November 2012 Notable Toys — All

Evo Fury is the first expansion set for Kaijudo. All five Civilizations are represented. The Tornado Generator Competitive Deck has one super rare and one very rare foil card included; 40
cards total plus a code card. Launch date: November 13, 2012.

This kit allows users to increase the size, complexity and richness of their models. The number of interesting things one can build increases exponentially when one has more parts. This kit is perfect for those who have already caught the Zometool bug or families and groups who want to build together. Total parts: 738.
— As of 11/15/2012 this product had 4.7 out of 5 stars from 9 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: A great educational tool; can be used to teach geometry, or just for fun. Cons: Rods have to be pushed really hard into the balls in order for the creations not to fall apart.

It is near dawn on April 6th, 1862. The first major clash of arms in the western theater of the American Civil War is about to commence. Clash of Wills™ is the perfect way for 2 players to swiftly and casually explore military strategy in the first land battle of the American Civil War. It tells a rich story without requiring a lot of time or complicated rules. You can finish a game in about 45 minutes. Dice and action cards determine flexible command opportunities. Playing Time: 90-120 minutes. Made in the USA. Launch date: November 2012.

The Urban Canvas Cityscape Building Set is constructed of heavy duty recyclable cardboard and contains 40 connector pieces and 6 specially shaped roof top pieces. Each interlocking piece is pre-printed on both sides with city scenes, skyscrapers and buildings. Children can delve into the wonder of the city by building a tall skyscraper or a wide city skyline. The pieces fit together to build endless configurations, even animals, planes, or anything the imagination can create. "While 'skyscrapers' can be constructed with other building sets, the Cityscape set is the only one with a city structure and skyline motif and specially shaped pieces to achieve the architectural elements of an actual skyscraper," Maria Chee, founder of Urban Canvas told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2012.

Duck is the latest addition to our line of HO scale Thomas & Friends separate-sale locomotives. He features moving eyes and hook and loop couplers. "We're the only licensee of electric HO scale Thomas & Friends train products," Debra Schiff, communications manager for Bachmann Trains, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2013.

As children turn the pages of Care for Our World, they’ll encounter dozens of playful creatures, and will learn the importance of caring for all the plants, animals, and people that call planet Earth their home. The whimsical animals come to life with this punch-out-and-play set, which includes everything kids need to create and explore their own wildlife habitat. Simply punch out and assemble the pre-cut animals and plants, and use the habitat box as a backdrop for hours of imaginative play. Launch date: May 2012.
Awards: 2012 Mom's Choice Award; 2012 Silver Medal in Book with Merchandise (plush toy, etc.), Moonbeam Children's Book Award; 2012 Playset of the Year, Creative Child Awards; 2012 Top Toy of the Year, Creative Child Awards; 2012 Runner-up in the Children's Books Category, Green Book Festival

From the hit app sensation Talking Friends, Talking Tom has now come to life. Talking Tom repeats everything kids say in his signature funny voice, just like the hit app. Now a Disney cartoon series, Talking Tom is great gift idea for kids of all ages. Launch date: October 2012.

A great item for today's adventuresome girls. Each kit contains a gypsum block with 7 different embedded gemstones and a spiral pendant. Once the stones have been excavated, she can choose a favorite stone to wear in the necklace. Stones can be changed to coordinate with her outfit or her mood. Launch date: August 2012.

Class Calendar presents a visually complete representation of the day, month, year, today’s weather, and the season in 4” x 4” frames. It includes images of the seasons, weather, months, day, date, and storage basket. It is provided in both English and Spanish. Launch date: January 2013.

Children will learn to fasten buttons, zippers, snaps, shoe laces, buckles and more, while playing with these multicultural dressing dolls. Each doll measures  15-3/4" tall. Ages 3 - 9. Surface-washable. Launch date: January 2013.

Cash in on curiosity with this modern cash register that makes playing shop irresistible. Features a fun coin slide and pop-open cash drawer. Includes chunky buttons and 5 number coins. Ages 2+. Launch date: January 2013.

This non-toxic nail polish now comes in a brand new neon bubblegum pink. Launch date: October 2012.

