January 2010 New Specialty Toys — All

Each single-color mini pack is designed to introduce kids to the texture and possibilities of PlayFoam. The collection includes six colors, which may be used as party gifts or stocking stuffers.
— PlayFoam small bricks have been consistent best sellers for the last two years at The Parent-Teacher Store & Toys Too in Louisville, Ky., Owner Kimberly Kopatz told TDmonthly in fall 2009.

Available in cat, dog, and cow, these colorful pull toys will provide hours of fun for infants and toddlers.

Somewhere between sand and clay in texture, Moon Sand can be molded, shaped and squished. It never dries out so kids can re-shape it and play with it time and time again. With this kit, kids use molds to create amusement park stands, children and bumper cars. There's even a roller coaster and spinning jet ride. When play is finished, everything fits inside the snap-shut carrying case. It comes with three 10-oz. bags of moldable Moon Sand (colors may vary).

The Republic F-84 Thunderjet was the USAF’s primary strike aircraft during the Korean War. Replicating a straight-wing F-84E flown by 1st Lt. Jacob Kratt of the 27th Fighter Escort Wing when he shot down two MiG-15s in the largest jet air battle in history, this 1/72 scale, die cast model features engraved panel lines, a detailed cockpit with a glazed canopy, prototypical wingtip fuel tanks, optional position landing gear, authentic markings and more. It has a 6" wingspan and includes a display stand. "This is the first-ever 1/72 scale, die cast F-84!" Sarah Broadwater, marketing manager for Historic Sales, told TDmonthly. Launch date: December 2009.

These plush minky sports blankets and organic cotton burp cloths are sports accessories for babies and sports enthusiasts, designed with an irresistable plush touch. The top-selling football blanket comes in three sizes, Pee Wee (small), Junior Varsity (medium) and Varsity (large). There are also basketball, soccer ball and baseball blankets. "It is a wonderful gift for the father-to-be. Not all dads get 'showered' like mothers do. Dads will love to cuddle up with their little one in these plush sports-themed baby blankets," Jennifer Evans, president of TEAMEES, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2008.

Replicating the successor to Col. Clarence "Bud" Anderson's famous WWII P-51 Mustang "Old Crow," this 1/72 scale, die cast model replicates the F-105D Thunderchief "Old Crow II" flown by Anderson and includes features such as a detailed cockpit with a pilot figure; removable armament and fuel tanks; optional position landing gear and air brakes; authentic markings, including a sunburst of a crow wearing a top hat and a tuxedo on the fuselage; and more. It is 11.25" long and includes a display stand. Launch date: December 2009.

This colorful 6" bracelet is made of lead free crystal and cats eyes beads with a silver heart toggle. Ages 5 and up. These bracelets are handmade in the USA with help from the local Girlscouts. 100% of net profits will go to lil' ol' me making a BIG difference "foundation for the lil' nation." This foundation gives scholarships and therapy to children with autism. Launch date: June 2009.

Designed to address the growing concern of toxic chemicals leaching from consumer products, this bottle is made of recyclable polypropylene and is free of BPA, phthalates, PVC, lead, nitrosamines, melamine and biologically toxic chemicals. It has a travel cap and a venting system to help reduce colic. High-grade silicon nipples are used, available in seven styles and flow designs, to ease transition from breastfeeding to bottle feeding. The bottle is dishwasher safe. "In addition to being safe, our products are full of functional benefits and are highly sustainable," Kevin Brodwick, founder of thinkbaby and thinksport, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2006.

The Goal Bands Game features karate belts turned into six wristbands and used as a simple reward/reminder system that encourages the achievement of behavioral goals. Goals are chosen, daily, by GBG participants and the wristbands are exchanged, in karate belt order, after each days' success until the black wristband is reached, ideally, at the end of the week. The idea is for GBG participants to become goal oriented and able to supercharge their inner stregths for a lifetime of great achievements. "The Goal Bands Game is both visual and tactile, has a broad appeal, a mutitude of uses, is as simple to use as putting on a bracelet, and works for virtually anyone of any age to encourage personal growth and the achievement of great individual, or group, goals," James Mentzer, president of Black Belt Goals Inc., told TDmonthly. This game received a 2009 Dr. Toy 10 Best Socially Responsible Products award and was named one of Dr. Toy's 100 Best Children's Products. Launch date: 2009.

These all-natural, cuddly bears are made with 100-percent wool, which is naturally flame resistant and hypo-allergenic, making the bears safe for all ages. They're stuffed with 100-percent recycled stuffing and are handmade in Vermont. They feature the signature "Born in Vermont" eyes and a "tush tag" confirming their unconditional lifetime guarantee. Launch date: November 15, 2009.

These bears come from the Green Mountains of Vermont, but their cuddly soft fur and paw pads are made from 100-percent recycled post-consumer plastic bottles — the same fabric that goes into making some of the world's softest fleece and other cozy fabrics. They're made with 100-percent recycled stuffing. And just like all Vermont Teddy Bears, Go Green Bears feature "Born in Vermont" eyes and a "tush tag" confirming an unconditional lifetime guarantee. Launch date: November 15, 2009.

This inflatable stool consists of an outer plush covering and an inner pot. A handy pump is used to inflate the stool, which measures 14" in diameter and 12" tall. "The plush covering can be removed and replaced with a new one," William Xie from China Toybiz.cn, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 15, 2009.

