August 2012 Notable Toys — All

A fun safari animal puzzle that's shaped like a cube. Promotes problem solving skill and hand-eye coordination. Slide individual cubes on pegs to create images. 8 unique images to view in all. Made of renewable rubberwood and non-toxic paint.

A fun way to learn step counting, an important stage in learning multiplication. Count by 2s, 5s, 10s and 20s...all the way to 100. Colorful I Spy images make the game even more exciting. Also includes catchy rhymes to say when counting.

Electric motors and generators are in countless devices, appliances, and vehicles we use every day. They are an essential technology in our modern world. With this kit, kids can conduct 25 experiments to learn how an electric motor converts electricity into motion, and how an electric generator does just the opposite, converting motion into electricity. The electric motor is made of transparent plastic to show how the inside components work. Set up the motor to run on battery power and learn how a motor works. Then reconfigure the device to work in reverse as a hand-crank electric generator. Experiment with magnets to learn about the force of magnetism, and how magnetic fields relate to electric current. Build simple circuits consisting of the motor or generator, wires, and a light bulb to learn about the flow of electricity. Learn about gears and drive-trains and how they work to effectively convert kinetic energy into electrical energy and back again. The full-color, 48-page manual guides your experiments with step-by-step instructions.

Brain twisting game of 40 challenges. Four challenge levels accommodate the skills of everyone in the family. Develops reasoning abilities and fine motor skills. Tactile, dual-colored design. Includes folding hexagon puzzle, booklet with 40 challenges.

Make carnival rides with Magformers. 144 magnets included in 46 magformers. Twelve triangles and twenty-four squares, two hexagons and eight additional triangles.
— As of 08/06/2012 this product had 4.8 out of 5 stars from 4 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Well made, durable; encourages creativity.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval

108 magnets included in 30 Magformers. Twelve triangles and eighteen squares. Two different shapes - triangles, and squares. Blue, orange, red, purple, green and blue colored pieces. Includes 30 Magformers and detailed instruction guide.
— Diana Nelson, owner of Kazoo Toys in Denver, Colo., told TDmonthly in a Fall 2012 survey that Magformers are one of her top-2 overall best selling toys.
— Gary Green, owner of Toy Box of Asheville Inc in Asheville, N.C., told TDmonthly in a May 2014 survey that Magformers were the best-selling construction toy in the store.

Ten fun origami brainteasers with solutions. Created by famed puzzle inventor Ivan Moscovich. Build mathematical thinking, logic abilities, fine motor skills and patience. Heavy-duty laminated puzzles designed for repeated folding and multiple uses.

This game gives kids the opportunity to think about what makes COMMUNITY. From HOME players build the roads that will connect the special places players will select, creating, when they’re done, a bird’s eye view Of HOME and a whole village they made together. Players will have to think ahead and work together to successfully accomplish this endeavor. Community challenges players to build roads linking Home to other important locations in a community. "Children often rely on electronic games to construct and interact with realities. Now they can satisfy that intellectual drive and learn something along the way, all within a social activity that encourages cooperation and communication," Rosie Pohlmann from eeBoo told TDmonthly.

Santa Boo Boo Bear is the newest and cutest Holiday hit this season at Cuddle Barn. This adorable Teddy Bear plays peek a boo with his big floppy Christmas hat while singing “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus”. Using only the best quality materials for our products; all our Cuddle Barn friends a have crisp, clear sound and are made with soft to the touch plush fabric that makes all children want to cuddle up with our Cuddle Barn pals. Launch date: June 2012.

Kids can get in the driver's seat with the Inflatable Sports Car for iPad and enjoy turning the steering wheel tablet mount as they race around corners in their favorite racing games. The super bouncy and comfortable seat covered with images of playful Nickelodeon characters is designed for children of all ages supporting up to 230 lbs. The car is very easy to set up, just pull out and pop open the air valves around the car and inflate with the included foot pump. This model not only is compatible with the iPad, but sports design choices between 3 different beloved Nickelodeon characters that you won't find on our previous versions of the kart: SpongeBob Squarepants, Dora the Explorer and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Launch date: September 2012.

The Universay Activity Tray for iPad safely brings tablet technology to toddlers and young children while entertaining them with playful images of popular Nickelodeon characters. The tablet tray can also be easily fitted and securely attached to a car seat, stroller or high chair. Made with soft spongy padding, a sealed waterproof top layer and cushioned bottom, this special tray is comfortable and protects the iPad from bumps, spills, or falls. Launch date: September 2012.

This kit has everything kids need to get started on the path to handwriting proficiency. Includes activities that help kids improve gross and fine motor skills. The I Can Write Lower Case! writing tablet will help teach kids proper lower case letter formation. Large muscle movements prepare childrens' bodies for writing. With magnastix, kids will have a great time and grow more confident as they learn to identify and form the letters of the alphabet. Gross motor cards are a fun and easy way to practice letter recognition while improving flexibility and strengthening muscles. The handy carrying case makes this kit perfect for use at home or on-the-go. Launch date: 2011.
Awards: 2012 Tillywig Brain Child Award; 2012 The National Parenting Center Seal of Approval

Thinking Putty is high quality silicone bouncing putty enhanced with knock-your-socks-off colors. It is all Made in the USA, non-toxic, and never dries out. The three new Super Illusions are unbelievably vibrant colors that shift depending on how the light hits them. The dynamic colors shine like no others: when held up to the light and pulled thin, the colors magically disappear and kids can see right through them. Launch date: June 2012.
— Mary Sisson, owner of Kazoodles in Vancouver, Wash., told TDmonthly in a Fall 2012 survey that Thinking Putty is one of her best sellers in the tween category.

