As we get into the Spring season, families are looking for ways to enjoy being outside, and that means toys! To find toys that families can ...

As we get into the Spring season, families are looking for ways to enjoy being outside, and that means toys! To find toys that families can enjoy both inside and outside this year, I attended the TTPM Spring Showcase.

Note: I was invited as media to this event and received a gift bag. However any personal views expressed are always 100% my own.

As usual there was lots of toys to see and play with, but this year I was on the look out for toys that encouraged outside play, had an educational twist and was just plain fun. Here are my top toy picks!

Jenga Maker

It's a different way to build with Jenga! This twist on classic Jenga gameplay has players dividing into teams, with teams racing to instruct and create builds at the same time

• 200 DIFFERENT BUILDS: One teammate draws a card and describes the setup to their teammate. No pointing, gesturing, or peeking allowed! This fun kids' game features beginner and advanced builds.
• CROWN THE BUILD: It's a race to the finish as teams build their objects at the same time. The first to build theirs correctly and then crown their creation wins that round. Take the crown in 3 rounds to win.
• GENUINE HARDWOOD BLOCKS: The Jenga Maker game includes 28 colorful, premium wood Jenga blocks. Each block features the official Jenga logo.

Marvel Spidey and His Amazing Friends Supersized Action Figure

Web-out with the Spidey and His Amazing Friends Supersized: Miles Morales, Ghost-Spider and Supersized Spidey Action Figures! These 9-inch-tall Spider-Man figures comes with a web accessory.

• POSEABLE HEADS AND ARMS: Spider-Man figure’s head and arms move, so preschoolers can move them into dynamic action poses that recreate the excitement of the TV show
• ATTACHABLE WEB ACCESSORY: Kids can attach the included web accessory to the figure’s wrist so they can “web out” just like in the preschool animated show on Disney Junior.

Jurassic World Dominion Playsets & Figures

Jurassic World Dominion Sound Slashin' Slasher Therizinosaurus Figure

Watch out for the HUGE claws that make side-slashing attacks! Hear epic sound effects and experience a lunging action completed with a CHOMP! This terrifying dinosaur stars in a critical role in the movie and can play a huge part in at-home storylines, too!

Download the free Jurassic World Facts app (Android and iOS)! Find the hidden DNA code and scan it to initiate Augmented Reality (AR) options.

AR lets kids study the dinosaur in the lab with fun visual learning and explore different modes, like thermal and x-ray! Then, take it to the next level and bring dinosaurs into our world through AR -- make the dinosaur appear in any room.

Jurassic World Dominion Capture And Crush Truck™

This off-road style vehicle with rolling wheels is geared up to capture dinosaurs on the loose! Loaded with blaster and tranquilizer dart, swiveling crane for dinosaur lifting and flat bed for transport. Stretchy chains across the back secure the captured animal.

But the Dinosaurs can fight back and destroy parts of the vehicle, with a breakaway side and front cabin! Pack comes with a velociraptor figure for play right out of the box. Colors and decoration may vary.

Bring the velociraptor to life with extended digital play using Augmented Reality. Scan the hidden DNA code on the dinosaur with any smart device in the free Jurassic World Facts app. To unlock additional benefits in the digital capture game on the app, scan the DNA code on the vehicle.

Jurassic World Dominion Super Colossal Giganotosaurus Action Figure

At about 14 inches high and more than 3 feet long, the Giganotosaurus has a marbleized finish, realistic skin texture and color, posable arms and legs and extra-wide jaws that can open and close.

SWALLOW UP TO 20 MINI DINOSAURS WHOLE! (Mini figures sold separately and subject to availability.) To release the minis, just unlatch the belly door and dump them out. Colors and decorations may vary.

Fom Mania: Fomilator Blaster

The Fömilator jets out streams of thick, fluffy foam for the Ultimate Föm Experience! Load, aim & blast foam up to 15 feet! Each Fömilator comes with 4 fluid ounces of foam concentrate to make non-toxic, tear-free foam formula for up to 100 mega blasts! Requires 4 "AA" batteries, not included. Refills available.

TTPM’s Most Wanted 2022 Toys List

TTPM also shared their "2022 Spring Most Wanted Toys" list, which included toys and products across three different categories: Entertainment, Imagination and Outdoor Play.

