PLAY-DECO is a unique craft for home decor that combines wooden "bone" with paper "skin." Users can either use the skin as is or create their own original works. "You can also download new 'skins' and accessories from the website as well as templates to design your own," Shinya Fujimoto, CEO of Magnote, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 2012.
Awards: 2011 Good Design Award

Kids activate traps and prepare the knights to guard the Playmobil Falcon Knights' Castle from intruders. The castle comes with a drawbridge, breakout wall, drop-down ladder, and a trap door. The set also includes four Falcon Knights, horse, functional cannon, and many other accessories. Dimensions: 23.6 x 22.8 x 13.8 inches (L x W x H).
— In a May 2012 survey about best selling toys, Erin Blanton of Pufferbellies Toys & Books for Children in Staunton, Va., told TDmonthly that they sell 250 Playmobil sets each month, especially the knight sets.

Kids will learn over 30 amazing tricks and effects and learn the science principles behind them. Science and magic are very closely related. In fact, many science experiments look like magic and many cool magic tricks are science based. Kids will make water disappear, learn to read minds, mix up some disappearing orbs, levitate magnets, lift up a bottle of rice with a chop stick, stick pencils through a bag of water with noting leaking out, write secret messages and much more.
— In a late Summer 2012 survey, Joe Berardoni Sr., owner of Pun's Toys in Bryn Mawr, Penn., told TDmonthly that "Any of the Lab-in-a-Bag kits from Be Amazing Toys" become their best selling Science & Nature toys.

Grow dozens of dazzling crystals and conduct 15 illuminating experiments with this classic science kit. Experiment with four chemically different crystals each with different properties, including potassium alum crystals that form regular octahedrons, rapidly growing sodium sulfate crystals, long needle-shaped sodium acetate crystals, and plaster which is made from gypsum crystals. Mold fun plaster shapes and mix the dyes to grow a rainbow of custom colored crystals. Measure how the crystallization of solids out of a solution, and the dissolution of crystals back into solution, affect the temperature of the solution. Learn about the energy of crystallization. Investigate solutions, crystallization, and the chemistry of crystal growing. Learn about the structures and geometries of different crystal shapes. This kit is thoroughly tested and safe: Over one million units of this kit have sold worldwide. A full-color, 32-page experiment manual guides your experiments in crystal chemistry and Earth science. Launch date: Summer 2012.
— Mary Porter Green, owner of Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va., told TDmonthly in a Fall 2012 survey that kits from Thames & Kosmos are one of their top-2 bestselling educational products. They sell dozens each month.
— Mary Porter Green, owner of Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va., told TDmonthly in a March 2014 survey that crystal growing kits were a best-selling products.

Add a recycled magazine and two plastic bottles to this kit and blast a paper rocket up to 80 feet high. Exclusive to Toysmith in the U.S.
— In a January 2015 survey, 2 out of 10 retailers told TDmonthly that 4M, distributed in the US by Toysmith, was their best-selling brand of STEM toys.

Pick a theme, find the materials, and let the creativity flow. Each kit includes Makedo’s reusable re-clips, lock-hinges, safe-saw, an inspirational poster and stickers to complete the creation. Through playful creativity take recyclable materials commonly found in the home and transform them into creations. Exclusive to Toysmith in the U.S.

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.

Coloring meets crafting in the innovative, patent-pending COLORGAMI. It debuts with several thematic sets, including "Space Adventure," "The Red Carpet Collection" and the "Puppet Maker Activity Kit."  Each COLORGAMI kit includes markers, giant COLORGAMI design sheets with characters, accessories, themed environments and more. When the coloring is finished, the illustrations can be popped out, folded and constructed into a three-dimensional scene. Launch date: February 2012.

Kids can make gobs of gum with this bubble gum factory. Create unique recipes by mixing and matching different flavors. Kit Includes citric acid packet, corn syrup, confectioner sugar, gum base, watermelon flavoring, blueberry flavoring, mint flavoring, 2 note cards, activity guide, and a plastic tin with lid.
— Andrea Scartozzi, from Hardware Toys in Paoli, Pa., told TDmonthly in a September 2011 survey that Bubble Gum Factory is their bestselling science toy.
— In a late Summer 2012 survey, Joe Berardoni Sr., owner of Pun's Toys in Bryn Mawr, Penn., told TDmonthly that "a certain few of the kits from Scientific Explorer, mostly any one that has to do with food," are their second-best selling Science & Nature item.
— Mary Porter Green, owner of Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va., told TDmonthly in a Fall 2012 survey that kits from Scientific Explorer are one of their top-2 bestselling educational products. They sell dozens each month.

