November 2008 New Specialty Toys — Gifts

This set of five colorful pieces is carved from a single block of European hardwood, so the sections align perfectly with one another. It features non-toxic, water-based stains and measures 6.75" H x 4.5" W. A mini version (MSRP: $15.90) is available also and measures 4" H x 3" W.

This set, developed alongside a language educator, includes 110 double-sided magnets. One side features Hebrew consonants, vowels and examples using the vowels; the other includes the name of the letter or Hebrew pronunciation. Launch date: Early 2009.

This fierce T-Rex add light to a dark room with the included 4-watt bulb. It's on a swivel plug and measures 5" W x 6" H x 1.25" D. Launch date: November 2008.

This retro-designed rocket ship has a swivel plug and comes with a 4-watt bulb. It measures 3.5" W x 5.75" H x 3" D. Launch date: November 2008.

This soft and cutered beanie is available for infants and toddlers and is topped off with a bright Cesilia apple red flower.

This pink and raspberry rosetta top matches well with a pettiskirt during the holiday season.

This red pettiskirt is for the little girl at home who enjoys dancing.

With the familiar colors of red and white, this Christmas Pettidress fits the occasion very well.

This soft, 8" bear is available in four pastel colors and comes packaged in a gift box.

This folk storytelling album features the voices of Tim Jennings and Leanne Ponder, with Celtic music from a harp and concertina played between the tales. Tapping into the excitement of ancient storytelling, the narrators represent multiple characters in a range of tones suited to the stories, which are both funny and frightening. Launch date: 1997.

This 4" mini version of Plunko, who's a businessman and owner of a car wash and tire store, is ideal for toting around on a purse or backpack.

Perfect as a stocking stuffer or gift topper, this snowglobe-shaped treat features a cute little penguin in a blizzard.

Each hand-painted Kooky Klicker features a distintive personality and fun design. The 5" characters have rubbery strands of hair and a metal clip.

Larni poses on a crystal base showing off her stylish, festive attire that looks perfect at Christmas and beyond. The beautifully crafted 8" character doll lights up a room and is a stylish accent for any home. She is made from the finest stone resin. Launch date: October 11, 2008.

Comet® Bible Edition offers an exciting and fun way to learn spelling and amazing facts about characters, angels, events and scripture. This particular version features questions and multiple choice answers such as "Who announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds?" and "The spirit of God is described as descending like this." DOVE sparrow eagle raven. Multiple choice answers and an element of risk ensure everyone has a chance to win. Comet® has received awards from The Toy Man Online and Creative Child Magazine. "Spelling is very important, and far too few games offer this concept. Critical skill development is crucial, important and necessary to develop good educational performance," Creator Sandy Evans of Active Minds Inc. told TDmonthly. Launch date: Fall 2008.
Awards: A TDmonthly Classics Award for being an all-time favorite toy.

Complete with water-resistant nylon backing that has a DWR (durable weather resistant) coating, this blanket is designed not only to make children (and adults) feel cozy, but also to act as a protective barrier. It measures 38” x 56” with loops for tie options, and is great for double strollers, wheelchairs, or use asan all-around cozy outdoor blanket. It is available in the following color combinations: Pistachio/Chocolate and Turquoise/Pewter.

This stylish blanket features water-resistant nylon backing that has a DWR (durable weather resistant) coating that acts as a protective barrier for a child, while the cozy soft fabric creates a wonderful surface to lie on or snuggle. The innovative tie design allows WooBee blankets to be attached to strollers, front packs, infant car seats, or anything else you can imagine. The original WooBee blanket is 30” x 36” and makes a great baby shower gift. It is available in the following color combos: Pistachi/Pewter; Turquoise/Pewter; Urban Black; Pistachio/Chocolate; Tangerine/Red; Turquoise/Chocolate; and Turquoise/Red. "Rain Or Shine Kids WooBee blankets offer a modern look and water-resistant functionality," Lizzie Sorensen of 32FlavorsPR told TDmonthly.

This 10" melamine plate features illustrated letters by artist Shelley Dieterichs, spelling out the word COOKIES for Santa. Launch date: October 15, 2008.

This 32-page activity book is based on the Angels from the Attic toy line and is gentle and appealing with easy-to-color pages. It shows the six characters and their special characteristics. Each Angel has its own specialty, such as exercise, reading or eating well. The magical attic they live in is introduced and encourages children to create their own special worlds. "This activity/coloring book is not mass-produced. It welcomes children to send in their own works of art and encourages friendship. Placed next to the Angels from the Attic plush animals, it expands the concept of visiting the Attic for fun and freedom," Mark Marderosian, creative director at Big City Publishing, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 30, 2008.

Misty Pig loves to read and, like her fellow Angels from the Attic, watches over children. Each Angel has its own personality and theme. The six-character collection is designed to promote creativity and encourage children of all ages to build friendships.

These Star and Snowflake pewter-cast ornaments are handcrafted and cast from a real seahorse found on a beach. Launch date: October 15, 2008.

Wezens have descended from outer space and come to Earth with one objective: to cuddle. Mobelli is an industrial alien who gets no greater joy than accomplishing as much as possible. With four arms to hold onto things and three eyes to see three times as much, Mobelli would surely be the most successful alien ever — if only he had opposable thumbs. Wezens are cuddly stuffed critters in lively bright colors. Each character is designed by Dutch designer Rogier van Zijp and Dutch comic artist Boris Peeters. Wezens are "fun for adults but loved by babies and children as well," Rudi Besseling, general manager of STUDIO SPOON B.V., told TDmonthly. They feature a "completely different design compared to what's available on the common plush market, and [are] still round and 3D-shaped unlike most other designer plush." Launch date: January 14, 2008.

ROCKIT 100 - The 80's Edition "One Track At A Time" is a deck of 100 rock and roll trivia cards each dedicated to one of the top-100 rock and roll songs of the '80s. There are five clues on the card. The player who guesses the song and artist in the fewest number of clues earns the points. The first player to rock and roll their way to 20 points wins the round. This product is a "price-sensitive Impulse Buy at the POP (something unique and affordable for the adults on the list while waiting to pay for the kids' stuff)," CEO Brett McAteer of Arteeno Entertainment Company Ltd. told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2, 2006.

In this classic strategy game, players hop around the pond with their frog friends. It allows children to explore the boggy pond with their colorful and funny frogs. Players move their game pieces across the pond to win the game. "Our clever twist with magnets makes this game great for small hands; the magnets stack up high and the winner can clearly be seen. The magnetic pieces also help to make this game great for travel," Jessica McCulligh, in marketing at Dowling Magnets, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2008.