April 24, 2024

Holiday Preview: 24 Manufacturers Share Anticipated Holiday Hits

It's never too soon to start ordering for the holidays!

Christmas may seem like it's ages away, but most retailers start ordering for the holidays between April and October.

“I start thinking about Christmas of next year before this Christmas even happens," Pam Byrd, manager and buyer for The Little Cottage Toy Shop in Franklin, Tenn., told TDmonthly Magazine.

_{Learn more about preparing for the Holidays}

TDmonthly Magazine wants to help you get a leg up on the competition, so we asked manufacturers what they think will be their biggest holiday hits.

Family Time
Need help from little ones while preparing the holiday dinner? Keep their festive frocks clean with Kids Aprons and Messy Baby Bibs from MIMI THE SARDINE. "Our organic acrylic-coated cotton is machine-washable and wipeable, like oilcloth or vinyl - but are non-toxic," a spokesperson for the company told TDmonthly.

After dinner, what's a more relaxing family activity than putting together a puzzle? MASTERPIECES PUZZLE CO. INC. is introducing the Joys of Childhood collection from artist Donald Zolan. "These are great holiday gifts as the entire family can work on these together during the holidays," Jennifer Zolan, president of The Zolan Company, llc, told TDmonthly. Kill two birds with one stone by completing the puzzle as a family, then framing it and giving it as a thoughtful gift to a loved one.

Construction
Boys and girls alike will enjoy the new K'NEX Thrills: Atomic Coaster. Two tracks are constructed, and the coaster carts race each other to the finish. "The Atomic Coaster is a fun, educational and interactive gift! It’s a wonderful activity to complete as a family," Kate Loffio from K'NEX INDUSTRIES, INC. told TDmonthly. "Today’s children are over stimulated and need their toys to be more engaging. The Atomic Coaster is a toy children will have fun building, and they won’t even know that they are learning valuable math & science concepts while they are building it," she elaborated.

Tweens
It can be difficult to find the perfect gift for girls who are in-between age groups. PIGGY PAINT LLC is offering up the perfect solution this year with Piggy Paint Nail Pens and new Glitter Nail Polishes. "We are the only non-toxic nail pen on the market and the glitters are awesome!" Stacey Feagans told TDmonthly. These items are great stocking stuffers, and a fun activity for when mom and dad need a nap from all the holiday excitement. "The pens are easy for kids to use themselves. It's like using a marker," she explained.

Preschool
If you're looking for a gift for a family with a baby, the NapPak might be just the ticket. "This is a wonderful mat for kids to not only take to day care with them, but also to travel with on vacations or to Grandma’s house, or to use for pretend camping time,” Beth Clampitt from MY NAPPAK, INC. told TDmonthly about these portable nap mats. Kids will like them too, because, "We always strive to design patterns that are pleasing to the children, not necessarily up to date with adult fashions,” Clampitt explained.

Nursery Decor
ALEX MARSHALL STUDIOS predicts that their baby & kids themed ceramic decor pieces will be great gifts for the holidays. "These are handmade in northern California, made entirely of components sourced in California, and made to last," Andrew Barry, co-owner of Alex Marshall Studios, told TDmonthly. "These items are design oriented while still being child friendly," he elaborated. The line includes a giraffe-shaped coin bank, a bunny-shaped table lamp, and other whimsically designed pieces, and are great gift items for new or expecting parents.

Learn more about these products below, as well as other products that manufacturers think will be holiday hits.

Dino Bump by LUVYDUVY CORPORATION

A fast paced game for the entire family. Race to the Dino-Cave but don't be sent back to the Dino-Bath. Large 5" dinosaurs that kids jump and switch, will have kids screaming in minutes. "Beautiful color graphics and an over-sized playing board," Don Rosenthal, president of LuvyDuvy Corporation, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 2009.
Awards: 2009 Creative Child Magazine Seal of Excellence; 2010 National Parenting Magazine Seal of Approval; 2011 Parents' Choice Fun Stuff Award. 4/24/2012 (MSRP: $24.99; Age: 5 and Up)

Under the Sea NapPak by MY NAPPAK, INC.

The all-in-one pillow, comforter and attached fleece blanket just for kids who take naps. Can be monogrammed. 4/30/2012 (MSRP: $51.99)

baby and kids' giraffe coin bank by ALEX MARSHALL STUDIOS

Alex Marshall Studios is adding a giraffe coin bank to their line of handmade, personalized baby and kids' ceramics. Available in character or silhouette design, each bank is handmade in their northern California studio and can be personalized with the name and date of birth. Each piece is made from a white earthenware clay, is CPSIA compliant and measures 7.5 x 2.5 x 12" h. 1/12/2011 (MSRP: $76.00; Age: All Ages)

Angel Kisses Nail Pen by PIGGY PAINT LLC

Soft, Light Pink Nail Polish. Piggy Paint Nail Pen has a felt tip for easy coverage and quick drying results. Piggy Paint Nail Pens are packaged as shown. 4/30/2012 (MSRP: $8.99; Age: 3 and Up)

