Mind Games

I’m a game geek. Brain teasers are my passion. Words, numbers, memory, vision—they all suck me in. I start my day with the New York Times crossword. And now I’m also obsessed with KenKen, which the editor smartly placed on the same page. In spare moments, I’m furtively trying to move through June in Chocolate Shop Frenzy on my iPhone (almost there). My saving grace is that I’m non-partisan. To me, high tech, low tech, or no tech doesn’t matter; a good game is a good time.

Here are some of my favorite new brain games out right now, or coming in the next few months.

KenKen by Itoys is a handheld version of this Sudoku-on-steroids number game.

For Scrabble lovers, Scrabble Slam by Hasbro is a quick card game that combines the word play of Scrabble with the speed of “spit.” (I’m the house champ so far.)

Scrabble for the Nintendo DS by Electronic Arts lets you play this classic alone or with others; has training sessions; and includes my fave, Scrabble Slam (see above).

Depth Perception by Kid-O is a unique wooden game that has you slide cards into grooves to replicate the viewpoint of a picture. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen before and can be played by non-readers (of any age).

Another play on perception is WASGIJ by Ravensburger. The box looks like a regular jigsaw puzzle, but the picture is actually the scene that the “puzzle” would be viewing. Hard to understand? Read “wasgij” backwards.

For a really quick game, I love 5-Second Station by Bandai. Press the button on this stop watch type toy and try to re-press it at exactly 5 seconds. Right now, my sample speaks Japanese, but I can still tell when it says “close, but no cigar.”

For the serious player, 36 Cube by ThinkFun is an intense sorting game, on the order of Rubik’s Cube meets Rush Hour.

And while we’re on Rubik’s Cube (which I admit, I’ve never done), Techno Source has a high tech Touch Cube, that’s both pretty and tactile; Hasbro’s Rubico is a round ball-like variation; and if you just can’t take it anymore, Winning Moves Games has a DVD called You Can Do It! that teaches you Rubik’s Cube solution.

My Toy Fair Wrap-Up

Last week was the International Toy Fair in NYC, the place where buyers, sellers, media, and gawkers try to predict what kids will be playing with and wishing for come the holidays. This was my fifteenth Toy Fair. (I’ve been around the blocks quite a few times.) But like the circus, no matter how many times I see the show, each one is filled with oohs and awe. From the rush to get through the opening gates to the possibility that just maybe, this time I’ll score the “it” toy of the year, Toy Fair 2009 was one more great adventure.

While the most obvious theme this year was the economy, price cutting didn’t necessarily limit innovation. Sometimes keeping price points low actually resulted in some pretty creative and open-ended playthings. University Games’ water-friendly Splattermat, Crayola’s Giant 3-D Sidewalk Chalk, Bandai’s 5-Second Station stopwatch, Wild Planet’s finger-printing Evidence Kit and Technosources’ Printies, which makes stuffed characters using a color printer, were right on target with price and play value.

On the opposite end of the price spectrum, Mattel’s Mindflex and Uncle Milton’s Force Trainer were two high-end, high tech toys that involve moving a ball through hoops using your brain waves. (Trust me, they really work!) Mattel’s Digital Nail Printer tops a manicure with decals. Hasbro’s latest version of Clue, called Secrets and Spies, uses a cell phone to text message clues. And Jakks” Eye Clops Mini Projector turns any screen— from a TV to an iPhone— into a 70” wall projector.

Lots of companies followed the lead set last year by Green Toys, Idbids, and Sprig in promoting green toys and packaging. Hape’s gorgeous bamboo doll house even had a solar panel. Plan Toys’ Rocking Elephant is made with organic rubberwood and waterbased dye.

Collectibles abound. They’re cheap and cheerful. Gear up for Basic Fun’s Bakugan keychain, Sara Bella’s new miniatures, Spin Master’s Tech Deck, Ugly Dolls’ action figures, Kooky’s Star War Klickers, and of course, action figures from Batman to Star Wars to Star Trek, Ben 10, and Pokemon.

I saw a lot of shining “Stars.” Star Wars and Star Trek are just two of the big name movies coming out with toys to match from Playmates, JAKKS Pacific, Mattel, Hasbro, Fundex, LEGO, and others. Hasbro has a full array of toys from the GI Joe, Transformers, and Wolverine movies. And it’s the year of the princesses with two new Disney titles: The Princess and the Frog, and the re-release of Snow White. Mega Blocks has the Halo products.

Building never goes off-trend. This year Fisher Price introduces Trio for the 3 year old. Hasbro has Blocksters for babies. The Looping Lightning Coaster from K’Nex is for big kids. And LEGO introduces two new adventure series: Power Miners and Space Police, each with an on-line component.

