NEW YORK -- March 21, 2005 -- The definition of 'toy' is changing and as children redefine their idea of play the toy industry has responded, introducing entertainment and lifestyle products into the toy aisles. On newsstands this week, the Spring/Summer 2005 issue of Toy Wishes reflects this shift within the toy industry. Most telling is the magazine's much-anticipated Hot Dozen list which spotlights its picks for hottest toys of the season.
With several major motion pictures debuting this season, including Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith and Batman Begins, and electronic gaming continuing its rise, this year's Summer Hot Dozen is one of the magazine's most diverse lists to date. From dolls and vehicles to gaming systems and outdoor toys there are all kinds of toys for all kinds of kids - including those who are kids at heart.
In addition to hundreds of toy reviews, the latest issue of Toy Wishes, The Ultimate Guide to Family Entertainment, is packed with informative articles for parents including activities that kids can do to help others, a guide to the best family destinations across the country and a super-savvy Summer 2005 Entertainment guide which features upcoming movies, television, books and music for families. The celebrated magazine also contains terrific Top Ten lists including 'Top 10 Toys Kids Can Buy With Their Allowance' and 'Top 10 Rainy Day Toys.'
So, without further ado, here is the Spring 2005 Hot Dozen (in alphabetical order):
-- AMERICAN IDOL BARBIE AND AMERICAN IDOL SHOW STAGE PLAYSET
(Mattel/ages 5 and up/approximate retail price: dolls $19.99 each, playset $19.99)
Do you have what it takes to be the next American Idol? Barbie and her friends Tori and Simone think they do. These dolls have got it so totally going on with hot outfits and karaoke machines that really play music. Set the scene for the competition with this stage and dressing room playset that doubles as a carrying case.
-- BATMAN BEGINS DELUXE BATMOBILE
(Mattel/ages 4 and up/approximate retail price: $31.99)
There's no question that for fighting crime this year, Gotham City is the place to be and Batman Begins is the movie to set the scene. This super hot Batmobile right out of the movie is like nothing you've ever seen before with its amazing styling and astounding features. It has a rocket engine, front-mounted lasers and all sorts of different modes of play. No crime fighter is going to want to be without this super cool car.
-- BOUNCE 'ROUND Wet 'n Dry Slide
(Spin Master/ages 3-8 years/approximate retail price: $349.99)
Turn your backyard into a water park with this incredible splash-and-slide inflatable playground. It inflates in less than a minute with the included air pump. Just connect the hose and you're ready to have a hot time staying cool all summer long.
-- EA SPORTS TV GAMES
(JAKKS Pacific/ages 5 and up/approximate retail price: $24.99)
The classic Madden '95 and NHL '95 deliver all the excitement and challenge in a completely new plug-and-play version. Everything is in the self-contained controller, so you're ready for action in no time at all. This is the latest introduction in the super popular TV Games line that's transforming the way people think of video games.
-- FANTASTIC FOUR ELECTRONIC "THING" HANDS AND FEET
(Toy Biz/ages 6 and up/sets of hands and feet sold separately, approximate retail price: $19.99 each)
Oh yeah, they'll be getting out of your way when they see you coming tricked out in these awesome accessories. You'll feel like the unstoppable Thing from the Fantastic Four movie wearing these sculpted foam hands and feet. And they make motion-activated sounds so bad guys will be sure to get out of your way... or else.
-- FLASH FLOOD SUPER SOAKER
(Hasbro/ages 7 and up/approximate retail price: $19.99)
You're going to get soaked with the latest high-powered water blaster that makes excellent use of cool, new CPS Technology. That stands for Constant Pressure System, and it means that you can shoot a steady stream of water just by pulling the trigger -- so your last drop of water is as powerful as your first. Or pull the Flash Flood lever and empty the tank on your opponent in one huge soaking flood. You've just kicked your water wars up a notch.
-- FLY WHEELS
(JAKKS Pacific/ages 8 and up/approximate retail price: $4.99 and up)
Let 'em rip! Fly Wheels are the summer's hottest collectible racing toys that will keep your summer fun rolling. The wheels are cool collectibles in tons of different varieties, but that's just the beginning. You can rev each up with the ripcord, then race, perform stunts and compete. Basic sets include a collectible wheel, two brakes and rotors and a launcher. Stunt ramps and playsets sold separately.
-- NINTENDO DS
(Nintendo/ages 8 and up/approximate retail price: $149.99)
If you haven't heard by now, the DS stands for Dual Screen, and this next-generation handheld delivers tons of gaming action, with wireless communication and much more. The gaming controls are easy to operate, and the touch screen adds new levels of excitement and versatility for play or communication. Get your hands on handheld gaming like you've never seen it before.
-- SONY PSP
(Sony/ages 8 and up/approximate retail price: $249.99)
PSP stands for Play Station Portable, and this hot hot hot unit is that and so much more. With its big 4.3-inch display and super smooth controls, gaming has never felt so sleek. Add to that incredible graphics resolution, a powerful gaming engine, a Memory Stick slot and all kinds of expandable capabilities and the power to play video and music, and you've got an all-in-one entertainment system that will make you the envy of your neighborhood.
-- SPOKEY DOKES
(Maui Toys/ages 5 and up/approximate retail price: $3.99-$19.99)
Tricking out your bike is a snap with these totally outrageous bike accessories. Just snap them on and you can add all kinds of eye-catching lights and sounds so even the most ordinary bicycle is instantly transformed with a touch of electronic bling.
-- STAR WARS LIGHTSABER BATTLE GAME
(Hasbro Games/ages 8 and up/approximate retail price: $49.99)
Are you ready to battle the Dark Side, Jedi? This exciting new plug-and-play game lets you do just that. Put the lightsaber in your hand and get ready for action. You can play through training levels or increasing levels of difficulty. The lightsaber interacts with what you see on the TV screen for exciting action that brings the Star Wars saga to life right in your living room.
-- TRIVIAL PURSUIT DVD STAR WARS SAGA EDITION GAME
(Hasbro/for adult players/approximate retail price: $49.99)
Test your knowledge of all six Star Wars movies in this exciting new game that brings the classic excitement of Trivial Pursuit and the classic entertainment of Star Wars together into one force-full new game. Challenge yourself and your friends with more than 2,500 questions on cards, 600 interactive DVD questions and 100 special screen cards. A must for any Star Wars aficionado.
Beginning March 22, consumers who frequent Toys "R" Us will receive a free Spring/Summer 2005 issue of Toy Wishes when they make a purchase, while supplies last.
Toy Wishes is available for $3.99 at newsstands everywhere. For more information check out http://www.toywishes.com.