TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Novelties Product Category

USB Missile Launcher by DREAM CHEEKY

Who wouldn’t be amused by the prospect of nailing some unsuspecting coworkers with foam missiles from time to time? This USB gadget can be strategically placed anywhere within 3' of your computer and effectively staves off your most unwanted company. It shoots three foam missiles as far as 15' in any direction and can be controlled easily by your mouse or keyboard. Looking for something more powerful? Try the upgraded version, OIC Storm Missile Launcher. ( Watch Video) 8/26/2010 (Price: $35.00)

Big Red Button by DREAM CHEEKY

Big Red Button sits on your desk and rescues you from office traps, office stress and even embarrassing yourself by getting fired over raging at coworkers. Functions include “Boom,” a less violent way to let out your rage by virtually destroying your computer, “I’m Working,” a working spreadsheet so your boss knows you mean business, “Punch Up,” to hit your enemies in the face, “Webkey,” takes you to your favorite url, and “Take-a-Break,” because you take many and need to save money on your energy bill by putting your computer in sleep mode. 8/26/2010 (Price: $14.99)

Blue Pucker Powder by CREATIVE CONCEPTS LLC

This bright blue candy powder has a sour fruit punch flavor. The bottle measures 5" x 3.75" x 2." ( Watch Video) 8/25/2010 (Price: $15.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

USB Lightsaber Glow Lamp by UNDERGROUND TOYS

This lightsaber plugs into a USB port to light a desk area. The base recharges the light and can be removed to adjust the illumination level. This singular lamp stands approximately 14" tall. ( Watch Video) 8/20/2010 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Doctor Who Timelord's Spinning TARDIS by UNDERGROUND TOYS

With a flick of the wrist, fans can levitate this Timelord's Spinning TARDIS so it actually floats. The TARDIS measures 3" tall and contains magnets. It requires 6 AA batteries. ( Watch Video) 8/20/2010 (Price: $35.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Temporary Tattoo by CHINA TOYBIZ.CN

These temporary tattoos are easily applied with water and can last for several days. They are guaranteed to be safe for skin and come in a variety of designs. 8/19/2010 (Price: $1.50) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

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 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Classic Etch A Sketch by OHIO ART CO.

Children can turn either the horizontal or vertical knobs to watch lines begin to form on this "magic" screen. When finished, they can simply shake it to watch the picture magically disappear so they can start all over again!
  — As of 8.16.10, this product had 4 out of 5 stars from 4 reviews on ToysRUs.com and was listed No. 38 in best-selling toys and games. PROS: Long-lasting; comfortable grip. 8/16/2010 (Price: $11.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Poo in a Box by WILD CREATIONS

This novel item is nutrient-rich animal dung from an elephant, reindeer or rhino. From the Natural History Museum, the Poo in a Box begins at a British zoo or safari park and is treated to be germ and odor free. Kids and adults simply sow the seeds, water the cardboard box and watch the plants grow. Awards: Dr. Toy Best Green Toy Award 2010 8/13/2010 (Price: $5.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Kung Zhu Pets Battle Arena by CEPIA LLC

With eight original characters split into two battling groups called Special Forces and Ninja Warriors, Kung Zhu Pet owners will have the thrill of training each character to transform fighting, battling warriors. While these Kung Zhu hamsters may start of as "cute" and "mild-mannered" once they are sent into their main training grounds, smart chip technology will actually allow for a distinct personality transformation of fighting ninja and warriors.
 — As of 8.12.10, this product had 4 out of 5 stars from seven reviews on ToysRUs.com and was listed No. 14 in best-selling toys and games. PROS: Easy to use and entertaining. CONS: Not very durable. 8/12/2010 (Price: $34.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Impossiball by WILD CREATIONS

This bouncy ball has an un-even density, which means when it is thrown, rolled, or bounced it moves in completely unexpected directions. ( Watch Video) 8/11/2010 (Price: $6.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Iwako Unicorn Erasers by BC INDUSTRIES

These unicorn erasers have removable puzzle parts so they can be taken apart and reassembled. The collection includes six pastel colors.
— In summer 2010, Margy Peine, owner of Tree House Toys in Cumberland, Md., told TDmonthly her store sells about 75 Japanese erasers per month.
— Thirteen percent of 38 specialty retailers named Japanese erasers a best-selling product in July 2010.
— Linda Laramy, owner of Crackerjacks in Easton, Md., told TDmonthly in an October 2011 survey that they don't sell many tween items other than collectible erasers, which they sell about 4 dozen of each month. 8/10/2010 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Silly Bandz Marvel Heroes by BCP IMPORTS LLC

This Marvel superhero-themed Silly Bandz 24-pack includes Iron Man, Spider Man, Wolverine, Captain America, The Incredible Hulk and Thor. These bands can be collected, worn or traded with friends.
— In a July 2010 survey, Marc Holcomb of Toys & Co. in Greensboro, N.C., cited sales figures of about 1,500 Silly Bandz a week at his three stores and online shop. “They've brought a lot of new faces in,” he said.
— Fifteen of 38 specialty retailers told TDmonthly in July 2010 that rubber band bracelets are a top-selling product. Nine of the 15 specifically mentioned Silly Bandz.
— TDmonthly  first reported on kids collecting rubber band animals back in 2005. 8/10/2010 (Price: $5.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Silly Bandz Zoo by BCP IMPORTS LLC

