TOYS "R" Us Announces the 'BEST OF SUMMER' List With 24 Sizzlin' Hot Toys
Annual List Provides Parents With Great Ways to Keep Young Minds Engaged and Kids Active During the Summer Months
WAYNE, N.J., June 7, 2007 -- School's out for summer, and as kids rejoice, parents wonder how they will keep their children busy and entertained during the upcoming months. As the toy authority, Toys "R" Us today announced its list of 24 top toys designed to provide parents with great ideas to keep kids engaged, whatever their summer plans call for. This definitive list, which includes perennial favorites and products available for the first time, features toys for any summer occasion, from playtime in the backyard to cross- country road trips and everything in between. Items on this list are available at Toys "R" Us stores nationwide and online at Toysrus.com (where noted).
"This 'Best of Summer' list is our assessment of the season's standout items that will help parents keep their kids smiling and their minds active during the months ahead," said Ron Boire, President, Toys "R" Us, U.S. "From items that transform lawns into backyard wonderlands to great items for rainy day fun, our stores showcase the broadest assortment of summer toys available."
Toys "R" Us, as a global toy retailer, continually tracks toy trends around the world. As a result, this summer parents will find stores stocked with extensive assortments of high-end wooden gym sets, inflatable water slides, updated skateboards, innovative ride-ons and items to help kids learn and stay safe throughout the summer months.
TOYS "R" US "BEST OF SUMMER" LIST
Outlined below in alphabetical order are detailed product descriptions for items on the Toys "R" Us "Best of Summer" 2007 toy list:
*Asterisk denotes that this item is also available online at www.Toysrus.com.
Air Hogs® Havoc Heli™ from Spin Master®
Enter the world of mini-radio-controlled flying with the Havoc Heli. Measuring only six inches long, this extremely lightweight helicopter packs a fully functional remote controlled vehicle into a tiny body that can take off and land from the palm of a hand. With an incredible four-way control, anyone can become a master at indoor maneuvering, easily avoiding household obstacles while in flight. Ages 6 and up. 6 "AA" batteries (not included) and 1 Lithium Polymer 3.7V battery (included) required.*
Baby's First Moves DVD from Baby Einstein™
From precious moments of baby's first steps to hand-clapping in delight, Baby's First Moves DVD is a playful celebration of movement milestones within the first year. The DVD, accompanied by puppet shows, real-world images and classical music, engages parents and tiny tots to discover movements that enrich physical strength, build self-confidence and encourage natural curiosity. Ages 3 months and up. No batteries required.*
Backyard Safari™ Turbo Bug Vacuum from Summit™
For kids with critter curiosities, the Turbo Bug Vacuum makes bug collecting easy and fun. Without harming the bugs, the vacuum picks up insects through a battery-operated vacuum and transports them into a clear plastic capsule. Kids can view their bug-able finds through the capsule magnifier and then release them back to the outdoors. Ages 5 and up. 6 "AAA" batteries required (included).*
Barbie Beach Glam™ Doll Collection from Mattel®
Roll out the beach blanket as Barbie cools down for the summer with fun, friends and fashion! The Barbie Beach Glam collection brings together Barbie Beach Glam Barbie, Barbie Beach Glam Summer and Barbie Beach Glam Ken. Each doll, sold separately, is decked out in slammin' cool beachwear and accessories. Ages 5 and up. No batteries required.
Brain Age™ from Nintendo®
Kids can flex those mental muscles with Brain Age, an entertaining video game that trains their brain in minutes. Inspired by the research of prominent neuroscientist Dr. Ryuta Kawashima, Brain Age boosts brain power with quick mental exercises such as solving simple math problems, drawing pictures, reading classical literature aloud, and even playing Sudoku, the popular number puzzle game. Ages 6 and up. No batteries required.*
Bubble Mower from Fisher-Price®
Backyard role-playing is about to POP with the newest Bubble Mower, which is ready for outdoor adventures. This updated mower features all-terrain tires, one-touch refill system, a bigger bubble dispenser for less fill-ups and a no-mess refill. Just press the bubble dispenser once and kids can create a yard full of bubbly fun. Ages 2 and up. No batteries required. One bottle of Bubble Solution included.*
Cars Character 5-Packs from Mattel®
Kids can race home with two Toys "R" Us exclusive packs filled with their favorite character cars based on the Disney/Pixar animated film, Cars. The Piston Cup Racers set, featuring Lightning McQueen, The King, Chick Hicks, Leak Less and Nitroade, will get every child's engine revving. The Radiator Springs set, featuring Mater, Doc Hudson, Sally, Lizze and Sheriff, helps kids recreate the film's hometown adventures. Ages 3 and up. No batteries required.*
Charms and Stickers SkipIt® from Hasbro®
The classic game that challenges kids to skip over a spinning ball is back, and now it's customizable. Beyond keeping players active as they skip over the ball, SkipIt lets children express their personalities by decorating their favorite outdoor game with included stickers and charms. Ages 6 and up. No batteries required.
