January 2013 New Specialty Toys — All

Based on Brad Meltzer’s bestselling books (Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter), the questions in this edition will spark great conversations about the accomplishments, wisdom and inspiration of more than 90 amazing individuals. Explore what made them a hero. Talk about what makes their actions heroic. And discover the potential hero within yourself. Here’s to the heroes – all the ordinary people that do extraordinary things.

Captivating is understating the charm of the Folkmanis Enchanted TREE Puppet. Made for storytelling and all things fantasy, this magical tree has movable eyes, limbs and mouth - perfect for spellbinding fun. Launch date: July 2012.

This wooden panda baby toy loves to play peekaboo. Hear the click and clack as its paws flap up to cover the cheerful face, then push them down again to say, "Hello!" Even babies can bring about a big visual change with just a simple motion, so they're encouraged to keep exploring as fine motor skills grow naturally. Made with select hardwood and child-safe dyes, First Play Peek-a-Boo Panda makes a heartwarming baby-shower gift.

What’s more fun than a barrel of monkeys? Well, a MONKEY IN BARREL puppet of course. When you pull the monkey down into the soft microfiber barrel, the barrel lid closes. Guess what kind of monkey business is going on in there or pop the monkey out for a playful surprise. Launch date: January 2013.
— In an April 2013 survey Mary Porter Green, owner of Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va., told TDmonthly that Folkmanis puppets are a best-selling toy for infants/toddlers.
— In a June 2013 survey, six out of 11 retailers told TDmonthly that Folkmanis was their best-selling brand of plush or puppets.

Nemo swims into the hearts of a new generation of children with a re-release in theaters and on Blu-Ray/ DVD. Retailers can “Find” Nemo Pillow Pets® Plush in Q1 2013. He’s sure to make a splash on store shelves. Launch date: February 2013.

"Workaholics" features the antics of three roommates and co-workers and is quickly becoming Comedy Central’s premiere program for the ever important 18-35 demo. Inspired by "Workaholics" co-star Blake Anderson’s very own, the officially licensed "Workaholics" Bear Coat gets its name for being just that – A coat modeled off a grizzly bear. Featuring latex teeth and claws, the "Workaholics" Bear Coat is made from 100% awesomeness. Launch date: 2013.

he officially licensed “The Goonies” Sloth Mask features everything you love about one of the most original movie characters ever. Featuring Lotney “Sloth” Fratelli’s iconic asymmetrical face and wispy blonde hair, this 100% latex mask is an incredibly detailed replica of the cult-movie hero. Wearing the “The Goonies” Sloth Mask will make you want to relive all the adventures of the Steven Spielberg classic. Launch date: 2011.

Arguably the most defining catchphrase of CBS's "The Big Bang Theory," 'Bazinga' is Sheldon Cooper's fresh take on the word 'zing' – meaning to fool someone. Ripple Junction’s family of officially licensed 'Bazinga' accessories includes key chains, magnets, lanyards, wallets, lunchboxes, patches, pins, stickers, bracelets, backpacks, backpack clips, belt buckles, hats, socks, slippers and more. Launch date: 2011.

"The Big Bang Theory" Soft Kitty Plush brings to life one of the most memorable recurrences from the Emmy Award winning sitcom. Adapted from the song of the same name, the original ditty has propelled Soft Kitty into pop-culture phenom status. "The Big Bang Theory" Soft Kitty Plush is officially licensed and features a built in speaker. Just squeeze the front right paw and Soft Kitty sings Sheldon’s favorite lullaby. Launch date: 2011.

Simplistic shape. Endless possibility. The only tools required are the children's imagination. Plus Plus bricks is made in Denmark of PE (polyethylene). Free of phthalates and PVC.

Join Drake and his Thunder Dragon on electrifying adventures as they soar through the dark clouds of stormy nights. This hand painted replica measures 8” L x 6.25” W x 3.75” H (20.5 x 15.75 x 9.75 cm) and is suitable for ages 4 and up. All Safari Ltd® products are 100% guaranteed and lead free to ensure children’s safety. Visit www.safariltd.com to explore educational information in five languages and to view and purchase Safari Ltd® 2013 introductions and all other products. Launch date: 2013.

This collection of puzzles features the whimsical artwork of Hayley Gillespie. Inspired by her son; they conjure the feeling of what it is to be a child and how short and special that time can be. The puzzle itself has 500 pieces and the chipboard used is made of recycled materials. Design: Hobby Horse. Finished dimensions: 19x19 inches. Recommended for ages 13 and up. Imported.

