Top-10 Most-Wanted Hobby Goods

By Justina Huddleston
December 2012

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

When TDmonthly Magazine interviewed retailers in a Fall 2012 survey about hobby items, arts and crafts products came out ahead of the competition.

Sticky Mosaics from THE ORB FACTORY LIMITED and duct tape kits from ALEX-PANLINE USA INC. tied for the most wanted hobby goods. You can see the other best sellers 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.}

My First Sticky Mosaics® Princess Jewelry Box by THE ORB FACTORY LIMITED

Have a bedroom fit for a Princess with this whimsical Jewelry Box. Match shapes and colors to create this sparkling piece of room decor. This kit uses bright oversized tiles perfect for the youngest crafters. "Each kit contains 4 unique projects to hang and display," Stephanie Carver, marketing manager at The Orb Factory Limited, told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 2012.
— In a Fall 2012 survey, two out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that Sticky Mosaics were their best selling hobby item. 4/4/2012 (MSRP: $14.99; Age: 3 to 8)

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)

Fashion Headbands by CREATIVITY FOR KIDS

Fashion Headbands by CREATIVITY FOR KIDS Create 10 accessories with this ultimate headband set. The Fashion Headbands craft kit includes a rainbow array of satin headbands, rhinestone, flowers, feathers a butterfly, yards of ribbon and more. Includes: 10 Colorful Satin Headbands, Sparkling Butterfly, Elastic Felt Pieces, 2 Fabric Flowers, Assorted Ribbons, Craft Glue, Craft Thread, Colorful Feathers, Assorted Colorful Rhinestones, Instructions and Ideas.
— Elmer Carranza, assistant manager of Doodlehopper 4 Kids in Falls Church, Va., told TDmonthly in a January 2012 survey that Fashion Headbands from Creativity for Kids was a best selling arts and crafts toy. They sell about 15 each month.
— In a May 2012 survey, Taka Andrews, owner of Miller's Toys in Mamaroneck, N.Y., told TDmonthly that they sell two dozen of this item each month.
— Kim Emigh, VP of E-commerce at Growing Tree Toys in State College, Penn., told TDmonthly in a Fall 2012 survey that this was a top-2 best selling jewelry item at their store. 9/28/2011 (MSRP: $19.99; Age: 5 and Up)

Loopdedoo by ANN WILLIAMS GROUP LLC

Loopdedoo by ANN WILLIAMS GROUP LLC Loopdedoo is a new spinning tool that makes fabulous twisted bracelets in just a few minutes. It's fast, easy and fun. Just wrap the threads around the Loopdedoo device, turn the knob, guide the thread and minutes later the bracelet is done. Kids can even make necklaces, anklets, belts and more. There's no pattern to follow so each accessory is completely different and unique. Kids can use as many threads and color combinations as they like, and can make them thick, thin or anywhere in between. Launch date: November 2011.
— In a January 2012 survey, Barbara Finblum, owner of Barston's Child's Play in Baltimore, Md., told TDmonthly that Loopdedoo is their best selling arts and crafts toy. "They came in in December and we sold 194 out of 5 stores - 163 out of 3 stores alone. We sold out and couldn't get them back," she said.
— As of 10/5/2012 this product had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 8 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Easy to use; promotes creativity; fun. Cons: One user couldn't figure out how to start.
— In a Fall 2012 survey, Dean Smith, owner of Jazams in Princeton, N.J., told TDmonthly that they sell 15 of this item each month, making it one of their top-2 sellers in the Hobby category. 12/15/2011 (MSRP: $34.99; Age: 8 and Up)

4M Tin Can Robot by TOYSMITH

4M Tin Can Robot by TOYSMITH Kids can recycle a soda can into a silly, walking, wobbling robot. The kit includes all the parts needed, right down to the googly eyes, except for the two AAA batteries that are required. Launch date: 2008.
— “The Tin Can Robot is a huge hit. It’s from their Green Science series, which has been doing great,” Jennifer Schneeweis, owner of Izilla Toys in Seattle, told TDmonthly in late August 2009. Two of 40 retailers mentioned the brand when discussing best-selling educational items in fall 2009.
― “Right now we have the Tin Can Robot for 8- to 10-year-olds and that's doing well,” said Marlene, manager of Kits & Kaboodle in Carmel, Ind., when asked about her best-selling item for tween boys. Seven of 39 retailers surveyed in October 2009 said science kits are their top sellers for tween boys.
― “It's a good price point and an excellent product. It sells all the time,” Priscilla Moore, owner of Mr. Fub's Party, Toys and More in Yellow Springs, Ohio, said of the Tin Can Robot and other 4M science kits in spring 2010.
— In August 2010, seven of 43 retailers told TDmonthly that Toysmith is a best-selling science and nature brand. Two retailers named Tin Can Robot as a top product.
AWARDS: 2010 TDmonthly Top Seller 5/19/2009 (MSRP: $15.00; Age: 8 and Up)

