February 2012 New Specialty Toys — Outdoor Fun

The Clear29 LT lighted longboard skateboard is a hot seller that looks great both day and night. Created with all superior quality parts that provide a high performance ride that experts and novices will appreciate. The addition of LIGHTS makes for a one-of-a-kind longboard. Made from clear polycarbonate for a super smooth ride and incredible light dispersement.

Soar & Spin kites feature 2 ways to fly - throw it or spin it around. Flyer set includes 1 flyer and 1 holding stick. Flyer features nylon body on a hard plastic frame with a 3D plastic head. To clean: wash with a damp cloth and wipe softly. Launch date: January 2012.

Using a special turbine-like technology, this football can fly up to and possibly further than 100 yards. Not only does this football have a hollow center for aerodynamics, it also has 3 settings for throwing it. Kids can set the football up for Right-handed, Left-handed, or short passed with the click of the dial. Launch Date: March 1, 2012.

FirstBIKE is a developmental training bike which enhances motor skills, builds confidence, and teaches proper two wheel balance and cornering. FirstBIKE Balance Bikes do not use a drivetrain- there are no pedals or cranks, no chain or sprocket, and no training wheels. Deleting these complicated parts makes it possible for children to safely reach both feet flat to the ground on a much lighter weight bike, giving them a boost in control and self-confidence. Feet are used as stabilizers, for propulsion and for braking. Children as young as two years old can use FirstBIKE Balance Bikes and benefit from the fast-track program of two-wheeled riding. Training wheels make it impossible for children to feel the sensation of balance. They also prevent children from leaning their bikes in the direction of a turn because training wheels hold the bike fixed in a vertical position.

Prepare for take-off with this pocket-sized, take-anywhere, air-powered rocket launcher that blasts foam rockets 50 feet. Real rocket launch action that’s safe for indoors and out. Launch date: Spring 2012.

The Tribute Kendama is a Japanese wooden skill toy that challenges hand-eye coordination, focus, balance, and creativity. Enjoyed by millions in Japan, its only recently been introduced into the USA thanks to KendamaUSA. " It is the only Kendama designed so that the cups can never fall off the handle, which is the #1 customer complaint with copy-cat brands," Jeremy Stephenson, president of Kendama USA, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 2007.
Awards: 2012 ASTRA Toy of the Year Award Nominee
— David Castillo, vice president of The Red Balloon Toy Store in Salt Lake City, Utah, told TDmonthly in a November 2014 survey that Kendamas, especially ones from Kendama USA, are one of their store's best-selling toys.

The Waboba Surf "Bounces On The Water".  Softer and smaller, and easier to throw and catch than the original Waboba balls that bounce on the water, the Waboba Surf is an excellent item for the toy industry.  Perfect for the beach, lake, or river.
— Mike Castor, owner of Pentwater Toybox in Pentwater, Mich., told TDmonthly in a late Summer 2012 survey that they sold 200 Waboba Surf balls in three months this Summer.

Includes 10.5" x 8.5" x 2" Ladybug Sandbox with lid, 20" x 20" no mess play mat, ultra fine blue sand, mermaid, seaweed, tropical fish, turtle, digging shovel, grooming rake, pail, star fish and real sea shells.

It’s the ultimate set for water battles – a colorful Splash Sword, bright Splash Shield and of course, a Splash Bomb.

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.

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.

A successor to the classic three-wheeler of the 1970s, the RipRider 360 rides like no other—thanks to dual inclined caster wheels. The casters allow resistance-free drifting and spinning action. Includes: Front wheel with pneumatic tire; MX-style handlebar; Rubber grips; Welded steel frame and fork; 3-piece crank; Double crown fork design.
— As of 12/16/2011 this product had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 206 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Durable; very fun; a smooth ride. Cons: A couple reviewers said the assembly was difficult and there were missing parts; may be slightly too tall for kids who are shorter than average.

This is a one of a kind educational sandbox fossil find, featuring a tasteful faux rock design.Comes with an on-line field manual that makes it educational and fun as it explains the dinosar bones that are uncovered. Kids can sit all the way around the sand box, and the bones are arranged in a 360 degree format so no one gets left out. Launch date: September 2011.

BeamOs are 30” in diameter, 1½” thick with a 15” center opening and weigh 13 oz. They are made of a soft spandex fabric that covers a foam and fiberglass hoop. The washable sleeve may be hosed off when dirty and should be cleaned after pool or salt water use.
— In a November 2011 survey Mike McCollum, owner of Learning Express in Hoover, Ala., told TDmonthly that he sells 6 BeamOs each month.