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November 21, 2024

TDmonthly Magazine

September 2007 | Vol. VI - No. 9


TDmonthly's Toy Videos

By Alison Marek & Julie L. Jones
September 2007

TDmonthly Magazine's Toy Videos give you instant access to toy demos so you can evaluate a product before you buy it. If it works, it shows. If not, that shows, too. Seeing is believing, but hearing doesn't hurt, either.

Get my toy on TDmonthly's Toy Videos!


Retailers: Post TDmonthly Toy Videos on Your Website! (See website terms of use here.)

Videography by Rob Poswall. Edited by Alison Marek.

*Video of the month*

Nitefalll Halloween Collection Temporary Tattoos – Scars & Stitches by Savvi

These FD&C-approved temporary tattoos are simply applied with water and can last for days; they can easily be removed with alcohol or baby oil. Each pack comes with a bonus accessory tattoo card. Other pack varieties include Pierce & Stab, Skin Growth, Open Wounds, Bugs and Pus, Ripped Torn and Long Slashes. Launch date: August 2007. (Watch Video)


To see archived videos sorted by category, please click here.

You can also watch manufacturer demos from 2007 and 2006 trade shows.

And here are the new videos for this month (NOTE: More videos are coming this week, so check back soon!):

Polly Pocket Stylin' Flyers Set - Polly by MATTEL INC.

Polly Pocket StylinNow girls can give Polly or Lila the ultimate outdoor adventure as they take flight with the Stylin’ Flyers sets. Girls simply attach Polly or Lila to the pair of wings, load the wings into the launcher, plot the doll’s course and watch her fly. These sets were designed as fun and exciting outdoor toys for girls. Launch date: January 2007. (Watch the Polly Pocket Stylin' Flyers Set - Polly Video Watch Video) 6/25/2007 (MSRP: $14.99; Age: 4 and Up)


Gassy Gus by FUNDEX GAMES

Gassy Gus by FUNDEX GAMESIn this game for two to four players, a three-dimensional character, Gus, sits comfortably in an easy chair and is fed different food cards. Food such as a chili dog or macaroni and cheese have values that correspond to the amount of times players pump Gus’ head. Each pump expands his belly and sooner or later, Gus lets it rip. Healthy food cards and extra pump cards create additional havoc and laughter. (Watch the Gassy Gus Video Watch Video) 11/15/2006 (MSRP: $29.99; Age: 5 and Up)


Troop Groovy Girls by MANHATTAN TOY

Troop Groovy Girls by MANHATTAN TOYManhattan Toy has teamed up with Girl Scouts of the USA to design a spirited line of themed Groovy Girls dolls and accessories. Celebrating girls’ personal style, diversity and the power of friendship, these debut dolls embrace virtues inspired by the Girl Scouts' mission to build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place. Groovy Girls Awards: TDmonthly Top Seller 2007. Launch date: July 2007.

Where to Buy Groovy Girls: Blue Turtle Toys (Watch the Troop Groovy Girls Video Watch Video) 6/7/2007 (MSRP: $15.50; Age: 3 and Up)


Squeak Easies by RICH FROG INDUSTRIES

Squeak Easies by RICH FROG INDUSTRIESThese hand-held squeakers come in six fun animal shapes and squeak with the greatest of ease. They feature vivid colors and patterns and delightful soft velour heads and feet. The squeakers fit nicely into a diaper bag or purse, ideal for on-the-go entertainment. Launch date: January 2007. (Watch the Squeak Easies Video Watch Video) 6/25/2007 (MSRP: $5.95; Age: All Ages)


Princesa Quinceanera by BRASS KEY INC

Princesa Quinceanera by BRASS KEY INCGlamorously dressed and authentically detailed, Princesa Quinceanera dolls celebrate the dreams and aspirations of young Hispanic girls. Focusing particularly on their dreams of the Quinceanera, or 15th birthday celebration, each doll comes dressed to the nueves in a full-length ball gown, tiara, necklace and earrings, satin gloves, and bouquet. Launch date: September 2007. (Watch the Princesa Quinceanera Video Watch Video) 6/7/2007 (MSRP: $24.99; Age: 5 and Up)