This 24-pack includes giraffes, flamingos, elephants, hippos, kangaroos and rhinos. Silly Bandz bracelets are designed to be collected, worn and traded with friends.
— In July 2010, Richard Gibson, owner of Learning Express of Newton in Newton, Mass., told TDmonthly of rubber band bracelets, “We've always had them, (but) they just started getting hot. Kids come in with 30 or 40 on their hands, then they trade them. All of a sudden, they just kind of took off."
— In a summer 2010 survey, eight of 38 retailers named rubber band bracelets a best-selling collectible item.
— TDmonthly  first reported on kids collecting rubber band animals back in 2005. 8/9/2010 (Price: $4.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Iwako Donut Erasers by BC INDUSTRIES

These donut erasers have interchangeable parts that can be removed and reassembled. They come in six colors and are available in "vanilla" and "chocolate" versions.
— In summer 2010, nine of 38 specialty retailers told TDmonthly that Japanese erasers are a top-selling collectible item. Nancy Hanson of The Toy Box in Friday Harbor, Wash., cited sales of four to five Iwako erasers each day. 8/9/2010 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Spy Net Recording Pen by JAKKS PACIFIC INC.

Cleverly loaded with a stealth audio device, this pen can record, save and play back "evidence." The pen includes a USB connection so kids can connect and upload files to a PC. The Spy Pen also links to SpyNetHQ.com to unlock a lie detector so "agents" can upload and analyze their evidence. 8/2/2010 (Price: $19.99)

Spy Net Snake Cam by JAKKS PACIFIC INC.

For missions requiring advanced stealth, this flexible snake-like camera attachment gets into the most hard to reach places. Kids can connect it to the Spy Net Video Watch to see around, below and above objects, like corners, fences and more. 8/2/2010 (Price: $24.99)

Spy Net Video Watch by JAKKS PACIFIC INC.

This watch is packed with high-tech features including a working hidden video camera and audio system with onboard memory so young "agents" can record and save 20 minutes of crisp and clear video, or up to three hours of audio "evidence" or even still photos. Kids can play back all of their "evidence" on a built-in, ful-color 1.4 inch TFT video screen, then upload their files to a PC via the included USB connection.
— As of 1.06.2011 this product had 3.5 out of 5 stars from 73 reviews on Amazon.com and was No. 30 on the top 100 bestselling toys and games. Pros: Multiple Functions keep kids entertained. Cons: Reports of watches not taking a charge or losing the charge. 8/2/2010 (Price: $49.99)

WIPPY™ Uglydoll by PRETTY UGLY LLC

This oversize pink Wippy plush stands a whopping 24" and is designed to be ultra-huggable. 8/2/2010 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Two Foot Ugly Mij Uglydoll by PRETTY UGLY LLC

This oversize green Mij plush stands a whopping 24" and is designed to be ultra-huggable.
— Uglydolls are “so different; they have an unusual charm to them. They're cuddly," Amy Barrett, owner of Lasso the Moon Wonderful Toys in Helena, Mont., told TDmonthly in July 2010.
— Eleven percent of 38 specialty retailers told TDmonthly in summer 2010 that Uglydolls are a collectible best seller. 8/2/2010 (Price: $50.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Ugly Doll - Little Ugly Uglycorn by PRETTY UGLY LLC

Uglycorns are a rare, fantastical breed. This plush stands 7" and features a horn and wings. 8/2/2010 (Price: $15.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Silly Bandz Dinosaurs by BCP IMPORTS LLC

This dinosaur-themed Silly Bandz 24-pack includes T-Rex, Velociraptor, Brontosaurus, Triceratops and more. These bands can be collected, worn or traded with friends.
— “Rubber band bracelets … are a big hit for both boys and girls,” Patti Tepper-Rasmussen, owner of Learning Tree Toys, Games & Books Inc in Oklahoma City, Okla., told TDmonthly in June 2010.
— In a June 2010 survey of 40 retailers, three named rubber band bracelets a top-selling toy for boys.
— TDmonthly i first reported on kids collecting rubber band animals back in 2005. 7/30/2010 (Price: $4.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Silly Bandz Art Fest by BCP IMPORTS LLC

This festival-themed Silly Bandz 24-pack includes brushes, tents, suns, dancers, ballerinas and fiddles. These rainbow-hued bands can be collected, worn or traded with friends.
— “Rubber band bracelets … are a big hit for both boys and girls,” Patti Tepper-Rasmussen, owner of Learning Tree Toys, Games & Books in Oklahoma City, Okla., told TDmonthly in early summer 2010.
— Three of 40 retailers cited rubber band bracelets as a top seller for girls ages 4 to 12 in June 2010.
— TDmonthly  first reported on kids collecting rubber band animals back in 2005. 7/29/2010 (Price: $4.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Pencil Vase by CHINA TOYBIZ.CN

This plush rabbit is designed to store pencils and other school or office supplies. 7/28/2010 (Price: $2.50) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Monster High iCoffin by MATTEL INC.

With the iCoffin gadget, kids can play games, “text" the Monster High friends, and get dreadfully cool details about all the creepy characters. Use the outside buttons to scroll and play electronic games, then slide out the keypad to type special messages. 7/27/2010 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]