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May 10, 2024

TDmonthly Magazine

January 2008 | Vol. VII - No. 1


January Toy Videos

Friendship Games for 2008

By Alison Marek & Julie L. Jones
January 2008

Old slumber-party games, such as Truth or Dare and fortune telling, have cropped up in vendable forms for 2008. Tween girls who want to know what their friends are thinking — or what tomorrow will bring — can try out Kubit2me Inc.'s tossing cubes and Green Rock Entertainment's Cahootie.

Find out what it's like to play these games and more in the videos below, selected by TDmonthly Magazine's staff. Are these toys fun? There's no better way than to see for yourself:
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Videography by Rob Poswall. Edited by Alison Marek.

*Video of the month*

Kubit2me Now You're Talkin' by KUBIT2ME INC.

This game for two to eight players makes communication more physical, exciting and fun. Participants toss the 6” bright orange plush cube to one another and answer thought-provoking questions from cards that they pull from Kubit2me’s denim pockets. A perfect game to play with friends, at family parties or at just about any group get-together, this non-competitive game comes with 99 friendship stickers and encourages open and honest communication about topics that affect our everyday lives, such as relationships, beliefs, opinions, memories and more. It even has a secret compartment for storing cards and stickers. Also available in Truth or Dare and other versions. (Watch Video)


Toobs – In the Water by SAFARI LTD.®

Toobs – In the Water by SAFARI LTD.®The replicas in the acetate Toob are hand-painted, phthalate-free and finely detailed for extra realism. Each 1-1/2” x 13-1/2” Toob contains 8 to 12 miniature collectibles. In addition to “In the Water,” over 40 other themes are available. (Watch the Toobs – In the Water Video Watch Video) 10/19/2007 (MSRP: $7.98; Age: 3 and Up)


PlajaPets™ Plush Pet Friends by SMALL WORLD TOYS

PlajaPets™ Plush Pet Friends by SMALL WORLD TOYSChildren can mix-and-match these cuddly plush friends that feature magnetically interchangeable heads and tails. Collecting all six in the collection allows kids to create more than 200 PlajaPets. In June 2007, new PlajaPets Tiger, Platypus, Rhino, Monster, Pig and Monkey were launched. “The very unique look and feel of our characters draws kids (and adults) to them. Once children get these in their hands, they honestly do not want to put them down. [They have been embraced by] teachers ... in classrooms all over the United States, as well as by child psychologists who teach cognitive development,” COO Jason Johnson of Plaja International told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2007. (Watch the PlajaPets™ Plush Pet Friends Video Watch Video) 2/21/2007 (Age: 4 and Up)


The Simpsons' Pieceless Puzzle by CEACO

The SimpsonsThis two-sized puzzle is soft, durable and all in one piece, making it ideal for travel. A twist on the classic jigsaw puzzle, it features flexible branches that exist all on one strand. Completed size is 17.5” x 14”. Launch date: October 2007. (Watch the The Simpsons' Pieceless Puzzle Video Watch Video) 11/9/2007 (MSRP: $17.99; Age: 12 and Up)


NYC Taxi Cab & Sign Set by DARON WORLDWIDE TRADING

NYC Taxi Cab & Sign Set by DARON WORLDWIDE TRADINGThis officially licensed product comes with a sign that says “Don’t even think of parking here.” The art work on the New York City Taxi is new, and began appearing on real cabs in October 2007. “Daron is the only toy company that has a license to produce official New York City-licensed toy-set items,” Eugene McKeown, director of sales and marketing for Daron Worldwide Trading, told TDmonthly. “They are not sold in the mass market, and are of high quality, and retailers can order any quantity of each. Our low minimums are designed for the specialty market.” Launch date: October 2007. (Watch the NYC Taxi Cab & Sign Set Video Watch Video) 9/17/2007 (MSRP: $8.99; Age: 4 and Up)


bébéPOD plus by PRINCE LIONHEART INC.

