June 2009 Notable Toys — Creative Activities

Think-ets Deluxe "Teacher Edition" contains a distinctive assortment of 30 miniature trinkets specially selected for storytelling and imaginative play. Like the original Think-ets, there are 10 different games. The Teacher Edition comes with three formal lesson plans and more activities and applications. Think-ets Deluxe is the larger version of the Original award-winning Think-ets game, and may be used by teachers, ESL teachers, speech therapists, school psychologists, trainers and others. Think-ets utilizes "unique manipulatives from around the world [that] have many educational applications," CEO Randy Compton of Think-a-lot Toys told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2009.

Think-ets Genius is a more challenging version of the Original award-winning Think-ets game. There are 12 new games and 15 new miniature items from around the world for creative storytelling and intriguing word games. Players can use the trinkets to tell a “Surprise Story,” a “Time Warp Story” or an “Interrupted Story,” or use them to play “Name That Word,” “Ghost” or “Killer Mouse.” Think-ets Genius may be used for creative family or group fun, or one-on-one parent-child time. "Think-ets Genius uses tiny treasures from around the world for imaginative play and critical thinking, all within a cool, portable tin," CEO Randy Compton of Think-a-lot Toys told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2009.

T-me Design-Your-Own is a do-it-yourself kit that includes everything a child needs to design his or her own wearable artwork. She can draw a picture using the markers and papers in the kit, choose her favorite T-shirt style from the enclosed catalog, and mail the drawing to the company in the pre-paid return envelope. In 10 days, she'll receive her very own wearable art. The kit's T-shirt-shaped packaging converts into an easel-style picture frame so kids can easily display their favorite artwork.

Designed to give children ideas for creative filming while using the home video camera, this book includes a slate to mark takes, outlines gimmicks and gags, and provides step-by-step instructions on cool techniques, such as staging disappearances or fight scenes (where no one gets hurt). The guide is authored by John Cassidy and Nicholas Berger.
— “It's the Klutz that sells best,” said Patti Tepper-Rasmussen, owner of Learning Tree Toys in Oklahoma City, Okla., during an April 2009 survey of best-selling playsets and activity kits. 
— “Klutz is probably still my No. 1 seller. They have lots going on,” Pat Jensen, owner of Northwind Kites in Anchorage, Alaska, told TDmonthly. 
— “I sell a huge amount of Klutz books,” said Amy Barrett, owner of Lasso the Moon Wonderful Toys in Helena, Mont., in spring 2009.

The Make A Plate® Kits are a great way to capture the imagination of the young artist in a usable product that is dishwasher safe and break resistant. A classroom kit that has enough templates for your child’s classroom or parties, each kit contains 50 drawing templates, 2 packs of markers, one order form, one pre-addressed return envelope, one instruction sheet and one label to expedite your order. Have one plate made or have all 50 made at once. You decide which ones and when, after you’ve created the design. Pay only for processing the artwork that you send to the Magic Factory™. Processing is only $5.95 per plate (CAN $7.95 USD). After all, teachers and families have been making memories and we have been making them special since 1969!
— In an October 2011 survey about best selling personalized and keepsake items, Kim Emigh, manager of e-commerce at Growing Tree Toys in State College, Pa., told TDmonthly that their top selling item is "The Make a Plate kit - hands down!"

The Incredible Treasure Hunt Party Games are themed Treasure Hunt Party Kits that come complete with a beautiful wooden treasure chest, a set of themed clues, eight party invitations, and eight prize-filled loot bags containing more than 60 themed prizes. They are designed to offer everything parents need to host a fun and exciting party. There are three steps to set-up. First, hide the clues and treasure chest in the designated areas found on the Secret Hiding Places Guide prior to the party. Next, gather the party-goers around, and then, read the first clue aloud to start the Incredible Treasure Hunt. "The real wooden chest is a substantial and attractive piece that sets it apart from other games, and the cute characters, clever clues and multiple themes to choose from make it unique," Lisa Howard, CEO of Party Innovations, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

This Felt Tales play set includes 19 soft, safe pieces that allow children to create colorful scenes on the portable board that includes a carry handle. It measures 15" W x 12" H. Launch date: 2009.

