2014 Catalog for USA up on site

[Pippa]

I'm not sure what's going on with the DS Catalog - last I checked it looked like they still had the 2013 one up. 

[Baron Marshall]

Still 2013 online but also still 2013 prices so if you want anything that is about to increase, now is the time

[Pippa]

So last night I went through the 2014 Catalog very thoroughly - so much fun stuff.

I started working on my Wish List but it's really hard.   
My priority needs to be chosing what theme to start my son on - he's turning 4 in May and I'm eager to swap his 1.2.3 for the "real" stuff and want to get him somthing really cool for his birthday. On the otherhand there is the stuff that I want for ME.

So here are my thoughts going through the new Catalog in order:

Series 6 & 7 Mystery Figures
- From the men my only must have is the Scotsman.  I also want the Mobster (need cool bad guys, right?) but the Mom in me says not until he's much, much older (if ever).
- There are a bunch of women I want (including multiples of some) - particularly the one with the Koala, the cowgirl, the nun, the woman with the fan next to the nun (Indian?), and the female contruction worker. 

Pirates & Knights & Dragons - I have tons of older Knights & Pirates sets so I'm avoiding getting into these - plus I kinda like the old stuff better.  Although I'm curious about the Joust Bags they are releasing this year in Germany and whatever new that is to come.
 
Western - My parents have a ton of Western sets, mostly from the 1980s.  I'm tempted by the Native American Camp (5247) - somthing about it just appeals to me.  But not at all a priority.

Dinos - These go in the "can't do everything" pile of themes that I skip. At least for now.

WWF Sets - I want all 4 Wildlife Sets (5414-Pandas In Bamboo Forest, 5415-Gorillas & Okapis (but the baby gorilla seems a bit odd to me), 5416-Jungle Animals and 5417-African Savannah).  I love them all - I really want to do a big, big zoo and these would be great.

Limited Edition Animal Ark (5276) - This looks like a beautiful set - I always wanted to pick up one of the old Noah's Arcs but never did (the "Noah" on the side always bugged me - and the font choice just made it worse).  I'm excited to see this re-released and without the lettering!  But will probably skip as he has the 1.2.3 one which is so sweet.  It is my favorite 1.2.3 set and probaby the only one we will keep (including of course some extra animals and food I collected.)

Specials Plus - I'm still missing the Specials, but these are nice too.  Of the new ones my must haves are Girl w/ Pony (5291) as my son wants the farm, Architect (5294) - I just love his little model house, Magician w/ Genie (5295) to tuck away with my old magic sets, Top Agent w/ Balance Racer (5296), Victorian Lady w/ Pond (5410) - although I'm not sure she looks particularly victorian,  and Lumberjack (5412).

Top Agents - Another for the "can't do everything" pile of themes that I skip. Again, at least for now.

City Action - I am really tempted by the fire and rescue sets - I think my son would enjoy them.  He loves fire engines and ambulances.  I want to look at some reviews though first and would love to see & touch them.  I'm concerned that they might be better for when he's a little older - there seems to be a lot going on. 

And then there are the Cargo sets - ever since this summer he has been obsessed with Cargo ships.  But again they seem a bit complicated - particularly the cranes.

40th Anniversary Sets - None of these really grab my interest, I think they are a bit dissappointing as "40th Anniversary" items.  I would have expected something more special that somehow reflects at least in part more classic Playmobil whereas these seem more like another superset variant.

This years Eggs don't wow me either.  I will pick up the Orange one for my Mom but am glad I have plenty of olders ones tucked away from which to chose for the easter basket.

Construction - These sets definitely look cool but not yet for us.  Although I'm curious - those of you with kids who play with PM construction stuff - do they play with them in sand or something or do they just pretend to scoop/dump dirt. etc.?

Sports & Action - I definitely want to get one of the racer cars to try out - they look cool - but doubt I'd get anything else.

