Last Wednesday I left my house at 3:00 am (that is 3 in the morning people, you know like the middle of the night) to catch a bus to go up to New York City for the day so that I could attend The HoliDAY of Play. I might complain about the ungodly hour of my departure but I do not think that day trips to New York City will ever become old for me. Yes, I would rather stay the night and sleep in a little bit but with 4 kids, a working husband, and a full time job nights away are few and far between. Just getting to experience the city over the course of the day, and being mixed in the hustle and bustle of that city for a few hours makes the whole trip worth it for me. (My body might disagree as it takes 2 days for me to recover from the exhaustion associated with these trips.)
HoliDAY of Play
I was very excited when The Big Toy Book (in partnership with Woman’s Day magazine & The Toy Insider) invited me to New York City for the HoliDAY of Play. I joined 100+ other bloggers & press to PLAY with some the hottest toys for this year’s holiday season.
The Toy Insider had some of their Holiday Guide: Top Tech 12 and Holiday Guide: Hot 20 on display for us to look at and play with during the event. You need to go and check these lists out.
“No two kids are the same—so it’s impossible for just one toy to stand out as the hottest toy of the season. Our Hot 20 list incorporates 20 different products that are sure to top kids’ wish lists, but it also includes something for kids of all ages. Every child has individual needs and passions, so please review each toy using our skill key, check out each age segment, and check out the rest of the guide for even more great gifts that will light up the holidays.”
- The Toy Insider
I love this list. Not only does it cover ages 0 to tween but it breaks down the age ranges so that you can look up the age of the child you are looking to buy for and see what is out there for them. They also have a printable gift guide that is going to make Holiday shopping so much easier!
The event started out with a light lunch and 15 minutes welcome from our hosts.
Then we were all set free to enjoy the toys and network with the other bloggers and press representatives. Here are some of my favorite items from the event.
Girls:
If you have girls they are going to LOVE these Spaghetti Headz. Spaghetti Headz are a brand new hair twist for girls. Made from polymer clay, they are eco-friendly swirls of fun in funky styles for girls of all ages. Available in a variety of collectible charm packages, they are made to be styled and collected together. Girls will love the colors and feathers too! My girls loved them. I had some in mu hair when I got home and my girls quickly claimed the twists for themselves.
Boys and Girls:
As we already know Minecraft is loved by girls & boys, old & young. From the hit video game, Minecraft, comes this fun paper craft. This easy-to-build Overworld activity set includes paper blocks and of course a Steve action figure or animals, at 1/16 the size. They also have plush sheep and Creepers.
Next is the Makey Makey Piano that can turn almost anything into a piano. I had a great time playing the banana piano while I was at the event. Makey Makey believes that everyone is creative, inventive, and imaginative. They are dedicated to making easy-to-use invention kits.
Family:
I say family but this could just as easily be used at a birthday party, an adult poker party or bunko night with the ladies. This AWESOME Selfie Booth is an at home photo booth that can be used for any gathering or frankly, any day. JAKKS Pacific takes the photo booth to the next level with their Selfie Booth. A free downloadable app allows users to place themselves in a variety of background themes using a “green screen” technology similar to what is used in movies! It’s easy…just get in the booth, choose a theme, strike a pose and take your picture! They can be printed from your home computer or shared via social media. I know I need one of these for sure!
There really was so much to see. I will have a round up some of my other favorite gift ideas later in the week. Is it too early to say, Happy Holidays!?