Coast 2 Coast Mom

New York Baby Show 2015 Highlights

Last weekend I attended the New York Baby Show here in New York City, which bills itself as the largest show in the country "for new and expectant parents." I attended on the last day of the show, and I have to say it was pretty packed with hundreds of families visiting booths as they covered the span of over 150 sponsors and exhibitor tables. Thousands Turn Out for the 2015 New York Baby Show There were hundreds of products at the New York Baby Show as you would expect. Everything from clothes, toys, apps for your phone, life insurance... Read more →

Doc McStuffins Get Better Checkup Center doctor's office playset

The Doc McStuffins Get Better Checkup Center is finally coming to stores!! I've been eagerly awaiting its arrival since I saw a prototype of the lifesize doctor's office playset last year. Manufactured by Just Play, the set will sell for $79.99, and be available in mass retailers this fall. So keep an eye out! Just like in the Disney Junior series, Doc McStuffins' friend, Lambie is included, and lights and sounds are activated when she is on the checkup table. There's an electronic Big Book of Boo Boos to help kids make a diagnosis, slide in play x-rays to activate... Read more →

HEXBUG Toys in McDonald's Happy Meals

Starting today, HEXBUG micro robots will be featured in McDonald's Happy Meals across North America. Created by Innovation First International, the HEXBUG toys are sure to lure kids - and many boys - to the Golden Arches for the next four weeks. While we don't have a McDonald's along our day-to-day routes about town, we usually reserve eating there as a treat for road trips or long days running errands. I have no doubt, however, that we'll be making a beeline to pick up a Happy Meal with these micro robots for the Kiddo. :-) The HEXBUG Happy Meal program... Read more →

Garbage Pail Kids Trading Cards Return!

Garbage Pail Kids, the irreverant collectible cards from the 1980's are back! Peaking around 1986 with characters like Atom Bomb, Mauled Paul and Potty Scotty, the Garbage Pail Kids trading cards are returning to stores everywhere - with a vengeance. Recently the creators and artists gathered to announce the return of the collection: Looking to make a comeback with the Brand New Series which launches in stores today. Topps released a new base set of 55 hand painted Garbage Pail Kids characters, 110 cards in all, along with 10 motion cards (the image moves when you move the card). Each... Read more →

Doc McStuffins Toys Available Pre-Order

Doc McStuffins toys are available for pre-order at Toys "R" Us today! The Doc McStuffins doctor kit and bag of tools costs $19.99 and will ship on June 26, 2012. UPDATE: As of June 11th, pre-orders of Doc McStuffins toys have sold out at Toys "R" Us. My next meeting with Disney is in two weeks, so I'll pass along what I learn about the toys as soon as I can! I'm excited for everyone who was able to place a pre-order, and totally feel for everyone else having to wait for the next update. UPDATE 2: I met with... Read more →

2012 Miniature Hess Toy Truck Available May 25th!

The new 2012 miniature Hess toy truck and airplane will be available this Friday, May 25th at Hess and Hess Express stores! We're SO surprising the Kiddo this weekend. A replica of the 2002 holiday toy, the 18-wheel tractor trailer has working lights and a flatbed "landing pad" for the included bi-plane - which has working rotors. The mini Hess toy truck and airplane will retail for $6.99 and include batteries. The Hess Toy Truck, launched in 1964, is one of the longest running toy brands on the market. For a complete list of Hess Toy Trucks through the years... Read more →

Mr. Potato Head Celebrates 60th Birthday in 2012 GIVEAWAY

During Toy Fair 2012, I attended the 60th birthday celebration for the Mr. Potato Head character at the Hasbro showroom. (Mrs. Potato Head joined the celebration, too. :-)) Thinking back on 1952, means that Mr. Potato Head was born before my parents!! It's crazy to think that the plastic spud toy has entertained three generations of my family! The celebration included opportunities to nab photos with Mr and Mrs Potato Head, and of course a rousing verse of "Happy Birthday" and cake! What made me really smile, though was watching the Potato Heads dance. :-D That's a cute cake topper... Read more →

Doc McStuffins Toys and a GIVEAWAY

During the Disney Junior press conference at Toy Fair, I got a peek at the "Doc McStuffins" toys rolling out this June! There's some adorable plush character toys, and some cute toys sets for kids to play doctor. I have really been impressed with this smart little girl character from Disney, helping to "heal" stuffed animals. The "Doc McStuffins" series idea came from the executive producer's own experience taking her young son in and out of doctor's offices, hospitals and even ambulances with severe asthma. She came up with the series concept to help her son with his anxiety around... Read more →

GUM Star Wars Toothbrushes Launch in Stores

A new Star Wars toothbrush - or a lightsaber toothbrush - launching in stores now may be just what millions of parents across the country need to get their kids' oral care up to par. These cool new GUM toothbrushes come in the shape of Star Wars characters, or light-up lightsabers and could be exactly what it takes to get kids to mindfully brush their teeth twice a day. Yesterday I attended a launch event for the new GUM Star Wars toothbrush line at Ripley's Believe It Or Not. There were several photo ops and activities for the kiddies, and... Read more →

Jake and the Never Land Pirates Toys Coming June 2012

Disney Junior hosted a press event during Toy Fair to unveil their 2012 line up of toys - including the upcoming Jake and the Never Land Pirates toys coming to stores this June. Sharon Osbourne (voice of Mama Hook) and David Arquette (voice of Scully) were at the fun press conference. We were even treated to a song from Sharkey and Bones from the Never Land Pirates Band! Kids will soon be able to role play and embark on adventures with Jake, Izzy, Cubby and Skully character toys from the series. I was excited to get to preview the toys... Read more →