August 2010 Notable Toys — Novelties

With the iCoffin gadget, kids can play games, “text" the Monster High friends, and get dreadfully cool details about all the creepy characters. Use the outside buttons to scroll and play electronic games, then slide out the keypad to type special messages.

This 18" ladybug is made of soft red and black plush. Open the velcro closure to use the bug as a pillow, then close the velcro to create a soft pet.
— According to Cynthia Wyatt, president of Totally Thomas Toy Depot in San Diego, My Pillow Pets were on the store’s top-10 best-seller list in July 2010. “Soft and cuddly!” she told TDmonthly. “They are the perfect pal for naptime and nighttime. They sell well … when we can get them, that is!”
— As of 8.03.2010, this product had 3.5 out of 5 stars from 23 reviews on Amazon.com and was No. 11 in the top 100 best-selling toys and games. PROS: Soft, cuddly and kids respond well to it. CONS: Some parents questioned whether it is actually washable.
— Want this? As of 05/06/2011, this product was available for purchase at Toys & Co.

These stylish silicone skulls are ready to be filled with batter and baked into perfect cupcake craniums. Four silicone skull molds are included in each set.

This super-soft oversize plush is 12" tall and even wider than that for extra huggability.

This super-soft plush measures 8" tall and is even wider than that for extra huggability.

This squeezable, functional, and collectible backpack is a humorous and unique way to store belongings. The Rotta Back Buddy is based on the "Star Wars: Clone Wars" character and includes an adorable baby Huttlet that nestles inside.

Made from heat-attracting "Absorba" plastic, this giant solar airship needs only a small amount of sunlight to cause the air inside to expand and thus lift the airship into the sky. It measures 26' long. Awards: Tillywig Toy Awards Sterling Fun Winner

An inflatable base holds the bubble liquid around the perimeter, allowing people to stand inside while the bubble wand is moved up over their heads. This product aims to teach the physics behind bubbles. Full instructions for use, plus instructions on how to make bubble solution, are included. Awards: Tillywig Toy Awards Sterling Fun Winner

Kids can touch the wire to hear a buzz, and if unlucky, a very loud bang. Patented gearing means the balloon could burst on the first or 21st contact with the wire. Awards: Tillywig Toy Awards Sterling Fun Winner

These bright tropical fish swim around their bowl all day long while requiring none of the feeding, cleaning, or careful temperature monitoring of a real aquarium. The round bowl and simulated rock base offer an attractive and realistic appearance.
― When asked about her top-selling electronic or battery-operated toys in June 2010, Diana Nelson, owner of Kazoo & Company in Denver, Colo., said “this whole line” from Fascinations, including the Magic Fish Bowl.

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 novelty action figure portrays BP CEO Tony Hayward.

Tutulu and his sister Mij are always getting into trouble. They get all A’s, they clean their room before asked to, they say “please” and “thank you” all time, and they always tell the truth. See? I know, right? Something MUST be up, totally. So perhaps you wouldn’t mind keeping an eye on them? Tutulu is obviously fond of you, as he’s used his psychic powers to call you to him. “Read my tag, read my tag.” Tutulu likes to think of himself as a sort of fortune teller. If his ears wobble when you pick him up, it means you’re going to have a lot of good luck. He’s approximately 12” to 14” tall, but comes in other sizes, too.

This neon green Uglydoll has pink eyes and a leafy head.

This magenta Uglydoll has a teardrop-shaped head.

This black Uglybot features "robotic" hands and green teeth.
— Seven percent of 43 retailers named Uglydolls an overall best seller in a late summer 2010 TDmonthly survey.
— In August 2010 David Plenn of The Dinosaur Farm in South Pasadena, Calif., told TDmonthly his store sells about 30 Uglydolls each month.

This blue Uglybot features "robotic" hands, red eyes and green teeth.

These multicolored shaped rubber bands can be worn, collected or traded. This set features Daisy, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, Pluto and Mickey.

These multicolored shaped rubber bands can be worn, collected or traded. This set features Cinderella, Snow White and other Disney Princess favorites.

These multicolored shaped rubber bands can be worn, collected or traded. This set features Jessie, Bullseye, a spaceship, Buzz and Woody.

Life goes from Hollywood to Michigan to Mars when Lisa and her family take in her grandmother who has dementia. The Weavers quickly discover the “comicals” of Nora Jo bring a whole new realm of “crazy” to their copasetic abode. And the question becomes, how high a price can they pay for this traumatic change? "As Nora Jo Fades Away is a great read with an even grander cause: to create action and awareness," Lisa Goldman, Five Star Publications office coordinator, told TDmonthly.
Awards: 2010 Paris Book Festival Romance Award First Place

Ze Super Zeros are hero friends whose super powers and problems blend. Each Super Zero has a "mini" power and a related challenge that aims to teach kids to embrace what makes them unique and find their inner Super Zero. The Super Zeros measure 9" tall and feature removable capes and pouches to contain kids' special treasures.