November 2010 Notable Toys — All

THE WHEELS ON THE BUS SING-ALONG TRAVEL KIT, awarded a prestigious 2010 NAPPA Gold Award, contains two musical DVDs featuring 15 animated literary classics including Paul O. Zelinsky’s lively Wheels on the Bus with an unforgettable score by The Bacon Brothers and Cyndi Lauper’s There Was an Old Woman Who Swallowed a Fly, a CD with 13 sing-along songs, a 34-page activity booklet loaded with games and activities.  It's packaged in a colorful and portable travel case with a handle, and also turns into a fun-filled, go-anywhere mini-suitcase for kids!

Kooky Beadz™, patent pending, are fun, wacky, spiky, silicone beadz that can slip on and off colorful silicone necklaces with ease, as quickly as you can change your mind.  Mix and match them to suit your mood and personality.  You can create necklaces, bracelets and more.

Harry Allen loves trucks. His immaculately restored 1964 Willys Jeep was recently featured in the New York Times, but it was his fond memories of playing in the dirt that lead him to the idea of "Pickup". The beauty of any pickup truck is its utilitarian aesthetic - four strong wheels and the capacity to haul cargo. Harry had function on his mind as he cast a toy truck and turned it into a catch-all bowl.  "Pickup" is functional art for the home.  Available now in chrome or white, coming soon in gold, neon orange, and Limited Edition blue chrome.

This product projects 24 images on your wall or ceiling, and includes exclusive images of Clone Wars vehicles with a synchronized audio tour narration on CD.  Also features bright, clear projection with a focus dial, narration by Captain Rex.  Dimensions: Length: 8.5 "; Height: 6.0 "; Width: 8.5".   Product Weight: 2.0 Lb.
  — As of 10.25.10, this product was listed in the top 30 best-selling toys and games on Target.com.

This product uses music and rhythm to teach key lessons.  It features 15 musical activities and more than 40 songs and melodies.  It introduces letters A–Z, numbers 1–10, colors, shapes, first words, cause and effect, and instrument sounds.  Lessons are in both English and Spanish.
 —  As of 1.06.2011 this product had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 51 reviews on Amazon.com and was No. 15 on the top 100 bestselling toys and games. Pros: Colorful experiments intrigue young children. Cons: Adult supervision required at all times; too simple for older children.

As of 1.06.2011 this product had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 637 reviews on Amazon.com and was No. 22 on the top 100 bestselling toys and games. Pros: A variety of activities; Helps develop fine motor skills. Cons: The legs are not easily detachable.

Features include doors to open, friends to find beautifully illustrated animals from A to Z, loopty-loo routes for you to wind through, zigzag paths to race up and down, spinners to spin, and a beautiful display box with gift tag.
 —  As of 10.25.10, this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 20 reviews on Target.com and was listed in the top 30 best-selling toys and games. PROS: Durable and fun for infants and toddlers.

Girls can play out the role of bride and bridal party with Barbie® I Can Be™ Bridal Gift Set plus have access to online content that also creates a digital destination for girls to further “try on” the role as well! Code inside each package unlocks career-themed content online. Includes 5 dolls (Barbie®, Ken®, Skipper®, Kelly® and Tommy®) plus accessories.
 — As of 10.25.10, this product was listed in the top 30 best-selling toys and games on Target.com.

Promote music appreciation and auditory development by introducing your little one to baby-friendly versions of classical masterpieces. A large, easy to press button allows your baby to toggle through 7 high quality and enjoyable classical melodies at home, or for on-the-go fun. It also has colorful lights that dance across the screen to enhance each entertaining melody and promote visual perception. Featured melodies include excerpts from Mozart, Chopin, Vivaldi, and Rossini. Toy also includes Off/Low/High volume control and 2 AA batteries.
 —  As of 10.25.10, this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 56 reviews on Target.com and was listed in the top 30 best-selling toys and games. PROS: Durable, engaging, mesmerizes infants.

This electronic plush puppy makes cute puppy sounds, wags his tail and loves going on walks with you.  He comes with a remote control leash so you can guide him wherever you want to go.  Dimensions: Length: 18.51"; Height: 12.99"; Depth: 9.02".  Product Weight: 4.69 Lb.
 — As of 10.25.10, this product was listed in the top 30 best-selling toys and games on Target.com.

