February 2012 New Specialty Toys — All

Himeji Castle is a hilltop Japanese castle complex located in Himeji in Hyogo Prefecture. It is regarded as the finest surviving example of 17th century Japanese castle architecture.  It comprises a network of 83 buildings with advanced defensive systems from the feudal period. The castle is frequently known as Hakurojo ("White Egret Castle") or Shirasagijo  ("White Heron Castle") because of its brilliant white exterior and supposed resemblance to a bird taking flight. More than 2,000 pieces.

Rapid reflex is a card game that challenges players to match images, colors, and left/right directions. Players take turns reading the action cards. The first player to slap the color that correctly matches the action card, with the correct hand, gets to keep the card. The first player to collect one card of each color wins.

Adapted from the CLEAR program, this colorfully illustrated book emphasizes the art production skills of cutting and folding paper, sculpting, weaving, printmaking, and more and introduces masterworks created by artists from different backgrounds and cultures. This encourages students to learn about art history and to develop aesthetic perception and the ability to evaluate and discriminate between different art forms. Each activity covers materials, the procedures step-by-step, and related vocabulary. 8-1/2 x 11 in. Over 300 color illus. Grades K-8. 112 pages, paperback.

Lyla Tov Monsters are one of a kind, plush monsters. They are intended to make kids less afraid of monsters, after kids see how cute and cuddly they can be. "Lyla Tov Monsters' original design was by 3 year old (now 5) Lyla Black. The form and intent of the monsters is perfect for children as it was designed by one of their own," Eric Black, owner of Lyla Tov Monsters, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2010.

This environmentally-friendly wooden Construction Set is made of wood from FSC-monitored source, painted with water-based paints, packaged in a sturdy tub made of recycled materials, and printed with soy-bean ink. Building blocks are a classic. This colorful and high-quality Building Plank Set will attract kids to them like honey to bears. Develop motor and problem solving skills. Comes in a sturdy reusable tub for easy storage. Tested to meet European and U.S. safety standards. Launch date: February 2012.

This environmentally-friendly wooden Hammer Game Snail is made of wood from FSC-monitored source, painted with water-based paints, packaged in a box made of recycled materials, and printed with soy-bean ink. Developing fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination are very important for children between 12 – 18 months. Help them along with this unique toy. Learn colors and numbers while hammering away. Tested to meet European and U.S. safety standards. Launch date: February 2012.

Challenge your kids to build a different Marble Game everyday! This set includes 30 colorful wooden blocks, allowing kids to create and build their own Marble Games. Use your imagination; the sky is the limit!  Develops fine motor skills and promotes manual dexterity. Encourages problem solving and creativity. Tested to meet European and U.S. safety standards. Launch date: February 2012.

This colorful and attractive wooden Bongo Drum Trio will keep kids busy for hours. It helps children develop motor skills, rhythm and melody. Encourages creativity and imagination. Helps develop hand-eye coordination. 2 Drum Sticks are included. Tested to meet European and U.S. safety standards. Launch date: February 2012.

Kids can build their favorite Boikido animals or create their own by mixing the pieces together. Encourages problem solving and creativity. Develops fine motor skills and manual dexterity.  Includes 54 pcs:  3 Heads, 3 Bodies, 6 Arms, 6 Legs, 18 Screws, and 18 Nuts. Tested to meet European and U.S. safety standards. Launch date: February 2012.

This beautiful and easy to assemble Boikido Wooden Dinner Set is a perfect compliment to our Kitchenette, or any other cooking set. It includes 1 Table, 2 Plates, 2 Cups, 2 Forks, 2 Knives, and 1 Teapot. Develops social skills and imagination. Tested to European and U.S. safety standards. Launch date: February 2012.

These “PJs” for Pillow Pets™ Pee-Wees pack a pint-sized punch of coziness and cushiness by covering them in soft-as-a-cloud fabric. A combination slipcover, outfit and carrier, Petjamas Minis are the perfectly designed accessory for smaller plush pillow toys. This super soft, super cute and super cleanable cover acts as clothes or a carrying case for plush companions and a pillow case for children. Petjamas Minis make the ideal gift for the child who is inseparably connected to their “little” stuffed friends. Launch date: December 2011.

Crossboccia is the reinvention of Bocce Ball by introducing play in 3 dimensions. Crossboccia balls will rest on uneven surfaces. A vertical vector becomes part of the game, so stairs, tables and chairs can be played upon. Suitable for indoor or outdoor use, the next arena can be anywhere. Launch date: February 2012.

Wait, so you don't have this hat already? You know how the teacher would say let's put our thinking caps on? Well this is the other kind of cap. Sort of. in a good way. See, in the UGLYVERSE™, UGLY means being yourself and expressing your true inner being. So take off your thinking caps and join in on the fun. Yes you...HEY UGLY! Launch date: June 2012.

These new Uglydoll pillows are a fun accessory/decor item featuring an Uglydoll character face on soft plush fabric. Launch date: May 2012.

You can totally count on SOFTY! SOFTY is made out of love. Need something done in a huge hurry? SOFTY knows a whole bunch of other folks willing to help! Math test got you down? That’s easy! SOFTY has six fingers! That should be plenty! Mega personal problems? Man, SOFTY is all over that! See? Out of snacks? Oh…oh SOFTY won’t be able to hold the tears back….please hold SOFTY. Launch date: January 2012.

No way. No, not going. Forget it! Are you joking? Remember the part about me saying OK? Well that part has changed to the other answer. Wait. Oh, I get to go with YOU? Ok but then I gotta be me, if I am going to roll with you. Just you be you and we will be cool like that. Yes way. Launch date: January 2012.

These large plush Uglydolls have a mini Uglydoll in their pouch. Launch date: May 2012.
— Shana Hack, owner of Moon Rabbit Toys in Santa Fe, N.M., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2012 survey that they sell a couple dozen Ugly Dolls each month, though sales have slowed slightly.
— Bill Sartain, owner of Tutoring Toy in Salt Lake City, Utah, told TDmonthly in a Fall 2012 survey that Ugly Dolls are one of their best selling tween products.

Looking Glass is a highly detailed line of miniature glass figures. Each figure is made from 100% colored glass and they have no paint or tampo printing, so they will never fade. Within our twelve collections there are over 290 different styles to choose from. Launch date: March 2011.

eBoo's eco-friendly Tot Towers are beautifully illustrated with the same characters from our revered "Life On Earth" series. The Tower includes ten sturdy cardboard blocks to nest, stack, and tumble down. Great for children who love to build things as much as they love to see them knocked over. "eeBoo's eco-friendly Tot Tower helps build large motor skills while promoting language and concept development," Regina Gelin, sales & marketing associate at eeBoo, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 2012.

"A Day in Paris" is the latest in eeBoo's award-winning Paper Dolls' series. The set comes two 8 1/4" tall dolls - one is a baker, the other a painter - and a colorful 2-sided stand-up scene featuring a bake shop on one side and a Parisian street on the other. Two sheets of re-usable electro-static sticker clothes and accessories suit up the dolls to bake, paint, or stroll cobble-stoned city. Launch date: January 2012.

eeBoo continues its arts and crafts offerings with our easy-to-handle, easy-to-use Felt Sheets. Each packet includes five 12x12" sheets in 5 corresponding colors and a great project idea. While not a traditional arts & craft "kit", each Felt packet comes with suggested craft ideas, suggested materials, and an example of a felt project made by eeBoo friend Aya Kakeda. "eeBoo's Felt Sheets offer children a wonderful introduction to the art of seing and design, as well as a creative alternative to the over-stimulating, indoor activities that so often take over our lives. Plus, our beautiful felt sheets are extremely easy to cut," Regina Gelin, sales & marketing associate at eeBoo, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2012.

eeBoo's Paper Novas are inspired by one of the universe's most impressive phenomena - Supernovas. Each comes with 200 strips of crepe paper in vibrant colors and a length of baker's string for hanging and suspension. All are aptly named after the brightest celestial bodies seen from Earth, such as Betelgeuse, Alpha Centauri, and Vega. "Papers Novas are assembled into bundles, then gently pulled apart until they puff up - one might say "explode" - into a big, colorful 10-inch diameter ball," Regina Gelin, sales & marketing associate at eeBoo, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 2012.

The innovative Wind n Sun Specialty Kites were design with the Museum, Gift and Specialty customer in mind. There is a wide selection to choose from and each WNS kite has incredible graphics. The Wind n Sun also includes Lawn & Garden decor. "Customers will not only want to fly these kites you will see them displayed in children's bedrooms as room decor," Richard Brady, SR VP of Sales at BrainStormProducts/X Kites told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2012.

Mungi Bands are magnetically connectable designer bands.  Each halfband is designed to interchange and connect to any other half band, and are connected by a magnet to create a whole band. "Mungi Bands allow the user to express themselves by choosing which design combination to wear," Chad Anger, owner/Inventor of Mungi Bands, told TDmonthly. Launch date: December 2011.
Awards: 2011 Best of Show
— As of 09/13/2012 this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 1 review on Amazon.com.