August 2012 Notable Toys — Tween

The Robecca Steam doll has a signature style with lots of scary cool details and an ancient monster heritage. Her internal clock runs a bit slow, but she makes up for it with a steampunk style that suits her metallic glow. She wears a dress that showcases her seams and comes with her pet mechanical penguin and diary.
— As of 8/27/2012, this product had 4.7 out of 5 stars from 15 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Lots of details; unique design.

The Venus McFlytrap doll has a signature style with lots of scary cool details and an ancient monster heritage. Venus McFlytrap grows for a London punk style made more unique with her perennial green hue and vine details. She has been known to use her pollen powers of persuasion to get the other monsters to volunteer for ecological causes. She comes with her pet, a Venus Flytrap (of course.), and diary.
— As of 8/27/2012, this product had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 16 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Lots of accessories; has eco-friendly message. Cons: One reviewer said that the doll is fragile and the legs snapped off.

The Dachshund Ruffle Sak is particularly festive with hot pink faux-fur trimming on the top of the bag. It’s accented with a beautiful pink satin bow embellished with a rhinestone heart. The black and white iconic dachshund print really flashes bright in contrast to the pretty pink accents. The double handles found on each Ruffle Sak coordinate beautifully with a dainty pindot print, the same print found on the middle ruffle of the bag.

Forget plain boring tape. In kids' next craft project, try Tapeffiti by Fashion Angels Enterprises. Wrap pencils, make tape bracelets and fashion accessories, or customize notebooks and just about anything. With these fabulous and fashionable patterned tapes the fun and possibilities are endless. This 30 Piece Tapeffiti Set includes 30 mini tape dispensers each filled with 9-feet of different patterns of Tapeffiti that will stick to just about any surface. The great thing about this tape: if kids need to reposition it, or remove it, Tapeffiti will come right off. The 30 rolls of Tapeffiti come in a fun desktop holder so kids can easily store all their decorative tape.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval

This brand new line features BOTH Glow in the Dark and Sunlight (UV) reactive all in one necklace. Each pendant comes on assorted colored silicon necklaces and features glow in the dark beads. Each pendant will react to sunlight when outside, as well as glow in the dark. Launch date: April 2012.

The classic wristlet with slip through wristband. Available in 2 colors: Soft Silver and Neon Pink. Each Izza holds up to 4 Charms (Charms sold separately). Perfect for cell phones, ID cards and Cashola! Size: 6.25" x 4". Launch date: September 2012.

A take anywhere cross body cutie featuring a long adjustable strap and stylish key chain charm. Available in 2 colors: Soft Silver and Neon Pink. Each Stella holds up to 5 charms for super stylin' customization (Charms sold separately). Size:  6.5" x 5.5". Launch date: September 2012.

When Cora and her younger sister, Mimi, are sent to stay with their elderly aunt in the isolated village of Byers Guerdon, they receive a less-than-warm welcome. Auntie Ida is eccentric and rigid, and the girls are desperate to go back to London. But what they don't know is that their aunt's life was devastated the last time two young sisters were at Guerdon Hall, and she is determined to protect her nieces from an evil that has lain hidden for years. Along with Roger and Peter, two village boys, Cora must uncover the horrifying truth that has held Bryers Guerdon in its dark grip for centuries - before it's too late for little Mimi. Riveting and intensely atmospheric, this stunning debut will hold readers in its spell long after the last page is turned. In an exquisitely chilling debut novel, four children unravel the mystery of a family curse - and a ghostly creature known in folklore as Long Lankin. Launch date: July 2012.

These iPhone cases are completely customizable, using any Shains component. Eco-friendly and versatile, Shains is a sustainable accessories line is composed of letters, numbers, and icons that can be mixed and matched. All items are made from recycled and recyclable content, including the packaging. Launch date: Fall 2012.

Goodness, are Owls scary. Fearsome terrors of the night, they strike with vicious precision at all things squeaky and crunchy in a wave of silent death...I'm not convincing anyone, am I?  All right, fact is, yes, Owls are extremely efficient hunters, but who cares when they're so gosh darn cute. Who wouldn't gladly sacrifice the occasional mouse for those huge eyes, those fluffy feathers, that permanently surprised expression that asks, "Who, me? What mouse? It was like that when I got here. Incidentally, pass the ketchup."  15 squishy inches of innocent bird, polyester fiber, ages 3 and up. Launch date: 2011.
— In a June 2014 survey, three out of 10 retailers told TDmonthly that Squishables were their best-selling plush toys.

The fluffy soda pop scarf is made for knitting, not sipping. What a great way to introduce the art of knitting to any girl or boy. When finished they'll have a beautiful, long scarf. This unique kit provides great instruction on how to knit a scarf - from casting on to casting off. Kids'll also learn how to knit adding additional balls of yarn. The bamboo needles are perfect for a beginner. Fun knitting in an easy to learn format. Lovely yarn color variations, knitting needles and "how to" tips that make sense. A fully illustrated instruction book accompanies each kit: Berry-Licious, Lime-A-Licoious or Pink-A-Licious.  Includes 2 balls (140 grams) soft acrylic yarn, 2 bamboo knitting needles Easy to follow illustrated instruction book included.

MOGO Shades are the perfect tween accessory featuring retro styling and hot neon colors. Each pair of Shades will hold 2 MOGO Charms - ready for instant personalization. "MOGO Shades let you show the world how you're feeling, what you love or maybe you just want to wear your initials," Katie Elliott, Operations Manager of MOGO Designs, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2009.
Awards: 2011 Dr. Toy's Best Picks New Products; 2011 Parents' Choice Fun Stuff Award; 2012 The Next Big ZING Award, Kid's Category; 2012 Mom's Choice Award, Arts, Crafts & Hobbies