The Step2 Easel for Two allows two children to draw at the same time. It's a great way to combine creative play time with socializing.  Includes two hinged easels: one with a chalkboard and one with a metal dry erase board, a paper clip on each side for drawing, painting activities or to display work, middle storage area holds art supplies for easy access from both sides, deep trays and pencil ledges keep paint, brushes, markers, chalk and erasers (not included) within easy reach.  Measures 42.5"(H) x 26.5"(W) x 22.75"(D).  No assembly required.
— As of 10.25.10, this product had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 182 reviews on Walmart.com and was listed as the #4 bestseller in Pretend Play.  PROS: Roomy trays, holds children's interest.  CONS:  Dry erase board may not erase.

The Nerf N-Strike Longshot CS-6 Blaster is a two-in-one dart blaster that's more than 3' long and sends darts zooming up to 35' away. Your child can take their blasting skills to the extreme with pinpoint precision using the targeting scope. Two quick-reload clips hold a total of 12 Streamline Darts. There's even a fold-down bi-pod to help your child steady their aim for important shots. If they're looking for a quick shot at close range, the blaster has removable parts to give one-handed freedom with a pistol-style blaster. In either mode, they can load up, aim, press the trigger and watch the darts go the distance.
— As of 10.25.10, this product was rated #8 in Walmart's Outdoor Play category.

Constructed from sustainable cedar wood, the Adventure Wooden Swing Set includes a covered play deck above a clubhouse, an 8' Super Safe Speedy Slide, two belt swings with kid-friendly chains, two-person glider with kid-friendly chains, covered lower-level picnic/activity table, rock climbing wall, flat step ladder, sand box.  This Adventure Wooden Swing Set features the Safe-T-Fuse Fastener System (Patent Pending).
— As of 10.25.10, this product had 4 out of 5 stars from 29 reviews on Walmart.com and was listed as the #1 bestseller in Outdoor Play.  PROS: great value, fun for kids. CONS: Difficult, lengthy assembly.

Stephenie Meyer's Twilight tells the tale of teenage romance between mortal Bella Swan, and the intriguing, dazzlingly beautiful vampire, Edward Cullen. The cultural phenomenon continues with New Moon, the follow-up movie to Twilight, in which Stephenie Meyer introduces werewolf Jacob Black as a new love interest for the main character Bella Swan. Get all three collectible dolls at one great low price.  The Barbie Pink Label - Twilight Collector Doll 3-Pack Bundle includes Bella Swan, Edward Cullen and Jacob Black.
— As of 10.25.10, this product was rated #11 in Walmart's Dollhouses and Furniture.

The New Loving Family Grand Dollhouse has a new design and an all-new unique fold feature, which allows the dollhouse to fold up for convenient storage.  Features include eight rooms that are deeper and wider for 20% more playable space, stairs to the second floor, mom, dad, twin babies, a complete dining room set, and a patio table with adjustable umbrella and two chairs.  Product box dimensions - inches(LxWxH): 15.875 x 9 x 23.375.  Fisher-Price Loving Mini-Van included in bundle.
— As of 10.25.10, this product was rated #1 in Walmart's Dollhouses and Furniture.

Pillow Pets plush folding stuffed animals are suitable for all ages - from toddlers to teens, expectant mothers to grandmothers! Whether you choose a jungle animal, farm critter or sea creature or all of the above Pillow Pets plush products are all cute and cuddly.
— As of 10.25.2010, this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 2 reviews on ToysRUs.com and this product was listed No. 28 in ToysRUs.com's best-selling toys.

  The GeoTrax Christmas In ToyTown RC Train Set features working lights in each of the cars that automatically activates lights in the mini-sites as it passes by, 2 moveable street lights, a bridge that plays holiday music and lights up 4 lamp posts along with the track underneath the bridge, and a skating rink w/spot lights.  Also included are 16 Pieces of durable, Snap-Lock track, holiday decor that snaps onto the guard rails, street lamps, a bridge, a Station, and Signs that can be placed throughout the set.
— As of 10.25.2010, this product had 4 out of 5 stars from 4 reviews on ToysRUs.com and this product was listed No. 25 in ToysRUs.com's best-selling toys.  PROS: Easy to assemble.

