November 2008 Notable Toys — All

This natural wooden bench includes 12 maple blocks in four shapes — circle, square, rectangle, triangle — that fit into the labeled cutouts of the bench, which measures 4" H x 4" W  x 6 3/4" L. The bench is made of hard maple and comes unfinished. Launch date: 2008.

These 6" action figures are hyper-poseable and come with a comic or poster. The Maxx Series (Series 1) features the following characters: ShadowHawk, Scud the Assassin, Katchoo of "Strangers in Paradise," Kabuki and The Maxx (8"). Each is priced at $13.95 except for the Maxx, at $14.95. Launch date: December 2008.

This 1:32 scale die-cast collectible model car is manufactured by Kinsmart and measures 5" long The metal sports car features pullback motor action and doors that open. It comes 12 pieces per display box in assorted colors. Launch date: October 3, 2008.

This die-cast collectible model car measures 7.5" L x 3" W x 2" H and has doors, a hood and a trunk that open. The free-wheeling vehicle is manufactured by Maisto and comes 4 pieces per display box in assorted colors. 

This 1:24 scale die-cast collectible model car is 7" L x 3.25" W x 3" H with doors and a hood that open. It comes 4 pieces per display box in assorted colors. GM is a trademark of the General Motors Corporation. Launch date: October 3, 2008.

This soft, cuddly doll is 11.5" tall and comes dressed in red with brown skin and in pink with peach skin. The company is a member of the Fair Trade Federation.

This cuddly, wrinkly rabbit is designed in France and has a super-soft body. It is 4" tall and comes packaged in a hat box that can be used for storage.

Ideal for Valentine's Day or any day, this sweet, pretty-in-pink tote bag holds a soft Shep Terrier. Launch date: Spring 2009.

Featuring three big tulips and yellow and pink polka-dots, this spring design holds a soft, black and white kitten inside.

These baskets come in a set of 8 baskets, with 8 55ct. Chocolate Truffle flavors. Baskets are made of Sweetgum Tree wood making for both a sturdy and stylish display. For use as a gift shop rack, craft item display rack, or candy display rack.

These plastic containers are useful for a variety of organization and display needs. Good to display on counter tops and shelves. Available in different sizes and sold in cases of 12 or more. Lids are included.

This holiday-themed container takes the shape of Santa Claus' signature boot. Sold in cases of 18.  Lids are included.

PIN EM's are rhinestone pin accessories that are used to add on to your clothing, boots or Undee Bandz Tie Dye Bags and is used for added style and uniqueness. Can be used anywhere imaginable. If you are concerned about the pin hole, you can put the pin on the seams so you can see the pin hole!

PREMIER is a powerful and versatile version of Piano Wizard. Designed to help anyone learn to play the piano, and also includes a keyboard allowing for learning and playing anywhere. PREMIER includes Easy Mode and Jam Mode, as well as many other features and challenges.  PREMIER comes with 200 songs, and gives players unlimited access to thousands of additional songs, allowing players to learn songs they want to play. This package contains the PREMIER software (compatible with Mac and PC) and color-coded, removable, and washable stickers to mark the keys on the keyboard for faster learning.

PREMIER is a powerful and versatile version of Piano Wizard. Designed to help anyone learn to play the piano, and also includes a keyboard allowing for learning and playing anywhere. PREMIER includes Easy Mode and Jam Mode, as well as many other features and challenges.  PREMIER comes with 200 songs, and gives players unlimited access to thousands of additional songs, allowing players to learn songs they want to play. This bundle contains the PREMIER software (compatible with Mac and PC), keyboard, a USB cable to connect the keyboard to the computer, and color-coded, removable, and washable stickers to mark the keys on the keyboard for faster learning.

PREMIER is a powerful and versatile version of Piano Wizard. Designed to help anyone learn to play the piano, and also includes a keyboard allowing for learning and playing anywhere. PREMIER includes Easy Mode and Jam Mode, as well as many other features and challenges.  PREMIER comes with 200 songs, and gives players unlimited access to thousands of additional songs, allowing players to learn songs they want to play. This package contains the PREMIER software (compatible with Mac and PC), Suzuki keyboard, a USB cable to connect the keyboard to the computer, and color-coded, removable, and washable stickers to mark the keys on the keyboard for faster learning.

PREMIER is a powerful and versatile version of Piano Wizard. Designed to help anyone learn to play the piano, and also includes a keyboard allowing for learning and playing anywhere. PREMIER includes Easy Mode and Jam Mode, as well as many other features and challenges.  PREMIER comes with 200 songs, and gives players unlimited access to thousands of additional songs, allowing players to learn songs they want to play. This bundle contains the PREMIER software (compatible with Mac and PC), keyboard, a USB cable to connect the keyboard to the computer, and color-coded, removable, and washable stickers to mark the keys on the keyboard for faster learning.

The Kanoodle case holds two solitaire games that challenge the player to build colorful 2D puzzles and 3D pyramids. Once a child picks a design from the included puzzle book, he or she puts some of the pieces into place as shown, then fills the empty spots with the remaining pieces. Only one of hundreds of possible combinations actually completes the puzzle.
— Three of 68 specialty retailers named Kanoodle when asked about their top-selling toy or game in October 2008.
— Dean Smith, co-owner of JaZams in Pennington, N.J., told TDmonthly in October 2008 his store sells about 24 units of Kanoodle each month.

The Scholastic Storybook Treasures™ DVD series continues to rack up awards and acclaim!  With two newly announced Gold Awards from NAPPA and Parents’ Choice in hand, the #1 award-winning kidvid series will soon be enhanced by the "Treasury of 20 Storybook Classics," a wonderful, value-priced boxed set collecting 20 of the best-loved stories from this amazing collection.  From adaptations of recent children’s best-sellers like Karma Wilson’s "Bear Snores On" and "Bear Wants More," to classic tales like Beverly Clearly’s "The Mouse and the Motorcycle," this soon-to-be-classic gift set offers parents and children true storytelling treasures, expertly designed to augment the reading experience. Run time: 4 hours, 15 minutes; 4 discs. Launch date: November 2008.

For a preschooler’s first foray into gardening, Sprig offers Honey Bee’s Garden Home. “Plantable” packaging grows into  wildflowers and herbs in the flower pot and beehive that double as a sand strainer and water bucket. Kids can help the included Honey Bee character grow a beautiful garden for the Sprig Hollow community.

Dune Bug’s Farm Truck is a durable vehicle that cleverly transforms into a sturdy sand tool. Sized for 
“take along” fun, this water resistant, five-in-one play set includes a Sprig Hollow insect character with interchangeable wings. Dune Bug’s Farm Truck has a sand bucket, a snap-on shovel and  rake that doubles as the truck’s cab.  Launch date: 2008.

Dragonfly’s Heli-Scoopter is a durable vehicle that cleverly transforms into a sturdy sand tool. Sized for 
“take along” fun, this water resistant, five-in-one play set includes a Sprig Hollow insect character with interchangeable wings.Dragonfly’s Heli-Scoopter is also a shovel and the helipad is a sand strainer.  Launch date: 2008.

Butterfly’s Farm features a water-resistant “farmhouse” with four play/garden shelves.  When assembled by an adult, a large funnel and chute fit into slots on the shelves, ready to be filled with sand or water for plenty of flowing fun. The two insect characters—Bee and Butterfly—have chunky bodies with soft, interchangeable wings and a simple slot that allows them to “sit” on the shelves and in the sturdy Farm Truck.  The hood of the truck doubles as a sand rake or plow. “We want parents to get outside and spend time with their kids,” says  Sprig Toys co-founder and toy industry veteran Chris Clemmer. “And, 
since Sprig Hollow is made from recycled materials, the toys provide an opportunity to talk about caring for the earth.” Launch date: 2008.

Past videos: Toy Fair 2009

Shout! Factory releases the ground-breaking collectible 6-DVD box set "Liberty's Kids: The Complete Series" packed with colorful and entertaining bonus features. The DVD brings America's history to life and depicts key events from the American Revolution as seen through the eyes of kids  who work in Benjamin Franklin's print shop. The kids may be fictional, but all of the history is accurate and authentic. Walter Cronkite, Annette Bening, Whoopi Goldberg, Dustin Hoffman, Billy Crystal, Ben Stiller, Liam Neeson, Michael York, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone and General Norman Schwarzkopf headline the all-star voice cast. Launch date: October 14.