Many are making a big show of their historic birthdays in 2010. Toy Expert Elizabeth Werner says these classic toys are still a hit for today's generation of kids.
ABOUT ELIZABETH WERNER
Elizabeth has been immersed in the toy industry for years. A frequent host on QVC, where she regularly brings great children's products to the attention of parents, she now also serves as toy expert for Todaymoms.com. In addition, Elizabeth makes regular appearances on Today as well as The View and other national and local news programs. She routinely speaks to the media at toy fairs and other children industry events.
HERE ARE SOME OF HER FAVORITES
Bratz - 10 Years!
In celebration of the 10th Anniversary milestone of one of its hottest franchise, MGA Entertainment has launched a new edition of the world's favorite BRATZ® pack. Cloe™, Yasmin™ , Sasha™ and Jade™ - are back, sporting a fresh new look featuring updated faces, new bodies and the hottest fashions. Also -- for the first time in a year, MGA is launching a whole new line of Bratz® products, including a snazzy FM cruiser®.
Ages: 6 and up
BRATZ® PASSION 4 FASHION™ DOLLS -- $9.99 or
BRATZ PARTY DOLLS $19.99 EACH
BRATZ PARTY FM CRUISER: $34.99
www.bratz.com
Rubik's Cube -- 30 years!
In honor of the 30th Anniversary of the Rubik's Cube, Techno Source is bringing us the Rubik's Slide. They've taken all the great elements of Rubik's - speed, smarts and that special tactile game play -- and created an electronic puzzle game that anyone can play, and more important, that anyone can solve! Select your level of difficulty--easy, medium or hard. Start by checking the goal pattern and then slide the lights into the correct pattern by twisting and shifting the top panel--much like the "slide" or "fifteen" puzzles from years ago. There are more than 10,000 puzzles built in! It's really addictive--once you play, you won't want to put it down!
Ages: 8 to adult
$19.99
www.rubiksslide.com
@Rubiks_Slide -twitter
Strawberry Shortcake -- 30 Years!
Strawberry Shortcake is 30 years "young" this year -- and for the big birthday, Hasbro has re-imagined the doll for today's girl. The Strawberry Shortcake Core Fashion Doll Assortment features fruit scented dolls wearing gorgeous, removable fashions for mix and match fun. Each doll has "real" hair and comes complete with two hairclips, a brush and a handbag. Girls can choose from four friends, Strawberry Shortcake, Lemon Meringue, Raspberry Torte and Plum Pudding.
Ages: 3 and up
$9.99 each
www.hasbrotoyshop.com
Tomica cars -- 40 years!
Following a rich, 40 year history of mass success in Japan, the much-loved TOMICA line of die-cast cars, trains and accessories by TOMY Corporation is making its North American debut to celebrate this milestone anniversary. The collectible line of 27 products includes seven die-cast car sets, three train sets, six accessory sets, six destination sets and five deluxe play sets. All elements of the line can be merged together to create a TOMICA city with limitless building and exploration opportunities. The TOMICA car and train system features a robust combination of auto and locomotive play that teaches kids the rules of the road and encourages creative construction and role playing, allowing for endless fun and imaginative playtime.
Ages 4 and up
$4.99 - $79.99
www.TOMY-USA.com
Play Doh Factory Fun -- 50 years!
Fifty years after the launch of the original Play-Doh Fun Factory, Hasbro introduces the brand new MEGA FUN FACTORY set -- which takes classic extruding play to a whole new level! A motorized conveyor belt provides nonstop action as kids crank out favorite toys and "treats" in this lively FUN FACTORY world. To start, children push down the purple handle to extrude the colored PLAY-DOH compound of their choice. As the conveyor belt moves the PLAY-DOH compound along, kids select and stamp out a "candy" or toy mold and then push down the "chopper" at the end of the belt to cut their creation loose. To complete the fantastical FUN FACTORY experience, kids can display and "sell" their creations on a colorful playmat featuring a toy shop theme on one side and a candy store theme on the other side. Set includes six 2-ounce cans of PLAY-DOH compound. Requires two "AA" batteries, not included.
Ages 3 and up
$29.99
www.hasbrotoyshop.com
Hello Kitty -- 50 years!
JAKKS Pacific's new Hello Kitty® line of special edition plush celebrates Sanrio's 50th Anniversary and their "smallgift, big smile® phiolosphy, that a small gift can bring a big smile to people of all ages. For the first time ever, in honor of Sanrio's 50th anniversary, Hello Kitty and other Sanrio friends will be sold together in limited anniversary editions that will be every collector's dream! They will feature Hello Kitty dressed up as Sanrio characters, including BADTZ-MARU®, TUXEDOSAM®, KEROPPI® AND CHOCOCAT®.
Ages 5+
$6.99
www.jakks.com
