March 2011 Notable Toys — All

The Kre-o Transformers Optimus Prime set comes complete with more than 500 pieces, the largest amount featured in any of the 2011 KRE-O sets. Builders can assemble the popular Optimus Prime character in ‘vehicle’ mode as the notable semi-hauler or in ‘robot’ mode to create the leader of the Autobots. When in ‘vehicle’ mode, the truck’s removable cab converts into a mini-command station and the trailer opens to fit the two motorcycles and four unique Kreon mini figures included with the set. The trailer can also be disassembled and built into a command center playset for the Kreonmini figures. When in ‘robot’ mode, builders can blast into action with a projectile launching brick. The Kre-o Transformers Optimus Prime set includes orange traffic cones and cool decorative decals. Launch date: Fall 2011.

The 2-in-1 Kre-o Transformers Bumblebee set allows fans to create and recreate their favorite Autobot character in ‘robot’ mode or in ‘vehicle’ mode. In ‘robot’ mode, builders can convert the wings on Bumblebee into a glider for Kreonmini figures to balance on. In ‘vehicle’ mode, open up the driver’s door and take up to two Kreonmini figures for a spin. Set includes two Kreon mini figures and more than 300 pieces.  Launch date: Fall 2011.

These 3-D trading cards by the makers of the popular Bakugan feature animation and graphics effects on each card. Each pack comes with Character, Monster, and Attack cards to ensure that you can play right out of the pack. The easiest way to expand your collection and discover new powers.

These new tracks for Hot Wheels cars can be mounted on the wall using sticky mounting strips by 3M Co. that won't damage walls or wall paper. Kids can bring their tracks to new levels of fun with Hot Wheels Wall Tracks. Compatible with all standard Hot Wheels cars, these innovative tracks are mounted to the wall using sticky mounting strips from 3M Co., that can safely be removed from walls without leaving residue or stripping the paint. Wall tracks can also go up doors, accross corners, and can be connected with standard Hot Wheels tracks too.

The Real Hairstyle Dolls feature fashion collections based on Justin’s lifestyle from beachwear to performances to red carpets, and each doll comes with several cool accessories such as a skateboard, backpack or sunglasses.

Make bracelets, charms, and necklaces anyway you want. Give the jewelry a twist and it turns into a cute animal figure. There are over 60 characters to choose from, and the different beads are interchangeable.

The Squinkies series of toys are soft, squeezy characters that can be held in the palm of a child's hand. Each toy comes inside its own bubble from which it can be removed. Put the Squinkie in the cupcake, insert a "coin," and the Squinkie comes tumbling out. The Cupcake can be opened to reveal a bakeshop playset.

These puppies zoom around on the floor, and know to turn around when they reach a wall. They make cute noises, too. Slightly larger than the Zhu Zhu Hamsters, a variety of play sets are available for the Zhu Zhu Puppies.

Made of soft, tactile skin that enables lifelike movements, girls can poke and squeeze a Fijit Friend for a verbal reaction.  With word recognition capability, Fijit Friends can understand and respond to more than 30 verbal commands, culling from more than 150 built-in phrases and jokes. Girls only have to turn up the music dial to transform their Fijit Friend into a dancing machine. With Beat Detection functionality, Fijit Friends can recognize different types of music and perform different dance moves for each beat. Fijit Friends includes four original songs of their own. Fijit Friends come in an assortment of four that each feature distinct colors, voices, ears and personalities and feature integrated Sonic Chirp technology - special audio coding embedded into an external device or media platform (mobile applications, webisodes, television commercials and more), that when detected by Fijit, triggers various programmed reactions. Launch date: Fall 2011.

This line of Plush and collectible toys corresponds to the incredibly popular MoshiMonsters.com. Many of the products can be used along with the website. Launch date: Fall 2011.

The Little Mommy My Very Real Baby Doll features interactive light and motion innovation for a realistic play experience. Full of lifelike movements and sounds, baby doll will ask for her juice pop and teddy bear accessories - and when placed in her hands – will recognize and respond to them. Hand baby doll her juice pop to lick, and her tongue lights up green until it's magically wiped away. The boo-boo on her leg also lights up, so kids can help make her “all better” and magically wipe it away too.
Tickle baby doll’s foot to make her laugh. Place doll in a lying down position and she will recognize that it is nap time and close her eyes. Includes a doll, juice pop, bear, ”bandage”, wiping cloth, bowl and spoon accessory pieces. Launch date: Fall 2011.

This set features a Fairy and her magic light wand. The toy features a color wand that uses a patented technology to collect color from any object. Once captured, the color can be shared with other toys in the product line. The magic wand also can play three interactive games. Different playsets are available. Launch date: Fall 2011.

This Ken doll features a built-in microphone and recorder so that kids (or mischievous adults) can make Ken say ANYTHING they want. Yes, anything. The recording can be played back in the recorder’s voice, “Ken’s” voice or what is described as a “high-pitched” voice.

Tilt is a dynamic multi-challenge maze game that requires a player to tilt the game board back and forth, and left and right to navigate the green sliders through the center hole. The challenges progress in difficulty, and each challenge card comes with a hint, just in case players need a little help. Launch date: March 2011.

Snack Attack! is a fast-paced picture matching, token stacking challenge. Players spin the Snack Attack! Spinner Platter and the Snack Tokens appear. The player with the most Snack Tokens wins. The matching and stacking of Snack Tokens varies the game every time it’s played and two levels of play keeps the game interesting for both younger and older children. Launch date: March 2011.