bébéPOD plus by PRINCE LIONHEART INC.The bébéPOD plus captivates the interest of babies with its bright colors, fascinating toy, and the soft and squishy feel of a seat designed especially for them. Its ergonomic design provides optimal support in helping baby learn to sit, it helps ensure that baby is comfortable and secure, and it comes with a selection of fun and stylish placemats. Ideal for travel, the non-toxic product is easy to clean and has a removable pommel, adjustable tray and a custom-designed Sassy toy with toy bar. It is intended for babies ages three months to 14 months. This product is an iParenting Media Award winner.
― Prince Lionheart is one company that “accommodate[s] me no matter how 'little' I am,” Kathleen Fisher of Pink Belly Gifts told TDmonthly in spring 2007. (Watch the bébéPOD plus Video Watch Video) 1/11/2007 (MSRP: $59.99; Age: 0 to 1)


Sassy Earth Brights Cuddle Dolls by SASSY

Sassy Earth Brights Cuddle Dolls by SASSYInspired by nature, this soft doll is lightly scented with lavender and features wooden rings along with bright colors and textured fabrics — velour, corduroy, fleece and sateen. It is handcrafted from quality hardwoods and features water-based finishes. Launch date: October 2007. (Watch the Sassy Earth Brights Cuddle Dolls Video Watch Video) 10/17/2007 (MSRP: $9.00; Age: 0 and Up)


Kubit2me Now You're Talkin' by KUBIT2ME INC.

Kubit2me Now YouThis game for two to eight players makes communication more physical, exciting and fun. Participants toss the 6” bright orange plush cube to one another and answer thought-provoking questions from cards that they pull from Kubit2me’s denim pockets. A perfect game to play with friends, at family parties or at just about any group get-together, this non-competitive game comes with 99 friendship stickers and encourages open and honest communication about topics that affect our everyday lives, such as relationships, beliefs, opinions, memories and more. It even has a secret compartment for storing cards and stickers. This product received a 2008 Preferred Choice Award from Creative Child Magazine, a 2008 Award of Excellence and Editor's Choice Award from The Toy Man, and was named one of Dr. Toy's Best Picks 2009. Launch date: September 2007. (Watch the Kubit2me Now You're Talkin' Video Watch Video) 10/11/2007 (MSRP: $24.99; Age: 10 and Up)


Boogily Heads Series One by ROCKET USA

Boogily Heads Series One by ROCKET USAEach one-of-a-kind character in this collectible-art toy line is derived from handmade foam sculptures. Each piece stands between 1-3/4” to 2-1/4” tall and has its own special name and story. Launch date: August 2007. (Watch the Boogily Heads Series One Video Watch Video) 9/18/2007 (MSRP: $6.95; Age: 5 and Up)


BladeRunner Series Firefly by INTERACTIVE TOY CONCEPTS LTD.

BladeRunner Series Firefly by INTERACTIVE TOY CONCEPTS LTD.The two-channel Firefly is the world's smallest, most stable and lightest indoor helicopter. The future of RC fits in the palm of your hand. The Firefly continues ITC's tradition of groundbreaking products and market-penetrating presentation. (Watch the BladeRunner Series Firefly Video Watch Video) 2/21/2007 (MSRP: $69.99; Age: 10 and Up)


FlyBall, The Coach's Friend by PROBALL INC.

FlyBall, The CoachThe latest spin-off from Rocketbal is the FlyBall. It looks like a baseball and kids love to play catch with it. Little league coaches can launch 150 foot fly balls without using a bat. Beginners are not afraid to catch fly balls with this rubber baseball. (Watch the FlyBall, The Coach's Friend Video Watch Video) 9/18/2007 (MSRP: $9.95; Age: 7 and Up)


Charm It! Gift Sets by HIGH INTENCITY CORP.

