May 2010 New Specialty Toys — Collectibles

This wooden traditional-cut 98-piece puzzle is contained in a wooden frame and is suitable for display.

In a limited production run of 3,500 units, these authentic replicas of cars sold at auction feature opening hoods, detailed engines, real rubber tires, a metal body and chassis, detailed graphics and custom license plates. They are officially licensed by their respective automobile companies. "Each car has its own story of survival and accomplishments, bound to make any car enthusiast passionate," Marketing Coordinator Allie Rudd of Greenlight Collectibles told TDmonthly.

Swanson Christian Products offers more than 20 different design assortments of shaped rubber bands, with wholesale pricing as low as 60 cents per package depending on purchase quantities. The bands are formed in various shapes and colors including glow-in-dark and scented styles. They can be used as regular rubber bands, or collected and traded. They are designed to return to their original shape.

The Ghost Nano Train Action Dome is a cast resin art piece that employs a revolutionary technology to move a train smoothly around a very thin narrow track. It comes packaged in a secure Styrofoam nest that fits snugly in a decorative colored display box. Ghost Train Action Dome features the following: a medieval castle Illuminated from within; a steam locomotive and three train cars that have an eerie glow when viewed in subdued light; locomotive sound that can be silenced for quiet night time operation; and a quality, hand-blown glass dome that protects its contents from dust. The 110 �] 230 VAC 50/60Hz power adapter provides endless hours of enjoyment.

This hand-painted Black Bear by Papo is a high-quality animal figure. Operations Manager of Hotaling Imports Brian Shackelton told TDmonthly, "The design of all Papo products is realistic and natural, which enables you to experience the large variety of nature — from domestic animals on a farm to wild animals in the jungle." Launch date: March 2010.
— Papo Figures were best sellers at Figpickels Toy Emporium in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, in late summer 2010, according to owner Brett Sommer. “Customers love the quality and selection,” he noted.
— In a Summer 2011 survey, four out of 14 retailers told TDmonthly that Papo was their best-selling brand of action figure.

This second 1:64 Motor World release follows the same sub-series branding system that was created with the first assortment, with three individual product classifications — All-American Series, Classics Series and Speed Series. Each sub-series is uniquely reflected on the blistercard packaging. Allie Rudd, Sales and Marketing Coordinator at GreenLight Collectibles, told TDmonthly, "Motor World is an affordable collectible die-cast line that features vehicles from global car manufacturers. Well known domestic brands such as Cadillac, Chevy and Ford are paired with some of the most popular global car brands such as Jaguar, Lamborghini and BMW." Launch date: Apr. 2010.

Series 2 is composed of four different scenes, including Bullitt, Hot Pursuit, County Roads and Hitchin’ a Ride. The revised Bullitt scene features the two famous cars later in the chase scene, just as the crash occurs, complete with scrapes and bullet holes in the models. County Roads captures the spirit of the '60s with a light green Large Camper painted with peace signs and flowers. Hot Pursuit features the 2010 Mustang GT Convertible being pulled over by a Nevada Highway Patrol Dodge Charger, while Hitchin’ a Ride features the very first taxis made by GreenLight. Allie Rudd, Sales and Marketing Coordinator at GreenLight Collectibles, told TDmonthly, "These replicas feature opening hoods, detailed engines, real rubber tires, metal body and chassis, detailed graphics, custom license plates and are officially licensed by Ford, Chrysler Group LLC, Chevrolet, Warner Bros Entertainment Inc and the Chadwick McQueen and The Terry McQueen Testamentary Trust." Launch date: May 2010.

The County Roads Series 4 features an assortment of cars including the modern Ford Taurus, muscle cars such as the Pontiac Firebird and Pontiac GTO, not to mention old favorites — the Dodge Ramcharger and the Chevy C-10 truck. Since no back road would be complete without the local authorities present, the series is completed with a Laconia, New Hampshire Fire Chief car (an east coast township with an urban population of 16,210 and a rural population of 855). Allie Rudd, Sales and Marketing Coordinator at GreenLight Collectibles, told TDmonthly, "Collectors will appreciate our attention to detail as well as the fun familiarity that is woven throughout our County Roads series. This series truly illustrates the types of vehicles one would find driving through quaint towns and on the back roads of America’s rural municipalities." Launch date: Apr. 2010.

