May 2011 Notable Toys — General Toys

Children will have a blast building and racing on this fast and fun Techno Gears Marble Mania Twin Turbo Trax. After completing the build kids can compete against each other as they race their marbles through this exciting turbo marble speedway. Fun sound effects add to the excitement and the winning time shown on an LED display. Colors may vary. Requires two "AA" batteries and two button cell batteries. "We manufacture the longest running marble run on the market, " Sherri Borrelli, Sales Administrator for The Learning Journey International, told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 2011.

The Make It! series are fun construction games that will challenge problem solving and memorization, and will develop fine motor skills of young children as they build their favorite creatures. Featuring Dinosaurs, Zoo Animals, Farm Animals and Animal Babies. Make It! is a multi-player game that teaches cooperation skills and animal recognition. Simply take turns selecting game cards and try to collect the pieces necessary to complete your animal.

Polish real amber to reveal the hidden treasures that may be trapped within. Just like the paleontologists in the movie Jurassic Park, kids will create a window back in time. Follow the simple instructions and peer into the real amber pieces in search of ancient bugs and plants that were alive during the time of the dinosaurs. This fun activity kit contains 5 real pieces of amber, 6 special grades of gemstone quality sandpaper, magnifying glass, adventure booklet, and an amber-colored key chain with a genuine scorpion inside. Launch date: 2012.
Awards: 2012 National Parenting Center Seal of Approval; 2012 Product of the Year - Informal Education Products

These sticky pellets are made of cornstarch and are completely non-toxic and edible. Just add a little bit of water to get them to stick together, then construct models from the pellets. Comes with 1000 multicolor pieces.

This environmentally focused toy teaches kids how to test water for impurities, with the option of uploading their results online and comparing with other kids’ finds. Includes information on global water quality and encourages kids to think of ways to use science and chemistry to assist countries with unsuitable drinking water.

The Real Hairstyle Dolls feature fashion collections based on Justin’s lifestyle from beachwear to performances to red carpets, and each doll comes with several cool accessories such as a skateboard, backpack or sunglasses.

Make bracelets, charms, and necklaces anyway you want. Give the jewelry a twist and it turns into a cute animal figure. There are over 60 characters to choose from, and the different beads are interchangeable.

ThunderCats Ho! Straight from the ThunderCats' Lair on Third Earth, it's Lion-O and the legendary mystic Sword of Omens. This mega-scale figure measures over 20 inches tall from the tip of his upraised, extended sword to the soles of his Thunderian boots. Featuring 7 points of articulation this mega figure is extremely detailed, capturing not only the iconic look of Lion-O as he appeared in the classic television series, but the essence of Lion-O as he proudly raises the mystic Sword of Omens towards the heavens and roars out "Thundercats, Ho!" He comes complete with his Claw Shield and a removable mystic Sword Of Omens. Lion-O is packaged in a collector-friendly window box that allows him to be displayed while remaining Mint In Box. "We are the only 20 inch tall Lion-O ever produced. After the recent story on MTV pre-orders went insane," Mike Drake, director of special projects at Mezco Toyz, told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 2011.

Green Lantern Quickshot Game is an action-packed game that allows kids to put their dexterity to the test as they load up their shooters with marbles and try to pop out the Green Lanterns. The game was produced in conjunction with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, on behalf of DC Entertainment, and is based on Warner Bros. Pictures’ upcoming 2011 film “Green Lantern.” The movie will make its theatrical debut on June 17, 2011. Launch date: May 2011.