April 2011 Notable Toys — All

Strike of the Eagle is a strategy game that simulates the tenseness of the Polish-Soviet War of 1920. This war featured a return of sweeping cavalry attacks combined with new weaponry innovations such as planes, tanks and armored cars. Gone was the static trench warfare of WWI where front line changes were measured in yards. Instead, the gains of this war’s campaigns were measured in hundreds of miles from Kiev and beyond Minsk in the east, to Warsaw and the German border in the west. Strike of the Eagle is the first game in the new Fog of War series. This series covers pivotal wars of different eras, allowing players to relive and learn about the struggles that took place. The heart of this unique series lies in players placing secret orders on the map during each turn to bluff, mislead, misdirect and outplay their opponents! The orders are then revealed and executed by the player’s armies that are represented by wooden blocks of Brigade and Division strength forces of between 1500 to 8000 men. The exact composition of a player’s forces is kept hidden from their opponent until battle is engaged. For 2-4 players.

The Struggle for Catan™ is a fast-paced game between the 2-4 factions developing newly settled Catan. Manage your resources to build settlements, cities, city improvements, knights, and roads that generate victory points or special abilities. While your settlements, cities, and city expansions remain yours, valuable roads and knights change hands. Varied expensive city improvements give you additional victory points and lasting advantages, so they’re generally key to victory. As in The Settlers of Catan® board game, you win by being the first to acquire and play 10 victory points. The Struggle for Catan™ is the perfect way for 2-4 players to swiftly and casually explore, settle, trade, and build on the beautiful and ever-changing island of Catan.

Seize and capture your friends' pawns in this game with two unique ways to play. Brainy Got'Em! offers the strategic challenge of outsmarting and cornering your opponents with deliberately placed walls, while the tricky yet fun-for-all-ages Bright Got'Em! has the same goal of trapping your opponents, plus colorful surprises that will keep you on your toes. Surround yourself with friends and family and get ready to enjoy two great games that hold more fun than any four walls can contain. Game includes 1 double-sided game board that includes both versions of the game. For 2-6 players.

The Groovy Girls Dancerific Studio makes it easy for all the Groovy Girls dolls to practice their groovylicious dancing skills. Studio Includes mirror with soft fabric border and satin covered dance bar. Launch date: January 2011.

Meet all of the Special Edition Groovy Girl dolls that have been added to this soft doll collection. Each doll has her own theme and story to tell. Each dolls features a unique, playful design. Characters include Chef Charlotte, Irish Steppin’ Adelaene, Bianca Ballerina, and Ballroom Bella.) Launch date: January 2011.

With this make-your-own kit, a colorful and unique pair of flip flops is only a few embellishments away. Kit includes: 6 fabric flowers, 4 jewels and a pair of flip flops. Each flower has Velcro-like adhesives that attach to flip flop toe strap. Fits Girl Shoe Size 11. Launch date: January 2011.

With this make-your-own kit, a unique handbag design is only a few flowers and frills away. Kit includes: soft handbag with satin inner lining, six flowers, 4 ribbons, 3 jewels and 2 satin bow accessories. Each flower and bow has Velcro-like adhesive on back. Launch date: January 2011.

Girls can have some fashion fun and then store their favorite jewelry and accessories in their Vivacious Vanity. Top half of vanity separates from drawer-filled base and folds closed into an easy to store size. Includes two pull-out drawers, large mirror, three hanging hooks and detachable base. Launch date: January 2011.

This new dress-up outfit includes a ladybug polka-dot pattern dress made of satin, poly-spandex, tulle and taffeta, antennae headband and ladybug wings with easy to slip on elastic cords with Velcro-like closures. Fits sizes 4-6. Launch date: January 2011.

This baby photo quilt measures 4 feet by 4 feet and features a baby-safe mirror and peek-a-boo flap. The mat also crinkles, alerting parents that baby is crawling.

This colorful outfit includes an apron and chef's hat. Apron features two pockets and a waist strap that ties in back. Fits girls' size 4-6. Launch date: January 2011.

This play food set includes a pizza pie plate, a "loaded" pizza cut into six slices, and a kid-safe pizza roller. Launch date: January 2011.

This play food set includes a colorful strawberry, velcro banana, fried egg, pancake, and two strips of bacon. Launch date: January 2011.

Enjoy a Groovy Girls tea party with the Tea-rific Tea Set. Tea set includes a tea pot, four tea cups and saucers, creamer and sugar bowl. Launch date: January 2011.

The Cooks in the Kitchen Set is sure to bring new life to your favorite play kitchen. With pots, pans and two spatulas all colorfully designed, cooking up something fun has never been easier. Launch date: January 2011.

This colorful set matches other items in the Groovy Girls collection. Set includes four bowls, flower-shaped plates, forks, knives and spoons. Launch date: January 2011.

This colorful kitchen features pink and green, bright floral designs. Kitchen includes, sink, oven, stove, microwave, refrigerator, cupboard, towel rack and a groovy dish towel. Launch date: January 2011.

Scatter the bug cards all over the table or floor.  Players race to capture the bugs by covering each Bug Card with a matching Leaf Card—It's a wild scramble to find each bug. The first player to cover all of the matching Bug Cards wins. 2-6 players. Launch date: September 2011.

First, a crazy definition is read to the group by the "Wordmeister." Next, players must grab three random word cubes and create a new word to fit the definition. Each new word is read out loud, and the "Wordmeister" picks the best one. The player whose words are chosen the most wins. 3-7 players. Launch date: March 2011.
Awards: TDmonthly Top Toy Award, June 2011
— Why it won: Fauxabulary is a great game for large groups. It's similar to Apples to Apples, but creating new words out of different word-parts encourages kids to think creatively, and have fun with letters. It combines the silly group fun of Apples to Apples with the fast-paced scramble to create and find words like Scrabble or Boggle, and is reasonably priced relative to similar party games.

The LEGO DUPLO ZipBin Legoville Toy Box and Playmat has a colorful city theme and can be used as a fun storage container for DUPLO blocks as well as an easy to clean playmat. Sturdy, strong, stackable, portable. DUPLO Blocks not included.

The LEGO DUPLO ZipBin Toy Box and Playmat has a colorful animal theme and can be used as a fun storage container for DUPLO blocks as well as an easy to clean playmat. Sturdy, strong, stackable, portable. DUPLO Blocks not included.

Unzip the graphic, patch adorned exterior of this backpack into a 2-lane drag strip with a winding cityscape in the background.  The car’s body is integrated into the shape of the backpack – with a sewn on Hot Wheels patch on the hood.

Imagine Darth Vader speeding through the trench of the Death Star after the Rebel fighters, guiding his TIE Fighter in and out of obstacles, Rebel fire, and into space.  Unzip the LEGO Star Wars ZipBin TIE Fighter and you find yourself in that very trench. Dodge other starfighters to land safely in the loading bay before fighting your way to the control room.  Use the ZipBin TIE Fighter as a space-port garage or storage bin for all the pieces. LEGO Blocks not included.

This carry case has vibrant summer colors on the outside and a paradise beach inside. Girls can carry anything from sunglasses and sunscreen to sandwiches and juice.