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Top-10 Most-Wanted Games (3/1/2016) These fun and engaging games are best-sellers for a reason. Top-10 Most-Wanted Wooden Toys (3/1/2016) Go back to basics with these high-quality wooden toys, sure to be hits with kids and the grown-ups who actually buy them. Top-10 Most-Wanted Arts & Crafts Toys (2/1/2016) Why do kids and parents love arts & crafts? Top-10 Most-Wanted Science and Nature Toys (2/1/2016) Science education is more important than ever in today's tech-dependent world. Why Mattel's new Barbies are good for girls (2/1/2016) Mattel's latest line of barbies is making a splash, and it's easy to see why. Toy Fair flashback: Vin Diesel sells Street Sharks at the 1994 NYTF (2/1/2016) You know him for his action filled rolls in movies like the Fast and Furious franchise and XXX Toy Fair 2016 - New Toys (2/1/2016) Toy Fair 2016 is here, and toy manufacturers are showing off their latest and greatest toys. 2016 Toy Fair Videos (2/1/2016) TDmonthly was on the ground at Toy Fair 2016, scouting for the latest and greatest specialty toys. Top-10 Most-Wanted STEM Toys (1/1/2016) These STEM toys will set kids up for success in their science, technology, engineering and math curriculum. Top-10 Most-Wanted Play Sets (1/1/2016) Keep kids busy for hours with these play sets Why We Go To Toy Fair - Or Stay Home! (1/1/2016) New York International Toy Fair may be the biggest toy event in the US - but is it the most important? TDmonthly Magazine interviewed several specialty retailers to get the inside scoop on why so many attend the show (starting today, February 16th) - and why others opt out 6 Tips for Finding Hot New Toys (1/1/2016) It's the beginning of the new year, and after the holiday season has left your shelves bare, it's important to start thinking about what new toys you want to bring in to your store Preparing For Toy Fair - Tips and Tricks for Manufacturers! (1/1/2016) TDmonthly Magazine has been covering New York Toy Fair for almost two decades. Over the years, exhibitors, experts, and media gurus have shared their top tips for Toy Fair success with TDmonthly. Top-10 Most-Wanted Toys (12/1/2015) Just in time for the holidays, we asked retailers about their best-selling toys. See the products that are raking in sales below. Top-10 Most Wanted Educational Toys (12/1/2015) These educational toys help kids have fun while learning - and according to specialty retailers interviewed by TDmonthly, they're flying off store shelves. Top-10 Most-Wanted Construction Toys (12/1/2015) Construction toys aren't just fun - they help kids develop spatial reasoning and motor skills, too. According to specialty retailers interviewed by TDmonthly, these are the bestsellers in the category. Top-10 Most-Wanted Jewelry and Accessories (11/1/2015) The holidays are coming, and no present wows like jewelry Top-10 Most-Wanted Tween Toys (11/1/2015) As kids get older, it's harder to keep them interested in your store. Top-10 Most-Wanted Preschool Toys (11/1/2015) Preschool toys aren't just fun - they help kids learn and develop social and motor skills, too. Top-10 Most-Wanted Card Games (10/1/2015) Top-10 Most-Wanted Science and Nature Toys (10/1/2015) Top-10 Most-Wanted Novelty Toys (10/1/2015) October Staff Picks (10/1/2015) Our Top Ten Toys of 2015 (10/1/2015) TDmonthly Magazine is excited to announce our Top 10 Toys of 2015. 2015 Holiday Gift Guide (10/1/2015) The Back-to-School countdown has begun, which means one thing to retailers - the holidays are right around the corner too! Toys in the News: 9-30-2015 (9/1/2015) Kids Learn STEM Through Fashion Design TDmonthly Magazine Presents: Award Winners (9/1/2015) TDmonthly Magazine is pleased to announce our latest award winners. September Staff Picks (9/1/2015) School is back in session, and the holidays are right around the corner. Top-10 Most-Wanted Collectible Toys (9/1/2015) TDmonthly magazine interviewed retailers to find out which collectibles were flying off their shelves. Top-10 Most-Wanted Die-Cast Toys (9/1/2015) Die-cast toys are a blast from the past, but they still sell consistently at specialty. Top-10 Best-Selling Toys Overall (9/1/2015) Notable and New Toys by Category — All (9/1/2015) See all the new toys we've uploaded in the last month to make your ordering easier Notable and New Toys by Category — Specialty Only (9/1/2015) See all the new specialty toys we've uploaded in the last month to make your ordering easier Ride a Barbie Jeep...to College? Why not?! (9/1/2015) It turns out the pink Barbie Jeep isn't only coveted by preschoolers. The WalkCar is like a magic carpet that fits in your laptop bag (8/1/2015) Forget the bulky Segway - could the next big innovation in mobility be the WalkCar? TDmonthly Magazine Presents: Award Winners (8/1/2015) TDmonthly Magazine is pleased to announce our latest award winners Top-10 Most-Wanted Electronic and Battery Operated Toys (8/1/2015) These fun electronic and battery operated toys are great picks for customers looking for something a little flashy - but they still retain the quality of the specialty toys they come to your store for. Top-10 Most-Wanted Puzzles (8/1/2015) Puzzles are a developmental powerhouse, teaching kids about shapes, patterns, and developing spacial reasoning and fine motor skills. TDmonthly's Kid reporters explore ASTRA (7/1/2015) TDmonthly's Kid reporters were out in force at the ASTRA Marketplace, looking for 2015's hottest new toys. Spotlight on: Women in Toys (7/1/2015) This month, we're putting the spotlight on women who have invented toys or started their own toy companies. Top-10 Most-Wanted Plush and Puppets (7/1/2015) Cuddly, sweet, and full of personality, there's a reason why plush toys and puppets are some of kids favorite classic toys. Top-10 Most-Wanted Playhouses and Furniture (7/1/2015) Top-10 Most-Wanted Dolls (7/1/2015) From dolls that walk to dolls that talk, they're classic toys for a reason. 2015 ASTRA Marketplace Videos - Kid Reporters have a blast playing with new toys! (7/1/2015) This June, TDmonthly's Kid Reporters had the chance of a lifetime. They got to go to the ASTRA Marketplace and get a sneak peak at what could be some of this holiday season's hottest toys! Toys to Talk About (7/1/2015) TDmonthly researches hundreds of products each month, but some of them deserve extra attention. June Staff Picks (6/1/2015) Summer is here, and with it, a new selection of our favorite specialty toys. Top-10 Most-Wanted Construction Toys (6/1/2015) Blocks are a fundamental toy that all kids should own Top-10 Most-Wanted Activity Kits and Play Sets (6/1/2015) From arts & crafts to science projects, activity kits are some of the best toys for kids. Top-10 Most-Wanted Licensed Toys (6/1/2015) From construction sets to sticker puzzles, check out the Top-10 licensed toys according to retailers interviewed by TDmonthly Shop Talk: Our Favorite Toys of All Time (6/1/2015) Thousands of new toys are released every year, but now and then one comes along that remains a favorite idea. TDmonthly introduces our 2015 ASTRA Kid Reporters (6/1/2015) For the second year in a row, TDmonthly Magazine is getting kids' perspectives Top-10 Most-Wanted Infant and Toddler Toys (5/1/2015) When it comes to infant and toddler toys, the classics are always in style. Top-10 Most-Wanted Travel Toys and Games (5/1/2015) Summer vacation is almost here and families hitting the road are looking for toys that will occupy their kids and make the miles fly by. Top-10 Most-Wanted Bath Toys (5/1/2015) Water toys were named a top trend at the 2015 New York International Toy Fair, and bath toys are no exception. Retailers Share Why ASTRA is Essential (5/1/2015) Why do independent toy retailers love going to ASTRA? Iconic FAO Schwarz Toy Store to Close Manhattan Location (5/1/2015) After years of rising rents, iconic toy store FAO Schwarz will be leaving its Manhattan location, across from the Plaza Hotel, in July. Top-10 Most-Wanted Outdoor Toys (4/1/2015) Spring has finally sprung, and with it comes the return of outdoor fun. Top-10 Most-Wanted Ride-On Toys (4/1/2015) Top-10 Most-Wanted Eco-Friendly Toys (4/1/2015) This Spring, get green! 2015 Astra Marketplace & Academy Booths to Visit (4/1/2015) The Astra Marketplace & Academy is nearing, and we want you to be prepared Top-10 Most-Wanted Wooden Toys (3/1/2015) Top-10 Most-Wanted Games (3/1/2015) There's nothing like a good board game to get kids through the cabin fever that sets in just before warm weather returns 4 Essential Tips for Boosting Springtime Sales (3/1/2015) Warmer weather is rolling in, and you're waiting for sales to heat up too. Setting the mood: What music should you play in your store? (3/1/2015) CD sales are way down, and you still need something to play in your store - but what? On the Park Reports on Hot Toys at Toy Fair 2015 (3/1/2015) Fred and Karen Rosenberg of Toys & Candy On the Park in Kingwood, Texas, were on the floor at New York Toy Fair 2015 Dollhouse and Toy Store Too on Hot Toys at Toy Fair 2015 (3/1/2015) Sari Powazek of Dollhouse and Toy Store Too in Scottsdale, Ariz., has been in business since 1977 Kidstop Toys Reports on Hot Toys at Toy Fair 2015 (3/1/2015) Kate Tanner of Kidstop Toys & Books in Scottsdale, Ariz., is a former president of ASTRA Toys for Thought Reports on Hot Toys at Toy Fair 2015 (3/1/2015) "I'm very excited!" Harold Herskowitz, owner of Toys for Thought in Lakewood, N.J. Jack & Jill Reports on Hot Toys at Toy Fair 2015 (3/1/2015) Barbara Vininsky of Jack & Jill in Montreal, Quebec is a second-generation owner of a clothing and toy store that's been in business since 1945. 2015 Toy Fest West Booths to Visit (3/1/2015) TDmonthly Magazine will be at the 2015 Toy Fest West show in Las Vegas, March 8-11, where we'll be on the hunt for the latest and greatest in specialty. Hot Toy Videos from Toy Fest West 2015 (3/1/2015) TDmonthly Magazine was at the 2015 Toy Fest West show in Las Vegas Top-10 Most-Wanted STEM Toys (2/1/2015) We love the current focus on STEM toys in the specialty market, and it looks like your customers like STEM toys too! Top-10 Most-Wanted Arts & Crafts Toys (2/1/2015) Arts & crafts toys are always big sellers in specialty, and the items below are reported to be hot, hot, hot Top-10 Most-Wanted Musical Toys (2/1/2015) Digital music is here to stay, and these days, when it comes to music, specialty toy store owners are focusing on instruments and toys rather than CDs. Retailers Speak: All I Want for Toy Fair Is... (2/1/2015) It's Toy Fair season, and who knows better what to look for at the show than experienced retailers? Q & A With Shay Chen, founder and CEO of Painting Lulu (2/1/2015) As the world becomes more and more digital, toymakers are finding integrative ways to involve their products in the realms of both the physical and the virtual. Don't Lose Tween Cusomers to Video Games and Computers - Games Workshop Can Help (2/1/2015) Your store is set for infants & toddlers, has preschool toys galore, and your customers couldn't ask for a better selection of toys for tween girls. But when it comes to tween boys, many specialty toy store owners struggle. Notable and New Toys by Category — Specialty Only (2/1/2015) See all the new specialty toys we've uploaded in the last month to make your ordering easier TDmonthly LIVE Toy Fair Coverage 2015 - Day 1 (2/1/2015) TDmonthly LIVE Retailer Reporter Coverage 2015 - Day 1 (2/1/2015) TDmonthly LIVE Toy Fair Coverage 2015 - Day 2 (2/1/2015) You can follow us on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for more up-to-date coverage TDmonthly LIVE Retailer Reporter Coverage 2015 - Day 2 (2/1/2015) TDmonthly LIVE Toy Fair Coverage 2015 - Day 3 (2/1/2015) TDmonthly LIVE Retailer Reporter Coverage 2015 - Day 3 (2/1/2015) TDmonthly LIVE Retailer Reporter Coverage 2015 - Day 4 (2/1/2015) TDmonthly LIVE Toy Fair Coverage 2015 - Day 4 (2/1/2015) Top-10 Most-Wanted Books (1/1/2015) Books can be great add-on items in a toy store, especially for occasions like birthday parties and baby showers. Top-10 Most-Wanted Halloween Toys (1/1/2015) Dress up clothes, sticker books, and face paint are great toys year round, not just at Halloween Top-10 Most-Wanted Play Sets (1/1/2015) When it comes to play sets, it seems that Playmobil and Calico Critters are at the top every kid's wish list TDmonthly's Top Toys of 2014 (1/1/2015) TDmonthly Magazine Presents: Award Winning Toys (1/1/2015) TDmonthly Magazine is pleased to announce our latest award winners Q & A with Halie Fulton, creator of Dream Frenz® (1/1/2015) We reached out to Halie Fulton, president of MAF Industries, LLC and creator of the Dream Frenz, to learn more about the journey of bringing a toy to market Top-10 Most-Wanted Toys (12/1/2014) The holidays are upon us, and toys like Elf on a Shelf are back and selling big in specialty. Top-10 Most-Wanted Educational Toys (12/1/2014) Long days snowed-in at home are the perfect time to take out one of the fun educational toys below Retailing tips: 11 ways to thrive this holiday season (12/1/2014) It's the most wonderful time of the year - and the most stressful, if you work in retail! 