As busy parents, you don't have time to research toys with the best play-value and quality—especially since most of them are not widely advertised! TDmonthlyhas compiled a series of alternative holiday shopping lists by age to take the guesswork out of finding unique, fun toys for that special girl in your life. Keep this page on your SmartPhone when you shop. Click on any item to learn more about it, or simply scroll to the end of the list—please be sure to double-check age recommendations:
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.
Pony Pals are sidewalk pony bikes designed for children 2-5 years old. These pony bikes come with a life-like pony head with groomable mane, a miniature English saddle with matching tack, and a tail that bounces up and down when the pony bike is ridden. "Pony Pals are unique. There are no other life-like pony bikes in the market. Plus you can choose the color of mane, saddle & tack and color of tires at no extra cost," William C. Melzer, president of Pony Pals Ranch, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 2009.
This 12” charmer is designed to encourage hugs and capture hearts. Dressed in a bright polka dot dress with coordinating headband, Calin has a soft “beanbag” body that can be posed just like a real baby. "Headquartered in the Loire Valley, the storybook region of Langeais, France, Corolle is a brand that embodies all the values of childhood. The extraordinary attention to detail in all their dolls and accessories reflect the company’s reputation — established over three decades — for quality materials and classic design. Each doll’s expression, hair, skin tone and limb features are realistic and natural, and a light scent of vanilla is added to the vinyl for sensory appeal. Designed for durability and playability, Corolle dolls are created for a lifetime of hugs," Liza Grando, Account Executive, Moss-Tucker Associates, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2010. — In a Summer 2011 survey, 5 out of 14 retailers told TDmonthly that Calin from Corolle was their best-selling doll. Paula Bolte, owner of Imaginations Toy & Furniture Co. in Blacksburg, Va., said she sells a few Calins a month, and a dozen a month during the holidays. — As of 06/27/2011 this product had 3.5 out of 5 stars from 6 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Durable; well-made; machine washable. Cons: Two reviewers said the doll's teeth were yellow.
Stay pretty in pink while getting down and dirty helping to save the planet. Made in the USA from 100% recycled plastic milk containers, the Green Toys™ Pink Dump Truck is ready for any task, hauling sand and rocks or dolls and diamonds with ease. This durable, eco-friendly rig is both safe and stylish, with no metal axels and a workable purple dumper. No BPA, phthalates, PVC, or external coatings. "The Green Toys™ Pink Dump Truck is an innovative twist on a longstanding classic: USA-made, 100% recycled, high-quality design and construction -- and stylishly colored for even the most particular palate," Cameron Passmore, marketing manager at Green Toys Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 2011. — In a March 2015 survey, two out of 10 retailers told TDmonthly that Green Toys is their best-selling brand of eco-friendly toys.
Piggy Paint is a natural, eco-friendly nail polish designed for fancy girls. Its non-toxic, hypoallergenic formula makes it perfect for little (and big) piggies. Comes in an assortment of gift sets that are great for the Holidays and other special occasions. The Toe-Tally Fancy gift set is another addition to the Piggy Paint gift set line.
Calico Critters Baby Playground Tea Cup Ride by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC
This set allows girls to take their critter babies for a fun tea cup ride again and again. The base rotates and each individual cup spins when the handle is turned. The tea pot also spins and lifts its lid. Puppy babies Chubby and Spottie are included. — In late Spring 2011, 4 out of 12 retailers said toys from Calico Critters were their best-selling play sets. Barb Stein, owner of Toys on the Square in Hummelstown, Pa., said she sells between 30-40 Calico Critter products each month. — “Calico Critters is one of our best sellers as a brand,” Kristen Dolle, owner of Playthings Toy Shoppe in Louisville, Ky., told TDmonthlyin early summer 2010. — In a June 2010 survey, five percent of 40 retailers named Calico Critters as a best-selling toy for girls.
This plush doll is ready for a garden party in her perfectly coordinated hair and outfit. Her jewel-toned hair is styled into a bun and echoes the bright hues of her flower-adorned dress. — In a Summer 2011 survey, 2 out of 14 retailers told TDmonthly that Groovy Girls were their best-selling doll. Linda Laramy, owner of Crackerjacks Toys and Childrens Books in Easton, Md., told TDmonthlythat she sells about 5 Groovy Girls each month. — Five percent of 40 specialty retailers told TDmonthlyin early summer 2010 that Groovy Girls dolls are a top seller for girls ages 4 to 12. ― In a May 2012 survey about dolls, 2 out of 11 retailers said that the Groovy Girls line was their best seller.
