Pre-School A monthly guide dedicated to the biggest sector in toys
‘First impulse purchase toy for under threes’ arrives Wow Toys introduces Pocket Friends collectables for children as young as 18 months
by Dominic Sacco
THE FIRST ever impulse purchase toy range for kids under three years old has hit shelves, says Wow Toys. The Pocket Friends collectable line has already launched in the UK and Wow Toys will be seeking international partners for the blind bag product at the Nuremberg Toy Fair. There are 12 different
figures to collect, consisting of six boy and six girl versions. Each pack – priced at £1.99 – includes a fun activity booklet and a cute figure. They’re targeted at children aged 18 to 36 months. “As previously mentioned, Pocket Friends
is the first ever impulse purchase toy for the under threes and we think they make a really exciting product,” Wow Toys brand manager Alison Watson told ToyNews. “We have seen strong in-
store sales to date and have received extremely positive consumer feedback. For example, we are frequently receiving requests from parents in both the UK and overseas as to where they can buy the product. “Pocket Friends was also
very warmly received by the network of retailers we work with, including indies as well as regional and national chains.” Wow Toys: 020 7471 0980
Galt teams with parenting expert for new line
Rainbow earmarks Paddington pre-school push
by Samantha Loveday RAINBOW DESIGNS has taken the wraps off a new Paddington pre-school line for 2013. The Paddington The
by Samantha Loveday
GALT TOYS is launching a range of 21 developmental toys designed for baby’s first year and beyond at London Toy Fair. Developed with
parenting expert Dr Miriam Stoppard, the line will consist of seven wooden, seven plastic and seven soft toys. Each toy comes
with its own play guide, written by Dr Stoppard. The wooden range includes a Pull-Along Dog, plus First Bricks, puzzles, Baby Walker and a Shape Sorter, while the soft toy collection has books, a mobile, Activity Kitten and Song Bird. Plastic products include Stacking Rings, rattles and a bath set. Galt Toys: 0161 428 9111
Adventurous Bear collection will include bean toys, a four-in-one jigsaw puzzle with stickers, a 48- piece jigsaw puzzle with stickers and a plush Paddington in an open box. “Paddington’s appeal and rich heritage spans the generations, as proven when he won the Favourite Ever British Animated Character award earlier this year,” Anthony Temple, MD at Rainbow Designs explained to ToyNews. “Paddington is first and foremost a pre- school character, and our
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new Paddington The Adventurous Bear range perfectly targets this key audience with a brightly coloured and playful range. “The launch of Paddington The
Adventurous Bear is extremely timely ahead of the movie in 2014, and we will be expanding the range in 2014 and beyond.” Rainbow Designs: 01329 227300