November 2008 New Specialty Toys — All

Each Charm It! box holds a surprise, oversized charm inside. There are seven different charms available, including Troy, Chad, Sharpay and Gabriella. Charm It! Secret Surprise Boxes are also available in Hello Kitty and Hannah Montana themes. Launch date: September 2008.

This 12" x 10" insulated tote features an outside pocket and an easy-to-clean shell. It's ideal for carrying lunches to school or the office, or for holding snacks while traveling.

The BRIK-A-BLOK™ toy system provides an easy means for any child to recreate the world that surrounds them, at their scale. Easy to assemble panels come together to give kids the power to build their own world. Creative freedom coupled with our toy system liberates kids to custom build the perfect fort, playhouse, or any other structure they care to imagine. (Product Image depicts two BRIK-A-BLOK-46 sets)

The Fancy Dancy Skirt (41413) is absolutely gorgeous with layers and layers of soft pink tricot. It is gathered at the waist with a wide satin band and finished with 3 hot pink satin roses. The Fairy Top (28015) is made of ruched light pink satin and finished with a large hot pink rose.  Pink Poppy necklace and Ballerina Handbag accessories are sold separately.

This enchanting Medieval Gown (32425) makes little princesses’ fantasies come alive. The gown is made of rose and peony crepe satin, rose panne and silver mesh. The skirt has a stiff crinoline underskirt which gives it fullness and a soft lining to prevent scratching.
— Four of 52 retailers told TDmonthly in fall 2008 that costumes from Creative Education of Canada sell well in their stores, in terms of any merchandise related to Halloween.

Sir Gallahad Gold/Red (61575) and Sir Gallahad Silver/Blue (61505) tops are made of soft panne knit with a slight stretch to the fabric with attached hood and sleeves which are covered with a metallic mesh in gold or in silver. The foam swords are available in 3 assorted colors and are soft and safe to play with.

The Knight Set (60063) is made of a laminated silver spangle in a tunic style with elastics attaching the sides for flexibility. The Knight Set comes with a reversible hood, the Knight Glitter Cape and the Crown are sold separately. The Fairy Dress with Wings (34633) is made of a lilac crepe satin ruched top and the skirt is made of layers of tulle and soft lilac tricot.  The attached wings are covered with silver sparkle tulle.

Written and illustrated by Clare Beaton, this book introduced baby to different subjects, objects and themes. Sections include "Weather," "This Little Piggy," "My Toy Chest" and "Various Vegetables."

This book by John Matthews, advisor for the movie "King Arthur," is outfitted with a gold-embossed cloth spine and comes with a large poster with a beautiful map of key locations. Filled with adventure, conflict and romance, the book covers King Arthur's boyhood, his court, the history of Camelot, and his last departure to Avalon. It is illustrated by Pavel Tatarnikov. Launch date: September 2008.

Part of Barefoot's Young Fiction list, this book examines friendship in a story about the Cultural Revolution that also explores the clash of political change and personal freedom. It is written by Guo Yue and Clare Farrow and illustrated by Helen Cann. The book tells the story of author Yue's childhood in Beijing, particularly in the summer of 1966. Launch date: July 2008.

This large deck of 50 cards offer step-by-step direction on yoga poses while also encouraging "green" living with eco-friendly tips. It is co-written by Tara Guber and Leah Kalish of Yoga Ed., and is illustrated by Sophie Fatus. Each card included is related to one the natural elements: air, earth, fire, water and space. The box measures 5.5" x 7" x 1.25".

Chunky wooden body shapes can be switched around to make jolly chaps! Made in Germany, this is a solid beechwood stacking toy that will entertain the young and old alike! There are nine shapes and a sturdy base with pegs so the blocks don’t fall over.
— “We sell Haba really, really well,” said Michelle Smith, owner of Piccolo Mondo Toys in Portland, Ore., in Decemeber 2008. “I love Haba blocks, so I tend to recommend them to a lot of people, and their marble run. We have a whole display.”

This necklace comes on a reusable card, and a portion of the purchase price is donated to a fund that protects animals and habitats. The back of the pouch tells consumers that the "blue speckled blowfish is slowly disappearing from the waters around French Polynesia where it is found." Launch date: 2008.

Created by Rob and Lisi Wolf, this 14-track, 42-minute album features acoustic version of songs by Neil Diamond, Fleetwood Mac, The Beatles and others. The product is made in the United States, using recyclable materials.

This portable strategy game is similar to chess or checkers, but with a twist — the magnetic stones with unmarked north and south poles can jump out of their position at any point during the game, giving players a whole new element of challenge. "Jishaku" is the Japanese term for "magnet." The game received a 2008 National Parenting Center Seal of Approval, an iParenting Media Award, a Major Fun Award and a Mr. Dad Seal of Approval. Launch date: June 3, 2008.
— Tutoring Toy in Salt Lake City sells about 20 per month of this game, Buyer Casey Sartain told TDmonthly in fall 2009.

This spinner lets kids determine their own fate with chores around the house. Possbilities include "wash the dishes," "feed the pets," "mow the lawn," "take out the trash" and more.

These animal-print bouncy balls measure 2.4" in diameter. There are six styles.

This poseable figurine with removable parts is part of the Shockini Robot Series. It is about 2.5" and comes with a paint set and stickers.

This colorful, handcrafted clock features a different removable shape for each hour and also has movable hands. It measures 9" x 12" x 2".

Complete with Harry Potter shoes, this whimsical footstool features Harry Potter-themed fabric and corresponding red tassels around the edge.

This wooden castle includes 26 pieces, featuring three knights, a king and queen, a working drawbridge and rope ladders. Launch date: 2008.

This colorful construction kit comes in a plastic carrying case that snaps closed and has a handle on the top. It includes more than 650 pieces, including wheels and connectors to build moveable models. Projects include a water mill house, a merry-go-round, a car, a helicopter and a sports car. The pieces make a click sound when connected or pulled apart.

This soft doll is available in versions with either pink or green accents, and features cotton, toweling, wool felt and fleece materials. It measures 35 cm x 40 cm.

Mattel Super Elite 1/18 Scale Die Cast Replica of the 1966 Batmobile from the Batman television series. This is a very detailed and realistic limited edition reproduction of the real car. Features include special packaging and display base, plumbed and wired turbine engine with braided steel hoses. Highly detailed interior and dashboard with bat phone, cloth seat belts, and photo etched kick panels. Stainless steel rocket launchers (with rockets in tubes, non-firing) and realistic leather parachutes and bat computer in trunk. Photo etched aluminum valance screens in front and rear bumpers. Stainless trim on beacon light and turbine exhaust. Limited edition of 5100 pieces.