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October 2009 Notable Toys — Novelties

By TDmonthly Staff

The Pocket Referee
From: VRANEY INC.

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Gender: Boys And Girls

Category:

Educational
Gifts
Novelties

The Pocket Referee is a conflict resolution tool that comes in the form of a shiny gold coin. The Ref comes packaged with a protective pouch and handy carrying clip that allows kids to keep it close by. This powerful tool helps teaches kids how to work out conflicts on their own without the help of parents or guardians. When a conflict arises that can only have one resolution (which TV show to watch, where to go for dinner) the holder of the coin can choose to get her way, which means she'll pass the coin on to her counterpart for the next conflict, or she can choose to keep the coin and pass the current choice over to the other child. In all situations both kids win. Also available in antique brass for MSRP $9.95.
Awards: Summer 2012 Tillywig Award Winner

This flat, flexible vase expands into a three-dimensional piece of art when filled with water, and stands upright while displaying flowers. Several designs are available in addition to this classic curved model. It has a tear-off top.

The Tornado Tube is a fun and educational toy! Create a tornado in a bottle and watch the the whirling vortex! Add colored water and glitter and enjoy both creative and educational play. Made in the USA.
— Mary Porter Green, owner of Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va., told TDmonthly in a March 2013 survey that they sell "dozens and dozens" of Tornado Tubes each month.

Each uniquely designed, 6" Kooky Klicker character pen features a name, birth order and numbered holographic sticker. There are hundreds of designs available, each topped with brightly colored stringy hair that bounces and springs when kids write. "Fresh new characters coming out monthly add to the collectibility of the brand. Kids always have to have the next new krew," Melanie Ghiz, marketing manager of Courage Brands Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 2009.

The Gyro-discs spin up to 1000 rpm. Just hold the 11" metal ring and strike the smaller, colored discs. As you rotate the ring, the discs begin spinning faster and faster, like mini-gyroscopes. At first, the challenge is to keep all the discs spinning. Once you can do this, there are several tricks and stunts to master.