November 2012 Notable Toys — All

A 'smart phone' inspired controller guides full-function radio control driving while unlocking a unique front and side wheelie action, realistic vehicle sounds and exciting light effects! It's the chase of a lifetime as you maneuver these sleek roadsters in and out of danger, with the iconic James Bond Theme providing the soundtrack to your fun! Models available: Aston Martin DBS(Quantum of Solace) and Ford Mustang Mach 1 (Diamonds Are Forever). Launch date: November 2012.

A custom-designed video game-styled remote controls full-function radio control driving, while also triggering lights, sounds, light-up hidden weapon reveals and the signature James Bond Theme music. Models available: Aston Martin Vanquish(Die Another Day) Aston Martin DB5 (Goldfinger) and the featured car from the James Bond franchise, Skyfall.

It’s the fast-action domino game. Start with one tile in the middle of the play area. At the same time all players start matching their tiles to tiles that are in play as they race to be the player to get rid of all their tiles first. It’s fast, frenzied family fun with 3 levels of play! For 2 to 4 players, ages 6 and up. Contents: 49 tiles, rules. Launch date: February 2012.

Players must turn over a category card then roll the letter dice. Everyone tries to match the letters with something related to the category. If they’re looking for “Vehicles” — take the “T” and yell out “Truck!”, then keep on looking for more. The first player to get 20 points wins.  For 2 to 4 players, ages 8 and up. Contents: 7 dice, dice cup, 30 category cards, score pad, rules. Launch date: June 2012.
Awards: 2012 Family Fun Toy of the Year T.O.Y. Award

A great new brainteaser with 100+ different puzzles, from the inventor of "Kanoodle" (TM) Fun microbe shaped pieces come stored in a cool petri dish carrying case. Launch date: 2012.

Package includes: Rainbow Loom(TM), Mini Rainbow Loom(TM), hook, a bag of c-clips, instruction manual and 600+ mix rubber bands (colors may vary). Makes up to 24 rubber band bracelets.
— Chris Lowe, owner of Beanhead Toys in Sandy Springs, Ga., told TDmonthly in a May 2013 survey that Rainbow Loom is their best-selling activity kit. They sell about 50 each month, and if they could keep it in stock, would likely sell more. "I got 24 the other day and they were gone instantly," she told TDmonthly.
— In a July 2013 survey, four out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that the Rainbow Loom was their overall best-selling product.
— In a Fall 2013 survey, two out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that Rainbow Loom was their best-selling novelty toy.

5" YOOHOO MERMAID ASST. Part of the YooHoo & Friends Wanna Be line, these yoohoo mermaids have colorful fins and tiaras, and play fun sounds when kids sqeeze their bellies.

11" ROXIE'S FRIEND WILLS - MEDIUM features embroidered eyes, super soft plush fabric, and a bow... Meet Wills, Roxie's Friend she met in London.! He shares her exciting lifestyle and loves to travel and have fun adventures.

Kids will have fun even when they're on the go with the Carrying Case Vet Clinic. This easy to take-along case comes with a figure, kitten, puppy, guinea pigs, and accessories to help the vet treat the animals.
— In a July 2013 survey Donna Frederick, owner of The Play House Toy Store in Durham, N.C., told TDmonthly that toys by Playmbil are one of her store's overall best-sellers.
— In a May 2014 survey Suzi McMullen, manager of Doodlehopper 4 Kids in Falls Church, Va., told TDmonthly that Playmobil was her store's best-selling play set.

Kids will have fun when they are on the go with the Princess Carrying Case. This easy to take-along playset comes with a figure, unicorn, peacock, swan, vanity, and other accessories.
— Peg Scholtes, owner of Capitol Kids LTD in Madison, Wis., told TDmonthly in a December 2014 interview that Playmobil take-along sets, particularly princess and pirate, are some of their best-selling play sets.

Get a robotic creature that behaves just as a real bug would. This robotic HEXBUG Halloween Nano speeds around in random patterns, finds its way around obstacles and more all by using vibration-propelled movements. Each one comes with a unique registration number too, so kids can register their HEXBUG online and earn points, play games and learn scientific facts.
— Jessica Wood from Northshire Bookstore in Manchester Center, Vt., told TDmonthly in a Winter 2012 survey that Halloweeen Hexbugs were their top-selling Halloween toy.

Kids can have fun even when they're on the go with the Carrying Case Santa's Workshop. Set includes Santa, elf, gifts, toys, wheelbarrow, table, chair, and other accessories that all fit into a green, easy to take-along case.

