I was fortunate enough to attend the Toy Fair this year. What I saw there were many existing games and toys amplified in scale. For instance, chess games magnified or billiards table miniaturized. I was drawn to the scientific toys, such as the silicon-treated sand that never gets wet, the mini garden, and the magnet construction, similar to Legos. I noticed that there were blinking LED light toys, like the top that spins and animates a pattern. Since design has been a hot topic, a collection of customized purse kits and designer toys were more popular vendors. The Japanese Anime and designer toys were the most popular. When I asked a vendor why, she told me it was because her clients liked to "collect a piece of art," and the "limited edition" approach to marketing made them a hot commodity.

I WON! There should've been a photo of me striking Nick at the ear, but it happened so swiftly, that even the photographer missed it.

I guess these toys are "aspirational playing on fantasy," and help any kid become there favorite hero. But seriously, they were fun toys for about 20 minutes, but I don't think they're worth $125.00 a piece.