January 2012 Notable Toys — Outdoor Fun

Includes 10.5" x 8.5" x 2" Ladybug Sandbox with lid, 20" x 20" no mess play mat, ultra fine blue sand, mermaid, seaweed, tropical fish, turtle, digging shovel, grooming rake, pail, star fish and real sea shells.

It’s the ultimate set for water battles – a colorful Splash Sword, bright Splash Shield and of course, a Splash Bomb.

Crossboccia is the reinvention of Bocce Ball by introducing play in 3 dimensions. Crossboccia balls will rest on uneven surfaces. A vertical vector becomes part of the game, so stairs, tables and chairs can be played upon. Suitable for indoor or outdoor use, the next arena can be anywhere. Launch date: February 2012.

eeBoo's Paper Novas are inspired by one of the universe's most impressive phenomena - Supernovas. Each comes with 200 strips of crepe paper in vibrant colors and a length of baker's string for hanging and suspension. All are aptly named after the brightest celestial bodies seen from Earth, such as Betelgeuse, Alpha Centauri, and Vega. "Papers Novas are assembled into bundles, then gently pulled apart until they puff up - one might say "explode" - into a big, colorful 10-inch diameter ball," Regina Gelin, sales & marketing associate at eeBoo, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 2012.

The innovative Wind n Sun Specialty Kites were design with the Museum, Gift and Specialty customer in mind. There is a wide selection to choose from and each WNS kite has incredible graphics. The Wind n Sun also includes Lawn & Garden decor. "Customers will not only want to fly these kites you will see them displayed in children's bedrooms as room decor," Richard Brady, SR VP of Sales at BrainStormProducts/X Kites told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2012.

Quad-style 4-wheel Barbie roller skates make learning to skate as easy as 1, 2 and 3. Wheels lock for Stage 1, so beginners can “skate-walk” on wheels that don’t roll. As confidence, ability and balance increase, advance to Stage 2, where a quick and easy adjustment allows the wheels to roll forward, but not back. Then it’s on to Stage 3 for “freewheeling” fun, forward and back. Size adjustable to fit child shoe sizes 6-12.
— As of 12/13/2011 this product had 4.7 out of 5 stars from 13 reviews on Amazon.com.

A successor to the classic three-wheeler of the 1970s, the RipRider 360 rides like no other—thanks to dual inclined caster wheels. The casters allow resistance-free drifting and spinning action. Includes: Front wheel with pneumatic tire; MX-style handlebar; Rubber grips; Welded steel frame and fork; 3-piece crank; Double crown fork design.
— As of 12/16/2011 this product had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 206 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Durable; very fun; a smooth ride. Cons: A couple reviewers said the assembly was difficult and there were missing parts; may be slightly too tall for kids who are shorter than average.

This is a one of a kind educational sandbox fossil find, featuring a tasteful faux rock design.Comes with an on-line field manual that makes it educational and fun as it explains the dinosar bones that are uncovered. Kids can sit all the way around the sand box, and the bones are arranged in a 360 degree format so no one gets left out. Launch date: September 2011.

BeamOs are 30” in diameter, 1½” thick with a 15” center opening and weigh 13 oz. They are made of a soft spandex fabric that covers a foam and fiberglass hoop. The washable sleeve may be hosed off when dirty and should be cleaned after pool or salt water use.
— In a November 2011 survey Mike McCollum, owner of Learning Express in Hoover, Ala., told TDmonthly that he sells 6 BeamOs each month.

The Nerf VORTEX NITRON Blaster features a cutting-edge acceleration trigger that propels a full-auto storm of discs toward targets with extreme range for an all-out assault. The Centerfire Tech electronic scope features pulsing targeting lights to help kids center their aim. The included 20-disc magazine and onboard magazine storage make reloading quick and simple. In addition to being fully automatic, the NITRON is fully customizable with the Tactical Rail System that is compatible with most VORTEX and N-Strike Mission Kit accessories (sold separately) for a fully customizable battlefield experience.
— As of 10/18/2011 this product had 3.6 out of 5 stars from 5 reviews on ToysRUs.com. Pros: Appealing visual design; automatic. Cons: There is a lag when firing; takes lots of batteries, which is expensive.

Having enough ammo on hand can mean the difference between winning and losing when it comes to NERF blaster missions. The Nerf Vortex Vigilon Disc Blaster holds up to 5 long-range discs, and its built-in clip drops down at the touch of a button. Simply release the clip, reload the discs and reengage the clip for minimum rearming time and maximum blasting action. Offering long-range, high-powered disc-blasting technology, Nerf Vortex Vigilon Disc Blaster hurls ultra-distance discs for the ultimate battle experience. The Nerf Vortex Vigilon Disc Blaster comes with 5 discs and instructions.
— As of 10/18/2011 this product had 4.3 out of 5 stars from 8 reviews on ToysRUs.com. Pros: Easy to reload; shoots long distances. Cons: Discs bounce off of the surfaces they hit and become lost.

If you can play business, you can learn business! Kids will have fun earning money while starting their first business with this unique mobile business stand. The Apprentice Kit includes a mobile business office, a fun illustrated activity book to get started, and customizable banner set. The business stand comes with wheels, dry/erase magnetic banner areas, built-in locking money tray, literature storage tray, solar-powered built-in calculator, hooks, keys, magnets, and dry erase marker set. Kids can choose a business from the book or come up with their own business to launch. The book is easy to read and teaches kids how to become young entrepreneurs. Launch date: November 2010.
Awards: 2011 Dr. Toy Best Classic Toys; 2011 Oppenheim Toy Award; 2011 NAPPA Gold Award