WHAT’S NEW Yo-yo companies YOMEGA CORP. and YOYOJAM INC. have teamed up to create an innovative new line of high-performance plastic yo-yos. The YoYoJam from Yomega collection includes three yoyos specifically designed by skill level from beginner to professional. The line includes an updated version of YoYoJam’s Journey yo-yo, which is a great model for learning and practicing basic string tricks. Firestorm is a new model that stands out with its bold look and solid feel, while Odyssey is a new take on the veteran yo-yo Surge, made for advanced yo-yoers. YoYoJam from Yomega will be available at traditional and online toy and hobby retailers. YoYoJam Inc. works directly with champion yo-yoers worldwide to create products designed “by the player for the player.” The line is produced in the U.S. by YoYoJam and distributed by Yomega. The Sea-Quarium, from DUNECRAFT, provides kids with everything they need to start a living and breathing underwater environment. Once the lilypad sprouts and the fairy shrimp hatch, kids can place the Sea-Quarium in the sun or use the LED lights to grow the algae for the shrimp to feed on. Kids can grow several generations of fairy shrimp with a life span of six to eight weeks with the starter edition. The deluxe edition includes an LED light that changes colors from red to blue and a hydro-pump to aerate the water. The tank features a bowed front panel with magnifying portals so kids can watch the aquatic ecosystem grow. The Sea-Quarium was designed in collaboration with a professor who spent his career studying these organisms. CJ PRODUCTS INC. introduces Tricksters Helmets, a line of Pillow Pets-inspired plush helmets available in five character styles, including Rainbow Bear, Flower Power Cat, Lulu Leopard, Comfy Panda, and Snuggly Puppy. Tricksters helmets are safety-certified for bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades, and scooters, and feature an adjustable dial on the back to ensure a perfect fit and a secure strap that attaches underneath the chin. There are two availble sizes: small, for kids ages 3 to 5, and medium, for kids ages 5 to 7. Tricksters helmets make bicycle safety fun for kids, encourage them to exercise, and allow them to bring their favorite Pillow Pets along for the ride. The plush on the helmet can be cleaned with soap, gentle washing, and towel-drying. GIRLZNDOLLZ introduces Lil’Totz for kids ages 3 and up and Just2Girlz for kids ages 5 and up. These collections feature soft rag dolls that include outfits and accessories and are packaged in a reusable dollhouse. Leila, Victoria, Emme, Cameron, and the rest of both collections allow girls to connect to their dolls through their individual bios and mantra, “I am me.” Each doll is based on a real life character and has a unique fashion style, hobby, and favorite color. The dolls represent a range of ethnicities, encouraging girls to learn acceptance for each other and themselves.
SPECIALTY TOYS & GIFTS
S8
MARCH/APRIL 2014