November 2009 New Toys — Creative Activities

Cuddle Cards by MERCURIUS USA

Each of the 52 cards in this set includes a funny drawing, a catchword and a phrase. They are designed to be drawn randomly to spark conversation between parent and child, to provide comfort or reward, or to function as an ice breaker at a kids' party. 11/19/2009 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Mystery Party Games Activation Card by HOST-PARTY.COM, LLC.

The Host-Party.com Retail Activation Card provides access to over 120 Mystery Party Games for adults, teens, and kids. After buying the Activation Card in a retail store, the customer can choose any game of their liking and download that game via the Host-Party.com website, saving 20-40% on the actual cost of the game. 11/19/2009 (Price: $24.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Ben 10 Alien Creation Challenge by BANDAI AMERICA INC.

Kids can test their alien design skills with the Alien Creation Challenge “build it or blast it” play set. Kids race against a timer as they piece together alien torsos and limbs to recreate figures based on alien combo cards. If time runs out, the tray pops up along with all the alien pieces. Players can keep the challenge going by adding additional figures to the play set and creating additional alien combo cards online. The play set includes four alien figures, eight alien combo cards and a special key to unlock body parts. Launch date: August 2009. 11/17/2009 (Price: $24.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Shrinky Dinks Holiday Fun by CREATIVITY FOR KIDS

Kids create a 9” sparkly Christmas tree, then color Shrinky Dinks ornaments with the included color pencils, bake them, and then hang them on the tree. The kit includes 30 ornaments, eight colored pencils, a hole punch, metallic stars, ornament rings, a star-shaped tree topper, silver metallic tree branches, metallic foil paper for wrapping the base of the tree, and a pre-assembled tree base.
— Two of 40 specialty retailers mentioned Shrinky Dinks when asked about best-selling hobby products in fall 2009.
— Two other retailers named Creativity for Kids as a best-selling hobby brand in their stores. 11/9/2009 (Price: $16.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

PlayFoam Mini Single by EDUCATIONAL INSIGHTS INC.

Each single-color mini pack is designed to introduce kids to the texture and possibilities of PlayFoam. The collection includes six colors, which may be used as party gifts or stocking stuffers.
— PlayFoam small bricks have been consistent best sellers for the last two years at The Parent-Teacher Store & Toys Too in Louisville, Ky., Owner Kimberly Kopatz told TDmonthly in fall 2009. 11/9/2009 (Price: $2.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Shains - Save the Animals Kit by SHAINSWARE

The Jane Goodall Save the Animals Kit features 50 icons of species that have been brought back from extinction. With each purchase, 10 percent is donated to the Jane Goodall Institute to continue to raise awareness and support the animals of the world. "[It's] the only kit to feature these 50 species and the kit bracelets and elements are made from recycled materials," Ewa Zielinski, owner of Shainsware, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2009. 11/5/2009 (Price: $12.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Bling by Number Card Design Set by FASHION ANGELS

The Bling By Number Card Design Set includes materials for creating handmade greeting cards. The set includes eight cards and envelopes, four postcards, 50 cut-out shapes and 100+ stickers, plus glitter glue, sequins, gems and more. The Bling by Number line is designed to be error proof and provide professional-looking results every time. There are easy to follow “Bling by Number” instructions and design ideas to get girls started on their way to creating their own personalized card collection. "It gets the creativity going for girls and shows that 'hand-made' can also be glam, fun, and many different materials can be used to achieve the final piece," Sarah Koth, PR coordinator for Fashion Angels Enterprises, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009. 11/5/2009 (Price: $11.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Fashion Angels Mini Sketch Books by FASHION ANGELS

Made for the designing diva on the go, this kit includes 10 mini markers, a design guide and 25 sketch sheets. There are three styles: Fashion Design, Pet Fashion Design and Rockstar Stylist. "These new mini sized versions offer an amazing price point that will fit into everyone's budget. A perfect stocking stuffer or birthday gift for any girl," Sarah Koth, PR coordinator for Fashion Angels Enterprises, told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 2009. 11/5/2009 (Price: $4.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Fashion Angels Glitz & Glamour Fashion Design Sketch Portfolio by FASHION ANGELS

Girls can create a portfolio book of fabulous fashion creations with a little glitz and glamour flair, using the 50+ stencils and create red-carpet-worthy designs. Launch date: August 2009. 11/5/2009 (Price: $5.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Fashion Angels Flower Power Fashion Design Sketch Portfolio by FASHION ANGELS

