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Disney AppMATes Mobile Application Toys is a new toy line that comes to life digitally when used with an Apple iPad by allowing kids to use the tablet’s screen as a virtual play mat. The Appmates toy line features miniature Disney•Pixar Cars 2 vehicles with sensors on the base of each toy that are recognized as a unique footprint by an app with no cable or Bluetooth connection required. Simply download the free Cars 2 Appmates app from the iTunes app store, place your favorite Appmates toy character on the screen and play.
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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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Ludorum has licensed the third season of Chuggington™ to Disney Channel for its Disney Junior programming block and the new Disney Junior basic cable and satellite channel launching in the U.S. in 2012. As part of the agreement, Ludorum licensed 13 new half-hour episodes to the channel, which has acquired all U.S. television rights to the property. Disney Channel is currently available on basic cable in over 99 million U.S. homes.

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Big Time Toys has created a new child-safe oven which allows children to actually see their Shrinky Dinks® magically shrink their very own creations…this oven is called THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKY DINKS MAKER®. Shrinky Dinks is a shrinkable plastic that when exposed to heat, shrinks to one third its original size and becomes nine times thicker making a child’s art look even more beautiful. Based on this, kids can create jewelry, magnets, ID tags, key chains, charms, game pieces, scrapbook embellishments…creations are unlimited!

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American Girl is introducing two different historical characters, Cécile Rey™ and Marie-Grace Gardner™, in one six-book series set in 1850s New Orleans. The new characters—one African American and one Caucasian—show the power of friendship and community as they reach across the boundaries of race and class to help their families, friends, and city during a time of great need. The Cécile and Marie-Grace dolls, books, and accessories are available to pre-order at americangirl.com.

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Peek at Me Bunny has sensors on its body for interactive touch and hugging play, as well as learning keys on its hands and feet. Offering fun learning, the Peek at Me Bunny also feels all cuddly and warm when baby holds it. Mom can switch bunny to Day or Night mode for active or sleepy-time play. A giant yellow star on the bunny’s tummy plays songs and glows as a soothing night light. Peek at Me Bunny has age-appropriate learning, including peek-a-boo play (six months), learning body parts (12 months) and emotional play (24 months) so it will grow with your child and provides great value to mom. SRP: $14.99. Ages 6-36 months.

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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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Powered by 3 AAA batteries, the Musical Vacuum is the perfect sized vacuum for your little helper. Kids will dance to Mozart as they vacuum all around the room. Pretend-cleaning is so much fun with the Baby Genius® Musical Vacuum. Lots of fun features include cool music, back and forth motion, light up notes, and spinning action.

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