December 2012 Notable Toys — Musical Toys

Touch Magic™ is a new product line from LeapFrog that brings intuitive touch technology to preschool toys for the first time. It combines fun, learning, and creativity. Touch Magic learning toys utilize capacitive touch technology that recognizes every tap, touch, and swipe to bring each product to life. This new collection of interactive toys includes four products that help develop core learning skills, and encourage exploration and discovery. The Touch Magic Rockin’ Guitar brings musical fun and develops preschool skills with every little touch. It fits kids’ development, engages their creativity, and builds their confidence as they learn ABCs and many new words through educational songs. Kids can choose to play solo without a backup, play along with a band, or select an electric or acoustic guitar to accompany songs including Rockin’ Robin, Itsy Bitsy Spider, If You’re Happy and You Know It, and Pop Goes the Weasel.
Awards: 2012 Dr.Toy Best Picks

TDmonthly recommends looking at Schoenhut for similar, high-quality musical toys and instruments.

Dance like the description. In this game players have a 40 second song clip to dance out as many of the dance charades cards as they can. They get a point for each correct dance charade the other player guesses. The other players also get to reward their opponent with dancing points by throwing purple tokens to you while you dance. In the Box, Audio cd with 40 songs-300 dance charades cards-300 purple tokens-Score Pad and Pencil. This game tends to bring even the shyest of people out of their shell.

M3 wows his audience with 360 spins and his signature one-handed handstand, the Windmill M3 has 8 original tracks to share with kids, including the catchy beats: M-to-the-I Remix and Who's Da Mouse Master Moves Mickey has over 15 dance moves to groove along to the music. Encourages energetic movement and learning through 4 action-packed dance lessons Squeeze Mickey's nose to switch songs and moves and to activate interactive dances. Launch date: 2012.
— As of 11/26/2012 this product had 4.8 out of 5 stars from 30 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: High quality; well-designed; dances are entertaining. Cons: Motor noise is loud; does not work well on soft surfaces.

Little rock stars will take center stage playing Schoenhut's “next generation” guitar. Schoenhut's innovative design incorporating a molded composite body with dual curves greatly enhances sound and durability. The birch soundboard which offers excellent tone and resonance, hardwood neck (for rigidity), and molded composite fretboard ensure proper height and spacing of the frets. Six steel strings permit a wide range of rich sounds. Available in several vibrant designs. Includes: Pick and Extra String. Launch date: January 2012.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval

Orchestra is the Advanced Level Xyloba with 96 parts. Xyloba is a creative marble run for building and composing at the same time. Xyloba develops motor function and spatial imagination, and facilitates a creative approach to music.

The Basic Level Xyloba with 25 parts. Xyloba is a creative marble run for building and composing at the same time. Xyloba develops motor function and spatial imagination, and facilitates a creative approach to music.

Children will be fascinated with this durable and colorful wooden Giant Xylophone. Develops rhythm and motor skills. Added fun with the roly-poly feature. Includes 2 drumsticks. Tested to meet European and U.S. safety standards. Launch date: February 2013.

This colorful and attractive wooden pull-along musical train will engage your kids in hours and hours of wholesome play. It consists of 3 wagons equipped with a Xylophone, 2 Drumsticks, 2 Bells and a Cymbal. Develops rhythm and motor skills. Tested to meet European and U.S. safety standards. Launch date: February 2013.

The kazoo measures 4.75” in overall length and comes individually boxed in a pegable four-color window gift box. The kazoos are sold as a 24-piece, four-color point-of-purchase display. The kazoo is handmade in a small Western New York factory which has made kazoos since 1916 and uses similar tools from that time. The packaging, also produced in the Western New York area, proudly features the U.S. Flag on the box and display.

With Xyloba mezzo kids can create a great variety of melodic marble runs, using the 8 interchangeable sound modules to produce complex melodies. Made in Switzerland.

The Sounds Like Fun ABC Clappers are 3 brightly painted, hand crafted wood castanets with handles in graduated sizes and sounds. One side is labeled 1, 2,3, and the other side is labeled A, B, C. For color, number, shape and letter recognition, beginning pattern making, and hearing high and low sound changes. Includes a parent/teacher friendly activity guide for ideas on using the clappers to encourage child development. Launch date: 2005.

