July 2010 Notable Toys — All

This bright blue plush hamster comes with a feature code that unlocks a world in which children and their hamsters can build 3-D mazes, play or share with friends. Multiple hamsters unlock new pieces for the maze and help build it faster.

This minifigure features a magic wand, a book of spells on a tilting pedestal, a desk, two beakers to hold magic potions and a little green dragon mascot.
— In late summer 2010, four of 43 specialty retailers surveyed told TDmonthly that LEGO products are an overall top seller.
— Gwen Bowden, manager of Doodlehopper 4 Kids in Springfield, Va., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that  LEGO minifigures are a best-seller: "LEGO minifigures have been one of our top sellers this month. We've sold about 2 a day, or about 65 in a month." Erika Evers, owner of Dancing Bear Toys in Hendersonville, N.C., agreed, saying that they sell "about 8 a day" at her store.

This Court Jester minifigure comes with three juggling balls, a stage and a flag. The stage measures over 2" high.

This collectible series one minifigure is detailed to resemble a costumed wrestler and comes loose in a blind package.

This collectible series one minifigure is detailed to resemble a futuristic robot and comes loose in a blind package.

This set is based on the Jim Henson PBS show Dinosaur Train. Included are three plastic dinosaur dinosaur figures, Mr. Pteranodon, Don, and Val.

This set is based on the Jim Henson PBS show Dinosaur Train. Included are a plastic Tank figure and a decorated train car to match.

This set is based on the Jim Henson PBS show Dinosaur Train. Included are a plastic Tiny figure and a decorated train car to match.

This book comes with three ready-to-design tiaras, and a stencil for making countless more, along with a treasure trove of sparkly pieces for decorating them. The kit comes with 21 jewels, 100 sequins in various shapes and sizes, 16 pompoms, 36 gel stickers, stencils and a glue stick.

This book comes with two tear-resistant paper puppies — a Chihuahua and a Yorkshire terrier. Their punch-out wardrobes include winter and summer outfits, rain gear and even a bikini. Unlike regular paper-doll duds, these clothes stay securely in place and look just as stylish from the back as they do from the front. Also included are accessories like food bowls, bones, a fluffy purple tutu and a convertible doggie carrier.

The Superhero Starter kit holds all the basics needed to launch little heroes. Provided are a red cape, masks, wrist shields and three pages of snazzy stickers so kids can accessorize their newly super selves.

This book is a celebration of the information that has been overlooked by the typical textbook. A creative map for each state makes flipping through the pages like taking a virtual road trip. Also included are goofy games, quizzes, puzzles and other diversions.

This prompted journal is filled with doodly artwork growing out of the corners and creeping up the edges of the pages like a wild vine of inspiration. There are also tons of activities, including “doodle-starters” — faintly printed guidelines of shapes and patterns. Clever journal prompts and drawing ideas mean there is never a struggle thinking of what to doodle. A custom-designed gel pen is included.

This plush toy is based on the character from the film "Despicable Me." The unicorn is pink and white  with a gold horn and measures 10."

This 10" plush is based on the cute "minion" character from the film "Despicable Me."

With their tan and chocolate brown faces, and light pink ears and cheeks on a light blue background, these cute chunky monkeys are designed to make kids go bananas. The socks are available in sizes 0-6 months, 6-12 months, 1-2 years and 2-4 years. They are also "eco-friendly and made in the USA!" Rock-a-Thigh Baby President Jennifer R. Dutcher told TDmonthly.

Kids can find out what the future holds with these fortune tellers. The book includes 24 fortune tellers and eight sticker sheets, and features a colorful lenticular flip cover. "Not only are our activity books fun and hip, they are produced with the lenticular technology. The front covers flip from one colorful image to another," Iscream Prepress Manager Leslie Montalbano told TDmonthly.

This 96-page activity book lets kids create lists that are all about them. "Not only are our activity books fun and hip, they are produced with the lenticular technology. Our covers flip from one colorful image to another," Leslie Montalbano, Iscream prepress manager, told TDmonthly.

This 90-minute, award-winning instructional handwriting DVD uses video modeling to teach modern manuscript letters. It supports D'Nealian penmanship programs and has breaks that show how to draw using select letters and Look2Write breaks to develop reading and writing skills.
Awards: 2010 Creative Child Magazine Media of the Year; Dr. Toy Best Vacation Products 2010

Every child can be Santa's Little Helper with this holiday cookie kit. Users can combine their favorite cookie recipes with the Curious Chef cookie cutters and utensils to create a unique holiday treat. "These are REAL cooking utensils designed to meet the unique needs of small hands, not toys. This means they actually work!" Shelly Schumacher, Curious Chef communications manager, told TDmonthly.

PhotoStory includes the complete cost of a professionally produced, full-color hardback photo book. A unique kit number is provided to help kids make a book online with user-friendly website. The bonus photography guidebook will teach kids how to use their camera. "Kids are getting digital cameras at very young ages and have no outlet for thier photos besides social networking sites. While there are many photobook options, we are the only one with a focus on this young market. We have hundreds of preloaded stickers and backgrounds which can be added to layered pages and are designed around what kids are photographing," Chapelle Brunk, Marketing Specialist, Creations by You, told TDmonthly.
Awards: 2010 Creative Child Magazine Kids Product of the Year

These organic toys come in three styles, including a three-page Pumpkin crinkle book, a bat rattle with crinkle wings and a cuddly ghost finger puppet. Each toy features knots and stitched details designed for safe teething, tugging and hugging. The stuffing material is natural corn fiber filling, so these toys are machine washable. Prices range from $9.99 to $12.99.

These winter toys come in three cheerful velour snowman styles: a puffy plush friend, an oversized crinkle book, and a cuddly blanket. Each toy features knots and stitched details designed for safe teething, tugging and hugging. The stuffing material is natural corn fiber filling, so these toys are machine washable. Prices range from $14.99 to $19.99.

The Nano Christmas Dome with real motion includes a miniature decorated Christmas tree illuminated with 20 LED lights and surrounded by meticulously hand-wrapped color foil packages. A tiny train moves on an elevated oval track around the holiday tree, and the high-quality, hand-blown glass dome rests securely in a recess on a resin base to provide dust protection.
Awards: 2009 USCA San Diego Award in the Professional Engineers Category