TDmonthly Magazine!
May 2013 | Vol. XII - No. 5


Tools:


20 Top-Selling Mass-Market Toys


You may sell specialty, but it's important to watch the mass-market to keep abreast of new trends and get tipped off early if your own best-sellers are "crossing over", like the popular Spot It!. TDmonthly Magazine will be updating our list of mass-market top-sellers weekly to make this job easier for you.



MSRP: $25.00
Age Range: Adult
Gender: Boys And Girls
Category: Card Games
General Games
Adult Games



Cards Against Humanity is a "party game for horrible people." The game is simple. Each round, one player asks a question from a Black Card, and everyone else answers with their funniest White Card. Includes 550 cards (460 White cards and 90 Black cards); over 13 duodecillion possible rounds (10^40) with 6 players; professionally printed on premium playing cards; includes game rules and alternate rules; shrink-wrapped in a custom box.
— As of 12/17/2012 this product had 4.9 out of 5 stars from 865 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Very interactive; humorous; great party game. Cons: One reviewer said some of the cards were "a bit too much;" some references might not be known by everyone.
ToyDirectory Product ID#: 32453      (added 6/16/2011)
.
TD


MSRP: $29.99
Age Range: 8 to 14
Specialty: No
Gender: Boys
Category: Construction
Play Sets



Lloyd, the golden ninja, has summoned the powerful Golden Dragon into an epic stand-off against Lord Garmadon's minions. Attach Lloyd onto the Golden Dragon and soar into battle. Avoid the launching catapult attacks with the huge extending wings. Fire the dragon sphere! Harness the power of the Golden Dragon to send Lord Garmadon's soldiers back underground. Includes 3 minifigures with weapons: Golden Ninja Lloyd, scout and warrior.
— Joe Berardoini Jr, owner of Pun's Toys in Bryn Mawr, Pa., told TDmonthly in a May 2013 survey that though they don't carry many licensed toys, LEGO Ninjago does well.
— In a Fall 2013 survey, 50% of retailers told TDmonthly that LEGO items were overall best-sellers at their stores.
— In a August 2014 survey, Sunni, manager of Doodlehopper 4 Kids in Falls Church, Va., told TDmonthly that LEGO Ninjago is one of their best-selling lines of collectibles.
ToyDirectory Product ID#: 35964      (added 1/14/2013)
.
TD


MSRP: $70
Age Range: 8 and up
SKU or Item #: S032
Launch Date: December 2010
Gender: Boys
Category: Remote Controlled
Aircraft
Hobby Goods



S032 Syma - 3 Channel Electric Helicopter RTF w/ Auto Stabilizing Gyro + Metal Frames + Cool Strobing Head Lights. 11.5" long helicopter comes with battery, charger and transmitter. The Syma S032 RC helicopter can go forward, backward, left, and right. This S032 even equipped with bright strobing LED head lights, so you can enjoy flying in the dark. The unique co-axial rotors counter-rotate for unprecedented stability. Light and safe, this helicopter will transform any indoor environment into a cool chopper fly zone. Get about 12 minutes flight time per charge. S032 is in RED & WHITE 2-tone colors.
— As of 12/17/2012 this product had 4.1 out of 5 stars from 899 reviews on Amazon.com.
ToyDirectory Product ID#: 31314      (added 12/15/2010)
.
TD


MSRP: $42.00
Age Range: 10 and up
SKU or Item #: MFG3061
Gender: Boys And Girls
Category: Board Games
General Games



In this game designed by Klaus Teber, three to four players who are immigrants to Catan must develop their colony on the island by establishing roads, villages and settlements and making strategic trades of bricks and lumber, livestock or other commodities to obtain necessary resources. Play takes about 60 to 90 minutes. The first player to 10 points wins. "The new edition was released three years ago and has sold more copies in those three years than the first, second or third editions combined," Bob Carty, Sales & Marketing Director, Mayfair Games, told TDmonthly in early 2010.
— In August 2010, five percent of 43 retailers surveyed named The Settlers of Catan an overall top seller. The same month, Steven Levy, owner of Toy City in Keene, New Hampshire, told TDmonthly his store sells approximately three Settlers of Catan games per week.
— “It's real easy to teach, and then you just develop strategies from there," Mike Snyder, owner and manager of Cville's Hobbies, Games and Toys in Charlottesville, Va., told TDmonthly in a February 2012 survey about best selling games. Cville's sells 16-20 copies of the game each month.
— As of 12/17/2012 this product had 4.7 out of 5 stars from 632 reviews on Amazon.com.
ToyDirectory Product ID#: 27448      (added 3/3/2010)
.
TD


