April 2012 Notable Toys — All

The first collection of 6 dolls is an edu-fun tool for parents to teach and bond with their child.  Each doll has a unique virtue for the child to adopt. The interactive website compliments the doll, encourages learning and presents the child with challenges. "There is no other product on the market that has coupled play with character building in a life size doll," Brenda Katz, President of Great Divide Corp., told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2012.

Made of safe, uniquely shaped, brightly colored and highly textured dense foam, this toy is designed for purposes beyond fun. Made for one or more players, it teaches agility and consequence while developing Fine/Gross Motor Skills, Reasoning, Logic, Hand-Eye Coordination, Socialization, Tactile Sensory Development, Color Matching and is an easy to grasp toy. Highly textured pieces make it easy for small hands, as well as Special Needs hands, to grip. As opposed to toys that ask players to retain balance while removing pieces, this is a stack and balance toy. Launch date: June 2012.

A retro replica of the candy necklace. Each bead is one of six different colored crayons. Non-toxic.

Kids can build and program their own computer. As easy as snapping together the circuits and downloading Elenco’s programs. Kids can write their own programs using Basic commands or flowcharts. Includes over 100 projects and over 50 parts. A great introduction to microcontrollers and how they are used in the world around us. Requires 3 "AA" batteries.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval

The goal is to move the colored tokens through the maze to their respective corners. To do this, players must pass through turnstiles, shifting walls to form new pathways...and new barriers. Clever challenges exercise strategic thinking muscles, as one turn may lead to victory or may leave players stranded.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval

Made of 70 denier flame retardant polyester taffeta. Has eight sturdy handles so kids can get a good grip. Parachutes clean easily with a damp cloth and mild soap; carry bag included.

The world's first underwater slingshot for a rocket blast of fun.  Water activated safety mechanism unlocks safely underwater for fun play. Toy is 10" long.

With 10 classic Tegu blocks, a signature magnetic styling top, and 4 magnetic wooden wheels, Dart is a member of the Compact Line of Tegu Mobility. Deconstruct Dart and click the wheels on and off to create any number of mobile creations. Magnetic connections make racing and crashing as fun as building. Dart integrates seamlessly with the existing line of Tegu blocks.

A boxed set includes an anteater, Dalmation, lemur, panda, penguin and skunk. Printed on recycled board, these cards will stand up to baby's explorations. Each 5x7" card is beautifully finished with matte varnish and child-friendly rounded corners. Wee Gallery animals are made of high-contrast repeating patterns to stimulate visual development in infants.

The BugLit "body" is actually our powerful INOVA Microlight - a tough micro flashlight encased in a durable polycarbonate plastic housing, with four functions (high power, low power, strobe, and signal). This bright white LED has an effective range of up to 50 feet, and one-mile visibility. Next, the securely attached "legs" are two flexible, fully moldable 6" Nite Ize Gear Ties, which can be bent, wrapped, or twisted in many configurations, to sit, stand, store, or shine the flashlight. Wrap the legs around the body for compact storage and transport. And, finally, its lightweight plastic S-Biner clip allows you to attach, hang, or store the BugLit for convenient access on zippers or keys.

Allows children to learn about cause and effect and simple principles of mechanics. Build a base by attaching the interlocking plates and attach gears to form a chain reaction. Turn the handle to set everything in motion. Soft plastic with round edges, totally unbreakable and safe. 80 pieces.

This three piece set comes with a mystery foal, whose color is a surprise. This set features a grey stallion and a black mare, and their foal remains hidden in its stall until the package is opened. A fun visual lesson in horse genetics, the foal's coat color and pattern will be based upon the coat color and patterns of its parents.
— Denise Magstadt, owner of Imagination Station in Whitefish, Mont., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2012 survey that they sell 10 Breyer Horses each month.
—  Sari Powacek from Doll House & Toy Store in Scottsdale, Ariz. told TDmonthly in an August 2013 survey that Breyer horses are one of her store's best-selling collectible lines.

