Stressed out? TDmonthly Magazine's toy videos from 2010 trade shows have some easy, low-cost solutions for easing the tension. Try splatting an egg, stretching putty or a penguin's hair, or creating unlimited designs with a set of tiny constructors from Nano Magnetics.
Nanodots 216 Magnetic Constructors by NANO MAGNETICS LTD.
Nanodots are sets of spherical magnets (dots) held together by magnetic force. You can use them as a stress ball, putty, or constructor to build fascinating creations. Inspired by the miniature craft of nanotechnology, Nanodots are designed to supply players of all skill levels with endless fun and creativity, wherever they go. The magnets are protected by a shiny resilient surface with anti-bacterial properties, offering the benefit of industrial, kid-proof strength in a lightweight form. "There is no predefined set of rules one has to follow. As the players advance their skill levels, they experiment with magnetic properties and discover a diversity of unique applications. Nanodots can be rearranged into an infinite number of formations and original compositions," Tim Szeto, Director of Sales & Marketing, Nano Magnetics Ltd., told TDmonthly. Available in Original ($29.99), Black/Silver ($34.99), and Gold ($39.99). Launch date: September 2009. — Jeanette Lauture, owner of Aunt Jean 's Toys and Treats in Montclair, N.J., sells about three Nanodots per week, she said in autumn 2010.
Do you like your eggs hard-boiled or sunny-side up? Well you can have both with this egg. Have it whole or make it SPLAT sunny-side up! When thrown onto the ground, SplatBacks splat into a flat, liquid-looking mess, then morph back into their original shape.
Straws and Connectors - 230 piece set by ROYLCO INC
Straws and Connectors are colorful plastic straws and connector pieces that are simple to use for hours of imaginative play. Children can make play houses and forts, design buildings, or even engineer spacecrafts with this design and build set. The package contains 230 pieces and includes an idea guide.
Deep black with subtle green sparkles, this slightly stiffer Thinking Putty has a mind of its own. Near a powerful magnet it comes alive! Strong enough to defy gravity. It can even lift tacks and paperclips on its own after charging in a magnetic field. One would be mesmerized by the invisible forces at play. — Candace Gooch, owner of At Once All Agog in Limerick, Maine, told TDmonthlyin July 2010 that this product is one of her top-three best sellers. She cited sales of 12 in the last month and three in the last week. — In a late Summer 2012 survey, three out of 12 retailers said Crazy Aaron's Thinking Putty was their bestselling novelty item. Richard Gibson, owner of Learning Express of Newton in Newton, Mass., told TDmonthly that the putty brings in $5-6,000 a year, and "the best is the magnetic one." — In a Fall 2013 survey, three out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that Crazy Aaron's Thinking Putty was their best-selling novelty toy.
This 4D educational biology series includes kits on human anatomy, cell and plant biology, and animal figures complete with anatomical guide. Tedco's 4D Vision Anatomy Kits expand to include cross-section models of Sea Life and Mammals. Launch date: 2010.
Writer's Bio: Julie L. Jones has written articles for both newspapers and magazines. Before joining the staff of TDmonthly Magazine, she worked as a communications writer and provided editorial support for a market research company. Read more articles by this author
Writer's Bio: Julie L. Jones has written articles for both newspapers and magazines. Before joining the staff of TDmonthly Magazine, she worked as a communications writer and provided editorial support for a market research company. Read more articles by this author
