May 2011 Notable Toys — Novelties

Gridiron Fanatic screams “Touchdown!” and “Boooo!” on command with the press of a button on his foot. Gridiron Fanatic is also packed with several offensive and defensive sound effects and phrases (“Tackle somebody!  Anybody!” and “Bears have an amazing sense of smell, and I smell a TOUCHDOWN!”), activated with a pat on his paws. Launch date: Fall 2011.

These miniature ice cream makers take three minutes to turn ingredients (sugar, milk cream, water, and anything else like to add like nuts, raisins, or candy) into an iced confection. There's no motor or batteries...the only energy required is a little vigorous shaking. Simply place ice cubes and salt into the lower part of the cup, and fill the top with sweetened juice, milk or cream. Fasten the lid and shake. The salt quickly melts the ice, which makes the aluminum plate super-cold, turning the liquid into ice cream, ice milk, or sorbet. Available in assorted animal characters (polar bear, cat, seal, dog, penguin)

There are 10 Gomu erasers for each of Spin Master's 10 themes. These little erasers come in singles and in packs. The erasers vary in rarity, and you can track how many Gomu points you have on their website (the more rare the Gomu, the higher the point value).

These erasers from TY are tiny animals that can be taken apart and reassembled. The first release of Beanie Eraserz included 14 characters.

This ghostly marshmallow plays the main theme from the movie “Ghostbusters” when you press his tummy. Choose between happy or sad.

These cute eggs come in a variety of characters. You can switch around their heads to let them have a chance to experience a different costume. They also wind up and walk.

These helium-filled clownfish balloons are remote controlled to "swim" through the air. The infrared remote functions include climb, descend, and tail fin control. Up to a 40 ft range. 57 inches long, 36 inches high. Launch date: 2011.
— As of 10/14/2011 this product had 3.3 out of 5 stars from 16 reviews on ToysRUs.com. Pros: Entertaining. Cons: Flimsy; hard to balance; does not work well in areas with AC, fans, or open doors or windows.

This microphone was developed in conjunction with the eponymous hip-hop artist, notorious for his auto-tuned jams. The hand-held wireless microphone plays three different beats to sing over, and records your voice. It features pitch-correction. Launch date: Fall 2011.

Everything you need to build your own Hexbug Nano Habitat that glows in the dark. Batteries included.

The regular Hexbugs and the HEXBUG Nano Hive Habitat Set won the Specialty Toy of the Year Award at the 2012 American International Toy Fair. This glow in the dark version features the same motion sensors and scuttling capabilities that made the original version so popular. Glow in the dark habitats are also available. Batteries included.
— Jamie Merlavage of Tree House Toy Shop in Cumberland, Md., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that they sell about a dozen HEXBUG Nanos each month.
— Mary Porter Green, owner of The Curiosity Zone  in Ashburn, Va., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey about best-selling toys that she sells a dozen HEXBUGS each month.
— In a March 2012 survey, 2 out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that Hexbugs were their best selling product. Mike DiAndrea, manager of Hardware Toys in Paoli, Pa., said that they sell dozens of different styles of Hexbugs each month, and that the line has been a best seller for more than a year now.

Tupac Shakur has sold over seventy five million albums worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists in the world. Naturally, the next step was to become a bobblehead. Launch date: Early 2011.

Biggie is celebrated as one of the greatest rap artists and is described as "the savior of East Coast hip-hop." That’s why he has his own bobblehead. Launch date: Early 2011.

These sparkling silicone bands can be stretched out to fit around a child's wrist, but they always go back to their original shape. The 24-Pack Baby Boy Series includes: Pacifier, Baby Boy, Safety Pin, Rabbit, Stroller, Rocking Horse.