August 2009 New Specialty Toys — All

Attacking Inch worm has orange, spiky limbs to ward off any predator who seeks to challenge it as a delectable delight. Its initial defensive mechanism may fool intruders for a moment, but still requires a way to heed out of harm’s way. The sun’s rays power this mini solar kit to slither along to safety. The mechanical movements are designed to simulate the movements of its soft-bodied derivative. Because its home is above ground, Attacking Inch Worm has a hard plastic body to protect itself. No batteries or tools are required, and there are less than 50 parts to assemble. Launch date: April 2007.

Fifty years ago, Billboard launched a revolutionary music chart called the Hot 100. Billboard's Hot 100 Trivia Game captures 50 years of music facts, designed to appeal to both passionate and casual music lovers. Played in a fast-paced team format, Billboard's Hot 100 Trvia Game creates a party atmosphere. It has 2,880 questions in four categories: Who Sang It?, Finish The Lyrics, Who Am I?, and Grab Bag. Launch date: March 15, 2009.

This little green amphibian friend leaps with a joyful sense of freedom using its hind legs and rubber feet. Happy Hopping Frog jiggles its eyes as a dog would wag its tail, acknowledging its love and appreciation to its owner. The tailless, leaping mini solar kit is activated by the power of the sun’s rays; no batteries are required. Happy Hopping Frog is designed for easy assembly with approximately 25 parts, and demonstrates alternative energy principles. Launch date: April 2007.

Powered by the sun's rays, this alternative-energy toy car requires no batteries or tools, and contains less than a dozen parts to assemble. Launch date: April 2007.

Methodically, eight legs work in harmony to create a ballet style “tippy-toe” movement. Similar to its cousin from Alaska, the Walking King Crab scurries along to safe passage when powered by the sun's rays. Walking King Crab is powered with a mini solar cell (included) and demonstrates alternative energy principles. No batteries or tools are required; there are 35 parts to assemble. "Because of its entry-level price point, retailers will grow fond of its movements; both off the shelf and after assembly. If a make-it and take-it type product is what you are looking for, this hands-on terrestrial tantalizer will make you the local hero," Craig Morioka, president of OWI Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: April 2007.

Take a jazzy trip through an elementary school with The Playdate Kids as they share tissues with classmates and teachers, encouraging everyone to blow it out! Use that tissue and blow it out! Sheet music and CD included.

Cute and cuddly stuff animals with therapeutic benefits. The unique twisted nubby’s for the hands and feet are great for tactile stimulation and a safe alternative to teethers. Elephant Buddy features large ears and trunk, characteristic of the typical elephant. Made of an Ultra soft blend of bamboo and organic cotton.

The Kid Banz sunglasses & sun hat includes a pool-ready PVC bag to store it in for the child on the go. The lenses are made of durable polycarbonate and offer 100 percent  UVA/ UVB protection. The lenses are also of ophthalmic quality and are capable of being replaced with prescription lenses. The neoprene elastic band matches the chosen color of the sunglasses. The side-adjustable Velcro® allows for years of wear as the child grows.

Tellerpuppe, with blonde hair tied in a pair of ponytails, wears a bright red dress with white polkadots, matching red shoes and cap. Soft and warm, 15" Waldorf dolls are exactly the right size and type of doll friend for a kindergartener. Their sheep wool stuffed cloth bodies make them feel like no other doll.

This Waldorf carries a large dandelion flower while her hair and outfit provide an earthly tone. Soft and warm, 15" Waldorf dolls are exactly the right size and type of doll friend for a kindergartener. Their sheep wool stuffed cloth bodies make them feel like no other doll.

This ultimate nail set includes a nail dryer, pedicure slippers, toe separators, 2 press-on French manicure sets, self-adhesive nail art, nail buffer and file, cotton balls, glitter, and 6 bottles of real nail polish in a rainbow array of colors. Items can be stored inside the bonus spa bag.
— Sisters Kids in Springfield, Mass., sells about a dozen Creativity for Kids pedicure and manicure sets monthly, Co-owner Diana Gisolfu told TDmonthly in fall 2009.
— Seven of 39 specialty retailers named Creativity for Kids kits as a best-selling item for tween girls in fall 2009.

Founded on the idea of a modular construction set that integrates with many other popular systems such as K'Nex and Lego, Uberstix is also intended for use with whatever recycled materials one might have lying around. Mixing Uberstix pieces such as the 60 contained in this set with found materials yields numerous possibilities. This model set is designed to yield a bird that can really flap its wings. The kit also includes a 40-page book of Uberstix basics.

― During an April 2010 survey of best-selling construction toys, two of 43 retailers named Uberstix as their top line.

"Adventure In Numberland" is designed to introduce children to basic math concepts, such as identifying numbers and counting, in a fun, entertaining way that strengthens children’s cognitive and motor skills. Comfyland friends go on fascinating adventures of color, movement and sound with animated numbers, helping children learn addition, subtraction and problem solving. This Level 4 software features content developed exclusively for use with the Comfy Easy PC.

"Joy of Music" allows children to actively participate in concert rehearsals with Fifi Flute, Tempo Trumpet, Boom-Boom Drum and Mana Piano. These charming instruments interact with Comfyland characters to introduce a child to the wonderful world of music. Through fun activities with animated instruments, a child can become familiar with musical concepts, build awareness of harmony, and improve overall motor and auditory skills. Content for this Level 4 software program was developed exclusively for use with the Comfy Easy PC.

This ball can bounce up to 50' high.

This wind-up musical doll rolls her head in time with the music. She's "Jo" in the "Little Women" collection.

Tynies are glass collectibles, introduced in 2008 with 40 different styles. New styles are released three times per year. Each Tynies has a name — each name is three letters. First edition Tynies come on a cardboard base that can be removed by soaking in water for about one minute. Because Tynies are handmade, they vary in color and shape.
— Christine Osborne, co-owner of Wonder Works in Charleston, S.C., told TDmonthly in an October 2011 survey that Tynies are her best selling keepsake item. They sell about 200 per month in each store.
— In a Summer 2012 survey, two out of 10 retailers told TDmonthly Tynies were their best selling collectibles. Elmer Carranza, manager of Doodlehopper 4 Kids in Springfield, Va., told TDmonthly that they sell 8-10 Tynies each month.
— In an August 2013 survey Dean Smith, owner of JaZams in Princeton, N.J., told TDmonthly that Tynies are one of the store's best-selling collectible lines.

A low center of gravity and wide wheels give this classic wooden push trike stability enough for the tiniest of tots.

This realistic butterfly puppet features spreading wings and tentacled eye stalks.

Thornwald will come alive with a child's imagination for puppetry magic. He features plush fur and googly eyes.

Mopley is a 12” curly white plush lamb with corduroy face and legs and zig-zag top stitching.

This double stroller is perfect for toting twins. It features a pink plastic frame and pink fabric.

This stroller features pink print fabric and frame. The assembled size 19" x 23" x 23" h.

 Saba is not only an adorable snail, but also a comfy pillow and super-soft blanket all in one. Perfect for road excursions or just cuddling in bed. Suishy Saba also makes a perfect baby shower gift. Launch date: 2009.