The Jane Goodall Save the Animals Kit features 50 icons of species that have been brought back from extinction. With each purchase, 10 percent is donated to the Jane Goodall Institute to continue to raise awareness and support the animals of the world. "[It's] the only kit to feature these 50 species and the kit bracelets and elements are made from recycled materials," Ewa Zielinski, owner of Shainsware, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2009.

The playful expression, “tag, you’re it” no longer applies to the boys on the playground who swoosh by as they poke a girl. This tag is designed as a hip fashion statement that schoolgirls wear around their necks. Mag-tagz are adorable magnetic “tagz” that can be changed regularly to reflect a girl’s ever-changing mood and style. Mag-tagz received two 2009 Seal of Excellence Awards in Creative Child Magazine's Kids Gear/Apparel category. Launch date: November 2009.
— A top pick, retailer Kate Tanner, owner of Kidstop Toys, informed TDmonthly at Toy Fair 2010.

The idea behind the Thumball is to "Toss It, Catch It, React to the concept under your thumb!" The Ice Breaker version is designed to get everyone talking, as they learn about themselves and others. Launch date: March 3, 2009.

The Bling By Number Card Design Set includes materials for creating handmade greeting cards. The set includes eight cards and envelopes, four postcards, 50 cut-out shapes and 100+ stickers, plus glitter glue, sequins, gems and more. The Bling by Number line is designed to be error proof and provide professional-looking results every time. There are easy to follow “Bling by Number” instructions and design ideas to get girls started on their way to creating their own personalized card collection. "It gets the creativity going for girls and shows that 'hand-made' can also be glam, fun, and many different materials can be used to achieve the final piece," Sarah Koth, PR coordinator for Fashion Angels Enterprises, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

Made for the designing diva on the go, this kit includes 10 mini markers, a design guide and 25 sketch sheets. There are three styles: Fashion Design, Pet Fashion Design and Rockstar Stylist. "These new mini sized versions offer an amazing price point that will fit into everyone's budget. A perfect stocking stuffer or birthday gift for any girl," Sarah Koth, PR coordinator for Fashion Angels Enterprises, told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 2009.

Girls can create a portfolio book of fabulous fashion creations with a little glitz and glamour flair, using the 50+ stencils and create red-carpet-worthy designs. Launch date: August 2009.
— Kim Emigh, VP of E-commerce at Growing Tree Toys in State College, Pa., told TDmonthly in a Fall 2012 survey that Fashion Angels Fashion Design Sketch Portfolios were one of their best selling tween products.

Girls can create a portfolio book of fabulous fashion creations with Flower Power flair, using the 50+ removable stencils to create funky Boho-Chic designs. "Girls can focus their designs to a certain theme, and this one happens to be boho-chic look that is very trendy right now," Sarah Koth, PR coordinator for Fashion Angels Enterprises, told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 2009.

Girls can create their own stickers using the 100-percent Cool Sticker Maker machine. Kids can create a custom sticker from their own drawings, magazine pictures, photographs and more. The kit includes the sticker maker machine, 15 stencils, and 8' of sticker tape. Refills are available. "The machine is compact, so it is great for slumber parties, camp and to take on the go. Plus, the fact that just about any weight of paper material can be used to make into a sticker is a great feature," Sarah Koth, PR coordinator for Fashion Angels Enterprises, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

The Project Runway Rockstar Style Fashion Design Sketch Portfolio lets girls create a look for their favorite musician or their own future rock band. Girls use the stencils to start the design, then follow the instructions for inspiration and how to shade the design to make it look like it was done by a professional. This portfolio includes 40 fashion design sketch pages and 50+ stencils. "The stencils that can be easily taken out, and popped back into the portfolio (so they won't get lost!) will help girls start their designs with a real shape and form to work with," Sarah Koth, PR coordinator for Fashion Angels Enterprises, told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 2009.

The Project Runway Make-Up & Hair Design Sketch Portfolio allows girls to create their own hair and make up looks on pre-printed Fashion Angels model sketch pads. The set includes removable plastic stencil cards with more than 100 shapes to start girls creating the next wild hair color streaks, what color lip gloss will be the next hot trend, or how to wear make-up and hair to a rockin’ concert. The book also has easy-to-follow instructions on how to draw like the pros with shading techniques and funky details. Launch date: August 2009.

The Project Runway Fashion Design Sketch Portfolio allows kids to create their own portfolio book of clothing and accessory designs on the pre-printed Fashion Angels model sketch pads. The set includes removable plastic stencil cards with more than 100 shapes to start girls on their way to creating finished looking designs. The book also has easy-to-follow instructions on how to draw like professional designers with shading techniques and funky details. "The sketch portfolio has an awesome section in the front that walks kids through how to do different shading techniques so they can make their drawing look realistic and three dimensional. The stencils can be taken out, and placed back into the portfolio so kids won't lose them," Sarah Koth, PR coordinator for Fashion Angels Enterprises, told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 2009.

Muddy Cloud is a character-driven line featuring bright colors and abstract shapes. These pint-sized characters are ideal for on-the-go storytelling and include Doot, Balob, Joop, Beep and Tada. They are also available as a set. Launch date: August 2009.