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Step2 50's Diner Wins Top Awards for 2008
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Step2 in the News: August Update!
Sand & Water Cart Makes a Splash with Dr. Toy
Step2 Toys Ideal for Children with Special Needs
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Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Toy Experts Expect Retro Play Kitchen to be Hot Pick for the Holidays
(STREETSBORO, OHIO) — October 7, 2008 — Holiday shopping season is just a few weeks away, and already The Step2 50's Diner play kitchen has rocked its way to the top of several of the country's most notable hot toy lists. Recent accolades include topping Toys"R"Us "Fabulous 15" holiday toy list for 2008, ranking among FamilyFun magazine's top 10 toys of the year, and receiving an Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award, their top honor.
These highly anticipated shopping cheat-sheets help families identify which products are the best-of-the-best and will not only be safe, durable and a good value, but also fun, educational and provide hours of entertainment. Products to receive these awards are carefully selected after a comprehensive review process and exceed the performances of all other toys put to the test.
"We appreciate this recognition from such important industry and retail leaders," said Step2 CEO Scott Levin. "We pride ourselves on creating toys that are safe, fun and provide hours of imaginative play for kids. The Step2 50's Diner is a stand-out because it's a fresh take on our fun play kitchens and play houses, but it harkens back to a time when parents and grandparents were kids."
The new retro-style 50's Diner from Step2 lets toddlers step back to yesteryear with a classically-styled play kitchen that features everything needed to prepare an imaginary meal and serve customers — just like a real diner. The 50's Diner comes packed with fun activities and accessories including an oven, grill, dishware, spatula, ice cream scoop, sundae dishes, deep fryer, ketchup and mustard bottles, and a sink to clean the dishes. To help kids turn up the heat, a griddle pan and coffee pot activate electronic sizzling and bubbling sounds when placed on the stove's front burner. A tabletop seating area for pretend customers includes a working jukebox that lets kids rock around the clock with three 50's-style tunes. The 50's Diner is appropriate for children ages two years and up and retails for $149.99.
The 50's Diner is part of the Step2 lineup of high-quality, imaginative toys for kids, including its signature play kitchens, sand and water toys, ride on vehicles, swing sets and wagons.
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About Step2
The Step2® Company is a family company with brands including Step2®, Infantino®, and Thinkativity® that foster learning and development through creative play in children from birth to school-age years. Step2, based in Streetsboro, Ohio, is the largest American manufacturer of preschool and toddler toys and the world's largest rotational molder of children's and home products, including children's play kitchens, playhouses, outdoor toys and ride on toys, as well as home products such as mailboxes, outdoor furniture and trash cans. Infantino, headquartered in San Diego, Calif. is a leading designer and international distributor of innovative and original infant, toddler, and preschool products. Featuring fashion-forward designs, the popular product lines include classic creative baby toys and puzzles, innovative soft baby carriers, and simple, no-fuss baby travel systems. New Jersey-based Thinkativity is a leading innovator of electronic and early learning toys promoting inventive play patterns through original musical compositions and stories that inspire children to explore, play and learn. Visit www.step2.com, www.infantino.com and www.thinkativity.com to learn more about the Step2 Company brands.
About Toys"R"Us, Inc.
Toys"R"Us, Inc. is the world's leading dedicated toy and baby products retailer. Currently it sells merchandise through more than 1,500 stores, including 585 Toys"R"Us stores and 262 Babies"R"Us stores in the U.S., more than 693 international stores in 33 countries, which includes licensed and franchise stores, and through its Internet site at www.Toysrus.com.
About Oppenheim Toy Portfolio
Founded in 1989 by mother and daughter team, Joanne and Stephanie Oppenheim, the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio does not accept entry fees for reviewing products or take ads from companies. The Oppenheims are independent child development experts and contributors to NBC's TODAY Show. www.toyportfolio.com
About Family Fun
Published by Disney Publishing Worldwide, FamilyFun is the nation's largest magazine targeting families with children ages 3 to 12 years old, with a rate base of 2 million and an audience of 4.8 million. A trusted resource, FamilyFun delivers real ideas for - and from - real families. FamilyFun's lively and informative content focuses on making the most of family time together through travel, entertainment, cooking, crafts, learning at home, and other family activities. FamilyFun's portfolio of brands includes FamilyFun.com and FamilyFun books, including the Cooking With Kids cookbook.
(STREETSBORO, OHIO) — October 7, 2008 — Holiday shopping season is just a few weeks away, and already The Step2 50's Diner play kitchen has rocked its way to the top of several of the country's most notable hot toy lists. Recent accolades include topping Toys"R"Us "Fabulous 15" holiday toy list for 2008, ranking among FamilyFun magazine's top 10 toys of the year, and receiving an Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award, their top honor.
