Syndicate
Toys"R"Us® Announces 2012 Holiday Hot Toy List
A Toy-Rrific Doctor, Giants from Skylands, a Micro-Charged Speedway, Kid-Friendly Tablets and a Fur-bulous Blast from the Past, Among the Toys Expected to Top Kids' Wish Lists This Christmas
WAYNE, N.J., Sept. 19, 2012 -- To provide insight into the most in-demand toys of the 2012 holiday shopping season, today Toys"R"Us® officially unwrapped its annual Holiday Hot Toy List, providing a starting point for parents and gift-givers to create their Christmas shopping checklists. The list of 36 new playthings, available in-store and online at Toysrus.com/HotToys, is the result of the company's yearlong search across the globe to identify items that are sure to top kids' wish lists in the months ahead. Beginning today, gift givers who want to be sure they can secure items named to the 2012 Toys"R"Us Holiday Hot Toy List, ending the mad dash to find that "must have" toy in the days leading to Christmas, can take advantage of the company's new Hot Toy Reservation program. Through this program, customers can reserve any of the 36 toys named to the list, as well as 14 additional Holiday Hot Toy List "contenders," now through October 31.
"At Toys"R"Us, we live and breathe toys 365 days a year, and we've spent the past 12 months scouring the world for the most amazing new toy introductions to offer our customers this Christmas," said Lisa Harnisch, Senior Vice President, General Merchandising Manager, Toys"R"Us, U.S. "Putting together this official guide to holiday toy shopping is never easy, but our track record for identifying the hottest toys of the season year after year is well established. That's why we're excited also to introduce our first-ever Hot Toy Reservation program, providing gift givers the ability to obtain any of the 50 toys we – as THE toy authority – believe will be among the most sought-after playthings of the season."
Ending that Last-Minute Search for the Season's Hottest Toys
The new Hot Toy Reservation program is designed to bring peace of mind to gift-givers who want to ensure they have secured that coveted toy for the child on their list without the stress of frantically searching for it – and maybe not finding it – in the heat of the holiday shopping frenzy. This complimentary service takes the legwork and anxiety out of the hunt and is available at all Toys"R"Us stores nationwide* for the 50 toys named to the company's Holiday Hot Toy List, including list "contenders," whether or not the item is currently in-stock at the time of purchase. **
Shoppers can visit the Customer Service desk at their local Toys"R"Us store to place orders for eligible items, with a 20% down payment, now through October 31.*** Customers will receive an e-mail notification when their orders are available and have until December 16 to pick up their purchases.**** More information about Hot Toy Reservation can be found in-store and online at http://Toysrus.com/ToyReservation.
Hot Toys and More Get Social Play
Leading up to Christmas, the company's official fan page, http://Facebook.com/Toysrus, will offer information on hot toys, savings opportunities, special services such as Free Layaway, and much more. In a fun and informative way, the page will continually showcase the season's most anticipated products. Beginning this week, "Fabulous 15 Friday" will highlight the "best of the best" items of the season, while "Hot Toy Tuesday" will feature other items found on the 2012 Holiday Hot Toy List. Shoppers unsure of what gift to get the child in their life can ask questions on http://Facebook.com/Toysrus, where toy experts will help them find the perfect present.
Toys"R"Us will provide ongoing Hot Toy updated to those who follow @Toysrus on Twitter. Those interested in following the conversation can also do so by searching #HotToys. Additionally, shoppers can explore, comment on, and repin each of the items in a new Pinboard, viewable at http://Pinterest.com/Toysrus.
Vast Breadth of Assortment, Including Items that Cannot be Found Anywhere Else
With stores in 35 countries and jurisdictions outside the United States, Toys"R"Us shops the globe, working with manufacturers and inventors to offer the best and broadest selection of toys, including thousands of items available only at Toys"R"Us. Whether gift-givers are shopping for a LEGO® enthusiast, Monster High® fanatic, Beyblade battler or Lalaloopsy™ lover, Toys"R"Us stores have more toys from each of these major brands, plus aisle upon aisle of additional offerings.
Knowledgeable Assistance and Daily Deliveries of Hot Toys
Shoppers visit Toys"R"Us knowing that toy-trained associates speak with authority when helping them navigate the store as they seek the perfect gift for the little ones on their shopping list. With trucks filled with new toy deliveries arriving daily throughout the holiday shopping season, parents and gift-givers have the best chance of finding the hottest toys, in-stock at Toys"R"Us.
* Hot Toy Reservation is not available at Express or Outlet stores.
**Reservation quantities may be subject to product availability from manufacturer.
***Certain electronics items will require different payment terms. In the event of any cancellation, a full refund less the deposit will be refunded in-person at the store where the original Hot Toy Reservation order was placed. Restrictions vary by state. See Terms & Conditions for complete program details.
****Required pick up date will vary for select electronics items.
THE TOYS"R"US "FABULOUS 15" – THE BEST OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON
Following are the Toys"R"Us "Fabulous 15," representing the best new toys of the 2012 holiday season (listed in alphabetical order):
THE TOYS"R"US 2012 HOLIDAY HOT TOY LIST
From Baby's First Christmas to Big Kids, the 2012 Toys"R"Us Holiday Hot Toy List represents the top new toys for 2012 in each age group:
Baby's First Christmas
PLAYSKOOL Rocktivity Sit, Crawl 'n Stand Band™ from Hasbro®
It's a one-baby band! Complete with a keyboard, drums, guitar and even a jukebox to lay the track, this Toys"R"Us exclusive features all the instruments little ones need to make great music. Whether sitting, crawling or standing, babies can jam with digitally recreated modern rock and pop tunes. This rockin' toy will help develop fine and gross motor skills, as well as coordination and sensory skills as tiny tots get up and move to the beats. 3 "AA" batteries required (included). Ages 6 to 36 months.
13 months to 2 years
Cruise Groove Ballapalooza from Fisher-Price®
This fun-filled playset features twists and turns for tons of action-reaction play, encouraging toddlers to work toward key physical milestones. The center tower displays lights that will stimulate babies' senses, as they drop any of the eight included colorful balls onto the ramps or bat at the paddle wheel. When tiny tots are ready to crawl, they can go right through the gate, which spins all the way around, or they can go under the arch to set off lights and sounds. Little ones who are able to stand and cruise can place the balls onto the top ramps to shoot them out before they go down ramps. 4 "C" batteries required (not included). Ages 6 months to 3 years.
2 to 4 years
Bounce Bounce Tigger from Just Play™
"The wonderful thing about Tiggers" is that they bounce! And, kids will love hopping along with this animatronic version of the classic Winnie the Pooh character as he uses his tail – just like a spring – while singing "Bounce Bounce." Playtime with Tigger continues as he giggles when his foot is touched, sways in sync to music and "wiggity-wiggity-wiggles" to his own silly tune. 4 "AA" batteries required (included). Ages 3 years and up.
Doc McStuffins "Time For Your Check Up" doll from Just Play™
Future physicians can bring home this dolled-up version of their favorite play doctor. Based on the Disney Jr. show Doc McStuffins, kids will love singing along to the "check up" song as they nurture their own toys. Doc can speak more than ten phrases straight from her hit show and can also bring her included stuffed friend Lambie to life with the touch of her stethoscope. 7 "AG13" button cell batteries required (included). Ages 3 years and up.
MAGFORCE Command Center from Toys"R"Us®
Kids can get the job done on their very own multi-level construction site using the power of magnetic forces. With two magnetic figurines, children can activate the worksite equipment – making the included crane and dump truck come to life. Traveling via elevator and completing tasks, such as opening the garage, moving beams, rocks and logs, is all accomplished without pushing a button. No batteries required. Ages 3 and up.
Lalaloopsy™ Silly Hair Stars Harmony B. Sharp™ from MGA Entertainment®
This show-stopping Lalaloopsy is the first in the line to talk, sing and have "dancing" hair. Harmony B. Sharp is always prepared to perform for fans and loves to be the center of attention. To get her to sing a new tune, kids can simply change her hairstyle with one of five included snap-on accessories and hats. And, kids will love the included tiny kitty that chimes in as Harmony B. Sharp sings songs, tells jokes and plays games. 4 "AA" batteries required (included). Ages 4 years and up.
Minnie's Flipping Fun Kitchen from Just Play™
Minnie Mouse fans will adore this fun-filled, talking kitchen, sure to stimulate imaginative play as they prepare pretend meals on the stovetop while hearing realistic cooking sounds and Minnie phrases. Kids can flip the sink to reveal a hidden cutting board, spin the recipe card holder to reveal Minnie's favorite recipes, or lift the dish rack to reveal a hidden Milkshake Maker. A spinning Lazy Susan, play stove and refrigerator with rack, along with 13 accessories, including a flipping frying pan, play pancake and much more, completes this adorable Minnie Mouse kitchen. 2 "AA" batteries required (not included). Ages 3 years and up.
Jake and the Never Land Pirates Jake's Musical Pirate Ship Bucky from Fisher-Price®
Sailing out of the hit Disney Jr. animated television series, this vessel based on Bucky the boat is ready to take junior swashbucklers on a Neverland adventure. Rocking and rolling when pushed along any surface, Bucky can bring Jake, along with his parrot Skully, to their next battle with Captain Hook. Kids can really live a pirate's life through multiple pirate-themed phrases and songs, while firing fire "water" out of the ship's cannon or staging a surprise attack from Tick Tock Crock. 3 "AA" batteries required (not included). Ages 3 years and up.
Peppa Pig™ Peek 'n Surprise Playhouse from Fisher-Price®
Kids can now have a playdate with Peppa! This Toys"R"Us exclusive playset, based on Peppa's house from the hit Nick Jr. show, is filled with 15 play pieces and lots of fun features. Peppa's house opens to reveal four rooms of play and fun transforming furniture, including a sink that switches from messy to clean and a kitchen table that can get ready for dinnertime. Peppa and George figures are included too. Designed for easy portability, the playhouse folds closed and includes a carry handle, so kids can take Peppa with them wherever they go. No batteries required. Ages 3 years and up.
Pillow Pets® Dream Lites from Ontel Products Corporation®
With the push of a button on these cozy characters, little ones can create starry skies in their own rooms. These plush pets come in various styles, including a dog, unicorn, penguin, butterfly and giraffe that illuminate ceilings with stars and glow as a comforting night-light to help create a peaceful bedtime environment. And, a 20-minute sleep-timer mode is included so children can fall asleep under the stars. 3 "AAA" batteries required (not included). Ages 3 years and up.
The Original Big Wheel™ Racer from Kids Only, a division of JAKKS Pacific®
Spinning out of 1969, classic three-wheel racer has a giant 16-inch front wheel, making it perfect for cruising any neighborhood. Recreated in its original red, blue and yellow look, kids can use the three-position "Grow with Me Seat" to comfortably continue riding as they get older. No batteries required. Ages 3 to 8 years.
5 to 7 years
Friends Summer Riding Camp from LEGO® Systems, Inc.
Upon entering the gates of this ultimate Horseback Riding Camp, LEGO fans can create riding lesson scenarios and more with the included selection of horses, saddles, brushes and everything needed to enjoy and take care of these majestic play pals. Riding enthusiasts Emma, Stephanie and Ella, are ready to practice their favorite pastime with instructor Theresa. This Toys"R"Us exclusive set, which contains 1,112 pieces, can also be built to feature a canteen for mealtime and a campfire setting where the girls can enjoy reading ghost stories and roasting marshmallows. No batteries required. Ages 7 to 12 years
FURBY™ from Hasbro®
Featuring a personality that develops as children play with it, FURBY is emotional and unpredictable, showing its feelings through animations displayed in its LED eyes. This evolved, interactive friend can also interact with other FURBYs in their native language, FURBISH as well as English. For additional fun, owners can download the free FURBY app, which allows them to feed their pet virtually, translate FURBISH and more using their iPod, iPhone or iPad. Currently available in six colors, more will be introduced before the year ends. 4 "AA" batteries required (not included). Ages 6 years and up.
Gelarti™ Designer Studio from Moose Toys™
It's time to get crafty with this one-of-a-kind, Toys"R"Us exclusive sticker studio that allows kids to paint, create and customize an array of designs before peeling off the adhesive backing to produce personalized, reusable stickers. Children can combine colors to generate a marble effect, leaving beautiful swirls on each sticker or add 3D accessories after the painting process is complete to make their designs come to life. The studio comes with a 360 degree turntable desk, 30 stickers, 4 paint pens, a marbling tool and 12 gems, so kids can decorate notebooks, bedrooms, laptops – and everything in between. No batteries required. Ages 5 years and up
LeapPad2 Explorer™ from LeapFrog®
Building on the success of the original, LeapPad2 inspires kids to create and explore with higher resolution, front-and-back cameras and video recorders, as well as a faster processor and increased memory. Filled with free content, like a music player with five LeapFrog Learning Songs, a new Cartoon Director creativity app, an Art Studio, the Pet Pad writing game and one app of their choice, kids can also play learning games accessible through LeapFrog Explorer cartridges and downloadable digital content.. 4 "AA" batteries required (not included). Ages 3 to 9 years.
Lite Brix™ Lumi-Port™ from Cra-Z-Art
Kids can construct a towering airport or a colorful airplane that lights up the sky with this brand-new take on classic construction. With super bright LED light-up bricks, this set allows kids to form bright, bold characters and vehicles, from robots to jets. Plus, the Lumi-Port set is compatible with all Lite Brix's products so kids' collections can continue to grow. 3 "AA" batteries required (not included). Comes with a battery power pack that attaches to the model. Ages 6 years and up.
Micro Chargers™ Time Track from Moose Toys™
Equipped with four lane chargers, this Toys"R"Us exclusive track set lets kids load their miniature cars into a lane, charge them in less than 8 seconds, launch them into the raceway and compete against opponents to reach the finish line. Little speed racers will have a blast setting up their own tracks for hours of racing fun with the included curved and bridge track pieces. The set features one track race set with four built-in chargers, two trading cards and two exclusive quick charge cars, as well as a timer mechanism to help record results as competitors strive for personal bests. 2 "AA" batteries required (not included). Ages 6 years and up.
Monster High™ Meowlady™ and Purrsephone™ 2-Pack from Mattel®
The gorgeous Werecat sisters are the teenage children of legendary monsters, and they're dressed in their freaky fabulous best. The purrfect pair in this Toys"R"Us exclusive have cat-like attitudes and are ready to take on the halls of Monster High. Meowlady and Purresphone come outfitted in trendy leather vests, striped tops and fashionable red skirts. No batteries required. Ages 6 years and up
Nickelodeon Winx Club® Believix Collection from JAKKS Pacific®
Kids can experience all the wonder and whimsy of Nickelodeon's Winx Club at home with these six fashionable dolls, including Bloom, Stella, Flora, Tecna, Musa and Aisha. The fancy figures feature unique sparkly Believix wings that can snap on and off to recreate the magical transition from girl to fairy. Each doll also has a magical card that kids can use to unlock exclusive content online for continued fun, where they'll discover secrets about each of the six fairies. Each doll sold separately. No batteries required. Ages 4 years and up.
Nickelodeon® Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Secret Sewer Lair Playset from Playmates
Kids can bring the Turtles back to their home base with this massive, 42-inch high playset that recreates their Sewer Lair home and the streets and rooftops above, available exclusively at Toys"R"Us. Packed with more than 20 different ninja features, the Turtles can keep track of the city with a telescoping periscope, practice battle skills on a Shredder dummy, douse intruders with ooze (not included), attach lines to objects throughout the room to rappel into battle and more! Additionally, an elevator can transition the Turtles between floors while Donatello can visit his computer lab to master his latest invention. No batteries required. Ages 4 years and up.
Scan2Go® Starter Track Set from MGA Entertainment®
Speeding out of the Scan2Go animated series, this red and white track kit has everything kids need to begin revving their engines. Before the race begins, kids can turbo charge the included Falgor car with a swipe of a card. The two-lane circle racetrack features more than 10 feet of speed space, and comes complete with 2 foil card packs, each with 6 assorted Turbo/Power cards. 2 "AA" batteries required (not included). Ages 4 years and up.
Switch & Go Dinos™ Brok the Brachiosaurus from VTech™
The 2-in-1 toy easily transforms from a massive car carrier into an animatronic Brachiosaurus. In vehicle mode, kids can use Brok to carry items from place to place or launch the included race car and Pterodactyl into the air by pushing on the spoiler. In dino mode, children can push Brok along to make him stomp his feet or move his motorized neck. For added excitement, this fierce dino has a dynamic LCD screen that comes to life with the push of a button and displays cool animations. Other buttons, once pressed, trigger more than 40 realistic sound effects and phrases that teach interesting dino facts. 4 "AA" batteries required (not included). Ages 3 to 8 years.
Y Volution™ Fliker® F1 Flow Series™ Scooter from Atomic Sports
This revolutionary three-wheeled scooter challenges riders to move their hips from side to side to start moving and keep riding using body power for self-propelling fun. With reinforced steel tubing, three-wheeled design and enhanced foot grips that make it sturdy, stable and easy to balance, this lightweight scooter also combines a sleek design with performance-rated wheels to allow for smooth carving and drifting. A quick response hand brake offers kids increased control and ensures a safe ride, while anti-vibration hand grips provide extra comfort. As an added bonus Y Fliker can be stored away easily thanks to its twist and stow folding system. No batteries required. Ages 5 years and up.
8 to 11 years
Air Hogs® R/C Deluxe Battle Tracker from Spin Master™
The only thing better than one remote-controlled toy, is two remote-controlled toys that offer head-to-head battle action! Now, kids can pit the Automated Robotic Turret (A.R.T.) against the included helicopter for hours of imaginative skirmishes in this Toys"R"Us exclusive version. The pilot must control the RC helicopter, which can fire up to seven small foam discs, to knock the towering turret out of commission before the A.R.T. is able to successfully target the chopper and fire back with 24 foam arrows of its own. Packed with a second remote for additional players to take manual control of the A.R.T., this power-packed set is ideal for solo play or with pals. 10 "AA" batteries required (not included). Ages 10 – 12 years.
Beyblade: Metal Fury Destroyer Dome from Hasbro®
Kids can rip into their next BEYBLADE challenge with the first arena that offers mid-air battles. With this enclosed arena, the included SPIRAL FOX 130D and CYCLONE HERCULEO 105F tops can defy gravity while zipping up the dome's sides, while battlers can customize their tops with accessories only available in this set. No batteries required. Ages 8 years and up.
Hot Wheels® R/C Terrain Twister™ from Mattel®
Moving forward, backward and sideways on twin corkscrew cylinders, this radio-controlled vehicle is ready to take on nearly any environment. Available in red or green, kids can conquer snow, sand, water, dirt, grass and more while this vehicle speeds along. 2 "AA" batteries and one 7.6 V NiMh battery pack required (included). Ages 8 years and up.
Illumivor R/C Shark from Sky Rocket
Land shark! Rolling out of the sea, this radio-controlled Toys"R"Us exclusive shark is ready to find prey, whether hunting day or night, thanks to its illuminated lights. And, with the push of a button, the lights shift to create swimming and chomping animations that simulate a true shark. 1 9V and 6 "AA" batteries required (not included). Ages 6 years and up.
LAZER TAG® Blaster from Hasbro®
Perfect for individual playtime or with a group full of kids, this super cool blaster allows users to take down alien threats on solo missions or join in multiplayer battle mode to test their skills in a LAZER TAG brawl. Whether inside or outside, the LAZER TAG app, available for free on iTunes, keeps players fully engaged. Exciting features, such as "takedown" and "special weapon count," are available to help kids gauge their performance against opponents. 6 "AA" batteries required (not included). Ages 8 years and up.
NERF N-STRIKE RETALIATOR from Hasbro®
Able to launch NERF darts up to 75-feet, this ultimate blaster can be customized to meet any challenge. Built with every possible N-STRIKE situation in mind, kids can steady their shots with the stock, customize the blaster with the included top and bottom tactical rails and more. Equipped with a 12-dart quick reload clip and Elite Darts, players can quickly prepare for their next attack. No batteries required. Ages 8 years and up.
Ninjago Epic Dragon Battle from LEGO® Systems, Inc.
Kids can defeat the snake-like Great Devourer in the ongoing struggle between good and evil with this 915-piece construction set after building Lord Garmadon – the green ninja – along with his four-headed Ultra Dragon. Along the way, the green ninja must defeat the evil snake Generals Acidicus, Skalidor and snake soldier Chokun before breaking his Sensei Wu out of the impenetrable snake prison. No batteries required. Ages 8 to 14 years.
