ToyDirectory
April 16, 2024

TDmonthly Magazine

November 2011 | Vol. X - No. 11


Toys R Us, Walmart, and Kmart's Holiday Toy Hot Lists

By TDmonthly Staff
November 2011

Part I

Below are Walmart's Top Twenty Toys for Toddlers to Tweens

See more details about these products, including videos and reviews, by clicking the product name or image.

Walmart's Top Twenty Toys for Toddlers to Tweens


3 Pack Dawn of the Dance Monster High Dolls by MATTEL INC.

3 Pack Dawn of the Dance Monster High Dolls by MATTEL INC.Frankie, Clawdeen and Draculaura have all been getting ready together to "cut up" the dance floor and boogie the night away at the Dawn of the Dance at Monster High. This three-pack is the only place you can find Draculaura in her Dawn of the Dance outfit. 10/19/2011 (MSRP: $34.97; Age: 6 and Up)


LEGO Star Wars Mace Windu's Jedi Starfighter 7868 by LEGO

LEGO Star Wars Mace WinduBlast through the droid ambush with LEGO Star Wars Mace Windu's Jedi Starfighter! With quad flick missiles and the reliable R8-B7 astromech droid to navigate and repair damage, Mace Windu's Jedi Starfighter will be more than a match for the tactical droid TX-20 on his Separatist speeder.
— As of 10/18/2011 this product had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 14 reviews on Google Product Search. Pros: Mini Figures are great; lots of details and extras included. Cons: Many similar sets have been made. 10/19/2011 (MSRP: $39.97; Age: 7 to 12)


Tonka Chuck & Friends Race-Along Chuck by HASBRO INC.

Tonka Chuck & Friends Race-Along Chuck by HASBRO INC.The Tonka Chuck & Friends Race Along Chuck is bursting with energy and wants to race. Kids can push or pull Chuck to make him go. Kids can fill and empty his dump bed and press the cab lights to hear over 50 phrases and sounds. 10/19/2011 (MSRP: $29.96; Age: 3 and Up)


Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Dance and Play Puppy by FISHER-PRICE INC.

Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Dance and Play Puppy by FISHER-PRICE INC.The Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Dance and Play Puppy is baby's puppy friend that will encourage him to move, dance and sing along through familiar songs. With over 25 sung songs and phrases, baby will learn about ABCs and letters, counting and numbers, parts of the body, actions, manners, greetings and first words. Takes 6 AA batteries (not included).
— As of 10/21/2011 this product had 4 out of 5 stars from 1 review on ToysRUs.com.
— As of 10/21/2011 this product had 4.1 out of 5 stars from 25 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Engaging; moves well; interactive; large. Cons: Volume is not adjustable and can get annoying; the motor itself is loud. 10/21/2011 (MSRP: $39.99; Age: 1 to 3)


Fisher-Price Dora Fiesta Favorites Kitchen Playset by FISHER-PRICE INC.

Fisher-Price Dora Fiesta Favorites Kitchen Playset by FISHER-PRICE INC.It's easy for kids to prepare meals for a birthday bash, picnic, backyard barbeque or to cook up just about anything with the Fisher-Price Dora Fiesta Favorites Kitchen Playset. The Fisher-Price Dora Fiesta Favorites Kitchen Playset includes: A double sided "fiesta recipe card" that kids can place in the kitchen window to cook delicious meals like tacos, huevos rancheros, hamburgers, and more; Dora talks kids through each recipe with fun phrases that correspond to the recipe; A refrigerator, oven, stovetop, grill, sink and a phone; More than 60 English and Spanish phrases, and 20 play pieces. Requires three AA batteries, included. 10/19/2011 (MSRP: $109.99; Age: 2 to 4)


Easy Bake Ultimate Oven by HASBRO INC.