These highly anticipated shopping cheat-sheets help families identify which products are the best-of-the-best and will not only be safe, durable and a good value, but also fun, educational and provide hours of entertainment. Products to receive these awards are carefully selected after a comprehensive review process and exceed the performances of all other toys put to the test.
"We appreciate this recognition from such important industry and retail leaders," said Step2 CEO Scott Levin. "We pride ourselves on creating toys that are safe, fun and provide hours of imaginative play for kids. The Step2 50's Diner is a stand-out because it's a fresh take on our fun play kitchens and play houses, but it harkens back to a time when parents and grandparents were kids."
The new retro-style 50's Diner from Step2 lets toddlers step back to yesteryear with a classically-styled play kitchen that features everything needed to prepare an imaginary meal and serve customers — just like a real diner. The 50's Diner comes packed with fun activities and accessories including an oven, grill, dishware, spatula, ice cream scoop, sundae dishes, deep fryer, ketchup and mustard bottles, and a sink to clean the dishes. To help kids turn up the heat, a griddle pan and coffee pot activate electronic sizzling and bubbling sounds when placed on the stove's front burner. A tabletop seating area for pretend customers includes a working jukebox that lets kids rock around the clock with three 50's-style tunes. The 50's Diner is appropriate for children ages two years and up and retails for $149.99.
The 50's Diner is part of the Step2 lineup of high-quality, imaginative toys for kids, including its signature play kitchens, sand and water toys, ride on vehicles, swing sets and wagons.
About Step2
The Step2® Company is a family company with brands including Step2®, Infantino®, and Thinkativity® that foster learning and development through creative play in children from birth to school-age years. Step2, based in Streetsboro, Ohio, is the largest American manufacturer of preschool and toddler toys and the world's largest rotational molder of children's and home products, including children's play kitchens, playhouses, outdoor toys and ride on toys, as well as home products such as mailboxes, outdoor furniture and trash cans. Infantino, headquartered in San Diego, Calif. is a leading designer and international distributor of innovative and original infant, toddler, and preschool products. Featuring fashion-forward designs, the popular product lines include classic creative baby toys and puzzles, innovative soft baby carriers, and simple, no-fuss baby travel systems. New Jersey-based Thinkativity is a leading innovator of electronic and early learning toys promoting inventive play patterns through original musical compositions and stories that inspire children to explore, play and learn. Visit www.step2.com, www.infantino.com and www.thinkativity.com to learn more about the Step2 Company brands.
About Toys"R"Us, Inc.
Toys"R"Us, Inc. is the world's leading dedicated toy and baby products retailer. Currently it sells merchandise through more than 1,500 stores, including 585 Toys"R"Us stores and 262 Babies"R"Us stores in the U.S., more than 693 international stores in 33 countries, which includes licensed and franchise stores, and through its Internet site at www.Toysrus.com.
About Oppenheim Toy Portfolio
Founded in 1989 by mother and daughter team, Joanne and Stephanie Oppenheim, the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio does not accept entry fees for reviewing products or take ads from companies. The Oppenheims are independent child development experts and contributors to NBC's TODAY Show. www.toyportfolio.com
About Family Fun
Published by Disney Publishing Worldwide, FamilyFun is the nation's largest magazine targeting families with children ages 3 to 12 years old, with a rate base of 2 million and an audience of 4.8 million. A trusted resource, FamilyFun delivers real ideas for - and from - real families. FamilyFun's lively and informative content focuses on making the most of family time together through travel, entertainment, cooking, crafts, learning at home, and other family activities. FamilyFun's portfolio of brands includes FamilyFun.com and FamilyFun books, including the Cooking With Kids cookbook.
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Andy |
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Friday, October 03, 2008
Top Toy Retailer Reveals "Fabulous 15" Representing the Best of the Season
(STREETSBORO, OHIO) — October 1, 2008 — With the official start of the holiday shopping season just a few short weeks away, Toys"R"Us has announced their "Fabulous 15" hot toys for 2008 and Step2®'s 50's Diner play kitchen tops the list.
This highly anticipated shopping cheat-sheet for families represents the definitive selection of toys for kids' wish lists this holiday season. Carefully selected after a comprehensive review process, the Step2 50's Diner play kitchen was chosen as a top choice for children 13 months to two years of age.
"After a thorough evaluation of all new toy introductions throughout the year, and consultations with our global merchandising team in 34 countries, Toys"R"Us has the unique ability to provide our guests with THE ultimate list of items certain to bring big smiles to kids' faces — the Toys"R"Us Hot Toy list," said Karen Dodge, Senior Vice President, Chief Merchandising Officer, Toys"R"Us, U.S.
