November 2008 Notable Toys — Novelties

It's a bird... It's a plane...no, it's AirShark, the glider with attitude. Soft and safe, with rubber-band propulsion it flies over 50 feet. "It is a simple glider with attitude.
Any one can make it fly," said Laura T. Brewer, VP of marketing, Play Visions. Launch date: July 28, 2008.

This is the very first item based on Dexter, the star of the hit CBS/Showtime television series by the same name. A blood-splatter expert for the Miami Police Department by day, Dexter spends his nights murdering other serial killers. Now this so-called "good guy" is available in 7" bobble head form. He's made of resin and would love to make the world a safer place. Launch date: September 15, 2008.

Designed by artist Kari Makoutz, this handmade kaleidoscope entraps the Aberrant Quadrator, a friendly boggart known to reside in closets, ruining fine clothing by creating stains, wrinkles and tears. The kaleidoscope is 6.5" long, and the glass globe has diameter of 1.75".

Given the proper name of Cheerful McBliss when born, Bliss Bliss quickly earned his nickname because he was always so...well. blissful; even when inappropriate. Like the time when his Grandfather passed away. Bliss' eulogy was comprised of a string of off-color jokes followed by hysterical laughter; or during his first job interview when he cracked jokes about the owner's toupee. While sometimes outlandish, Bliss has something that many people strive for...to always have a smile on his face...but then again, that's probably because he's laughing at you.

Hannah Montana fans can choose from one of two singing boxes to store their jewels and accessories. One box plays "Rock Star," while the other plays "True Friend." Launch date: Fall 2008

This bright set features 30 multi-colored balloons plus a pump.
— Randy Austin reported that Rocket Balloons were popular sellers during the summer of 2008 at her store, The Gifted Child, in Lenox, Mass.
— “Rocket Balloons were fabulous [last year] and we have people waiting for them now,” said Eric Masoncup, owner of Geppettos Toy Box in Oak Park, Ill., of his top-selling outdoor item during a March 2010 survey of best sellers.
— Two of 37 retailers named Rocket Balloons are a best-selling outdoor toy in spring 2010.

Republican VP contender  Sarah Palin is immortalized in this superhero action figure, which sports a 45-caliber sidearm. An excutive version is available for $27.95. Launch date: September 8, 2008

Googly Giggler is available in four different personalities. When one shakes him, he bounces, wiggles and sings a wacky tune. Launch date: June 2008.

This heavy-duty decorated pint (pub) glass features vintage graphics from the Mexican game "Loteria." Launch date: August 2008.

This design of this plush coin purse is based on a famous Mexican pastry, so should appeal to Latin-American customers. Launch date: September 2008.

This make-up bag based on "Churro" pastry "appeals to Latino customers since Churro is a popular Latin American pastry," Owner Alonso Flores of Xochico told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2008.

This plush "Pan Dulce"-style novelty key chain has "unique appeal to [the] latino customer, since [the] design is based on traditional pastry," Owner Alonso Flores of Xochico told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2008.

The ghouls and goblins are on their way... Halloween Dust will keep them at bay! Halloween Dust will add a little sparkle to your trick or treating and is sure to keep you safe along the way.

Sprinkle a little Chanukah Dust and let the miracles begin to happen.

Celebrate the New Years with a “sprinkle of magic” with a pouch of New Years Dust. New Years Dust will add a little sparkle & spirit to your New Years celebration.

Santa Dust is a magical potion used by children worldwide to help guide Santa and his reindeer to a child's door. Every child who believes in the magic of Christmas believes in the magic of Santa Dust. The hang tag reads: Hold your Santa Dust tight; sprinkle Christmas Eve when Santa takes flight! Santa Dust consists of oats, glitter and cinnamon. The oats and cinnamon are for the reindeer, and the sparkle let's Santa find children — where ever they are! "Santa Dust comes in a beautiful, red velvet pouch that resembles Santa's knapsack. Each pouch has a side loop to hang on a tree as a Christmas tree ornament and save for next Christmas. The pouch is a remembrance of the Christmas that was," Patricia Cardello, owner of PAC Jennic Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 18, 2008.

There’s nothing more terrifying to a parent than the thought of being separated from his or her child. Award-winning Spot Me ID™ “animated” ID bracelets were invented by a mom who lost her 7-year-old daughter for a terrifying 15 minutes while on vacation in 2007. As these uniquely themed ID bracelets are moved back and forth,  a “magical” effect is created that brings our safety dog “Spot” to life. On our everyday series bracelet, Spot winks, wags his tail, and waves. Using the included marker, parents simply write their names and cell phone numbers on the back of the easy-to-recognize safety products. Spot Me ID™ animated ID Bracelets are waterproof, affordable, and require no batteries. "There is nothing on the market like Spot Me ID™," said Jamie Rayko, CEO of Spot Me ID, Inc. “With over 2,000 children lost every day, there is nothing more important to parents than keeping their kids safe. Every family needs Spot Me ID™ - Because Kids Get Lost™.” Patents pending. Launch date:  08/01/2008.

Just imagine….. Your standing in line at a crowded theme park or shopping mall and suddenly your child has wandered out of sight! There is nothing more terrifying to a parent then the thought of being separated from their child. Finally, the answer has arrived….Spot Me ID™ “animated” ID Lanyards! These ”award-winning” lanyards were invented by a mom who lost her 7-year-old daughter for a terrifying 15 minutes while on vacation in 2007. As these uniquely-themed ID lanyards move back and forth, it creates a “magical” effect that brings our safety dog “Spot” to life. On our water park series lanyard, “Spot”, has on his swimming goggles and jumps up through the inner tube. Using the included marker, parents simply write their name and cell phone number on the back of the easy-to-recognize safety products. Spot Me ID™ “animated” ID Lanyards are waterproof, affordable, and requires no batteries. "There is nothing on the market like Spot Me ID™," said Jamie Rayko, CEO of Spot Me ID, Inc. “With over 2,000 children lost every day, there is nothing more important to parents than keeping their kids safe. Every family needs Spot Me ID™, “Because Kids Get Lost™.” Launch date: 08/01/2008 8/25/2008 (Patents Pending)

There is nothing more terrifying to a parent then the thought of being separated from his or her child. Award-winning Spot Me ID™ “animated” ID bracelets were invented by a mom who lost her 7-year-old daughter for a terrifying 15 minutes while on vacation in 2007. As these uniquely-themed ID bracelets move back and forth, a “magical” effect is created that brings our safety dog “Spot” to life. On our zoo series bracelet, Spot is on a safari. He jumps out from behind the leaves and pulls up his binoculars. Using the included marker, parents simply write their names and cell phone numbers on the back of the easy-to-recognize safety products. Spot Me ID™ animated ID Bracelets are waterproof, affordable, and require no batteries. "There is nothing on the market like Spot Me ID™," said Jamie Rayko, CEO of Spot Me ID, Inc. “With over 2,000 children lost every day, there is nothing more important to parents than keeping their kids safe. Every family needs Spot Me ID™, “Because Kids Get Lost™.” Patents pending. Launch date: 08/01/2008

There is nothing more terrifying to a parent then the thought of being separated from his or her child. Award-winning Spot Me ID™ “animated” ID bracelets were invented by a mom who lost her 7-year-old daughter for a terrifying 15 minutes while on vacation in 2007. As these uniquely-themed ID bracelets move back and forth, a “magical” effect is created that brings our safety dog “Spot” to life. On our stadium series bracelet, Spot kicks the football and he has black sports lines under his eyes. Using the included marker, parents simply write their names and cell phone numbers on the back of the easy-to-recognize safety products. Spot Me ID™ animated ID Bracelets are waterproof, affordable, and require no batteries. "There is nothing on the market like Spot Me ID™," said Jamie Rayko, CEO of Spot Me ID, Inc. “With over 2,000 children lost every day, there is nothing more important to parents than keeping their kids safe. Every family needs Spot Me ID™, “Because Kids Get Lost™.” Patents pending. Launch date: 08/01/2008

Round and colorful, these puffy blowfish erasers are available in four assorted colors.

These hamster-themed erasers are available in six assorted colors. They can be taken apart and put back together like a puzzle.
—  As of 05/13/2011 this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 10 reviews on Amazon.com. Cons: Not suitable for younger children because the small pieces constitute a choking hazard.
—  Belmont Toys in Belmont, Mass., sells from 800 to 1,000 Iwako erasers monthly, Manager Gage Brownell told TDmonthly in October 2008.

These erasers look like individual Japanese sushi, and are available in six different designs.
— "I don't know why it's such a craze, but I sell hundreds," Meredith Zellweger of Toy Jungle in Manhattan Beach, Calif., told TDmonthly in July 2008.
—  “They're selling hundreds a month,” seconded Deran Muckjian, owner of Catch a Falling Star in Lexington, Mass.
—  Nine percent of 64 retailers said in summer 2008 that Iwako erasers are creating a buzz in their stores.