Girls can create a portfolio book of fabulous fashion creations with Flower Power flair, using the 50+ removable stencils to create funky Boho-Chic designs. "Girls can focus their designs to a certain theme, and this one happens to be boho-chic look that is very trendy right now," Sarah Koth, PR coordinator for Fashion Angels Enterprises, told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 2009. 11/5/2009 (Price: $5.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

100% Cool Sticker Maker by FASHION ANGELS

Girls can create their own stickers using the 100-percent Cool Sticker Maker machine. Kids can create a custom sticker from their own drawings, magazine pictures, photographs and more. The kit includes the sticker maker machine, 15 stencils, and 8' of sticker tape. Refills are available. "The machine is compact, so it is great for slumber parties, camp and to take on the go. Plus, the fact that just about any weight of paper material can be used to make into a sticker is a great feature," Sarah Koth, PR coordinator for Fashion Angels Enterprises, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009. 11/5/2009 (Price: $12.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Project Runway Rockstar Style Fashion Design Sketch Portfolio by FASHION ANGELS

The Project Runway Rockstar Style Fashion Design Sketch Portfolio lets girls create a look for their favorite musician or their own future rock band. Girls use the stencils to start the design, then follow the instructions for inspiration and how to shade the design to make it look like it was done by a professional. This portfolio includes 40 fashion design sketch pages and 50+ stencils. "The stencils that can be easily taken out, and popped back into the portfolio (so they won't get lost!) will help girls start their designs with a real shape and form to work with," Sarah Koth, PR coordinator for Fashion Angels Enterprises, told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 2009. 11/5/2009 (Price: $6.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Project Runway Make-Up & Hair Design Sketch Portfolio by FASHION ANGELS

The Project Runway Make-Up & Hair Design Sketch Portfolio allows girls to create their own hair and make up looks on pre-printed Fashion Angels model sketch pads. The set includes removable plastic stencil cards with more than 100 shapes to start girls creating the next wild hair color streaks, what color lip gloss will be the next hot trend, or how to wear make-up and hair to a rockin’ concert. The book also has easy-to-follow instructions on how to draw like the pros with shading techniques and funky details. Launch date: August 2009. 11/5/2009 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Project Runway Fashion Design Sketch Portfolio by FASHION ANGELS

The Project Runway Fashion Design Sketch Portfolio allows kids to create their own portfolio book of clothing and accessory designs on the pre-printed Fashion Angels model sketch pads. The set includes removable plastic stencil cards with more than 100 shapes to start girls on their way to creating finished looking designs. The book also has easy-to-follow instructions on how to draw like professional designers with shading techniques and funky details. "The sketch portfolio has an awesome section in the front that walks kids through how to do different shading techniques so they can make their drawing look realistic and three dimensional. The stencils can be taken out, and placed back into the portfolio so kids won't lose them," Sarah Koth, PR coordinator for Fashion Angels Enterprises, told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 2009. 11/5/2009 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Project Runway Hair Stylist Studio Set by FASHION ANGELS

Kids can learn to style trend-setting runway hair-dos with this deluxe studio set. They get started with the step-by-step design guide on how to use different hair accessories to create many funky hairstyles. The included headband, scarf, clips and many more hair accessories offers a great start to create fab hair to complement any look they want to achieve. "The design guide is what really makes this kit. It has everything about hair styling from how to create volume to how to use the scarf and clips included in the kit to make dramatic up-dos," Sarah Koth, PR coordinator for Fashion Angels Enterprises, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2008. 11/5/2009 (Price: $23.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Organic Flour Power Cookie Baking Activity Kit by ZEBRA MIX

This kit takes cookie making to a whole new level of creativity and fun. Each kit is loaded with everything you need to make, bake and decorate world class ORGANIC cookies. Each kit contains all the dry ingredients and a large step-by-step Safari Baking Map with instructions designed for kids age 4-12. The map is double sided, side one has easy-to-follow instructions for making cookies (in a format designed for non-readers to fluent readers) and the other side has a "Cookie Idea Map", with decorating techniques and fun ideas to get kids thinking about design. Like how to apply abstract art principles and color to decorating. No stencils or cut-outs in this kit, Zebra Mix is designed to let kids run with their own creativity to start Stirring Up Fun!® Each kit includes: organic sugar cookie mix, organic icing mix, high-quality Fiesta silicone coated rolling pin, dragonfly and flower cookie cutters and Zebra Mix's famous instructional Safari Baking Map. 11/5/2009 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Cupcake Studio Baking Activity Kit by ZEBRA MIX

