Toys 'R' Us Announces Its Top Picks for the Hottest New Toys of the
Holiday Season Toys 'R' Us Joy List Reveals the Best of the Season
from the World's Toy Store WAYNE, N.J., Sept. 30
/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Toys "R" Us today announced the toys it
predicts will be on the top of children's wish lists this holiday
season. The Toys "R" Us Joy List features more than 30 new toys
organized by age from infants to big kids. From that list, 13 toys
were selected as the overall best of the season. All toys featured
are new to market in 2004 and available at all Toys "R" Us stores
nationwide and on http://www.toysrus.com/. "The Toys "R" Us Joy
list will help our customers get started in finding the perfect toy
for every child on their holiday shopping list," said John Barbour,
President, Toys "R" Us, U.S. "This holiday season, Toys "R" Us will
have the best selection of these new toys, as well as a wide
assortment of perennial favorites and many terrific values for our
customers." "We know that there are toys - and then, there is the
perfect toy. This is the toy that puts a look of pure joy on a
child's face," continued Barbour. "Our experienced and toy-trained
sales staff stand ready to help our customers find that perfect toy
this holiday season." The 13 new toys that Toys "R" Us has named
the best of the season are: THE TOP 13 FROM THE TOYS "R" US JOY
LIST: THE BEST OF THE BEST Baby Counting Pal(TM) from LeapFrog
Barbie(TM) as the Princess & the Pauper 2-Pack from Mattel
Bratz(TM) Tokyo A Go Go(TM) Dolls from MGA Entertainment
Corvette(R) C5-R(TM) Power Vehicle from Safety 1st E-L-M-O(TM) from
Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn(TM) Learning Home(TM) from
Fisher-Price Operation(R): Shrek from Hasbro Games Plug it in &
Play TV Games(TM)--featuring Ms. Pacman from Jakks Pacific
Sting-Ray OCC Bicycle from Schwinn Trivial Pursuit(R) SNL DVD
Edition (Saturday Night Live) from Hasbro Games Ultimate Big
Air(TM) Ball Tower from K'NEX V.Smile(TM) TV Learning System from
V-Tech VideoNow(TM) Color Personal Video Player from Hasbro Listed
below is the overall Toys "R" Us Joy List, which represents an
expanded list of top new toys suitable for specific ages from
newborn to big kids. Product features and benefits are also
included. THE TOYS "R" US JOY LIST: THE BEST OF THE SEASON FROM THE
WORLD'S TOY STORE AGES BIRTH - 12 MONTHS BABY COUNTING PAL(TM) from
LeapFrog For babies on-the-go, this soft learning pal is truly a
multi-sensory learning experience with tons of activities for baby
to touch, hear and see! With 4 modes of play, this pal musically
introduces counting and colors, while offering a variety of
different classical tunes. The Baby Counting Pal also offers an
assortment of tactile activities that include: a bird squeaker,
butterfly rattle, crinkly bees, flower rings and a ladybug bell for
the very young explorers. Product includes attachment straps for
parents to attach this toy just about anywhere, and a carry handle
for on-the-go fun! The Baby Counting Pal is the perfect pal for
learning on the go! Requires 3 AAA batteries (included). Ages three
months and up. BABY EINSTEIN DISCOVER & PLAY(TM) ACTIVITY GYM
from KIDS II This brightly colored soft play mat features fun Baby
Einstein(TM) characters and words to introduce baby to animals and
the world around them. There's also a removable motion-activated
plush star that features lights and classical melodies by Bach and
Beethoven to capture baby's attention. There's a prop-up pillow for
tummy time and eight fun toys for baby's development including:
three plush characters with crinkle and rattle, colorful ring
rattle, soft baby-safe mirror, fabric and vinyl pocket for baby's
photo, soft vinyl book featuring animal characters and real-life
imagery, and 10 fun links for baby to take toys everywhere.
