(Streetsboro, Ohio) — May 23, 2008 —The Step2 Company is proud to announce that two products in the company's interactive toy brands, Step2 and Infantino®, have received 2008 Parents' Choice Awards. Step2's Sand & Water Cart™ and Infantino's Activity Stacker™ were both honored by the Parents' Choice Foundation, an organization made up of educators, scientists, performing artists, librarians, parents and even kids themselves. The prestigious award honors the very best products for children of different ages and backgrounds, as well as varied skill and interest levels.

"The Step2 Company is proud of our toys among all of our brands — Step2, Infantino and Thinkativity. We are committed to creating toys that provide hours of safe, fun imaginative play and development for children," said Step2 CEO Scott Levin. "The Parents' Choice Award is a prestigious recognition for our high-quality toys and we are thrilled to receive this honor."

The Step2 Sand & Water Cart is new this summer to the Step2 family of outdoor toys. This best-selling item is easy for parents to move with its cart-on-wheels while the raised sandbox play area helps keep kids' clothes dry and their shoes sand-free. A protective lid helps debris and water out and the underneath shelf can be used to store additional outside games or as a place to let wet toys dry. The cart also comes equipped with an umbrella that can be tilted to provide shade during hours of outdoor enjoyment.

Infantino's Activity Stacker is made of several rings, with each ring inviting a different textured experience as infants teethe and explore. From the sliding chick, fish rattle, cooling teether, and mirrored ring to a medley of flower petals of contrasting textures and colors, each ring is light enough for little hands to manipulate. The rings are easy to stack and creative minds can put them in any order. The base holder is the right size for small hands to grab and hammer a surface to the sound of a squeak. A nice blend of visual stimulation, activity and function, this stacker will delight baby and give Mom and Dad many opportunities to use rich language to describe the rings and action.

"We provide a service to million of parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and caregivers all over this country who are time-pressed and work-stressed and simply don't have even a moment to pre-screen every product they give the kids in their lives," states the Parents' Choice Awards. The Parents' Choice Awards Committee's evaluation process offers objectivity, respect and expertise.

The Sand & Water Cart is part of the Step2 lineup of high-quality, imaginative outdoor toys for kids, including its signature play kitchens, ride on toys, swing sets and wagons. The Activity Stacker is part of Infantino's diverse product line which includes unique toys, fun puzzles, interactive shopping cart covers, travel items, and fashionably comfortable carriers.

(STREETSBORO, OHIO) — May 19, 2008 — Scrapbooking is a fun way to share memories with family and friends, and now a new online tool makes it easier while offering a chance to win a backyard full of fun this summer! stride rite®, the leading premium children's footwear brand, has launched an online scrapbooking site for moms to help share and celebrate the moments of childhood. In celebration of launching the site, through June 15th The Step2 Company®, the nation's largest toy manufacturer, is partnering with stride rite to offer a chance to win a Step2 Naturally Playful® Adventure Lodge with Glider.

Step2—long known for its signature playhouses, sand and water toys, ride on vehicles, swing sets and wagons—provides families with hours of outdoor fun. Now, in partnership with stride rite, Step2 has created an easy way to share photos and giggles that only toddlers can provide.

"Step2 toys help kids create scrapbook-worthy moments, so we are pleased to be apart of the strideritescrapbook.com launch which gives parents a way capture the fun and share them creatively online," said Brian Kirkendall, vice president of marketing for The Step2 Company.

Families can log to www.strideritescrapbook.com to create a personalized online scrapbook, and through June 15, 2008 can register for a chance to win fun prizes for the whole family. Not only will the online scrapbook enable visitors to store and customize photos, captions and layouts, but one lucky grand-prize winner will receive a Naturally Playful Adventure Lodge with Glider from The Step2 Company.

"Both Stride Rite and The Step2 Company pride themselves on being brands parents can trust and provide only the highest-quality products for young children, so partnering on our latest project seemed like a natural fit," Says Rachel Panetta, director of marketing for the stride rite children's group.

For more information, go to www.strideritescrapbook.com for official contest rules and instructions on how to get started.

###

About Step2
Step2, based in Streetsboro, Ohio, is the world's largest rotational molding manufacturer, designer and marketer of children's and home products sold under the Step2 brand, including children's play kitchens, playhouses, outdoor toys, as well as mailboxes, home & garden outdoor furniture and trash cans. Some of the company's most popular brands are Naturally Playful® LifeStyle®, MainStreet Village® and MailMaster®. Step2 distributes its toy and home & garden products through multiple retail channels including toy retailers, mass merchants, home centers, and the Internet at www.step2.com.