The new retro style 50's Diner from Step2 lets toddlers step back to yesteryear with a classically styled play kitchen that features everything needed to prepare an imaginary meal and serve customers &emdash; just like a real diner. The 50's Diner comes packed with fun activities and accessories including an oven, grill, dishware, spatula, ice cream scoop, sundae dishes, deep fryer, ketchup and mustard bottles, and a sink to clean the dishes. To help kids turn up the heat, a griddle pan and coffee pot activate electronic sizzling and bubbling sounds when placed on the stove's front burner. A tabletop seating area for pretend customers includes a working jukebox that lets kids rock around the clock with three 50's-style tunes. The 50's Diner is appropriate for children ages 2 years and up and retails for $149.99.
"We appreciate this recognition from such an important retail industry leader." said Step2 CEO Scott Levin. "We pride ourselves on creating toys that are safe, fun, and provide hours of imaginative play for kids. The Step2 50's Diner is fun because it's a fresh take on our fun play kitchens and play houses but it harkens back to a time when parents and grandparents were kids."
The 50's Diner is part of the Step2 lineup of high-quality, imaginative toys for kids, including its signature play kitchens, sand and water toys, ride on vehicles, swing sets and wagons. For more information visit www.step2.com, or view all items featured on Toys"R"Us' Hot Toys List at www.Toysrus.com/HotToys.
About Step2
The Step2® Company is a family company with brands including Step2®, Infantino®, and Thinkativity® that foster learning and development through creative play in children from birth to school-age years. Step2, based in Streetsboro, Ohio, is the largest American manufacturer of preschool and toddler toys and the world's largest rotational molder of children's and home products, including children's play kitchens, playhouses, outdoor toys and ride on toys, as well as home products such as mailboxes, outdoor furniture and trash cans. Infantino, headquartered in San Diego, Calif. is a leading designer and international distributor of innovative and original infant, toddler, and preschool products. Featuring fashion-forward designs, the popular product lines include classic creative baby toys and puzzles, innovative soft baby carriers, and simple, no-fuss baby travel systems. New Jersey-based Thinkativity is a leading innovator of electronic and early learning toys promoting inventive play patterns through original musical compositions and stories that inspire children to explore, play and learn. Visit www.step2.com, www.infantino.com and www.thinkativity.com to learn more about the Step2 Company brands
About Toys"R"Us, Inc.
Toys"R"Us, Inc. is the world's leading dedicated toy and baby products retailer. Currently it sells merchandise through more than 1,500 stores, including 585 Toys"R"Us stores and 262 Babies"R"Us stores in the U.S., more than 693 international stores in 33 countries, which includes licensed and franchise stores, and through its Internet site at www.Toysrus.com.
CONTACT:
Dotti Franks, Vice President Marketing Communications
dfranks@step2.net; 330-656-0440
Margaux Vega, Current Lifestyle Marketing
mvega@currentlm.com; 415-449-0126
(STREETSBORO, OHIO) — October 1, 2008 — With the official start of the holiday shopping season just a few short weeks away, Toys"R"Us has announced their "Fabulous 15" hot toys for 2008 and Step2®'s 50's Diner play kitchen tops the list.
This highly anticipated shopping cheat-sheet for families represents the definitive selection of toys for kids' wish lists this holiday season. Carefully selected after a comprehensive review process, the Step2 50's Diner play kitchen was chosen as a top choice for children 13 months to two years of age.
"After a thorough evaluation of all new toy introductions throughout the year, and consultations with our global merchandising team in 34 countries, Toys"R"Us has the unique ability to provide our guests with THE ultimate list of items certain to bring big smiles to kids' faces — the Toys"R"Us Hot Toy list," said Karen Dodge, Senior Vice President, Chief Merchandising Officer, Toys"R"Us, U.S.
The new retro style 50's Diner from Step2 lets toddlers step back to yesteryear with a classically styled play kitchen that features everything needed to prepare an imaginary meal and serve customers &emdash; just like a real diner. The 50's Diner comes packed with fun activities and accessories including an oven, grill, dishware, spatula, ice cream scoop, sundae dishes, deep fryer, ketchup and mustard bottles, and a sink to clean the dishes. To help kids turn up the heat, a griddle pan and coffee pot activate electronic sizzling and bubbling sounds when placed on the stove's front burner. A tabletop seating area for pretend customers includes a working jukebox that lets kids rock around the clock with three 50's-style tunes. The 50's Diner is appropriate for children ages 2 years and up and retails for $149.99.
