Step2

Holiday shopping can stressful and tedious. There are so many gift options to choose from!  It is nice to have some suggestions, especially from the trusted source of Parent’s Magazine. Parent’s Magazine is a helpful magazine to parents that features toys, arts, crafts, and healthy living.  Featured in the November issue of Parent’s Magazine was a Step2 toy and an Infantino toy. These toys made the “Toys Worth The Dough” list. “Toys Worth the Dough” is a holiday gift guide which features the most popular toys of 2012.

All Around Easel for Two:

Vertical writing easel makes developing proper writing skills fun!  The All Around Easel for Two has vertical writing surfaces that encourage development of proper writing skills and creativity too.  It features a chalk board on one side and a magnetized dry erase board on the other. In addition, it includes a clip to secure artwork, two removable and easy to clean storage bins and a 94 piece foam magnet letter & symbol kit!

Pop & Swap Gym:

The Pop & Swap Gym is a deluxe activity gym like no other. With customizable features and an interchangeable activity pod system, this toy is like a gazillion toys in one! It offers four different ways to play and allow you to pop, swap, mix and match for endless themes and fun.  The Pop & Swap Gym is a removable activity center allows for four different ways to play – Infant Gym, Sit & Play, Crib Activity and Tummy Time.  It is double-sided with interchangeable graphic cards. Also, it has 3 swappable Pop & Play™ Activity Pods and 3 plush toys encourage reaching & grabbing.

Check out the actual magazine clippings below:

Do you think the All Around Easel for Two and Pop & Swamp Gym are toys worth the dough?

Time to Play has nominated the All Around Easel for Two and the Creative Cooks Kitchen for their 2012 People’s Play Awards. Time to Play travels the world discovering the newest toys, video games and entertainment products. Each year, Time to Play has the People’s Play Awards where consumers select the toys and games that their families are would enjoy receiving for the holidays. The Time to Play editorial team reviews and selects the nominees for each category. There are twenty product categories.

Both the All Around Easel for Two and Creative Cooks Kitchen came out fall 2012. In addition, the Creative Cooks Kitchen was already featured in a review at TimetoPlayMag.com. These products feature role play and creative play which is essential for a little one’s development.

Here are the awesome features of the All Around Easel for Two:

• Vertical writing surfaces encourage development of proper writing skills and creativity too!
• Features a chalk board on one side and a magnetized dry erase board on the other
• Includes a clip to secure artwork, two removable and easy to clean storage bins and a 94 piece foam magnet letter & symbol kit

Check out the fantastic features of the Creative Cooks Kitchen:

• The colorful backsplash, farmhouse sink and working shutters are a perfect backdrop for creative play!
• Electronic Stove top, microwave and phone create a realistic experience
• Kids feed their pets and empty the recycling bin, just like at home!
• The large storage in the fridge and freezer along with cabinets and bins make for easy clean-up!
• Several kids can play together in this spacious kitchen, cooking up their latest concoctions
• Includes a 39 piece accessory set

Make sure to vote for the All Around Easel for Two and Creative Cooks Kitchen by clicking here.

What do you think of the All Around Easel for Two and Creative Cooks Kitchen?

Fall came earlier than normal this year at the Step2 Headquarters in Streetsboro, Ohio. We have been experiencing a lot of rain and chilly weather! Even though the kids are back to school, they still need an outlet for active and creative play after a day of structured learning and scheduled play.  We are here to help with some suggestions of what to do when it is cold and rainy and your little ones cannot escape the confines of the indoors but still need to release some energy.

Step2 has a variety of toys that you and your little one can play with on those dreary days of fall. Better yet, incorporating arts and crafts or cooking into the equation can inspire more creativity. Here are our top picks of fun filled activities to do with your children on rainy days:

• Draw me a picture!  The All Around Easel for Two is a new product that inspires children to draw and post their artwork on the easel. Since there are two sides, more than one child can play with the easel. Suggest to your children to draw pictures of what it would be like if it was sunny outside. Ask them what their favorite season is and to draw it?
• Let’s get cooking! A customer favorite that has a new addition, the Grand Walk-in Kitchen & Grill! This great way to show your little chef what grilling is, is by firing up your own family grill and having your child imitate your movements on their Grand Walk-In Kitchen & Grill.
• Role play about the rain: Although playhouses are usually meant for outside, we have seen many of our customers bring playhouses inside during the colder months so their children can still play with their favorite toys. Suggest a role playing activity to do with your children such as pretending it is raining inside and running for cover in to the playhouse.
• Vroom-vroom in the living room: Ride-on toys are usually for outside but if you have some extra room in your house, you and your children can have fun riding around the house acting like a race car driver that is trying to make it home in a rainstorm.

How do you play with your children during rainy days?

Step2 has a variety of kitchens to choose from, this fall we introduced a new kitchen called the Creative Cooks Kitchen. This product is exclusive for Toys R Us. Even though it has just been released, it has already become a big hit!