Messy Baby Bib - Ocean by MIMI THE SARDINE

Keep kids clean with our messy baby bibs, which feature the crumb-catching pocket our bibs have made famous and long sleeves. They tie at the neck to guarantee generous spill protection and double as an art smock for the expressive toddler artist. Our organic acrylic-coated cotton is machine-washable and wipeable, like oilcloth or vinyl - but are non-toxic. Our products are designed in Sweden, and all our products are American made. Launch date: January 2011. 4/24/2012 (MSRP: $25.95; Age: 1 to 3)

Kids Apron - Rose Garden by MIMI THE SARDINE

These adjustable, durable and practical aprons grow with your child – or are great hand-me-downs, due to their ingenious strap system. Perfect for art projects, cooking, spaghetti dinners, or science experiments, as they wash or wipe right off. Fits 2-6 years. All our acrylic-coated cotton is organic, and unlike PVC or oilcloth, completely nontoxic. American-made from European fabrics. Size: 16.5W x 19.5"L. Launch date: January 2012. 4/24/2012 (MSRP: $19.95; Age: 2 to 6)

Joys of Childhood by Donald Zolan by MASTERPIECES PUZZLE CO. INC.

1000 pc puzzle features artwork by Donald Zolan. A good family activity, or for older children to complete alone. 4/30/2012 (MSRP: $14.99; Age: 3 and Up)

Toobalink by METRE IDEAS AND DESIGN LLC

Toobalink is the only construction toy that uses paper towel tubes and toilet tissue tubes as a main building element.  A Toobalink set comes with all the pieces necessary to build a wide variety of connectors, which are then used to hold the tubes together to build large scale structures. Each Toobalink kit comes with 39 pieces, including brand new tubes so that kids can get building right away. Kids love it because they can collect more tubes to build bigger, better structures and parents love it because the extra building material is FREE. Made in the USA. Launch date: June 2012. 9/8/2011 (MSRP: $34.99; Age: 5 and Up)

K'NEX Thrills: Atomic Coaster by K'NEX BRANDS

Kids can build an atomically cool coaster with dueling action, using over 850 K'NEX pieces to create a thrilling roller coaster building experience. 2 dueling cars twist, turn, and dive as they race through over 37 feet of track. The Atomic Coaster builds over 4 feet tall and includes a motorized chain lift. Color-coded, easy-to-follow building instructions are included. Go to the K'Nex website to download instructions for a 2nd coaster model. Launch date: September 2012.
Awards: 2012 Best in Play at Toy Fair - Parenting Magazine 4/27/2012 (MSRP: $69.99; Age: 9 and Up)

Alphabet Puzzle by HAPE

Sturdy, stand-along letters let kids practice their ABC's as well as form simple words. Birch wood puzzle frame and stand-up puzzle pieces painted with water-based paint. Launch date: January 2012. 4/27/2012 (MSRP: $19.99; Age: 3 to 7)

Snap Case Art Supplies by XONEX

Sets of essential art materials for on-the-go artists. High-quality Thin Markers, Colored Pencils, Watercolor Pencils, and Oil Pastels in clear durable cases. Inner trays neatly hold materials. Expandable handle and snap closure. Descriptive label. AP Non-Toxic. Launch date: January 2012. 4/27/2012 (MSRP: $12.00; Age: 5 and Up)

Patch Hats by PATCH HATS

Each hat comes with 3 removable Patch Pals that stick to the Velcro circle on any Patch Hat. Just peel off one Patch Pal and press on another. Not only does a Patch Hat make a great gift, it is fun. Kids can swap patches on their hats and with their friends as they collect all the Patch Pal characters. Each Patch Pal has a Name, Hometown, Species, Age, Size and Pal - so kids can learn about animals while collecting all the patches. 4/27/2012 (MSRP: $12.99; Age: 3 to 8)

Hiccups by PLASMART INC.

8 cups, plenty of Hiccups. This hand-held puzzler has straightforward direction but challenging play. Pass the ball sequentially from cup to cup without a hiccup. Drop the ball and start back at cup #1. Frustratingly fun.
Awards: 2012 Creative Child Awards – Seal of Excellence 4/27/2012 (MSRP: $14.99; Age: 6 and Up)

Oops - Holiday Mouse by FIERCE FUN TOYS LLC

Oops is a 4 inch plush on a key chain. Mobile fun for kids on the go. A squeeze of his belly and kids'll know this mouse ate too much candy while riding with Santa - he burps. Launch date: February 2012. 4/27/2012 (MSRP: $8.95; Age: 3 and Up)

Knightly Knotes Paint-by-Number Chalkboard Mural by ELEPHANTS ON THE WALL

This clever and adorable paint-by-number chalkboard mural will please any dragon lover. Just Tape, Trace & Paint. It is 4' x 4' and kids can repeat it in whole or in part as many times as they like. Launch date: April 2012. 4/27/2012 (MSRP: $24.95; Age: 4 and Up)

Army vs. Aliens by WIGGLES 3D

Choose a Side, Roll the Dice, Rule the World. Can flying saucers and death rays beat out tanks, nukes and troopers?  Will the Zombie Horde outlast the pro Wrestlers?   Find out with the AvA challenger series, a fun take on dice elimination games. Eighteen custom dice—9 for each team—deliver full-value fun. The handy guides help players plan their battle moves. Players also love the two dice cups that snap together to double as a carrying case for portability and play-anywhere fun.
Now 4 Editions to Mix and Match for unlimited variety.
Army vs. Aliens               91800
Pirates vs. Ninjas           91801
Robots vs. Dinosaurs     91802
Zombies vs. Wrestlers   91803 4/27/2012 (MSRP: $15.99; Age: 8 and Up)

Rody Horse Gold by TMI TOYMARKETING INTERNATIONAL INC.

