May 2010 Notable Toys — Novelties

Red has an exuberant and athletic nature. She also tends to be highly cynical and sometimes teases her friends. Like Gobo, Red likes to take the lead and they sometimes butt heads. Red has a yellowish-orange complexion, orange hair, and wears a red sweater. Julie Flann, Manager of Marketing & Sales at Manhattan Toy, told TDmonthly, "Fraggle Rock is back and Manhattan Toy has exclusive rights to making the Fraggle Rock plush and puppets!" Launch date: 2010.

Gobo tends to be the leader of the group. Unusually level-headed and practical for a Fraggle, Gobo prefers to control most situations. He plays a guitar (made from a gourd) and often goes on trips to explore the lesser-known tunnels of Fraggle Rock. Gobo is an independent Fraggle and resists the influence of his friends. Gobo has an orange complexion and purple hair, and wears a yellow and pink stripe sweater with a brown vest. Julie Flann, Manager of Marketing & Sales at Manhattan Toy, told TDmonthly, "Fraggle Rock is back and Manhattan Toy has exclusive rights to making Fraggle Rock puppets and plush!" Launch date: 2010.

This handy accordion is a musical toy suitable for little kids. William Xie of China Toybiz told TDmonthly it is "good for practice and fun." Launch date: Feb. 20, 2010.

These wooden party favors are 4.5” tall and come in a set of four in various colors. Kids can push on the base and watch the flower move.
— These little puppets were on the top-10 best-seller list at My Club Tabby in Lake Charles, La., in spring 2010, as reported by Owner Natalie Comeaux.

Girls can ring their favorite fairy tales to life with MGA’s My Favorite Princess doll. She comes with her own tiara, dazzling dress and shoes, plus a display stand. She also comes with a "life-size tiara for princess role play," Susan Hale, PR Director of MGA Entertainment, told TDmonthly. Launch date: Jan. 6, 2010.
— Terri Maccarrone, GM of Specialty Toys at MGA Entertainment, told TDmonthly in June 2010 that this product is not being developed.

Meet Norman PhartEphant's friend Ben Kachoo, a Hippo with a bit of sneezing problem. Ben is a plush pink hippopotamus that makes sneezing sounds when squeezed.

Meet Norman PhartEphant's friend Harry Hiccers, a Koala with a case of the hiccups. Harry is a plush Koala bear that hiccups when squeezed.

This is a two-color chocolate and pink version of the company's gift bingo bridal shower game for up to 50 guests. "Introduced in 2002, BadaBadaBingo is the leader in original, upscale shower games providing quality, thoughtful games which connect people at events. Time and again we hear: 'Women typically do not like playing games at showers, but your products make playing games fun!'" Susan Newton, CEO, BadaBadaBingo Fun Games Co! LLC, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2009.

Shoulder Buddies are a collectible, educational accessory that kids can wear on their shoulders, backpacks, hats, etc. Shoulder Buddies are packaged with a collectible "Smarts" card that teaches their "Smarts" through an easy-to-remember acronym. A "Shoulder Buddies Coin" is also included, which is used to attach them to your shoulder. They also have a hole on their back so that kids can attach them to their backpacks with a keychain, which is also included with the product. There's also a book that corresponds to the Shoulder Buddy characters. "Shoulder Buddies are very unique because they are an adorable character that can be worn on the shoulder," Jeaneen & Kevin Muller, Managing Members, Shoulder Fun USA, LLC, told TDmonthly. "They definitely attract attention when wearing them and our variety of characters each have a different learning message that comes with them." Launch date: October 2009.

Kids and parents can toss the ball to have fun with their pets. Launch date: January 25, 2010.

Individuals can stock their cupboards with these Cat-in-a-cans so they'll have ample inflatable felines to get you through the winter. Each 12-1/2" (31.8 cm) vinyl cat offers a convenient companion that won't leave hairballs on the carpet or use the armchair as a scratching post. It comes deflated in a 3-3/4" (9.5 cm) round, 2-1/2" (6.4 cm) tall illustrated tin. Launch date: January 28, 2010.

Use the beanbags to launch softballs into the air. The game is over when all the balls have been launched. Catch more than your opponent to win. For up to 4 players. Launch Date: February 2010.

Crank the knob and watch Slinky Dog take himself for a walk. Launch Date: March 2010.

Slinky Dog plays music and says 4 phrases from the Toy Story movie. Pet Slinky Dog and watch him walk and roll, or turn his bendable body to see him spin in circles. Launch Date: May 2010.

Push the button and Slinky Dog spins his nose to keep you cool. Launch Date: March 2010.

Dip Slinky Dog in the bubble tray and start the bubble show. The Bubble Blower is perfect for smaller hands and great for outdoor, summertime fun. Launch Date: March 2010.

Squeeze the handle and Slinky Dog barks hundreds of bubbles. Great for outdoor, summertime fun. Launch Date: March 2010.

Junior is just like the Original Slinky Dog, only miniature for optimal portability. Launch Date: May 2010.

Great for the little outdoor camper, this Slinky Dog barks and lights the way with a squeeze of the handle. Launch Date: May 2010.

Comes in 1950's retro style packaging and plays "Pop Goes the Weasel" until a soft, plush Slinky Dog pops out to say hello. Launch Date: May 2010.

Slinky Dog is able to float on a cushion of air at the touch of a button. Use his leash to activate the hover function, guide him and take him for a walk. Launch Date: May 2010.

TreBot is micro robot controlled by a a 5-button IR remote that also charges it. TrekBot is available in four colors — Crystal Clear, Clear Safari Yellow, Clear Khaki Green and Clear African Sun — each color with its own frequency so they can be raced. "The size, method of movement and the USB charging" set this product apart, David Piltz, Managing Director, Desk Pets, told TDmonthly. Schylling is the distributor to specialty stores in the United States. Launch date: June 2010. Watch Video

The fast-moving SkitterBot is charged by a USB remote contoller. Individuals can battle or race the bots as each color has its own frequency. SkitterBot is available in four colors: Clear Diamond, Clear Emerald Green, Clear Ruby Red and Clear Sapphire Blue. "Our items can be charged by our unique USB remote control and SkitterBot travels at a speed of 12" per second," David Piltz, Managing Director, Desk Pets, told TDmonthly. Schylling is the distributor to specialty stores in the United States. Launch date: June 2010. Watch Video