April 2011 Notable Toys — All

Crayola ColorStudio HD is an entirely new digital play experience, coupling a multi-activity drawing application for iPad (Crayola ColorStudio HD App) with a custom-built digital stylus, called Crayola iMarker™. Together with iMarker, the ColorStudio HD App allows young artists to color and interact with special “live” animated coloring book pages that move and react as they color, combining custom-produced pictures, animations, music, sound effects, and high quality special effects. Like a marker, crayon, pen, and paintbrush in one, iMarker creates favorite Crayola colors within the ColorStudio HD App. iMarker safely interacts with iPad's Multi-Touch display, allowing the ColorStudio HD app to differentiate between the child’s input (fingers, swipes, etc.) and the iMarker automatically. Launch date: Spring 2011.

This updated version of the classic game features a renovated board and a tower that uses infrared sensors to ensure that players whose ships are attacked actually remove them from play. Launch date: Fall 2011.

This new version of Monopoly features the same rules as the classic game- it's the middle of the board that's really different. Players rely on a computerized tower in the center of the game board to issue instructions, keep track of money, and ensure that no cheating occurs. Players hold their hands over their piece, and the tower tells them how many spaces they can move. Instead of paper money, players use debit cards. The game also throws in spur-of-the-moment curve balls, like a horse race that all players must bet on.

Part of Aurora's "Are We There Yet" collection, the My Name Is ID Tags feature a decorative plush animal charm, as well as a clip for hanging on luggage. Available in a six style assortment including monkey, giraffe, lion, shark, panda and gator.

Part of Aurora's "Are We There Yet" collection, these 10" neck rests feature an ergonomic design to offer kids neck support as they travel. The neck rests come in either a Cheeky Charlie or Gerome the Giraffe design.

Part of Aurora's "Are We There Yet" collection, these 11.5", bean filled plush toys are an ideal companion for young travelers.

These shoes, available in sizes 12-18 months and 18-24 months, are treated with a special clear coating to help protect them against scuffs, dirt and frays.  Also designed with a slip resistant sole. Though practical, the shoes are also fashionable. The Mi Mica line comes in eight popular styles for children 12-24 months.

The Digi-Piggy® is a great way for children to learn the concept and benefits of saving their money. The best part of saving with the Digi-Piggy® is that the user can see the progress of their savings with every deposit made. The Digi-Piggy can be a fun and useful tool to encourage thrift and economic awareness for children of all ages.

A tree will be planted for every collectible, plush Treefie that is registered online. Because children are so interested in doing their part, this line is geared toward educating them about our world, giving them the opportunity to plant a tree, and keeping them interested in the environment. Treefies combine the classic offline play and collecting possibilities of a plush toy with the modern twist of access to the internet. The line includes the following animals: monkey, elephant, eagle, frog, brown bear, lion, panda, shark, leopard, and ferret.

The PlayTivity Blankee measures 18” by 20” and is full of patterned designs and loads of texture. The animal shape is in the center of the blanket and is surrounded by four triangles. Both the animal’s arms crinkle, and on the left arm are two plastic rings for added play. The left foot rattles while the right foot squeaks. Just beneath a soft plush peek-a-boo flap that covers the animal’s belly is a mylar mirror. A plethora of satin tags can be found throughout.

In this all new movie, Barbie discovers that two of her dearest friends are actually fairies, and Ken has been taken to a secret fairy world not far away. Barbie and her rival Raquelle must stick together to bring him back. Along the way they learn that the real magic lies not just in the fairy world itself, but in the power of friendship. Run time: 90 minutes.

