 Every
February, thousands of toy store owners descend on New York City for
the American International Toy Fair. It’s a spectacular, eye-popping
extravaganza where over 1500 manufacturers showcase their newest products
for the coming year. Our team spent four exhausting days tromping
down the aisles, testing toys, playing games and gathering information.
By our calculations, we collectively logged more than 60 miles of
walking over four days. Our feet hurt, but boy was it fun.
 We
saw dozens of products inspired by the Sudoku craze, a steady stream
of magnetic toys, lots of new technology and TROLLS! Yes, they are
back. The original ugly doll with the bright, frizzy hair is attempting
a comeback. Usually, we make these decisions ourselves, but in this
case, we’re asking for your help.
Should we encourage the resuscitation of this fad?
Vote now and you’ll be entered to win an Uglydoll, the latest
ugly craze to sweep the nation.
We did find a lot of great new products, and we featured some of
our favorites on our blog, www.spillingthebeans.net.
Stay tuned, we’ll be covering all our new arrivals as soon
as they come in.
Collector's Edition
 Whether
it’s a formal hobby or an irresistible impulse, most kids
are natural born collectors. For some, the interest in collecting
continues well into adulthood. Each year, people invest more than
$10 billion on collectible items, but collections don’t need
to be expensive. Kids can start with collecting rocks, stamps, seashells
or other found objects. According to experts, collections help teach
kids about organization, creativity, storytelling and an awareness
of the world around us. So take a look at this great site developed
by the Smithsonian
Institution, and encourage your kids to start a collection of
their own.
Toys are also a great collectible for kids. For younger children,
Schleich miniature animals are a nice place to start. Along the
same lines, the best-selling Papo Knights figurines are an ideal
kids’ collectible. For a generation, Playmobil has been a
favorite among toy collectors young and old.
Stuffed animals are another good choice. While Beanie Babies aren’t
as popular as they used to be, each one is a limited edition, and
they are fun for young collectors. High-quality stuffed animals
are a collector’s treasure. The legendary Steiff animals are
a classic collectible, but the steep prices don’t usually
adhere to a piggy bank budget. Trudi is an Italian line that is
new to the US market, and their stuffed animals are gorgeous. They
are a great middle-market option for kids (and adults).
Instant Replay
 Due
to overwhelming interest in the first Education & Retirement
Workshop, Blythe Meyomesse, a financial advisor with Waddell
& Reed and Magic Beans are hosting a second seminar at the
Coolidge Corner Theatre’s video screening room on Sunday,
March 5th, from 10:45AM to noon. Please feel free to arrive
any time after 10:30 AM. The seating capacity of the room is 45
people (adults, children & babies), so when you RSVP, please
let us know how many people will be joining you. Drinks and snacks
will be available (all peanut free), so bring your appetite, too.
Blythe is a full time mother as well as a full time financial advisor,
since joining Waddell & Reed in 2005. Like all parents, Blythe
believes her 21-month-old daughter, Giselle, to be a highly intelligent,
gifted child who no doubt will receive a full scholarship to the
college of her choice. But, her backup plan is to save for Giselle’s
education as well as her own retirement. Come and hear how you can
do it, too.
Please RSVP by emailing: bmeyomesse@wradvisors.com
To find out more about Waddell & Reed, please go to www.waddell.com. |