This Shelby GT500 is ready to take it to the track with a 5.4-liter, 32-valve, 540 horsepower V8 engine with 6-speed manual transmission, new aluminum wheel options and leather bucket seats. These replicas boast first-time GreenLight details including a hood prop, realistic hood hinges, multi-part lights, exquisite trunk detail, the “Premium” Interior package, cloth seat belts and flocked floors/trunk. The Shelby is available in Grabber Blue with White Stripes and Torch Red with Oxford White Stripes. Allie Rudd, Sales and Marketing Coordinator at GreenLight Collectibles, told TDmonthly, "To date, these beauties flaunt the most detailed engines GreenLight has ever offered." Launch date: Apr. 2010.

This linen-covered photo album features a cover print of a toddler girl in the rain, embellished with Swarovski crystals and completed with high-quality tassels in the binding.

This fun-filled educational book is written about two Shoulder Buddies, Breezee and Biffle, who plan to go to the School of Smarts. They want to earn their Feathers so they can fly. Readers take a journey with them as they try to help each other discover the Smarts that are right for them. The Book N' Buddy combo comes with the Breezee or Biffle Shoulder Buddy character attached. Shoulder Buddies are unique to their Feather color, so no two are alike. They come with a collectible Shoulder Buddies Coin and a backpack clip. Shoulder Buddies are not recommended for children under 4 years of age. Launch date: Feb. 2010.

Breezee is a Shoulder Buddy character that teaches "Frustration Smarts." His acronym is T-H-I-N-K: Try to relax, Have happy thoughts, Its good to be thankful, Now is the time to share your feelings, Know you have choices. Shoulder Buddies are unique to their Feather color, so no two are alike. They come with a collectible Shoulder Buddies Coin and a Backpack clip. Shoulder Buddies are not recommended for children under 4 years of age. Jeaneen Muller, Managing Partner of Shoulder Fun USA, told TDmonthly, "They can be worn on the shoulder, and have a great learning message that each teaches about."

Encased in the hand blown glass dome is a mountain with tiny taxis and buses circling on an oval track. Propulsion technology moves the miniature pieces along a very narrow track; and in this case, Pseudo Random Electronics Control causes the vehicles to stop periodically and move at varying speeds. The product features a resin base with a burl wood finish, plus non-scratch felt pads.

This 6" poseable fairy with mesh fairy wings debuts the Precious Pudgy Doll Collection by The Doll Maker & Friends.

Ninja Batty Shogun flies around at night with his best pal Ice-Bat, he does up the real dealio in an actual Ninja costume. No red flames, stripes or other crazy decorations. No spelling Ninja with a “Z” at the end. Just straight up stealth mode; that’s how he rolls. No sword though, those are sharp!
Awards: Parent's Choice Award 2010. Launch date: 2010.

These 1:87 scale truck, trailer, and machine combos from Norscot are ideal for both die-cast collectors and HO gauge model railroaders. The combos feature Peterbilt Model 389 trucks and Trail King lowboy trailers carrying Caterpillar machines. The red truck carries a Cat® D5M Track-Type Tractor, the white truck a Cat 163H Motor Grader, the yellow truck Cat 950G Series II Wheel Loader, and the black truck a Cat 315C L Hydraulic Excavator. "Norscot is unique in our ability to bring together world-leading brands of construction and transportation equipment to create these combinations," JoAnne Jarecki, Vice President Scale Models & Toys, Norscot Group, Inc., told TDmonthly. These models are part of the entry level series, priced for the beginning collector or model railroader. Each model measures 10-1/2" x 2" x 1-3/4" (26.7 x 5.1 x 4.4 cm). Packed 12 per carton. Launch date: March 11, 2010.