According to Time to Play Mag, the Creative Cooks Kitchen ranks 4.5 out of 5 stars for fun, 4.5 out of 5 stars for repeat play, and 5 out of 5 stars for assembly and instructions. Seems like they really loved this kitchen!

When asked why it is fun, Time to Play Mag said this, “With the Creative Cooks Kitchen, preschoolers can pretend to be just like mom and dad in the kitchen. This is a cute roleplay item that gives kids everything they need for a realistic kitchen experience. Parents will love this kid-sized kitchen as well thanks to its large storage capacity.”

Check out the Creative Cooks Kitchen for yourself!

Toddlers and parents who love cars will be delighted by the new Step2 Corvette Bed, which accommodates a toddler mattress and easily converts to hold a twin mattress, extending the life of this product for toddlers age 2 to about age 10.

“The Corvette bed, as well as each complementing piece, is designed with authenticity in mind,” said Jerry McDermott, chief marketing officer of Step2. “Step2 is the first toy maker to create such a realistic looking toddler car bed, and who better to partner with than Corvette, an iconic American brand. We anticipate parents and children being very excited about this fun product line.”

Modeled after the renowned Corvette Z06, this red racing bed, MSRP $299, features silver rims and realistic details. The upgraded Corvette Bed with Lights™ model, MSRP $329, also comes equipped with working headlights that turn on with a tap. When a toddler mattress is in place, children will enjoy the built-in racetrack in either model.

The entire line design and colors match the Corvette bed and all items are durable and will last through multiple children. The full line is constructed of sturdy polyethylene and is easy to clean. Some of the products require adult assembly.

The Corvette Tool Chest Dresser (MSRP $109.99), Corvette Storage Chest  (MSRP $ 64.99), and Corvette Room Organizer complete the bedroom theme.

The new line, which was unveiled in the U.S. at the New York Toy Fair, Feb. 12-15, will be available at retail in August 2012.

Spring has sprung early again at Step2! The majority of the Spring 2012 collection is now available. From a slide with fort underneath and sandbox/climber combo to a handful of new sand and water tables, these new products will make your little ones want the warm weather to arrive much sooner than later!

Fort Slide-Away

Fort and slide combination is perfect for kids who love the outdoors, and for moms who love to watch their kids have fun and make-believe.

Play Up Adjustable Sand & Water Table

Now in new colors for spring! This all-in-one adjustable table features both sand & water fun. “Grow with me” legs raise unit 4″ (10.2 cm) and table includes drain plug, one-piece plastic cover with molded-in roadways and elastic tie-downs, removable 40″ (101.6 cm) umbrella, and 7-piece accessory set (sand not included).

My Clubhouse

Kids will love to make believe in this, unique backyard edition perfect for multi-child play. There is so much to do with the peephole, chalkboard, picnic table and secret hiding compartment. The fabric roof is durable and weather resistant.

Panda Climber

Now in new colors for spring! This all-in-one activity gym features a crawl-through tunnel, archway, fun slide, and wide protruding stairs that lead up to a large platform.

Pink Wagon for Two

This classic wagon is now available exclusively for girls. Features an easy-latch door opens to two contoured seats and deep leg well with molded-in drain holes. It has a long handle for easy pulling that fold under wagon for easy transport and storage.

Smile & Ride Buggy

This cute character car features a honking horn and steering wheel. Includes a seat belt for added security.

Woodland Climber

Now available in new colors for spring. This sturdy climber provides fun that stands out by blending in. It features natural colors and realistic textures that look great in any residential setting.

4-in-1 Rock N Stroll Rider

This ride on toy easily transforms into a rocker, toddler cart, walker and foot-to-foot vehicle. The 4-in-1 design is perfect for your growing toddler. Base removes for rocking. This toddler cart is designed with a support bar and long handle for easy adult steering.

Big Splash Water Park

Pour water down the water slide or spin the water wheel! Catapult diving board flips the swimmers into the pool. Big splash water tower is durable and lasts for years. Open area to inspire imaginative water play. Drain plug and accessory set included.

Kangaroo Climber

Back by popular demand! This all-in-one toddler activity gym features a crawl-thru tunnel, Dutch door, archway and unique exterior step-up walls.

Tropical Island Resort

Hours of splish and splash water fun! Send the play people down the slide or off the diving board, spin the water wheel carousel, and pump the geyser to watch the water flow. Features an elevated height puts play area at toddler arms’ reach and includes 14 piece accessory set.

Dockside Sandbox & Climber

This sandbox/climber combo features an adorable nautical theme. It has 3-in-1 play features including steering wheel, slide, sandbox and play platform combo. Includes a shade canopy to shade little skippers from the sun and a lid to protect from the elements and environment.

X-Rider

IMPORTANT: The Step2 X-Rider has been voluntarily recalled. If you own this item, have your child STOP using it immediately and contact Step2 at 1-866-860-1887 or visit http://www.step2.com/recall/XRider/

Give your little one hours of cruising enjoyment with this whimsical toy that he or she can ride on. Its plastic design features a colorful red body and a yellow handle and seats. The blue headlights resemble friendly eyes that are begging for some fun.