Easy Bake Ultimate Oven by HASBRO INC.The classic oven has been updated to be light bulb-free and comes with yummy mixes and pans for cooking up all kinds of sweet treats. Oven comes with baking pan, cupcake pan, pan pusher, chocolate chip cookie mix, red velvet cake mix, pink frosting mix, rainbow sugar crystals package, paper cupcake wraps and instructions/recipe booklet.
— As of 10/18/2011 this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 4 reviews on ToysRUs.com. Pros: Easy, fun.
— As of 10/18/2011 this product had 3.9 out of 5 stars from 22 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: No assembly required; very easy;  Cons: Does not include many mixes; mixes make small quantities of food; extra mixes are expensive. 10/19/2011 (MSRP: $49.99; Age: 8 to 10)


FurReal Friends Cookie by HASBRO INC.

FurReal Friends Cookie by HASBRO INC.With real-as-can-be movements, sounds and actions, COOKIE MY PLAYFUL PUP lets kids experience the joy of having a puppy of their very own. When kids pet her on her head or back, she barks, moves her head and wags her tail. Give her cheek a little scratch and she'll turn toward their hand to ask for more. When they tell her just how sweet she is, she'll respond with puppy babble that sounds just like she's talking. She loves her squeaky toy — when kids make it squeak, she'll turn her head toward the sound. When kids put her toy bone in her mouth, she'll make crunching sounds like she's chewing it. This pup is about 14 inches tall and can either sit up or lie down.
— As of 10/18/2011 this product had 4 out of 5 stars from 22 reviews on Walmart.com. Pros: Realistic; fun; entertaining. Cons: Dog doesn't "walk" so many reviewers reported their kids lost interest after a couple days; batteries run out quickly. 10/19/2011 (MSRP: $59.99; Age: 4 to 6)


Barbie Sisters Go Camping Camper by MATTEL INC.

Barbie Sisters Go Camping Camper by MATTEL INC.The Mattel Barbie Sisters Go Camping! Camper has everything Barbie needs for her camping trips in one foldable and portable camper. With enough room to sleep all four sisters, the pink-tastic design of the camper with cool graphic touches is sure to please all. Kitchen accessories, such as food pieces and dishes, are included to enhance imaginative play, along with a bathroom complete with a toilet and shower. Don’t forget to bring Barbie’s cute puppy along for the ride, and use the pet bed for when it’s time to rest. The camper even comes with a Jacuzzi for Barbie and her sisters to relax in. This totally foldable and portable design makes it easy to carry anywhere, so Barbie’s adventures can continue anyplace. 10/19/2011 (MSRP: $84.99; Age: 3 and Up)


Beyblade Metal Masters Triple Battle Set by HASBRO INC.

Beyblade Metal Masters Triple Battle Set by HASBRO INC.With a BEYSTADIUM™ arena to fight in and exclusive battle tops and launchers, kids can start their dueling practice as soon as they're set up. Customize the BEYSTADIUM with three battle cores: the Zip Core forces straight-line movement, the Chaos Core brings chaos to the tops' movement, and the Deflector Core brings craziness because it affects right-spin and left-spin tops differently. With the tournament grids and official rule book, kids will be ready to do battle . Set up the exclusive GALAXY PEGASUS™ and METEO L-DRAGO™ tops for a launching, spinning attack.
— As of 10/18/2011 this product had 4.4 out of 5 stars from 7 reviews on ToysRUs.com. Pros: Fun; good starter kit. Cons: Expensive.
— As of 10/18/2011 this product had 3.5 out of 5 stars from 22 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Bey Media L-Drago is is a left-spinning top and is great; beys come assembled. Cons: not very durable; top has to be set just right before spinning, otherwise it won't go.
— In a Summer 2012 survey Deran Muckjian, owner of Catch a Falling Star in Lexington, Mass., told TDmonthly that they sell 40 Hasbro Beyblade figures every month. 10/19/2011 (MSRP: $44.99; Age: 8 to 10)


Star Wars Ultimate FX Lightsaber by ENTERTAINMENT EARTH INC.

Star Wars Ultimate FX Lightsaber by ENTERTAINMENT EARTH INC.The Ultimate FX Lightsaber puts users in the action with battle sounds and glowing blade. Clash the blade or power up and down to hear power activation humming and other sounds. Includes 3 "AA" batteries. Launch date: October 2011. 9/8/2011 (MSRP: $49.99; Age: 5 and Up)


Nerf Vortex Nitron Blaster by HASBRO INC.