Requires 3 AAA batteries (included). Ages birth and up. BABY
PLAYZONE(TM) KICK & WHIRL CARNIVAL(TM) from Fisher-Price It's a
carnival of encouragement, with a musical Ferris wheel that rewards
baby for kicking, reaching, sitting, grasping and playing! Overhead
gym easily converts to a sit-up and play center as baby grows. Both
are packed full of fun, with a ball drop activity station, dancing
lights, five minutes of lively music, spinners, ball ramps and
more! Five colorful balls are included. Like all Baby Playzone
toys, the Kick & Whirl Carnival encourages and rewards baby's
physical accomplishments with exciting activities that make baby
want to try ... and try again! Requires 3 C batteries (included).
Ages one month and up. LEARNING BAND(TM) WALKER from LeapFrog
Baby's steps set the learning in motion! Push the walker and watch
the red drum spin and the colorful organ pipes move up and down all
in time to a marching band ABC song. Switch to music mode and hear
a fun walk-along song that encourages baby's first steps. This
walker can also be converted into a sit-at learning center. Two
ways to play: Learn Mode-spin the drum for an ABC song (when the
drum stops, the song stops), turn the trumpet roller for an
introduction to shapes and colors, or push the organ for a counting
1-5 song. Music Mode-each activity offers real instrumental tunes
and upbeat melodies with every spin, press and turn! Parent-set
volume control and sturdy, wide base. Requires 3 AA batteries
(included). Ages 9 months and up. AGES 13 MONTHS - 2 YEARS DANCE
ALONG BOOBAH(TM) from Hasbro Children will delight in the
opportunity to get up and dance with a Boobah of their very own.
Each of the five cuddly Dance Along Boobah. features six silly
songs and eleven unique dances true to their endearing, whimsical
personalities. With moving heads, arms and bellies, Dance Along
Boobahs realistically move their heads, arms and bellies and will
keep children engaged from the top of their heads to the tips of
their toes! Requires 3 C batteries (not included). Ages 24 months
and up. ELMO'S SING & TEACH(TM) TABLE from Fisher-Price Elmo's
Sing & Teach Table features lots of fun learning activities
that use music to teach baby the basics. Each activity features
Elmo & his friends: Big Bird, Zoe, Cookie Monster and Ernie
singing a lesson for baby. Each activity makes Elmo rock his head
back and forth to the music. Elmo's Sing & Teach Table features
buttons that teach shapes/colors; a roller drum that teaches the
alphabet; 3 light-up piano keys that teach animal names and sounds;
a removable cell phone that teaches numbers; a Cookie Monster cup
that teaches open/close; and Ernie who teaches baby about the parts
of the face. Requires 4 AA batteries (included). Ages 9 months to 3
years. LAUGH & LEARN(TM) LEARNING HOME(TM) from Fisher-Price
It's a place that's full of fun, and provides great ways for baby
to learn-from A-B-C's and 1-2-3's to fascinating everyday
experiences, with musical inspiration, sing-along songs, and plenty
of discoveries. Both sides of the home are loaded with activities,
music, speech, and sounds. Teaches: letters, numbers, counting,
shapes, opposites, colors, greetings and more! Two interactive play
modes-learning time includes: learning the alphabet with the
sing-along radio; dropping balls in rainspout for counting fun;
sorting shapes and learning colors-music time includes: sing along
with 21 delightful songs, such as the Welcome Home song, Itsy-Bitsy
Spider, Doggy in the Window, Hickory Dickory Dock and more. 25+ fun
sounds and encouraging phrases with activities. 3 C batteries
required (not included). Ages 6 months to 3 years.
PEEK-A-BLOCKS(TM) INCREDIBLOCK(TM) from Fisher-Price It's a great
BIG block of fascinating discoveries, with music, motion, lights,
and five sides of busy play. The block comes with eight unique
blocks and acts as an activity center for baby to explore all the
colorful objects, moving parts, dazzling visuals and fun sounds
encased within each one. The IncrediBlock top is where the action
is-and the learning. Baby places any of the eight special
Peek-a-Blocks in the center to bring it to life. For example, when
baby places the cow block on top, baby will hear the word "cow," a
"moo" sound and the song "Old MacDonald". When baby pushes down on
that block, the center area lights up and block whirls around! Each
of the five sides of the giant block is full of unique activities
including beads, balls and flipping pages, plus music and lights.
