This week I interviewed Riza Javellana, a Toy Expert at Mattel Canada. I asked questions I wanted to know. I am five year old inside and love toys and I refuse to lose the childlike sparkle in my eye.
You will find it fun if you are wondering what the hell to get your sisters kids or your brother-laws cousin or that special munchkin in your life. 🙂
* natalie dee drawing
What is the most “tech” toy out for kids this year?
For girls, Barbie Video Girl has been a real hit. (I HAVE THIS! It’s awesome.) It enables girls KIDS to capture memories with a camera lens hidden in Barbie’s necklace and a colour LCD screen on her back. It’s movie-making from Barbie’s point of view. It is compatible with Windows and Mac and even comes with editing software, allowing kids to add music and graphics to their videos. I can imagine this product being a real hit for those kids who love singing to videos. It’s an all-in-one entertainment toy!
What is the most popular toy this holiday season for boys, for girls? (both!)
For boys, the Hot Wheels Criss-Cross Crash Track Set has been very popular. With four intersecting crash zones, it allows kids to line up their Hot Wheels cars and let them rip for near misses or total wipeouts. With more than 16 feet of track that includes hairpin turns, motorized boosters, and a giant crash zone, kids can enjoy crash and bash fun all holiday long.
For girls, the entire line of Monster High has been a big hit! The new Monster High franchise was recently launched with doll characters who are modern teenage descendants of classic monsters. They are undergoing the trials and tribulations of high school. Characters include Draculaura, Clawdeen Wolf, Frankie Stein, and Lagoona Blue. They have trendy fashions, accessories and scary cute pets.
Are you ever too old to play with Barbie’s or Hot Wheels? (haha me asking this is funny)
Never! Barbie and Hot Wheels transcends generations and both have collector appeal for all ages.
For over 50 years, Barbie has been inspiring girls of all ages to dream, discover and explore a world without limits. As a fashion icon, she keeps up with the times and is always culturally relevant.
After more than 40 years, Hot Wheels remains the no. 1 selling brand in the toy vehicle category, providing thrilling vehicle experiences to boys (and girls!) of all ages.
How old is Batman?
Batman first appeared in DC comics in 1939. (Pretty hot for 71 eh? haha)
How old is Barbie?
Barbie is on her 51st year. Barbie is the only brand that allows girls to imagine themselves as a mermaid or a movie star, a fairy, a fashionista, a president, anything she can be! (I follow @barbiestyle and @officialken – really cute tweets.)
This the new Colelctors Barbie 2010 Mattel sent me. So pretty. Thank you 🙂
What is your prediction on popular toys in 2011?
Tech toys will continue to be very popular. (heckyeahinternet!) Also, watch out for revolutionary ways to play with classic toys like Hot Wheels and Fisher-Price. With the launch of the Cars 2 movie in June, expect the toys to be hot items as well.
– end of interview-
When I was younger my Dad has a shop called Toys for Boys where he custom built chassis for hot rods. Seriously cool. We had heaps of hot wheels around the house too. I reckon they are still in the basement somewhere. We loved playing Uno at home when I was a kid. Imma take Uno home to the fams this week.
All my shopping this year has been done online. It’s totally freaking great. I haven’t had to go to any stores or had to leave the house. I used to work in the mall in highschool and college so I surely did my time there.
As much as I woud really love the 109 piece Batman Batcave Trio from DC Superfriends, I think a child should get this one. I’d like to give it to a kid but I don’t really know any. It says 4+. If you know a nice kid I could give this to you let me know. Comes with Hot Wheels colour changer too. Otherwise I’m goin to drop to the toy drive when I eventually leave the house.
I wanna be Santa when I grow up.
