With additional reporting from Chris Lundy and Brenda Ruggiero
When TDmonthlyinterviewed 14 retailers about their best-selling collectibles in Summer 2011, their answers varied widely, though five of those surveyed named dolls from Alexander Doll Co. (Madame Alexander) as their best-sellers. Other products mentioned include miniature glass figurines from Tynies and wooden Chuggington train sets from Learning Curve.
Learn more about all the best-sellers below, then decide which you think would be a good fit for your store.
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.
New from the Les Classiques collection is Bebe Amour, a huggable baby dressed in a cute corduroy dress, print blouse, striped leggings and knitted hat. Like all Corolle dolls, she's softly scented with vanilla. Launch date: 2011. — While the latest high-tech toys offer new ways to amaze and sometimes educate children, the fundamentals of doll play have been around for centuries,” said Liza Grando for Corolle. “Whether it's dressing it, styling its hair, or having a conversation, these tasks allow children's creativity to flourish, offering them a constant companion and creating memorable play that will last a lifetime.” — In a summer 2011 survey, Rebecca Goblish, owner of Picayune Toys in Dunwoody, Ga., told TDmonthlythat Corolle Dolls are her best-selling line of collectibles.
Iwako Japanese Puzzle Erasers - Animals by BC INDUSTRIES
These animal erasers have removable puzzle parts so they can be taken off and reassembled. The animal collection includes elephants, panda bears, a giraffe, a cow and a pig. — "Over the course of the last year, it was 500 to 1,000 units per week," Gage Brownell of Belmont Toys in Belmont, Mass., told TDmonthly in March 2010 about his store's sales of Iwako erasers. — BC USA Erasers were on the top-10 best-seller list at Jillie Beans Toys & More in Westminster, Colo., in April 2010, reported Owner Valerie Elsea. “Tweeny girls and boys love them and they are easy to collect,” she told TDmonthly. “They’ve been selling well since the fall of [2009].” — Gwen Bowden, manager of Doodlehopper 4 Kids in Springfield, Va., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that her best-selling collectibles are "Japanese erasers. We sell some every day - about 100 per month."
This glass figurine is Papa from the Smurfs in miniature. Each Tynies figurine is no larger than 1"x1". — Dean Smith, Co-owner of JaZams in Princeton, N.J., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that Tynies are their best-selling line collectibles.
Breyer Misty and Stormy Set with Book by REEVES INTL. INC.
Misty and Stormy are together again along with the book that introduced them to the world. Since the publication of Misty of Chincoteague in 1947, Misty has become one of the most beloved equines in children’s literature. Marguerite Henry’s novel weaves a true story with warmth and imagination. The result is an exciting tale about children’s love for horses and the real wild ponies that still roam Chincoteague Island off the Virginia coast. Includes two model horses. Launch date: July 9, 2009. — As of 08/22/2011 this product had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 11 reviews on Amazon.com. — Linda Laramy, owner of Crackerjacks Toys and Children's Books in Easton, Md., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that this item was a best-selling collectible.
Wild Safari North American Wildlife Roadrunner by SAFARI LTD.®
The latest addition to Safari Ltd.’s North American Wildlife collection for 2011 is this detailed likeness of the famous feathered sprinter. Native to the deserts of the American southwest, this inquisitive bird has been clocked dashing along at 17 mph. Our skillfully sculpted reproduction measures 3” L x 2.5” H. Carefully painted by hand, it is phthalate and lead free and meets or exceeds all safety standards. Appropriate for ages 3+. — Grafton Stine, owner of Toys on the Square in Hummelstown, Pa., told TDmonthly in a 2011 survey that they only sell playable collectibles, like animal figures from Safari LTD.
Chuggington Wooden Railway Trainee Roundhouse Set by LEARNING CURVE
This 32-piece set features a one-level roundhouse with an over-the-top track layout. Includes Koko, Brewster, Vee, Chuggington sign and 2-in-1 tunnel. Compatible with other wooden track systems. Awards: 2011 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio "Gold Seal" winner — Melodie Ingwersen, owner of Creative Kids Inc in Columbia, S.C., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that her best-selling collectibles are Chuggington trains and sets. "It's something that can be expanded and passed on to the next generation," she explained. — David Campbell, owner of Amazing Toys in Great Falls, Mont., told TDmonthly in a February 2013 survey that Chuggington wooden railways were their best selling wooden toy.
This young helper with delicate yellow wings is a real addition to the elf wedding. Harp Elf is a talented musician and will gently strum the harp resting on her knees to create beautiful music for the bride and groom’s first dance. She will play late into the night providing the perfect atmosphere for a Bayala celebration. Launch date: May 2011. — Erika Evers, owner of Dancing Bear Toys Limited in Hendersonville, N.C., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that she sells 5 Schleich figures each day. She sites the figures' "museum-quality resin," and the store's large display, as reasons for their popularity.
Writer's Bio: Justina Huddleston graduated Magna Cum Laude from Emerson College with a BA in Writing, Literature, and Publishing in 2009. After graduating she was the on-site director of the Boston Children's Museum gift store for a year, selling educational, developmental, and creative activity toys that tied in with the museum's exhibits. Justina also interned at children's book publisher Candlewick Press before moving from Boston to Los Angeles, where she is now Editorial Director of TDmonthly Magazine. Read more articles by this author
Writer's Bio: Justina Huddleston graduated Magna Cum Laude from Emerson College with a BA in Writing, Literature, and Publishing in 2009. After graduating she was the on-site director of the Boston Children's Museum gift store for a year, selling educational, developmental, and creative activity toys that tied in with the museum's exhibits. Justina also interned at children's book publisher Candlewick Press before moving from Boston to Los Angeles, where she is now Editorial Director of TDmonthly Magazine. Read more articles by this author
