Just in time for the holidays, we asked retailers about their best-selling toys. See the products that are raking in sales below.
*No manufacturer paid to be included in this list. All products listed were designated by editorial staff without regard to the company's relationship with TOYDIRECTORY.com/TDmonthly Magazine.
The regular Hexbugs and the HEXBUG Nano Hive Habitat Set won the Specialty Toy of the Year Award at the 2012 American International Toy Fair. This glow in the dark version features the same motion sensors and scuttling capabilities that made the original version so popular. Glow in the dark habitats are also available. Batteries included. — Jamie Merlavage of Tree House Toy Shop in Cumberland, Md., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that they sell about a dozen HEXBUG Nanos each month. — Mary Porter Green, owner of The Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey about best-selling toys that she sells a dozen HEXBUGS each month. — In a March 2012 survey, 2 out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that Hexbugs were their best selling product. Mike DiAndrea, manager of Hardware Toys in Paoli, Pa., said that they sell dozens of different styles of Hexbugs each month, and that the line has been a best seller for more than a year now.
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.
These 3.5" wooden robots interlock in many different positions to create remarkable shapes. — These robots are a best-selling gift item, according to Tom England, owner of Dancing Bear Toys and Gifts in Frederick, Md. — England told TDmonthly he sells about 15 units a month of the Stacking Robots. — "They're a great remake of a classic toy. Kids love robots, but many of them are too young for our tin wind-up reproduction robots that are age-graded 8 and up," said Stephen Medina of Schylling Toys.
Create a Plush rainbow pillow. Follow a simple numbered legend and use the stylus to punch glittering fabric – no sewing required. This fabric-by-number kit contains special glittering fabric pieces, meaning your rainbow design is certain to shine.
Journey through the Star Wars galaxy in the countdown to Christmas! Reveal minifigures, starships, vehicles and more with the LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar with 24 doors and a fold-out playmat. Take a journey through the galaxy this holiday season with the LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar! Open each of the 24 doors to reveal a fun Tatooine, Endor, Hoth, Space or Christmas-themed gift. With minifigures, starships, vehicles and more to discover, as well as a great fold-out playmat, Christmas will arrive faster than you can say "May the Force be with you!"
Made of genuine balsa wood. Rubber band powered. Easy to fly. — Mary Porter Green, owner of The Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va., told TDmonthly in a November 2011 that Balsa airplanes are among her best selling flying toys. — Geoff Pendexter, owner of Whirlygigs in Brentwood, N.H., told TDmonthly in a Fall 2012 survey that they sell about 15 of these planes each month, making them a best selling aircraft toy in the store. — Gregory Faith, owner of Hobby Town USA in Nashua, N.H., told TDmonthly in a February 2013 survey that these gliders were their best selling wooden toy.
The Shopkins Mega Pack makes it easy for girls to stock up on their favorite characters! Featuring multiple characters and shopping bags, shopping basket and a collector's guide, this pack gives girls everything they need to complete their Shopkins world. Girls should be on the lookout for Ultra Rare or Limited Edition characters. Shopkins fans should shop to it now and avoid the rush at the check-out!
These three knights fight under the red dragon insignia. Their black, red and silver accessories include shields, helmets, swords and more. — In an August 2014 survey David Stelzer, owner of Shananigans Toy Shop in Baltimore, Md., told TDmonthly that "Playmobil usually outsells everything else in the store," and Playmobil makes the store's best-selling action figures.
ToyDirectory Product ID#: 36905 (added 8/28/2014)
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Writer's Bio: Justina Huddleston graduated Magna Cum Laude from Emerson College with a BA in Writing, Literature, and Publishing in 2009. After graduating she was the on-site director of the Boston Children's Museum gift store for a year, selling educational, developmental, and creative activity toys that tied in with the museum's exhibits. Justina also interned at children's book publisher Candlewick Press before moving from Boston to Los Angeles, where she is now Editorial Director of TDmonthly Magazine. Read more articles by this author
Writer's Bio: Justina Huddleston graduated Magna Cum Laude from Emerson College with a BA in Writing, Literature, and Publishing in 2009. After graduating she was the on-site director of the Boston Children's Museum gift store for a year, selling educational, developmental, and creative activity toys that tied in with the museum's exhibits. Justina also interned at children's book publisher Candlewick Press before moving from Boston to Los Angeles, where she is now Editorial Director of TDmonthly Magazine. 
