April 2012 New Specialty Toys — Outdoor Fun

The original Hula Hoop. Promotes physical activity. Contains ball inside for the Shoop-Shoop Hula Hoop sound effect. Assortment of three sizes.
— In a March 2012 survey about outdoor toys, Mike DiAndrea, manager of Hardware Toys in Paoli, Pa., told TDmonthly that they sell 65 of the Original Hula Hoop each month.

Jumbo Bananagrams features 144 waterproof, three-inch square tiles packaged in a funky giant yellow banana-shaped tote bag. Requiring no pencil, paper or board, Jumbo Bananagrams is addictive fun and educational play for kids age five to 105. Players race against each other to build giant crossword grids and use all their letter tiles. Launch date: Summer 2012.

Set contains a brightly colored plastic 6 1/2" deep bucket, 8" long shovel and ocean sand molds. On and off valve controls the flow of sand or water, with moveable gears and large hopper. Assorted colors.

The Clear29 LT lighted longboard skateboard is a hot seller that looks great both day and night. Created with all superior quality parts that provide a high performance ride that experts and novices will appreciate. The addition of LIGHTS makes for a one-of-a-kind longboard. Made from clear polycarbonate for a super smooth ride and incredible light dispersement.

Soar & Spin kites feature 2 ways to fly - throw it or spin it around. Flyer set includes 1 flyer and 1 holding stick. Flyer features nylon body on a hard plastic frame with a 3D plastic head. To clean: wash with a damp cloth and wipe softly. Launch date: January 2012.

Using a special turbine-like technology, this football can fly up to and possibly further than 100 yards. Not only does this football have a hollow center for aerodynamics, it also has 3 settings for throwing it. Kids can set the football up for Right-handed, Left-handed, or short passed with the click of the dial. Launch Date: March 1, 2012.

FirstBIKE is a developmental training bike which enhances motor skills, builds confidence, and teaches proper two wheel balance and cornering. FirstBIKE Balance Bikes do not use a drivetrain- there are no pedals or cranks, no chain or sprocket, and no training wheels. Deleting these complicated parts makes it possible for children to safely reach both feet flat to the ground on a much lighter weight bike, giving them a boost in control and self-confidence. Feet are used as stabilizers, for propulsion and for braking. Children as young as two years old can use FirstBIKE Balance Bikes and benefit from the fast-track program of two-wheeled riding. Training wheels make it impossible for children to feel the sensation of balance. They also prevent children from leaning their bikes in the direction of a turn because training wheels hold the bike fixed in a vertical position.

Prepare for take-off with this pocket-sized, take-anywhere, air-powered rocket launcher that blasts foam rockets 50 feet. Real rocket launch action that’s safe for indoors and out. Launch date: Spring 2012.

The Tribute Kendama is a Japanese wooden skill toy that challenges hand-eye coordination, focus, balance, and creativity. Enjoyed by millions in Japan, its only recently been introduced into the USA thanks to KendamaUSA. " It is the only Kendama designed so that the cups can never fall off the handle, which is the #1 customer complaint with copy-cat brands," Jeremy Stephenson, president of Kendama USA, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 2007.
Awards: 2012 ASTRA Toy of the Year Award Nominee
— David Castillo, vice president of The Red Balloon Toy Store in Salt Lake City, Utah, told TDmonthly in a November 2014 survey that Kendamas, especially ones from Kendama USA, are one of their store's best-selling toys.

The Waboba Surf "Bounces On The Water".  Softer and smaller, and easier to throw and catch than the original Waboba balls that bounce on the water, the Waboba Surf is an excellent item for the toy industry.  Perfect for the beach, lake, or river.
— Mike Castor, owner of Pentwater Toybox in Pentwater, Mich., told TDmonthly in a late Summer 2012 survey that they sold 200 Waboba Surf balls in three months this Summer.

Includes 10.5" x 8.5" x 2" Ladybug Sandbox with lid, 20" x 20" no mess play mat, ultra fine blue sand, mermaid, seaweed, tropical fish, turtle, digging shovel, grooming rake, pail, star fish and real sea shells.

It’s the ultimate set for water battles – a colorful Splash Sword, bright Splash Shield and of course, a Splash Bomb.