July 2012 Notable Toys — Play Sets

Inspired by the new hit Disney/Pixar animated film, Brave. Merida is a Scottish princess with triplet younger brothers. The Brave Transforming Triplets set captures the mischief of the three boys and their magical adventures. With unique poses that highlight the boys’ playful personalities, plus the ability to transform the characters into adorable bear cubs, girls will delight in reenacting scenes that feature these charming brothers. Bears cannot stand alone.

Bucky sails in straight from the Jake and the Neverland Pirates show. Bucky comes fully equipped with all the necessities a young pirate would want in order to fend off the evil deeds of Captain Hook and Smee. Bucky has 3 push buttons on the deck of the ship. The 1st button activates the cannon. Load the spring loaded cannon with the water ball projectiles and press the button to shoot them. If kids press the 2nd button they'll see the infamous Tic Toc Croc explode out the side of the hidden trap door chomping away. When kids push the third button they will activate sound effects, Jake phrases, and the theme song. There is also a working slide for the figures to slide down into action. And Bucky has captain quarters to play inside. Bucky comes with Jake and Skully figures.
— As of 07/16/2012 this product had 4.6 out of 5 stars from 9 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Durable; encourages imaginative play. Cons: The boat is not waterproof.

Inspired by the new hit Disney/Pixar animated film, Brave. At the heart of Disney/Pixar’s Brave is the tender tale of a daughter and mother whose different views lead them to unexpected adventures. Now, girls can play out this special story with the Brave Story Gift Set. Featuring key characters from the film in small doll form, the gift set includes a Merida doll, wearing a beautiful MagiClip fashion and elegant Queen Elinor in regal attire, and the ability to transform Merida’s mother into her dainty mum bear character, just like in the movie. To extend play, the set also comes with a cape, an additional fashion for Merida, a cake and her beloved bow-and-arrow set.

Zane ZX is all powered up and ready to take on the evil Serpentine enemies. With Spinjitzu ice shields and incredible weapons, it's a bad day to battle the Spinjitzu masters. Customize spinners like never before with the Zane ZX minifigure, shields, blades, LEGO lift brick, golden weapon and 2 regular weapons. Use the 4 battle cards included in the set to influence the outcome.

Defeat the Great Devourer in the epic battle between good versus evil.  The Great Devourer has been awakened and threatens to devour the world of Ninjago. Can the legendary green ninja, riding the awesome 4-headed Ultra Dragon, overpower this evil adversary? Can Lord Garmadon harness the power of the 4 golden weapons of Spinjitzu to destroy the mighty snake and what about Sensei Wu? Can Jay defeat the evil snake Generals Acidicus, Skalidor and snake soldier Chokun to release his master from the impenetrable snake prison? Includes 7 minifigures: Lloyd ZX, Jay ZX, Sensei Wu, Lord Garmadon, Acidicus, Skalidor and Chokun. Set features 4-headed Ultra Dragon, The Great Devourer, snake prison, Hypnobrai fang blade with blue anti-venom capsule, 4 golden weapons and 7 regular weapons.
— As of 07/16/2012 this product had 4.4 out of 5 stars from 5 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Very large set with many pieces; dragon's jaw can open and close. Cons: One user said that when they tried to play with the product after it was built, the blocks fell apart.

Our blanket and tutu duo is the ultimate for play and nap time. It provides dress up time as well as nap time. Launch date: March 2012.

Our Truck activity table will drive any boy wild. The table top has roads, road signs and train tracks for boys to drive their toy trucks and trains. 4 different Truck Chairs make the adorable play set complete. 36”diameter, 18” H. Launch date: June 2000.

A Fairy Doll & Backpack that is Six Gifts in One. A gift that develops imagination & creativity for girls 3-8. The Follow Me Fairies ® Activity Pack is a plush child-sized backpack complete with an adorable removable fairy and a variety of fun play items. On-the-go playtime has never been easier for busy parents. Place the fairy right in the holder on the backpack, and children will be instantly ready to leave the house for a happy travel playtime experience. Launch date: November 2011.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval, 2012 Parent's Choice Classic Fun Stuff Award; 2012 Tillywig Sterling Fun Toy Award; 2012 Creative Play of the Year Award - Creative Child Magazine; 2012 Travel Fun of the Year Award - Creative Child Magazine.

