What Modern Parents Want from the Toy Industry- ChiTAG Crushes It

Bubble Soccer.  OMG. OMG. Can anyone say, corporate retreat? Beat down on Boss Lady or Boss Man? How about a family retreat? Beat down on Dad but not Mom, okay? 

How do you know which toys will work for your child?  Ask him to make a list? Based on what? Commercials? Black Friday Flyers? Ads.... hmmmm...

When is the last time you saw an ad for your favorite extra virgin olive oil? How about your chef's knife? Your favorite hot sauce? Things that you just don't compromise on, ever - like your kids' learning tools. Sure you can buy silly stuff too but if you are reading this blog, it's because you know that toys are investments too.

You may already have some great toys in mind but let's face it, sometimes, those really great toys can be a little intimidating. The day of unwrapping is a moment of joy, not just for them but for us too but you want that moment of excitement to go on after the holiday season so what can you do??? Here is a solution from Chicago that should be replicated everywhere.

Like a busy cafeteria, you had to wait for a seat sometimes. KLASK is an amazing game from Denmark. What is it with Denmark and toys? LEGO, Plus-Plus, and now KLASK!  

Keep reading to discover our Top Toolbox Essentials Pick for ChiTAG (Chicago Toy and Game Fair)!!!  All the way on the bottom.  Saving best for last....

Crowdfunding Alert! CZUR: How one super scanner can help all students achieve more

WHAT: Czur- the kind of tech that can solve so many problems for students and teachers everywhere! 

So I'm breaking my rule.  I rarely report on crowdfunding projects but this time I am making an exception.  If your child has a hard time reading, sustaining attention when reading, and maybe even writing, this is a piece of ed tech news you don't want to miss...

Got a problem? Brick It Out - LEGO Serious Play at Quartz

I know I'm biased but Quartz makes reading about business the most interesting news category EVER!

WHAT: Your company's got problems? No worries... Brick It Out!

My latest story at Quartz!!!

Catch me on Note to Self Talking About LEGOs!

WHAT: Discussing the good, bad, and fun and not so fun about LEGO with Manoush Zomorodi
It's a podcast!  No reading!  Yeah!

Active Summer Giveaway Part 2: Don't Miss This

WHAT: THE SECOND HALF of my follow up to my post at Forbes
This one is all about ACTIVE FUN too but for kids over 5!
TOOLS: Express Yourself, Think Like a Scientist Engineer, My Body Needs to Move
This giveaway is brought to you by Toys Are Tools, nay Forbes.com

We are dividing this feature into two parts because this post and giveaway will focus on active toys for kids over 5 years of age.  The previous post with its very own giveaway focuses on active fun for kids under 5.  DON'T MISS!  You can enter both!

Active Summer Giveaway Part 1: $400 value; Limitless Summer Fun for the Five and Under Set

WHAT: A follow up to my post at Forbes
This one is all about ACTIVE FUN!
TOOLS: Express Yourself, Think Like a Scientist Engineer, My Body Needs to Move
This giveaway is brought to you by Toys Are Tools, nay Forbes.com

We are dividing this feature into two parts because this post and giveaway will focus on active toys for kids under 5 years of age.  The next post with its very own giveaway will focus on active fun for kids over 5.  DON'T MISS!

Giveaway! Last-Minute Mother's Day Gifts For You!

Okay, we're not giving this dress away but I am going to tell you how to get closer to reaching this goal.  The Bay Area Maker Faire is next week, May 16 and 17.  Buy Mom a ticket if you are in the area.

This giveaway is brought to you by Toys Are Tools, not Forbes.com- just to be clear.

WHAT: A follow up to my post at Forbes and HUGE giveaway!!! Over hundreds in value AGAIN!

Goodbye laundry machines and dishwashers, those are not presents to mom, we still want productivity tools though but it's all about working smarter for us.... in whatever we do!

Giveaway! The Coolest Earth Day Gifts for Your Family!

TeamTimeCar.com-BTTF DeLorean Time Machine-OtoGodfrey.com

By Terabass (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 ], via Wikimedia Commons

Name the two things the Back to the Future car and this science toy has in common.   One of these is part of the giveaway!!!!  Photo: MudWatt

WHAT: A follow up to my post at Forbes
It's all about being more effective about Earth Day in exceptionally cool ways!
TOOLS: Express Yourself, Think Like a Scientist Engineer
This giveaway is brought to you by Toys Are Tools, nay Forbes.com

Need Help with the Science Fair?

WHAT: My story at Quartz about Science Fairs and extras at Toys Are Tools (here)

Read my story at Quartz and then come back here if you are looking for Science Fair project ideas and resources.  

Toys Are Tools? What's That?

WHAT: Toys are Tools in 2015 and beyond wrapped up in one colorful logo
LOGO INVENTOR: Don Carter
DOES: Logos forces one to make a statement about oneself
INVEST: self-confidence and trust in others
TOOLS: The whole box

Storing LEGOs? Product Recommendations and Some Perks

The 1 x 2 brick:  The Candy of Creativity photo courtesy: Megan Rothrock

WHAT: Product Recommendations for LEGO storage after writing my story at Quartz
DOES: Could drive you crazy but could inspire awesome creativity in your kid! And maybe rid some anger against the toys you buy for them.
INVEST: $2 and up
AGES: 5+
TOOLS: Express Yourself, Like an Executive, Foment the Love of Language (no kidding, there might be a little bit of speech and language therapy here)

Review & Giveaway: OYO Sports: Why Your Kid Should Be a Sports Fan- Oyo Style

Are you ready for Superbowl? photo: OYO Sports

Are you cheering for the Seahawks?  photo: OYO Sports

Or are you a Patriots fan? photo: OYO Sports

WHAT: OYO Sports minifigures and playsets- Officially licensed from the MLB, NHL, and NFL
DOES: Opens up new avenues for storytelling, creativity, discussion in strategy, exposure to new role models
INVEST: $12.99 and up
AGES: 6+
TOOLS: Express Yourself, Foment the Love of Language
GIVEAWAY: Win two of your favorite sports heroes in minifigure collectible form or choose to use a $30 gift certificate