December 2009 New Specialty Toys — All

Kids create a 9” sparkly Christmas tree, then color Shrinky Dinks ornaments with the included color pencils, bake them, and then hang them on the tree. The kit includes 30 ornaments, eight colored pencils, a hole punch, metallic stars, ornament rings, a star-shaped tree topper, silver metallic tree branches, metallic foil paper for wrapping the base of the tree, and a pre-assembled tree base.
— Two of 40 specialty retailers mentioned Shrinky Dinks when asked about best-selling hobby products in fall 2009.
— Two other retailers named Creativity for Kids as a best-selling hobby brand in their stores.

This large, hairy spider comes with a remote control to direct its movement. For a realistic effect, each leg moves separately. It requires two AAA batteries.
— Fred Rosenberg, owner of On the Park in Kingwood, Texas, said in fall 2009 that these R/C Tarantulas are popular at his store.
— Two of 40 retailers mentioned International Playthings when answering a TDmonthly survey about best-selling R/C and hobby items.

At 6” long, this tiny helicopter features a V-Wing design and can fly up to four or five minutes on a 20-minute charge. It has dual rotors and can be steered right or left while hovering. The charger/infrared controller requires six AA batteries (not included).
— Kazoo & Co. in Denver sells two dozen per month of Kid Galaxy’s helicopter, Owner Diana Nelson told TDmonthly in fall 2009.
— Two of 40 specialty retailers pinpointed Kid Galaxy’s helicopter as a hot-selling R/C item.
Per a March 15, 2010, letter from Feldman Law Group, P.C., of New York, N.Y., Interactive Toys claims this product infringes on U.S. Patent 7,204,453.

Doors and hoods dislodge and trunks open when these remote-controlled vehicles are smashed and crashed together. The unhinged parts can simply be pressed back into place. The cars require 2 AAA batteries and the remotes take 3 AAA batteries (not included).
— “We sell dozens and dozens of Kid Galaxy’s R/Cs,” Owner Joe Berardoni Sr. of Pun’s Toys in Bryn Mawr, Pa., told TDmonthly in fall 2009.
— Patti Tepper-Rasmussen, owner of Learning Tree Toys, Books & Games in Oklahoma City, told TDmonthly in fall 2009 that her store sells about four Demolition Derby items per month.
— Two of 40 specialty retailers pinpointed Demolition Derby as a hot-selling R/C item.

This four-wheel drive, remote-controlled vehicle can be navigated over land and on water. It has working headlights. The vehicle takes three AA batteries and the controller takes two AAA batteries (not included).
— J. Christopher Toys in Jonesboro, Ark., sold 68 Morphibians since August, Owner Mary Horne told TDmonthly in October 2009.
— Five of 40 retailers specifically named Morphibians as a best-selling R/C item in fall 2009.

This inflatable globe from Castle Toy is available in blue or clear, and offers a fun way for kids to learn about their world.
— This globe has been a consistent best seller for the last two years at The Parent-Teacher Store & Toys Too in Louisville, Ky., Owner Kimberly Kopatz told TDmonthly in fall 2009.

A variety of placemats are available from Castle Toy, including themes such as addition, alphabet with animals, bugs and insects, ocean, and the solar system.
— Placemats by Castle Toy have been best sellers over the last two years at The Parent-Teacher Store & Toys Too in Louisville, Ky., according to Owner Kimberly Kopatz in fall 2009.

This detailed miniature line features hand-painted, non-toxic polar bears that are soft to the touch. Each measures 0.75” to 1”, with 192 pieces included in the reusable bin.
— Safari mini animals have been best sellers at The Parent-Teacher Store & Toys Too in Louisville, Ky., for about three months, Owner Kimberly Kopatz told TDmonthly in November 2009.

Each single-color mini pack is designed to introduce kids to the texture and possibilities of PlayFoam. The collection includes six colors, which may be used as party gifts or stocking stuffers.
— PlayFoam small bricks have been consistent best sellers for the last two years at The Parent-Teacher Store & Toys Too in Louisville, Ky., Owner Kimberly Kopatz told TDmonthly in fall 2009.

Available in cat, dog, and cow, these colorful pull toys will provide hours of fun for infants and toddlers.

Somewhere between sand and clay in texture, Moon Sand can be molded, shaped and squished. It never dries out so kids can re-shape it and play with it time and time again. With this kit, kids use molds to create amusement park stands, children and bumper cars. There's even a roller coaster and spinning jet ride. When play is finished, everything fits inside the snap-shut carrying case. It comes with three 10-oz. bags of moldable Moon Sand (colors may vary).

The Republic F-84 Thunderjet was the USAF’s primary strike aircraft during the Korean War. Replicating a straight-wing F-84E flown by 1st Lt. Jacob Kratt of the 27th Fighter Escort Wing when he shot down two MiG-15s in the largest jet air battle in history, this 1/72 scale, die cast model features engraved panel lines, a detailed cockpit with a glazed canopy, prototypical wingtip fuel tanks, optional position landing gear, authentic markings and more. It has a 6" wingspan and includes a display stand. "This is the first-ever 1/72 scale, die cast F-84!" Sarah Broadwater, marketing manager for Historic Sales, told TDmonthly. Launch date: December 2009.

