February 2010 Notable Toys — Collectibles

Fernview is one of a series of finely sculpted fairies in the Faerie Glen series. Fairies also come in multiethnic skin tones.

"Legends in the Kitchen" is designed with delicious recipes to make it possible for chefs and novice cooks alike to impress friends and family with the same dishes celebrities prepare for their guests. Imagine the conversation around the table when diners discover they are noshing on the Beef Stew with Walnuts that Betty Ford makes for former President Gerald Ford, Victoria Principal’s Jade Empress Chicken or Dick Clark’s Cajun Corn Chowder. A portion of the book’s sales supports the Motion Picture & Television Fund. Launch date: January 2010.

Tori features blue eyes, a hand-crocheted, crop-top sweater and accompanying, fashionably wide, collar. Her hip ensemble features a boutique-quality, crackle-dyed, long-sleeve t-shirt with round neck and a funky-and-fun purple belt of genuine leather. Her stylish pedal pushers and retro sneakers are handcrafted of the same designer fabric. She tops it all off with a flowing blonde mane of 100% hand-knotted Japanese synthetic fiber.

Kids use the mini translucent figures to unlock alien lights and sounds. The Ultimate Omnitrix comes with one mini translucent figure that attaches to the base and unlocks the alien's special image and sound. Kids can collect all 10 mini translucent figures — each one unlocks its own unique holographic figure and sounds. Launch date: July 2009.

Replicating an F-100D flown by Major Neil Eddins, who became commander and lead pilot of the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" in 1967, this 1/72 scale, die cast Hobby Master model features engraved panel lines; a detailed cockpit with an opening canopy and a removable pilot figure; an extended pitot boom and a wing-mounted refueling probe; optional-position landing gear; authentic markings, including the unit's famous Thunderbird painted on the bottom; and more. It is 8.25" long and includes a display stand. Launch date: December 2009.

This small, 12-legged microrobotic creature is battery powered and designed to behave just like a real bug. It moves very quickly and can even flip over by itself. Five colors are available in the Newton Gravity Series. Awards: Parent's Choice Award 2010. Launch date: Fall 2009.
— Chris Lowe, owner of Bean Head Toys in Sandy Springs, Ga., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that she sells between 20-30 items from the HEXBUGS line each month.
— Christine Osborne, co-owner of Wonder Works in Charleston, S.C., has a Hexbug Nano Habitat set up in the store. They've sold ''thousands,'' she said; she couldn't even guess at an exact number.
― “Hexbugs are doing very well,” said Jenny Bramhall, owner of Dandelion Toys in Fort Collins, Colo., in summer 2010. Fifteen percent of 40 retailers polled in June 2010 said Hexbugs are their best-selling electronic item.
— Hexbugs were great sellers at Figpickels Toy Emporium in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho in Aug. 2010. “They fill the affordable techno/RC need - grab and go,” said owner Brett Sommer.
AWARDS: 2010 TDmonthly Top Seller

The Republic F-84 Thunderjet was the USAF’s primary strike aircraft during the Korean War. Replicating a straight-wing F-84E flown by 1st Lt. Jacob Kratt of the 27th Fighter Escort Wing when he shot down two MiG-15s in the largest jet air battle in history, this 1/72 scale, die cast model features engraved panel lines, a detailed cockpit with a glazed canopy, prototypical wingtip fuel tanks, optional position landing gear, authentic markings and more. It has a 6" wingspan and includes a display stand. "This is the first-ever 1/72 scale, die cast F-84!" Sarah Broadwater, marketing manager for Historic Sales, told TDmonthly. Launch date: December 2009.

Replicating the successor to Col. Clarence "Bud" Anderson's famous WWII P-51 Mustang "Old Crow," this 1/72 scale, die cast model replicates the F-105D Thunderchief "Old Crow II" flown by Anderson and includes features such as a detailed cockpit with a pilot figure; removable armament and fuel tanks; optional position landing gear and air brakes; authentic markings, including a sunburst of a crow wearing a top hat and a tuxedo on the fuselage; and more. It is 11.25" long and includes a display stand. Launch date: December 2009.

For the first time in Hess Toy Truck history, a race car takes the spotlight as the main featured vehicle. It features a touch-release canopy compartment that opens to reveal a hidden compartment with surprise cargo — a smaller, faster race car powered by a pull-back racing motor and its own set of working lights. Features include 29 lights with an optional flashing mode, three realistic sound features (ignition, acceleration and horn), alloy-look racing wheels, chrome detailed rear view mirrors and air vents, low-profile headlights (a first for a Hess Toy Truck), rear spoiler, canopy compartment with a spring-release hood that opens with a touch, and two Energizer ‘C’ batteries. The Small Racer boasts 15 lights, pull-back racing motor, alloy-look racing wheels, chrome detailed rear view mirrors and vents, low-profile headlights, rear spoiler, and one Energizer ’AA’ battery. Launch date: October 30, 2009. NOTE: This product is not available wholesale.

The evil Antylar dragon has an impenetrable coat of scaly armour. Only the bravest knights and elves dare fight against Antylar in order to protect their homes from its attacks. Antylar has large veined wings, yellow eyes and a thorny head measuring an impressive 12" x 11.8" x 9". Antylar will definitely stirs up things in the World of Elves.

Most Fact Pack collectible card sets include six unique cards, six colored pencils, 36 fun facts, six blue ribbon stickers, a pencil sharpener and a plastic travel case. The product is made in the USA and, through various subjects that are available, is designed to help children learn interesting facts about animals, holidays, music, states and more.