July 2009 New Specialty Toys — General Toys

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.

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.

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.

The Oball Stranz Football is made with yards of soft strands and may be used for any indoor or outdoor tossing activity. Just like the original Oball, it can be crushed, stomped or kicked, and it bounces right back to a perfectly formed sphere. It's an all-around ball that is designed to be soft, durable and super catchable. Launch date: August 2008.

This 12" puppy is filled with 100-percent natural wheat and dried lavender, and after two minutes in the microwave is a warm buddy to take to bed. He will stay warm for at least an hour, and may remain warm all night if snuggled under the covers. The puppy can be microwaved thousands of times, CEO Ruth Hamilton of Pritty Imports told TDmonthly, and his aroma is designed to help kids fall asleep. Launch date: June 2009.

Duncan Toys adds new spin to their juggling line by introducing the Phoenix™ Diabolo. Duncan's Phoenix is balanced and well weighted for long lasting momentum, making it accessible to beginners and performers alike. Featuring customizable shell colors and an integrated axle that converts from a fixed position to a one way bearing for easy learning and long lasting spin. Customization is tools-free with Duncan's built in hand knobs making axle and shell changes quick and easy for every player.

The Swing Pony is designed to make skills training more fun. Launch date: 2009.

Floppy Bunny Rabbit is a 17" bundle of soft, cream-colored fabric. It's "innovative and works well as a puppet but looks like plush," Elaine Kollias, marketing director for Folkmanis, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 2, 2009.

These small characters with removable clothing are poseable and have jointed arms and legs and heads that turn. The parents are approximately 3" tall, while brother and sister are 2.25" tall. The Wilder Panda Bear Family is comprised of Mother Penelope, Father Percival, Brother Phillip and Sister Priscilla. "This miniature animal family allows young girls ages 3+ to interact in imaginative play. As part of a larger line of Calico Critters, the Wilder Panda Bear Family can be combined with any number of other animal family lines, previous homes, detailed furniture environments and ready-to-play sets," Nicole Tiedemann, PR account executive for International Playthings, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2009.
— “International Playthings offers lots of consistent sellers,” said Steve Melody, owner of Melody’s Choices in Fayetteville, Ark., in April 2009.

Folkmanis’ whimsical Frog in Spaceship puppet is designed to be easy to operate. Kids can simply insert their fingers like putting on a glove and wiggle them to make the frog steer his spaceship and flop his legs. Frog flies a one-of-a-kind spaceship created from soft, shiny silver fabric. Launch date: January 2, 2009.

The magician wearing this well-traveled top hat has a few tricks up his sleeve. When one pokes a hand up through the velvet hat, out pops a fluffy white bunny waving his paws and twitching his nose (with movement from the magician, of course). It "actually works well as a puppet but looks like a stuffed animal," Elaine Kollias, marketing director for Folkmanis, told TDmonthly. This product received Dr. Toy and Parents' Choice awards in 1999. Launch date: January 2, 1999.

Fiesta is all fun and games with its new Peek-A-Boo Plush, a plush toy and soft pillow in one. When one unzips the pillow, the animal peeks out. When turned inside out, the pillow becomes a stuffed animal. Each animal is about 18” tall. The pillow 14” by 11”. There are 12 animal styles in all. Launch date: 2009.

A wooden multi color item that will keep young ones busy for hours. Strung together with elastic for creating multiple shapes and orientations.
— This engaging toy has been a best seller at The Parent-Teacher Store & Toys Too in Louisville, Ky., for about 18 months, Owner Kimberly Kopatz told TDmonthly in November 2009.

Launching in 2009, Marble Maze is the ultimate intriguing set in Marble Runs. All of these bright colored pieces all connect together to make endless runs for your 10 Marbles. The set contains a revolving paddle wheel, tubes, bases, snake pass with ringing bell, curves and chutes. The set will provide the Marble Maze builder with many simple or challenging alternates. Constructed of high quality material this set will last for generations to come. The Marbles will roll down the maze disappearing into the many columns and the different variety of routes the builder creates. Contains 45 pieces.