Made in Italy, the Gymnic Line’s Rody Horse is a favorite with children to learn balancing and coordination while hopping on their Rody. Used in Therapy for special needs children due to its softness and ride-on qualities. Inflates according to size and weight of child (inflation by adult). Is surface washable with soap and water. Base is available for transforming to a Rocking Rody Horse.  Rody is available in 14 colors. Launch date: November 2012. 4/27/2012 (MSRP: $50.00; Age: 3 and Up)

DiceAFARI by STRATUS GAMES LLC

Kids and their friends are going on a photo safari. To see as many animals as possible, they will have to plan their trip well. Whoever visits the most areas and takes the best photographs will be the safari champion. Launch date: July 2012.
— "My little geeks and I have played DiceAFARI a number of times and keep enjoying it more and more. The dice certainly add an element of randomness and luck to the game but also act as an equalizer...Light, flexible, customizable, and accessible, DiceAFARI is a fun game that will challenge and entertain." - Review on FatherGeek.com. 4/27/2012 (MSRP: $24.95; Age: 8 and Up)

The Girl Game by LATE FOR THE SKY PRODUCTION

A game for the Girls who will Rock the World. Girls gather their BFF's and get ready for LOL fun. The Girl Game is a game for fun loving "Tween" girls who love to laugh. Draw activity cards and take the challenges. Earn Character cards to fill in the Storyboard. Some of the cards are played to keep; others are played hard to give away. When the game ends every girl reads her story aloud. " The Girl Game is made in the USA, printed with vegetable based inks and made using recycled paper," Carla Miller, Late for the Sky Production Co., told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 2012. 4/27/2012 (MSRP: $15.95; Age: 8 to 12)

Planets 3D Adventure Kit by POPAR TOYS

This adventure kit comes included with all the necessary tools to explore the amazing world of Planets 3D. The kit contains a 3D book, 3D cards, magic costume card, software and Popar Reader. Kids will have an unforgettable experience as they magically turn into an astronaut and watch rockets, space probes, rovers, and the international space station leap from the pages or cards. Launch date: 2011.
Awards: 2012 Best of the Toy Fair - The View; 2012 National Parenting Centers Seal of Approval.
— Fred Rosenberg, owner of Toy on the Park in Kindwood, Texas, told TDmonthly in a Winter 2012 survey that augmented reality books by Popar Toys are their bestsellers in the category. 4/27/2012 (MSRP: $40.00; Age: 4 and Up)

Tall-Stacker Mighty Monkey Playset by PATCH PRODUCTS INC.

Now youngsters can take pegging to a whole new level of excitement when playing with this versatile building set that combines popular Tall-Stacker Pegs with Mighty Monkey Pegs. Kids can stack colorful pegs and create different configurations for their monkeys to play. Use the included monkey figurines to swing from a vine, zoom down the slide or ride the elevator basket — with the Tall-Stacker Mighty Monkey Playset, the thrills are endless. "The Tall-Stacker Mighty Monkey Playset encourages free-form building and role-play, while fostering creativity and imagination," Mary Dolan, public relations coordinator for Patch Products, told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 2012.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval 4/27/2012 (MSRP: $29.99; Age: 3 to 8)

Marble Copter by SKULLDUGGERY

Marble Copter is a brand new outdoor light up helicopter toy. Fling the Marble Copter up to 50 feet in the air using the launching wand, and watch as the copter lights up, glows in the dark, the light reflects off the hologram wings, and helicopters to the ground. Great nighttime fun for kids 8 and up. Launch date: May 2012. 4/24/2012 (MSRP: $6.99; Age: 8 and Up)

Telepathy Jr by LMD GAMES

Telepathy Jr is the younger version of the Telepathy board game. Telepathy Jr teaches kids how to use logic and deduction at an early age and is important in the area of critical thinking. Game plays in around 10 - 15 minutes. "There are not a lot of logic/deduction games for youngsters out there and Telepathy Jr will help kids practice their deductive skills," Derek Chinn, owner of LMD Games, told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 2012. 4/24/2012 (MSRP: $19.99; Age: 6 and Up)

Candy Construction™ by LEARNING RESOURCES INC.

Build some sweet structures. Stretches creativity, problem solving and fine motor skills. Includes chunky, durable candy pieces in a variety of fun, familiar designs plus Activity Guide with illustrated, step-by-step building directions. Largest piece measures 7"L x 1⁄2“ in diameter. Launch date: January 2012. 4/24/2012 (MSRP: $34.99; Age: 4 to 8)

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