September 2012 Notable Toys — All

The Kiddy World Plus is a German engineered and designed car seat that utilizes a Protection Shield in place of a traditional harness. The traditional harness holds the child in such a manner that the energy in a frontal crash is absorbed solely in the neck area.  With the Kiddy Protection Shield the energy is absorbed through the upper portion of the child's body reducing the impacts of whiplash. With a traditional harness the child can unbuckle and get out of their car seat by themselves. With the Protection Shield the location of the buckle is below the child's hip making it almost impossible for them to unbuckle the car seat on their own. Another great feature of the Protection Shield is the application for children with special needs. Austic children and those with Down Syndrome do not find this seat as confining as one with a traditional harness. It is very difficult for them to get out of as well. Launch date: April 2012.
Awards: 2012 - Creative Child Magazine Top Choice of the Year

gunapod is the only wearable blanket with WONDERZiP, setting the standard in baby care and comfort. Think easier, cozier, softer - better. It’s the only sleeping solution that uses our innovative WONDERZiP – 4 all-around zip pulls for simple changing, temperature control and maximized comfort while providing a safer sleep for babies. Perfect for the crib, stroller and car. Launch date: February 2011.
Awards: 2011 Dr Toy Best New Product; 2011 WTS 5 Star; 2012 Cribsie Finalist; 2102 Red Tricycle Finalist
— As of 10/01/2012 this product had 4.3 out of 5 stars from 9 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Material is soft; can be strategically zipped and upzipped for temperature control. Cons: Snap buttons are a little small, which makes it difficult to snap them together.

A Fairy Doll & Backpack that is Six Gifts in One. A gift that develops imagination & creativity for girls 3-8. The Follow Me Fairies ® Activity Pack is a plush child-sized backpack complete with an adorable removable fairy and a variety of fun play items. On-the-go playtime has never been easier for busy parents. Place the fairy right in the holder on the backpack, and children will be instantly ready to leave the house for a happy travel playtime experience. Launch date: November 2011.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval, 2012 Parent's Choice Classic Fun Stuff Award; 2012 Tillywig Sterling Fun Toy Award; 2012 Creative Play of the Year Award - Creative Child Magazine; 2012 Travel Fun of the Year Award - Creative Child Magazine.

EXIM Games is introducing the world's first and only board game with integrated game play through the use of an Apple iPhone, iPod touch or iPad, patent pending. Only EXIM Games can give kids the ability to use the unique xPirate board game with multiple Apps and mobile platforms. Welcome to xPirate. Players have been recruited as Captains of their own xPirate ship. In this strategic pirate quest for hidden treasure, victory is awarded to the xPirate ship that finds all its hidden treasures and returns home first. Launch date: November 2011.
Awards: 2012 - 2012 Creative Child Awards Program, 2012  Game of the Year Award

The Early Lingo German Edition Box Set is the latest language release in our series. The award-winning Early Lingo DVD Series gives children ages 6 months to 9 years a solid foundation in a second language through an animated and live-action adventure series. We currently offer the first 6 DVDs of the Series in English, French, Spanish, Italian, Mandarin and German with more titles and languages to follow. Launch date: June 2012.

Designing Star Magnetic all in one Locker Wallpaper kit comes with: 1 magnetic laser zebra printed pencil cup, 3 sheets of our fully magnetic laser zebra printed locker wallpaper, 1 Round Magnetic Gem Mirror, and 4 magnetic heart shaped clips. Our kit comes in 3 different laser printed colors — pink, purple, and silver.  Available in 3 color combinations: Purple zebra, Pink zebra, and Silver zebra designs. Launch date: June 2012.

Designing Star Magnetic Locker Chandelier flashes in a rainbow of colors with it's 6 LED lights. Batteries ARE included. Strong magnets on the top hold chandelier fast to most all metal surfaces. An additional hook on top can be used for the option of hanging the chandelier anywhere. Our chandelier is strong and durable. Launch date: June 2012.

Putty Peeps is a new kind of putty which has unique properties no other putty has. When the putty is played and heated from the warmth of your hands, it will act as a solid and can be stretched, shaped, squished, snapped and bounced. When the putty is left to rest it will immediately begin to take on a liquid form and will seem to melt like ice cream however the putty will not be wet or sticky.    In addition to the unique properties of the putty, Putty Peeps adds extra play value by providing high quality realistic color eyes. Children can insert the eyes into the putty to make the product come alive. Kids can now create countless Putty Peep friends to shape and twist them in their own unique ways, strengthening a child’s imagination  Putty Peeps include the following lines; Metallic color line (Red, Blue, Green, Purple and Silver). Glow in the Dark line (Glow Blue, Glow Green, and Glow Yellow). Heat Sensitive Color Changing line (Green to Yellow, Purple to Blue, Orange to Yellow, Purple to Pink). Launch date: February 2012.

Our unique package design has made these puzzles instant best-sellers. Great themes and illustrations. Unique compelling design. Eye-catching, reusable package. Each 100-pc puzzle is 8" x 12". Pouch is 5.5"W x 7.25"H x 2" D. For ages 5 & up. Crocodile creek products conform to all of the appropriate safety standards.
— Dean Smith, owner of Jazams in Princeton, N.J., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2012 survey that they sell 10 of this item each month.
— In a July 2013 survey, two out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that Ravensburger was their best-selling puzzle brand.

RC Buggy 1:20, length: 26 cm. Ready to run including rechargeable battery, charger and 9V battery. Top Speed: up to 20 km/h. Extreme long playing time: up to 40 minutes. Short charging time about 1 hr 20 min. 7.4V-700mAh Li-Ionen rechargeable battery and 8.4V-500mA charger. Full function with 2 speed mode and additional turbo gear. RC tri-band technology. Full function Ergonomic controller with hight speed turbo button. Front and rear suspension, chrome rims with pneumatic tires, differential.
— In a Summer 2012 survey about electronic and battery operated toys, David Campbell, owner of Amazing Toys in Great Falls, Mont., told TDmonthly that Carrera RC cars are his best sellers in that category.
— In a July 2013 survey two out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that RC cars are their best-selling electronic or battery-operated toys.

The Ares™ Ultra-Micro MD 500D CX 100 is perfect for first-time and experienced pilots looking for an ultra-scale and ultra-stable heli they can fly indoors almost anytime and anywhere. The highly-detailed MD 500D scale body is equipped with LED lights and is available in two attractive trim schemes while the included decals allow for quick and easy customization as a News, Rescue, Fire or Police helicopter. The MD 500D CX 100’s coaxial, counter-rotating blade design offers excellent control and unsurpassed stability that will have any first-time pilot hovering like a pro in no time. The ultra-micro size and low weight make it possible to fly indoors in just about any bedroom, living room or office, and best of all the heli is 100% factory-assembled and ready-to-fly right out of the box. Also in the box is everything needed to fly including AA batteries for the 4-channel transmitter equipped with interference-free 2.4GHz technology, an LCD screen, dual rates and digital trims, a 220mAh 1S 3.7V LiPo battery and DC USB charger for charging from almost any computer or 5V USB power source, plus an AC adapter for quick and convenient charging from almost any outlet.
— In a Summer 2012 survey about electronic and battery operated toys, Mark Rosenblum from Hobbytown in Fairfield, Conn., told TDmonthly that he sells 20-30 RC helicopters from E-Flite and Ares each month.

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.

Inference Jones provides short, fun, and easy-to-use activities that improve critical reading and higher order thinking by developing the student’s ability to draw inferences from written text. Research shows inferential reasoning is a prerequisite component to superior reading comprehension. Launch date: February 2012.
Awards: Creative Child Magazine

A petite package to stack for whenever a child needs an activity. Each portfolio includes over 100 awesome drawings to color plus 4 rubbing plates and 8 crayons. Simply lay the drawing over the rubbing plates and rub with the included crayons to create cool textures and patterns. Use Pocket Portfolios to exercise fine motor skills, expand vocabulary, and promote creative thinking. There are 120 pieces in all. Launch date: August 2012.