3-D Laser Cut Models featuring detailed laser etching and laser cuts on a 4.5" square metal sheet.  Easily assembled by popping out the pieces and connecting them at the attachment points using the easy to follow instructions.  Eleven styles to choose from:  Golden Gate Bridge, Cable Car, P-51 Mustang, Fokker D-VII Bi-Plane, Boeing 747 Jet, Beach Buggy, Checker Cab, Huey Helicopter, Staten Island Ferry, Empire State Bldg, Chrysler Bldg. Launch date: September 2011.

Where to buy:
NORTH WEST

Adopt a Plant - Save a Species. Encourages the public, one at a time, to adopt and nurture an endangered plant until it is sturdy enough to release back to nature or be re-potted as a house plant.  Kit includes actual rooted baby plant, plastic terrarium with small loop for attaching, coconut substrate and assembly instructions.  "Adopt a plant, build it a home, then take it with you wherever you roam." Launch date: May 2011.

Kids will amaze their audience by rehearsing and performing 25 awesome chemistry experiments in their own science show. Whether they’re moving particles with their magic wand, creating self-destructing bottles, sparking fireworks from an orange, or watching mystical black snakes grow from a pile of power, this kit is sure to educate and entertain friends and family of all ages. Includes lab equipment, materials, chemicals, cue cards with stage directions, and a 64-page, full-color, comic-book style manual. The kit "Provides young scientists with the tools and instruction to create their own science show instead of watching one," Kim Hammann, sales & marketing manager at Thames & Kosmos, told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 2011.
— In a November 2011 survey about hobby toys, Mary Porter-Green, owner of The Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va., told TDmonthly, "We sell lots of science kits — the best selling ones are chemistry sets from Thames & Kosmos."

Kids construct circuits with colorful electric building blocks to learn about electricity and how electronic devices work. The innovative snap-together blocks in the ElectronX building system make learning electronics fun and accessible. Use the blocks’ bright colors and unique shapes, and easy-to-follow assembly diagrams to construct a variety of functional circuits. Includes Over 70 different experiments and building projects, plus capacitors, resistors, LEDs, phototransistor, cable blocks, battery holder, speaker, sound-integrated circuit, 30 contact blocks, and a 64-page, full color manual. Launch date: June 2011.

The newest addition to the Shrinky Dinks line. This 6 sheet pack of Shrinky Dinks Sunshine Yellow allows you to brighten up your Shrinky Dinks projects without using a bright marker or paint. This sunny yellow can be used as a background with our other plastics or can be used to accent anything...or use it alone to make your own bright shining piece. Use Sunshine Yellow with Permanent Marker, Paint Pens or Alcohol based rubber stamping inks. Creative fun for more "BRIGHT" ideas.

These Sticky Mosaics Singles are the party-sized answer for a rainy afternoon or long car ride. With no mess, these small, portable kits are simple and fun for both boys and girls. Each includes 1 project, 1 wall hanger and over 400 sparkling tiles and jewels. Follow a simple numbered legend and create a beautiful mosaic with Sticky Mosaics singles. "Perfect for travel, stocking stuffers and party favors, Sticky Mosaics Singles are the perfect size for a quick craft on a rainy day or surprise gift for a special little girl or boy," Stephanie Carver from The Orb Factory told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 2011.

These Sticky Mosaics Singles are the party-sized answer for a rainy afternoon or long car ride. With no mess, these small, portable kits are simple and fun for both boys and girls. Each includes 1 project, 1 wall hanger and over 400 sparkling tiles and jewels. Follow a simple numbered legend and create a beautiful mosaic with Sticky Mosaics singles. "Perfect for travel, stocking stuffers and party favors, Sticky Mosaics Singles are the perfect size for a quick craft on a rainy day or surprise gift for a special little girl or boy," Stephanie Carver from The Orb Factory told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 2011.

These Sticky Mosaics Singles are the party-sized answer for a rainy afternoon or long car ride. With no mess, these small, portable kits are simple and fun for both boys and girls. Each includes 1 project, 1 wall hanger and over 400 sparkling tiles and jewels. Follow a simple numbered legend and create a beautiful mosaic with Sticky Mosaics singles. "Perfect for travel, stocking stuffers and party favors, Sticky Mosaics Singles are the perfect size for a quick craft on a rainy day or surprise gift for a special little girl or boy," Stephanie Carver from The Orb Factory told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 2011.