5 tips for keeping your cool when the weather gets cold (12/1/2014) The holiday season is upon us, and if you're like many US retailers, you're expecting to make 20-40% of your yearly sales in the next few weeks alone. TDmonthly Magazine Presents: Award Winning Toys (12/1/2014) TDmonthly Magazine is pleased to announce our latest award winners Top-10 Most-Wanted Preschool Toys (11/1/2014) Looking for some top-notch preschool toys for your store? Look no further than these ten toys Top-10 Most-Wanted Jewelry and Accessories (11/1/2014) Jewelry is a great item to have hanging out by the register, and makes a great last-minute gift or stocking stuffer Top-10 Most-Wanted Tween Toys (11/1/2014) It can be hard to keep kids coming to your store as they get older, but the tween toys inside just might do the trick November Staff Picks (11/1/2014) Whether you're finishing up your holiday buying or getting ready to stock your shelves for 2015, check out these toys Interview with Alexandre Pariente, CEO of Safari Ltd® (11/1/2014) Alexandre Pariente recently took over as CEO of Safari Ltd®, a third-generation educational toy company Interview with Carly Gloge, CEO of Ubooly (11/1/2014) Ubooly was just acquired by Cartwheel Kids, but before it achieved success in the marketplace, it was just an idea 2014 Hot for Holidays Toy Roundup (11/1/2014) TDmonthly Magazine sees thousands of new products each year. These are some of our favorites Top-10 Most-Wanted Card Games (10/1/2014) Card games are a perennial favorite for kids and families, and as the weather gets colder and there's less to do outdoors, we thought we'd interview retailers about their best-sellers Top-10 Most-Wanted Science and Nature Toys (10/1/2014) Science & nature toys aren't just great for back-to-school — they make excellent holiday gifts too Top-10 Most-Wanted Novelty Toys (10/1/2014) From horse masks to whoopee cushions, novelty toys can add some fun to any store Specialty Retailers Predict Hot Holiday Toys of 2014 (10/1/2014) 4th quarter is almost here so we asked retailers: What do you think will be the hot holiday toys of 2014 Holiday Dream Toys for Retailers (9/1/2014) The holidays are fast approaching, and it's time to start odering the products that will end up being great gifts for your customers to leave under the tree. But what types of toys do you want in your store? Top-10 Most-Wanted Toys (9/1/2014) TDmonthly Magazine interviewed retailers in August 2014 to see which specialty toys were flying of store shelves Top-10 Most-Wanted Collectible Toys (9/1/2014) When TDmonthly Magazine interviewed retailers in August 2014 about their best-selling collectibles, we learned that licensed toys featuring Star Wars, Frozen, and Thomas the Tank Engine were all popular Top-5 Most-Wanted Action Figures (9/1/2014) Action figures aren't huge sellers in specialty, according to half the retailers TDmonthly Magazine interviewed in August 2014. However, for some, these toys do generate sales Top-10 Most-Wanted Die-Cast Toys (9/1/2014) Toys that roll, zoom and fly are always popular, and these fun die-cast toys are no exception Will American Kids Want Some Tsum-Tsum? (9/1/2014) If there's one thing Disney's great at, it's integrating experience (whether digital or physical) with merchandise - and they just might have another hit on their hands Videos from the 2014 ABC Kids Expo (9/1/2014) Didn't get to the ABC Kids Expo this year? Don't worry! TDmonthly Magazine was on the show floor 2014 ABC Must-Sees (9/1/2014) If you're planning on going to the 2014 ABC Kids Expo (September 7-10 in Las Vegas, Nev.), look no further! Leading up to the show TDmonthly Magazine will be sharing information on exciting new products that will be shown at the Expo, along with ordering specials for our readers Top-10 Most-Wanted Toys (8/1/2014) TDmonthly Magazine wants to keep you up to date on all of the hottest specialty toys. That's why this month we interviewed retailers about their best-selling toys from all categories Top-10 Most-Wanted Electronic and Battery Operated Toys (8/1/2014) Which electrifying specialty toys are making big sales across the country? We interviewed retailers to find out! Top-10 Most-Wanted Puzzles (8/1/2014) If you're trying to puzzle together which toys to carry in your store, you've come to the right place Helping Boys and Girls Set and Measure Goals with Games Workshop (8/1/2014) Specialty toy store owners are always looking for products that are more than just toys. The ideal item isn't just fun - it also helps kids develop a variety of skills that will help them succeed later in life Tween Toys to Talk About (8/1/2014) The average toy store customer is getting younger and younger, especially with the continuing explosion of personal electronic devices, Apps, and electronic games. But! You can still entice older kids and tweens into your store by stocking high quality, engaging toys 2014 Holiday Preview: Games, Puzzles, Science, Music (8/1/2014) The Back-to-School countdown has begun, which means one thing to retailers - the holidays are right around the corner too! Developing STEM Skills: Education Through Play (8/1/2014) The rise of technology and an increasingly interconnected, global world has made it more important than ever for children in the United States to be given a top-notch education - especially in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields 2014 Holiday Preview: Dolls, Plush & Puppets, Infant & Toddler, Electronics and Play Houses (7/1/2014) Summer vacation may be in full swing, but in retailers' minds winter break is right around the corner Top-10 Most-Wanted Furniture and Play Houses (7/1/2014) This month TDmonthly interviewed retailers about their best-selling furniture and play houses Top-10 Most-Wanted Dolls (7/1/2014) When TDmonthly interviewed retailers about their best-selling dolls in a June 2014 survey, several mentioned Groovy Girls from Manhattan Toy, which are celebrating their "Sweet 16" this year Top-10 Most-Wanted Plush and Puppets (7/1/2014) When TDmonthly Magazine interviewed retailers about their best-selling plush and puppets in a June 2014 survey, we learned that high-quality brands like Folkmanis, Douglas and Jellycat remain favorites Top-10 Most-Wanted Construction Toys (6/1/2014) When TDmonthly Magazine surveyed retailers in a May 2014 survey, we discovered that LEGO was a best-seller for almost half of the toy stores we spoke with Top-10 Most-Wanted Activity Kits and Play Sets (6/1/2014) Arts & crafts toys are the hottest products in the activity kit category, according to specialty retailers interviewed by TDmonthly in May 2014 Top-10 Most-Wanted Licensed Toys (6/1/2014) Almost half of the retailers surveyed by TDmonthly Magazine in May 2014 told us that they carry little to no licensed toys. Those that did, however, reported lots of success with offerings from LEGO 2014 Holiday Preview: Arts & Crafts, Construction, Ride-On and Classic Toys (6/1/2014) Over the next few months TDmonthly Magazine will be sharing exciting toys in our Holiday Preview articles that could be hits for your store in the 4th quarter ASTRA 2014 Live Retailer and Kid Reporter Coverage (6/1/2014) This year TDmonthly Magazine is reporting to you live from the 2014 ASTRA Marketplace floor, along with the help of our trusty retailer and talented kid reporters 2014 ASTRA Marketplace & Academy Booths to Visit (5/1/2014) The 2014 ASTRA Marketplace & Academy will take place this year from June 8-11th at the Phoenix Convention Center in Arizona. The annual ASTRA show is one of specialty toy retailers' favorite places to commune with other storeowners and scout out the best new specialty kids products. Top-10 Most-Wanted Infant and Toddler Toys (5/1/2014) From puppets to pianos, learn more about Top-10 best-selling infant & toddler toys, according to specialty retailers surveyed by TDmonthly Top-10 Most-Wanted Travel Toys and Games (5/1/2014) Summer vacation is almost here, so TDmonthly Magazine surveyed specialty retailers about their best-selling travel toys. From mazes to bingo, learn more about the the Top-10 Most-Wanted Travel Toys below Top-10 Most-Wanted Bath Toys (5/1/2014) Which bath toys are making a splash in specialty? Read below to find out 2014 Holiday Preview : Aircraft, Die-Cast, Hobby, Novelties, Seasonal (5/1/2014) It's that time of year again — the sun shines brighter, the weather gets warmer — and specialty toy retailers like you start ordering for 4th quarter! Top-10 Best-Selling Toys Overall (4/1/2014) In a March 2014 survey, TDmonthly Magazine asked retailers about their overall best-selling toys Top-10 Most-Wanted Outdoor Toys (4/1/2014) Spring has technically sprung, and though snow and chilly temperatures may be lingering in some parts of the country, it's time to start thinking about outdoor toys Top-10 Most-Wanted Ride-On Toys (4/1/2014) With warmer weather right around the corner, ride-on toys are a great option for your customers TDmonthly 2014 Toy Fair Retailer Report (3/1/2014) Today is the last day of the 2014 American International Toy Fair, and our retailer reporters have been busy telling us about all of their favorite products on the show floor TDmonthly 2014 Toy Fair Videos (3/1/2014) If you didn't make it to the 2014 American International Toy Fair in New York, or if you went to the show and weren't able to see all that you wanted, you're in luck! TDmonthly Magazine is happy to share with you our Toy Fair videos featuring exciting new products from exhibitors at the show Top-10 Most-Wanted Wooden Toys (3/1/2014) In a February 2014 survey about wooden toys, retailers told TDmonthly Magazine that the best-selling wooden toys in their stores tend to be classics, like wooden train sets, puzzles, and marble runs Top-10 Most-Wanted Games (3/1/2014) Video games and apps may be more popular than ever, but specialty store owners are seeing an increase in the popularity of traditional games, too 15 Retailing Tips for Boosting Springtime Sales (3/1/2014) The seasons are changing, and while much of the country is still covered in snow, spring is just around the corner. With that in mind, TDmonthly Magazine recently interviewed retailers about their top tips for boosting retail sales in spring. See their tips below 2014 Toy Fest West Booths to Visit (3/1/2014) The 2014 Toy Fest West show, "The Largest Toy Show in the West," will run March 9th-12th this year in Las Vegas. TDmonthly's reporters will be on the floor scouting out the hottest new toys of the year 2014 Toy Fest West Toy Report (3/1/2014) Our reporters were on the floor of the recent 2014 Toy Fest West show in Las Vegas, learning more about toys we love and discovering new products for the year ahead Retailers Report: What we want in 2014 (2/1/2014) With Toy Fair just around the corner and the holidays behind us, it's time to start looking for new toys to stock store shelves. TDmonthly Magazine interviewed retailers to learn more about the products they're excited to bring in for 2014 Top-10 Best-Selling Toys Overall (2/1/2014) When TDmonthly Magazine interviewed retailers about their best-selling toys in a January 2014 survey, we found that many of the toys mentioned had graced the list before Top-10 Most-Wanted Arts & Crafts Toys (2/1/2014) TDmonthly Magazine interviewed retailers in a January 2014 survey and learned that the Rainbow Loom was still leader of the pack in the arts & crafts category Top-7 Most-Wanted Musical Toys (2/1/2014) When TDmonthly Magazine interviewed retailers in January 2014, we learned that many specialty retailers no longer sell CDs, and that the music toys they are selling tend to be simple classics Toy Fair 2014 Booths to Visit - Show Specials, New Toys (2/1/2014) The 2014 New York International Toy Fair is only a few weeks away, so TDmonthly Magazine is sharing the following ordering specials and new toys from select manufacturers Top-10 Most-Wanted Books (1/1/2014) Books and toys both play an essential role in a child's development, but they in the world of retail, they don't always go hand in hand Top-10 Most-Wanted Halloween Toys (1/1/2014) Though some retailers interviewed by TDmonthly Magazine in December 2013 told us they don't sell specific Halloween merchandise, others touted the selling power of items such as fake mustaches, face painting kits, and of course costumes! 2014 Hot or Not? Retailers Weigh In (1/1/2014) The new year is here, so TDmonthly Magazine asked specialty toy retailers which toys they think are going to be HOT in 2014 - and which are not Q & A With Betty Morris, Creator of Shrinky Dinks (1/1/2014) Betty Morris was a housewife and mother of three when she and her Cub Scout troop co-leader (Kate Bloomberg) came up with a fun arts & crafts activity for their troop Toys in the News: 1-29-2014 (1/1/2014) Former supervising artist sues Hasbro over firing Christmas 2013 Hot Toys Unveiled (12/1/2013) The holidays are almost here, and TDmonthly Magazine is excited to unveil our picks for the hot toys for Christmas 2013 Top-10 Most-Wanted Toys (12/1/2013) This month TDmonthly Magazine surveyed retailers who named the Rainbow Loom as a number one seller yet again Top-10 Most-Wanted Aircraft and Flying Toys (12/1/2013) Though many of the retailers TDmonthly Magazine interviewed in November about flying toys said that toys in this category tend to sell better in the summer months, they were still able to share with us many aircraft and flying toys that are best-sellers Top-10 Most Wanted Educational Toys (12/1/2013) Science kits, puzzles, and games all made the cut in this month's Top-10 Most-Wanted Educational Toys list Retailing Tips: Keeping the Job Fun (12/1/2013) Working in a Toy Store can be rewarding - but exhausting. That's why TDmonthly asked retailers: "What are your top tips for keeping the job fun, even when it can be stressful?" Specialty Retailers Report on Top Holiday Toys (12/1/2013) If you're wondering which toys are going to be holiday hits this year for specialty toy store owners, you're in luck! Top-10 Most-Wanted Jewelry and Accessories (11/1/2013) The Rainbow Loom continued to dominate the specialty toy market this fall, as more than half of retailers surveyed by TDmonthly in October 2013 named it their best-selling jewelry toy Top-10 Most-Wanted Tween Toys (11/1/2013) Tweens love jumping onto trends, and it looks like the Rainbow Loom is poised to be the next Silly Bands Top-10 Most-Wanted Toys (11/1/2013) The holidays are approaching, and it seems like the Rainbow Loom is poised to be a huge hit this season 10 Tips For Increasing Holiday Sales (11/1/2013) It can be tricky to navigate the holidays. That's why TDmonthly Magazine asked experienced store owners for their best retail tips for the holidays Top-10 Most-Wanted Card Games (10/1/2013) Retailers dealt out an unsurprising fact when surveyed about their best-selling card games in September of 2013 - Spot It! from Blue Orange is still number one Top-10 Most-Wanted Science and Nature Toys (10/1/2013) For most retailers TDmonthly surveyed in September 2013 about their best-selling science and nature toys, listing their top-sellers was a snap Top-10 Most-Wanted Novelty Toys (10/1/2013) Mustaches, putty, and rainbows, oh my! This eclectic mix of best-selling novelty toys includes a wide variety of products October Holiday Preview (10/1/2013) There's still time to stock up for the holidays! These specialty toys from a variety of categories - from plush to construction and more - could be the perfect fit for your store Activision Files Lawsuit Against Worlds Inc. (10/1/2013) Activision Publishing, creator of Skylanders and World of War Craft, has announced that they have filed a patent infringement lawsuit against competitor Worlds Inc. New Emphasis on Tech Toys Helps Classic Companies Stay Relevant (10/1/2013) It is well known that the use of computers, smartphones, and tablets is on the rise among kids (according to the NPD Group, more than half of kids ages 2-14 are using some kind of smart device at home). With that in mind, this August classic toy company Lionel (maker of Lionel Trains) rolled out an iPad game called "Lionel Battle Train." Accenture Predicts 11% Holiday Sales Increase (10/1/2013) While ShopperTrack predicted a 2.4 percent increase in sales this holiday season, and the NRF a 3.9 percent increase, Accenture Retail says that holiday shoppers plan on spending 11% more this year than last Will The Government Shutdown Affect Holiday Retail? (10/1/2013) With the government shutdown already lasting longer than anticipated, some are now speculating that the repercussions could well travel into the retail sector Hasbro Off The Hook in Patent Fight with MiTile (10/1/2013) A judge ruled on Monday that Hasbro was not guilty of infringing on a patent for an electronic game held by UK company MiTile Ltd. Relativity Halts Stretch Armstrong Production (10/1/2013) Relativity Media has announced that the Stretch Armstrong movie, slated to come out April 11, 2014, is no longer moving forward with production Mattel Announces Playground Productions (10/1/2013) September Holiday Preview (9/1/2013) The holidays are right around the corner, and experienced retailers know they need to finalize their buying decisions now Action Figure Sales are Up - But Not in Specialty (9/1/2013) As we reported last month, The NPD Group has found that action figures are one of the only toy categories showing significant growth in 2013 Holiday Staffing - 10 Tips for Specialty Stores (9/1/2013) What's the best way for specialty stores to boost their sales this holiday season? Stand out from the mass-market competition! This means having high-quality specialty products — but a knowledgeable, friendly, and reliable staff is just as important Top-5 Most-Wanted Collectibles (9/1/2013) In an August 2013 survey, TDmonthly discovered that many specialty retailers just aren't that interested in selling collectible items Top-10 Most-Wanted Die-Cast Toys (9/1/2013) In an August 2013 survey, TDmonthly asked retailers about their best-selling die-cast toys Children Sad That Parents Won't Sit Down and Play (8/1/2013) Looking at a display of dolls, puzzles, and balls, most people simply see toys. But what your customers might not realize is that for children, toys and play are serious business Top-10 Most-Wanted Toys (8/1/2013) When TDmonthly interviewed retailers in July 2013 about their overall best-selling toys, the top products were arts & crafts activities Top-10 Most-Wanted Electronic and Battery Operated Toys (8/1/2013) While many specialty retailers choose not to carry electronic or battery operated toys, in a July 2013 survey TDmonthly Magazine found that select high-quality toys in this category, like Snap Circuits from ELENCO and lighted construction sets from LASER PEGS VENTURES LLC, do well. Top-10 Most-Wanted Puzzles (8/1/2013) TDmonthly Magazine interviewed retailers in July 2013 to find out about their best-selling puzzles. RAVENSBURGER was the most popular puzzle manufacturer, followed closely by MELISSA & DOUG Q&A with Bob Wann, CEO of Patch Products (8/1/2013) The toy industry is a dynamic place, and no one is more familiar with its ever-changing character than Bob Wann of Patch Products. Mr. Wann has worked for major brands like Hasbro, Fisher Price and Playskool, has worked on evergreen products including Monopoly, Candyland and Scrabble, and even helped introduce now-iconic brands like Strawberry Shortcake and Nerf Toys to Talk About: Rainbow Loom (8/1/2013) The Rainbow Loom is a fun way for kids to create rubber band bracelets using BPA free, Phthlates free, Lead free, and Chromium free materials "Toys Across America" Donates to Kids in All 50 States (8/1/2013) Toys help kids in so many ways - developmentally, socially, and emotionally. That's why TDmonthly Magazine was touched to read about The Toy Bank's recent Toys Across America giveaway Summer Blockbusters Give Licensed Toys a Boost (8/1/2013) Sales of licensed action figures have increased 20 percent, fueling the 4 percent increase in sales of licensed toys overall Q & A With Michael McGinnis, Inventor of Perplexus (7/1/2013) TDmonthly had the chance to interview Michael McGinnis, inventor of the popular Perplexus 3-D maze game and a 2011 TAGIE Awards Rising Star nominee. Top-10 Most-Wanted Furniture and Play Houses (7/1/2013) When TDmonthly Magazine surveyed 11 retailers in June 2013, we learned that most of them don't carry traditional children's furniture or wooden play houses Top-10 Most-Wanted Dolls (7/1/2013) In a June 2013 survey about best-selling dolls, retailers told TDmonthly Magazine that Manhattan Toy and Corolle were their top brands. Top-10 Most-Wanted Plush and Puppets (7/1/2013) When TDmonthly interviewed retailers in June 2013 about their best-selling plush and puppets, one name was mentioned above all the rest: FOLKMANIS Retailing Tips - When to Buy for 4th Quarter (7/1/2013) The holiday season is the busiest of the year for most retailers. That's why TDmonthly Magazine asked a panel of experience specialty store owners when they start their holiday buying. See their answers, and advice, below 2013 ASTRA Videos (7/1/2013) TDmonthly Magazine was at the 2013 ASTRA Marketplace taking videos of exciting new toys and games 2013 ASTRA Videos - Page 2 (7/1/2013) 2013 ASTRA