December 2010 Notable Toys — Collectibles

Sqwishlanders – they are cute, they are collectible, they are fun – a craze every parent can afford to support and you don’t have to go far to find one. Available at those ubiquitous red vending machines found in every supermarket, convenience store, arcade and malls across America, put your quarter in, crank the handle and wait and see what comes out. The surprise of the catch is just part of the fun. Once you open the capsule and see which Sqwishland® character has been dispensed, a fortune cookie style secret code will reveal yet another surprise, an unknown bounty of virtual game cash will be discovered when the code is entered on line.

This patent-pending version of an elastic bracelet takes it to a whole new level – perpendicular to the wrist. Piggybacks, “The Bandz That Stand™" have incorporated a mini shaped band that “piggybacks” on top of the traditional shaped rubber band allowing, the top shape to be easily seen when placed on the wrist. A Piggyback Bandz looks similar to many other band bracelets until you slide it on your wrist and watch it stand at attention, upright. The bandz can be layered with one, two or a half-dozen more to create a word, a secret code, a design or whatever the imagination whips up.

Made in Brazil, these life-like babies that float inside a magic bubble feature artistic characteristics such as skin, touch, and other life-like baby properties. Sculpted by Luciana Miglioranzi.
Awards: 2009 DotY Award Industry Choice, 2009 DotY Award People's Choice, 2010 IDEX Tiny Treasures

Created by award-winning children’s author/illustrator Neecy Twinem, ZombieZoo characters are different and a bit quirky, featuring an unusual story line and unique personalities. The ZombieZoo family of animals includes Boo the black cat, the natural born leader of the group, and Stich, a pig obsessed with hygiene.  Along with their friends, Muck (Monkey), Rob (Rabbit) and Toxic (Snake), original (large) Zombies stand at 12 to 15 inches high, are made of soft fleece and have a “Frankenstein” style of stitching adorning their bodies and over-sized heads.  The large ZombieZoo plush characters come with a six and a half minute DVD storybook. Zombie minis, replicas of their larger siblings, are also available. They stand 4-5 inches tall and include a handy clip to attach to backpacks, clothing, etc.  

The latest addition to Safari Ltd.’s North American Wildlife collection for 2011 is this detailed likeness of the famous feathered sprinter. Native to the deserts of the American southwest, this inquisitive bird has been clocked dashing along at 17 mph. Our skillfully sculpted reproduction measures 3” L x 2.5” H. Carefully painted by hand, it is phthalate and lead free and meets or exceeds all safety standards. Appropriate for ages 3+.
— Grafton Stine, owner of Toys on the Square in Hummelstown, Pa., told TDmonthly in a 2011 survey that they only sell playable collectibles, like animal figures from Safari LTD.

The piercing howl of this dragon is said to cause avalanches and their breath can instantly freeze even the largest of beasts. For 2011, Safari Ltd. adds another intricately sculpted and hand painted, icy-blue dragon to their current dragon series. This dragon measures 4.75”H. Both phthalate and lead free, it meets or exceeds all safety standards. Appropriate for ages 3+.

Unknown to the western world until the 20th century, the reclusive okapi’s only living relative is the giraffe. Like the giraffe, they have very long blue tongues that allow them to clean their eyelids and ears. Safari Ltd.’s stunning new 2011 Okapi measures 7” L x 5.75” H and every white stripe is hand-painted. Phthalate and lead free, this figure meets or exceeds all safety standards. Includes educational information in 5 languages. Appropriate for ages 3+.

Safari Ltd.'s soft and very playable replication of the largest freshwater turtle in North America is a new 2011 addition to our popular Incredible Creatures series. In the wild these carnivorous turtles can measure up to 20 inches long and live up to 50 years. This hand painted figure measures 6” L x 6” W and is phthalate and lead free and meets or exceeds all safety standards. Includes educational information in 5 languages. Appropriate for ages 3+.

A great whimsical gift and it's educational too: each doll comes with a multilingual hangtag with phrases you say after someone sneezes in 5 different languages.

In many parts of the world, it's still a time of Cholera. Learn why there's no love lost for this infamous character.

This sensation can lead to desperation, so make some preparation for this situation, or else you'll face dehydration destructive to your reputation!

You are what you eat, even if it's contaminated. So be careful - food poisoning can b. cereus!