Summer Fun - This theme looks like so much fun and has so many great things but for now needs to go the "can't do everything" pile along with the Hotel (which looks so cool!). 

New Alpine Sets!!!!!  - I want, I want, I want!  The Alpine Lodge (5422) looks stunning.  I'm just not sure how I can justify...I know I'm going to be debating these for awhile.

Country - I love the horse farm and sets but they don't interest my son - but he consistently shows interest in the Barn with Silo (5119), Farm House with Market (5120) and tractors, etc. BUT where did they go?!?!?!?  I hadn't realized they were being discontinued this year...

New Fairies!!! - I have very mixed feelings about these sets.  There are some really beautiful pieces but on the other hand it all just seems a bit much and some pieces and just overdone IMHO - I wish they would just dial the froufrou back a notch more Tolkienesque fantasy less My Pretty Ponyies but I am not the target audience.  But hearts in the vines of plants, giant butterflies and just so much pink. <sigh>  That said I will not be able to resist at least getting the Healing Fairy Elixa set (5447) and Forest Fairy Diana with Horse (5448) for my collection.

Princess Themes - My eyes just kinda of glaze over - they certainly are sparkly.  And easily skipped.

New Shopping Center - Fun concept but not so sure about the excuetion.  Curious how they do.  I doubt I would ever get as a whole but could see wanting specific bits - can I just get the hair

Dollhouse - I much prefer the original Victorian dollhouses.

Christmas - Not ready to even look at.


Sorry, I know that was bloggy but fun for me to do and helpful in thinking about what to get Thomas for his 4th birthday.

I have it narrowed down four themes:

1) Zoo

2) Fire Brigade

3) Cargo Transport (the Container Ship!)

4) Farm (Barn w/ Silo and/or Farmhouse w/ Market)

But how to choose?!?!?!?

[sysliana]

Hey Pippa!!! I can give you my first hand experience since I have a 4 year old boy as well that I bought playmobil for last year and this year for birthday and Christmas. I know all kids are completely different but Ill tell you what hes really into and what not quite yet.

Sets from last year:

Summer sets - I started him out with the camper van because everyone said this was completely awesome and he just had to have it. He loved this item, but when I started adding on summer sets (the summer house, camp set, and pool) he hasnt touched them. He doesnt like playing with them at all.

Ambulance - Next I got him this, and he really plays with it all the time. Even now. I really wish I would have invested in the hospital before it got discontinued, but when I ask him if he'd like the hospital to go with his ambulance he tells me no.

Zoo - I got him the big zoo set with a couple add ons when I got my taxes back last year. He hasnt touched it since we bought it :/

Sets from this year:

Dinos - He absolutely BEGGED me for the dinosaur sets for his birthday, continuously, every day, for almost an entire year. So for his birthday he got the Trex with the volcano, and other family members bought every add on dino set for him, so he has the complete dino set. He loves it. He plays with it. He brings the dinos in the bath. The dinos fight other people, bad guys, Rescue Bots, etc. He makes the volcano explode.

Castle - I got him the 3666 Castle, and another little castle I got on sale at Khols. He likes them, the knights, but I still think hes a little too little to understand the castle/knight/fighting theme yet. He doesnt really appreciate it that much, and while it was fun the first time we set it up, unless the dinosaurs are invading the castle, he doesnt really touch it.

Police Station - Christmas present from Santa. I think this is by FAR is favorite set. Family members got him some bad guys, the museum break in guys, the art stealer thiefs, and the police station. He'll sit for hours and play with the police cars and the helecopter, arrest bad guys and put them in jail, have them escape and do it all over again. I toyed with the idea of the "cops and robbers" thing at such a young age, but he has fun with it, and udnerstands that the police are there to lock up the bad guys.. etc.

