December 2012 Notable Toys — Tween

The ghouls of Monster High are hitting the skies for their first trip abroad together in monster style. Their destination is Scaris, the city of lights and hometown for Rochelle Goyle, and they plan to see it all. With a turning steering wheel, moving shifter and backseat that opens for storage, this gore-geous car featuring Scarisian wrought iron detailing is the perfect vehicle for their travel adventures.

Wake up ready to rock 'n roll with the One Direction alarm clock. Full-color picture of the boys in the band right above the digital display.

Super-clear directions walk kids through seven unique bracelet designs, all based on a simple weaving technique. Use our custom loom and included beads, cord, needle, and thread to create a wardrobe of beautifully beaded bands that can be worn wrapped, stacked, or stylishly solo. Comes with: custom loom, over 900 glass and specialty beads, closure beads, cord, beading thread and 3 needles.

The ghouls are ready for one of their favorite classes at Monster High - Dance class. Of course, each ghoul brings her own unique style to class. Lagoona Blue is graceful sea-monster chic in her flowing ballet outfit. Includes doll, brush, and accessory. Launch date: 2012.

The ghouls are ready for one of their favorite classes at Monster High - Dance class. Of course, each ghoul brings her own unique style to class. Howleen is rocking a cute hip-hop fashion and pink hairdo. Includes doll, brush, and accessory.
— As of 12/05/2012 this product had 4.8 out of 5 stars from 5 reviews on Amazon.com.

In The Son of Neptune, Percy, Hazel, and Frank met in Camp Jupiter, the Roman equivalent of Camp Halfblood, and traveled to the land beyond the gods to complete a dangerous quest. The third book in the Heroes of Olympus series will unite them with Jason, Piper, and Leo. But they number only six--who will complete the Prophecy of Seven? The Greek and Roman demigods will have to cooperate in order to defeat the giants released by the Earth Mother, Gaea. Then they will have to sail together to the ancient land to find the Doors of Death. What exactly are the Doors of Death? Much of the prophecy remains a mystery... With old friends and new friends joining forces, a marvelous ship, fearsome foes, and an exotic setting, The Mark of Athena promises to be another unforgettable adventure by master storyteller Rick Riordan.
— As of 12/4/2012 this product had 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,072 reviews on Amazon.com.
— Melissa Pennille, co-owner of Teaching Toys & Books in Tacoma, Wash., told TDmonthly in a Winter 2012 survey that they sell 8 copies of this book each month, making it a best seller in their store.

This youth-sized version of the popular '70s style Elvis sunglasses is perfect for a young Elvis Tribute artist.

Girls will want to play out their favorite Believix moments from the show with these beautiful Winx Club Believix fairy dolls. With 11 points of articulation, girls can recreate any fashionable pose they want. The dolls come with a pair of sparkly Believix wings that plug into the Winx "X" on their back allowing for magical transformation from girl to fairy.

Children express their individuality by designing charm bracelets that best fit their personalities and interests. By finding a cool design or picture in a magazine or on the Internet, Tweens can punch out using our studio tool. Then attaching to the Bubble Cap they can put it into the Crafty Snap Setting and place the charm onto the Crafty Band. Starter Kit is priced at $29.95, and includes the Shape Studio Tool, four Crafty Bands, 20 Crafty Snaps, 20 Bubble Caps and adhesive. Refill Kits, including four Crafty Bands and 20 Crafty Snaps, are priced at $6.99. Launch date: November 2012.

New Nail Art to apply after Piggy Paint has dried. Then seal the Nail Art on the nail with Piggy Paint topcoat. So much fun. 3-D Butterfly Nail Art Topcoat or Glass Slippers is recommended to seal design. Choking Hazard: Not intended for children under 5. Launch date: November 2012.

The ghouls have always stayed home on Halloween but not this year. They've decided to come out of hiding to take back this haunting holiday in fangtastic, over-the-top costumes.

Package includes: Rainbow Loom(TM), Mini Rainbow Loom(TM), hook, a bag of c-clips, instruction manual and 600+ mix rubber bands (colors may vary). Makes up to 24 rubber band bracelets.
— Chris Lowe, owner of Beanhead Toys in Sandy Springs, Ga., told TDmonthly in a May 2013 survey that Rainbow Loom is their best-selling activity kit. They sell about 50 each month, and if they could keep it in stock, would likely sell more. "I got 24 the other day and they were gone instantly," she told TDmonthly.
— In a July 2013 survey, four out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that the Rainbow Loom was their overall best-selling product.
— In a Fall 2013 survey, two out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that Rainbow Loom was their best-selling novelty toy.