Entertainment:

• CoComelon My Friends Cody and Snack Time JJ - Jazwares
• Disney Pixar Lightyear Blast & Battle XL-15 Vehicles - Mattel
• Gabby’s Dollhouse Kitty Fairy’s Garden Treehouse - SpinMaster
• Imaginext Jurassic World Mega Stomp & Rumble Giga Dino - Fisher-Price
• Jurassic World Thrash ‘N Devour Tyrannosaurus Rex - Mattel
• Paw Patrol Rescue Knights HQ - SpinMaster
• Peppa Pig Peppa’s Supermarket Playset - Hasbro
• PJ Masks Sky Pirate Battleship - Hasbro
• Sonic the Hedgehog Green Hill Zone - LEGO
• Disney Pixar Turning Red Many Moods of Red Panda Mei - Just Play

Imaginative Play

• 100 Things That Go - LeapFrog
• Barbie Cutie Reveal - Mattel
• Bluey Garbage Truck - Moose Toys
• Shimmer ‘N Sparkle The Real Ultimate Nail Spa - Cra-Z-Art
• Cry Babies Magic Tears Series Pink Edition - IMC Toys
• L.O.L. Surprise! World Travel Dolls - MGA Entertainment
• Lunar New Year Traditions - LEGO
• 5 Surprise Mini Brands Disney Store - Zuru
• Rainbow High Pacific Coast - MGA Entertainment
• Squishmalls Fuzz-A-Mallows - Jazwares

Outdoor Play

• Little Tikes 3-in-1 Paint & Play Backyard Easel - MGA Entertainment
• WOWmazing Giant Bubble Kits - South Beach Bubbles
• Chippo on the Go - EastPoint Sports
• CoComelon Splash Pads - Sunny Days Entertainment
• Little Tikes Easy Store Water Table - MGA Entertainment
• Föm Mania - Little Kids
• Kan Jam - EastPoint Sports
• NERF Minecraft Pillager’s Crossbow - Hasbro
• NERF Super Soaker Roboblaster - WowWee
• Twister Splash - WowWee

To learn more, visit - www.ttpm.com/mostwanted

Get ready for Disney and Pixar’s “Lightyear” opening in theaters on June 17, 2022, with this printable family activity kit. This LIGHTYE...

Get ready for Disney and Pixar’s “Lightyear” opening in theaters on June 17, 2022, with this printable family activity kit.

This LIGHTYEAR Activity Kit includes:

• Coloring Pages
• Spot The Differences
• Maze
• Spaceship Cut-Out
• and more

You can download the activity kit here: LIGHTYEAR Activity Pack

SYNOPSIS

A sci-fi action adventure and the definitive origin story of Buzz Lightyear, the hero who inspired the toy, “Lightyear” follows the legendary Space Ranger after he’s marooned on a hostile planet 4.2 million light-years from Earth, alongside his commander and their crew.

As Buzz tries to find a way back home through space and time, he’s joined by a group of ambitious recruits and his charming robot companion cat, Sox. Complicating matters and threatening the mission is the arrival of Zurg, an imposing presence with an army of ruthless robots and a mysterious agenda

Lightyear | Official Trailer 2



The film features the voices of Chris Evans as accomplished Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear, Uzo Aduba as his commander and best friend Alisha Hawthorne and Peter Sohn as Sox. Keke Palmer, Taika Waititi and Dale Soules lend their voices to the Junior Zap Patrol’s Izzy Hawthorne, Mo Morrison and Darby Steel, respectively, and James Brolin can be heard as the enigmatic Zurg.

The voice cast also includes Mary McDonald-Lewis as onboard computer I.V.A.N., Isiah Whitlock Jr. as Commander Burnside, Efren Ramirez as Airman Diaz, and Keira Hairston as Young Izzy.

Directed by Angus MacLane (co-director “Finding Dory”), produced by Galyn Susman (“Toy Story That Time Forgot”) and featuring a score by award-winning composer Michael Giacchino (“The Batman,” “Up”).

Learn more, visit -

Facebook - www.facebook.com/PixarsLightyear
Twitter - www.twitter.com/PixarsLightyear
Instagram - www.instagram.com/pixarslightyear

While National Picnic Day is on April 23, you can still enjoy a picnic experience on any day with these products! Whether you’re searching f...

While National Picnic Day is on April 23, you can still enjoy a picnic experience on any day with these products! Whether you’re searching for a practical tote bag or looking for a refreshing beverage, this list has all the necessary picnic items.

Empty Provisions Footwear

Price: $135.00 - $155.00

Empty Provisions Footwear is an ethical line of footwear that is committed to designing and producing items that are sustainable, comfortable, and stylish. Every shoe is designed in Somerville, MA and crafted by hand in small batches in central Maine, with the materials also being sourced locally.

Learn more - www.emptyprovisions.com

Urban Originals: Tote Bags

Price: Varies

Urban Originals creates bags that are practical, without using any animal leather. The brand is 100% cruelty-free and vegan. Urban Originals uses the finest quality vegan leathers and recycled materials where possible and works to very low chemical requirements.

Learn more - www.uobags.com

SunPlus

Price: $22

A luxury lotion of vitamins, rich and multi-level moisturizers, antioxidants, and skin-loving superfoods. The SUNPLUS sunscreen line gives protection from the sun’s harmful rays while moisturizing, soothing, and guarding skin against pollutants and premature aging. This moisturizing sunscreen is gentle on sensitive skin, plus water-resistant and sweat-proof. The packaging is vegetable-based and ingredients are biodegradable and ocean and reef safe.

Learn more - www.sunplusca.com

Chido

Price: $26.00 +

Made with real Blanco tequila, CHIDO five flavor-filled varieties, captures your tastebuds and lifts your spirits, one can at a time. Try the classic sea salt, tequila, and lime margarita tequila cocktails. There’s even a pumpkin spice latte to savor, hot or cold!

Learn more - www.drinkchido.com

The Retro Bag

Price: $39.99 - $99.99

The perfect stylish and practical backpack to stash away cutlery, extra snacks and drinks! The Retro Bag reimagines classic styles, which are vintage, yet trendy. The Retro Bag is also committed to sustainability. Every bag is made cruelty free with eco-friendly , water-resistant materials and vegan leather.

Learn more - www.theretrobag.com

City Bonfires

Price: $21.95 to $64.95

It’s easy, fun, and yummy! Elevate any mood with these special editions of mini bonfires, perfect for romantic evenings, family fun, and gift-giving. All safe and cozy for roasting marshmallows and keeping warm, made with love from Maryland.

Learn more - www.citybonfires.com

PureWine

Price: $9.99+

Imagine no more headaches or other side effects that come after enjoying that beloved glass. Thanks to PureWine, you no longer have to suffer as it offers two unique filtration systems that eliminate the histamines and sulfites that cause wine allergies without altering the flavor of your delicious reds and whites.

Learn more - www.drinkpurewine.com

Don’t just shop for mom this Mother’s Day, also give a little love to brands that are mom owned. Everything from food to homeware, here are ...

Don’t just shop for mom this Mother’s Day, also give a little love to brands that are mom owned. Everything from food to homeware, here are products by women, who are both entrepreneurs & moms.

August Table: Block Print Linens

Price: $19.99-$139.99

Designed with a farmhouse and Parisian boho aesthetic, all linens spark simplicity and natural freshness to spruce up dining spaces. August Tables' napkins, tablecloths, and scarves are made with 100% milled cotton and created by Indian artisans with textile block-printing designs. Their table collection is easy to wash and available in matching sets and designs for every special occasion.

Learn more - www.augusttable.com

KeaBabies: Baby Handprint & Footprint Keepsake Frame

Price: $12.96-$49.96

KeaBabies offers organic and earth-conscious products with the goal to raise the next generation through positive parenting and sustainability. Products for every stage of life, KeaBabies offers drool bibs and swaddle wraps to postpartum support bands and maternity support bands.

Learn more - www.keababies.com

Hickory Hills Clothing Co.: Emma Dress

Price: $39

Matching mother & daughter dresses designed with unique patterns in small batches. All items are able to be purchased separately, as each dress is made in both adult and mini sizes. Inspired by stylish and chic patterns, they are available in soft cotton fabrics with flattering waistlines and sophisticated tiered skirts.

Learn more - www.hickoryhillscompany.com

Sweet Diane’s Granola

Price: $11

The naturally gluten-free granola, Sweet Diane's is packed with healthy protein and fats that give you energy. Indulged in a heart-healthy snack including coconut oil, sweet blueberries, crunchy almonds, and maple syrup. Each granola flavor is perfect on top of yogurt, smoothies or even baked into desserts!

Learn more - www.sweetdianes.com

Mama Coco®: Winged Rompers

Price: $10-$110

Mama Coco provides fastener-free everyday essentials to make dressing your baby simple and fuss-free. Made with soft and stretchy fabric so your baby can be comfortable and secure in the innovative patent-pending designs.

Simple as can be with a "no over-the-head" design for easy on-and-off changing. From swaddles, onesies, clothing, and accessories in the cutest patterns, dress your baby in style and comfort.

Learn more - www.buymamacoco.com

Memeeno: Belly Bands

Price: $26.99

Memeeno belly bands are a holistic remedy for fussy babies to reduce gas and relieve colic without using any potentially harmful herbs or heating elements. All bands are made of super soft 100% organic cotton front and back with a polyester fleece infill to ensure optimal belly warmth and comfort. Available in a variety of adorable prints, all bands are recommended for newborns to 12 months.

Learn more - www.memeeno.com

Red & Olive Co.: Mr. Beary (Bear) + Beanie Set

Price: $12.50-$98

Red & Olive Co. blends traditional art forms with the latest fashion trends into knit dolls animal stuffies. Ethically Handmade in Peru, all knit dolls are designed with luxurious Peruvian cotton.

Available in Baby Bear, Bunny, Cat, Fox, and Skunk. Red & Olive's classic full-sized knit dolls come in adorable outfits and accessories, ranging from soft beanies and stylish bows.

Learn more - www.redandoliveco.com

Pack your imagination and sense of curiosity, and get ready to travel with CMOM to Southeast Asia. Join the museum for an exciting explorati...

Pack your imagination and sense of curiosity, and get ready to travel with CMOM to Southeast Asia. Join the museum for an exciting exploration of Indian culture—from puppetry to percussion instruments—to celebrate 75 years of India’s Independence.

Through storytelling, unique art projects, music, and more, children will immerse themselves in India and its people’s rich history and traditions.

CMOM India at 75 Celebration

Spring Break, April 18 - 24

Join CMOM and partner, The Culture Tree, to celebrate freedom, renewal, and culture. This year marks 75 years of India’s independence from British rule, reminding us of the sacrifices freedom fighters make to get free from colonial rule.

All week-long celebrate 75 years of India’s independence and the history of its people, culture, and achievements at CMOM.

Note: Specific events dates are included alongside each listing, below.


Monday & Tuesday, April 18 & 19
Fabric Prints and Textile Design - Find inspiration to create a textile design in traditional Indian symbols, colors, and fabrics. Carve your own stamp using foam and print your design on real fabric.


Wednesday & Friday, April 20 & 22
Eco Architecture - Explore the designs of architects Neelam Manjunath, Trupti Doshi, and Revathi Kamath as you draw, design, and build a solution to an environmental issue.


Thursday, April 21
Warli Painting - The wall paintings of the Warli people of Maharashtra are famous for their simplicity and liveliness. Warli painting is a type of art created mainly in Maharashtra, India. Create art inspired by Warli painting using crayons, markers, and chalk.


Thursday, April 21 | 2 pm - 4 pm
Warli Painting with Kavita Rajput - The art Warli painting sometimes resembles prehistoric cave paintings and usually depicts scenes of human figures hunting, dancing, sowing, and harvesting. Join guest artist Kavita Rajput as she shares tips for making art inspired by Warli painting, a type of art created mainly by the people of Maharashtra, India.


Friday, April 22 | 11:30 am
India at 75 Story Time: Dancing Devi - Devi, one of the best Bharatanatyam dancers in her dance school, is upset when she learns she's lost the big dance competition. Devi vows to practice until her dance is flawless but keeps making mistakes no matter how she practices. Come along with Devi and author Priya Parikh to learn that failure is an important part of learning and growing.


Friday, April 22 | 2 pm & 3 pm
Performance: The Tree Hugger - Celebrate Earth Day with The Tree Hugger, a performance and dance workshop. Using Indian classical dance, The Tree Hugger tells the true story from 1730 India of Amrita Devi. Amrita and her three daughters make the ultimate sacrifice to protect the trees in their community, which moves their village, and later the entire country, inspiring the 1970s environmental movement called CHIPKO. Aditi Dhruv from Thresh Dance will be performing this beautiful script written by author Mona Sehgal.


Saturday, April 23 | 10 am - 12:45 pm & 3 pm - 4:45 pm
Drum Making - Inspired by the Indian percussion instrument known as the tabla, build your own set of drums to create beautiful beats and playful percussion.


Saturday, April 23 | 2 pm & 3 pm
Explore Indian Classical Music - Beat a tabla, strum a sitar, groove to teen taal, and rock to a raga as we journey through the world of Indian classical music. Join Vanita Kothari from Little Ustaads for rhythmic tunes, rich vocals, mini-instruments, and vibrant visuals. Explore the sounds of Indian classical music and unleash the artist within yourself.


Sunday, April 24 | 10 am - 12:45 pm & 3 pm - 4:45 pm
Kathputli Puppet Making - Kathputli puppetry (derived from “kath,” meaning wood, and “putli,” meaning doll) is a string puppet theater, native to Rajasthan, India. Create a puppet inspired by Kathputli puppets using wood and fabric.


Sunday, April 24 | 11 am
India at 75 Story Time with Anu Sehgal of The Culture Tree - Founder and President of The Culture Tree Anu Sehgal shares some of her favorite children’s books. Explore Indian language, art, and culture by today’s leading Indian authors and illustrators.


Sunday, April 24 | 1 pm
India at 75 Story Time with author Shweta Ganesh Kumar - Author and storyteller Shweta Ganesh Kumar will read from her new book What House Shall I Build Today? This book is a cultural deep dive into the type of buildings and structures that are present in India. Did you know there are sandstone havelis in Jaisalmer and houses with roofs made of wild grass in Nagaland? Cities have skyscrapers and there are houses powered by solar energy. Join us for a special story time and build the house you would like to live in.


Sunday, April 24 | 2 pm
Holi Puppet Show: Colors of Krishna’s Love - Learn the story of Holi and how it is celebrated through an interactive show with dance, drama, puppetry, and songs. Meet Krishna and his friends as they throw colored powders and share in love and laughter. Colors of Krishna’s Love reinforces themes of friendship and love while teaching about India’s festival of colors.


Sunday, April 24 | 3 pm
India at 75 Story Time: Always Anjali - When Anjali gets the bike of her dreams on her birthday, she and her best friends look for matching license plates with their names, but Anjali can’t find her name. She gets so upset she vows to change her name. Join author Sheetal Sheth and hear how Anjali learns to celebrate who she is and carry her name with pride.


CMOM is open Wednesday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., with timed entry throughout the day. Visitors are encouraged to purchase timed-entry tickets online in advance. Admission is free for all members and $15 for non-members, and provides entry to all CMOM programs and exhibitions.

Learn more, visit - www.cmom.org

Facebook - www.facebook.com/cmom.nyc
Twitter - www.twitter.com/cmomNYC
Instagram - www.instagram.com/cmomNYC

Marvel Studios’ has shared a new poster and TV spot for “DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS” opening in theaters Friday, May 6. ...

Marvel Studios’ has shared a new poster and TV spot for “DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS” opening in theaters Friday, May 6.

In Marvel Studios’ “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” the MCU unlocks the Multiverse and pushes its boundaries further than ever before.

Marvel Studios' Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness | Dream

SYNOPSIS

Journey into the unknown with Doctor Strange, who, with the help of mystical allies both old and new, traverses the mind-bending and dangerous alternate realities of the Multiverse to confront a mysterious new adversary.

Starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Elizabeth Olsen, Benedict Wong, Xochitl Gomez, with Michael Stuhlbarg, and Rachel McAdams.

Marvel Studios' Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness | Official Trailer



The film is directed by Sam Raimi, and Kevin Feige is the producer. Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Eric Hauserman Carroll, Scott Derrickson and Jamie Christopher serve as executive producers. The screenplay was written by Michael Waldron.

Get your tickets to be among the first to see Doctor Strange take on a dangerous, mind-bending journey through the Multiverse.

Learn more, visit - www.marvel.com/movies/doctor-strange-in-the-multiverse-of-madness

Facebook - www.facebook.com/DoctorStrangeOfficial
Twitter - www.twitter.com/DrStrange
Instagram - www.instagram.com/doctorstrangeofficial