TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Novelties Product Category

Airzooka by CAN YOU IMAGINE

 Airzooka is a hand-held device that  blows a harmless "ball of air" towards any object or person. Laugh with amusement as, seemingly from nowhere, you are able to mess up someone's hair, ruffle their shirt or just plain blow them away! It's available in four blacklight-responsive colors: Blue, Green, Orange and Magenta.
― Out of 39 retailers who participated in an October 2009 survey of specialty retailers, two said the AirZooka is their best-selling item for tween boys. ( Watch Video) 10/28/2009 (Price: $16.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

String Thing With Built-In Black Light by CAN YOU IMAGINE

The Amazing String Thing transforms an ordinary piece of string into a magical moving rainbow nearly 3' in the air. Point it up, down, even sideways and watch as the string playfully dances in mid-air. Gently touching the string generates wave patterns and interactive shapes that seem to defy gravity. Kids can operate The Amazing String Thing while inside the custom base (directly on any table top), or they can simply take the lightweight hand-held wand wherever they go and conduct their very own string show. It requires 4 "AA" batteries, not included. ( Watch Video) 10/28/2009 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Non-Stop Top by CAN YOU IMAGINE

With a gentle spin, watch in amazement as the Non-Stop Top™ picks up speed and keeps its balance — defying physics, gravity and logic. Add to this a light show that seems to change with every spin and watch as it fills the room with wonder. It spins on any hard surface and comes with replacement batteries.
( Watch Video) 10/28/2009 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Flick Tac Toe by CAN YOU IMAGINE

The rules are simple but, unlike regular Tic Tac Toe, you never know who will win until the last chip is played. Each player takes a turn “flicking” his or her chip up the ramp and on to the “Chip Magic” playing area where the chips are held perfectly in place. You can even take over your opponent’s square by landing on top of their chip and changing that square to yours. There are even built-in side walls for bank shots. Two different skill levels - Beginner & Professional - means kids and families will never out-grow this game. Even though the playing field is over 2-1/2' long, it all folds up into a handy case for easy portability. ( Watch Video) 10/28/2009 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Laser Airzooka by CAN YOU IMAGINE

You have seen it in movies and on TV hundreds of times. Just before the marksman takes the shot, the red laser dot appears on the target. Now kids are able to do the same! Turn on the Laser AirZooka™, place the laser dot on the target and shoot a harmless ball of air. Laugh with amusement as, seemingly from nowhere, you are able to mess up a person's hair, ruffle their shirt, dress or office papers or simply try your luck at indoor target practice from a distance of over 50 feet away! ( Watch Video) 10/28/2009 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Magical Animated Butterfly by CAN YOU IMAGINE

Watch in amazement as The Magical Animated Butterfly comes to life with the flick of a switch. Not only will you be amazed by the butterfly’s animated wings but you will be mesmerized by the optical effect that the built-in black lights create when the lights in your room are off. Use it where you want a center of attention. Use it in your living room, den or bedroom. Add to this a sleep timer that automatically shuts your butterfly off after 15, 30 or 60 minutes or you can choose continuous operation. The choice is yours.
Wings available in 4 black light responsive colors: Blue, Orange, Green and Pink ( Watch Video) 10/28/2009 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Mood Rings - Heart, Flower and Other Designs by SCHYLLING

A well-recognized throwback to yesteryear, Schylling's Mood Rings combine glossy, color-changing cabochons with silver-toned settings styled with the 1960s in mind. The “stones” in the rings sense the mood of the wearer and change accordingly from anxious orange-black to content jewel-tone blue-violet. Styles are assorted, and the metal rings are made in the USA.
― “We sell dozens of mood ring pick-ups at the counter,” said Joe Berardoni Sr., owner of Pun's Toy Shop in Bryn Mawr, Pa., during an October 2009 survey.
— In a September 2010 TDmonthly survey, seven of 44 retailers named mood rings a best-selling jewelry and accessory item, with one claiming sales of 43 a month.
— In an October 2011 survey about best selling jewelry and accessories, 4 out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that mood rings were their best sellers. They sold an average of 2 dozen each month. 10/27/2009 (Price: $1.99)

Little RasCools™ Eye-Poppin Crazy Critters - Series 4 by CoolZips

These 2" rubber animals have hard plastic eyes that pop out when the character's head is squeezed. The eyes then go back to their normal position. This series includes Holly the Hippo, Mickey the Monkey, Bobby the Bear and Parker the Penguin. Launch date: 2009. ( Watch Video) 10/23/2009 (Price: $4.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Flower Power CoolZips® Zipper Pull by CoolZips

Flower Power CoolZips is made of a rainbow of round wood beads with a red flower metal charm on the end. Total length is approximately 4 inches. 10/22/2009 (Price: $6.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Grass - Countertop Drying Rack by BOON INC.

This two-piece, dishwasher-safe drying rack features a flexible grass top to hold baby utensils and accessories and a lower tray to catch water as it drains. It is free of BPA, PVC and phthalates. 10/12/2009 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Shock Gum by MAGIQUE NOVELTIES LLC

Shocking gum appears to be a regular packet of gum with one piece sticking out. When someone grabs the piece of gum, they get a real shock.
— The Toy Store in Highlands, N.C., sells about four dozen per month of this item, Owner Michelle Bears told TDmonthly in fall 2009. 10/6/2009 (Price: $4.50) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Animal Bands by TOYSMITH

These colorful rubber bands function like traditional bands  but feature fun animal shapes when not holding something together.
— "We got 270 packages on Thursday and were sold out by Saturday morning. High school, middle school and elementary school kids are all buying them," Katie Rook, owner of Be Beep A Toy Shop in Columbia, S.C., told TDmonthly in fall 2009.
— Editors Note: This item is very similar to the Animal Rubber Bands by Eastern Accent Int'l, first reported by TDmonthly in 2005. ( Watch Video) 10/6/2009 (Price: $2.50) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Retro Tags - Scooter by FLAPJACK TOYS

This cool retro scooter is designed to add a little flair to any suitcase or other bag. It measures about 5.75" x 5". 10/5/2009 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Rainbow Pack by WIKKI STIX

With 24 sticks in a rainbow of colors (red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple), kids can construct shapes and figures without the use of glue or other materials. Each Wikki Stix is 8” long.
- Sallie Kashiwa, owner of Timbuk Toys in Denver, told TDmonthly in late summer 2009 that her store sells about 80 Wikki Stix sets per month.
— Wikki Stix have been consistent best sellers for the last two years at The Parent-Teacher Store & Toys Too in Louisville, Ky., Owner Kimberly Kopatz told TDmonthly in fall 2009. 9/30/2009 (Price: $3.25) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

3-D Bookmark – Waterworld by MAGNETIC BOOKMARKS, INC

This bookmark features a colorful palette of the world under the sea, with an eye-catching three-dimensional effect.
— Gary Green of Toy Box of Asheville in North Carolina told TDmonthly in summer 2009 that his store sells 60 to 70 of these bookmarks per month. “It seems to me we do a reorder once a month with them. It's not something people come to the store for, but it's so eye-catching that it stands out,” he said. 9/30/2009 (Price: $4.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Whoopee Cushion by TOYSMITH

This classic noise-making prank measures 7.25” in diameter and becomes quite the shocker when sat on after inflated.
— Two of 38 retailers told TDmonthly in late summer 2009 that whoopee cushions are a favorite novelty item among their customers. “They’re always very popular,” commented Karen Leppmann, owner of Finnegan’s Toys & Gifts in Portland, Ore. 9/30/2009 (Price: $1.30) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Pick-up Sticks by TOYSMITH

This wooden storage box with a sliding lid holds 41 colorful wood pick-up sticks that each measure 9.75” long.
— Two of 38 specialty retailers said in late summer 2009 that this long-loved classic game is a best-selling novelty at their stores. 9/30/2009 (Price: $4.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

3-D Mirascope by TOYSMITH

The mirascope utilizes concave mirrors to project 3-D images of an item placed inside. Kids can stick their finger right through the illusional image that appears.
— The 3-D Mirascope “always attracts people’s attention,” Mike Lane, manager of Hobbytown in Cumming, Ga., said in late summer 2009.
— The Wooden Toy in Wethersfield, Conn., sells about 20 per month of this item, David Ekwall told TDmonthly in 2009. 9/30/2009 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Iwako Japanese Erasers – Cupcakes by BC INDUSTRIES

These small cupcake erasers with removable parts are available as a trio and in single packs.
— Three of 38 specialty retailers named Iwako erasers as a best-selling novelty item in late summer 2009. Going into the holiday season 2009 (late fall), two of 44 retailers named the erasers among their absolute best sellers. 9/30/2009 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Iwako Construction Trucks Erasers by BC INDUSTRIES

These tiny truck erasers come in three colors and feature movable parts. Launch date: April 2009.
— Japanese erasers were big sellers in summer 2009 at Golden Apple Learning Store in Pleasanton, Calif., according to Owner John MacDougall. 9/9/2009 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Spinmallow by MARKY SPARKY TOYS

Coat hangers and twigs are a thing of the past now that the Spinmallow has been invented. Just stick a marshmallow on the telescoping skewer, hold over the fire and let the roasting begin. It includes a flashlight on top to help easily locate the graham crackers and chocolate. Launch date: 2009.
― John Naisbitt, owner of Thinker Things in Solana Beach, Calif., told TDmonthly in June 2010 that Spinmallow is one of his top-selling electronic items.
― “Marky Sparky is the best company for the older boy,” remarked Diana Gisolfu, owner of Sister's Kids in Springfield, Mass., about what makes Marky Sparky her best-selling line of electronic toys.
― Two of 40 retailers said in summer 2010 that Marky Sparky supplies their top-selling electronics. ( Watch Video) 8/31/2009 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Toy Story Talking Pens by KAMHI WORLD

The Toy Story pens come in three styles: Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Little Green Men. "Toy Story Talking Pens will be launching just in time for the re-release of 'Toy Story' 1 & 2 and the release of 'Toy Story 3' in 2010. Launch date: December 2009. 8/28/2009 (Price: $7.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Splat Attack by KAMHI WORLD

Each Splat Attack display comes with 12 splat balls in six styles: Egg, Tomato, Gold Pig, Green Pig, Purple Pig and Orange Pig. Kids can throw them on the ground to see them splat and morph back into their original shape. In addition to the six styles, the company can create customized Splat Attack to feature licensed products or specifications. Launch date: August 2009. 8/28/2009 (Price: $2.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Book Pets - Talking Bookmarks by KAMHI WORLD

Each display of these talking bookmarks comes with 24 bookmarks — six of each style: dog, cat, horse and monkey. Users simply press the bookmark to hear the respective animal sound. Launch date: 2009. 8/27/2009 (Price: $4.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Hey It's Fred Stickers by KAMHI WORLD

Fred Figglehorn, the first YouTube star to land 1 million subscribers, is featured on these packs of stickers that come in bundles of 36. There are 13 stickers on the Hey It’s Fred – Red Stickers, which come on a red backer card, and 14 stickers on the blue version. "Fred is the hottest licensed property of 2009," Kristin Baker, in sales admin at Kamhi World, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009. 8/27/2009 (Price: $1.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]