January 2013 Notable Toys — Christmas

Families are sure to embrace this new holiday activity, and kids will savor the lasting excitement they'll get from completing this festive playscape. Kids color in over 50 precut Shrinky Dinks characters and accessories, and then pop them in the oven to watch them transform. Includes over 50 precut Shrinky Dinks characters and accessories, colored pencils, and 3-D pop up living room.

The holiday season has arrived in Heartlake City. Head outside with Olivia, Christina and their dog Coco. Build a snowman or go skiing, then warm up by the fire with cookies and milk. Help Olivia and Christina writing a holiday card, delivering gifts on their snowmobile and decorate the Christmas tree. Set includes 24 individual gifts, including 2 mini dolls, a dog and accessories. Celebrate the holiday season with the LEGO Friends.

Count down to the holiday season with the Smurfs Advent Calendar from Mega Bloks. This calendar, filled with Smurfy builds, will delight little one with a new surprise every day. Build a picture-perfect winter scene with presents, a snowman, a sled, and more to celebrate the holidays like a Smurf. Have a very blue Christmas with the Smurf Advent Calendar from Mega Bloks.

Keep the holiday spirit alive with the Christmas Designer TOOB® from Safari Ltd®. Everything from Santa to his sleigh and candy canes to ornaments is included in this holiday collection. Packaged in a reusable acetate tube, this set contains eight figures, including a Christmas Tree, Candy Cane, Ornament, Snowman, Sleigh, Xmas Gift Boxes and Santa Claus. Hand painted figures measure 2” H (5 cm) and are suitable for ages 3 and up. All Safari Ltd® products are 100% guaranteed and lead free to ensure children’s safety. Launch date: 2013.

With five favorite mini microbes dressed up for Christmas: a Stomach Ache Gingerbread Man, a caroling Sore Throat, Frosty the White Blood Cell Snowman, an angelic Nerve Cell, and an exclusive Amoeba in sparkly gold lamé, only available in this set.

Get Christmas off to a galactic start with the LEGO® Star Wars™ Advent Calendar. Featuring 24 gifts, including iconic starships, minifigures, and accessories, this great advent calendar is the perfect gift for Star Wars fans of any age. 234 pieces total.

Kids can have fun even when they're on the go with the Carrying Case Santa's Workshop. Set includes Santa, elf, gifts, toys, wheelbarrow, table, chair, and other accessories that all fit into a green, easy to take-along case.

The first-ever Christmas album from kids' music superstar Laurie Berkner, featuring classic seasonal and Christmas songs as well as three original tracks. "The CD is set apart from other holiday albums for kids because Laurie Berkner is the biggest name in children's music in the country - dubbed 'The queen of children's music' by People Magazine and 'The undisputed queen of kindie rock'" by USA Today.  The reason she is the biggest name in kids' music is her appeal to parents, not just kids," Sarah Geist Rosen from SKG Publicity told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2012.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval
— As of 12/6/2012 this product had 4.9 out of 5 stars from 23 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Features many Christmas classics; interesting vocal arrangements; enjoyable for kids and adults. Cons: One reviewer wished there were more original songs.

Kids can sip in style with our cutest Christmas Snowman cup. This 12oz guy is perfect for little hands and is sure to keep kids entertained while enjoying their favorite drinks. Our snowman is fantastic for holiday parties and will keep the kids happy for hours. Launch date: 2004.

This toy set has Veggie Tales characters depicting the Nativity scene. This fun and durable set is sure to become a favorite part of the family traditions in teaching children the story of Christ's birth.

Cuddle up for a little comfort and joy featuring everybody’s favorite mouse. As Maisy gets ready for Christmas, little ones can lift flaps and pull tabs to watch her bake and decorate, read her cards, peek at her gifts, and open the door on Christmas morning for a merry surprise. Trimmed in foil and twinkling from beginning to end, Merry Christmas, Maisy captures the joys and simple pleasures of the season. Launch date: September 2012.