this guide spotlights latest toys and games that can be found online and on local store shelves and were invented, designed, manufacturered by Cincinnati's vibrant community of game and toy makers. It also reveals the surprising Cincinnati roots of several well known perennial favorite Christmas toys.
Guide features over 30 items and includes something for everyone - boy
Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...
Cincinnati Game and Toy 2011 holiday gift guide
1. Cincinnati Game & Toy
Industry Professionals
present
Our 2011
Holiday Gift Guide
Image courtesy of Brainedge by cc license via flickr
2. Happy Holidays!
We hope you enjoy this holiday gift guide and that it helps you find thoughtful gift ideas from your
hometown Cincinnati toymakers.
This guide was composed and is provided as a service to the community by Michelle Spelman on
behalf of and in coordination with the Cincinnati Game and Toy Industry Professionals Group.
Prices and products are subject to change without notice. No guarantees of product availability are
made.
Fair use reprinting/redistribution of this content is permitted with proper attribution.
All information is believed to be accurate at time of publishing.
The spirit of this publication is to shine light on the creative genius in Cincinnati behind some of today’s best
toys and games. Reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accurate and complete
information, however, we realize that often a product is the result of collaborative efforts by multiple
individuals and entities. If you believe an entry reflects inaccurate or incomplete information, please notify us
and we will attempt to verify and make necessary corrections and attribution. If they cannot be readily
verified, we must rely on the accuracy of our Members who have supplied us with information.
3. Themed Monopoly-style Games and 3-in-1 Puzzles
by Late for the Sky Productions
The Tri-a-Puzzle Line, College Editions, offers sports fans and puzzlers 3
challenges in 1 puzzle. 1.) Assemble the giant size helmet only. 2.)
Assemble the helmet in the full color background. 3.) Flip the pieces
over and assemble the center of the school's football field. Each puzzle
is 22"x18" and contains 350 pieces. Hours of fun for every sports fan!
$15.95 | Ages 8+ | 2 – 6 players | 60 minutes
Great gift for students, alumni, and fans
Board spaces are specific to the university
Msrp $24.95
Ages 8+
2 – 6 players
60 minutes to play
Find these and many more licensed and themed editions in
local retailers all over town, on Amazon and at the company
website: http://www.lateforthesky.com
4. Tri-Casa card game
by Grotto Dog Games LLC
Tri-Casa is a property –buying card game with simple rules that can
be played by even young players with a little help. Simple graphics
and quick play make it approachable for the whole family.
Bonus: game comes with instructions translated in both English
and Spanish!
$7.99 | Ages 8+ | 2 – 4 players | 20 minutes
Find Tri-Casa online at the company website:
http://www.tricasagame.com
5. Baffle board game
by Flying Rabbit Enterprises
Baffle was created by local teacher, Diane Hill. She used the game
in her classroom and upon retirement, she and her
husband, Kyle, brought it to market. Endless combinations make
this a game with lots of play in it. Easy, medium and difficult puzzle
cards make it approachable for a range of skills and ages.
$29.99* | Ages 8+ | Solo or multiple players | 20 minutes
*The game also comes in a digital CD-ROM version for $19.99
Find Baffle at Ted’s Toy Store, Joseph Beth, Contemporary
Arts Center gift shop and online at the company website:
http://bafflegame.com/
6. Sharper Image - Snow Boogie Phantom X
high performance racing sled
Designed by Ron Boyle
Reign as king (or queen) of the hill with this fast-as-lightning sled.
The High Performance Racing Sled's secret is its metal-alloy frame
and nylon mesh seat. They make this sled lighter than most, while
the dual-pivoting, extra-wide skis and handlebar grip make it the
ultimate in maneuverability.
$99.99
Find it at Sharper Image
http://www.sharperimage.com/si/view/product/High-
Performance-Racing-Sled/200401?question=sled
7. One2Ten card game and Triviathon board game
designed by Jeezle Pete’s, manufactured by US Playing Card Co.
Joe and Dave Herbert of Southeast Indiana gained notoriety when
they won the Doritos Crash the Super Bowl ad contest in 2009.
Now, they’ve shifted their creative genius toward the game
industry. Their newest game, “One2Ten” requires players to guess
how their opponents might rate certain things on a scale of one to
ten. can be found at Walmart stores across the country. Award-
winning Triviathon is fast-paced trivia for smart and stupid people!
It can be found in specialty toy stores and online.
