ToyDirectory
November 23, 2024

TDmonthly Magazine

February 2009 | Vol. VIII - No. 2


These New Toys Know How to Move

Innovative Mechanics Make Specialty Extra Special

By Alison Marek
February 2009

Spinning seals, crawling bugs and a bunny that looks so realistic it could just hop away — February's toys are all about action. Get toys moving off your selling site by linking to videos that show them in motion. We have more than 1,500 product videos that you can link to: Broadcast TDmonthly Toy Videos From Your Website. (See website terms of use here.)

Manufacturers: Find out how a TDmonthly Video attracts buyers.

PakNak™ - Robert Robot by PAKNAK

PakNak™ - Robert Robot by PAKNAKPakNaks are soft, rubbery 3-D decorations designed for kids (and adults!) to use to personalize backpacks, lunch bags, headbands, computer bags, household items and more. There are more than 40 available designs. Customized Velcro makes them interchangeable and weather resistant, and they quickly and easily adhere to surfaces. Robert measures 2.5” x 2.5”.
— “PakNaks are from a new little small company, and we’ve been selling them like hotcakes since Easter,” said Michelle Smith, owner of Piccolo Mondo Toys in Portland, Ore., in December 2008. “We were the first ones to launch them.” (Watch the PakNak™ - Robert Robot Video Watch Video) 9/19/2008 (MSRP: $3.99)


Turkey by FOLKMANIS INC.

Turkey by FOLKMANIS INC.This 18”-tall turkey puppet needs only a hand to come alive. Designed in multitextured and multihued plush, it's a true representation of the cherished American icon. Featuring a one or two-handed design, the turkey's tail displays proudly. Launch date: August 2007. (Watch the Turkey Video Watch Video) 7/19/2007 (MSRP: $49.99; Age: 5 and Up)


Iwako Hamster Erasers by BC INDUSTRIES

Iwako Hamster Erasers by BC INDUSTRIESThese hamster-themed erasers are available in six assorted colors. They can be taken apart and put back together like a puzzle.
—  As of 05/13/2011 this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 10 reviews on Amazon.com. Cons: Not suitable for younger children because the small pieces constitute a choking hazard.
—  Belmont Toys in Belmont, Mass., sells from 800 to 1,000 Iwako erasers monthly, Manager Gage Brownell told TDmonthly in October 2008. (Watch the Iwako Hamster Erasers Video Watch Video) 8/1/2008 (MSRP: $1.00; Age: 5 and Up)


Dolly Licorice by COROLLE DOLLS

Dolly Licorice by COROLLE DOLLSDolly Licorice is a 10” vinyl doll with a cloth body and black hair. She’s dressed in bright colors with striped stockings and a pink streak running through her hair. Launch date: January 2008. (Watch the Dolly Licorice Video Watch Video) 1/30/2008 (MSRP: $24.00; Age: 3 and Up)


Rabbit "Hoppel" #5090 by KÖSEN USA, Inc.

Rabbit "Hoppel" #5090 by KÖSEN USA, Inc.Handmade in Germany, this rabbit is created as close to nature as possible and is 7.1" long. Its exterior consists of high-quality woven fur and leather imitation. All KÖSEN plush animals conform to the highest safety standards. The materials, products and production are inspected by TÜV and meet all requirements of the European safety standard for toys, EN 71. Children may even keep this toy beyond childhood, to eventually pass on to their own children. The product received a 2008 Toy of the Year Award from Creative Child Magazine. Launch date: 2001. Display Ideas: Group animals by natural habitat or geographical area. (Watch the Rabbit "Hoppel" #5090 Video Watch Video) 8/27/2008 (MSRP: $73.00; Age: 3 to Adult)


HEXBUG Inchworm by INNOVATION FIRST LABS, INC.

