May 2012 Notable Toys — Musical Toys

It's a 7" long x 2-1/2" dia PVC tube with a resonant head at one end attached to a 17" long x 3/16" dia extension spring. Kids shake it, scrape it, wiggle it, use their palm to muffle it and they generate creaks, deep warbles, rumbles, weird heterodyne-ish gong effects, wa-wa's, rude noises, and, yes, realistic thunder. A perfect musical companion to a cuica and rain stick - and good, clean fun around the house.

Schoenhut's miniature version of a baby grand piano is designed to encourage a child to play and develop a love of music. Elegant in appearance with graceful spindle legs, yet extremely durable and sturdy, it makes a beautiful addition to any home. Lovely chime-like tones are produced by small hammers striking metal rods, the sound that makes Schoenhut toy pianos unique. The two-and one-half-octave span of full-width keys provides a good foundation for the transition to a larger model. Includes: Schoenhut's Learning System and bench.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval

Music is a wonderful opportunity for little ones to expand their sensory and imaginative personality. Music helps them to understand rhythm and harmony, and also to express themselves and their moods. This set of percussion instruments from Sevi is an easy way to get kids started. It comes with 8 pieces, including a tambourine, castanets, a triangle, maracas and a noise maker. Produced by Sevi, Europe’s oldest wooden toy company, this product contains parts and components that are recommended for children ages 2 and up.

Wind up the plush ladybug and the "Over the Rainbow" melody plays. Every petal is delightfully different from the next. Set the Musical Box Buzz Buzz next to baby, turn a tune and ease away to watch. Featuring a sweetly turning ladybug on a brilliant flower blossom. Engages curiosity, visual skills, sensory awareness. No batteries required.

Adjustable microphone stand with light effects, 10 demo songs, 2 sound effects and volume control. Requires 4 AA batteries, not included. Retail box packed.
— In a December 2012 survey about bestselling musical toys, three out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that microphones were their bestselling musical toys.

Has 4 colored keys/noted. Packaged ina retail box. Size 16 5/16" L.

Metallic silver drum set with pedal. Realistic sound; comes in retail box.

Little Pop Stars will have hours of rockin’ fun as they bling while they sing with the Glammerati LumeFX Megastar Microphone. The Glammerati LumeFX Megastar Microphone includes an amplifier and features 3 KIDZ BOP hit songs. Every pop star will surely shine as the light up handle sparkles for every magical performance, whether it’s with friends, mom and dad, or just practicing alone in front of the bedroom mirror. The built in crowd cheers will boost confidence and the record and play back feature sets the tone for the making of a superstar. Launch date: Summer 2012.

Kids will have hours of star strumming fun and feel like a real Pop Star with the Glammerati Electric Guitar. With its sleek modern look and feel and special glitter effects, this glammed out guitar will deliver a full pop star experience. The Glammerati Electric Guitar features 3 KIDZ BOP hits with additional built in keyboard, drums and bass sounds. Pop stars will fashionably take the stage with the groovy guitar strap, wireless headphone microphone and totally rock out with the life-like guitar strings that are extended down the entire guitar and play real music. Includes an “All Access VIP Credential,” lanyard, and two concert tickets. Launch date: Summer 2012.

Now kids can re-create the sound of a steam locomotive's whistle with this wooden train whistle. It's four chambers give it a rich, realistic sounding whistle while its chunky design is ideal for little hands to grip. Makes a great accessory for a child's train set or dress-up engineer's costume.
— In a February 2012 survey about wooden toys, Meghan Porter, owner of Charleston Child in Charleston, S.C., told TDmonthly that they sell more than 20 units of this item each month. “There's nowhere else in town” that has them, she said.

Tranquil Turtle is the first Cloud B product that combines both sight and sound features in one soft, comforting character. Glowing in a relaxing aquamarine or amethyst color, the shell projects a magical underwater light effect with a gentle wave motion and plays soothing sounds to help children sleep. Launch date: February 2012.
Awards: 2012 NAPPA Honors, 2012 The National Parenting Center - Seal of Approval