Age Range: 6 and up
Gender: Boys And Girls
Category: General Games
Card 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
ToyDirectory Product ID#: 27018      (added 2/11/2010)
.
TD


MSRP: $60
Age Range: 8 and up
SKU or Item #: S107
Launch Date: December 2010
Gender: Boys And Girls
Category: Remote Controlled
Aircraft
Hobby Goods



S107 Syma - 3 Channel Radio Controlled Infrared Remote Controlled Electric RC Micro Mini Helicopter w/ Gyro + Colorful Strobing LED Lights. This S107 equipped with NEW Gyroscope System for simpliest controls and stabilities, NEW Metal Frame & Body for extra durabilities, NEW Awesome Look and Design, and Bright strobing muti-color LED headlights so you can enjoy flying in the dark. At only 7" long, it easily fits in the palm of your hand and is fully functional. This S107 even has the option to charge directly from computer's USB port (USB cable included) or transmitter which uses "AA" batteries! S107 is in RED & YELLOW colors. Each Helicopter is individually packed in a window box. Box size: 17.75"L x 3"W x 7.25"H.
— As of 05/21/2012 this product had 4 out of 5 stars from 730 reviews on Amazon.com. PROS: Lightweight, durable, two methods of charging. CONS: Not suitable for children under 14; repairs are difficult.
ToyDirectory Product ID#: 31313      (added 12/15/2010)
.
TD


MSRP: $18.00
Age Range: 8 to 12
Specialty: No
Gender: Boys And Girls
Category: Family Games
General Games
Card Games



Spice up family game night with the Hedbanz Board Game, a fun, fast-paced, and simple question game that everyone aged 6 and up can enjoy. In a group of two to six players, players draw an identity card for an animal, food, or common object but with one catch--everyone else will see the card, displayed by the headband on each player's forehead. The goal is for each player to deduce who or what they are by asking the other players questions before the clock runs out.
— As of 11/30/2012 this product had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 208 reviews on Amazon.com.
ToyDirectory Product ID#: 35622      (added 11/30/2012)
.
TD


MSRP: $29.99
Age Range: 4 and up
Gender: Boys And Girls
Category: Construction
Preschool



This Lego starter kit lets younger children build a house, car, dog, helicopter and more. The set features 405 pieces stored in a durable plastic box with a see-through top. Included are minifigure, a building plate and a wide mix of standard bricks in various colors, as well as house and wheel elements.
— As of 12/17/2012 this product had 4.6 out of 5 stars from 293 reviews on Amazon.com and was No. 19 on the top 100 bestselling toys and games. Pros: 405 pieces and one figurine included; packaged in durable storage container. Cons: Younger children may need help with construction; pieces do not fill up bucket all the way.
ToyDirectory Product ID#: 29756      (added 7/26/2010)
.
TD


MSRP: $24.95
Age Range: 6 and up
Gender: Boys And Girls
Category: General Games



Requiring no reading from its players, Qwirkle is a simple-to-learn but stimulating game based around matching the attributes of the game play tiles. Players build rows and columns by placing tiles adjacent to tiles they share an attribute with (shape or color), and score bonus points if they can think ahead and put a tile down touching multiple other tiles. While the game is easy to understand, a good eye and quick thinking make Qwirkle challenging enough for a wide range of ages to play together.
Awards: 2011 Speiele des Jahres (German game of the year).
― “We sell a lot of Qwirkle,” Sue Banducci said of popular games in her Danville, Calif., store, Games Unlimited. “Qwirkle was best-selling over Christmas,” said Shirley Reilly, owner of Let's Play in Hillsboro, Ore., in January 2009.
― When asked about his top-selling games in early 2009, Tye Steinbach of Thinker Toys in Portland, Ore. told TDmonthly, “It was probably Qwirkle. We're not huge gamers in our family, but it's really fun.”
— Four of 44 specialty retailers named Qwirkle as a best seller in late fall 2009. Ages & Stages Toy Box in Golden, Colo., sells about 10 Qwirkle games per month, Manager Holly Anvers told TDmonthly.
— As of 12/17/2012 this product had 4.8 out of 5 stars from 483 reviews on Amazon.com and was No. 6 on the top 100 bestselling toys and games. Pros: Exciting; intellectually stimulating, easy to learn. Cons: Some said it took too long to play; only had 3 reviews less than 3 stars, however.
ToyDirectory Product ID#: 22437      (added 2/9/2009)
.
TD