Nerf Vortex Nitron Blaster by HASBRO INC.The Nerf VORTEX NITRON Blaster features a cutting-edge acceleration trigger that propels a full-auto storm of discs toward targets with extreme range for an all-out assault. The Centerfire Tech electronic scope features pulsing targeting lights to help kids center their aim. The included 20-disc magazine and onboard magazine storage make reloading quick and simple. In addition to being fully automatic, the NITRON is fully customizable with the Tactical Rail System that is compatible with most VORTEX and N-Strike Mission Kit accessories (sold separately) for a fully customizable battlefield experience.
— As of 10/18/2011 this product had 3.6 out of 5 stars from 5 reviews on ToysRUs.com. Pros: Appealing visual design; automatic. Cons: There is a lag when firing; takes lots of batteries, which is expensive. 10/19/2011 (MSRP: $54.99; Age: 8 to 10)


Imaginext Adventures DC Superfriends Batman Bat Cave by FISHER-PRICE INC.

Imaginext Adventures DC Superfriends Batman Bat Cave by FISHER-PRICE INC.Product features include five activation points in all, so kids can help the caped crusader complete his missions and save the day.  Kids can turn the figure to raise and lower the elevator, and open the portal.  Or they can press the button to launch the grappling hook.  Product folds for easy storage.  Playset is approximately 21 inches long x 6 inches wide x 16 inches high.
— As of 10.25.2010, this product had 4 out of 5 stars from 209 reviews on ToysRUs.com and this product was listed No. 7 in ToysRUs.com's best-selling toys. PROS: Durable, good for range of ages, encourages sharing  CONS: Gates won't close with all pieces inside. 10/26/2010 (MSRP: $44.99)


Air Hogs Disney Pixar Cars 2 Interactive Radio Control Vehicle — The Real Lightning McQueen by SPIN MASTER TOYS

Air Hogs Disney Pixar Cars 2 Interactive Radio Control Vehicle — The Real Lightning McQueen by SPIN MASTER TOYSGet the real deal with The Real Lightning McQueen. His eyes and mouth come to life with impulse projection technology. Kids can interact with Lightning McQueen like never before as he teaches them how to maneuver him and rewards their driving skills. With bump detection technology, Lightning McQueen will react to collisions and even call in his pit crew for repairs. Lightning McQueen not only delivers his famous lines from the movie, but also speaks new, never-before-heard lines that can only be heard when driving The Real Lightning McQueen. Launch date: October 2011. 10/19/2011 (MSRP: $64.99)


Transformers: Dark of the Moon - Ultimate Optimus Prime by HASBRO INC.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon - Ultimate Optimus Prime by HASBRO INC.Based on Transformers: Dark of the Moon, the Hasbro Transformers Ultimate Optimus Prime Figure is the premium movie-adapted Transformers toy on the market. Designed for ages five and older, and standing over 22 inches tall, this action figure features a sleek design, glowing weapon lights, and battle and conversation sounds.
— As of 10/14/2011 this product had 3.8 out of 5 stars from 40 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Large; unique; comes with trailer. Cons: Some of the limbs are not very sturdy; not enough points of articulation.
— As of 10/14/2011 this product had 4.4 out of 5 stars from 5 reviews on ToysRUs.com. Pros: Very detailed. Cons: Bigger than "voyager class," yet smaller than "deluxe" class, making it awkward to display.  10/14/2011 (MSRP: $89.99)


Wowwee Paper Jamz Pro Mic by WOWWEE GROUP LTD.

Wowwee Paper Jamz Pro Mic by WOWWEE GROUP LTD.WowWee Paper Jamz are affordable and innovative instruments that provide an instant rock star experience and open-ended play. The creative blend of technology and play is made possible with Active Graphics Technology circuit-embedded paper, which allows kids to play like a pro by simply touching the paper surface. With cutting-edge technology, this Paper Jamz Pro microphone lets anyone sound like a pop star. USB cable included. For ages 8 and above. Batteries 3 x “AAA” (not included). 10/19/2011 (MSRP: $39.99)


Electronic Yahtzee Flash by HASBRO INC.

