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Pandas Are The New Penguins

Judging from what I saw at the Toy Fair, pandas are poised to replace penguins as the cuddly black and white creature your kids will soon be clamoring for. A rep for North American Bear told me they plan to roll out a line of silky plush pandas this summer, just in time for the Olympics. You know, because they're being held in Beijing.  And if that's not enough to cause some major panda-monium, the release of Kung Fu Panda in June certainly will. But really, how can you resist this face?

[Photo via ]

Toy Fair: Why I Heart Haba

It's true...Toy Fair 2008 has come to an end. And while all that's left at the Javitz Center are forgotten game pieces, bits of cotton batting, and abandoned toy catalogs, here at Parents/GoodyBlog HQ we're still mulling over our favorite toys and booths at the show. For me it's simple: If I love the toys, I love the booth. And this year the booth that gave me the warmest, fuzziest, cupcakes-dancing-through-my-head feeling was Haba's. I visited their floor space at the show yesterday and got to check out many of their over 400 new toys. From rattles to room decor, this German company has something for every age and stage of your child's life. These are my show-favorites:

This play tent (you may have seen Kourtney in this exact tent) is just one of Haba's many room decor pieces that are durable, practical and just so darn beautiful. The tent even folds up to fit in the tiny round bag in front!

This soft play blanket has a few fabric loops on one end, so when your baby is ready to sit up, you can take it off the floor and hang it on the wall for more visual play. Such a great idea!

When your baby is ready to walk, this adorable wood cart will give her something to push around while she's moving her legs. And if she decides to take a rest, there are fun activities built-into either side.

Yes, this one is just a classic "watch-the-ball-roll-down" toy, but doesn't the natural wood design make it look so sweet? And you know your kid will love it!

Live from Toy Fair: It's tour time!

It's the final day of Toy Fair, and let's just say things got a little, well, bananas. The Uglydoll drama from yesterday continued (don't worry–there's a happy ending), fellow GoodyBlogger and today's vlog co-host Taryn got way too up close and personal with a giant stuffed bear, dinosaurs are no longer extinct apparently, and oh yeah...we finally take you on that Toy Fair tour we've been promising.

Live from Toy Fair: When mascots attack!

Remember on Monday when I was talking about overzealous mascots? Well, here's my video evidence. Oh, you Uglydolls (*fist raised in the air*)...you just wait!

 

    
BTW, don't forget to start here to check out the first vlog in the series.
         

Toy Fair Trend Watch

After a day of sensory overload at Toy Fair (it's amazing how many colors and sounds and toys can be in one building!), I came back with a few favorites--and a few trends I noticed.

1) The green thing really was everywhere (yay!). Like Rachel, I loved the Aurora Naturally Eco-Plush line (too bad they won't be available till June.) Aren't these otters the cutest? 

2) Fashion was another big trend this year, at least among the companies I met with. Corolle had these beautiful dolls dressed in the most amazing Parisian outfits. And Playmates has a really fun fashion-forward horse line called Struts.

3) Finally, and not surprisingly, social networking for the younger set was huge. Playmates is going in that direction with a mobile device for girls and Aurora is creating a Webkinz-like site for its already popular YooHoo animals.

Psyched for Stuffed Animals

I demanded the stuffed animal beat at Toy Fair (as I do every year—hey, I know what I like, and I like drowning in a sea of cuddly cuteness.) But first, some of the unusual and unexpected stuff:

Notice how these primates from Gund are looking sideways into my camera? That’s because their eyes are designed to follow a person's movements. Very cool—but a little trippy too.

Every company seemed to have a stuffed chihuahua this year (including Folkmanis, below). They’re adorable, but in the back of my mind I couldn’t help but wonder: “Paris Hilton, is this somehow related to your sinister cultural influence?” Let’s hope not.

If dressing your child in presidential gear isn’t your thing, he can always snuggle up to a stuffed donkey or elephant from Fiesta Toys (and the animals can wear the t-shirts and buttons instead.) Who knew that political symbols could be so darn sweet-looking?

I'll be back soon with my faves!

Live from Toy Fair: A sneak peek

Welcome to GoodyVlog!!! Yes, that's right...we're attempting our first ever video blog (so be nice!) to give you an inside look at what it's like to go to Toy Fair. This is just a sneak peek, but tomorrow we'll post videos that put you right in the middle of the action. Check out our intro clip below, and remember to come back for more blogs and (and now vlogs).

PS. Sorry for the quality—I need a new camera (hint, hint).

 

 

Toy Fair Has Gone Green!

Check out these eco-friendly toys I stumbled across today at Toy Fair...

I loved the idea behind idbids. These colorful plush toys (a white cloud, pink flower and blue water drop) are made from 100 percent organic Egyptian cotton and come with a book to help teach kids about "the iddy biddy steps they can take each day to make a big difference in keeping the Earth happy, healthy and green."

These play sets from Green Toys are made from recycled milk cartons, so it's an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastic toys. They're non-toxic, save energy, reduce landfill waste and lower greenhouse gas emissions. But all your kid will care about is how FUN they are!

 

Unfortunately you can't see much from this lousy photo taken with my cell phone, but I fell in love with these adorable, super soft stuffed toys from Aurora. Their exteriors are 100 percent soy fiber and their stuffing is made from 100 percent kapok, a sustainable crop made from the seep pod of the kapok tree. These are perfect for kids with allergies, since this golden silky fiber is known for its hypoallergenic properties (they won't be available until June though!)

Live From Toy Fair: More Legos!

To go along with Amanda's post about LEGO Indiana Jones (by the way, Indie is EVERYWHERE at toy fair—expect Indie inspired toys of every creation), check out this photo I took of LEGO Star Wars. It's just so impressive what those people can do with legos! But I guess it's official—the movies of our childhood are BACK!

Live From Toy Fair: BLOCK-Buster

Every year at Toy Fair there's an amazing LEGO sculpture, and this year is no exception. Check out Indiana Jones! Pretty cool.