HEXBUG Inchworm by INNOVATION FIRST LABS, INC.The HEXBUG Inchworm is the first Micro Robotic Creature in the HEXBUG line to feature a full-function IR remote control. Users drive the Inchworm forward, back, left and right. A and B control bands allow users to control two Inchworms at once or multiple Inchworms on the same band. The product features a unique crawling and pirouette motion around its center pod foot. "This unique HEXBUG Micro Robotic impulse item is offered in a five-pack impulse counter display with five-color variety assortment," Joel Carter, VP of marketing for Innovation First, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 15, 2008.
— The Inchworm has been a top seller at Pufferbellies in Staunton, Va., for at least a year, according to co-owner Susan Blanton in fall 2009.
— The Hexbug Inchworm is a popular item at the Toy Shop of Concord in Concord, Mass., Owner David Hesel told TDmonthly in late 2009. (Watch the HEXBUG Inchworm Video Watch Video) 10/2/2008 (MSRP: $19.99; Age: 8 and Up)


Firefighter Art Smock by KIDZSMOCKS INC.

This firefighter art smock's design includes the suspender overalls of a typical firefighter, but not its fire retardant jacket. It is 100% waterproof and can be fastened on from the back with Velcro. (Watch the Firefighter Art Smock Video Watch Video) 12/18/2008


Naturally Better Plush: Peter Rabbit, Flopsy, Mopsy & Cotton-Tail by KIDS PREFERRED INC.

Naturally Better Plush: Peter Rabbit, Flopsy, Mopsy & Cotton-Tail by KIDS PREFERRED INC.These plush toys by Kids Preferred are made from 100-percent organic materials and are the first products in the Peter Rabbit...Naturally Better line. Each super-soft toy, dressed in a monogrammed outfit to identify the character, comes in a recyclable, reusable and PVC-free display/gift box. Peter stands 18" tall and carries a carrot. Launch date: June 2008. (Watch the Naturally Better Plush: Peter Rabbit, Flopsy, Mopsy & Cotton-Tail Video Watch Video) 8/27/2008 (MSRP: $30.00; Age: All Ages)


11" Blanket Babies™ by FIESTA

11" Blanket Babies™ by FIESTAThese 11" stuffed animal babies are wrapped in a removable blanket, that features a plush decorative velcro closure. 27 styles available from teddy bears, jungle animals, woodland creatures, and sea life. (Watch the 11" Blanket Babies™ Video Watch Video) 11/7/2008 (MSRP: $15.00; Age: 3 and Up)


Discovery Cube Colorful World by HABA USA/HABERMAASS CORP.

Discovery Cube Colorful World by HABA USA/HABERMAASS CORP.Charming play cube awakens all of the senses and entices curiosity! Each cube keeps the little ones occupied thanks to their optical and acoustic elements and the different features to pull at, turn or touch. Colorful World has magnetic blue, pink and orange flaps, and a peephole with kaleidoscope. (Watch the Discovery Cube Colorful World Video Watch Video) 12/7/2007 (MSRP: $25.00; Age: 1 to 3)


Boogaloos - Peeko by BLABLA

Boogaloos - Peeko by BLABLA Boogaloos are adorable, rounded creatures that are soft, cuddly and funny. Handknit by a Peruvian artist, they are 100-percent cotton stuffed with polyfill and are designed to provide a simple and vibrant play experience. Launch date: 2008.
(Watch the Boogaloos - Peeko Video Watch Video) 8/5/2008 (MSRP: $38.00; Age: All Ages)


Kangaroo With Joey by TIMELESS TOYS

Kangaroo With Joey by TIMELESS TOYSThis soft plush  kangaroo puppet keeps her joey snugly tucked in her pouch. Launch date: 2008. (Watch the Kangaroo With Joey Video Watch Video) 12/4/2008 (MSRP: $7.00; Age: 3 and Up)


Baby Starters Snuggle Buddy® by RASHTI & RASHTI

Baby Starters Snuggle Buddy® by RASHTI & RASHTISnuggle Buddy is a plush toy and security blanket that offers play and soothing and tactile benefits. It is a wonderful gift that grows with baby and becomes a comforting companion for months, even years. Winner of the 2010 Top Choice of the Year Award and the 2010 Seal of Excellence Award from Creative Child Magazine. (Watch the Baby Starters Snuggle Buddy® Video Watch Video) 12/19/2008 (MSRP: $12; Age: 0 and Up)


Sea Life Kidzsack by KIDZSACK

The Kidzsack is a high quality, multifunctional, and durable bag with a screenprint that kids can color in using the 8 provided color markers. The Sea Life Kidzsack design includes common sea creatures such as a dolphin, stingray, and octopus. (Watch the Sea Life Kidzsack Video Watch Video) 12/19/2008 (MSRP: $21.95; Age: 4 to 10)


