November 2012 Notable Toys — Candy & Food

Hershey is a real town dedicated to family fun… there's a Hershey Inn, rides, gardens, and much more, especially Hershey sampling. But when a mystery is also in town, the family goes into action to save the day - well, hopefully. Launch date: 2007.

Congratulations on your growing family. At belly bar, we are committed to providing moms-to-be and new moms with the highest quality prenatal nutrition in forms that are easy to take and tasty. Whether moms are trying, pregnant or nursing, building the right nutritional foundation is essential for them and their baby. Belly bar prenatal chocolate vitamins are delicious, fortified bites of real chocolate and chewy soft nougat that make getting their complete prenatal vitamins a moment of pleasure. Each box contains two bottles one with chocolate prenatal vitamins and one with DHA chocolates. Enjoy 1 ball from each bottle daily. Carrying a baby to full-term is so important, and studies show that eating chocolate daily may help. Launch date: 2012.

Box of 24 ct available in salt & vinegar, bacon cheddar and sour cream & onion flavors.   CRICK-ETTES® are genuine crickets baked and lightly coated with seasoning. (Think chips, popcorn or pork rinds.) CRICK-ETTES® appeal to a large demographic—children to grandmothers—and make a great gag gift.  HOTLIX® insects have been featured on the History channel, Discovery, National Geographic & in many newspapers and magazines.  HOTLIX® can be found in candy stores, airports, theme parks, nature centers, museums (Smithsonian, American Museum of Natural History, Universal Studios, Ripley’s Believe It or Not), etc. Launch date: 2005.

Box of 24 ct available in BBQ, Mexican Spice, Cheddar Cheese or Assorted flavors. Larvets® are genuine larva baked & lightly coated with seasoning. (Think chips, popcorn or pork rinds.) Larvets® appeal to a large demographic — children to grandmothers — & make a great gag gift. HOTLIX® insects have been featured on the History channel, Discovery, National Geographic & many newspapers & magazines. HOTLIX® can be found in candy stores, airports, theme parks, nature centers, museums (Smithsonian, American Museum of Natural History, Universal Studios, Ripley’s Believe It or Not), etc. Launch date: 1994.

This classic gumball machine bank includes over 50 "Dubble Bubble" gumballs. It measures 8-1/2" tall. It has a red base. Put a coin in, turn the handle, and out pops a gumball. Made of sturdy plastic. For ages 3 and up.
— Greg Larson, owner of Larson's Toys and Games in Columbus, Ohio, told TDmonthly in a late Summer 2012 survey that Bubble Gum machines are one of their best selling candy/food items.

Zotz is a candy with a fizzy, sour center. It looks and tastes like a regular hard candy, but when the center is bitten into there is a sour fizzing taste because of the powder reacting with saliva.
— Priscilla Moore, owner of Mr. Fub’s Party/Toys and More in Yellow Springs, Ohio, told TDmonthly in a late Summer 2012 survey that Zotz was one of their top-2 bestselling items.

These fun and tasty kits include a 9 inch long kaleidoscope in a primary color. The refillable image chamber on the end can be filled with the included variety of candy pieces to create custom kaleidoscope images. Assortment includes a combination of candy-stripe and solid color tubes. Made in the USA, handcrafted by Gemini Kaleidoscopes.
— Greg Larson, owner of Larson's Toys and Games in Columbus, Ohio, told TDmonthly in a late Summer 2012 survey that Candy Kaleidoscopes are one of their best selling candy/food items.

— Priscilla Moore, owner of Mr. Fub’s Party/Toys and More in Yellow Springs, Ohio, told TDmonthly in a late Summer 2012 survey that Whistle Candy was one of their top-2 bestselling candy items.

The 16-ounce Moo Mixer Supreme features an easy to use trigger button, fun to hold handle and large detachable clear tumbler. Battery operated (two AA batteries, not included), dishwasher safe clear tumbler and the totally cool mixing action that makes a whirling vortex of power to thoroughly dissolve chocolate powder mixes or syrups.
— As of 9/19/2012 this product had 3.5 out of 5 stars from 42 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Easy for kids to use; easy to clean; mixer "blade" is rounded and not sharp, so it's safe for kids. Cons: Some users reported leaking; some users reported that the motor was weak and broke after a couple of uses.
— Greg Larson, owner of Larson's Toys and Games in Columbus, Ohio, told TDmonthly in a late Summer 2012 survey that this is one of their best selling candy/food items.

Packaged with a whisk and silicone baking cups, the Handstand Kids Baking Around the World Cookbook kit introduces children to the world of baking in a colorful, hardbound and illustrated book with new recipes from Arleen Scavone, two-time winner of Food Network’s Cupcake Wars, and founder of the famous bakery, Sweet Arleen’s. This cookbook features PB&J Cupcakes, South African Pumpkin Bread Pudding, and Carrot Walnut Cupcakes, among others. Launch date: January 2008.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval