January 2011 Notable Toys — All

The Spy Camera Set includes a camera with USB port and a color monitor. The images shot from the camera are displayed on the monitor via wireless transmission. The Spy Camera Set can be added to the Playmobil Robo Gang Truck (#4878). The set also contains a bracket for mounting the monitor onto the Playmobil RC Module Set Plus (#4856). Recommended for ages eight to twelve. Suggested Retail Price: $84.99. Warning. Choking Hazard. Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.

This hi-tech Robo Gang Truck can shoot weapons that are mounted on the wing doors.  The satellite can also be launched from the fold-out satellite launch pad.  The Robo Gang Truck is compatible with the Playmobil Compact RC-Module Set (#4320) or the Playmobil RC Module Set Plus (#4856).  This vehicle can be further upgraded with the Playmobil Spy Camera Set (#4879). Recommended for ages seven to twelve. Suggested Retail Price: $34.99. Warning. Choking Hazard. Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.

The well-disguised Secret Agent Headquarters contains covert features, such as a trapdoor leading to the jail, a jet ski hiding place for an emergency escape, and a secret command center with LED board. The Secret Agent Headquarters also contains plenty of equipment for the agents. The multifunctional vehicle can be converted for deployments on land, water, and air, the speedboat can be upgraded with the Playmobil Underwater Motor (#7350), and the LED super weapon can also be used against attackers. The set comes with five figures, including a double agent with a changeable face. Another exciting feature is the functional alarm system that can be placed in rooms at home to warn of "intruders." Dimensions: 20.1 x 15.7 x 8.5 inches (L x W x H). Recommended for ages seven to twelve.
— Joe Beradoni, owner of Pun's Toys in Bryn Mawr, Pa., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that "We do not sell action figures in our store. The closest products to them are Playmobil and Papo figures."

The Children’s Zoo allows children to role-play petting and feeding animals at the zoo. This set includes four figures, piglets, goats, sheep, and lamb. Also comes with fences for the animal enclosure, rock formation with water fall, birdfeeder, and many other accessories. Recommended for ages four to ten. Warning. Choking Hazard. Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.
— Rebecca Goblish, owner of Picayune Toys in Dunwoody, Ga., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that Playmobil is one of her top-three best-selling brands of toy.

Throw, glide, and catch. The red and yellow Hand-Launch Glider "Extreme Team" provides an opportunity to have fun while being active outdoors. Made with an ultra-light material, this stable glider can even be used to play catch. The Hand-Launch Glider also comes with a Playmobil pilot. Dimensions: 18.1 x 19.7 inches (L x Wingspan). Recommended for ages six to ten. Suggested Retail Price: $19.99. Warning. Choking Hazard. Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.
— In a November 2013 survey, two out of 10 retailers told TDmonthly that Playmobil Gliders are a best-selling flying toy.

Kids can create and customize their own stickers online and print them at home with StickerYou.com's new product, Make Your Own Stickers.  Kids go on the StickerYou website, design the stickers, and print them on the special sticker paper. Using a code they will find inside their purchase, sticker-lovers can access popular licensed characters and the StickerYou's art bank of images, apply text, backgrounds and color tools, or use special effects and image upload features to create their own personalized stickers. "Stickers have been around for over 100 years, but the industry has always been about providing a readymade product,” said Andrew Witkin, president of StickerYou. “However, today’s consumer - particularly youth - expect to be able to customize their images, something they haven’t been able to do with stickers... until now.” The Make Your Own Stickers line offers consumers their choice of packs of stickers and labels in an assortment of shapes, including Make Your Own Photo Stickers and Make Your Own Sticker Albums. Launch date: June 2011

Transport boulders from place to place with the Skip Truck. Set includes a figure, adjustable Skip Truck, boulders, and other accessories. Recommended for ages four to ten. Suggested Retail Price: $29.99. Warning. Choking Hazard. Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.

Playmobil figures in their swimming gear can have fun and enjoy a refreshing swim in the Pool with Water Slide. The pool can be filled with water and comes with a functioning shower. The set includes six figures and many other accessories. Dimensions: 22.4 x 14.2 x 7.7 inches (L x W x H). Recommended for ages four to ten. Suggested Retail Price: $39.99. Warning. Choking Hazard. Contains a small ball and small parts. Not for children under 3 years.
— Brooke Andrews, owner of Miller's Toys in Mamaroneck, N.Y. told TDmonthly in late Spring 2011 that it doesn't matter which Playmobil items she is carrying- they are consistently her bestselling playset.

Life is carefree at the Playmobil Summer House. The house is equipped with a kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom, making it the perfect getaway for a family of four. The pretty terrace decorated with plants has patio furniture and a grill for barbecues. Set also comes with four figures and many other accessories. Dimensions: 14.2 x 13 x 8.8 inches (L x W x H). Recommended for ages four to ten. Suggested Retail Price: $59.99. Warning. Choking Hazard. Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.

