May 2009 New Specialty Toys — Tween

JAM Bracelets are stretchy fabric bracelets that each have a sterling silver alphabet letter beaded on. Multiple bracelets can be stacked on the wrist to spell a name, a message or a favorite team, for example. "People can purchase as many different 'letter bracelets' as they like to spell out whatever message they want to display on their wrist. The price point is set low to allow the freedom to purchase multiple bracelets," Laura Gastwirth, owner of JAM Bracelets by Wirthware LLC, told TDmonthly. Launch date: April 2009.
— Richard Gibson, owner of Learning Express in Newton, Mass., named Jam Bracelets as one of his store's top sellers in July 2010.

The Bling by Number Dry Erase Calendar has a choice of two different images and includes glitter glue, sequins and gems, as well as three dry erase markers. Girls just add the “bling” according to the numbered instructions. It's designed as a "glam" way to keep track of important events on a dry erase, perpetual calendar, so it can be used and re-used for years. Launch date: 2009.

Girls can create airbrush artwork to customize T-shirts, tote bags, sneakers, hoodies and more with the Project Runway Airbrush Design Studio Set. The airbrush tool is designed to be easy to use and works with the specially designed fabric markers. The style guide has ideas to get the creativity started, then girls can design their own one-of-a-kind looks for themselves and friends. The kit also includes stencils, making it simple to create runway worthy-clothing and accessories. "The airbrush tool is so easy to use (plus the stencils has 100+ cool, modern designs to choose from) — you can decorate any surface — so girls can really think outside the box," Sarah Koth, PR manager for Fashion Angels Enterprises, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

Girls can customize T-shirts, tote bags, hoodies and more with this silk screen set that makes it safe and easy to create their own one-of-a-kind designer looks for themselves and friends. The style guide offers inspiration and instructions on how to use the machine, stencils and paints to create runway-worthy clothing and accessories. "Silk screening is such an easy process — you can just purchase plain clothes and make one-of-a-kind creations that no one else will have," Sarah Koth, PR manager for Fashion Angels Enterprises, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

With delightful illustrations, Tell-Me Tarot is a charming deck designed for beginners, teens and tweens. The meanings are written right on the cards, so there's nothing to memorize. Kids can just ask a question, choose a card, and receive an answer. "This deck is simple to use and easy to understand so it's perfect for young people interested in tarot," Lynn Araujo, communications director for U.S. Games Systems, told TDmonthly. Launch date: December 2008.

With this collectible bracelet line, girls pick a one-size-fits-all elastic cuff bracelet and choose from a variety of badges to customize their look. A selection of animals, pop art, rockin’ badges and more is available. Limited editions, gems and licensed images will add to the collectible badge mix. Each bracelet holds six badges that easily click on and off the bracelets. Additional badge accessories will include handbags, a headband and a belt. Retail prices are as follows: badges: $1.50; bracelets: $3.00; additional accessories range: $4.00 - $16.00. "Badges are very popular and have an Asian and European trend factor. Add in the fact the badges are collectible and the kid-friendly price point — it makes the Badge Bands and Badge Wear a great addition to our jewelry line," Sarah Koth, PR manager for Fashion Angels Enterprises, told TDmonthly.

The Bling By Number Alphabet Design Set includes numerous alphabet cards, organza ribbon, glitter paints, sequins and more to create decorative message banners, bookmarks, monograms and ornaments. The Bling by Number line is designed to be error proof and provide exquisite and professional-looking results every time. There are instructions and design ideas to get girls started on their way to creating their own personalized blingin’ messages.

There are two pre-printed styles of tote bags to choose from. Girls can add glitter glue and gems according to the instructions. The kit includes the Fashion Angels Cooler Jeweler gem and stud setting tool to keep the bling on the bag. "The item is something functional and results in a professional looking tote bag, not like a craft project — all for a great price," Sarah Koth, PR manager for Fashion Angels Enterprises, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

The Design a Heavenly Equestrian Wardrobe offers a fun twist on paper dolls. Girls can design and dress their two Fashion Angels “riders” and two horses again and again with their own one-of-a-kind creations. The kit includes two paper dolls, two paper horses, a jump, more than 100 clothing patterns, fabric, glitter glue, sequins and more. "Horses are very popular, and with this set, girls can design their own horse, just how they want," Sarah Koth, PR manager for Fashion Angels Enterprises, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

Aspiring rockers and stylists to the stars may use this sketch book to create styles for favorite groups or for their own soon-to-be-famous band. Girls can sketch their band’s fashion wardrobe, concert tickets, posters, T’s, album covers, drums, guitars and more. It includes 25 formatted sketch sheets, a design style guide, 10 markers, 12 mini colored pencils, a sharpener and an eraser. "It's different from our other design sketch book line since girls can design more than just the fashions and clothes. It gets them thinking about the designs of other objects, such as the instruments and album covers," Sarah Koth, PR manager for Fashion Angels Enterprises, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

The Make Up and 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 and what color lip gloss will be the next hot trend. The book also has instructions on how to draw just like the pros with shading techniques and funky details. Launch date: 2009.

From Summit Entertainment's hit film "Twilight" comes Tonner's Bella Swan, sculpted in the likeness of the film’s character (as portrayed by Kristen Stewart). This TONNER CHARACTER FIGURE™ is approximately 15” tall and includes 15 points of articulation (neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, bust line, waist, hips, knees and ankles). She has hand-painted features and rooted saran hair. Bella comes dressed straight from the movie in a tank top under an embroidered peasant top, boot-cut corduroys, socks, shoes with working laces, and a detailed jacket. Launch date: March 2009.
— In a Summer 2011 survey Lucille Island, owner of Doll World and Surroundings in Columbus, Ga., said that Tonner dolls were among her best-sellers.

Sculpted in the likeness of the "Twilight" film’s character, Edward Cullen (as portrayed by Robert Pattinson), this TONNER CHARACTER FIGURE™ is approximately 17” tall and includes 14 points of articulation (neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, chest, hips, knees and ankles). He has hand-painted features and rooted saran hair. Edward comes dressed straight from the movie in a T-shirt, jeans, socks, shoes with working laces, and a tailored coat. Launch date: March 2009.

The 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 instructions on how to draw just like professional designers with shading techniques and funky details. "Its fabulous price point makes it the perfect item to pick up or add on to any purchase," Sarah Koth, PR manager for Fashion Angels Enterprises, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

This 400-ml, 7" bottle is made from 100-percent recyclable, high-quality, food-grade stainless steel so it doesn’t need a synthetic lining like aluminum bottles. It’s BPA-free and designed so it won’t leach chemicals, toxins or funky flavors into beverages. The removable hinged dome lid (an aerated sport lid) is designed to ensure that the leak-resistant pull-up top stays clean. It can be scrubbed with soap and water to clean. Launch date: April 25, 2009.

The skulls that freckle Gast Le Boo actually glow in the dark. This plush toy likes going through walls, white noise, para-psychologists, haunting San Quentin, vinegar chips & root beer floats. He dislikes hostbusters, demons, worms, chains and infomercial psychics.
 

This "Nightmare Before Christmas" Lunch Box features printed and embossed graphics.

This "Nightmare Before Christmas" canvas checkbook/wallet features PVC appliques and foil printing. There's a clear ID window and credit card slots inside. This product is not recommended for children under 12 years.

This PVC  "Nightmare Before Christmas" coin bag features PVC applique and foil printing. It measures 5.5" x 4.25" Not recommended for children under 12 years.

Each handcrafted box is shaped like a cupcake and embellished with sequins and pink jewels. "The Jewel Cupcake Boxes are unique in style and design and have a broad age appeal from 3 years old to mature women," Veesha Knight, sales and marketing manager for Creative Education of Canada, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

With this special diary, kids write with invisible ink markers and then shine the UV mini-light on the page to read what they’ve written. Each set comes with a locking 240-page diary with two keys, a mini UV-light and two invisible ink pens in a 6.5” x 7” x 1.5” magnetic-closure keepsake box. Varieties include Fairy, Castle, Princess Pea, Dragon, Baby Deer, Firebird, Degas and Merlin. “A perfect gift, the My Invisible Diary sets combine the secret elements of invisible ink with a personal diary and a special keepsake box decorated with beautiful artwork,” Elizabeth Carpenter of Mazeology told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 1, 2007.

This 120-page activity book includes mazes, word games, puzzles, stickers and more for on-the-go fun.
— “[TRIPtivity] is going to be a big hit because it’s less expensive than the other ones,” Valla Wagner, co-owner of Teaching Toys & Books in Tacoma, Wash., told TDmonthly when discussing the Klutz line in March 2009.
— Six of 64 retailers named products by Klutz as best-selling travel toys in spring 2009.

This colorful tin box comes with three sheets of mermaid-themed magnets, including three dolls plus clothing and accessories, and two cards with background images on both sides. The product is printed with nontoxic ink, and the tin measures 7-7/8” x 6 3/10” x 1”.
— “Magnetic paper dolls from Mudpuppy,” are the best-selling travel toy at Twirl in Taos, N.M. “I sold 32 last month,” Owner Molly McMullin told TDmonthly in March 2009.
— Three of 64 retailers named Mudpuppy magnetic sets as top sellers for travel in spring 2009.

Kids can make eyewear fun, fashionable and fresh with Ficklets charm huggers. They're versatile and are made to be easy to attach and remove. With a wide selection of designs, kids can mix and match depending on their interest, outfit or mood. "Ficklets is the first and original interchangeable/removable charm hugger or adornment for eyeglass frames," President and Founder Ros Guerrero of Ficklets LLC told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2007.