December 2012 New Specialty Toys — Family Games

Urbania is a game of city renewal where players try their hand as a famous urban planner who is working on the re-development of a run-down city. To accomplish the job players must: hire the best specialists and designers. They must submit plans and create blueprints. Players must construct new and dynamic buildings to bring the city back to its former glory. If players can manage your projects well, they will become the most renowned planner and take credit for the city’s amazing turnaround. Launch date: 2012.

Keeping family and friends gathered around the holiday table doesn't take a miracle - just great questions. "What three values does your family cherish most?" and "What is the best Chanukah gift you have ever received?" are two of the 82 questions on these conversation-starting cards. Make way through the deck to share holiday memories, and create a new tradition with this box of 82 conversation-starters.

A House Divided simulates the epic struggle of the American Civil War that was fought over the twin issues of slavery and state's rights. The period from 1840 to 1861 saw these issues brought to a boil, and in 1861 the nation became tangled in a terrible war that lasted four long years. The game depicts the war between North and South from the First Battle of Bull Run (or Manassas Junction) to Lee’s surrender at Appomattox Courthouse (or Grant’s surrender at Harrisburg…). Each player leads one of these two nations and makes the strategic decisions which determine the outcome of the war. The game board represents the United States, north and south and from the Atlantic coast to just west of the Mississippi. Including Missouri, Iowa, Illinois Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky and West Virginia. The play map contains a number of boxes, each representing a city, town or locations important to the war. These boxes are connected by transportation lines – blue for rivers, tan for roads and black for railroads – which provide the paths to victory or defeat. Playing Time: 60 minutes. Launch date: 2012.

Enjoy quality time with all members of the family by piecing together this puzzle of Garfield dressed up in outrageously humorous and colorful outfits featuring professions, historical characters and sports figures. There's more than 80 different Garfield characters to find and piece together in this 500 piece puzzle. With over 2 million Facebook fans online, Garfield continues to enjoy a devoted following all around the world. Launch date: September 2012.

Humor from The New Yorker magazine on a puzzle. Featuring an illustration of a disgruntled dog dressed up in a Santa outfit, this 500 piece puzzle is sure to liven up the holidays for all members of the family. Frame the puzzle when it's done for a great piece of wall art for the home. Made in the USA from recycled chipboard. Launch date: September 2012.

For the first time ever, piece together Jan Brett's beautiful illustrations at home. This 300 piece jigsaw puzzle makes a great holiday gift for children and adults alike. Read along with Jan Brett's wonderful story book "The Night Before Christmas" while piecing together this beautiful puzzle with the children. Made in the USA. Launch date: September 2012.

Crunch a Color Conversation Starters brings the whole family together at mealtime by inspiring creative thinking and healthy discussions. Chock-full of curious questions and delightful dilemmas, these 104 conversation starters help kids share their thoughts, grow their ideas, and make mealtime fun. Developed with teachers, parents and kids, Crunch a Color® Conversation Starters spark interesting, open-ended discussions that are engaging for kids (and adults) of all ages.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys
— As of 1/17/2013 this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 22 reviews on Amazon.com.

This all new Wobble Deck is an electronic balance board that features four fun balance games that challenge the mind and body. Games include: Copy Wobble, Memory Wobble, Wobbly Statues, and Musical Wobble. Base detaches to become a portable handheld game. Fun for the whole family.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys