July 2014 Notable Toys — Electronics

With a flick of your wrist the Toysmith Light Up Rail Twirler moves around the 10.5 rail. The magnetic spin action and the light-up feature makes this fun and a bit of a game of skill. Requires 2 AG-13 batteries (included).
— In a July 2014 survey, one out of 14 retailers told TDmonthly that the Toysmith Light Up Rail Twirler was their store's best-selling electronic / battery operated toy.

Scientists have been exploring the earth and space science from as early as 4900 B.C. From ancient Egyptians, to Galileo, to Neil deGrasse Tyson, the secrets of the cosmos have kept us wondering, observing and learning. The littleBits Space Kit will enable anyone to build their own space investigations with little to no engineering knowledge. Included is a handy 30+ page booklet, with step-by-step instructions for 10 great projects like the ISS and Mars Rover. You'll also receive 2 9V battery + cables - everything you need to get started right out of the box.

Build a working electric fan using a circuit that consists of a fan blade rotor, electric motor, LED, resistor, switch, and battery holder. Learn how motors work, the role each electronic component plays in the circuit, and how fan blades push air to make wind.
— In a January 2015 survey, four out of 10 retailers told TDmonthly that Thames & Kosmos was their best-selling brand of STEM toys.

Connect these speakers to computers, iPhones, iPods, tablets, Android, game players & more. Multi-colored jets of water dance to the volume and beat of the music. That, added to the 4 multicolored LEDs, creates an incredible light and water show. The speakers stand 9" tall and are compatible with any audio device that has a 3.5mm audio jack connection. They are lightweight and portable. All connection cords are included.
— In a August 2014 survey, Stan Giliberto, owner of Over the Rainbow Toys in Glastonbury, Conn., told TDmonthly that this is one of their best-selling toys. "It's good for older kids who are starting to age out of toy stores," he explained.
— In a September 2014 survey, Beth Snyder, manager of Growing Tree Toys in State College, Pa., told TDmonthly that these speakers are one of the store's best-selling novelty items.

Features five evolved Nanos, sporting new looks, with three rubber spines on their backs, as well as a new system of tubular tracks that highlight the Nano V2’s unique multi-level climbing abilities. The Nano V2 can climb through tubes on its feet or on its back, and can pass another bug in a single tube to avoid a traffic jam. It can even flip to its feet when landing on its back on an open flat surface. Compatible with all other V2 sets.

The Strandbeast XL is 50% larger than the original Strandbeast, and features a mesmerizing eight-legged walking mechanism that gives it a graceful, smooth-walking stride. Includes a dual-channel remote control that allows the user to independently operate each side of the Strandbeast’s legs. HEXBUG Strandbeast XL is compliant with CPSIA standards.

Unleash creativity with an educational, entertaining, and useful 3D printer. Choose from hundreds of thousands of free, predesigned, and ready-to-print educational, entertaining, and useful 3D models on Thingiverse. For even more design possibilities, pair the MakerBot Replicator Mini with the MakerBot Digitizer Desktop 3D Scanner.
Awards: 2014 TDmonthly Top Toy Debut Award

Kinematics is a modular robotic construction kit, consisting of kinetic modules and adaptor blocks, which can be connected freely and without the use of cables. Kinematics is suitable for children from the age of 5 years and upwards, and with no computer skills being necessary, they may build interactive robots which have the ability to move. Exploring and playing with the Kinematic Blocks introduces children to the world of mechanics, sensors and renewable energy. The construction kit is a highly entertaining and useful teaching tool with an intuitive interface. The adaptor blocks enable Kinematics to be connected to other leading construction kits.

We just put a new twist on an old favorite. The Boogie Board Original 8.5 LCD eWriter that started a paperless revolution will soon be available in two exciting new color combinations – red case front with red LCD and cyan (blue) case front with cyan LCD! The new color LCDs feature the same writing experience that you’ve come to know and love from Boogie Board eWriter products. Write or draw with the included stylus or almost any other instrument – even your finger. Great for home, school and office – almost anywhere you use a paper and pen!
Awards: 2014 TDmonthly Top Toy Debut Award