Feb 122013
 

Right about now, I’d do just about anything to be sitting somewhere warm, a warm breeze blowing through my hair, tropical drink in hand and a juicy book or glossy magazine to devour. After last week’s blizzard and contending with the aftermath of treacherous roads, cranky folks (including my kids home from school) and other minor annoyances, I’m ready to call it quits and get out of Dodge. Lucky for me, I got to attend Toy Fair in NYC over the weekend, and it’s the memories of those happy-go-lucky playthings that are carrying me through this otherwise depressing period. Yup, I’m still a kid at heart and look forward to getting the scoop on what’s new in the world of play for the year ahead. While there was plenty to see in a short amount of time, my brain keeps returning to one particular toy that captured my attention and gave me a much-needed mental departure from a drab winter. Playmobil’s Large Furnished Hotel is the place to be. Coming to stores this August, this more-than-generously-sized playset is a resort that spares no expense for an awesome play vacation. Your stay begins in the lobby where check-in is computerized (of course) and there are plenty of cool magazines to check out if there’s a line. Once you receive your room assignment, take a ride on the elevator and use your room key to open the door (it really works!). After a good night’s rest, you can head down to the hotel cafe and dine on a sumptuous breakfast feast served by your own waiter. The kids can hang out in the game room after you’re done touring the local sights and then it’s back to the room for yet another restful night’s sleep. Yes, we know this vacation is really just a state of mind, but until we can make it out of town, Playmobil has made this staycation one worth taking.

In a Nutshell: “Wish you were here.” With Playmobil‘s well-stocked get-away playset, your kids may feel like they’ve gotten away without even leaving home.

Playmobil Large Furnished Hotel

 

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Feb 232012
 

After an unseasonably mild day in the middle of February, my thoughts naturally turn to summer vacation. Each year, our family takes a week-long getaway by trading in the daily Long Island rat-race for a leisurely paced sojourn somewhere in New England. Last summer it was Gloucester, Mass. and the year before that, coastal Rhode Island (we tend to favor towns by the sea, if you hadn’t already guessed). As I peruse the myriad of family-friendly destinations up north, I find myself drawn to Martha’s Vineyard again and again. I love the idea of a place where my day is dictated by what beach I’ll swim in and what flavor of homemade ice cream I’ll be sampling later on. Thoughts of a great escape couldn’t have been far behind in the making of Playmobil’s Harbor line of playsets and vehicles that will launch later this spring. We were treated to a walk-through of the line’s latest updates at last week’s Toy Fair where we paid particular attention to the Car Ferry with Pier. Not only does this ferry really float, but it has a fold-up ramp that ensures a smooth departure for both vacationing vehicles and their passengers. It also comes with four figures, a motorbike, bicycle and life rings to get people to their destination safely. So, no matter whether your resident playmates are headed to the Cape or up the coast, with the Playmobil Car Ferry, they won’t miss the boat. As for me, I’ll send you a postcard when I get to the Vineyard…

In a Nutshell: Feel like you ferry your kids around all day? Let their imaginations take them for a ride instead –and tell them it’s the captain’s  day off. The Playmobil Car Ferry with Pier will be available in April.

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Jul 202011
 

If back-to-school shopping is practically here, can Halloween be that far behind? I’m not one for rushing the seasons, but my girls have already starting talking about what they might want to dress up as on October 31st. (So far, we have one ghost, but that’s likely to change at least a half-dozen times). Since I’m paying closer attention to how many sweets we consume during the summer months alone (ice pops, lollipops, cookies), the candy-filled month of October frightens me more than a black cat crossing my path. While the kids will surely be getting plenty of treats, it’s nice to look out for the sugar-free variety, too. If you suspect you may be hosting a Halloween gathering at your home this year in lieu of trick-or-treating, consider an alternative to traditional goodie bag favors with the Playmobil Halloween Sets. Adorably packaged in a plastic pumpkin come 2 figures dressed in their Halloween best: one as a devil and the other as a tiger. If your kid happens to own a Playmobil playset of any kind, you’re already familiar with how well these figures lend themselves to hours of pretend play. With these latest additions, kids can expand their scenarios beyond the realm of everyday. Halloween is definitely the right time for letting imaginations run wild. With this festive treat, your costumed character can give his sweet tooth a rest and still enjoy October 31st.

In a Nutshell: Give your favorite trick-or-treaters a little something to remember the day by, so they can enjoy Halloween all season long.

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Feb 182011
 

It only takes one 60-degree day in February to make one’s thoughts turn to warmer weather. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping and everyone seems just a bit more peppy. It makes me want to figure out my summer vacation plans already!  No wonder, then, that Playmobil’s new Summer House playset has captured our attention. This house is stocked with every amenity to make your summer playdate complete. French windows open wide to let the salty sea air inside, while lush wisteria draping over the veranda is so real, you can practically smell it. Out on the patio, you can enjoy dinner al fresco as you roast up burgers and weenies on the BBQ….doesn’t food always taste better when it’s eaten outdoors anyway? You can work off that meal with a bike ride around the property before heading up to bed. Now that sounds like the perfect ending to a great summer day.

In a Nutshell: No need to have Hamptons envy; Playmobil has a pint-sized play version to ready you for summer living.

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