When the Ty Girlz first made their debut I mentioned that I’d felt conflicted about them. The racy outfits and Bratz-like faces were a bit off-putting to parents looking for wholesome toys. I guess I wasn’t alone.
Ty has now taken a step back and made some modifications to the Girlz. The newer releases have more [...]
Archive for the ‘For Girly Girls’ Category
Funny Faces
Tuesday, November 6th, 2007
Ty Girlz are here
Wednesday, May 9th, 2007I mentioned at Toy Fair that a lot of toy companies have been, ahem, inspired by the immense success of Webkinz to create their own plush toys with online tie-ins. How does the old adage go? Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery? Well, I’m sure Ganz (the company behind Webkinz) isn’t exactly enjoying the [...]
Speaking of fairies (and rockets, too)
Tuesday, March 13th, 2007One of my favorite new make believe toys is the Fancy Flutterpack from Cranium and its space-themed sibling, the Turbo Rocketpack. Both of these are designed to be worn on a child’s back, and both have a push button that sits on the shoulder strap. Push it and wings pop out of the pack. Pull [...]
Hyperinteractivity
Monday, February 12th, 2007Lately, it seems like everyone is talking about Webkinz. These stuffed virtual pets are all the rage among middle school kids all over the country (if you’ve never heard of them, read my previous entry about them here). So it’s not really a surprise that their success is spawning at least a handful of eager [...]
It’s a small world.
Wednesday, December 20th, 2006Not too long ago, if you wanted a really beautiful dollhouse with those intricately detailed furniture sets and accessories, you needed to seek out a store that specialized in dollhouses and miniatures. These little stores are usually off the beaten path and filled with quirky charm. The goods are often pretty pricey, and therefore favored [...]
Name that tune?
Sunday, April 2nd, 2006International Playthings, distributor of the popular Calico Critters, is having a songwriting contest. Kids are invited to try their hand at creating a Calico Critters anthem by composing new lyrics to the tune of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.” Entry forms are available for download at their website. Completed entries can be dropped off in our [...]
Got Sparkle?
Saturday, January 7th, 2006Little girls and makeup. It can be a touchy subject, and I’m not about to debate any side of the issue. Fact is, many little girls are fascinated with cosmetics; even my three-year-old asks for a turn with my lip gloss. Some parents are concerned about letting young children wear any sort of makeup, while [...]
Calling all sugarplum fairies
Wednesday, November 30th, 2005 Yesterday morning, the Today Show featured the Musical Nutcracker Dress by Acting Out, and right on time, the UPS truck rolled up with our first shipment.
When I first heard about musical dress-up I was very wary. Dress up is one of the most open-ended, creative play activities, and I wasn’t sure that adding music [...]
