Nov 10: Schleich Animal Nursery in spot 44

Schleich Animal Figurines now have their very own nursery. You can play Wild Kingdom right in your living room.

See the Schleich Animal Nursery at PlayFair Toys

Nov 9: Bananagrams anagram madness!

Bananagram ma'am! I love the name, I love the cute banana packaging, but mostly I love the game. Take a bunch of letters from the bunch. Start laying them out to make words. Rearrange as you wish. When you have no letters left, grab another from the pile ("peel"), forcing everyone else to also take another. Sounds like Scrabble but it's not. Bananagrams is much faster-paced and can get a bit wild (you could get together with a group of friends to play and call yourselves "The Wild Bunch"). Trust me - it's great fun.

Buy Bananagrams at PlayFair Toys

Nov 8: Keva Planks named to spot #46 in PlayFair Top Toys of 2007

Simple, yet with astounding possibilities. Keva Planks are about 1/4 inch thick, 3/4 inch wide and 4 1/2 inches long.

You stack them. That's it.

That's it?! Well, if you think that the ability to build a 51+' tower is ordinary, then you won't like this amazing toy. Keva Planks are made of maple, and they make astoundingly stable structures. A rare toy that appeals literally to every age, from about 4 years old up.

Buy Keva Planks now at PlayFair Toys

High IQ Kids, Free Spirit Publishing, October 2007

High IQ Kids Collected Insights, Information, and Personal Stories from the Experts Edited by Kiesa Kay, Deborah Robson, and Judy Fort Brenneman

Profoundly gifted kids often get the least help in school. It’s assumed they’re smart enough to succeed on their own, plus teachers (and parents) feel out of their depth with these unique kids. A blend of personal stories and practical strategies, scholarly articles and entertaining essays from a community of voices—parents, educators, authors, researchers, and other experts—this book addresses the joys and challenges of raising and teaching, living with and understanding exceptionally gifted kids of all ages. Recommended for any adult who wants to know more (and may be desperate to know more) about high-IQ kids and how to support them, advocate for them, and meet their social, emotional, and learning needs. Contributors include Karen Rogers, Ph.D., Carolyn Kottmeyer, Sally Reis, Ph.D., Joyce VanTassel-Baska, Ed.D., Miraca U. M. Gross, Ph.D., and many more.
384 pages, softcover, 7" x 9", for parents, teachers, gifted coordinators, and guidance counselors, ISBN 1-57542-261-1, $19.95

Authors of High IQ Kids, Free Spirit Publishing, to sign at PlayFair Toys

Contact: Marilyn Walker FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tel: 303-440-7229Email: boulder@playfairtoys.com

PLAYFAIR TOYS HOSTS AUTHOR SIGNING OF HIGH IQ KIDS
It’s Smart to Have Fun – It’s Fun to be Smart Event

Boulder, CO – 15 Nov 2007 – Deborah Robson and Judy Fort Brenneman, co-authors (along with Kiesa Kaye) of High IQ Kids (Free Spirit Publishing, Oct 2007) will be reading from and signing copies of the book at PlayFair Toys, on November 23, 2007, from 5-6:30 PM. Both Ms. Robson and Ms. Brenneman are parents of the profoundly gifted children described within the books pages. Dr. Marilyn Walker, owner of PlayFair Toys, also contributed a chapter to the book. Other contributing authors include Dr. Linda Silverman, director of Denver’s Gifted Development Center and the nation’s leading expert on gifted children.

According to the publisher, “Profoundly gifted kids often get the least help in school. It’s assumed they’re smart enough to succeed on their own, plus teachers (and parents) feel out of their depth with these unique kids. A blend of personal stories and practical strategies, scholarly articles and entertaining essays from a community of voices—parents, educators, authors, researchers, and other experts—this book addresses the joys and challenges of raising and teaching, living with and understanding exceptionally gifted kids of all ages. Recommended for any adult who wants to know more (and may be desperate to know more) about high-IQ kids and how to support them, advocate for them, and meet their social, emotional, and learning needs.”

PlayFair has always been a different sort of toy and book store. It was started as a social experiment on gender bias in toys, and it was the nation’s first toy store that focused exclusively on gender-neutral, nonviolent toys. “We have always focused on customers looking for particular help with their toy buying – whether it was for special needs children, smart children, homeschool families, or just those wanting ‘something different’. This book signing kicks off our “It’s Smart to Have Fun – It’s Fun to Be Smart!” event. This event will focus on the educational and developmental benefits of play for all kids,” says Marilyn Walker, PlayFair Toys’ owner. “We are introducing our new mascot, Professor PlayFair, who’s a smart person who loves to have fun.”

The Front Range region of Colorado has been one of the nation’s focal points for the support of gifted kids for decades now. Having so many of the authors and contributors from this region highlights this. Ms. Robson and Ms. Brenneman will be available to answer questions from parents about the book and about their own experiences working with and raising gifted children. Copies of the book will be available for sale before, during, and after the event.

###
For more information about this book signing, or to schedule an interview with Marilyn Walker, please call her at 720-261-5793, or email her boulder@playfairtoys.com.

Only 16 more days to save big on holiday shopping

PlayFair Toys' 2007 Early Buy Coupon expires at the end of November. Save a full 10% on all orders over $100 now through the end of November. Visit www.playfairtoys.com and enter code EB10 at checkout.

2007 Toy Countdown: BluTrack Takes Spot #47

At first glance, BluTrack looks a lot like other small car racing tracks that are out there. That's why you need to take a second look. For one thing, BluTrack has two tracks, not just one, so you can have real races. But what's truly outstanding about this innovative toy is that it's completely customizable. It's a cross between a racing system and a building system. Have you ever wish your track had more loops, or that it went that way instead of this? BluTrack is whatever you make it. Read more...

Top 50 Toys continues: Fortamajig named to spot #48

We all know that kids love making their own forts out of blankets, sheets, and other household items. But blankets and sheets slip, and they don't have windows. Fortamajig is as open-ended as they come - start with one Fortamajig, add a few kitchen chairs, and plenty of kid creativity, and the result is a blast.

Countdown Continues: Zoobies! in Spot 49

Here's a riddle for you: What do blankets, pillows, and stuffed animals all have in common? Well, they're all soft and cuddly. But more importantly - there is only one toy that encompasses all three - the Zoobie Pet. See why we think that a Zoobie Pet is the gift of 2007, and the perfect travel toy and everyday lovey.

PlayFair's Top 50 Toys of 2007 Countdown

It's November 2007, and PlayFair Toys is helping you launch into the holiday toy season. Every year we are asked what the "hot toys" are, and every year I reply that we focus on toys that are cool. Yes, we know that the big box stores put out that sparkly catalog filled with toys that are pushed heavily on TV. So here is our alternative. Starting today and continuing through December 23rd (and with an "extra credit" gift on the 24th!), we'll feature our picks of 50 fabulous toys, a combination of new and classics, that we know make terrific gifts.

Don't want to see them one at a time? No worries! You can jump straight to the entire list. However we are still only going to feature and describe one each day.

So without further ado, in spot #50 we have:

50. Roger Van Oech's Ball of Whacks It's a ball, it's a magnet, it's a…. Well technically it's a triacontahedron, and actually just as technically it's fascinating. Roger Van Oech's Ball of Whacks is 30 pyramids that fit together into a solid. One of those rare toys that holds the interest of almost any age. Read more...

Rubiks 5x5 Ultimate Screamer Brain Teaser

If you've mastered the Rubiks Cube, here's a challenge for you - the ultimate in difficulty - the Rubiks 5x5. With over 10 billion combinations, there are many wrong ways to solve this brain screamer, but only one right way. Featuring the classic Rubik's Cube design and color scheme, this new torture device is a must have for those who want a difficult puzzle. Rubik's Cube 5x5 by Winning Moves is recommended for anyone of any age who's up to the challenge.

Dream Bedroom Sets Now Available!

PlayFair Toys has now developed "Dream Bedroom Sets", complete themed bedroom sets for toddlers. Choose from the basic dream set or the deluxe version.

Dream bedroom sets from PlayFair Toys - a dream come true for someone looking for that special Christmas gift!

Beamo by Stuff Design Named a Classic Toy for 2007

TD Monthly, a trade magazine for the toy, game, hobby, & gift industry, has named Beamo by Stuff Design to its list of Classic Toys for 2007. To make the list, a toy has to have been a steady seller in the specialty market for at least 5 years.

