Toyology: The Science of Fun!!!

With the 2013 NYC Toy Fair in the rearview mirror, it’s time to set our sights on the next big toy show coming up on the horizon: ToyFest West! This year welcomes a big change to the show – a new location. In a whole new state! Yes, the Southpoint Hotel and Casino in shiny Las Vegas will be the new home to the show, which was previously held in Long Beach, and before that our beloved Pomona. Ah, Pomona…good times.

Check this Southpoint place out:

ToyFest West moves to the Southpoint Casino in Las Vegas!

Looks pretty nice, right? Do I even need to mention they have a 32 lane bowling alley? You’ll know where to find me after the show. The new venue and extracurricular activities the Las Vegas area offers are an added incentive to get out to this wonderful show hosted by WTHRA (Western Toy and Hobby Representatives Association). It’s the second oldest and second largest show of it’s kind, so if you’re a retailer, it’s a must-attend show. Especially if you were “snowed” out of Toy Fair this year.

The important details: The show runs Sunday, March 10th through Wednesday, March 13th. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday. Registration is free and you can sign up for the show here.

Toyology will try to repeat our award winning booth presentation with, by my count, about 5000 square feet of booth space to showcase the latest and greatest from the premiere toy, gift and game vendors we work with. We hope to see you there!

Yeah, that’s right. Shwings are wings for your shoes and you need ‘em! It’s the first day of Summer and I’ve got the cool scoop on the hottest new accessory. Whether you’re a tot, teen, or even an adult, you can find a pair of Shwings (or two or three) that suit your style and give your shoes a fun, eye-catching look. Easy to use with practically any kind of shoe, just lace or strap Shwings on to your shoes and step to the front of the line. You’re a trend-setter now. Pick a few colors and layer them up, go both sides of your shoe for maximum effect, or create your own unique ways to rock Shwings. Any way you lace or strap them on, you can’t go wrong.

Visit the Shwings website for a preview of Shwings Nation and to see the initial styles available, then head over to their Facebook page and give them a like.

Currently available in 12 colors, these are available to retailers now, yes now, so if you’re interested in having these in your store (you will sell lots), contact us right away and we’ll get you set-up with everything you need!

I’d be excited to talk about Square Shooters simply for the fact that it’s one of the most unique and enjoyable games you’ll find on the market today, combining two essential gaming elements everyone loves – cards and dice – into one innovative play experience. Through a patented process they’ve transferred a full deck of cards on to a set of dice, which allows players to roll hands. Yes, the world’s first deck of cards on dice! You can get started with the Square Shooters brand game, then start putting new twists on classic games like Poker and Rummy, and eventually you’ll be creating totally new games altogether. See how cool:

But this post goes beyond the games to call attention to a special campaign they are running for the month of April to support Autism Speaks, the world’s leading autism advocacy and science organization. For the month of April, Square Shooters, now a national program sponsor, will donate $1 for every “like” Square Shooters receives on Facebook. Let me make this easy, visit their Square Shooters Facebook page and Like them. Do it now!

Company owner Tom Donelan has a personal connection with autism and you can read more from Tom at the autism support page on the Square Shooters site. Here’s a great video of Tom summing up both the game and their involvement with Autism Speaks:

Please take a second or two to help them with a “Like” so they’ll have a nice, hefty donation total for the month!