The new year is here, and toy companies of all kinds are rolling out their latest products. Learn more about some of these new toys launching in 2013 below, and decide which ones would be a good fit for your store.
Romo The Smartphone Robot by ROMOTIVE INC
Romo is a revolutionary mobile robotic platform that uses your smartphone as its brain. When connected to any iOS device, Romo becomes a friendly robotic avatar that wanders around your home or school. Romo is the first personal robot built for everyone. He's small but sturdy, fast, and his behaviors evolve the more you use him. At Romotive, we believe everyone - whether you're 7 or 70 - should have a robot that loves you with every cog in his heart. Romo's simple to use drag and drop programming language lets even kids with no computer science experience create and share new behaviors and personalities for their robot. Romo teaches kids about science, technology, engineering, and math in a super fun, intuitive way - by given them their own personal robot pet to program. Launch date: January 2013.
Pantone Color Cards: 18 Oversized Flash Cards by ABRAMS BOOKS
These flash cards are an engaging invitation for children and parents to explore color together in a whole new way. This 18-card set focuses on 2 tones of each of the 9 basic colors. When you flip the card over, additional colors in the same color family are introduced in the context of an illustrated pattern, and the child is prompted to pick out the right color. These innovative flash cards are both practical and stunning, making them an irresistible addition to any child’s toy box, bookshelf, or wall. "Pantone is the world’s most powerful and influential brand in color, trusted by artists and designers for decades. These flash cards will bring the colors to a younger generation," Jason Wells from Abrams told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 2013.
SUSHI STAX™ is the new fast-paced game that combines the fun of stacking with the unique challenge of using chopsticks! Incorporating the trendiness of sushi into a fun and challenging game, SUSHI STAX has players racing to build and balance a variety of sushi towers using only chopsticks or tongs to lift each piece! With various configurations on different cards, players must carefully balance the need for speed with precision and accuracy so that their pieces don’t come tumbling down. Launch date: May 2013.
A six-sided block puzzle that encourages kids to re-create familiar animals, landmarks and map of USA. Turn the blocks to make 6 different puzzles...mix and match for more creative fun. Great educational toy that challenges the cognitive skills in assembling the matching blocks. Large 2” Blocks are easy to hold and play with. Includes a slide-out tray and mini images of completed puzzles. Launch date: February 2013.
Hero, Vampire, Rocker and Pirate styles available. Mix and match; the more kids collect, the more possibilities they have. Recycled wood, made in the USA.
Different from traditional memory games in which two identical cards are matched, Puzzle Match has kids search and match three puzzle piece parts of one image to complete the match. For example, players search for puzzle pieces of the head, body and claws of a parrot to make the match. As an added value, once kids finish the memory game and match the interlocking pieces, the pieces can be assembled into a giant, beautifully illustrated scene. "Unlike traditional memory games in which two identical cards must be found for the match, Puzzle Match - The Pet Shop has players searching and matching three different parts of one full picture to make the match," Ari Weinstock, CEO of Wowopolis, told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 2013. Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy Best Picks New Products
The SKY RIPPERZ super sonic bungee-launched rockets are the newest innovation in flight technology in Zing’s Blast Off™ line. Just attach the Launcher to the Launch Hook on the SKY RIPPERZ Whistle-Screaming Rocket, pull the tab, and watch it fly over 250 feet high with a flick of the wrist! Listen as the SKY RIPPERZ Rocket takes off wailing through the air with Whistle-Screaming action. Whether kids are going for Long Shotz, High Shotz or Target Shotz, the new SKY RIPPERZ hand-launched rockets are set to soar to super sonic heights with unbelievable performance. Launch date: April 2013.
Soar high above the mystical world of Chima in Razcal’s Glider to help Razcal guard the CHI. Fend off other tribes with the Raven Glider’s beak and grabbing claws, or capture them with the chain. Protect the Raven tribe’s CHI. Includes Razcal minifigure and a buildable weapon. Launch date: 2013. — Karen Park, owner of Zaks Gifts in Manchester-by-the-sea, Mass, told TDmonthly that LEGO's new Chima line is their overall best seller. — In a May 2013 survey, two out of 10 retailers told TDmonthly that LEGO Legends of Chima was their best-selling construction toy line.
