November 2007 New Toys — All

Doll Cottage by KIDKRAFT

The doll cottage is designed with a child’s imagination in mind. With open space to navigate and redecorate, this charming dollhouse offers hours of inventive play. Features include three levels, charming flowers and scalloped trim, rooms typical of any household, sturdy wood construction and a welcoming family of four dolls. The cottage measures 20" x 12" x 25" and weighs 20 lbs.
— Dollhouses by KidKraft were predicted to be hot sellers during Christmas 2007 for girls aged 8 to 12, according to Lisa, manager of The Toy Box in Augusta, Ga.
— We sell a lot of wooden blocks and wooden doll houses by KidKraft,” Alison Cox, owner of Animal Quackers in Raleigh, N.C., told TDmonthly.
— Four of 54 retailers cited KidKraft — especially their dollhouses — when discussing sales for the 2007 holiday season. 9/20/2007 (Price: $99.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Flower Power Jewelry Kit by MELISSA & DOUG

The Flower Power Jewelry Kit offers a delightful variety of shapes, colors and patterns to create necklaces and bracelets that are sure to please. The kit includes more than 150 wooden beads and five laces with beautiful wooden flowers to accent a piece. Children can even make their own bracelet or necklace and take it home as a party favor.
— " Beads — I'm selling Melissa & Doug," said Frances Finfrock, owner of Aunt Franny's Toys in Richland, Wash., when asked to predict a hot-selling item for girls for Christmas 2007.
— Four of 54 retailers who spoke to TDmonthly in fall 2007 said Melissa & Doug jewelry and arts and crafts items will be popular holiday picks for girls ages 8 to 12.
— "The Flower Power Jewelry Kit is a wooden bead set featuring a customized organizer, stunning varieties of beads and stringing cords — everything needed to make beautiful jewelry, decorative items and gifts," said Valerie Cavallaro of Melissa & Doug. 9/20/2007 (Price: $9.99)

My Very Own Horse Book by KLUTZ

“My Very Own Horse Book” is the perfect item or gift for the horse lover. All the horse sense packed into the book can be applied to a hand-painted, collector-quality horse model that comes with it. Since no horse is complete without its tack, the materials and instructions needed for making a saddle, blanket and bridle are included. Every page features color photography and beautiful artwork. The book is written by Cornelia Thompson. "My Very Own Horse Book will teach readers everything they'd ever want to know about horses — from gaits and grooming to breeds and body language," said Samantha Wolfert, publicist for Klutz.
— "They love horses, and the Klutz horse book is still popular," said Priscilla S. Moore, owner of Mr. Fub's Party "Toys and More" in Yellow Springs, Ohio, when predicting what girls ages 8 to 12 will prefer for the 2007 holiday season. Six of 54 retailers told TDmonthly that Klutz books will be hot with older girls for Christmas 2007.
― “Craft kits from Klutz are big for us,” said Dean Nelson, owner of Wizard Kids Toys in Toledo, Ohio, in June 2009.
―  Pat Cooley, owner of Cooleykatz Toys in Livermore, Calif., named “My Very Own Horse” as a top seller for girls in her store, and 9 percent of 47 retailers said in summer 2009 that Klutz is a best-selling girls’ gift line. 9/20/2007 (Price: $19.95)

Webkinz - Knapsack Purple by GANZ

This soft violet backpack is a perfect way for Webkinz lovers to take along their favorite furry friends. It adds function and style to the Webkinz universe that has captivated collectors everywhere.
— "Webkinz by Ganz is our hottest selling item right now. ... With Webkinz, girls start at about 6 to 7 years old," said Amy Oliver, owner of Giggles in Hamilton, Mass.
— "The Webkinz are coming up with a whole slew for Halloween and Christmas. They're the most popular right now," the manager of Fun Among Us in Ipswich, Mass., told TDmonthly.
— Eleven of 54 retailers believe the Webkinz craze will also carry through for tween girls during the 2007 holiday season. 9/20/2007 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Knot-A-Scarf by ALEX BRANDS