As more families stay at home, games and puzzles continue to grow in popularity. I probably saw more board games than anything else (and personally, can’t wait to test a bunch of them). iToys had a handheld KenKen, the new uber Sudoku, I Can Do It! Games’ Discovery Beach made simple memory a 3-D adventure. Think Fun’s 36 Cube was a mindgame of a different color. For the younger genius, they had Clever Castle. There were lots of variations on Rubik’s Cube, including a high tech version fromTechnosource, a round Rubico from Hasbro, and an instructional dvd with the Rubik’s solution, called You Can Do It! from Winning Moves Games. In the puzzle world, I loved Insect Lore’s Parts of a Bug Puzzle, University Games’ amazing elephant Junglewalker Puzzle, Fundex’s artistic Impossible Puzzles (that they swear aren’t impossible), and a new perspective on puzzles from Ravensberger called WASGIJ (read it backwards).

What’s always fun is seeing how the classics change with the times. This year, Barbie is turning 50 with a gala ball gown and an updated Dream House, Fisher-Price’s Little People are also 50, with a commemorative Farm just like the one I used to have. Dora is becoming a tween with her new Explorer Girls posse. Etch-A-Sketch is adding a stylus and eraser to its classic, and created a new design called the Free Style with a joystick-style controller. Monopoly can now be played on a city grid with Hasbro’sMonopoly City, as well as on the Wii, handhelds, or even your cell phone. Hasbro’s classic Scrabble has an addictive, quick-playing card version called Scrabble Slam. Electronic Arts adapted it to the Nintendo DS, and you can even play it on the iphone with all your friends on Facebook!

And those are just SOME of the oohs and awes of Toy Fair 2009! Stay tuned for more.

Seeing Red

You love your kids. You tell them that every day with hugs, kisses, and cuddles. But Valentine’s Day calls for something extra. Since champagne and roses are not an option, say “I love you” with a special “red” toy.

My Little Pony Valentine Pinkie Pie by Hasbro, $5.99
For those who love My Little Pony, this pink version is perfection with sparkling pink hair and a heart-shaped CUTIE MARK.

Mr. Valentine by Scholastic, $4.99
Wow! Wow! Wubbzy comes to the rescue in this Valentine tale of late mail. The perfect bedtime story.

Puglee by Ugly Doll, $20.
Ugly…so pretty in pink. Shocking pink Puglee is smart and sassy—making her the ideal new playmate for your own great kid.

Classic Lights & Sounds Trike by Radio Flyer, $69
A shiny red (or pink) bike will get anyone’s wheels turning! Add lights, music, and storage, and you’re good to go!

LEGO® Pink Brick Box by LEGO, $14.99
Think pink! This pastel assortment of 216 LEGO bricks adds an Art Deco spin to the classic primary collection.

Girl Gourmet Cupcake Maker by JAKKS Pacific , $29.99
Who wouldn’t love freshly baked red velvet cupcakes? This kit contains a microwave mix and all the fixings to frost them like a pro.

Chocolate Fix by Think Fun , $16.99
Here’s a twist on the classic box of chocolates. This challenging pattern game uses pink and brown chocolate-shaped pieces to tease your brain. Sweet!

Yo Gabba Gabba Muno’s Groovin’ Guitar by Spin Master, $19.99
A little night music, perhaps? Kids can rock out to Yo Gabba Gabba songs with this bright red push-button guitar.

Air Hog Zero Gravity Micro by Spin Master, $29.99
Walking on air reaches new heights with this bright red, all-surface R/C car that can be driven on any flat surface —including up walls and on the ceiling!

Scrabble Valentine’s Day Edition by Hasbro Games, $9.99
Spell it out….on this heart-shaped Scrabble board and card that you can personalize with a heart-felt message.

The White House Wish List

When Sasha and Malia become the new “first kids,” everything from the sports they play to the clothes they wear, to their after school activities will be news. Toy Wishes has a dozen timely suggestions for the new White House playroom.

1. Games and accessories for the Nintendo Wii.
We know the Obamas got a new Wii for Christmas. Now they have to stock up on games. Wii Fit ($89.99) will keep the whole family balanced. And since Dad won’t be driving on his own very much, Mario Kart Wii (from $49.99) will give the girls a chance to take the wheel themselves.

2. A collection of Ugly Dolls, $6 to $60
Sasha already carries one in her backpack. But you can’t have just one. This tween collectible comes in sizes small enough to fit in a ski jacket pocket or large enough to use as a bed pillow.

3. Hannah Montana Pop Tour Guitar by Jakks Pacific, $69.99
The Obama girls are into Hannah Montana, so this plug and play guitar should get a good workout. Smaller than Guitar Hero, but with real Hannah songs and lots of play value.

4. Kooky Klickers by Courage Brands, $3.99
These goofy-faced, collectible pens are the write stuff for middle schoolers. Can’t have too many.