The Click & Go Jet can be folded together compactly in just a few moves and snapped onto a belt clip to be taken along anywhere. The jet can be put together quickly and the fun can begin. Set also includes a figure. Recommended for ages six to ten. Suggested Retail Price: $9.99. Warning. Choking Hazard. Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.

With this action-packed set, children can navigate the treasure hunters through the guarded, trap-filled, treasure temple. The stake barrier, drop pit, and falling rocks make it difficult to pass through the temple to find the hidden treasure. Set comes with two temple guards, three treasure hunters, giant lizard, treasure map that can be revealed when rubbed, and many other accessories. Dimensions: 13.6 x 11.4 x 14.8 inches (L x W x H).  Recommended for ages four to ten. Suggested Retail Price: $69.99. Warning. Choking Hazard. Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.

The adventurous little terrier takes four action-packed journeys in these classic tales. Join the Merry Men and follow Robin Hood in the Paw Prints of Thieves as he takes from the rich to give to the poor.  In Hot Diggety Dawg and The Impawssible Dream, band together with Don Quixote and Jules Verne’s Professor Liedenbrock to battle giants and monsters. In Hunchdog of Notre Dame, escape danger as Wishbone rescues maidens and defeats his evil master. Approximately 120 minutes

Discover the joy of Spring with these eight sunny episodes. Barney flies a kite with his friends, Fireman Sam has a three legged race, and Thomas races backwards around the Island of Sodor. With episodes from Timmy Time™, Angelina Ballerina™, Barney, Thomas & Friends™, Bob the Builder™, Kipper™, and Roary the Racing Car™. Approximately 65 minutes.

Kimochis are small pillows with a feeling (happy, sad, silly, brave) printed on one side and a corresponding facial expression on the other. Each Kimochis plush character comes with a set of three feelings and a how-to Kimochis Feel Guide. The characters — Clover, Cat, Huggtopus, Cloud, Bella Rose, Bug and Lovey Dove — have a special pocket where kids can store their "Kimochis" or feelings. Using the characters and their Kimochis, kids can get in touch with their emotions through puppetry and play. “Getting back to the basics by playing and communicating with Kimochis™ is a simple, yet powerful way to teach children how to: be aware of feelings, choose how to communicate in emotional moments, and redo mistakes. Children will be drawn to the fun, adorable, accessible characters. Parents will be drawn to the high-quality craftsmanship and the valuable educational content," Susan Schroeder, director of marketing and communications for Plushy Feely Corp., told TDmonthly.
Awards: 2009 Creative Child Magazine Seal of Excellence; Best Vacation Products by Dr. Toy; Kaboose.com's Top 13 Amazing Toys for Preschoolers; TDmonthly Top Toy Award, June 2011
— Why it won: The latest line of Kimochis are cuter than ever and just as good at helping children articulate some of their more troubling emotions. Bella Rose is pretty and soft and works just as well as a traditional stuffed animal as she does as a teaching tool.

Kimochis are small pillows with a feeling (happy, sad, silly, brave) printed on one side and a corresponding facial expression on the other. Each Kimochis plush character comes with a set of three feelings and a how-to Kimochis Feel Guide. The characters — Clover, Cat, Huggtopus, Cloud, Bella Rose, Bug and Lovey Dove — have a special pocket where kids can store their "Kimochis" or feelings. Using the characters and their Kimochis, kids can get in touch with their emotions through puppetry and play. “Getting back to the basics by playing and communicating with Kimochis™ is a simple, yet powerful way to teach children how to: be aware of feelings, choose how to communicate in emotional moments, and redo mistakes. Children will be drawn to the fun, adorable, accessible characters. Parents will be drawn to the high-quality craftsmanship and the valuable educational content," Susan Schroeder, director of marketing and communications for Plushy Feely Corp., told TDmonthly. —  Awards: 2009 Creative Child Magazine Seal of Excellence, Best Vacation Products by Dr. Toy, and Kaboose.com's Top 13 Amazing Toys for Preschoolers.

