On newsstands today, the celebrated magazine is packed with informative articles for parents, a super-savvy, one-of-a-kind summer entertainment guide, the Best Outdoor Toys and terrific Top Ten lists for Girls, Boys, and Toddlers. The highly anticipated issue also features the first-ever Toy Wishes Challenge, a giggle-inducing parent versus kid quiz that tests your knowledge of toys and games.
In order to select the coveted Hot Dozen, the Toy Wishes editorial staff reviews hundreds of toys and games. Jim Silver, Toy Wishes co-publisher, today announced the twelve toys that the magazine has chosen to be the 'must-haves' during the 2nd and 3rd quarters, 2004.
So, without further ado, here is the Spring 2004 Hot Dozen (in alphabetical order):
Amazing Spider-Man Action Figure (Toy Biz/Ages 6 & up/$24.99) The amazing 18-inch Spidey boasts a groundbreaking 67 points of articulation, which means it's more poseable and more fun than any action figure ever before. Plus, he's equipped with a projectile shooter to make Spider-Man play the best it's ever been.
Cali Girl (Mattel/Ages 4 & up/$5.99) When you're a true Cali Girl, there is only one place for you during the summer - on the beach with Barbie and her good friends Christie, Lea and Teresa. This collection of 11 1/2-inch dolls is ready for sun and fun-filled action, California-style!
Doc Ock's Hideout (LEGO/Ages 7 & up/$49.99) Straight out of "Spider-Man 2," it's the secret lair of the nefarious Doc Ock. This set has 480 pieces so you can build the ultimate villain's den, complete with fusion device and - oh no! - a captive Mary Jane. This is an incredible construction set for outrageous build-and-play excitement.
Harry Potter Championship Quidditch (Mattel/Ages 7 & up/$24.99) With the "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" movie coming out this summer, everyone will want to play Quidditch. Miss the express to Hogwart's? No worries. You can still play with this new version that lets you shoot Quaffles through the spinning hoops, avoid the Bludgers and try to be the first to catch the Golden Snitch.
Just Build (Mega Bloks/Ages 4 & up/$1.99) Just fun is more like it. Each set has more than 50 blocks with building suggestions for three buildable collectibles in each one. They're a great introduction to building play, or terrific additions to building sets. So block out some time and start playing! There are three different sets to choose from.
Shrek Wise Crackin' Donkey (Hasbro/Ages 5 & up/$29.99) "The position of annoying talking animal has already been taken," says Donkey (voiced by Eddie Murphy) in the smash hit movie "Shrek 2." Now Donkey fans everywhere can really get into the spirit of the film with their own Wise Crackin' Donkey. Ask him a question, and it's anyone's guess whether you'll get a straight answer or a joke.
Spongebob Bounce 'Round (Spin Master/Ages 3 & up/$199.00) Okay, it's not quite a pineapple under the sea, but kids are going to want to stay in this super cool inflatable bouncer all summer long. Hook it up to the air supply and turn it on. In under 60 seconds you've got a fully inflatable bouncer, great for indoors or outdoors. And, the entire bouncer folds up for easy storage.
Sun-Kissed Summer Bratz Dolls & Sun-Kissed Summer Splash 'N' Dance Pool (MGA Entertainment/Ages 6 & up/ Bratz Dolls $19.99; Splash 'n' Dance Pool $49.99) The Sun-Kissed Summer line of Bratz Cloe, Yasmin, Sasha, Jade and Dana hang out with the super stylin' Bratz Boyz. And this year, the place to be is at the pool. The Splash 'n' Dance Pool Party is the hip and happening event no girl's going to want to miss.
Super Soaker Monster Rocket (Hasbro/Ages 8 & up/$29.99) You've never seen anything like this water-powered rocket. First, inflate it--it's an astonishing seven feet tall. Then, add water to the launching station and pump it up. The water gets pressurized... and we have lift off! This rocket soars more than 100 feet into the air! Oh, and watch out--the rocket releases a drenching blast of water as it heads for the sky.
Transformers Alternators (Hasbro/Ages 5 & up/$19.99) What's cooler--a robot or a car? How about both together? That's what you get with the amazing new Transformers Alternators. There are three different models to choose from: Subaru Impreza WRC, Dodge Viper and Jeep Wrangler. Separately or together they're transforming fun for the summer.
Triple Action Web Blaster (Toy Biz/Ages 5 & up/$27.99) When kids pretend they're Spider-Man, they'll want all his web-shooting action. This improved Web Blaster lets kids shoot web fluid, water or rapid fire foam projectiles as well as suction cup darts. Strap it onto your wrist, pick your ammo and you're ready for a web-tastic good time.
Wave Hoop (Maui Toys/Ages 3 & up/$3.45) This summertime classic has a whole new look and a great new feel to make hooping cooler and more fun than ever before. It's the water inside the hoop that keeps it spinning up to 10 times longer than the others. Collect a bunch and get them all spinning! How long can you keep it up?
Toy Wishes is available for $2.99 at newsstands everywhere. For more information check out www.toywishes.com.
