September 2012 Notable Toys — All

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.

Now more than 10 years old, PlasmaCar continues to intrigue and fascinate with millions of units sole and multiple awards in over sixty countries worldwide. Just sit, put feet up, and turn the steering wheel to propel forward up to 6 mph on any smooth, flat surface. With a maximum weight capacity of 220 lbs., even parents and grandparents have experienced a giggle by taking it for a spin. Made from state-of-the-art, high-quality ABS plastics, this kid-powered, durable, ride-on vehicle comes in a variety of colors.
Awards: 2012 Parents Choice Awards Recommended, 2009 Green Parents List Check Mark, 2009 DisneyFamily.com Top Action Figures and Toys for Toddlers, 2009+2008+2005 The National Parenting Centre Seal of Approval, 2008 iParenting Media Toy Award, 2008 Fat Brain Toy Award Active Play, 2006 TIA Outdoor Toy of the Year - Specialty Toy of the Year, 2006 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award, 2005 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award, 2005 Dr. Toy Best Vacation Products, 2005 Creative Child Seal of Excellence, 2001 International Patent Fair, Hong Kong Gold Medal
— Mary Sisson, owner of Kazoodles in Vancouver, Wash., told TDmonthly in a Fall 2012 survey that the Plasmacar is one of her top-2 overall best selling toys.

No batteries, gears, or pedals - just a fun, encouraging and progressive start to bicycle riding. PlasmaBike’s unique design encourages balance, coordination and motor skill development while offering a fun ride. Children as young as 18 months can enjoy the freedom or riding without the added complication of training wheels or anxiety of having to hold their balance too long, too early. Wide wheels ensure that PlasmaBike doesn't tip over in a stopped or stationary position, giving children added confidence and promoting self-esteem. The wide wheels and limited steering range enhance balancing capabilities and provide a smoother transition to a conventional 2 wheel ride.
Awards: 2012 The Toy Insider – Top Summer Toys, 2012 The National Parenting Centre – Seal of Approval, 2012 Parenting Magazine – Recommended, 2012 Creative Child Awards – Preferred Choice Award, 2011 Parenting Best in Play – New York Toy Fair, 2011 Best Toys Guide

We partnered with the researchers at National Geographic's Stock Photo Library to find a great image that would remind us all to "wash our paws!" Hang this big 17" x 22" chart "as is" or put it in a frame - either way, it is a beautiful and affordable way to add an important message along with a bit of humor to your home, classroom, office, workplace...anyplace where healthy habits and clean hands are encouraged. Launch date: 2012.

Sometimes, an image almost speaks out loud and all we have to do is write down what it says. Anyone who has raised or worked with children, teenagers, or young adults will relate to this message. Once again, we partnered with the researchers at National Geographic's stock photo library to find this great photo. Hang this big 17" x 22" chart "as is" or put it in a frame - either way, it is a beautiful and affordable way to encourage us all to think for ourselves. Launch date: 2012.

What better way to great each day than with the attitude that "Everyday is a good day!" When the researchers at National Geographic's stock photo library found this engaging image for us, we didn't have to think twice about what words we were going to put with it. We hope this colorful 17" x 22" chart will help kids focus on the positive and better enjoy each and every day. Launch date: 2012.

When we asked the researchers at National Geographic's stock photo library to help us find an image that would encourage us all to exercise, this is what they sent. How can kids make excuses not to exercise with this little guy's big, green eyes looking at them. And, he's guaranteed to make kids smile. Kids'll want to be fit and healthy when they go visit their new "personal trainer" and his furry brothers and sisters in Madagascar. Launch date: 2012.

This poster is great for any classroom or learning environment. Featuring a quote by the wise Theodore Roosevelt, it reads "Far better it is to dare mighty things, than to take rank with those poor timid spirits who know neither victory nor defeat". Launch date: 2011.

Learning Magnets Magnetic Numbers & Math Signs set includes 30 high-quality magnets - two sets of the numbers 0 to 9 (which can be combined to make larger numbers) and ten commonly used math signs. The numbers are color coded - odd numbers are blue and even numbers are red. This versatile set is great for mastering number identification, strengthening counting skills, learning number facts, and practicing simple math skills. Launch date: 2012.

These Pop-Out Letters are 2 inches, making them the perfect size for smaller projects. Use them on bulletin boards, desk tags, folders, cubbies, the possibilities are endless- these guys fit everywhere. These feature an Italy design, adorned with bright, bold colors and fun flowers. Launch date: 2011.

Ever since we released our first set of Letter Pop-Outs, customers have been asking for coordinating sets with smaller letters. Here they are. These Mini Letter Pop-Outs will fit in places where their larger cousins can’t quite squeeze in. Each set includes a whopping 676 uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers and punctuation marks. Launch date: 2011.

Our top selling Draw-Right-Now series is a great way to develop students’ writing, drawing, and reading skills. Each Draw-Right-Now book has 21 theme related drawing and writing lessons with easy to follow step-by-step instructions on 64 full color pages. Each drawing lesson has four handwriting practice sentences that relate to the drawing as well as questions that prompt discussion. In Savannahs, learn about the animals that call the savannahs of the world their home. . .Can a gazelle run faster than a cheetah? The Grassland Animals sections allow kids to gallop across the steppes with a wild horse and raid an ant hill with an anteater while exploring eastern Europe and central Asia’s grassy plains. In Mountains and Deserts learn about the fascinating animals that inhabit the planet’s highest and driest places. Learn about them and, in the process, discover why Europe and Asia—although connected—are two continents. Launch date: 2001.

Our top selling Draw-Write-Now series is a great way to develop students’ writing, drawing, and reading skills. Each Draw-Write-Now book has 21 theme related drawing and writing lessons with easy to follow step-by-step instructions on 64 full color pages. Each drawing lesson has four handwriting practice sentences that relate to the drawing as well as questions that prompt discussion. In Tropical Forests draw Bengal tigers, monkeys and more while exploring the world’s tropical forests. How do Asian elephants differ from African elephants? Northern Forests provides an exploration of the planet’s northern forests and their animal inhabitants. In Forests Down Under learn about the fascinating animals that inhabit Australia, “the land down under.” Launch date: 2000.

Our top selling Draw-Write-Now series is a great way to develop students’ writing, drawing, and reading skills. Each Draw-Write-Now book has 21 theme related drawing and writing lessons with easy to follow step-by-step instructions on 64 full color pages. Each drawing lesson has four handwriting practice sentences that relate to the drawing as well as questions that prompt discussion. Animals & Habitats On the Land provides an opportunity to learn about the speedy jackrabbit and his shrub land neighbors and climb high peaks with mountain goats. Where do butterflies go when it rains? In Ponds & Rivers splash with frogs in wetlands and swim with turtles in lakes. Do beavers live in flowing water, pooled water or frozen water? The Oceans section provides an exploration of shallow tidelands with hermit crabs and herons, swim sunlit waters with dolphins and then plunge into the oceans’ dark depths–home of weird and wonderful sea creatures. Launch date: 1999.

Our top selling Draw-Write-Now series is a great way to develop students’ writing, drawing, and reading skills. Each Draw-Write-Now book has 21 theme related drawing and writing lessons with easy to follow step-by-step instructions on 64 full color pages. Each drawing lesson has four handwriting practice sentences that relate to the drawing as well as questions that prompt discussion. In The United States learn about the United States and the fundamental principles for which it stands. In From Sea to Sea discover how the United States grew from 13 colonies to a nation that spans a continent and encompasses 50 states. In Moving Forward kids can float down the Ohio River on a flatboat in the 1700s and then learn about the Internet while traveling through time with famous Americans, their inventions and innovations. Launch date: 1998.

Our top selling Draw-Write-Now series is a great way to develop students’ writing, drawing, and reading skills. Each Draw-Write-Now book has 21 theme related drawing and writing lessons with easy to follow step-by-step instructions on 64 full color pages. Each drawing lesson has four handwriting practice sentences that relate to the drawing as well as questions that prompt discussion. The Polar Regions section allows kids to discover the wonders of our planet’s polar regions. Why is it so cold near the poles? The Arctic provides an exploration of “The Land of the Midnight Sun” while learning about polar bears, igloos and more. In The Antarctic kids will experience one of Earth’s most amazing places. How do penguins keep their chicks warm? Why is the southern ocean teeming with life? Launch date: 1997.

Our top selling Draw-Write-Now series is a great way to develop students’ writing, drawing, and reading skills. Each Draw-Write-Now book has 21 theme related drawing and writing lessons with easy to follow step-by-step instructions on 64 full color pages. Each drawing lesson has four handwriting practice sentences that relate to the drawing as well as questions that prompt discussion. In the Native Americans section learn about North America’s diverse Native cultures–past and present. North America allows kids to explore the vast North American continent with lessons on the mountainous West, the frozen North and more. The Pilgrims section allows discovery of who they were and why they came to America.

Our top selling Draw-Write-Now series is a great way to develop students’ writing, drawing, and reading skills! Each Draw-Write-Now book has 21 theme related drawing and writing lessons with easy to follow step-by-step instructions on 64 full color pages. Each drawing lesson has four handwriting practice sentences that relate to the drawing as well as questions that prompt discussion. Christopher Columbus allows kids to Explore the world while learning about Columbus voyage of 1492. In Autumn Harvest celebrate the wonders of autumn with lessons on pine cones, owls, squirrels and more. The Weather unravels the mysteries of the weather. What makes a cloud? Why does it snow? What is fog? Launch date: 1995.

Pillow Pet Dream Lites turns darkened rooms into a starry sky instantly. Simply press the button it projects a starry sky on the ceiling and walls. Creates a magical and tranquil environment that helps kids ease into a restful sleep. Built in timer shuts off after 20 minutes. Folds up into a pet or opens to lay flat. All the DreamLites come with 4 light options steady blue, amber, or green and the 4th is all three colors that transition every 4 seconds continually in a loop. The face of the particular pet is also projected along with the stars.
— As of 7/30/2012 this product had 4.1 out of 5 stars from 10 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Projects the stars well; good battery life. Cons: Hard plastic tops means they aren't very snuggly.

Twenty-four nontoxic Crayola colored pencils, each pre-sharpened and 7 inches long. The colors cover the chart: standards such as black, white, yellow, and green, plus all the intermediates - aqua green, jade green, violet, mahogany, peach, magenta, and more. All Crayola© colored pencils are made from reforested wood.

Favorite colors and easy washability make these markers a classroom favorite. Easily washes off skin and clothing. Water-based ink.

Build a mini model of the game that’s sweeping the Internet with a LEGO® microbuild version of Minecraft. Selected by LEGO CUUSOO members, this build features a cool design with lots of 1x1 LEGO tiles and 2 buildable Micromob characters: Steve and Creeper.
— As of 7/30/2012 this product had 4.1 out of 5 stars from 14 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Nice collector's item. Cons: Pricey.

X3078/956B Mattel Hot Wheels Batman - Batmobile Assortment. 1:50 scale diecast model. Manufactured by Mattel. Each car individually blister carded. Card size: 5.25" x 6.5". Assortment includes: 1940s Batmobile - Batman (2 pcs); Batmobile - Batman Forever (2 pcs); Tumbler - Batman Begins (2 pcs); Tumbler - The Dark Knight (2 pcs). Launch date: July 20, 2012.
— In a Summer 2012 survey, four out of 10 retailers told TDmonthly that Hot Wheels was their best selling brand of die-cast toy.
— In an August 2013 survey Dean Smith, owner of JaZams in Princeton, N.J., told TDmonthly that Hot Wheels were their best-selling die-cast toys.