Great Toys For Imaginative Playtime

Thursday, March 1, 2001

Great Toys For Imaginative Playtime (NAPSA)—Every holiday sea- son, children clamor for the newest toys and the latest gizmos. This year, parents will be delighted to see that the toys topping holiday wish lists offer children the chance to expand their knowledge and their imagination. “We’re seeing a big emphasis on toys and games for imaginative ne eg play—from innovative learning toys to traditional products with new creative twists,” said Sean McGowan, co-founder of PlayDate Inc. (www.playdateinc.com), a marketing company that tracks the toy and video game industries. The companypolls toy retailers nationwide to predict what will be the best-selling products each holiday season. McGowannoted that BIONICLE from LEGO, voted to be the #1 Best Seller in the PlayDate 2001 poll, is “typical of the growing popularity of toys that require children to use their imagination and intelligence. Whether it’s education-based interactive games like CD-ROMs or timehonored classics like dolls, kids want to learn while they have fun...and parents should be thrilled.” Here are some of the products identified by PlayDate as great fun for the imagination: Roarin’ Snorin™ Baby Norbert ($39.99, ages 5 and up)— Brings the magical world of Harry Potter “to life” and allows kids to care for their own pet dragon. The interactive dragon features realistic soundsandlifelike movements, with his fully articulated neck, eyes, wings and mouth (Mattel, 1-800-524-8697.) * Cranium Cadoo™ ($19.95, ages 7 to 11)—Theall-new, outrageously fun board game that gets kids thinking, creating, giggling and grinning as they try to get four in a row. The fun game gets kids sculpting with clay, doodling, acting, puzzling, cracking secret Cute twin baby dolls are among the many imaginative toys available now. codes and laughing like crazy (Cranium, Inc., 1-877-CRANIUM, www.playcranium.com). * Me-Mo-Mo™($49.99, ages 5 and up)—An interactive alien cyber-friend, Me-Mo-Mo teaches a blend of word, math, music and logic activities. The fun, interactive learning buddy rewards correct answers by singing songs, dancing and shaking merrily (Vtech, 1-800521-2010, www.vtechkids.com). * Too Cute Twins($59.99, ages 4 and up)—Just like real twins, they talk, sing, joke, rhyme and giggle together. The Too Cute Twins are interactive whether they are in or out of their double stroller. They come with sippy cup, magic feeding spoon and feeding dish (DSI Toys, 1-888-3315884, www.dsitoys.com). * e-kara™ Real Karaoke ($59.99, ages 8 and up)—Singing along with e-kara will have kids imagining they’re rising pop stars, climbing the charts. This portable karaoke music maker plugs into any standard TV or VCR and comes with a microphone and music cartridge featuring five different songs made famous by today’s top pop artists. Additional microphones and cartridges can be added (Hasbro, www.hasbro.com).

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