January 2013 Notable Toys — Play Sets

This awesome Spider-Man Stunt City playset is the perfect home for the amazing wall-crawling hero. Kids' Spider-Man figure will do his most heroic stunts when he takes on his enemies in the Spider-Man Stunt City playset. Will he climb down the wall or spin down the pole? He can swing on his web line, slide down the lizard tail ramp or cling upside down to escape his enemies, and he can dodge their lunges and drive right through the door on his speedy motorcycle. Press the button for lights and sounds and cool Spider-Man phrases. When playtime is over, kids can read the special value storybook "The Lizard’s Lost Treasure."
— As of 11/5/2012 this product had 3.9 out of 5 stars from Amazon.com. Pros: Spiderman can climb up the side;lots of different sections on the play set offer different types of play. Cons: A few users reported that the electronic functions in the toy stopped working shortly after purchase.

Kids will have fun even when they're on the go with the Carrying Case Vet Clinic. This easy to take-along case comes with a figure, kitten, puppy, guinea pigs, and accessories to help the vet treat the animals.
— In a July 2013 survey Donna Frederick, owner of The Play House Toy Store in Durham, N.C., told TDmonthly that toys by Playmbil are one of her store's overall best-sellers.
— In a May 2014 survey Suzi McMullen, manager of Doodlehopper 4 Kids in Falls Church, Va., told TDmonthly that Playmobil was her store's best-selling play set.

Kids will have fun when they are on the go with the Princess Carrying Case. This easy to take-along playset comes with a figure, unicorn, peacock, swan, vanity, and other accessories.
— Peg Scholtes, owner of Capitol Kids LTD in Madison, Wis., told TDmonthly in a December 2014 interview that Playmobil take-along sets, particularly princess and pirate, are some of their best-selling play sets.

Avast ye, matey; there's hidden treasure in this Playmobil Pirate Adventure Island. Find the 5 magic coins and use them to unlock a secret cave where the treasure lies hidden. Sound & light effects activate when the cave is opened. But beware of danger. The island also has hidden stairs and falling rocks. Set contains 210 pieces, including 3 figures, exotic creatures, rowboat, working cannon, and many other accessories. There's even a colorful poster for little buccaneers to put on their wall.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval

This set comes complete with a wooden cook top. Content: apron, frying pan, wooden stove top, pot with lid, and salt & pepper shakers. Dishwasher safe - microwave safe - suitable for food contact - PVC free. 10 pieces.

What a cute idea: vegetables kids can cuddle with and listen to. The carrot and tomato rattle, and the lettuce leaf rustles. Later, this trio will make a great addition to any play food set.
— David Stelzer, owner of Shananigans Toys in Baltimore, Md., told TDmonthly in an April 2015 survey that Haba rattles and toys are their store's best-selling infant & toddler toys.

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.

The epic struggle between Batman and The Joker continues with LEGO's Batwing Battle Over Gotham City set. Easy-to-follow instructions and 278 building elements help kids create models of 2 cool vehicles: The Jokers helicopter and the Batwing, armed 2 flick missiles and bomb release function. Comes with lots of great extras, plus a comic book.

Little horse lovers will have a great time helping prepare for a horse show with a LEGO horse trailer set. Children can put mini doll Emma in her horse Robin's saddle to practice jumping. Or they can groom Robin for the big show with her brushes. Then, they'll transport the pair to the big competition in the realistic trailer. Kids will have a blast at playtime, helping Emma and Robin prepare for their big day.

The ultimate playset for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle fans, the Secret Sewer Lair playset is BIG, and ready for Ninja battle action. This playset will have kids creating their own Lair of excitement as they become the leader of the pack, swinging into action, training the Turtles and defeating Shredder once and for all. Standing 42 inches tall and resembling the Sewer Lair that is home to the Turtles in the TV show, the Secret Sewer Lair includes more than 20 different exciting Ninja features.

Rhapsody luxury indoor play systems, crafted by CedarWorks of Rockport Maine, are incredibly unique. Rhapsody features fine craftsmanship, exquisite design, natural materials; and the modular system is easily adapted to the specific space requirements of any residential or commercial project. Rhapsody is the solution for young children's active play year round. Launch date: March 2011.

Loads of fun in a small package! Open up the barn to play with the two adorable foals, and use the fencing to create a corral. The Pocket Barn has hinged loft doors and sliding front doors, and is easy to take along, making it a great item for travel and on-the-go play.

Great free wheeling scooter comes with a First Friend and a Puppy. Encourages interaction and imaginative play. Strong and durable.
— As of 10/01/2012 this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 2 reviews on Amazon.com.

These projects are for the youngest children and work best with a high level of parental support. Skills required include assembly, gluing, hammering and filing. Painting and decorating optional and the crafts to be built are toys that would appeal to younger children.

Push, pull and twist the chimneys to see the farm animals pop out. Push the mailbox to open the barn door. Four friendly farm animals: Chicken, Sheep, Cow, and Dog. Encourages an understanding of cause and effect.