April 2011 New Specialty Toys — Pretend Play

Vacations are fun and exciting, but when day turns to night, being in an unfamiliar, dark environment can be scary. Read Bedtime on Safari to learn about how relaxing lights and familiar sounds can comfort kids and show them that there’s nothing to fear in the dark. Set features a fully illustrated book that helps children overcome their fear of the dark. Includes two fun finger puppets (Twilight Turtle and Gentle Giraffe). Gift box transforms into an interactive puppet theater with fully illustrated Safari scene. Gift set lets children play while they learn. Launch date: 2011.

This size-flexible dress is made of heavy satin and embroidered brocade. Encourages creative play. Fully machine washable.
— In a December 2011 survey about best selling Halloween items, seven out of 12 retailers named Creative Education as their best selling brand of costumes.

This kit comes with four tiaras waiting to be decorated. Girls follow a simple numbered legend and stick over 900 sparkling tiles and jewel pieces to create a beautiful set of jeweled tiaras. Each of these tiara's come with its own special colored over-sized jewel. "Not just a craft, this kit results in four tiara's to be used for open-ended and imaginative play.  Every girl loves being a little princess, and with four different tiara's to choose from, this craft goes from art project to dress-up fun," Stephanie Carver, from The Orb Factory, told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 2011.

With Sticky Mosaics Crowns of Kings boys decorate 6 different kingly crowns, all based on actual historical crowns. By following a simple numbered legend, boys stick more than  1300 sparkling tiles and jewel pieces onto the different crowns to recreate monarchies past. This kit also comes with an educational booklet featuring historical information on each individual crown. "Looking for a craft for a boys birthday party?  Sticky Mosaics Crowns of Kings comes with 6 different crowns and is perfect for all your little royals!  This quality craft kit is sure to entertain a group of boys as they make the crowns and then play with the finished products," Stephanie Carver, from The Orb Factory, told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 2011.

A delightful combination of wooden and felt pieces that have been graphically-enhanced to help youngsters pull of a pretend healthy lunch. Educo does it again with silk-screen graphics on the veggie and fruit pieces that fit with lettuce and cheese in felt to tuck in a whole wheat pita pocket. Just what the new food pyramid suggests. Launch date: February 2011.

This hi-tech Robo Gang Truck can shoot weapons that are mounted on the wing doors.  The satellite can also be launched from the fold-out satellite launch pad.  The Robo Gang Truck is compatible with the Playmobil Compact RC-Module Set (#4320) or the Playmobil RC Module Set Plus (#4856).  This vehicle can be further upgraded with the Playmobil Spy Camera Set (#4879). Recommended for ages seven to twelve. Suggested Retail Price: $34.99. Warning. Choking Hazard. Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.

The well-disguised Secret Agent Headquarters contains covert features, such as a trapdoor leading to the jail, a jet ski hiding place for an emergency escape, and a secret command center with LED board. The Secret Agent Headquarters also contains plenty of equipment for the agents. The multifunctional vehicle can be converted for deployments on land, water, and air, the speedboat can be upgraded with the Playmobil Underwater Motor (#7350), and the LED super weapon can also be used against attackers. The set comes with five figures, including a double agent with a changeable face. Another exciting feature is the functional alarm system that can be placed in rooms at home to warn of "intruders." Dimensions: 20.1 x 15.7 x 8.5 inches (L x W x H). Recommended for ages seven to twelve.
— Joe Beradoni, owner of Pun's Toys in Bryn Mawr, Pa., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that "We do not sell action figures in our store. The closest products to them are Playmobil and Papo figures."

The Children’s Zoo allows children to role-play petting and feeding animals at the zoo. This set includes four figures, piglets, goats, sheep, and lamb. Also comes with fences for the animal enclosure, rock formation with water fall, birdfeeder, and many other accessories. Recommended for ages four to ten. Warning. Choking Hazard. Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.
— Rebecca Goblish, owner of Picayune Toys in Dunwoody, Ga., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that Playmobil is one of her top-three best-selling brands of toy.

Transport boulders from place to place with the Skip Truck. Set includes a figure, adjustable Skip Truck, boulders, and other accessories. Recommended for ages four to ten. Suggested Retail Price: $29.99. Warning. Choking Hazard. Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.

Playmobil figures in their swimming gear can have fun and enjoy a refreshing swim in the Pool with Water Slide. The pool can be filled with water and comes with a functioning shower. The set includes six figures and many other accessories. Dimensions: 22.4 x 14.2 x 7.7 inches (L x W x H). Recommended for ages four to ten. Suggested Retail Price: $39.99. Warning. Choking Hazard. Contains a small ball and small parts. Not for children under 3 years.
— Brooke Andrews, owner of Miller's Toys in Mamaroneck, N.Y. told TDmonthly in late Spring 2011 that it doesn't matter which Playmobil items she is carrying- they are consistently her bestselling playset.

Life is carefree at the Playmobil Summer House. The house is equipped with a kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom, making it the perfect getaway for a family of four. The pretty terrace decorated with plants has patio furniture and a grill for barbecues. Set also comes with four figures and many other accessories. Dimensions: 14.2 x 13 x 8.8 inches (L x W x H). Recommended for ages four to ten. Suggested Retail Price: $59.99. Warning. Choking Hazard. Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.

The Click & Go Jet can be folded together compactly in just a few moves and snapped onto a belt clip to be taken along anywhere. The jet can be put together quickly and the fun can begin. Set also includes a figure. Recommended for ages six to ten. Suggested Retail Price: $9.99. Warning. Choking Hazard. Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.

With this action-packed set, children can navigate the treasure hunters through the guarded, trap-filled, treasure temple. The stake barrier, drop pit, and falling rocks make it difficult to pass through the temple to find the hidden treasure. Set comes with two temple guards, three treasure hunters, giant lizard, treasure map that can be revealed when rubbed, and many other accessories. Dimensions: 13.6 x 11.4 x 14.8 inches (L x W x H).  Recommended for ages four to ten. Suggested Retail Price: $69.99. Warning. Choking Hazard. Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.

The first release in a planned series, Groove Kid Nation: The Wheels on the Bus features favorite songs and rhymes including the title track, “Froggy Went a Courting” and “The Itsy Bitsy Spider,” with a few original pieces thrown into the mix. Each tune features an animal character performing a solo on their instrument. An enclosed 10-page booklet features illustrations of these new animal friends created by Nica Brooke. "The recording spotlights the sounds of instruments with funky music and top musicians performing," PR Beth Blenz-Clucas told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 2011