Released on: October 31, 2007, 9:53 am
Press Release Author: Zoobies
Industry: Retail
Press Release Summary: Award winning, Patented Zoobies get named ASTRA's "Best For Kids"
Press Release Body: Provo, Utah 10/31/07 – With holiday shopping around the corner, parents soon will be searching for safe, high-quality toys this season. Zoobies™ announced today that their Safari Line have been included on The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) “Best-for-Kids” toy list for Holiday 2007.
This one-of-a-kind, annual list recognizing the best play products available for children is based on input from independent toy store owners around the country, the “toy professionals” who spend every day of the year working with parents and children.
This year’s “Best-for-Kids” list recognizes the best toys available that meet independent toy-store-owners’ high standards of quality, and at the same time encourage free play. Experts suggest that parents find toys that not only entertain, but encourage positive, unstructured playtime activities. An American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) January 2007 report identified unstructured play as “important to healthy brain development,” because it allows “children to use their creativity while developing their imagination, dexterity, and physical, cognitive and emotional strength.”
“ASTRA is one of the most important organizations in the industry and we are thrilled to deatht that they are endorsing our product." said Ryan Treft, Zoobies™ VP of Marketing. The toys on ASTRA’s list also earn high approval ratings from parents and educators by helping reinforce classroom lessons, teaching sharing and caring, and getting kids active and off the couch. And, at ASTRA-member stores, parents enjoy atmospheres that encourage creativity and hands-on play for their kids, combined with friendly, personal service and expert advice for a toy shopping experience unlike anywhere else.
“The ‘Best-for-Kids’ toy list reflects ASTRA’s commitment to the best interests of children, their healthy development and their futures. What’s more, these toys encourage kids to drop the game controller or TV remote and get back to the basics of using their imaginations,” said Kathleen McHugh. “We think this year is going to be a great one for our manufacturers and retailers as the public looks for exactly the kind of service and products they offer.”
More
on Zoobies™
The patented Zoobies™ concept is the only plush animal
concept out there that turns into both a pillow and blanket. Since their launch
in February 2007, they have added hundreds of specialty retail stores in the
U.S. and have won multiple awards. More information can be found at www.Zoobies.com.
For a complete ASTRA “Best-for-Kids” toy list – or to locate an ASTRA specialty toy retailer near you, visit www.astratoy.org or call ASTRA at 312-222-0984.
About
The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association
ASTRA is Leading the Way Through Play by providing quality
products that help children have fun, achieve success and lead happy, healthy
lives. The largest association for companies in the toy and children’s
products arenas, ASTRA brings retailers, manufacturers, manufacturers’
representatives, and industry affiliates together to help them achieve their
business goals and promote the growth of the industry by delivering products
that serve children’s best interests.
Web Site: http://www.zoobies.com
Contact
Details: Ryan Treft
46 N. University Ave.
p- 801.802.0507
f- 801.802.0516
Ryan@zoobiegear.com