The latest additions to Mattel‘s popular Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn collection of toddler toys are inspired by some familiar entertainment tech items from the ’80s and ’90s.
Taking cues from the continued popularity of retro toys, the Laugh & Learn Puppy’s Mixtape, Busy Boombox, and Lil’ Gamer are new ways for parents and other caregivers to introduce some classic form factor to a new generation with features that teach the alphabet, counting, colors and more with lights and sounds.
“One of our designers pulled an old boombox out of the attic and quickly realized the product’s many knobs offered the opportunity for it to be turned into a toy,” says Chuck Scothon, senior vice president of Fisher-Price and global head of infant and preschool, Mattel. “Enter the Busy Boombox, a light-up pretend stereo loaded with activities, music, and sounds. When we tested the item in our Play Lab, kids loved it, gravitating toward the various buttons and levers.”
The Busy Boombox, along with the Puppy’s Mixtape — complete with an interactive tape ribbon that kids can wind — and Lil’ Gamer — featuring a light-up screen and console-inspired buttons — are available now at Target and other major retailers.
