MARCH 24, 2008     Amid all of the rep firms and well-known manufacturers exhibiting at this month’s Western States Toy & Hobby Show were several new exhibitors showcasing their products exclusively or for the first time ever at the Pomona, Calif., event. The following are several of them:   Bank on it Coin Critterz originated as a line of sound-enhanced plush piggy banks with clear plastic chambers in place of the animal’s stomach so kids could see all the coins they’ve collected. The line has grown to include plush blankets and pillows with small animal faces attached to them, and animal-themed slippers. Coin Critterz, Oakland, Calif. www.coincritterz.com         Play on words Word Teasers are three card-based educational games created by former Scholastic Inc. associates who wanted to help kids improve their language art skills. College Prep (for ages 12 and up) focuses on vocabulary, Idioms (for ages 8 and up) focuses on common expressions and their origins and World Culture and Geography (for ages 9 and up) exposes players to “the most fascinating and intriguing” facts about people, places and things around the world. Each includes 149 WordTeaser challenge cards and one instructions card. ELM Educational Marketing, Manhattan Beach, Calif. www.WordTeasers.com     Stick figuring TwigJig is a construction system designed to make it easier than ever to build bridges, towers, scale models or anything else a kid (or an engineer) could think up using toothpicks as construction material. TwigJig comes with a TwigTrimmer cutting tool, TwigJigs, which are framing guides to help ease assembly of three- or four-sided trusses, and TwigClips to hold things together while gluing the final project together. Patriots will be pleased to learn that TwigJig is made in the USA. Epsilon Industries, Chino, Calif. www.TwigJig.com   Let it roller Ezy Roller is a new ride-on, developed in New Zealand, that kids propel using easy to master right-left movement on its front push bar. Its features include an adjustable steel frame, silent operation thanks to non-marking, high-resistance wheels suitable for use either outside or inside, and a low center of gravity for stability. Three sizes are offered for kids ages 3 to 14. Ezy Roller, San Antonio, Texas www.EzyRoller.com     Meal replacement Kids LunchBox Cards are called “a hug in a lunchbox” by their creators. The cards include fun facts and cool ideas in kid-friendly themes like Bugs, Fairies, Riddles and Gross-Outs that parents can place in a child’s lunchbox, backpack, coat pocket, overnight bag or anywhere else a simple surprise might brighten a kid’s day. The cards are sold in five-card packs. They’re made in America. Kids Fun Cards, Westlake Village, Calif. www.KidsFunCards.com       Sum game The Math Maze Game System was created to help kids ages 5 and up master basic mathematical concepts like positive/negative integers, fractions and whole numbers while still having fun. The basic game includes a six-sided hex rod called the Mathematics Function Bar that players roll to determine what challenge they’ll take on, plus two sets of numbered cards (printed in both English and Spanish). Players take turns solving math problems—sometimes using multiple operations—while trying to be the first to rid themselves of all their cards. Math Maze USA, Redondo Beach, Calif. www.mathmaze.us     Magical movement Mechanical Marvels are wooden model making kits that create fun final projects that feature hand-cranked or battery-powered movement. The models, made of rubberwood, are assembled using a simple peg and glue system and are designed for ages 9 and up. Current kits include The Drummer, who actually plays when the model’s crank is turned. MK & Company, Sebastopol, Calif. www.MKandCo.com          THE NEXT PRODUCT WATCH COMES TO YOU ON APRIL 7, 2008. Cliff Annicelli, Editor Karyn Peterson, Managing Editor Retailers: If you see something you like and contact the manufacturer, please say you saw it in Playthings Product Watch! Manufacturers: If you would like to be considered for the Product Watch newsletter, please email product images (out of packaging) and descriptions to karyn.peterson@reedbusiness.com. Please include targeted age range, suggested retail price and date of availability.   You are currently registered to receive Playthings Product Watch at: [#EmailAddr#]. Unsubscribe from Playthings Product Watch: Click Here If you received this newsletter second-hand, you can get your own FREE subscription here. QUESTIONS If you have questions or need further assistance, contact our Online Support Team at mailto:GiftSupport@reedbusiness.com?Subject=Playthings-Extra--#emailaddr#. For advertising questions, contact Betsy Komes. PRIVACY POLICY: Click Here NEW SUBSCRIPTIONS To activate a new FREE email newsletter subscription: Click Here To order a PRINT MAGAZINE subscription to Playthings: Click here. Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information. All rights reserved.