October 2011 New Specialty Toys — Collectibles

The SqwishLand Soft `n Squishy Bracelet is a fun new way to bring a child's SqwishLand collection on-the-go. Kids customize the bracelet with their favorite SqwishLanders, and can swap out different animals depending on their mood or outfit. The bracelets are also soft `n Squishy™ and come in four cool colors. Comes with one SqwishLander on the bracelet, as well as a Crazy Rare SqwishLander in a capsule. Launch date: Summer 2011.
Awards: 2011 Fall Seal of Approval from the National Parenting Center

Kids choose the DIY SqwishLand Parrot or Frog and paint their very own rare SqwishLander. Each box set includes a 5” unpainted Sqwishland character, six acrylic paints and one brush. Kids then use the included code to unlock the online gallery at www.SqwishLand.com/diy to register and post their one-of-a-kind soft ‘n squishy design for all to see. The online community at SqwishLand.com will vote on a favorite DIY design each month. Winning designs could become the next Rare Sqwishlander in the game and on store shelves. An Artist’s Guide and detailed instructions are included. Launch date: Summer 2011.
Awards: 2011 Fall Seal of Approval from the National Parenting Center

Hippies and surfers both have similar lifestyles in behavior and philosophies.  Their simple, peace, love and green way of life was represented in every aspect of their existence, including the automobile that they choose to drive. The Volkswagen had the reputation in the counter-culture as "people’s cars", they were designed to be mechanically simple and reliable so that anyone with a basic set of tools could learn to be his own Volkswagen mechanic. This 1:18 die-cast replica features detailed engine, opening doors, real rubber tires, metal body and plastic chassis, detailed graphics, custom license plate and is officially licensed. 2,500 pieces of each color will be produced. Launch date: August 2011.

Hippies and surfers both have similar lifestyles in behavior and philosophies.  Their simple, peace, love and green way of life was represented in every aspect of their existence, including the automobile that they choose to drive. The Volkswagen had the reputation in the counter-culture as "people’s cars", they were designed to be mechanically simple and reliable so that anyone with a basic set of tools could learn to be his own Volkswagen mechanic. This 1:18 die-cast replica features detailed engine, opening doors, real rubber tires, metal body and plastic chassis, detailed graphics, custom license plate and is officially licensed. 2,500 pieces of each color will be produced. Launch date: August 2011.

This young helper with delicate yellow wings is a real addition to the elf wedding. Harp Elf is a talented musician and will gently strum the  harp resting on her knees to create beautiful music for the bride and groom’s first dance. She will play late into the night providing the perfect atmosphere for a Bayala celebration. Launch date: May 2011.
— Erika Evers, owner of Dancing Bear Toys Limited in Hendersonville, N.C., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that she sells 5 Schleich figures each day. She sites the figures' "museum-quality resin," and the store's large display, as reasons for their popularity.

This 32-piece set features a one-level roundhouse with an over-the-top track layout. Includes Koko, Brewster, Vee, Chuggington sign and 2-in-1 tunnel. Compatible with other wooden track systems.
Awards: 2011 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio "Gold Seal" winner
— Melodie Ingwersen, owner of Creative Kids Inc in Columbia, S.C., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that her best-selling collectibles are Chuggington trains and sets. "It's something that can be expanded and passed on to the next generation," she explained.
— David Campbell, owner of Amazing Toys in Great Falls, Mont., told TDmonthly in a February 2013 survey that Chuggington wooden railways were their best selling wooden toy.

Misty and Stormy are together again along with the book that introduced them to the world. Since the publication of Misty of Chincoteague in 1947, Misty has become one of the most beloved equines in children’s literature. Marguerite Henry’s novel weaves a true story with warmth and imagination. The result is an exciting tale about children’s love for horses and the real wild ponies that still roam Chincoteague Island off the Virginia coast. Includes two model horses. Launch date: July 9, 2009.
— As of 08/22/2011 this product had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 11 reviews on Amazon.com.
— Linda Laramy, owner of Crackerjacks Toys and Children's Books in Easton, Md., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that this item was a best-selling collectible.

This glass figurine is Papa from the Smurfs in miniature. Each Tynies figurine is no larger than 1"x1".
— Dean Smith, Co-owner of JaZams in Princeton, N.J., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that Tynies are their best-selling line collectibles.

Die Cast & Plastic Space Shuttle Pullback Toy. Length: 4.75 inches. Height: 2.5 inches. Width of Shuttle 3.5 inches. Pull back and release: Shuttle is propelled by spring wound mechanism.
— Mary Porter Green, owner of The Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that she sells dozens of these shuttles each month.

There are so many fun things to do in the Costume Club Treehouse. Play on the tube slide. Have a turn on the tire swing. Gaze through the swivel telescope. Share a cup of tea with a friend, or take a snooze on the comfy bunk beds. Paddywhack Lane® Costume Club Treehouse can be Combined with the Costumed Kids Figures & Accessories. INCLUDES: Tube Slide, Tire Swing, Table & Chairs, Swivel Telescope, Bunk Beds, Fleece Pillows, Gingham Sheets, Circular Area Rug.
Awards: TDmonthly Top Toy Award, August 2011.
— Why it won: This play set for adorable child figures is high-quality and stimulates imaginative play in girls and boys.