January 2013 Notable Toys — Interactive

Everything that a budding inventor needs to build 12 basic machines is provided, including 25 machine pieces, 10 plastic nuts and bolts, and a detachable peg board—all color-coded for easy identification. Using the simple and direct instructions, kids can build each machine in minutes. The projects include: incline planes, levers, wheels and axles, gears (spur, compound, rack and pinion, and planetary), cams, cranks, pulleys, ratchets, and springs. Includes timelines detailing the history of each machine.  Hands-on, interactive, and engaging, this kit will bring out the DIY and inventor spirit in every child. Launch date: October 2011.

Enjoy hours of fun with the Bop It Smash from Hasbro Toys. This toy features 3 game modes: solo, pass it and multiplayer. In solo mode, kids can play by themselves, smashing the lights as they appear slowly at first, then faster with every round. Pass it play allows friends to join in the fun as kids pass the toy between 2 to 6 players. In multiplayer mode, players will challenge others to pit their skills against their own.

LeapPad2 Explorer™ inspires kids to imagine and explore with front-and-back cameras, 4 GB of memory and a library of 325+ cartridges and apps for limitless learning and fun! This special KIDZ BOP Music Pack features: a LeapPad2 Explorer™ tablet, Target Exclusive KIDZ BOP Rockin' Playlist, KIDZ BOP Ultimate Hits Playlist, KIDZ BOP Music Video Collection, a pair of kid-friendly headphones, a protective Green Gel Skin and 5 included apps: Pet Pad writing app, LeapFrog Learning Songs, Art Studio, Cartoon Director and one app of your choice. (Some included apps require Internet connection to download.) Works with LeapFrog Explorer cartridges and apps (sold separately).

Created just for kids, the Tabeo Tablet combines cutting-edge technology, advanced details and a sleek design with parental controls and kid-friendly safety features. Featuring a 7" capacitive multi-touch screen, 50 popular kid-friendly apps and Wi-Fi connectivity, this tablet is ready to deliver hours of learning, Web browsing and fun. The tablet uses the Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) operating system and with more than 7,000 free apps available for download. A built-in speaker, microphone, G-sensor and front camera provide the familiar functionality of Mom and Dad’s “grown-up” tablet. A soft, removable bumper case fits around the tablet to protect the device from accidental bumps and drops. A micro SD slot (SDHC compatible) accepts cards up to 32 GB, while the mini HDMI output allows viewing of content on a separate monitor or TV screen. The tablet offers parent-friendly features as well. The built-in browser offers a variety of parental controls, including an option to set different Internet safety controls for up to eight users or allow Internet access only on certain days or at certain times of the day, to help kids have a fun, safe online experience.

The interactive Lalaloopsy Silly Hair Star Doll set comes with 6 removable hairstyles that play 6 different songs when placed on Harmony's head. Simply mount her on the dancing stage, press her chest, and watch as she sings, grooves and spins her hair around. Includes 1 doll, 1 stage, 6 hairpieces, 1 rattling pet cat and 1 poster.

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.