Card Games and More

By TDmonthly Staff
October 2013

Every month we interview retailers about their best-selling toys. But sometimes, a toy that is a big seller for one store just doesn't make the list. These Toys to Talk About were all named as best-sellers by at least one store TDmonthly interviewed. Learn more about them, and decide if they could be a hit for your store, too.

Bling Block Jewelry Kit By Alex by ALEX BRANDS

Make colorful, chunky jewelry with Bling Blocks! Create looks that are uniquely your own by stringing Bling Blocks into necklaces and bracelets. Add sparkly touches to your designs! You can make a ring and earrings, too. Includes blocks, silver-colored beads, 1 block ring, sticky gems, satin cord, elastic string, earring hooks, jump rings, beading needle and easy to follow instructions.
— Joe Berardoni Jr., owner of Pun's Toys in Bryn Mawr, Pa., told TDmonthly in a May 2014 survey that ALEX-PANLINE is one of his store's top activity toy brands.
— Matt Peel, manager of Toys & Co. in Greensboro, N.C., told TDmonthly in a January 2015 survey that Alex Toys was their best-selling brand of arts & crafts toys. 9/26/2013 (MSRP: $18.95; Age: 8 and Up)

Phase 10 — 25th Anniversary Card Game by FUNDEX GAMES

Phase 10™ is the world’s best-selling rummy–type card game. For 25 years, Phase 10 has delighted more than 30 million card players across the country. The 25th Anniversary edition celebrates the Phase 10 player with a brushed aluminum carrying case and premium cards. 11/15/2006 (MSRP: $11.99)

Italian Scopa by ITALIAN GAMES

Scopa is a centuries old Italian card game of memory, strategy, and skill. Easy to learn, a challenge to master. Included in this set is an authentic set of imported Italian cards, a classic game board, and full instructions on how to play Scopa. Also included is a booklet with instructions on how to play other classic Italian Card Games. The Scopa playingboard features an attractive design with card values printed in each corner for players' reference. The Italian playing cards features 4 suits; and can be used for up to three separate Italian games. ( Watch Video) 11/10/2009 (MSRP: $29.99)

Planet Sock Monkey™ by PATCH PRODUCTS INC.

Planet Sock Monkey is a limited edition, collectible soft doll line full of bold style and unconventional attitude, daring to go where no monkey has gone before. Each 10" knit sock monkey comes clothed in its signature, detailed fashion and features a unique accessory. These characters are only available for a limited time, so snatch them up before they hightail it outta here! But no worries, more characters will arrive to take their place... 12/13/2012

GIANTmicrobes Brain Cell (Neuron) by GIANTMICROBES

The more brain cells you have, the smarter you are. 6/24/2011 (MSRP: $8.95; Age: 3 and Up)

Moose Popper by HOG WILD

Moose Popper by HOG WILD Moose Popper launches a soft foam ball up to 20 feet. When the moose is squeezed in the mid section, the sudden air pressure shoots out a soft foam ball. The harder he is squeezed, the faster and further the ball shoots out. The moose comes with six soft foam balls and a carry net. "There is no other soft foam ball shooter like this on the market. Moose Popper is an original in-house design," Joe Rooper, president of Hog Wild LLC, told TDmonthly. ( Watch Video) 8/16/2010 (MSRP: $9.99; Age: 4 and Up)

Mirari Busy Buddy™ by PATCH PRODUCTS INC.

Mirari Busy Buddy™ by PATCH PRODUCTS INC. Children will be delighted by this adorable 9.5" toy featuring six removable shape-sorting and color-matching gears! Once all of the gears have been correctly placed, they will move ‘round and ‘round with a simple turn of the knob, encouraging children's hands-on exploration and discovery. And as a lively bonus, Busy Buddy’s eyes blink and ears wiggle when the gears move. For ages 9 months and up. 3/20/2013 (Age: 0 and Up)

Spot it! Party by BLUE ORANGE GAMES

Ready for the ultimate Spot it! session? Party box accessories inject a whole new factor of frenzied fun into the smash hit game. Spot it! Party has all new symbols to rev up the challenge. Discover never before-seen-ways to play and be sure to keep your eyes peeled for your chance to snatch or pass the Hand Mascot—it can make or break a win! With 6 mini-games to master, this party box will hook everyone for hours of electrifying fun! Launch date: July 2013. 5/29/2013 (MSRP: $19.99; Age: 10 to Adult)

ifs & Butts by LION RAMPANT IMPORTS

ifs & Butts is the hilarious party game where you find out your friends are nuts. During each round, players write crazy responses to an if scenario and perform silly activities called Butts. 2/4/2013 (Age: 14 and Up)

Triplica by FUN Q GAMES, INC.

Players compete by placing cards to line up three in a row of the shape that matches their secret Goal. The first player to score five Goals wins. But beware ... placing a card can help opponents as easily as it can help you. Triplica includes two multi-player games and an addictive solitaire version. "Triplica is a challenging and competitive game based on the very simple idea of making three in a row," Jeanine Calkin, president of Fun Q Games, told TDmonthly. Launch date: December 2009. ( Watch Video) 10/29/2009 (MSRP: $14.99; Age: 7 and Up)

Deer in the Headlights by UNIVERSITY GAMES

Be the first to get rid of all your cards, but watch out! If you roll a ‘Deer in the Headlights’, your progress stalls. 7/30/2013 (MSRP: $13.00; Age: 5 and Up)