Top-10 Most-Wanted Toys: September 2012

Retailers Share Their Overall Best Selling Toys

By Justina Huddleston
September 2012

^{With additional reporting from Chris Lundy and Brenda Ruggiero}

TDmonthly Magazine wants to help you learn about products that are selling well in specialty, in case they could be a good fit for your store. So, this month we interviewed specialty retailers to find out about their overall best selling toys and games. Learn more about the products they named below!

_{No manufacturer paid to be included in this article. All products listed were designated by editorial staff without regard to the company's relationship with TOYDIRECTORY.com/TDmonthly Magazine.}

Junior Stomp Rocket by D & L COMPANY

As a creative, educational action toy, it’s loads of fun — kids jump on the air bladder to launch a 9" all-foam rocket into the air. The Junior Stomp Rocket is used by science teachers to help children learn about trajectory, force and motion. It is also valued by psychologists, physical therapists, special-ed teachers and parents of children with special needs. “Stomp Rockets are recognized for their positive contribution to the lives of millions of children and adults around the world,” Frank Reed, of D & L Company, told TDmonthly. Awards: Top Toy of the Year 2005, Creative Child Magazine; Excellent Product 2005, iParenting Media.
— “Our top selling flying toy is The Stomp Rocket Jr.,” confirmed Sallie Kashiwa, manager of Timbuk Toys in Denver, in October 2008. “We go through about four cases (40) a month.”
— Six of 68 retailers said in fall 2008 that the Stomp Rocket is their best-selling flying toy. Holly Anvers, manager of Ages & Stages Toy Box in Golden, Colo., cited sales of about 40 units per month in late fall 2009.
— Eighteen percent of 38 specialty retailers named Stomp Rockets an overall best-selling toy in July 2010. Scott Loveless, owner of Toys That Teach in Bothell, Wash., told TDmonthly in summer 2010 that his store sells “somewhere along the lines of 40 to 60” Stomp Rockets each month. “Stomp Rockets … are always a summer favorite.”
— In autumn 2010, Marc Holcomb, owner of Toys & Co. In Greensboro, S.C., said he sold approximately 50 per month per store. “It's our #1 gift item,'' he told TDmonthly. ( Watch Video) 8/10/2010 (MSRP: $15.00; Age: 3 and Up)

Spot It! by BLUE ORANGE GAMES

Spot It is a party game for two to eight players. It's played by laying a random assortment of cards on the table and all players racing to find one image that matches between two cards. This fast-paced game is designed to never be the same twice, and though it has very few rules to remember it requires a sharp eye to master. The set of 55 round cards transports in its own carry tin. Watch Spot It: Top-5 Video, Toy Fair 2010
— Spot It has been been a top seller for retailers surveyed by TDmonthly since early Spring 2010.
— In a March 2012 survey, 3 out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that Spot It was their overall best selling product, and had been for more than a year.
— Dean Smith, Co-owner of JaZams in Princeton, N.J., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that he sells 50-60 copies of Spot It each month.
Awards: 2010 TDmonthly Top Seller, Dr. Toy 100 Best Children's Products - 2010

Where to buy:
SOUTH
NORTH EAST
NORTH WEST ( Watch Video) 2/11/2010 (Age: 6 and Up)

Magna-Tiles Deluxe (DX) by VALTECH CO.

Magna-Tiles Deluxe (DX) by VALTECH CO. This 48-piece set includes solid colored pieces, along with pieces with holes, curved pieces, a magnetic door and a wheeled piece. Magna-Tiles DX contains 12 small squares, four large squares, six isosceles triangles, 10 right triangles, 11 equilateral triangles, a wheeled piece, and arch and three special shapes. An idea guide is included.
— In late summer 2010, five percent of 43 specialty retailers told TDmonthly Magna-Tiles are an overall best-selling product.
— In late Spring 2011, 25% of retailers mentioned Magna-Tiles as a best-selling construction toy.
— As of 05/12/2011, this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 23 reviews on Amazon.com.
— In a Summer 2012 survey, Diana Nelson, owner of Kazoo & Company in Denver, Col., told TDmonthly that Magnatiles were their overall best-selling toy. 9/22/2010 (MSRP: $64.50)

Calico Critters Baby Playground Tea Cup Ride by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC

This set allows girls to take their critter babies for a fun tea cup ride again and again. The base rotates and each individual cup spins when the handle is turned. The tea pot also spins and lifts its lid. Puppy babies Chubby and Spottie are included.
— In late Spring 2011, 4 out of 12 retailers said toys from Calico Critters were their best-selling play sets. Barb Stein, owner of Toys on the Square in Hummelstown, Pa., said she sells between 30-40 Calico Critter products each month.
— “Calico Critters is one of our best sellers as a brand,” Kristen Dolle, owner of Playthings Toy Shoppe in Louisville, Ky., told TDmonthly in early summer 2010.
— In a June 2010 survey, five percent of 40 retailers named Calico Critters as a best-selling toy for girls. 7/29/2010 (MSRP: $23.99)