The kit contains everything you need for a delicious afternoon of creativity and fun. Start Stirring Up Fun® by following the large Safari Baking Map with step-by-step instructions to make delicious cupcakes and frosting and then flip over the map to learn about simple decorating tools, find artistic inspiration and follow step-by-step pictures for creating geometric, animal inspired and artistic cupcakes. Kids can even exhibit pictures of their cupcakes in the Zebra Kids Art Gallery at zebramix.com Each Kit includes: cupcake mix, frosting mix, all-natural decorating sugars in three colors, re-usable Frosting Decorating Pen, zebra striped cupcake papers and our unique fold-out Safari Baking Map. 11/5/2009 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Zebra Cupcake & Frosting Kit in a Treasure Tin by ZEBRA MIX

Kids and parents will love Zebra Mix's signature cupcake and frosting kit in a knock-your-stripes-off zebra striped treasure tin. Each kit includes all the dry ingredients (organic and all-natural) for vanilla and chocolate striped cupcakes with yummy frosting and the famous Safari Baking Map to make the process fun, easy and full of smart learning. Just unfold the large baking map, choose Level 1 or Level 2, place your bowl in the center and start Stirring Up Fun®! Each map is loaded with engaging graphics designed for kids age 4-12. So have your preschooler layer chocolate and vanilla batter to create a fun design, and see if your 12 year old can solve the cupcake mystery – it is all a part of the Zebra Mix fun. Everything is packed in a Zebra striped treasure tin perfect for storing your treasures or lunch. 11/5/2009 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Rainbow Drop Cookie Baking Kit in a Treasure Tin by ZEBRA MIX

Kids will love to create these delicious cookies with colorful, all-natural chocolate rainbow drops (just like the traditional M&M cookies, but without the artificial ingredients). Each kit has all the dry ingredients (organic and all-natural) and a Safari Baking Map to make the process fun, easy and full of smart learning. Just unfold the large baking map, choose Level 1 or Level 2, place your bowl in the center and start Stirring Up Fun®! Each map is loaded with engaging graphics designed for kids age 4-12. So have your preschooler crack their own eggs, by following the illustrated pictures and see if your 12 year old can read the scientific formula - it is all a part of the Zebra Mix fun! Everything is packed in a Zebra striped treasure tin perfect for storing your treasures or lunch. 11/5/2009 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Puzzibits on the Farm by MANHATTAN TOY

This set comes with 150 bright, interlocking pieces that are flexible and can form a farmhouse, a rooster and a 3-D baby chicken, as well as various other imaginative designs. 10/29/2009 (Price: $10.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Crayon Maker by CRAYOLA LLC

The Crayon Maker transforms used or broken off pieces of crayons and turns them into new ones. The user just mixes in bits of crayon, melts them and then pours into a mold to harden. It requires a clear, 60-watt candelabra light bulb (not included). 10/28/2009 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

My Very Own Castle™ by PHARMTEC CORP.

Medieval play has never been more fun. Children can play as prince or princess, queen or king, and even pirate with their own huge castle. My Very Own Castle™ is a single-piece, cardboard castle that is pre-assembled and can quickly expanded for play and folded up for storage when not in use. The castle features a bright white interior and exterior for coloring fun, as well as doors and windows. Fully expanded, the playhouse measures 44" long, 28" wide, and 28.5" tall. 10/26/2009 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

My Very Own House™ by PHARMTEC CORP.

My Very Own House™ is a single-piece, cardboard playhouse that is pre-assembled and can quickly expanded for play and folded up for storage when not in use. The playhouse features a bright white interior and exterior for coloring fun, as well as 2 doors, 4 windows, and 2 mail slots. Fully expanded, the playhouse measures 43.5" long, 28" wide, and 35" tall. 10/26/2009 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Alphabet Bead Box Bead Kit by BEAD BAZAAR/KID JOURNEYS

This colorful kit includes string, charms and wooden beads, and is packed with alphabet letter beads as well as decorative swirl beads in different colors.
— Magic Beans in Brookline, Mass., sells 50 craft kits per month by Bead Bazaar, CEO Isaac Judd told TDmonthly in fall 2009. 10/12/2009 (Price: $10.89) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

14" Square Juggling Scarves by ARTS EDUCATION IDEAS

This set includes 12, 14"-square, 100-percent nylon scarves in a variety of colors, plus a durable reusable plastic bag for storage. It is made in the USA. Launch date: 2009. 10/5/2009 (Price: $15.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]