Avast ye, matey; there's hidden treasure in this Playmobil Pirate Adventure Island. Find the 5 magic coins and use them to unlock a secret cave where the treasure lies hidden. Sound & light effects activate when the cave is opened. But beware of danger. The island also has hidden stairs and falling rocks. Set contains 210 pieces, including 3 figures, exotic creatures, rowboat, working cannon, and many other accessories. There's even a colorful poster for little buccaneers to put on their wall.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval

Set out on a digging adventure across Africa’s Kalahari Desert with our Meerkats. As expert diggers, Meerkats are immune to most venom allowing them to safely eat poisonous animals. The sculpture of an adult meerkat and baby is modeled as one piece and stands 3.5”H. Suitable for ages 3+. Educational information in five languages is available. All figures are 100% guaranteed and phthalate and lead free to ensure children’s safety.

The wondrous Sable Antelope from Africa stands independently of its herd with this bold sculpt. Hand painted figure measures 4.5”L x 4.25”H and is appropriate for ages 3+. Educational information in five languages is available. All figures are 100% guaranteed and phthalate and lead free to ensure children’s safety.

Old MacDonald would love these large size, classic barnyard animals. Realistically sculpted and biologically accurate, these are replicas of the animals that children learn about first in storybooks and nursery rhymes. Each figure includes an educational hangtag in 5 languages. All Safari Ltd.® products are phthalate and lead free and safety tested to safeguard children's health. We take pride in the quality, innovation and design that have characterized our products for over 3 generations. Barnyard Buddies™ Sow Size: 4" L x 2" H [10 x 5 cm].

The perfect toy for doll mommies and teddy daddies to create a first home for their little friends. This doll's house has lots of accessories and is easy to carry wherever you go. Includes a chair, sleeping bag, pillow and three hangers. When kids are done playing, they can just close it up and take it with them. Includes carrying handle. Made of cotton/polyester. Measures 41" x 13" x 28" when open. Dolls are not included.

The canopy converts the carry cot for doll or teddy into a comfy little bed. When the doll or teddy want to be taken along to grandma or grandpas, the canopy is simply removed and the carrying straps attached. Bed includes pillow, blanket and canopy. Made of cotton/polyester.

This set comes complete with a wooden cook top. Content: apron, frying pan, wooden stove top, pot with lid, and salt & pepper shakers. Dishwasher safe - microwave safe - suitable for food contact - PVC free. 10 pieces.

What a cute idea: vegetables kids can cuddle with and listen to. The carrot and tomato rattle, and the lettuce leaf rustles. Later, this trio will make a great addition to any play food set.
— David Stelzer, owner of Shananigans Toys in Baltimore, Md., told TDmonthly in an April 2015 survey that Haba rattles and toys are their store's best-selling infant & toddler toys.

This plush boat even has a seat belt to keep the little bear safe on all of his journeys. Wheels, flag and string are detachable. Kids will loving pulling bear in his boat.

Where did the animals go? The animals are attached by a stretchy band that softly snaps back when pulled. Included are rustling foil and a squeaker. Washable, air dry.

Yuko-chan and the Daruma Doll, a gorgeous book by author/illustrator Sunny Seki, takes readers on a journey into ancient Japan and the story behind the famous Daruma Doll. Yuko-chan, an adventurous blind orphan, is able to do amazing things. She confronts a temple burglar in the dead of night, and crosses treacherous mountain passes to deliver food to hungry people. During her travels, Yuko-chan trips and tumbles down a snowy cliff. She discovers a strange thing as she waits for help: her tea gourd, regardless of how she drops it, always lands right-side-up. The tea has frozen in the bottom of the gourd. Inspired by this, she creates the famous Daruma doll toy, which rights itself when tipped—a true symbol of resilience. Thanks to Yuko-chan's invention, the villagers are able to earn a living and feed themselves by selling the dolls. Yuko-chan never gave up, no matter the obstacles she faced, and the Daruma doll is a charming reminder of the power of perseverance.

Everywhere in the world, there are poems and songs especially for children—rhymes that are sung from generation to generation and never forgotten. In Japan, nursery rhymes speak of nature, of everyday joys and of Japan's own special culture. In Japanese Nursery Rhymes fifteen well-loved verses are colorfully presented in a format that makes language learning easier. The included audio CD features kids singing in both Japanese and English.

Bible Origami kit is a new boxed set from well-known papercrafter Andrew Dewar. It contains everything kids need to fold the figures from famous Biblical stories. A full-color, 64-page booklet provides detailed, step-by-step folding instructions for each figure. Custom-designed papers are provided for each person, animal and object that comprise the 72 models. Each project is introduced by a simple retelling of the biblical story that inspires it, followed by an explanation of the significance of each accompanying origami figure.