Tools:
New and Notable Toys: Christmas
Check out these noteworthy toys.
Advent Calendar Santa's Workshop by PLAYMOBIL INC.
 Help Santa assemble all the Christmas gifts as he makes his list and checks it twice! The Advent Calendar “Santa’s Workshop” contains twenty-four surprise items for each day of Advent to form a gift that will keep on giving long after the holidays have passed. Set includes Santa figure, two elves and one angel figure, reindeer with sleigh, gifts, assorted toys, wheelbarrow, basket, and additional accessories to build a complete Santa’s Workshop. Once all the pieces are revealed, experience even more fun with the bonus PLAYMOBIL memory game.
— In a December 2014 survey, two out of nine retailers told TDmonthly that this was a best-selling play set at their store. 5/6/2014 (Price: $28.99)
Grow It Playset - Snow Day by BE GOOD COMPANY
 Just add water, and watch the Grow-it! Instant Snow, Grow...Grow...Grow! This snow never melts! When it starts drying out, just add more water! Play with it over and over. Make a snowman, snowballs, a snow fort, anything you can make with real snow! Includes 10" x 10" x 2" play tray, 20" x 20" arctic blue no mess play mat, Grow-it! Instant Snow, Snowman Kit, winter deer family, snow shovel, snow rake, evergreen tree, frozen pond, snow bucket, arctic boulder and easy Grow-it! activation instructions. Product is safe and non-toxic. 5/6/2014 (Age: 4 and up)
Shrinky Dinks The Elf On The Shelf Kit by CREATIVITY FOR KIDS
 Families are sure to embrace this new holiday activity, and kids will savor the lasting excitement they'll get from completing this festive playscape. Kids color in over 50 precut Shrinky Dinks characters and accessories, and then pop them in the oven to watch them transform. Includes over 50 precut Shrinky Dinks characters and accessories, colored pencils, and 3-D pop up living room. 11/14/2012 (Price: $24.99; Age: 7 and up)
LEGO Friends Advent Calendar by LEGO
 The holiday season has arrived in Heartlake City. Head outside with Olivia, Christina and their dog Coco. Build a snowman or go skiing, then warm up by the fire with cookies and milk. Help Olivia and Christina writing a holiday card, delivering gifts on their snowmobile and decorate the Christmas tree. Set includes 24 individual gifts, including 2 mini dolls, a dog and accessories. Celebrate the holiday season with the LEGO Friends. 11/9/2012 (Price: $25.99; Age: 5 to 12)
Smurfs Advent Calendar by MEGA BRANDS
 Count down to the holiday season with the Smurfs Advent Calendar from Mega Bloks. This calendar, filled with Smurfy builds, will delight little one with a new surprise every day. Build a picture-perfect winter scene with presents, a snowman, a sled, and more to celebrate the holidays like a Smurf. Have a very blue Christmas with the Smurf Advent Calendar from Mega Bloks. 11/9/2012 (Price: $24.99; Age: 4 to 15)
Christmas Designer TOOB® by SAFARI LTD.®
 Keep the holiday spirit alive with the Christmas Designer TOOB® from Safari Ltd®. Everything from Santa to his sleigh and candy canes to ornaments is included in this holiday collection. Packaged in a reusable acetate tube, this set contains eight figures, including a Christmas Tree, Candy Cane, Ornament, Snowman, Sleigh, Xmas Gift Boxes and Santa Claus. Hand painted figures measure 2” H (5 cm) and are suitable for ages 3 and up. All Safari Ltd® products are 100% guaranteed and lead free to ensure children’s safety. Launch date: 2013. 11/8/2012 (Age: 3 and up)
GIANTmicrobes® Wreath Box by GIANTMICROBES
 With five favorite mini microbes dressed up for Christmas: a Stomach Ache Gingerbread Man, a caroling Sore Throat, Frosty the White Blood Cell Snowman, an angelic Nerve Cell, and an exclusive Amoeba in sparkly gold lamé, only available in this set. 11/5/2012 (Price: $24.95)
Veggie Tales Nativity Playset by BIG IDEA PRODUCTIONS
 This toy set has Veggie Tales characters depicting the Nativity scene. This fun and durable set is sure to become a favorite part of the family traditions in teaching children the story of Christ's birth. 10/15/2012 (Price: $24.99; Age: 3 to 7)
An Elf's Story™ Figurines by CCA and B LLC
Kids can celebrate the magic of Christmas with these collectible figurines straight from An Elf’s Story™. With Chippey, Snowflake, Wordsworth, and Zart, it’s a world of fun for kids looking to have an extravaganzalorious time letting their imaginations run wild. Add Santa Claus (sold separately) to experience the full wonder of the North Pole. Elves stand 3 ¼” tall, and Santa Claus is 5”. 9/21/2012 (Price: $12.99; Age: 3 and up)
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer by APPLEWOOD BOOKS
 In 1939 Robert L. May, a copywriter working at Chicago's Montgomery Ward & Co., wrote a holiday story at the request of his employer. Almost two and a half million copies of the little tale about a reindeer with a shiny red nose were given away to children who visited Montgomery Ward stores that year. The rest is history. Over seventy years later, the beloved classic is once again available in a faithful, hardcover facsimile of the original 1939 Rudolph, with original text and illustrations by Denver Gillen. 9/17/2012 (Price: $14.95)
Hexbug Nano Christmas Ornament by INNOVATION FIRST LABS, INC.
 Holiday robot captivates kids with rapid skittering motion. Decked out for holiday fun in red, green, snowflake & antlers. At home in a crystal-clear ornament bulb tied with festive ribbon (for a bit). 9/14/2012 (Price: $7.99)
GeoTrax Christmas In ToyTown RC Train Set by FISHER-PRICE INC.
 Kids of all ages can experience traditional holiday fun with the Fisher-Price GeoTrax Christmas Train. The train features working lights in each of the cars and automatically activates lights in the mini-sites as it passes. There are 2 moveable street lights, a bridge that plays holiday music, and a skating rink with spot lights. The Easy-Rail Station lighted features include: a 3-faced clock tower, 2 lamps, 2 street lights, and station windows. Pull into the station to unload passengers and listen as they are welcomed by a fun holiday tune. The station's lights and music can also be activated by pressing the button on the clock tower or either of 2 buttons on the track. This cool set includes 16 pieces of durable, Snap-Lock track, holiday decor that snaps onto the guard rails, street lamps, a bridge, a station, and signs that can be placed throughout the set. Compatible with other GeoTrax train sets. 9/14/2012 (Price: $129.99; Age: 2 to 4)
Sock Monkey Holiday Stocking by RASHTI & RASHTI
 This holiday stocking featured the iconic Sock Monkey character. Coordinates with other Sock Monkey collection items. Launch date: June 2012. 9/12/2012 (Price: $12.00; Age: 0 and up)
Play It Again! Polar Bear by MR. CHRISTMAS
 The interactive Polar Bear plays 12 Christmas carols on request, and 12 more by heart. Kids can sing along, or just smile as they listen to his tunes and witty banter. Wood piano with moving piano keys. Battery operated. Approximately 9" wide. Launch date: January 2012. 9/10/2012 (Price: $165.00; Age: 13 and up)
Santa Boo Boo Bear by CUDDLE BARN
 Santa Boo Boo Bear is the newest and cutest Holiday hit this season at Cuddle Barn. This adorable Teddy Bear plays peek a boo with his big floppy Christmas hat while singing “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus”. Using only the best quality materials for our products; all our Cuddle Barn friends a have crisp, clear sound and are made with soft to the touch plush fabric that makes all children want to cuddle up with our Cuddle Barn pals. Launch date: June 2012. 7/19/2012 (Price: $29.99)
Antlers for 24 Christmas Gifts by MAILEG NORTH AMERICA INC
 Antlers for 24 Christmas gifts. Christmas countdown calendar for kids and adults. Handmade, danish design. Launch date: October 2012. 7/10/2012 (Price: $85.00; Age: All Ages)
Christmas Gift Set with Dual Track by IDL MOTORS
 Christmas Gift Set with Dual Track represents a unique, breakthrough magnetic propulsion technology design. It is capable of smoothly moving tiny objects along a very thin and narrow electromagnetic track. Two very small sets of trains or one set of train and one set of cars moves around on separate levels in opposite direction around the tree. Includes Choo, Choo locomotive sound, flashing LED light or Rainbow LED. Launch date: September 2012. 6/25/2012 (Price: $63.00; Age: 3 and up)
Oops - Holiday Mouse by FIERCE FUN TOYS LLC
 Oops is a 4 inch plush on a key chain. Mobile fun for kids on the go. A squeeze of his belly and kids'll know this mouse ate too much candy while riding with Santa - he burps. Launch date: February 2012. 4/27/2012 (Price: $8.95; Age: 3 and up)
5" YOOHOO Santa's Village Asst. by AURORA WORLD INC.
 These YooHoos play 3 of Christmas Carols when squeezed, including "Jingle Bells…", "Santa Claus is coming to town..." and "Ho Ho Ho Merry Christmas". Available in a variety of styles. 12/1/2011 (Price: $9.00; Age: 3 and up)
Kevin's Christmas by Liesbet Slegers by CLAVIS PUBLISHING
 It is Christmas time and Kevin is discovering all of his family’s holiday traditions. He wonders why Mom put a tree inside the house; she tells him that it’s a Christmas tree for decorating with shiny ornaments, little lights, and a golden star at the top. Then Kevin helps Mom prepare Christmas dinner for all of their relatives and is excited to exchange presents with everybody. Even though he loves the special food and is grateful for his presents, Kevin learns that his favorite part of Christmas is getting to spend time with the people he cares about. With simple language and bright illustrations, this festive story focuses on the joys and delights of experiencing a holiday through the eyes of a child. Launch date: September 1, 2011. 11/23/2011 (Price: $12.95)
Nativity Fridge Magnet by WEE BELIEVERS
 Children can use these eleven detailed magnets to tell the Christmas story in their own way. The durable set includes Jesus in the manger, Mary, Joseph, 2 angels, a shepherd, furry animals, a stable and a banner. Each piece 2-6 inches. Launch date: October 2011. 11/16/2011 (Price: $9.99; Age: 3 and up)
The Leg Lamp by WOWindows, LLC
 Package Contents: One (1) 3’x5’ Poster, Four (4) removable adhesive squares. Stick over a window and illuminate by turning on the lights in the room. Legal: A Christmas Story: TM & © Turner Entertainment Co. WB Shield: TM & © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s11) 8/23/2011 (Age: All Ages)
Santa's Secret Elf by FIESTA
 12" Santa's Secret Elves are on a secret mission for Santa. (2) Assorted boy and girl. Celebrate the holiday season with these cute impish elves. Their secret story is available on our website home page. Anyone can learn their secret...and how to write in Santa Secret Elf language. Bring the elf out every holiday season for fun and games. 4/28/2011 (Price: $10; Age: 3 and up)
Dancing Hat- Jingle Bells by UNISON GIFTS INC.
 These holiday hats come in festive colors with a white faux-fur trim. Press the trim and the hat dances about while playing the classic tune "Jingle Bells." Requires 3AA batteries. ( Watch Video) 4/6/2011 (Price: $19.99)
Happy Holidays Greeting Card by GOOD BUDDY NOTES
 This holiday card reads "Happy Holidays" on the front in artist Shelley Dieterichs' fun illustrated Holiday Alphabet letters. The message inside reads "Wishing you all the best." 8/26/2010 (Price: $2.50; Age: 8 and up)
Train and Track Table by THE STEP2 COMPANY
 This intricate, extra-large play table comes with a three-piece train set and three friction-powered cars. The molded-in track and nonremovable bridges remain inside so pieces cannot be misplaced or lost and the table can be stored and retrieved easily. ( Watch Video) 8/10/2010 (Price: $99.95)
Android by FANTASY FLIGHT GAMES
 Android is a board game of murder and conspiracy set in a dystopian future. Detectives travel between the city of New Angeles and moon colony Heinlein chasing down leads, calling favors, and uncovering the sinister conspiracy beneath it all. The detectives must balance their pursuit of the murderer against their personal lives and inner demons. Android's innovative mechanics ensure that no two detectives play alike. Rick Nauertz, Sales Associate for Fantasy Flight Games, told TDmonthly, "In Android, three to five players players take on the roles of investigators, all competing to either solve the case, unravel the conspiracy, or simply find happiness." 7/28/2010 ()
Curious Chef 26 Piece Holiday Cookie Kit by CURIOUS CHEF INC.