A petite package to stack for whenever a child needs an activity. Each portfolio includes over 100 awesome drawings to color plus 4 rubbing plates and 8 crayons. Simply lay the drawing over the rubbing plates and rub with the included crayons to create cool textures and patterns. Use Pocket Portfolios to exercise fine motor skills, expand vocabulary, and promote creative thinking. There are 120 pieces in all. Launch date: August 2012.

A petite package to stack for whenever a child needs an activity. Each portfolio includes over 100 awesome drawings to color plus 4 rubbing plates and 8 crayons. Simply lay the drawing over the rubbing plates and rub with the included crayons to create cool textures and patterns. Use Pocket Portfolios to exercise fine motor skills, expand vocabulary, and promote creative thinking. There are 120 pieces in all. Launch date: August 2012.

Have a sensory extravaganza with the Sensory Sensations Finger Painting Kit. Add textures to finger paint to create gritty, squishy, or spongy sensations. This multitasking kit has diverse benefits for all children, especially those with sensory challenges. Uses a Sensory Sensations Finger Painting Kit to exercise fine motor skills, talk about texture and build vocabulary, learn about senses, and enhance sensory experience. The kit includes 2 oz. each nontoxic finger paint in red, blue, green, and yellow; 6 gentle and safe tactile additives; a plastic palette tray; 2 mixers and paper. Launch date: August 2012.

Stand them up and knock them down. Make your domino Topplers tumble, swing, and wind along a colorful obstacle course track. Turn and connect the printed tracks to form over a hundred possible routes. Combine the tracks with plastic obstacle “stations” like bridges, teeter-totters, and slides. Use the kit to develop fine motor skills, exercise concentration and coordination, customize your own domino obstacle course, and build dexterity and creativity. The Topplers Domino Obstacle Course includes 100 Topplers, 21 printed tracks, and 8 obstacle stations. Launch date: September 2012.

Keep children creatively engaged with the Dip & Print Sponge Painting Kit. Use this kit to experiment with colors and print techniques, develop gross and fine motor skills, explore color theory, and stimulate visual development. Roylco’s Dip & Print Sponge Painting Kit comes with easy-to-clean sponges in 15 popular shapes; 2 oz. each nontoxic finger paint in red, blue, green, and yellow; 4 bowls for dipping; 2 mixers; and 24 sheets of paper. There are 49 pieces and all. This product is suitable for children ages four and older. Launch date: August 2012.

The Play Clay Gift Pack includes 6 wonderfully scented Play Clay rolls in Blueberry Blast, Cherryberry, Pineapple Punch, Orange Sherbet, Grape Bubblegum, & Sour Green Apple. Made from organic ingredients, Play Clay is the dough that moms love because there's no crumbly mess or staining. Approx. 2 lbs.
Award: 2012 Creative Child Preferred Choice Award

The Steps4Kids to Draw DVD provides approximately 90 minutes of video modeling to help viewers learn how to draw animals, people, shapes and things. Excellent tool to help children feel successful with art. Video modeling is shown at a pace that helps children learn how to draw animals (farm, house, water and zoo animals - total 20), people (faces, profiles, clothes), shapes (circle, square, triangle, rhombus/diamond, cube and star) and things (bike, car, flowers, etc.). Launch date: July 2012.

The Star Wars Talker is an interactive hand held toy with real character voice recordings. The Talkers also contain candy in the handle. This item is the only platform in the industry that uses voice recording in lifelike sculpted character. The characters, Darth and Yoda, each say four different messages. Launch date: October 2012.

Tub-Art Pirate provides great bath/pool time fun and memories. Comes complete with four non-toxic soap crayons, a toddler safe, "What would I look like if I were a Pirate?" Hi-Def mirror and 2 large double sided pirate themed Edu-Foam drawing pads, all of which adhere to tiles when wet. Canyons simply wipes clean with water and is also great for drawing on tile, mirror and glass. Launch date: March 2012.
— As of 09/17/2012 this product had 3 out of 5 stars from 2 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: The crayons work well; the pirate mirror is a fun accessory. Cons: The foam coloring pieces are very difficult to erase.