From the classic TV series The Munsters. Now people can build their own house from 1313 Mockingbird Lane. HO scale, easy to build accurate plastic kit of the Munster's abode. Complete with window inserts to ease finishing. Needs paint and glue for final assembly. Launch date: September 2012.

This FUNctional set is fit for a princess and includes the special message:  “Always a Princess”. The desk top opens to reveal a roomy storage area with multiple compartments. Slow-closing metal safety hinges are included on both the desk and chair. The chair features a removable padded seat cushion and a storage compartment beneath the seat. The space-saving design allows chair to slide under desk when not in use. Desk dimensions: 24” L x 18” W x 46” H, Table surface: 21.5", Chair dimensions: 15” L x 15.5" W x 21” H Height of seat: 12”. Launch dare: January 2012.

Kids will love receiving temporary tattoos of their favorite characters. These 3-D, interactive packs each include 50 temporary tattoos in a wide variety of designs. Choose from Hello Kitty, Disney Princesses, Minnie Bowtique, Scooby-Doo, Batman, and Spider-Man. Temporary tattoos apply easily with water, and are made with FDA-approved inks in the USA. Launch date: September 2012.

These fun activity kits provide hours of entertainment. Each kit includes 16 Magic Paint Posters, 50 temporary tattoos and 25 stickers. The Magic Paint Palettes are printed directly on each paint poster and are activated with water for mess-free painting with a paintbrush, cotton swab, or even your finger! Available in Hello Kitty, Scooby-Doo, and Spider-Man. Launch date: August 2012.

Kids can paint their favorite characters, including Hello Kitty, Batman, Pillow Pets, and Scooby-Doo. Magic paint palettes are printed directly on the paper and activated with water. Kids can paint with a cotton swab, paintbrush, or their finger. This unique, no-mess craft activity is great for travel. Each item includes 12 paint sheets. Launch date: September 2012.

Kids can design and decorate their own fashion boutique. Sturdy cardboard fashion dolls come ready to dress and decorate with 50+ pre-cut Shrinky Dinks¸ fashions. This complete set includes Faber-Castell colored pencils, Playscape, 7 fashion dolls, Shrinky Dinks, character stands and a sharpener. The Playscape measures 8 3/4"h x 15 1/2"w x 7.25"d.
Awards: Summer 2012 Tillywig Award Winner

Players spin the spinner on their turn, then roll the dice. Players have 3 rolls or less to match the rummy hand on the spinner – but look out for a bonus or penalty that can help or hurt. Win the most points and win the game. When players are done, they can use the dice to play a different game. Game Contents: 9 Square Shooters® dice, spinner, dice cup, and scorepad.
Awards: 2012 Creative Child Magazine Game of the Year Award; Summer 2012 Tillywig Award Winner

Kids can make a dozen dimensional rings, perfect to wear and share. This is also a great party activity. Layer 90+ printed acetate and chipboard flourishes with rhinestones and glitter gel accents onto 12 metal ring bases. This kit includes a sweet 6" diameter foam flower ring holder.
Awards: Summer 2012 Tillywig Sterling Fun Award Winner; Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal

The BILD line offers a stimulating opportunity for constructive play and imaginative exploration. Leap always knew it was destined for fun. Inspired by a rocket, this Bit redesigned itself to fly. With a well placed propeller and a powerful spring, Leap is always ready to leap into action. Crank is the go-to BIT. Whether he's scooping sand, clutching parts, or fixing the other Bits, Crank is the one for the job.Set Contains: 1 OGOBILD BITS Leap character and 1 OGOBILD BITS Crank character.
Awards: Summer 2012 Tillywig Award Winner

Includes everything kids need to create an enchanting home for three wee gnomes. This all-inclusive garden craft kit includes a garden dish, potting mix, wheat grass seeds, bark house, leaf-shaped pond, mossy rocks, stepping stones, resin gnomes, toadstools, ladybugs, paint, brush and a mister - just add water and a little sunshine. The garden dish measures 11"w x 2"d. The natural wheat grass seeds are pet friendly and sprout in just a few days.
Awards: Summer 2012 Tillywig Award Winner

Hand crafted from hardwood the 38 piece hand held version of Mentagy measures just over 6" x 6". To play simply mark the blank spaces with the black pegs and seed letters with the red letters. Players are now ready to use the remaining white letters to solve the puzzle. One advantage of the wooden Mentagy ™ set is that players can solve the puzzles without using an eraser. If a player is in the middle of solving a puzzle and has to stop, they simply place the top on the base and the pegs cannot move. Take the Mentagy ™ set anywhere and continue where the game was left off.
Awards: Summer 2012 Tillywig Award Winner
— As of 12/6/2012 Mentagy: The Next Puzzle Craze (the book) had 5 out of 5 stars from 4 reviews on Amazon.com.