July 2012 Notable Toys — General Toys

This 85-piece set contains 72 easy-to-handle building blocks in a variety of brightly colored, interlocking geometric shapes, 8 wheels to construct buildings and vehicles with and 5 figurines. A convenient handled carrying case stores all the blocks neatly away when not in use.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval
— Mary Porter Green, owner of Curiostiy Zone in Ashburn, Va.,  told TDmonthly in a May 2015 survey that this was a best-selling construction toy at their store.

Put this glow-boratory to the test with 20 experiments that will help you answer questions like, what makes a glowing ball bounce and, what does fake snow have in common with spaghetti? View the experiments with a hand-held black light, build a lava lamp, and create glowing alien blood. Test out projects that teach about these 9 principles of science: fluorescence, phosphorescence, chemiluminescence, bioluminescence, polymers, non-Newtonian fluids, carbon dioxide reactions, crystal formation, and nucleation. This kit includes: a handheld black-light activator, 4 glow sticks, mix-n-measure scoop, fluorescent ink, beaker, mixing cup, 3 creature molds, 2 test tubes and stand, funnel, bouncy ball mold, glow-in-the-dark powder, bouncy ball polymer, jelly balls polymer, fake snow polymer, star stickers, and a 24-page Lab Book.

Snap parts together to build different circuits, and watch the different pieces light up. Includes fiber optics over a light organ that can be connected to an iPod; the lights will flash to the beat of the music. Includes strobe lights with different plates so kids can experiment with strobe patterns, white LED lights, glow in the dark and lighted fan blades, a light up egg, and more.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval

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With six athlete figures primed and ready to play, this set comes fully equipped with everything kids need to have a complete game experience. Goalie figures connect to an included goal joystick that allows kids to control the goalies' movements from behind the goal net. This compact and travel-ready set also includes a 22 x 33 inch field, soccer ball and other accessories.

With sturdy metal construction and pivoting front wheels, this kid-size shopping cart is easy to maneuver, fun to fill and built to last. Dimensions: 23.25" x 15" x 11.75" Assembled.

With a detachable roof and changeable transparencies in the command canter. The balance Racer can be turned into a propeller or a jet-car racer. Launch date: August 2012.

Grab your spatula and dig into this silly, burger-slidin’ game. Race to fill your paper plates with burgers with each different topping or scoop up all the burgers with matching toppings—either way, the sliding burgers won’t make it easy.

With a simple click, wheels, cockpits, wings and panels attach to the magnetic bars. 48 magnetic pieces provide building variation and fun that reaches the finish. 18 medium bars, four long bars, two cockpits, four pairs of wheels, ten metal balls, two ramps, two containers, and four panels. Giant, non-swallowable 1.8 inch diameter metal balls.

With over 90 different attachments the Nexus offers maximum play value. With attachments like wheels, a scoop, hands, feet, wings, springs and more, the possibilities for creations are endless. Build a flying Martian, a hovering robot, or objects that fly, drive, and spin. The Nexus includes 4 flexible OGOBILD balls for hours of fun, and increased variety.

Sunflowers have been become an iconic symbol of van Gogh's work. Many of his Sunflower paintings were done in the Yellow House in Arles and were used to decorate the room he created for Gauguin.  The vibrant colors and simplistic beauty of the paintings have led many artists to try and duplicate their beauty.  The Sunflowers Master Kitz includes all the tools your child needs to create their own Sunflowers masterpiece and the learning materials to deepen their understanding of van Gogh the artist and the time he spent in Arles. Each Sunflowers Master Kitz contains: A sturdy, re-usable art tool box with magnetic closures; 3 Custom Acrylic Paints (child friendly); 1 van Gogh Roller specially designed to replicate van Gogh’s active stroke; 2 re-usable Sunflower stencils; 1 foam paint brush; 2 pieces deluxe art paper; Fun, easy-to-understand van Gogh learning materials; Easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval

Stop by the Harbor Cafe for a little snack while strolling along the waterfront. Enjoy tasty treats and wonderful views from the dock. Includes Cafe building; Playmobil characters: Mother, Child, & Waiter; Table with umbrella & chairs; Beverages & food; Menu sign; and Birds & plant.

