Remember Magnetix, those magnetic toys that were the subject of a series of major recalls, culminating in a $1.1 million fine against manufacturer Mega Brands for not disclosing the deadly risk that those tiny magnets posed to children? The family-run Canadian company is trying to make a comeback, positioning a new series of Halo-themed toys against Lego’s popular Star Wars products. At a recent toy fair, the company even brought along an actor dressed up as Halo hero Master Chief to hawk their wares (no, we didn’t get to peek under his helmet).
toys
By 5.28.09
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Toys R Us to buy FAO Schwarz. The venerable toy retailer and backstop for Apple’s flagship store has been owned by investment firm D.E. Shaw since filing for bankruptcy a few years ago. As part of the deal, TRU is expected to swap its Times Square ferris wheel for FAO’s giant piano keyboard. [Bloomberg]
Mom! My "New" PSP Is Full Of Porn!
By 4.14.09
When a 6-year-old Tampa Bay boy turned on his “new” PSP from Walmart there was a little something extra included. Lots and lots of porn!
Are Webkinz One Year Subscriptions An Unethical Ploy To Sell More Toys?
By 2.18.09
Reader Christopher bought his daughter a Webkinz stuffed animal — for those of your who are not familiar with these toys — with each animal you receive a code that is good for a one year subscription to a virtual version of the toy. After a year — you need to buy another toy or you lose access to your previous pets. Buying more than one toy per year doesn’t extend your subscription, you have to buy one each year to keep it going. Christopher thinks this is unethical.
Prediction: 'Elmo Tickle Hands' Will Be Most Abused Toy of 2009
By 2.16.09
Furries rejoice! Andy at NonToxicReviews is covering Toy Fair in NYC this week, and he’s just uploaded some footage of the latest in the unending parade of Elmo merchandise: vibrating, giggling gloves that you can wear. We’re almost afraid to see the videos that are going to start popping up once these hit the market.
By 2.3.09
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After protests from the First Lady, toy company Ty has agreed not to sell “Sweet Sasha” and “Marvelous Malia” dolls. Ty, the maker of Beanie Babies, had maintained that the dolls were not based on the Obama daughters.
By 2.2.09
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Barbie may have to move out of the dream house or whatever — sales are down 9% and Mattel is hurting. [Bizjournals]
Caylee Anthony Doll Won't Be Sold
By 1.27.09
The manufacturer of the Caylee Anthony Doll has decided to not sell it, bowing to public reaction over the plans to sell a doll “inspired by” a child homicide victim. [Cayleedoll] (Thanks to J M!)
Toy Manufacturer To Sell Caylee Anthony Doll
By 1.27.09
Now you too can be a part of the Caylee Anthony saga unfolding on cable news networks! What’s that? This is a grotesque commercialization of what should be a private tragedy? Don’t be such a downer! “We want it to be a tribute,” Showbiz Promotions prez Jaime Salcedo told the Orlando Sentinel. Heck, he’s even thinking of donating $3 per purchase to some good cause or another.
Find If Your Kid's Toys Got Recalled
By 1.26.09
Want to know if your kid’s toys got recalled? The Parents.com Toy and Product Recall finder shows you. Just enter the name, brand, or model number, or search by category. For this task, at least, it’s more More organized and prettier than Google.
Hooray! CPSC Agrees To Exempt Some Natural Items From Product Safety Act
By 1.8.09
Step back from the ledge, makers of lovingly hand-carved wooden dolls: the Consumer Product Safety Commission has lurched into action and tentatively agreed to exempt some materials and items from the lead-testing requirements in the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act.
Consumers Union Asks Nancy Nord, CPSC To Do A Better Job Explaining These New Toy Testing Rules
By 1.8.09
In this letter (PDF) sent to CPSC chair Nancy Nord, and released to the public, Consumers Union and a bunch of other consumer interest groups ask the CPSC to please do its part to clear up all the confusion over the coming Toy Testing Apocalypse. Don’t want to read the whole thing? Here’s a much shorter summary:
Fisher-Price Kiddie Camera Comes With Fun And A Computer Virus
By 1.3.09
Jeff says his kid’s new toy, a working camera from Fisher-Price, tried to give his computer a virus when he plugged it in!
So, What Did Everybody Get For Christmas?
By 12.26.08
If America’s Google searches for the 25th are any indicator, you all enjoyed tasty meals at IHOP, went for a Christmas Day shopping spree at Walmart, and gave up on Rock Band and Guitar Hero and searched for cheat codes. Tell us what you got, and what you gave, in the comments.
How Do You Reach Hasbro's CEO Brian Goldner?
By 12.24.08
Hasbro promised to replace a Nerf product that broke within minutes of being removed from its package, but that was back in October and Ed still hasn’t received anything.
New Toy Safety Rule Has Collateral Damage: Handmade Toy Manufacturers
By 12.24.08
Thanks to big companies like Mattel, this may be the last Christmas season for a lot of handmade or custom toys from small businesses.
Santa's Not Coming: All KB Toys Stores To Be Liquidated And Closed
By 12.11.08
KB Toys has returned to Chapter 11 bankruptcy, says the Wall Street Journal, and will be liquidated by its parent company — Prentice Capital Management.
2 Dead In Toys 'R Us Black Friday Shooting
By 11.29.08
The floors of a Palm Desert, CA Toys R’ Us ran red on Black Friday after two gunslinging representatives from “two groups of individuals that have a dispute with each other” opened fire. [AP] (Thanks to Tim!)
