February 2012 New Specialty Toys — Construction

This classic manipulative wooden toy is designed with geometric blocks, large gears, washers and rings, all in bright colors. Geo Blocks & Gears will boost hand/eye coordination and problem solving skills in a fun hands on way. Skills include stacking, matching and making gears fit to turn. Constructed of hardwood and is packaged in a full retail colored box

Multi color. 24 pack in full color display box. Size 10"L x 1"W.
— In a September 2014 survey, Lynda Blankenship from Smart Toys & Books in Knoxville, Tenn., told TDmonthly that What'Zit is one of the store's best-selling novelty toys.

Like how every great inventor has a lab, the Nanopad is the ideal platform for Nanodot creations. Made from a fusion of ferrous metal and fabric, the Nanopad is a flexible double-sided surface that is attracted to magnets but isn’t magnetic. Each Nanopad features an imprinted grid on one side making it an ideal play surface for chess, checkers, go, as well as role-playing and card games. Available in two sizes: 16" and 26".

Nanodots: how do they work? Users can see for themselves with the Magnetic Field Viewer and Splitter. Straight from the labs of Nano Magnetics, the MFV Splitter allows users to see magnetic interactions, carve and divide creations while also serving as a Nanodot ruler.

MEGA Nanodots are a throwback to the collectible marble sensation of yesteryear, but with a magnetic twist. Striking a balance between kinetic and magnetic forces, these super-sized Nanodots(TM) let users experiment with the forces of Newton’s cradle, solve challenging build puzzles and play “Grow,” the Nanodots game of war. Available in packs of 30 and 64 pcs in three colors: Titanium Spectra, Black and Silver.

This is the first line of construction toys designed for preschool girls ages 1 and up. Features sparkly translucent blocks,  princesses with sparkling tiaras, ponies, and more. This tub includes sparkly and regular blocks, two princesses, and a little pony. Launch date: Fall 2012.

littleBits is a system of modular electronics that snap together with tiny magnets for prototyping and play. The littleBits starter kit is the first kit by littleBits and contains all you need to get started within seconds. Each bit has a simple, unique function (light, sound, sensors, etc), and modules snap to make larger circuits. With a growing number of available modules, littleBits aims to put the power of engineers in the hands of artists, makers and children. Included in the kit are 10 color coded modules (power, input, output, and wire) that snap together magnetically to create larger circuits, guaranteed to keep kids occupied for hours. Comes packaged in an attractive case with a magnetic closure and includes an instruction sheet, 9v battery and a custom plastic screwdriver. 

This 64-piece strand of tiny building components comes with a code that tells kids how to create specific designs. Or, kids can use their imaginations and create whatever they want.

Resting in the ancient fortress ruins of Weathertop, Aragorn, Frodo and Merry are suddenly attacked by the Ringwraiths. Will they take The One Ring from Frodo or can Aragorn stop them in time? Includes 5 minifigures: Aragorn, Frodo, Merry and 2 Ringwraiths. 430 pieces. Available June 2012.

Plotting to reclaim The One Ring, Gollum lures Frodo into the lair of the ancient giant spider, Shelob. Will Shelob cast her web and capture Frodo or can Samwise Gamgee rescue him in time? Includes 3 minifigures: Frodo, Samwise Gamgee, Gollum. 227 pieces. Launch date: June 2012.

Under attack by the evil Uruk-hai Army, the ancient fortress of helm's Deep is the last refund for the people of Rohan. As the Uruk-hai draw near, they fire hooks from the armored hook shooter and try to scale the fortress walls. Can Éomer and the Rohan soldier hold back the Uruk-hai and save the day? Includes 6 minifigures: Éomer, Rohan soldier and 4 Uruk-hai.  257 pieces. Launch date: June 2012.

The walled fortress of Helm's Deep is under attack by the mighty Uruk-hai army and the forces of men, elves, and a dwarf must do everything they can to stop them from breaching the fortress walls. Includes 8 minifigures: Aragorn, Gimli, Haldir, King Théoden, Berserker Uruk-hai and 3 Uruk-hai.1368 pieces. Launch date: June 2012.