Preview (6/1/2013) When heading to trade shows, it's always best to plan ahead. That's why we've asked select manufacturers to share their ASTRA booth numbers, special offers, and products with our readers Top-10 Most-Wanted Construction Toys (6/1/2013) When TDmonthly interviewed retailers in a May 2013 survey, we found that LEGO still rules the roost when it comes to best-selling construction toys Top-10 Most-Wanted Activity Kits and Play Sets (6/1/2013) TDmonthly Magazine interviewed retailers in May 2013 to find out about their most popular Activity Toys and Play Sets Top-5 Most-Wanted Licensed Toys (6/1/2013) In a May 2013 survey, TDmonthly Magazine learned that many specialty retailers are still reluctant to carry licensed products Toys to Talk About: Construction (6/1/2013) Construction toys are a perennial favorite with kids and parents alike June Holiday Preview (6/1/2013) The holidays are the busiest time of year for most retailers, and planning ahead can help you make the most of this profitable season Top-10 Most-Wanted Infant and Toddler Toys (5/1/2013) TDmonthly recently interviewed retailers to find out about their current best-selling infant and toddler toys Top-10 Most-Wanted Travel Toys and Games (5/1/2013) Summer vacation is coming up, so TDmonthly Magazine interviewed retailers to find out which travel toys and games will bring the biggest sales this season Top-10 Most-Wanted Bath Toys (5/1/2013) Bath time can be tricky, but these fun toys make it fun, not fussy 2013 Holiday Toy Preview (5/1/2013) The skies are blue, the weather is getting warmer...and savvy retailers know that this means it’s time to start planning for the Holidays Retailers Share Anticipated Summer Hits (5/1/2013) There's still time to stock up on hot new summer toys, so TDmonthly asked retailers to share which products they think will be best-sellers this season. Top-10 Most-Wanted Outdoor Toys (4/1/2013) Spring has sprung, so TDmonthly Magazine asked retailers which outdoor toys are their best sellers Top-10 Most-Wanted Ride-On Toys (4/1/2013) The Plasmacar from PLASMART was still driving big sales when TDmonthly Magazine interviewed retailers about their best selling ride-on toys in a March 2013 survey Top-10 Most-Wanted Toys (4/1/2013) When TDmonthly Magazine interviewed retailers about their best selling toys in a March 2013 survey, we spotted an ongoing trend: Blue Orange's Spot It! is still the overall best selling product for 25% of retailers surveyed 2013 Retail Outlook - Are Things Looking Up? (4/1/2013) When TDmonthly Magazine asked specialty retailers about their sales figures for the first few months of 2013, the news wasn't bad Hot New Toys of 2013 (4/1/2013) We know that retailers are always looking for the "next big thing" - new products that will be exciting to returning and new customers alike. That's why we asked manufacturers to share with us their 2013 products that they think will make the biggest splash in specialty Q&A with Gloria Mecca for Heavenly Hug Dolls (4/1/2013) It's easy for some people to brush off toys as mere entertainment. But as those of us in the industry know, and as any child (or adult!) with a beloved teddy bear or doll can tell you, for so many people toys are more than just a product to be pushed Get Ready for ASTRA: 11 Retailer Trade Show Tips (4/1/2013) Trade show season is full swing, with the ASTRA Marketplace and Academy coming up in June. 2013 New York Toy Fair Toy Trends, Toy Buzz, and Toy News (3/1/2013) TDmonthly Magazine is keeping track of the latest Toy Industry news during the 2013 New York International Toy Fair and closely monitoring the hot new trends being spotted on the floor of the Javits center Top-10 Most-Wanted Wooden Toys (3/1/2013) When TDmonthly Magazine interviewed retailers in February of 2013, we learned that the Pound and Tap Bench from Hape is still flying off of specialty store shelves. Other favorite wooden toys included simple classics, like puzzles and trains Top-10 Most-Wanted Games (3/1/2013) When TDmonthly Magazine interviewed retailers about their best selling games in a February 2013 survey, more than half said Spot It! from BLUE ORANGE GAMES was still number 1 TDmonthly's Toy Fair Videos: Dolls, Plush, and Figures (3/1/2013) TDmonthly Magazine was at Toy Fair, scouting out the newest toys and hottest trends of 2013. Our videographer captured these new toys on tape, so that retailers who couldn't visit their booths can still get a taste of what these new toys have to offer TDmonthly's Toy Fair Videos: Games and General Toys (3/1/2013) TDmonthly Magazine was at Toy Fair, scouting out the newest toys and hottest trends of 2013. Our videographer captured these new toys on tape, so that retailers who couldn't visit their booths can still get a taste of what these new toys have to offer Retailing Tips for Boosting Springtime Sales (3/1/2013) Now that the holidays are over, what's the best way to keep customers coming in your doors? We asked a few seasoned retailers to share their top tips for boosting springtime sales Top Toy Fair Trends 2013 (3/1/2013) We have selected the toys below as representative of categories that are expected to do well in the coming year. Take a look and decide which trends would fit best with your store Hot New Toys of 2013 (3/1/2013) Which products will be the Hot New Toys of 2013? Retro and non-electronic toys are expected to be a bit hit this year, according to the Toy Industry Association, which is good news for specialty retailers In This Issue (3/1/2013) See brief article summaries from the March issue of TDmonthly Magazine Top-10 Most-Wanted Arts & Crafts Toys (2/1/2013) TDmonthly Magazine interviewed retailers in December 2012 to craft this list of top-selling Arts & Crafts items Top-10 Most-Wanted Musical Toys (2/1/2013) TDmonthly Magazine interviewed retailers about their bestselling musical toys, to help you get a sense of what products are selling well in specialty New Year, New Toys: 2013 Product Launches (2/1/2013) The new year is here, and toy companies of all kinds are rolling out their latest products What We Want From Toy Fair 2013 (2/1/2013) It's important to keep up with the latest products in specialty, and TDmonthly Magazine wanted to find out what new toys retailers are excited to find at Toy Fair and bring into their stores for 2013 Preparing For Toy Fair - Tips and Tricks for Retailers! (2/1/2013) TDmonthly Magazine has been covering New York Toy Fair for almost two decades. Over the years, retailers and experts have shared their top tips for making the most out of trade shows with TDmonthly Preparing For Toy Fair - Tips and Tricks for Manufacturers! (2/1/2013) TDmonthly Magazine has been covering New York Toy Fair for almost two decades. Over the years, Q&A with Debbie Sterling, creator of GoldieBlox (2/1/2013) Stanford University-educated engineer Debbie Sterling was frustrated by how few women pursued careers in engineering. In a toy store, when she noticed a glaring lack of science and math-based toys made for girls, she knew it was a gap in the toy industry she was destined to fill Schoenhut Pianos: More than Just a Toy (2/1/2013) In addition to Schoenhut® Piano Company's traditional instruments, popular for over a century, CEO Len and President Renee Trinca believe that offering new choices each year is what keeps the product lines fresh and exciting Race to TMI Toymarketing to see NEW Racing Rody! (2/1/2013) Rody horses, a bouncy ride-on toy from TMI Toymarketing Intl, Inc., have been a favorite in specialty toy stores for years. We spoke with the company to learn more about their products, and what they have in store for 2013 Top-10 Most-Wanted Books (1/1/2013) When TDmonthly Magazine interviewed retailers in a Fall 2012 survey about hobby items, arts and crafts products came out ahead of the competition Top-10 Most-Wanted Halloween Products (1/1/2013) TDmonthly Magazine interviewed retailers to find out which Halloween products scared up the most sales in 2012 Q&A With Matthew Hiebert from Aroundsquare Ltd. (1/1/2013) TDmonthly loves hearing the stories behind the toys. So, we were excited to speak with Matthew Hiebert from Aroundsquare Ltd., the creator of the wooden block toy Twig Hot or Not? 2013's Toy Trends...According to Specialty Retailers! (1/1/2013) The world of specialty retail doesn't always follow the toy trends of the mass market. That's why TDmonthly Magazine asked specialty toy store owners what products they think will be hot - or not - for their stores in 2013 TDmonthly Top Toy: Seal of Approval Winners (1/1/2013) TDmonthly Magazine is excited to announce our new recognition program for outstanding toys, the TDmonthly Top Toy: Seal of Approval. Over the course of each year our staff researches thousands of toys. We've selected our favorites from 2012 to be honored in our very first TDmonthly Seal of Approval awards, to share with our 31,700+ unique monthly visitors TDmonthly Seal of Approval - General Toys (1/1/2013) See the TDmonthly Seal of Approval winners for the General Toys category TDmonthly Seal of Approval - Pretend Play/Creative Activities (1/1/2013) See the TDmonthly Seal of Approval winners for the Pretend Play / Creative Activities category TDmonthly Seal of Approval - Construction / Play Sets (1/1/2013) See the TDmonthly Seal of Approval winners for the Construction Toy / Play Set category TDmonthly Seal of Approval - Books & Music (1/1/2013) See the TDmonthly Seal of Approval winners for the Books / Musical Toys category TDmonthly Seal of Approval - Games & Puzzles (1/1/2013) See the TDmonthly Seal of Approval winners for the Games / Puzzles category TDmonthly Seal of Approval - Educational / Science (1/1/2013) See the TDmonthly Seal of Approval winners for the Educational / Science Toys category TDmonthly Seal of Approval - Dolls & Plush (1/1/2013) See the TDmonthly Seal of Approval winners for the Dolls / Plush Toy category January Toy Fair Preview (1/1/2013) The 2013 New York International Toy Fair is just a month away (February 10-13th), and one of the best ways to prepare for the show is to research products and companies you might be interested in visiting before you get to New York Toy Companies Give Back! (1/1/2013) TDmonthly Magazine loves hearing about how different companies within the Toy Industry are contributing to their communities. That's why we asked toy makers what charities they are involved in, and how they hope their products affect kids Q&A With Will Haughey, Co-Founder of Tegu (1/1/2013) Will Haughey and his brother Chris grew up volunteering for several international charities, so when they decided to go into business together in Honduras, they knew that they wanted their company to help drive the local economy and make life better for the people living in the community Q&A With Cheryl Shaw from Little Colorado, Inc (1/1/2013) The founders of Little Colorado, Inc, had no idea that they would wind up making high-quality children's furniture and playthings Toy Fair 2013 - To Go, Or Not To Go? (1/1/2013) Going to Toy Fair can require a big investment of time and money from specialty retailers. That's why we asked retailers to share with us the reasons why they attend the annual New York International Toy Fair - or, why they stay home 6 Tips for Finding Hot New Toys (1/1/2013) It's the beginning of the new year, and after the holiday season has left your shelves bare, it's important to start thinking about what new toys you want to bring in to your store