Up to 30 Peek-a-Blocks can be stored inside. Parents can watch fine
motor skills steadily improve, along with eye-hand coordination, as
blocks are grasped and stacked. Requires 3 C batteries (not
included). Ages 6 months to 3 years. AGES 2-4 YEARS CORVETTE(R)
C5-R(TM) POWER VEHICLE from Safety 1st Since 1953, the Corvette has
been dubbed the "True American Sportscar." And now this performance
icon is available for young dragsters to enjoy, exclusively at Toys
"R" Us! With the same sleek design, attention to detail and
advanced technology that car enthusiasts expect, the scaled-down
version is perfect for little car lovers. Features include working
headlights, taillights and turn signals, real FM radio, plus horn,
ignition and engine sounds. Two-speed transmission with parental
control (2.5 mph and 5.0 mph with reverse at 2.5 mph). Includes
racing wheels with traction strip, bumper-to-bumper warranty,
retractable cup holder, and realistic racecar graphics. Includes a
12-volt long-life battery. Ages 3 years and up (max 130 lbs). DORA
THE EXPLORER(TM) DORA'S TALKING HOUSE from Fisher-Price Dora's
uniquely styled home with a focus on family incorporates bilingual
phrases in a special, non-traditional dollhouse. Dora's House
unfolds to reveal an adobe-style, open play space that can be
expanded to seven rooms simply by raising the roof. The house is
chockfull of interactive play areas featuring electronic sounds,
music, lights and bilingual phrases including a working doorbell, a
refrigerator with a real light, an oven timer, a fold-down table, a
radio that really plays music and a beautiful family photo that
introduces Dora's family to children. The set comes complete with
three poseable figures (Dora, Mom and Dad) and a couch. Requires 3
AAA batteries (included). Ages 3 and up. E-L-M-O(TM) from
Fisher-Price What more can Elmo do? This year, he hits the dance
floor with his very own version of the famous YMCA song. Squeeze
Elmo's hand and Elmo will invite you to join him in dancing to his
fun song. Elmo not only plays the E-L-M-O song, but he actually
forms the E, L, M and O with his arms! Squeeze Elmo's hand again
and Elmo will invite you to spell out his name with him. "Give Elmo
an E!", "Give Elmo an L!", "Give Elmo an M!" "Give Elmo an O!"
What's that spell?!? Elmo!! Requires 4 AA batteries (included).
Ages 18 months and up. FOLD-2-GO(TM) TRICYCLES from Radio Flyer The
Radio Flyer Fold 2 Go(TM) Tricycle comes fully assembled for
instant riding, folds up for portablity and easy storage, and
features an easy to carry handle grip. There's a safety latch that
helps to keep the tricycle in place. The Fold-2-Go tricycles also
feature a three-position adjustable seat, low center of gravity for
maximum stability, sturdy steel construction, controlled turning
radius for stability, and ringing bell. No batteries required. 18
months and up. SING & BOOGIE(TM) BLUE from Fisher-Price
Straight out of Blue's Room, this new shaggy Blue will have kids
singing and dancing, too, as she talks, sings and does her
signature dance. Kids will love to sing and dance along with Blue!
Kids press her left hand and then watch her magically come to life.
