November 2011 Notable Toys — All

Pump-action, 10-disc blaster is customizable so kids can enhance their fire control or modify their blaster for mobility. With removable 10-disc magazine for maximum firepower with minimum reloading time. Removable stock and versatile Tactical Rail System let kids modify their blaster to meet their battlefield needs. (Tactical Rail accessories sold separately.) As with all VORTEX blasters, features XLR long-range disc technology to launch discs an ultra long distance. PRAXIS blaster comes with removable stock, 10-disc magazine, 10 discs and instructions.
— As of 10/14/2011 this product had 4.8 out of 5 stars from 5 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Accurate, long range; several reviewers said this was their favorite of the Vortex line. Cons: Discs are easily lost and not sold separately.
— As of 10/14/2011 this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 6 reviews on ToysRUs.com. Pros: Simple to use; clip loading process is satisfying; Doesn't hurt to get hit by the discs. Cons: Discs get lost easily.

Based on Transformers: Dark of the Moon, the Hasbro Transformers Ultimate Optimus Prime Figure is the premium movie-adapted Transformers toy on the market. Designed for ages five and older, and standing over 22 inches tall, this action figure features a sleek design, glowing weapon lights, and battle and conversation sounds.
— As of 10/14/2011 this product had 3.8 out of 5 stars from 40 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Large; unique; comes with trailer. Cons: Some of the limbs are not very sturdy; not enough points of articulation.
— As of 10/14/2011 this product had 4.4 out of 5 stars from 5 reviews on ToysRUs.com. Pros: Very detailed. Cons: Bigger than "voyager class," yet smaller than "deluxe" class, making it awkward to display. 

Battle for control of the four Spinjitzu weapons has begun. Sensei Wu, Kai, Zane and Nya need help to keep Lord Garmadon and his evil skeleton army from taking the ultimate Spinjitzu weapon – the Dragon Sword of Fire. As the temple splits into two, the fearsome Fire Dragon emerges to protect the sword by spitting fire at Lord Garmadon. Set also includes Samukai and Kruncha figures, all four golden weapons and 14 other weapons. 1174 pieces. Launch date: Summer 2011.
— As of 10/14/2011 this product had 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Helps build fine motor skills and logic skills; challenging. Cons: Finished structure not very durable.
— As of 10/14/2011 this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 2 reviews on ToysRUs.com. Pros: Very detailed; lots of moving parts.

Take home this LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean The Black Pearl (4184). After 13 years, Davy Jones has come to take Jack Sparrow back to the Flying Dutchman. As his tentacled adversary boards the Black Pearl with his brackish crew, Maccus and Bootstrap Bill, Jack and his friends Will and Joshamee are in no mood to surrender just yet. The LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean The Black Pearl (4184) includes: Jack Sparrow MiniFigure; Will Turner MiniFigure; Joshamee Gibbs MiniFigure; Davy Jones MiniFigure; Maccus and Bootstrap Bill MiniFigures. Contains 804 pieces. Launch date: October 2011.

Kids can transform, configure, and manipulate Block Builders for endless building and perpetual design. Fold and unfold the six distinctively hinged blocks to create skyscrapers, modern art sculptures, geometric marvels - just about anything imaginable. Includes 50 puzzle challenge cards. Block Builders puzzle challenge cards range from beginner to expert. Look at the design on the front of the card and recreate the shape using the indicated number of blocks. The solution is provided in an exploded view on the opposite side of the card.

Kids can watch ants create 3-D tunnels in nutrient-rich, translucent gel with the brand new Ant Farm Revolution from Uncle Milton. Ant Farm Revolution is the next generation in ant farm technology, with integrated LED light and projecting lens. This new ant habitat not only provides a home for ants, but also illuminates from within and projects GIANT ant shadows onto the wall or ceiling. Ants need to be ordered online.
— As of 10/14/2011 this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 3 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: "Feels more like art than a toy;" interesting to all ages.
— As of 10/14/2011 this product had 1 out of 5 stars from 1 review on ToysRUs.com. Cons: Reviewer said the ants got out of their container.

