Top-10 Most-Wanted Arts & Crafts Toys

Retailers in the loop named Loopdedoop, Duct tape as bestsellers

By Justina Huddleston
February 2013

^{With additional reporting from Chris Lundy and Brenda Ruggiero}

TDmonthly Magazine interviewed retailers in December 2012 to craft this list of top-selling Arts & Crafts items.

The most popular single item mentioned was the Loopdedoo from ANN WILLIAMS GROUP LLC, while product lines from THE ORB FACTORY LIMITED and ALEX-PANLINE USA INC. were also favorites.

Take a closer look at the products retailers named Top-10 Most-Wanted Arts & Crafts items, below.

_{No manufacturer paid to be included in this article. All products listed were designated by editorial staff without regard to the company's relationship with TOYDIRECTORY.com/TDmonthly Magazine.}

Loopdedoo by ANN WILLIAMS GROUP LLC

Loopdedoo by ANN WILLIAMS GROUP LLC Loopdedoo is a new spinning tool that makes fabulous twisted bracelets in just a few minutes. It's fast, easy and fun. Just wrap the threads around the Loopdedoo device, turn the knob, guide the thread and minutes later the bracelet is done. Kids can even make necklaces, anklets, belts and more. There's no pattern to follow so each accessory is completely different and unique. Kids can use as many threads and color combinations as they like, and can make them thick, thin or anywhere in between. Launch date: November 2011.
— In a January 2012 survey, Barbara Finblum, owner of Barston's Child's Play in Baltimore, Md., told TDmonthly that Loopdedoo is their best selling arts and crafts toy. "They came in in December and we sold 194 out of 5 stores - 163 out of 3 stores alone. We sold out and couldn't get them back," she said.
— As of 10/5/2012 this product had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 8 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Easy to use; promotes creativity; fun. Cons: One user couldn't figure out how to start.
— In a Fall 2012 survey, Dean Smith, owner of Jazams in Princeton, N.J., told TDmonthly that they sell 15 of this item each month, making it one of their top-2 sellers in the Hobby category. 12/15/2011 (MSRP: $34.99; Age: 8 and Up)

Stick'n Style® Cupcake Notebook by THE ORB FACTORY LIMITED

Kids can create a cute Cupcake Notebook for their sweetest thoughts. Follow a numbered legend and add jewels to create a glittering notebook. Kids can use the sparkle gel pen to record their special wishes and big dreams. Launch date: October 2012.
— In a December 2012 survey, three out of 12 retailers said that items from The Orb Factory were their bestselling Arts & Crafts toys. 10/18/2012 (MSRP: $12.99; Age: 5 to 12)

Duct Tape Party by ALEX BRANDS

The Duct Tape Party craft kit from Alex Toys includes 108 feet of brightly colored duct tape and all the supplies and instructions needed to make jewelry, bags, headbands and more.
— In a December 2012 survey about bestselling toys, four out of 12 retailers said that Duct tape kits from Alex were their bestselling Arts & Crafts toy. Kathy Mabry, owner of The Village Toy Shop in North Easton, Mass., told TDmonthly that they sell more than 36 units of Duct Tape Party each month.
— In a May 2013 survey, two out of 10 retailers told TDmonthly that Alex Duct Tape products were their best-selling activity kits. 1/4/2013 (MSRP: $49.99; Age: 7 and Up)

All Duct Out by ALEX BRANDS

Kids can just tear, stick, and wear. Create unique duct tape fashions using the fluorescent and animal print tape and easy templates included in this fun Alex kit. Get all "duct" out in colourful rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, headbands, brooches, belts and more. Includes 8 rolls of duct tape (2.74 metres each) and other items needed.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval
— In a Summer 2012 survey, Deran Muckjian, owner of Catch a Falling Star in Lexington, Mass., told TDmonthly that "anything Alex releases that has to do with duct tape" becomes a best seller at his store.
— In a Fall 2012 survey, two out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that duct tape kits from ALEX were their best selling hobby item.
— In a December 2012 survey about bestselling toys, four out of 12 retailers said that Duct tape kits from Alex were their bestselling Arts & Crafts toy.

3/13/2012 (MSRP: $25.00; Age: 7 and Up)

Boogie Board 8.5 LCD Writing Tablet by IMPROV ELECTRONICS

The original Boogie Board LCD eWriter that started a revolution. Ultra light (4oz.) and thin (1/8"). One just isn’t enough. Get one for on the go, in the office and multiple places around the house. Almost anywhere you’d keep memo pads, sticky notes or scrap paper.
— Erika Evers, owner of Dancing Bear Toys in Hendersonville, N.C., told TDmonthly in an April 2012 survey that their best selling travel toy is the Boogie Board. They sell 6-7 each month.
— Chris Lowe, owner of Beanhead Toys in Sandy Springs, Ga., told TDmonthly in a late Summer 2012 survey that they sell 15 of this item each month, making it a bestselling novelty item.
— Greg Larson, owner of Larson's Toys and Games in Columbus, Ohio, told TDmonthly in a March 2013 survey that they sell 18 Boogie Boards each month, and up to 48 a month during 4th quarter.

Where to buy:
NORTH WEST

4/6/2012 (MSRP: $39.95)

The Classic Potholder Loom by HARRISVILLE DESIGNS INC.