On their epic journey across the lands of Middle-earth, the heroic Fellowship of the Ring travels through the abandoned Mines of Moria. Pursued by the evil Moria orcs and a giant Cave Troll, Pippin, Boromir, Gimli, and Legolas make a stand in Balin's Tomb. Includes 6 minifigures: Pippin, Boromir, Gimli, Legolas, and 2 Moria orcs along with a giant cave troll and 2 skeletons. 776 pieces. Launch date: June 2012.

Angry Birds fans will be able to build obstacles from the app and knock them down with these construction toys. Sets will include the most popular Angry Birds characters, launchers and other recognizable elements from the game. Launch date: Fall 2012.

The set contains a ghost train with three ghosts, and a red plane with four flick-fire missiles for the two Monster Fighters. When the train moves, the ghost train wings move too. All the ghosts glow in the dark. 422 Pieces. Launch date: 2012.

Relive the opening scene of "The Fellowship of the Ring" in LEGO form. As Gandalf the Grey makes his way through the Shire on his horse and cart, he meets an excited young hobbit, Frodo Baggins. Includes 2 minifigures: Gandalf the Grey and Frodo Baggins. 83 pieces. Launch date: June 2012.

This set consists of a large model of the Batcave, and is the second set to be based off of this location, the first being 7783 The Batcave: The Penguin and Mr. Freeze's Invasion. The Batcave playset is comprised of three sections, two vehicles - the Batcycle and Bane's drill - , as well as five redesigned minifigures, three of which are exclusive to the set; Batman in his blue Super Heroes suit with a cape, Robin, Bruce Wayne, Bane, and Poison Ivy. Launch date: 2012.

The Malevolence is Genereral Grieveous' flagship and one of the Separatist military's most feared weapons. Unbeknownst to Grievous and his crew, Anakin and Padme have entered the giant craft in an attempt to rid the galaxy of this deadly curse. The Malevolence features a cargo bay with transport train, detailed interior with removable-opening sections for easy access and twin quick-fire missile launchers. Includes LEGO minifigures: Anakin Skywalker, Padme Amidala, General Grievous, Count Dooku , Battle Droid Commander and Battle Droid. Launch date: June 2012.

Loki is up to no good and is planning to destroy the earth. As he flies into battle on board his chariot, help the Avenger's defeat their nemesis using the supersonic Quinjet! Fire the missiles, release the mini-jet and imprison Loki in the prison pod. With the high-tech Quinjet, the Avengers can't fail. Includes Thor, Iron Man, Black Widow, Loki and more minifigures. Launch date: May 2012.

The Hulk and Thor have Loki captured on board the Avengers' awesome Helicarrier. Using his powers of trickery and illusion Loki makes Hawkeye lose control of his function-packed jet fighter. Help Hulk bring down the malfunctioning jet fighter and its flick-missiles by smashing the fuel canisters to hit the jet fighter! Then jump onto the jet fighter and rescue Hawkeye from the cockpit with the cockpit blast function! Includes 4 minifigures: Hulk, Thor, Hawkeye and Loki. Launch date: May 2012.

Loki is escaping from S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters with the powerful Cosmic Cube. If he succeeds he could use it to wreak havoc on the world! Will Iron Man in his amazing armored suit alongside Hawkeye in his function-packed S.H.I.E.L.D. off-roader be fast enough to catch Lokior will the Asgardian villain escape with the Cosmic Cube? You decide! Includes 3 minifigures: Iron ManLoki and Hawkeye. Launch date: May 2012.
— As of 05/21/2012 this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 4 reviews on Amazon.com.

While riding his Avenging Cycle, Captain America spots the general on his craft. Help Captain America use his indestructible shield to defeat the general and his foot soldier. Win the battle and send them back to where they came from. Includes 3 minifigures: Captain America and more. Launch date: May 2012.
— As of 05/21/2012 this product had 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3 reviews on Amazon.com.

These construction toys allow kids to build their own transformational action figures. Prices range from $19.99 to $39.99. Launch date: February 2012.

Head up in the clouds and feet on the ground? Don’t get dizzy working the heights! Players must build their way up with the wooden blocks, but make sure their builders always keep their feet on
the building so they can supervise the work. The challenge is defeated when the building is completed and the little builder stand(s) on top of it. Challenging for the whole family. Develops spatial perception as well as fine motor skills. Contents: 10 colorful wooden blocks, 2 playing figurines/game pieces, 60 challenges.