The Primary KidsRuler by KIDSRULER

The Primary KidsRuler by KIDSRULERKidsRuler was created by a veteran elementary school teacher, who noticed that students consistently struggled with using the standard ruler to learn the beginning concepts of measurement. KidsRuler was created to help students visualize the increments of measurement, and give them a fun way to practice their skills. The KidsRuler helps students master the NCTM standards of measurement. They also connect together to allow kids to measure real-life objects, such as a desk or chair.
— Mention ToyDirectory and receive 10% off on your first order. (Watch the The Primary KidsRuler Video Watch Video) 1/5/2009 (MSRP: $5.00)


Pottyflip by POTTYFLIP

In this palm-sized package is a full size, clean, safe, portable, disposable, biodegradable potty that is truly a better way. It simply flips open and is ready to go. Pottyflip provides a quick dependable way to answer the universal call “I GOTTA GO.” It is easy to carry a Pottyflip in your pocket or purse. Keep one in the glove compartment of the car. Keep a spare in your diaper bag for playtime emergencies or while at the beach, lakes or parks. Use it, fold it back up, and dispose of the whole potty - no mess, no fuss. Use a clean new potty each time. (Watch the Pottyflip Video Watch Video) 12/15/2008 (MSRP: $2.99; Age: 1 to 5)


Glowtastic!™ U-Draw Night Light Art Kit by NIGHT LIGHT DESIGNS

Glowtastic!™ U-Draw Night Light Art Kit by NIGHT LIGHT DESIGNSThis kit allows kids of all ages to design their own works of art that can then be displayed in a fun-to-see light. Children can simply design and/or color their picture with any markers and then place it into the night light. Each kit comes with four blank coloring sheets plus a promotional, preprinted butterfly design coloring sheet. Replacement insert pages for the GLOWTASTIC! U-Draw Light Kit are also available. (Watch the Glowtastic!™ U-Draw Night Light Art Kit Video Watch Video) 9/16/2008 (MSRP: $14.99)


Soft Pink Pettidress by RACHEL ON THE FLOWER INC.

Soft Pink Pettidress by RACHEL ON THE FLOWER INC.This pink pettidress is made with extra soft nylon chiffon to allow for the dress to be extra fluffy. (Watch the Soft Pink Pettidress Video Watch Video) 9/22/2008 (MSRP: $120.00; Age: 1 to 6)


Shailie™ by STYLE PAIGE LLC

Shailie™ by STYLE PAIGE LLCStyle Paige LLC introduces Shailie™: going beyond “dress-ups.” With Shailie™, girls design, create, and wear their own fashions. Shailie™ includes a life-size designer dress form and stand. Shailie™ dresses come in pieces. Sleeves, skirts, tops, and accessories come in various styles, colors, and lengths. All pieces easily attach and detach; girls can mix and match creating endless looks to wear. Launch date: February 13, 2009. (Watch the Shailie™ Video Watch Video) 12/12/2008 (MSRP: $255; Age: 5 to Adult)


ZooPoo Shampoo by EI LLC

ZooPoo Shampoo by EI LLCZooPoo puts the FUN in functional. Tucked away inside each plush character is a refillable Shampoo (or Poo, if you will) tube so that the product can be applied by squeezing it out right on a little stinker. Launch date: 2009. (Watch the ZooPoo Shampoo Video Watch Video) 12/12/2008 (MSRP: $12.99; Age: 1 to 6)


CALAFANT Castle L3 by CREATIVE TOYSHOP

CALAFANT Castle L3 by CREATIVE TOYSHOPThe CALAFANT Castle is part of the CALAFANT cardboard kit line and is extra sturdy and easy to build. Children can decorate it any way they like and get really creative. Not only is it fun to decorate the castle, it's also a wonderful toy and a cool home for knights, kings, princesses and dragons. The toy is fully recyclable and won't take up space in a landfill. Launch date: January 4, 2008. (Watch the CALAFANT Castle L3 Video Watch Video) 12/12/2008 (MSRP: $24.99; Age: 3 to 12)








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