New Nail Art to apply after Piggy Paint has dried. Then seal the Nail Art on the nail with Piggy Paint topcoat. So much fun. 3-D Butterfly Nail Art Topcoat or Glass Slippers is recommended to seal design. Choking Hazard: Not intended for children under 5. Launch date: November 2012.

This environmentally friendly, wooden Threading Beads Set is made of wood from FSC-monitored source, painted with water-based paints, packaged in a sturdy reuseable box made of recycled materials, and printed with soy-bean ink. Includes 12 double-sided wooden beads with charming Boikido characters and numbers (1 - 12). Develops fine motor skills, encourages problem solving, and learn numbers and counting. Comes in a sturdy re-usable box for easy storage. Tested to meet European and U.S. safety standards. Launch date: February 2013.

Children will be fascinated with this durable and colorful wooden Giant Xylophone. Develops rhythm and motor skills. Added fun with the roly-poly feature. Includes 2 drumsticks. Tested to meet European and U.S. safety standards. Launch date: February 2013.

This colorful and attractive wooden pull-along musical train will engage your kids in hours and hours of wholesome play. It consists of 3 wagons equipped with a Xylophone, 2 Drumsticks, 2 Bells and a Cymbal. Develops rhythm and motor skills. Tested to meet European and U.S. safety standards. Launch date: February 2013.

A complete multi-activity stacking toy with 15 colorful wooden blocks for stacking, sorting, and building.  Collapsible posts for added safety. Learn numbers and counting. Develops motor skills and hand-eye coordination. 2 strings included. Tested to meet European and U.S. safety standards. Launch date: February 2013.

There is no better way to learn alphabets, numbers, colors, and shapes than by playing with these 28 colorful wooden Boikido cubes. These cubes are also building blocks that stimulate imagination. Develops motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and problem solving skills. Launch date: February 2013.

Everyone knows that kids are fascinated with mazes, especially this vibrant wooden Boat Maze that is loaded with activities. Build the boat, stack the sail, play the maze with 5 colorful beads, and have fun with the cute Boikido characters. Develops fine motor skills. Launch date: February 2013.

This 2-in-1 sturdy and colorful wooden push-walker is also a ride-on. It encourages kids to take their first steps, improves balance, and brings lots of fun by riding it around the house! Comes with built-in Xylophone with 2 Drumsticks, and shape sorter. Launch date: February 2013.

SmartMax Set - BASIC 25 allows children ages three and up to experience the wonders of magnetism and the fascinating world of construction in a safe way. Towers, bridges, and houses are just a few building options that take advantage of the large pieces to engage even the youngest builder.
— Diane Gervais from Amato's Toy & Hobby in Middletown, Conn., told TDmonthly in a November 2014 survey that Smartmax sets are one of their store's best-selling educational toys. "Smartmax is pretty popular right now in preschool," she told us.

Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval

Families are sure to embrace this new holiday activity, and kids will savor the lasting excitement they'll get from completing this festive playscape. Kids color in over 50 precut Shrinky Dinks characters and accessories, and then pop them in the oven to watch them transform. Includes over 50 precut Shrinky Dinks characters and accessories, colored pencils, and 3-D pop up living room.

CuddleUppets are both playful puppets that encourage creative play and practical blankets. Their soft plush head can be used as a small travel pillow for children on planes, cars or in daycare while the fuzzy blanket keeps small children warm. CuddleUppets help children transition from play time to bed time. CuddleUppets are available in eight varieties: Pink Poodle, Blue Elephant, Purple Monkey, Yellow Puppy, Brown Bear Green Crocodile and the newest additions Pink Ladybug and Magic Unicorn.

The holiday season has arrived in Heartlake City. Head outside with Olivia, Christina and their dog Coco. Build a snowman or go skiing, then warm up by the fire with cookies and milk. Help Olivia and Christina writing a holiday card, delivering gifts on their snowmobile and decorate the Christmas tree. Set includes 24 individual gifts, including 2 mini dolls, a dog and accessories. Celebrate the holiday season with the LEGO Friends.