Q&A With Mary Beth Minton, CEO of Zylie the Bear (1/1/2013) Mary Beth Minton had one child who loved dolls, and another who preferred to dress up her teddy bears as dolls. After searching for, and not finding, a bear designed to be dressed up and played with as a doll, Mary Beth and her son Matt set out to create their own ToysRUs, Walmart, and Target Top Holiday Toy Lists (12/1/2012) ToysRUs, Walmart, and Target have all released their lists of hot holiday toys. You may sell specialty, but it's important to watch the mass-market to keep abreast of new trends Top-10 Most-Wanted Hobby Goods (12/1/2012) When TDmonthly Magazine interviewed retailers in a Fall 2012 survey about hobby items, arts and crafts products came out ahead of the competition Top-10 Most-Wanted Aircraft and Flying Toys (12/1/2012) When TDmonthly Magazine interviewed retailers in a Fall 2012 survey about best selling aircraft and flying toys, Stomp Rockets from D&L came out miles above the rest Top-10 Most-Wanted Educational Products and School Supplies (12/1/2012) In a Fall 2012 survey about educational products and school supplies, specialty retailers told TDmonthly Magazine that Hot Dots from Educational Insights and BrainQuest from Workman Publishing were their top-2 best sellers in the category Q & A With Dane Scarborough of Uberstix (12/1/2012) TDmonthly Magazine had the chance to interview Dane Scarborough, creator of Uberstix. Below, he shares how he got started, how his product encourages kids to up-cycle, and what sets his product apart from the rest Retailers: 7 Tips For a Successful Toy Fair (12/1/2012) Toy Fair is one of the biggest events of the year for many retailers – but every one of them has different strategies for making their time at the show a success Q&A With Julia Pimsleur Levine, creator of Little Pim (12/1/2012) For Julia Pimsleur Levine, founder of LITTLE PIM, multilingualism has always been an important part of life. Daughter of the creator of the famous Pimsleur Method for learning foreign languages, Julia wanted to make sure her own child, and other kids, had the opportunity to learn a second language from a young age Q&A With Jeff Kinney, Author of Diary of a Wimpy Kid (12/1/2012) Jeff Kinney, author of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, took the time to chat with TDmonthly about his books, how he became an author, and how he hopes his books help kids learn to love reading Toy Fair 2013 Preview - New Exhibitors (12/1/2012) It's never too early to start preparing for Toy Fair! That's why TDmonthly Magazine has started our 2013 Toy Fair coverage — we want to help retailers like you get ready for one of the biggest buying events of the year Toy Fair 2013 Preview - Returning Exhibitors (12/1/2012) To kick off our 2013 Toy Fair coverage, we asked seasoned manufacturers to share with us the products they're most excited about presenting to retailers at the show Q&A With Bob Moog, Co-Founder of University Games (12/1/2012) Bob Moog, co-founder of University Games, recently took the time to speak with TDmonthly Magazine. Below, he explains how University Games was started, how he hopes their games affect kids' lives, and why innovation is essential to succeeding in the toy and game industry Walmart's Top 20 Holiday Toys (11/1/2012) See Walmart's Top 20 Holiday Toys Target's Top 20 Holiday Toys (11/1/2012) See Target's Top 20 Holiday Toys Q&A With CEO of Kent Displays/Improv Electronics (11/1/2012) Dr. Albert Green, CEO of Kent Displays/Improv Electronics, spoke with TDmonthly Magazine about their product, the Boogie Board LCD eWriter. This year specialty retailers have named the Boogie Board a Top-10 Most-Wanted Tween Product, Top-10 Most-Wanted Novelty Toy, and a Top-10 Most-Wanted Travel Toy Q&A With Deborah Schimberg of Verve, Inc. (11/1/2012) Deborah Schimberg, president of Verve, Inc., invented Glee Gum after 10 long years of trial and error in her own kitchen Q&A with Andrea Barthello, Co-Founder and COO of ThinkFun (11/1/2012) When Andrea Barthello was young, she was always asking, "why?" As she grew older, this natural curiosity and desire to find solutions to problems eventually led her to co-found ThinkFun 5 Tips to Make Your Store a Holiday Success (11/1/2012) For most retailers, the 4th quarter and holiday season are when the real money is made. With that in mind, TDmonthly Magazine asked specialty retailers, “What are your top tips for boosting sales and ensuring success during the holiday season?” See their advice Watch Toy Videos of the Day (11/5/2012-11/9/2012) (11/1/2012) We want you to see the toys we see, so you can determine if they're right for your store Top-10 Most-Wanted Jewelry and Accessories (11/1/2012) In a Fall 2012 survey, retailers told TDmonthly about the jewelry and accessories that were hot at their stores Top-10 Most-Wanted Tween Products (11/1/2012) When TDmonthly interviewed retailers in a Fall 2012 survey about best selling tween products, their answers varied widely. Top-10 Most-Wanted Toys: November 2012 (11/1/2012) TDmonthly interviewed retailers in a Fall 2012 survey about their overall best selling toys. From the cute and cuddly Squishables to fun family games like Tenzi, you can see all of the Top-10 Most-Wanted Toys below Q & A: Global Game Changers (11/1/2012) Jan and Rachel Helson are a mother-daughter team on a mission: they want to "Ignite Good" in kids from a young age Top-10 Most-Wanted Card Games (10/1/2012) When TDmonthly Magazine interviewed retailers about their Top-10 best selling card games, six of the 12 retailers we spoke with said that Spot It from BLUE ORANGE continued to be the best seller Top-10 Most-Wanted Science & Nature Toys (10/1/2012) When TDmonthly interviewed retailers in late Summer 2012 about their best selling Science and Nature Toys, the top toys they mentioned were the 4M Tin Can Robot from TOYSMITH Q&A with Jane Walter, Founder of organicKidz (10/1/2012) Jane Walter, founder of organicKidz, is a woman of action. When she first heard about the danger of BPA in baby bottles, she took it upon herself to design and manufacture a new line Q&A With Tereson Dupuy, creator of FuzziBunz (10/1/2012) When Tereson Dupuy’s son was having difficulties using disposable diapers, she came up with a solution: an absorbent, reusable cloth diaper that didn’t rely on powerful chemicals to keep babies dry 2012 ABC Kids Expo: Products to Watch (10/1/2012) The 2012 ABC Kids Expo is running from October 14-17th in Lousiville Kentucky. What can retailers expect to see this year at the Kentucky Exposition Center? TDmonthly Magazine wanted to know, so we asked manufacturers to share some of the products they'll be featuring at the show. Q&A With DeNay Thomas-Ramsey, President of Tag Along Teddy (10/1/2012) When DeNay Thomas-Ramsey's daughter wanted to carry her plush animals with her everywhere, DeNay was struck with an idea. What if there was a way for kids to bring their plush toys with them, without the toys getting bedraggled and dirty? Tag Along Teddy was born Top-10 Most-Wanted Novelty Toys (10/1/2012) When TDmonthly Magazine interviewed retailers in late Summer 2012 about their bestselling novelty items, they named an impressively wide variety of products, including fake mustaches, plush puppies, and bracelets made of both braces and zippers Top-10 Most-Wanted Candy & Food (10/1/2012) When TDmonthly Magazine interviewed retailers in late Summer 2012 about their bestselling candy and food, they listed a combination of unique, nostalgic, and inexpensive items Q&A w/ Neil Kay, Creator of Digi-Piggy® (10/1/2012) Today's kids are digital natives growing up in a down economy. Cisco Sales Corp, creators of the Digi-Piggy®, recognized the unique need for a product that satisfied the modern child's digital aesthetics, while teaching them the increasingly important skill of saving money Watch Toy Videos of the Day (10/22/2012-10/26/2012) (10/1/2012) We want you to see the toys we see, so you can determine if they're right for your store Top-10 Most-Wanted Toys: September 2012 (9/1/2012) TDmonthly Magazine wants to help you learn about products that are selling well in specialty, in case they could be a good fit for your store. So, this month we interviewed specialty retailers to find out about their overall best selling toys and games Top-10 Most-Wanted Die-Cast Toys (9/1/2012) In a Summer 2012 survey, TOYSMITH, SCHYLLING, HOT WHEELS, and TOY WONDERS INC were named repeatedly by retailers as the best selling brands of die-cast toy Top-10 Most-Wanted Collectibles (9/1/2012) When TDmonthly Magazine surveyed retailers about their best selling collectible toys in a Summer 2012 survey, their answers were varied Q&A w/ Valerie Aaron from YoYoJam (9/1/2012) TDmonthly recently had the chance to speak with Valerie Aaron, VP of Sales and Marketing at YoYoJam. Like many specialty toy companies, YoYoJam is focused on creating products of excellent quality — and giving back to the community whenever possible Q&A w/Yvette Garfield from Handstand Kids (9/1/2012) Yvette Garfield, creator of Handstand Kids, recently spoke to TDmonthly Magazine about how she came up with the idea for her product, why she thinks cooking can bring the world together, and how her company reaches out to charitable organizations Top-4 Most-Wanted Action Figures (9/1/2012) When TDmonthly Magazine asked specialty retailers about their best selling action figures, seven out of 10 said they don't sell them at all Holiday Preview: 15 Gift Ideas for Kids (9/1/2012) The holidays are fast approaching, and your customers will soon be searching for the perfect gifts 10 Retailing Tips: Staffing and Training for the Holidays (9/1/2012) The holiday season is make-or-break time for retailers of all sizes. In small stores, having a knowledgeable, friendly, and reliable staff is essential, especially if you want to stand out from the big-box stores Q&A w/ Dominic Crapuchettes of North Star Games (9/1/2012) Dominic Crapuchettes, founder & co-president of North Star Games, entertained the idea of running a board game company when he was in college, but it seemed more likely that he would be come a literature professor and salmon boat captain TDmonthly Top Toy Award Winners September 2012 (9/1/2012) TDmonthly Magazine is excited to announce our TDmonthly Top Toy Award winners for September 2012. We've selected these toys to feature to our 14,600 retailer subscribers for a number of reasons, including their top quality, high play value, and/or status as a proven best seller Top-10 Most-Wanted Electronic & Battery Operated Toys (8/1/2012) When TDmonthly Magazine interviewed retailers about their best selling electronic or battery-operated products, several respondents shared a distaste for such items Top-10 Most-Wanted Puzzles (8/1/2012) Retailers weren't puzzled when we asked them about their best selling puzzles — MELISSA & DOUG and RAVENSBURGER were each named top-selling brands August Holiday Preview: 18 Gift Ideas for Specialty Retailers (8/1/2012) It's a lot of work to track down the elusive "perfect gift," but TDmonthly Magazine is making the search a little easier by asking manufacturers of all different kinds of toys and games about their anticipated holiday hits Retailers Speak: What We Want for Christmas (8/1/2012) When TDmonthly Magazine asked retailers about when they do their holiday buying, four out of 12 said that they start their ordering at Toy Fair or ASTRA Holiday Savings: 20 Specialty Gifts Under $10 (8/1/2012) Parents don't want to skimp when it comes to getting their kids great gifts for the holidays, no matter how thinly their budgets are spread. Luckily, TDmonthly Magazine has added hundreds of affordable specialty toys, games, and kids' products to our database in 2012 Holiday Savings: 17 Specialty Gifts Under $15 (8/1/2012) TDmonthly Magazine believes that specialty toys are essential tools for a happy childhood, helping kids develop various cognitive and interpersonal skills all while having fun. This makes them ideal, thoughtful gifts to carry in your store for the holiday season Interview with Tom Sebazco from ENI PUZZLE (8/1/2012) In a market saturated with electronics and flashy licensed toys, it can be hard for a specialty toy company to get their products on store shelves. Below, Tom Sebazco from ENI PUZZLE told TDmonthly about the struggles his company has faced, how they've gotten this far, and what makes their specialty puzzle different from others on the market Q&A With Anka Schmollinger of Ravensburger (8/1/2012) Ravensburger has been a best selling brand of puzzles, according to specialty retailers in our Top-10 Best Selling Puzzles articles, for years. TDmonthly wanted to know more about the history of this iconic puzzle company Top-10 Most-Wanted Dolls (7/1/2012) For the sixth year in a row, specialty store owners have named COROLLE DOLLS' Calin as their best selling doll, followed by Groovy Girls from MANHATTAN TOY TDmonthly Top Toy Award Winners July 2012 (7/1/2012) TDmonthly Magazine is excited to announce our TDmonthly Top Toy Award winners for July 2012. We've selected these toys to feature to our 14,600 retailer subscribers for a number of reasons, including their top quality, high play value, and/or status as a proven best seller Interview with Kathleen McHugh, President of ASTRA (7/1/2012) If the success of the 2012 ASTRA Marketplace & Academy was any indication, the toy industry can look forward to a lucrative holiday season. UPDATED: See All 21 of ASTRA's Best Toys For Kids Winners! (7/1/2012) ASTRA has announced the 21 winners for the 2012 "Best Toys For Kids" awards 45 Toy Videos from the 2012 ASTRA Marketplace & Academy (7/1/2012) Didn't make it to the 2012 ASTRA Marketplace & Academy? Not to worry! TDmonthly Magazine's reporters were on the trade show floor in Baltimore, taking 45 videos of exciting products that you can check out below Interview with Curtis Paul, Creator of the Award-Winning KATATU (7/1/2012) TDmonthly Magazine recently had the chance to interview Curtis Paul, creator of Creative Child Magazine's 2012 Board Game of the Year, KATATU Interview with Jennifer Telfer, Creator of Pillow Pets and CEO of CJ Products (7/1/2012) TDmonthly Magazine recently interviewed Jennifer Telfer, creator of Pillow Pets and CEO of CJ Products. Below, Telfer discusses how learning from past mistakes, "going with the flow", and perseverance brought Pillow Pets from just a dream to one of the most popular plush toys on the market Holiday Preview: 20 Toys and Gifts for Specialty Stores (7/1/2012) TDmonthly Magazine is dedicated to letting you know about products that could be holiday hits in your store Top-10 Most-Wanted Plush and Puppets (7/1/2012) In a late Spring 2012 survey about plush and puppets, retailers told TDmonthly Magazine that their best sellers for the category were rooted in reality. Mini Monarch Butterfly finger puppets from FOLKMANIS look almost like the real thing, and were joined at the top of the list by GUND's Boo Top-10 Most-Wanted Furniture and Play Houses (7/1/2012) In a May 2012 survey about best selling furniture and play houses, GUIDECRAFT was mentioned by three of 11 retailers as the best selling brand 2012 Tokyo Toy Show Highlights (6/1/2012) The Tokyo Toy Show opened June 14th with an explosive, record-breaking display of 10,000 "stick bombs"... CD Reviews: Princesses, Animals, and Grandkids Rock! (6/1/2012) The Battle Hymn of the Princess revolution, animal songs that inspire eco-consciousness, and rock'n'roll that will have granddads and their grandkids dancing make up this round of CD reviews Top-10 Most-Wanted Construction Toys (6/1/2012) In April 2012, LEGO was named the best selling construction brand by five of 13 retailers surveyed by TDmonthly Magazine. However, several of the specialty stores interviewed seemed to have a love-hate relationship with the brand Top-10 Most-Wanted Activity Kits and Playsets (6/1/2012) When TDmonthly Magazine surveyed retailers in May 2012 about their best selling activity kits and play sets, six of the 13 named arts & crafts items as their top sellers 11 Educational Toys For Summer Break (6/1/2012) Just because school is over doesn't mean kids should turn off their brain. These informational, engaging products are so fun, kids won't even realize they're learning! Holiday Preview: 22 Toys, Games and Gifts for Kids of All Ages (6/1/2012) It's almost time to get serious about your holiday buying, so TDmonthly Magazine compiled this list of 22 great gifts for you to consider when deciding what to stock your shelves with during the busiest time of the year. 14 Summer Toys for Sunny Days (6/1/2012) The sun is shining, children are home from school, and your frazzled customers are looking for things to do outside with kids — anything to keep them entertained and occupied 18 Summer Toys for Rainy Days (6/1/2012) Kids want to be outside in the summer, but mother nature can be unpredictable. That's why TDmonthly Magazine has compiled this collection of toys that are perfect for parents looking for things to do with kids on rainy days Top-10 Most-Wanted Licensed Toys (6/1/2012) When TDmonthly Magazine interviewed retailers about their best-selling licensed toys, three of the 12 we spoke with said that they don't sell licensed products at all. HABA's New Dolls, Games, and Costumes Make Great Gifts (6/1/2012) As the holidays approach, many retailers are on the hunt for high-quality specialty products that will help bring in big sales for the fourth quarter. Luckily, HABA is stepping up to the plate with their new offerings for the 2012 holiday season. 2012 ASTRA Preview: 28 Toy Makers Share Products for Specialty (5/1/2012) For years, retailers have told TDmonthly Magazine that the ASTRA Marketplace & Academy show is one of the most important events of the year for specialty toy store owners. Q & A With Mia Galison, President of eeBoo Corp. (5/1/2012) Mia Galison, President & Creative Director of eeBoo Corporation, launched her first product while mothering three infants and working a full time publishing job, taking on freelance work at night to raise the capital for her first products Q & A With Steven Kay, President of The Orb Factory (5/1/2012) Steven Kay, President of The Orb Factory Limited, created his first product to raise money so he could visit his long-distance girlfriend. Rising from those humble beginnings, The Orb Factory now produces award-winning products that are sold in more than 50 countries worldwide Holiday Preview: 24 Manufacturers Share Anticipated Holiday Hits (5/1/2012) Christmas may seem like it's ages away, but most retailers start ordering for the holidays between April and October Top-10 Most-Wanted Infant & Toddler Toys (5/1/2012) When TDmonthly Magazine interviewed retailers about their best-selling Infant & Toddler toys in April 2012, one item raised its neck above the competition for the 4th year in a row Top-10 Most-Wanted Travel Toys and Games (5/1/2012) Summer vacation is on its way, and parents are always looking for ways to keep kids entertained on long flights or on road trips. So, TDmonthly Magazine interviewed retailers to see what their best selling travel toys were TDmonthly Top Toy Award Winners May 2012 (5/1/2012) TDmonthly Magazine is excited to announce our TDmonthly Top Toy Award winners for May 2012. TDmonthly has selected four high-quality, innovative specialty toys Top-10 Most-Wanted Bath Toys (5/1/2012) When TDmonthly Magazine surveyed retailers about their best selling bath toys, five of the 11 retailers named ALEX-PANLINE USA INC. as their best selling brand Plush Toys (4/1/2012) Check out these recently added mass-market and specialty plush toys Outdoor Fun - New Toys for Spring (4/1/2012) The weather is warming, and that means one thing - it's time to find new toys for Spring! Top-10 Most-Wanted Outdoor Toys (4/1/2012) Spring is finally here, which means it's time to start selling toys that will get kids outside Top-5 Overall Best Selling Toys (4/1/2012) 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 Top-10 Most-Wanted Ride-on Toys (4/1/2012) For the second year in a row, Plasma Car by PLASMART INC. raced ahead of the competition in this month's Top-10 Most-Wanted Ride-on Toys list 28 Manufacturers' Best Selling Toys at Toy Fair (4/1/2012) We've covered the toys that got the most buzz at Toy Fair, but we wanted to know which products were hot sales-wise, too Toy Expert Reyne Rice Remains Cautiously Optimistic for 2012 (4/1/2012) Reyne Rice, toy trend expert, sat down with TDmonthly to give us some insight into the trends that will be big this year, as well as a general outlook for the toy industry in 2012. 30 Product Videos from Toy Fest West 2012 (4/1/2012) TDmonthly was at WTHRA's Toy Fest West show in Long Beach, Calif., and captured 30 videos of new and high-quality specialty products Interview with Carter Keithley, President of the Toy Industry Association (4/1/2012) TDmonthly Magazine had the great honor of conducting an interview with Carter Keithley, president of the Toy Industry Association Toys in the News: 4-30-12 (4/1/2012) Is Mr Potato Head to blame for 'pester power' ads? Watch Toy Videos of the Day (4/2/2012-4/6/2012) (4/1/2012) We want you to see the toys we see, so you can determine if they're right for your store! New York Toy Fair 2012 - New Toys for Girls (3/1/2012) TDmonthly Magazine's reporters got the scoop from the floor of the Javits Center in New York on the hottest upcoming toys and games for girls in 2012 New York Toy Fair 2012 - New Boys Toys (3/1/2012) When TDmonthly Magazine asked our reporters to find the most exciting new products for boys at the 2012 New York International Toy Fair, they delivered New York Toy Fair 2012 - New Toys For All Kids (3/1/2012) TDmonthly Magazine's reporters were at the 2012 New York International Toy Fair, getting the scoop on the toys that could be 2012's hits Top-10 Most-Wanted Wooden Toys (3/1/2012) Wooden toys are a staple of specialty toy stores, so TDmonthly Magazine interviewed retailers to find out which ones were selling the best Specialty Toy Videos from 2012 New York International Toy Fair (3/1/2012) TDmonthly Magazine's reporters were on the floor of the Javit's Center at the 2012 New York International Toy Fair, scouting out interesting new specialty products and uploading videos each day Top 10 Toys of 2012 New York International Toy Fair (3/1/2012) We've been to the fair, we've seen the toys, and now we need to know - which will be the breakaway hits of 2012? Top 10 Girls Toys of 2012 New York International Toy Fair (3/1/2012) Technology was the biggest buzzword at this year's Toy Fair, and the tech influence can be seen in many of the most talked about girls toys from the fair Top 10 Boys Toys at 2012 New York International Toy Fair (3/1/2012) The predominant trend for boys toys at this year's Toy Fair seemed to be the integration of technology with entertainment properties Top-10 Most-Wanted Games (3/1/2012) There