March 2010 Notable Toys — All

This 12” charmer is designed to encourage hugs and capture hearts. Dressed in a bright polka dot dress with coordinating headband, Calin has a soft “beanbag” body that can be posed just like a real baby. "Headquartered in the Loire Valley, the storybook region of Langeais, France, Corolle is a brand that embodies all the values of childhood. The extraordinary attention to detail in all their dolls and accessories reflect the company’s reputation — established over three decades — for quality materials and classic design. Each doll’s expression, hair, skin tone and limb features are realistic and natural, and a light scent of vanilla is added to the vinyl for sensory appeal. Designed for durability and playability, Corolle dolls are created for a lifetime of hugs," Liza Grando, Account Executive, Moss-Tucker Associates, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2010.
— In a Summer 2011 survey, 5 out of 14 retailers told TDmonthly that Calin from Corolle was their best-selling doll.  Paula Bolte, owner of Imaginations Toy & Furniture Co. in Blacksburg, Va., said she sells a few Calins a month, and a dozen a month during the holidays.
— As of 06/27/2011 this product had 3.5 out of 5 stars from 6 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Durable; well-made; machine washable. Cons: Two reviewers said the doll's teeth were yellow.

Kids and parents can toss the ball to have fun with their pets. Launch date: January 25, 2010.

With talkatoo™ parents can share a little love with their kids whenever they're apart and wherever they go. Talkatoo™ voice recordable pendants let kids and their parents record and share sweet notes, helpful reminders or encouraging words so they can feel more connected when they’re not together. They come with six different fun designs — some for boys, some for girls and even some for moms. They can be worn as a necklace or clipped to a backpack, lunchbox, belt loop, etc. Launch date: May 31, 2010.

Licensed by Major League Baseball, this card game simulates an actual baseball game, with two players/teams, nine innings, three outs per inning, walkins-runs-outs, etc. Team-specific and generic titles are available. "Unlike any other baseball game, the MLB card game is like playing baseball and because of its convenient size, can be played almost anywhere," Sandy Bergeson, Executive VP, TDC Games, told TDmonthly. Launch date: April 15, 2010.

Girls use the light box with the fashion films and sketch sheets to start drawing some of the 100+ clothing and accessory combinations. They can use the design guide for inspiration to find theiir inner diva and start sketching their own designer wardrobe. "This light box sketch kit is a huge draw for any girl. They can start their sketches out on the right path by tracing the outlines of the clothing. Plus, the design guide in this kit is amazing — it has easy to follow instructions, ideas, and tips on how to make their designs look like a professional drew them," Sarah Koth, PR Manager, Fashion Angels Enterprises, told TDmonthly. Launch date: April 2010.

Reminiscing is the game for people over 30 and the younger people they let play. Asking pop culture questions from 1950-2009, this fun family game includes questions that allow players to reminisce about their own personal past. "In this game, older is better, but [it] plays best with teams of mixed ages," Sandy Bergeson, Exec. VP of TDC Games, told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 5, 2009.

BusyKiddy includes a collection of small toys and activities conveniently packaged in a reusable lunch bag — perfect for entertaining kids in restaurants, appointments or short trips. "We combine products from a variety of quality vendors to create an activity kit that will entertain for hours," Jennifer Untermeyer, owner, PurpleSnakes LLC (DBA TravelKiddy), told TDmonthly. Launch date: November 2009.

SOLAR PET ROCK by Desk Pets is the rocking robot that responds to light. The more light it gets, the more it rocks. Four different colors rock in four different ways. The Solar Pet Rock uses 100-percent green energy for power. Batteries never need to be replaced. Launch date: August 29, 2009.

Part of the Wild Animal Series by Papo, this hand-painted figure is very detailed and shows an authentic representation of how tigresses carry around their little bundles. It is approximately 1:20 scale. "Papo wildlife series is easily the best quality figure for the price. The proportion and stance are exact as well as the coloration," Brian Shackelton, Operation Manager, Hotaling Imports Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 15, 2010.

When unzipped, it becomes an activity center perfect for buildings and fire fighters with LEGO Bricks. When play is done, four quick zips and all the bricks are captured inside. The LEGO® CITY FIRE ZipBin® Large Toy Box Playmat features cut handles and fabulous artwork. It is designed to be sturdy, strong, stackable and portable. LEGO blocks are not included. LEGO, The LEGO logo, the Brick and Knob configuration are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2009 LEGO Group. "It is a large playmat that zips up into a sturdy, portable, toy box that has amazing artwork," Robin Leighty, Marketing and Sales Specialist, Neat-Oh! International, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2010.

Quadrilateral Pieces is a geometry puzzle. Kids of all ages can improve their spatial sense as they rotate, turn and flip the pieces to construct five different quadrilaterals. "Teachers and students will love it because students can use the puzzle to help them remember what they learn about different types of quadrilaterals," Mary Kay Bacallao, President, Learning by Design, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2010.

