Silly Bandz Beach Shapes by BCP IMPORTS LLC

The 24-count, beach-themed Sillybandz pack includes Message in a Bottle, Crabs, Palm Trees, Sail Boats, Surfers and Seashells. These bands are UV activated and change color under sunlight, and can be collected, worn, or traded with friends. Launch date: June 2010.
—  Diane Gervais, manager of Amato’s Toy & Hobby in Middletown, Conn., described Silly Bandz as “hotter than hot” in May 2010.
— Mike DiAndrea, manager of Hardware Center Inc. in Paoli, Pa., told TDmonthly in late spring 2010 that his store sells 1,500 Silly Bands monthly. Other retailers from the 13 of 43 that named the product as an overall best seller, cited sales of anywhere from dozens to hundreds of packs per month.

Hot Air Balloon Kite by PREMIER KITES INC.

Designed to resemble a hot air balloon, this whimsical nylon kite features a durable but lightweight fiberglass frame.
—  Five of 43 specialty retailers told TDmonthly in May 2010 that kites are a best seller.  Mike DiAndrea, manager of Hardware Center Inc. in Paoli, Pa., which stocks Premier Kites, cited sales of 65 kites in April 2010.
—"They have a really good quality," said Ginger Milligan, co-owner of Fantasy Island Toys in Fairhope, Ala., in 1Q 2011.
— Teresa Derry, owner of Annie's Toy Chest in Cocoa, Fla., told TDmonthly in a November 2014 survey that Premier Kites is their store's best-selling brand of flying toys.

Dessert Erasers by IWAKO

These small, dessert-themed erasers with removable parts are available as a group and in single packs.
—  Twelve percent of 43 specialty retailers named Iwako erasers as a best seller in May 2010.
—  Karlene Rearick, owner of The Alphabet Garden in Cheshire, Conn., told TDmonthly in spring 2010 that Japanese novelty erasers are their “top seller.” Owner Molly McMullin of Twirl in Ranchos de Taos, N.M., cited sales of at least 100 units a month.

Grand Carousel by LEGO

This elegantly detailed LEGO model really spins and plays music while the horses and swing boats move up and down. Built with intricate, lifelike ornaments and features, the Grand Carousel includes nine minifigures and a LEGO Power Functions motor and sound brick.  It measures 15.1" x 15.1" x 13.8" and requires 6 AA batteries, which are not included. ^{This particular item may not be available in specialty stores.}
—  Nine percent of 43 specialty retailers told TDmonthly in May 2010 that LEGO products are best sellers.

Jewel Water Garden Starter Kit Eco-Aquarium by WILD CREATIONS


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Part of the Wild Creations eco-aquarium line, this balanced ecosystem offers a low-maintenance way for children or adults to enjoy an aquarium environment. This starter kit comes with the Jewel Water Garden, a snail, two little frogs, food and care pack, and choice of base.
—  Nine percent of 43 specialty retailers told TDmonthly Wild Creations’ Eco-Aquarium was a best seller in late spring 2010.

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Buckyballs™ by Zoomdoggle by MAXFIELD & OBERTON

This set includes 216 powerful rare earth magnets that can be molded, shaped and snapped together in an endless variety of configurations. Each Buckyball has two poles — one repels, one attracts. Not intended for children. Watch video
— ''Pun's has sold about four dozen in the last month alone,'' Joe Berardoni, Sr., owner of Pun's Toy Shop in Bryn Mawr, Pa., shared with TDmonthly in the fall of 2010.
—Jeanette Lauture, owner of Aunt Jean's Toys & Treats in Montclair, N.J., sold nine of 24 units in two days after opening a box for display, she told TDmonthly. Two of 39 retailers named Buckyballs as a best-selling travel toy in March 2010.
— Dean Smith, Co-owner of JaZams in Princeton, N.J., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that he sells "probably 50" sets of Buckyballs each month.
— May 27, 2010 RECALL of 175,000 sets (prior to March 2010) with 13+ labeling violating a federal standard that powerful magnets not be sold to children under 14.

Hello Kitty Big Face Puzzleball by RAVENSBURGER

The 60 curved pieces in this 4.5" x 4.5" x 2.5" Hello Kitty puzzle assemble to form a solid, smooth ball. The kit also includes a standing base so that the finished puzzle can be easily displayed.
— Three of 43 retailers told TDmonthly in late spring 2010 that puzzles are a best seller in their stores. Two of the three cited Ravensburger as a top brand.

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HEXBUG Nano Micro Robotic Creatures by INNOVATION FIRST LABS, INC.

This small, 12-legged microrobotic creature is battery powered and designed to behave just like a real bug. It moves very quickly and can even flip over by itself. Five colors are available in the Newton Gravity Series. Awards: Parent's Choice Award 2010. Launch date: Fall 2009.
— Chris Lowe, owner of Bean Head Toys in Sandy Springs, Ga., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that she sells between 20-30 items from the HEXBUGS line each month.
— Christine Osborne, co-owner of Wonder Works in Charleston, S.C., has a Hexbug Nano Habitat set up in the store. They've sold ''thousands,'' she said; she couldn't even guess at an exact number.
― “Hexbugs are doing very well,” said Jenny Bramhall, owner of Dandelion Toys in Fort Collins, Colo., in summer 2010. Fifteen percent of 40 retailers polled in June 2010 said Hexbugs are their best-selling electronic item.
— Hexbugs were great sellers at Figpickels Toy Emporium in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho in Aug. 2010. “They fill the affordable techno/RC need - grab and go,” said owner Brett Sommer.
AWARDS: 2010 TDmonthly Top Seller

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Pumponator Balloon Pumping Station by PUMPONATOR INC.

The Pumponator Balloon Pumping Station is designed to make filling balloons with water or air easily. The Pumponator Balloon Pumping Station is filled with 500 balloons and strings for tying. Just fill the container with water, pump, press and fill the balloon. Leave out the water for indoor balloon fun.
— Two of 43 specialty retailers named Pumponator as a top seller in late spring 2010. Four of 40 surveyed retailers claimed Pumponator as an overall top seller in June 2010.
— “I order 144 at a time (and am on my) fourth order since May,” Barbara Fineblum, owner of Barston’s Child’s Play in Baltimore, Md., told TDmonthly in early summer 2010.
— In a summer 2010 survey, seven of 38 toy and gift retailers named Pumponator an overall top seller. Terri Bracken, owner of Earth Explorer Toys in Zionsville, Ind., told TDmonthly in July 2010 that her store sold 120 Pumponator stations in less than two months. The same month, Kathy Burns, manager of My Favorite Toy Store in Downers Grove, Ill., called Pumponator "a neat, neat item, and very price-appropriate.”
— ''We sell about 500 per year at all 3 stores,'' Marc Holcomb, owner of owner of Toys & Co. in Greensboro, S.C., told TDmonthly in autumn 2010.
AWARDS: 2010 TDmonthly Top Seller

Writer's Bio: Ashley Heaton has written articles for magazines and websites including 944 Magazine and Pricegrabber.com. Before joining the staff of TDmonthly Magazine, she spent five years providing editorial and administrative support in the luxury accessories industry. Read more articles by this author