About The Stride Rite Children's Group, Inc.
The Stride Rite Children's Group, part of the Stride Rite unit of Collective Brands, Inc., markets the leading brand of premium children's footwear in the United States under such brands as stride rite, Saucony Kids, Born Kids and Sperry Top-Sider Kids, among others. For over 85 years, the company has designed and engineered footwear specifically to meet the needs of growing children. stride rite's mission is to encourage kids and support parents by developing and marketing products that help children embrace life's possibilities and adventures with confidence. The brand motto is "Life's Waiting. Let's Go." www.striderite.com

(Streetsboro, Ohio) — May 15, 2008 — The Step2 Company's® Step2 Fun Flow Play Sink™, as well as the Lil' Lion Happy Hang Out and Loopapalooza by Infantino®, have been recognized by iParenting Media as "Excellent Products of 2008." The group of licensed childcare facilities, schools, and parents that make up the iParenting Media Awards Executive Committee reviewed hundreds of products for educational and play merit, safety, value, age appropriateness and other factors including actual child and parent feedback from testing families around the nation. Award winners also meet the highest toy safety standards and are free of lead and phthalates.

Designed for the patio or backyard, the Fun Flow Play Sink has a battery-powered pump that keeps water and fun times flowing through the sink's gooseneck faucet. The faucet rotates to allow children to direct water flow and play with the accessory play pieces including a cup, strainer, spinning waterwheel and funnel. The accessory pieces have handles that allow them to hang on the outer rim of the sink so toddlers can clean up after play time, just like the big kids.

One of the iParenting Media Awards reviewers commented on the Step2 Fun Flow Sink, "We have had a blast with this toy and my kids want to play with it everyday. It's big enough that a group of kids can play, but not so big that it's tough to store. A definite hit!"

The Infantino Lil' Lion Happy Hang Out is a jungle-themed activity gym complete with multiple baby entertainment features, including a musical note on back of the large peek-a-boo mirror for fun jungle music and sounds. The interesting textures and dangling toys stimulate and develop senses — key for ages three months and up. Also, beginning at birth, children can be entertained by Infantino's Loopapalooza, a hanging toy with intertwined loops of sliding bugs, a teether, peek-a-boo mirror, and jittery bug.

"The Step2 Company is proud of our toys among all of our brands — Step2, Infantino and Thinkativity. We are committed to creating toys that provide hours of safe, fun imaginative play and development for children," said Step2 CEO Scott Levin. "The iParenting Media Award is a prestigious recognition for our high-quality toys and we are thrilled to receive this honor."

The Fun Flow Play Sink is part of the Step2 lineup of high-quality, imaginative toys for kids, including its signature kitchens, sand and water toys, ride on vehicles, swing sets and wagons. The Lil' Lion Happy Hang Out and Loopapalooza are part of Infantino's diverse product line which includes unique toys, fun puzzles, interactive shopping cart covers, travel items, and fashionably comfortable carriers. For more information, visit step2.com or view the award posting at the iParenting awards site.

(STREETSBORO, OHIO) — April 23, 2008 — The Step2 Company's® Neighborhood Fun Center™ was awarded the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio 2008 Gold Award this week. The only independent consumer review organization, the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, which was founded by the country's most trusted and respected child development experts, recognized the new all-in-one activity center from Step2 for its ability to combine active play with a setting for pretend role-playing.

The Neighborhood Fun Center features multiple activity stations, including a hook and loop target board, two balls, ring toss, crawl-thru rotating door and wavy slide. It also has a crawl-thru hole that leads to a slide and playhouse. The playhouse has a working Dutch door, window and doggy door.

"If you don't have room for both a playhouse and a slide — this certainly will fill the bill," says Stephanie Oppenheim, founder of the Oppenheim Foundation. The Neighborhood Fun Center joins the ranks of such Step2 toys as the Five Alarm Fun Center, Welcome Home Playhouse, LifeStyle™ Dream Kitchen and Naturally Playful™ Sand & Water Activity Table — just a few of the seventeen Step2 products that have received top honors from the Oppenheim Foundation since 2004.

The majority of Step2 toys (90%) are made in the USA and all are free of phthalates, including the award-winning Neighborhood Fun Center. Built to last with sturdy construction, Step2 puts all of their toys through rigorous safety testing to produce the highest quality products for families that will last year after year.

