other issues that were discussed included the need for trilateral cooperation for product safety, continuous improvement in training and quality assurance systems, enhanced cooperation to solve product safety issues, the promotion of an aligned product safety requirement, and timely and effective communication of product safety information.
The statement ended with a summary of the Summit’s “Cooperative Engagement Framework,” a six-point course of action designed to address issues over the next two years. Attendees vowed to work on cross-border cooperation for regulations and voluntary standards, risk assessment, import and market surveillance, training and outreach, consumer awareness campaigns, and joint recalls or other corrective actions.
Tags: Consumer Protection Federal Agency of the United Mexican States, CPSC, Health Canada, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Posted in News | No Comments »
This post was written by Elizabeth A. Reid
Report: Retailers Expect Growth in Online Businesses for the Holidays
Wednesday, October 26th, 2011
This holiday season, most retailers expect strong demand and growth for their online businesses. According to Shop.org’s eHoliday survey, conducted by Bigresearch, nearly seven in 10 (68 percent) retailers expect their company’s online sales to grow at least 15 percent or more, compared to last holiday season. Last year, 63.8 percent of retailers had the same expectations.
When asked why they plan to spend more online this holiday season, four in 10 shoppers (43.2 percent) cited 24-hour convenience as their main reason. Other reasons included not having to fight crowds in stores (37. 2 percent), ease of comparing prices (29.6 percent), and free shipping offers (36.3 percent).
Anticipating customers to seek free shipping offers, nine in 10 online retailers (92.5 percent) said they plan to offer the service at some point, up from 84.8 percent last year. Additionally, 56.3 percent of retailers said their specific budgets for free shipping promotions are somewhat or significantly higher than last year.
To prepare for the holiday season, many online retailers have invested in new technologies and site and service features. More than half (51 percent) said they have significantly invested in mobile-optimized websites, and 19.6 percent have invested in tablet device applications. Additionally, 35.3 percent said they have significantly invested in QR codes in offline advertising. Of those who regularly use social media platforms, nearly three-quarters say they have already invested in their Facebook (72.5 percent) and Twitter (41.2 percent) accounts in advance of the holidays.
Tags: holiday season, online retailers, Shop.org, shopping
Posted in News, holiday season | No Comments »
This post was written by Elizabeth A. Reid
Candy Spelling’s Extensive Madame Alexander Doll Collection to be Auctioned
Wednesday, October 26th, 2011
Earlier this year, Aaron and Candy Spelling’s chateau in the Holmsby Hills area of Los Angeles was sold, and on Sunday, November 20, Candy Spelling’s collection of Madame Alexander dolls will be auctioned at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City.
Conducted by Theriault’s, the world’s largest auction house for antique dolls, toys, and teddy bears, the auction will feature 350 dolls, including the rare early portrait models Victorian Bride, Pink Champagne lady, and Deborah Ballerina, along with dolls from the biblical series, a number of Wendy models inspired by Gone with the Wind, dolls created exclusively by FAO Schwarz during the 1950s, and more.
The complete collection will be on exhibit at the Waldorf-Astoria on November 20 starting at 9 a.m., followed by the auction at 11 a.m. Both the viewing and auction are open to the public. On November 19, Madame Alexander and Theriault’s will host a gala reception allowing doll enthusiasts and collectors to meet Candy Spelling; Stuart Holbrook, president of Theriault’s; and Gale Jarvis, president of Alexander Doll Company.
To RSVP for the reception, email info@theriaults.com.
Tags: Aaron Spelling, Alexander Doll Company, auction, Candy Spelling, FAO Schwarz, Madame Alexander, Theriault's, Waldorf-Astoria
Posted in News | 1 Comment »
This post was written by Elizabeth A. Reid
Rubie’s and AMC Partner for The Walking Dead Costumes
Wednesday, October 26th, 2011
This Halloween, fans of The Walking Dead can dress up as their favorite zombie characters, thanks to a new partnership between Rubie’s Costume Company, Inc. and television network AMC. Rubie’s has produced officially licensed costumes, accessories, and masks based on the network’s original series. The products, inspired by the undead, are available in child, teen, and adult sizes.
AMC’s The Walking Dead tells the story of the months and years that follow after a zombie apocalypse. The series debuted last Halloween and has become the most-watched drama series in basic cable history for adults ages 18 to 49.
Tags: AMC, Halloween, Rubie's Costume Company, The Walking Dead
Posted in Licenses, New Products, News | No Comments »
This post was written by Elizabeth A. Reid
Clue Miniseries to Debut on The Hub
Tuesday, October 25th, 2011
A new five-part, live-action miniseries, Clue, will debut on The Hub Monday, November 14. Clue, based on the family game brand and produced by Hasbro Studios, will introduce the game characters as young modern-day sleuths.
The series follows six unique kids who stumble upon an adventure after witnessing a crime. The youngsters uncover hidden treasures and decipher cryptic messages to reveal a secret society. Clue will be supported by extensive marketing initiatives, including The Hub’s “Get a Clue” sweepstakes and Clue-themed activities on Hubworld.com.
After debuting back-to-back episodes on November 14, new episodes will premiere daily through Thursday, November 17, culminating with a back-to-back marathon on November 19.
Tags: Clue, miniseries, sweepstakes, The Hub
Posted in News | No Comments »
This post was written by Elizabeth A. Reid
FunGoPlay, World for Online and Offline Active Play, Launches
Friday, October 21st, 2011
This week marked the launch of FunGoPlay, a virtual world that bridges the gap between offline and online active play. Targeted at kids ages 6-11, the online sports theme park uses connected FunGoPlay Sports Gear, currently a soccer ball and flying disk, to track play periods and reward kids in the online world for their offline activity.
When children visit the virtual world, they can explore a huge theme park filled with sports ranging from the classics to extreme sports. The world also features mini-games, unique characters, and customizable avatars.
The physical FunGoPlay toys, at launch a flying disk and soccer ball, use motion detection electronics to measure play periods. Every seven minutes of play generates a code that can translate into in-game bonuses, points, and power-ups.
Tags: FunGoPlay
Posted in New Products, News | No Comments »