Simple and compact, this new Elves & Angels kitchen design features a top shelf for displaying and storing dishes. Like the Julianna's Kitchen the oven and cabinet compartment provide lots of storage space and endless opportunities for cooking fun. The simple slot-together assembly takes only a few minutes so little cooks can get right to work. Launch date: January 2013. — Candace Gooch, owner of At Once All Agog in Limerick, Maine, told TDmonthly in a June 2014 survey that various Elves and Angels kitchen sets are their best-selling furniture.
The Biking Game is a multi-generational game that allows every member of the family to play together. Themed around the legacy of biking with one of the more iconic biking companies on the planet, Schwinn, the Biking Game promotes an active lifestyle while educating and inspiring a future generation of bikers. The Biking Game was created to inspire families and bike enthusiasts to get outside and enjoy one of America’s greatest recreational activities together. The game is designed to grow with the player, starting at level one questions, which are primarily identification of basic bike parts and riding etiquette. As the players increase in their knowledge about biking culture they grow into the higher level questions. A fun & educational game where parents & children can race to see who can get their bike through multiple terrain and back home first.
Make early learning fun & exciting with the brand new electronic portable Smart play Pad. Little ones will love the cool looking tablet that’s easy to use and can play anywhere. More than 30 touch sensor keys teach language and pronunciation skills to help prepare your child for kindergarten. Four game modes are full of fun ways to discover letters, phonics, numbers, music and more. Bonus - Bilingual feature helps kids learn the alphabet and numbers in English and Spanish. Requires 3 AAA batteries (included). Launch date: February 2013.
The EAMES MEMORY GAME features the iconic designs of Charles and Ray Eames. From their furniture design, graphics, textiles, toy design, architecture, exhibit design, and film, these modern masters are considered the pre-eminent pioneers of mid-century design. Most recently, their story is told in the 2011 documentary, Eames: The Architect and The Painter, and their living room, and all its contents, have been rebuilt and installed at Los Angeles County Museum of Art as part of the Pacific Standard Time Show. Launch date: January 2013.
The all new collection includes Wide Eyed Garfield "Sitting" (SRP: $13), Garfield "Floppy" (SRP: $13 and $20) and Garfield "Just Clinging Around" (SRP: $13) featuring suction cups "so you can easily attach Garfield to any glass surface." All Garfield products will include a unique, double-sided "Cattitude" hangtag featuring the classic Garfield cartoon. Garfield will be distributed to specialty shops, gift stores and retailers in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand through December 31, 2015.
Includes interactive hard cover storybook. Learn about over 10 features of a motorcycle and how they work. Enter codes into the keypad to see each vehicle part come to life. Real motorised action, Amazing 60 mph scale speed. Program mode feature let’s children create 3 unique sequences. Parent friendly volume control. Remote transmitter compatible. Minimum order case pack 4 units.
Sleeping Partners Barca Kids Chair by SLEEPING PARTNERS HOME FASHIONS
Our Barca kids chair is upholstered in silk Ikat fabric made in Uzbekistan using traditional designs, centuries old natural dye-ing techniques and woven on narrow handlooms. Removable cushions/Metal Frame. Measures 21" x 21" x 23". Launch date: January 2013.
First Builders- Billy Beats Dancing Piano by MEGA BRANDS
Sounds just like a real piano with transparent keys that light up. Moves and dances to the beat. Removable cap to store blocks. Launch date: Fall 2013.
Brick City: Global Icons to Make from LEGO by BARRON'S EDUCATIONAL SERIES
Author Warren Elsmore presents a pictorial collection of world-famous buildings and landmarks made of LEGO blocks, along with instructions to build your own versions. The models that readers can build include: The Golden Gate Bridge, New York’s new World Trade Center, The Louvre in Paris, Rome’s Coliseum, The Great Wall of China…and many more. Launch date: May 2013.
Sculpting dough for all ages, colored with fruit and vegetable powders only and wheat/gluten free. Made with no preservatives and all natural and organic ingredients. Parents can feel good about their baby/toddler exploring the textures and stacking, playing and rolling our Veggie Dough. Launch date: January 2013.
