TDmonthly's Toy Fair 2007 Preview
Category: Tween

Webkinz American Albino by GANZ

This fluffy white horse comes with a special code kids can use to access Webkinz World online.
— Kathy Mabry, owner of The Village Toy Shop in North Easton, Mass., told TDmonthly that Webkinz continue to be a top seller for her store. She reported sales of hundreds every month in early fall 2008.
— “Ganz’s Webkinz — they're still selling well here,” said Linda Laramy, owner of Cracker Jacks in Easton, Md., when asked about best-selling items for tweens. “They’re still very popular.”
— Webkinz was on the top-10 best-seller list at Pun’s Toy Store in Bryn Mawr, Pa., in October 2008. “Although not the sellers they were before, they still present the greatest play value in our industry,” Owner Joe Berardoni, Sr., said. 9/19/2008 (Price: $12.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Dorm BeanBags by HUDSON INDUSTRIES INC.

The dorm-style beanbag is feather-light and filled with expanded polystyrene beads. It's covered in the hottest fashion trend colors and materials. Personalization is available. The beanbag offers "totally versatile kids' seating that looks good and is superbly comfortable," SVP Lonnie Scheps of Hudson Industries told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2008. 9/19/2008 (Price: $99.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

PakNak™ - Robert Robot by PAKNAK

PakNaks are soft, rubbery 3-D decorations designed for kids (and adults!) to use to personalize backpacks, lunch bags, headbands, computer bags, household items and more. There are more than 40 available designs. Customized Velcro makes them interchangeable and weather resistant, and they quickly and easily adhere to surfaces. Robert measures 2.5” x 2.5”.
— “PakNaks are from a new little small company, and we’ve been selling them like hotcakes since Easter,” said Michelle Smith, owner of Piccolo Mondo Toys in Portland, Ore., in December 2008. “We were the first ones to launch them.” ( Watch Video) 9/19/2008 (Price: $3.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Webkinz Bengal Tiger by GANZ

This striped character comes with an Internet access code that gives kids the freedom to explore Webkinz World online with the virtual equivalent of the plush pet. The tiger’s special item in the virtual world is a rock ledge bed.
— “Webkinz are still selling,” Owner Randy Austin of The Gifted Child in Lenox, Mass., told TDmonthly in summer 2008.
— “We move probably 100 to 150 per month,” William Meredith, owner of Learning Express in Cary, N.C., told TDmonthly in August 2008.
— Twenty percent of 64 retailers named Webkinz as their top-selling collectible toy in summer 2008.
Six of 63 retailers named Webkinz as their overall best seller in September 2008. 9/8/2008 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

MAJOR Robot Necklace by HIGH INTENCITY CORP.

This necklace is part of a rugged line for tween boys called MAJOR. Suggested retail price for pieces in the range, including other chains and bracelets, is $3 to $5. Launch date: Summer 2008. 8/28/2008 (Price: $10.00)

Color a Purse by ALEX BRANDS

With this kit, kids can color a dragon and butterflies on purse that measures 10” W x 7.5” H x 3.5” D. It comes with six permanent markers in a pouch.
—  The “Color a Purse and Backpack by Alex,” are popular girls’ gifts at Pun’s Toy Shop in Bryn Mawr, Pa., Owner Joe Berardoni told TDmonthly in July 2008.
— Four retailers of our 68 mentioned Alex craft kits as a best-selling product. 8/28/2008 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Sticky Mosaics Enchanted Forest by THE ORB FACTORY LIMITED

Numbered templates and sticky foam allow kids to easily create beautiful mosaics. This particular kit includes 3000+ sticky foam and jewel pieces, four sparkling designs and four wall hangers.
— “Without a doubt, the Orb Sticky Mosaics” are a best-selling girl gift, said Joe Berardoni, owner of Pun’s Toy Shop in Bryn Mawr, Pa.
— “Sticky Mosaics by The Orb Factory. Enchanted Forest in particular. We sold five dozen of that particular one last year,” Kai Rady, owner of Shenanigans Inc in Charlottesville, Va., told TDmonthly during a January 2010 survey regarding best-selling arts and crafts items.
— Eighteen of 48 retailers listed Sticky Mosaics as their best-selling arts and crafts item in early 2010. 8/28/2008 (Price: $16.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Springtime Arietta Beading Kit by BEAD BAZAAR/KID JOURNEYS

