October 2009 Notable Toys — General Toys

This kit is based on the premise that the key to learning how to draw fashions is to understand the body shape that is under them. Girls can pose and sketch the mannequin, then gradually add on their own unique fashion designs. "The design guide show step by step techniques on how to understand proportion of the body. The posable mannequin is a nice addition to the kit for a visual item to sketch and practice from," Sarah Koth, PR coordinator for Fashion Angels Enterprises, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2008.

The Project Runway Fashion Design Projector Kit is created to make it easy to design fabulous runway-worthy outfits. Girls project and trace clothing and accessory shapes onto the model sketch sheets, then add their own color and details to complete a look. The kit includes 125+ fashion image slides and unlimited ideas and tips in the design guide. Users can store pencils, image wheels and drawings in the compartment within the projector to take the kit on the go. "Girls love this kit because with the slide images of the clothing, they can start their designs with a professional looking base or outline drawing, and customize it with their own twists. The design guide provides great tips on shading techniques to really make the drawings look polished," Sarah Koth, PR coordinator for Fashion Angels Enterprises, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2008.

Available in various “flavors” of ice cream, this 7” cone has a button that, when pressed, pops out the soft, spongy ice cream ball that’s connected to the cone by a string.

With a future-retro design, and connectable, interchangeable parts, this sleek toy vehicle can fit in the palm of a hand. Automoblox Minis received a TDmonthly Top Toy Award 2007.
— Automoblox has been a best-selling line, according to retailers surveyed by TDmonthly, since 2007.
— "That little three-piece Automoblox set sold extremely well. I've sold about 40 of them in two months," Janet Gregory, owner of Over the Rainbow in Anchorage, Alaska, told TDmonthly leading up to Christmas 2009. Two of 44 specialty retailers named Automoblox as an overall best seller in late 2009.
— In a February 2012 survey about wooden toys, two out of 14 retailers said that Automoblox were their bestseller in the category. Pam Byrd, manager and buyer at The Little Cottage Toy Shop in Franklin, Tenn., told TDmonthly that "Automoblox is still strong."

Where to Buy: Blue Turtle Toys; Camelot Kids; The Satin Button

The Pocket Laser Light Show has been designed for home use or take it outdoors — it's wireless. It's so portable it fits into the palm of your hand. Simply turn it on and watch as a spectacular array of laser light designs perform on your walls or ceilings. The most portable laser light show ever, the Pocket Laser Light Show is so small it can fit in your pocket. But don't let its size fool you; the Pocket Laser Light Show™ creates giant-sized light shows.

The Laser Kaleidoscope is not just a laser pointer; it's real holographic and laser technology combined to create an infinite star-like display of kaleidoscopic images that you control, at your fingertips.  All this power and still just the size of a pen; it even has a pocket clip. Use it anywhere you want a light show; it fills a whole room with kaleidoscopic moving images.

The Woodstock Kid's Accordian has true authentic sound and a 2-octave range in the key of C. The adjustable strap ensures a comfortable fit. Comes packaged in a 4-color gift box and includes a songsheet with instructions and 8 songs. Additional songs are available for download from the Woodstock Chimes website. "This children's instrument has true authentic sound and comes with detailed playing instructions and eight easy-to-play songs so your child (or you!) can play songs the first time you use it," Peggy Daniel, Web Development Director of Woodstock Chimes, told TDmonthly.

Sized just right for the next generation of pickers and strummers, the Woodstock Folk Guitar is a great kid's instrument at a really great price. It looks just like a full size guitar and comes with a guitar strap, pick and vinyl carrying case. Also included is an easy-to-follow instruction booklet that teaches how to hold the guitar, the basic guitar chords, and 11 songs. Additional songs are available for download from the Woodstock Chime website. "This realistic-looking guitar will make any child feel like a pro," Peggy Daniel, Web Development Director of Woodstock Chimes, told TDmonthly.
— "It was a newer item for us and they were gone shortly after Thanksgiving," Chris Cahalane of Cape Cod Toys told TDmonthly in 4Q 2010. “We sold about 8 or 10 in the last month.”

This magical light show can be held in the hand. It includes 36 built-in light show patterns from super bright LEDs.  It's so portable kids can take it anywhere: parties, concerts, amusement parks ... anywhere they want to dazzle their friends! Even the batteries are included so they can enjoy their Light Show Stick immediately.

 Airzooka is a hand-held device that  blows a harmless "ball of air" towards any object or person. Laugh with amusement as, seemingly from nowhere, you are able to mess up someone's hair, ruffle their shirt or just plain blow them away! It's available in four blacklight-responsive colors: Blue, Green, Orange and Magenta.
― Out of 39 retailers who participated in an October 2009 survey of specialty retailers, two said the AirZooka is their best-selling item for tween boys.