The interactive Lalaloopsy Silly Hair Star Doll set comes with 6 removable hairstyles that play 6 different songs when placed on Harmony's head. Simply mount her on the dancing stage, press her chest, and watch as she sings, grooves and spins her hair around. Includes 1 doll, 1 stage, 6 hairpieces, 1 rattling pet cat and 1 poster.

Using Bluetooth®, this seven piece drum kit connects wirelessly to an iPod Touch, iPhone, or iPad. The free Dream Cheeky Sound System app lets users jam along with their favorite music, in one of many styles. Users can even record and play back their drum sessions, or learn how to drum along with pre-programmed songs. On top of all that, there are more free games in the Dream Cheeky Arcade. While the possibilities are infinite, the iDrum is compact enough to take it with them anywhere. But don’t be fooled by its size; it can withstand a right good smashing. Launch date: August 2012.

Using Bluetooth®, this 3-octave piano with full-sized keys connects wirelessly to an iPod Touch, iPhone, or iPad. The free Dream Cheeky Sound System app lets users play along with their favorite music and select one of many instruments to make the iPlay Piano sound just like they want. Users can even record and play back their tunes, or learn how to play along with pre-programmed songs. On top of all that, there are more free games in the Dream Cheeky Arcade. With the added benefits of helping users strengthen their fingers on its durable surface, and being extremely portable, the iPlay Piano ensures users will always have piano lessons at their fingertips. Launch date: August 2012.

These six adorable styles of playful musical Baby Banks coordinate with Bearington’s lovable animal series and make playful noises when kids drop coins in the slots. They make saving money fun for the little one. Launch date: August 2012.

Watch and listen to the beautiful stream of beads as they gently cascade down the clear plastic 8.5-Inch tube. Playtime with this easy to grip toy helps improve gross motor skills and is safe for ages 6 months and up. BPA free. Launch date: August 2012.

The quality and solid construction of a Zither Heaven ukulele puts this instrument in a class of its own. While reasonably priced to appeal to beginners and children, experienced musicians of all ages enjoy playing the Zither Heaven ukulele. The precise action and proper placement of the bridge enables chords to be played at the bottom of the neck as well as the top of the neck without losing its tune. The red ukulele features a 15-inch vibrating string length. The neck is made of solid hard maple with nylon frets and nylon strings. Zither pins are used for the tuning keys. Launch date: February 2012.

The quality and solid construction of a Zither Heaven soprano ukulele puts this instrument in a class of its own. While reasonably priced to appeal to beginners and children, experienced musicians of all ages have fun playing the Zither Heaven soprano ukulele. The precise action and proper placement of the bridge enables chords to be played at the bottom of the neck as well as the top of the neck without losing its tune. Zither Heaven's soprano ukulele features a smaller body with a 14-inch vibrating string length. The neck is made of solid hard maple with nylon frets and nylon strings. The frets are closer together making it easier for a young child to play. Zither pins are used for the tuning keys. Zither Heaven's soprano ukulele is sturdy and easy to carry, making it the perfect choice for the smallest of children. Launch date: February 2012.

The quality and solid construction of a Zither Heaven ukulele puts this instrument in a class of its own. While reasonably priced to appeal to beginners and children, experienced musicians of all ages enjoy playing the Zither Heaven ukulele. The precise action and proper placement of the bridge enables chords to be played at the bottom of the neck as well as the top of the neck without losing its tune. The yellow ukulele features a 15-inch vibrating string length. The neck is made of solid hard maple with nylon frets and nylon strings. Zither pins are used for the tuning keys. The ukulele includes a tuning wrench and song booklet. Launch date: February 2012.

The quality and solid construction of a Zither Heaven ukulele puts this instrument in a class of its own. While reasonably priced to appeal to beginners and children, experienced musicians of all ages enjoy playing the Zither Heaven ukulele. The precise action and proper placement of the bridge enables chords to be played at the bottom of the neck as well as the top of the neck without losing its tune. The blue ukulele features a 15-inch vibrating string length. The neck is made of solid hard maple with nylon frets and nylon strings. Zither pins are used for the tuning keys. The ukulele includes a tuning wrench and song booklet. Launch date: February 2012.