December 2012 New Specialty Toys — All

Motorized animatronic kitty bank. Watch this super cute kitty, peek out, make a sweet meow sound, and then snatch coins and keep them safe. The box lid pops up and kitty paw snatches the coin. Battery operated. Uses 2AA batteries (not included). For ages 3 and up. Launch date: January 2011.

Our bracelets are colorful "collars" embroidered with the single word: "Adopt". Launch date: September 2012.

Singer-Songwriters Lydia Adams Davis and Kathy Byers have collaborated on this album of original songs about nature, recycling, animal habitats, global warming, conservation and environmental awareness. Highlights include the sprightly "Shy Raccoon," the appropriately tropical and lyrically transformative "Chameleon," and the easy picking tale of the great northern environment "In Alaska." Elsewhere, we are treated to tales of the decidedly un-limbed "I Am Snake," the busy "Be a Bumble Bee," and the complexity of ecosystems in "Think About the Ocean." Other favorites include "We Study Frogs" which will be a welcomed song for any science teacher to learn, and the pressing question of "Why Do Turtles Cross the Road," answered in the song of the same name. The album closes with the lovely and spirited "Song of Life" which should become the theme song for every nature center and school. The CD comes in mostly paper packaging, with nature-themed illustrations, a full booklet of lyrics and credits. Launch date: January 2012/
Awards: 2012 A Parents' Choice Award-Music Category

The Cardinal Gates Wrought Iron Decor Gate (Model WI-30) is a beautiful new "twist" on our best-selling stairway safety gate. Available in bronze or black, this gate is both attractive and highly functional. With durable all-metal construction, the Wrought Iron Decor Gate is for indoor use only. Launch date: December 2012.

Big Owl Toy makes the perfect addition to your baby's toy collection. Measuring 16” tall and available in two colors, the cuddly owl will be cherished for years to come. Makes for a great pillow as well. Launch date: September 2012.

Winner of Dr. Toys 100 Best Childrens Products of 2012 and 10 Best High-Tech Products of 2012, as well as a Preferred Choice Award by Creative Child Magazine, this new children's book is built around The Global Game Changers, a fictional team of superheroes whose leader, Global Girl, and her sidekick, Little Big-Heart, and their trust dog Pixel, recruit real-life kids to help change the world for the better by doing good things for others without expecting anything in return. At the end of The Global Game Changers book there is a call to action for the reader to be inspired to join the Alliance by visiting The Global Game Changers interactive web community where they can share their Ignite Good! stories, learn how to utilize their talents to affect things they are passionate about, have fun, and be empowered to help make a difference in the world. Launch date: July 15, 2012.

Beary Happi comes to life as the next-generation teddy bear. He combines a classic plush toy, a free app, and the latest multimedia technology from iPhones or iPod touches to create a truly interactive and lovable companion. A mix of snuggly plush teddy bear and interactive fun, HappiTaps is changing the way little ones play. Start by purchasing the HappiTaps cover, then download the HappiTaps app from the App store. Put the cover on a iPhone or iPod touch and watch your a new pal come to life with interaction, games, and activities. Launch date: November 2011.
— As of 10/5/2012 this product had 4.8 out of 5 stars from 6 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Keeps electronics safe; App is entertaining and free. Cons: There is no plastic to protect the actual screen.

On Charley’s first night, Henry carries his new puppy in his old baby blanket all the way to his house. He shows Charley every room, saying, "This is home, Charley." He says that a lot so that Charley will know that he is home. Henry’s parents are very clear about who will be walking and feeding Charley (Henry will, and he can’t wait). They are also very clear about where Charley will be sleeping: Charley will be sleeping in the kitchen. But when the crying starts in the middle of the night, Henry knows right away that it’s Charley! And it looks like his parents’ idea about where Charley is going to sleep may have to change. With warmth, humor, and endearing simplicity, Amy Hest tells a tale familiar to everyone who has loved a puppy, while Helen Oxenbury renders each tender gesture and charming detail in a beauty of a book that children will be eager to take home. Launch date: October 2012.

There is not a whisper when Louis de Rougemont steps onto the stage to recount his astonishing experiences on the sea and in lands far away. It is a breathtaking tale of catastrophe and miraculous events. A monster with enormous tentacles! A sea turtle big enough to ride! Fish raining from the sky! Cannibals! But critics say he is an imposter with a gift for spinning yarns. Are Louis’s tales true? Or is he the greatest liar on Earth? Bold, whimsical artwork brings to life the tale of an early-twentieth-century man who held audiences rapt while his critics dubbed him a hoaxer of the highest degree. A fun slice of history sure to inspire a lively discussion of truth, fabrication, and the gray areas in-between. Launch date: October 2012.

Zephyr is a girl who loves airplanes. She draws pictures of them, makes them out of paper, builds them out of junk, and hopes one day to fly one of her own. But when Gramma, Daddy, and Mom are too busy to play airplane with her, Zephyr’s excess enthusiasm gets her sent to her room -- where she discovers a secret door that leads to the most wondrous place she’s ever seen! Lovers of flying machines and gadgets, along with adventurers of all kinds, will be buoyed by this lighthearted tale of a little girl who finds her wings. Launch date: October 2012.

Oliver is different. He enjoys his solitude. He likes playing with his friends, who are puppets, stuffed animals, and other toys. With his rich imagination, Oliver’s day is never dull. There are bridges to cross, sharks to fight, and treasures to find! But maybe toys don’t always give a boy everything he needs. Maybe he needs another kind of companion. Will Oliver discover a way to be, well, different? When his tennis ball rolls across the lawn into the yard of the girl next door, he just might be surprised. Launch date: October 2012.