This set includes glass and ceramic beads of various shapes and colors, and an instruction and design booklet, all in a wooden, hand-crafted case with a sliding top. The kit makes 8+ accessories.
— Jewelry-making kits are popular at The Toy Store in Atlanta, Denis Hofstetter said, because “they are a good price point [and] something that lasts.”
— “Jewelry items from Bead Bazaar” are popular buys for girl gifts at Sisters Kids in Springfield, Mass., Co-Owner Diana Gisolfi said. “Girls wear more jewelry in the summer.”
— Four of 66 specialty toy retailers told TDmonthly in summer 2008 that beading kits are top-selling gifts for girls. 8/28/2008 (Price: $22.00)

Ella's Garden by DONNA SHARP INC.

Regal and elegant, Ella’s Garden blends cool reds and greens with a stunning black corduroy for a perfect upscale look. Subtle for everyday wear, yet also bold for an unique impression, this pattern can be the hit of every wardrobe. "Donna specially designs her fabrics and then pieces them together in the most unique ways," Carol Pence, marketing coordinator for Donna Sharp, Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 2008. 8/25/2008 (Price: $160)

Rock Daddy Rock by POWER ARTS COMPANY, INC.

This music CD has songs about the everyday lives of kids and their silly, gross and wonderful behaviors. Life lessons give each song a happy ending. The short 1- to 2-minute song lengths and variety of styles keep families entertained for the whole CD. "It dares to discuss fighting, biting, boogers, burps, diapers, dirt and warts in an educational and entertaining way," said Chris Bihuniak, Songwriter, Musician, Producer, Owner of 4Boys. Launch date: 07/01/2008 8/25/2008 (Price: $12.99)

The Twinklets - J.J.: The Brave Adventurer by AMAZAR AMERICAS

The Twinklets are whimsical, fun-loving characters who are eager to embark on adventures in a new world. They’ve slid down a rainbow from their home in Crystal Land to Earth, each acquiring a color that matches their unique personalities. These curious creatures and are yearning to learn about the world through their big, clear, crystal eyes. Their sparkly hearts radiate joy and happiness wherever they go. "The Brave Adventurer" of the group, "big brother" J.J. is known for being cool, confident and entertaining. "The Twinklets are also a complete collection of branded collectibles, accessories and jewelry with a whimsical feel. They will be exploring partnerships in America in order to infuse an educational element that will appeal to both tweens and parents alike," Robert Burns of Amazar Americas told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 2008 (in America). 8/8/2008 (Price: $29.99)

Hannah Montana Nylon Head Wrap by HIGH INTENCITY CORP.

The stretch nylon head wrap features the Hannah Montana license. The nylon head wraps offer tye-dye styles featuring images of the tween dreams framed in metallic studs or solid nylons embellished with studs that spell out the property names. Other varieties available include High School Musical and The Cheetah Girls. 6/16/2008

Hair Elastics by HIGH INTENCITY CORP.

Each ten-piece hair elastic set comes on a ball chain with a large matching charm accessory. Adorably trendy, retro-reminiscent sets like a cupcake, rainbow, monkey and princess style feature brightly-colored elastics with apropos words and graphics. Licensed varieties such as Hannah Montana, High School Musical, Hello Kitty and Mr. Men Little Miss are also available. 6/16/2008

Cheerleader Funky Folks ™ Gift Set by HERDOOS

The decorative brush gift set includes a brush and brush stand. The brush features a colorful relief sculpture of a cheerleader on the backside, while the stand reads “love 2 cheer.” The Juleez Funky Folks Gift Sets line also includes Perfect Day Daisy, Pretty Princess and On My Toes. ( Watch Video) 6/4/2008 (Price: $35.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Best Friends Forever by HERDOOS

The decorative brush features a colorful relief sculpture of two friends on the backside. Above the two friends reads “Best Friends.” Many other varieties are available, including Camp Out, First Class Traveler, Miss Chef, The Cowgirl, Pink Ballerina, The Soccer Player and The Home Run Hitter. 6/4/2008 (Price: $20.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Team Destiny: Divas with Destines - Kiki by ANGELKEEPERS CREATIONS