Airplane - Another favorite BUT the wheels fall off VERY easily. My son is on the smaller side, average height, but very thin and skinny. The airplane is as big as he is. He has to use two hands to hold it. But when its on the ground he puts pressure on the top of it and the wheels are ALWAYS falling off, and are kind of hard for a 4 year old to put back on. So Im always putting the wheels back on for him, which means he doesnt play with it much, because he gets annoyed when the wheels fall off :/

We recently looked at the new catalog together, and hes very interested in the pirate ship for the bathtub. Hes also BEGGING me to get the construction set. He adores bulldozers and dump trucks and all that. I was toying with the idea of getting the LEGO mine set for him to have a construction set since Playmobil discontinued theres last year, but now that they are coming out with a new one, hes in all his glory. And since it comes out in August, perfect Birthday presents.

Hope this helps!! I think my son is just a little to small yet to appreciate the castle/knights and pirate themes yet. And he thinks the zoo is too "babyish" and boring. I think at this age, the CITY sets are the way to go: police, fire, hospital..

Sysli

So last night I went through the 2014 Catalog very thoroughly - so much fun stuff.

I started working on my Wish List but it's really hard.   
My priority needs to be chosing what theme to start my son on - he's turning 4 in May and I'm eager to swap his 1.2.3 for the "real" stuff and want to get him somthing really cool for his birthday. On the otherhand there is the stuff that I want for ME.

So here are my thoughts going through the new Catalog in order:

Series 6 & 7 Mystery Figures
- From the men my only must have is the Scotsman.  I also want the Mobster (need cool bad guys, right?) but the Mom in me says not until he's much, much older (if ever).
- There are a bunch of women I want (including multiples of some) - particularly the one with the Koala, the cowgirl, the nun, the woman with the fan next to the nun (Indian?), and the female contruction worker. 

Pirates & Knights & Dragons - I have tons of older Knights & Pirates sets so I'm avoiding getting into these - plus I kinda like the old stuff better.  Although I'm curious about the Joust Bags they are releasing this year in Germany and whatever new that is to come.
 
Western - My parents have a ton of Western sets, mostly from the 1980s.  I'm tempted by the Native American Camp (5247) - somthing about it just appeals to me.  But not at all a priority.

Dinos - These go in the "can't do everything" pile of themes that I skip. At least for now.

WWF Sets - I want all 4 Wildlife Sets (5414-Pandas In Bamboo Forest, 5415-Gorillas & Okapis (but the baby gorilla seems a bit odd to me), 5416-Jungle Animals and 5417-African Savannah).  I love them all - I really want to do a big, big zoo and these would be great.

Limited Edition Animal Ark (5276) - This looks like a beautiful set - I always wanted to pick up one of the old Noah's Arcs but never did (the "Noah" on the side always bugged me - and the font choice just made it worse).  I'm excited to see this re-released and without the lettering!  But will probably skip as he has the 1.2.3 one which is so sweet.  It is my favorite 1.2.3 set and probaby the only one we will keep (including of course some extra animals and food I collected.)

Specials Plus - I'm still missing the Specials, but these are nice too.  Of the new ones my must haves are Girl w/ Pony (5291) as my son wants the farm, Architect (5294) - I just love his little model house, Magician w/ Genie (5295) to tuck away with my old magic sets, Top Agent w/ Balance Racer (5296), Victorian Lady w/ Pond (5410) - although I'm not sure she looks particularly victorian,  and Lumberjack (5412).

Top Agents - Another for the "can't do everything" pile of themes that I skip. Again, at least for now.

City Action - I am really tempted by the fire and rescue sets - I think my son would enjoy them.  He loves fire engines and ambulances.  I want to look at some reviews though first and would love to see & touch them.  I'm concerned that they might be better for when he's a little older - there seems to be a lot going on. 

And then there are the Cargo sets - ever since this summer he has been obsessed with Cargo ships.  But again they seem a bit complicated - particularly the cranes.

40th Anniversary Sets - None of these really grab my interest, I think they are a bit dissappointing as "40th Anniversary" items.  I would have expected something more special that somehow reflects at least in part more classic Playmobil whereas these seem more like another superset variant.