Our bracelets are colorful "collars" embroidered with the single word: "Adopt". Launch date: September 2012.

Girls will feel like a princess with mini jeweled tiaras on their fingers. Comes in assorted styles and sizes.

Now kids can build their own LEGO® Star Wars™ watch. Start with the red and black face, then add red, black and gray links to build the watch band in any pattern they like. Includes an illustrated image of a LEGO Star Wars Darth Maul™ minifigure on the face. The two links around the face feature standard LEGO studs for attaching the additional LEGO elements that are included. Add the studded bezel and minifigure, and kids are ready to tell time the LEGO Star Wars way.
— In a Fall 2012 survey, two out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that kids' watches were one of their best selling accessories.

Spikeletz bracelets are soft, stretchy, and comfortable to wear. One size fits most. Comes in a variety of colorful styles.
— Diana Nelson, owner of Kazoo Toys in Denver, Colo., told TDmonthly in a Fall 2012 survey that Spikeletz were one of her top-2 bestselling jewelry items. They sell through one display each month.
— In a Fall 2013 survey, two out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that Spikelets were their best-selling novelty toys.
— In a Fall 2013 survey, two out of 10 retailers told TDmonthly that Spikelets are their best-selling jewelry item.

Some people die heroically, others accidentally. When Daniel Anderson’s older brother dies, he wonders which category Eli’s death falls into. In an attempt to understand, Danny creates a Book of the Dead - an old binder that he fills with details about dead people, how they died, and, most important, for what purpose. Time passes, and eventually Daniel is prompted to look up from his notebook of death and questions to make new friends and be swept into their imaginings. With gentle humor and genuine emotion, Rebecca Rupp examines the questions that arise following a profound loss and the moments that start life rolling again. Launch date: August 2012.

One Direction are a British-Irish boy band consisting of members Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne, Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson. One Direction became the first British band to debut on top of the Billboard 200 list when Up All Night sold over 176,000 copies during its first week of release in America. Launch date: 2012.

This shimmery mirror wall art kit adds just the right touch of razzle dazzle to a kid's room. These 3-D flower mirrors set the ambiance for fabulous. This twinkly kit includes five 5" x 5" 3-D mirrors. Launch date: October 2011.

Every volume in the Lovecraft Middle School series is fully illustrated and features an original lenticular portrait on the cover. Display them on bookshelves and then watch the cover characters morph into monsters as they are passed by. In Professor Gargoyle, we're introduced to 11-year-old Robert Arthur and the strange world of Lovecraft Middle School. It's a brand-new state-of-the-art facility, so why do so many creepy things keep happening? Why is the science teacher acting so strangely? And where are all the rats coming from? As Robert explores with his new friends Glenn and Carina, he discovers that the school may be a portal to another world. Launch date: September 2012.

Douglas extends the Christine Clarke Collection with a flurry of new designer fashion accessories. One is this shoe shaped sak made of a unique, fun multi colored fabric with coordinating ruffles and embellishments in black and white gingham and hot pink polka dots. The shoe is a working purse with room for all the usual essentials, a plastic zipper enclosure, and a shoulder strap. 8" wide and 10" tall.

Dachshund Whatever Sak™ is pretty in hot pink and black and white print with Dachshund puppies running all around it. The bright pink cording, signature wide zipper and faux fur on the top of the bag adds a festive yet edgy touch to the iconic black and white dog print. Beneath the zipper that goes around the rectangular shaped bag is a dainty white with black pindot ruffle. A single easy-to-carry handle shares the same coordinating fabric.

One of four styles, Sassy Black and White Shih Tzu is dressed to thrill in a pink leopard dress with hot pink satin bow. A soft pink bib attaches the dress around the neck with a cozy feel. Also available are Sassy Pug, Sassy Cream Shih-Tzu, and Sassy Bichon.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval
— In a June 2013 survey, three out of 11 retailers told TDmonthly that Douglas was their best-selling plush brand. "The dogs are so soft and cuddly and they look very realistic. Plus, they are relatively inexpensive. We sell one almost every day!" Suzi McMullen, manager of e-commerce at Doodlehopper 4 Kids in Springfield, Va., said.

Cutie Pops are trendy fashion dolls who love to decorate and accessorize everything in their world. They’re inspired by everything girls love from hearts, neon colors, rainbows, sweets, parties, surprises and more.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys