June 2012 New Specialty Toys — Outdoor Fun

Parachute Ball lands safely. Made from real parachute material, this parachute opens magically in flight before it hits the ground and is easily reset into its secret compartment for its next flight. Operate with kid power. No batteries required.

37" 3D Totem Pop-Up kite flies high above the ground. This kite sets up in three easy steps and is ready to fly in seconds. No assembly required. No loose parts. Open the package, pull the Pop Up Kite system closed, attach the string cord and be ready to fly. The 3D Totem stands tall in the sky at kids' control. Designed, cut and shaped for maximum flight with a 23" wing span. This kite includes a high performance special kite handle with 33 lb. 3 Ply cord over 115 feet long. Use outdoors for great kite fun or hang indoors for unique decoration.

The Campfire Kids Campfire brings the great outdoors...indoors. Gather 'round the campfire and enjoy the night by the woodsy firelight. This simulated fire features a fan-powered flickering flame that is safe and cool to the touch. Glowing "embers" and realistic log design make this the natural "hotspot" for indoor campers. The no-heat firelight looks real, but feels cool. Includes 4 AA batteries.

The Gazillion Bubble Hurricane is Gazillion’s number one bubble machine. Year after year, this bubble machine cranks out thousands of bubbles for kids of all ages. Each Bubble Machine comes with an 8 oz. bottle of a "top secret" non-toxic Gazillion Bubble solution, just pour the solution into the reservoir attached to the Bubble Machine to continuously feed the wands creating a storm of colorful bubbles. Requires 6 "AA" batteries, not included. Works with core solution. iParenting Award Winner.

The Funtrix Pois are one of the most simple but eye-catching juggling props. Pois consist of a string with a ball attached at one end. The colored ribbons attached to the ball create an amazing colored spectacle when the pois are twirled and swung. Launch date: March 2012.

Impress friends and family with the colorful Funtrix Yo-yo from Eolo Sport. Available in three different colors. Includes an instructional DVD that shows original and funny tricks, with more than 30 movements. Launch date: March 2012.

Explore the infinite juggling possibilities with the Funtrix Devil Sticks from Eolo Sport. Spin, twist and throw. "Thanks to the specific materials it is made out of, and to the included instructional DVD, it will be easier and funnier to master the Devil Stick," Sophia Georgeo, US Domestic Sale Executive at Eolo Sport, told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 2012.

Learn to spin and balance with the Funtrix Spin Top from Eolo Sport. Store the rope inside the spin top. Includes an instructional DVD to help learn new and improved tricks. Launcher included. Launch date: March 2012.

Practice your throwing, catching and juggling skills with the multi-color Funtrix Diabolo from Eolo Sport. Includes an instructional DVD that will help kids to learn and enhance their trick skills. "Diabolo involves throwing, catching and keep spinning a double cone with the help of 2 sticks linked with a string. Originality and difficulty are the most valued features when performing tricks," Sophia Georgeo, US Domestic Sales Executive for Eolo Sport, told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 2012.

Kids can launch Megatech's Firefly® to incredible heights with the included launcher. It spirals back to earth thanks to its uniquely designed fins. The high intensity LED allows kids launch it day or night. With this feature they'll never lose sight of it during flight.
— In a March 2012 survey, John Taylor, owner of O.P Taylor's in Brevard, N.C., told TDmonthly that he sold more than 2,000 Fireflies last year. He keeps them by the register as an impulse item, and on nights with a lot of foot traffic, he'll give one to a kid and ask them to play with it in front of the store a while.
 

Two kid-sized racquets featuring shell designs and a boing-y surface, team up with two brightly colored balls to make a great racquet set that will entice players of all ages to "come out of their shells." Improves hand-eye coordination and encourages physical activity.
— In a March 2012 survey, Donna Frederick, owner of The Play House Toy Store in Durham, N.C., told TDmonthly that this is one of her best selling outdoor toys for younger kids.

This set includes Two 5 1/2" Water Rockets; One 8 1/2" Water Rocket; 2 Fuel Funnels and Launcher; Rocketry Booklet.
— In a March 2012 survey about best selling outdoor toys, Mary Porter Green, owner of The Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va., told TDmonthly that she sells about a dozen of this water rocket set each month.
— As of 03/08/2012 this product had 2.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com. Pros: Fun when pump is working properly. Cons: Many reviewers said the pump was not strong enough to jettison the rocket high into the air.

This is the official Wiffle Ball brand 32 inch bat in classic yellow with a 12 inch softball. This is the same ball, made by the same family that started the whole thing way back in 1952.
— In a March 2012 survey, Donna Frederick, owner of The Play House Toy Store in Durham, N.C., told TDmonthly that her best selling outdoor toy is the original Wiffle Ball and Bat. “It's all retro, and it's under $10. It's made in the USA, and it's a good outdoor family toy,” she said. They sell "A dozen a month, easily, not including extra balls people buy."

The original Hula Hoop. Promotes physical activity. Contains ball inside for the Shoop-Shoop Hula Hoop sound effect. Assortment of three sizes.
— In a March 2012 survey about outdoor toys, Mike DiAndrea, manager of Hardware Toys in Paoli, Pa., told TDmonthly that they sell 65 of the Original Hula Hoop each month.

Jumbo Bananagrams features 144 waterproof, three-inch square tiles packaged in a funky giant yellow banana-shaped tote bag. Requiring no pencil, paper or board, Jumbo Bananagrams is addictive fun and educational play for kids age five to 105. Players race against each other to build giant crossword grids and use all their letter tiles. Launch date: Summer 2012.