$29.99 | Ages 12+ | 2 - 12 players | 20 minutes
$4.99 | Ages 8+ | 2 – 6 players | 20 minutes
Find One2Ten at a Walmart store near you. Find Triviathon
in specialty toy stores and find both games online:
http://www.playone2ten.com | http://www.triviathon.com
8. Revolution board game and Tiger Stripes board game
designed by duBarry Games
Philip duBarry is an accomplished game designer with his popular
“Revolution” published by Steve Jackson games, and the follow up
expansion “The Palace” and his newest much anticipated release
“Kingdom of Solomon” arriving on store shelves in 2012.
Welcome to Revolution! Secretly bid against your opponents to
gain the support of the people, win territory . . . and collect more
Gold, Blackmail, and Force for the next round of bidding!
$39.99 | Ages 12+ | 3 - 4 players | 60 minutes
$14.99 | Ages 5+ | 2 - 4 players | 10 minutes
Your tiger has no stripes! Earn them by hunting for food or searching for valuable
jewels. When a tiger gains all ten of his stripes, the game is over. Tiger Stripes
enhances basic math skills in a fun and engaging way.
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree in the duBarry family.
Daughter, Isabel, influenced by her dad’s creativity, designed her
own game, “Tiger Stripes” which debuted in August. Perfect for
kids, this game is not only fun, it represents the potential of our
children when they are empowered to pursue their dreams.
Find Revolution at Yottaquest , Gateway Games, Sci-Fi city
and online. Find Tiger Stripes online at:
http://www.dubarrygames.com
9. LOYO! card game
designed by Dwight Porter, Pfun Games
Created by Mason resident, Dwight Porter, LoYo! Is a fun
approachable card game that ‘s easy to learn. Great for family
game night or teacher gift for indoor recess.
$9.99 | Ages 7+ | 2 – 6 players | 20 minutes
The game where everyone shouts LoYo!
Try to get the LoYo! cards, but avoid the dreaded OH NO! cards
Roll the dice and get a bonus deduction or add to your opponent.
Find LoYo! at Ted’s Toy Store in Madeira and online.
http://www.loyogame.com
10. Jukem Football card game
designed by Jeff Spelman, Flying Pig Games LLC
Created by local dad, Jeff Spelman, to connect with his son via
their shared passion while practicing math skills. Jukem Football is
broadly appealing and approachable for novice and expert fans
alike. Perfect for family game night, tailgates, bowl parties and as a
gift. MADE IN USA.
Contact the company for information on customizable youth team
editions that can be used for fundraising and sponsorships.
$14.99 | Ages 8+ | 2 - 4 players | 20 minutes
Find Jukem Football at Ted’s Toys, King Arthurs
Court, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Gift Shop, Blue Marble
Books, Cincinnati Museum Center Gift Shop and hundreds
more stores across the country and online.
http://www.jukemfootball.com
11. Moroccan Geodes and Fossilized Dinosaur Poop Excavation Kit
by GeoCentral
Breaking open geodes is fun and educational
Label explains geological formation of geodes and gives safety
instructions for breaking
A great stocking stuffer gift for any rock enthusiast
$2.50| Ages 5+
Discover the Wonders of Our World
Excavate (dig out) two pieces of genuine coprolite also known as
fossilized, dinosaur poop
Contains: Gypsum block, digging tool, brush, magnifier and drawstring pouch
Excavating fossils can be both fun and educational
A great gift for any fossil or dinosaur enthusiast
$12.99| Ages 5 - 8
Find GeoCentral products at Ted’s Toy Store, in specialty toy
and museum stores across the country and at amazon.
http://geocentral.com
12. Bluetooth R/C Blue Sky Heli and Enzo Ferrari vehicles
by Silverlit Toys
This three-channel helicopter has full gesture controls that easily
connect with and follow the movements from your iPhone, iPad or
iPod Touch.
Realistic sound effects and force feedback vibrations simulate a
real flying experience, while Gyro Stabilization makes for easy
flying.
Required App is free to download in App Store.
$79.99 | Ages 10+
$79.99 | Ages 10+
This top-speed hobby grade vehicle has full gesture controls
that easily connect with and follow the movements from
your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch. Stunning 1:16 scale
Ferrari has digital controls, variable speeds, multi-racing
steering and functional lights.
Required App is free to download in App Store.
Find Silverlit Toys at Best Buy
Stores, BestBuy.com, Walmart.com, Amazon.com, Apple.com
http://www.silverlit.com
13. Fisher Price Rainforest Twist & Spin suction toy
designed by Halter Design
Baby can bat and spin rainforest friends around! A cute
monkey, jingly toucan and rattling butterfly spin on this fun little
tree, entertaining baby while stimulating developing skills. Suction
cup makes it ideal for highchair, stroller tray, and other flat
surfaces.
