November 2008 Notable Toys — Collectibles

Designed by artist Kari Makoutz, this handmade kaleidoscope entraps the Aberrant Quadrator, a friendly boggart known to reside in closets, ruining fine clothing by creating stains, wrinkles and tears. The kaleidoscope is 6.5" long, and the glass globe has diameter of 1.75".

Republican VP contender  Sarah Palin is immortalized in this superhero action figure, which sports a 45-caliber sidearm. An excutive version is available for $27.95. Launch date: September 8, 2008

Pawparazzi Pets have a nose for style and whatever they’re wearing is what’s PAWpular in fashion! Girls will gasp when they see this tail-wagging collection of stylish clothes and fashionable accessories. They can dress their posh pets up for a night on the town or get together with friends and put on a fashion show. High-profile style for Little Pets Living Big Lives!™

This child-sized water bottle has a connected twist-on top and a “North Pole, Alaska” snowy pole design. It makes a great stocking stuffer when filled with treats or special goodies. Launch date: 2005.
— The custom water bottle is a best-selling item at Santa Claus House in North Pole, Alaska, according to Operations Manager Susan Miller.

Outfitted with a shield, a helmet with horns, and weaponry, this knight is ready for battle. It is one of many styles in the varied Papo collection.
— “Papo figures always seem to be the best-selling thing in our store; we sell hundreds. I order from Papo once a year, so I order in my inventory for the entire year … a $17,000 order,” Linda Angel, owner of Kidoodles in Norman, Okla., told TDmonthly in summer 2008. “I have birthday wagons … kids fill them with what they want people to buy for them, and they always include Papo figures.”
— Jessie Wood of Northshire Bookstore in Manchester Center, Vt., said in July 2008 that her store sells roughly six Papo figurines per month from each of about 30 SKUs in the line. They’re best sellers at The Gifted Child in Lenox, Mass., Owner Randy Austin told TDmonthly in summer 2008.
— Four of 66 retailers named Papo as a best-selling gift for boys in summer 2008.

This child-sized custom metal lunch box makes a great gift container. It includes a photo of Santa writing a letter on one side, and says “Santa Claus House” on the other. Launch date: 2005.
— It’s a best-selling item at Santa Claus House in North Pole, Alaska, according to Operations Manager Susan Miller.

Series one of these collectible, 2.75" super hero and villain figurines features Spider-Man, Hulk, Iron Man, Wolverine, Venom and Captain America. Launch date: July 15, 2008. Display Ideas: They are available in blister card packaging for display on a peg board or on a shelf.

This premium, collectible, vinyl doll with glass eyes and wig hair is created from real baby photos of Lucille Ball and bears remarkable resemblance to her pouty lips, big blue eyes and curly red hair. Only 10,000 will be made, and each doll comes with a certificate of authenticity with the production number. Launch date: 2008. Display Ideas: The doll is packed inside a color-printed transparent PVC box, so just needs to be displayed in an eye-catching area.

The first-ever rubber duck of Captain Hook is created by CelebriDucks, the original creator of rubber ducks of the greatest icons of film, music, history and sports. The product is designed to bring a whole new level of enjoyment to bath time. Launch date: September 2008.

This Tokidoki mini figure series features 1" characters that each come with an accessory, such as a skull, dog bowl or soccer ball. The figures are Riposino, Ciotolina, Timidina, Salamino, Bastardino Jr., Tortellino and Malandrino. Launch date: 2008.

This little mouse is one in a collection of six Jolly Tar Sailors. It can be personalized and has a suggested retail price of $85.00 without lettering.

KnuckleBonz has created a second figure, in response to many requests, to honor the Randy Rhoads legacy. The first figure has been sold out since 2006. Randy Rhoads is considered to be one of the most talented and influential rock guitarists of all time. The figure is sculpted and hand painted and available only in a very limited edition of 3000 worldwide. Each is hand-numbered and has a certificate of authenticity on the base of the sculpture.

This 11 oz. ceramic coffee mug with Loteria graphics is distinctive because it is "decorated with classic (vintage) graphics from [the] famous Loteria game of Mexico," Owner Alonso Flores of Xochico told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2008.

We are pleased to announce the introduction of Lily as part of the Anne Geddes Collectible doll line. This new doll is inspired by Anne's critically acclaimed, and much loved photography and her passion for babies. Lily is available to order now and will be shipped in mid November, 2008. The first offering of this doll will include a photo of one of the actual Waterlily babies that appears on the front cover of Anne's most recent book, "A Labor of Love." This wonderful image is world renowned and a favorite of Anne Geddes' collectors.

Lily is the first full body sculpt in the Anne Geddes Collection. Height 22". The baby has been produced in vinyl which adds to the overall beauty of the doll. Anne has worked with well known artist, Laura Tuzio-Ross to translate her vision for this doll. Lily has an engaging smile that will warm your heart. Her body has been specially sculpted for this doll and has adorable chunky arms and legs. The baby is articulated at the neck, shoulders and hips. She wears a soft blonde baby fine wig that frames her beautiful face and has pretty baby blue eyes.

The very special outfit for the Lily doll was specially designed by Anne Geddes and features the following details.