This second series of figures features two alternate versions of your favorite nuclear family and 15 new characters including extended family members and loveable barflies, including Mariachi Homer, Mariachi Marge, Zombie Homer, Zombie Bart, Sideshow Mel, Carl Carlson, Selma Bouvier and many more. Each vinyl figure stands 3-inches tall, includes a character sticker, and comes blind boxed to preserve its identity.
— Tom Levin from Tom's Toys Inc in Great Barrington, Mass., told TDmonthly in a Fall 2013 survey that minifigures from Kid Robot are a popular choice for tween customers.

This exclusive variant set features Nohell dressed for the season in a festive blood red, velvet touch holiday dress with white faux fur trim and real jingling bells on her boots. This variant also features coal black hair and "frozen" blue lips.  Also included is a luxurious raven black stocking decorated with a festive crossbones of a skull and candy canes. The stocking features festive faux fur that coordinates with that on Nohell's dress, and a hidden loop for hanging on the mantle with care.  Nohell is 10inches tall, and is packaged, with the stocking, in a special snow white colored coffin.  Limited edition of 666 pieces.

A clever parody of the classic Beatles album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, this handpainted cel is a 150-piece, hand-numbered limited edition from Acme Archives. It features stunning artwork straight from The Simpsons, measures 15-inches tall x 14-inches wide, and comes with a certificate of authenticity.

Sturdy and quality built with a genuine leather interior, here's the Mark V Iron Man Suit in its briefcase form. The lockable, fully functional briefcase from Museum Replicas is expertly constructed of aluminum with an elaborate machined look, and measures 16-inches tall x 21-inches wide x 6 1/2-inches deep. It's a limited edition of 1,000 pieces.

This large set from NECA is limited to 300 pieces worldwide. It showcases movieaccurate, hand-painted resin statues of Jack Skellington, Sally, Mayor, and Vampire that range in size from 7 to 12-inches tall and feature bases and accessories that include pumpkins, Zero, a black cat, and a 16-inch clock tower.

A dream come true, you can now bring a lifesize Jedi Master into your living room to counsel and protect you. This Supreme Edition Collector's Yoda Replica from Rubies stands 26-inches tall on a themed base and includes a detachable green lightsaber. He's so lifelike, you'll swear Yoda is standing in front of you!

Presenting the most impressive Snoopy ever… a larger-than-life-sized mohair pooch that stands an imposing 31-inches tall. The biggest beagle of all time, he's exquisitely crafted in Germany by Steiff and limited to a production run of only 500 pieces. Snoopy is sure to sell out quickly.

A truly matchless His Airness collectible. Retain your favorite memories of the 10-time NBA scoring leader, 5-time NBA MVP with this personally autographed, UDA-authenticated, syntheticleather Wilson basketball from Upper Deck.

Direct from Gotham City, this superb Batmobile replica is based on designs for the original Tim Burton / Michael Keaton film models, with interior references scaled down from the full-size props.  Loaded with details like working lights and a fire effect at the rear, and limited to just 500 pieces worldwide, the fiberglass vehicle from Toynami measures 29-inches long.

From the exhilarating escape scene in Star Wars: A New Hope, this astounding resin statue from Attakus is perfectly cast in the finest detail. It measures an incredible 68-inches long and provides an astonishing open view of the inside of the vessel. A limited edition of 400 pieces, this French import will become the centerpiece of any Star Wars aficionado's collection.

This is a full-size reproduction from the Star Trek: The Original Series TV show, built by Steve Horch of HMS Creative Productions for Roddenberry, and hand-crafted to the exact standards of the original.  Made in the USA.  The center seat is made using plywood with solid laminated walnut arms crafted as the originals were. The finished product is built to be sturdy and hold up to 250-300 pounds.

Series 5 has incorporated major metropolitan area departments such as Kansas and Houston.  As well as the first time that the classic sheriff brown / tan exterior paint scheme has been utilized. 1:64 Hot Pursuit Series 5 includes 1965 Ford Galaxie Westwood, Massachusetts Police;  2008 Dodge Charger Kansas City, KS Police;  2008 Dodge Charger Houston, TX Police; 2008 Ford Crown Victoria New York State Police; and more.  These die-cast replicas feature opening hoods, detailed engines, real rubber tires, metal body and chassis, detailed graphics, custom license plates and are officially licensed by the respective automobile companies.