LEGO Minifigure Series 7 by LEGO

LEGO Minifigure Series 7 by LEGO Each of the 16 all-new minifigures come in a sealed "mystery" bag, so kids never know which minifigure they might get. And each minifigure has its own special accessories, display plate and collector's leaflet. Series 7 includes: Aztec Warrior, Evil Knight, Galaxy Patrol, Jungle Boy, Viking Woman, Ocean King, Grandma Visitor, Rocker Girl, Tennis Ace, Computer Programmer, Bride, Swimming Champion, Daredevil, Bunny Suit Guy, Hippie and Bagpiper.
— In a Summer 2012 survey, Deran Muckjian, owner of Catch a Falling Star in Lexington, Mass., told TDmonthly that "Lego continually sells really well, across the board, for boy gifts," and that the LEGO minifigures were an overall best seller.
— In a late Summer 2012 survey, two out of 12 retailers said that LEGO minifigures were one of their bestselling novelty items.
— In a July 2013 survey, two out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that LEGO minifigs are their best-selling toy. 8/3/2012 (MSRP: $2.99; Age: 3 and Up)

Playmobil Pirates - Super Set Pirates Cove by PLAYMOBIL INC.

Complete with secret hiding place for storing buried treasure, the Super Set Pirates Cove is the perfect set for young swashbucklers looking for the next adventure. Set includes two figures, a fortress with secret compartment, a working cannon, dinghy and oars, and additional accessories.
— In an April 2012 survey, Ming Yang co-owner of Richard's Variety Store in Atlanta, Ga., told TDmonthly that Playmobil is "always a stable item" in the construction category.
— In a Summer 2012 survey, Cynthia Phillips Strinich, owner of Phillip's Toy Mart in Nashville, Tenn., told TDmonthly that Playmobil was an overall bestselling brand at her store. 4/11/2012 (MSRP: $33.00; Age: 4 and Up)

All Duct Out by ALEX BRANDS

Kids can just tear, stick, and wear. Create unique duct tape fashions using the fluorescent and animal print tape and easy templates included in this fun Alex kit. Get all "duct" out in colourful rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, headbands, brooches, belts and more. Includes 8 rolls of duct tape (2.74 metres each) and other items needed.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval
— In a Summer 2012 survey, Deran Muckjian, owner of Catch a Falling Star in Lexington, Mass., told TDmonthly that "anything Alex releases that has to do with duct tape" becomes a best seller at his store.
— In a Fall 2012 survey, two out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that duct tape kits from ALEX were their best selling hobby item.
— In a December 2012 survey about bestselling toys, four out of 12 retailers said that Duct tape kits from Alex were their bestselling Arts & Crafts toy.

3/13/2012 (MSRP: $25.00; Age: 7 and Up)

nanoblock Mini Series - Emperor Penguin by OHIO ART CO.

These micro-sized building blocks will enable kids to execute even the finest details like never before. With over 100 pieces, kids watch in amazement as this regal bird takes shape right beneath your fingertips. With a finished size of 1.5″w x 1.5″d x 2.36h, only this giant penguin is able to fit perfectly in the palm of a hand. Includes detailed color instructions. 9 animal designs currently available.
— In a Summer 2012 survey, Shana Hack, owner of Moon Rabbit Toys in Santa Fe, N.M., told TDmonthly that nanoblocks were an overall best seller at their store. 9/9/2011 (MSRP: $8.49; Age: 8 and Up)

Magic the Gathering 2013 Core Set by WIZARDS OF THE COAST

The Magic: The Gathering game expands every year, introducing new worlds filled with deadly perils, ancient adversaries, and fantastic new adventures. At its center is the Magic core set, the game in its purest form: evocative spells, menacing creatures, and infinite possibilities. But even at its core, the experience is ever-changing. The Magic 2013 Core Set boldly continues this tradition. Includes 249 Total Cards, 15 Mythic Rares, 53 Rares, 60 Uncommons, and 101 Commons. Launch date: July 13, 2012.
— Bryan Raddatz, manager of The Time Machine in Manchester, Conn., told TDmonthly that their best selling item is Magic the Gathering from Wizards of the Coast. They sell up to 900 units a month when a new release comes out. 8/2/2012 (Age: 13 and Up)

Thomas & Friends TrackMaster R/C Engine Playset - 3-Speed Thomas by FISHER-PRICE INC.

The magic of Thomas & Friends comes to life with remote control action. The TrackMaster remote lets little engineers control Thomas' every move. Connects with other TrackMaster playsets.
— In a Summer 2012 survey, Cynthia Phillips Strinich, owner of Phillip's Toy Mart in Nashville told TDmonthly that Thomas the Tank Engine items are overall best sellers at her store. 8/2/2012 (MSRP: $24.99; Age: 3 to 5)