Disney Princess Wonderland Castle from Toys "R" Us
Transform an ordinary backyard into an enchanted wonderland with this outdoor playhouse guaranteed to make every child feel like a princess. With durable, molded plastic construction, the detailed Disney Princess Wonderland Castle offers realistic features including a tower, windows with shutters, a vanity with mirror, a fold-away table, a working doorbell, an exterior wall fountain, and more. Whether reliving the tales of Belle, Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty, this Toys "R" Us exclusive provides summers filled with happy endings. Ages 12 months to 8 years. No batteries required.*
Hannah Montana 2/Meet Miley Cyrus from Walt Disney Records/Hollywood Records
Tweens who love singing along to the music from the Disney Channel™ smash hit Hannah Montana will spend the entire summer recreating Hannah Montana's second spectacular season with the official soundtrack. This two- disc, double-cover release features 10 songs from the show including "Nobody's Perfect," "Rock Star," "One in a Million," and "We Got the Party." Disc Two introduces Miley Cyrus as a solo artist and songwriter in her own right, with 8 of the 10 original tracks co-written by the teen sensation. Ages 5 and up. No batteries required. Available at Toys "R" Us stores nationwide on June 26.*
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows from Scholastic
Muggles prepare! As young Harry Potter enters his seventh year in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, fans will get to read about their favorite characters for the final time in this magical series. Is Snape good or evil? Where is the final horcrux? Will "He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named" prevail? Who will live and who will die? These mysteries and others may be revealed as the last chapters in Harry Potter's story come to a close. Ages 10 and up. No batteries required. Available at Toys "R" Us stores nationwide on July 21.*
Hot Wheels® Flip N Go™ Octopark™ Playset from Mattel®
Ready to play with no assembly required, this racing set challenges kids to defeat a giant, fast-talking octopus. When kids are done playing, the playset folds up for convenient, instant storage, which makes it perfect for summer travel. The Octopark playset comes with eight sounds and includes an exclusively decorated Hot Wheels vehicle and mini figure. Ages 4 and up. 3 "AG13 (LR44)" button cell batteries required (included).*
John Deere® Gator™ SE (Special Edition) from Peg Perego®
Honk ... Honk! Step into high gear with the John Deere Gator SE two- seater utility truck that's sure to turn the backyard into a new world of adventure and fun. The battery-powered vehicle travels on grass, dirt and other hard surfaces, features forward and reverse functions and two different speeds (2.25 and 4.5 mph). There's also high-speed lockout to prevent beginners from going too fast, a canopy to protect kids from the sun, a dumping bed with a tailgate that opens, on/off pedal and automatic brakes. Ages 3 and up. Rechargeable 12 V (12Ah) battery and charger required (included) and 9 V battery required for the horn (not included).*
Leapster™ Learning Game System from LeapFrog®
Kids will turn green with envy for the portable Leapster Learning Game System, now available in green. In a playful manner, the handheld learning device teaches children essential school skills through action-packed educational games that feature multiple skill levels and tailored tutorials. The interactive touch screen and pen allows kids to write, draw and paint through vivid animation and story-based games. Ages 4 and up. 4 "AA" batteries required (not included).*
Moon Sand™ Sand Castle from Spin Master®
Squish it ... shape it ... and mold it! Kids will have tons of fun building castles with the Moon Sand Sand Castle kit which gives kids everything they need to bring the beach home including re-usable dough-like sand that sculpts, never dries and molds over and over again. The Moon Sand Sand Castle comes complete with a play mat, four molds, sand tool, 1 lb. of sand and a portable carrying case for ideal outdoor and indoor creativity. Ages 3 and up. No batteries required.*
RipStik Caster Board from RazorX™
A new wave of riding breaks with this board that lets kids stop relying on foot-power to propel themselves forward. The RipStik Caster Board, which brings the carving power of a snowboard or surfing to the street, lets skaters reach rocketing speeds with a simple twist of their body. Complete with a pivoting deck that provides a carving motion and concave deck that increases foot control, skaters can get ready for a new experience and a smooth ride. Ages 8 and up. No batteries required.*