The Amazing String Thing transforms an ordinary piece of string into a magical moving rainbow nearly 3' in the air. Point it up, down, even sideways and watch as the string playfully dances in mid-air. Gently touching the string generates wave patterns and interactive shapes that seem to defy gravity. Kids can operate The Amazing String Thing while inside the custom base (directly on any table top), or they can simply take the lightweight hand-held wand wherever they go and conduct their very own string show. It requires 4 "AA" batteries, not included.

With a gentle spin, watch in amazement as the Non-Stop Top™ picks up speed and keeps its balance — defying physics, gravity and logic. Add to this a light show that seems to change with every spin and watch as it fills the room with wonder. It spins on any hard surface and comes with replacement batteries.

You have seen it in movies and on TV hundreds of times. Just before the marksman takes the shot, the red laser dot appears on the target. Now kids are able to do the same! Turn on the Laser AirZooka™, place the laser dot on the target and shoot a harmless ball of air. Laugh with amusement as, seemingly from nowhere, you are able to mess up a person's hair, ruffle their shirt, dress or office papers or simply try your luck at indoor target practice from a distance of over 50 feet away!

The Party Animal’s Lil’ TEAMMATES NCAA Running Back is available in the authentic uniform of more than 50 NCAA College Teams. Team Quarterback will also be available in 2010. Vinyl figures are approximately 3” tall with rotating heads. Comes in eye-catching, peggable double blister package. For ages 4-10. Hand painted, phthalate and lead free. Tested and meets all requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act.

The Party Animal’s Lil’ TEAMMATES NFL Quarterback is available in the authentic uniform of all 32 NFL Teams. Team Running Back will also be available in 2010. Vinyl figures are approximately 3” tall with rotating heads. Comes in eye-catching, peggable double blister package. For ages 4-10. Hand painted, phthalate and lead free. Tested and meets all requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act.

The Party Animal’s Lil’ TEAMMATES MLB Pitcher is available in the authentic uniform of all 30 MLB Teams. Team Batter will also be available in 2010. Vinyl figures are approximately 3” tall with rotating heads. Comes in eye-catching, peggable double blister package. For ages 4-10. Hand painted, phthalate and lead free. Tested and meets all requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act.

The Party Animal’s Lil’ TEAMMATES NBA Playmaker is available in the authentic uniform of all 30 NBA Teams. Vinyl figures are approximately 3” tall with rotating heads. Comes in eye-catching, peggable double blister package. For ages 4-10. Hand painted, phthalate and lead free. Tested and meets all requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act.

These evening gowns come individually packaged in a clear plastic pouch. The gowns are designed to fit dolls approximately 11.5" in height. Available in assorted colors.

Featuring a two-channel remote control and a tail rudder for directional movement, the FlyTech Hoverpod racer can jet across most smooth surfaces and be controlled to maneuver around obstacles. Made from durable, lightweight materials, the racer is designed to be crash resistant. A simple 10-minute charge will last for up to five minutes of play. It requires 4 AA batteries (not included). Launch date: June 2009.

The WowWee Roborover™ robot is a talking, tread-based, roving explorer with an inquisitive personality that grows to become more confident as users navigate and play with him. The Roborover robot is operated via remote control and features poseable arms, head and waist. This shy little explorer features spoken content, various driving-based games, infrared sensors for obstacle avoidance, and tilt sensors allowing him to perceive when he has fallen over. It takes four C batteries, and the remote takes three AA batteries (not included). Launch date: August 2009.

The WowWee Alive™ Baby Animals are lifelike, huggable baby animals that feature plush bodies and animated facial and vocal expressions triggered by users’ touch. Children and animal lovers alike can nurture a lovable WowWee Alive™ Husky Puppy, Koala Joey, Leopard Cub or Seal Pup in their very own living rooms. Four AA batteries are included. The cubs were featured in Time Magazine's "The Best Inventions of 2008 - Tech Buyer's Guide." Launch date: July 2009.

The Jelly Flyer adds a new dimension of fun to flying toys.  Its floppy and flexible properties makes catching it easy and painless, even for little kids.  Just 4 inches in diameter, it’s safe indoors or out. Available in 5 vibrant colors (and glow-in-the-dark styles).

A newer model to the original wooden flying copter. Aero-Props are high flying, hand propelled plastic copters. Available in Primary, Glitter, Glow-in-the Dark, and Neon colors.

This pthalate- and latex-free puppy jumping toy promotes balance and coordination.