With additional reporting from Chris Lundy and Brenda Ruggiero
Each month, TDmonthly brings you categorical Top-10 lists so you can keep track of what's selling well in specialty. In order not to miss out on the hot sellers that aren't in this month's categories, TDmonthly interviewed retailers to find out what their overall best selling products were. Spot It from BLUE ORANGE GAMES continued its domination of our best seller lists, followed by a group of four fun products that all tied for second place. Learn more about the Top-5 Overall Best Selling products below, then decide if they 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.
Spot It is a party game for two to eight players. It's played by laying a random assortment of cards on the table and all players racing to find one image that matches between two cards. This fast-paced game is designed to never be the same twice, and though it has very few rules to remember it requires a sharp eye to master. The set of 55 round cards transports in its own carry tin. Watch Spot It: Top-5 Video, Toy Fair 2010 — Spot It has been been a top seller for retailers surveyed by TDmonthly since early Spring 2010. — In a March 2012 survey, 3 out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that Spot It was their overall best selling product, and had been for more than a year. — Dean Smith, Co-owner of JaZams in Princeton, N.J., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that he sells 50-60 copies of Spot It each month. Awards: 2010 TDmonthly Top Seller, Dr. Toy 100 Best Children's Products - 2010
Hexbug Nano Glow in the Dark by INNOVATION FIRST LABS, INC.
The regular Hexbugs and the HEXBUG Nano Hive Habitat Set won the Specialty Toy of the Year Award at the 2012 American International Toy Fair. This glow in the dark version features the same motion sensors and scuttling capabilities that made the original version so popular. Glow in the dark habitats are also available. Batteries included. — Jamie Merlavage of Tree House Toy Shop in Cumberland, Md., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that they sell about a dozen HEXBUG Nanos each month. — Mary Porter Green, owner of The Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey about best-selling toys that she sells a dozen HEXBUGS each month. — In a March 2012 survey, 2 out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that Hexbugs were their best selling product. Mike DiAndrea, manager of Hardware Toys in Paoli, Pa., said that they sell dozens of different styles of Hexbugs each month, and that the line has been a best seller for more than a year now.
Kids can custom design this jewelry box with shimmering faux jewels and colorful foam tiles. Includes more than 750 sparkling tiles and jewel pieces. Launch date: 2011. Awards: 2011 ASTRA Best Toys for Kids — In a January 2012 survey about arts and crafts toys, ten of 13 retailers said Sticky Mosaics from the Orb Factory were among their top two best sellers in the category. Retailers reported selling anywhere from 10 to 150 each month. — In a March 2012 survey, 2 out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that Sticky Mosaics from The Orb Factory were their best selling product. Elmer Caranza, manager of Doodlehopper 4 Kids in Springfield, Va., told TDmonthly that they sell about 2 dozen items from the Sticky Mosaics line each month, and that it's been a best seller for almost a year now.
This boat really floats, has lots of storage, and can be upgraded to have a motor. Comes with family, snorkeling accessories, a cooler with snacks, and two beach towels. — In a March 2012 survey, 2 out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that items from Playmobil were their best sellers. Donna Frederick, owner of The Play House Toy Store in Durham, N.C., told TDmonthly that they sell 10-12 sets from Playmobil each month, and that Playmobil has "Been a best seller for a long time."
Hot Duct Tape Fashion - 54 Feet of Tape. Tear, stick and wear. Kids can use these hot colors to make fun creations- belts, headbands, glasses, a purse and more. — In a March 2012 survey, 2 out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that Alex was a best selling brand. "Alex has about 4 SKU’s that are selling as fast as they come in. They have only been here for a month but we have sold dozens of them," Joe Berardoni, owner of Pun's Toy Shop in Bryn Mawr, Pa., told TDmonthly. He specifically mentioned that the new "Duct Tape" line is doing well.
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
