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DR. TOY ’S BEST CLASSIC TOYS FOR 2011
Selected by StevanneAuerbach, Ph.D. (Dr.Toy)

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – ( March 7, 2011) - 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 Dr. Toy’s Best Classic Products for 2011, 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.”

A wide variety of selections are included among this year’s winners. The list reflects toys that Dr. Toy says “are perfect for all ages and interests from baby to older children, teens and adults, from low to high tech, and from nature to nurture.”

She 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 add a Frisbee or yo-yo!

“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 a 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 for ten, fifty, or a hundred years or more.

The winners of the annual classic toy search are included in Dr.Toy’sBest Classic Toys for 2011, available now on the free, popular, accessible web-site that presents her award selections for parents and teachers to benefit children.

Dr. Toy’s Guide, www.drtoy.com, provides all pertinent information and includes photos, complete product descriptions, links to company sites, 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 Toys Program for 2011 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 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 The Toy Chest (limited copies available upon request) and Dr. Toy’s Smart Play/Smart Toys: How to Raise a Child with a High P.Q. (St Martins Press, 1999, Educational Insights, 2004, and ICR, 2010). This book has also been published in China, Croatia, Germany, Greece, India, Israel, Korea, Russia, Spain and Thailand with more to come.

If you wish to nominate a favorite classic toy for next year’s selection of “Best Classic Toys,” send your recommendation now to: Dr. Toy, 268 Bush Street, San Francisco, CA 94104. For a free copy of the Dr.Toy’s Best Classic Toys For 2011, go to www.drtoy.com

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 the best Dr. Toy’s Rx for playtime for children and adults.

Interviews regarding the book and/or the smart toys and products can be arranged with
Greg Walsh greg@walshpr.com T: 203- 216- 6101

Full information on products on www.drtoy.com.

Award Winning Companies and Products (alphabetical)

Dr. Toy ’s Best Classic Products For 2011
Selected by StevanneAuerbach, Ph.D. (Dr.Toy)

Company

Product/Type

Intro

Website

ALEX

Paint in the Tub, CP NO TY

1999

www.alextoys.com

ALEX

Under Cover Spy Case, AE FP NO

1999

www.alextoys.com

b. dazzle

Butterflies Scramble, ES PZ TR

1997

www.b-dazzle.com

b. dazzle

Serengeti Scramble Squares, ES PZ

1997

www.b-dazzle.com

b. dazzle

Soccer Scramble Squares, ES PZ TR

1997

www.b-dazzle.com

b. dazzle

Tropical Fish Scramble, ES PZ TR

1997

www.b-dazzle.com

BEKA

Deluxe Easel, AC CP ES HO

1984

www.bekainc.com

Chicco

Animal Cottage, ES PZ

2000

www.chiccousa.com

Corolle Dolls

Bébé Chéri, DO

1979

www.corolle.com

Critical Thinking

Language Mechanic, BO ES

2001

www.criticalthinking.com

Del Visionaries

Little Green Money Machine, AE ES

2010

www.littlegreenmoneymachine.com

DoodleTown

Little Toys for Little Hands, TR TS

1972

www.doodletowntoys.com

Endless Games

Picture Password, BG

1961

www.endlessgames.com

Faire Tyme Toys

Top Tafel, AC AE BG

2000

www.fairetymetoys.com

Finan Enterprises

KLOO, AE BG CG ES TR

2010

www.kloogame.com

Geomagworld SA

Geomag - Color, AE CO CP ES TY

1998

www.reevesintl.com

K'NEX

Ferris Wheel, CO ES TY

1998

www.knex.com

Knowledge Adventure

JumpStart.com, CP ES GE TY IN

1991

www.jumpstart.com

Knowledge Adventure

MathBlaster.com, CP ES GE TY IN

1983

www.mathblaster.com

Learning Materials

Prismatic, CO ES TY

1985

www.learningmaterialswork.com

Learning Resources

Gears!Gears! Super Set, CO ES TY

1997

www.learningresources.com

Manhattan Toy

Baby Whoozit™, TR TY

1996

www.manhattantoy.com

Manhattan Toy

Skwish® Classic, AE TR TY

2001

www.manhattantoy.com

Maple Landmark

Chinese Checkers, BG ES

2000

www.maplelandmark.com

Maple Landmark

Montgomery Rattles, AE TY

1975

www.maplelandmark.com

OOZ&OZ

Morph-O-Scopes Circus, AC NO TR

1993

www.oozandoz.com

Pop-in-Kins

Christopher Pop-In-Kins, BO DO CT

1985

www.popinkins.com

Tangle Creations

Tangle Jr., CP ES HO NO PZ TR TY

1985

www.tanglecreations.com

Thames & Kosmos

Fuel Cell 10 Car & Kit, ES HO SC

2001

www.thamesandkosmos.com

Tolo Toys

Rolling Shape Sorter, AE ES TY

1998

www.reevesintl.com

US Games

Wizard Card Games, CG

1986

www.wizardcards.com

Wham-O

Frisbee® Disc, AE TY

1958

www.wham-o.com

Wham-O

Hula Hoop® Original, AE TY

1958

www.wham-o.com

Wham-O

Slip'N Slide®, AE OP TY

1961

www.wham-o.com

Wham-O

Superball®, AE TY

1965

www.wham-o.com

Wild Republic

Audubon Birds, HO NO PL TY

2001

www.wildrepublic.com

WowToyz

E-Z Build Model, CO ES HO TS TY

2000

www.wowtoyz.com

WowToyz

Diecast Metal Airplanes, ES HO TS

2000

www.wowtoyz.com

WowToyz

Space Shuttle Launch Ctr, ES TS

2000

www.wowtoyz.com

Yoshiritsu Co

LaQ Free Style Colors, AC CO CP

1995

www.laq.co.jp/en

KEY

AC = arts & crafts
AE = active
BG = board game
BO = book
CG = card game
CO = construction
CP = creative product
CR = computer-related
CT = cultural
DO = doll
ES = educational skills
FP = fantasy play
GE = game
HO = hobby
IN = internet
NO = novelty
OP = outdoor play
PL = plush
PZ = puzzle
SC = science
TR = travel
TS = transportation
TY = toy