Raving Toy Maniac

Toy Industry Unveils Nominees for 2013 Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards; Announces Inductees into Toy Industry Hall of Fame

NEW YORK, Nov. 19, 2012 -- The Toy Industry Association (TIA) kicked off the holiday shopping season today by announcing the 84 finalists for the prestigious 2013 Toy of the Year Awards (TOTY). Between now and January 13, 2013, toy lovers of all ages can visit http://ToyAwards.org to vote for their favorite playthings in 12 categories – from e-Connected and Innovative to Educational and Outdoor toys – and sign up to win exclusive prize packages!

"Each year, TOTY celebrates the creative spirit of the toy industry and honors the joy that toys and games bring to kids of all walks of life," said Carter Keithley, TIA president, at a New York City press conference unveiling the nominees. "We are proud to announce that the TOTY Awards will once again support the inspiring work of the Toy Industry Foundation, which annually delivers one million toys and games to deserving children around the world."

Bringing Customers "All The Toys, All The Time," Toysrus.com Offers Great Online Deals On Thousands Of In-Demand Toys Thanksgiving Day Through Cyber Monday

First National Television Commercial Dedicated to Promoting Company's Cyber Monday Plans Will Air Sunday, November 25 and Monday, November 26

WAYNE, N.J., Nov. 19, 2012 -- To celebrate the official start of the holiday shopping season, Toys"R"Us® today announced exceptional deals and savings on thousands of items on http://Toysrus.com, beginning Thanksgiving morning through Cyber Monday. Customers will have early access to the company's "Biggest Cyber Monday Ever," as online shoppers "click start" to fulfill little ones' wish lists beginning at 6pm EST on Sunday, November 25.

Toy Industry to Induct Judy Ellis and Russ Berrie into Esteemed Hall of Fame

NEW YORK, Nov. 19, 2012 -- The Toy Industry Association (TIA) announced today that Judith (Judy) Ellis, founder and chair of the nation's first baccalaureate program in Toy Design at the Fashion Institute of Technology, and the late Russ Berrie, former chief executive and chairman of Russ Berrie & Company, have been selected as the next inductees into the esteemed Toy Industry Hall of Fame.

Established in 1984, the Hall of Fame comprises an impressive roster of 59 individuals who have been previously recognized for their significant contributions to the growth and success of the toy industry. The two newest inductees were nominated from within the toy industry and selected by a vote of TIA members and previous Hall of Fame honorees.

"TIA is pleased to welcome Ms. Ellis and Mr. Berrie into the prestigious Hall of Fame," said Carter Keithley, TIA president. "They join a group of industry visionaries who have revolutionized the toy industry and have had a significant impact on the lives of children the world over."

The Hustler T-Shirt by Pocket Wookie Update

November 2012 - Due to overwhelming demand, outsmART originals has revised the current t-shirt offering by switching the shirt color to black - while the artist has updated his original design - making this available for both men and women in a variety of sizes.

ALSO, outsmART originals is excited to announce your chance to win an original, custom 5 inch designer toy by Pocket Wookie! For every Hustler t-shirt purchased, each customer will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a one-of-a-kind custom. Talk about the ultimate in fan appreciation!

Pocket Wookie is spreading the holiday cheer and YOU might be the lucky collector who wins this original custom! Make your gift giving easier and treat yourself... either way you can't go wrong with this limited-edition tee and chance to win.

November 2012 - Funko has announced a new batch of 3D POP! Vinyl Bookmarks, this time featuring Marvel Comics characters. The bookmarks are six inches long and should be available now.

Look for Spider-Man, the Hulk, and Iron Man.

November 2012 - Funko has announced a new batch of 3D POP! Vinyl Bookmarks, this time featuring Angry Birds Star Wars characters. The bookmarks are six inches long and should be available now.

Look for Angry Bird X-Wing Pilot, Darth Vader Pig, and Stormtrooper Pig.

November 2012 - Funko has announced a new batch of 3D POP! Vinyl Bookmarks, this time featuring Disney Princess characters. The bookmarks are six inches long and should be available now.

Look for Cinderella, Snow White, Belle, Tinkerbell, and Ariel.

Bluewater Trading Company, Official Licensed Supplier of Angry Birds™ and Air Swimmers™, Announces the Release of Angry Birds Air Swimmers, the Hottest Holiday Toy for 2012

ALPHARETTA, Ga., Nov. 19, 2012 -- In 2009, after Angry Birds made their debut in the game industry, Air Swimmers took to the sky in 2011. Creating a powerful combination, the new live Angry Birds Air Swimmers is now flying its way into the homes of many across the world. Angry Birds Air Swimmers is a product set to be a best seller of 2012 and 2013.

Known for creating the global sensation of the Angry Birds franchise, Rovio Entertainment is a media-focused company founded in 2003. Rovio has now developed several award-winning titles for various mobile platforms. In 2009, Rovio released their casual puzzle game, Angry Birds, designed for touchscreen smartphones, a worldwide success since 2010. With Rovio's outstanding success and fan popularity, the franchise has now expanded into a variety of new ventures including broadcast media, merchandising, publishing and services.

November 2012 - Nickelodeon and Toys'R'Us have teamed up for the Great Big Toy Run Sweepstakes. If you are between 6 and 15, you can enter to win a shopping spree at Toys'R'Us in New York City or a Toys'R'Us gift card.

The prizes are shown in the official rules as being:

November 19, 2012 - (Sponsor Announcement) - Online retailer BigBadToyStore.com has several items of interest to collectors:

Hi - Here are some cool new items we've just listed:

DC Unlimited - Series 03 - Aquaman & Darkseid from New 52, The Joker & Superman from Injustice
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/search.aspx?search=2013%20DC%20Unlimi...

Iron Man 3 - Marvel Select
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/menu.aspx?menu=3148&category=9084

Femme Fatales: Star Trek 7 of 9 PVC Statue
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=DMC11874&mode=re...

Han Solo in Carbonite Bank
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=DMC11875&mode=re...

Mattel Collector - Warehouse Finds
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/list.aspx?list=11192

Eaglemoss - Batmobiles, DC Chess, Marvel
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/list.aspx?list=11213

12" Movie Masterpiece - T-800 DX Limited Edition Figure - Just In!