Electronic gadgets may dominate New York Toy Fair

Thanks to new toys expected to be unveiled next week at one of the world's biggest toy fairs, preschoolers will be able to access the Internet safely, while older children might have more fun learning to play guitar...

U.S. toy sales in 2006 crept up to $22.3 billion from $22.2 billion, driven by 22 percent growth in the youth electronics category, market research firm NPD Group said this week.

Zizzle LLC is introducing a guitar of its own as part of the "Electric Rockerz" music maker, which it said allows youngsters to create music as part of its electronic toy line inspired by Disney's "High School Musical" -- a made-for-TV movie and franchise that has aired on 26 Disney Channels worldwide, reaching more than 100 countries.

Meanwhile, Mattel's Fisher Price line has made a way for preschoolers to go online with its "Easy Link Internet Launchpad."

After connecting the pad to a computer, children can plug figures of characters like Elmo or Barney into the pad, and visit a corresponding Web site where they can play games.

The device requires no typing and does not allow children to surf the Internet, the company said.

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