TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Novelties Product Category

Chatter Stones by SCHYLLING

Chatter Stones look like normal metal stones, but sure don't act like them. Manipulating and throwing these stones with metallic properties can produce unusual sounds, and they can feel strange to the touch. Kids and adults will be mesmerized by their unique attributes.
— Diane Robinson, owner of Silly Goose in Essex, Mass., named Chatter Stones as an affordable stocking stuffer.
— Patti Tepper–Rasmussen, owner of Learning Tree Toys, Games & Books Inc. in Oklahoma City, Okla., recommended "the magnetic stones that you throw up in the air," as well.
— Edmund Scientifics, an online vendor/retailer,  offers a fun suggestion: "Simply hold the Chatter Stones in the palm of one hand. Using your thumb, separate them to about half an inch apart and toss them upward. With a little practice, they will produce a wild sound." 11/27/2006 (Price: $3.49)

Dino Marble Kaleidoscope by TOYSMITH

Available in four dinosaur designs, these kaleidoscopes use a marble and a prism to produce visual images. They're 8.5” long and are bound to mesmerize kids and adults with their eye-popping effects.
— "It's science: kaleidoscopes from Toysmith,” make good stocking stuffers, Owner Gerri Garniss of Toys That Teach in Bothell, Wash., told TDmonthly.
— "Toysmith has great gifts…great stocking stuffers," Carol Pilarski-Remis, owner of Marblehead Toy Shop in Marblehead, Mass., added.
— Toysmith items were cited 14 times by retailers with whom TDmonthly spoke this season. 11/27/2006 (Price: $3.50) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Ginormous Grow Lizard by TOYSMITH

The Ginormous Grow Lizard starts out 12" long. However, when thrown in a tub or pool of water, it grows to as much as three times its original size. When removed, it shrinks back to its previous dimensions. It's part of a line of "growing" animal novelty items made by Toysmith.
— "Impulse items from Toysmith [provide] just great old-fashioned silly fun,” Angel Stahl, owner of Angel’s Toy Barn in Greensburg, Pa., told TDmonthly.
— "Anything that grows in water," answered Fred Rosenberg, owner of On the Park, Inc. in Kingwood, Texas, when discussing Toysmith stocking stuffers.
— Seven of 48 retailers cited Toysmith products as among the most recommended stocking stuffers. 11/27/2006 (Price: $3.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Pop Out Eye Squeeze Monkey by ADVENTURE PLANET: A BRAND OF RHODE ISLAND NOVELTY

Kids can squeeze these monkeys' heads and watch their eye balls pop out. The product is available in six assorted colors. The minimum order for wholesale is 1 dozen. 11/16/2006

The Therapeutic Bop Bag by Phun From Phoenix ! Inc.

This 40" white, reusable, inflatable bag with a sand weighted base comes with five wet-erase markers so it can be used over and over. This product presents an opportunity for individuals who are reticent or unable to express themselves. They can write or draw anything that represents the anger they are feeling on the bop bag and then hit the bag to release the anger and aggression in healthy and safe ways. Bop Bag appeared on NBC television show "Outsourced". 10/27/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Tazm by PHANTAZM INC.

Tazm the Clown comes with You Dirty Rat™ and Whoopie Cushion.

Each figure is approximately 14" Tall and 9" in diameter.

MSRP: $65 10/27/2006

Phat Cap by PHANTAZM INC.

Phat Cap comes with two interchangeable grills.

Each figure is approximately 14" Tall and 9" in diameter.

MSRP: $65 10/27/2006

Cangela by PHANTAZM INC.

Cangela comes with a purse and makeup.

Each figure is approximately 14" Tall and 9" in diameter.

MSRP: $65 10/27/2006

Rocky by PHANTAZM INC.

Rocky comes with a real working mask.

Each figure is approximately 14" Tall and 9" in diameter.

MSRP: $85 10/27/2006

Scare "D" Cat by ANTENNA FRIENDZ

Scare “D” Cat likes to hitch rides on fast-moving vehicles. He attaches to the base of a car’s radio antenna and spins around, keeping himself and all the riders inside amused (and maybe a bit dizzy). He’s made of high-grade injection-molded PVC to withstand the elements. Launch date: 2006. 10/26/2006 (Price: $5.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Junkyard Dawg by ANTENNA FRIENDZ

For those who find undecorated car radio antennas a sorry sight comes a new line of figurines that attach to the base of the antenna and spin around with the motion of the car. Junkyard Dawg likes chasin’ cats, eatin’ leftovers, sleepin’ … and spinning on a radio antenna. Launch date: 2006. 10/26/2006 (Price: $5.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Amanda Plush Cell Phone Cover by FUN FRIENDS

This fun, furry panda is ready to enliven any cell phone. President Charles Larson of Fun Friends told TDmonthly that the plush cell phone covers are constructed “from the finest fabrics and materials” to ensure that customers receive a premium product. It’s “the perfect stocking stuffer for the upcoming holiday season,” he added. Fun Friends plans to launch a “Wild Ones” character line in February 2007, followed by a “College Mascots” line in August 2007. The 2006 line also includes Penny, Bernie, Pusspuss, Henry, Ed, Leo, Buster, Timmy and Betty. Launch date: August 2006. 10/25/2006 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Duck Fadar by FIREBOX.COM

Duck Fadar is an LED-packed rubber duck that resembles everyone's favorite Dark Lord. Simply splash him into the bath and watch in awe as he floats around and automatically phases through various mesmerizing colors. 10/23/2006 (Price: $12.00)

Box of Marbles by SCHYLLING

A simple but classic toy product that never seems to go out of style, this set comes with 220 glass marbles, 10 shooter marbles and instructions for 6 games. It’s packaged in a wooden box that has a sliding lid.
— “I would say my most popular classic toys are made by Schylling. I think they’re so popular because it reminds the parents of their childhood,” remarked Julie Nicolazzo of Toy Boat in Hudson, Mass.
— When asked about the best-selling classics in their store, Chris Gale of Toys Games & More in Clayton, Calif., replied, “Probably the smaller things, things like marbles by Schylling.”
— Stephen Medina, communications manager at Schylling, provided TDmonthly with his thoughts: “It’s a complete set for the marble lovers. They’re made of real glass. It’s real clear. It’s got excellent packaging and is sturdy. You can take the marbles on the go.” 10/23/2006 (Price: $12.99)

Noise Putty by TOYSMITH

It comes in a 3” x 2-1/4” can. You take it out, squeeze it and it makes noises. It may not be complicated, but it can keep the kids busy for hours.
— “We’ve got this stuff called Noise Putty. Little boys tend to like it because it makes strange noises,” was the response given by Crystal Mobbs, sales associate at Tinkerz Toy Shop in Coeur D’Alene, Idaho.
— Toysmith novelty items also sold surprisingly well for Linda Graham, owner of Scheffel’s Toys in Jacksonville, Ore.
— According to Toysmith’s Web site, “With an extensive selection of impulse items, retailers can count on Toysmith to provide them with the best in margin builders.” 10/23/2006 (Price: $1.29) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Flingshot Flying Monkey by PLAYMAKER TOYS

This monkey works like a slingshot and offers hours of screaming fun (he’s designed to scream on impact). The toy is 11” tall with an arm-span of 13”. With a bit of arm power, he can fly up to 30 feet – the farther one pulls him back, the farther he will fly. “The novelty of a monkey flying through the air and screaming, catapulted by the stretchy arms, brings smiles to children and adults alike,” said Ernie Wong, president of Playmaker Toys. “It requires interaction from those who play with it. You just don't watch it do stuff, you're an active part of what makes it such an entertaining product."
— “[We sell] three per day, 75 to 80 in a month” of the flying monkeys by Westminster International, Teresa Ford, owner of Kids’ Ketch in Lewes, Del., told TDmonthly in May 2008.
— “[We sell] at least 20 per month,” Owner Mary Sisson of Kazoodles in Vancouver, Wash., told TDmonthly in May 2008. She buys the store’s best-selling monkeys from Westminster and California Creations. “We sold something like 97 in a week before Christmas — mostly to adults for their offices,” Sisson said in early ‘08.
— The Flingshot Flying Monkey was a surprise hit, and thus earned a TDmonthly Top Seller 2007 award. ( Watch Video) 10/23/2006 (Price: $4.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Ref Bop Bag by Phun From Phoenix ! Inc.

The Ref Bop Bag, a 40" vinyl inflatable bag, is suitable for all types of physical and verbal abuse. It is constructed of durable vinyl with a sand-weighted base and is used by child psychologists, clinics and other mental health professionals as part of the patients' therapy. Bop Bag appeared on TV on: MTV, ESPN, My Name is Earl, Everybody Loves Raymond, Outsourced, 20/20, The Today Show and in print in ESPN The Magazine and Sports Illustrated. 10/10/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Pirate Benders by HOG WILD

The new Pirate Benders have dropped anchor and are shivering timbers everywhere. There are six different pirates: Hook, Patches, Bones, Peg, Swab and Red Beard. Each comes with a sword or accessory and is packed inside a treasure chest tin. 10/4/2006 (Price: $7.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

TanArt™ 2-in-1 Body Art by TAN ART

TanArt™ the Cool 2-in-1 Body Art stickers are simply applied to the body. These cool looking stickers are fun and trendy and are exactly what the kids want to wear. Marketing has proven that kids love to wear stickers on their bodies and Tan-Art has developed a safe and fun way for them to do this. Wearing the sticker is the first cool part of TanArt™ the Cool 2-in-1 Body Art experience. Leave the TanArt™ sticker on the body for several hours or longer and then remove. After removal of the TanArt™ the Cool 2-in-1 Body Art sticker the kids initially will only notice a faint tanned image where the sticker was applied. However, over the period of several hours the kids will magically watch as the sunless tanned image gets darker and darker. The next day the kids will now have a dark sunless tanned image of the shape of the sticker they had applied to their skin. Getting this excellent image is the second part of TanArt™ the Cool 2-in-1 Body Art experience. This extremely cool tanned image cannot be washed off but will fade away in 6 or 7 days. 9/28/2006

Lick Your Wounds Candy Scabs by CAP CANDY

Kids can strategically place a few of these sticky adhesive bandages with their tasty treats hidden underneath, and easily gross out a loathed schoolmarm. The candy scab is simply molded, pressed sugar like a SweeTart or pressed Pixy Stix, but the top is “scab red” and molded to look like a real scab. CAP Candy is a division of Hasbro. 9/26/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Find It At the Beach by FIND IT GAMES

Ever lose something on a sandy beach? Find it at the Beach was released in the summer of 2006 featuring dozens of different sea creatures as well as different items you might find on a beach. With attractive blue ends and the same outstanding quality, Find it At the Beach will be a must have addition to your Find it collection. Now you can enjoy the beach all year round! 9/22/2006 (Price: $20.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Robot X Sharpener by FAME MASTER ENTERPRISE LTD.

This smart little robot performs a function as well as entertains. Sharpening a pencil winds up the mechanism that makes it walk along. A key is also provided for when a pencil is not handy. It comes in assorted classic sci-fi designs in various colors. It’s a really cute item. 9/21/2006 (Price: $4.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Camo Series Shooter by MARSHMALLOW FUN COMPANY

The award-winning Original Marshmallow Shooter has taken on a new look. The Camo Series Shooter operates just as the original, only it is ideal for outdoor fun with the new camouflage style. The outdoor-inspired design will set childrens' imaginations free for hours of riveting simulated play. ( Watch Video) 9/21/2006 (Price: $24.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

HB Devil Stick by HIGGINS BROTHERS

Made from Canadian maple, this Devil Stick is easy to perform tricks with because of the slow performance speed. It's decorated with glitter foil on the middle and both ends and is very durable. It comes with black rubber handsticks. 9/18/2006 (Price: $20.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

World's Finest Juggling Kit - 8-Panel by HIGGINS BROTHERS

This kit comes with beautiful, eight-panel balls and an instructional booklet entitled "A Universal Manual of Stress Relief." 9/18/2006 (Price: $29.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]