MSRP: $39.95
Age Range: 8 and up
Gender: Boys And Girls
Category: Board Games



Borrowing a Beatles song as its title, this 2004 Spiel des Jahres ("Game of the Year")winner is extraordinarily popular among the board game cognoscenti with sales just over 250,000 and availability in six languages and 30 countries. Players embark on a “track trip,” collecting train cards to connect cities in an effort to claim the longest rail route in North America. - Andrew Robinton
— As of 12/17/2012 this product had 4.8 out of 5 stars from 463 reviews on Amazon.com.
ToyDirectory Product ID#: 2233      (added 1/18/2005)
.
TD


MSRP: $34.99
Age Range: 10 and up
Gender: Boys And Girls
Category: Construction
Licensed Products
Kits



Build a mini model of the game that’s sweeping the Internet with a LEGO® microbuild version of Minecraft. Selected by LEGO CUUSOO members, this build features a cool design with lots of 1x1 LEGO tiles and 2 buildable Micromob characters: Steve and Creeper.
— As of 7/30/2012 this product had 4.1 out of 5 stars from 14 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Nice collector's item. Cons: Pricey.
ToyDirectory Product ID#: 34742      (added 7/30/2012)
.
TD


MSRP: $14.99
Age Range: 0 to 2
Specialty: No
Gender: Boys And Girls
Category: Infant & Toddler
Plush
Interactive



Sometimes baby needs a little help falling asleep. With a gentle squeeze, the cuddly Fisher-Price Ocean Wonders Soothe & Glow Seahorse glows and plays soft music, lullabies and soothing sounds of the ocean. After 5 minutes the music fades, the lights dim and baby drifts off to sleep. There are 8 lullabies to please baby and power/volume control for quiet play.
— As of 08/08/2011 this product had 4.8 out of 5 stars from 331 reviews on ToysRUs.com. Pros: Comforting; the soft glow helps babies who don't like being in the complete dark. Cons: Velcro closure doesn't stick after a bit of use; the music can be too loud for some babies.
— As of 8/22/2011 this product had 4.8 out of 5 stars from 96 reviews on Amazon.com.
ToyDirectory Product ID#: 32656      (added 8/8/2011)
.
TD


MSRP: $21.99
Age Range: 6 to 15
Specialty: No
Gender: Girls
Category: Dolls
Tween



The ghouls of Monster High are hitting the skies for their first trip abroad together in monster style. Their destination is Scaris, the city of lights and hometown for Rochelle Goyle. A popular destination for jet-setting ghouls, Clawdeen Wolf, Frankie Stein and Rochelle Goyle meet two new friends while traveling the city: Skelita Calaveras and Jinafire Long. With their funky fashions and journaling ways, they fit right in with the Monster High crew. Each doll wears a new travel outfit complete with jewelry and comes with a rolling suitcase and travel journal or sketchbook to capture those memorable moments. Also includes hair brush and doll stand for picture perfect snapshot poses. Dolls cannot stand alone.
— As of 1/2/2013 this product had 4.6 out of 5 stars from 28 reviews on Amazon.com.
ToyDirectory Product ID#: 35867      (added 1/2/2013)
.
TD


MSRP: $24.99
Age Range: 6 and up
SKU or Item #: BL100
Gender: Boys And Girls
Category: Puzzles & Skill
Educational
Family Games



