November 2007 New Toys — Pretend Play

Red Carpet Runway by TIME TO PLAY CORPORATION LIMITED

This 4’ dressing room has graphics on the inside and back door entrance. The front entrance has curtains that open and close, plus a censor. When a child steps through the doorway onto the red carpet, the runway lights up and music begins to play. The crowd begins to applaud as the child continues down the runway. Shock-corded PVC poles make for easy setup and storage, and the polyester cover may be cleaned with a damp cloth. “Our play structures give children the opportunity to open up their imagination with the use of electronics and inside play,” a representative of Time to Play told TDmonthly. ( Watch Video) 11/30/2007 (Price: $49.99)

Go Diego Go! Rescue-a-Friend - Baby Jaguar by FISHER-PRICE INC.

Children can rescue their own animals, just like Diego. Each poseable plush animal comes with its very own rescue certificate and interactive rescue badge. When the animal calls for help and the child saves the animal, the rescue badge will activate "thank you" phrases from the animal. To extend the play, kids can log on to the Diego website to create a rescue log, play rescue mission games and learn fun facts. 11/21/2007 (Price: $19.99)

Briney Deep by LUBATTI DESIGNS UNLIMITED

This face is the result of walking the plank. He's back from the briney deep to exact his revenge on those who did him wrong. “All of our masks are made by hand by the artists who sculpt them,” Erich Lubatti of Lubatti Designs Unlimited told TDmonthly. 11/14/2007 (Price: $85.00)

Lochlan Full-Head Latex Mask by LUBATTI DESIGNS UNLIMITED

This creature is rising from the icy waters in time for Halloween. Equipped with a few strands of hair on his head and a few bullet holes at the base of his neck, this full-head latex mask is sure to scare. 11/14/2007 (Price: $80.00)

Red Jack Full-Head Latex Mask by LUBATTI DESIGNS UNLIMITED

This is the face of insanity incarnate. The latex mask features bulging eyes, oversized jaws and an equally scary red top hat. (40 to 80 words) Insanity incarnate! Truly a one-of-a-kind wearable latex Halloween mask. 11/14/2007 (Price: $110.00)

ZipBin® Small Town Playscape® Play, Zip, Go! by NEAT-OH! INTERNATIONAL LLC

The playset features a colorful, durable and wipe-clean surface that accommodates cars, trucks, planes, trains and construction equipment. There is even a special “parking lot” where kids lift the lid and can store small cars underneath. The set itself collapses flat for easy storing, stacking and transport. Sturdy, heavy-duty zippers and lid fasteners keep the set’s contents safe during travels. ( Watch Video) 11/5/2007 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Giggles™ by GOLDBERGER DOLL MFG. CO. INC

The 13” soft, huggable doll giggles when her tummy is squeezed. The doll can help babies develop large motor skills, hone their sense of sight, hearing and touch, improve their hand-eye coordination and help them develop a sense of security. The baby doll is filled with non-allergenic polyester and is available in Caucasian and African American varieties. 10/26/2007 (Price: $10.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Baby Doll Gift Wraps™ by GOLDBERGER DOLL MFG. CO. INC

The 11” doll has a soft vinyl face and painted eyes. It comes dressed in adorable baby outfits and is packaged in a gift box, with a bow and a gift card. 10/26/2007 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Little Superstar Sing-Along Stage by FISHER-PRICE INC.

The musical stage features two modes of play, where babies can activate lively songs, lights and music by shaking the rattle microphone or play along with any of the four included instruments. The microphone can also trigger various fun sounds and a cheering crowd for encouragement. In interactive mode, babies can press the instrument buttons to create songs. 10/11/2007 (Price: $39.99)

Laugh & Learn 2-In-1 Learning Kitchen by FISHER-PRICE INC.

The combination kitchen and family room encourages learning through lights, music and fun phrases. The kitchen has a refrigerator door that opens and closes, lights that turn on and off, shape sorting, a ball drop-down and more. From the kitchen, an archway leads to a family room. Children can learn about the alphabet, counting, opposites, colors and more. 10/11/2007 (Price: $64.99)

Learning Resources - Gears! Gears! Gears! Beginners Building Set by UNIVERSITY GAMES

Help kids work on their logic and creativity with this ingenious set. Made up of brightly-colored gears that fit together, it's a great exercise for both sides of the brain! 10/5/2007 (Price: $21.98) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Learning Resources - Teaching Cash Register by UNIVERSITY GAMES

The lights and sounds of the Teaching Cash Register engages and entertains kids as they learn math and money skills. Features four interactive games and multiple levels of play.
— In autumn 2010, Marc Holcomb of Toys & Co. in Greensboro, S.C., said he sells 8 per month. “It's in our top 5 every year as far as dollars sold,” he shared with TDmonthly.
— ''It's a great way for the kid's to learn math,'' added Jeanne McCullough, owner of Children's Store Inc. in Boise, Idaho. 10/5/2007 (Price: $29.48) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Learning Resources - Doctor Kit - Pretend Play Set by UNIVERSITY GAMES

Is there a doctor in the house? This doctor kit features enough medical tools for a whole team of young "doctors" to play at the same time, and everything fits into a handy plastic clamp-tight case. 10/5/2007 (Price: $24.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Learning Resources - Pretend & Play® School Set by LEARNING RESOURCES INC.

