The Best Toys of 2006 – Infant & Toddler

Itsy Bitsy Spider-Man

Manufacturer: Hasbro
Ages: 18 months and up
Suggested Retail Price: $30

What it is
Itsy Bitsy Spider-Man is a 14-inch singing and dancing special-feature plush doll that sings the childhood classic "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" and the Spider-Man theme song. Kids can make Spidey dance and sing one of these songs by pressing his left or right foot. His left foot will activate the "Itsy-Bitsy Spider" song while pressing the right foot will have Spidey singing the Spider-Man & Friends theme song. He even says funny phrases like, "Would you like to have some fun?" and "C'mon, let's do it again!"

Why it's fun
Spidey is more than just a "watch me" product. He also encourages kids to get up and be active by dancing and singing along.

Spidey's songs, sung in a child-like voice, are easy for kids to quickly pick up and sing along with. The Spider-Man theme song is retro and catchy, which is bound to have parents singing along as well.

Who's going to love it
Spider-Man has led to several successful lines for this age group and Itsy Bitsy is certain to be another Spidey hit. Of all the super heroes, Spider-Man is the one that has consistently appealed to preschoolers. Some how crime fighting and cuddling make sense to these kids.

Parents appreciate the convenient volume-control switch, which lets them decide just how loud Spidey sings.

What to be aware of
The Spider-Man brand exists in two very distinct ways. Many of the kids who love the preschool Spider-Man will not see the movies, or will grow into them.

Hasbro made headlines last year with the announcement that it had signed a licensing agreement with Marvel Entertainment. Itsy Bitsy Spider-Man is the first product under this agreement and will be followed by a line of Spider-Man and Friends products.