August 2010 Notable Toys — All

Cleverly loaded with a stealth audio device, this pen can record, save and play back "evidence." The pen includes a USB connection so kids can connect and upload files to a PC. The Spy Pen also links to SpyNetHQ.com to unlock a lie detector so "agents" can upload and analyze their evidence.

For missions requiring advanced stealth, this flexible snake-like camera attachment gets into the most hard to reach places. Kids can connect it to the Spy Net Video Watch to see around, below and above objects, like corners, fences and more.

This watch is packed with high-tech features including a working hidden video camera and audio system with onboard memory so young "agents" can record and save 20 minutes of crisp and clear video, or up to three hours of audio "evidence" or even still photos. Kids can play back all of their "evidence" on a built-in, ful-color 1.4 inch TFT video screen, then upload their files to a PC via the included USB connection.
— As of 1.06.2011 this product had 3.5 out of 5 stars from 73 reviews on Amazon.com and was No. 30 on the top 100 bestselling toys and games. Pros: Multiple Functions keep kids entertained. Cons: Reports of watches not taking a charge or losing the charge.

This fashion doll replicates the character from the series "Neon Genesis Evangelion." She wears her EVA plug suit uniform and comes with an extra outfit and doll stand. Pullip dolls are fully articulated and have big eyes that can blink and move from side to side.

This fashion doll precisely reproduces outfits from the film "Roman Holiday." The Pullip doll is modeled after Audrey Hepburn and stands 12." She wears a blouse, skirt, scarf, shoes and bonnet and comes with a doll stand. Pullip dolls are fully articulated and have big eyes that can blink and move from side to side.

This oversize pink Wippy plush stands a whopping 24" and is designed to be ultra-huggable.

This oversize green Mij plush stands a whopping 24" and is designed to be ultra-huggable.
— Uglydolls are “so different; they have an unusual charm to them. They're cuddly," Amy Barrett, owner of Lasso the Moon Wonderful Toys in Helena, Mont., told TDmonthly in July 2010.
— Eleven percent of 38 specialty retailers told TDmonthly in summer 2010 that Uglydolls are a collectible best seller.

Uglycorns are a rare, fantastical breed. This plush stands 7" and features a horn and wings.

Yamodo! Party Time challenges players to draw and define a set of made-up Yamodo! words. The game becomes comical as each player attempts to explain his or her words. Awards: The Toy Man Q2 Top 10 Award

This winter-themed DVD is the first "Thomas & Friends" CG-animated holiday special. The disc features interactive dialogue and educational storylines.

Designed for childcare settings, his rocker is quiet and contained on all sides. It is tip-resistant and features a roomy 20" seat design.

Celebrating the martial artist's 70th anniversary, the 1:6 scale Bruce Lee Collectible Figure is specially crafted based Lee's 1973 "Enter the Dragon" film character. The figure comes with several sets of fists and film diorama backdrops.

This linen journal captures the classic "Goldilocks" fairy tale. The book is also available with Swarovski crystal accents.

This 9" x 9" photo album, adorned with a pink tassel, captures the magic of a child's day at the beach and is accented with sparkling Swarovski crystals. The book is also available in plain classic linen.

This sweet 9" x 9" linen photo album is adorned with a gold tassel and is designed to capture children's summer memories. This book is also available with Swarovski crystal accents.

These 14.5" bean-filled monkey characters wear stylish, warm knit clothing and caps. Both feature the signature banana in tail and Velcro hands for easy hanging.

Each Fancy Pal is a purse and plush animal in one. The animals can be mixed and matched with different carriers. This assortment of Mini Fancy Pals includes two puppies and kittens in green, pink, purple or red carriers, each of which is embroidered with a holiday themed item such as candy cane or ribbon.

This Dreamy Eyes series features a moose, mouse, monkey and puppy accented with festive Holiday garb. Each 5" plush plays three different Christmas carols when squeezed.

This bean-filled brown bear is available in 12" and 18" sizes for $14.99 and $29.99 respectively. Love to Cuddle Bear sports a festive green knit cap, and matching mittens dangle from around his neck.

This Star Wars LEGO set includes Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, R2-D2, C-3PO and a sandtrooper. The landspeeder vehicle conceals a secret lightsaber compartment and measures 6" x 2" x 2".
— “We sell an amazing amount of LEGO,” Barbara Fineblum, owner of Barston’s Child’s Play in Baltimore, Md., told TDmonthly in June 2010. Shanna Frieling, owner of Giggles Toy & More in Bozeman, Mont., agreed: “Legos are still the best sellers.”
— In a June 2010 survey of 40 retailers, six named LEGO a top seller for boys ages 4 to 12.
AWARDS: 2010 TDmonthly Top Seller (entire LEGO line)

This dinosaur-themed Silly Bandz 24-pack includes T-Rex, Velociraptor, Brontosaurus, Triceratops and more. These bands can be collected, worn or traded with friends.
— “Rubber band bracelets … are a big hit for both boys and girls,” Patti Tepper-Rasmussen, owner of Learning Tree Toys, Games & Books Inc in Oklahoma City, Okla., told TDmonthly in June 2010.
— In a June 2010 survey of 40 retailers, three named rubber band bracelets a top-selling toy for boys.
— TDmonthly i first reported on kids collecting rubber band animals back in 2005.

These prescription swim goggles are available in half steps between -1.5 and -5.0 diopters, for clear-sighted underwater swimming. The goggles offer 100-percent UV protection, and have a smoke gray tinted lenses for added sun comfort. BanZ Prescription goggles are designed to fit ages 3 to adult and come with four changeable bridge pieces to get the fit right. A stylish goggle carrying case is included.

This four-wheel drive, remote-controlled vehicle can be navigated over land and on water. It has working headlights and requires two AA batteries. The controller takes an additional two AAA batteries (not included).
— Grafton Stine from Toys on the Square in Hummelstown, Pa., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that R/C vehicles from Kid Galaxy were their best-selling electronic toy.
— In a November 2011 survey, Elmer Carranza, assistant manager of Doodlehopper 4 Kids in Falls Church, Va., told TDmonthly that "The Morphibians are great. They can run through dirt, grass, puddle of water and look like sharks and frogs. We sell about 6-8 in a month."
—  As of August 2010, this product had 3.5 out of 5 stars from 40 reviews on Amazon.com. Parents liked that it is versatile and easy to use, but some complained that it required two types of batteries.

This green dragon add-on has red eyes and claws and breathes "fire." The dragon can be used with Playmobil castle and Dragon Land sets.
— Ten percent of 40 retailers cited Playmobil as a best seller for boys in early summer 2010.