Built strong enough that you can help on the farm! Introduce children to the legendary John Deere quality with this officially licensed Kart – built BERG-tough!  Pneumatic tires keep you from slipping in the dirt, ball bearings in each wheel keep you rolling smoothly.  An adjustable steering wheel and seat will keep kids riding the kart for years!  Pedal forward, pedal back slightly for the coaster brake, once stopped pedal backwards to go in reverse.  While coasting pedals stay static.  Weighs about 40 lbs, measures 44 inches long, 26 inches wide, and 25 inches tall; 150 pound weight limit. Launch date: May 2010.

AQUA AUTO LAUNCHER™ MINI is a hand-held launch tube that can shoot four mini foam rockets at once powered entirely by air. The rockets are soft, safe foam and the entire set, including launch tube, is waterproof. In free POP display. "[The] quality waterproof design makes it durable, even if accidentally left out in the rain. Part of our always expanding line of PUMP ROCKETS™ with interchangeable styles plus with add-on components like Replacement Rockets available," Naomi Binkley, Marketing, Geospace International, told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 2010.

This interactive baby will move, talk, giggle, and sing like a real-life playful baby when her left hand is squeezed. Playful Baby is all soft stuffed and cuddly with vinyl hands and feet and go-to-sleep eyes. She is dressed in a removable romper. Uses 2 AA batteries, included. Launch date: August 2010.

Tie-Not is a patented tool and method made of recycled materials that helps kids and adults tie water balloons in seconds. Tie-Not is made in the USA. The tool is packaged with balloons and hose adapter. "There isn't currently a tool to tie water balloons in the marketplace. This is a chance to offer a new and innovative products to your customers," Laura Sikorcin, owner, Tie-Not Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2010.

Vocation Dolls (Fr. Juan Pablo and Sr. Mary Clara, sold separately) are huggable, plush, 13" dolls fashioned for imaginative yet inspirational play. They include a full-color companion booklet detailing five real stories of men and women who became priests and nuns — courageous stories of real modern-day heroes and heroines. These high-quality dolls are designed as exceptional toys for gift-giving, to delight parents, grandparents and godparents with their unique, faith-based appeal. Launch date: December 2009.

These lenticular postcards flip from one colorful image to another, have motion, or are 3D. Launch date: January 4, 2010.
THIS PRODUCT IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE

This colorful outdoor thermometer has temperature-appropriate clothing pictures next to the numbers. It is designed to: empower kids to independently choose the right outfit to wear in various temperatures; teach kids to read numbers and to understand the concept of measuring the outdoor temperature as they continue using their thermometer; relieve parents of the struggle with children over appropriate clothing to wear for the day, making morning routines faster and easier; help teachers to teach kids reading and understanding of the outside temperature and seasonal changes; and help schools to get kids appropriately dressed for school recess. Launch date: May 30, 2009.

Wits & Wagers Family takes the unique trivia-betting game play of Wits & Wagers and makes it more family-friendly, for three to 10 players. The simplified, faster game-play and kid-friendly questions are designed to level the playing field and provide instant fun for all ages. "Previously found in hobby oriented board games, meeples have been gaining in popularity as gaming pieces. These cute wooden pieces serve as the perfect family-friendly replacement for the poker chips found in the classic Wits & Wagers game," Matt Mariani, Director of Marketing, North Star Games, told TDmonthly. Awards: Parent's Choice Award 2010; Mom's Best Award 2010. Launch date: March 2010.

These four-color self-mailer cards have a fill-in-the-blank format or come lined. Lenticular flip stickers that flip from one colorful image to another seal the card closed. There are eight cards per pack. Launch date: January 4, 2010.
THIS PRODUCT IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE

Crazy Crayons are made from 100-percent recycled crayons. Crazy Crayons and packaging are made in the USA with 100-percent non-toxic materials. When individuals are finished using them, they can send them back to the company to be made into new crayons. Launch date: February 15, 2010.

This soft-sculpture, children’s mass kit is designed for play at home or church. This colorful, high-quality toy, when used in conjunction with the included companion booklet, is designed to be an ideal manipulative for instruction in the classroom or playroom. It includes 12 pieces and a booklet in a durable nylon carrying case that's created "to educate, entertain and enrich faith," Stephen Abdalla, President, Wee Believers, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 5, 2010.

These hip, four-color playing card designs are designed to bring a whole new level of fun to card games. Launch date: January 4, 2010.
THIS PRODUCT IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE

Individuals can stock their cupboards with these Cat-in-a-cans so they'll have ample inflatable felines to get you through the winter. Each 12-1/2" (31.8 cm) vinyl cat offers a convenient companion that won't leave hairballs on the carpet or use the armchair as a scratching post. It comes deflated in a 3-3/4" (9.5 cm) round, 2-1/2" (6.4 cm) tall illustrated tin. Launch date: January 28, 2010.