November 2007 New Toys — All

Flarp Noise-Making Goop by JA-RU

Available in assorted colors, JA-RU adds its Flarp brand to this fascinating "goop" that makes its own distinctive sound and has its own distinctive texture.
— "We sell a lot of those," said John Beutler, associate at Tinkerz Toy Shop in Coeur D' Alene, Idaho, about Flarp Noise-Making Goop.
— Beutler told TDmonthly in summer 2007 that his store sells about two dozen cans of the Flarp Goop on a monthly basis.
— "We've branded the 'Flarp' name so that the quality of our product can be distinguished from other versions out there," said Russel Selevan, vice president at JA-RU. 8/23/2007 (Price: $1.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Vintage Ant Farm by UNCLE MILTON INDUSTRIES INC.

In celebration of its 50th Anniversary, the Gold Ant Farm comes in its original die-cut display box with authentic 1956 graphic treatment. The back of the box contains a special message written by Milton Levine, creator of the Ant Farm. The set features a habitat with four connecting antports, clean tunneling sand, clear and flexible antway connecting tubes, an illustrated ant watcher's manual and a stock certificate to order ants through the mail.
— David Campbell, owner of Amazing Toys in Great Falls, Mont., told TDmonthly that ant farms from Uncle Milton are among the best-selling science and nature toys in his store.
— Campbell said in summer 2007 that he sells about "half-a-dozenish" of the ant farms a month.
— "This special Gold Ant Farm includes a commemorative 50th Anniversary logo and the true story about the origin of the original Ant Farm. It is perfect for collectors and new Ant Farm fans alike," said Andrew Sroufe, who handles media relations for Uncle Milton Industries. 8/23/2007 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Pocket Volcano by TOYSMITH

Kids simply add baking soda to this mini volcano and place it inside a glass filled with water. They will be amazed by the bubbly reaction, which is similar to an underwater volcanic eruption.
— When asked about best selling novelty toys in a September 2011 survey, Mary Porter Green, owner of The Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va., told TDmonthly that Pocket Volcanoes from Toysmith were one of her top-two novelty items.
— Two of 32 specialty retailers mentioned Toysmith in summer 2007 when discussing their best-selling science and nature toys.
— This product is “safe, fun [and] educational,” Debra Ashley of Toysmith told TDmonthly. It “entertains while educating.” 8/23/2007 (Price: $4.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Buzzerks by INSECT LORE

Buzzerks give kids a bug's eye view of the world, and give everyone else a buggy view of them, too. The specially designed inner compound "bug-eye lenses" can be flipped forward so that a kid can see how a real bug sees. Each Buzzerk features realistic insect features: antennae, spines, leggy earpieces and mandibles. The hinged prismatic lenses let kids experience true insect sight by seeing bright and eye-popping metallic colors through compound eyes. Buzzerks come in FireAnt, Mantis and Hornet versions.
— When asked about best-selling science toys in her store, Frances Finfrock, owner of Aunt Franny's Toys in Richland, Wash., replied, "I think it's the Buzzerks. They're bug goggles. They're made by Insect Lore."
— Finfrock said she sells about three Buzzerks goggles a month.
— Five of 32 retailers told TDmonthly in summer 2007 that the Insect Lore brand is a best seller in their stores. 8/23/2007 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Hand Glove Animal Puppets by HAPE

HaPe introduces 7 new Hand Glove Animal Puppets to its range of over 40 puppets.    Children will love including these colorful and friendly animals – there’s a Pink Flaming, Kangaroo, Zebra, Panda and even a Guinea Pig.  The velour cover is stretchable and allows for easy movement by little ones and even for roles performed by parents and caregivers.  Puppets have a snug cuff and are approximately 8 ¾” tall.  Suggested retail is $5.95 each.  8/23/2007 (Price: $5.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Beleduc's Moringa Lacing Tree by HAPE

Children can use the colorful painted wood birds, squirrel, bush apples, butterflies, bird’s nest and 20 leaves to lace a tree. 8/23/2007 (Price: $19.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Beleduc's Candy by HAPE

Beleduc's Candy is a game of speed.  Roll the dices and be quick about recognizing colors on these patterned wood pieces of candy.  Comes with a soft playing circle.  For children four years and up. Two additional games - Pomela and Schmetti Coloretti (Colorful Butterfly) are also available.  8/23/2007 (Price: $14.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Wikki Stix Curious George Activity Book Set by WIKKI STIX

Three fun-activity books featuring that adorable little fellow, Curious George! Puzzles, picture games, counting fun, connect-the-dot activities: all to be completed with Wikki Stix. Three fun themes include A Day at School, A Trip to the Circus and The Birthday Party. Each book comes with 72 Wikki Stix and a furry little Curious George cutout. Distinctive 3-D activity in each book. Three fun books for one very low price! ( Watch Video) 8/23/2007 (Price: $21.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Mini Critterz Bank - Monkey by SJ ASSOCIATES

This 10” plush bank also comes in the following styles: pig, bear, dog, poodle and tiger. 8/22/2007 (Price: $8.50) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Crayon Caddy – Art Supplies by TATUTINA INC.

