American Girl officially says farewell to Felicity Merriman, one of the company’s treasured historical characters introduced in 1991. Felicity’s complete product collection, including her best friend Elizabeth Cole™, will soon be removed from American Girl’s catalogue, Web site, and retail stores and placed in the American Girl Archives™.

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The Barbie Pocket Learner features 8 fun learning games and exciting game play. Strengthens your child’s Alphabet, Vocabulary, Spelling, Numbers, Shapes and Memory skills. Highlights: Hand strap, Portable, Jewelry buttons, 8 learning activities, Pretend “SMS” message from Barbie, Stylish Barbie cosmetic, Ages 3 and up.

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Available for the first time in 30 years, the Fisher-Price Music Box™ Record Player will make its retail debut exclusively in Target Stores beginning August 2010. The iconic pre-school toy features a classic wind-up mechanism that plays the records as they spin around the turntable. Each player comes complete with five individual records featuring 10 songs (two songs per record), and features a convenient compartment for storing the records and built-in handle for tunes on the go.

First introduced by Fisher-Price in 1971, the Music Box™ Record Player is easily one of the most iconic and beloved preschool toys of the 20th century. Beautifully designed, with vintage graphics and a retro color palette, the Fisher-Price Music Box™ Record Player appeals not only to those who remember it as a child, but to all who love the simplicity and styling of the era.

Recommended for children ages 18 months and up, the Fisher-Price Music Box™ Record Player provides toddlers with hours of pretend play fun, while strengthening fine motor skills and increasing cognitive skills through song. Featured songs include: Humpty Dumpty, Jack and Jill, Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, Farmer In the Dell, Where Oh Where Has My Little Dog Gone, London Bridge, Camptown Races, Children’s Marching Song (This Old Man), Hickory Dickory Dock, and Au Clair De La Lune.

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Made of silicone, the Silly Bandz Sea Creatures come in a variety of colors and styles. Each pack of Sea Creature Silly Bandz include 24 pieces – 4 each of the Dolphin, Fish, Seahorse, Shark, Seal and Penguin. Silly Bandz are die-molded with non-toxic silicone and you will absolutely love how these silly bands return to their original shape after being worn as a bracelet, necklace or maybe even a pony-tail holder. That’s right Silly Bandz can even be worn as a fashion accessory. These are just a few of the ways people are using Silly Bandz.

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Hooplah and hurrahs greeted the grand opening of the new Bibby and Harold Alfond Children’s Garden at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. It’s a no-tech, elegant space with opportunities for both activity and quiet play. Here, giggly fun mixes in with the satisfaction of digging in the dirt. Kids can climb on a bear, get sprayed by whales, and hear dragons roar. Imagination takes flight through reading, and discovery leads to learning. There’s one surprise after another, a trademark of the designer, landscape architect Herb Schaal of AECOM, Inc.

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Lionel’s G-Gauge battery powered sets are ready-to-run right out of the box. Track and batteries are included. You can run these trains using conventional C batteries (included) or a 9.6 volt rechargeable battery (not included). It’s your choice. And for ease of use, these “larger scale” trains are powered by an easy-to-operate RC controller (with two AA batteries included). Highly detailed with authentic train sounds (including bell and whistle), these “larger scale”, battery operated train sets are designed perfectly for children ages four and up. Lionel’s Pennsylvania Flyer freight set features a highly-detailed steam locomotive and a colorful assortment of cars. Easy-to-assemble G-Gauge track creates a 55” x 72” oval. Set includes: G-Gauge steam locomotive; one gondola with removable crates; one cupola caboose; 12 curved and 4 straight track pieces; RC remote controller; 6 C batteries; 2 AA batteries.

Features: Highly-detailed G-Gauge steam locomotive; Authentic train sounds, including bell and whistle; Working headlight; Freight cars feature fixed knuckle couplers; Remote control features clearly marked buttons that allow the user to make the train go forward and backwards, to sound the whistle, and to ring the bell.

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Kids will really dig this versatile construction vehicle! The fully-functional backhoe has stabilizer legs and can slide back and forth, swivel and extend to dig in the sand or dirt. Spin the seat around and the front loader can be raised and lowered. Features: Constructed out of fade-resistant, high-quality ABS plastic, with no glue or screws; Realistic details and functions encourage imaginative play; Great for use indoors and outdoors.

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Busy Gears encourages hands-on exploration and discovery with electronic gears that go round ‘n round, flashing lights and happy songs! The interchangeable gears can also be stacked, sorted and re-arranged. With an automatic shut-off. Features: 11 interchangeable gears fit on brightly colored post; Turn it on to set it all in motion; Complete with fun music; Sounds and flashing lights; Convenient carry handle makes it easy to take on the go.

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