New Picks from Alex Toys

It's been a month since the Toy Fair and I'm still sorting through all of my press kits and photos. There's so much great stuff to report back on. One company in particular whose new products I wanted to highlight is Alex Toys. Its PR people took me on a tour of some highlights and these were some of my favorites:

Alex has teamed up with famed NYC confectionary Dylan's Candy Bar (remember R's 6th birthday?) for an exclusive line of crafts including candy wrapper jewelry ($18.95), Collage a Candy Frames ($11.95), and My Sweet Diary ($13.95). These make great gifts for 'tween girls.



The Dylan's collection also includes a Color a Yumbrella ($19.95). Again, a good option for a 'tween girl who's outgrown her Disney character umbrellas.



More for girls--this Pop Tab Jewelry Kit ($18.95) contains enough soda tabs, earring hooks, ribbons and the like to make a bunch of necklaces, bracelets, and hanging earrings.


I don't know a lot about Christmas crafts (I'm Jewish), but this Crafty Advent Calendar ($21.95) looks a lot more imaginative and interactive than ones I've seen in other kids' catalogs.


The newest "sibling" in the Alex family is Alex Jr.--the line of bright and bold infant toys specifically designed for babies up to age 1. The line continues to expand with products like the four-piece plush Mix 'n Max Stack Me Up ($27.95)...


...and the smiley-faced, sized-for-toddlers Wooden Whimsy Blocks ($27.95). Note: I didn't get a photo of this, but check out the fun Stretchy Sandwich ($21.95), too. It is amazing how much cuter baby toys are now than even 4 years ago when my littlest was a newborn.


The Moo Moo in a Tutu Giant Puzzle ($14.95) would get my vote for its adorable name and packaging alone, but it looks like a solid toy, too. It's a 35 piece puzzle designed for ages 3 and up and is made of eco-friendly materials.



This Eco Crafts Set ($21.95, available for pre-order) is designed for kids ages 6 and up and is perfect for the eco-conscious families on a gift list. It has all the materials you need--from recycled craft sticks and buttons to tissue papers and stickers--to create 20 easy Earth-friendly crafts.


We moms of boys know how tough it is to find quality pretend play furniture. This new My Workbench ($93.95) with 37 tools caught my eye as a great gift for preschool handymen-in-training.


Browse more of what's new at Alex Toys.