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DR. TOY’S Best Classic Toys for 2011
San Francisco, CA
Thursday, March 17, 2011
 




San Francisco, CA – (March 17, 2011) - You can count on classic toys. These are the long lasting toys that "keep on playing" long after the batteries and latest fads are gone.

Where do you turn for a selection that provides a timeless, fun experience that will hold your child's interest?

It's time to turn back the clock! Look for toys that have remained valued playthings since they were first introduced ten or more years ago. These are the lasting favorites of all children who have played with them.

The toys that with the passing of time have become true classics are often overlooked in the rush to get the "hot" new toys. Often great playthings may not reach youngsters who can benefit from playing with them.

Parents need to balance their children's play experiences. They need to be reminded that classic, highly beneficial toys are still around. Quickly parents and grandparents will recall the fun they had with these same classic toys.

Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.D., known as Dr. Toy, has been tracking trends in the toy business for more than 30 years. In her just released Dr. Toy's Best Classic Products for 2011, she has searched across the entire toy industry for the great classic toys that fit the criteria for fun and high play value'.

Dr. Toy says, "Classic toys are enduring and have many important benefits. They encourage the child's interaction, involvement and are truly child-powered."

A wide variety of selections are included among this year's winners. The list reflects toys that Dr. Toy says "are perfect for all ages and interests from baby to older children, teens and adults, from low to high tech, and from nature to nurture."

She recalls some favorite playthings in many family toy chests including (her favorite), Jacks and Ball, jump rope, paper dolls, pick-up sticks, and a long time favorite, marbles. Certainly anyone who has ever tried a hula-hoop still finds it fun to swirl one of the colorful plastic hoops anytime, and for exercise, stress reduction and amusement add a Frisbee or yo-yo!

"Classic toys," Dr. Toy says, reflecting back to her own youth, "are toys you return to from your own childhood like the shiny, durable Radio Flyer red wagon, scooter, or tricycle.

Many parents want to introduce their child to that special favorite, a yo-yo, or Lincoln Logs, Erector Sets, or Tinker Toys, or an Etch-A-Sketch, or a first teddy bear, Raggedy Ann doll, or Lionel electric train. Classics are 'basics' that never go out of style."

Dr. Toy carefully surveys the toy marketplace year round to select a wide-range of great classic toys. While Dr. Toy keeps abreast of new products, she keeps her eye on the enduring and endearing qualities of the toys of yesteryear. The classic toys she has selected as winners have been available for ten, fifty, or a hundred years or more.

The winners of the annual classic toy search are included in Dr. Toy's Best Classic Toys for 2011, available now on the free, popular, accessible web-site that presents her award selections for parents and teachers to benefit children.

Dr. Toy's Guide, www.drtoy.com, provides all pertinent information and includes photos, complete product descriptions, links to company sites, and consumer information.

If you are at a loss for an appropriate toy for the child in your life, the suggestions found in the Dr. Toy's Best Classic Toys Program for 2011 will help you more easily locate valuable products to introduce to your child. These toys have truly met the 'test of time.' They have endured, entertained, and satisfied children for many years, and will continue to do so for many years to come.

Dr. Auerbach's book, Toys for a Lifetime: Enhancing Childhood Through Play (Rizzoli), provides a close up of over 60 classic toys that you enjoyed. She is also the author of The Toy Chest (limited copies available upon request) and Dr. Toy's Smart Play/Smart Toys: How to Raise a Child with a High P.Q. (St Martins Press, 1999, Educational Insights, 2004, and ICR, 2010). This book has also been published in China, Croatia, Germany, Greece, India, Israel, Korea, Russia, Spain and Thailand with more to come.

If you wish to nominate a favorite classic toy for next year's selection of "Best Classic Toys," send your recommendation now to: Dr. Toy, 268 Bush Street, San Francisco, CA 94104. For a free copy of the Dr. Toy's Best Classic Toys For 2011, go to www.drtoy.com

You can explore Dr. Toy's web site, www.drtoy.com, to find out what all the excitement is about. Then make some of your own by selecting those products that most appeal to your child (or yourself). Perhaps you will easily share the fun of a special classic toy with your child. You may recall the fun of that toy when you were little. If that's the case, you can enjoy carrying on a family tradition that spans several generations. Consider finding your favorite classic toy to enjoy. Many adults collect toys as a fun hobby. Besides, adults need more time to play for emotional and physical benefits. "More playtime for all!" is the best Dr. Toy's Rx for playtime for children and adults.