Rocket Fishing Rod™ with DVD from Spin Master®
For a "reel-y" good time this summer, the Rocket Fishing Rod with DVD is a great fishing innovation that's accurate, easy-to-use and fun for the entire family. Simply pump the rod, launch the hook into the water ... and reel 'em in! The unique fishing rod features a hook-hiding bobber that casts up to 30 feet and a built-in safety release button. Also included is the Rocket Fishing Rod instructional and fishing DVD guide. Ages 6 and up. No batteries required.*
Rubik's Revolution™ from Techno Source®
Are you a cuber? Rubik's Revolution is the new dynamic interactive cube game - a revolutionary spin on the classic Rubik's Cube - that challenges both mind and dexterity. The electronic cube game, ideal for individual and multi- player gaming, contains six built-in games that feature light, sound and voice effects for Light Speed™, Rapid Recharge™, Pattern Panic™, Code Cracker™, Multiplayer Madness™, and Cube Catcher™. Rubik's Revolution is about speed, smarts and fun. Ages 5 and up. 3 "AAA" batteries required (included).*
Snoopy Sno-Cone Machine from Sababa Toys™
For nearly 30 years, the Snoopy Sno-Cone Machine has symbolized summer fun. First introduced in 1979, this nostalgic toy lets children create treats to help them beat the heat. Just place an ice cube in the Snoopy Sno-Cone Machine, and watch it transform into a delicious dessert with a few turns of the handle. Kids can even flavor their creations with the included Flavor- Aid™ or with their favorite juice or soda. Ages 4 and up. No batteries required. Available at Toys "R" Us stores nationwide in July.*
Spider-Man 3™ Electronic Web Spinning Blaster from Hasbro®
Whether disguised as Peter Parker or geared up as the Amazing Spider-Man, kids can get in on the web-slinging action with the most realistic web blaster ever. The Spider-Man 3 Electronic Web Spinning Blaster creates spiral webs with special web fluid, or drenches Spidey's foes with a blast of water. Ages 5 and up. 3 "AA" batteries required (not included). One can of web fluid included.
Sidewalk Chalk and Sidewalk Paint from Crayola®
Summer art projects become larger than life when kids use the sidewalk as their canvas. Using chalk or paint, children can literally paint the town red, blue, or orange as their creativity blossoms. Best of all, cleanup is a snap. Just wash away the paint to prepare the sidewalk for a new masterpiece. Ages 3 and up. No batteries required.*
Sidewalk Paint Sprayer from Crayola®
Crank up the fun factor with a new way to paint on driveways and sidewalks. Children just squeeze the trigger on this motorized sprayer and a colorful stream of sidewalk paint swirls its way onto the ground from two plastic paint bottles. A dial lets kids choose between pink or blue paint or they can mix the colors together to create purple. The sprayer's nozzle can be adjusted to create thick or thin lines or, a light, wispy mist effect. When the fun is over, the paint easily rinses away with water. Ages 4 and up. 4 "AA" batteries required (not included).*
TRANSFORMERS™ Movie Deluxe Action Figure Assortment from Hasbro®
The colossal battle between the noble AUTOBOTS® and evil DECEPTICONS® flies out of movie theaters and into every child's hands with this deluxe wave of TRANSFORMERS action figures based on the new, live-action film from DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures, in association with Hasbro. Now, as kids change their favorite characters from robot to vehicle mode, "Automorph Technology" moves some of the parts "automatically." Classic characters in the wave include BARRICADE™, BRAWL, JAZZ and BUMBLEBEE. Ages 5 and up. No batteries required.*
Zoingo Boingo™The Flexible Freestyle Pogo™from Spin Master®
Neighborhood kids will soar to new heights with Zoingo Boingo, the flexible freestyle pogo that can be used on grass or the pavement. Unlike conventional pogo sticks, Zoingo Boingo is designed with a stretchable chord that attaches to a durable bounce ball giving kids greater control and the thrill of high-energy bouncing. Boing!! Ages 8 and up. No batteries required.*
About Toys "R" Us, Inc.
Toys "R" Us is the world's leading specialty toy retailer. Currently it sells merchandise through more than 1,500 stores, including 586 stores in the U.S. and 688 international toy stores, which includes licensed and franchise stores, and through its Internet site at www.Toysrus.com. Babies "R" Us is the largest baby product specialty store chain in the world and a leader in the juvenile industry, and sells merchandise through 254 stores in the U.S. as well as on the Internet at www.Babiesrus.com.