This years Eggs don't wow me either.  I will pick up the Orange one for my Mom but am glad I have plenty of olders ones tucked away from which to chose for the easter basket.

Construction - These sets definitely look cool but not yet for us.  Although I'm curious - those of you with kids who play with PM construction stuff - do they play with them in sand or something or do they just pretend to scoop/dump dirt. etc.?

Sports & Action - I definitely want to get one of the racer cars to try out - they look cool - but doubt I'd get anything else.

Summer Fun - This theme looks like so much fun and has so many great things but for now needs to go the "can't do everything" pile along with the Hotel (which looks so cool!). 

New Alpine Sets!!!!!  - I want, I want, I want!  The Alpine Lodge (5422) looks stunning.  I'm just not sure how I can justify...I know I'm going to be debating these for awhile.

Country - I love the horse farm and sets but they don't interest my son - but he consistently shows interest in the Barn with Silo (5119), Farm House with Market (5120) and tractors, etc. BUT where did they go?!?!?!?  I hadn't realized they were being discontinued this year...

New Fairies!!! - I have very mixed feelings about these sets.  There are some really beautiful pieces but on the other hand it all just seems a bit much and some pieces and just overdone IMHO - I wish they would just dial the froufrou back a notch more Tolkienesque fantasy less My Pretty Ponyies but I am not the target audience.  But hearts in the vines of plants, giant butterflies and just so much pink. <sigh>  That said I will not be able to resist at least getting the Healing Fairy Elixa set (5447) and Forest Fairy Diana with Horse (5448) for my collection.

Princess Themes - My eyes just kinda of glaze over - they certainly are sparkly.  And easily skipped.

New Shopping Center - Fun concept but not so sure about the excuetion.  Curious how they do.  I doubt I would ever get as a whole but could see wanting specific bits - can I just get the hair

Dollhouse - I much prefer the original Victorian dollhouses.

Christmas - Not ready to even look at.


Sorry, I know that was bloggy but fun for me to do and helpful in thinking about what to get Thomas for his 4th birthday.

I have it narrowed down four themes:

1) Zoo

2) Fire Brigade

3) Cargo Transport (the Container Ship!)

4) Farm (Barn w/ Silo and/or Farmhouse w/ Market)

But how to choose?!?!?!?

[Pippa]

Still 2013 online but also still 2013 prices so if you want anything that is about to increase, now is the time

Good point!  I just ordered the Museum I wanted just in case.  Thanks.

[Pippa]

Sysli,

This is a big help. My son will be 4 in May.  I'm glad to hear support for going with modern - I think it's easier for them to relate to.  When I show him the catalog he had no interested in the knights and pirates (both of which I have in droves carefully packed away).  I'll have to see what he thinks of the Dinos.

Maybe I can come over and play with your son's zoo   I love that zoo and was leaning toward it but my son wasn't interested when I showed it to him in the catalog. He said he already has the zoo (he has a Duplo zoo).  My husband really wants that container ship and all the cargo stuff (including the airplane) but I think we should go with something else first - very helpful to know abut the wheels coming off the plane.  Thomas said he wants the farm but at my Mom's when he plays with her Fisher Price toys it's always the vehicles which hold his interest longest.   

So I'm now thinking that I might go with police/fire/rescue and explore some more of the city life theme. 
My parents got him the City Bus for Christmas - he had seemed interested in it in the catalog and was excited when he opened it but really hasn't played with it but maybe because he has nothing to do with it. 

I missed out on the hospital too - it looks like it was a great set.

Oh - and I liked the summer sets but will try to resist.

Thanks again,

Pippa

 

Hey Pippa!!! I can give you my first hand experience since I have a 4 year old boy as well that I bought playmobil for last year and this year for birthday and Christmas. I know all kids are completely different but Ill tell you what hes really into and what not quite yet.