Directioners light up the world with the 1D Light Up iPhone Case that lights up and changes colors for calls and texts. Taking fashion to the next level, the hard plastic case protects fans’ phones while keeping up with the hottest fashion trends. It’s the “one thing” that every Directioner needs. The case fits all iPhone 4 and 4S model phones. Battery included. Launch date: June 2013.
At an elementary school in Santa Fe, the bell rings for recess and kids fly out the door to check what’s happening in their garden. As the seasons turn, everyone has a part to play in making the garden flourish. From choosing and planting seeds in the spring to releasing butterflies in the summer to harvesting in the fall to protecting the beds for the winter. Even the wiggling worms have a job to do in the compost pile! On special afternoons and weekends, neighborhood folks gather to help out and savor the bounty (fresh toppings for homemade pizza, anyone?). Part celebration, part simple how-to, this close-up look at a vibrant garden and its enthusiastic gardeners is blooming with photos that will have readers ready to roll up their sleeves and dig in. Launch date: January 2013.
Kinderville Silicone Sandwich Pouch by KINDERVILLE
Send kids to daycare and school with our sandwich pouch. It promotes reuse and will help keep countless single-use plastic bags out of landfills. It is also a great alternative to fabric sandwich bags, which can breakdown and get soiled with frequent use. This sandwich pouch is easy to close and open thanks to its nifty tab closures. Simply rinse clean and dry and they are ready for the next day. Launch date: January 2013.
Celebrating the stories in everyone, from books, personal journeys and children's imaginations. This DVD features 10 live performances with a full band as well as 5 music videos. Launch date: 2013.
Wee Urban’s BiBsie Collection is made from the softest organic cotton and is paired with an adorable matching, reversible bib. Generous in length and rich in color (will hide the stains) and screen printed with the highest quality phthalate free inks means longer wear and superior washability. Available in gender neutral Owls, Monkey and in two colors of Giraffes. Launch date: January 2013.
Art2-D2's Guide to Folding and Doodling: An Origami Yoda Activity Book by ABRAMS BOOKS
Stick figures to the dark side only lead. To doodle like a Jedi you must learn. With this companion to the blockbuster bestselling Origami Yoda series, beloved author Tom Angleberger—with the help of the kids from McQuarrie Middle School—presents young Padawans with dozens of activities from the Star Wars universe. Padawans can learn how to fold R2-D2 and C-3PO, draw Jabba, and even build a fully functioning ChapStick rocket! Other Force-mastering activities include: “Kellen’s Guide to Cool Letters,” “Mike’s Complete Rules and Tips for Pencil Pod-Racing,” “Rhondella’s Tips for Photographing Origami,” and much more. Launch date: March 2013.
Get Moving with Ella Jenkins by SMITHSONIAN FOLKWAYS RECORDINGS
Ella Jenkins wears the title given her by many of her fans, "The First Lady of Children’s Music," with tremendous energy. Now in her ninth decade, she continues to encourage young children to hop, skip, jump, clap, dance, and be active through song. Drawn from many recordings created during her legendary career, these songs demonstrate Ella’s genius as both a music educator and children’s entertainer.
Coming off his 80th Anniversary, Babar's first full-length film is being re-released on DVD from Entertainment One with all-new artwork and a new price point, making BABAR: The Movie a must-own for all lovers of the Elephant King. With Celeste and the always-humorous monkey, Zephir, by his side, the King of Elephants is at long last ready to take on Rataxes, a rhino who's taken charge of Babar's beloved Elephantland. Launch date: February 12, 2013.
This design has the a panda's characteristic black eyes. Mainstream colors used are black and white. Take a second look, its nose and ears belong to a koala. The toy itself is about 8" long, while the hat is around 28" in overall length. long enough to be used as a scarf and mitten. This 3 in 1 fuzzy hat is your perfect choice for children and women in winter. Mini. 50 pcs. by airmail. Ocean shipment is offered for qty. over 1000 pcs.( mixed items allow) Write us to get the quote based on your qty. and shipping method.
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