The first member of the Perplexus family, this see-through sphere houses a 3-D labyrinth game with 100 barriers, turns, twists and cliffhangers that serve as obstacles to getting a small steel ball to the end. Invented in 1970 by Michael McGinnis, a design teacher, Perplexus helps develop motor and dexterity skills, along with hand-eye coordination.
― As of 12/17/2012 this product had 4.4 out of 5 stars from 393 reviews on Amazon.com and was No. 12 on the top 100 bestselling toys and games.
— At Izilla Toys in Seattle, "Perplexus is selling really, really well for us," Co-owner Jude Larene told TDmonthly in late fall 2009.
— In summer 2010 this game was a top-10 best seller at Dancing Bear Toys in Asheville and Hendersonville, N.C..
Awards: 2012 Parents’ Choice Awards - Silver, 2011 Time Magazine – 15 Smartest Toys for Young Geniuses, 2011 Parent Tested Parent Approved – Seal of Approval, 2011 Grand Prix Kidexpo – Elu par les Parents (Parents’Choice), 2011 Children of Museum of Indianapolis – Top 10 Toys of 2011, 2011 Canadian Toy Testing Council – Children’s Choice, 2011 Babble List – Best Kids Toys, 2010 Toy Insider – Hot 20, 2010 The National Parenting Center – Seal of Approval, 2010 Prémio Brazil – Award of Excellence, 2010 Parents’ Magazine – Top Toys, 2010 NAPPA – Gold, 2010 ASTRA – Best Toy for Kids
ToyDirectory Product ID#: 26245      (added 12/2/2009)
.
TD


MSRP: $6.99
Age Range: 3 to 15
Gender: Boys And Girls
Category: Arts & Crafts
Infant & Toddler
Preschool



4ct. Washable finger paint set in primary colors. Bold colors formulated to wash esily from skin and clothing. Red, blue yellow and green.
As of 06/08/2011 this product had 4.7 out of 5 stars from 28 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Washes off very easily, even after dry; squeeze top bottle is good for use with younger children; No reviews below 3 stars. Cons: Smells bad; washes off hard surfaces easily but may stain some clothing.
ToyDirectory Product ID#: 32430      (added 6/8/2011)
.
TD


MSRP: $24.99
Age Range: 7 to 15
Gender: Boys And Girls
Category: Electronics



These walkie-talkies with cool LEGO styling stay connected up to a mile away. They are easy to use - one channel, simple push-to-talk-button and volume control.
— As of 10/26/2011 this product had 3.9 out of 5 stars from 37 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Easy to use; fun design. Cons: Batteries run out quickly.
ToyDirectory Product ID#: 33195      (added 11/17/2011)
.
TD


MSRP: $37.99
Age Range: 1 and up
Gender: Boys And Girls
Category: Infant & Toddler
Developmental Toys
General Toys



This product is for children ages six months and up. With a barnyard of friends to cheer baby on, little ones will love learning to walk with the Sit-to-Stand Walker. Start out with the easy-to-remove play panel for floor play or fun on the run. Then step it up with the fun-to-maneuver walker. There are three spinning flowers, five piano keys, colorful rollers, three light-up shape sorters and a telephone handset. The Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker keeps baby on track by teaching shapes, colors, animals, music and more. Requires 3 "AA" batteries, included. Measures 5.8"L x 20.9"W x 15"D.
As of 12/17/2012 this product had 4.3 out of stars from 472 reviews on Amazon.com. Cons: Wheels don't have enough traction; too "loud and obnoxious;" too expensive.
ToyDirectory Product ID#: 32241      (added 5/6/2011)
.
TD


MSRP: $7.99
Age Range: 8 and up
Launch Date: March 2010
Gender: Boys And Girls
Category: Family Games
General Games
Travel



This pocket-sized story generator is designed to provide hours of imaginative play for all ages. With Rory's Story Cubes®, anyone can become a great storyteller and there are no wrong answers. Players simply roll the cubes and let the pictures spark the imagination. "Rory's Story Cubes is unique because of its simplicity, small packaging, low price point and endless story possibilities. It's a great learning and writing tool that can be played with one person or a large group as a party game," Emily Nichols, marketing coordinator for Gamewright, told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 2010.
Awards: 2009 Dr. Toy’s 10 Best Games of the Year; 2010 Major Fun Award; 2010 Parents’ Choice Gold Award, Creative Child Magazine Seal of Excellence Award, iParenting Media Award, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award.
— As of 12/17/2012 this product had 4.6 out of 5 stars from 306 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Helps develop story telling ability; promotes cooperative play; creative; affordable. Cons: One reviewer said they were bored with it after playing a few times, but that it is very affordable.
— Stacy Kalisz of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine “absolutely loved” using the Story Cubes with her family as they came up with a variety of games. One of their favorite play variations “is to tell a group story, with each person using one die on his or her turn.”
ToyDirectory Product ID#: 26509      (added 12/28/2009)
.
TD