"We appreciate this recognition from such an important retail industry leader." said Step2 CEO Scott Levin. "We pride ourselves on creating toys that are safe, fun, and provide hours of imaginative play for kids. The Step2 50's Diner is fun because it's a fresh take on our fun play kitchens and play houses but it harkens back to a time when parents and grandparents were kids."
The 50's Diner is part of the Step2 lineup of high-quality, imaginative toys for kids, including its signature play kitchens, sand and water toys, ride on vehicles, swing sets and wagons. For more information visit www.step2.com, or view all items featured on Toys"R"Us' Hot Toys List at www.Toysrus.com/HotToys.
About Step2
The Step2® Company is a family company with brands including Step2®, Infantino®, and Thinkativity® that foster learning and development through creative play in children from birth to school-age years. Step2, based in Streetsboro, Ohio, is the largest American manufacturer of preschool and toddler toys and the world's largest rotational molder of children's and home products, including children's play kitchens, playhouses, outdoor toys and ride on toys, as well as home products such as mailboxes, outdoor furniture and trash cans. Infantino, headquartered in San Diego, Calif. is a leading designer and international distributor of innovative and original infant, toddler, and preschool products. Featuring fashion-forward designs, the popular product lines include classic creative baby toys and puzzles, innovative soft baby carriers, and simple, no-fuss baby travel systems. New Jersey-based Thinkativity is a leading innovator of electronic and early learning toys promoting inventive play patterns through original musical compositions and stories that inspire children to explore, play and learn. Visit www.step2.com, www.infantino.com and www.thinkativity.com to learn more about the Step2 Company brands
About Toys"R"Us, Inc.
Toys"R"Us, Inc. is the world's leading dedicated toy and baby products retailer. Currently it sells merchandise through more than 1,500 stores, including 585 Toys"R"Us stores and 262 Babies"R"Us stores in the U.S., more than 693 international stores in 33 countries, which includes licensed and franchise stores, and through its Internet site at www.Toysrus.com.
CONTACT:
Dotti Franks, Vice President Marketing Communications
dfranks@step2.net; 330-656-0440
Margaux Vega, Current Lifestyle Marketing
mvega@currentlm.com; 415-449-0126
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Andy |
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|
Researchers Blog on Creative Play and Child Development
Case Western Reserve University's Schubert Center for Child Studies partners with Step2
Parents have a new online resource, featuring recent research and expert commentary related to child development and creative play for infants and young children. Launched by the experts at Case Western Reserve University's Schubert Center for Child Studies in partnership with Step2®, the nation's largest manufacturer of preschool and toddler toys, CreativePlayPlus.com offers parents access to informative, unbranded information about fostering creativity from a team of world-class researchers.
Connecting parents to industry trends, news and advice, the blog features expert-authored articles on a variety of learning, child development and creative play.
"At Step2 we design quality children's play products with the understanding that imaginative and creative play is essential to the healthy development of a child," says Scott Levin, President and CEO of Step2. "Step2 is proud to sponsor CreativePlayPlus.com and give parents, grandparents and child care professionals the opportunity to connect with noted experts in the field of child development at the Schubert Center for Child Studies to learn why play is so important in children's lives."
CreativePlayPlus.com will allow parents and child care professionals to:
Sample topics include child development, parenting and play tips. For more information, go to CreativePlayPlus.com or visit Step2.com to find out more about the company supporting this educational effort for parents.
Case Western Reserve University's Schubert Center for Child Studies partners with Step2
Parents have a new online resource, featuring recent research and expert commentary related to child development and creative play for infants and young children. Launched by the experts at Case Western Reserve University's Schubert Center for Child Studies in partnership with Step2®, the nation's largest manufacturer of preschool and toddler toys, CreativePlayPlus.com offers parents access to informative, unbranded information about fostering creativity from a team of world-class researchers.
Connecting parents to industry trends, news and advice, the blog features expert-authored articles on a variety of learning, child development and creative play.
"At Step2 we design quality children's play products with the understanding that imaginative and creative play is essential to the healthy development of a child," says Scott Levin, President and CEO of Step2. "Step2 is proud to sponsor CreativePlayPlus.com and give parents, grandparents and child care professionals the opportunity to connect with noted experts in the field of child development at the Schubert Center for Child Studies to learn why play is so important in children's lives."
CreativePlayPlus.com will allow parents and child care professionals to:
- Read the latest research in summarized form by noted experts in the field of child development
- Respond to articles with personal comments and questions
- Learn how to make wise toy purchasing decisions for children
- Use provided links to other resources to get more information on play
- Easily navigate through the site using categories and tags
- Subscribe and be notified of the latest information published via RSS and email
Sample topics include child development, parenting and play tips. For more information, go to CreativePlayPlus.com or visit Step2.com to find out more about the company supporting this educational effort for parents.
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Andy |
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