Toy Trends

Toy makers from all over the world converge in New York City this week to display their newest playthings. The 99th Annual Toy Fair does not open until Sunday, but Freddi Greenberg, editor-in-chief of Nick Jr. magazine, visits The Saturday Early Show with a preview of what promise to be the year's hottest toys.

This toy fair is the largest toy-trade show in the Western hemisphere. More than 1,700 manufacturers showcase their toys, hoping to catch the eye of retailers who are already placing orders for the holiday season.

• TREND: CLASSICS You keep hearing how more families are spending time at home and together. Classic toys are those that we -- and maybe even our parents -- played with. They've entertained children for as many as 50 years.
  • STEP 2Camper

    What it does: Outside playhouse, pretend car, all in one. Has climbing features, cooking, pretend play, and electronic phone.

    What's new: Takes the classic playhouse one step into the future.

    Price: $700

    Ages: 3 to 7

  • ALEX: Let's Play Croquet

    What it does: Indoor/outdoor Croquet Set

    What's new: Classic game, revitalized for indoor and out. Very colorful and kid friendly.

    Price: $50

    Ages: 3+

  • KNEX : Electronic Arcade

    What it does: Classic building toy with electronics added in for more fun.

    What's new: Design a pinball arcade (play value after building); can make lots of configurations to determine the level of difficulty.

    Price: $90

    Ages: 10+

  
  
• TREND: LEARNING TOYS In several surveys, parents rate education as one of the most desirable aspects of toys. These toys do more than just teach kids ABC's. They help build skills by teaching kids to look at things in new ways.
  • FISHER PRICE: Kasey Kinderbot

    What it does: Interactive robot with pre-kindergarten skill builders in academic, social and physical areas.

    What's new: Developmental-based activities with over 40 skills, including sharing, dancing, and manners.

    Price: $75

    Age: 3+

  • LEAP FROG : Pretend & Learn Shopping Cart

    What it does: Role-playing toy with interactive activities and food. Includes a smart scanner and plenty of food items. Encourages pre-school math and imaginative play.

    What's new: Uses technology to teach other skills and information such as nutritional fun facts, games, and food groups.

    Price: $46

    Age: 2+

  • LEGO: Music Builder

    What it does: Adds music to the mix of building.

    What's new: Music is an imaginative way to teach kids new skills.

    Price: $50

    Ages: 3+

  
  
• TREND: INNOVATION New technology, as well as new ways to play
  • TIGER: FurReal Friends:

    What it des: Animatronic cats (look real). When touched by a child, they mimic mannerisms and sounds of real cats. Unlike last year's plastic animals, these feel and act like real pets.

    What's new: Cats have 3 different moods: cuddly, playful and irritable which depend upon how the child touches them! Animated from top of head to tip of tail, including mouth and neck.

    Price: $35

    Age: 6+

  • CRAYOLA: Crayon Maker

    What it does: first crayon making machine.

    What's new: Uses old broken crayons (average child wears down 730 crayons by his tenth birthday!) to make new ones in new colors. (You can name them, too.) Safe technology (uses a light bulb similar to Easy Bake Oven). Takes about 20 minutes.

    Price: $25

    Age: 8+

  
  
• TREND: HUMOR Toys should be fun. That's what's play is about. They should make you smile, giggle, and want to play with them again and again.
  • LITTLE TIKES: Cow and hippo flashlights

    What they do: kid-friendly flashlights in sturdy plastic shapes.

    What's new: Lights and electronic sounds. (Light is in animal's mouth).

    Price: $12

    Age: 2+

  • HASBRO: Queasy Bake Oven

    What it does: Like the classic Easy Bake Oven, this gender-neutral update invites all budding chefs to cook up some wacky and wild stuff.

    What's new: The food they make also does things, like turn your tongue colors.

    Price: $25

    Age: 8+

  
  
• The Next Big Thing? Spinning tops are all over the Toy Fair this year.
  • HASBRO: Beyblade

    What it does: Spinning tops. Not only Hasbro, but such other companies as Sport Fun and Toy Max have them.

    What's new: This is the hot trend in Japan, home of Pokemon and all things cool and collectible. They can be played alone, in competition, and are collectible.

    Price: $7 to $9

    Ages: 8+

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