The Work-Home Collection offers both Worktown Mat™ and Hometown Mat™, offering a variety of fun platforms to support kids' imagination of work and home life. Launch date: April 2009.

Decorate your window with fun circus creatures! This package contains 6 colors with glitters, 1 outline, patterns, PVC sheets.

This set includes 4 tubs of bathtub paint in red, blue, green and yellow. Just squeeze and write!

This set includes 4 tubs of neon modeling dough in red, blue, green and yellow. Also available with glitter.

This Bumble Bee costume includes a lycra leotard and organza tutu. Wings and headpiece are included. The costume is available in sizes XSC, SC and MC. Launch date: May 31, 2009.

The So Sweet dress features a stretch velvet bodice and glitter mesh over a satin inset, plus tulle over the organza skirt. It is available in sizes XSC, SC, MC and LC. "Our award-winning products have been proudly manufactured in the USA for over 15 years and use the finest fabrics and trims to create truly sophisticated dress up apparel," Renee Stojek, marketing director for A Wish Come True, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

This kit includes printed cotton canvas, a doll pattern, scissors, needle, thread and stuffing so that kids can make their own dolly. Awards: TDmonthly Top Toy 2009.

Where to Buy: Creative Kidstuff

3 times award winning kit containing pre-cut wooden pieces, paint, glue and varnish to make a bird café. Even includes a splash mat to keep your surfaces clean

A great kit for children to learn to knit. With fully illustrated easy-to-follow instructions, knitting needles, yarn, stuffing and cute felt pieces to bring your elephant to life.

Batter up with Sticky Mosaics®! Complete four fun filled pictures with our foil and foam stickers, then hang them on your wall. Includes four templates, four wall hangers, and over 2700 foil and foam sticky tiles.

Bring your four favorite fairies to life with this shimmering decorate by number kit. Each picture is a different fairy to hang on your wall. Includes four fairy designs, over 3000 sparkling tiles and jewels, and four wall hangers.

My First Sticky Mosaics® bring all the fun of Sticky Mosaics® to pre-schoolers! Match shapes and colors to create your own mosaic masterpiece. Includes 5 templates, 5 wall hangers, and over 1000 sticky foam pieces.

This set of acrylic paints includes six classic colors in a tube-brush format. The paints may be used on glass, wood, ceramics and other surfaces.

This kit includes six, 4-oz. containers of handmade soft dough made with organic flour, sea salt, cream of tartar, canola oil, natural plant and vegetable colors, natural scent extracts and natural preservatives. The lemon, orange, lime, strawberry, cherry and grape dough varieties are packaged with several different play dough tools. Clementine Art products are available exclusively at Whole Foods stores through 2009.

Artists can make this action figure of President Barack Obama their own, having the creative freedom to paint, decorate and display him as they wish. The figurine stands 6" tall and has 8 points of articulation.

This birthday-themed Kids Color Tissue Box® kit features birthday party-related illustrations such as confetti, balloons, and presents for a child to color in. Each Kids Color Tissue Box® kit includes 2 Coloring boxes, 4 Crayola® Crayons, and 2 packs of Hankeez Brand facial tissues, each with 80 SuperSoft 2-ply tissues in each pack. The tissue box size measues 4 3/8" x 4 3/8" at the base, and 4 3/4" tall.

This educational-themed Kids Color Tissue Box® kit features educational items such as alphabets and shapes for the child to color in. Each Kids Color Tissue Box® kit includes 2 Coloring boxes, 4 Crayola® Crayons, and 2 packs of Hankeez Brand facial tissues, each with 80 SuperSoft 2-ply tissues in each pack. The tissue box size measues 4 3/8" x 4 3/8" at the base, and 4 3/4" tall.