March 2011 Notable Toys — All

New Yamodo! Monsters & Aliens, Yamodo! Magic & Mayhem and Yamodo! Gizmos & Gadgets are the new theme versions of Yamodo that can be played anytime anywhere. The twist this time is that the drawings and definitions should be related to the category of the game theme. Creations can be uploaded on Yamodo’s website, allowing for "creative collaboration anywhere anytime," Gred Walsh, pr for Idea Storm Products, told TDmonthly. Awards: 2010 - Dr. Toy Best Vacation, 2010 - Dr. Toy Top 10 Educational Products

Zike's new freestyle scooters are a combination of both a scooter and a bicycle. Zike is the "World's first hybrid scooter marketed directly to children that can fight childhood obesity and is fun to ride," Nathan Scolari, owner of Zike, told TDmonthly. A unique foot pumping action propels the bike forward, while relying on the balance properties of a traditional bicycle. Launch date: February 2011

What is the favorite food of the cat, dog, and sheep? Little explorers will soon find this out as only the right food will fit through the corresponding holes of the sorting box. The big wooden pieces stimulate the curiosity of little ones, fosters their senses and train motor skills. Material: Naturally colored birch wood, 6 colored pieces of beech wood and 2 birch plywood templates printed on both sides. Launch date: 2011.

This boat really floats, has lots of storage, and can be upgraded to have a motor. Comes with family, snorkeling accessories, a cooler with snacks, and two beach towels.
— In a March 2012 survey, 2 out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that items from Playmobil were their best sellers. Donna Frederick, owner of The Play House Toy Store in Durham, N.C., told TDmonthly that they sell 10-12 sets from Playmobil each month, and that Playmobil has "Been a best seller for a long time."

The Family Motorhome, with its removable roof and side, makes it easy to play. The Motorhome comes with a bathroom and kitchen. The Motorhome also comes with a bike rack and a cargo box for storage. Set includes four figures and many other accessories. Dimensions: 35 x 14 x 15 cm

The new Playmobil Swimming Pool comes with a working water slide and shower. Fill the pool with water and let the figures dive in. Includes six figures.

Snuggle Paws are a super-soft blanket rolled up in a blue puppy or a pink cat, with a handle for toting around.

Kids writing their first letters will get helpful up, down and sideways instructions via easy-to-follow arrows. A magnetic stylus pulls beads up to create solid lines. Erases with the tip of a finger. Comes in lower case, upper case, and numbers.
— Mike McCollum, owner of Learning Express in Hoover, Ala., told TDmonthly in a November 2011 survey that their best selling educational product is the Magnatab. "Parents like the way children have fun pulling the magnet around," he said.
Watch Video from Toy Fair 2011

Henna is an exotic, non-permanent body art of the Far East. Traditional Mehndi is drawn on the hands and feet, but it can be applied anywhere. All the tools and supplies needed to begin are included in this kit: Henna powder, Mordant liquid, Eucalyptus oil, Straight pin, Wooden mixing stick, Cotton balls to apply the citrus/sugars solution, Cotton swabs for wiping away small mistakes, and a Toothpick for editing the design and thinning lines.

Hit the Trail comes packaged in a mini backpack which includes 72 cards, 3 dice, and pencil. Each player is dealt 7 cards. The player then picks a card and lays it face up. (This is where the strategy comes in) Do you pick a lower point card or a higher point card? The Youngest player then rolls the three dice, trying to match one of the die or combination of dice to their card amount which is face up. Each time the die/dice combination match the player's card that is face up, the player gets to move the card into their “mile pile” trying to be the first to hike 100 miles. Players must beware of getting caught with a “cooler card” – like the mother bear & cubs in the trail. If you get caught with one of the three cooler cards you loose 10 miles. Other twists in the game include bonus rolls if the player’s dice totals the card amount that is face up. Don’t forget to look out for the trips /doubles rule which is when any of the dice come up with doubles or triples. You take a card from the person to your right. Launch date: May 2011.
Watch Toy Fair 2011 Video

This Toob® contains highly detailed, hand-painted landmarks from cities around the world. An educational insert gives fun facts about the landmarks. Includes Statue of Liberty, Eiffel Tower, Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Pyramids of Giza, and more.

Contains 18 hand painted glow-in-the-dark pieces. Includes insert with educational facts abut the bugs.

Polish real amber to reveal the hidden treasures that may be trapped within. Just like the paleontologists in the movie Jurassic Park, kids will create a window back in time. Follow the simple instructions and peer into the real amber pieces in search of ancient bugs and plants that were alive during the time of the dinosaurs. This fun activity kit contains 5 real pieces of amber, 6 special grades of gemstone quality sandpaper, magnifying glass, adventure booklet, and an amber-colored key chain with a genuine scorpion inside. Launch date: 2012.
Awards: 2012 National Parenting Center Seal of Approval; 2012 Product of the Year - Informal Education Products

This walk bike helps children as young as 2 get outside and learn about balance. Lets them learn to balance by "walking" at their own pace, reducing the number of falls and scrapes. They'll be ready for a pedal bike in no time. Features adjustable seat and handlebars. Unique frame allows even young children to easily mount and dismount. Pneumatic tires and ball bearings keep it rolling smoothly. Full 2 year warranty.

When a child receives an angel, they will get a special code that they will use to register their angel. When they do, Custard 'n Jelly will donate a portion of the purchase to a children's charity of the child's choosing. The angels are based on drawings by the company founders' daughter.

This shelter features lots of mesh pockets for storage, waterproof tenting, and a window. This shelter is designed to get kids excited about the outdoors and exploration. The set comes with a mini-lantern to illuminate it on dark nights. Perfect for pretend play or backyard games.

These various hand-felted sculptures are made out of all natural wool felt and cotton thread. Each piece is made by hand. Also available are mini felted mice, gnomes, birds, and petit fours. Prices from $7.00-$95.00.

This water cannon stands on a tripod. It can be connected to a garden hose directly for an endless supply of "ammo." Launch date: June 2011.

This multi-color gummy snake is 2.5 feet, chewy and sweet. There are 3 flavors available: Apple Attack, Blue Raspberry Bite and Cherry Chase.

Coast downhill or pedal in gear. Features Synthetic MaxXtread wheels, Dual rear wheel handbrake, High carbon steel frame with fade resistant powder coat finish, Coasting lever, 3 position easy adjust high back racing seat, Oversized anti-slip pedals, Sporty steering wheel, Fully enclosed chain for safety, and Four bolt easy assembly.

Each starter pack comes with one collectors book and a pack of numbered stickers to place inside. There are over 1,200 stickers to find to complete the collection, and plenty of places to showcase the child's own designs as well. Each blind pack of stickers that comes with the book includes a water sticker, plus a combination of epoxy, foil, puffy and glitter stickers. Additional refill packs available (Note: It will take approximately 9 sticker packs to fill each StickerZine).

Kids can use over 400 colorful pieces to create their own thrill ride with the Techno Gears Marble Mania Accelerator. The marble launcher will propel marbles through the giant marble loop and into a series of twisting and turning roller coaster tracks. The set includes multiple channels, 3-D connectors and structures, a power lifter, flashing lights and much more - everything necessary to build and “accelerate” hundreds of marble run designs. Requires five AA batteries and 2 button cell batteries. Colors may vary.

All picks contain guitar riffs of three iconic rock songs that play with the flick of the pick. Each pick has a whammy bar button and an attached carabiner clip. Assortment includes Rolling Stones, Classic Rock and Rebel Rock picks. Peg-ready, footed clamshell package.

The Executive Marshmallow Shooter holds 25 miniature marshmallows in its magazine chamber and fires up to 30 feet accurately.