The Pool & Toy Niche

April 2014 Newsletter

#FunFactFriday According to Crayola, the average kid wears out about 730 crayons by his or her 10th birthday.

#FunFactFriday In 1952, little Anne Odell’s school restricted students to toys no bigger than a matchbox. So her dad, an engineer, made her a tiny die-cast steamroller—the first in a fleet of Lilliputian vehicles.

#FunFactFriday The name “Crayola” means “Oily Chalk” in French from the combination of “craie” (chalk) and “oléagineuse” (oily).

Inspired by a succession of female warrior heroes, toy makers are marketing a more aggressive line of playthings for girls — even as the industry clings to every shade of pink.

Interesting Article from the New York Times on how the Hunger Games has influenced the Toy Industry.

#FunFactFriday Did you know: Marine engineer Richard James invented The Slinky after a torsion spring fell off his desk and tumbled end-over-end across the floor. His wife Betty gave the toy its name.

Happy St. Patrick’s/Snow Day to All!

Just in: The Star Wars “Black Edition” action figures (at Anglo Dutch Pools & Toys)