NEW YORK TOY FAIR 2011
With
Elizabeth Werner, Toy Expert and Consultant

Fans of the tween pop music star Justin Bieber will soon be able to recreate their favorite concert experience at home with the Justin Bieber Tour Bus and Concert Stage. From The Bridge Direct, the Rockin’ Tour Bus opens to reveal Justin’s concert stage with lights and an mp3 dock with speakers, so fans can play their favorite tunes through the sound system. There’s also a special backstage lounge that converts from a dressing table to a media room. Also coming on the market - The Justin Bieber Real Hairstyle Doll with soft and styled hair that replicates Justin’s signature “swoosh” hairdo. The doll features fashions based on Justin’s lifestyle – from beachwear to performances to red carpets – and comes with several cool accessories, too - such as a skateboard, backpack and sunglasses.

Ages: 4+
Prices:
Tour Bus/Concert Stage: $79.99
Real Hairstyle Doll: $17.99
Available: Fall 2011
www.justinbiebertoys.com

An undisputed 2010 favorite, now the HEXBUG can come to life day or night with the new Glow in the Dark HEXBUG Nano Habitat Set from Innovation First. Switch it on and the micro robotic bug skitters around to work its way through any maze. It’s designed to foster children’s creativity and develop their fine-motor skills. Each set is expandable, so children ages 3 and up can build onto their habitat sets. Also, they can register and keep track of their collection at www.handandstars.com, where they can also engage with fun facts about real scientists and their discoveries, and get involved in increasingly challenging game play. Most important – it’s guaranteed hours of fun.

Ages: 3 and up
Available at Specialty Retailers
Prices:
Glow in the Dark HEXBUG Nano Habitat Set - $39.99
Glow in the Dark HEXBIG Nano - $11.99
www.hexbug.com

Marbles have been around for 5,000 years, but the brand new DaGeDar from toy maker Cepia will be giving the ancient play toys a totally new spin. These are supercharged ball bearings which feel cool to touch. DaGeDar is all about speed, skill and collectability. Each ball has a different character and each design has its own collector number so kids can register them online. Racing the DaGeDar balls on their tracks requires agility and finesse. Once placed on their tracks, players have to use the right amount of force – and the first one to the end of the track wins. Players can also spin the balls and try to knock over the competition. The balls are packed two to a pack at under $5 so kids can collect and trade them. Really fun and addictive!

Spin Master’s Zoobles were the breakaway collectible toy for girls in 2010. These are colorful balls that spring to life and magically transform into fun and cute characters when placed on their “Happitat.” Girls across North America were searching toy aisles for the cutest and quirkiest characters to add to their growing collection. Now, their Zoobles collection can grow with new family members, including their very own Mama and Babies Zoobles. Mama Zooble transforms when placed on her Happitat. A surprise baby pops out from her belly using a lever and can be put to sleep in its bassinet.
Ages 4+
$9.99
Available now
www.zoobles.com

Our favorite downtown heroes – Police Officers -- are the stars of this year’s ever popular LEGO City line. Now children can build trucks, helicopters and more for the police force and enjoy hours of wholesome role play and building fun. This state-of-the-art LEGO Police Station features intricate LEGO pieces and a modular building process so children as young as 6 can enjoy building. This is a “must have” for those who love their LEGO.

SEGMENT SPONSORS INCLUDE: The Bridge Direct, Hexbugs, Cepia, Spin Master and Lego.