May 2009 Notable Toys — All

Founded on the idea of a modular construction set that integrates with many other popular systems such as K'Nex and Lego, Uberstix is also intended for use with whatever recycled materials one might have lying around. Mixing Uberstix pieces such as the 60 contained in this set with found materials yields numerous possibilities. This model set is designed to yield a large bat that can really flap its wings. The kit also includes a 40-page book of Uberstix basics.
— “They are flying off the shelves,” said Janet Hoo, owner of Hoomade Toys in Phoenix, Ariz., who named Uberstix in response to TDmonthly's April 2009 survey of best selling construction toys. “Once the customer learns they are compatible with Legos and other sets they want them.”
— “I put some out to show how they work with Legos and others,” said Jacque Flagg, owner of Jacque's Educational Supplies in Bryan, Texas, on what makes Uberstix a best-selling toy in the construction department.

Who knows what 500 pieces of poseable, snap-together Zoob could stir in the imagination? Geometric structures, funky creatures, buildings and whimsical characters can be built and rebuilt easily with the simple ball-and-socket joints that connect Zoob pieces. The set comes packed in a sturdy, reusable storage case complete with four removable play pads that fit into the lid to act as foundations for the creations. 
— “Up until now, Zoob has been best,” Jeff Oslick, owner of The Enchanted Toy Store in Fullerton, Calif., told TDmonthly during an April 2009 survey about best-selling construction toys. 
— “I have a good run on Zoob year round,” said Amy Barrett, owner of Lasso the Moon Wonderful Toys in Helena, Mont., of her top selling construction items.
— Four of 49 retailers listed Zoob as a best-selling construction item in spring 2009.

Standing 3.5” tall and complete with flick-firing missiles, the Clone Walker packs a powerful punch as children use imagination and building skills to relive or reinvent their favorite parts of the Star Wars saga. Once complete, the posable model stands on two legs and carries two of the four included characters.
— “Legos are still king,” said Patti Tepper-Rasmussen when asked in spring 2009 about best-selling construction toys in her Oklahoma City, Okla., store, Learning Tree Toys, Books and Games.
— “Everyone wants Legos,” Ron Kutchik, owner of Grand Slam Toys in Kodiak, Alaska, told TDmonthly in April 2009 during a survey concerning best-selling construction items.
— More than 40 percent of 49 retailers pointed out Lego as a best-selling construction brand in their stores in spring 2009.

This behavorial modification device is designed to teach children acceptable sleep patterns by displaying a sun face for day and a moon face for night. It can be preset to any times, depending upon the schedule that parents set for their children. The sun caricature brightens the room in the morning, letting kids know it is time to get out of bed; the moon signifies that it is "time to rest." The programmable light measures 6" in diameter.

These colorful mugs are available in various names so that children can have their own special cup.
— “John Hinde name mugs and sippy cups are a consistent reorder,” said Steve Melody, owner of Melody’s Choices in Fayetteville, Ark., in spring 2009.

These colorful, non-toxic crayons do not need sharpening as they simply twist from the bottom to expose more crayon. The package measures 5.5” x 3” x 1”.
— The Hello Kitty brand is a consistent top seller at Melody’s Choices in Fayetteville, Ark., Owner Steve Melody told TDmonthly in April 2009.

When rolled gently, this colorful tin wheel returns to the user. It is available in a variety of designs.
— Schylling products were listed as top sellers at Melody’s Choices in Fayetteville, Ark., by Owner Steve Melody in spring 2009. He likes that the vendor has small toys that sell consistently.

Made from high quality super soft plush and stuffed with polyester fiber. All new materials. Also available in 18".

Made from high quality super soft plush and stuffed with polyester fiber. All new materials. Also available in 18".

Made from high quality super soft plush and stuffed with polyester fiber. All new materials. Also available in 18".

Made from high quality super soft plush and stuffed with polyester fiber. All new materials. Also available in 18".

Set includes 54 blocks.
(45 large blocks, and 9 half-size blocks.)
Plus an assortment of plastic windows!

Colors: Red, Yellow, Blue.