PathWords is a new game that combines the Tetris® and Word Search. Players must find all the words in each challenge and place the puzzle pieces so that the letters under each piece spell a word. PathWords will delight puzzle game buffs and word search fanatics. Launch date: March 2011.
— In a Summer 2011 survey, Mary Porter of The Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va., told TDmonthly that ThinkFun was her best-selling brand of puzzles.
— As of 7/12/2011 this product had 4.9 out of 5 stars from 19 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Clear instructions; fun alone or as a group; challenging.

Everyone Loves To Dance is the latest CD by Aaron Nigel Smith and features special guest performances by Ziggy Marley, Kevin Richardson (BackStreet Boys), DJ Drez and Junior Rhythm (Rhythm Child). Aaron's hip, original songs keep the whole family moving and grooving on this entertaining new CD.
Awards: 2010 Parent's Choice "Recommended;" 2010 NAPPA Honors

This Music for Little People 25th Anniversary world music collection features classic tunes gathered from Ireland, South Africa, France, Columbia, Jamaica, Italy, Ghana, and many points in between. With performances from some of the world’s most gifted musicians including multi-Grammy winner Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Taj Mahal, music and movement specialist, Aaron Nigel Smith, Grammy winning Zydeco star, Buckwheat Zydeco, and more. "Music for Little People is an iconic children's record label with a history of producing award-winning world music recordings for the whole family, and this is their 25th anniversary 'best of' collection," Kate Dockins of Music for Little People told TDmonthly.

Each puzzle image is randomly designed and cut in the oddest ways to make it as tricky as possible. The Baffler has no straight edges, no overlapping images and many unique shapes. Each of the three puzzles in the series has a unique piece count: 67 pieces, 69 pieces and 78 pieces. "The puzzles feature unique shapes and no straight edges," Emily Giurleo, marketing coordinator at Ceaco, told TDmonthly.
— David Campbell, owner of Amazing Toys in Great Falls, Mont., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2012 survey that puzzles from Gamewright/Ceaco were among his best sellers.

Zelosport has transformed the age-old pastime of paper football into a series of Finger Sports games for all ages. Now sports fans can enjoy football, baseball, golf, and soccer on the kitchen table. "There is nothing like it on the market," Sara Eddy, project marketing manager at SCI, told TDmonthly.

Mezco Toyz will be introducing even more characters from the DC Universe including world-famous super heroes such as Batman, Superman and the Green Lantern. The first series of 2 packs includes the following pairings: Batman: Gotham City's Dark Knight and The Joker: The Clown Prince of Crime; Hal Jordan as the Green Lantern: Intergalactic Protector of Earth and Sinestro: Former Green Lantern turned cosmic villain; Superman: The Last Son of Krypton- Earth's Greatest Hero and Mongul: Ruler of Warworld, gladiatorial space empire. Mini Mez-Itz are 2" collectibles. All Mini Mez-Itz feature five points of articulation and are packaged together on a blister card. This contains 1 of each of the 3 sets. Launch date: June 2011.

DC Mini Mezitz with Vehicles Set: Asst 1- Batman and The Batmobile is the 1st Mez-Itz character produced with a vehicle: The Batmobile. This 2 inch figure features all the articulation of his larger counterpart at 1/3 the size. Batman can fit inside this famous car, The Batmobile, and still have room for a 2nd passenger. The Batmobile is the first car to ever be transformed into a Mez-Itz vehicle. It measures nearly 6 inches long, features a detailed cockpit, and has a convertible hardtop so the Dark Knight and a passenger can fit inside. Batman and The Batmobile come packaged together in a collector friendly window box. Ships in late July 2011.

ThunderCats Ho! Straight from the ThunderCats' Lair on Third Earth, it's Lion-O and the legendary mystic Sword of Omens. This mega-scale figure measures over 20 inches tall from the tip of his upraised, extended sword to the soles of his Thunderian boots. Featuring 7 points of articulation this mega figure is extremely detailed, capturing not only the iconic look of Lion-O as he appeared in the classic television series, but the essence of Lion-O as he proudly raises the mystic Sword of Omens towards the heavens and roars out "Thundercats, Ho!" He comes complete with his Claw Shield and a removable mystic Sword Of Omens. Lion-O is packaged in a collector-friendly window box that allows him to be displayed while remaining Mint In Box. "We are the only 20 inch tall Lion-O ever produced. After the recent story on MTV pre-orders went insane," Mike Drake, director of special projects at Mezco Toyz, told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 2011.

Music, mishap and adventure guides kids on an animated and live action journey exploring the great outdoors. Join Chipper the squirrel as he meets creatures big and small and learns the importance of respecting the environment. Camping, hiking, and outdoor fun - Chipper teaches young children good character and a love for the environment in this award winning, animated children's DVD. Originally launched with limited release in 2009, Let's Go Chipper! Into The Great Outdoors will be available everywhere in March 2011. "Chipper appeals to a young audience (ages 2-6) and starts kids off with enthusiasm for and appreciation of nature. Age appropriate lessons and storytelling, plus wonderful imagery and music, make this an unparalled treat," Kate Dockins of Music For Little People told TDmonthly.
Awards: 2009 iParenting "Hot Product" Award; 2009 "Top Ten Video" on Family Fun/Disney.com