PRESS RELEASE

DR. TOY 'S BEST CLASSIC TOY FOR 2008

San Francisco, CA – (Oct. 24, 2008) – You can count on classic toys. These are the long lasting toys that “keep on playing” long after the batteries and latest fads are gone. Where do you turn for a selection that provides a timeless, fun experience that will hold your child’s interest? It’s time to turn back the clock! Look for toys that have remained valued playthings since they were first introduced ten or more years ago. These are the lasting favorites of all children who have played with them. The toys that with the passing of time have become true classics are often overlooked in the rush to get the “hot” new toys. Often great playthings may not reach youngsters who can benefit from playing with them. Parents need to balance their children’s play experiences. They need to be reminded that classic, highly beneficial toys are still around. Quickly parents and grandparents will recall the fun they had with these same classic toys.

Stevanne Auerbach , Ph.D. , known as Dr. Toy , has been tracking trends in the toy business for more than 30 years. In her just released “Best Classic Toy Product for 2008” she has searched across the entire toy industry for the great classic toys that fit the criteria for fun and ‘high play value’. Dr. Toy says, "Classic Toys are enduring and have many important benefits. They encourage the child's interaction, involvement and are truly child-powered.”

This year’s winner the Frisbee® by Wham-O is an old favorite that have kids of all ages moving out of doors and is great fun. This product reflects the best of classic toys that Dr. Toy says are perfect for all ages -- children, teens and adults. The Frisbee® started playfully in 1937 and was launched officially in the Wham-O line in 1957.

History of Wham-O’s Frisbee® by Phil Ken nedy

Humans have been tossing round, flat objects since time immemorial…just because it’s fun to watch them fly! Then, at a 1937 Thanksgiving gathering in Los Angeles , Walter Fredrick Morrison flipped a popcorn can lid with his girlfriend, Lu. Soon they were selling “Flyin’ Cake Pans” on Southern California beaches. By 1948, Fred had designed the very first plastic disc, the Flyin-Saucer. But it was his better-performing second design, the 1955 Pluto Platter®, which convinced Wham-O to add it to their 1957 line of products. Soon Pluto Platters® were marketed under the brand name Frisbee® after Wham-O’s president, Rich Knerr, heard that college students back East had nicknamed them “frisbies” (probably after a local pie bakery whose tins they had tossed). Today Frisbee® brand discs unite the world with popular activities enjoyed by everyone—from backyard fun to serious sports, such as Disc Golf and Ultimate. In Fred Morrison ’s immortal words: “Who’d a thunk it?!”

Dr. Toy recalls some favorite playthings in many family toy chests including (her favorite) ‘Jacks and Ball’, Jump rope, Paper dolls, Pick-Up Sticks, and a long time favorite, Marbles. Certainly, anyone who has ever tried a Hula-Hoop® still finds it fun to swirl one of the colorful plastic hoops anytime, and for exercise, stress reduction and amusement can add a Frisbee® and continue the fun out of doors.

"Classic toys," Dr. Toy says, reflecting back to her own youth, "are toys you return to from your own childhood like the shiny, durable Radio Flyer red wagon, scooter or tricycle. Many parents want to introduce their child to that special favorite, a Yo-Yo, or Lincoln Logs, Erector Sets, or Tinker Toys, or an Etch-A-Sketch, or their first teddy bear, Raggedy Ann doll, or Lionel electric train. Classics are ‘basics’ that never go out of style."

Dr. Toy carefully surveys the toy marketplace year round to select a wide-range of great classic toys. While Dr. Toy keeps abreast of new products, she keeps her eye on the enduring and endearing qualities of the toys of yesteryear. The classic toys she has selected as winners have been available from ten, fifty to one hundred years or more.

More information about the Frisbee® is included in "The Best Classic Toy for 2008 Report,” available now on www.drtoy.com the free, popular, accessible web-site that presents her award selections of classic and other products she evaluates for parents and teachers to benefit children. Dr. Toy 's Guide . [http://www.drtoy.com] provides all pertinent information and includes photo, complete product description, link to company and consumer information.

If you are at a loss for an appropriate toy for the child in your life the suggestions found in the “Dr. Toy’s Best Classic Toy Program of 2008” will help you more easily locate valuable products to introduce to your child. These toys have truly met the ‘test of time’. They have endured, entertained and satisfied children for many years, and will continue to do so for many years to come.

Dr. Auerbach ’s earlier book, Toys for a Lifetime: Enhancing Childhood Through Play (Rizzoli), provides a close up of over 60 classic toys that you enjoyed. She is also the author of Dr.Toy’s Smart Play/Smart Toys: How to Raise a Child with a High P.Q. (Educational Insights/ Lightening Press). This book has been published also in Greece , India , Israel , Korea , Spain and Thailand , and soon will be available in Russia , Taiwan , and other countries.

You can explore Dr. Toy ’s web site ( www.drtoy.com) to find out what all the excitement is about. Then make some of your own by selecting those products that most appeal to your child (or yourself). Perhaps you will easily share the fun of a special classic toy with your child. You may recall the fun of that toy when you were little. If that's the case, you can enjoy carrying on a family tradition that spans several generations. Consider finding your favorite classic toy to enjoy. Many adults collect toys as a fun hobby. Besides adults need more time to play for emotional and physical benefits. “More playtime for all!” is Dr. Toy ’s Rx for children and adults.

Details on winning company and product is included. For more details, see www.drtoy.com.

Dr. Toy ’s Best Classic Product 2008
Product information updated regularly on www.drtoy.com 

Company

Product, Type

Price

Age

Intro

CustSrv#

www.

WHAM-O

Re-Flyer TM Recycled Frisbee ® Disc

AE OP SR GN

$8.99

5-12

2008

888-942-6650

www.wham-o.com

Key:
AE = active; OP = outdoor play; SR = socially responsible; GN = green

Interviews regarding the book and/or toys can be arranged with
Greg Walsh 203- 292-6280 Greg@walshpr.com
Full information on products on www.drtoy.com