This one-of-a-kind set includes 12, 8" figurines made of exquisitely polished resin. It features intricate detailing and whimsical style. "They are aimed at collectors, whether tweens, teens or adults," CEO & Creative Director Lynette Opoku of Littlelyn Entertainment told TDmonthly.

Capture the team spirit of a dozen schools with this unique design. Friends, family and fans alike can catch the wave with this collection. Choose from the following schools: University of Alabama, University of Florida, University of Michigan, Michigan State, University of North Carolina, North Carolina State, University of Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State University, University of Texas, University of Virginia and Virginia Tech. "Our attention to detail, unique designs and outstanding customer service make us the #1 company in our field of expertise," Marketing Executive Lee Rush of ChemArt told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 2008.

The Jimmy Page Limited Edition figure features the legendary guitarists in his white “poppy suit" with the dragon and poppy embroidery sculpted in intricate detail. The sculpture captures a moment in time from 1977 during the performance of “Dazed and Confused” with the bow held over head. Each figure is limited edition, hand-numbered and comes with a certificate of authenticity. This fine-arts piece is a resin sculpture and each collectible is individually hand-painted. The sculpture is fully licensed through Jimmy Page and Bravado International Group.

KnuckleBonz has created a George Lynch limited edition figure for the Rock Iconz® Sculpture Series. The likeness of one of the most respected guitarists to emerge from the ‘80s-era metal scene is portrayed in this hand-painted figure.  Each one of these very limited edition pieces is also hand-numbered and displayed on a wooden base.  The George Lynch figure is shown with his signature “bones” guitar.  Only 3000 figures available worldwide. The Rock Iconz® series is a collection of rock’s most highly praised musicians and vocalists, sculpted in great detail and cast in poly-resin.  The series is designed to be a tribute to acclaimed guitarists and rock icons that have made their indelible mark on music history.  All figures in the series are officially licensed.

Rob Halford - also known as the “metal god” - is the first vocalist represented in the KnuckleBonz Rock Iconz® sculpture series. The iconic front man for Judas Priest sets the bar for vocal range and his hi-pitched screams have dominated metal since the 70s. The Rob Halford Limited Edition Sculpture is an officially licensed figure and is only available in a limited quantity of 3000 worldwide. Each figure is hand-painted and hand-numbered and has a certificate of authenticity.

The Jimi Hendrix Limited Edition Sculpture is now offered in a color paint scheme. The original Hendrix Rock Iconz® sculpture was created in a "retrospective" black and white paint scheme, and KnuckleBonz also offers a bronze coated version (only 500 of the bronze have been created). Each version is a limited edition collectible in the Rock Iconz® sculpture series.

A cross-platform MMO game, Freaky Creatures allows players to build the ultimate, customizable creatures and then battle them against friends. The Freaky Creatures experience begins with a starter pack that includes 2 action figures and a 1 gigabyte reusable flash as the key to the Freaky Creatures universe with a random assortment of 50 parts, 20 powers and 4 lair objects that allows players to create more than 3 billion visual combinations. Booster packs add more to the customization. Once customized, players can enter the online world and interact with other players.
— Freaky Creatures bills itself as “the first player-customized, cross platform gaming universe you can take on the go.” Do such grandiose claims match the product itself? In short, no, but this does not mean Freaky Creatures should be ignored. Each starter pack contains two of the titular creatures rendered in action figure form along with a flash drive that unlocks a MMOG with exploration, character customization, and a simple battle system. Reviewers report the figures are nicely detailed and painted, especially for their size. KidsTechReview.com proclaimed the game “surprisingly well done.” Jacqueline Rupp of Common Sense Media recommended the toy for children ages 10 and up (not the advertised 8+), praising the online component for delivering fun game play while avoiding violence and adult content. With irresistibly grotesque figures and a solid online game experience, Freaky Creatures has genuine appeal. It’s not for everyone, but it can be used to reach older boys who spurn tamer and more traditional toys.

The Twinklets are whimsical, fun-loving characters who are eager to embark on adventures in a new world. They’ve slid down a rainbow from their home in Crystal Land to Earth, each acquiring a color that matches their unique personalities. These curious creatures and are yearning to learn about the world through their big, clear, crystal eyes. Their sparkly hearts radiate joy and happiness wherever they go. "The Brave Adventurer" of the group, "big brother" J.J. is known for being cool, confident and entertaining. "The Twinklets are also a complete collection of branded collectibles, accessories and jewelry with a whimsical feel. They will be exploring partnerships in America in order to infuse an educational element that will appeal to both tweens and parents alike," Robert Burns of Amazar Americas told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 2008 (in America).

The Twinklets are a family of whimsical, fun-loving characters who are eager to embark on adventures in a new world. They’ve slid down a rainbow from their home in Crystal Land to Earth and are delighted to discover they’ve each acquired a color that matches their unique personalities. The Twinklets are extremely curious creatures and are yearning to see and learn about the world through their big, clear, crystal eyes. Their sparkly hearts radiate joy and happiness wherever they go. "There is added value in the fact that they are made with Swarovski Crystals," Robert Burns of Amazar Americas told TDmonthly. Suggested retail price listed applies to the larger characters. Launch date: August 2008 (in America).