ASTRA MARKETPLACE & ACADEMY 2014 THAMES & KOSMOS
THAMES & KOSMOS introduces its new Geek & Co. Science line, a set of 12 project kits that use hands-on activities to teach about chemistry, engineering, and electronics. For each one, kids construct a tangible, keepsake item that they can display afterwards as evidence of their scientific exploits. The Glow Stick Lab includes non-toxic phosphorescent substances that make three different colored glow sticks, while the Crystal Nightlight lets kids grow a big crystal from alum powder and then wire it up as a nightlight. The Neon Light Writer allows names to be written with vibrant electroluminescent wire and a pegboard, and teaches about electric circuits and lighting technologies. Other kits include Slime Time, which lets kids explore electrochemistry by constructing a working clock powered by slimy goop; DIY Solar System, a kit for crafting the solar system with yarn planets; Giant Mars Volcano, a buildable, erupting model of Olympus Mons, the largest volcano in the solar system; and Crystal Jewelry, which allows kids to grow beautiful jewelry, including a pendant and a ring. Even more chemical reactions are possible with the Plasma Reactor, which yields an oozing, bubbling liquid lamp. With Musical UFO, kids can build an electronic musical device that works like a theremin, controlling the pitch through hand movement. Grass Head can be used to grow a shaggy green friend with grass for hair, while Ultralight Airplanes have different wing configurations for exploring lift and flight. Finally, with Wind Racer, kids can build four wind-powered models and learn about both wind energy and motion.
SENTOSPHERE
SAFARI LTD. Safari Ltd.’s new line of products features animal friends for kids of all ages to collect and love. The Good Luck Minis Duckies are authentically detailed and hand-painted for added realism. The soft and squeezable figures are 0.75 to 1 inch tall, and are recommended for kids ages 5 and up. The pink Incredible Creatures Piglet is 4.75 by 3 inches, and features a hand-painted sculpt. This realistic squealing piggy is appropriate for kids ages 18 months and up. The blue-eyed Good Luck Dragon blesses kids with everlasting luck. Sized at 8 by 2.75 by 3.75 inches, this hand-painted sculpt is appropriate for kids ages 4 and up. The Best in Show Dachshund stays true to this small dog’s long body and short legs. This toy is authentically detailed and hand-painted, so children can engage in hours of fun and imaginative play. This sculpt measures 3.5 by 2 inches and is appropriate for kids ages 3 and up.
The Gloss Party, from SENTOSPHERE, lets kids create lipsticks and creamy lip balm using natural waxes. The kit provides kids with materials for four lipsticks and four small jars of balm. Arts and Creations kits let kids ages 5 to 9 build on the board with images, birds, or buildings, attaching them with self-stuck foam blocks to create a 3-D picture. With Bracelet Chains, kids ages 10 and up can create six bracelets using gold or silver chains braided with cotton threads or translucent beads. The new Aquarellum “Paris by Night” set lets kids create a masterpiece, thanks to a special masking technique on vellum paper. The picture appears as kids stroke the brush within the design area. The intensity of the colors can be blended together in the palette or on the board, and kids have the freedom to choose whichever colors they like.
Best in Show Dachshund
SPECIALTY TOYS & GIFTS
S30
MAY/JUNE 2014