November 2009 New Specialty Toys — Collectibles

Tori features blue eyes, a hand-crocheted, crop-top sweater and accompanying, fashionably wide, collar. Her hip ensemble features a boutique-quality, crackle-dyed, long-sleeve t-shirt with round neck and a funky-and-fun purple belt of genuine leather. Her stylish pedal pushers and retro sneakers are handcrafted of the same designer fabric. She tops it all off with a flowing blonde mane of 100% hand-knotted Japanese synthetic fiber.

Replicating an F-100D flown by Major Neil Eddins, who became commander and lead pilot of the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" in 1967, this 1/72 scale, die cast Hobby Master model features engraved panel lines; a detailed cockpit with an opening canopy and a removable pilot figure; an extended pitot boom and a wing-mounted refueling probe; optional-position landing gear; authentic markings, including the unit's famous Thunderbird painted on the bottom; and more. It is 8.25" long and includes a display stand. Launch date: December 2009.

This small, 12-legged microrobotic creature is battery powered and designed to behave just like a real bug. It moves very quickly and can even flip over by itself. Five colors are available in the Newton Gravity Series. Awards: Parent's Choice Award 2010. Launch date: Fall 2009.
— Chris Lowe, owner of Bean Head Toys in Sandy Springs, Ga., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that she sells between 20-30 items from the HEXBUGS line each month.
— Christine Osborne, co-owner of Wonder Works in Charleston, S.C., has a Hexbug Nano Habitat set up in the store. They've sold ''thousands,'' she said; she couldn't even guess at an exact number.
― “Hexbugs are doing very well,” said Jenny Bramhall, owner of Dandelion Toys in Fort Collins, Colo., in summer 2010. Fifteen percent of 40 retailers polled in June 2010 said Hexbugs are their best-selling electronic item.
— Hexbugs were great sellers at Figpickels Toy Emporium in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho in Aug. 2010. “They fill the affordable techno/RC need - grab and go,” said owner Brett Sommer.
AWARDS: 2010 TDmonthly Top Seller

The Republic F-84 Thunderjet was the USAF’s primary strike aircraft during the Korean War. Replicating a straight-wing F-84E flown by 1st Lt. Jacob Kratt of the 27th Fighter Escort Wing when he shot down two MiG-15s in the largest jet air battle in history, this 1/72 scale, die cast model features engraved panel lines, a detailed cockpit with a glazed canopy, prototypical wingtip fuel tanks, optional position landing gear, authentic markings and more. It has a 6" wingspan and includes a display stand. "This is the first-ever 1/72 scale, die cast F-84!" Sarah Broadwater, marketing manager for Historic Sales, told TDmonthly. Launch date: December 2009.

Replicating the successor to Col. Clarence "Bud" Anderson's famous WWII P-51 Mustang "Old Crow," this 1/72 scale, die cast model replicates the F-105D Thunderchief "Old Crow II" flown by Anderson and includes features such as a detailed cockpit with a pilot figure; removable armament and fuel tanks; optional position landing gear and air brakes; authentic markings, including a sunburst of a crow wearing a top hat and a tuxedo on the fuselage; and more. It is 11.25" long and includes a display stand. Launch date: December 2009.

For the first time in Hess Toy Truck history, a race car takes the spotlight as the main featured vehicle. It features a touch-release canopy compartment that opens to reveal a hidden compartment with surprise cargo — a smaller, faster race car powered by a pull-back racing motor and its own set of working lights. Features include 29 lights with an optional flashing mode, three realistic sound features (ignition, acceleration and horn), alloy-look racing wheels, chrome detailed rear view mirrors and air vents, low-profile headlights (a first for a Hess Toy Truck), rear spoiler, canopy compartment with a spring-release hood that opens with a touch, and two Energizer ‘C’ batteries. The Small Racer boasts 15 lights, pull-back racing motor, alloy-look racing wheels, chrome detailed rear view mirrors and vents, low-profile headlights, rear spoiler, and one Energizer ’AA’ battery. Launch date: October 30, 2009. NOTE: This product is not available wholesale.

The evil Antylar dragon has an impenetrable coat of scaly armour. Only the bravest knights and elves dare fight against Antylar in order to protect their homes from its attacks. Antylar has large veined wings, yellow eyes and a thorny head measuring an impressive 12" x 11.8" x 9". Antylar will definitely stirs up things in the World of Elves.

Most Fact Pack collectible card sets include six unique cards, six colored pencils, 36 fun facts, six blue ribbon stickers, a pencil sharpener and a plastic travel case. The product is made in the USA and, through various subjects that are available, is designed to help children learn interesting facts about animals, holidays, music, states and more.