1:64 Motor World Series 4 is sectioned into three different sub-series- Classics, All-American, and Speed.  Segmenting this large 12 car series into smaller groups allows collectors to acquire miniature sets and as the most economical product offered by GreenLight, collecting all twelve is absolutely achievable. 1:64th Motor World Series 4 includes the following twelve vehicles: Classics – Volkswagen Samba Bus, Mini Cooper, Mercedes Sprinter Van, Volkswagen Beetle, Volkswagen VW30; All American – 1956 Ford F-150, 1969 Camaro Convertible SS, 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air; Speed – Volkswagen RSi, 1958 Porsche 356A, 2003 Dodge Viper SRT/10, Lamborghini Gallardo. These 1:64 scale Motor World die-cast model cars feature 100% authentic metal bodies, plastic chassis, authentic detailed wheels and are officially licensed by the respective automobile companies.  As with GreenLight Collectibles offerings, the “Green Machine” chase car program carries over into the Motor World line with 2% of the production run manufactured in alternate schemes to provide the marketplace with the rare vehicles the collector craves. Quantities are limited to 2,250 units of each car and will be available at Toys ‘R’ Us and Meijer throughout the United States and through GreenLight Hobby Distributors/Wholesalers and Online Dealers around the world. Launch date: February 2011.

Thomas is bubbling with excitement as he delivers special cargo to the picnic extravaganza.  His friend Percy joins in on the fun for a game of Hide and Seek and Emily goes full steam ahead to cheer on the Sodor soccer team. Join Thomas and his engine friends as they explore the sights and delights of Sodor in these episodes. Episodes include: “Pop Goes Thomas,” “Jitters and Japers,” “Thomas’ Crazy Day,” and “Pingy-Pongy Pick Up.” Total running time is 50 minutes.

"The Lively Game of What Matters Most." Opinions count as players try to guess how their friends really feel about what matters most. From the seemingly trivial to the highly debatable, "Oh, Really!" reveals players' true feelings about everything from "Emotions" to "Underwear." For 3-8 players (or teams). Contains 200 engaging word cards, game board, 40 ranking symbol cards, 5 blank cards to customize your game, Scorepad, 5 pencils, and rules for individual and team play.

This is a classic game rich in Celtic tradition. Whether solo or with a partner, this strategic game of matching, with a dash of chance thrown in, requires undivided attention. Celtic Challenge is based on an ancient game, crafted with a handsome hardwood board, 45 rustic tiles bearing traditional Celtic symbols, a Celtic staff to designate rounds, and embossed marker stone. The player to clear the most tiles in one game wins.

This game was designed with the Sportsman, Hunter or Fisherman in mind. Find It – “On A Hunt” is a mini-scavenger hunt. Be the first to find the 48 hidden treasures mixed in with the Camouflage colored pellets and win. Players must look for the Bulls Eye, Arrow, Rope, Fish Hook, Hiking Boot, Dog and, for the Ultimate Sportsman, the BIG GAME hiding in every “Find It – On A Hunt” game.  For 1+ player or teams.

Based on the classic “Find It” Game comes the latest entry into the world of VeggieTales: The new VeggieTales version of the Find It Game. Players join the VeggieTales characters on a hand-held scavenger hunt as they search for objects and characters straight from stories in the VeggieTales collection. The fun begins by finding popular icons like the Viking Helmet, rubber ducky, and slushy cup. Also look for authentic characters such as Bob the Tomato, Larry the Cucumber, Junior Asparagus, Philippe Green Pea and Madame Blueberry. These characters, and more, are hidden amongst a sea of colorful pellets. For 1+ player or teams.
— Marc Holcomb, owner of Toys & Co. in Greensboro, N.C. told TDmonthly in late Spring 2011 that he sold 15 Find-It products a month.
— Want this? As of 05/06/2011, this product was available for purchase at Toys & Co.

This TankBot is a mini-robot that fits on your desk. Each TankBot features a dongle that plugs into the headphone jack of your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch. Utilizing Apple’s accelerometer technology, Desk Pets developed a program that enables TankBot to be controlled by simply tilting your mobile device. Tilt the iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch forward and TankBot rolls forward, angle the phone right and TankBot instantly makes a right turn. Switch to autonomous mode and using built-in IR sensors, TankBot can navigate a maze, avoid obstacles and interact with the users hand motions, all on its own. "Just waving your hands in front of the robot almost becomes addictive as it moves and reacts to what you do. You wait for it to slip up and it doesn’t, it consistently acts with a military precision,” said Michael Trzecieski, managing director of Desk Pets International. The TankBot comes in four different colors, which can race against one another, and charges via USB.
– An ASTRA Top 30 Toy at Toy Fair 2010.

Laughter and fun is what Love It! Hate It! is all about. A person reads a scenario card out loud and waits for their friends to secretly reveal what they think that person would love and hate. The answers, like the questions, can be real-life, to silly, to down-right bizarre. For 3-6 Players.

Farkle Frenzy adds a modern twist to the classic Farkle dice game. In this version, everyone rolls at the same time and tries to score the most points. Play begins by pressing down on the Bubble Hub that vibrates and bounces a common die that features 5s, 1s, a 2x and a wild. Then players use the common die along with their own five dice and race to get the highest score as they quickly fill their own unique stepped Dice Riser.  For 2-4 Players.