These Sticky Mosaics Singles are the party-sized answer for a rainy afternoon or long car ride. With no mess, these small, portable kits are simple and fun for both boys and girls. Each includes 1 project, 1 wall hanger and over 400 sparkling tiles and jewels. Follow a simple numbered legend and create a beautiful mosaic with Sticky Mosaics singles. "Perfect for travel, stocking stuffers and party favors, Sticky Mosaics Singles are the perfect size for a quick craft on a rainy day or surprise gift for a special little girl or boy," Stephanie Carver from The Orb Factory told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 2011.

Sticky Mosaics Tropical Friends comes with 4 sparkling projects, 4 plastic wall hangers and over 2300 sparkling tiles and jewel pieces. Follow a simple numbered legend and stick on the colorful tiles and jewels to create a stunning masterpiece every time. This no mess, no fuss kit features colorful chameleons, hopping tree frogs and curious geckos. "Sticky Mosaics are not just crafts; they are works of art!  Just because a craft is completed doesn't mean the fun is done; display these mosaic masterpieces for years to come with the special wall hangers included in each kit," Stephanie Carver, from The Orb Factory, told TDmonthly.

Sticky Mosaics Owl Pals comes with 4 sparkling projects, 4 plastic wall hangers and over 2500 sparkling tiles and jewel pieces. Follow a simple numbered legend and stick on the colorful tiles and jewels to create a stunning masterpiece every time. This no mess, no fuss kit features little owls peeking out of trees, snuggling under the moonlight and reading a book. "Sticky Mosaics are not just crafts; they are works of art!  Just because a craft is completed doesn't mean the fun is done; display these mosaic masterpieces for years to come with the special wall hangers included in each kit," Stephanie Carver, from The Orb Factory, told TDmonthly.
— Retailers surveyed by TDmonthly have been naming The Orb Factory's Sticky Mosaics kits as a best-selling line since 2009.
— In late Spring 2011, 25% of retailers surveyed said Sticky Mosaics were their best-selling line of activity kits.

Sticky Mosaics Ocean Princess comes with 4 sparkling projects, 4 plastic wall hangers and over 2100 sparkling tiles and jewel pieces. Follow a simple numbered legend and stick on the colorful tiles and jewels. This no mess, no fuss kit features our underwater Princess with her fishy friends and submerged palace. "Sticky Mosaics are not just crafts; they are works of art!  Just because a craft is completed doesn't mean the fun is done; display these mosaic masterpieces for years to come with the special wall hangers included in each kit," Stephanie Carver, from The Orb Factory, told TDmonthly.
— In a January 2012 survey about arts and crafts toys, Kelly Boone, manager of The Elephant's Trunk in Greenville, S.C., told TDmonthly that "Orb Factory's Sticky Mosaics, specifically Ocean Princess," are best selling arts and crafts items. They sell 10-12 each month.

Kids can create a jewel-by-number sticker to decorate their school supplies, locker, bathroom mirror, or even their little brother! Stick these works of art on anything, and turn ordinary into the extraordinary. These SparkleUps Cupcakes come with 8 reusable stickers one two sticker sheets with over 650 colorful sparkling jewels. Decorate and stick sweet cupcakes, candies, strawberries and cherries. "These reusable stickers are perfect for kids from 4 to 14!  They can be stuck and re stuck anywhere with no residue," Stephanie Carver, Communications Specialist at The Orb Factory Limited, told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 2011.

Kids can create a jewel-by-number sticker to decorate their school supplies, locker, bathroom mirror, or even their little brother! Stick these works of art on anything, and turn ordinary into the extraordinary. These SparkleUps Butterflies come with 7 reusable stickers one two sticker sheets with over 600 colorful sparkling jewels. "These reusable stickers are perfect for kids from 4 to 14!  They can be stuck and re stuck anywhere with no residue," Stephanie Carver, Communications Specialist at The Orb Factory Limited, told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 2011.

Kids can create a jewel-by-number sticker to decorate their school supplies, locker, bathroom mirror, and more. Stick these works of art on anything, and turn ordinary into the extraordinary. These SparkleUps Unicorns come with 7 reusable stickers one two sticker sheets with over 750 colorful sparkling jewels. Decorate and stick adorable unicorns, rainbows and hearts.  "These reusable stickers are perfect for kids from 4 to 14!  They can be stuck and re stuck anywhere with no residue," Stephanie Carver, Communications Specialist at The Orb Factory Limited, told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 2011.

The Mega Shark Tooth Comparison Kit contains five real fossil shark teeth from an assortment of species: Mako, Tiger, Bullshark and more. It also includes a full-sized museum quality replica of one of the largest Megalodon teeth ever found. At over sixty feet, Megalodon was the biggest predator to ever live. Shark info guide included.