The Oppenheim Toy Portfolio judges on educational and play merit, safety, value, age appropriateness and other factors including actual child and parent feedback from testing families around the nation. Award winners must also meet the highest toy safety standards and be lead and phthalates free.

"We appreciate this award from such an upstanding organization. Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award represents many of the same standards we believe in at Step2," said Step2 CEO Scott Levin. "As always, we will continue to create toys that are safe, fun, and provide hours of imaginative play for kids."

The Neighborhood Fun Center is part of the Step2 lineup of high-quality, imaginative toys for kids, including its signature kitchens, sand and water toys, ride on toys, swing sets and wagons. For more information, visit Step2.com or view the award posting at www.toyportfolio.com.

This post has been updated here.

Speaking on the Today Show, Stephanie Oppenheim (of ToyPortfolio.com) lauded Step2's new Neighborhood Fun Center:

When we start putting together our list of "must have" active toys, I always look for new climbing equipment. In fact, this season I had a number of toy testing families ask for just this type of "first" climber equipment, while others requested recommendations for the best new playhouse. So I was really happy when we first saw the new "Step 2 Neighborhood Fun Center," which combines both those active play opportunities with its slide and the playhouse — just right as a pretend setting for this age group.

View the entire segment at MSNBC

iVillage "Chief Toy Officer" Elizabeth Werner Offers Advice for Outdoor Play

Parents and kids are ready to head to the backyard for outdoor fun, but according to Elizabeth Werner, after a few weeks it takes unique toys to keep kids happy and having fun in the sun for the entire summer. As the Chief Toy Officer for online parenting community iVillage.com and a toy industry expert, she offers these top tips for choosing outdoor toys and equipment for kids.

• Let Kids be Kids — The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends spontaneous "kid play" for healthy physical and social development. Take advantage of the weather and find toys that lend themselves to unstructured play outdoors — like play houses or ride on vehicles.
• Role Play Promotes Creativity — Play houses and make-believe cottages offer creative environments for neighborhood kids to play together and create story lines in their own fantasy worlds. Role playing is an important way children practice decision making skills and express their own interests and personalities.
• Just Add WaterAs the temperature heats up, take the fun outside and spray, splash and soak the hot weather away. Find toys that circulate or pump water to allow for increased child interaction and products that allow for easy drying and storage.
• Kick It — Outdoor exercise is one of the best ways to entertain kids and promote their health at the same time. Sports-related toys can help teach kids how to aim, jump, kick and toss — keeping them active while helping develop gross motor skills.
• Classics in Plastic — Easy to clean, sturdy and durable, plastic toys can last a lifetime without a splinter or chip of paint. For example, Step2's Naturally Playful Adventure Lodge Play Center looks like a wooden classic, but it's made with plastic and much more convenient to care for and store.
• Portability Makes Play Easier — Pull handles and wheels on heavy toys like sandboxes and water tables let you easily move them around the yard — in and out of the sun and shade. Look for sturdy wheels and handle construction, and plugs that allow draining water or rinsing out sand.
• Better Safe than Sorry — Buy brands you trust, and make sure you read the labels. Quality toys are well-tested, and many are made in the USA. Be sure that toys are properly labeled with easy to understand sales and manufacturing information, and include a customer service email or hotline to contact for help.
• Block the Rays — Toys with umbrellas or canopies are helpful in preventing sun exposure that can leave tots with unhealthy sun rashes and burns. Always use sunscreen on yourself and little ones.

Known for its signature playhouses, sand and water toys, ride on vehicles, swing sets and wagons, The Step2 Company is heating up summertime fun with new toys to foster hours of imaginative, active and safe play for your backyard or patio.

With a year-round commitment to safety, Step2 lets parents feel confident that they are not only buying fun toys, but smart toys for their family. The majority of Step2 toys (90%) are made in the USA and all are free of phthalates. Built to last with sturdy construction, Step2 puts all of their toys through rigorous safety testing to produce the highest quality products for families that will last year after year.

