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Holiday Preview: 6 Toymakers Share Their Anticipated HitsManufacturers told us which of their toys will be Holiday hits.
Many retailers do their holiday buying between April and October, so we’re sharing with you nine new products that manufacturers told TDmonthly Magazine will be their best sellers for the Holiday season.
Inexpensive, small items make great stocking-stuffers — and great add-on sales.
 Jessica Forlenza, a rep for Zing Toys, told TDmonthly about their new line of products, Ickee Stickeez. These small collectibles would easily fit in stockings or advent calendars, are easy to take on the go, and like the popular Sqwishland Characters, there is an interactive website that kids can go on to learn more about each character.
"They are different from any competition because unlike other collectible miniatures Ickee Stikeez can stick to any flat surface and because of their patented suction cups that when pulled off any flat surface they make a loud POP," adding additional play value, she told TDmonthly.
 John Shelley, creator of family card game Bag-O-Loot, told TDmonthly that their game makes a great stocking-stuffer. "Bag-O-Loot is a perfect stocking stuffer because the cards come in a shiny gold draw string bag you don't even have to wrap! It is an appropriate gift for any age (8-108) so you can give one to everyone. At $7.99 it is very affordable in a tough economy and has a very high fun-per-dollar ratio."
Its gold bag and small size make Bag-O-Loot a quick and easy Hanukkah gift, too: "Throw a couple chocolate coins in with the cards and you have an awesome Hanukkah gelt gift idea." And, perhaps most importantly, "everyone can play and enjoy the game later on that day after the gifts have all been opened."
Giggle-its™, from Blossom Bucket, Inc., are another stocking stuffer option. These colorful PVC computer charms help liven up any kids’ study area, shoelaces or zipper pulls, and school lockers. Sharon Nixon, marketing coordinator for Blossom Bucket, told TDmonthly that "Giggle-its are innovative due to their collectible characteristics...If you find a theme or style that you like in the Clips, you will be able to find coordinating pieces in the Mini Magnets and Monitor Wear," and their small size and versatility make them an ideal toy for kids on-the-go.
For adults on the go, finding the perfect present can be difficult. Help your customers out by carrying some of these easy to choose gift items in your store.
 Robin Ball from Noontidings shared with TDmonthly several of their new room decor items, which make nice gifts for new parents or grandparents: "Our USA-Made wooden signs with whimsical children’s images are perfect for a child's bedroom, grandparent's guest bedroom, or a foyer or rec room." There are three different designs so far, and each can be personalized. "This is perfect décor for budget sensitive young parents that desire nice décor for their children," Ball said.
Christmas morning can be stressful and tiring for parents — cooking for family visitors, cleaning up mountains of wrapping paper, searching for batteries — but it can be hard to take a breather with energetic kids running around. That's where interactive gifts like The blankZ from Always Been Creative, Inc., come in handy.
 "The blankZ combine creativity, fantasy, reusability and great fun in each original design. The blankZ are a 3 dimensional painters palette in the shape of a cute and cuddly creature," Glenn Rudin, president of Always Been Creative, Inc., told TDmonthly. Kids can decorate their new plush friends while the adults have a nap — or a glass of eggnog. Rudin also pointed out that “In a world increasingly dominated by thoughtless digital distractions," The blankZ are a great way to get kids involved in a hands-on, sensory activity.
The months leading up to the Holidays can sometimes feel even more hectic than the Holidays themselves. Carting around kids while trying to maneuver through crowded shopping malls can be a challenge — so why not make things easier for your customers?
 Brittany Roderick from Nourish, Inc., told TDmonthly about two new products that can make shopping with young children easier on parents — and provide a nice add-on for retailers. "Nourish Baby is a patented, ready-to-serve baby bottle complete with 8 oz of purified spring water, volume markings and a baby nipple top that gives traveling parents immediate access to pre-measured, purified spring water in a clean bottle. Just add formula, shake and serve."
For older kids there’s Nourish Toddler, a spill-proof, ready to drink bottle of spring water with a sippy top, giving parents immediate access to a beverage for thirsty youngsters while shopping. Kids often indulge in cookies, candies, and cocoa during the Holidays, but Nourish offers "a terrific alternative to sugary drinks, and helps establish a healthy habit of drinking water," Roderick said.
You can see the products mentioned above described in more detail at the end of this article. Don't forget to check out our next Holiday Preview in the October issue of TDmonthly!
Wholesale Price: (Log in to view)Minimum Order: (Log in to view)Minimum Reorder: (Log in to view)Dropship Available?: (Log in to view)Ships From: (Log in to view)Terms: (Log in to view) MSRP: $9.99Age Range: 10 and upSpecialty: Yes (as of 2011)Made in: China, United StatesSKU or Item #: DCK01001Launch Date: May 2010Gender: Boys And Girls
Bag-o-Loot is a new card game that combines strategy, luck, interaction and emotions. During their turn, players can create sets of matching cards called collections, steal collections from other players, or complete a set, making a Bag-O-Loot. But players must be wary- The Bag-O-Loot could be a bluff. Players must outwit or outguess their opponents and try to commit a robbery to end the round. "It is just as fun and engaging for a group of adults to play, a group of kids to play, or a mixed group of adults and kids to play," John Shelley, president of Bag-O-Loot, told TDmonthly.
Awards: 2011 Dr. Toy's Best Picks; 2011 Preferred Choice Award in the category of Family Card Games from Creative Child Magazine.
— As of 10/19/2011 this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 10 reviews on Amazon.com.
ToyDirectory Product ID#: 31987 (added 3/22/2011) . AD
Wholesale Price: (Log in to view)Ships From: (Log in to view)Terms: (Log in to view) MSRP: $30.00Age Range: All AgesSpecialty: Yes (as of 2011)Made in: United StatesSKU or Item #: 6219FBSGender: Boys And Girls
This adorable little boy is enjoying hanging out with his best friend and dangling from the tire swing in his backyard. It brings back wonderful childhood memories for all of us. This exclusive wooden sign, Hanging Out, is 15" high x 10" wide. Perfect for the child's bedroom or grandparents spare bedroom. USA Made and can be personalized for an additional fee. Launch date: July 2011. ToyDirectory Product ID#: 32685 (added 8/10/2011) . AD
Ickeez are a collectible, but they also can be used create various shapes and sculptures. Unlike other collectible miniatures Ickee Stikeez can stick to any flat surface, and because of their patented suction cups when pulled off any flat surface they make a loud pop. They are small enough that kids can bring them in the car, to restaurants and on vacation. Ickeez will travel any place kids want to bring them. ToyDirectory Product ID#: 32810 (added 8/30/2011) . AD
Wholesale Price: (Log in to view)Minimum Order: (Log in to view)Minimum Reorder: (Log in to view)Dropship Available?: (Log in to view)Ships From: (Log in to view)Terms: (Log in to view) MSRP: $14.99Age Range: 5 to 17Made in: ChinaSKU or Item #: BLZ 1009Gender: Boys And Girls
Each blankZ toy is a plush animal that acts like a canvas for any child's imagination. Each set includes 1 blankZ toy, 5 blankZ markers, and 1 blankZdrop Card to be decorated and placed behind the finished creation. The blankZ can be colored, washed, then colored again, allowing for hours of fun. Series one features 7 animals including a pig, elephant, bear, rabbit, and seal. Launch date: February 2012. ToyDirectory Product ID#: 32811 (added 8/30/2011) . AD
Wholesale Price: (Log in to view)Minimum Order: (Log in to view)Minimum Reorder: (Log in to view)Ships From: (Log in to view) MSRP: $3.49Age Range: 0 to 1Target Age Range: 0 to 2Specialty: Yes (as of 2011)Made in: United StatesSKU or Item #: 899676002100Launch Date: February 2008Gender: Boys And Girls
Nourish Baby eases the stress of feeding time on the go. It is 8 oz of pre-measured purified spring water with a wide neck for easy formula mixing. Nourish is also BPA-free, Phthalate-free, made in the USA and 100% recyclable and reusable. ""Nourish Baby is like no other baby bottle because it already comes with water in it and is the first immediate consumption drink for babies on the market,"" Brittany Roderkick, from Nourish Inc, told TDmonthly.
Awards: 2010 MAX Award for Most Innovative New Product in Georgia; 2011 Water Innovation Award: Runner Up for Best New Water Brand ToyDirectory Product ID#: 32422 (added 5/27/2011) . AD
Wholesale Price: (Log in to view)Minimum Order: (Log in to view)Minimum Reorder: (Log in to view)Ships From: (Log in to view) MSRP: $3.49Age Range: 1 to 6Target Age Range: 3 to 5Specialty: Yes (as of 2011)Made in: United StatesSKU or Item #: 899676002209Launch Date: February 2008Gender: Boys And Girls
Nourish Toddler celebrates a toddler's growing independence with an easy-to-use, impossible to spill and healthy drink of their own. It is 10 oz of purified spring water in a unique, patented bottle designed for little hands and complete with a spill-proof sippy top. Nourish is also BPA-free, Phthalate-free, made in the USA and 100% recyclable and reusable. Toddlers can now quench their thirst without drenching themselves and everything around them. ""Nourish Toddler is the only 100% spill-proof sippy cup on the market,"" Brittany Roderick from Nourish Inc told TDmonthly.
Awards: 2010 MAX Award for Most Innovative New Product in Georgia; 2011 Water Innovation Award: Runner Up for Best New Water Brand ToyDirectory Product ID#: 32421 (added 5/27/2011) . AD
 Writer's Bio: Justina Huddleston graduated Magna Cum Laude from Emerson College with a BA in Writing, Literature, and Publishing in 2009. After graduating she was the on-site director of the Boston Children's Museum gift store for a year, selling educational, developmental, and creative activity toys that tied in with the museum's exhibits. Justina also interned at children's book publisher Candlewick Press before moving from Boston to Los Angeles, where she is now Editorial Director of TDmonthly Magazine. Read more articles by this author
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