November 2012 Notable Toys — Pretend Play

The NEW midnight-black, winged Areion from Safari Ltd® has one of the fiercest spirits of all. Stare into its untamable brown eyes and let it show you the way to the mythical world. This hand painted replica measures 5.5” L x 4.25” W x 5.25” H (13.75 x 10.75 x 13.25 cm) and is suitable for ages 3 and up. All Safari Ltd® products are 100% guaranteed and lead free to ensure children’s safety. Visit www.safariltd.com to explore educational information in five languages and to view and purchase Safari Ltd® 2013 introductions and all other products. Launch date: January 2013.

The Fortune Cookie Maker lets children write, create and decorate fortune cookies right at home. Children just write down their fortune, combine the included mix with water, heat in the microwave for a few seconds, knead and roll out their dough and then place it in the Fortune Cookie Machine. With the push of a button, their fortune is deliciously sealed and is ready to decorate and eat within 10 minutes. The Fortune Cookie Machine makes up to 12 cookies, and is fun for the entire family.

This pirate ship from Jake and the Never Land Pirates assembles in seconds thanks to patented Twist N Fold technology. The sail doubles as a basketball hoop for the mini basketball (included), and there are 2 tunnel ports with roll-up flap doors for easy access and expansion. Approx. 54'L x 29'W x 60'H. Easy adult assembly. Made of non-woven fabric, nylon, mesh and steel.

Cash in on curiosity with this modern cash register that makes playing shop irresistible. Features a fun coin slide and pop-open cash drawer. Includes chunky buttons and 5 number coins. Ages 2+. Launch date: January 2013.

This little girl is not feeling well, but her mommy can make her feel all better. As girls check on their toddler with the included medical instruments, the doll will interact with all sorts of phrases. She responds "Ahhhh" to the tongue depressor and giggles when the reflex hammer makes her knee pop up (it really kicks). The stethoscope makes a heartbeat sound and lights up, the ear checker goes from happy to sad with the click of a button, and the doll's forehead lights up red with a fever that the working medicine dropper will cure. Also includes a syringe, role-play name badge and doctor's kit that stores everything away neatly once baby feels better.

Award winning! The start  of many a story begins right here!

Robin Hood, Magician, Royalty, Wizard, Superhero - All need a great cape like this! Fairy Finery believes capes are the versatile start of imaginative playtime. Made of washable, soft poly suede, closes with Velcro at neck for easy wear and safety. The full hood has a tassel to finish it in style.
Colors: Forest Green, Brown, Black, Red.

Barbie doll is the ultimate fashion icon, so of course she has the ultimate closet to hold all her clothes. This ultra-glamorous closet features plenty of places to store and display Barbie doll's trendy fashions and accessories - and even comes with fun, functional silver-colored hangers. Girls can show off shoes on the shelves, stash accessories in the sliding drawer, and hang dresses in the closet or on the closet doors. Plus, the pullout dressing rack helps Barbie decide what to wear next. 20+ pieces include Barbie fashions, shoes, purses, and hangers.
— David Stelzer, owner of Shananigans Toy Store in Baltimore, Md., told TDmonthly in a June 2015 survey that Barbie is their best-selling doll brand.

Toxic is a venomous little snake with her number 1 goal to win at everything. The other zombies are her best buddies but she will constantly challenge them at any contest. Don’t ever tell Toxic that she’s not cool. She is 12 in high, and made in super soft velboa fabric, very cuddly and comes with a personality tag. Launch date: 2012.

Stich is not your typical pig. Being a Zombie certainly has its disadvantages, as she is obsessed with hygiene. She wants to look good, smell good and stay free of germs and wants to scrub her buddies. Stich is 12 in high, and made in super soft velboa fabric, very cuddly and comes with a personality tag. Launch date: 2012. Launch date: 2012.

Rob is a quiet multifaceted guy with intense thoughts on his place in the universe. He frequently reflects on life in the zoo by writing heavy poetry and performing regularly at the ZZ poetry slam. He is 15 in high, and made out of super soft velboa fabric, very cuddly and comes with a personality tag. Launch date: 2012.

