Named as a hot holiday toy by Toys”R”Us, the Xia-Xia are skitter-scattering, pitter-pattering, loveable, crazy crabs with shells and kooky friends to collect and trade. They combine the silly charm of a real hermit crab with an imaginative, playful twist. Kids find hermit crabs appealing for numerous reasons, including their colorful shells, tropical habitats and silly crawl. Xia-Xia takes these features to the next level by bringing alive a fantasy world of color, magic and collectability for kids of all ages to enjoy. Plus, each shell comes with a silly little friend surprise that adds to Xia-Xia fun. Expected to be available this October, Xia-Xia hermit crabs, playsets and accessories range in price from $5.99-$19.99, ages 4+.

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Rory’s Story Cubes provides hours of imaginative fun for all ages. There are infinite ways to play with the Cubes. You can play solitaire or with others. The Story Cubes are nine dice with a different icon on each side. Roll the cubes and look at the face up images. Pick an image that will be the starting point for your story.

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The ULTIMATE OPTIMUS PRIME figure, being released this fall, is one of many new TRANSFORMERS toys on display at the 17th annual official TRANSFORMERS brand convention known as “BOTCON.” BOTCON is annually the largest annual official gathering of TRANSFORMERS fans in the world. And the general admission sessions will be held on Saturday and Sunday, June 4 and 5.

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Hasbro introduced the KRE-O brand to offers builders ages 6 and up with the unique opportunity to enjoy popular Hasbro brands, like TRANSFORMERS, in a construction play pattern. Expected to be available this Fall 2011 for $59.99, the KRE-O TRANSFORMERS OPTIMUS PRIME set has more than 500 pieces, the largest amount featured in any of the 2011 KRE-O sets. Bbuilders can assemble the popular OPTIMUS PRIME character in ‘vehicle’ mode as the notable semi-hauler or in ‘robot’ mode to create the leader of the AUTOBOTS. When in ‘vehicle’ mode, the truck’s removable cab converts into a mini-command station and the trailer opens to fit the two motorcycles and four unique KREON mini figures included with the set. The trailer can also be disassembled and built into a command center playset for the KREON mini figures. When in ‘robot’ mode, builders can blast into action with a projectile launching brick! The KRE-O TRANSFORMERS OPTIMUS PRIME set includes orange traffic cones and cool decorative decals.

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In collaboration with Disney, Medicom Toy will release in late December the Series 21 BE@RBRICK assortment (SRP $4.99), followed by the 400% BE@RBRICK two-pack (SRP $199.99) and KUBRICK two-pack (SRP $19.99) in mid-January, both designed to match the TRON: LEGACY suits which appear in the film during a musical cameo featuring Daft Punk. In April, Medicom Toy will release the 12-inch Daft Punk TRON: LEGACY Real Action Heroes (RAH) figures (SRP $229.99).

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The Hello Kitty Light-Up Message Board wins National Parenting Center Holiday 2010 Seal of Approval program. The product reviewed by program testers was evaluated on multiple criteria including its level of desirability, sturdiness, and interactive stimulation. Test results are based on both statistical averaging and comments received from the parent testers.

Made by Sakar International, the Hello Kitty Light-Up Message Board (MSRP $14.99) allows users to write fluorescent-style messages to call attention to their plans, news or needs. The board can hang on a wall or mount magnetically to metal surfaces like lockers and refrigerators. Messages are written with a special marker included in the package, and can either flash or glow. Testers praised the board for: Pairing the iconic Hello Kitty brand with a place to post important notices; Encouraging children to write thoughts and ideas; Doubling as a drawing board.

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Panini America launched an official Justin Bieber trading card set, available at at Bed, Bath & Beyond, F.Y.E., Target, Toys “R” Us, and Walmart stores nationwide, as well as in Justin Bieber’s online store. The collection features 150 unique cards and 30 stickers, with 500 randomly inserted authentic Justin Bieber autograph cards. To fuel the collectability of the set, four nine-card puzzles can be arranged to create mini Justin Bieber posters. Special card sets are also available that include 12 Spellbound cards, 18 Downlowd cards and 10 XXOO cards. The Justin Bieber trading card packs retails for $1.99 and include five cards and one sticker.

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Build A Dream Playhouses transform cardboard boxes into an imaginative world where kids can express their creativity in the shape of cars, kitchens, castles and much more! Build A Dream play structures are lightweight, sturdy, and easy to assemble with no adhesive or fasteners required. The cardboard is printed with one-color, black graphics on the white corrugated. The clean surface allows children to decorate the play structure with paints, markers, stickers or other creative accents to truly make it their own.

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