TD Monthly writes about Beamo, "The easy-to-hold and soft body of this flying disk lets kids of all ages play with each other, from tiny tots to grandparents. It's the kind of toy that attracts attention when it's soaring across a park lawn, and catches the eyes of toy buyers, too, specialty retailers have told TDmonthly, which is why it was honored with a TDmonthly Classic Toy 2007 award. BeamOs are 30" in diameter, 1½" thick with a 15" center opening and weigh 13 ounces. They are made of a soft spandex fabric that covers a foam and fiberglass hoop. The washable sleeve may be hosed off when dirty, and it should be cleaned after pool or salt water use."

Of course, none of that really describes exactly what you do with a Beamo. Whatever you'd like, of course, but one of the favorite games is to catch it with your entire body. I think of Beamo as a cross between a Frisbee, a hula hoop, and ???. Unlike both of those, Beamos are soft. Throw them, catch them, dive through them, have fun with them.

Rody Pony Named a Classic Toy of 2007

TD Monthly, a trade magazine for the toy, game, hobby, & gift industry, has named Rody Pony by Toymarketing International to its list of Classic Toys for 2007. To make the list, a toy has to have been a steady seller in the specialty market for at least 5 years.

TD Monthly's announcement stated, "Ideal for learning balance and coordination, the Rody Horse allows children to hop around and can even be attached to a base that transforms it into a Rocking Rody Horse. The soft ride-on is often used in therapy for handicapped children, and is made of super-strong, latex-free vinyl. It inflates according to the size and weight of a child, with a hand or foot pump. The maximum inflated height to "saddle" is 12"."

We love Rody Pony, too! Seeing young kids happily bouncing around the store on these smiling ponies always makes our day. A truly classic toy, Rody Pony is a joy for both children & adults.

SET Family Game of Perception Named as 2007 Classic Toy by TD Monthly

TD Monthly, a trade magazine for the toy, game, hobby, & gift industry, has named SET Family Game of Perception by Set Enterprises to its list of Classic Toys for 2007. To make the list, a toy has to have been a steady seller in the specialty market for at least 5 years.

About SET, they say, "This game of recognition can be fun for an entire family, or just one player. Contestants line up 12 numbered cards of various colors and shapes to try to form as many "sets" of three as possible from the collection, grouping the cards into categories by color, number, etc. The package comes with 81 cards, ensuring an almost unlimited number of playing combinations. This game was mentioned as a top-seller by most retailers interviewed by TDmonthly."

SET is a favorite of PlayFair Toys' staff and customers. It's rare to find such an addictive game with broad family appeal.

Cover Your Tracks Puzzle by ThinkFun

As any good hiker knows, you must leave no trace! Cover Your Tracks puzzle challenge is a harrowing adventure through mud, sand, snow, and cement. Included are 20 cards, each with a different challenge for the solitary hiker to cover up the footprints with the plastic pieces provided. Cover Your Tracks include 4 levels of challenge, from beginner to expert. This is great fun for lovers of spatial brainteasers, and for beginners the trick is to work up and to learn as you go. Includes 20 puzzles challenges, four game pieces, and plastic playing grid All four pieces must fit within the Cover Your Tracks playing grid. A great way to spend time while traveling. For 1 player ages 8-adult.

Cover Your Tracks Puzzle by ThinkFun

Toy Safety Bulletin: Blue Orange Games Protects Your Children and the Planet

The staff and owners of PlayFair Toys are 100% committed to the safety of your children and to the sustainability of our planet. Virtually every last one of our vendors has sent us volumes of information on the safety of their toys.

Blue Orange Games is one of our leading game manufacturers. Their games are all designed in San Francisco, and manufactured in China by a family that has been in business for over three generations. The quality of their products are stringently controlled, achieving an ISO9001 certificate passing US and European international quality standards.

But here's what even cooler - Blue Orange has committed to planting two trees for every tree used to create their games. Now that's a serious, sincere, and effective commitment to the environment. Thank you, Blue Orange!

If you want to support this innovative, caring company (and I can attest that they are also very nice people if hard to beat at their own games), then for heaven's sake - buy one of their games today! They are some of the most innovative and engaging games around.