November 2008 Notable Toys — All

This pewter miniature figurine is by Bobby Jackson and features a sword, shield and heavy armor. Launch date: 2008.

This Pinky St. character features her in a standing position with her summer kimono and accessories. Pinky St. is an interchangeable fashion figure that switch at the waist, torso, head and accessories. Each 4" figure is packed with 2 sets of outfits. Mix and match with other Pinky St. sets.

Ultimate Spinner consists of 12 games, some of which help children learn alphabets and letter recognition, numbers, math, and how to tell time. Others promote active play, such as running or dancing.
— TDmonthly's Roundtable appreciated the fun, quality and educational appeal of this game. "It was fun to see them folding paper into shapes, drawing, acting things out, and interacting with each other," reviewer Sue Christensen said of her 7- and 11-year-old sons.

Past Videos: Toy Fair 2009

The object of this game is to toss -- or lob -- the most Lobster Bags into the Lobster Pot Target being the player or team of players to score the most points.  Be sure to catch the Rare Blue Lobster to score additional points. Each player or team of players starts with 3 bags -- 2 of the same color and 1 rare colored lobster.  Determine and measure the distance away from the target that is appropriate to the players age and ability and mark the toss line.  Take turns tossing 1 lobster at a time behind the toss line.  Collect lobsters and determine the points scored until a player or team reaches the winning score.

This PVC keychain is laser cut and features a bright image of smiling Strawberry Shortcake.

This 9.5" stuffed bear is filled with beanies.

This 136-page paperback written by filmmakers Arne Johnson and Karen Macklin guides readers from concept to reality with professional advice on nine exciting projects, including filming a TV show, starting a fashion company, and putting on a play. Featured sections include Tricks of the Trade, Insider Tips, Who's on Board? and more. Launch date: April 2008.

Based on the premise that "being in high school is about a lot more than going to school," this book educates teenagers on things they won't learn in school, such as creating a podcast, writing a manifesto, and putting on a film festival. It is written by Steven Jenkins and Erika Stalder.

Designed to fit all sizes, this watch is available in teal, orange, purple, pink and yellow designs. It has a digital time display and comes with batteries that will last for more than a year.

Representing the Witness Security and Protection Program, this 12" figure is outfitted for action and even has a real leather gun holster plus a Black Wolffe ballistics vest. Launch date: October 24, 2008.

This little handmade birthday ornament is available with a pink, blue, green or purple balloon. It measures 2" to 3" tall, and no two are alike.

Ideal for hanging on a Christmas tree or displaying elsewhere, the animals in this nest ornament are handmade from polymer clay.

Handmade from polymer clay, this little bear is tucked warmly in his sleeping bag for the holidays.

This hexagon-cut, polyester glitter can be used to add detail to face paint used on Halloween and other occasions. It is available in 8ml containers in the following shades: black, red, green, turquoise, iridescent, iridescent green, iridescent pink, iridescent blue, laser blue hologram, green hologram, lavender hologram, orange hologram, gold hologram and silver hologram.

This miniatures building, showing rubble and a demolished interior, measures 13.25" L x 7" W x 8" H. Launch date: October 13, 2008.

Each Livie & Luca shoe is handmade, crafted by artisan shoemakers who leave their mark under each strap — no pair is exactly the same. Livie & Luca is also eco-conscious. They use reusable cloth shoe bags and the shoes are made of leather pieces that would otherwise be discarded. Livie & Luca’s innovative ultra-light and flexible sole has been re-engineered to require less glue (thus reducing their carbon footprint). A mom-owned company, Livie & Luca donates 10 percent of their profits each month to a rotating charity. Another way Livie & Luca gives back is by partnering with Art for Humanity to arrange for the delivery of donated children's shoes to low-income families in Honduras.  Launch date: 2008
 

This kit includes ingredients to make flavored lip balm that has an SPF of 15.

From the Simple Machines Series, this natural wood cherry-picker mimics the principles used to work the real thing, but uses water in place of hydraulic fluid. It teaches kids about levels and parallel linkages and is easy to construct (glue included).

Suitable for children ages 1 1/2 and up, this wooden puzzle made in Taiwan is designed to improve hand-eye coordination and motor skills. The different puzzle pieces — items found in dad's suitcase — are labeled underneath: tie, watch, electric razor, wallet and more.

This bear, straight from Grammy Bears' Stitchery, is unique among its fellow bear friends. It features hearts on its paws and chest and comes with membership to Bear-Beach Club. Kids can earn funscapers coupons that they can use for prizes for them and their bears.

No two Little Toy Bears from Grammy Bears' Stitchery are alike. The bears have mending hearts and are members at Bear-Beach Club, which features online activities.

The Fancy Zoo line features a range of plush characters in various colors and sizes. Custom designs are available.

djubi™ (pronounced joo-bee) is played with specially designed racquets and a distinctive ball called “the djubi”.  To play, place the rubber loop over the launch hook, pull back and aim.  When the ball is released it flies through the air at varying degrees of speed, distance and height, depending on the launch trajectory. The djubi is then snagged out of the sky in the deep racquet pocket. Playing djubi undoubtedly will take the tried-and-true game of catch to a cool, new level of fun and excitement for all. See video of djubi in action at djubi.com.
— Christine Osborne, owner of Wonder Works in Charleston, S.C., told TDmonthly in March 2010 that her store sells 36 units per month of the djubi.
— In a March 2012 survey, John Taylor, owner of O.P Taylor's in Brevard, N.C., told TDmonthly that the djubi was one of his best selling outdoor toys.

Each 4.25" x 3.5" pad includes 108 stickers with a child's name. More than 100 names are available, and the company offers blue pads for boys and pink for girls.
— "Mulberry Studios has really neat stickers that have children's names on [them]," said Katherine King, manager of Giggles Toys & More in Bozeman, Mont., noting that her store sells 30 to 40 units per month.
— King and one other retailer, out of 51 surveyed, told TDmonthly in September 2008 that the stickers are a best-selling personalized product in their stores.