October 2012 Notable Toys — All

A steady hand is required to remove the shaped pieces in this game. Players must think critically, remove pieces carefully without causing the trap to move. Assists with fine motor control and visual spatial development. Contains 63 pieces, game board, 6 game cards, replacement band, and complete instructions.

The patented, original Swiss-made Magnetic Construction System. Helps kids advance in creative thinking and logical reasoning abilities. Fun, 36 vibrant magnetic rods in a brilliant bubble gum pink color, and 30 non-magnetic metal spheres. Complete instructions to assist with simple & complex structures. A starting set for discovery with Geomag. Made in Switzerland.

Designed for creation, disassemble to reuse again & again. Kids look for recycled materials, then assemble them with the included 30 clips, 2 lock-hinges, 1 safe saws and flower and Space Pod inspired sticker sheets. Includes step by step instructions and a poster with idea inspirations. Can be used again and again.

Kids can create useable, meaningful wood projects with these real tools. Sized to be fully functional, yet easily used by children. An inter-generational gift that builds skills and relationships. 14 impeccable, real tools, including a hand saw, hammer, gimlet, sanding block, plane, pliers, mallet, chisel, Phillips screwdriver, flat screwdriver, c-clamp, ruler, square ruler, and spirit level, stored in a beautifully printed wooden tool box. Please note that this is a working tool kit with sharp-edged pieces. It should only be used under direct adult supervision.

Each of the 16 all-new minifigures come in a sealed "mystery" bag, so kids never know which minifigure they might get. And each minifigure has its own special accessories, display plate and collector's leaflet. Series 7 includes: Aztec Warrior, Evil Knight, Galaxy Patrol, Jungle Boy, Viking Woman, Ocean King, Grandma Visitor, Rocker Girl, Tennis Ace, Computer Programmer, Bride, Swimming Champion, Daredevil, Bunny Suit Guy, Hippie and Bagpiper.
— In a Summer 2012 survey, Deran Muckjian, owner of Catch a Falling Star in Lexington, Mass., told TDmonthly that "Lego continually sells really well, across the board, for boy gifts," and that the LEGO minifigures were an overall best seller.
— In a late Summer 2012 survey, two out of 12 retailers said that LEGO minifigures were one of their bestselling novelty items.
— In a July 2013 survey, two out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that  LEGO minifigs are their best-selling toy.

With this kit, kids make a robot from salvaged stuff and items in the recycle bin. Includes all the tools, reusable fittings, and stickers to build a completely unique robot. Prompts innovation & invention, fine motor skills, visual spatial abilities. A total of 33 reusable parts, including 15 Pins & 15 Re-clips, 2 Lock-hinges, 1 Safe saw, 3 Robot-inspired sticker sheets, Guided instructions, and an Idea poster.

The magic of Thomas & Friends comes to life with remote control action. The TrackMaster remote lets little engineers control Thomas' every move. Connects with other TrackMaster playsets.
— In a Summer 2012 survey, Cynthia Phillips Strinich, owner of Phillip's Toy Mart in Nashville told TDmonthly that Thomas the Tank Engine items are overall best sellers at her store.

The Magic: The Gathering game expands every year, introducing new worlds filled with deadly perils, ancient adversaries, and fantastic new adventures. At its center is the Magic core set, the game in its purest form: evocative spells, menacing creatures, and infinite possibilities. But even at its core, the experience is ever-changing. The Magic 2013 Core Set boldly continues this tradition. Includes 249 Total Cards, 15 Mythic Rares, 53 Rares, 60 Uncommons, and 101 Commons. Launch date: July 13, 2012.
— Bryan Raddatz, manager of The Time Machine in Manchester, Conn., told TDmonthly that their best selling item is Magic the Gathering from Wizards of the Coast. They sell up to 900 units a month when a new release comes out.

A timeless classic with a twist. Slide the windows as roadside attractions are spotted to complete a line or the entire card. Backseat Bingo engages kids for hours as they race to be the first to yell “Bingo”.

Clean, simple fun for young artists. A reusable drawing surface, water-filled stylus and sturdy, travel-friendly frame combine to create the perfect activity toy.

Make bath time more constructive with this innovative play set. Arrange the assortment of twisty, straight, and stair chutes, along with the giant water wheel, to create a unique water cascade. 8-oz. reservoir and scooping cup keeps the flow going until bath time is done. Mix and match pieces mean endless possibilities.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval

The snap and match puzzle. Push the colored balls and snap them into empty spots to fit each one with its matching, colored ring. Mix them up again for a brand new challenge.
Awards: 2012 The National Parenting Centre – Seal of Approval, 2011 Parent Tested Parent Approved – Best Product Media Seal of Approval

Another member of the Fun Slides family, Knee Hockey includes two 16” hockey sticks and one carpet puck.