 

Set includes 108 blocks.
(90 large blocks, and 18 half-size blocks.)
Plus an assortment of plastic windows!

Colors: Red, Yellow, Blue.

Set includes 216 blocks.
(180 large blocks, and 36 half-size blocks.)
Plus an assortment of plastic windows!

Colors: Red, Yellow, Blue, and Green!

We developed this game at the urging of teachers who, while praising the content of our popular TerraCarta USA playing cards, wanted a product more suitable for classroom use. The result is the States of the Union game. The maps are much larger so that kids and grandparents will have an easier time reading place names. The playing card pips have been removed, and we have added rules for two fun, fast-paced quiz games.

Learn the States! Playing the States of the Union game can foster a new curiosity about our country among children of all ages. Great for Travel! Contents include cards of all fifty states plus the District of Columbia in superb detail – state flags, mountains, rivers, national parks, historic sites and a fold-out map of the United States. The full deck also makes a fascinating set of flash cards. Can you name the “Grand Canyon State”?

As with all of our products, we have followed the successful model of dynamic packaging design, educational value, and a commitment to the concept of helping kids develop a good mental map of the world through game play.

Each card in this geography themed deck sports a detailed custom map of one of the fifty states. The cards deliver facts about the states, including flags, important cities and towns, rivers, lakes, mountain peaks, national parks, historic sites, and other fun features. All of this information is displayed on the delicately shaded relief maps that are the heart of TerraCarta. The District of Columbia and U.S. territories are included in the playing card coverage. A two-sided map and playing card index, an informational key card, and a wild card that shows the entire United States in striking global perspective fill out the complete deck of 55 cards. With a full set of traditional suits and ranks, TerraCarta can replace standard playing cards for popular games, such as gin rummy, hearts, and crazy eights. It can also be used as a set of quiz and flash cards.

When placed in water for 30 seconds, this compact package expands into a 12" x 12" cotton towel.
— “Toysmith offers lots of small, inexpensive toys that go out the door consistently,” Steve Melody, owner of Melody’s Choices in Fayetteville, Ark., told TDmonthly in spring 2009.

P’kolino’s Puzzle Stacker increases the play value of the classic stacker by adding the benefits of puzzles. This 6 ring stacking toy helps develop a baby’s hand-eye coordination and recognition of sizes and colors. The puzzle fine-tunes motor skills and teaches spatial logic through joining the interconnecting pieces, resulting in doubling its developmental value within a single toy. Also available in a 10 ring version. Launch date: June 2009.

This iBaby Float Along set includes a book that teaches early-learning concepts and include three floatable turtle toys to serve as bath toys. The bath book teaches children all about opposites as the turtles float in the tub during bathtime. By Ana Martin Larranaga (illustrator).

A hermit crab is in search of a place to be alone by the seashore, but he discovers that many creatures call the seashore home. Sidebar facts about sea lions, starfish, pelicans, and other amazing animals introduce kids to life at the seashore. By Ruth Koeppel (author) and Scott McBee (illustrator).

This durable, adjustable cotton apron for children features an eco-coating that is Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 certified to not contain harmful chemicals. It is machine washable and may also be spot cleaned. It is designed for use when kids are working on art projects, cooking, eating or conducting science experiments.

Part of the Farm Life series, this Rodeo Bull is ready to buck. He measures 14.3 x 6.9 x 6.8 cm.
— Schleich’s small animal figures are consistent best sellers at Melody’s Choices in Fayetteville, Ark., as reported by Owner Steve Melody in April 2009.

Toss it in the air and watch the colors magically flip! Handheld, magical color-flipping balls make a fun, portable toy. Collect all four cool color combinations. Toss just one or try to juggle with three.

Made with a whimsical variety of textured fabrics and colors, Nonos is one in a collection of six Deglingos Mini Clips (also BigBos the Wolf, Pikos the Hedgehog, Ratos the Rat, Milkos the Cow and Chikos the Hen). They are designed to be attached to luggage, key chains or purses, or to adorn a rear-view mirror. Launch date: 2009.