February 2012 Notable Toys — Gifts

Each Monster Village package contains over 90 block pieces to create two monsters with movable joints. The included assembly instruction comes in comic booklet form featuring the stories of each of the unique characters. Launch date: April 2012.

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.

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.

Loopdedoo is a new spinning tool that makes fabulous twisted bracelets in just a few minutes. It's fast, easy and fun. Just wrap the threads around the Loopdedoo device, turn the knob, guide the thread and minutes later the bracelet is done. Kids can even make necklaces, anklets, belts and more. There's no pattern to follow so each accessory is completely different and unique. Kids can use as many threads and color combinations as they like, and can make them thick, thin or anywhere in between. Launch date: November 2011.
— In a January 2012 survey, Barbara Finblum, owner of Barston's Child's Play in Baltimore, Md., told TDmonthly that Loopdedoo is their best selling arts and crafts toy. "They came in in December and we sold 194 out of 5 stores - 163 out of 3 stores alone. We sold out and couldn't get them back," she said.
— As of 10/5/2012 this product had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 8 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Easy to use; promotes creativity; fun. Cons: One user couldn't figure out how to start.
— In a Fall 2012 survey, Dean Smith, owner of Jazams in Princeton, N.J., told TDmonthly that they sell 15 of this item each month, making it one of their top-2 sellers in the Hobby category.

Charmtastic is a jewelry line for young girls featuring bracelets and necklaces that can be personalized with clip-on charms. The charms are available in the following themes: Amazing Animals, Awesome Activities, Birth Stones, Bling, Incredible Icons, Tween Talk and Tween Treats. Offered at an affordable price, Charmtastic adheres to all safety standards. The Charmtastic 4-sided spinner offers a unique assortment of 80 charm styles and 6 bracelet styles. Janlynn also offers a 2-sided spinner. "The extensive charm options and affordable price points make Charmtastic highly collectible and accessible to young girls," Thomas J. Lonergan, executive vice president of the Janlynn Corporation, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2010.

Space Adventure series is an extension of Cube Figures where each of the three packages (episodes) include two Cube Figures along with over 90 blocks to create two space crafts for them to go in and fight the evil. In addition, the package contains a Manga (Japanese-style comic book) which outlines the background stories of the characters and links the three episodes. The instruction booklet included details the steps needed to build not only the two space crafts but also the mega robot which can be assembled by collecting all three packages. Launch date: October 2012.

Congratulate you graduates with GIANTmicrobes New Graduation Brain Cell Plush Sound Doll that plays Pomp & Circumstance. Like all GIANTmicrobes products, Graduation Brain Cell is inspired by a microscopic image of the microbe it represents (neuron). Comes packaged in a fun graduation scene. Launch date: March 2012.

Children can direct their own stories from one of four magnetic story backgrounds: Fairytales, Robot's Landing, Animal Cottage, and Forest Adventure. Theater directors-in-training can move their magnetic figures around the scene to help tell their own original story. Launch date: January 2012. 

This Christmas inspired kit includes: 6 washable, durable nylon 27" square IDEAScarves in Christmas colors. 2 of each of the following colors: Santa suit red, holly green and snow ball white. The Nutcracker (Peter IIyich Tchaikovsky) Music CD with 7 music selections instructional/informational insert. The Story of the Nutcracker Ballet - Paperback by Diane Goode. Nutcracker Activity Book - by Victoria Fremont, a fun candy cane pencil and a sturdy, self-closing, reusable carrying bag with handle. Made in the USA. Launch date: October 2011.

Cube Figures is a block figurine kit and comes in 16 pre-designed styles. Each components such as legs, hands and nose come apart, and the real fun begins when one starts to create their original characters by mix and matching components. The package also comes with a sticker sheet to dress up the characters, as well as a key chain strap. Launch date: October 2012.

This lovely mouse with big ears, delightful little brown nose and happy smile lives in a match box. The match box is decorated with whimsical illustration and made with sturdy card board. Comes with matching padded sleeping sack for the little mouse's sweet dreams. Her sweater and skirt is removable and even has a little hole for her tail. "The mouse in the box can help parents when they put their children into bed. when the mouse goes into sleep in the box, the kids go to sleep too," Malene Kleemann, marketing assistant at Maileg North America, Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2008.

This mood rhinestone heart comes on a stretch rainbow bracelet. This new spin on mood jewelry has been very popular, and also includes a matching necklace.  Other designs available include peace signs, stars, and butterflies.

These butterfly string earrings measure 1.5” in width and 2.5” in length.  MANY more styles available, including dolphins, owls, turtles, and more!

These bracelets are made with genuine 550 pound test paracord, similar to what paratroopers use in their military operations.  These are tightly woven into a bracelet, which can be unwoven in emergency situations.
— John Taylor, owner of O.P Taylor in Brevard, N.C., told TDmonthly in a Fall 2012 survey that paracord jewelry was one of their best selling tween products.
— Mary Porter Green, owner of Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va., told TDmonthly in a Fall 2013 survey that paracord survival bracelets are a best-selling jewelry item.

This dazzling rhinestone dolphin pendant hangs on an adjustable silver diamond cut ball chain.  Each dozen comes pre-packed in assorted colors – pink, light blue, dark blue, and green.  Each pendant is in the shape of a heart!

These YooHoos play 3 of Christmas Carols when squeezed, including "Jingle Bells…", "Santa Claus is coming to town..." and "Ho Ho Ho Merry Christmas". Available in a variety of styles.

This stuffed owl comes with a embroidered heart on its belly. Also available in 6" size. For Valentine's Day and year round.

In 100 Wacky Things, players will do some ridiculous things while laughing uncontrollably at each other. The game has two types of cards: Always and Whenever. If you draw an Always Card, you will do the wacky thing on your card every time it's your turn. A Whenever Card directs you to do what the card says whenever another player does something specific. And we can't forget the silly props: the elephant nose, feathered boa, funny glasses and echo microphone. Launch date: 2009.
Awards: 2010 FamilyFun 8 Best Family Board Games; 2009 Creative Child-Preferred choice award; 2009 iParenting Media Awards-Outstanding products; 2009 The National Parenting Center-Seal of Approval; 2009 Winner of the Washington Post’s KidsPost best toys

Each set includes a fashionable pet carrier purse and fuzzy blanket for celebrity naps.  Paired with Pet Personality Sets and Celebrity Pet Play Sets these couture purses pull the whole Pawparazzi look together for only $7.99. Launch date: September 2011.

Choose from 6 themes: Winter Fun, Celebrity Sleepover, Beach Boogie, Fun in the Sun, Celebrity Wedding, and Diva Ballerina. These accessory sets expand the pretend play experience for Pawparazzi fans. Launch date: September 2011.

Pawparazzi Pet Personality Sets are the newest addition to the Pawparazzi line. 6 new 'mini' Personality Sets offer kids their Pawparazzi pet fix at a retail price of only $9.99. Each set includes a plush pet, clothing accessory, sticker, and trading card with fun facts about the famous pet. "Kids become engaged in the fantasy world built around Pawparazzi. Every pet has a personality that is enhanced through the product accessories and offerings and online at PlanetPawparazzi.com," Susan DeCoste, marketing coordinator at Noodle Head,Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2011.