This long floppy eared bunny is colorful and cuddly. Knotted eyes & nose add classic touches. 13" tall. Launch date: June 2006.
— As of 10/5/2012 this product had 4.1 out of 5 stars from 21 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Colorful; cute Cons: Several reviews said the toy was not as durable as they had hoped.

A classic starter set for the 2 year + child with all wooden details. Take the classic inspired engine out on an adventure along the tracks. Stop by at the all wooden station and continue along the tracks passing by trees and a crossing bridge. Lots of fun for the youngest drivers. Launch date: August 2012.

Take office warfare into the sky with the Dream Cheeky iStrike Shuttle. This 3-channel Helicopter is wirelessly controlled by the iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad through Bluetooth®. With the free and fully equipped iStrike Controller app users can make the iStrike Shuttle go where no Dream Cheeky gadget has gone before. Make it hover above the unsuspecting heads of targets and drop an iStrike Bomb at the exact right moment. Its unique design and flying pattern give the iStrike Shuttle an almost human character. Yet it’s surprisingly easy to control. It even comes with an attachable bright orange training wheel that makes landing easier. Launch date: November 2012.

In celebration of our tenth anniversary, Moonjar has created a brand new Moneybox with a global twist. Each metallic section is wrapped in the words, "Save, Spend and Share" in languages from around the world. The boxes are gold, silver and copper colors to appeal to the tween set as well as their parents.

This fun kit includes 4 colors of Body Glitter (2.8 g/0.10 oz); 1 Body Glue (3 ml / 0.10 fl oz); 12 3"x2" Self Adhesive Stencils; 2 pc. brush set; Instruction/Care Card.
— Barb Stine, owner of Toys on the Square in Hershey, Pa., told TDmonthly in a December 2013 survey that tattoos are one of their best-selling Halloween toys.

Where to buy:
NORTH WEST

Spring Ring adds extra zing to indoor and outdoor fun. Use them to give favorite old games an exciting new twist or come up with something completely new and different. No Rules Required for this creative new toy. Constructed with a firm foam outer ring and a stretchy trampoline center fabric, the versatile Spring Rings can be used like a paddle, thrown like a frisbee. They even float. Great for indoors (when used with the dry splash ball) or outdoors.
Awards: 2010 Creative Child Magazine, Preferred Choice Award; 2010 Dr. Toy Best Picks Award.
— In a March 2013 survey, Joe Berardoni Jr, manager of Pun's Toys in Bryn Mawr, Pa., told TDmonthly that "The top selling outdoor item over the last two years has been the Spring Ring from Maranda...Even in the winter months, we have sold out of the item consistently, and have reordered several times already in 2013. We sell around 24-30 pieces a month during 'outside' weather months."
— Joe Barardoni Sr., owner of Pun's Toys in Bryn Mawr, Pa., told TDmonthly in a March 2014 survey that the Spring Ring was a best-selling outdoor toy.

Let the magnetic stylus be your pen and the bead board be your paper. Use your imagination to draw shapes, letters and pictures, popping individual beads to the surface. Erase with the tip of a finger.
— Dean Smith, owner of JaZams in Princeton, N.J. told TDmonthly in a July 2014 survey that the Free Play Magnatab was their store's best-selling toy.

Girls will feel like a princess with mini jeweled tiaras on their fingers. Comes in assorted styles and sizes.

Potty Training Little Ones is geared towards making potty time fun for children. The book walks through each step of potty training. From the time the child is introduced to the potty to the time he or she is ready to go and make it part of their routine. This fun and colorful book also motivates kids by providing coloring pages for each activity - choosing a potty, going for the first time and washing hands.
Awards: National Parenting Seal of Approval 2012

When Molly shares a secret with Olive, the urge to tell is just too great. Olive tells Joe who tells Matt who tells Lola. But Lola is best friends with Molly. Uh-oh, the secret is out, and Olive is in for it. Launch date: August 2012.

Bring the dead to life with ZOMBIE Mods. Mod are removable and repositionable stickers designed to fit plastic bricks like LEGO® and MEGA BLOKS®. They go on easy and can be removed just as quick. No sticky mess...Mods won't leave ick on your brick. Create a zombie apocalypse, WWII missions, a Medieval castle and more. Includes 44 removable/repositionable stickers. Made in the USA.
Awards: 2012 Creative Child Magazine Product of the Year Award

Play along with UG™ of HOMEVESTORS of America, rescuing "Ugly" Properties and rehabilitaing them to make them "Luvly" for resale.  Get started learning to Rescue, Rehab, and Resell Houses, just like on ABC's "Extreme Makeover Home Edition" or A&E's "Flip This House". Learn the game and sign up online and on a mobile device to play in HOMEVESTING tournaments. Prizes galore, including flat screen TVs, XBoxes, Cash. Come learn what Tony Robbins, Robert Kiyosaki, Carlton Sheets and Armando Montelongo charge thousands of dollars for. Learn the trials and tribulations that come along with the adventure of real estate investment, and have fun doing it.

18 inch doll bed linens feature pink and white stripe cotton and white accents. Triple Bunk Bed Pink Stripe Linens Features: (3) mattress covers, (3) pillow cases, (3) coverlets. 100 % cotton. Quality crafted.