Though Toy Fair was flush with toys lil ones will be clamoring for later this year, it was also packed with toys and gimmicks that were intended to catch the eye of passersby. From large-scale LEGO models to a kiddie-take on the vampire phenomenon, here are the most interesting things I saw at Toy Fair 2011.
The 2011 Toy Fair was packed with new products for the coming year. The hardest part, after seeing them all, is waiting for them to be available for purchase. Though there were several hot trends in this year's offerings, a few goodies will be on my shopping list. Check out my 10 favorites.
What is this madness? Hasbro unveiled a new version of Monopoly this week, and instead of the classic, pastel-colored currency, the game is run by a computer. Called Monopoly Live, it retains some familiar elements — the board itself has stayed the same. But other elements have changed, including ditching fake cash and dice, and adding an infrared tower that keeps track of players' money and makes sure players stick to the rules — even counting the number of spaces they advance!
Apparently creators wanted to give the classic board game "a social experience." And while this game certainly won't replace the classic, its makers hope that it will attract a younger generation that prefers video games to older classics.
Monopoly Live will be available this Fall for $50. Fans of the classic game Battleship can also expect an updated version of the game this Fall.
I was a babe in Toyland at the 2011 Toy Fair! While manufacturers showed off their wares hoping to have this year's Silly Bandz, Pillow Pets, or Hexbugs, I noticed quite a few trends among the toys. Keep your eyes out this Fall (when the goodies hit the shelves) for these 10 themes that carried throughout the show.