Electronic Yahtzee Flash by HASBRO INC.Thanks to innovative Wonder-Link technology, these super-smart dice know what was rolled, what the player decided to hold and automatically re-roll the rest. Choose from four ways to play - Poker, Max, Wild or Flash. Can be played as a group or solo. It comes with 5 Electronic Yahtzee dice, a game case, Rules and Quick-Play Card. It includes 5 button batteries.
— As of 10/18/2011 this product had 3.5 out of 5 stars from 21 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Ideal for single player usage; nice storage case. Cons: Screen can be difficult to read; scoring happens too quickly; not as fun as the original. 10/19/2011 (MSRP: $32.99; Age: 8 and Up)


Let's Rock Elmo by HASBRO INC.

LetDressed in a concert style tee, Elmo takes the stage singing and making music. Elmo comes with his very own microphone and two instruments, a tambourine and a drum set. Preschoolers can choose which instrument Elmo plays, and he recognizes which one he is given. Kids can also play along on Elmo's instruments. Elmo also interacts with other Let's Rock instruments (each sold separately); he knows when kids are playing the instruments, and plays along. The Let's Rock Elmo toy sings six songs. Requires six 'AA' batteries, included. 2/18/2011 (MSRP: $69.99; Age: 2 and Up)


LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer by LEAPFROG

LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer by LEAPFROGThough sleek and thin, the LeapPad can withstand kids' roughhousing and dirty fingers. Designed to be flipped, shaken, and turned by little hands, the LeapPad comes with a tilt sensor for game control that puts kids in the middle of the action. A 5-inch color touch screen makes it easy for kids of all ages to learn and interact. There are more than 100 learning games, videos, books, and apps available, and topics covered include spelling, phonics skills, mathematics, science, music, geography, and more.
— As of 8/29/2011 this product had 4 out of 5 stars from 96 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Larger screen than other LeapFrog products; works with Leapster explorer games and apps; comes with extra stylus in case one gets lost. Cons: Screen and camera resolution are low; takes 4 batteries; processing is slow; most apps need to be purchased separately. 6/30/2011 (MSRP: $99.99; Age: 4 to 9)


Lalaloopsy Silly Hair Doll - Jewel Sparkles by MGA ENTERTAINMENT

Lalaloopsy Silly Hair Doll - Jewel Sparkles by MGA ENTERTAINMENTThese Lalaloopsy have silly hair that bends every which way. Now kids can style their Lalaloopsy doll's hair and their pet's tail too. Includes fun hair styling brush, 4 clips and 6 hair beads. Pet has matching bendable tail.
— As of 10/10/2011 this product had 4.8 out of 5 stars from 4 reviews on ToysRUs.com. 10/10/2011 (MSRP: $34.99; Age: 4 to 6)


Fijit Friends by MATTEL INC.

Fijit Friends by MATTEL INC.Made of soft, tactile skin that enables lifelike movements, girls can poke and squeeze a Fijit Friend for a verbal reaction.  With word recognition capability, Fijit Friends can understand and respond to more than 30 verbal commands, culling from more than 150 built-in phrases and jokes. Girls only have to turn up the music dial to transform their Fijit Friend into a dancing machine. With Beat Detection functionality, Fijit Friends can recognize different types of music and perform different dance moves for each beat. Fijit Friends includes four original songs of their own. Fijit Friends come in an assortment of four that each feature distinct colors, voices, ears and personalities and feature integrated Sonic Chirp technology - special audio coding embedded into an external device or media platform (mobile applications, webisodes, television commercials and more), that when detected by Fijit, triggers various programmed reactions. Launch date: Fall 2011. 2/18/2011 (MSRP: $49.99; Age: 6 and Up)








Copyright © 2024 TDmonthly®, a division of TOYDIRECTORY.com®, Inc.