Attempt to cover the pre-marked puzzle cards whit your Tantrix tiles until the puzzle in completed; it's a challenge every step-of-the-way. Twelve puzzle cards with 3 levels of difficulty and 3 different objectives fit into the wooden puzzle frame. Includes: 1 Wooden Match tray, 13 Tantrix™ tiles, 12 Puzzle cards, Instructions.

With 650 elements in a wide variety of colors, shapes and sizes, the LEGO Creative Building Kit is the perfect supplement to any LEGO collection - includes building instructions.

Take a trip with Rory's Story Cubes. Contained within this set are 9 cubes that aim to inspire stories of epic adventure. Cast away on a deserted island. Spin tales of a faraway land. With 54 images and millions of combinations, your journeys are bound to be endless.

Make a wish on Prancine's golden horn and it's almost sure to come true. But this unicorn isn't the only one with magic inside. In Prancine's storybook, a little ballerina discovers how to believe in herself. Ideal for reading aloud, this 33-page interactive book offers fun-filled rhymes and beautiful illustrations. Stuffies are clever, cozy toys on a mission to keep kids' treasures safe. They have top-secret pockets that are fun to discover and store all kinds of keepsakes.
Awards: 2012 National Parenting Center Seal of Approval; Parents' Choice Classic, Fun Stuff Award Winner.

Where to buy:
SOUTH

The Playground set is composed of three units with four different functions. There are 2 function-swing and slider in one unit, a seesaw, a sandbox, and a bucket. Children will enjoy reconstructing and creating their own imaginary playground.

In Co-opoly: The Game of Cooperatives, players collaborate to found and run a democratic business. In order to survive as individuals and to strive for the success of their co-op, players make tough choices regarding big and small challenges while putting their teamwork abilities to the test. This is an exciting game of skill and solidarity, where everyone wins – or everybody loses. By playing Co-opoly, players discover the unique benefits, challenges, and operations of the cooperative world – as well as the skills needed to participate in a co-op.

This is the first book & construction toy in the GoldieBlox series. Meet Goldie, her beloved dog, Nacho, Benjamin Cranklin (the cat with an attitude), Katinka (the dolphin ballerina), Phil (the sloth) and Flavio (the bear from Brazil). Help Goldie figure out how to build a belt drive to spin everybody. Includes: (1) storybook, (1) pegboard, (5) wheels, (10) axles, (5) blocks, (1) crank, (1) ribbon, (5) washers. Launch date: April 2013.
— In a May 2014 survey Suzi McMullen, manager of Doodlehopper 4 Kids in Falls Church, Va., told TDmonthly that Goldieblox was a best-selling construction toy in their store. "When we had it, we sold out all 24," she said.
— In a September 2014 survey, LyndaBlankenship from Smart Toys & Books in Knoxville, Tenn., told TDmonthly that Goldie Blox are one of the store's best-selling science & nature toys.

Use the 4 inkpads, marker, and dual-tipped colored pencil to make thumbprint versions of your favorite Star Wars characters. Simple step-by-steps include — Clones and Battle Droids, Ewoks and Wookies, Jedi and Jabba the Hutt. Star Wars fans will love re-creating key moments from the movies and creating scenes of their own.

This book comes with all the plastic pieces, paper parts, and special pages you need to experience 25 impossible things. These objects work like magic, but there are no tricks. All this weirdness has a solid scientific basis and we tell you why — from the mathematically amazing Möbius strip (a band of paper with only one side), to cardstock acrobats with amazing balance, to a color changing spinning top.

Dot Jewelry comes with over 1,600 pre-cut paper pieces in a rainbow of luscious colors and coordinating patterns. Follow the step-by-step instructions for making everything from simple one-strand bracelets to stunning statement necklaces. Our custom dot tool lets you pick up dots with ease, while the ruler and clip measure your cord exactly and keep it taut for professional-looking designs every time.

Make Clay Charms features simple step-by-steps for more than 30 different designs — cute fruit, adorable animals, sweet treats, and tons more. Make your charms with the nine bright colors of clay, bake them, add shine (with our specially formulated glaze), and then attach your creations to the included bracelet.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval
— Dean Smith, owner of JaZams in Princeton, N.J., told TDmonthly in a May 2014 survey that Make Clay Charms from Klutz is the store's best-selling activity kit.

This is a journal of super-nosy surveys to fill out. Subjects range from food to fashion to friendship. Over 300 different questions reveal everything you never thought to ask yourself, let alone anyone else. Each survey is repeated three times, in three different colorways to make it easy to share and compare with friends.