were a lot of familiar titles mentioned in this month's Top-10 Most-Wanted Games Optimism, Innovation Characterize 2012 New York Toy Fair (3/1/2012) Didn't make it to Toy Fair? Not to worry! TDmonthly Magazine kept track of the latest Toy Industry news during the 2012 New York International Toy Fair and closely monitored the hot new trends being spotted on the floor of the Javits Center Toy Industry Experts: What Lies Ahead in 2012 (3/1/2012) Toy Fair may be over, but 2012 is just getting started. That's why TDmonthly Magazine consulted two industry experts on what to expect, business wise and product wise, in the coming year Get Ready For the Holidays - Now! (3/1/2012) At Toy Fair, manufacturers showcase their latest, hottest products, many of which won't be released till Fall, just in time for the holidays. But when do retailers really start ordering? Toy Videos from 2012 New York International Toy Fair (3/1/2012) TDmonthly Magazine went to Toy Fair to hunt down toys that were high-quality, high-play value, and bound to do well in specialty stores Mass-Market Toy Videos from 2012 New York International Toy Fair (3/1/2012) TDmonthly Magazine sent our videographers and reporters to the floor of the Javits Center for the New York International Toy Fair 2012, where they took videos of new products every day Tech Toys from 2012 New York International Toy Fair (2/1/2012) The Toy Industry Association has declared 2012 the year of the AppCessory, and TDmonthly Magazine's reporters saw no shortage of app-based and tech toys at the 2012 New York International Toy Fair Top-10 Most-Wanted Arts & Crafts Toys (2/1/2012) When TDmonthly interviewed 13 retailers in January 2012 about their best selling arts and crafts toys, 10 of the 13 said that items from THE ORB FACTORY LIMITED were top sellers Top-10 Most-Wanted Musical Toys (2/1/2012) In 2011 digital music sales surpassed physical album sales for the first time, according to a report by CNN. It is perhaps unsurprising, then, that when TDmonthly interviewed retailers about their best selling CDs and musical toys, 10 of the 13 said that they don't sell CDs at all anymore. Q&A With Thierry Denoual, co-founder of Blue Orange (2/1/2012) Blue Orange Games may only be ten years old, but since its founding, the company has been creating high-quality, eco-friendly games that could arguably be called "new classics" Toy Fair Preview - Manufacturers' Anticipated Hits (2/1/2012) Whether you're looking for new toys from your favorite company, or searching for up-and-comers with the next big thing, doing research for Toy Fair ahead of time with TDmonthly's Toy Fair Previews can help your quest go smoothly Q&A with Scott Jochim, Creator of Popar Toys (2/1/2012) Imagine reading a book about bugs...then seeing one spring to life from the pages of the book itself. Popar Toys is using Augmented Reality to help kids experience just that Retailers Speak: 2012's Hot New Toys (2/1/2012) It's the New Year, and there is one question on everyone's mind - what will be the hot toy of 2012? TDmonthly had the opportunity to ask retailers what toys they want to bring into their store the most, and how they go about hunting for the best new products. Q&A With Dax Logue, Creator of Sqwishland LLC (2/1/2012) Entering or leaving a toy store can provide an unbearable temptation for children - there, at the entrance, several small machines dispense candy, stickers, and even small toys, all at kid-friendly prices 2012 New York Toy Fair Toy Trends, Toy Buzz, and Toy News (2/1/2012) TDmonthly Magazine kept track of the latest Toy Industry news during the 2012 New York International Toy Fair and closely monitored the hot new trends being spotted on the floor of the Javits center New York Toy Fair 2012 Hot and Buzzworthy Toys (2/1/2012) The 2012 New York International Toy Fair is over, and media outlets are buzzing over which toys will be 2012's biggest hits Top-10 Most-Wanted Halloween Products (1/1/2012) What's the key to raking in Halloween sales? When TDmonthly Magazine interviewed 12 retailers about their best selling Halloween items, they told us their Halloween sales tricks 30 Products From First Time Exhibitors (1/1/2012) TDmonthly Magazine has the scoop on products from first time exhibitors at American International Toy Fair 2012 Toy Fair Preview 2012 - Toys and More (1/1/2012) TDmonthly Magazine wanted to know which toys would be the biggest hits at Toy Fair 2012 - so we asked! Toy Fair Preview 2012 - Games, Kits, and Activity Sets (1/1/2012) The (potential) hits keep coming with TDmonthly Magazine's Toy Fair Preview TDmonthly Top Toy Award Winners January 2012 (1/1/2012) TDmonthly Magazine is excited to announce our TDmonthly Top Toy Award winners for January 2012. Watch Toy Videos of the Day (12/26/2011-12/30/2011) (1/1/2012) We want you to see the toys we see, so you can determine if they're right for your store Q&A With Blake English, Inventor of Air Swimmers (1/1/2012) When TDmonthly saw the Air Swimmers at Toy Fair 2011 in New York they were already generating a buzz. Now, nearly a year later, Air Swimmers inventor Blake English has won the Rising Star Inventor of the Year TAGIE Award Q&A With Rory O'Connor, Inventor of Rory's Story Cubes (1/1/2012) Rory O'Connor, inventor of the wildly popular Rory's Story Cubes, talks about the importance of prototypes, forging strong licensing partnerships, and how his various studies in everything from puppetry to guided self-healing helped him achieve success 14 High Quality Gifts You Don't Want to Miss (12/1/2011) Still looking for the perfect gift? Don't despair! TDmonthly has put together this list of high quality products to choose from Top-7 Most-Wanted Hobby Items (12/1/2011) When TDmonthly interviewed specialty retailers about their top selling hobby goods, remote controlled toys outstripped the competition by miles Top-10 Most-Wanted Aircraft and Flying Toys (12/1/2011) When TDmonthly interviewed retailers in November of 2011 about their top selling flying toys and aircraft, the answers varied from simple balsa wood gliders to the explosive Stomp Rocket Top-10 Most-Wanted Educational Products and School Supplies (12/1/2011) When TDmonthly asked retailers about their best selling educational products and school supplies in November of 2011, the most mentioned products were classic Brain Quest cards from WORKMAN PUBLISHING Q&A With Michele Berman, Creator of ZAZOO KiDS (12/1/2011) Michele Berman's second child just wouldn't sleep through the night, so the now-mother-of-three took matters into her own hands Q&A With Bonnie Morantz, President and Co-founder of Number Effect Inc (12/1/2011) Bonnie Morantz, co-founder of Number Effect Inc, talks about launching the online/collectible tween brand BunkiMunki, overcoming the odds as a woman in business, and the market research that went into creating the new product November Staff Picks (11/1/2011) From technological innovation to deceptive simplicity, November's staff picks offer something for everyone Top-10 Most-Wanted Jewelry and Accessories (11/1/2011) When TDmonthly asked retailers about their best selling jewelry and accessories in an October 2011 survey, four out of 12 said that classic Mood Rings were their top item 9 Manufacturers Share: The Best Advice, Worst Advice, and Biggest Mistakes (11/1/2011) The opinion of others - industry peers, friends, and family - can hold a lot of stake when you're trying to grow a fledgling business Q & A With Wendy Bryan, Creator of I Heart Guts (11/1/2011) We had the opportunity to speak with Wendy Bryan, the creator of I Heart Guts Top-10 Most-Wanted Tween Products (11/1/2011) For tween-aged kids, it's all about making a statement, with accessories, kits and décor Top-7 Most-Wanted Keepsake and Personalized Items (11/1/2011) TDmonthly recently interviewed 12 retailers about their best selling personalized and keepsake items 5 Manufacturers Answer: Why Go Green? (11/1/2011) TDmonthly spoke with five manufacturers and asked them: Why is it important for children to play with "green," eco-friendly toys? Q & A With Jason Cohen, President of Smart Gear Toys (11/1/2011) What do you do if you can't find the perfect product for your child? When Jason Cohen was faced with such a predicament, he decided to just go ahead and create his own Q & A With Michael McGinnis, Inventor of Perplexus (11/1/2011) TDmonthly had the chance to interview Michael McGinnis, inventor of the popular Perplexus 3-D maze game and a 2011 TAGIE Awards Rising Star nominee. Top-10 Most-Wanted Novelty Items (10/1/2011) When TDmonthly asked retailers about their best selling novelty items in a September 2011 survey, they listed everything from portable Pocket Volcanoes to a toy Broom and Dustpan Q & A With Pat Gesualdo, Pioneer of Drum Therapy (10/1/2011) Pat Gesualdo, founder of non-profit D.A.D. (Drums and Disabilites) and creator of the Drum Therapy Kit for children with special needs, formed his company after overcoming his own disability through drumming. Q & A With Kate Nicolson, co-Founder of O.B. Designs (10/1/2011) Kate Nicolson started O.B. Designs with her business partner Leesa Hallahan when they realized there was a lack of unique, high-quality baby toys on the market. Top-10 Most-Wanted Card Games (10/1/2011) When TDmonthly asked 14 retailers in September 2011 what their top-selling card games were, their responses ranged from classics like Old Maid to relative new-comers like Cabo from EVENTIDE GAMES Top-10 Most-Wanted Science & Nature Toys (10/1/2011) These educational toys encourage kids to exercise their minds while having fun Top-10 Most-Wanted Candy & Food (10/1/2011) When TDmonthly interviewed retailers in October 2011 about their best selling candy and food, a combination of unique and inexpensive items made the Top-10 list. Retailing Tips: Storing Holiday Inventory (10/1/2011) One of the biggest challenges of managing a retail store during the holidays isn't deciding what to order — it's finding somewhere to put the merchandise once it's delivered October Holiday Preview - Specialty Retailers' 15 Anticipated Hits (10/1/2011) Big box stores around the country are releasing their hot toy lists for the 2011 holiday season, but if you sell Specialty, lists featuring high-ticket mass-market items aren't helpful for your store Q & A With Jim Tomaszewski, Founder of Lil' Iguana (10/1/2011) Some people make children's products to bring fun and happiness into a kids lives. And some, like Jim Tomaszewski, start making children's products to prevent tragedy. It's Unanimous: Manufacturers Say ABC Expo Is Essential (10/1/2011) The ABC Kids Expo commenced in Louisville, Ky. September 23-26. TDmonthly was there to take videos of exciting new products, and we got to speak with manufacturers about what they thought about this year's show. 5 Book Reviews - Board Books, YA Novels, And More (10/1/2011) In our latest batch of book reviews, we learn about turkeys, meet a brave bunny, and read about a cat living her last day CD Reviews: Funky and Folky New Music for Kids (10/1/2011) A folky offering from Chip Taylor, a Celtic Christmas romp, and a multi-genre whirlwind are discussed in these three CD reviews Q & A With David Schreiber, President of Uncle Skunkle (9/1/2011) David Schreiber, president of Uncle Skunkle, came up with the idea for his first game when he was in 6th grade. 