September 2012 New Specialty Toys — General Toys

Aero Flixx is an indoor action disc game. The 4 inch discs contain cool 3D images on 1 side and a foam backing on the other. Initially, there are 40 discs to collect and trade. A rubber band powered target is available at which the discs are tossed and a direct hit propels the target 5 - 6 feet in the air. Play indoor disc golf, H*O*R*S*E, shooting gallery, or other precision games using Aero Flixx' 3D throwing discs, target and target launcher.

Aero Flixx is an indoor action disc game. The 4 inch discs contain cool 3D images on 1 side and a foam backing on the other. Initially, there are 40 discs to collect and trade. A rubber band powered target is available at which the discs are tossed and a direct hit propels the target 5 - 6 feet in the air. Play indoor disc golf, H*O*R*S*E, shooting gallery, or other precision games using Aero Flixx' 3D throwing discs, target and target launcher.

The Tangle toy is a universal plaything. With no restrictions or rules on how kids play with it., the Tangle is a plaything that stimulates the imagination and creativity for its users. It's also very functional. Many play with the Tangle for stress relief, brain stimulation (use it to cure boredom or come up with that next big idea), the development of fine motor skills, and is FDA registered for hand therapy and rehabilitation. The Tangle is fun and function and for all types of people; young,old, and cross culturally.

This 5" red monster with embroidered face details is made of soft velour. A great travel companion for kids.

These magnetic flower pieces can be assembled into beautiful blooms. Compatible with other SmartMax building sets.

With this kit, kids can grow amazing crystals that change color. Learn about the chemical reaction that causes the beautiful shift in colors, and examine the factors that influence the reaction. Conduct a chemical analysis to better understand why the color change occurs. Show off the crystal creations in two special locking display cases.
— In a Fall 2013 survey, three out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that Thames & Kosmos was a best-selling brand of science toy.

Each color printed tin contains 10 colored pencils, 10 stamps and 3 inkpads, plus a color 'idea sheet'. Kids press their fingers into the non-toxic ink pads, then stamp their fingertips onto a piece of paper. Kids then can use the included stamps (featuring eyes, dinosaur teeth, and more) and colored pencils to add detail to their prehistoric creations.

Crunch a Color Conversation Starters brings the whole family together at mealtime by inspiring creative thinking and healthy discussions. Chock-full of curious questions and delightful dilemmas, these 104 conversation starters help kids share their thoughts, grow their ideas, and make mealtime fun. Developed with teachers, parents and kids, Crunch a Color® Conversation Starters spark interesting, open-ended discussions that are engaging for kids (and adults) of all ages.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys
— As of 1/17/2013 this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 22 reviews on Amazon.com.

Make It Mine is now offering a revolutionary new line of dolls that are a first-of-its-kind line of high-quality, fun, fully customizable, poseable, play dolls and accessories. This innovative combination of features make the dolls stand alone. They are 16-inch premium ball-jointed play dolls, with changeable wigs, changeable eyes and 15 articulated joints that separate to allow for changeable parts. From the dolls’ faces to their eyes, wigs, torsos, hands, feet and clothing, These dolls’ parts and accessories are interchangeable, so a girl can make her doll a black-haired, brown-eyed soccer player one minute and a pink-haired, purple-eyed mermaid the next.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys

Crystalline geometries in brilliant color...the 9 die-cut cards (and 3 solid backers) of the Kaleidograph™ can be arranged into billions of designs. Based upon geometry in nature, the Kaleidograph upholds the tradition of the original creative design toys of the Froebel Kindergarten system that are known to have influenced Albert Einstein, Frank Lloyd Wright, Buckminster Fuller, Piet Mondrian, and design education at the Bauhaus. Like the floral forms found in nature, the Kaleidograph Flora is based on interconnected circular radial forms which can be assembled and overlaid into hundreds of millions of possible patterns. Richly personal and environmentally friendly, the Kaleidograph Flora is a toy for all ages. It fosters creativity, rewards with surprise, and brings out the designer in everyone.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys, 2012 Dr.Toy Best 20 for $20

Each wooden magnet shows a stylized fruit or vegetable as illustrated by Jen Skelley: lemon, peach, radish, lime, kiwi, potato, garlic, mushroom, asparagus, blueberry, pineapple, raspberry, celery, strawberry, peapod, chili pepper, watermelon, orange, broccoli, pear, eggplant, avocado, grapefruit, cantelope, grapes, bananas, bell pepper, pumpkin, carrots, apple, corn, cherry, and tomato. Make your own green market on the refrigerator or any metal surface. The full magnetic backing will hold the letter firmly in position. Magnetic pieces are made of 80% recycled wood. Package contains 85% recycled paper and is printed with nontoxic inks.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys

Worlds Together is a new excellent educational film series that explores a number of the world’s most out of the way places seen from the viewpoint of a curious traveler. Each documentary in the series introduces their culture, history, food, geography, and people. The series includes East Africa, Ethiopia, and West Africa. Approximately 25 minutes are included per country. Features include close-captioning and a free Teacher’s Guide.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys

A handheld flash-card game that targets tricky times tables. Kids can play just the ones they want or select them all. Answer as many problems (numbers 0–12) as they can in 60 seconds. Vertical problem format, 2 skill levels, timed/untimed modes, plus fun sound effects. Requires 3 AAA batteries, not included.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys

Few things are as satisfying as the THONK! of hitting a target. With Coin Blaster Arcade, even novice sharpshooters can flick coins with surprising speed and accuracy using the included “coin blasters” — the world’s first coin-operated, finger-powered mini-cannons, only from Klutz. The book is full of awesome tabletop target games including Hot Shot Hoops, Break the Bank, Skee Coin, and Penny Putt Golf. Ten different games test your coin blasting mastery and let you dominate the kitchen table.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys

WrapStar is the first mic kids can bend and twist. With 3 feet of bendability, kids can get all wrapped up in the fun. Each color includes three fun sound effects, and the built-in speaker provides ultimate creative freedom.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys

Excavate 3 genuine shark teeth just like a real paleontologist. Buried inside the shark tooth shaped digging brick shark-lovers will uncover 3 different species of shark teeth. This hands-on kit includes an excavation tool, brush, magnifying glass, full-color information guide, and an activity booklet with 10 fun games, puzzles, and challenges to complete. This is a must have gift for anyone who loves sharks. The genuine specimens in this kit are each millions of years old. This educational gift is a great way to start a fossil collection. Launch date: August 2012.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys; 2012 Seal of Approval - Parent Tested, Parent Approved; 2012 Dr. Toy 10 Best Socially Responsible Products.

Customize this fleet of 5 durable foam planes with color-in stickers, markers, and metallic accents. The soft but tough foam bodies are easy to assemble and perfect for indoor or outdoor use. Wingspan measures 7". For ages 5 and up.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys, 2012 Dr.Toy Best 20 for $20

This set comes with a large tray and footing in which kids build the structure. The tray measures approximately 10 inches by 16 inches by 3 inches deep. The tray and the footing are both white. The footing has a grid of 12 holes for columns (4 x 3 configuration). Build the structure using the footing in the tray for the base, place the submersible pump in the tray, add water until it completely covers the inlet on the pump, and then enjoy reconfiguring the pipes, opening and closing valves and watching the action. When one takes the set down, all the parts pack into the tray, the plastic lid snaps on and it can be safely stored away for future use.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys

Don't tell baby that they are only 1.5 ounces. Edushape's Edu-Weights look like barbells, but are really rattle/shakers designed to stimulate babies and encourage development of their fine/gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, auditory sensory stimulation and visual stimulation. Specifically designed with high contrast colors, pattern and different textures. For ages 3 months and up. Launch date: June 2012.

These race cars can be used with other SmartMax race track sets. SmartMax is the magnetic discovery concept that allows children, even from a very early age, to experience both the wonders of magnetism and the fascinating world of construction in a safe way. The extra-large pieces make it easy for small children to manipulate them. The magnets have the ideal strength for easy assembly and breakdown of constructions. SmartMax is carefully designed to meet and exceed the world’s toughest safety requirements, including giant-sized, non-swallowable 1.8” diameter metal balls and inaccessible magnets encased in specially sonic-welded bars.

Itzabots are robot shaped ceramic planters that kids can customize with any of the included mix and match stickers. Create and recreate new companion as many times as kids like. When kids fill the planter with water and give it a little light, their itzabot will begin to sprout a thick head of grass "hair" within 5-7 days. The hair will continue to grow for 2 months with continued watering and styling. Available in three styles/sticker kits: Monster, Girl, and Robot.

Itzabots are robot shaped ceramic planters that kids can customize with any of the included mix and match stickers. Create and recreate new companion as many times as kids like. When kids fill the planter with water and give it a little light, their itzabot will begin to sprout a thick head of grass "hair" within 5-7 days. The hair will continue to grow for 2 months with continued watering and styling. Available in three styles/sticker kits: Monster, Girl, and Robot.

Spot it! Halloween is a party card game consisting of 55 cards, each featuring an assortment of 8 symbols. This special Halloween edition features images such as jack-o'-lanterns, cobwebs, ghouls and other spooky creatures and objects to surprise even the bravest player. Spot It! reinforces visual perception and matching skills. It sharpens reaction time while exercising motor skills and quick cognition in a fun, fast-paced atmosphere.  As with all Spot it! editions, there is always one, and only one, matching symbol between any two cards. This game can be played five different ways.

This ferocious dinosaur head is the perfect place to store and play with the Tyrannosaurus Rex that's included. Unzip the backpack to reveal a prehistoric jungle, tar pit, volcano and lava filled gorge. When it’s time to go, kids can pack-up the dinos, zip up the backpack and throw it over their shoulder. Includes 1 dinosaur. Colorful, Durable, wipe-clean surface.
Awards: 2012 TDmonthly Top Toy Award. Why it Won: This dinosaur shaped back pack unzips into a colorful, durable playmat. The playmat features prehistoric scenes like a tar pit and an erupting volcano. The backpack comes with one toy dinosaur, and kids can add their own collection as well. They can even have fun with the zipped-up backpack, which resembles the face of a fearsome green dino. The material is durable and easily wipes clean, and the zippers run smoothly, securely holding dinos and other toys until kids are ready to unzip and play again.