If you're wondering which toys are going to be holiday hits this year for specialty toy store owners, you're in luck!
TDmonthly Magazine was fortunate enough to have three specialty toy retailers divulge their picks for the biggest holiday toys of the season. You can see the top holiday toy picks from each of the three specialty retailers below - and you can scroll to the bottom for more in-depth info on each product.
Fun Loom Bracelet Making Kit by IDEAVILLAGE PRODUCTS
Create your own cool, colorful jewelry with the FunLoom Bracelet Making Kit! The kit includes an expandable loom board that lets you design and make stylish accessories such as bracelets, rings, hair bands, belts, necklaces and more. This creation station also comes with a hook, 600 colorful silicone bands, 30 closure clips and a step-by-step "How to Loom" guide. — In a November 2013 survey, Diana Nelson, owner of Kazoo & Co. in Denver, Colo., told TDmonthly that Funlooms are a best-seller in their store
Make way for Skazoom, the amazing new toy that moves like magic. Slide them, spin them or even crash them into each other. Each Skazoom character comes with its own customized helmet and board - ready to race across any smooth surface. And with Skazoom accessories like the Bounce Park, Stunt Bowl and Ramp Ride, you can make your Skazoom jump, flip and bounce. Look for Skazoom and start collecting them all today.
Speed Stacks Competition Cups by SPEED STACKS INC.
A great game to play solo, against the clock or go head-to head against friends. Cup Stacking is an exciting individual or team sport to race to stack and unstack 12 competition stacking cups. These cups are approved for use in the WSSA competitions.
The Rockboard Scooter uses propulsion technology, allowing it to be ridden without having to put a foot on the ground. It can be used as a kick scooter or a Rockboard. When in Rockboard Mode it requires no kicking, batteries, charging or gasoline. It can also be folded up for easy storage and transport. The Rockboard combines fun, fitness and functionality into one product. "While standing on the deck in Rockboard Mode the rider shifts their weight back and forth, and this powers the drive chain. Propulsion is achieved with each rock, wasting zero energy and allowing the rider to reach speeds of up to 10 mph," Zane Andrews, Account Manager, M.Y. Products, told TDmonthly. Launch date: November 18, 2009. — Thanks to a product demo in the store, Learning Express of Newton, Mass., had sold at least 15 Rockboard Scooters in 2010 as of July, Owner Richard Gibson told TDmonthly. — In a March 2012 survey, Grafton Stine, owner of Toys on the Square in Hummelstown, Pa., told TDmonthlythat Rockboard Scooters were one of their best selling ride-on toys.
This self-propelling, three-wheeled ride-on toy cruises smoothly and silently along the ground, similar to the movement of a snake. The rider simply sits in the seat, feet-first, and propels with an easy back-and-forth leg movement, demonstrating a special combination of physics properties that fascinates most first-time observers. There are no chains, no motor and no batteries. The product comes packaged with extendable axis rods (S, M, L), so it can grow with the child. “Awe-inspiring physics” and “the strong, long-lasting steel tube frame and overall quality construction” really set this product apart, according to EzyRoller President Denis Allais. Launch date: May 2007. — Anyone can sit back and get a workout with this sleek and sporty, three-wheeled ride-on toy that moves fluidly with back-and-forth leg motion. Its long, low-set and adjustable design differentiates it from other ride-ons, as do the properties of physics that bring it to life. Such stats have garnered the Ezyroller a TDmonthly Innovations 2007 award. — Jeanette Lauture of Aunt Jean’s Toys & Treats in Montclair, N.J., told TDmonthly in summer 2008 that the Ezyroller is a hot seller in her store. “This New Zealand outdoor ride-on toy is very innovative and has longevity for kids 3 to 14 years of age,” she said. “I’ve been selling it since October of ‘07.”
Make a wish on Prancine's golden horn and it's almost sure to come true. But this unicorn isn't the only one with magic inside. In Prancine's storybook, a little ballerina discovers how to believe in herself. Ideal for reading aloud, this 33-page interactive book offers fun-filled rhymes and beautiful illustrations. Stuffies are clever, cozy toys on a mission to keep kids' treasures safe. They have top-secret pockets that are fun to discover and store all kinds of keepsakes. Awards: 2012 National Parenting Center Seal of Approval; Parents' Choice Classic, Fun Stuff Award Winner.
Keyboard with optical theremin. Echo effects. Voice changer; Record voice or music and play it back at different speeds. Sound energy demonstration. Color changing light. Connect to your smart phone and analyze sounds with apps.
The CATERPILLAR Multi terrain loader is truly multi-functional. Powerful, flexible and mobile: it is the number one choice for any small area. The functions of the CAT Multi terrain loader are comparable to those of the CATERPILLAR compact loader, but the Multi terrain loader has a rubber-chain drive, creating a much lower ground pressure. It is great fun seeing how precisely the chains work while you move the CAT Multi terrain loader over all types of surface, particularly when playing. The movable arm of the CAT Multi terrain loader can be locked in many positions and reach particularly high thanks to its special construction. An adaptor for at-tachments already used on several BRUDER vehicles allows the CATERPILLAR Multi terrain loader and its attached equipment to master all types of work in no time.
The Remote-Control Machines kit uses a unique six-button infrared unit, complete with touch sensors that simultaneously control three different motors. In addition to forming the 10 suggested models — including a car, crane, plow and robotic arm — the motors can be combined to make complex machines in numerous creative configurations. The kit contains three motors, remote control unit, battery holder, 182 building pieces and a 48-page, full-color manual. — Barston’s Child’s Play in Baltimore, Md., ordered Thames & Kosmos science kits at ASTRA 2010, Owner Barbara Fineblum told TDmonthly in June 2010.
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
This pump-action device fires miniature marshmallows approximately 30 feet on a line. This shooter has two magazines that hold 25 marshmallows each and is top-rack, dishwasher safe to clean. The shooter, like all Marshmallow Fun Company products, is designed to shoot nothing but soft, safe marshmallows.
Handmade of soft, fair trade cotton, the PHD Pocket Disc is ideal for throwing indoors or out. Stuff it in your pocket or pack, it's easy to throw and catch for ages 3 and up. 8" diameter.
Available in a wide variety of flavors and vivid colors, Rock Crystal Candy is made of sugar crystalized onto a wooden stick. The crunchy candy sparkles like real rock crystal formations. — John Blair, owner of Science Safari in Cary, N.C., told TDmonthly in a late Summer 2012 survey that Rock Candy was one of his bestselling edible treats.
Demolition Lab Triple Blast Warehouse by SMARTLAB TOYS
The mind-blowing Demolition Lab lets kids build unlimited warehouse structures and then demolish them with strategically placed blasters, all while getting inside the science of energy, momentum and gravity! Includes Triple-blast detonator with sounds and 3 blasters, 36 wall panels, 17 floors/roof tops, 2 smokestacks, 2 trusses, 2 pipe bridges, 1 storage tank, Footing clips, Booklet. Where to buy: NORTH EAST
Laser Maze is an innovative new game that integrates the use of laser beams into a mind-challenging logic game. 60 challenges flex strategic thinking muscles and ignite the light both on the grid and in players' minds.
Apply pressure to two Squigz. Air rushes out and the fun rushes in! Connecting to each other and to any solid, non-porous surface - Squigz are a species all their own. They flex. They stick. They suck people into creativity. Once they take hold, it takes some pull to separate them. When Squigz POP! in protest - you’ll have to admit… your hands and ears are shamelessly delighted! — Jenni Mallory, manager of Magic Box LTD in New Orleans, La., told TDmonthly in a March 2014 survey that Squigz was a best-selling product. — David Castillo, vice president of The Red Balloon Toy Store in Salt Lake City, Utah, told TDmonthly in a November 2014 survey that Squigz from Fat Brain Toys is one of their store's best-selling toys.
Build your own adventures with the LEGO® City Starter Set featuring 5 minifigures, an ambulance, police motorcycle, fire truck and accessories. — In a May 2015 survey, four of 11 retailers told TDmonthly that LEGO was their best-selling line of construction toys.
Award-winning, active-play device that adapts for many sports and games. Catches and throws balls up to 150 ft., Mini Super Spots Disk Set comes with two sports disks 12-in in diameter and a soft, rubber filaments, ball.
Skwish appeals to baby's visual and tactile curiosity, making this sophisticated toy a source of wonder and learning. ”It never loses its shape, allowing it grow with baby,” Associate Marketing Manager Amy Cathey of Manhattan Toy told TDmonthly. “Adults also love it as a stress reliever, so it appeals to anyone.” Launch date: 1988. ― Of 39 retailers asked to name their top-selling infant and toddler toy in March 2010, seven told TDmonthly that Manhattan is their best line. Three named Skwish, reporting sales averaging 24 per month. ― “Manhattan Toy is my biggest vendor, both for infants and toddlers,” said Barbara Paeth-Haas, owner of The Durango Kid in Durango, Colo., in spring 2010. — In a February 2013 survey, Cariad Owen, manager of Out of the Blue Toys in Albuquerque, N.M., told TDmonthly that Skwish was their best selling wooden toy.
Scented Scoops is an ice cream party playset that smells good enough to eat. The 6”x9” beech wood serving tray holds six, three-inch White birch “cones”. Each cone can be topped with one or more of the six, deliciously scented two-inch “scoops” made from 100% compostable corn starch bio-resin (two vanilla, two chocolate and two strawberry. Great for role-play, Scented Scoops is recommended for ages 4+ Where to buy: NORTH EAST
SmartMax Build & Light by SMART TOYS AND GAMES INC
Includes two LED-lit bars for building houses, towers, and other structures that light up and blink. The accompanying instruction guides help model construction ideas so children can learn how to create designs of varying shapes and heights. — Lisa Shinn, manager and buyer for Dancing Bear Toys in Frederick, Md., told TDmonthly in a May 2015 survey that this was a best-selling construction toy at their store.
