In This Issue

Licensed Toys and Hot Holiday Options for Specialty

By Julie L. Jones
June 2009

TDmonthly Magazine has more Holiday Preview articles for you this month, including new launches of dolls, plush and construction toys. Additionally, there's a Shop Talk story on Melody’s Choices gift and toy stores in Arkansas, as well as details on the first TDmonthly Charitable Kid Contest! Read on for more.

LIVING FOR THE LICENSE

It’s not enough to just slap a cartoon character on a toy and call it a success. The product itself has to be a winner, too, experts told TDmonthly while discussing some of the most popular licensed characters on toy shelves — Fisher Price’s Elmo, and Hasbro’s Star Wars and G.I. Joe, for example. Check out “From the Big Screen to the Toy Aisle” for coverage of some of this year’s biggest toy licenses (and the movies and TV programs that go with them), as well as the importance of releasing these products to the right age group and at the right time.

LOCAL GOES NATIONAL

Find out how the 3/50 Project is influencing community efforts to boost local sales, and see who is getting involved, and why, in "Blog Entry Leads to Buy-Local Blitz."

STAFF PICKS

Here’s a sample of some of the cute and creative items in this month’s Staff Picks article:

G2 Stainless Steel Drink Bottles by GOO-GOO BABY INC.

This 400-ml, 7" bottle is made from 100-percent recyclable, high-quality, food-grade stainless steel so it doesn’t need a synthetic lining like aluminum bottles. It’s BPA-free and designed so it won’t leach chemicals, toxins or funky flavors into beverages. The removable hinged dome lid (an aerated sport lid) is designed to ensure that the leak-resistant pull-up top stays clean. It can be scrubbed with soap and water to clean. Launch date: April 25, 2009. 4/28/2009 (MSRP: $10.99; Age: 3 and Up)

Jewel Cupcake Box by CREATIVE EDUCATION OF CANADA

Jewel Cupcake Box by CREATIVE EDUCATION OF CANADA Each handcrafted box is shaped like a cupcake and embellished with sequins and pink jewels. "The Jewel Cupcake Boxes are unique in style and design and have a broad age appeal from 3 years old to mature women," Veesha Knight, sales and marketing manager for Creative Education of Canada, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009. ( Watch Video) 4/15/2009 (MSRP: $8.00; Age: 3 and Up)

Boogaloos - Mini Kaya by BLABLA

Boogaloos - Mini Kaya by BLABLA Knit from natural fibers by Peruvian artists, Mini Kaya comes complete with braids and a smile. 4/15/2009 (MSRP: $29.00)