The Aftermath of Toy Fair

Well! What a show this year - it was truly inspiring to see the industry in such a positive frame of mind. It seems that many manufacturers are responding to tough economic times by upping their game, and there are some simply outstanding new products hitting the shelves this year.

As the manufacturers circus moves on, first to Birmingham then Nuremburg, it's time for me to take stock of everything I saw, and come up with a hit list for what goes on the shelves, at little old Bus Stop Towers this year. Space in a blog doesn't allow me to mention everything I saw, so I'll limit myself to the three manufacturers that I thought were the stars of the show. My criteria for deciding was quite simple - I went around with a notepad all day, and these three far outstripped the others in terms of the notes I took. I'll cover them over the next few weeks, then round up the 'best of the rest' for you too.

First up, for today's post is Tomy. They were the stars of the year last year for me, and are looking pretty good for 2011. The biggest news is probably in their K'Nex range, which has landed a couple of simply massive licenses - Top Gear and Mario Kart.

We all know that construction toys are as much about Dads as kids, so the Top Gear license is a massive coup for K'Nex - whilst the models are only at early prototype stage so far, we're promised that the sets, due out in the latter part of the year will feature some of the most famous stunts from the TV show - superb.

The Mario Kart K'Nex kits look like being a hot, hot product later on this year too. With no drop in the popularity of the Wii game, the kits will allow kids (and big kids) to recreate all the best of the action in K'Nex format. Another outstanding product.

Meanwhile, on the collectibles front, Pinypon are a range of collectible, anime-style dolls with customisable accessories that look a sure-fire hit. There's also Teacup Piggies Glam Stars, which look adorable and a sensational RC hit-to-be called the GX Buggy. Well done, Tomy - looks like another great year.