Meet the award winning collectible Piggy Wiggie Family. Each Piggy Wiggie has a unique personality and comes with its own little story. With big ears and a cute button nose, they really will bring a smile to everyone's face. Each Piggy Wiggie is handmade, and no two are exactly the same. Launch date: February 2011. Awards: 2011 Plush Toy Of The Year by Creative Child; 2011 Top Ten Toy at the Long Beach Toy Fair
Lalaloopsy Silly Hair Doll - Jewel Sparkles by MGA ENTERTAINMENT
These Lalaloopsy have silly hair that bends every which way. Now kids can style their Lalaloopsy doll's hair and their pet's tail too. Includes fun hair styling brush, 4 clips and 6 hair beads. Pet has matching bendable tail. — As of 10/10/2011 this product had 4.8 out of 5 stars from 4 reviews on ToysRUs.com.
Sticky Mosaics bring the fun and excitement of mosaic art home. This package includes peel-and-stick tile sheets in 12 assorted colors and styles, used to create four glow-in-the-dark bedtime projects. — “They're good for car rides since they stick and you don't lose them, and they don't need any glue,” Gwen Bowden, manager of Doodlehopper for Kids in Springfield, Va., told TDmonthlyin June 2010. Bowden estimated the store sells about 30 Sticky Mosaics sets monthly. — Five of 40 specialty retailers cited Sticky Mosaics as a best-selling product for girls ages 4 to 12 in early summer 2010. AWARDS:2010 TDmonthlyTop Seller (entire Sticky Mosaics line)
Snap Caps, the interchangeable, illustrated, magnetic bottle caps, also come on fashion accessories, such as huggers that can be used on hair, boots or ankles, plus hair clips. Snap Caps hair bows are available in red, orange, yellow, green, turquoise and hot pink. — In a June 2010 survey, Linda Hanzelko of Timmy’s Toy Chest in Lake Mary, Fla., told TDmonthlyher store sells 30 to 40 sets of Snap Caps each month. — Three of 40 retailers names Snap Caps a top seller for girls in early summer 2010. — Christine Osborne, co-owner of Wonder Works in Charleston, S.C., told TDmonthly in October 2011 that they sell 300-500 Snap Caps each month between their three stores. AWARDS:2010 TDmonthlyTop Seller (entire Snap Caps line)
This playset comes with Lauren (dressed in her embroidered ladybug costume), flower pots, a watering pail, a wheelbarrow, a garden fence, a fold-out play scene and much more. — Paula of Frosted Fingers described Lauren as one of the “cutest little positionable figurines.” She found herself playing with the “adorable” playset even without her daughter. — At Shop with Me Mama, Kim “really liked” the “tough and strong feeling” durable plastic used for the doll and her accessories. With so many pieces, the “cute and fun” set was “reasonably priced” in Kim’s opinion.
Young ladies can combine the soft and silky lip balm base with a variety of yummy flavors to create their own lip sensations. Simply soften the base in a bath of warm water and then add the flavorings. Mix up fun fruity combinations and add a hint of color, too. Cool cosmetic tins that come with the balm kit can be decorated with layers of fun sticker designs and labels. It's a fun, creative, and practical way for a girl to learn and role play. — "Make Your Own Lip Balm from Creativity for Kids: It's a craft kit that gives you all the materials to make your own," said Mary Sisson, owner of Kazoodles in Vancouver, Wash., when asked about popular gift items for girls in her store. — “The lip balm from Creativity for Kids does very well,” Ron Kutchik, owner of Grand Slam Toys in Kodiak, Alaska, said when asked about best-selling activity kits in spring 2009. — About half of 49 retailers surveyed about their sales in activity kits or playsets mentioned craft items as top sellers in April 2009. Three of 39 retailers identified lip balm kits as a best seller for tween girls in fall 2009. — “Creativity for Kids. The Make Your Own Lip Balm kit is best,” said Amy Hofsetter, owner of The Toy Store in Atlanta, Ga., of her top-selling item for tweens in September 2010. — Three of 44 retailers said Creativity for Kids supplies their best-selling items for tweens.