Playing school is fun and prepares kids for learning. This set has everything a kid needs to let his or her imagination run wild in the ultimate pretend classroom: grade book, clock, bell, calendar, map, pointer and much more.
— In a Fall 2012 survey, two out of 12 retailers said that the Pretend & Play School Set was their best selling educational toy. 10/5/2007 (Price: $28.98) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Square Root - Pillars of Plato by UNIVERSITY GAMES

A simple, beautiful game with wooden beads and posts: Pillars of Plato will take you 10 seconds to learn, and you'll be mastering it for the remainder of your days! 10/5/2007 (Price: $18.98) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Square Root - Dirty Dozen Brain Teaser Puzzle by UNIVERSITY GAMES

Dare to take on the dirty dozen - twelve fiendish sliding puzzles locked into one beautifully handcrafted game set. There's a mind teaser to captivate everyone, from a beginner to a genius! It makes such a neat addition to any coffee table! 10/5/2007 (Price: $19.98) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Little Tikes Play Smarter Cook N Learn Kitchen by MGA ENTERTAINMENT

This fun, bright kitchen comes with two interactive play modes. In Free Play mode, children play as they please and kitchen recognizes each food they use. In Learning mode, children are prompted to follow instructions on the recipe cards. Teaches colors, shapes, numbers, letters, following directions, sorting and measuring. 10/4/2007 (Price: $99.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Bratz Kidz Super Secret Ice Cream Making Snow Lodge with Vinessa by MGA ENTERTAINMENT

Winter vacation for the Bratz Kidz™ is all about winter fun! This beautiful, two-story ice hotel is perfect for winter adventures with bedroom, lounge, fireplace and real working slide! But the adventures continue with secret ice cream making equipment, hidden sprinkles, and fireplace that really dispenses syrup topping! 10/4/2007 (Price: $49.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Hotel Pawparazzi® by NOODLE HEAD INC.

Welcome to the 5-star Hotel Pawparazzi! Pawparazzi® pets can relax, sniff, dine and sleep in this luxurious hotel designed especially to fit their needs! Pet-carrier compartments store their handbags while they dance under the stars, doggy paddle along the coastline or take a nap by the pool. This vacation destination has everything your pet needs to get away from it all! Includes: Hotel playset, 2 sunbrellas, 2 beach towels. 10/4/2007 (Price: $36.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Le Toy Van Lion Heart Castle by HOTALING IMPORTS

This large wooden castle features seven towers, a detailed baseboard with a moat, a wind-up drawbridge and portcullis, a knock-out wall, two flags, a ladder and a winch. 9/28/2007 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Puchi Petite Collections – Cupcake Creations by RE-MENT INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Each hand-carved, miniature model is crafted to fine detail, such as the cupcake that is missing a bite. (In a different set, the steak has grill marks that match the grill.) Other sets include Cookie Cutouts and Happy Birthday, all of whose contents can be mixed and matched. Launch date: August 2006. 9/27/2007 (Price: $3.99)

ZipBin® Softie™ Train Depot Playset™ Play, Zip, Go! by NEAT-OH! INTERNATIONAL LLC

This soft-sided bin is not only decorated according to the theme, but is also shaped to resemble a train depot. It looks like an engine house when it’s carrying toys, but opens up into a train lover’s delight of a playscape. It also includes eight sections of wooden track and three train cars, all of which match other popular wooden trains. “Neat-Oh! products alone offer the patent-pending ability to convert back and forth from toy to storage,” said Gerry Linda, director of marketing for Neat-Oh! International. Launch date: August 2007. This product was previously catalogued under the name ZipBin® Softie™ Train Depot Playset™ Play, Zip, Go! (changed January 2009).
— The shape, artwork and usefulness of this ZipBin® set made it a recipient of a TDmonthly Innovations 2007 award. Not only does it zip-up into a storage space and zip-out into a play mat, but it also includes toys for play so that kids and parents have everything they need right at the time of purchase. ( Watch Video) 9/21/2007 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Pirate's Treasure Chest by MELISSA & DOUG

This treasure chest features ornate brass handles, a locking skull latch, a pirate bandana, an eye patch, gold dubloon coins and a secret compartment for stashing away the most valuable loot. It has pretend-play value and allows little pirates to learn about adventure on the high seas. The chest measures 6.5" x 9.5" x 7.5".
— Melissa and Doug's Pirate’s Treasure Chest was cited by Linda Hays, owner of Hopscotch Inc. in McMinnville, Ore., when discussing popular items for young boys.
— Five of 54 retailers told TDmonthly Melissa & Doug items would be popular during the 2007 Christmas season.
— "Kids can store all kinds of treasures in this sturdy wooden pirate chest," said Valerie Cavallaro of Melissa & Doug. 9/20/2007 (Price: $29.95)

Disney - Jack Sparrow's Pirate Gear by ZIZZLE

Any child can become a pirate with this 10-piece Jack Sparrow outfit set. The set includes an adjustable headband with beads and dreadlocks, an extending telescope, a dagger, a tri-corner pirate hat, an ancient navigational chart, three adjustable rings and two temporary tattoos. 9/18/2007 (Price: $29.95)

Mythical Realms Sea Dragon by SAFARI LTD.®

From the Mythical Realms line, this hand-painted piece is made from translucent phthalate-free PVC. Other creatures in the Mythical Realms collection include Poseidon, Griffin, Mermaid, Pegasus and Minotaur. Launch date: January 2008. ( Watch Video) 9/14/2007 (Price: $14.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]