October 2011 New Specialty Toys — All

Black Gold is a game of drilling and discovery for 2-5 prospectors, in which players try to gain more wealth than their fellow competitors by exploring the terrain for oil wells, surveying the possible sites, and building derricks. Players earn the most money if they can transport their oil to one of three companies and win the right to sell at auction. Immersive and detailed game components, powerful Action cards, and a modular board make Black Gold a thrilling challenge. During the game, a ruthless Oil Baron draws ever closer, his train counting down the rounds of the game’s thrilling ride. Players race against their opponents to earn the most wealth before he reaches his last track. Players must outbid, out-bluff, and out-strate- gize their opponents to become the next tycoon. "The tiny plastic oil wells that have tiny plastic oil drops that click into them, giving the appearance of oil spouting out of the derricks, is delightfully fun," Molly Glover, sales associate at Fantasy Flight Games, told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 2011.

We've teamed up with Strathmore Artist Papers to create a unique place for budding artists to explore their creativity through art journaling. Learn fun doodling, drawing and collage techniques with inspiring materials! Five great colors to choose from, collect them all! Great for all ages.
— Linda Laramy, owner of Crackerjacks in Easton, Md., told TDmonthly in an October 2011 survey that diaries/journals are their best selling personalized or keepsake item.

Kids can have fun with the 24 Christmas gifts from LEGO City with the LEGO City Advent Calendar (7553). With a great for each day, the LEGO City advent calendar has 24 days of building fun with Mini-figures, vehicles and other accessories for LEGO City sets. The LEGO City Advent Calendar (7553) includes: 6 MiniFigures, Christmas accessories, furniture and lots of vehicles.

Escape from the Death Star in the iconic GO Star Wars Millennium Falcon (7965). Straight from the Death Star escape scene of Episode IV A New Hope, the all new LEGO Millennium Falcon features stunning details, like hull plates that open to reveal a detailed interior, twin flick missiles, rotating quad laser cannons and detachable cockpit cover. Featuring Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, Chewbacca, Ben Kenobi, Princess Leia Organa and Darth Vader, kids can rewrite history and help Ben Kenobi defeat his evil nemesis from the dark side. The LEGO Star Wars Millennium Falcon (7965) includes * Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, Chewbacca, Ben Kenobi, Princess Leia Organa and Darth Vader MiniFigures * Millennium Falcon features opening hull, detailed interior, twin flick missiles, rotating laser cannons and detachable cockpit cover * 3 lightsabers, 3 blasters and 1 crossbow also included
– As of 07/23/2012 this product had 4.6 out of 5 stars from 73 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Set is very large; figures all fit inside the ship once it's built; sturdy once assembled. Cons: Though many reviewers said the set was durable enough to be played with, some reviewers reported that the set fell apart easily.

Playable Metal blocks are made in aluminum alloy. There are 10 different shapes each with threaded holes on many of its facets. Blocks can be interconnected using specially designed screws. This patented connecting mechanism makes building flexible structures possible for each two adjacent blocks can be secured in any easily adjusted angle. Playable Metal blocks are available in 7 metallic colors. This set includes, 22 playable metal blocks, 39 connecting screws, 6 aluminum rods, 2 special rods (sports pack), L-shaped wrench.

SmartMax allows children to explore magnetism safely. The oversized pieces are specifically designed for handling by young kids as they learn about the effects of magnetic attraction and repulsion. Older children will have fun using the pieces to construct towers and bridges. The magnets are strong enough to carry up to 60 times their weight. Basic 36 includes long bars, short bars, large 1.8" diameter metal balls and a guide to build models. 25-piece and 42-piece sets are also available.