Erector 30 Model Set by SCHYLLING

Erector 30 Model Set by SCHYLLING Build 30 Amazing Erector Models. Designs include Dune buggy, lawn mower, crane, speedboat, tractor, forklift, motorcycle with rider. Kids can make their own masterpiece with a 6 Volt Motor (Requires 4 AA batteries not included). Set has 352 Parts and includes instructions and illustrations for 18 models.
— Joe Berardoni Jr., owner of Puns Toys in Bryn Mawr, Pa., told TDmonthly that Erector sets are one of their top selling hobby items. 5/25/2012 (MSRP: $64.99; Age: 8 and Up)

Cobra Elite Mini RC Helicopter with Gyro by COBRA RC TOYS

This mini Alloy 3.5 channel helicopter is a premium precision RC aircraft that can be charged via battery or by USB connection. The L99267 also includes a Gyroscopic control chip that maximizes stability during flight.
— Kim Emigh, manager of e-commerce at Growing Tree Toys in State College, Pa., told TDmonthly that "We do not sell many, if any, hobby items;" however, "We did bring in the Cobra RC Helicopter this year."
— Though Kim Emigh, VP of e-commerce at Growing Tree Toys in State College, Pa., told TDmonthly in a Fall 2012 survey that they don't carry many hobby items, she said they have the Cobra Elite Helicopter and it sells well. 6/28/2010 (MSRP: $49.99; Age: 10 and Up)

nanoblock Statue of Liberty by OHIO ART CO.

nanoblock Statue of Liberty by OHIO ART CO. You don’t have to be an engineer to create with nanoblock. With these micro-sized building blocks, 3D structures are constructed like never before. Watch as the beautiful Lady Liberty takes shape with over 700 assorted size and colored pieces. Includes detailed color instructions. Launch date: September 2012.
— As of 10/01/2012 this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 1 review on Amazon.com.
— Joe Berardoni Jr., owner of Puns Toys in Bryn Mawr, Pa., told TDmonthly in a Fall 2012 survey that nanoblocks are one of their top selling hobby items.
— Rebecca Goblish, owner of Picayune Toys in Dunwoody, Ga., told TDmonthly in a May 2013 survey that for older kids, nanoblocks were her best-selling construction toy.
Awards: 2015 TDmonthly Magazine Top Toy Award 9/7/2012 (MSRP: $40.00; Age: 8 and Up)

My First RC Dinos by KID GALAXY INC.

Kid Galaxy introduces My First RC Dinos! With animated loveable features the green Tyrannosaurus Rex and blue Triceratops bring prehistoric fun to life for little tots. Each spin when they are turned on. When the button on the Trilobite remote is pressed the Dinos go forward. At the same time, the Dinos’ mouth chomps, his legs move and his tail sways side to side. Simple function 1 button R/C enhances the fun for your little one.
— Geoff Pendexter, owner of Whirlygigs in Brentwood, N.H., told TDmonthly in a Fall 2012 survey that they sell about 6 of this item each month, making it a best selling hobby item in their store. 2/14/2008 (MSRP: $22.99; Age: 3 and Up)

2012-13 NBA Sticker Collection Super Combo by THE AQUASTONE GROUP

The all-new 2012-13 NFL Sticker Collection from Panini is back and better than ever. Get a head start on the competition with the all-new Super Combo that includes 18 sticker packets. On the back of every sticker is the number that will tell kids where it goes in their album. Includes 18 Sticker Packets (total of 126 NBA stickers).
— Gregory Sahagian, owner of Learning Express in Beverly, Mass., told TDmonthly in a Fall 2012 survey that they sell a few hundred Panini America sport stickers each month, making them a best selling hobby item in the store. 11/5/2012 (MSRP: $20.00)