October Newsletter

• Home Grown
  - New Zealand-made and loving it.
• New Zealand-made News Bites
  - Trina Snow of Buy NZ Made reports
• Full Speed Ahead
  - Toys that dash, race and roll to attract kids with a 'need for speed'
• Messe Frankfurt
  - Agency change
• Editorial
  - July is the new December

Full Spead Ahead

Toys that dash, race and roll to attract kids with a ‘need for speed’

Toy Association reports

From the first wheel to the ‘big wheels’, children have been playing with toys that roll for thousands of years. Over the centuries, toymakers have engaged kids who love vehicles and racing with a bountiful selection of matchbox cars, ride-ons, remote-controlled vehicles and other innovative products that emphasise the ‘need for speed’.

“Performance play was a top trend identified at American International Toy Fair 2011, and it’s proven to be a play pattern that never goes out of style,” says Adrienne Appell, spokesperson for the North American Toy Industry Association. “This trend includes toys that challenge the body and nurture an adventurous spirit.”

Recent enhancements to racing and competitive play patterns are raising the bar on classic remote-controlled cars and car play. Now cars are faster, more durable and allow multiple players to race at once. And we can’t forget about the classics – from outdoor bikes and trikes to ride-ons for tots who are just beginning to move around. Here are some examples of toys and games that foster friendly competition and keep girls and boys active all year round.

Cars, remote-controlled vehicles and race sets

Indoor play shifts into high gear with both traditional and tech-driven car toys that bridge the gap between generations. Kids will always have fun playing with the tried-and-true classics, and parents or grandparents who are auto enthusiasts will get a kick out of playing with updated versions of their own childhood favourites.

“Cars, remote-controlled vehicles and race sets allow children to engage in exhilarating, competitive play with family or friends,” says Appell. “Through imaginative role-play, kids can simply have fun playing on their own as they pretend to be famous race car drivers, police officers or characters from popular movies like Cars.”

“Recent enhancements to racing and competitive play patterns are raising the bar on classic remote-controlled cars and car play. Now cars are faster, more durable and allow multiple players to race at once.”

“Kids will always have fun playing with the tried-andtrue classics, and parents or grandparents who are auto enthusiasts will get a kick out of playing with updated versions of their own childhood favourites.”

Some great suggestions for young car lovers include:

Rainbow Rollers (Alex Toys) is a four-tier wooden roadway with four colourful roll-over race cars that speed to the edge, flip over, and race down to the next level.

Carrera Go!!! Race-o-Rama (Carrera of America) lets kids experience the high-speed thrills of the hit movie franchise Cars. The 18-foot track comes with two 1:43 scale race cars based on film characters Lightning McQueen and Chick Hicks.

Remote Control Bump ’n Chuck Bumper Cars (Kid Galaxy) includes two remote-controlled bumper cars and drivers in futuristic styles and colours. When cars are bumped, drivers are ‘chucked’ through the air, activating sounds.

Air Hogs Hyperactive Pro (SpinMaster) remotecontrolled cars are sleek, high-speed vehicles with self-righting functionalities that run on a 2.4 GHz controller for ultimate range and power. Kids can race an unlimited number of friends without worrying about interference.

Hot Wheels Wall Tracks (Mattel) are a unique twist on traditional Hot Wheels track sets. With the help of 3M adhesive strips, these tracks easily hang, allowing kids to race and stunt-drive on their own walls.

LEGO Creator Red Car (LEGO) is a threein- one model set – the 278 pieces can be used to create a red super speedster, a go-kart or an armoured car.

Need for Speed Construction Toy Line (Mega Bloks) combines the engaging content of the best-selling racing video game franchise with the core play pattern of vehicle building. Building sets showcase exotic sports cars such as the Audi R8, Nissan GT-R and Porsche Turbo.

With the Lazer Stunt Doom’s Gate Ring and Ramp Set (Thinkway), kids can design their own course and send their Lazer Stunt Chaser (sold separately) speeding over the ramp and through the ring, up to a metre high.

Bikes, scooters and ride-ons

With so much focus nowadays on climbing childhood obesity rates, making sure that kids stay fit is a top priority among government officials, medical professionals and educators. Parents and caregivers will naturally seek out bikes and other ride-ons to keep kids active. And children who have a wide variety of active toys to choose from will spend lots of time zipping around the neighbourhood or park, playing tag or having races with their friends.

“There’s nothing better than burning calories and staying fit, all while having tons of fun,” says Appell. “Kids as young as 12 months old, who are beginning to gain mobility, can also join in the excitement – thanks to feet-propelled ride-ons, they can explore and build coordination skills both inside and outside of the home.”

Retailers should keep safety in mind, advises Appell, and stock shelves with the appropriate protective gear – from helmets to knee and elbow pads – to ensure that kids are playing safely. Here are some examples of toys that will appeal to dashing daredevils and adventurous tots:

Mini and Maxi Micro Scooters (Micro) are fun, versatile and portable scooters that are perfect for young kids who are learning about balance and coordination (Mini Micro Scooter, ages 3+) as well as for older children looking for an edgier, sportier scooter (Maxi Micro Scooter, ages 6+).

Sparks will literally fly when speed demons get on the eSpark Scooter (Razor). With a step on the ‘spark bar’, sparks shoot out from the electric-powered scooter that can travel up to 16 km/h and provide up to 40 minutes of continuous electric-powered use. Trikes and bikes by Radio Flyer offer a range of options, including growwith- me adjustability, sturdy steel construction and features that help young kids learn to pedal.

The Rock, Roll ’n Ride Trike (Fisher Price) can be easily modified as children grow – the rocker base converts to an extra-long, parent-assist push-handle for toddlers. Kids up to age five can pedal independently once the handle is removed.

Rip Rider 360 Tricycle (Razor) is a reinvention of the classic three-wheeler from the 1970s, with dual-inclined castor wheels allowing for resistance-free drifting and spinning action. The flashy, steel-framed design will put on a show for onlookers when riders spin out.

The Captain America Folding Scooter (Street Flyers) is tricked out in cool Captain America graphics for the youngest of fans. The two-wheeled scooter features an adjustable handle bar for safe navigating, and folds in half for flat storage.

Tots who are just beginning to move around will benefit from the Step Start Walk ’n Ride (Playskool), a sturdy, stable walker that helps babies learn to stand and walk. When they’re a bit older, it converts into a ride-on toy with a clicking gearshift, antenna and colourful spinner.

Wooden Balance Bike (Smart Gear) helps little kids gain confidence while improving balance and coordination. The lightweight bike includes a carrying handle, making transportation to the park or a friend’s house a cinch.

 

To keep up to date with toys that will exhilarate car lovers and keep kids of all ages active, visit www.ToyInfo.org for articles, videos, safety tips and more.