Suddy is a very busy girl with a lot going on. She’s got no time for slow pokes and doesn’t want to wait around for laggards. If you want to keep up with her, you’ll have to live life in the fast lane. That means waking up in the morning and going to bed having lived your life to the fullest! But what does that mean? It means she loves you and also candy. Uglydoll Suddy is approx. 12" tall. — Dean Smith, Co-owner of JaZams in Princeton, N.J. told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that as far as action figures go, "We don't sell a lot of those." Plush Uglydolls are as close as they come, and JaZams sells 15-18 each month. — Powell Phillips, owner of Phillip's Toy Mart in Nashville, Tenn., and Kim Emigh, manager of e-commerce at Growing Tree Toys in State College, Pa., both told TDmonthly in an October 2011 survey that Ugly Dolls were their best-selling tween item, though they both said that tweens are not a big presence in their store.
Charm Candy comes complete in individual bakery boxes that reveal an unexpected treat, real bakable (and reusable) cupcake liners and necklaces with retro-reminiscent bubble heart pendants. For a little icing on the cake, each bakery box features a Surprise Cupcake recipe on the back to inspire custom confections. — In a September 2010 TDmonthlysurvey, two of 44 retailers named Charm It! charms a top-selling jewelry and accessory item.
These unicorn erasers have removable puzzle parts so they can be taken apart and reassembled. The collection includes six pastel colors. — In summer 2010, Margy Peine, owner of Tree House Toys in Cumberland, Md., told TDmonthly her store sells about 75 Japanese erasers per month. — Thirteen percent of 38 specialty retailers named Japanese erasers a best-selling product in July 2010. — Linda Laramy, owner of Crackerjacks in Easton, Md., told TDmonthlyin an October 2011 survey that they don't sell many tween items other than collectible erasers, which they sell about 4 dozen of each month.
OMG! Hand painted tin charms bring fashion and fun together. The adjustable necklace makes the perfect fit for any girl. Each one comes in an organza bag. 16" long, adjustable necklace. On the back of each necklace is a text expression, such as "BFF," "I<3U" and "LOL." 12 styles available. — Joanne Smith co-owner of JaZams in Princeton, N.J., told TDmonthly in October 2011 that they sell 3-4 dozen items from Natural Life each month. They have "lots of quirky jewelry and accessories for teens and tweens," she said.
Clear directions for ten different kinds of bracelets, with all the colorful floss and beads needed to make them. A built-in clipboard provides the ideal work surface for this craft. — Mike DiAndrea, manager of Hardware Toys in Paoli, Pa., told TDmonthly in October 2011 that they sell about 8 of these kits each month, making them a best seller in the jewelry and accessories category. — In a January 2012 survey about arts and crafts toys, two out of 13 retailers said that Klutz's Friendship Bracelets book was a best selling toy. — In a December 2013 survey three out of 10 retailers said that Klutz made their best-selling books.
ZOMBIEZOO is a family of fun loving animals including Boo the black cat, the natural born leader of the group, and Stich, a pig obsessed with hygiene. Along with their friends, Muck, the “party animal” monkey, Rob the poetic rabbit and Toxic the competitive red snake. These new Mini ZOMBIEZOO clip-on plush are 4" replicas of Boo, Muck, Rob, Stich & Toxic are made out of soft velboa fabric. With a red hook they are great to hook onto your keychain or backpack. Launch date: September 2011.
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.
This recycled cuff bracelet features two rows to display colorful, snap-on Shains letters and icons. The cuffs are now available in our favorite Popsicle colors; Blue Hawaiian, Grape, Cherry and Lime. "What sets these apart is the ability to change your message whenever you want and the ability to mix, match and combine various Shains products to create new cool looks," Chris Ohama from Shainware told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 2007. Awards: 2010 Women in Toys Green Award
Writer's Bio: ALISON MAREK is an award-winning writer, director and cartoonist whose work has been published by Fairchild Publications and DC Comics (Piranha Press), broadcast on Showtime and other cable networks, and viewed worldwide in film festivals. See her short films and print work on www.alisonmarek.com. Watch her nefarious villains in the web series www.MuggsMovers.com. Get inspired by her cartoons "Daily ARFFirmations to Unleash Your Inner Fido" at www.ARFFirmations.com. Phew! And then ... Read more articles by this author
Writer's Bio: ALISON MAREK is an award-winning writer, director and cartoonist whose work has been published by Fairchild Publications and DC Comics (Piranha Press), broadcast on Showtime and other cable networks, and viewed worldwide in film festivals. See her short films and print work on www.alisonmarek.com. Watch her nefarious villains in the web series www.MuggsMovers.com. Get inspired by her cartoons "Daily ARFFirmations to Unleash Your Inner Fido" at www.ARFFirmations.com. Phew! And then ... Read more articles by this author