Penguin Sock Change Purse by BNL

Penguin Sock Change Purse by BNLThis adorable sock change purse features penguins and snowflakes. And it "knows no age," Sales Manager Brenda Kain of BK Enterprises told TDmonthly. "Little girls love them; tweens love them." Launch date: August 1, 2007. (Watch the Penguin Sock Change Purse Video Watch Video) 6/21/2007 (MSRP: $4.99; Age: All Ages)


MOZANIAC Multiple Picture Puzzle System – Female Portraits by PARADOXY PRODUCTS

This system allows users to create four different pictures with the same six pieces by sliding the pieces into, over and under each other in different ways. This MOZANIAC set forms “Madame Matisse” by Henri Matisse, “Woman in a Large Hat” by Amadeo Modigliani, “Portrait of Dora Maar” by Pablo Picasso and “Self-Portrait With Monkey” by Frida Kahlo. (Watch the MOZANIAC Multiple Picture Puzzle System – Female Portraits Video Watch Video) 7/5/2007 (MSRP: $7.95; Age: 6 and Up)


Lift-Off Rocket by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC

Lift-Off Rocket by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC

Suitable for children 18 months and up, this rocket lights up and emits realistic rocket sounds with the push of a button. It has a handle for take-along play and comes with an alien, a moon crate, a dune buggy, a space puppy dog and two astronauts. The rocket features a cargo hold, a Murphy bed and toilet, a cockpit and an on/off switch and volume control. "The Lift-Off Rocket by iPlay is designed to encourage young imaginations and introduce them to new worlds. This high-quality playset has a space theme with an at-home-feel," Sue Tice, public relations director and product manager at International Playthings Inc., told TDmonthly. Awards: TDmonthly Top Seller 2007. Launch date: March 2007.
— As of 5/12/2011 this product had 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com from 98 reviews. Cons: Doors fall off too easily; the dog and alien figurines are too large to fit in the rover.
— Lynda Blankenship, owner of Smart Toys & Books in Knoxville, Tenn., told TDmonthly in late Spring 2011 that Lift Off Rockets were among her best-selling activity kits and playsets.
— “One of my favorite toys this season, for 18 months and up, is the iPlay Lift-Off Rocket," said Deb Necker, owner of Necker’s in Simsbury, Conn., when discussing hot-selling infant toys in her store.
— The Lift-Off Rocket is popular at LB Toys in Media, Pa., according to Owner Jamie Burdette. “It’s a great 1- to 2-year-old toy for a boy,” he said in April 2008. “Rocket ship toys for this age are hard to find.”
— Want this? As of 05/11/2011 this product was available at Smart Toys & Books (Watch the Lift-Off Rocket Video Watch Video) 6/28/2007 (MSRP: $40.00; Age: 2 and Up)


Toyota FJ Cruiser by AUTOART

Toyota FJ Cruiser by AUTOARTThis model of the 2007 FJ Cruiser by Toyota features realistic design and intricate detail. The real square-shouldered sports utility vehicle features an all-steel body that opens with two full-sized doors, two rear-hinged clamshell doors for backseat access and a side-hinged tailgate. It also has a 245-horsepower 4.0-liter V-6 engine. Launch date: April 2007. (Watch the Toyota FJ Cruiser Video Watch Video) 7/6/2007 (MSRP: $94.95; Age: 18 and Up)


Käthe Kruse Advent Calendar by KATHE KRUSE DOLLS

Käthe Kruse Advent Calendar by KATHE KRUSE DOLLSThe European concept of the Advent calendar runs from the 1st of December until Christmas. Santa’s helper fills the calendar each day with a little surprise until day 25, when he himself arrives. This calendar is made of cotton and felt with 24 little bags. “The advent calendar has been designed with appealing, childlike motives. It is great fun for kids to find each day in December a little surprise or a sweet that has been chosen lovingly, from the parents,” Marion Hohmann of Käthe Kruse Puppen GmbH told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2006.
― Käthe Kruse is “one of the most accommodating” vendors, Bill from Tutoring Toy told TDmonthly in spring 2007. (Watch the Käthe Kruse Advent Calendar Video Watch Video) 6/5/2007 (MSRP: $29.00; Age: 3 and Up)


Käthe Kruse Puppen Waldorf Pirate Boy by EUROPLAY CORP.

