We’re back with the second part of our interview with the eBay toy and gadget director Cat Schwartz! This time Cat is giving us her picks for the newest and coolest toys for tots!
Tot Snob: It’s almost time for summer vacation, which means long rides in trains, planes and automobiles. What are some ways to entertain toddlers when they’re traveling?
Cat Schwartz: Leapfrog rocks at this category. One product that they just came out with is called the Tag. It’s a pen that your child drags along the “Tag” books and the pen helps them read the words. It’s pretty amazing.
If you’re driving and you have some room, take along the Fropper! This is a bike that’s really fun for kids to ride and bounce on. Plus, it folds up into a tiny space so you can take it along for the trip.
Lastly, pack a Kaboost. This turns any four-legged chair into a high-chair assuring comfort for your toddler in any situation.
TS: With all the recent chemical scares, eco-friendly toys are gaining momentum. Any favorites?
CS: These Back to Basics blocks are AMAZING! They’re unlike blocks I’ve ever seen and I LOVE them. They’re big, they stack easily, they’re heavy, and they make my two-year-old feel like he’s really building something. They’re also a great way to teach hand-eye coordination!
TS: There are so many great toys out there. Any that you think are particularly good at balancing fun with educational value?
CS: Different things work for different kids as each child has their own set of strengths and weaknesses. Toys are the same way. The best thing to do is to read up on the type of toys in the area of your child’s needs. If spelling is an issue, Franklyn has come out with the new Spelling Ace that plugs into your TV and turns learning words into a really fun game.
Leapfrog has also done a great job at helping educated kids with their new toy called the Didg Game System. This system allows you to input your child’s math or spelling homework into the system and the only way they can unlock new video game levels is to answer their homework questions correctly!
TS: For the most part, children get bored of toys fairly quickly, what are some key tips for selling old toys on eBay?
CS: Don’t be afraid to sell the older toys to buy the new. Just go for it. If you’re a bit afraid to sell everything at once, just start small and sell one item at a time. When listing an item, be very clear about the condition of the item. You’d rather have the person be surprised at how great the toy looks as opposed to being disappointed because you left off the fact that there was a missing piece or a small scratch. If a buyer asks a question, answer promptly. Once the item is won, mail it right away and send tracking info to the buyer.
Missed Part One of this interview? Read it here.