The Knot-A-Scarf makes scarf-making easier than ever. Girls just knot and lace and it's done. No knitting is required. The set includes precut fleece pieces plus laces, a plastic needle and easy instructions. The line of Alex crafts also includes Knot-A-Quilt, Knot-A-Poncho and Flower Crochet Jewelry.
— "Arts and crafts by Alex are big and I expect them to continue to be big. Knot-A-Scarf should do well. The [Knot-A-Quilt] did well last year," said Patricia Masing, co-owner of Tree Town Toys in Ann Arbor, Mich.
— Twelve of 54 retailers told TDmonthly to watch out for Alex arts and crafts in the tween girls section during the 2007 holiday season.
— Following the huge success of our Knot-A-Quilt, we created two new products [in 2007] — Knot-A-Scarf and Knot-A-Poncho. Knot-A-Scarf is a wonderful craft kit because there is no sewing or knitting involved. You simply knot the fringed fleece pieces together to make a super soft, colorful fleece scarf," said Elin Kabo of Alex. 9/20/2007 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Calico Critters - A Carriage Ride for Connor & Kerri by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC

Connor and Kerri Snow-Warren bounce happily in their carriage as Mother Shannon takes them for a stroll to Cloverleaf Corners’ Community Park. The Carriage Ride for the Connor & Kerri set includes Mother Shannon Snow-Warren Rabbit, the Snow-Warren Rabbit twins Connor and Kerri, a pram with a pillow and blanket, a rattle and a bottle. This playset also comes with a storybook about the Snow-Warren family.
— "You know what? Calico Critters do great in [the 4 to 8] age range," said Linda Hays, owner of Hopscotch Inc. in McMinnville, Ore., when sharing her Christmas 2007 predictions with TDmonthly. Six of 54 retailers agreed.
— "Calico Critters: It’s been crazy and I expect it to continue," said Cathy Foland, manager for Imagination Station in Fenton, Mich., when discussing the upcoming 2007 holiday season.
— "The carriage is highly detailed with moving wheels, sun shade, pillow and blanket," said Sue Tice for International Playthings. 9/20/2007 (Price: $16.99)

Webkinz Dalmatian by GANZ

This adorable Webkinz pup is the life of the party, as long as you bring along some of his favorite five-alarm chili from the W Shop. As with the entire Webkinz line, the Dalmatian comes with a special code that allows a child to interact with it on the Web. His "special item" includes the Ganz Rapid Rescue Fire Truck.
— "We just got the relatively new Dalmatian. Their new stuff is great," said Chris Walsh, owner of The Whiz Store in Westborough, Mass., about Ganz. "The demand for Webkinz is going down, supply is up and prices are coming down. Yet, it's still selling quite strongly.”
— Almost 25 percent of the 58 retailers TDmonthly spoke with expect strong holiday sales of Webkinz.
— Although many specialty retailers have complained about how Ganz has handled Webkinz’ sudden popularity, they haven’t quibbled at all about the thousands of dollars these little plush toys have added to their cash registers. The extra publicity the toys have generated hasn’t hurt either, which makes Webkinz a shoo-in for the TDmonthly Top Seller 2007 award. 9/20/2007 (Price: $7.75) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Coralie by COROLLE DOLLS

This doll features a huggable, soft body, moving eyes and long silky hair that can be brushed and styled in lots of different ways. Coralie is a quality, loveable addition to a young girl's doll collection, as well as her world of imagination and role play.
— "I have seen the doll category grow significantly this year. Corolle has been a good brand," said Diane Gervais for Amato’s in Middletown, Conn.
— "Dolls will do well for [the 4 to 8] age group. Probably Corolle," said Ginger Milligan, owner of Fantasy Island Toys in Fairhope, Ala., when predicting Christmas 2007 sales. Twelve of 54 retailers told TDmonthly Corolle would be a hot seller for girls during the 2007 holidays.
— “The product is wonderful and they have a varied price-point,” Michelle Beyer, owner of Clever Kids in Rochester, Minn., told TDmonthly in late 2007 about this best seller in her store. 9/20/2007 (Price: $50.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Baby Vegetables Set by HABA USA/HABERMAASS CORP.