Charm It! Gift Sets by HIGH INTENCITY CORP.Each pre-made gift set comes with five themed charms and one snap-clasp bracelet. Gift sets are packaged in a rainbow-striped box that doubles as a keepsake with a velvet insert and magnetic closure. The box itself comes in a special gift bag. Gift set themes range from friends to birthdays to dance to licensed Disney characters, such as Disney Princesses, Hannah Montana and High School Musical. (Watch the Charm It! Gift Sets Video Watch Video) 11/5/2007 (MSRP: $30.00)


The Lonely Little Monster by THE MONSTERS IN MY HEAD LLC

The Lonely Little Monster by THE MONSTERS IN MY HEAD LLCThe Lonely Little Monster, winner of a MoonBeam Children's Book Award, stars Nola our wide-eyed Monster of Loneliness. She seems to have a problem... she can't find any friends!  Join her as she wanders through her fanciful world in search of a companion. Will she find a friend?  The Lonely little Monster was named  "One of Three Great Books About Loneliness" by "Time Out New York Kids." “The WorryWoos are a unique series that brings human emotions to life by personifying feelings as main characters. For the first time, author [and illustrator] Andi Green deals with aspects of our inner self, presented as quirky and loveable monsters who go on amusing introspective journeys in search of understanding and acceptance,” Green told TDmonthly. Nola and "The Lonely Little Monster" won a 2009 Hot Product Award from iParenting Media and a 2009 Preferred Choice Award from Creative Child Magazine. (Watch the The Lonely Little Monster Video Watch Video) 11/9/2007 (MSRP: $14.50; Age: 5 and Up)


Mbear Series 1 Action Figure by STIKFAS/SAIZON

Mbear Series 1 Action Figure by STIKFAS/SAIZONEach two-inch bear features five points of articulation. Rosy (pink), Berrybear (blue), Clover (green) and Butternut (tan) are available. “Mbear Series 1 is a cute buddy bear in a pre-assembled configuration that provides instant play. Its removable parts are also interchangeable with STIKFAS™ product lines (STIKFAS action-figure kits and CUBOYDS™), therefore allowing enthusiasts to express their individuality and interest through kit-bashing, customization and posing,” Sammy Nelson of SaiZon told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2007. (Watch the Mbear Series 1 Action Figure Video Watch Video) 12/29/2006 (MSRP: $4.95; Age: 8 and Up)


Operation® Rescue Kit Game by HASBRO INC.

Operation® Rescue Kit Game by HASBRO INC.This product for one or more players features an oxygen pump, 15 “funatomy” parts and three all-new games. It comes in a convenient carrying case. Launch date: September 2007. (Watch the Operation® Rescue Kit Game Video Watch Video) 10/17/2007 (MSRP: $24.99; Age: 6 and Up)


"Love Letters" Journal by TERRA TRADITIONS

"Love Letters" Journal by TERRA TRADITIONSFrom the company’s Classic Linen Collection, this journal is embellished with Swarovski crystals and features artist-quality paper. "In a world of outsourcing, all of our products are created in our artisan workshop located in Los Angeles," Brittney Lane of Press & Marketing for Terra Traditions told TDmonthly. (Watch the "Love Letters" Journal Video Watch Video) 10/31/2007


World Energy Ball by SAFARI LTD.®

World Energy Ball by SAFARI LTD.®Create sound and light with Safari’s World Energy Ball by touching the two embedded metal strips, demonstrating circuits and conductivity. Great scientific fun for individuals or groups. Put the whole world in the palm of your hand! View our entire collection at www.safariltd.com (Watch the World Energy Ball Video Watch Video) 5/14/2007 (MSRP: $5.00; Age: 7 and Up)


80 pc. Foam Building Block Set by VENTURE PRODUCTS LLC

80 pc. Foam Building Block Set by VENTURE PRODUCTS LLCThe building blocks are made of soft foam, but look like real wood. The pieces are durable, lightweight, quiet and water-resistant, making them playable anywhere, even in the pool or tub. The blocks promote creative, open-ended and imaginative play. (Watch the 80 pc. Foam Building Block Set Video Watch Video) 9/27/2007 (MSRP: $24.99; Age: 3 and Up)








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