December Peeks

The TDmonthly Staff Makes Their Picks for the Holidays

By TDmonthly Staff
December 2005

This is the month to end all months (well, for 2005, anyway). That means you have just one final shot to move products off store shelves and into shoppers’ bags before the new year begins. With the following products in stock, we here at TDmonthly Magazine think you won’t have any problem moving merchandise. At the very least, you’ll give customers pause for thought.

Zubbles by ASCADIA INC.

Zubbles by ASCADIA INC. Finally: colored bubbles. After spending more than a decade trying every way possible, inventor Tim Kehoe, with the essential help of chemist, Ram Sabnis, finally developed a line of nontoxic, nonstaining bubbles in a variety of colors. Each bottle of different colored solution is shaped as a different bubble character. Each color has its own name and personality, spanning the rainbow and then some, with colors such as black and pink.
— Jessie from A Year in the Life of June Cleaver tried the pink Zubbles and was “amazed as these extremely pink, shimmering bubbles floated up around us into the sky … like something you only see in your dreams.” Jessie found she was not alone in her admiration: “Our neighbor's children ran over to see the amazing bubbles and everyone, even their parents, were fascinated by them.”
— Andrea of Mama In Flip Flops2 was impressed that the vibrant pinks and blues of the Zubbles did not leave permanent stains on her daughter’s clothes. Her kids had tons of fun blowing bubbles while Andrea felt safe knowing Zubbles are non-toxic. 11/18/2005

SR Magnetic Dart Game by NEXT STEP FAMILY OF PRODUCTS

The SR Magnetic Dart Game (MDG) is designed to be the most versatile and enjoyable magnetic dart game in the world. The 13" x 11", roll-up magnetic board contains a set of three darts with powerful magnets, a hanging cord and a patent-pending three-piece mounting system that quickly and easily attaches without tools. The flexible board rolls up easily for storage or travel, and the magnetic darts can be kept inside for convenient storage. ( Watch Video) 9/29/2005 (Age: 5 and Up)

¡OCHO! The Dicey Card Game by GAMEWARE PUBLISHERS

¡OCHO! The Dicey Card Game by GAMEWARE PUBLISHERS For 2 to 6 players, this unique card game combines the versatility of cards with the excitement of dice. The number 8 is the key to the game, as players compete to get one ¡OCHO! card trick in each of the deck’s three color suits. The first to do so wins a round. The first to earn 88 points wins the game and becomes the ¡OCHO! King or Queen. The game can be played two different ways to guarantee uncomplicated fun for everyone. ( Watch Video) 11/8/2005 (MSRP: $8.00; Age: 8 and Up)

Nursery Tap Hip to Toe, Volume Two by NURSERY TAP

"Nursery Tap Hip to Toe, Volume Two" continues the journey of its Peabody Award-winning predecessor by introducing the small child to the performing arts through theatrical wordplay, rhythm, rhyming and dance. In Volume I, Juleen Murray Shaw took 30 traditional nursery rhymes, turned them on their heads, and set them to dance. Shot from the waist down, which allows a child to imagine themselves in the scenes as the dancer/performer, Nursery Tap Hip to Toe combines tap, ballet and hip-hop into a stimulating theatrical experience. Volume Two includes French and Chinese rhymes along with updated traditional English standards. “A child sees theatrical dance up close and personal and … because of the rhyming and wordplay, this increases phonemic awareness,” Shaw told TDmonthly. This product has received A Parents’ Choice “Silver Honor” Award, Creative Child Magazine’s “DVD of the Year” Award, Scholastic Teachers “Best of 2006,” an iParenting Media Award, and the Dove Foundation Seal of Approval Highest Rating – 5 Doves. Launch date: 2006. 11/18/2005

OWLY Plush Toy by TOP SHELF PRODUCTIONS

OWLY Plush Toy by TOP SHELF PRODUCTIONS Top Shelf is proud to announce the production of its very first toy — the OWLY Plush Toy (based on the cool comic book: OWLY)! The prototype of this large and loveable toy (shown in picture) was designed by Andy Runton and his mother and hand sewn by Andy's mom herself. It received so many hugs and squeezes on the convention circuit in 2004, that Top Shelf decided to have some ready to go home with fans in 2006. Get ready to hug and squeeze! COMING SPRING 2006! 11/18/2005 (MSRP: $19.95)

12-Inch Fashion Dolls: Fiona Fatale by BLEEDING EDGE

Fiona likes checking out Gothic clubs, going to record stores, burned marshmallows, pounding industrial music, playing bass, limes dipped in sea salt, Mr.Yuk, Ghost Busters, Juliya C on Fuse T.V. and collecting poison rings. Her dislikes are: sherbet ice cream, flowers, baby lotion, paisley shirts, hip huggers and onion rings. 11/16/2005 (MSRP: $24.99)

The Little Book of Sudoku by MICHAEL O´MARA BOOKS LTD.

The Little Book of Sudoku by MICHAEL O´MARA BOOKS LTD. Sudoku (or Su Doku) requires filling in a nine-by-nine-square grid so that each column, row and nine smaller three-by-three-square grids contain the digits 1 through 9. It requires no mathematical skill, and eliminates the language barriers created by other puzzles. 11/10/2005

Leadsinger LS-3700 Karaoke System by LEADSINGER

This all-in-one portable karaoke microphone allows singers to select songs straight from the mike itself. Thousands of different songs are available on separately sold MusicKartridges. It has a built-in video processor that transmits highlighted lyrics and full-color graphics by connecting to almost any TV through an RCA connection. The audio may also be played through an FM radio. The 300-song selection includes many popular songs. 11/21/2005 (MSRP: $129.99)