This Pigeon plush toy, from Caldecott Honor Award Winning Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!, has a bean-filled body of soft chenille with embroidered eyes, and velour feet and legs. Squeeze Pigeon and hear him plead "Let Me Drive the Bus!!!"... in author Mo Willems' own voice.
— As of 10/14/2011 this product had 4.3 out of 5 stars from 7 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Cute; good for kids who are fans of the book. Cons: No off switch.

Kids add friendly insects from their yard, watch them grow into giant supersized shadows on their ceiling, and move as they crawl about in the magnified-projector dome. The spacious observatory chamber is safe for bugs and kids. The projector’s buggy eyes light up, too.

These helium-filled shark balloons are remote controlled to "swim" through the air. The infrared remote functions include climb, descend, and tail fin control. Up to a 40 ft range. 57 inches long, 36 inches high.
— As of 10/14/2011 this product had 2.8 out of 5 stars from 19 reviews on ToysRUs.com. Pros: Visually striking. Cons: Difficult to assemble; flimsy; does not stay inflated very long.
— Mike McCollum, owner of Learning Express in Hoover, Ala., told TDmonthly in November 2011 that Air Swimmers are becoming one of his best selling flying toys. He said that since September 2011, he has sold 16 of the sharks and 7 of the clown fish.

OMG! Hand painted tin charms bring fashion and fun together. The adjustable necklace makes the perfect fit for any girl. Each one comes in an organza bag. 16" long, adjustable necklace. On the back of each necklace is a text expression, such as "BFF," "I<3U" and "LOL." 12 styles available.
— Joanne Smith co-owner of JaZams in Princeton, N.J., told TDmonthly in October 2011 that they sell 3-4 dozen items from Natural Life each month. They have "lots of quirky jewelry and accessories for teens and tweens," she said.

Clear directions for ten different kinds of bracelets, with all the colorful floss and beads needed to make them. A built-in clipboard provides the ideal work surface for this craft.
— Mike DiAndrea, manager of Hardware Toys in Paoli, Pa., told TDmonthly in October 2011 that they sell about 8 of these kits each month, making them a best seller in the jewelry and accessories category.
— In a January 2012 survey about arts and crafts toys, two out of 13 retailers said that Klutz's Friendship Bracelets book was a best selling toy.
— In a December 2013 survey three out of 10 retailers said that Klutz made their best-selling books.

90632A Jada Toys Bigtime Kustoms - 1959 Chevy Impala Hard Top. 1:24 scale diecast collectible model car. This 1959 Chevorlet Impala is a 9.25"L x 3.25"W x 2.25"H with openable hood, doors & trunk, KMC SS 5-spoke rims. This 1959 Chevrolet Impala is a diecast metal and street lowrider. Manufactured by Jada Toys. Big Time Muscle. 4 pcs per display box in assorted colors. GM is a trademark of the General Motors Corporation.

1002 Sun Star European - 1963 Aston Martin DB5 Hard Top. 1:18 scale diecast collectible model car. This Aston Martin DB5 is a 9.75"L x 3.5"W x 2.75"H die-cast metal car with openable doors & hood. Mounted on a display stand. European collectibles. This Aston Martin DB5 is manufactured by Sunstar. Individually packed in a window box. Box size: 14"L x 6.5"W x 5"H. 1002 is in DARK RED.

96320 Jada Toys Heat - Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 Police. 1:24 scale diecast collectible model car. This Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 Police car is an 8.25"L x 3.75"W x 2"H die cast metal car with openable hood, doors & trunk, free wheeling, and HRE 542R rims. This Lamborghini Murcielago LP-640 is manufactured by Jada Toys. 4 pcs per display box in BLACK color with white doors, roof & hood. 16 pcs per inner box.