Having enough ammo on hand can mean the difference between winning and losing when it comes to NERF blaster missions. The Nerf Vortex Vigilon Disc Blaster holds up to 5 long-range discs, and its built-in clip drops down at the touch of a button. Simply release the clip, reload the discs and reengage the clip for minimum rearming time and maximum blasting action. Offering long-range, high-powered disc-blasting technology, Nerf Vortex Vigilon Disc Blaster hurls ultra-distance discs for the ultimate battle experience. The Nerf Vortex Vigilon Disc Blaster comes with 5 discs and instructions. — As of 10/18/2011 this product had 4.3 out of 5 stars from 8 reviews on ToysRUs.com. Pros: Easy to reload; shoots long distances. Cons: Discs bounce off of the surfaces they hit and become lost.
Once the balls pop out of the elephant's trunk, it's anybody's guess which way they'll roll — into the belly for put-and-take play, across the room for baby to crawl after, or back through the trunk for more poppin' surprises. With 10 fun tunes to play and this elephant's trunk controlling the poppin' direction, the play is exciting, engaging, and fun. — As of 10/18/2011 this product had 2.9 out of 5 stars from 8 reviews on ToysRUs.com. Pros: Entertaining; helps develop hand-eye coordination; music is cute. Cons: Fan that blows the balls is loud; balls don't blow automatically so younger kids may have trouble using it.
Pump-action, 10-disc blaster is customizable so kids can enhance their fire control or modify their blaster for mobility. With removable 10-disc magazine for maximum firepower with minimum reloading time. Removable stock and versatile Tactical Rail System let kids modify their blaster to meet their battlefield needs. (Tactical Rail accessories sold separately.) As with all VORTEX blasters, features XLR long-range disc technology to launch discs an ultra long distance. PRAXIS blaster comes with removable stock, 10-disc magazine, 10 discs and instructions. — As of 10/14/2011 this product had 4.8 out of 5 stars from 5 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Accurate, long range; several reviewers said this was their favorite of the Vortex line. Cons: Discs are easily lost and not sold separately. — As of 10/14/2011 this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 6 reviews on ToysRUs.com. Pros: Simple to use; clip loading process is satisfying; Doesn't hurt to get hit by the discs. Cons: Discs get lost easily.
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.
When he was 14 years old, Peter Parker was bitten by a spider that had been irradiated in a nuclear experiment. Something in the spider's venom changed him, over night, from the nerdy kid he'd been to something else entirely. Given incredible strength, speed and stamina, he reveled in his power. The tragic death of his uncle threw Peter's good fortune into fierce perspective, giving him direction. From that day on, he vowed to battle evil wherever he could find it as The Amazing Spider-Man. Detailed with defined "muscles", pose this Spider-Man action figure in a battle-ready pose with his "spinning" web accessory aimed at the enemy! Fully articulated, he's ready to make a stand in your collection. Action figure comes with a "spinning" web accessory and a S.H.I.E.L.D. file with a secret code. — Mike DiAndrea, manager of Hardware Toys in Paoli, Pa., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that he sells 6 Spider-Man action figures from Hasbro each month, and that they're his best-selling action figure. — In a Summer 2012 survey Elmer Carranza, manager of Doodlehopper 4 Kids in Springfield, Va., told TDmonthly that they sell a dozen Spider-Man figures each month.
BeyBlade tops are spinning battle tops (also called Beys). Their design features five separate components, which can all be customized for unique performance. Hundreds of combinations are possible, each creating a distinct battle style. With the pull of the ripcord, the tops can be launched into battle. The last top standing wins. Top includes Face Bolt, Energy Ring: L-Drago, Fusion Wheel: Lightning, Spin Track: 100 and Performance Tip.
Fully automatic for maximum speed, this blaster lets users just pull the trigger to begin the drenching action. Fill the water clip, attach it to the blaster and begin sending soaking streams up to 25 feet away. Requires no pumping action.
Pump-handle water blaster blasts a spinning stream of water up to 20 feet away. Detachable stock adjusts to different reaches. Water blaster comes with spinning barrel, detachable stock, tactical rails and a water clip. — As of 6/14/2011 this product had 4.3 out of 5 stars from 7 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Gets opponent very wet; spinning barrel is amusing. Cons: Uses water in the clip too fast; extra clips are expensive.
CirKis is a fun, award-winning game in which players take turns placing pieces and compete for control of point-scoring zones. Played on a beveled, circular board, the game challenges players to use their spatial reasoning to strategically place their pieces. The game is governed by a single, simple rule: each piece must touch -- or "kiss" -- the piece placed before it. As the game progresses, players have to devise strategies to corner their opponents and achieve victory. Designed for ages eight and up; game time is 15 minutes. — As of 06/14/2011 this product had 3 out of 5 stars from 22 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Scoring track is on the board; easy but requires strategy; visually striking. Cons: Some said it was boring; several said it was too complicated.
In this quick-draw classic, the sketches draw loads of laughs- but the guesses can be even more hilarious. Roll the six-sided challenge die for extra-silly scenarios; no two games will ever be alike. Play in teams, large or small. Game includes game board, one-minute timer, 4 pencil pawns, 4 pencils, 4 pads of paper, card box, card deck, standard die and challenge die, and instructions. — As of 05/20/2011 this product had 4.2 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com from 9 reviews. Pros: Helps improve vocabulary; fun for the whole family. Cons: Some players didn't like the new updates to the game; One person said it was too hard.