$17.99 | Ages 3 months+
Find it on Amazon http://www.amazon.com
14. Orbeez Jewelry Maker and Soothing Spa
by BangZoom Design
Orbeez magically flow down the cascading
waterfall to fill the moisturizing hand bowls
and foot spa 3,500 Orbeez in 6 colors
Orbeez grow to more than 100 times their
volume.
Grow scented Orbeez in this relaxing
spa, and immerse your hands and feet in
the soothing softness of Orbeez.
Soothing Spa $34.99 | Ages 5+
Orbeez are wet and wacky, soft and squishy, fun and
funky, bouncy and beautiful. They start off hard and tiny.
Add water and watch them grow to more than 100 times
their volume. Grow 3 colors of Orbeez at once in your
Jewelry Maker. Fill your pendants with different
combinations of color. Comes with 3 pendants (2 of
them light up) and a peace sign insert.
Jewelry Maker $19.99 | Ages 5+
Find it at ToysRUs and on Amazon
http://bangzoomdesign.com
15. ProTunes I Am T-Pain Mic
by BangZoom Design
Sing to your favorite tracks, freestyle over exclusive beats, and
upload beats from your computer to the mic
Record, save and share online with friends
This product does not utilize the Auto-Tune technology owned by
Antares Audio Technologies
Patent pending
$39.99 | Ages 7 - 11
Find it at ToysRUs and on Amazon
http://bangzoomdesign.com
16. Barbie Puppy Swim School
by BangZoom Design
Help Barbie and her dog Taffy teach the
puppies how to swim.
Wind up Taffy's tail to make her really swim
in the pool.
Push a lever on Barbie's back to dry the
puppies with a towel or toss a puppy in the
water.
A magnetic connection allows Taffy to push
her puppies in the water or inner tube
Includes Barbie doll, Taffy swimming dog, 2
puppies, pool, inner tube, basketball, and
hoop. $19.99 | Ages 7 - 11
Find it at ToysRUs and on Amazon
http://bangzoomdesign.com
17. Nerf Buzzsaw Blaster
by BangZoom Design
Rapid-fire ball blaster has rev-it-up Buzzwheel
action for rapid, ballistic blasting!
Blaster comes with 4 Ballistic balls
Rev up its unique Buzzwheel for rapid-fire blasts
Play your game NERF-style!
When you're looking for rapid-fire ball
blasting, look no further than the ballistic
BUZZSAW blaster!
$19.99 | Ages 6 - 12
Find it at Target, Kroger, Walmart, ToysRUs and on Amazon
http://bangzoomdesign.com
18. ProWood Fingerboards
by Jim Vickers Prowood Fingerboards is a family business. Most are avid
fingerboarders and skateboarders. You can often times find us at the
Louisville Extreme Park on all but the coldest and snowiest days. Other
times, you will find us at various parks in the Greater Cincinnati area.
Complete fingerboards
$32.95 and up
Decks only
$12.95 and up
Accessories
$3.95 and up
Ages 12+
Prowood Fingerboards are made of 5 plys of .020" wood veneer. The
first, third, and fifth plys are AAA grade Canadian Maple. The second and the fourth
plys are White Birch. We have found this combination of wood gives the Prowood a Find at Pit Row Hobby Shop
unique feel and great pop. To finish, every Prowood Fingerboard is sprayed with 8- in Kenwood and online:
10 coats of clear acrylic lacquer to give it a durable and attractive finish.
http://prowoodfingerboards.com
19. Custom Made Doll Clothes for 18" Dolls
designed by Stephanie Sommer, Simply Sommer Designs
Fun, Fresh, Modern Clothing made to fit American Girl Dolls (or other
similar 18" dolls). All outfits are handmade to order. I work mostly with
cotton and knit materials. All items have been prewashed and have Velcro
closure or elastic waist to make it easy for your little one to change outfits.
All seams are professionally finished.
From $10.00 - $15.00
Please allow 10 business days to have clothes made and ready.
Find it at http://simplysommerdesigns.blogspot.com/
20. Bicycle, Bee, Hoyle, KEM, Aviator playing cards
by US Playing Card Co.
For over 100 years, The United States Playing Card Company
has been making playing cards in Cincinnati. They lead in
production and distribution of premier playing cards that
include well-known brands such as
BEE, BICYCLE, KEM, AVIATOR AND HOYLE decks.
$3.99 and up
Find them at all major national retail outlets and at
http://www.usplayingcard.com
21. Bidittle board game
by Patricia Smaracko, Alantis Company
$19.99 | 2 – 4 players | Ages 7+ |
BIDittls is a bidding and trick-taking card / board game to
help Bridge players teach family and friends the game of
Bridge. The game simplifies the Bridge learning curve by
breaking the process into three different levels of play.
