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We were pondering the state of the holiday season that seems to be more concerned with what sells than what is really fun, when we discovered these basic wind up toys. Who needs a Whiz Kid or a Hello Kitty Computer when you can have a Kikkerland Chico Bicalho original wind up? Made of steel and plastic, Cosmo Jet turns upside down with no sense of direction and Cranky will liven up your next business meeting by running around with your business card. His latest creation, Le Pinch, was designed with wife Isabella Torquato to create a mechanical inchworm that is still in the prototype stage. You can purchase one of the Brazilian’s clever toys for only $9.95 from Mad Cat Toys.
Read More 
| Mad Cat Toys
Gallery: Wind Up Toys For Kids of All Ages
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What do you get when you cross Star Wars and one of our fave toys? It’s the Darth Vader Transformer, of course. At a height of 11-inches, he will wield his lightsaber and blaster with sounds and lighting. When you want him to change tactics, turn him into a Death Star. Although he will be smaller (about 6 3/4-inches,) he will launch projectiles at anything not belonging to the Dark Side. This baddie/battle station needs 3 AA batteries (included) and is available with 3 Storm Troopers and TIE Fighter mini-vehicles for $49.95.
(Thanks, Jennifer)
Read More | Firebox
Gallery: Darth Vader Transforms
Chinese Toys Found to Have Possibly Lethal Consequences
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Corporate News, Editorial, Toys,
More toys made in China have been recalled today. Scientists have discovered that a chemical in them is the equivalent of the date rape drug GHB (gamma hydroxy butyrate,) which can cause seizures, drowsiness, unconsciousness, coma, or death.Two kids in the U.S. and three in Australia were hospitalized after swallowing beads in Bindeez and Aqua Dots. Used for arts and craft projects and sold in retail stores and over the Internet, the beads fuse together when sprayed with water. The toys, which were distributed in 40 countries, were made at the same factories, and most retailers, such as Toys ‘R Us, have taken them off their shelves.
Also recalled today were more than 400,000 toys because of high lead levels in paint. These include the Robot 2000, a Winnie-the-Pooh Spinning Top, and pull-back action cars imported by Dollar General Merchandising. The Chinese government has already issued an import ban on more than 700 toy factories in the southern Guangdong region because of poor products.
We are amazed at all the recalls that are still occurring and were flabbergasted when we read this:
“The news jolted the toy industry because Aqua Dots has been one of the few bright stars of the toy selling season, which, along with overall retailing, has gotten off to a sluggish start. The item, which had been heavily advertised, had appeared on many toy experts’ list of must-have holiday toys, and toy sellers are now in the midst of canceling advertising and scrambling to figure out how to replace it.”
Over 4.2 million units of Aquadots were made. Shouldn’t we be more concerned about what goes into our children than what makes them cool?
Read More | MSNBC
Gallery: Chinese Toys Found to Have Possibly Lethal Consequences
Control Your Loved Ones
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Home Entertainment, Misc. Tech, Toys, Wireless / WiFi,
Ever feel like using the remote on your spouse/partner like Adam Sandler did in his movie “Click?” These devices will comically say what you are thinking without your better half knowing that deep down inside, you truly mean them. Control Your Man says 18 witticisms such as “What about my needs?” and “What were you thinking?” The male version commands, “Feed me” and “Clean up on aisle four!” Each remote also features sound effects and runs on 2 AA included batteries. Get one for $17.95 or the pair for $29.95 and you may not have to speak for yourself until halftime.
Read More | Baron Bob
Gallery: Control Your Loved Ones
With Rhythm Sticks, Who Needs Drums?
Posted by Lolita Beckwith Categories: Accessories, Music, Toys,
We’ve all played “air drummer” with imaginary drumsticks, or done a faux “rimshot” to a corny joke. With Rhythm Sticks, you can now do them for real. That’s because Rhythm Sticks make drum sounds just by hitting the air! Genius! Choose from a classical or electronic drum beat or a cymbal crash. Plus, the sticks’ tips light up, we presume for all you nocturnal drummers out there. Requires 4 AA batteries and an excuse to have fun. Available for $18 USD. Visit the website for a video demo.
Read More | I Want One of Those
Gallery: With Rhythm Sticks, Who Needs Drums?
Cold? Nuke Your Teddy Before Bedtime
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Smart Home, Misc. Tech, Toys,
We’re sort of torn between the pros and cons of the microwaveable Forever Friends Bear. Made in England, the fuzzy critter is 14-inches tall and weighs about 2 pounds. If you nuke him for about 2 minutes, he heats up to “soothe, comfort, and relax.” CE approved, the FF bear is available for £14.99 ($29.23.) We like the idea of the warmth factor but we wonder if after repeated usage, the teddy bear and its keeper will glow in the dark.
Read More | GoBaz
Gallery: Cold? Nuke Your Teddy Before Bedtime
Since it is Halloween, we thought that we would leave our Edwardian butler in charge for the rest of the day. The 72-inch figure moves his head and blinks his eyes. He will respond to your needs with phrases which we are hoping will include, “May I help you?,” “Care for another drink?,” and “Shall I dispense with the evil creatures at the front door for you, sir?” The butler is available at Halloween Mart for $179.99.
(Have a happy one!)
Read More | Halloween Mart
Gallery: Edwardian Butler Meets and Greets
You know we’re in a technologically-obsessed world when rubber ducks get the remote-control treatment. Still, it sounds like tons of fun and think of the possibilities: if you get two, you and your kid can engage in silly rubber duckie drag races! And don’t worry, even though the motorized bird seems electrocution-friendly, Duckie and the controller are both waterproof. The controller requires 2 AA batteries while the charger requires 4 AA batteries. A 5-minute charge yields 15 minutes of bathtime joy. Available for $27 USD.
Read More | Play via Red Ferret Journal
Gallery: The Remote Control Rubber Duck
MoPods: Cutest Cell Phone Accessory Ever!
Posted by Lolita Beckwith Categories: Accessories, Smartphones, Toys,
If you’re no longer infatuated with your cell phone, here’s something to rekindle the love: MoPods! They’re small characters and animals that live in a dome…and alert you to incoming calls by spinning and flashing! The cool thing is that the MoPod doesn’t need to be attached to your phone to work. The charm can be worn on clothes, keychains, bags, or of course the phone. Perfect for when your phone must be in “silent” mode, or just to express your inner child. Choose from a devil, puppy, kitten, monster, monkey, and the cutest one….the penguin. Note that MoPods only work on the GSM network, not 3G, which means Verizon customers are out of luck. Available for $10 USD.
Read More | Firebox
Gallery: MoPods: Cutest Cell Phone Accessory Ever!
We love, love, love zombie movies, so with Halloween approaching, here’s our little homage. It’s the creepy, Crawling Zombie, a legless chap that’s sound activated; just clap your hands (or tap its hand), and your new friend will actually race across any flat surface! Plus, the creature’s eyes light up, can growl, and even mutter a few phrases, such as “I can’t feel my legs” (awwwwww). Great for terrorizing friends, co-workers, and unwanted trick-or-treaters. Available for $39 USD.
Read More | Otherland Toys