It's the compact version of the classic naval combat game for plenty of fun on the run. Players keep track of hits and misses, and sink all of their enemy's ships to win the game. All of the pieces fit inside the case, making it easy to travel with. — Mike DiAndrea, manager of Hardware Center Toys in Paoli, Pa., told TDmonthly in an April 2012 survey about travel toys that their best seller is Fun on the Run Battleship. They sold "18 this month," he said.
This updated version of the classic game features a renovated board and a tower that uses infrared sensors to ensure that players whose ships are attacked actually remove them from play. Launch date: Fall 2011.
This new version of Monopoly features the same rules as the classic game- it's the middle of the board that's really different. Players rely on a computerized tower in the center of the game board to issue instructions, keep track of money, and ensure that no cheating occurs. Players hold their hands over their piece, and the tower tells them how many spaces they can move. Instead of paper money, players use debit cards. The game also throws in spur-of-the-moment curve balls, like a horse race that all players must bet on.
Kids can feed cookies to this plush Cookie Monster and watch as he counts out loud and happily gobbles them up. Retrieve the cookies from his backpack to start the fun all over again. Count N' Crunch Cookie Monster also likes to be tickled - press his foot repeatedly to make him giggle and squirm. Includes 3 cookies; requires four 'AA' batteries, included.
Dressed 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.
The Kre-o Transformers Optimus Prime set comes complete with more than 500 pieces, the largest amount featured in any of the 2011 KRE-O sets. Builders can assemble the popular Optimus Prime character in ‘vehicle’ mode as the notable semi-hauler or in ‘robot’ mode to create the leader of the Autobots. When in ‘vehicle’ mode, the truck’s removable cab converts into a mini-command station and the trailer opens to fit the two motorcycles and four unique Kreon mini figures included with the set. The trailer can also be disassembled and built into a command center playset for the Kreonmini figures. When in ‘robot’ mode, builders can blast into action with a projectile launching brick. The Kre-o Transformers Optimus Prime set includes orange traffic cones and cool decorative decals. Launch date: Fall 2011.
The 2-in-1 Kre-o Transformers Bumblebee set allows fans to create and recreate their favorite Autobot character in ‘robot’ mode or in ‘vehicle’ mode. In ‘robot’ mode, builders can convert the wings on Bumblebee into a glider for Kreonmini figures to balance on. In ‘vehicle’ mode, open up the driver’s door and take up to two Kreonmini figures for a spin. Set includes two Kreon mini figures and more than 300 pieces. Launch date: Fall 2011.
This fun, colorful set comes with Racal Rally the cat and 6 accessory. The transparent spinning wheel can be used with your other Furry Frenzies pets. — As of 1.07.2011 this product had 4 out of 5 stars on Walmart.com and was the #14 bestselling item in the Dolls & Dollhouses category. Pros: Easy assembly; works with other FurReal pets; many accessories. Cons: Batteries not included; must apply decals before use.
Based on the popular TV series, kids can play out battles between their Beyblade tops in this colorful arena. Set includes SUPER VORTEX Beystadium arena, 2 exclusive Beyblade Metal Fusion tops, 2 ripcord launchers, 24 tournament grids, official rule book and 2 collector cards. As of 1.06.2011 this product had 4 out of 5 stars from 58 reviews on Amazon.com and was No. 27 on the top 100 bestselling toys and games. Pros: Engaging; encourages critical/creative thinking. Cons: Plastic arena may not hold up to aggressive play.
This electronic plush puppy makes cute puppy sounds, wags his tail and loves going on walks with you. He comes with a remote control leash so you can guide him wherever you want to go. Dimensions: Length: 18.51"; Height: 12.99"; Depth: 9.02". Product Weight: 4.69 Lb. — As of 10.25.10, this product was listed in the top 30 best-selling toys and games on Target.com.
The Nerf N-Strike Longshot CS-6 Blaster is a two-in-one dart blaster that's more than 3' long and sends darts zooming up to 35' away. Your child can take their blasting skills to the extreme with pinpoint precision using the targeting scope. Two quick-reload clips hold a total of 12 Streamline Darts. There's even a fold-down bi-pod to help your child steady their aim for important shots. If they're looking for a quick shot at close range, the blaster has removable parts to give one-handed freedom with a pistol-style blaster. In either mode, they can load up, aim, press the trigger and watch the darts go the distance. — As of 10.25.10, this product was rated #8 in Walmart's Outdoor Play category.
A great combination of two favorite play modes for learning about cause and effect and making things happen. There's an easy to activate ball drop with two balls that roll down a chute and best of all, there is a set of colorful gears that twirl and play music. Tots can activate the gears by moving them directly or by pressing the red happy face button. Awards: Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Toy Award, Platinum, 2010.
Star Wars fans are likely to have this remote controlled Millennium Falcon on the top of their wish list. It is very lightweight and takes a certain amount of practice to get it to fly well. It's not the type of toy that you can hand off to your 8 year old and they will be good to go right from the start. That said, tween and teen testers really liked adjusting the trim and working on their own ability to work the remote control. Awards: Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Toy Award, Gold Seal, 2010.
With its big hand grip, this big eyed blue critter is easy for baby to grasp and it's just right for rolling along the floor. It is colorful, light, has textures on each wheel and three fabric tufts (cotton, satin and corduroy) on top of its head. Best of all the gears on its side twirl as it goes along. Lift the gears out and they can be stacked in a tower and then fitted back into their slots. A fine choice for a baby learning to crawl. — As of 1.10.2011 this product was listed as one of the top 30 bestselling toys on Target.com. Pros: Colorful; durable; educational; can be used with other Playskool gear toys. Awards: Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Toy Award, Gold Seal, 2010.
