December 2011 Notable Toys — All

Everything kids need to fly like a pro, indoors or out. Our three only-from-Klutz, rubber band powered airplanes have been carefully engineered for coolness, from the extra-large Firebird (an impressive 19-inch wingspan), to the acrobatic Lightning Looper (it really loops), to the Shooting Star (which makes such tight turns kids can fly it in the living room). Simple directions explain how to assemble the planes from the included parts and, just as importantly, how to fly them for maximum performance. And by experimenting with the variations in the book, junior aviators will learn basic principles of aerodynamics and physics.
— Mary Porter Green, owner of The Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va., told TDmonthly in a November 2011 survey that Klutz flying books are her best selling flying toy.
— In a November 2013 survey, Mary Porter Green, owner of Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va., told TDmonthly that they sell several of these books each month.
— In a December 2013 survey three out of 10 retailers said that Klutz made their best-selling books.

For high flying fun. Super flight performance with 7” wingspan. Soft foam with weighted nose for long glides. Hand or rubber band launched.
— Kim Emigh, manager of e-commerce at Growing Tree Toys in State College, Pa., told TDmonthly in a November 2011 survey that Hot Wingz are one of her top-2 best selling flying toys.

A Bi-Plane in which parts turn. Ideal for little aviators. The propeller and steering wheel spin and the little pilot comes out. The size is 28cm x 20cm x 18cm (3y+). "Dicoveroos toys are 100% Plantation Wood and only use non-toxic paints," Jane Wood, president of Bug In A Rug, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2011.

CircaToys is a family business that designs and manufactures heirloom quality wooden toys that are handmade in Franklin, N.C. USA.  The company was founded in 2009 by Gary Murphy whose inspiration for the first toy "Wagon of Blocks" came from the original toy itself which he received on his birthday in 1942.  The original toy still exists, although beginning to show its age, having been played with by 3 generations. It is a simple toy made from basic wood shapes and threaded nuts and pegs that can be taken apart easily. It is a mechanical learning toy that opens the door for imagination building and hand eye coordination. Safety tested and approved for children 6 months and up. Launch date: January 2009.
Awards: 2010 Creative Child Magazine TopToy of the Year; 2010 Brain Child Tillywig

These 3D images are of professional athletes from the National Basketball Association (NBA)and Major League Baseball (MLB), as well as cars from NASCAR. They come in 8" x 10" and 11.625" x 13.625" sizes and have an attached easel for standing. "They are 3 dimensional and are the only such product on the market that is licensed by the NBA, MLB, and NASCAR," David P. Bagliebter, CEO of Creative 3D, LLC, told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 2010.

This original series of electronic Discover the-Sound Books allow kids to explore  backyard, farm, rain forest and pond scenes to discover the animals who live there. Each book has a sound module that plays an animal sound. Available in English and Bilingual versions (English/ French, English/ Spanish). Launch date: January 2012.

Parents can have fun with their child as they practice early learning skills with Water Magic™, an exciting new educational format by Beaver Books Publishing. This series of educational discovery books includes four colorful discovery scenes that are magically revealed with the Water Magic™ brush. The engaging activities presented above each scene reinforce the basics of each subject while keeping children entertained. Titles include Alphabet Zoo, Candy Counting, Bug Play: Matching, Circus Colors and more. Launch date: 2011.

Everyone gets ten dice. Someone says “Go.” Then everyone rolls and rolls as fast as they can until someone gets all their dice on the same number. It’s a fun, fast frenzy. It’s TENZI. It's "Super-simple to learn & super-fast to play," Steve Mark, executive Dice president of  CARMA GAMES, LLC, told TDmonthly. Launch date: April 2011.
— In a February 2012 survey about games, Mary Porter Green, owner of The Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va., told TDmonthly that she sells 6+ copies of Tenzi each month.
— In a February 2013 survey, two out of 11 retailers told TDmonthly that Tenzi was their best selling game.
— Glisyn Lewis Jarrells, manager of Imaginations Toy & Furniture in Blacksburg, Va., told TDmonthly in a March 2013 survey that Tenzi is their overall best selling product. They sell around 15 copies of the game each month.

Mommy I'm Here electronic child locators are the fun, easy to use, reliable and stylish way to find a wandering child. Simply press the button to locate a toddler; it's like a wireless leash for kids. Launch date: January 2005.

The My Web RC - 1:24 - Wiki Rally Street - Souped-up Jitney - Ready-to-run includes online My Web RC game card for user access. With exchangeable body, full function.
— In a November 2011 survey, Stephanie Dupuy from Playville in Covington, La., told TDmonthly that they sell six units from the Wiki Rally line each month.
— Greg Bonner, owner of Heights Toy Center Inc. in Little Rock, Ark. told TDmonthly in a Summer 2012 survey that he sells just over a dozen My Funky Planet racing cars each month, making them his best selling electronic/battery operated toy.

With textured "skin" and glowing eyes kids won't want to turn their back on this guy. Powerful four wheel drive moves him over the water, then even faster on land. These high-performance radio control amphibious creatures can go anywhere- dirt, pond or pool. Features sturdy 4x4 turf digging tires for land and wake forming paddle wheel treads for ripping through the water. Powerful full-function controller makes explorations on any surface just a touch away. Requires 2 "AAA" and 3 "AA" batteries, not included. As with all water related activities, use with close adult supervision.
— In a November 2011 survey, Mike DiAndrea from Hardware Toys in Paoli, Pa., told TDmonthly that they sell about a dozen units of the Morphibians Gator each month.