5. Diva Puppies by Creativity for Kids, $17.99
Until they get their real puppy, Sasha and Malia can decorate these mini pooches with paint, sequins, ribbons, and boas.

6. Chrissa by American Girl, $90
The newest American Girl doll is a spunky character who learns how to stand up to bullies in her new school. While we don’t expect the Obamas to meet any mean girls, the empowerment message is a great one for all tweens.

7. Knitting by Klutz, $24.95
Knitting is a low-key way to relax and be creative while Mom and Dad are busy entertaining dignitaries. This Klutz book gives all the knitty-gritty on getting started.

8. I-Turtle by Hasbro, $19.99
With tweens moving into the White House, music (and pets) won’t be far behind. This MP3-compatible reptile sways its head, taps its foot, moves its shell, and flashes colorful LEDs, to the beat of the girls’ favorite music.

9. Monopoly Here & Now: The World Edition by Hasbro, $34.99
The girls can travel the globe without ever leaving home with this international edition of Monopoly. Includes landmark cities, international houses and hotels, and, of course, renewable energy utility spaces.

10. Nintendo DS, $129.99
Even though Blackberries seem to be banned, the girls and Dad can still Pictochat with each other on their own color-coded DS’s.

11. Patchwork Quilt by ALEX, $45
The girls can decorate their new rooms with a modern take on a traditional American craft. This DIY-kit has precut, presewn squares that lace together to create a colorful patchwork quilt.

12. UNO FLASH™ Game, Mattel, $29.99
The first family was known to bond over rounds of Uno on the campaign trail. This electronic version ups the ante with flashing lights, random sequencing, and high speed stakes. Just the thing for a relaxing family activity.

The Family That Plays Together….

The holidays are over. The gifting is gone. (Hopefully, even the thank-you notes are written.) Football odds, baseball trades, and play dates are once again dinner time conversations. Everyone seems to be headed back into his own little world. What happened to all that “happy family time” we had?

This is the time to pull out a fun-for-all game. Guitar Hero, Rock Band, or anything on the Wii are guaranteed hits. But here are five more that will keep your family playing together night after night. Or at least until Super Bowl Sunday.

Goofball Rally. Think pinball without the machine. Players launch “goofballs” down a racetrack and try to stack them up in order. Silly, but addictive, and great for young kids. Educational Insights, Ages 5+, $32.99


Cranium Family Edition. A race-around-the-board game that has players performing wacky tasks and silly skills. Hasbro Games, Ages 8+, $19.99

Ruin. Inspired by Mayan culture, this clever strategy game has players move through a (moveable) 3-D maze to find a treasure. Buffalo Games, Ages 10+, $29.99

Trivial Pursuit Digital Choice. Call it Board Games 2.0. This updated classic lets you personalize the game for your family by downloading categories and questions from your computer. Hasbro Games, Adult, $49.99

Junk Ball Swish Hoop Light Show. Forget about cabin fever—even when it’s getting dark. This attachable rim turns any basketball hoop into an amazing light show. Little Kids, Ages 6+, $14.99

Wheeee! Getting (Wii) fit in 2009

A new year, a (re)newed resolution to get in shape. So what else is new?

Wii Fit, the at-home personal trainer that works with Nintendo’s Wii isn’t exactly new, having arrived in stores last Spring, but it’s been selling at a pace to raise your heartbeat ever since its introduction. We finally landed one in our den this holiday season, and if we don’t end up as the most fit family in town, we’ll definitely score as the most fun.

I had to get up at the crack of dawn to get my turn on the Fit board. First thing I did was create my own ”Mii” avatar. I then went to the Wii Fit Plaza to establish fitness goals. After supplying my height and date of birth, I took a simple body test to calibrate my center of balance, BMI, and body control, and was given my Wii Fit Age. Whew! Even though no one was awake to see it, I scored 5 years younger than my actual age. Wow, my own Benjamin Button moment.

Then the games began. I surfed between yoga, strength training, aerobics and balance exercises. A trainer walked me through each challenge. (And oddly, encouraged me even though I knew she wasn’t real.) I rocked at warrior pose—something I wobble through in my weekly yoga class; and played Table Tilt half a dozen times trying to better my level. I earned enough credits in the Fit Bank to unlock a new balance game, which I decided to save for tomorrow. I would have kept playing, but my teenage daughter wandered in for her turn. As an avid 5-mile-a-day runner, she had a different take on the board. “I’m not really a video-gamer,” she said. “But I could totally play on this by myself all day and not be bored. I just would make sure I’m not standing by any windows.” Her faves are Tightrope and Table Tilt. “The aerobics running one is totally legit,” she explained. “You really have to work hard.”

Next, my teenage son and his friend the skier challenged us to a slalom race. (Guess who won?). I counteracted with hula-hoop. Let’s hear it for the baby boomers! As I flicked through the other challenges, I see which of my kids have completed which level. (Are they doing this at 2 am?) The good news, so many of their friends also got Wii’s that we constantly have new games to try.