The boldness of a beautiful play zone without the loss of space. Take a step into prehistoric times with the large Dino-Land Museum Collection™ Playmat. See what life with the Dinosaurs was like from the volcanoes to tar pits to plant life everywhere. Graze with the other dinos or chase after prey with the fierce Tyrannosaurus Rex. Museum Collection™ Dino-Land includes 4 museum quality animals and a large wipe clean 2-sided playmat. Mat is 28.5 x 21.0 inches.

A best-selling concept — children's dramatic play kitchens — just took a great leap forward with the addition of the Hideaway Playtime and Country Kitchens. In a few simple steps, the Hideaway Kitchen compacts to a depth of 6", allowing it to be efficiently stored when not in use. Offers plenty of features including a sink, a stove; an oven; a dishwasher; functioning knobs, clock and more. Adult assembly required. 30"W x 15.25"D x 38"H
— In a May 2012 survey, Maryalice Miner, co-owner of Miner's Doll & Toy Store in Ocean Springs, Miss., told TDmonthly that she sells 3-4 of this high-ticket item each year.

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 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.

Get to the airport on time with the 1.2.3 Airport Shuttle Bus. Equipped with a luggage compartment, this shuttle can accommodate three passengers and one driver, all included. This set, with its colorful and rounded pieces, is perfect for toddlers who love toys on wheels. Recommended for ages 18 months and up.
— David Stelzer, owner of Shananigans in Baltimore, Md., told TDmonthly in an October 2014 survey that Playmobil 123 was one of his store's best-selling line of preschool toys.

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.

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.

This kayak really floats in the water. Accessory for the Playmobil Harbor play sets.

Girls can help Polly doll tend her garden with this adorable play set, which includes lattice, flowers, and watering can. Each play piece incorporates a suction cup so kids can arrange them any way they want.
— Danny Givens, owner of Little Dickens Toys in Lynchburg, Va., told TDmonthly that their best selling licensed brand is Polly Pocket.

The mid-sized police station and airport hangar clamp onto a table, door or other surface to create the ultimate adventure, featuring multiple levels, working elevators and clamps. Not for use with some Matchbox vehicles. Each set sold separately.

Complete with secret hiding place for storing buried treasure, the Super Set Pirates Cove is the perfect set for young swashbucklers looking for the next adventure. Set includes two figures, a fortress with secret compartment, a working cannon, dinghy and oars, and additional accessories.
— In an April 2012 survey, Ming Yang co-owner of Richard's Variety Store in Atlanta, Ga., told TDmonthly that Playmobil is "always a stable item" in the construction category.
— In a Summer 2012 survey, Cynthia Phillips Strinich, owner of Phillip's Toy Mart in Nashville, Tenn., told TDmonthly that Playmobil was an overall bestselling brand at her store.

The Power Rangers iconic Megazord comes in a sleek Samurai look. Three ways to play: 1) Morph as Megazord mode; 2) Morph as Zord mode; 3) Morph with items in the ZordBuilder collection. The ZordBuilder collection takes Deluxe Megazords to an ultimate level. Collect and combine with: Cycles or Zord Vehicles (#31550 or #31565, each sold separately). Collect all the Megazords and Zord Vehicles to create the Samurai GigaZord.
— As of 4/11/2012 this product had 4 out of 5 stars from 11 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Durable; has three modes of play. Cons: Difficult for kids to maneuver and connect.

On a dangerous journey aboard Destiny's Bounty, an ancient shipwreck, Sensei Wu and the ninja have located the powerful golden Hypnobrai staff deep inside of the secret snake shrine. As they land the flying ship in the water to seize the staff, Zane and Jay get a scaly surprise from Hynobrai General Skales and his accomplice warrior, Slithraa. Sensei Wu fires the ship's cannon into the battle until his ancient enemy, Lord Garmadon, appears. Can Sensei Wu protect the Ninjago treasures onboard without the help of the ninjas? Choose the battle in an epic showdown where the fate of the Ninjago world hangs in the balance. Includes 6 minifigures: Sensei Wu, Kendo Zane, Kendo Jay, Lord Garmadon, Skales and Slithraa; Destiny's Bounty ninja ship, snake staff shrine, golden Hypnobrai staff and 16 weapons.
— As of 4/11/2012 this product had 4.7 out of 5 stars from 9 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Lots of minifigs; sets are sturdy enough to play with after building.
— In an April 2012 survey, five of 13 retailers said that LEGO is their best selling construction brand. Melissa McCollum, owner of Learning Express in Hoover, Ala., told TDmonthly that they sell about 150 LEGO sets each month, especially from the Ninjago and DC Universe lines.