Find it online at http://www.bidittle.com
22. Royal Woods burled wood sculptural puzzle boxes
by Jeff and Lynn Vollmer
Jeff and Lynn Vollmer have been creating unique and
puzzling boxes for over 10 years. Currently, the "Priceless
Hills" of Cincinnati's west side provide the setting for their
church-turned-studio.
The Spring Safe$159.99 - $359.99 Each box or puzzle is one of a kind, and will last for
generations to come.
$49.99 - $799.99
The Royal Jig $99.99 and up
Find them at http://www.merchantsofmirth.com
23. Scrumbrawl board game
by Tim Bugher
ScrumBrawl is a board game where players control fantastic
creatures vying for supremacy within the Arena, scoring
goals by maneuvering various types of enchanted orbs into
portals set within the Arena or fighting other creatures to
the death to prevent them from reaching the portals.
Fast-paced game high energy game
2, 3 or 4 players with option of playing 2 teams of 2 players
each
30-60 minutes to play a full game
50 different creatures, each with unique physical
characteristics and magical abilities
Great fun for ages 13+
$39.95 | Ages 13+ | 2 - 4 players | 30-60 mins
Find them at Yottaquest, at the website and on amazon
http://www.scrumbrawl.com
24. Ironclaw! Squaring the Circle role playing game
by Jason Holmgren, Sanguine Productions
Cincinnati's Jason Holmgren, of Sanguine Productions
LTD, brings you the award winning, critically-acclaimed game
role playing game Ironclaw! "Squaring the Circle" is an
exciting new edition of the classic role-playing game of
anthropomorphic fantasy. Ironclaw: Squaring the Circle is a
complete game in one volume, featuring dozens of full-color
illustrations from professional artists such as Chris Goodwin
(Black Iron), Andrew Kaiko (Kappa Mikey, Speed Racer), and
Stephen Silver (Clerks, Kim Possible, Danny Phantom).
If you've never played a role-playing game before, you can
make a few simple choices and play in minutes. Veteran
gamers can delve deep into strange and powerful
combinations, customizing every detail. You and your fellow
players will create a party of adventurers, each with unique
strengths to cover your friends' weaknesses, as you sally
forth into a glorious new world of bold adventure.
$59.95 | Ages 12+ | 2 or more players | 2 – 4 hours
Find them at Yottaquest, at the website and on amazon
http://www.sanguine.com
25. Classic toys with Cincinnati roots
Sit ‘n Spin 1974
Roland J. Bollman for Kenner
CC Image courtesy of Troy Wandzel on Flickr
26. Hasbro Easy Bake Oven
Invented for Kenner Toys in 1963 by Ronald Howes,
who was born & raised in Over The Rhine
Find it everywhere, at ToysRUs and on amazon
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3402594
27. Noah and Joseph McVicker
Rainbow Crafts 1956
Over 2 BILLION CANS
SOLD!
CC Image courtesy of KTVee on Flickr
28. Mattel Magic 8 Ball
Invented by Albert Carter, introduced in 1950
$9.99 | Ages 6+ | 1 or more players |
Find it everywhere, at ToysRUs and on amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Mattel-30188-Magic-8-Ball/dp/B00001ZWV7
29. UNO card game
Invented by Merle Robbins, a barber in Reading Ohio
1971
CC Image courtesy of Natasha C Dunn on Flickr
30. About Cincinnati Game and Toy
Industry Professionals
With over 200 members spanning the industry who work with global brands and
local startups, this group connects people in the Greater Cincinnati area who work in
the game and toy industry to share news, ideas and includes periodic meetups to
build relationships and promote Cincinnati's long heritage as a game and toy
innovation hotbed.
Focus is limited to family-oriented and children's products.
Founded in June 2010
by Michelle Spelman
http://www.linkedin.com/in/michellespelman
Cincinnati Game & Toy on Linkedin
Find us on twitter!
Notas do Editor
Alright everybody grab your seats & get ready to hang on tight cuz we’re gonna take a whirlwind ride through 150 years of Cincinnati toys and toymakers! Are you Ready?! Here we GO!
These guys saved their dying soap biz in the 20’s by selling wallpaper cleaner – a household staple in the days of dirty coal heat. When demand fell off in the 50’s, a teacher in the family foundthat it made a great modeling clay for her students and the rest is TOY HISTORY!
With over 150 million sold, UNO is THE Bestselling Card Game. ... Of ALL TIME….WORLDWIDE…. PERIOD!!!It was invented by a neighborhoodbarbernamed Merle Robbins in Reading for his family.