These mini puzzle erasers can be taken apart and put back together. A new series of the fun and functional erasers will be available about every three months. Retail prices run $0.40 for a single Crazeraser, and $1.20 for a set of four Crazerasers. "The company started shipping Series 1 of Crazerasers in mid-August, and has plans for Series 2 to be on store shelves in November, adding to the collectibility aspect of the line. As a sneak peek, Series 2 of erasers will take on that fun, funky and fashion-minded theme that Fashion Angels is known for, with purse, shoe, and make up themed erasers. Don’t worry, there will be a few erasers that boys will want as well, such as monsters and a humorous toilet plunger erasers," Sarah Koth, PR coordinator for Fashion Angels Enterprises, told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 2009.

This pair of elephants is outfitted in baby clothing. Sweet Ellie loves to be around her family, and Evan has tons of energy and loves to play outside.

This see-through tube features a collection of small river animals, all of which are phthalate free and sized from 1.5” to 3” H. It includes a beaver, bald eagle, snapping turtle, salamander, frog, snake, river otter, alligator, mallard and cottonmouth snake.

This zebra is part of Schleich’s extensive collection of wild animal figurines. Launch date: January 2009.

Surah, the lost one. Fate separated the sisters Surah and Sera, as one calamitous night Surah fell into the clutches of the princess of darkness.
— Schleich figures are top sellers at the Toy Shop of Concord  in Concord, Mass., Storeowner David Hesel said in December 2009. “They just put in a beautifully backlit displayer [at the end of October], and business has gone up 40 percent since,” he told TDmonthly.

The Party Animal’s Lil’ TEAMMATES NCAA Running Back is available in the authentic uniform of more than 50 NCAA College Teams. Team Quarterback will also be available in 2010. Vinyl figures are approximately 3” tall with rotating heads. Comes in eye-catching, peggable double blister package. For ages 4-10. Hand painted, phthalate and lead free. Tested and meets all requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act.

The Party Animal’s Lil’ TEAMMATES NFL Quarterback is available in the authentic uniform of all 32 NFL Teams. Team Running Back will also be available in 2010. Vinyl figures are approximately 3” tall with rotating heads. Comes in eye-catching, peggable double blister package. For ages 4-10. Hand painted, phthalate and lead free. Tested and meets all requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act.

The Party Animal’s Lil’ TEAMMATES MLB Pitcher is available in the authentic uniform of all 30 MLB Teams. Team Batter will also be available in 2010. Vinyl figures are approximately 3” tall with rotating heads. Comes in eye-catching, peggable double blister package. For ages 4-10. Hand painted, phthalate and lead free. Tested and meets all requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act.

The Party Animal’s Lil’ TEAMMATES NBA Playmaker is available in the authentic uniform of all 30 NBA Teams. Vinyl figures are approximately 3” tall with rotating heads. Comes in eye-catching, peggable double blister package. For ages 4-10. Hand painted, phthalate and lead free. Tested and meets all requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act.

Snap Caps® feature a stretchy neon cord as a comfortable choker fixed with an anchor to which the interchangeable bottle caps lock on by a strong magnet. The Recycle cap collection includes four bottle caps decorated with different versions of the three-arrow recycling symbol with pastel colors and rhinestones.
― “I would have to say [Snap Caps] are the most popular one throughout the year,” Sandy Challinor, owner of Owl's Nest Toy Store in Southlake, Texas, told TDmonthly about her best-selling jewelry and accessories in October 2009.
― “We like those,” said Lesa Smith, owner of Whiz Kid Toys in San Luis Obispo, Calif., of Snap Caps by m3 girl designs. Smith reported sales of approximately 30 pieces per month in fall 2009, when three of 39 retailers named Snap Caps as a top seller in their stores.
— Snap Caps are a best seller at Jonesboro, Ark.'s J. Christopher Toys, which sold 861 of them from August through October 2009, Owner Mary Horne told TDmonthly.

These 2" rubber animals have hard plastic eyes that pop out when the character's head is squeezed. The eyes then go back to their normal position. This series includes Holly the Hippo, Mickey the Monkey, Bobby the Bear and Parker the Penguin. Launch date: 2009.

This performance design of the S9 sedan features a deep blue shade with two color emblems and fully branded center capsg. It rides lower to the ground on bigger wheels with low-profile tires, and has been reduced to three blocks. The front and rear blocks accept a front splitter and a rear diffuser.

This pure 1950s Revival Tinplate Toy comes in an illustrated box with 3 wind-up cars. The cars race around the oval track, going form pitstop to pitstop, seeming to change colors as each emerges from the garage. The track is 10"  wide. Two wind-up keys are included. This collector's item cannot be sold as a child's toy.

This tiny little animal figurine is a racehorse handmade of porcelain clay. Launch date: October 19, 2009.
— “We sell about 400 [Clay-mates] in a month,” Marianne Kearns, owner of Second Star to the Right in Bridgehampton, N.Y., told TDmonthly in fall 2009.

This 14” Uglydoll is a limited edition produced for one year. Five other colors of Ox are available.
— Three of 39 retailers named Uglydolls as a best seller for tween girls in October 2009, citing sales of 24 to 30 per month.

This cool retro scooter is designed to add a little flair to any suitcase or other bag. It measures about 5.75" x 5".