MSRP: $14.99
Age Range: 3 and up
Gender: Boys And Girls
Category: Outdoor Fun



When kids stomp on the launch pad, a blast of air propels the Stomp Rocket over 100 feet into the air. This kit comes with four glow-in-the-dark foam rockets.
— As of 12/17/2012 this product had 4.6 out of 5 stars from 291 reviews on Amazon.com. PROS: Simple to use, no assembly, rockets fly high, and foam construction of rockets doesn't damage people or property. CONS: Could use a sturdier base and wingnut/screw connection.
— In an August 2010 TDmonthly survey of 43 retailers, three cited Stomp Rockets as an overall top seller.
— Stephanie Dupuy of Playville in Covington, La., told TDmonthly in a November 2011 survey that their best selling flying toy is Stomp Rocket. They sell between 12 and 18 each month, depending on the weather.
ToyDirectory Product ID#: 29750      (added 7/26/2010)
.
TD


MSRP: $29.99
Age Range: 8 and up
Specialty: Yes (as of 2012)
SKU or Item #: BL300
Gender: Boys And Girls
Category: Puzzles & Skill
Educational
Family Games



The third Perplexus family member is a hot favorite with all ages, including teens and adults. Epic’s track is over 30 ft. long, and has 125 barriers. It is so challenging that it even has a mid-way restart point. Once kids pick it up, they won’t want to put Epic down.
— As of 01/12/2012 this product had 4.2 out of 5 stars from 114 reviews on Amazon.com.
— In an April 2012 survey about best selling travel toys, Kai Rady, owner of Shenanigans Inc in Charlottesville, Va., told TDmonthly that her best seller is "Perplexus, especially the Epic version."
Awards: 2012 The National Parenting Centre - Seal of Approval, 2012 Learning Express Toys - Best Toy Award, Games Category, 2012 Canadian Toy Testing Council- Best Bet 2012, 2011 The National Parenting Centre - Gold Seal of Approval, 2011 Parent Tested Parent Approved - Seal of Approval, 2011 Neighbourhood Educational Toy Stores - Gold Star, 2011 Fat Brain Toy ‘Award - Brainteasers, 2011 Family Fun - Toy of the Year, 2011 Disney Top 10 Family Fun - Toy of the Year, 2011 Creative Child Magazine - Game of the Year
ToyDirectory Product ID#: 33460      (added 1/12/2012)
.
TD






THIS BANNER IS AN AD:






Back to TDmonthly's front page

Advertise on TDmonthly


Related Product Archives

Drone Home Game
By PlayMonster LLC
» More Information

STEM Robot Mouse Coding Activity Set
By LEARNING RESOURCES INC.
» More Information

37 Key Digital Baby Grand Piano
By SCHOENHUT PIANO COMPANY
» More Information


Related Articles
·Toy Industry Adapts to 'Underconsumption Core' Trend
(11/1/2024)
·Toy Companies Diversify Product Lines to Engage New Consumer Segments
(11/1/2024)
·Empowering Play: How the 'Healthy Heroes' Trend is Shaping Child Development in 2025
(11/1/2024)
·Top-10 Most-Wanted Card Games
(10/1/2015)
·Toys to Talk About: Dolls
(11/1/2015)
·Top-10 Most-Wanted Tween Toys
(11/1/2015)


Also See
·Board Games Controversies Due To Offensive Content
(12/1/2024)
·Vintage Board Games Have Become Highly Sought-After Collectibles, Surpassing The Value Of Your Nikes
(12/1/2024)
·Top Selling This Week 11/13/24
(11/1/2024)
·Top Board Game Hashtags and Market Trends for 2024
(11/1/2024)
·Top Toys This Week 11/21/24
(11/1/2024)
·Catan: The Rise, Reach, and Reckoning of a Modern Classic
(11/1/2024)
















Advertisement: