October 2008 Notable Toys — All

Estes introduces the revolutionary XENOX Radio Control Airplane with the new Patent Pending M.A.S.C. Controller - a breakthrough in R/C technology. The user just tilts his wrist to the right and the plane follows the hand and turns right. Tilt wrist to the left and the plane turns left. M.A.S.C. puts the user in the pilot's seat. The throttle is controlled by squeezing the variable speed trigger for more altitude. XENOX R/C twin motors and aerodynamic wings add to the fun of flying with M.A.S.C. The XENOX Airplane is easy and intuitive for a beginner pilot to learn to fly and cruise the sky; plus it also delivers lots of fun for an experienced pilot. It requires 6 AA alkaline batteries (not included). Launch date: June 2008.

When kids talk to a playfully interactive Nintendogs Bark Back puppy, he takes action, barking, shaking his head and wagging his tail. There are four lovable breeds to choose from. "Nintendogs Bark Back Playful Pups are realistic puppies that simulate life-like movements which are based the best-selling, popular Nintendogs Nintendo DS video game," Phillip-Michael Lee, product manager for Commonwealth Toy & Novelty Co., told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 15, 2009.

Inspired by her beloved King Charles, college student Elizabeth Rives created this fun-filled kit for kids and their pets while she was working part-time at Scientific Explorer. Pamper your Dog will have pets woofing with delight over yummy, nutritious dog cupcakes. Children can give their canine friend a healthy scrub with homemade shampoo, brush those long teeth with special doggie toothpaste, and learn the secrets of a great massage for their furry friend, as well as design a unique "dog tag" for an ID. Insights into canine thinking will turn kids into real dog psychologists. The kit "helps teach social responsibility in a fun way," Scientific Explorer's Vice President Susan Rives told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2008.

Step back into the alluring world of the dinosaurs. The colorful and dramatic illustrations make this felt play board a fun and educational activity that will captivate the attention of young children for hours. This product will encourage expression, exploration and creativity through play. Launch date: November 2008.

UbiPetz Monkeyz plush come to life on a favorite Nintendo DS Petz video game. The soft characters come with a secret code that allows them to come alive right on a DS game screen. Kids can collect multiple characters and have them all interact on the Petz Monkeyz House game, plus name their exclusive characters on the Petz Website, print out their personal profile, and download free stuff. Launch date: October 15, 2008.

UbiPetz Catz are the only plush toys that can come to life on a favorite Nintendo DS Petz video game. These adorably soft characters come with a secret code that allows them to come alive right on a DS game screen. Kids can collect multiple characters and have them all interact on the Petz Catz Clan game. They can also name their exclusive characters on the Petz Website, print out their personal profile and download free stuff. Launch date: October 15, 2008.

UbiPetz Dogz are the only plush toys that can come to life on a favorite Nintendo DS Petz video game. Kids can take home one of these adorably soft characters that will allow you to unlock a secret code, and watch as your character comes alive right on the DS gamescreen. Children can collect multiple characters and have them all interact on the Petz Dogz Pack game, plus name their exclusive characters on the Petz Website, print out their personal profile and download free stuff. Launch date: October 15, 2008.

Each Mini Glee Variety Pack contains a convenient assortment of 21 Mini Glee Gum packets in kid-friendly flavors: Tangerine, Triple Berry and Bubblegum. The enclosed four-piece Mini Glee Gum packets are all natural, gluten-free, and made with sustainably harvested rainforest chicle. The new mini size makes them a great “green” option for parties, pinatas, Halloween and the holidays. Launch date: August 15, 2008.

Bunkies is a collectible action plush toy. Unique patterns and expressions make each Bunkie a unique character. Handmade from cotton with all embroidered features, Bunkies are a safe, creative toy that can spark any kid's imagination. Launch date: October 2008.

With hip-hop, reggae and R&B grooves, the CD gets everyone dancing and singing while counting, spelling and learning. Kids love the high-energy sound and educational messages, and parents will be surprised and engaged by the cool and unconventional songs. The CD has been applauded nationally by parenting publications, teachers and music critics. It received a 2008 Parents' Choice Award and a 2008 National Parenting Publications Award. "Alphabet Rockers provides educational hip-hop to the preK-1st grade market, which is more often saturated with folk and traditional children's music," Kaitlin McGaw, co-owner of School Time Music, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 23, 2007.

This high-quality pettidress has plenty of frills and fluff for any little princess. Launch date: October 22, 2008.

This jewelry features components laid out in the dot-and-dash pattern of Morse code to "spell" words. "Morse Code Jewelry is never plated, plastic or vermeil," Founder Annie Fields told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2001.

MIMOBOT Designer USB Flash Drives are little friendly data fiends. Teens and adults can feed the 2" monsters all their essential data (tunes, pics, presentations, docs, etc.) and transport files in style wherever they go. Mimobots are available in 1GB, 2GB, 4GB and 8GB capacities, produced in limited editions, are hi-speed USB 2.0, compatible with both Mac and Windows. "Mimobots lead the creative revolution in personal electronic accessories and functional designer toys - truly a marriage of art and technology!" Nicole Rosano, PR manager for Mimoco, told TDmonthly.

Comet® Bible Edition offers an exciting and fun way to learn spelling and amazing facts about characters, angels, events and scripture. This particular version features questions and multiple choice answers such as "Who announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds?" and "The spirit of God is described as descending like this." DOVE sparrow eagle raven. Multiple choice answers and an element of risk ensure everyone has a chance to win. Comet® has received awards from The Toy Man Online and Creative Child Magazine. "Spelling is very important, and far too few games offer this concept. Critical skill development is crucial, important and necessary to develop good educational performance," Creator Sandy Evans of Active Minds Inc. told TDmonthly. Launch date: Fall 2008.
Awards: A TDmonthly Classics Award for being an all-time favorite toy.

This soft-touch stacking toy features a jingle, rattle and crinkle sound to engage babies as they play. It measures 10.5" tall.

This kit comes with all the supplies children need to make hard candy, liquid candy, powder candy, lollipops and much more.
— “A variety of kits for a variety of ages make this brand a top seller,” said Joe Berardoni, Sr., owner of Pun’s Toy Store in Bryn Mawr, Pa., in the fall of 2008. “They have exciting projects for 4-year-olds to do with Mom and Dad and kits for older children to explore on their own.”

Complete with water-resistant nylon backing that has a DWR (durable weather resistant) coating, this blanket is designed not only to make children (and adults) feel cozy, but also to act as a protective barrier. It measures 38” x 56” with loops for tie options, and is great for double strollers, wheelchairs, or use asan all-around cozy outdoor blanket. It is available in the following color combinations: Pistachio/Chocolate and Turquoise/Pewter.

This stylish blanket features water-resistant nylon backing that has a DWR (durable weather resistant) coating that acts as a protective barrier for a child, while the cozy soft fabric creates a wonderful surface to lie on or snuggle. The innovative tie design allows WooBee blankets to be attached to strollers, front packs, infant car seats, or anything else you can imagine. The original WooBee blanket is 30” x 36” and makes a great baby shower gift. It is available in the following color combos: Pistachi/Pewter; Turquoise/Pewter; Urban Black; Pistachio/Chocolate; Tangerine/Red; Turquoise/Chocolate; and Turquoise/Red. "Rain Or Shine Kids WooBee blankets offer a modern look and water-resistant functionality," Lizzie Sorensen of 32FlavorsPR told TDmonthly.

Little Reader Blocks are 3” cubes constructed of sturdy corrugated cardboard. The blocks are imprinted with over 100 preK-2 sight words that combine learning with play. Words are color-coded by type (adjective, noun, verb, etc.) to make sentence forming fun and easy. The set includes 18 pieces: 3 yellow adjective blocks, 3 green noun blocks, 5 blue verb blocks, 5 red pronon blocks, and 2 white preposition blocks. Kids can roll blocks like dice to form sentences, look for familiar letters or words, stack blocks to make sentences, and much more. Guided play activities are included. Adult assembly required.

This set consists of 16 large red blocks (12” x 6” x 3”). ImagiBRICKS™ Giant Building Blocks are an enduring classic that offers endless play possibilities because they are versatile and safe. The blocks are printed with non-toxic inks and with their water-resistant coating are strong and durable for years of creative play.
— ImagiBRICKS are a best seller at Kazoo & Company in Denver, Owner Diana Nelson told TDmonthly at the beginning of 2009.

This 40pc Basic Set includes 8 large red blocks (12” x 6” x 3”), 6 medium yellow blocks (6” x 6” x 3”), and 24 small blue blocks (6” x 3” x 3). ImagiBRICKS™ Giant Building Blocks are an enduring classic that offers endless play possibilities because they are versatile and safe. The blocks are printed with non-toxic inks and with their water-resistant coating are strong and durable for years of creative play.

Over 12" tall. Includes 6 packs of PEZ and plays the Star Wars theme.

Sugar-Free gum tape in 3 different flavors. Available in 6 different collectible versions.

Lick to reveal the hidden message.