This multicultural collection of miniature babies features different ethnic groups plus a brown teddy bear. Pieces measure approximately 1.5” (4 cm). The collection is conveniently packaged in a reusable acetate take-along container. Meticulously painted by hand, these figures are phthalate and lead free and meet or exceed all safety standards. The set includes educational information in five languages. "We do not sell to Big Box discounters like Target and Costco," Ramona Pariente, President, Safari Ltd., told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 2010.

Replicating that first F-22, which was delivered to the "Fighting Eagles" at Langley Air Force Base, this 1/72 scale, die cast Hobby Master model features engraved panel lines, a detailed cockpit with an optional-position canopy and a pilot figure, sidewinder and AIM-120C missiles, optional-position missile bay doors and landing gear, a two-tone camouflage scheme with authentic markings, and more. Measures approximately 10¼" long with a 7½" wingspan and includes a display stand. Launch date: April 2010.

These animal erasers have removable puzzle parts so they can be taken off and reassembled. The animal collection includes elephants, panda bears, a giraffe, a cow and a pig.
— "Over the course of the last year, it was 500 to 1,000 units per week," Gage Brownell of Belmont Toys in Belmont, Mass., told TDmonthly in March 2010 about his store's sales of Iwako erasers.
— BC USA Erasers were on the top-10 best-seller list at Jillie Beans Toys & More in Westminster, Colo., in April 2010, reported Owner Valerie Elsea. “Tweeny girls and boys love them and they are easy to collect,” she told TDmonthly. “They’ve been selling well since the fall of [2009].”
— Gwen Bowden, manager of Doodlehopper 4 Kids in Springfield, Va., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that her best-selling collectibles are "Japanese erasers. We sell some every day - about 100 per month."

This miniature, poseable play doll is about 4" tall and comes in a box with a cat and a brush accessory. Brianna is one of eight dolls in the Ty Li'l Ones collection. Launch date: Spring 2010.
— "The No. 1 thing we just got in is the Li'l Ones from Ty," Steve Banducci of Games Unlimited in Danville, Calif., told TDmonthly in March 2010. "We got in 96 two weeks ago and we have about 15 left. Kind of a surprise."

Animal and shape bracelets are made to be worn, traded and collected. These shaped bands are made of silicone, and they bounce right back to their shape after each and every wear. The Sightings bands even glow in the dark. Every pack contains six custom-designed shapes: Big Foot, Ghost, Alien, Mothman, Jersey Devil and Loch Ness Monster. An all-kid test group helped the company develop these designs. There are four of each design in a pack, for a total of 24 bands. "Our bigger bands are stronger than the competitor’s and are nice and comfy to wear. And they are all glittery on the arm!" April Mraz, CEO, OCG Products, LLC, told TDmonthly. "The packaging itself is a nice add-on: a reusable plastic pouch with a zipper and metal ball chain. Perfect for attaching to purses, backpacks, or belt loops to carry bands in style!" Launch date: March 15, 2010.

SOLAR PET ROCK by Desk Pets is the rocking robot that responds to light. The more light it gets, the more it rocks. Four different colors rock in four different ways. The Solar Pet Rock uses 100-percent green energy for power. Batteries never need to be replaced. Launch date: August 29, 2009.

Part of the Wild Animal Series by Papo, this hand-painted figure is very detailed and shows an authentic representation of how tigresses carry around their little bundles. It is approximately 1:20 scale. "Papo wildlife series is easily the best quality figure for the price. The proportion and stance are exact as well as the coloration," Brian Shackelton, Operation Manager, Hotaling Imports Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 15, 2010.

Biffle is fun-loving and cheerful. Biffle shares his "Smarts" of Friendship. Shoulder Buddies are unique to their Feather color, so no two are alike. They come with a collectible Shoulder Buddies Coin and a Backpack clip. Please be advised that Shoulder Buddies are an accessory, NOT a toy. They are not recommended for children under 4 years of age.