October 2008 Notable Toys — General Toys

Watch in amazement as this extraordinary plant sprouts, grows, flowers and produces seeds of its own within two months. The leaves of these fast-growing plants are edible. Within weeks, a flourish of yellow flowers will appear and delight. Rocket Plants have both medicinal and culinary value that were useful in the past and persist into the present. This set comes complete with everything needed to grow Rocket Plants, including a 3.25” four-color printed planter, sprouting dome, germination medium and seeds. "This product is all inclusive and contains a character from a top-rated children's show," said Alicia Borley, PR manager for DuneCraft. Launch date: February 2008.

Fairy Dust is the trail of sparkling material that follows pixies and fairies. This enchanted dust is said to have magical powers of its own. Fairy Dust is a precious thing that can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary and make fairy tale dreams come true! "DuneCraft products have an exciting secret! In addition to being fun, engaging, and unique, all of our items are educational! Ignite a love of learning and of the world around us," said Alicia Borley, PR manager for DuneCraft. Launch date: February 2008.

With five games for play with cards featuring favorite horse breeds, this is a perfect choice for horse lovers of all ages. "There are many horse lovers who would appreciate their own card game with photos of each type of horse on each card," Nicole Tiedemann, Public Relations Account Executive, International Playthings. Launch date: 2/1/2008.

Bluff your way to victory by having two to four players take turns laying matching animal cards face down. Since you can't see them, are you sure they match? Can you trick your opponents into believing you? If you can, you can get rid of your cards quickly. Don't get caught, or you'll be skunked.  "This fun card game challenges kids with an extra element of 'dramatics.' It will be hard to win without having that extra element of slyness," warned Nicole Tiedemann, Public Relations Account Executive, International Playthings. "Whoever has the most, will be sure to win. It's a fun game for slightly older kids." Launch date: 2/1/2008.

This adorable first counting-card game is really 5 games in one: Penguin Pick-Up, Penguin Race, Countin' Penguins, No more Penguins and Penguin Memory. "This unique card games uses cute penguins to help children learn to count, while playing one of five fun games," explained  Nicole Tiedemann, Public Relations Account Executive, International Playthings. "Up to four children can play together." Launch date: 2/1/2008.

Also known as urban vinyl, Gonks have a high bounce-ball head and poseable arms. Standing 3" tall, each has its own name and personality. The collection of art toys includes Flipps, Slick, Binko, Be-Bop, Bernie and Bonko. Gonks combine "super-unique urban vinyl and distinct artwork," Kate O'Donnell, sales and marketing assistant for Schylling Toys, told TDmonthly. Launch date: April 1, 2008.

The Prince Lionheart Balance Bike is the only spoked wheel "like the big kids have" on the market to date. It features quality construction from plantation timber as well as a height-adjustable seat for the growing child. The bike promotes gross motor skills, primarily in balance and coordination. Launch date: October 2008.

Designed by artist Kari Makoutz, this handmade kaleidoscope entraps the Aberrant Quadrator, a friendly boggart known to reside in closets, ruining fine clothing by creating stains, wrinkles and tears. The kaleidoscope is 6.5" long, and the glass globe has diameter of 1.75".

These Eskimo dolls are created for a range of ages. Some are soft-bodied with rubber hands and faces (for younger children), and others are porcelain (for the collector).  All are wearing Eskimo parkas, and the porcelain dolls have rabbit fur trim on their parkas. MSRP: $9-$22.
— The Santa Claus House in North Pole, Alaska, does well with both the children’s and collectible Kipmik dolls, Operations Manager Susan Miller told TDmonthly in summer 2008.

Featuring various color palettes, designs and different textures, these flat shape characters are extra easy for little ones to grasp. "Bright Beginnings products benefit a children’s development by enticing them to explore through visual and tactile stimulation," said Stephanie Araujo, marketing coordinator for Russ Berrie. Launch date: 2008

This versatile, attention-grabbing product is a twist on classic building blocks, designed to engage the imagination as the slits on each cube interlock to create an unlimited number of three-dimensional structures. The "interlocking" takes on a whole new dimension as the Cubes go Pink to connect for a cause — the company donates 10 percent of profits to cancer research on behalf of the seller. "[It's a] great promotion for October's Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In addition to being loaded with educational benefits, Dado Pink can be used as a centerpiece, sculpture, or design-centered art, adding to its versatility as an already-proven product. [It is] made in the USA," Shannon Wallingford of Fat Brain Toy Co. told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2008.