This collector's item is an exact replica of the Gallifreyan multipurpose tool used by The Doctor himself. He's had many sonic screwdrivers throughout his life and they've all been a little different. This particular model is a bit larger than the old one and has a bright green light. Our replica has spring loaded extending action and two ways to make timey-wimey noises. While the screwdriver is closed, just press the button on the side to activate the LED and sound effects. Flip open the cap on the end to reveal an additional button that will activate the light and sound effects when the screwdriver is extended and open. We're not sure if you'll be able to save the world, but at least you'll look hip trying.
— David Stelzer, owner of Shananigans in Baltimore, Md., told TDmonthly in a May 2015 survey that this was one of their best-selling licensed toys.

This 9" talking re-creation of absolutely everyone’s favorite Wookie makes his infamous growl when his tummy is pressed. Chewbacca's ultra luxe fur is almost as soft as silk. He is the perfect companion for anyone who has ever wanted a furry co-pilot of their own. Spoken phrase is the trademark Wookie Growl. Yoda, Darth Vader, Jawa and R2-D2 9" and 15" talking plush also available. Collect them all. Recommended for ages 3+.

This fantastic Star Wars Mini Talking Plush Key Chain assortment includes all of your favorite characters as a soft toy - Darth Vader, Chewbacca, R2-D2 & Yoda. These ship as an assortment with backer cards. Phrases include: R2-D2 whistling, Yoda "Judge me by my size do you," Darth's iconic breathing and Chewbacca's roaring.

This "In Your Pocket" includes famous phrases from the Star Wars movies: Obi-Wan Kenobi "Remember, the force will be with you. Always." C3PO "We’re Doomed.", Princess Leia "Help me Obi-Wan Kenobi. You’re my only hope.", Lightsaber battle, Yoda "Do, or do not. There is no try," and Darth Vader breathing. Exciting for the Star Wars fan in your life. Listen to your favorite Star Wars quotes and sound effects any time. Features 6 lines/sound effects right from the classic films. This item will quickly become one of your favorite gadgets. Recommended for ages 3+.

Each blankZ toy is a plush animal that acts like a canvas for any child's imagination. Each set includes 1 blankZ toy, 5 blankZ markers, and 1 blankZdrop Card to be decorated and placed behind the finished creation. The blankZ can be colored, washed, then colored again, allowing for hours of fun. Series one features 7 animals including a pig, elephant, bear, rabbit, and seal. Launch date: February 2012.

Ickeez are a collectible, but they also can be used create various shapes and sculptures. Unlike other collectible miniatures Ickee Stikeez can stick to any flat surface, and because of their patented suction cups when pulled off any flat surface they make a loud pop. They are small enough that kids can bring them in the car, to restaurants and on vacation. Ickeez will travel any place kids want to bring them.

July 21, 1861 - the raw untried armies of North and South meet for the first battle of the American Civil War. Players can take the part of General Beauregard of the Confederate States of America defending Virginia, or the part of Union General Irvin McDowell seeking to stop the rebellion of the south and re-unite the nation. Simple game mechanics center on a system where command opportunities are determined by dice, action cards and the frustrations of command are eloquently portrayed. Simply put, the Union Army of Northeastern Virginia must seize Manassas Junction or rout the Southern Army to achieve victory. The Confederate Army of the Potomac & Confederate Army of the Shenandoah win by routing the Union army, avoiding rout, by seizing the Northern town of Centreville, or simply denying the Union victory. For two players; game time averages 45 minutes. Launch date: September 1, 2011.

New from miYim, beautifully made organic Disney plush toys are the ultimate in safety and softness for baby. Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore and Piglet are joined by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in this collection of earth-friendly infant playthings, with embroidered details and muted colors.
— In a May 2012 survey, Barbara McVeigh from the Turtle's Nest in Johnson City, Tenn., told TDmonthly that "anything infant & toddler" with Winnie the Pooh is their best selling licensed product.

Cloud B’s Soothing Puppets have two functions in one product. They’re fun, cute hand puppets, but hidden inside is a removable gel pack. Heating the gel pack gives  kids a warming cuddle on chilly nights; cooling the gel pack helps keep kids cool on a hot summer night. Also good for boo-boos. Comes in four different plush characters: Sleep Sheep, Twilight Turtle,  Twilight Ladybug and Gentle Giraffe.