The ultimate Giant "Space Dome" is ready for hours of uninterrupted solar system adventures. Our futuristic "pod" design has ample room for an entire crew of explorers. This new design folds "flat" in seconds and opens just as easy. This stealth flaps, several mesh observation ports, roof top portholes for telescopic viewing and "stuff" pouches for all that space gear. This modular has its own self contained floor, so it can withstand spills and wet grass. Set it up indoors or out. Be prepared to connect the "Space Dome" together with "Lunar Tubes" and additional "Space Domes" for a colony of super play fun.
— As of 06/06/2012, this item was the #3 best selling tent in the Kids' Furniture & Room Décor category on Amazon.com.
— As of 05/18/2012 this product has 4.4 out of 5 stars from 62 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Easy to put up and take down; much larger than most tents for kids. Cons: Some users reported difficulty with the zippers.

Ready, Set, Pogo - Jump high, fast and far. This Pogo Stick has soft grip handles, non-slip footrest and a wide rubber foot for extra stability. It has a padded frame for added comfort, too. Includes an encased metal spring for extra safety. Bounces up to 24 inches. Recommended weight is 44-99 lbs.
— Patti Tepper-Rasmussen, owner of Learning Tree Toys, Games & Books, Inc in Oklahoma City, Okla., told TDmonthly in a March 2014 survey that the pogo sticks were a best-selling outdoor toy.

The new Super Miracle Bubbles Bubble Turbine is guaranteed to provide kids and adults with the seamless ability to create humongous bubbles and a variety of spectacular bubble tricks. Includes Instructional Booklet and Super Miracle Bubbles Premium Plus Solution in 100% recyclable bottle.

1000 pc puzzle features artwork by Donald Zolan. A good family activity, or for older children to complete alone.

Builders ages 3+ can create a train, garage, bridge and more or accelerate their imagination with other ideas. The Tinkertoy Transit set includes 150 durable, plastic pieces including spools, straight rods, bendable rods, wheels, eyes, two buildable figures and more. The newly redesigned Tinkertoy pieces snap together and stay together for long-lasting play. The colorful guide provides a variety of ideas for all building skill levels. Comes in a sturdy box with lid for easy storage and portability. September 2012.

Kids can build an atomically cool coaster with dueling action, using over 850 K'NEX pieces to create a thrilling roller coaster building experience. 2 dueling cars twist, turn, and dive as they race through over 37 feet of track. The Atomic Coaster builds over 4 feet tall and includes a motorized chain lift. Color-coded, easy-to-follow building instructions are included. Go to the K'Nex website to download instructions for a 2nd coaster model. Launch date: September 2012.
Awards: 2012 Best in Play at Toy Fair - Parenting Magazine

A fast paced game for the entire family. Race to the Dino-Cave but don't be sent back to the Dino-Bath. Large 5" dinosaurs that kids jump and switch, will have kids screaming in minutes. "Beautiful color graphics and an over-sized playing board," Don Rosenthal, president of LuvyDuvy Corporation, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 2009.
Awards: 2009 Creative Child Magazine Seal of Excellence; 2010 National Parenting Magazine Seal of Approval; 2011 Parents' Choice Fun Stuff Award.

Ms. Frizzle and her students take Young Scientists on a wild ride while becoming attracted to magnificent magnets. Young Scientists go on a magnetic scavenger hunt, build a compass, make magnetic slime, design magnetic faces, experiment with lodestone, play magnetic games, hold magnetic car races, and much, much more. This magnified kit includes a colorful poster with a racing track, game board, and experiment diagrams. Seatbelts everyone! Get ready and become Attracted to Magnificent Magnets. Launch date: January 2012.
Awards: 2012 PALS award

Bring the playground to the back yard with the Kiddi-o® Parallel See Saw. For added safety this See Saw keeps children parallel to the ground at all times. High back seats provide extra support and spring loaded stoppers underneath allow an easy landing. Launch date: May 2012.

The goal is to move the colored tokens through the maze to their respective corners. To do this, players must pass through turnstiles, shifting walls to form new pathways...and new barriers. Clever challenges exercise strategic thinking muscles, as one turn may lead to victory or may leave players stranded.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval

Made of 70 denier flame retardant polyester taffeta. Has eight sturdy handles so kids can get a good grip. Parachutes clean easily with a damp cloth and mild soap; carry bag included.

The world's first underwater slingshot for a rocket blast of fun.  Water activated safety mechanism unlocks safely underwater for fun play. Toy is 10" long.

A boxed set includes an anteater, Dalmation, lemur, panda, penguin and skunk. Printed on recycled board, these cards will stand up to baby's explorations. Each 5x7" card is beautifully finished with matte varnish and child-friendly rounded corners. Wee Gallery animals are made of high-contrast repeating patterns to stimulate visual development in infants.