December 2012 Notable Toys — Novelties

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

How cool is this Elvis Presley Blue Hawaii Mr. Potato Head? Combining the spirit of the musical film Blue Hawaii, starring everyone's favorite crooner Elvis Presley, with the classic fun of putting together Mr. Potato head, the 6-inch tall Elvis Mr. Potato Head features The King of Rock and Roll with his trademark pompadour, in a red Hawaiian shirt. He's got a ukulele in his left hand, in case kids feel like having him bust out some tunes. And what kind of Hawaiian would Elvis be without that yellow lei flower necklace? Elvis fans will love the mini parody album cover included inside the packaging, too.

A motion controlled video game equipped with wireless controllers in the shape rakes, dust pans, frying pans and pooper scoopers. Extreme Chores races kids against the clock as they complete important household tasks like raking, doing the dishes, digging holes and emptying the litter box. Exteme Chores promises to make chores fun.

An animal-powered debris removal system. Each kit comes with four dust boots (one size fits most paws). PetPlow, PetDustpan and PetBroom sold separately.

A hamster-like water bottle that allows parents to relax while the baby learns to feed itself. It also comes with a $4 dollar off coupon for "Infant Energy Drink." With the Crib Dribbler feeding system, baby will have the alone time it needs and its parents can enjoy some quiet time without having to tend to a hungry baby.

Freddy Flungpu originally comes from the dense jungles of India. When he was a little monkey, he used to always carry a banana around and suck on it like a bottle. His friends thought it was a little weird but then again, Freddy has always been weird. When a traveling circus came through town, he thought it would be fun to hitch a ride with them. Eventually, Freddy just became too crazy to handle anymore, and his owner sent him to the Insanimals farm.

Radz cute and collectible novelty toy candy dispensers each come with a pack of tasty Radz candy and a unique access code to unlock exclusive games, videos, and other fun content on RadzWorld.com. The Everyday Series 1 Collection features five cool characters with interchangeable parts for mix and match fun. Radz candy refill packs and Radz accessory plus candy packs are also available. Launch date: June 2012.

Hot Wheels #35 Angry Birds Minion. Collect them all to build a fantasy world where even the craziest creatures can be frightfully fast.

From the hit app sensation Talking Friends, Talking Tom has now come to life. Talking Tom repeats everything kids say in his signature funny voice, just like the hit app. Now a Disney cartoon series, Talking Tom is great gift idea for kids of all ages. Launch date: October 2012.

A collection of 6 colorful foam gliders that assemble in minutes without glue or scissors. With the catapult launchers, there beauties fly up to 150 feet.
— Dean Smith, owner of Jazams in Princeton, N.J. told TDmonthly in a Fall 2012 survey that they sell about 24 of these each month, making them a best selling aircraft/flying toy.

This little flying Astronaut has twin rotor propulsion, Bright diode lights and ultrafine micro components. The Rapid Battery Charging Unit requires 8 AA batteries, Not Included. The Infrared Remote Controller requires 3 AG13 batteries (included). The 3.5-inch spaceman has an on-off switch. Recommended for indoor use only.
— Joe Berardoni Jr., owner of Puns Toys in Bryn Mawr, Pa., told TDmonthly in a Fall 2012 survey that they sell about 6 of this item each month.

The Flash Flyer is truly the modern boomerang. The flexible round disc is capable of flying a whopping 40 feet and returning exactly from where it is launched. It is easy to launch and can stay aloft for long periods of time. Makes for a fun game of flying catch. The Alien Flyer can even spin and hang on a ceiling or wall. Plus, it lights up. The Flash Flyer has smart-sensor technology that automatically turns on super-bright LED lights when launched, creating a rainbow of color in the dark.
Awards: 2011 Good Housekeeping’s Best Toy Award
— Deborah Smith from Toys That Teach in Richmond, Va. told TDmonthly in a Fall 2012 survey that AFO Flash Flyers were one of her top-2 best selling aircraft/flying toys.

Unique Hand Powered Launcher Sends Planes Soaring Up to 30 Feet. Perfect for indoor and outdoor flight. Adjustable wing flaps for incredible aerodynamic stunts. Realistic jet engine sounds at take off. Set includes launcher and three planes. Batteries needed for sound only.
— In a Fall 2012 survey, 2 out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that Snap'n'Soar was the best selling aircraft/flying toy in their store.
— In a November 2013 survey, two out of 10 retailers told TDmonthly that Kid Galaxy Snap and Soar is a best-selling flying toy.

With five favorite mini microbes dressed up for Christmas: a Stomach Ache Gingerbread Man, a caroling Sore Throat, Frosty the White Blood Cell Snowman, an angelic Nerve Cell, and an exclusive Amoeba in sparkly gold lamé, only available in this set.

Each petri dish of orange putty in the company’s new line of product, GIANTmicrobes® Primordial Putty, includes a different collectible figure. Choose from Flesh Eating Disease, Black Death, Ebola Virus or Anthrax. Perfect for Halloween parties and stocking stuffers. Launch date: 2012.

This has the same shape and package design of the first Krazy straw® that was ever created in the 1960's. Bring to parties and be sure to turn heads. 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 fun kit includes 4 colors of Body Glitter (2.8 g/0.10 oz); 1 Body Glue (3 ml / 0.10 fl oz); 12 3"x2" Self Adhesive Stencils; 2 pc. brush set; Instruction/Care Card.
— Barb Stine, owner of Toys on the Square in Hershey, Pa., told TDmonthly in a December 2013 survey that tattoos are one of their best-selling Halloween toys.

Where to buy:
NORTH WEST

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.