Product Showcase: Musical Toys
By Karyn M. Peterson -- Playthings, 8/26/2008 2:10:00 PM
This week’s Product Showcase features music toys from Fisher-Price, Hohner, International Playthings, Learning Resources and Woodstock Chimes.
Backyard Band
Now kids ages 18 months and up can play along with their favorite tunes thanks to the Backyardigans Play-Along Saxophone ($19.99). It features character buttons that play phrases, melodies, musical riffs and songs from the popular preschool TV series on Nickelodeon. The mouthpiece is removable and becomes a kazoo, plus, when the child spins the propeller, the colors of the stars and squiggles will change. Includes 2 AA batteries.
Fisher-Price, Aurora, N.Y.
www.fisher-price.com
Kids Rock
The Hohner Kids Rhythm Music 6-Piece Instrument Set ($35) includes a 6-inch Tambourine, Rhythm Sticks, Wrist Bell, Soprano Sounder, 5-inch cymbals and Triangle with Striker. It’s part of the company’s new musical toy line, “Play & Rock,” which is offers rhythm, wind and early childhood musical toy products in a specially-designed POP display for retailers. All products in the line include an insert with songs and activities developed by a certified music educator.
Hohner Inc., Glen Allen, Va.
www.hohnerusa.com
Music Star
The Strike-A-Chord Violin ($16.99) for ages 3 and up features 18 pre-recorded songs that kids and play at the touch of a star. The instrument allows kids to slide the bow over the “strings” to play like a real musician, and features lights that flash when music plays, an on/off switch and volume control, and a built-in stand. The iPlay Music line also includes the Electronic Baby Grand Piano and the Sing-A-Song Microphone.
International Playthings, Parsippany, N.J.
www.intplay.com
Jam Session
The Smart Safari Congo Bongo Monkey ($32.95) for ages 3 to 6 is a game and a music toy in one. Kids push the monkey’s tongue, then try to remember and repeat the series of beats using the 2 drumsticks or their hands. The Congo Bongo Monkey also comes packaged with a separate cymbal and triangle, and the bongos detach, perfect for kids wanting to play in a group. Includes 3 button-cell batteries. Also new this year is the Melody Express Musical Train.
Learning Resources, Vernon Hills, Ill.
www.learningresources.com
Guitar Heroes
The Woodstock Kid's Guitar ($45) for ages 6 and up measures 30 inches long and 12 inches wide, ideal for young players. This classical-style guitar features a high-gloss, natural wood finish and comes with a guitar pick, an extra set of strings and a songbook by folk musician Happy Traum that offers advice on changing strings and tuning. Also available in the line is Woodstock Kids Fantasy Guitar ($20), which offers the look and feel of a full size guitar for less.
Woodstock Chimes, Shokan, N.Y.
www.chimes.com
Manufacturers: If you would like to be considered for the Product Showcase, please email product images (out of packaging) and descriptions to karyn.peterson@reedbusiness.com. Retailers: If you contact a manufacturer based on a product you see here, please say you were directed from Playthings.com!
