Ohio-based Toy Company Unveils Eco-friendly Toys Made in USA, Keeping Manufacturing Jobs In Its Home State

For Immediate Release --- Fairlawn, Ohio, USA:

Geared For Imagination (GFI) is pleased to announce the launch of its newest product line, Topozoo™, its first toy designed and manufactured in the company’s home state of Ohio. On the heels of the successful introduction of several European toy brands, including the Deglingos stuffed animals from France (2009 TIA Toy of the Year Finalist), GFI has worked for over a year to bring this innovative product to market. The three Topozoo™ ‘custom creature playsets’ – Safari, Dinosaurs and Monsters – are equal parts puzzle, room décor and craft project. Each set contains three animals and each animal is made of five wooden parts. Kids can assemble these parts in their own imaginative ways, creating over 1,200 unique animal hybrids. In addition, Topozoo™ is completely eco-friendly, featuring formaldehyde-free, recycled wood; water-based, non-toxic color stains and recycled packaging.

GFI has partnered with Cleveland-area wood craftsmen Bryan and Rick Chmura of Chmura Custom Woodworks to bring Topozoo™ to life. Each animal is hand-finished in the Chmura family’s woodshop in Independence, Ohio.

“We are thrilled to be introducing Topozoo™ just in time for the holiday shopping season,” commented Ryan Hamilton, President of GFI and creator of Topozoo™. “This product was designed specifically to be made in Ohio. Bringing ‘eco-friendly’ and ‘made in the USA’ together is a winning combination for kids’ toys.” To celebrate Topozoo’s Ohio heritage, GFI has partnered with local toy store Playmatters to host the official national product launch party on November 13th at 11.00 a.m. in Solon, Ohio. The activity-based celebration will give kids the chance to design and take home their own Topozoo™ creature using custom ‘topo-layers’ that include wings, spikes, tails and more. The event coincides with national Neighborhood Toy Store Day, an event sponsored by ASTRA (American Specialty Toy Retailers Association), of which GFI is a member.

Topozoo™ has already been recognized by Dr. Toy as one of 2010’s “Best Picks” and will be featured in several national press outlets this holiday season, including the Real Simple magazine 2010 holiday gift guide. Each playset (designed for ages 3 and up) retails for $29.99. Topozoo™ will be found at gift and toy shops across the United States beginning in early November. More details and photos can be found at www.topozoo.com.

About Geared For Imagination: Geared For Imagination (www.gearedforimagination.com) is a provider of unique toys and accessories for young audiences. It holds the exclusive US distribution rights for The Deglingos (2009 TIA Toy of the Year finalist in the Specialty category) and Ze Super Zeros from France, and Woodours and Crazy Cuddly Wolf from France. Geared For Imagination – Driven by design, powered by play.

Contact Information

Ryan L Hamilton

President

Geared For Imagination

Contact via E-mail