Each doll stands 20” in height and is comprised of both vinyl and cloth. The dolls have fully articulated heads, hair that can be styled, arms and legs that can be posed and 3/4 breast plates, with the rest of the body remaining soft to promote hugging. Each doll is an entrepreneur, operating a personal company and BookZine. “Our product has been created and developed with the help of girls the same ages as our target customer,” The AngelKeepers Doll Company LLC Founder and President Kymberli Durden told TDmonthly. “Everything about this line was created with empowering girls in mind.” Launch date: Fall 2008. 6/4/2008 (Price: $79.95)

Bratz Girlz Really Rock by MGA ENTERTAINMENT

Each Bratz™ works her own personalized guitar and two trendy rock star outfits. The line includes Punk Jade, Hip Hop Sasha, Pop Star Yasmin and Rock Star Cloe. Launch date: Fall 2008. 6/4/2008 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

High School Musical Fashion Headboard by DELTA ENTERPRISE CORP.

The High School Musical Fabric Headboard features a cell phone holder, a music player holder and much more. Launch date: November 2007. 5/30/2008 (Price: $59.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Play Along - Juku Courture Dolls by JAKKS PACIFIC INC.

These dolls are inspired by the limitless possibilities and fashionable combinations that mismatching and layering pieces offers girls to express themselves and have fun. Launch date: August 2008. 5/30/2008 (Price: $19.99)

Mugwaz Linkz Chain Link Jewelry Kit by MUGWAZ

The kit lets tweens create custom-length necklaces, multi-colored bracelets, belts and more. Each pre-packaged counter display assortment comes with 12 Chinese food containers (each containing 75 links and one charm) — four Metalz, Neonz and Colors, and 24 sparkly Charmz. Launch date: May 2008. 5/21/2008 (Price: $9.95)

Dream Designer Hannah Montana by ELMER'S

The kit comes with over 500 pieces, allowing Hannah Montana fans everywhere to create her own customized tabletop versions of familiar show scenes, including Miley’s living room and Hannah’s stage and closet. The kit’s themed stickers, markers, beads and characters allow kids to design, decorate and play over and over again. Launch date: July 2008. 5/21/2008 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Hello Kitty Pop-Up Toaster by SANRIO

This pop-up toaster toasts Hello Kitty's face on every slice. It features six shade settings, a removable crumb tray, a 3-D Hello Kitty face on the toaster, two wide toast slots to accommodate bagels, a cool-touch exterior, self-adjusting bread guides and a cord storage area underneath.
— Josh Darby, manager of Toy Up in Little Rock, Ark., told TDmonthly in April 2008 that his store sells “about one [Hello Kitty] item per day.”
— Greg Bonner, owner of Heights Toy Center in Little Rock, Ark., said he averages “three pieces a day.”
— “In licensed products, we do the best with Hello Kitty. … We sell three or four … toys a day,” May Foster, a long-time sales person at The Toy Palace in Jackson, Miss., told TDmonthly in April 2008. 5/8/2008 (Price: $36.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Do-It-Yourself Book by ABRAMS BOOKS

The interactive journal is based on Greg Heffley’s own “diary,” and encourages children to express themselves in a new way. The book comes complete with a full-color comics section featuring the collected cartoons of Greg Heffley and his best friend, Rowley. Launch date: October 2008. 5/5/2008 (Price: $10.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Beach Jewellery by BOJEUX INC.

The kit contains enough materials for four projects under the sun: two necklaces, colored thread, original shells and color instructions. “Easy to do, these summer projects will impress everybody,” Bojeux Inc. Coordinator Isabelle Grenon told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2008. 5/1/2008 (Price: $7.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Dangle Pals by BOJEUX INC.

The kit comes with assorted wood and felt pieces, one sheet of transfer, rattail, gems, three lobster clips and color instructions. “These dangle pals are easy to create…[and] very trendy,” Bojeux Inc. Coordinator Isabelle Grenon told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2008. 5/1/2008 (Price: $7.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]