Check out The Step2 Company's summer 2008 product introductions that make the backyards the cool place to go to enjoy the summer sun:

New From the Step2 Company:

781800 - All Star Sports Climber (MSRP: $99.99) [View Demo]
It's game time with the All Star Sports Climber. Outfitted with a basketball hoop, rock wall, football toss, soccer and slide, this set is sure to win some big points! Kids will keep active as they learn how to toss, shoot, and kick on target at a young age. Keep score with the built in score keeper. Rock wall provides a safe and easy challenge for children. Junior-sized inflatable football, basketball, and soccer ball included. Durable poly construction is built for years of play. Adult assembly required. Ages 2+

785400 - Neighborhood Fun Center (MSRP: $299.99) [View Demo]
The fun never ends with Step2's Neighborhood Fun Center. Unique design features multiple activities so there is something for everyone. Activity stations include a hook & loop target board, two balls, ring toss, crawl-thru rotating door and wavy slide. Ring toss comes with four rings. Crawl-thru hole leads to slide and playhouse. Playhouse design has a working Dutch door, window and doggy door. Durable poly construction is built for years of play. Adult assembly required. Ages 2+

781600 - Fun Flow Play Sink (MSRP: $49.99)
A battery-powered pump keeps the water and fun times flowing through the Fun Flow Play Sink's gooseneck faucet (requires 2 "D" batteries, not included). Faucet rotates to allow children to direct water flow and play with the included accessory play pieces: cup, strainer, spinning waterwheel and funnel. Accessory pieces have handles that allow them to hang on outer rim so kids can clean-up after play time, just like the big kids. Water pump has built-in timer to save battery power. Durable poly construction lasts for years. Minimal adult assembly required. Ages 2+

785500 - Naturally Playful® Magic Fountain Cottage (MSRP: $299.99) [View Demo]
Imaginations can run wild with this magic cottage that hides surprises around every corner. The old-world inspired design features stone cottage-look with shale roof and battery-powered wall fountain that recirculates water (requires 3 "D" batteries, not included). Full size door and working shutters for peek-a-boo fun. Detailed interior features a secret crawl-thru door, stone fireplace, and a kitchenette with sink, swivel faucet, burner and clicking knob. Postal mail slot, electronic doorbell with realistic chime sound and electronic play phone (requires 4 "AAA" batteries, not included). Durable double wall poly construction lasts for years and is maintenance free. Adult assembly required. Ages 2+

780600 - Sand & Water Cart (MSRP: $79.99)
No beach? No problem with the Sand & Water Cart, the new raised sandbox and water table which offers elevated play. Two front wheels and handle help easily move sand cart from one place to another. Durable protective lid helps keep debris and water out. Elastic tie-downs help keep lid securely attached. Holds 40 lbs. of sand and 1/2 gallon of water (not included). Drain plug in water tray for easy cleaning. Accessories include: 2 boats, 1 water tower, 1 cup and 1 umbrella. Underneath storage shelf allows toys to dry after use. Comes with a 42" tilting umbrella to help shade children from sunlight. Minimal adult assembly required. Ages 2+

782200 - Skyward Summit (MSRP: $399.99)
Authentic design makes this climber look like a real rock climbing wall. Four unique climbing surfaces create varying challenges. Features 2 climbing cargo nets, 1 floor net, and 12 grips. Narrow top offers a challenging climb for children. Hole on the top of peak for children to peek out. Over 100 square feet of outer climbing area, and a total height of 80". Mounting hardware included. Adult assembly required. Maximum weight limit 300 lbs. Ages 4+

Returning Favorites from The Step2 Company:

764900 - Front Porch Playhouse (MSRP: $299.99)
Perfect for sunny or rainy days, the raised front porch with built-in bench provides shade when it's sunny and cover when it rains. Detailed interior includes a pass-through window with table surface, molded-in sink with swivel faucet, and stovetop with clicking knob. The playhouse is complete with a working Dutch door, side window with shutters and decorative peaked roof. Also features electronic doorbell with chime, mail slot, and electronic play phone. Ages 1.5+

735300 - Neat & Tidy Cottage (MSRP: $159.99)
Your kids will enjoy this playhouse year-round! Molded-in floor keeps kids out of the dirt, and dirt out of your house. Open design provides easy view of children at play. Interactive phone and pass-through mailbox. It features a molded-in kitchen table, faucet, burner and two seats. Also includes a working doorbell for visitors. Ages 1.5+

774600 - Naturally Playful® Adventure Lodge Play Center with Glider (MSRP: $999.99)
Active and imaginative play abounds with the versatile Adventure Lodge Play Center! Fill the summer hours with this giant play set designed for variety, stability, and maintenance-free fun! The two-story playhouse with a rustic lodge theme encourages imaginative play while the slide, swings, glider, climbing ladders and ball toss provide plenty of opportunities for more physical activities. Ages 3+

Labels: new toys, summer toys