September 2012 Notable Toys — All

The Illumivor Mecha-Shark is a glowing radio-controlled predator with animated chomping teeth, a smooth moving tail and ominous sound effects. Menacing in the light, these mechanized carnivores really come to life in the DARK, when they appear to be swiftly swimming across the the floor. Illumivor Sharks are huge, measuring 18 inches from nose to tail. Control the attack with a cool Shark Fin Controller (included).

Packaged with a whisk and silicone baking cups, the Handstand Kids Baking Around the World Cookbook kit introduces children to the world of baking in a colorful, hardbound and illustrated book with new recipes from Arleen Scavone, two-time winner of Food Network’s Cupcake Wars, and founder of the famous bakery, Sweet Arleen’s. This cookbook features PB&J Cupcakes, South African Pumpkin Bread Pudding, and Carrot Walnut Cupcakes, among others. Launch date: January 2008.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval

The Curious Chef line provides kids with real, functional, kitchen utensils. The 16 PC Cupcake Kit is just one of many items that helps families create special memories centered on the joy of cooking and positive eating habits. "Curious Chef is the only complete line of real cooking utensils designed for kids that have safety features built-in with kids' size (and behaviors) in mind," Taylor Crenshaw, brand manager for Tailor Made Products, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 2009.

Aero Flixx is Skullduggery's indoor action disc game. 4 inch discs contain cool 3D images on 1 side and a foam backing on the other. Initially, there are 40 discs to collect and trade. A rubber band powered target is available at which the discs are tossed and a direct hit propels the target 5 - 6 feet in the air. Play indoor disc golf, H*O*R*S*E, shooting gallery, or other precision games using Aero Flixx' 3D throwing discs, target and target launcher. Launch date: September 2012.

Papertronics are paper toys with paper electronic circuits in them. The Lunar Landers come in a pack of three. Spaceboy, Alien Girl and Tabula Rasa. Tabula Rasa is blank and can be designed by the user.Turn them into a cool night light, party lights or fun additions to a room or desk. When the spaceships are put in their landers one way, they light up. Turn them another way and they are off. Kids fold them themselves- they come pre-cut. Fun DIY with paper and electronics. Follow along with the instructional video. Launch date: August 2010.

SOZO knitted hat and mittens with soft inner fleece lining. Mittens have attached string that allow wearers to loop through a jacket to prevent loss. Available in 6-24M and 2-6yrs. Launch date: September 2012.

Pliable, Non-Toxic & reusable dough. Available in full range of colors: Yellow02, Orange14, Red20, Pink29, Violet42, Blue50, Turquoise61, Green66, LimeGreen79, White96. Packed in easy store container. Launch date: 2012.

A fun collection of classic cowboy songs for buckaroos of all ages by artists such as Western music stalwarts Riders in the Sky and Don Edwards. "Cowboy Playground includes a 24-page booklet featuring archival photos from the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody, Wyoming," Marie-Louise Sturm, Co-Manager of Putumayo Kids, told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 2012.
— As of 9/25/2012 this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 1 review on Amazon.com.

Every volume in the Lovecraft Middle School series is fully illustrated and features an original lenticular portrait on the cover. Display them on bookshelves and then watch the cover characters morph into monsters as they are passed by. In Professor Gargoyle, we're introduced to 11-year-old Robert Arthur and the strange world of Lovecraft Middle School. It's a brand-new state-of-the-art facility, so why do so many creepy things keep happening? Why is the science teacher acting so strangely? And where are all the rats coming from? As Robert explores with his new friends Glenn and Carina, he discovers that the school may be a portal to another world. Launch date: September 2012.

The Tangle toy is a universal plaything. With no restrictions or rules on how kids play with it., the Tangle is a plaything that stimulates the imagination and creativity for its users. It's also very functional. Many play with the Tangle for stress relief, brain stimulation (use it to cure boredom or come up with that next big idea), the development of fine motor skills, and is FDA registered for hand therapy and rehabilitation. The Tangle is fun and function and for all types of people; young,old, and cross culturally.

Bearington Baby’s adorable new Travel Pillows make naptime cozy anytime and are great for napping babies everywhere. The six adorable styles coordinate with Bearington’s lovable animal series and offer cute and cuddly comfort on-the-go. Launch date: August 2012.

These six adorable styles of playful musical Baby Banks coordinate with Bearington’s lovable animal series and make playful noises when kids drop coins in the slots. They make saving money fun for the little one. Launch date: August 2012.

Whether kids are into super heroes, zombies, princesses, robots, or anything else they can think up, our Wood Chuck is the perfect medium to bring their creation to life. Complete with paints and a brush all kids need is an idea and they're off and running.

Watch and listen to the beautiful stream of beads as they gently cascade down the clear plastic 8.5-Inch tube. Playtime with this easy to grip toy helps improve gross motor skills and is safe for ages 6 months and up. BPA free. Launch date: August 2012.

This 5" red monster with embroidered face details is made of soft velour. A great travel companion for kids.

Wind up this little rover and let it go on the fridge. It will grip and go up and down on the fridge surface, defying the force of gravity. The wheels grip the surface because the magnet pulls the Fridge Rover firmly against the fridge. Measure about 2 by 2 by 1 /12 inches.

Matisse's Red Studio was a breakthrough in modern art with its flood of vibrant red color and white sketch lines. The different perspectives Matisse used have been studied and debated by artists since the painting first debuted in 1911. The Red Studio Master Kitz includes all the tools children need to create their own masterpiece along with learning materials to deepen  their understanding of the Red Studio and its impact on modern art. Each Red Studio Mater Kitz includes: A sturdy, re-usable art tool box with magnetic closures; 1 re-usable stencil; 2 pieces of high quality art paper; 2 sticker sheets; 1 acrylic paint; 1 oil pastel; 1 foam brush; Fun, easy-to-understand Matisse learning materials; Easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions.
— Rebecca Goblish, owner of Picayune Toys in Dunwoody, Ga., told TDmonthly in a May 2013 survey that Snap Circuits are one of their best-selling activity kits.

This playful set includes a Princess with a detachable purple skirt, a white pegasus with wings that rotate to simulate flight, a mirrored vanity, and plenty of other accessories. In total there are 74 pieces.

This hands on kit includes supplies for kids to recycle and make their own paper. Includes 6"X8" mold and deckle, supplies to make patterned & textured bookmarks, a notebook, and greeting cards.

This set is fit for royalty. 36 pieces include: a candle holder, pedestal stand, dressing table, mirrors, canister, stool with cushion, goblet, chest perfume bottle, trunk, dressmaker form, and more.

These magnetic flower pieces can be assembled into beautiful blooms. Compatible with other SmartMax building sets.

A horse and carriage Playmobil set. Inspires storytelling and creative play. Includes pegasus horse, carriage, princess doll figure. Princess figure height 7.5 cm tall. 25 plastic pieces. High quality Playmobil construction.

Chocolate cards are played and nabbed, and played and nabbed right back. Players score points by reasoning out which confectionary card combinations will give them the most sweet satisfaction. TOOTHACHE cards, CARROT cards, and BOX-O-CHOCOLATES cards keep the game lively and surprising.

Packed in a gift box the model is approximately 3" and consist of 26 pieces. Museum quality fine detailed sculpturing and hand painted. Collect the series - great gifts for the future marine biologist.