A hand knitted crochet doll made of 100% organic cotton inside and out, dyed with metal-free, low impact dyes certified by GOTS standards. Making it safe for babies. Size: 7.5 inches. Sckoon Organics plush toys are made of 100% organic cotton (even stuffing is 100% organic cotton) and dyed with low-impact, environmentally friendly dyes. They are machine washable, easy to clean and safe for babies to chew.

Packaged in a beautiful red Stocking Gift Box are five new tree ornaments from Giantmicrobes. Salmonella is adorned with holly, Dust Mite is sporting antlers and a red nose, Red Blood Cell is sprinkled with snowflakes, Penicillin is decorated with colorful ornaments, and an exclusive Green Amoeba available only in this collection is warmly wrapped up in a red scarf and ear muffs. Launch date: November 2011.

Our Wooden Koala Bear Bank is durable with a cork attached to the tail of the Koala Bear to be able to remove the saved deposits. The bank is attractive to display not only in a child's room but elsewhere in the house. It teachs children to form good habits of saving money. The Hard Maple and Black Walnut wood components are finished with a Clear Hand Rubbed Natural FDA approved Teak Oil. The size of this Koala Bear Bank is approximately 5" wide, 7-1/2" tall, and 3-1/4" deep. It is one of a series of wooden banks that we hand create out of the Maple and Walnut. Launch date: September 2004.

The Wooden Hamburger is a non-sequential educational stack toy that delights kids of all ages, from 1 yr to 101+. Hand/eye color coordination, finger dexterity, and non-sequential stacking capability, can all be measured with our stacking wooden Hamburger. There's no right or wrong way to stack it. Made of rugged Western Ponderosa White Pine. The colors are non-toxic stain-like impregnated finishes. Launch date: September 1980.

The Aggravation Game Board is a 20" Hexagon, made of solid Black Walnut, with the addition of (24) Inlaid Birch Pegged Spots, and with a beautiful wood grain enhanced by a non-toxic hand rubbed natural oil finish. The set includes: (24) 25mm (1") dia. solid opaque glass marbles of which there are (4) each of (6) different colors, plus (6) colored Dice to match the (6) sets of colors of the glass marbles. Plus instructions along with a velour pouch with a double drawstring. "The game board is designed to be able to set out permanently on display as a decorative piece when not being played with. This type of setting invites family participation more often. The family that plays together enjoys life a lot more," Charles H. W. Hall, owner of Charlie's Woodshop, told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 2009.

Large 5" dinosaurs retail at $2.00 each; sold in bucket of 45 dinosaurs. Launch date: October 2011.

Remove the cover and place gift card inside, remove the tab, and it's ready to give. It's a great way to give an any occasion gift. More than just a puzzle, this item makes gift giving fun. It's also fun for the person giving the gift get to see the recipient have to solve the maze first in order to receive the gift. Launch date: April 2009.

The Movie Maze Gift Holder is a great combination of a gift box, and challenging puzzle. The Movie Maze is the perfect gift for teasing that difficult to buy for person. Holds 2 DVD's, or 3 CD's, or 2 Video Games inside. Books, Video Tapes and more can be placed inside The Movie Maze. "Made in the U.S.A., An innovative idea to make gift-giving fun. Great way to give a holiday or birthday gift. More than just a puzzle-this item makes gift-giving fun," Ken Tinner, VP sales & marketing at Mag-Nif, Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 2008.

The Money Maze is a great combination of a gift box, challenging puzzle and intriguing bank. Place cash, checks, gift cards, lottery tickets, jewelry and more inside the Money Maze. Lock the door and watch as the recipient is forced to solve the puzzle in order to access their gift. "Our products are made in the U.S.A.. The Money Maze is more than a puzzle, and it makes gift giving fun. They are great for holiday gift giving," Ken Tinner, VP of sales and marketing at Mag-Nif, Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2003.