Muck gives new meaning to the word "hyper" He is a non-stop, delightfully happy guy that is always ready to party. Muck pretty much has a party in his head and just wants the others to join in. 12 in high, made in super soft velboa fabric, Muck is very cuddly and comes with a personality tag. Launch date: 2012.

Boo is a natural-born leader of ZombieZoo and is a curious explorer who often leads the others on excursions in hopes to find what lies beyond the zoo. 13 in high plush in super soft velboa fabric. Boo is very cuddly and comes with a personality tag. Launch date: 2012.

This set comes complete with a wooden cook top. Content: apron, frying pan, wooden stove top, pot with lid, and salt & pepper shakers. Dishwasher safe - microwave safe - suitable for food contact - PVC free. 10 pieces.

What a cute idea: vegetables kids can cuddle with and listen to. The carrot and tomato rattle, and the lettuce leaf rustles. Later, this trio will make a great addition to any play food set.
— David Stelzer, owner of Shananigans Toys in Baltimore, Md., told TDmonthly in an April 2015 survey that Haba rattles and toys are their store's best-selling infant & toddler toys.

Little horse lovers will have a great time helping prepare for a horse show with a LEGO horse trailer set. Children can put mini doll Emma in her horse Robin's saddle to practice jumping. Or they can groom Robin for the big show with her brushes. Then, they'll transport the pair to the big competition in the realistic trailer. Kids will have a blast at playtime, helping Emma and Robin prepare for their big day.

Big fix-it fun for the smallest fixer uppers. Encourage imaginative play with chunky tools made from durable, soft plastic. Includes saw, hammer, screwdriver, wrench, drill (with sound) and tool box measuring 9"L x 5½"H x 3¾"W. Launch date: January 2012.
Awards: 2012 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Toy Gold Seal Award

18 inch doll bed linens feature pink and white stripe cotton and white accents. Triple Bunk Bed Pink Stripe Linens Features: (3) mattress covers, (3) pillow cases, (3) coverlets. 100 % cotton. Quality crafted.

18 inch doll day bed with trundle bed. All wood construction, quality-crafted in traditional cottage beadboard design with a classic arched silhouette style, this bed comfortably sleeps 2 dolls up to 20". Trundle can be concealed under the day bed. Linens include two mattresses, pillows, pillow cases, mattress covers and coverlets.Measures 13"x22"x11".

Loads of fun in a small package! Open up the barn to play with the two adorable foals, and use the fencing to create a corral. The Pocket Barn has hinged loft doors and sliding front doors, and is easy to take along, making it a great item for travel and on-the-go play.

Great free wheeling scooter comes with a First Friend and a Puppy. Encourages interaction and imaginative play. Strong and durable.
— As of 10/01/2012 this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 2 reviews on Amazon.com.

These projects are for the youngest children and work best with a high level of parental support. Skills required include assembly, gluing, hammering and filing. Painting and decorating optional and the crafts to be built are toys that would appeal to younger children.

Push, pull and twist the chimneys to see the farm animals pop out. Push the mailbox to open the barn door. Four friendly farm animals: Chicken, Sheep, Cow, and Dog. Encourages an understanding of cause and effect.

Barbie and her three sisters can take a magical trip on the Barbie Sisters Cruise Ship. While on the "water," the boat features a steering wheel and space for two lounge chairs on the upper deck. When the boat docks, the side panel opens up to reveal another deck, a fun swing that fits all four sisters and a grand buffet table. The back of the boat pulls out to reveal a fabulous pool that features two slides for racing. When the day in the sun is done, flip up the deck to reveal two beds for the sisters to slumber in. Dolls not included. Launch date: 2012.

The expanding Fisher-Price Imaginext Eagle Talon Castle Play Set brings imagination to life with sound effects, activation discs and figures to help fight the attackers. Castle magically recognizes approaching dragons, ogres and battlements to warn of impending attacks. Castle expands from 20" to 42" and is reconfigurable in different ways. Play set includes: transforming castle, 3 figure turn discs, 2 catapults, 1 "Turn Tech" cannon with 2 projectiles, 3 figures with helmets, shields and swords, 8 firing discs for catapults and eagle head, 1 treasure chest, 2 ladders and 4 flags. Launch date: 2012.