THE American International Toy Fair, held every February at New York’s Javits Center, really tests the reviewing skills of Johnathan, our young partner in the 15 Minutes Magazine Products Evaluation Team (PET). Although our Junior PET of almost three years of age is not allowed into the show, he can’t wait for the products to arrive at the office so he can give us his opinion. Johnathan wisely defers to Grampa, the Senior PET, to evaluate games and gear for teens and adults.

[ Aeromax Get Real Gear ] [ Front Porch Classics ] [ Franklin Sports ]
[ BlueBerry Organizer Phone ] [ I Knit This Poncho ] [ Party Projects ]
[ FunSlides ]

EROMAX has the most official looking bunker gear for kids. Take the Jr. Fire Fighter Suit ($59.95). The bib overalls has pockets, knee patches, and adjustable suspenders. The coat has buckles, zipper, pockets, authentic gauntlet cuffs and reinforced elbow patches. The hard helmet is adjustable. Available in 6 sizes from 18 months to adult, in three colors – black, tan and blue.

Junior PET reviewer Johnathan tested this high quality outfit, and was the hit of the neighborhood firehouse where his daddy is a volunteer fireman.

Johnathan also tested the Jr. Executive Chef Suit ($54.95) to help mommy in the kitchen. It has a double-breasted and embroidered coat with pockets, and pants with waistband and rear pockets. The embroidered chef’s hat is tall, to give the little one authority at the grill. There’s even a cooking mitt with button attachment.

Aeromax has other well-crafted Get Real Gear to delight youngsters and propel them on imaginative journeys in the playground and creative play at home. These innovative playsuits include the Astronaut, Air Force Pilot, Ninja, Cowboy, Doctor, Police, Train Engineer, Champion Racing. Order or see more at www.aeromaxtoys.com.

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RONT PORCH CLASSICS produces some of the best classical games around. The company’s philosophy is simple: produce handsome games that you’d be proud to display on your coffee table or book shelf, not tuck them away out of sight in closet or storeroom. See www.FrontPorchClassics.com.

Dread Pirate bookshelf edition comes packaged in an aged wooden book. You play on a wonderfully illustrated and aged treasure map with cast metal playing pieces, replica doubloons, knuckle bones (dice), treasure bags and pirate treasure. The pirate who collects the most treasure will sail away the winner. For 2-4 players, ages 8 to adult.

Old Century Stretch Run is an exciting racing game of chance and strategy packaged in an attractive wood case that you wouldn’t hesitate to leave out for all to see and admire – and play. Throw the die and have your jockey move his steed along the board. Fun for the whole family.

Master and Commander, based on the Russell Crowe movie, is another bookshelf game that, after you’ve tasted victory in pursuit of enemy warships, you "hang up" your quality crafted board game on the book shelf. Players hit the high seas and hunt each other around tropical islands, engaging in classic maritime battle. For 2-8 players, ages 8 to adult.

See more at www.FrontPorchClassics.com.

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Sports Action

RANKLIN Sports offers many action games in its new Youth Sports catalogue. Homerun Action Pinball is a new item that grabbed our attention at the Toy Fair. It’s for ages 5 and up, promising real arcade pinball fun. Equipped with three fast flippers, digital scoring and sound effects. The tabletop design makes it ideal for use in any room of the house.

A second great item is the Ready To Go Deluxe Hoops for ages 7 and up. Hang it up on a door with its adjustable attachment and you’re ready to score some hoops. Comes with three translucent basketballs, and electronic scoring.

Both products sell for $59.99.

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ITH Blackberry the corporate rage, can a Berry for the younger set be far behind? It’s here, now. Cyber Gear Databank Organizer Phone is a palm-size personal planner that comes in four fruity flavors: BlueBerry, GreyBerry, GrapeBerry and StrawBerry for ages 7 and up.

You can store dozens of phone numbers, email addresses and important dates, with password protection. You can plug it into any phone jack to use as a landline phone.

Runs on two AAA batteries (not included) and priced at $19.99 at stores. More information at www.sakar.com.

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NITTING is in vogue, and I do not mean the magazine. Seems the craft has become hip, having segued from the brittle hands of Sophia in The Golden Girls to the nimble fingers of such stylish trendsetters as Cameron Diaz and Hilary Swank. In a previous generation, fashionable knitters included Joan Crawford and Katharine Hepburn. It is again becoming a nimble hobby for everyone from 8 and up.

You can join the current trend and make your own fashion statement with the help of I Knit This Poncho So Can You, a package that contains acrylic yarn, a couple of wood needles and easy instructions. In less than four hours you will have produced a poncho you will be proud to wear – or give as a gift.

Priced at $16. More information at www.thebeadshoponline.com.

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ITH 24 bars of clay and an intensive party guide, Sculpey promises an hour of fun for moms and up to eight kids at birthday parties – and they get to take home three cute projects. Polyform Products, makers of Sculpey clays, has made a Party Projects Oven-Baked Clay Party Kit that is packed with bars of different colored clay, keychains, chenille stems, pencils, toothpicks and instruction books to get the young ‘uns started.

Kids work with Sculpey clay, making various fun things described in the instructions. Then they put their clay creations in the oven. After 15 minutes their projects are ready to be taken home.

Caution: don’t play with the clay on furniture, floor, carpeting, or fabric. Handle the clay on a glass or metal surface, or on disposable foil or wax paper. Price: $34.99.

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OULDN’T you like to slide on the hardwood floor of your front room or recreation room? Didn’t we all do that when we were kids? You can still that, both you and your kids. But what if your floor today is wall-to-wall carpet?  That shouldn’t stop the fun – if you have FunSlides Carpet Skates. You get the same power glide, but on carpet. Is that cool, or what?

First put on sneakers. Then step onto the Carpet Skates and strap them to your sneakers. With their friction resistant plastic base, you’re able to slide, play or exercise.

Get a Carpet Puck and you could even play hockey indoors on the carpet. It also works on hard surfaces. Not to worry: the Carpet Puck is made of plastic to glide over carpet, and soft foam to bounce safely off the wall. See more at www.carpetsports.com.

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