The bottom line: Will I get more fit this year? Who knows? But for now, the Wii Fit is a personal fitness challenge, a fun-for-all game, and new way to stop using winter as an excuse to hibernate. I’m definitely on board!

Why I Love Playmobil

I admit it, I’m too old to ask for Playmobil for the holidays. And if my teenagers aren’t too old, they’re definitely too cool. But I still love those bright blue boxes filled with an endless variety of people and parts. Boxes stocked with houses and towns ready to be built and endless stories waiting to be told. My love for Playmobil began with a family camper that my oldest daughter got as a gift when she was six. Together, we clicked the roof on the body, added the side-view mirrors, and crammed the kids into the cabin. And those kids—with their pie-shaped haircuts and bright tees—they looked like they had just stepped out of a Hanna Andersson catalog. My daughter played with that toy for years. I never worried that the pieces were too small (they weren’t), or the plastic wasn’t safe (it is.). In fact, years before green became a household word, Playmobil’s PVC-free plastics were being tested to meet stringent standards.

But back to our camper. The set came with a folding picnic table and a set of dishes and glasses. Who was going to sit down to eat? Who would ride the bike that also came in the box? Uh-oh, it’s raining. Let’s all gather under the camper canopy. That camper was the beginning of a long history of Playmobil sets and sagas. Having three children, Playmobil yachts, pirates, policemen, ponies, doctors, and more passed through our playroom. And just when each child seemed to outgrow the playsets, he or she entered into the diorama stage of school, and recycled the Playmo-people into inhabitants of prehistoric caves and outer space planets.

The beauty of Playmobil is that the toy in the box is just the beginning of the play. From this year’s mega-glorious Circus Ring to a take-along Shopper Carrying Case or the classic Family Camper, each set inspires imagination, creativity, and the kind of open-ended play that is becoming a rare commodity for kids. Because the scale never changes, pieces and people from one set work with another set. And the details are spot-on: a bouquet of flowers for a table, a cast for a hospital patient, a shield for a defending knight. If my own kids’ Playmobil experience is any barometer, the toys take on a life of their own, passed down from sib to sib, then re-used in newly imagined ways.

Recently, while cleaning out my now 23-year-old daughter’s room, I found part of her original RV. One little girl and the bike were wedged into the dusty cabin, but the table, dishes and canopy were long gone. No problem. The little girl can ride her bike to a nearby restaurant and pick up dinner. Hmmm, what do you think she should eat?

New Kid on the Block

I’ve made a new BFF. Her name is Channing, she’s eight years old, and together we designed the ultimate fashion doll. Hasbro is quietly launching a new line called Lorifina that leaves every other design-your-own-doll concept in the dust.
Aimed at tweens, the company says Lorifina is a new way to explore fashion and create looks that reflect your STYLE. Lorifina herself is a 20-inch “teen,” with a long, leggy, nicely developed body, but no bodalicious curves. Her articulation is amazing: elbows, knees, ankles and even toes that bend. (Look at the way the dolls below are posed.) Meaning she can wear sneakers as well as stilletoes. She’s only available on line (the site is still in Beta, so expect a few glitches), but on-line means no lines when it comes to shopping. To begin designing, girls log onto Lorifina.com. to choose skin color, eyes, hair; then they start dressing her. And those clothes! There are three international fashion collections: Tokyo, New York, or London, each filled with incredibly detailed and sophisticated looks. A fashion glossary, supplied by Parsons New School for Design explains terms such as chiffon, or A-line. A styling guide helps “stylists” learn the best way to put the clothes on their dolls, including alternative tips on whether to tie the bows or leave them flowing. It’s very fashionista.
Once you’ve designed a doll and dressed her in one outfit—and charged the $98 to a credit card— she’s shipped to you, wearing a stylish camisole and undies. But the fun doesn’t end there. Don’t like her hair? Change it. Order a wig to switch the looks. Accessories such as sunglasses or clutch bags or shoes are awesome and affordable. (Do they come in my size?). And, the site itself has all the requisite perks—a design studio that you can decorate, a look book, calendar, wish list, and more.
Channing’s doll arrived about 10 days after we ordered it. She hasn’t stopped playing with it. I guess I’ve been replaced as a BFF.

Click images to enlarge

Last Laughs

I finally found a book that makes kids want to go to bed. Tickle Monster, written by Josie Bissett, former Melrose Place actress and mother of 2, is based on Josie’s own bedtime rituals with her kids. It’s a charming story, but more importantly, it has built in tickling and cuddling action on every page. Talk about interactive! Even the stoic (parent or child) can’t keep a straight face through these pages. Add the Tickle Monster Mitts to the mix and you’ll have a guaranteed giggle-fest every night. Now, if only it would come with a glass of water…