AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL TOY FAIR – LEGO Systems, Inc., makers of the world’s leading construction toys, unveils its largest collection of new build and play toys than ever before–246 new products–at the American International Toy Fair. This year’s lineup sets includes something for every builder, from curious toddlers to adult enthusiasts and everyone in between. The company will showcase its new items, in booth #1351 in Hall 3B of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center from February 16-19.
“We know that builders of all ages enjoy the unique and the interactive play options that LEGO toys offer and we also know that the nature of play time is changing, so we are continuing to find new ways to adapt the LEGO play pattern to bring hours of building enjoyment to as many children of any age, interest or building ability,” said Soren Torp Laursen, president, LEGO Systems. “From new LEGO Juniors sets for younger builders, to a collection of building sets based on the creative digital world of Minecraft, to sets based on the brand’s first feature film, 2014 is sure to be one of the most exciting years ever for the LEGO brand.”
Younger Builders (Ages 1½+)
LEGO DUPLO® introduces youngsters to LEGO building by offering bigger bricks for their little hands. New sets include vehicles such as an Ambulance ($14.99) and School Bus ($19.99) and items focused on encouraging creativity and role play, such as Creative Ice Cream ($14.99) and Creative Picnic ($19.99). Additions to the LEGO DUPLO brand Jake and the Neverland Pirates™ are joined for the first time ever by LEGO DUPLO Super Heroes: DC Comics sets, bringing beloved characters and stories from top preschool properties to building ($24.99-$49.99).
Easing the transition from DUPLO to LEGO building is new LEGO Juniors, designed specifically for 4 year-olds. Playsets feature modular bricks, such as walls and archways, plus step-by-step instructions to help young builders gain confidence as they get started. Classic themes such as Police-The Big Escape, Race Car Rally and Pony Farm ($29.99 each), are joined by popular licenses including Spider-Man™: Spider-Car Pursuit ($12.99), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles™: Turtles™ Lair ($19.99) and Batman™: Defend the Batcave ($29.99).
Classic Building (Ages 5+)
LEGO CREATOR™ kits ($4.99-$89.99) offer three models in one box with themes such as vehicles, creatures, and structures, enabling children to build, play, and then rebuild their creations. Experienced builders enjoy the challenge of LEGO Technic® sets, such as the Desert Racer ($19.99) and Cargo Plane ($139.99), featuring detailed functionality that mimics real world counterparts, plus two building instructions for maximum play value.
Themed Building (Ages 5+)
With LEGO CITY, younger builders create and role play as the everyday downtown heroes they know and love. Nine new sets in the Transportation theme ($9.99-$29.99) are joined by three Trains kits—Train Station ($64.99), High-Speed Passenger Train ($149.99) and Cargo Train ($199.99). The evergreen Police theme returns with new models ($6.99-$99.99) and builders create and explore adventure with sets from the Arctic ($6.99-$89.99).
LEGO Friends introduces the first of three waves of Collectible Animals ($4.99 each) in April. Sets like Mia’s Lemonade Stand and Emma’s Lifeguard Post ($9.99 each) explore extracurricular activities and hobbies. Other sets offer building and role play, including the Heartlake News Van ($24.99) and Sunshine Ranch ($69.99). A new Jungle Rescue subtheme sends the friends on an exciting mission, featuring Jungle Rescue Base ($59.99).
Inspired by “The LEGO Movie” is a collection of 17 building sets recreating iconic characters and scenes, like Super Cycle Chase ($49.99) where Emmet and WyldStyle escape the Robo Police. A series of “Creative Armada” kits such as the Trash Chomper, Ice Cream Machine and Castle Cavalry ($29.99 each) offer 2-models-in-1 box.
Six new LEGO Ultra Agents sets build a hero team of super agents working to capture futuristic villains ($11.99-$99.99). Exclusive digital content combines physical play with a first-person mission based game for iOS and Android devices.
LEGO Legends of CHIMA combines role play, social competitive play, digital and video game play where builders compete via heroic animal characters, such as a lion, gorilla or crocodile, to obtain the power of CHI, fueled by a hit television series on Cartoon Network. Twenty-six new kits, from ripcord-powered Speedorz ($12.99 each) to building sets like Eagle Legend Beast ($9.99) and the Flying Phoenix Fire Temple ($119.99). LEGO Ninjago, the original LEGO property centered on four young Ninjas mastering the art of Spinjitzu introduces nine new sets ($11.99-$119.99) tied to content airing on Cartoon Network this year.
Fans of all ages will want to collect 48 never-before-seen LEGO Minifigures via three new series releasing in 2014, one of which commemorates the 25th anniversary of television’s longest running animated series, THE SIMPSONS™ ($3.99 each).
Building takes a wacky turn with LEGO Mixels™, a new franchise co-developed with Cartoon Network, consisting of animated shorts that premiere this month, a rich web hub, a gaming app and a collection of 27 collectible building kits that provide a mini character creation experience representing the versatility and interchangeability of the property. Kits launch in three waves beginning in March ($4.99 each).
Licensed Building Fun (Ages 5+)
Four LEGO Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles™ sets based on the Nickelodeon animated television series recreate the adventures of Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo and Raphael ($12.99-$59.99).
LEGO DC COMICS Super Heroes introduces four new BATMAN™ sets, including Man-Bat Attack ($19.99) and The Joker Steam Roller ($49.99). Additionally, five new LEGO MARVEL Super Heroes sets based on The Amazing Spider-Man, Avengers and X-Men ($12.99-$49.99) will launch. This June, three sets based on the new Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy film join the collection ($19.99- $74.99).
LEGO building combines with favorite Disney Princess™ stories and characters in LEGO brand Disney Princess for hours of building fun, including Ariel’s Amazing Treasures ($12.99) and Rapunzel’s Creativity Tower ($39.99).
Digital creativity takes physical form in a new collection of LEGO Minecraft Creative Adventure sets which replicate virtual worlds and their characters in LEGO form.
Fifteen years of LEGO Star Wars™ is punctuated by sets based on the new Rebels™ television series and new Microfighters, offering scaled down icons such as the Millennium Falcon™ and X Wing Fighter ™ ($9.99 each). Favorites like AT-AP™ ($59.99) and Droid Gunship™ ($49.99) are available in March, while Mos Eisley Cantina™ ($69.99) and Imperial Star Destroyer™ ($119.99) launch in August.
Buildable Action Figures (Ages 6+)
The LEGO HERO FACTORY is where heroes are designed, built and equipped to accomplish any mission that beams in from across the universe. Builders assemble articulated action figures ($9.99-$34.99) that coincide with an online game and free mobile app that tell the story of an invasion from below.
Brian Isaacs - Executive Editor / Publisher