Sold as a set of four pods, these nifty holders are made of sturdy vinyl that won’t tear and come with pleated corners to adjust to thick crayons, bulky puzzle pieces, dice, tiles or whatever the kids can snuggly fit inside. The Puzzle Pod adheres to the back of the puzzle, the game board or any toy packaging. Now when kids travel in the car or on a plane, they can whip out the Puzzle Pod and neatly play with dozens of puzzle pieces, word tiles, dice or game cards. When play is over, everything goes back in the Pod -- which easily closes tight thanks to cleverly placed Velcro tabs. The design is patent pending.Ideal for grownup projects too. Moms like it for scrapbooking to keep scissors, glue, arts & crafts pieces and other necessities tidy and within reach. The Puzzle Pod is perfect for storing bill-paying supplies, holiday receipts, greeting cards and stamps, whatever activity needs to be neatly contained for a new day. Simple, transparent and affordable.

Eco Eggs are plastic Easter eggs for egg hunts.  They are made in the USA from corn starch, 100% renewable content, and are fully compostable after use.  Easter eggs generate tons of emission and landfill waste in the USA each year.  You can make a difference today by supporting Eco Eggs. There are 3 box sizes available for purchase:  a 10 count, 28 count and 48 count egg hunt.             

This comic book/graphic novel is a standard 32-page issue comic. "Fame: The Royals" reminds readers how much of William's life has been lived in the public eye; his birth, the tragic death of his mother Diana; his schooling, charitable work and military service. However, this issue, penned by CW Cooke ("Fame: Taylor Swift" and "Fame: Beyonce"), looks to give context to the headlines along with a fresh take on the burgeoning 8-year romance with his bride-to-be Kate Middleton. The special collector's edition (which will feature over forty pages), will retail for $7.99.  Some of the planned extras include pinup posters, special illustrations of the April 29th wedding as well as a comparison with Diana and Charles' 1981 wedding. The special edition also offers a unique double-sized cover by Martinena.

The 500-piece (17.5” x 25.5”) handmade, limited edition puzzle features the April wedding of the royal couple.

Made of 100% hypo-allergenic silicone, SLAPlets and SLAPlinx are customizable, tradeable fashion. The SLAPlet is a bright silicone slap bracelet that can be customized with slip-on SLAPlets. There are currently 6 fun colors available (blue, black, red, white, purple and pink) with six more on the way. Each SLAPlet comes with three SLAPlinx. SLAPlinks can also be bought separately in twelve-packs for $5.99.

Now you kids write on the walls without getting in trouble. Put large sheets of light-sensitive paper on the wall (or ceiling) and use the included laser to write sharp, bright- green drawings. The effect is terrific in a dark room. Comes with two poster-size wall clings that can be put together for really monumental drawing spaces.

Who doesn't want their own neon sign? This toy is packaged with themed templates, such as Cars or Disney Princess, to create a neon sign on. Older kids can be really creative by using the colorful glowing threads to write or draw anything they choose.

Topozoo Dragon, new for 2011, features a shimmering black finish and red felt wings.  Felt 'flames' complete this fire-breathing animal. Compatible with all other Topozoo playsets.

New Topozoo unicorn features a sparkly surface and felt wings made from recycled bottles. The unicorn's wings can be reversed to be either pink or purple. Can be mixed and matched with all other Topozoo figures.

The Topozoo Spring Set, new for 2011, contains one Duck and one Bunny.  Both include felt parts made from recycled plastic bottles, and both are reversible.

This plush toy is crazy plump and full of squish for hours of cuddle time happiness. Designs include Pastel Dot Horse, Pastel Dot Hippo, Yellow Giraffe, Blue Dog and Pink Dog. Matches other Fuzzles baby products from Douglas.

The Rattles have a sturdy clear plastic teething ring filled with natural wooden balls that rattle when shaken attached to a soft toy animal head. Pastel Dot Horse, Pastel Dot Hippo and Yellow Giraffe are all three new to this line.

The new Fuzzle design uses the soft baby palette with a twist of color combinations full of polka dot fun. The new Baby Giraffe Lil’ Snuggler is equally delicious in buttery soft yellow with beautifully striped yellow edges. Each blanket incorporates a 13” by 13” square of uber soft fabric and a plush animal head. Each one is fully lined and thickly edged with ultra-soft satin that begs to be rubbed. Each Lil’ Snuggler™ is completely machine washable for good health and safety.