Käthe Kruse Puppen Waldorf Pirate Boy by EUROPLAY CORP.Forever looking for a treasure is Käthe Kruse’s little Pirate Boy, who is always in a good mood and loves to play. His hand-embroidered face has fun little freckles and his red hair is made of genuine wool. Standing 7” high, this handcrafted doll is dressed in cropped, red pirate pants, while a white shirt with pirate logo and black cap complete his pirate look. Wherever he goes, he always first places his flag. He is stuffed with 100-percent sheep wool and covered with cotton stockinet. Käthe Kruse Waldorf dolls are individually handcrafted and not mass produced. They are “little individuals that stimulate the child's fantasy and imagination,” Marion Hohmann of Europlay told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2007.
— “[My customers] love Waldorf school philosophy,” said Kristen Pollard, co-owner of Mud Puddle Toys in Marblehead, Mass. (Watch the Käthe Kruse Puppen Waldorf Pirate Boy Video Watch Video) 7/5/2007 (MSRP: $44.00; Age: 3 and Up)


Baby So Real by iTOYS INC.

Baby So Real by iTOYS INC.A breakthrough in doll technology has produced this lifelike baby doll, weighted to feel like a real baby. Baby So Real features a unique vinyl coloring process (patent pending) that brings the realism of natural human body shadows to the doll's skin texture. She has baby-fine hair and detailed fingernails and toes, and is available in 48 different styles with numerous skin tones, hair colors and textures. According to Laura Liebeck of Grand Communications, Baby So Real is “the most realistic baby doll in the non-collector market, with an endless variety of feature combinations appealing to every little girl.” Launch date: June 2007. (Watch the Baby So Real Video Watch Video) 1/22/2007 (MSRP: $29.99; Age: 3 and Up)


Santa's Wish List by G.DEBREKHT ARTISTIC STUDIO

SantaChildren find comfort in Santa’s lap as he reviews each and every wish list. This majestic doll stands 17.5” high and is cloaked in a beautiful canvas painting. Each doll is over painted by hand for the look and feel of a fine art piece. The solid body structure ensures that this heirloom piece will keep its form for years to come. It’s all beautifully packaged in a satin-lined gift box that is perfect for storage and for retail display. There are eight styles in all: two angels, four Santas and the Holy Family. Launch Date: November 2006 (Watch the Santa's Wish List Video Watch Video) 6/7/2007 (MSRP: $175.00; Age: 3 and Up)


Motherly Love Doll by G.DEBREKHT ARTISTIC STUDIO

Motherly Love Doll by G.DEBREKHT ARTISTIC STUDIOOnce made by grandfathers and grandmothers to welcome a new grandchild, this approximately 9" Motherly Love doll expresses the love and affection between a mother and her child. Inside each beautifully illustrated doll is an array of authentic, hand-carved, hand-painted ornament figurines. The figurines depict the infant’s new home, extended family and even a miniature Matroyshka doll of its very own. This heirloom-quality doll will provide countless hours of imaginary play for a young child and a lifetime of enjoyment. It’s entirely hand painted in Russia. Launch Date: January 2007.
— “With this Matroyshka Ornament Doll, a child has the opportunity to imagine the interaction [within] an entire family and not only her role as the baby,” Brenda Morace, national account relations manager for G.DeBrekht Artistic Studios explained to TDmonthly. “This allows the child to relate to many generations in the family circle and she learns to consider how each member might think, feel or act.” (Watch the Motherly Love Doll Video Watch Video) 6/7/2007 (MSRP: $74.00; Age: 3 and Up)


Spider-Man 3 Action Command Spider-Man by THINKWAY

Spider-Man 3 Action Command Spider-Man by THINKWAYThe wireless, infrared remote control has two joy sticks and 10 buttons for different programmed actions. Spider-Man moves in any direction with preprogrammed actions including 360-degree spins, “S”-shaped turns, web-slinging action with sound effects and character voice. The remote control is also programmable and easy to use, with over 1,000 possible program-action combos. It’s available in red and black. Launch date: May 2007. (Watch the Spider-Man 3 Action Command Spider-Man Video Watch Video) 6/29/2007 (MSRP: $39.99; Age: 6 and Up)


