August 2012 Notable Toys — General Toys

The Magic: The Gathering game expands every year, introducing new worlds filled with deadly perils, ancient adversaries, and fantastic new adventures. At its center is the Magic core set, the game in its purest form: evocative spells, menacing creatures, and infinite possibilities. But even at its core, the experience is ever-changing. The Magic 2013 Core Set boldly continues this tradition. Includes 249 Total Cards, 15 Mythic Rares, 53 Rares, 60 Uncommons, and 101 Commons. Launch date: July 13, 2012.
— Bryan Raddatz, manager of The Time Machine in Manchester, Conn., told TDmonthly that their best selling item is Magic the Gathering from Wizards of the Coast. They sell up to 900 units a month when a new release comes out.

The snap and match puzzle. Push the colored balls and snap them into empty spots to fit each one with its matching, colored ring. Mix them up again for a brand new challenge.
Awards: 2012 The National Parenting Centre – Seal of Approval, 2011 Parent Tested Parent Approved – Best Product Media Seal of Approval

Another member of the Fun Slides family, Knee Hockey includes two 16” hockey sticks and one carpet puck.

Skate indoors year-round. Carpet skates work on any type of carpet for a fun-powered glide. Strap them on and slide away. If you've got carpet, you've got fun. One size fits all. Ages 6+. Recommended for use with The Carpet Puck. Launch date: 2012.

Fans of the classic TV show will love having their very own Gumby and friends boxed set. All the favorites are here including Goo, Minga, Prickle, Gumby and his best pal Pokey. Nostalgia lives on in this fully bendable and posable boxed set of beloved characters from the good ol' days. Launch date: 2002.

21" Baby Loves Playtime doll. Soft baby doll comes with soft building blocks and soft stacking rings. Launch date: February 2011.
Awards: 2012 Creative Child Magazine Toy of the Year Award

Like a piece of Op Art, this arrangement by Lewis Johnson is sure to make kids smile. Artist: Lewis Johnson. Finished size 18" X 24".

Pack the ice so that every puzzle tile can fit on the game board and all the penguins are in the right spot. A super cool game of logic with 5 unique shape-shifting pentomino playing pieces. 60 challenges from easy to difficult.

This 100 piece glow in the dark puzzle was designed by Schim Schimmel. Features a snowy baby seal and his little penguin friend. Puzzle Size: 15" x 11".
— In July 2014 Mary Porter Green, owner of Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va. told TDmonthly, "We love Ceaco puzzles; they sell very quickly."

This large format jigsaw puzzle features a photograph by Brian Lawrence of Big Ben in London, England. The puzzle contains 300 pieces and measures 21.25 by 15 inches. Large format puzzles feature over-sized pieces that are easier to handle than regular puzzles, making them easier for children.

Enjoy an outdoor Christmas with Santa and his forest friends. The Playmobil Advent Calendar - Forest Winter Wonderland contains twenty four surprise items for each day of Advent. Includes a backdrop, Santa, girl figure, sleigh, mother and baby fox, mother and baby dear, raccoons, rabbits, birds, and other accessories to help complete this woodland Christmas scene.

Inspired by the design of a lacrosse stick head combined with the functionality of a baseball glove, when wearing a Myachi Battle Paddle on the back of one’s hand, players will be able to catch a hand sack thrown from much greater distances and heights as well as successfully perform more difficult tricks rather than when attempting the same feat bare handed. Now, players can compete harder, faster, and longer. Battle Paddles can be worn on both hands and used by one player while performing tricks alone or play with 2 or more players and battle it out 1 on 1 or make teams. Compete at any of the numerous games developed to play with a Myachi Hand Sack and Battle Paddles: Myachi Pong, Myachi Football, Myachi Lax, Myachi Golf, and many others.
Awards: 2012 Creative Child Magazine Product of the Year Award

Black Forest chocolate cake can be "sliced" into 6 scrumptious pieces. Dimensions: 7.8 x 8.08 x 2.8 inches.

This pretend play set encourages healthy eating. Includes: basket with 1 leek, 2 carrots, 1 banana, and 2 tomatoes. Basket 18 x 12 x 9 cm.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Defeat the Great Devourer in the epic battle between good versus evil.  The Great Devourer has been awakened and threatens to devour the world of Ninjago. Can the legendary green ninja, riding the awesome 4-headed Ultra Dragon, overpower this evil adversary? Can Lord Garmadon harness the power of the 4 golden weapons of Spinjitzu to destroy the mighty snake and what about Sensei Wu? Can Jay defeat the evil snake Generals Acidicus, Skalidor and snake soldier Chokun to release his master from the impenetrable snake prison? Includes 7 minifigures: Lloyd ZX, Jay ZX, Sensei Wu, Lord Garmadon, Acidicus, Skalidor and Chokun. Set features 4-headed Ultra Dragon, The Great Devourer, snake prison, Hypnobrai fang blade with blue anti-venom capsule, 4 golden weapons and 7 regular weapons.
— As of 07/16/2012 this product had 4.4 out of 5 stars from 5 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Very large set with many pieces; dragon's jaw can open and close. Cons: One user said that when they tried to play with the product after it was built, the blocks fell apart.