Sets from last year:

Summer sets - I started him out with the camper van because everyone said this was completely awesome and he just had to have it. He loved this item, but when I started adding on summer sets (the summer house, camp set, and pool) he hasnt touched them. He doesnt like playing with them at all.

Ambulance - Next I got him this, and he really plays with it all the time. Even now. I really wish I would have invested in the hospital before it got discontinued, but when I ask him if he'd like the hospital to go with his ambulance he tells me no.

Zoo - I got him the big zoo set with a couple add ons when I got my taxes back last year. He hasnt touched it since we bought it :/

Sets from this year:

Dinos - He absolutely BEGGED me for the dinosaur sets for his birthday, continuously, every day, for almost an entire year. So for his birthday he got the Trex with the volcano, and other family members bought every add on dino set for him, so he has the complete dino set. He loves it. He plays with it. He brings the dinos in the bath. The dinos fight other people, bad guys, Rescue Bots, etc. He makes the volcano explode.

Castle - I got him the 3666 Castle, and another little castle I got on sale at Khols. He likes them, the knights, but I still think hes a little too little to understand the castle/knight/fighting theme yet. He doesnt really appreciate it that much, and while it was fun the first time we set it up, unless the dinosaurs are invading the castle, he doesnt really touch it.

Police Station - Christmas present from Santa. I think this is by FAR is favorite set. Family members got him some bad guys, the museum break in guys, the art stealer thiefs, and the police station. He'll sit for hours and play with the police cars and the helecopter, arrest bad guys and put them in jail, have them escape and do it all over again. I toyed with the idea of the "cops and robbers" thing at such a young age, but he has fun with it, and udnerstands that the police are there to lock up the bad guys.. etc.

Airplane - Another favorite BUT the wheels fall off VERY easily. My son is on the smaller side, average height, but very thin and skinny. The airplane is as big as he is. He has to use two hands to hold it. But when its on the ground he puts pressure on the top of it and the wheels are ALWAYS falling off, and are kind of hard for a 4 year old to put back on. So Im always putting the wheels back on for him, which means he doesnt play with it much, because he gets annoyed when the wheels fall off :/

We recently looked at the new catalog together, and hes very interested in the pirate ship for the bathtub. Hes also BEGGING me to get the construction set. He adores bulldozers and dump trucks and all that. I was toying with the idea of getting the LEGO mine set for him to have a construction set since Playmobil discontinued theres last year, but now that they are coming out with a new one, hes in all his glory. And since it comes out in August, perfect Birthday presents.

Hope this helps!! I think my son is just a little to small yet to appreciate the castle/knights and pirate themes yet. And he thinks the zoo is too "babyish" and boring. I think at this age, the CITY sets are the way to go: police, fire, hospital..

Sysli

[nunney]

I got a physical catalog with my order 2 days ago... the blacksmith shop is in it $49.99... yikes... and they raised the bakery to $59.99... and the medieval house w/barn to $69.99... CRAZY pricing... 

Schooner is $69.99 and Victorian truck is $27.99

wow! thanks for the details.

isn't this the second price increase on the medieval barn and bakery since they were reissued? not really sure what's happening over at playmobil.us since all other playmobil territories are presently live for online ordering.

[Jay]

Have any other countries put up the DS catalog for 14 yet?

[nunney]

Have any other countries put up the DS catalog for 14 yet?

I think what I meant was that DS items and new releases are available in the online stores for, say, playmobil canada and playmobil uk whereas the only update playmobil u.s.'s site seems to have gotten over the last few weeks was the removal of several items .

[Baron Marshall]

wow! thanks for the details.

isn't this the second price increase on the medieval barn and bakery since they were reissued? not really sure what's happening over at playmobil.us since all other playmobil territories are presently live for online ordering.

My guess is that they want to make more space for stock before they unload and update since a lot of stuff seems to be 25 percent off or more... I bought some 123 that I wasn't going to buy for that reason. BTW If anyone wants any other 2014 USA ds prices I can get you those too..