 Dr. Toy's Best Classic Products For 2011

# Company Product*, Type Price Age Intro CustSrv# www.

1. ALEX Paint in the Tub, CP NO TY $14.99 3-8 1999 800-666-2539 alextoys.com

2. ALEX Under Cover Spy Case, AE FP NO $25.99 8-10 1999 800-666-2539 alextoys.com

3. b. dazzle Butterflies Scramble, ES PZ TR $8.95 4-12 1997 800-809-4242 b-dazzle.com

4. b. dazzle Serengeti Scramble Squares, ES PZ $8.95 4-12 1997 800-809-4242 b-dazzle.com

5. b. dazzle Soccer Scramble Squares, ES PZ TR $8.95 4-12 1997 800-809-4242 b-dazzle.com

6. b. dazzle Tropical Fish Scramble, ES PZ TR $8.95 4-12 1997 800-809-4242 b-dazzle.com

7. BEKA Deluxe Easel, AC CP ES HO $90.00 2-12 1984 888-999-2352 bekainc.com

8. Chicco Animal Cottage, ES PZ $19.99 12-24 mos 2000 877-424-4226 chiccousa.com

9. Corolle Dolls Bébé Chéri, DO $100.00 3-5 1979 800-668-4846 corolle.com

10. Critical Thinking Language Mechanic, BO ES $21.99 8-12 2001 800-458-4849 criticalthinking.com

11. Del Visionaries Little Green Money Machine, AE ES $199.00 5-12 2010 888-678-6954 littlegreenmoneymachine.com

12. DoodleTown Little Toys for Little Hands, TR TS $7.00 0-5 1972 763-263-5123 doodletowntoys.com

13. Endless Games Picture Password, BG $14.99 4-8 1961 732-414-2213 endlessgames.com

14. Faire Tyme Toys Top Tafel, AC AE BG $99.00 8-12 2000 519-692-5212 fairetymetoys.com

15. Finan Enterprises KLOO, AE BG CG ES TR $49.95 8-10 2010 561-827-0993 kloogame.com

16. Geomagworld SA Geomag - Color, AE CO CP ES TY $21.00 3-12 1998 800-444-4775 reevesintl.com

17. K'NEX Ferris Wheel, CO ES TY $21.99 7-12 1998 800-543-5639 knex.com

18. Knowledge Adventure JumpStart.com, CP ES GE TY IN $7.99 3-12 1991 800-545-7677 jumpstart.com

19. Knowledge Adventure MathBlaster.com, CP ES GE TY IN $7.99 6-12 1983 800-545-7677 mathblaster.com

20. Learning Materials Prismatic, CO ES TY $65.00 3-8 1985 800-693-7164 learningmaterialswork.com

21. Learning Resources Gears!Gears! Super Set, CO ES TY $49.99 3-8 1997 800-333-8281 learningresources.com

22. Manhattan Toy Baby Whoozit™, TR TY $13.00 0-24 mos 1996 800-541-1345 manhattantoy.com

23. Manhattan Toy Skwish® Classic, AE TR TY $16.50 0-24 mos 2001 800-541-1345 manhattantoy.com

24. Maple Landmark Chinese Checkers, BG ES $35.00 8-12 2000 800-421-4223 maplelandmark.com

25. Maple Landmark Montgomery Rattles, AE TY $10.00 1-24 mos 1975 800-421-4223 maplelandmark.com

26. OOZ&OZ Morph-O-Scopes Circus, AC NO TR $19.99 5-12 1993 888-750-3338 oozandoz.com

27. Pop-in-Kins Christopher Pop-In-Kins, BO DO CT $29.95 3-12 1985 866-283-5178 popinkins.com

28. Tangle Creations Tangle Jr., CP ES HO NO PZ TR TY $2.99 3-12 1985 888-829-3808 tanglecreations.com

29. Thames & Kosmos Fuel Cell 10 Car & Kit, ES HO SC $179.95 10-12 2001 401-459-6787 thamesandkosmos.com

30. Tolo Toys Rolling Shape Sorter, AE ES TY $26.00 12 mos-3 1998 800-444-4775 reevesintl.com

31. US Games Wizard Card Games, CG $8.00 10-12 1986 800-544-2637 wizardcards.com

32. Wham-O Frisbee® Disc, AE TY $7.99 5-12 1958 888-942-6650 wham-o.com

33. Wham-O Hula Hoop® Original, AE TY $4.99 5-12 1958 888-942-6650 wham-o.com

34. Wham-O Slip'N Slide®, AE OP TY $9.99 5-12 1961 888-942-6650 wham-o.com

35. Wham-O Superball®, AE TY $1.99 5-12 1965 888-942-6650 wham-o.com

36. Wild Republic Audubon Birds, HO NO PL TY $8.00 3-12 2001 800-800-9678 wildrepublic.com

37. WowToyz E-Z Build Model, CO ES HO TS TY $11.95 5-12 2000 800-350-1007 wowtoyz.com

38. WowToyz Diecast Metal Airplanes, ES HO TS $11.50 3-12 2000 800-350-1007 wowtoyz.com

39. WowToyz Space Shuttle Launch Ctr, ES TS $26.95 3-12 2000 800-350-1007 wowtoyz.com

40. Yoshiritsu Co LaQ Free Style Colors, AC CO CP $32.95 5-12 1995 972-436-3867 laq.co.jp/en

*Product information updated regularly on www.drtoy.com

Key:

AC = arts & crafts

AE = active

BG = board game

BO = book

CG = card game

CO = construction

CP = creative product

CR = computer-related

CT = cultural

DO = doll

ES = educational skills

FP = fantasy play

GE = game

HO = hobby

IN = internet

NO = novelty

OP = outdoor play

PL = plush

PZ = puzzle

SC = science

TR = travel

TS = transportation

TY = toy
 
 
Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.D. /Dr.Toy
Consultant/Author/Speaker
Dr Toy's Guide
San Francisco, CA
510-540-0111
510540-0171
 
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