Pitching toys - just for grown-ups

BY LAUREN WEBER
STAFF WRITER

Who says toys are just for kids? Not the dozens of entrepreneurs who descended on the American International Toy Fair in Manhattan this week to pitch toys for grown-ups - everything from risque board games to a high-octane pogo stick to BossMan, a corporate action figure.

BossMan, a 6-inch posable figure from San Francisco-based Happy Worker, which retails at $15.99, comes with his own megaphone (for shouting insults and encouragement at his staff), cigar, annual report and attachable "happy" and "angry" faces.

According to the description on the box, his superpowers include schmoozing and "yes man magnetism." Vulnerabilities include shareholders and employee empowerment.

In fact, the stresses and absurdities of the workplace are a favorite topic for adults who need to let off steam.

Slacker employees, for instance, can waste a few hours playing Up the Corporation, a board game created by sisters Cindy Cook and Cheri Norgaard. The slightly unwieldy game lets players select one of several office personalities (yes, the backstabber is there). Once you reach the top of the ladder, you pick several "reward" cards. But, sorry, if you pick the "Indicted for corporate fraud" card, you lose anyway.

Another prominent category this year is poker and gambling products.

"Last year there were three or four of us here. Now there are about 20" poker companies at the show, said Benny Bucci, sales manager for Trademark Poker. Sales have tripled in the past two years, he said, helped along by items like a $500 mahogany-encased poker set.

DidYa Know, a story-telling card game by Seattle-based Tootti, will add two adult versions to its regular line, with cards asking players to recount intimate experiences. Contestants then face a vote and the "best" story - criteria are not spelled out - wins the round.

For more wholesome fun, the maker of the original pogo stick has brought out Flybar, a super-charged bouncer that can send riders six feet into the air.

First marketed to skateboarders, it's found an audience among adults who say, "'I had a pogo when I was 15 but now I'm 40 and I weigh 200 pounds,'" said David Jargowsky, a partner in the Flybar venture. The $349 Flybar holds up to 250 pounds.