Hasbro Invites Fans to Help Create New Bot

final_AUTOBOT[1]For the first time, the Hasbro, Inc. Transformers brand is inviting fans of all ages worldwide to help create a new Transformers character that will be forever added to the Transformers world. In anticipation of the brand’s 30th anniversary next year, the “Fan Built Bot” Poll kicks off today, and will run through May 5 on Transformers.com/vote. Hasbro invites fans to vote daily to shape this new Transformers character. The new character will be made into an action figure featured in the “Thrilling 30” line of toys to celebrate the anniversary.

Votes will determine everything from being an Autobot or Decepticon to its vehicle or other mode, color, and personality.  Also, to keep with the theme of the fans being the ones who really shape and create this new Transformers character, Hasbro will also give fans a say in the naming of the new character. More details on the naming will be announced soon.

The results of the poll will be announced by Hasbro at this year’s Comic-Con International in San Diego, as part of the official kick-off to Hasbro’s Transformers “Thrilling 30” anniversary celebration. Kids and fans will be able to purchase the “Fan Built Bot” character as a toy and will see the new character appear in official Transformers comic books.

For further information visit the official polling page at Transformers.com/vote as well as the Transformers Facebook page at Facebook.com/Transformers.

Kettler USA Introduces New Kids’ Ride-On Toys

Kettler USA has introduced 20 new licensed ride-on toys and pedal tractors for kids. Tractors, loaders, excavators, diggers, and backhoes with insignias from Case IH, Massey Ferguson , New Holland, Valtra, and Fendt join the existing line-up of CAT farm and excavating play equipment.

The ride-on toys are designed for kids ages 1 to 10, depending on the model. These foot-to-floor and pedal-powered vehicles have large tires, functional steering wheels, and moving parts that operate with levers. Some come with accessories. The construction, agricultural, and farming toys are available in bright colors to match the real-life equipment.

They are now available in limited quantities on the Kettler USA website and through select retailers of Kettler USA products. They will be fully stocked in late May.

COMMENTARY: Everyone Has One, But I Want Mine to be Unique

Last Friday marked my niece Courtney’s eighth birthday, and what was she hoping for most? An iPod. Now, in my opinion, an 8-year-old doesn’t have much business with an iPod, but kids today are getting into electronics at a much younger age. Though part of Courtney’s argument for “needing” an iPod was, “everyone has one except for me,” the first thing she did when she got it was personalize it. Before even putting a song on it, she slapped a peace-sign sticker right on the back of it—10 minutes out of the box (hence why 8-year-olds probably shouldn’t have iPods). But, this was her way of making it her own.

For parents buying their children expensive devices such as smartphones, iPods, or even portable gaming devices like the Nintendo 3DS or the PS Vita, there are some awesome products on the market that will allow kids to dazzle and personalize their devices without placing a never-gonna-come-off, gooey-backed sticker on said device.

Plugy

Plugy, from Hashy, is a universal 3.5mm plug that fits snuggly into all standard headphone jacks. Plugys come in more than 40 different styles, including zoo animals, robots, and glow-in-the-dark options. Plugy has something for everyone, including a rainbow, Eiffel Tower, and an apple stem, and allows kids to  take their smart device to a more personal level in a not-so-permanent way. Plugys are made of rubber and will not break when inserted into the headphone jack. They even protect the device from rain, dust, and sand when earphones are not plugged in. Plugys are available on amazon.com and from Hanging Mobile Gallery. For more information on Plugys, email plugyUSA@gmail.com. [Read more...]

Moose Toys Introduces Glitzi Globes

 

Paul Solomon, Co-CEO, Moose Toys

Paul Solomon, Co-CEO, Moose Toys

Moose Toys, Australian toy company and creators of arts & crafts lines Gelarti and Blingles, introduces Glitzi Globes, a new DIY line that comes with all of the materials girls need to create their own miniature, collectible snow globes. Glitzi Globes will be available at select toy retailers nationwide starting this fall.

Glitzi Globes took home top honors at the Australian Toy Association’s (ATA) Toy Hobby & Nursery Fair earlier this week. Moose won Toy of the Year, as well as Craft & Activity Toy of the Year for Glitzi Globes. [Read more...]

Oots to Release New Products in Time for New York International Gift Fair

Oots will introduce a new range of products at the upcoming New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF), to be held from January 26 to 30 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City.

First introduced last year, Woodmobiel now comes in four new models: a vanity table, a dollhouse, a helicopter, and a moped. Woodmobiel is a do-it-yourself kit of wooden parts and real tools that get kids active, stimulates creativity, and will help them understand construction.

[Read more...]

Need Help Shopping for a Child with Special Needs? Check This Infographic

Toy Guide infographic brought to you by Child Birth Injuries.

Lego Travel Adventure Lands at the National Museum of Play in January

Where will you travel? How will you get there? The Lego Travel Adventure exhibit lands at the National Museum of Play at The Strong on January 19. The newest Lego exhibit is filled with colorful backdrops, kid-friendly building activities, and eye-popping Lego brick sculptures built by Lego Master Builders.

In Lego Travel Adventure, museum guests are invited to fly, drive, or float anywhere their imaginations take them by creating extraordinary vehicles out of Lego bricks. Hands-on activities will include: [Read more...]

Kids Wish Network Supports U.S. Military with Toys, Necessities for Operation Toy Drop

Florida-based children’s charity Kids Wish Network has provided more than $280,000 in toys and necessities in support of the U.S. Army’s Randy Oler Memorial Operation Toy Drop for children in need in Fort Bragg, N.C., and in agencies across the U.S. Kids Wish Network is an international charitable organization dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children having experienced life-altering situations. [Read more...]

LeapFrog, Festival Five Records Partner to Offer Dan Zanes and Friends Music to Users

LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc., and Festival Five Records have partnered to bring the Grammy-winners Dan Zanes and Friends music to LeapFrog’s learning platforms. Beginning mid-December, exclusive playlists will be available for purchase in the “Music” section of the LeapFrog App Center for LeapPad1, LeapPad2, Leapster Explorer, and LeapsterGS. [Read more...]

Ubisoft and Toys “R” Us Launch Toys “R” Us Towers

Ubisoft and Toys “R” Us have teamed up to create Toys “R” Us Towers, a free-to-play toy store simulation game with real-world benefits, available now on Facebook. The game will also be available on mobile devices in the coming months.

Created by Ubisoft Quebec, Toys “R” Us Towers gives players the chance to step into the shoes of the newest employee at Toys “R” Us. They will be able to manage their own toy store by building and designing a variety of toy departments and attractions, such as creating a science toy department or even adding a Ferris wheel just like the 60-foot indoor Ferris wheel featured in the Toys “R” Us international flagship store in Times Square. [Read more...]