Skate indoors year-round. Carpet skates work on any type of carpet for a fun-powered glide. Strap them on and slide away. If you've got carpet, you've got fun. One size fits all. Ages 6+. Recommended for use with The Carpet Puck. Launch date: 2012.

Now more than 10 years old, PlasmaCar continues to intrigue and fascinate with millions of units sole and multiple awards in over sixty countries worldwide. Just sit, put feet up, and turn the steering wheel to propel forward up to 6 mph on any smooth, flat surface. With a maximum weight capacity of 220 lbs., even parents and grandparents have experienced a giggle by taking it for a spin. Made from state-of-the-art, high-quality ABS plastics, this kid-powered, durable, ride-on vehicle comes in a variety of colors.
Awards: 2012 Parents Choice Awards Recommended, 2009 Green Parents List Check Mark, 2009 DisneyFamily.com Top Action Figures and Toys for Toddlers, 2009+2008+2005 The National Parenting Centre Seal of Approval, 2008 iParenting Media Toy Award, 2008 Fat Brain Toy Award Active Play, 2006 TIA Outdoor Toy of the Year - Specialty Toy of the Year, 2006 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award, 2005 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award, 2005 Dr. Toy Best Vacation Products, 2005 Creative Child Seal of Excellence, 2001 International Patent Fair, Hong Kong Gold Medal
— Mary Sisson, owner of Kazoodles in Vancouver, Wash., told TDmonthly in a Fall 2012 survey that the Plasmacar is one of her top-2 overall best selling toys.

No batteries, gears, or pedals - just a fun, encouraging and progressive start to bicycle riding. PlasmaBike’s unique design encourages balance, coordination and motor skill development while offering a fun ride. Children as young as 18 months can enjoy the freedom or riding without the added complication of training wheels or anxiety of having to hold their balance too long, too early. Wide wheels ensure that PlasmaBike doesn't tip over in a stopped or stationary position, giving children added confidence and promoting self-esteem. The wide wheels and limited steering range enhance balancing capabilities and provide a smoother transition to a conventional 2 wheel ride.
Awards: 2012 The Toy Insider – Top Summer Toys, 2012 The National Parenting Centre – Seal of Approval, 2012 Parenting Magazine – Recommended, 2012 Creative Child Awards – Preferred Choice Award, 2011 Parenting Best in Play – New York Toy Fair, 2011 Best Toys Guide

We partnered with the researchers at National Geographic's Stock Photo Library to find a great image that would remind us all to "wash our paws!" Hang this big 17" x 22" chart "as is" or put it in a frame - either way, it is a beautiful and affordable way to add an important message along with a bit of humor to your home, classroom, office, workplace...anyplace where healthy habits and clean hands are encouraged. Launch date: 2012.

Sometimes, an image almost speaks out loud and all we have to do is write down what it says. Anyone who has raised or worked with children, teenagers, or young adults will relate to this message. Once again, we partnered with the researchers at National Geographic's stock photo library to find this great photo. Hang this big 17" x 22" chart "as is" or put it in a frame - either way, it is a beautiful and affordable way to encourage us all to think for ourselves. Launch date: 2012.

What better way to great each day than with the attitude that "Everyday is a good day!" When the researchers at National Geographic's stock photo library found this engaging image for us, we didn't have to think twice about what words we were going to put with it. We hope this colorful 17" x 22" chart will help kids focus on the positive and better enjoy each and every day. Launch date: 2012.

When we asked the researchers at National Geographic's stock photo library to help us find an image that would encourage us all to exercise, this is what they sent. How can kids make excuses not to exercise with this little guy's big, green eyes looking at them. And, he's guaranteed to make kids smile. Kids'll want to be fit and healthy when they go visit their new "personal trainer" and his furry brothers and sisters in Madagascar. Launch date: 2012.

This poster is great for any classroom or learning environment. Featuring a quote by the wise Theodore Roosevelt, it reads "Far better it is to dare mighty things, than to take rank with those poor timid spirits who know neither victory nor defeat". Launch date: 2011.

Learning Magnets Magnetic Numbers & Math Signs set includes 30 high-quality magnets - two sets of the numbers 0 to 9 (which can be combined to make larger numbers) and ten commonly used math signs. The numbers are color coded - odd numbers are blue and even numbers are red. This versatile set is great for mastering number identification, strengthening counting skills, learning number facts, and practicing simple math skills. Launch date: 2012.

These Pop-Out Letters are 2 inches, making them the perfect size for smaller projects. Use them on bulletin boards, desk tags, folders, cubbies, the possibilities are endless- these guys fit everywhere. These feature an Italy design, adorned with bright, bold colors and fun flowers. Launch date: 2011.

Ever since we released our first set of Letter Pop-Outs, customers have been asking for coordinating sets with smaller letters. Here they are. These Mini Letter Pop-Outs will fit in places where their larger cousins can’t quite squeeze in. Each set includes a whopping 676 uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers and punctuation marks. Launch date: 2011.