20 years later he saw his idea become a reality Q & A With Betty Morris, Creator of Shrinky Dinks (9/1/2011) Betty Morris was a housewife and mother of three when she and her Cub Scout troop co-leader (Kate Bloomberg) came up with a fun arts & crafts activity for their troop Top-7 Most-Wanted Action Figures (9/1/2011) When TDmonthly Magazine interviewed retailers for a Summer 2011 survey about best-selling action figures, four out of the 14 said that figurines from Papo were their best-sellers. Top-10 Most-Wanted Die-Cast Toys (9/1/2011) When TDmonthly interviewed 14 retailers about their best-selling die-cast toys, four said they don't carry any in their stores - but maybe they should. Top-10 Most-Wanted Collectibles (9/1/2011) When TDmonthly interviewed 14 retailers about their best-selling collectibles in Summer 2011 five named dolls from Alexander Doll Co. (Madame Alexander) as their best-sellers. Q & A With Jon Capriola, Creator of Laser Pegs (9/1/2011) We had the chance to speak with Capriola, creator of Laser Pegs, about their creation, as well as what projects they have on the horizon. 10 Manufacturers on the Challenges Faced in the Toy Industry (9/1/2011) TDmonthly asked manufacturers about the obstacles they’ve had to overcome on the road to success on the road to success Holiday Preview: 6 Toymakers Share Their Anticipated Hits (9/1/2011) Many retailers do their holiday buying between April and October, so we’re sharing with you seven new products that manufacturers told TDmonthly Magazine will be their best sellers for the Holiday season Holiday Preview: 9 Plush Gifts (9/1/2011) Need a meaningful gift to offer your customers or young family members this Holiday season? Look no further! 11 Manufacturers Speak: What Inspired Me to Create My First Product (9/1/2011) Have you ever looked at a toy and wondered (for better or for worse!), "how did someone think that up?" These 11 manufacturers tell us how they came up with their first product idea. Q & A With K. S. Hong, President of Aurora World Inc. (8/1/2011) We recently got in touch with Aurora World Inc. to find out how the company has weathered new toy safety regulations, improved on old products, and branched out into television Q & A With Carol Fenster, CEO of Baby Abuelita Productions (8/1/2011) Some people told Fenster that no one would ever want to buy a grandparent doll, but by its second year of business the company was making over $1 million a year Top-10 Most-Wanted Puzzles (8/1/2011) When TDmonthly Magazine interviewed 12 retailers about their best-selling puzzles in Summer 2011, items from Melissa & Doug and Ravensburger were far and away the favorites Video Interview With Christine Andrews, VP of Design at Douglas Cuddle Toys (8/1/2011) Christine Andrews, VP of Design at Douglas Cuddle Toys, tells how branching out into more fashionable and modern fabrics has helped Douglas Cuddle Toy expand their customer base 9 Manufacturers Speak: What It Takes to Bring A Product to Market (8/1/2011) Bringing a new toy or game to market can be incredibly daunting. TDmonthly Magazine talked with manufacturers and asked them what it took, time-wise and money-wise, to get their products on store shelves. Top-10 Must-Have Toys (8/1/2011) Lots of toys come and go, but these toys have remained on our Top-10 lists for years Q&A with Suzi Wilczynski, Founder of Dig-It! Games (8/1/2011) TDmonthly had a chance to speak with Suzi Wilczynski, creator of the computer game "Roman Town" and founder of Dig-It! Games, whose product not only seeks to entertain and educate all who play, but also to interest more young girls in science and computer technology. Top-10 Most-Wanted Electronic Toys (8/1/2011) In a summer 2011 survey about best-selling electronic toys, HEXBUGs from Innovation First Labs topped the list, followed by R/C Vehicles from Kid Galaxy 10 Manufacturers Share Their Keys To Success In the Toy/Juvenile Products Industry (8/1/2011) If you're thinking about getting into the toy business or are looking for some guidance, who better to get advice from than people already in the industry? TDmonthly Top Toy Award Winners August 2011 (8/1/2011) TDmonthly Magazine is excited to announce our TDmonthly Top Toy Award winners for August 2011. Q&A With Maureen Farinella, CEO of Mark-My-Time (8/1/2011) Maureen Farinella tells TDmonthly how a careful balancing of priorities, as well as strong customer service, have helped her company thrive Q&A With Ross Richardson, Founder of Worx Toys (8/1/2011) Ross Richardson, the founder of Worx Toys Inc., tells us how his own son’s curiosity inspired the creation of the company Top-10 Most-Wanted Plush and Puppets (7/1/2011) When TDmonthly interviewed 15 retailers about their best-selling Plush and Puppets in late Spring 2011, more than half of respondents said animal puppets from Folkmanis were their best-sellers. Q & A With John Shelley, Creator of the Bag-O-Loot Card Game (7/1/2011) When TDmonthly Magazine spoke with John Shelley, creator of the up-and-coming card game Bag-O-Loot, he had lots of advice to share with aspiring game designers, based on his recent venture into the toy and game industry. 10 Questions With Greg Zima, President of GaZima Games, Inc. (7/1/2011) TDmonthly Magazine had a chance to speak with Greg Zima of GaZima Games, Inc., creators of the award-winning game Stomple!. He shared with us his insight on the game development process Top-10 Most-Wanted Dolls (7/1/2011) When TDmonthly interviewed 14 retailers in early Summer 2011 about their best-selling doll, a whopping 71% of them named Corolle Dolls as their best-selling brand Top-10 Most-Wanted Furniture and Play Houses (7/1/2011) In a Summer 2011 survey of 14 retailers, 50% of those TDmonthly spoke to said they didn't carry furniture or playhouses at all. Noodle Head's Purr-fect Plush Gifts Will Bow-Wow Your Customers (7/1/2011) Noodle Head Inc's popular Pawparazzi sets will be available just in time for the holidays in a new value line, perfect for customers who've had to pinch their pennies in the recent tough economy. TDmonthly Top Toy Award Winners June 2011 (6/1/2011) TDmonthly Magazine is excited to announce our 8 TDmonthly Top Toy Award winners for June 2011 Top-10 Most-Wanted Construction Toys (6/1/2011) When TDmonthly Magazine interviewed 12 retailers around the country about their best-selling construction toys in Spring 2011, building sets from LEGO topped most lists Top-10 Most-Wanted Activity Kits and Playsets (6/1/2011) In a survey of twelve retailers in late Spring 2011, TDmonthly found that Calico Critters was the best-selling brand of playset for a third of respondents Top-10 Most-Wanted Licensed Toys (6/1/2011) In late Spring 2011, TDmonthly interviewed 12 retailers about their best-selling licensed toys. There was one property that was mentioned almost across the board: Star Wars 13 Hot Products For The 2011 Holiday Season (6/1/2011) It's time to start buying for 4Q, so TDmonthly Magazine asked manufacturers what they have in store for the Holiday season. ASTRA Preview: General Games (6/1/2011) View new games from companies who will be attending the ASTRA Marketplace & Academy this year. Zometool Warns: It’s Education or Obsolescence (6/1/2011) Paul Hildebrandt from Zometool is adamant that in today’s high-tech world, Zometool and other toys are only as valuable as they are educational Classic Company Navigates High-Tech Market (6/1/2011) In a recent interview, the president of HABA USA stressed the importance of brand-management and tech-savvy business moves in today's ever fluctuating market. ASTRA Preview: Educational and Developmental Toys (6/1/2011) View Educational and Developmental toys from companies who will be attending the ASTRA Marketplace & Academy. ASTRA Preview: Plush Toys (6/1/2011) View Plush toys from companies who will be attending the ASTRA Marketplace & Academy. ASTRA Preview: New Twists on Classic Toys (6/1/2011) These new products put a fun spin on classic toys and games. ASTRA Preview: Fun For Under $20 (6/1/2011) These cost-effective toys from companies attending the 2011 ASTRA Marketplace & Academy don't skimp on the fun. ASTRA Preview: Creative Activities (6/1/2011) These products from companies who are exhibiting at the ASTRA Marketplace & Academy encourage imaginative and creative play. ASTRA Preview: Outdoor Fun and Action Toys (6/1/2011) These toys from companies who are exhibiting at the ASTRA Marketplace & Academy encourage kids to exercise their bodies and minds. ASTRA Preview: New Companies (6/1/2011) Check out products from some of the newer companies who will be exhibiting at this year's ASTRA Marketplace & Academy ASTRA Marketplace & Academy Preview (6/1/2011) ASTRA's Marketplace & Academy is taking place June 19-22 in Anaheim, Calif., and TDmonthly Magazine tracked down specialty retailers who had previously attended to find out why it's an event not to be missed Top-10 Most-Wanted Bath Toys (5/1/2011) When TDmonthly Magazine asked retailers what their best-selling bath toys were, 11 of the 12 surveyed mentioned products by ALEX-PANLINE USA INC. Top-5 Most-Wanted Travel Toys and Games (5/1/2011) Summer vacation is approaching, so TDmonthly asked retailers about their best-selling Travel Toys and Games Top-10 Most-Wanted Infant & Toddler Toys (5/1/2011) TDmonthly surveyed retailers in late Spring 2011 to find out what the hottest toys were in the infant & toddler category Mixed Messages Can Harm Our Children (4/1/2011) As parents, we let our children know that being touched in or around their private parts is not okay. However, one little girl received very mixed messages about touching at an airport in New Orleans. Toy Fair Wrap-Up (4/1/2011) TDmonthly's seasoned toy experts were on the floor at Toy Fair 2011, and on the lookout for the latest trends, hottest toys, and intriguing newcomers. Toy Fair 2011 Top Trends (4/1/2011) TDmonthly Magazine's toy experts went to the American International Toy Fair to scope out the year's hottest trends. Let's Get Physical (4/1/2011) Some speculated that the number of toys encouraging movement and outdoor fun were a result of Michelle Obama's “Let's Move” campaign Mass-Market Madness (4/1/2011) Every year there are mass-market manufacturers who put out toys that get lots of attention, even before Toy Fair. Specialty Standouts (4/1/2011) Of course the mainstream, mass-market toys caught a lot of buzz at Toy Fair in New York. But what about the little guys? Toy Fair And The Year Ahead (4/1/2011) This year, several specialty items caught attendees' attention by the merits of their design and execution alone. What Is an Eco-Friendly Baby Toy? (4/1/2011) Most manufacturers claim to have eco-friendly baby toys. But what does that mean for kids and the environment? Top-10 Girls Toys at Toy Fair 2011 (3/1/2011) Over 1,000 exhibitors showed their products at the American International Toy Fair in New York this week- these toys for girls were the standouts Top-10 Boy Toys at Toy Fair 2011 (3/1/2011) One of the most prevalent trends this year at the American International Toy Fair in New York was the huge amount of movie-tie ins. This seemed to be especially true of the most talked about boys' toys Top-10 Toys at Toy Fair 2011 (3/1/2011) Out of the thousands of toys presented by more than 1,000 exhibitors at the American International Toy Fair in New York, several hotly anticipated toys have emerged into the media spotlight Making Toys Safe (1/1/2011) Every parent worries about their child coming into contact with germs— and what objects gather more germs than toys? |
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