November Staff Picks

By TDmonthly Staff
November 2013

This month's Staff Picks features a mix of old and new toys that make great holiday gifts. Take a closer look at the products below, then decide if they'd be a good fit for your store.

Kids First Biology Lab by THAMES & KOSMOS

Discover the science of living things with this complete introductory microscope kit. The beautifully illustrated experiment manual guides you through observations of many living specimens found in and around your home: onion cells, pond water, chloroplasts, plant stem cross sections, microorganisms, mouth cells, meat cells, different types of hair and fur, dust mites, bugs, pollen in honey, and much more. The kit includes three prepared specimens on a slide, four blank slides, cover slips, tweezers, needle, section slicing tool, and vial. The ocular lens, or eyepiece lens, of the microscope has an adjustable 12x to 18x magnification power. When combined with the three objective lenses, this results in a total magnification power of 96x to 750x. It has a battery-powered light and a mirror to light up the specimens. 9/26/2013 (MSRP: $34.99; Age: 8 and Up)

Rody Horse Gold by TMI TOYMARKETING INTERNATIONAL INC.

Made in Italy, the Gymnic Line’s Rody Horse is a favorite with children to learn balancing and coordination while hopping on their Rody. Used in Therapy for special needs children due to its softness and ride-on qualities. Inflates according to size and weight of child (inflation by adult). Is surface washable with soap and water. Base is available for transforming to a Rocking Rody Horse. Rody is available in 14 colors. Launch date: November 2012. 4/27/2012 (MSRP: $50.00; Age: 3 and Up)

Totally Awesome Rubber Band Jewelry by DESIGN ORIGINALS

With this new book and a Rainbow Loom®, Cra-Z-Loom™, or FunLoom™, kids can make all of the cool accessories that are fueling the hottest craze since Beanie Babies! Totally Awesome Rubber Band Jewelry shows kids exactly how to use the new looms, with full color photos, step-by-step instructions, and clear diagrams. It features original projects (not available anywhere else) for creating completely colorful and super stylish bracelets, earrings, and belts in just minutes. 11/4/2013

Schoenhut Student Guitar by SCHOENHUT PIANO COMPANY

Little rock stars will take center stage playing Schoenhut's “next generation” guitar. Schoenhut's innovative design incorporating a molded composite body with dual curves greatly enhances sound and durability. The birch soundboard which offers excellent tone and resonance, hardwood neck (for rigidity), and molded composite fretboard ensure proper height and spacing of the frets. Six steel strings permit a wide range of rich sounds. Available in several vibrant designs. Includes: Pick and Extra String. Launch date: January 2012.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval

11/16/2012 (MSRP: $59.99; Age: 3 to 12)

The Game of THINGS by PATCH PRODUCTS INC.

The Game of THINGS by PATCH PRODUCTS INC. In this hilarious game, you read a topic card and then write down your response. It can be anything that comes to mind, there's no right or wrong answer! Then all the responses are read aloud and you have to figure out who said what! You won't believe the THINGS... the people you know will come up with! For 4 or More Players. 10/3/2013 (Age: 14 and Up)

AnimaLamp by MOBI Technologies, Inc.

Who says children and wild life can’t play together? Mobi introduces AnimaLamps™, the cool-running LED light that’s great for desktop, late night changing table and feeding, reading in bed, games, and playtime. Portable and solidly built, AnimaLamps ™ can go anywhere. Adjustable brightness, one-touch operation and built-in rechargeable battery makes it the perfect light for children. Caution: we’ve heard reports of parents stealing AnimaLamps ™ from the nursery.
Awards: Mom's Choice Gold, NAPPA Gold and National Parenting Center Seal of Approval awards. 9/30/2013 (MSRP: $24.95)

Baby Band by HOHNER

This award-winning set includes a mini rainbow shaker, baby maraca, baby rattle and cage bell. Includes a vinyl carrying case.
Awards: 2007 Creative Child Magazine Top Toy of the Year Award
— As of 01/09/2012 this product had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 24 reviews on Amazon.com.
— In a January 2012 survey, Dean Smith, co-owner of JaZams in Princeton, N.J., told TDmonthly that their best selling musical item was, "Baby Band from Hohner — we had them for just a few months, and sold 15/month. It's a popular item." 1/9/2012 (MSRP: $21.99; Age: 1 and Up)

Nature Doll Leafy Girl by HABA USA/HABERMAASS CORP.

Pure Nature Leafy girl is made of the highest quality organic cottons and is machine washable along with the rest of the Pure Nature line. A charming companion to snuggle and cuddle with! 6mo+ 5/23/2013 (Age: 0 and Up)

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Inflatable Play Cube for iPad by CTA DIGITAL

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Inflatable Cube for iPad® will delight and entertain children of all ages while they play and interact with their iPad. Perfect for little ninjas in training, the inflatable cube helps protect the iPad from bumps and damage, safely bringing the wonder of tablet technology to young children while entertaining them with fun images of Leo, Donnie, Raph and Mikey in action. 10/23/2013