Blizzards aside, February is a magical time in NYC. For the four-day duration of the American International Toy Fair, the West Side of midtown Manhattan becomes a land of toys. So for you, dear readers, we search out the best of this jubilant crop.

Last year was the year of the iPhone toy. This year, the so-called "appcessories" (puke) were everywhere, just everywhere. Which is pretty much why we decided -- with one remarkable robotic exception -- to ignore them.

Toymakers need to stretch their creative muscles and really think outside the box. And that is where the fun can begin.