This brightly colored crayon caddy features hand-painted images of scissors and a paintbrush. It includes four sections for storing art supplies, crayons, markers and more, and a flexible cord handle that is perfect for small hands. It measures 9” x 6” x 4”. “We strive to serve a specialty market that wants to buy functional products that reflect a happy and fun lifestyle,” Roberta O’Neill, director of sales for Tatutina, told TDmonthly. 8/22/2007 (Price: $22.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Tai chan Panda by OOPSY DAISY

This 16” x 20” piece of artwork is by artist Sally Bennett. The art is reproduced in giclee method onto artist’s cotton polyester canvas, and the piece is stretched by hand over a wood frame and finished on the sides, ready to hang. It ships with a metal sawtooth hanger attached. Sally’s artwork has a modern fresh feel perfect for today’s decorating style. “The sophisticated art design makes this piece a special touch in a child’s room,” Vice President Karen Capp of Oopsy Daisy told TDmonthly. 8/22/2007 (Price: $119.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Stuffin' Party Countertop Crank 350 by TEDDY BEAR STUFFERS

This non-electric, hand-crank stuffing machine can also be used as a self-service stuffing machine and may be placed on a merchandising unit. 8/22/2007 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Romantic Anniversary Puzzle by J.C. AYER & COMPANY

J.C. Ayer can turn a treasured photo into an heirloom-quality jigsaw puzzle, such as this design that includes a wedding photo with drop-out lettering of the wedding date. A cut above typical cardboard photo puzzles, these hand-crafted wooden jigsaw puzzles transform images into masterpieces. Prices for custom puzzles are as follows: 8” x 10” (about 160 pieces) - $190; 11” x 14” (about 350 pieces) - $320; and 16” x 20” (about 700 pieces) - $550.
— “The custom puzzles can include the customers’ own picture, [plus] special shapes and letters, and the whole puzzle can be shaped uniquely,” Founder Jim Ayer of J.C. Ayer & Company told TDmonthly. 8/22/2007

The Elephant and the Mouse by J.C. AYER & COMPANY

Part of J.C. Ayer’s Exotic Art Collection, this 13.75” x 8.75” wooden puzzle features the Hindu God of Welcome and the Patron Saint of Drummers. 8/22/2007 (Price: $200.00)

Thomas & Friends: Thomas' Halloween Adventures by HIT ENTERTAINMENT

Are there really ghosts in the fog and mist on the Island of Sodor? Thomas, Toby and Henry believe there are, but things are not always as they appear. Gordon and Percy encounter other mysteries on the Island. Can Thomas help explain them? Viewers can join all of their Island of Sodor friends as they solve Halloween mysteries that are exciting all year round. Launch date: September 4, 2007. 8/22/2007 (Price: $14.98)

Scary Godmother Halloween Spooktakular by ANCHOR BAY ENTERTAINMENT

In this Halloween special, little Hannah Marie is excited to be going trick-or-treating with the older kids. But when her mean cousin Jimmy tries to ditch her in the dark basement of a spooky house, Hannah is rescued by her Scary Godmother and whisked away to the best Halloween party ever. It’s a ‘who’s-boo’ of monsters with Skully Pettibone, Harry The Werewolf, Orson, Bug-A-Boo and more, all in one unforgettable night of big screams, strange pizza and the ultimate plan for revenge on Jimmy and his friends. Launch date: September 14, 2004. 8/22/2007 (Price: $14.98) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

I Love My Pirate Papa by HOUGHTON MIFFLIN HARCOURT

It's a yar vessel that can carry this crew of burly pirates, the captain and his scrappy little son. From the crow's nest to the hold, from the high seas to the island of buried treasure, this boy hangs out with the most rough-and-tumble of rogues. And at the end of each day, he gets tucked in by the fiercest pirate of them all: his loving and tender dad. This lyrical picture book is brimming with delightful pirate antics and just the right dose of father and son love. This book is written by Laura Leuck and illustrated by Kyle M. Stone. Launch date: September 2007. 8/22/2007 (Price: $16.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Face to Face With Polar Bears by NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY

This book by photographer Norbert Rosing offers full-color pictures that relay his experience with and observation of playful cubs and magnificent predators in the Arctic. The book includes a facts section and instructions on how readers can help in the face of global warming. 8/22/2007 (Price: $16.95)

Face to Face With Dolphins by NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY

In this engaging book, author and photographer Flip Nicklin, along with wife, Linda, give readers an up-close and personal look at dolphins as they swim, herd fish, use sound to help them see and more. 8/22/2007 (Price: $16.95)