February 2010 Notable Toys — All

For the younger Thomas fan, this is a chunky Thomas engine and easy-to-use lantern. Kids can be the conductor as they lead Thomas wherever they want to go. Utilizing infrared technology, the Thomas engine reacts to the light of the lantern and follows along for endless fun. For extra play, boys can press one of three large buttons on the side of the lantern to activate pre-programmed moves including zigzags, figure eights and circles.

Fisher-Price teams up with Thomas & Friends, the world’s most popular preschool property, for a new collection of toys. Straight out of the direct-to-home DVD release Misty Island Rescue, the Playset features a motorized Thomas engine and all-new action features including a thrilling, never-been-done-before zip line and motorized logging mill!

Terrordactyl® is a fast-snapping, grub-spitting, interactive dinosaur! When his sensors are triggered, he'll snap at anything that moves but, rest-assured, boys can tame him by feeding him his disgusting, sticky grub. Beware – if he doesn’t like who approaching, he'll spit it out for gooey fun!

The latest realistic dinosaur pet kids will love. Continuing the interactive robotic dino DNA CRUNCHER™ takes a big bite out of fun with his cantankerous carnivorous ways as he dances, plays catch, begs for food, comes when called and purrs happily when he’s petted. If sent into attack mode though, he’ll rear up on his hind legs and charge forward with startling speed while snapping his massive jaws.

Sing-a-ma-jigs are the new free-spirited, off-beat plush characters that love nothing better than to sing together. With each squeeze of their tummies, they offer up a little bit of chatter and then individual notes to a song. But the real magic happens when kids put the characters all together and squeeze their tummies one more time and the Sing-a-ma-jigs erupt into a harmonic chorus like none heard before!
― As of 9.21.2010, this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 8 reviews on Amazon.com and was No. 43 on the top 100 best-selling toys and games. PROS: Entertaining, cute and interactive. Appeals to children and adults.

This red and blue sphere is equipped with a timer and when twisted and thrown will explode with 12 marshmallows. Currently in prototype stage. Launch date: 4Q 2010.

This realistically casted dinosaur figurine has a well-disguised, hinged jaw that allows the bottom of his mouth to move up and down. The figure is 13" tall.

These soft wristlets have a zip-top and latch to hook onto purses or backpacks. They're designed to hold cell phones, electronic accessories, makeup and other small items girls may wish to tote around. They come in several colorful varieties, including owl, dog, cat and horse. Watch Wristlets: Top-5 Video, Toy Fair 2010

This set comes with five blocks and a rolling car that are made of natural rubber with nylon flocking. Watch Weebabu WEDGiTS: Top-5 Video, Toy Fair 2010

Each set consists of soft, flexible pieces in various colors that slide together and lock to create an endless number of different shapes or random creations. Watch Space Chips: Top-5 Video, Toy Fair 2010
Awards: TDmonthly Top Toy Award, June 2011
— Why it won: The pieces are small, flat and flexible, so they won't break if Mom or Dad accidentally steps on them. Kids can play with the toys they make with the Space Chips— balls are both throwable and kickable. And though they were designed to create traditional building structures, kids have used their imaginations and turned the flat clips into suits of armor and costumes.

This small clutching toy for babies features bright, wooden balls that are closely connected by a slightly elastic string and can be moved around for play and manipulation.

This set combines a fun construction toy with active play. It includes colorful interchangeable pieces to create sculptures that can then be tossed around and thrown on the ground both indoors and out. Watch OgoBild: Top-5 Video, Toy Fair 2010

The Snipe hunt game can be played with two people, two teams or special * single seeker play, and incorporates both indoor/outdoor activity and good old fashion fun. The object of Snipe is Be the first team/person to find the other team/persons snipe and return it to its nest. After the players have hidden their snipe the other player will try to find it. After a period of time, if the Snipes have not been discovered, they will chirp and then their eyes will light up. Each game comes with two snipes, (named Biela and Smartin) and a Snipe nest. The packaging tells the story behind the legendary campfire animals.

This game for two to six players pairs the concept of four suits with the letters of the alphabet, challenging each player to create one or more words using all of his cards. A hand can require from 1 to 10 minutes.

The Chopper Balance Bike from Smart Gear Toys is for children ages 2 to 5 years. This beautifully eco-friendly balance bike promotes balance, grossmotor coordination and overall gross motor skills. A great therapy tool to employ with children who have weakness in these areas. The bike comes with a comfy cushioned adjustable seat, inflatable rubber tires and a convenient built-in handle for easy carrying or hanging (if you choose to store it that way). The Chopper also features motorcycle decals to give it the appearance of an actual chopper.
— "My own daughter, who just turned four, still has some issues with pedal coordination and this bike could really help her keep up with her big brothers when we all take a ride," Jennifer Shuman, owner of 1SmartNoodle, told TDmonthly at Toy Fair 2010.

With the EQUALS game, kids can practice their basic math facts while they play a challenging game with their friends. Every child can be a winner. It does not matter if they are fast or slow with their facts, every child will have a chance to win. Kids can play addition, subtraction, multiplication or division. The game adjusts to fit each child. As they play EQUALS, kids will practice over 280 basic facts.
— "Great game for promoting logical thinking and spacial relations," Jennifer Shuman, owner of 1SmartNoodle, told TDmonthly at Toy Fair 2010.

Store all Bailey's beach items inside in this mesh beach bag. Made in the USA.

Simple red bucket to take to the beach to carry sand in. Made in the USA.

Easily scoop sand into a container with this shovel. Made in the USA.

Stuff sand into this castle mould to create nice sand castle shapes. Made in the USA.

Spike the Hedgehog plush doll is stuffed with Viscose from organic bamboo, comes with a companion board book exploring the real story of this particular oomfy, and is available in large 21-inch or medium 14-inch sized versions.

This small, soft teddy bear zips open in the back and holds a black tote bag. Kids can have their teddy along for a trip, and mom or dad will have an easy way to tote things around. Watch Teddy Tote: Top-5 Video, Toy Fair 2010

Cars Toons Frightening McMean by MATTEL mixes monster trucks, wrestling, and the Disney/Pixar film “Cars” into one fun package. In the Cars Toons shorts (currently shown on Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney.com), the tow truck Mater tells tall tales that inevitably get his friend Lightning McQueen into some sort of jam. This toy features Lightning in his Frightening McMean monster truck wrestling persona. Frightening has push and play action, giant wheels, and authentic phrases. Launch date: August 2010.

DreamWorks Animation’s “How to Train Your Dragon” tells the story of an unlikely friendship between a Viking boy and a dragon. SPIN MASTER, DreamWorks, and Walmart have partnered to bring an exclusive line of action figures, playsets, and role play toys to Walmart stores. Highlights from the line include Hiccup’s Dragon Battling Sword and Roaring Plush Dragons. Launch date: March 1, 2010.