toys

What’s So Great About Toy Story 3?

Experiences, Movies / By

With an estimated opening weekend box office of $109 Million, you don’t need me to tell you that Toy Story 3 is a major hit. Pixar’s biggest opening yet speaks to the power of the franchise-and the indelible mark that Woody, Buzz and the whole crew have left on our culture in just 15 years. In fact, it’s hard to imagine many kids growing up without these films-like Star Wars and The Wizard of Oz, they are now part of the kids’ movie pantheon. Yes, the reviews have all been glowing, and even our reviewer Cynthia Fuchs gave the movie 10 stars. Yet what has intrigued me are some of the subtle-and not so-messages that the movie delivers and the brilliant worldview of Pixar and Disney that offers all of us so much insight and food for thought over and above the sheer entertainment value.

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Ban…Or Band-Aid?

Around the Web, Opinions / By

Bans don’t work. Or at least they don’t achieve the desired end, which is generally to fix some problem in the culture. The Prohibition of alcohol in the U. S. from 1920-1933 was a disaster and gave rise to modern organized crime, helped fuel the “Roaring Twenties” and did nothing to prevent those who really wanted alcohol from getting their hands on it.

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Gender Toys

TTPM Guest Blogger / By

I never put much stock into “gender toys” until I had my first son. I was over-diligent exposing him to “girl toys”- babies, dolls, tea parties, etc. All he wanted was balls, cars and anything else that had wheels or moved. So when my second son was born I naively thought he would be the same. To my dismay, I was horrified when, shortly before Christmas this year, I found out that my 20-month-old had a deep abiding love for babies and dolls and I simply had no clue!

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TTPM.comFabulous Fashion

TTPM Guest Blogger / By

Today we’re talking kids and fashion, and sharing fashion trends from the past (vintage) into the present (modern). My idea of fun is taking what kids (and this means you little misters too) love to use – their imagination – and letting it go wild with fun, versatile clothing. You can go from playing “Tea with the Misses” to “Keeper of the Gate at the Royal Castle,” then turn around, jump in the car and go off to the park. No need to shed those favorite styles that are setting off your fantastic adventure! Letting a child’s imagination and creativity flow with play is fascinating to watch and build strong memories with.

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The Toy Year Starts Again

Experiences, Industry News / By

Last week was Jim’s turn to be in Hong Kong, this week it’s mine. The trade show here is the second largest in the world, and it’s where the “toy year” officially starts. Many manufacturers started showing things privately in October, but here in Hong Kong at the amazing Convention Centre that juts magnificently into the harbor from Hong Kong Island, or in the hundreds of showrooms and hotel suites on the mainland, this is where the toys you’ll be trying to find ten short months from now start to take shape.

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TTPM: Turn Off the TV!

TTPM Guest Blogger / By

I am going to start this post with full disclosure, my child watches TV. I know how easy it is to turn it on, but it’s so much harder to turn it off! Young children learn through play and although they may be yelling at Dora or dancing with the Wiggles, watching TV isn’t play. When they play they imagine, they set rules and boundaries, they practice social skills and so much more.

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My Favorite Toy?

Opinions, Products / By

I’ve been inventing and designing toys professionally for close to 15 years now. When I look back on everything that I’ve worked on it’s really hard to choose which one is my favorite. Over the years we’ve worked on a lot here at Design Edge. We’ve worked on things from Tickle Me Elmo to the Godfather Trivia Game. That’s why it was difficult when my fellow blogger, Jim Silver, asked me to write a blog entry on my favorite toy that I’ve ever worked on… what a challenge! It’s like picking a favorite child… impossible.

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