 Every child can be Santa's Little Helper with this holiday cookie kit. Users can combine their favorite cookie recipes with the Curious Chef cookie cutters and utensils to create a unique holiday treat. "These are REAL cooking utensils designed to meet the unique needs of small hands, not toys. This means they actually work!" Shelly Schumacher, Curious Chef communications manager, told TDmonthly. ( Watch Video) 7/16/2010 (Price: $40.00; Age: 2 to 12)
Personalized Holiday Raffle Ticket by BadaBadaBingo Fun Games Co! LLC
 Players assign a value to a ticket and collect the face value for each ticket sold. Holiday ticket themes include Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa and generic holiday/winter. The guest who has the winning ticket may be given a gift, while the money collected can go to a charity or to the host of the holiday party — or the guest who holds the winning ticket may be awarded the entire pot of money. 6/18/2010 (Price: $29.95; Age: 5 and up)
SmartLab Toys Inside Out! The Human Body by SMARTLAB TOYS
 What keeps your stomach from digesting itself? How does a power grip affect a tennis game? What in the world is a hippocampus? This kit’s activity cards answer these questions while getting a child ready for the science fair. The kit includes a skeletal snap-together hand with adhesive fingertip pads, a three-part skull model with glow-in-the-dark eyeballs and a snap-together brain, a 12” human body model with nine removable squishy vital organs and 12 bones and muscles, a poster, 12 activity cards and instruction sheets. 6/16/2010
Snifty Holiday Scented Pens by INTERNATIONAL ARRIVALS
 Snifty Holiday pens are designed to be the perfect stocking stuffer. Available to retailers in a holiday display box of 50, these pens fill the air with the scents of candy cane, gingerbread, spiced apple and sugar cookie. "The scent is embedded in the tip and the grip to create a yummy aroma," International Arrivals Sales and Marketing Liason Kate Fuller told TDmonthly. 5/25/2010 (Price: $1.99; Age: 4 and up)
Plush Santa Claus by CHINA TOYBIZ.CN
 This plush Santa stands 10.5". Launch date: April 5, 2010. 5/4/2010 (Price: $10; Age: 3 and up)
Advent Calendar Gift Box by YOU STUFF IT BOXES
 Gift givers can add their personal touch by filling the "secret compartments" with gifts. To discover each surprise, the recipient opens the lid doors and punches through the tissue. First, assemble the box. Then, wrap your gifts in the tissue and "STUFF" the 24 secret compartments. This patent-pending products is made in the USA. Launch date: November 7, 2009. 2/11/2010 (Price: $19.99; Age: 3 and up)
A Family Christmas by PUTUMAYO KIDS
 This 11-track album features various musical styles and artists, including a jazz and retro number from Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, a bluesy tune from Christmas Jug Band, and selections from bluegrass artist Sam Bush and country star Deana Carter. Songs include "Sleigh Ride," "Let It Snow," "Holly Jolly Christmas" and other seasonal favorites. Launch date: 2009. 11/13/2009 (Price: $14.98)
MistleToes Gift Set by PIGGY PAINT LLC
 A festive red pouch unveils a set of Piggy Paint nail polishes in red, green and clear sparkle topcoat. "Piggy Paint is a natural, eco-friendly nail polish designed for fancy girls. Not only is it made in the USA, but all of our raw materials come from here as well," Melanie Hurley, CEO of Piggy Paint, told TDmonthly. This ideal stocking stuffer was Safbaby's Mom Approved and received a Child Tested Excellence Award. Launch date: August 2008. 8/28/2009 (Price: $24.99; Age: All Ages)
Thomas & Friends: Sodor Friends Holiday Collection by LIONS GATE ENTERTAINMENT
 Thomas and his Island Sodor engine friends are featured in this special holiday collection of three seasaonal DVDs. Launch date: October 13, 2009. 8/19/2009 (Price: $19.98; Age: 2 to 6)
Ho Ho Ho Wrapping Paper by ARTIST POINT GIFTWRAP
 This exclusive design is printed on 50# premium coated paper. It's available in 18" (price given), 24" and 30" widths. Rolls are available in either 417' or 883'. Launch date: 2009 ( Watch Video) 8/4/2009 (Price: $77.00)
If You Love a Christmas Tale by BARRON'S EDUCATIONAL SERIES
 Featuring two classic Christmas stories, Clement C. Moore's "The Night Before Christmas" and Saviour Pirotta's retelling of "The Nutcracker," this large hardcover is illustrated with watercolor art by Susanna Lockheart and features several changing picture windows for added intrigue. ( Watch Video) 7/15/2009 (Price: $18.99; Age: 4 and up)
Elf Fun with Christina Marie Pop-In-Kins by ELF FUN WITH POP-IN-KINS
 Christina Marie Pop-In-Kins “pops in” with the first lighting of the family Christmas tree and stays until the last decoration is put away. She loves to play hide-and-seek and is always available to share a smile and to lend an ear. In “Christina Marie and the Little Tree” Christina Marie sets out to be the very best elf at the North Pole. But only after she discovers a little tree and saves it from a certain fate, does she learn what it truly means to be “the very best”. Each Christina Marie Pop-In-Kins Fun Set includes a posable Christina Marie Pop-In-Kins Elf, “Christina Marie and the Little Tree” illustrated storybook, and Christina Marie’s own storage case. Christina Marie Pop-In-Kins was named “2010 Book of the Year” by Creative Child Magazine.
Awards: 2011 The Toy Man Award of Excellence; 2011 The Toy Man E-Choice Award; 2011 The Toy Man Seal of Approval; 2010 Book of the Year Award from Creative Child Magazine; 2010 Dr. Toy Best Picks of Children Products Award; 2010 USA Book News Best Books Award Finalist 7/15/2009 (Price: $24.95; Age: 3 and up)
Father Christmas Santa by DOUGLAS CUDDLE TOYS
 This jolly, plush Santa Claus is 9" tall and features a white beard along with red and green fabrics of varying design. Launch date: June 2009. 7/8/2009 (Price: $9.50)
Not a Hound Dog by NOBLEWORKS INC.
 NobleWorks is a company that produces outrageous greeting cards. "Always pushing the envelope, these cards redefine the edge of sophisticated, sassy and downright silly fun," Morgan Gertler, in administration at NobleWorks, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 1999. 5/19/2009 (Price: $2.95; Age: All Ages)
"Nostalgic Nativity" Set of 8 by G.DEBREKHT ARTISTIC STUDIO
 Each delicately hand-crafted figurine tells the story of the Nativity through sophisticated illustrations. The set is meticulously hand-painted in refined hues of violet, indigo, crimson, amber and jade. It is limited to 900 pieces worldwide. and includes a G.DeBrekht-branded, satin-lined presentation box. Launch date: 2009. 5/19/2009 (Price: $390.00; Age: All Ages)
Fun Stix™ Magnets by FUN STIX MAGNETS INC.
 Fun Stix garage door magnets are a fast, easy and cost-effective way to decorate for holidays and celebrations of all kinds. Most garage doors in the U.S. are made of polymer-coated steel, and Fun Stix are designed to stick to these doors with no effort at all. They're also weather resistant, UV protected, reusable , and won't interfere with the normal operation of garage doors. Fun Stix may also be used on refrigerators or office file cabinets, or in nurseries, daycare centers or classrooms. "Typical magnetic decorations are too heavy. As a result, they are too expensive. ... Fun Stix™ combine plastic die-cut sheeting and magnets to give customers a one-of-a-kind decorative experience saving time, energy and money. Dollar for dollar, customers can decorate four to five times more of their garage doors compared to typical garage door magnets of the same cost," John Delatorre, president of Fun Stix Magnets, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2009. 4/27/2009 (Price: $12.99; Age: 12 and up)
Pewter Seahorse Ornaments by SHOREART GIFTS
 These Star and Snowflake pewter-cast ornaments are handcrafted and cast from a real seahorse found on a beach. Launch date: October 15, 2008. 10/27/2008 (Price: $12.00; Age: All Ages)
Chicken and Chicks in Nest Ornaments by CHERYL'S LITTLE CREATIONS
 Ideal for hanging on a Christmas tree or displaying elsewhere, the animals in this nest ornament are handmade from polymer clay. 9/30/2008 (Price: $8.95)
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