TimetoPlayMag.com Launches Shop for Kids App
TimetoPlayMag.com (that’s us!) released Shop for Kids by TimetoPlayMag.com, a free mobile app for iOS and Android designed to simplify the experience of searching for and buying children’s products.
The app provides all the information shoppers need to make educated purchasing decisions on the go. Users can browse the extensive TimetoPlayMag.com database of reviews on the latest toys, video games, baby products, sporting goods, children’s books, movies, apps, and more.
“The Shop for Kids app is a game changer. It’s an all-in-one mobile shopping tool that takes the guesswork out of finding the best products for the kids in your life at the best prices,” said Jim Silver, CEO and editor-in-chief of TimetoPlayMag.com. “The app leverages our unparalleled database to provide search results alongside live pricing at major retailers in real time. There is nothing like it out there, and we are confident it will change the way people shop for kids.”
Simply scan the product’s UPC code or type into the search bar to access TimetoPlayMag.com’s database of thousands of products. Access the complete profile of the toy, which includes a video review and editor’s ranking.
View real-time, online price and availability of a product at major retailers: Walmart, Toys “R” Us, Target, Amazon, Kmart and click through to purchase immediately from any of those retailer’s sites.
The Shop for Kids App by TimetoPlayMag.com is now available for free in the Apple App Store and Google Play store. To watch the informational video or to download the app, visit www.timetoplaymag.com/app/.
Propel Equity Acquires Zoob
Propel Equity Partners, a private equity firm, has acquired the Zoob construction toy line from Infinitoy, Inc. Zoob joins the Poof-Alex Holdings, LLC family of brands, which includes Slinky, Poof, Ideal, Scientific Explorer, Fundex Games, and Alex on the Propel Equity Partners roster. Poof-Slinky was acquired by Propel Equity Partners in July 2012. Fundex Games was acquired in December 2012 and Alex Toys in May 2013.
Introduced in 1997, Zoob is a building set that features pieces that move after you put them together, allowing for truly interactive creations. Zoob pieces are based on a natural and living system and features five basic pieces that snap together 20 different ways, making building easy and versatile. With more than 30 different themed sets, Zoob products are sold throughout the U.S. and in more than 100 countries through a variety of distribution channels.
TRU Announces Holiday Toy List
Toys “R” Us (TRU) announced its annual holiday list of what the retailer believes will be the hottest toys of this holiday season. Listed here in alphabetical order is TRU’s list.
Big Hugs Elmo from Hasbro
Despicable Me 2 Minion Dave, Agnes and Gru Collector’s Edition Figures from Thinkway Toys
Doc McStuffins Deluxe Get Better Check-Up Center from Just Play
Sofia the First Royal Talking Vanity from Jakks Pacific
Flutterbye Flying Fairy from Spin Master
FurReal Friends Cuddles My Giggly Monkey Pet from Hasbro
LeapPad Ultra from LeapFrog
Skylanders SWAP Force from Activision
tabeo e2 from Toys “R” Us
The Ugglys from Moose Toys
Ever After High Royal & Rebel Dolls from Mattel
LEGO Legends of Chima The Lion CHI Temple from LEGO
Shimmer ‘N Sparkle Cra-Z-Loom Bracelet Maker from Cra-Z-Art
Xbox One from Microsoft
Crazy Cart from Razor
Kmart Announces Holiday Toy List
Kmart announced its annual holiday list of what the retailer believes will be the hottest toys of this holiday season. Listed here in alphabetical order is Kmart’s Fab 15:
Disney Doc McStuffins Get Better Check-Up Center from Just Play
Disney Planes Pilot Pals Dusty Crophopper Remote Control Plane from Mattel
Disney Sofia the First Transforming Dress & Trunk from Jakks Pacific (Kmart exclusive)
Fisher-Price Imaginext Rescue City Center from Fisher-Price
Flutterbye Fairy from Spin Master
Furby Boom from Hasbro
Holiday Auburn Barbie 2013 Doll from Mattel (Kmart exclusive)
Hot Wheels Car Maker from Mattel
Lalaloopsy Loopy Hair Doll from MGA Entertainment
LeapFrog LeapPad Ultra from LeapFrog
LEGO Eglor’s Twin Bike from LEGO
Monster High 13 Wishes Party Doll from Mattel
Nerf Rebelle Heartbreaker Bow from Hasbro
Playskool Sesame Street Big Hugs Elmo from Hasbro
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Shellraiser from Playmates Toys
The Passing of Nintendo’s Hiroshi Yamauchi
Hiroshi Yamauchi, age 85, died of pneumonia in a Japanese hospital. He is credited with taking a small trading card company and turning into the global brand that is Nintendo. Along with building the company, he is instrumental in creating the video game industry that so many enjoy today. Read his obituary from the BBC here.