January 2010 New Specialty Toys — Creative Activities

This fragrance-free natural sculpting dough is certified organic and certified gluten free. Packaged in recyclable and reusable containers, the naturally anti-microbial dough is made in the USA. It comes in brown, white, yellow, red, orange, purple, blue and green.

This puzzle disc spins back and forth on a string, mixing colors and shapes. It's designed to help kids develop their creativity while they play. "It is the first product of its kind. It makes kids stay active and at the same time learn principles of physics, color and composition. Even adults can find this product as a relaxing and calming object to play with," Junior Mendez, President, JJ Mendez Studio, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 6, 2010.

Nanodots are sets of spherical magnets (dots) held together by magnetic force. You can use them as a stress ball, putty, or constructor to build fascinating creations. Inspired by the miniature craft of nanotechnology, Nanodots are designed to supply players of all skill levels with endless fun and creativity, wherever they go. The magnets are protected by a shiny resilient surface with anti-bacterial properties, offering the benefit of industrial, kid-proof strength in a lightweight form. "There is no predefined set of rules one has to follow. As the players advance their skill levels, they experiment with magnetic properties and discover a diversity of unique applications. Nanodots can be rearranged into an infinite number of formations and original compositions," Tim Szeto, Director of Sales & Marketing, Nano Magnetics Ltd., told TDmonthly. Available in Original ($29.99), Black/Silver ($34.99), and Gold ($39.99). Launch date: September 2009.
— Jeanette Lauture, owner of Aunt Jean 's Toys and Treats in Montclair, N.J., sells about three Nanodots per week, she said in autumn 2010.

Girls get to design their dream wedding wardrobe for four Fashion Angels paper dolls. The kit includes clothing patterns, fabric, glitter, gems, buttons, appliques, and more to make fabulous wedding attire. "Most young girls dream about their wedding they will have some day — this kit will help them have control and think outside the box of what wedding dresses and tuxedos can look like. They can just have fun and even be silly with it. The best part is, on all of our Design a Heavenly Wardrobes, we are able to lower the wholesale cost in 2010!" Sarah Koth, PR Coordinator, Fahion Angels Enterprises, told TDmonthly. Note: This product has been discontinued.

The Fashion Angels Interior Design Sketch Portfolio is created to teach tween girls about designing their dream bedroom, furniture and more. They can use the removable stencils with the sketch pages, along with the tips at the front of the book to make a remarkable room. The kit has more than 100 stencils to help get the sketches started, plus tons of sketch pages for fun on the go. "The Fashion Angels Sketch Portfolio series debuted in 2009 with the Fashion Design and the Hair and Make Up Design portfolios. They were such a runaway success because they are a great value for retailers and consumers. Fashion Angels has passed along other areas of the design world so girls can learn about other facets like interior design, and it makes it so easy," Sarah Koth, PR Coordinator, Fashion Angels Enterprises, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2010.

The Fashion Angels Fashion Design Artist Tote lets girls create their own dream wardrobe with the markers, pencils and Fashion Angels model sketch pad. A design guide included with this kit will teach girls inside tips and tricks of how to be a fashion designer, including shading techniques and the names and simple outlines for different styles of clothing. They can store all of the designs in the artist portfolio tote that comes with the set. The tote "has a really cool modern design that will get girls in the designing mood. They can also use the tote to take their homework in to school," Sarah Koth, PR Coordinator, Fashion Angels Enterprises, told TDmonthly. Awards: Creative Child Awards 2010 Preferred Choice Award

Dress Tiana and Prince Naveen for a day of imagination and fun! Each tin consists of 2 characters printed on the tin, activity card to be used on the tin and 1 sheet of magnets.

This hip press-out family includes 5 freestanding people, a cat, a dog, a doghouse, and over 150 mix-and-match vinyl cling pieces of clothing! Combine this with the MoMA Modern Play House for a completely modern experience. WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD—Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.

The multicolored 200-piece "Cool Colors" set features four different block colors plus natural wood blocks. This set features redesigned packaging, revamped colors and a lower price.
Awards: 2010 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Toy Award, Platinum; 2010 National Parenting Center Seal of Approval; 2010 Dr. Toy Best Vacation Products, NAPPA 2010 Honors Award recipient, NAPPA 2010 Best Bang for Buck Award. Launch date: February 2010.
See 2010 TDmonthly Video Demo

The Shailie Prom includes 20 assorted jewels, as well as designer taffeta and satin fabrics, designed to give any girl the tools to create her dream prom dress. NO SEWING REQUIRED.

Using VELCRO brand closure, petals, flowers, jewels and skirt pieces simply attach to the base skirt and top. Girls can mix and match skirt tiers, layered petals, jewels and flowers to create and recreate their own good fairy. Fairy includes a total of 54 pieces. NO SEWING REQUIRED Awards: TDmonthly Innovations 2009

Girls can design their own gown for the ball, and then redesign a dress using the same pieces for their next night on the town. All Shailie dress kits can mix and match to create endless designs. NO SEWING REQUIRED. Pink Princess includes a total of nine pieces: two skirts, two sleeves, a bodice, two peplums, a collar and a pink jewel. Awards: 2009 TDmonthly Innovations.

MAGNETIC PALS Alphabet blocks show capital and lower case letters with images that match, helping preschoolers learn what picture begins with what letter as they play. "All MAGNETIC PAL items are made in Oregon with USA manufactured products that meet the toy safety standards," Janice Gardner, Partner, Gardners Gatherings, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 15, 2009.

The Dynasty Face Painting Assortment offers acrylic handled brushes with bright neon-colored filament. It comes with kid-friendly packaging with face painting suggestions included. "Face painting is the big buzz word for every tiny tot's party, be it Birthday Halloween or Religious. Today's parent is watching his/her budget and in doing that, is turning to the Internet to find fun and fast ideas to make their child's party unique. ... All they need is a little imagination and a little material from the local craft/variety store," Veronica Towey, Director of Marketing, FM Brush Company, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2009.

This kit includes four assorted tubs of gluten-free Aroma Dough play dough, three cookie cutters in bright colors, a rolling pin and an 11" x 17" Splat Mat to be used as a surface for molding and creative play.

Be sure to pay attention to the teacher during your classes. Includes nine figures, school building with functioning bell, furnished classroom, science room, art and music room, and many other accessories. You can even write on the chalkboard. Dimensions: 30 x 15 x 16 inches (LxWxH). Recommended for ages four and up. (Warning. Choking Hazard. Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.)
— "I thought this product was great and placed an order for it at the show, " Jeanette Lauture, owner of Aunt Jean's Toys & Treats, told TDmonthly at Toy Fair 2010.

Create your own show and have the Playmobil characters act it out with My Take Along Puppet Theater. Set comes with six figures, changeable scenes, and many accessories that can all be stored in the puppet theater so you can take it along with you anywhere. The puppet theater also plays four different sound effects. Dimensions: 14.1 x 6.7 x 10.6 inches (LxWxH; closed). Recommended for ages four and up. (Warning. Choking Hazard. Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.)

The Advent Calendar Dragon's Land contains twenty-four surprise items for each day of Advent. Includes a dragon land backdrop, two figures, two horses, dragon, treasure chest, and many other accessories. It is the perfect gift for the holiday season. Recommended for ages four and up. (Choking Hazard. Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.)

Stay active and get some exercise in the School Gym. Includes three figures, gym with basketball hoop, gymnastic rings and bars, soccer goal, and other accessories. You can even keep score with the manual scoreboard. Dimensions: 10.6 x 10.6 x 9.4 inches (LxWxH). Recommended for ages four and up. (Warning. Choking Hazard. Contains a small ball and small parts. Not for children under 3 years.)

Be careful when you use the tools during Woodshop Class. Includes three figures, workbench with retractable legs, stools, first aid kit, and shelf with accessories. Recommended for ages five and up. (Warning. Choking Hazard. Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.)

Create your own show and have the Playmobil characters act it out with My Take Along Puppet Theater. Set comes with six figures, changeable scenes, and many accessories that can all be stored in the puppet theater so you can take it along with you anywhere. The puppet theater also plays four different sound effects. Dimensions: 14.1 x 6.7 x 10.6 inches (LxWxH; closed). Recommended for ages four and up. (Warning. Choking Hazard. Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.)

Quickly slide down the firemen's pole at the Fire Station and rush off to put out the fire. The fire station comes with a firemen's pole, fire hose tower, and a large gate for the fire emergency vehicles. Set also includes two figures and many other accessories. Dimensions: 22.8 x 13.3 x 18.5 inches (LxWxH). Recommended for ages four and up. (Warning. Choking Hazard. Contains small ball and small parts. Not for children under 3 years.)
— "I thought this product was great and placed an order for it at the show, " Jeanette Lauter, owner of Aunt Jean's Toys & Treats, told TDmonthly at Toy Fair 2010.

Even people at great heights can be rescued with the Ladder Unit. The Ladder Unit comes with flashing lights, and its ladder can pivot and extend up to 24 inches. Also includes two figures and many other accessories. Upgrade the Ladder Unit with the Playmobil Compact RC-Module Set (#4320). Dimensions: 15.7 x 5 x 6 inches (LxWxH). Recommended for ages five and up. (Warning. Choking Hazard. Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.) Awards: Parent's Choice Award 2010

Fly the Firefighting Helicopter and put out the fire from up above. The helicopter can squirt water when you squeeze the pump. Includes a figure and other accessories. Recommended for ages four and up. (Warning. Choking Hazard. Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.)