Designed for ages 6 months and up, these are vegetables a child can actually listen to and cuddle. Made of velour and cotton/polyester, the carrot and tomato make rattling noises, while the lettuce leaf rustles.
— "I would say any of the Haba grocery items," said Candace Gooch, owner of At Once All Agog in Limerick, Maine, when predicting 2007 holiday sellers.
— "I haven't even thought about it yet — not sure what’s going to be hot — but every baby is new and needs the basics. Haba baby always does well," said Peg Scholtes, owner of Capitol Kids in Madison, Wis.
— Two of 54 retailers TDmonthly spoke to specifically cited Haba pretend food as something to watch for during the 2007 holiday season. 9/20/2007 (Price: $10.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Fill & Spill Fishbowl by MELISSA & DOUG

For 6 months and up, this toy features four silly sea creatures in a mesh-bottomed bowl. The Fill & Spill Fishbowl is a multi-textured toy that rattles, jingles, squeaks and crinkles in little hands. Made with soft materials, it is machine washable, self-storing and great for travel. It measures 8" x 12" x 6" inches boxed.
— "I haven't done my Christmas shopping yet, but these just came in yesterday and I'm pretty happy with them.  There's a Fill and Spill Picnic Basket, Jug and Fish Bowl. There's also a flower pot version and a candy jar," said David Campbell, owner of Amazing Toys in Great Falls, Mont.
— "They're little see-through items. They sell for $20. They look pretty good,” Campbell added.
— "Made with ultra-soft materials, this clever activity toy helps develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination and stimulates tactile senses in delightful ways," said Valerie Cavallaro of Melissa & Doug. 9/20/2007 (Price: $16.00)

Turtle - Ocean Blue by ROBEEZ FOOTWEAR, LTD.

These cheerful lime turtles with burnt-orange shells feature stitched detail and happy smiles on an ocean-blue background. They come with soft, flexible soles recommended by experts, easy slip-on/stay-on elasticized ankle bands and skid-resistant, textured suede soles. The shoes are washable by hand or machine and are made of quality leather with a lined upper. They include comfortable leather cushions that protect but are also breathable to keep baby's feet cool and comfortable.
— "I think Robeez are always good. It's not a toy but it moves faster than anything," said Christina Callan, owner of Interactive Toys, Crafts & More in Elum, Wash., when asked what would be hot for babies during Christmas 2007.
— In fall 2007, two of 54 retailers specifically cited Robeez when asked about hot-selling items, especially for the holiday season.
— "Robeez shoes are a reasonably priced addition to complete a gift package. The designs featured on our shoes often complement the toy being purchased," said Kelly Striemer, marketing specialist for Robeez. 9/20/2007 (Price: $27.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Tolo - Shake, Rattle and Roll by SMALL WORLD TOYS

For ages 3 months and up, Shake, Rattle, and Roll helps develop motor skills as babies shake the rattle and make brightly colored beads pitter-patter back and forth. The rattle aids both visual and auditory stimulation for the baby, and introduces something new and fun into their growing cognitive world.
— "Tolo, if I can get it. Small World Toys has been carrying it. I think it's a European brand," said Marilyn Sipila, owner of Toys Etc. in Poulsbo, Wash., when discussing hot-selling baby items for Christmas 2007 and beyond.
— Small World Toys is also a popular baby toy brand with customers at Learning Tree Toys in Oklahoma City, Okla.
— Two of 54 retailers TDmonthly spoke with in fall 2007 said Small World Toys will sell well in the baby section during the holidays. 9/20/2007 (Price: $9.45) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Walker Wagon by HABA USA/HABERMAASS CORP.

The Walker Wagon is designed to aid children in moving. The added seat allows brother and sister to come along for the ride, and there's sufficient room behind the seat to store utensils or other toys. Even the seat itself can double as storage for items baby likes to wheel around the house. The Walker Wagon is of sturdy construction and features rubber tires on wooden rims.
— “I'm selling like one a week. It's amazing. I'm sold out now,” said Jude Larene, owner of Izilla Toys in Seattle.
— “It’s a great seller and I just think it'll take off in the holidays,” Larene added in fall 2007.
— Four of 54 retailers told TDmonthly that Haba will be big in the baby category for Christmas 2007. 9/20/2007 (Price: $119.49) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Rainbow Stacker by MELISSA & DOUG

The 3.5" x 3.5" x 8.5 Rainbow Stacker is a classic toy that allows infants to develop cognitive and motor skills. It comes with seven rings, each a different color and size, as well as a ball and a wooden base. Kids can stack the rings in order from largest to smallest, and place the red ball on top to complete the task.
— When asked to predict a hot baby item for Christmas 2007, Shirley Reilly, owner of Let's Play in Hillsboro, Ore., said, "Probably the Melissa & Doug Wooden Stacking Rings ... because they sell for $5. Parents and grandparents like to buy it for kids."
— Seven of 54 retailers asked by TDmonthly said that Melissa & Doug baby toys will be big-ticket items for the 2007 holiday season.
— "The Rainbow Stacker is a true classic toy. It includes eight smooth, easy-grasp wooden pieces to stack on the solid wood, rocking base," said Valerie Cavallaro of Melissa & Doug. 9/20/2007 (Price: $6.00)

Tatutina Art Supplies Caddy by TATUTINA INC.

Tatutina's wooden art caddy comes with wheels for fun wheeling around on any table. 6 compartments hold many brushes, pens, pencils, scissors, rulers, you name it! Painted in our fun "art" motif to coordinate with other Tatutina products. All paints are non-toxic (exceeded ASTM safety testing). 9/20/2007 (Price: $25.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Tatutina Jungle Animals Peg Board by TATUTINA INC.

Tatutina durable peg boards are made of MDF wood, and painted with non-toxic paints (exceeded ASTM safety testing). Each peg board comes with hardware for easy hanging with a keyhole mount on the back. Fully assembled and coordinates with other Tatutina products. Painted in our bright designs and patterns so its fun for children to hang their clothes! 9/20/2007 (Price: $22.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Tatutina Kids' Wooden Recipe Box by TATUTINA INC.

This fun recipe box was designed for small children, however, can be used by anyone! Made of durable wood and painted with non-toxic paints (exceeded ASTM safety testing), the lid lifts right to help little fingers and the inside holds over 200 4x6 recipe cards (not included). A recipe card divider is included to help organize those family recipes. 9/20/2007 (Price: $26.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Tadpole & Frog Set by HAGEN-RENAKER INC.

The ceramic figurines are very detailed and realistic, with even the size of the tadpole and baby frog molded to scale. The figurines are great for both display and demonstrating the life cycle of a frog. The tadpole and frog are also available separately with MSRPs of $5.00 and $7.00, respectively. “These two pieces are wonderful stocking stuffers for young boys with no fear that they have not been made to the most exacting standards in the United States,” Susan Nikas of Hagen-Renaker Inc. told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 2007. 9/19/2007 (Price: $12.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Mini-Flopsies – Demo Donkey by AURORA WORLD INC.

The 8” Mini-Flopsies line includes “political” plushes in addition to its plethora of animal plushes. A GOP Elephant is also available. 9/19/2007 (Price: $4.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Mini-Flopsies – GOP Elephant by AURORA WORLD INC.

The 8” Mini-Flopsies line includes “political” plushes in addition to its plethora of animal plushes. A Demo Donkey is also available. 9/19/2007 (Price: $4.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Truth about Santa Claus by LAUGHING ELEPHANT

This 44-page hardcover features full-color illustrations and explores the life of Santa Claus, including his workshop, family, transportation, dress and more. It uses visual evidence — antique postcards, notecards, books and calendar pictures — to reveal the truth about Santa. 9/19/2007 (Price: $19.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Winter Labels - 28 Vintage Stickers by LAUGHING ELEPHANT

This assortment of labels includes images of snowball fights, skiing, sledding and various other winter scenes culled from books, magazines, calendars, posters and other sources. 9/19/2007 (Price: $8.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Children's Christmas – 26 Vintage Stickers by LAUGHING ELEPHANT

This box of stickers features fun vintage prints for the holidays. It measures 6” x 4.75”. 9/19/2007 (Price: $8.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Christmas Labels – 39 Vintage Stickers by LAUGHING ELEPHANT

The images inside this sticker box, featuring winter landscapes, Santas, gifts, carolers and more, are selected from vintage stickers, postcards, Christmas cards, books, magazine, stamps and calendars. The box measures 6” x 4.75”. 9/19/2007 (Price: $8.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

NoteAble Notepad by LAUGHING ELEPHANT

This sleek and stylish little notebook, 2 7/8” x 4 ½” fits easily into a bag or jacket pocket for convenient transport. The cover closes to protect the pages, and the notebook may be used for grocery lists, personal musings, project ideas, to-do lists and more. The notebooks come in 12 designs, and each features an inspiration quote on the inside cover. 9/19/2007 (Price: $2.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]