This updated Password Journal includes a new look and feel with some of the cool features tweens love most about previous versions including a microphone to record voice for security access. Also, a voice recording alerts you when intruders have tried to access your journal. This version has a new feature: a hidden compartment that only the user can access by using a second voice—activated password. The Journal comes with a pen and an assortment of fun stickers to decorate with. Light allows girls to share special messages with friends.
— As of 11/04/2011 this product was 19.99 on Amazon.com
— As of 11/04/2011 this product had 3.2 out of 5 stars from 26 reviews on Amazon.com. Cons: Sound quality is poor; batteries ran out quickly.

Kids learn how to recognize animals through sight and sound with the Little People Zoo Talkers Animal Sounds Zoo from Fisher-Price. This interactive set recognizes model animals, like the included lion, gorilla, and polar bear, names them out loud for children, and demonstrates the noises they make in the wild.
— As of 11/04/2011 this product was $34.88 on Amazon.com.
— As of 11/04/2011 this product had 4.7 out of 5 stars from 12 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Cute; interactive; large; handle is useful for transporting it. Cons: Extra animal figures are expensive; one person reported missing/defective pieces came in her box; animal sounds can be annoying and even though children seem to like them, they don't add much educational value to the toy.

Annual plush bear for Amazon from Gund. Limited edition-2011 only. Soft and huggable. For children of all ages.

There's a new busy word book in town—and Ugly has never looked better. Uglydoll characters are sharing their bright and colorful Uglyverse down to the tiniest detail. Featuring over 563 labeled wacky and regular words, readers will have a blast with lots and lots to search for, point to, and wonder about.

This set includes 1 piece of Babo, Ox, and Ice-Bat. Each with their own unique function. Babo does a back flip. Ox walks and spins his money. Ice-Bat hops.

Feel empty inside? Remember, it's not what you have inside but what you get out of it. Wait no, everything on the inside only counts if you bring it out. Ok that sounds right. Ok so put little Ox or Babo in there and see if any of that works. Or Trunko? Big Toe? Like they say, It's who you know.

Uglydoll Super Race Series – 6 cool tin Uglycars with friction motors. Go for a relaxing cruise with Cinko in the family wagon. Approx. 5" long.

Kram Scrammy love information of any kind. If knowledge is power, then Kram Scrammy is uh, power hungry. But you have to help him learn how to take it easy and have a good time.. too much of a good thing and all that, you know? If Kram Scrammy gets to become a problem, take him phone booth hunting. He's nuts about phone booths, especially those old ones with the closing doors. Watch out for beepers though. Oh man, don't let him have a beeper. No no no.

Groody is a pretty relaxed, easy going, energetic, stressed out, moody broody mess! AAAAHHHH! Did I just close that door? It was a ghost! Did I close the garage door? Did I send that e-mail to the wrong person!!!??? You get the picture…which is exactly why Groody has chosen you to be his pal. If you are willing to help him on his quest for inner peace he will help you on your quest for whatever dealio you got going. His first though.

Jiker didn't sign up for any of this! Did you? You don't look like you did. Who would! OK so Jiker was born... can't help that! So why does she have to follow these wacky rules! Says who! Well she's had enough. From this day on, Jiker is going to live the good life no matter what. And now that you're reading this, she figures she can leave it up to you to figure out the details, such as what in the world this all means, the purpose of life, and the other good stuff (like baking secrets, etc.). Jiker is approximately 12" tall.

Kipsy and the Magic Beans is a bedtime story about a special little gnome named Kipsy. He isn't very fond of bedtime, but after finding something magical in the forest, his feelings change. The story offers a time of bonding between parent and child and many times even helps children get excited about bedtime, instead of dreading it. Includes 13 pg colorful boardbook, the cuddly Kipsy doll, 5 magic beans and 5 prepackaged incentive toys. Launch date: October 4, 2011.

Experience a whole new twist on accessory design with the Umagine Bizu Bead Style Studio. This must—have style center lets kids store, select and dispense their Bizu collection, making them the designer. With over 15,000 combinations, the Style Studio rotating tower allows kids to inventory their Bizu collection and create new fashionable accessories. Follow the trend by making Glam, Rock, Wild, or Funky styles, then become the trendsetter by mixing and matching to create an entirely new look. Create 4 stylish bracelets, link 3 together to make a necklace, or set the style with cool backpack and cell phone accessories. Includes Style Studio rotating tower, 40 beads (including 4 character heads), 4 elastic bands with toggle clasps, 1 beading tool, 2 clips, 4 character template cards and 1 instruction guide.

Defend the LEGO Star Wars Hoth Echo Base (7879) from the evil Imperial forces. Imperial forces have discovered the Rebel base hidden on the ice planet of Hoth and are preparing to crush the Rebel Alliance. Han Solo, Chewbacca, Princess Leia and protocol droid R—3PO get ready to fend off the attack as 2 snowtroopers approach. Luke Skywalker is in the bacta tank being treated by medical droid 2—1B. The LEGO Star Wars Hoth Echo Base (7879) includes: Tauntaun stable with locking gate, tauntaun, rotating radar dishes, falling icicle trap, working cargo crane, and medical bay with bacta tank; Han Solo, injured Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, 2—1B, protocol droid R—3PO, Chewbacca and 2 snowtroopers; flick missile gun turrets; repeating blaster and blaster rifle weapons; Measures over 21" wide and 5" tall; Imperial speeder bike measures over 5" long; Contains 773 pieces.