Honey Puppet Handkerchief by TRIS & TON

Honey Puppet Handkerchief by TRIS & TONBabies will love this adorable, comical and colorful handkerchief. Small and round, the handkerchief features a teddy bear head and two little hands in the center. “This puppet will help parents stimulate their child's imagination,” Vanesa F. Maldonado, at Tris & Ton, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 2007. (Watch the Honey Puppet Handkerchief Video Watch Video) 7/20/2007 (MSRP: $3.69; Age: 0 to 3)


Santa Baby Joy™ Bear by RUSS BERRIE

Santa Baby Joy™ Bear by RUSS BERRIESuitable for ages 18 months and up, this 13” bear sings, dances and glams up the holiday season in her fabric Santa suit with zebra trim. When touch activated, she dances as she sings “Santa Baby.” Three AA batteries are included. Launch date: August 2007. (Watch the Santa Baby Joy™ Bear Video Watch Video) 7/26/2007 (MSRP: $25.00; Age: 2 and Up)


Giftique Starter Set by POCKETS OF LEARNING LLC

Giftique Starter Set by POCKETS OF LEARNING LLCThis seven-piece starter set includes a doll, five outfits and an embroidered carrying case. Each outfit has a Velcro backing so that children can dress the doll with just a press of the fingers. “The Press 'n Dress set engages the young child’s imagination even before their small motor skills develop,” May Grant of Pockets of Learning told TDmonthly. Awards: TDmonthly Top Toy 2008. Launch date: January 2007.

Where to Buy: Camelot Kids (Watch the Giftique Starter Set Video Watch Video) 6/25/2007 (MSRP: $34.95; Age: 2 to 6)


TeamHeads® - Florida Gator Mascot Hat and Plush by TEAMHEADS

Teamhead (hat), plush mascot, and plush mascot keychain. (Watch the TeamHeads® - Florida Gator Mascot Hat and Plush Video Watch Video) 5/21/2007


Forest Lodge by PLAYMOBIL INC.

Forest Lodge by PLAYMOBIL INC.Kick up your heels after a long day of exploring with this fun-filled forest lodge set. comes with the lodge, a family of four, farm animals, birds, a tree fort, deer care center and accessories for hours of enjoyment. This product received a 2007 Excellent Product iParenting Media Award. (Watch the Forest Lodge Video Watch Video) 1/4/2007 (MSRP: $44.99; Age: 4 and Up)


World of Elves – Eyela by SCHLEICH NORTH AMERICA, INC.

World of Elves – Eyela by SCHLEICH NORTH AMERICA, INC.Eyela, the sublime one, is the last in the dynasty of the kings of the elves. She alone can save the land of the elves from doom. Launch date: May 2007.
— “Schleich historical and mythical figures do very well for us,” Tye Steinbach of Thinker Toys in Portland, Ore., told TDmonthly in May 2008.
— Over one-fifth of 55 retailers surveyed by TDmonthly in May 2008 named mythical action figures as a top seller.
— More than 23 percent of retailers named action figures by Schleich as best-sellers in their stores. (Watch the World of Elves – Eyela Video Watch Video) 6/13/2007 (MSRP: $4.99; Age: 3 and Up)


Piratack™ - The Board Game by GIDDY GOOSE 'N GANDER GAMES LLC

Piratack™ - The Board Game by GIDDY GOOSE Aaarr! Hoist your sails and set your course for high seas adventure in Piratack. This thrilling new board game beckons you into a world where all can join in swashbuckling fun. Players must throw caution to the winds as their ships voyage through tranquil and stormy seas or pass through whirlpools. Ships must trade cargo to increase their strength in cannons because when time runs out, you can't escape...
Piratack. In the end, the fiercest will battle for the ultimate sovereign rule as Piratitan.
— “Innovative game play along with eye-catching graphics are two fundamental goals of our designs,” Gerry Groundwater, owner and founder of Giddy Goose 'n Gander Games, told TDmonthly. “Although it costs more, we opted for hand-drawn graphics as a way of differentiating our product. This makes our approach and games particularly suited to specialty retailers.”
— "The more players you have, the more fun you have (because there are more ships to attack!)," raved Susan Ledford, a Homeschoolers Roundtable mom who reviewed the game for TDmonthly. (Watch the Piratack™ - The Board Game Video Watch Video) 1/2/2007 (MSRP: $29.95; Age: 8 and Up)








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