1D Collector Dolls from Hasbro®
Featuring all five members of the worldwide musical sensation – Zayan, Niall, Harry, Louis and Liam – these fashion dolls are filled with the same personality that vaulted the group to the top of the charts. Fans can collect each band member and dress them for hanging out, concerts or any occasion. Each doll sold separately. No batteries required. Ages 5 years and up.
Skylanders Giants™ Starter Pack from Activision Publishing, Inc.
Portal Masters can unleash their favorite Skylanders once again with this sequel to Skylanders Spyro's Adventure™ that features a new storyline and "Giant" action figures. Players can also bring characters from the previous game to life once placed on the Portal of Power®, while maintaining existing upgrades. The starter pack comes with one Giant and two Skylander action figures, as well as the Portal of Power and Skyanders Giants game software for Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 or Nintendo 3DS. Ages 6 years and up. Rated "E 10+" for "Everyone 10 and older." This item will become available beginning October 21.
Skylanders Giants™ Legendary 3-Pack from Activision Publishing, Inc.
For Portal Masters looking to add to their assortment of Skylanders Giants™ figurines, this Toys"R"Us exclusive pack comes with three "Giant" action figures, including Legendary Ignitor, Legendary Slam Bam and Legendary Jet-Vac. Once placed on the Portal of Power®, each character will come to life in their video game, while maintaining existing upgrades. No batteries required. Ages 6 years and up. This item will become available beginning October 21.
tabeo™ from Toys"R"Us®
This unique touchscreen tablet, created especially for kids, offers enhanced safety features desired by parents. Designed and developed by Toys"R"Us, this 7-inch tablet can be customized for multiple users, allowing parents to offer different levels of internet access for each family member. Additionally, tabeo comes preloaded with 50 apps, including the most popular games for kids. One rechargeable Lithium Ploymer battery required (included). Ages 5 years and up. This item will become available in October.
Big Kids
Technic Jet Plane from LEGO® Systems, Inc.
Construction speeds past the realism barrier with this detailed jet that can be built with landing gear that lowers, a cockpit that opens and closes and wings that retract for supersonic flight. For builders interested in a more classic vehicle, this 499-piece Toys"R"Us exclusive can also be converted to build an aerobatic plane, complete with a working propeller. No batteries required. Ages 9 to 16 years.
Wii U from Nintendo®
Introducing two-screen console gaming– one on a TV and the second on the touch-screen GamePad controller – Wii U™ offers new possibilities for gaming, allowing players to have different experiences within the same game at the same time. This new system features motion control, high-definition graphics and compatibility with most Wii games and accessories. One rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery required (included). Ages 5 years and up. This item will become available this fall.
TOYS"R"US 2012 HOLIDAY HOT TOY LIST CONTENDERS
The items below, listed in alphabetical order, were strong contenders for the Toys"R"Us 2012 Holiday Hot Toy List and are expected to appear on many holiday letters that begin with, "Dear Santa."
About Toys"R"Us, Inc.
Toys"R"Us, Inc. is the world's leading dedicated toy and juvenile products retailer, offering a differentiated shopping experience through its family of brands. Merchandise is sold in 875 Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us stores in the United States and Puerto Rico, and in more than 635 international stores and over 145 licensed stores in 35 countries and jurisdictions. In addition, it exclusively operates the legendary FAO Schwarz brand and sells extraordinary toys in the brand's flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York City. With its strong portfolio of e-commerce sites including Toysrus.com, Babiesrus.com, eToys.com and FAO.com, it provides shoppers with a broad online selection of distinctive toy and baby products. Headquartered in Wayne, NJ, Toys"R"Us, Inc. employs approximately 70,000 associates annually worldwide. The company is committed to serving its communities as a caring and reputable neighbor through programs dedicated to keeping kids safe and helping them in times of need. Additional information about Toys"R"Us, Inc. can be found on Toysrusinc.com. Follow Toys"R"Us, Babies"R"Us and FAO Schwarz on Facebook at Facebook.com/Toysrus, Facebook.com/Babiesrus and Facebook.com/FAO and on Twitter at Twitter.com/Toysrus and Twitter.com/Babiesrus.