August 2010 Notable Toys — Pretend Play

These easy-to-apply designs transfer 100-percent hypoallergenic high-grade mineral makeup to skin in seconds and can be applied multiple times. The kit comes complete with two fantastic designs. No water is necessary and they easily wipe away, yet are water and sweat resistant. Simply place each stamp, press firmly over the image, then peel to instantly reveal an image of a favorite character and design. Awards: 2010 ASTRA Must See Item at International Toy Fair; 2010 National Parenting Center Seal of Approval

This realistic interactive lawnmower features mower, gas and oil sounds, as well as voice prompts to check oil and gas. It includes rotating grass clippings and a fold-down handle for storage, and requires two AA batteries.
— As of August 25, 2010, this product had 3.5 out of 5 stars from 17 reviews on Amazon.com. PROS: Interactive and appeals to toddlers. CONS: Not very portable, and some parents complained the handle does not stay up.

Kids can play with all of their toys and stuffed animals with plenty of room left to move with this large tent. Because of the unique circular design, this large diameter tent can easily fit in one's house or be used outdoors. Easy to assemble and to clean.

Big enough to allow multiple children inside, kids can play with all of their toys and stuffed animals with plenty of room left to move. Because of the unique circular design, this large diameter tent can easily fit in one's house or be used outdoors. Easy to assemble and to clean.

This well-ventilated play tent for your child comes with 1½" removable soft pad w/ washable cover and completely washable polyethylene floor, which makes this tent a convenient shelter to change baby out of the sun. Two mesh side panels allow air to flow in. The mesh door secures with Velcro. Easy to set up and take down in minutes.

This pretend lawn mower features mechanical sounds that require no batteries. It comes with three yard tools and a removable gas can with lid, for "filling up" the mower.
 — As of 8.12.10, this product had 4 out of 5 stars from 20 reviews on ToysRUs.com and was listed No. 23 in best-selling toys and games. PROS: Sturdy, easy to assemble, attractive design.

With this play set, kids can pressa button for takeoff sounds and blinking lights, turn a figure to open doors, open the solar panels, activate the stairs or rotate the crane. The set includes a tower with elevator, a shuttle with crane, a moon vehicle, two figures, two helmets, a console and three AA alkaline batteries.
 — As of 8.12.10, this product had 5 out of 5 stars from two reviews on ToysRUs.com and was listed No. 17 in best-selling toys and games. PROS: Easy to assemble and use; well-made.

This wooden kitchen set includes a refrigerator, dishwasher, oven, microwave and washing machine doors, all with doors that open and close. The sink is removable for easy cleaning.

Kids can personalize this wooden cake with any name up to 12 characters. The set includes a serving tray, a serving knife, four slices of cake and four candles.

This kitchen measures 35" x 35.7" x 11.7" and features sturdy wood construction with doors that open and close. It includes a storage area, ladle, pot, "cordless phone," sink and microwave.

A combination of quality wood and durable molded parts, this barn has a removable roof for easy access, two large sliding stall doors with stalls to keep farm and horse animals in.

This set includes a teapot, two pretty cups, three tasty treats and plenty of songs, sounds and fun phrases. It is designed to introduce children to pretend play while they learn about counting, shapes, opposites, manners and more. Open the lid for magical interaction and a peek-a-boo pal inside, or press the teabag to hear a song. Two AA batteries are required.
— As of 8.03.2010, this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 72 reviews on Amazon.com and was #47 in the top 100 best-selling toys and games. PROS: Cute, clean, educational and durable. CONS: Electronic component can include defects.

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.

This plush doll is ready for a garden party in her perfectly coordinated hair and outfit. Her jewel-toned hair is styled into a bun and echoes the bright hues of her flower-adorned dress.
— In a Summer 2011 survey, 2 out of 14 retailers told TDmonthly that Groovy Girls were their best-selling doll. Linda Laramy, owner of Crackerjacks Toys and Childrens Books in Easton, Md., told TDmonthly that she sells about 5 Groovy Girls each month.
— Five percent of 40 specialty retailers told TDmonthly in early summer 2010 that Groovy Girls dolls are a top seller for girls ages 4 to 12.
― In a May 2012 survey about dolls, 2 out of 11 retailers said that the Groovy Girls line was their best seller.

This set allows girls to take their critter babies for a fun tea cup ride again and again. The base rotates and each individual cup spins when the handle is turned. The tea pot also spins and lifts its lid. Puppy babies Chubby and Spottie are included.
— In late Spring 2011, 4 out of 12 retailers said toys from Calico Critters were their best-selling play sets. Barb Stein, owner of Toys on the Square in Hummelstown, Pa., said she sells between 30-40 Calico Critter products each month.
— “Calico Critters is one of our best sellers as a brand,” Kristen Dolle, owner of Playthings Toy Shoppe in Louisville, Ky., told TDmonthly in early summer 2010.
— In a June 2010 survey, five percent of 40 retailers named Calico Critters as a best-selling toy for girls.

This environment includes two Mango Monkeys, a hot tub, pagoda, patio, water slide and lake for pretend play. The Tree House also features four spacious rooms to fill with furniture and accessories. Critters can feel free to take a dip and relax in the hot tub, enjoy meals outside on the patio or take a fun canoe ride on the lake. Critters can also open the trap door to go down the water slide, or travel across the bridge to the pagoda and view beautiful scenery.

The All in One Play Kitchen is a canvas for little cooks to practice pretend-play skills. It is full of details that are designed to enhance play value and lead to hours of fun, including a refrigerator, a sink, a microwave, an oven, a dishwasher, a clock with moveable hands and a wall phone. "This product is manufactured to withstand years of enjoyment," Guidecraft designer Dave Ruddock told TDmonthly.
— In a May 2012 survey, Sherry Grisham, owner of Today's Dolls and Toys in Corinth, Miss., told TDmonthly that this is her best selling furniture item.

This charming pastel tea set is crafted in shatter-resistant poly-porcelain, and hand-painted with colorful polka dots. The set includes four tea cups, four saucers, cream, sugar, four teaspoons and a pink basket lined with pink and white gingham fabric.

This bear family includes a father, mother, brother and sister. Each comes with a name and is dressed in a unique outfit.

This mouse family includes a father, mother, brother and sister. Each comes with a name and is dressed in a unique outfit.

Girls gain superhero strength in this fully-lined pink cape made of washable crushed velvet. It's easy for children to put on and take off with quality velcro closures. Add accessories, like the matching fuchsia and white Hero Mask (sold separately), for a quick and easy dress up look.

Sizing
• One size fits most ages 3-8, 24" from neckline to hem

Inspired by turn-of-the-century parlor games, this classic game brings charming bunnies to life. The bunnies fall and tumble about when bowled over with the soft green cabbage ball. The set features one soft king pin and five soft 9" bunny pins, plus two soft, safe "cabbage" bowling balls.

Made from recycled Sprigwood, this eco-friendly playset features an adventure truck, a mother and baby dinosaur, an adventure guide, and hat and backpack accessories.

This gorgeous 5-piece set is the best Captain Hook value on the market. MSRP is $29.99 and you get all 5 items: Jacket, Hat, Pants, Hook, and an Eye Patch.  This set is made with high quality cotton and the jacket is trimmed with a golden bias.