Silly Squares provide hours of silly, wiggly, jiggly, educational fun. Place Silly Squares in a cup or bowl of water and watch in amazement as they grow to epic proportions. Silly Squares will grow to hundreds of times their size. They are available in different colors. Kids can test their skill and try to stack them, build with them, and watch them slip away. Launch date: February 2008.

Developed with the help of entomologists, this product can identify more than 70 different insects. The Bug ID asks eight "yes" and "no" questions to help determine what bug has been found. A warning alerts the user when a bug is dangerous, and the product includes fun bug facts and trivia. Bug ID, which includes a field guide and a large magnifier, lets kids become experts on bugs. Launch date: 2007.

The Zillionz Deluxe ATM Machine works just like a real ATM and gives kids all of their up-to-date account information. It features incredible sounds and a large screen, and even knows their name. Plus, it can only be accessed with a secret PIN that they choose. The electronic bill feeder and coin recognition works with real money. Kids can insert the ATM credit card to get the exact balance. Launch date: 2007.

This habitat provides a lifelike environment and works great with frogs or insects. The large water area allows for healthy tadpole development. The capture core lets one easily transfer tadpoles into the habitat. The Backyard Safari Bug Vacuum (sold separately) can be used to safely capture and view insects in this two-in-one habitat. Launch date: 2007.

Kids can watch the leaves of this unusual moving plant quickly fold in as the branches bend down once its leaves are touched. This plant is easy to grow and presents lush green moving foliage within weeks. Sensitive plants will thrive in bright light if they are kept moist and in the terrarium.

View-Master® Viewers are available in red, blue or black. Quality optics provides an awesome, eye-popping 3D experience. Each Viewer includes one View-Master® 3D reel. Different View-Master® 3D reels featuring favorite friends, fun themes, amazing animals and popular places are available.

America’s National Parks are some of the best places to view wildlife. Enjoy twenty-one eye-popping 3D images that bring you the sights of animals in their natural habitat.

Would you like to travel around the USA?  Three View-Master® reels with twenty-one eye-popping images let you enjoy the sites all in 3D!

Look and learn!  Twenty-one 3D Authentic Stereograph images from 1861-1865, allows you to learn interesting facts about the history of The Civil War.

Portable Playtime is a backpack that converts into a playmat designed to fit airplane tray tables.  Pack up the toys and fold into a backpack.  Pockets zipper to keep toys secure.  Holds over 20 toys, snacks and games. Playmat designs include Plane Fun, Aero-Playin', Princess Adventure, Pirate Passage, and Enchanted Journey.

You may not have known what it was called, but we'll bet you've seen a Chinese Yo-Yo performance either by Chinese acrobats or in a wonderful Cirque du Soleil show. Now you can enjoy playing with this seemingly simple toy that can be used for an incredible array of tricks. It's great for hand-eye coordination, and for lots of wholesome fun for adults and kids alike.

Duncan has dispatched its new Duncan Hayabusa™ yo-yo (Model 3596XP) for the intermediate to professional offstring player.  Duncan’s Hayabusa, Japanese for Falcon, was developed by Duncan’s Demonstration Team across the Pacific – Duncan Crew Japan. The Duncan Hayabusa provides four different spacers enabling the offstring player four different gap settings, and the ability to create twenty different gap settings with additional Duncan spacers!  In addition, the Duncan Hayabusa includes three different response systems, including the new 3-hole recessed system.  Also, a brand new response system for Duncan, silicone stickers, will be added to the package.  A set of friction stickers is also included.  With overmolded rims and winged shape, the Duncan Hayabusa is Duncan’s widest yo-yo to date.  It's available in six different colors.Launch date: June 2008.

The traditional dilemma of rigid hoop storage and merchandising have been solved! With quick snapping action this collapsible hoop overcomes space issues and becomes an exciting travel toy.