Blue will move her head and arms from side to side as she talks,
plays and pretends! To learn how to "boogie" with Blue, just press
Blue's right hand, and she will begin to sing her new Blue's Room
song and teach kids the dance. Also included is an exclusive
interactive video featuring Blue's talking debut in the "Legend of
the Blue Puppy" episode, plus two fun interactive segments where
kids can play a fun game or learn Blue's dance! Requires 4 AA
batteries (included). Ages 18 months and up. V.SMILE(TM) TV
LEARNING SYSTEM from V-Tech V.Smile(TM) is a unique learning system
that teaches children the preschool basics through interactive TV
gaming. The console connects directly to your home TV! No
additional equipment required! V.Smile TV Learning System includes
the console, a joystick, and one game cartridge. The innovative
joystick is adjustable for both right and left-handed users. It
features four flashing buttons and one large enter button specially
designed for preschoolers. A second joystick can be connected for
two-player game play. Requires 3 C batteries (not included). Ages 3
- 7. AGES 5 - 7 YEARS BARBIE(TM) AS THE PRINCESS AND THE PAUPER
(GIFT PACK) from Mattel This exclusive Toys "R" Us gift pack comes
with two dolls and a CD that includes three songs from "Barbie. as
the Princess and the Pauper." Princess Anneliese(TM) and maiden
Erika. can each sing songs from the movie, and are accompanied by a
furry companion from the movie, Serafina and Wolfie. No batteries
required. Ages 3 and up. BELLA DANCERELLA(TM) from Spin Master
Little ballerinas will be dancing all day with this home ballet
studio. Perfect for practicing dance routines, this easy to
assemble home studio includes a ballet bar and two-sided mat that
outlines five step-by-step ballet routines. The adorable home
studio also includes a VHS video with step-by- step dance
instructions. Bella Dancerella(TM) is easily stored for home use.
No batteries required. Ages 3 - 8. GAME BOY(R) ADVANCE VIDEOS from
Majesco Sales, Inc. These "take with you anywhere" video paks give
full-screen, full-color audio and video on any Game Boy(R) Advance
System. Each video pak includes 45 minutes of video. More than 12
titles are currently available, including Nicktoons Collection,
Volume 1. Kids just insert the video pak into a Game Boy Advance
System and start watching. Familiar "DVD player" controls
including: Fast Forward, Fast Rewind, Chapter Skip, Chapter Reverse
and Pause, plus animated chapter menus. Kids are sure to enjoy the
skip-free viewing-no matter how much Game Boy is moved around, the
video will never skip. No batteries required. Rated E for everyone.
Nicktoons Collection, Volume 1 includes three short episodes of
popular Nicktoons TV shows including: All Grown Up!, SpongeBob
SquarePants and The Fairly Odd Parents. HOT WHEELS(R) CYBORG
ATTACK(TM) from Mattel An awesome challenge featuring a battle
between kid vs. cyborg! With multiple features, this deluxe track
has speed, power, performance and major attitude. Features include
swinging arm action that "rips" the highway in two. Includes two
exclusively decorated vehicles. Requires 4 D batteries (not
included). Ages 5 and up. OPERATION(R): SHREK from Hasbro Games
This time the patient happens to be everyone's favorite ogre,
Shrek! Major medical assistance is needed to cure his ailments
including: Ear Wax, Onion Breath, and Humongous Fungus. Game play
remains the same as the traditional Operation(R), where the player
who collects the most money from successful operations wins! For 2
to 4 players. Requires 2 AA batteries (not included). Ages 6 and
up. TAMAGOTCHI CONNECTION(TM) from Bandai Infrared technology
allows Tamagotchi Connection(TM) owners to "connect" with others,
play games, give gifts, become friends with other Tamagotchi owners
and store a "friend list" of up to 50 friends. There are single
player or two player games, and the personality of a Tamagotchi is
based on how well owners care for it. Kids can raise several
generations in one Tamagotchi with proper care and feeding.
Requires 1 CR-2032 (3V) battery (included). Ages 4 and up.
VIDEONOW(TM) COLOR PERSONAL VIDEO PLAYER from Hasbro Kids who lead
a colorful, on-the-go lifestyle-need colorful, on-the-go
entertainment! The VideoNow(TM) Personal Video Player lets kids
watch a wide variety of high-quality PVDs--loaded with the things
they want to watch-now in vibrant color! This awesome player gives
sharp, full-color screen and backlit display, plus a viewing area
that's larger than ever! VideoNow features kids' favorite
Nickelodeon shows, like The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron Boy Genius,
All Grown Up!, The Amanda Show and The Fairly OddParents (each sold
separately)! Requires 3 AA batteries (not included). Ages 6 and up.