The original Boogie Board LCD eWriter that started a revolution. Ultra light (4oz.) and thin (1/8"). One just isn’t enough. Get one for on the go, in the office and multiple places around the house. Almost anywhere you’d keep memo pads, sticky notes or scrap paper. — Erika Evers, owner of Dancing Bear Toys in Hendersonville, N.C., told TDmonthly in an April 2012 survey that their best selling travel toy is the Boogie Board. They sell 6-7 each month. — Chris Lowe, owner of Beanhead Toys in Sandy Springs, Ga., told TDmonthly in a late Summer 2012 survey that they sell 15 of this item each month, making it a bestselling novelty item. — Greg Larson, owner of Larson's Toys and Games in Columbus, Ohio, told TDmonthlyin a March 2013 survey that they sell 18 Boogie Boards each month, and up to 48 a month during 4th quarter.
Designed to help young children learn balance and coordination, the inflatable Rody Horse is made of strong, latex-free vinyl. Its ride-on qualities and softness make it suitable for therapy, too. — “The Rody is good for little guys — definitely No. 1 there,” Linda Hamm, owner of Early Work Toy Station in Petaluma, Calif., told TDmonthly in spring 2009 of the top-selling ride-on toys in her store. — “People love them for the age range,” added Lauren Obenour, manager of Green Frog Toys in Portland, Ore., noting that Rody’s high weight limit contributes to its status as a customer favorite. It’s been a best seller for a year at Pufferbellies in Staunton, Va., Co-owner Susan Blanton in fall 2009. — Of 60 retailers surveyed in March 2009, seven named the Rody Horse as a best-selling ride-on. Three of 64 retailers named Rody as a top-selling infant and toddler toy in March 2009.
Want to boost their fine motor and visual thinking skills? You want Imaginets. The sturdy wood carrying case features durable hinges and rope handles that are perfect for little hands to grasp. Inside, brightly-colored magnetic blocks can be arranged on the boards to replicate any of the 50 full-color design challenges, including animals, faces, vehicles, sports, structures and more. Plus, the magnetic board surface doubles as a dry-erase board, so kids can decorate a backdrop for their creations.
This play sand is made up of regular sand and a special non-toxic compound that makes it sticky - but only to itself. This means that kids can use it just like wet sand, while grownups don't have to worry about it making a big mess. The sand is also waterproof, so kids can make water features in their sand castle without having to worry about the castle washing away. — In a August 2014 survey, two out of 10 retailers told TDmonthly that Kinetic Sand was their best-selling toy. — In a November 2014 survey, two retailers told TDmonthly that Kinetic Sand is one of their store's best-selling educational toys.
Calico Critters - Spotter Meerkat Triplets by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC
Penelope loves being outside and riding her tricycle. Peter is a fantastic brother and is always looking after his sisters. Patricia can spend the whole day playing in the baby sandbox. Calico Critters are poseable, with jointed arms and legs, and heads that turn. All Critters come with high quality clothing, that is removable.
3-D Laser Cut Models featuring detailed laser etching and laser cuts on a 4.5" square metal sheet. Easily assembled by popping out the pieces and connecting them at the attachment points using the easy to follow instructions. Eleven styles to choose from: Golden Gate Bridge, Cable Car, P-51 Mustang, Fokker D-VII Bi-Plane, Boeing 747 Jet, Beach Buggy, Checker Cab, Huey Helicopter, Staten Island Ferry, Empire State Bldg, Chrysler Bldg. Launch date: September 2011.
Glitter Tattoo Party In A Box - Princess + Hearts by GLIMMER BODY ART LLC
This fun kit includes 4 colors of Body Glitter (2.8 g/0.10 oz); 1 Body Glue (3 ml / 0.10 fl oz); 12 3"x2" Self Adhesive Stencils; 2 pc. brush set; Instruction/Care Card. — Barb Stine, owner of Toys on the Square in Hershey, Pa., told TDmonthly in a December 2013 survey that tattoos are one of their best-selling Halloween toys.
This high quality machine is versatile and super easy to use. It includes 40' of sticker tape, 80+ sticker designs - including velvet, metallic and glitter, color-in markers and sticker book. Kids can even turn their artwork and photos into stickers. — In a December 2012 survey about bestselling toys, Joe Berardoni, owner of Pun's Toys in Bryn Mawr, Pa., told TDmonthly, "This past holiday season we had great success with the X-treme Sticker Maker from Creativity for Kids. We sold several dozen from late Nov. till we ran out in early Dec."
This tranquil kinetic sculpture features "magic" jellyfish that bob and swim through a stylish mini-aquarium. The product includes multi-colored LED lighting, a "magic fish" bag, "magic fish" food, two plastic containers, a spoon, a siphon, a magnifer and instructions. It measures 9.7” x 7.3” x 2.5.”
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
