Michelle Deutschmann had to overcome well-meaning naysayers when she first contemplated opening a toy store. But she knew she was filling a need in her town by making a place where play was paramount.
Here are some of the best sellers from Kaleidoscope Toys in Falmouth, Mass. To learn more about Deutschmann’s story ― and store ― click here.
This frog will liven up any dull day with its bright red toes and vibrant green skin. In its online world, the frog has a treetop perch and eats tree frog fly soup. The Canadian Toy Testing Council honored Webkinz with a 2006 Children’s Choice Award – Top Ten Toys of the Year. Launch date: November 2006. — “Webkinz is probably the most desired product, but when you don’t have it, you can’t sell it,” pointed out Fred Rosenberg, co-owner of On the Park in Kingwood, Texas, in spring 2007. Many retailers are frustrated with the shortage of this super-hot toy. (View Article) — Deran Muckjian, owner of Catch a Falling Star in Winchester, Mass., had much to say about this popular line: "Webkinz by Ganz is very interactive. It has a wonderful website that children adapt to." — Michelle Deutschmann, owner of Kaleidoscope Toys in Falmouth, Mass., said Webkinz has been one of her best sellers since June 2006.
The Play Foam Activity Set includes five colors of the super-popular Play Foam, which can be used to create awesome creatures. Children can transform creations with an assortment of feathers, straws, pipe cleaners and wiggly eyes. The fun and creativity is endless as the Play Foam can be used again and again. Launch date: October 2006. — "Creativity for Kids....Parents really appreciate a product where the children are creating something," responded Ann Walker, owner of Curious Kidstuff in Seattle when asked for great-selling items in her store. — Play Foam’s been a top seller for Michelle Deutschmann, owner of Kaleidoscope Toys in Falmouth, Mass., since November 2006. — “Our product development team constantly reviews trends in the marketplace to keep current with what interests children. This involves store visits, online research, and getting feedback from children,” Lisa Ritchey of Faber-Castell told TDmonthly.
These creative creatures add color, texture and a whole lot of fun to traditional bowling. Soft yet firm plush pins stand up on their weighted bases, ready to be toppled by the monster ball. Storage is easy with the clear zippered carrying case. Measurements are 10" x 7.5" x 7". Launch date: Fall 2006. — Melissa & Doug products have been top sellers for Michelle Deutschmann, owner of Kaleidoscope Toys in Falmouth, Mass., since July 2006.
This garbage truck features a trash compactor and a back end that tilts up to dump the truck contents. Each truck features tread tires and two small trash bins. “This toy is fully functional and designed to be used just like the truck in real life. This kind of classic play pattern allows for open-ended play that encourages children to think creatively and use their imagination. The basic controls and actions of the truck will need to be learned by younger children, giving them a chance to watch themselves succeed,” Noah McKiernan of Bruder Toys told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2003. — Michelle Deutschmann, owner of Kaleidoscope Toys in Falmouth, Mass., told TDmonthly that Bruder has been a best seller ever since she opened her toy store. — Lynn Robillard told TDmonthlyin summer 2007 that the second best-selling line at her store, Toys in the Attic in Manchester, Vt., is Bruder trucks, which customers like because they are plastic and can be left outside. — “Big, beautiful trucks from Bruder [are] going to make great Christmas gifts,” Rick Henry of Stellabella Toys in Cambridge, Mass. told TDmonthly.
Seventeen-inch Baby Lea is Corolle’s new, multi-lingual, interactive baby doll that can communicate both her delights and discomforts in French, English, Spanish or Italian. Through a simple, well-hidden and secure battery system, little girls ages 3+ can activate her language skills using one of three included Corolle charm bracelets. Lea’s Teddy Bear charm enables her to speak English; her Bunny charm, Spanish; her Kitty charm, Italian. Lea’s native tongue, of course, is French. Specific, gentle touches and tickles to Lea will result in endearing realistic responses to little Moms. — Corolle dolls were great sellers when owner Michelle Deutschmann of Kaleidoscope Toys in Falmouth, Mass., brought them in for the holidays 2006, she told TDmonthly.
The palm-size Xtreme Micro Copter is the smallest and lightest RC helicopter in the world. It charges directly from the controller for up to 12 minutes of flight on a single charge. It’s made of lightweight but durable polypropylene foam and features an auto-stability system for indoor flying. It comes ready to operate. The Xtreme Micro Copter has been a best seller for Michelle Deutschmann since she brought it into Kaleidoscope Toys in Falmouth, Mass., in November 2006. ― Thunder Electronics is “special and different, and price points are really good,” Owner Susan Pruett of Kilmarnock Toy Store in Kilmarnock, Va., told TDmonthly in spring 2007.
Writer's Bio: Brenda Ruggiero is a freelance writer from western Maryland. Read more articles by this author