AGES 8 - 11 YEARS BRATZ(TM) TOKYO A GO GO(TM) DOLLS from MGA
Entertainment Anything goes in Tokyo as the Bratz mix 'n' match the
craziest and coolest looks in an up-to-the-minute fashion flash of
color and style! Inspired by the far-out fashions of the Far East,
kids can join the Bratz as they take to the streets in a
kaleidoscope of crazy-cool color and form and show the world that
it's not always what you wear, but how you wear it! With tons of
stylin' accessories, plus a collectible cyber-pet and personal
electronic item, this is one party Bratz fans just can't pass up!
No batteries required. Ages 6 and up. MALL MADNESS(TM) from Hasbro
Games The Mall Madness(TM) game is the electronic, talking shopping
spree game filled with sales, clearances and fun. It enables kids
to bring the fun of shopping home without the high price tag! A
mall announcer leads players in the game that has them in a race to
buy six items and get out of the mall first. Players are given play
ATM and credit cards to purchase items within their set budgets.
Perfect for the 21st century savvy shopper. For 2 to 4 players.
Requires 3 AA batteries (not included). Ages 9 and up.
HOVERCOPTER(TM) from Overbreak The HoverCopter(TM) is a wireless
flying saucer that flies over 25-feet high! Safe to use indoors or
outdoors. The HoverCopter hovers in mid air and is easy to fly. It
recharges in minutes and comes with multi-colored LED lights.
Invent cool tricks and games. Race two HoverCopters head-to-head
and then make them do battle! Comes with charging base and hand
controller. Requires 8 C batteries and 1 9V battery (not included).
Ages 8 and up. RC HUMMER from Fast Lane The wildly popular Hummer
H-1 vehicle gets miniaturized in a 1:6 scale full-function RC
vehicle. This Toys "R" Us exclusive unit is heavy duty and contains
dual 540SH Mabuchi Motors, digital proportional steering with speed
control, trim adjustments for steering and forward/reverse. The
front and rear wheel differential and giant off-road tires provide
better traction for off-roading adventures. The included battery
and charger features removable crystals for competitive racing.
Requires 7.2-volt battery pack (included). Ages 8 years and up
STING-RAY OCC BICYCLE from Schwinn The re-birth of cool - The
Sting-Ray lives again! Features include custom stretched chopper
frame with gas tank gusset, 20" x 4" super wide "V" line rear slick
tire and 24" x 2" narrow front tire mounted on extruded alloy rims.
Other notable features are: adjustable cruising saddle with
built-in sissy bar, riveted upholstery, dual crown Sting-Ray twin
barrel chrome forks with color matching paint, chrome steel chain
guard and heavy duty double leg kickstand, alloy linear pull brake
with alloy lever and three-piece custom Sting-Ray cranks with iron
cross pedals. Comes in black, red and blue. No batteries required.
Ages 8 years and up. ULTIMATE BIG AIR(TM) BALL TOWER from K'NEX
Kids can build and customize the most outrageous K'NEX "Wow" ever!
It's the Ultimate Big Air(TM) Ball Tower, featuring daredevil ride
Big Air Boz! This set, sold exclusively at Toys "R" Us, allows kids
to build three exciting obstacle courses all in one tower. The air
blast action starts Boz's adventure up the 5-foot, anti-gravity
tube. Boz avoids the danger for a winning ride on the rails to the
pivoting arm, a big bounce off the trampoline platform and into the
bottomless basket, and more! It's over 1,350 pieces of awesome
building accomplishment, complete with step-by-step color-coded
instructions. Includes instructions for a 3-foot Junior Tower for
builders who want to get into the action in a third of the time.
Requires 4 D batteries (not included). Ages 8 and up. BIG KIDS
LAZER TAG(R) TEAM OPS(TM) from Hasbro Kids of all ages can step
into the ultimate gaming experience with this awesome Head's Up
Display (HUD) and Tagger Set! Head's Up Display gives players audio
and visual confirmation of being tagged and when they've tagged
someone else. Players are alerted when an enemy is in the area and
when they have their target locked! Three teams of eight players
can play 11 pre- programmed games. Features a LCD screen, advanced
daytime IR quality, easy team-play programming, two HUD's and two
taggers in each set! Requires 12 AAA batteries (not included). Ages
8 and up. PLUG IT IN & PLAY TV GAMES(TM) -- FEATURING MS.
