May 14, 2014

Imagine That! Parent’s Choice Touts Manhattan Toy Three Times For Imagine I Can, Motorworks & Groovy Girls Fun Lines

What does a slingshot, mix ‘n match magnetic pieces and a princess have in common? They represent three distinct lines of imaginative play by The Manhattan Toy Company that wowed the hard-to-impress Parents’ Choice Foundation judges three different times for this year’s Spring 2014 honors.

Manhattan Toy proudly accepts a Recommended and two Fun Stuff awards for its imagine i CAN magnetic play sets, MOTORWORKS Slingshot Launcher and a bevy of beauties named starting with the letter “B” from Groovy Girls (now celebrating their 16th anniversary).

With so many choices “out there” in the toy marketplace, parents really appreciate having an unbiased source to sample and recommend what is a great children’s game as opposed to one that is so-so. The Parents’ Choice Awards explains it best on their website:

“Our product evaluation process is lengthy and comprehensive. It’s a multi-tiered process with its roots in a four page questionnaire that queries developmentally appropriate content and challenges, the product’s design and function, the educational value, long-term play value, and the benefits to a child’s social and emotional growth and well being.” Most important, the awards have clout being the nation’s oldest nonprofit guide to quality children’s media and toys.

Look for these Spring 2014 Parents’ Choice award-winners now on store shelves coast to coast:

imagine i CAN: Magnetic Play Sets • Ages 3+ • $20 to $25

Spring 2014 Parents’ Choice Recommended • Toys category

Parents’ Choice Review:

“Imagine I Can Magnetic Play Sets are delightfully designed self-contained themed sets composed of a variety of magnetic pieces and backgrounds packaged in a little hand friendly metal carrying case. The background scene sheets are the identical size of the interior of the case, allowing the flexibility for two children (who get along really well) to play with the same set, or for one player to create two different scenarios as part of his or her imaginary story. The Travel Time set includes background scenes of the ocean, outer space, a farm and a construction site. The 104 magnetic pieces are abstract, patterned, geometric shapes to create vehicles to travel in each of these scenes.”

”For children who prefer to invent people and creatures, the Character

Mix-up set contains (101 pieces) all sorts of interchangeable body parts, clothing and faces of humans, aliens, monsters and animals that can be arranged on a cityscape, island, castle or space scene. The Fashion Friends set offers 85 pieces that make up mix-and-match outfits for the characters printed on the four background scenes. The handy travel case keeps on-the-go play easy and organized.”

Groovy Girls: Princess Ella, Special Edition Sweet 16 & “B” Core Dolls • Ages 3+ • $15+

Spring 2014 Parents’ Choice Fun Stuff • Toys category

Parents’ Choice Review:

“Is 2014 the year of the Groovy B Girls, or the year to be a Groovy Girl? The rainbow of dolls named Brooklyn, Brena, Bayani, and Bailey have a sense of fashion straight from the retro dress up box. Each “girl’s” playful hair color coordinates with the trim of her dress. This year’s special edition stars Fuchsia, Lilia, and Skylar costumed in ankle length dresses with tulle trim are ready for a fancier imaginary occasion. And Princess Ella’s lilac theme is on full display from her gown to the jewel in her tiara. These fun and funky fabric dolls will add a smile to the toy box, back seat, backpack or bed top.”

MOTORWORKS: Slingshot Speed Launcher • Ages 3+ • $12

Spring 2014 Parents’ Choice Fun Stuff • Toys category

Parents’ Choice Review:

“The Motorworks Slingshot Speed Launcher is a three-piece toy car launcher consisting of a rubber footed wooden base, plastic launcher and three rubber bands. The pull back-lock feature on the launcher is a good substitute for a mini pit crew. The launcher plays well with Motorworks or other small toy cars. Recommended for children who like to play with cars and make them go fast.”

Parents, kids and gift givers can discover MOTORWORKS, imagine i CAN portable games and Groovy Girls online and on the shelves of specialty toy stores everywhere.

ABOUT THE PARENTS’ CHOICE FOUNDATION

Parents’ Choice was established in 1978 and sought to answer the question, “Where can parents find children’s books and toys that encourage a love of learning?” 36 years later, the Foundation makes it their mission every season for children to see, think and learn through play — inside and outside the classroom.

ABOUT THE MANHATTAN TOY COMPANY

The Manhattan Toy Company is dedicated to the art of creative play, quality craftsmanship and the success of the national and specialty retailer. The company distributes through thousands of stores nationwide. Toys are designed, developed and manufactured with every child’s safety in mind. The Manhattan Toy Company ensures that each product complies with all U.S. and European toy and safety standards. For more information about the many award-winning toy collections, visit www.ManhattanToy.com.