These plush minky sports blankets and organic cotton burp cloths are sports accessories for babies and sports enthusiasts, designed with an irresistable plush touch. The top-selling football blanket comes in three sizes, Pee Wee (small), Junior Varsity (medium) and Varsity (large). There are also basketball, soccer ball and baseball blankets. "It is a wonderful gift for the father-to-be. Not all dads get 'showered' like mothers do. Dads will love to cuddle up with their little one in these plush sports-themed baby blankets," Jennifer Evans, president of TEAMEES, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2008.

Replicating the successor to Col. Clarence "Bud" Anderson's famous WWII P-51 Mustang "Old Crow," this 1/72 scale, die cast model replicates the F-105D Thunderchief "Old Crow II" flown by Anderson and includes features such as a detailed cockpit with a pilot figure; removable armament and fuel tanks; optional position landing gear and air brakes; authentic markings, including a sunburst of a crow wearing a top hat and a tuxedo on the fuselage; and more. It is 11.25" long and includes a display stand. Launch date: December 2009.

This colorful 6" bracelet is made of lead free crystal and cats eyes beads with a silver heart toggle. Ages 5 and up. These bracelets are handmade in the USA with help from the local Girlscouts. 100% of net profits will go to lil' ol' me making a BIG difference "foundation for the lil' nation." This foundation gives scholarships and therapy to children with autism. Launch date: June 2009.

Designed to address the growing concern of toxic chemicals leaching from consumer products, this bottle is made of recyclable polypropylene and is free of BPA, phthalates, PVC, lead, nitrosamines, melamine and biologically toxic chemicals. It has a travel cap and a venting system to help reduce colic. High-grade silicon nipples are used, available in seven styles and flow designs, to ease transition from breastfeeding to bottle feeding. The bottle is dishwasher safe. "In addition to being safe, our products are full of functional benefits and are highly sustainable," Kevin Brodwick, founder of thinkbaby and thinksport, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2006.

The Goal Bands Game features karate belts turned into six wristbands and used as a simple reward/reminder system that encourages the achievement of behavioral goals. Goals are chosen, daily, by GBG participants and the wristbands are exchanged, in karate belt order, after each days' success until the black wristband is reached, ideally, at the end of the week. The idea is for GBG participants to become goal oriented and able to supercharge their inner stregths for a lifetime of great achievements. "The Goal Bands Game is both visual and tactile, has a broad appeal, a mutitude of uses, is as simple to use as putting on a bracelet, and works for virtually anyone of any age to encourage personal growth and the achievement of great individual, or group, goals," James Mentzer, president of Black Belt Goals Inc., told TDmonthly. This game received a 2009 Dr. Toy 10 Best Socially Responsible Products award and was named one of Dr. Toy's 100 Best Children's Products. Launch date: 2009.

These all-natural, cuddly bears are made with 100-percent wool, which is naturally flame resistant and hypo-allergenic, making the bears safe for all ages. They're stuffed with 100-percent recycled stuffing and are handmade in Vermont. They feature the signature "Born in Vermont" eyes and a "tush tag" confirming their unconditional lifetime guarantee. Launch date: November 15, 2009.

These bears come from the Green Mountains of Vermont, but their cuddly soft fur and paw pads are made from 100-percent recycled post-consumer plastic bottles — the same fabric that goes into making some of the world's softest fleece and other cozy fabrics. They're made with 100-percent recycled stuffing. And just like all Vermont Teddy Bears, Go Green Bears feature "Born in Vermont" eyes and a "tush tag" confirming an unconditional lifetime guarantee. Launch date: November 15, 2009.

This inflatable stool consists of an outer plush covering and an inner pot. A handy pump is used to inflate the stool, which measures 14" in diameter and 12" tall. "The plush covering can be removed and replaced with a new one," William Xie from China Toybiz.cn, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 15, 2009.

The Jane Goodall Save the Animals Kit features 50 icons of species that have been brought back from extinction. With each purchase, 10 percent is donated to the Jane Goodall Institute to continue to raise awareness and support the animals of the world. "[It's] the only kit to feature these 50 species and the kit bracelets and elements are made from recycled materials," Ewa Zielinski, owner of Shainsware, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2009.

The playful expression, “tag, you’re it” no longer applies to the boys on the playground who swoosh by as they poke a girl. This tag is designed as a hip fashion statement that schoolgirls wear around their necks. Mag-tagz are adorable magnetic “tagz” that can be changed regularly to reflect a girl’s ever-changing mood and style. Mag-tagz received two 2009 Seal of Excellence Awards in Creative Child Magazine's Kids Gear/Apparel category. Launch date: November 2009.
— A top pick, retailer Kate Tanner, owner of Kidstop Toys, informed TDmonthly at Toy Fair 2010.

The idea behind the Thumball is to "Toss It, Catch It, React to the concept under your thumb!" The Ice Breaker version is designed to get everyone talking, as they learn about themselves and others. Launch date: March 3, 2009.

The Bling By Number Card Design Set includes materials for creating handmade greeting cards. The set includes eight cards and envelopes, four postcards, 50 cut-out shapes and 100+ stickers, plus glitter glue, sequins, gems and more. The Bling by Number line is designed to be error proof and provide professional-looking results every time. There are easy to follow “Bling by Number” instructions and design ideas to get girls started on their way to creating their own personalized card collection. "It gets the creativity going for girls and shows that 'hand-made' can also be glam, fun, and many different materials can be used to achieve the final piece," Sarah Koth, PR coordinator for Fashion Angels Enterprises, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.