November 2009 Notable Toys — All

Rocky, “the hardest working truck on the block with the most engaging personality,” not only hauls like a dump truck toy; he also tells jokes and dances. Headlights light up and sensors allow him to interact with kids. Batteries are included.

This talkative dump truck says over 40 phrases and sounds. Sound recognition cues him to roll his tires when he's called, so that he starts moving when children want him. A storybook and batteries are included.

Battle Strikers combines hand skill and strategy to a game of defeating other players' tops. The eight-piece starter pack includes a Turbo Launcher, a magnetic Controller, and a Striker (top). Batteries are included. There are 16 different Strikers in the set. Extension packs with additional pieces are $4.99.

With a brand motto of “Be True! Be You!” the Moxie Girlz doll line pushes individuality, self-expression and courage to follow dreams. The Jammaz line shows the four key girls expressing themselves through music. There's a website the characters live in that provides more play opportunities. Launch date: Aug. 15, 2009.

This gun has the highest dart capacity of any toy Nerf has produced. The drum magazine holds 35 darts and has a clear window so the user knows when it’s getting low. Single or multi-shot modes allow variations on how it fires. It also includes an adjustable shoulder stock.

From the day the baby crawls through the archway to when she's walking up to it, there are plenty of activities. Shapes and objects can be counted, sorted, flipped and spun. Many activities trigger sing-along songs, lights, sounds and phrases. It requires 3 AA batteries and is suitable for ages 6 months and up.

This product is designed to teach children about music as well as art. As a child colors, music is played that matches the strokes of the crayon in speed. There's salsa, swing, country or rock tunes, plus toddlers can add layers of trumpet, guitar, piano and drums over the music.

Girls can decorate their dolls and the loft they live in. They drop colored PixOs onto the toys and spray them, making their styles permanent. The set boasts plenty of variation fueled by a child's creativity. Launch date: Fall 2009.

These custom made items, mainly produced for board games, include dice in the common six-face design as well as multi-face designs, sand timers in 30, 60, and 90 second durations, and various board bame pieces such as pegs, stands, and miniatures. All in assorted colors and sizes.

Surah, the lost one. Fate separated the sisters Surah and Sera, as one calamitous night Surah fell into the clutches of the princess of darkness.
— Schleich figures are top sellers at the Toy Shop of Concord  in Concord, Mass., Storeowner David Hesel said in December 2009. “They just put in a beautifully backlit displayer [at the end of October], and business has gone up 40 percent since,” he told TDmonthly.

This three-disc, Blu-ray/DVD combo features stars Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson in this long-awaited Harry Potter film, rated PG.  Launch date: December 2009.

Kids can make five shaggy canines with this kit that includes pipe cleaners, novelty yarn and materials for decoration, as well as instructions, style and grooming tips, and punch-out dog carriers. The book was written by Theresa Hutnick and Megan Smith.
— When asked about the best-selling arts and crafts items in her store, Amy Barrett, owner of Lasso the Moon Wonderful Toys in Helena, Mont., told TDmonthly, “Klutz books are definitely up there.”
— “All of the Klutz kits do really well,” said Julie Vaughan, manager of Village Toy Shop in North Easton, Mass., when asked of their top selling craft kits in January 2010.
— “Klutz books are still really, really popular,” said Steve Ellerhoff, manager of Finnegan's Toys and Gifts in Portland, Ore. Ellerhoff was one of five retailers, out of 48, who listed Klutz as their top-selling craft supplier at the beginning of 2010.

Designed to pop up in a single motion, this play gym includes four toys and a bolster pillow to be used for tummy time. It is available in two color options.
— Real Moms Real Views  “was wowed by the [Gym’s] COLORS! They are so bright and fun.” The reviewer said, “Set up is a breeze,” and the Activity Gym “would make a wonderful Baby Shower Gift too!”
— “Infantino knows babies and knows what Mom's want and need in quality infant products,” declared Deborah Sloan at Baba’s Farm Life.  Deborah loved how well thought out the Twist & Fold Activity Gym is with its emphasis on stimulation, style and safety for baby.
— As of 05/24/2011 this product had 4.6 out of 5 stars from 62 reviews on Amazon.com. Cons: one reviewer said that hers would not stand up straight; One person said the colors in real life were different than those depicted online.

This City set includes a 7" x 3" bus and bus stop, five minifigures, a two-story pizzeria and a bike/skate shop.

Wearing a soft, two-piece pastel outfit, Baby Stella has embroidered facial features, a belly button and a round tummy. She comes with a pacifier that magnetically attaches to her mouth.
― “I sell a lot of Baby Stella. She's so darn cute,” said Jean McCullough, owner of Children's Store Inc. in Boise, Idaho, when asked about best-selling dolls during a May 2010 survey.
― Four of 43 retailers told TDmonthly in late spring 2010 that Baby Stella is one of their best-selling dolls.
― Donna Frederick, owner of The Play House Toy Store in Durham, N.C., told TDmonthly in a May 2012 survey that Baby Stella is their best selling doll. "This is a good first doll for kids. They come in different skin tones, and they're not awfully expensive," she said.

Kids can take their preferred TV shows, movies and video games anywhere, indoors or out, with this hand-sized projector that displays up to a 60" screen. It requires four D batteries (not included) and can be powered with the AC adaptor or a portable battery pack, both included. — As of 1.06.2011 this product had 3.5 our of 5 stars from 149 reviews on Amazon.com and was No. 1 on the top 100 bestselling toys and games. Pros: Portable; can be connected to external audio. Cons: Low quality on board speakers; Image becomes fuzzy if projector is too far from surface.

As of 1.06.2011 this product had 3.5 our of 5 stars from 149 reviews on Amazon.com and was No. 1 on the top 100 bestselling toys and games. Pros: Portable; can be connected to external audio. Cons: Low quality on board speakers; Image becomes fuzzy if projector is too far from surface.

The Crayon Maker transforms used or broken off pieces of crayons and turns them into new ones. The user just mixes in bits of crayon, melts them and then pours into a mold to harden. It requires a clear, 60-watt candelabra light bulb (not included).

In this game for 1 or more players, the Bop It! unit issues commands that must be followed by the participants — requiring them to bop and twist parts of the game, use the microphone, and even use their elbows and knees. It requires three AAA batteries.

This pinked-out Barbie palace includes light and sound effects (such as a doorbell and flushing toilet), an elevator, a fireplace, a flat screen TV and an outdoor whirlpool tub.

With the iPod Touch, users can listen to music, watch videos, play games, surf the Web and more. This slim pocket computer has a 3.5" screen and uses electrical fields to sense and respond to touch on the surface of the screen.

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.”