April 2012 Notable Toys — All

Kids can just tear, stick, and wear. Create unique duct tape fashions using the fluorescent and animal print tape and easy templates included in this fun Alex kit. Get all "duct" out in colourful rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, headbands, brooches, belts and more. Includes 8 rolls of duct tape (2.74 metres each) and other items needed.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval
— In a Summer 2012 survey, Deran Muckjian, owner of Catch a Falling Star in Lexington, Mass., told TDmonthly that "anything Alex releases that has to do with duct tape" becomes a best seller at his store.
— In a Fall 2012 survey, two out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that duct tape kits from ALEX were their best selling hobby item.
— In a December 2012 survey about bestselling toys, four out of 12 retailers said that Duct tape kits from Alex were their bestselling Arts & Crafts toy.

Gloria is very sociable and loves being the center of attention. Norma loves playing in the snow with her brother and sister. Elijah loves to go swimming and dancing, especially tap dancing. Calico Critters are posable, with jointed arms and legs, and heads that turn. All Critters come with high quality clothing, that is removable.

Penelope loves being outside and riding her tricycle. Peter is a fantastic brother and is always looking after his sisters. Patricia can spend the whole day playing in the baby sandbox. Calico Critters are poseable, with jointed arms and legs, and heads that turn. All Critters come with high quality clothing, that is removable.

Where to buy:
NORTH WEST

This nine-block puzzle challenges kids to re-create six familiar animals. But it's not always a 3x3 square shape: the giraffe puzzle is tall; the alligator is long.

Part puzzle, part stacker. These rainbow curves create a colorful fan of feathers when sorted from smallest to largest.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval

What could be better than a stack of pancakes for breakfast? Sliced strawberries and maple syrup add the finishing touches. "Combination of felt and wood with silk screen printed details on the strawberries. Nutrition facts on the back of the pancake box suggest playing with this Hape toy boosts the imagination," Robin Lehnert, Marketing Manager for Hape North America, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 2012.
Awards: 2012 Finalist for ASTRA Best Toys for Kids

Little builders with big ideas can work right at this professional-looking station. Shelves and storage keep all the tools and supplies in the 38 piece set within easy reach. Includes an "adjustable height counter that grows with a child," Robin Lehnert, Marketing Manager for Hape North America, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 2012.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval

Watch how quickly this bamboo forest grows. Kids take turns planting it by putting the colored bamboo rings on the shoots to connect four rings of the same color. They want to connect their rings, but they need to block their opponent at the same time. Quattro is a strategy game.

Our super friendly moose has shed his antlers. Players help him regrow new ones by adding one branch at a time. Be careful! If he tips over, they'll have to begin again. Super Moose is a building and balancing game that requires a steady hand. It can be played solo, by a group, or one-on-one.

Create a transportation-themed mosaic using magnetic geometric shapes. Arrange-and re-arrange-these vibrantly colored wooden pieces on the lap-sized magnetic board. A carrying handle specially sized for small hands makes it easy for kids to take this toy wherever they go.

Children can create animal themed mosaics using magnetic geometric shapes. Arrange-and re-arrange-these vibrantly colored wooden pieces on the lap-sized magnetic board. A carrying handle specially sized for small hands makes it easy for kids to take this toy wherever they go.

Maxville- A new wooden activity cube with a turning base. Every side has a fun activity. Try gears, move mounted cars on a track, play with a mirror, push beads along a maze and much more. Bright colors whimsical graphics. Easily spins on its turntable. Part of the mix 'n max line of baby toys.

Can kids fit all the numbers back in? First, spill the ten digits (0-9) from the box and give them a scramble. Then, place the pieces back in the box so that the lid closes flat. There are over 4000 possible solutions.
Awards: 2011 Parents’ Choice Awards - Recommended

New fun and colorful GEOMAG set lets kids build and put into motion. Build a spinning top, and put it into motion. Set makes two spinning tops. All components are manufactured to stringent European and American safety standards. GEOMAG E-Motion Power Spin 24 pc Includes: 8 magnetic rods; 8 Non-magnetic steel spheres; 2 performance tips; 1 triangle panel; 1 pentagon panel; 2 graphic discs; 1 triangle pro panel; 1 pentagon pro panel.

Les Jolis pas Beaux' (literally translated as 'The Pretty Uglies'!) are a range of quirky soft toys made from an eclectic mix of French fabrics by Moulin Roty. The cuddly little duck measures about 8in tall.

Julius dog comforter from the Grande Famille range of soft toys by Moulin Roty. A perfect, snuggly first toy which comes in a lovely gift box. Measures 13 in, machine washable and suitable from birth.

Tiny Nini Mouse is from the Moulin Roty Grande Famille range of soft toys. Nini has a gray plush body and is wearing a flower print corduroy dress with which you can dress and undress her. She measures 8 in from ear to paw. Machine washable and suitable from birth.

Little Sylvain Rabbit is from the Moulin Roty Grande Famille range of soft toys. Sylvain has a beige plush body and is wearing a pair of stripey overalls with which kids can dress and undress him. He measures 12 in from ear to paw. Machine washable and suitable from birth. Moulin Roty from France celebrates their 40th anniversary in 2012. All fabrics are made in France and all wood comes from managed forests.

Les Jolis pas Beaux' (literally translated as 'The Pretty Uglies'!) are a range of quirky soft toys made from an eclectic mix of French fabrics by Moulin Roty. The Milk Tooth mouse is a charming little character. He comes in his own special little cardboard matchbox-style bed. On his belly you will find he has a little pocket emroidered with 'La Dent de Lait' - meaning 'milk tooth' - and is thus the perfect companion for helping the tooth fairy in the exchange of teeth for money.

This sweet little bee is part of Trudi's wonderful plush line. She is made with very soft machine washable material. It measures 10in tall.

This happy frog is part of Trudi's Best Bussi Tender line. It is made with extremely soft machine washable material and each comes with a sweet wooden heart. It measures 10 in tall.

15131 Bruce the Bear. Originally named for a famous “Bruce” from Jersey, this cute little bear is just playin’ it cool. Made by Trudi and of Italian design, his fur is a warm chocolate color and so silky to touch. His fabric comes with a lifetime warranty and he’s machine-washable. Pretty important when you’re being dragged around by your best buddy.  Bruce is part of the Trudi “Bussi” collection. The name “Bussi” means “little kisses” in German. Although Bruce is only about 7 inches tall and still a cub, he still likes to be called “The Boss”. Although safe for infants, Bruce is intended and designed for children ages 1+.

16564 Seal – This small Seal Pup is from Trudi, the premier Italian plush maker. Her jet black eyes are alluring.  Measuring 11 in tall, the fur on this seal is snow white for protection in the wild. it normally would be an issue as a toy, but no worries here. This seal is made of an incredibly soft pile fabric that is machine-washable and comes with a lifetime warranty. The stitching is done twice and the fabric is double-woven for durability. Trudi has been making quality plush products for over fifty years. Available exclusively in America through Magicforest. Although safe for infants, this seal is recommended for children ages 1+.

Hot Duct Tape Fashion - 54 Feet of Tape. Tear, stick and wear. Kids can use these hot colors to make fun creations- belts, headbands, glasses, a purse and more.
— In a March 2012 survey, 2 out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that Alex was a best selling brand. "Alex has about 4 SKU’s that are selling as fast as they come in. They have only been here for a month but we have sold dozens of them," Joe Berardoni, owner of Pun's Toy Shop in Bryn Mawr, Pa., told TDmonthly. He specifically mentioned that the new "Duct Tape" line is doing well.