PAC-MAN from Jakks Pacific There's a complete line-up of TV
Games(TM) titles, including Ms. Pac-Man, Spider-Man and more!
Adults (and kids!) can experience the fun of NAMCO's most beloved
80's arcade games on their TV with Ms. Pac-Man. All of the TV Games
are a controller and game system all in one! No set up is required.
The controller just plugs into a television and players experience
a blast from the past when they play the five different arcade
games: Ms. Pac-Man, Galaga, Pole Position, Xevious and Mappy. No
game console required. Requires 4 AA batteries (not included). Ages
5 and up. TRIVIAL PURSUIT(R) SNL DVD Edition (Saturday Night Live)
from Hasbro Games The Trivial Pursuit(R) SNL DVD edition combines
all the fun of the board game with the Emmy award-winning
late-night comedy show to bring players more trivia fun! Players
grab their favorite character (Eight Saturday Night Live character
tokens, including Land Shark and the Spartans Cheerleader) and
start answering questions about Saturday Night Live. To win a
scoring wedge, players go to the DVD to answer an on-screen
question. It's never ending fun for teams to relive the sketches,
famous impressions and unforgettable characters from SNL while
challenging their friends to see who knows the most about this
comedy showcase. Includes over 2,000 questions, including 450 on
DVD. For 2 to 4 players. No batteries required. DVD-player not
included. Adult: Viewer Discretion Advised. HALO(R) 2 XBOX from
Microsoft Halo(R) 2 is the sequel to the highly successful and
critically acclaimed Halo(R): Combat Evolved. In Halo 2, the saga
continues as Master Chief -- a genetically enhanced
super-soldier-is the only thing standing between the relentless
Covenant and the destruction of all humankind. Halo 2 features new
vehicles and weapons, destructible environments, low gravity,
online play and more. Halo 2 gives players better control so they
can sprint at twice-normal speed, peek around corners and much
more. The completely rewritten graphics engine allows previously
unimaginable complexity and detail. The new multiplayer modes
include Oddball, Race, Slayer, Capture the Flag, and even more
exclusive modes only available over Xbox Live. No batteries
required. XBOX Game System required to play and not included. Rated
(M) for MATURE. Note that this product is not available until
November 9. Note: Titles rated Mature (M) have content suitable for
people ages 17 and up. These products may include more intense
violence or language than products in the Teen category. In
addition, these titles may include mature sexual themes. Toys "R"
Us aims to give you the information necessary to make intelligent
video game buying decisions. We are proud to participate in the
game industry's standardized rating system, developed by the
Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). The ESRB ratings are
designed to give consumers information about the content of an
interactive video or computer entertainment title and the ages for
which the title is appropriate. The ratings are not meant to tell
you what to buy or to serve as the only basis for choosing a
product. In addition to using the ratings, consumers should check
out content descriptions for more specific information about a
game's content. You can find this information, if applicable, on
the product information pages under the Note to Customers advisory.
Each product is rated by three independent, trained raters. The
raters represent a wide range of backgrounds, races, and ages and
have no ties to the interactive entertainment industry. Raters
include retired school principals, parents, professionals, and
other individuals from all walks of life. Ratings can be found on
the cover of each game, and this site also features a text
description of each rating on product information pages. About Toys
"R" Us Toys "R" Us is one of the leading specialty toy retailers in
the world. Currently it sells merchandise through more than 1,400
stores, including 684 toy stores in the U.S. and 585 international
toy stores, including licensed and franchise stores as well as
through its Internet sites at http://www.toysrus.com/,
http://www.imaginarium.com/ and http://www.sportsrus.com/. Babies
"R" Us is the largest baby product specialty store chain in the
world and a leader in the juvenile industry, and sells merchandise
through 200 stores in the U.S. as well as on the Internet at
http://www.babiesrus.com/. DATASOURCE: Toys "R" US CONTACT: Kelly
Cullen, +1-646-366-8822, or , or Kathleen Waugh, +1-646-366-8823,
or , both of Toys "R" Us Web site: http://www.toysrus.com/
http://www.babiesrus.com/ http://www.sportsrus.com/
http://www.imaginarium.com/
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