With the Imaginext Disney/Pixar Toy Story 3 Tri-County Landfill, you can open the furnace, spin the sorter and pick up figures and drop them to safety with the crane arm. The conveyor belt even carries junk to the furnace. It's a whole new adventure every time you play.  It also features three characters from the movie: Lotso, Buzz, and Three Little Green Aliens.
— As of 10.25.2010, this product had 4 out of 5 stars from 18 reviews on ToysRUs.com and this product was listed No. 15 in ToysRUs.com's best-selling toys.  PROS: Fun, easy assembly, durable  CONS: Parts often fall off.

The Justin Bieber Singing Doll - 'Baby' features a 30-second clip of the featured song, an outfit Justin really wore in the video, and a cool mini fan magazine.  Choose from "Baby" or "One Less Lonely Girl".
— As of 10.25.2010, this product had 2 out of 5 stars from 1 review on ToysRUs.com and this product was listed No. 11 in ToysRUs.com's best-selling toys.

Product features include five activation points in all, so kids can help the caped crusader complete his missions and save the day.  Kids can turn the figure to raise and lower the elevator, and open the portal.  Or they can press the button to launch the grappling hook.  Product folds for easy storage.  Playset is approximately 21 inches long x 6 inches wide x 16 inches high.
— As of 10.25.2010, this product had 4 out of 5 stars from 209 reviews on ToysRUs.com and this product was listed No. 7 in ToysRUs.com's best-selling toys. PROS: Durable, good for range of ages, encourages sharing  CONS: Gates won't close with all pieces inside.

Designed to be an ordinary ragdoll, something extraordinary happened and this Bitty Buttons Doll magically came to life on the day her last stitch was sewn. Made from pieces of an Eskimo's scarf and sewn on the first day of winter, Mittens can't help but love the snow. She is always ready to start a snowball fight or go skiing and warms up with delicious hot cocoa and a cozy fire. With her cuddly pet polar bear, Mittens always has a pal ready to play in the snow with her.
— As of 10.25.2010, this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 4 reviews on ToysRUs.com and this product was listed No. 2 in ToysRUs.com's best-selling toys. PROS: Adorable  CONS: Made of hard plastic, not huggable.
— Just before Black Friday, parents complained to the New York Post of a “Cabbage Patch’ like hysteria” over Loopsy.

The Melissa & Doug Wooden Slice and Bake Cookie Set lets children ages three and up pretend to bake, decorate, and serve cookies, all while practicing fine motor skills, learning number concepts, and more. The set includes a dozen wooden cookies, a dozen wooden decorating pieces, and toy wooden kitchen utensils.
— As of 10.25.2010, this product had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 81 reviews on Amazon.com and was No. 22 on the top 100 best-selling toys and games. PROS:  Durable and fun.  CONS:  Recalled in Canada for barium in the paint.
— The Slice and Bake Cookie Set was one of only two wooden items that sells well for Tracie Meadows, owner of Whippersnappers on St. Simons Island, Ga.

This wood clock features colorful shaped numbers, perfect for learning to tell time.  Place the colorful numbered shape pieces in their proper places on the face of the soundly-built clock, and move the hour and minute hands to make learning time fun.  Measures 9" x 5".
—As of 10.25.2010, this product had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 91 reviews on Amazon.com and was No. 15 on the top 100 best-selling toys and games. PROS:  Durable, encourages learning.  CONS:  Some versions have a pentagon with 6 sides, and a hexagon with 5 sides.

Product features 1 buildable LEGO Die, 9 LEGO microfigures which includes Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, Draco Malfoy and Albus Dumbledore, building instructions and 1 rule booklet, and 332 LEGO pieces.  For 2 to 4 players.  Be the first to successfully navigate the magical castle to collect all your homework from your classes and get back to your common room.
— In late Spring 2011, 5 of 12 retailers surveyed said that LEGO was their best-selling brand of licensed products. Joe Berardoni Jr., Owner of Pun's Toys in Bryn Mawr, Pa., said that "We try to avoid licensed products...that said, however, we still do carry LEGO, and their licensed kits sell well, such as Star Wars and Harry Potter."
—As of 10.25.2010, this product had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 30 reviews on Amazon.com and was No. 7 on the top 100 best-selling toys and games. PROS: Build your own gameboard. CONS: Not suitable for younger kids.

This makes a great costume from the movie Toy Story.  Product includes set of inflatable vinyl wings.
—As of 10.25.2010, this product had 3 out of 5 stars from 19 reviews on Amazon.com and was No. 3 on the top 100 best-selling toys and games. PROS: Good costume. CONS: Can leak air.