The Classic Potholder Loom by HARRISVILLE DESIGNS INC. Kids can make colorful potholders for home, as gifts or to sell as a fund-raiser for school, church or a club. Potholder looms are one of those wonderful old-fashioned inventions still popular and useful today. The project is fun and easy to do for all ages. Cons: Colors are not vibrant; loops fray easily which makes finishing the edges especially difficult.
— Owner Bob Breneman listed traditional craft kits in sixth place for best-sellers at G. Willikers in Portsmouth, N.H. In particular, Harrisville Designs’ traditional Pot Holder Loom kits sell well.
— In late Spring 2011, Michelle Bears, owner of The Toy Store in Highlands, N.C., told TDmonthly that these looms were a best-selling activity kit at her store.
— Greg Larson, owner of Larson's Toys and Games in Columbus, Ohio, told TDmonthly in a January 2015 survey that the classic Pot Holder Loom was one of their best-selling arts & crafts items. 3/13/2007 (MSRP: $12.95; Age: 6 and Up)

Fashion Headbands by CREATIVITY FOR KIDS

Fashion Headbands by CREATIVITY FOR KIDS Create 10 accessories with this ultimate headband set. The Fashion Headbands craft kit includes a rainbow array of satin headbands, rhinestone, flowers, feathers a butterfly, yards of ribbon and more. Includes: 10 Colorful Satin Headbands, Sparkling Butterfly, Elastic Felt Pieces, 2 Fabric Flowers, Assorted Ribbons, Craft Glue, Craft Thread, Colorful Feathers, Assorted Colorful Rhinestones, Instructions and Ideas.
— Elmer Carranza, assistant manager of Doodlehopper 4 Kids in Falls Church, Va., told TDmonthly in a January 2012 survey that Fashion Headbands from Creativity for Kids was a best selling arts and crafts toy. They sell about 15 each month.
— In a May 2012 survey, Taka Andrews, owner of Miller's Toys in Mamaroneck, N.Y., told TDmonthly that they sell two dozen of this item each month.
— Kim Emigh, VP of E-commerce at Growing Tree Toys in State College, Penn., told TDmonthly in a Fall 2012 survey that this was a top-2 best selling jewelry item at their store. 9/28/2011 (MSRP: $19.99; Age: 5 and Up)

DIY Lip Balm Making Kit by KISS NATURALS

This Lip Balm kit can make up to 10 all-natural lip balms. Kit contains 2 bottles of essential oils, Shea butter, Safflower oil and Beeswax. To create the lip balm, the beeswax, safflower oil and shea butter are melted together over a stovetop or microwave followed by the addition of the essential oils. Lip balms are ready to use in 30 minutes.
— In a December 2012 survey about bestselling toys, Candace Gooch, owner of At Once All Agog in Limerick, Maine, told TDmonthly that they sell about 10 lip balm kits each month. 10/20/2010 (MSRP: $19.95)

Melissa & Doug Deluxe Easel by MELISSA & DOUG

Melissa & Doug Deluxe Easel by MELISSA & DOUG Kids can paint with sweeping gestures when they use this generous-sized easel. One side is a chalkboard, the other´s a dry-erase board. Load a piece of paper into the paper holder and kids can paint and scribble to their heart’s content. Each side of the easel features a colorful tray that can hold paints, cups, chalk, erasers, clips and more. “Our Deluxe Easel has become one of our best-selling items because of its great value, high-quality construction and versatility,” said Rick Davis, part of the marketing team at Melissa & Doug. It has two adjustable boards that allow children of all sizes to enjoy painting and creating, and the easy-to-clean trays are removable in seconds.”
— This product has been making the TDmonthly Best-sellers lists since 2005.
— As of 1.06.2011 this product had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 647 reviews on Amazon.com and was No. 18 on the top 100 bestselling toys and games. Pros: Double Sided; easy to clean. Cons: Supplies must be purchased separately.
— "The Melissa & Doug Easel, hands-down, beats everything in terms of dollars. It's well-made and good value," was the praise given by David Campbell, owner of Amazing Toys in Great Falls, Mont.
— “Our easel, from Melissa & Doug, just blows out of here,” said Nishan Shepard, owner of Rockridge Kids in Oakland, Calif., in early 2010.
— Seven of 48 retailers named the easel as their top-selling art item in January 2010, reporting average sales of three per month.
— This easel has been a consistent best seller for Jillie Beans Toys & More of Westminster, Colo., since the store opened in 2006. (April 2010) ( Watch Video) 9/29/2005 (MSRP: $49.99; Age: 4 and Up)

X-treme Sticker Maker by CREATIVITY FOR KIDS

X-treme Sticker Maker by CREATIVITY FOR KIDS This high quality machine is versatile and super easy to use. It includes 40' of sticker tape, 80+ sticker designs - including velvet, metallic and glitter, color-in markers and sticker book. Kids can even turn their artwork and photos into stickers.
— In a December 2012 survey about bestselling toys, Joe Berardoni, owner of Pun's Toys in Bryn Mawr, Pa., told TDmonthly, "This past holiday season we had great success with the X-treme Sticker Maker from Creativity for Kids. We sold several dozen from late Nov. till we ran out in early Dec."

Where to buy:
NORTH WEST 1/7/2013 (MSRP: $29.99; Age: 6 to 69)