The HAPPY HOOP has an innovative new design which allows for the full adjustment of both ring size and weight. Eight colorful ring-pieces can be added or subtracted to created the perfect hoop-size. The unique molded curves each ring-piece increases grip and controllability while massaging the waist, stimulating blood circulation.

The ring toss game for skill and easy-going competition. Perfect for parties, cookouts, the beach, and picnics, easy-to-grip rings are 100% safe natural rubber with no sharp edges. The 3' nylon carry strap provides portability and easy storage.

Can be attached to an existing swing set or hung from a tree. Kids can swing like they would normally do or swirl around. All 3 sizes of our hand made swings can hold 660lbs and hang down 70”. The two ropes are joined together at the top by a steel ring, making it easy to hang.

Can be attached to an existing swing set or hung from a tree. Kids can swing like they would normally do or swirl around. All 3 sizes of our hand made swings can hold 660lbs and hang down 70”. The two ropes are joined together at the top by a steel ring, making it easy to hang.

Mr. Bubble Foam Soap will whip up bath time fun. Kids can use their imagination to make all kinds of fun shapes with silly floating foam. Safe and gentle, it washes thoroughly and leaves skin soft and smooth.
— Katie Roo, manager of Be Beep A Toy Shop in Columbia, S.C., told TDmonthly in an April 2012 survey about bath toys that they sell about a dozen units of Mr. Bubble Foam Soap each month.
— In an April 2013 survey about best-selling bath toys Kate Noreen, manager of MudPuddles Toys & Books in Sherwood, Ore., told TDmonthly that "Mr. Bubble stuff has sold really well. It's that classic name, but it's thick foam so it's really fun to play with."

Andrea works at the City Park Cafe and loves dishing out tasty treats — when she is not singing into her broom and daydreaming of her big performance. It's the perfect place in Heartlake City for all of the Lego Friends to meet for milkshakes and burgers or to chill and have fun. Kids can bake goodies for the girls in the cafe kitchen, complete with everything needed to serve up cafe cuisine in style. Then hang in the outdoor dining area and have a milkshake in the sun. Order up a sweet snack, serve the customers and pay with Lego money bricks. Includes 2 mini-doll figures: Andrea and Marie.
— As of 4/18/2012 this product had 4.9 out of 5 stars from 14 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Cute; fun to play with; very detailed. Cons: Too easy to put together; not as much educational or developmental value as other LEGO sets.

Relate rocks to the history of the planet. Uses exciting eruptive experiments to foster comprehension. Mold and slice open a model of the earth, Create a lava fountain to explore density, Spew a volcano, Make pyroclastic eruptions, Discover which rocks will float and which will burn, Identify, break & display volcanic rocks, Sediment sedimentary rocks, Acid test rocks, Explore metamorphic rocks, and Form fossils.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval
— John Blair, owner of Science Safari in Cary, N.C., told TDmonthly in a late Summer 2012 survey that Norman & Globus products "are perennial. I continuously do well with these."

These big shovels are perfect for large scale sand projects at the beach. Shovels are made in the USA. Includes 40 Big Shovels.

This fun sand mold features two towers connected by a castle wall. Castles are made in the USA. Includes 80 Double Castles and 80 Shovels.

This big, soft and cuddly owl makes a great snuggle buddy at home, in the car, or to take along to Grandma's house. The calico patchwork print of fine-wale corduroy, soft cotton and flannel in bright colors, and whimsical eyes appeal to the child in us all. Made by Kathe Kruse of Germany. Some fabrics may vary.

This playful melody maker develops an early interest in music while teaching shape & color recognition. As individual pieces, these colorful blocks allow children to arrange and rearrange to create their very own melodies. When the music is done, nest the blocks together for a quick and easy clean up or stack for a beautiful display.

This Horton is special, and he's made with care. He helps save the planet from too much wear and tear. Our Horton's made from cotton, one of nature's great joys, and he's sure to become your child's favorite toy! This Horton is made from cotton that is untreated, unprocessed, and unbleached, and colored with miYim's all-natural PureWaterWashTM process, giving this classic character a new twist and making him a safe, non-toxic alternative.  Horton's gone green.