November 2008 Notable Toys — Tween

The PiNKiTUDE brand was developed through partnership with Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and MGM's Pink Panther. A portion of proceeds from the line will go to the Susan G. Komen foundation. Launch date: August 2008.

Featuring bright, fun colors and a trendy charm, this combo is from the Jewels Girls Love to Wear collection. MSRP: Choker: $14.00; Bracelet: $10.00. Launch date: 2008.

From the Jewels Girls Love to Wear Collection, this jewelry features bright colors while reinforcing eco-friendliness. MSRP: Choker: $14.00; Bracelet: $10.00. Launch date: 2008.

This fantasy story is about 12-year old Sophie’s adventures during her summer vacation while visiting her archeologist grandparents in Greece. They are in the middle of an exciting dig, resurrecting an ancient goddess temple. When she meets a new friend, Tena, the two girls find themselves in trouble as they venture into explorations of their own. The experiences and challenges Sophie and Tena go through teach them the importance of self-love. This hardcover adventure book contains 192 pages, 10 full-color illustrations, a parent workbook and guide. "This book is geared for women and girls," said Bridgette Nofer, Executive Administrator, Nea Matia Inc. Home of SophiaDolls. Launch date: 7/21/2008.

This book allows girls to create their own poseable fairy dolls that feature petal dresses and flowing floss hair. Supplies to make 12 posey pixies are included, and the book is written by Rachel Haab.
- “Girls love Klutz; [it] sells constantly,” Jeanne McCullough, owner of Children’s Store Inc. in Boise, Idaho, told TDmonthly.  
- “Klutz is No. 1 by far,” said Ron Banducci, co-owner of Games Unlimited in Danville, Calif., when telling TDmonthly about best-selling items for tweens in fall 2008.
- “[Tweens] want to make something,” said Diana Gisolfi, co-owner of Sister’s Kids in Springfield, Mass.

This fluffy white horse comes with a special code kids can use to access Webkinz World online.
— Kathy Mabry, owner of The Village Toy Shop in North Easton, Mass., told TDmonthly that Webkinz continue to be a top seller for her store. She reported sales of hundreds every month in early fall 2008.
— “Ganz’s Webkinz — they're still selling well here,” said Linda Laramy, owner of Cracker Jacks in Easton, Md., when asked about best-selling items for tweens. “They’re still very popular.”
— Webkinz was on the top-10 best-seller list at Pun’s Toy Store in Bryn Mawr, Pa., in October 2008. “Although not the sellers they were before, they still present the greatest play value in our industry,” Owner Joe Berardoni, Sr., said.

The dorm-style beanbag is feather-light and filled with expanded polystyrene beads. It's covered in the hottest fashion trend colors and materials. Personalization is available. The beanbag offers "totally versatile kids' seating that looks good and is superbly comfortable," SVP Lonnie Scheps of Hudson Industries told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2008.

PakNaks are soft, rubbery 3-D decorations designed for kids (and adults!) to use to personalize backpacks, lunch bags, headbands, computer bags, household items and more. There are more than 40 available designs. Customized Velcro makes them interchangeable and weather resistant, and they quickly and easily adhere to surfaces. Robert measures 2.5” x 2.5”.
— “PakNaks are from a new little small company, and we’ve been selling them like hotcakes since Easter,” said Michelle Smith, owner of Piccolo Mondo Toys in Portland, Ore., in December 2008. “We were the first ones to launch them.”

This striped character comes with an Internet access code that gives kids the freedom to explore Webkinz World online with the virtual equivalent of the plush pet. The tiger’s special item in the virtual world is a rock ledge bed.
— “Webkinz are still selling,” Owner Randy Austin of The Gifted Child in Lenox, Mass., told TDmonthly in summer 2008.
— “We move probably 100 to 150 per month,” William Meredith, owner of Learning Express in Cary, N.C., told TDmonthly in August 2008.
— Twenty percent of 64 retailers named Webkinz as their top-selling collectible toy in summer 2008.
Six of 63 retailers named Webkinz as their overall best seller in September 2008.

This necklace is part of a rugged line for tween boys called MAJOR. Suggested retail price for pieces in the range, including other chains and bracelets, is $3 to $5. Launch date: Summer 2008.

With this kit, kids can color a dragon and butterflies on purse that measures 10” W x 7.5” H x 3.5” D. It comes with six permanent markers in a pouch.
—  The “Color a Purse and Backpack by Alex,” are popular girls’ gifts at Pun’s Toy Shop in Bryn Mawr, Pa., Owner Joe Berardoni told TDmonthly in July 2008.
— Four retailers of our 68 mentioned Alex craft kits as a best-selling product.

Numbered templates and sticky foam allow kids to easily create beautiful mosaics. This particular kit includes 3000+ sticky foam and jewel pieces, four sparkling designs and four wall hangers.
— “Without a doubt, the Orb Sticky Mosaics” are a best-selling girl gift, said Joe Berardoni, owner of Pun’s Toy Shop in Bryn Mawr, Pa.
— “Sticky Mosaics by The Orb Factory. Enchanted Forest in particular. We sold five dozen of that particular one last year,” Kai Rady, owner of Shenanigans Inc in Charlottesville, Va., told TDmonthly during a January 2010 survey regarding best-selling arts and crafts items.
— Eighteen of 48 retailers listed Sticky Mosaics as their best-selling arts and crafts item in early 2010.

This set includes glass and ceramic beads of various shapes and colors, and an instruction and design booklet, all in a wooden, hand-crafted case with a sliding top. The kit makes 8+ accessories.
— Jewelry-making kits are popular at The Toy Store in Atlanta, Denis Hofstetter said, because “they are a good price point [and] something that lasts.”
— “Jewelry items from Bead Bazaar” are popular buys for girl gifts at Sisters Kids in Springfield, Mass., Co-Owner Diana Gisolfi said. “Girls wear more jewelry in the summer.”
— Four of 66 specialty toy retailers told TDmonthly in summer 2008 that beading kits are top-selling gifts for girls.

Regal and elegant, Ella’s Garden blends cool reds and greens with a stunning black corduroy for a perfect upscale look. Subtle for everyday wear, yet also bold for an unique impression, this pattern can be the hit of every wardrobe. "Donna specially designs her fabrics and then pieces them together in the most unique ways," Carol Pence, marketing coordinator for Donna Sharp, Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 2008.

This music CD has songs about the everyday lives of kids and their silly, gross and wonderful behaviors. Life lessons give each song a happy ending. The short 1- to 2-minute song lengths and variety of styles keep families entertained for the whole CD. "It dares to discuss fighting, biting, boogers, burps, diapers, dirt and warts in an educational and entertaining way," said Chris Bihuniak, Songwriter, Musician, Producer, Owner of 4Boys. Launch date: 07/01/2008

The Twinklets are whimsical, fun-loving characters who are eager to embark on adventures in a new world. They’ve slid down a rainbow from their home in Crystal Land to Earth, each acquiring a color that matches their unique personalities. These curious creatures and are yearning to learn about the world through their big, clear, crystal eyes. Their sparkly hearts radiate joy and happiness wherever they go. "The Brave Adventurer" of the group, "big brother" J.J. is known for being cool, confident and entertaining. "The Twinklets are also a complete collection of branded collectibles, accessories and jewelry with a whimsical feel. They will be exploring partnerships in America in order to infuse an educational element that will appeal to both tweens and parents alike," Robert Burns of Amazar Americas told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 2008 (in America).