November 2008 Notable Toys — All

This jewelry features components laid out in the dot-and-dash pattern of Morse code to "spell" words. "Morse Code Jewelry is never plated, plastic or vermeil," Founder Annie Fields told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2001.

MIMOBOT Designer USB Flash Drives are little friendly data fiends. Teens and adults can feed the 2" monsters all their essential data (tunes, pics, presentations, docs, etc.) and transport files in style wherever they go. Mimobots are available in 1GB, 2GB, 4GB and 8GB capacities, produced in limited editions, are hi-speed USB 2.0, compatible with both Mac and Windows. "Mimobots lead the creative revolution in personal electronic accessories and functional designer toys - truly a marriage of art and technology!" Nicole Rosano, PR manager for Mimoco, told TDmonthly.

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.

This soft-touch stacking toy features a jingle, rattle and crinkle sound to engage babies as they play. It measures 10.5" tall.

This kit comes with all the supplies children need to make hard candy, liquid candy, powder candy, lollipops and much more.
— “A variety of kits for a variety of ages make this brand a top seller,” said Joe Berardoni, Sr., owner of Pun’s Toy Store in Bryn Mawr, Pa., in the fall of 2008. “They have exciting projects for 4-year-olds to do with Mom and Dad and kits for older children to explore on their own.”

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.

Little Reader Blocks are 3” cubes constructed of sturdy corrugated cardboard. The blocks are imprinted with over 100 preK-2 sight words that combine learning with play. Words are color-coded by type (adjective, noun, verb, etc.) to make sentence forming fun and easy. The set includes 18 pieces: 3 yellow adjective blocks, 3 green noun blocks, 5 blue verb blocks, 5 red pronon blocks, and 2 white preposition blocks. Kids can roll blocks like dice to form sentences, look for familiar letters or words, stack blocks to make sentences, and much more. Guided play activities are included. Adult assembly required.

This set consists of 16 large red blocks (12” x 6” x 3”). ImagiBRICKS™ Giant Building Blocks are an enduring classic that offers endless play possibilities because they are versatile and safe. The blocks are printed with non-toxic inks and with their water-resistant coating are strong and durable for years of creative play.
— ImagiBRICKS are a best seller at Kazoo & Company in Denver, Owner Diana Nelson told TDmonthly at the beginning of 2009.

This 40pc Basic Set includes 8 large red blocks (12” x 6” x 3”), 6 medium yellow blocks (6” x 6” x 3”), and 24 small blue blocks (6” x 3” x 3). ImagiBRICKS™ Giant Building Blocks are an enduring classic that offers endless play possibilities because they are versatile and safe. The blocks are printed with non-toxic inks and with their water-resistant coating are strong and durable for years of creative play.

Over 12" tall. Includes 6 packs of PEZ and plays the Star Wars theme.

Sugar-Free gum tape in 3 different flavors. Available in 6 different collectible versions.

Lick to reveal the hidden message.

Snoopy Gumball Dispensing Jack-In-The-Box. Plays music and dispenses edible gumballs.

Maru and Friends is a celebration of childhood fun sculpted by world renowned doll artist, Dianna Effner.
Maru is a young girl who lives with her aunt and uncle. She is making new friends and adapting to a new way of life. Along with the 21" all-vinyl doll, the Maru & Friends set includes a long-sleeved shirt, vest, skirt, tights, underpants, hat and matching purse with boots. It also comes with a hardcover storybook and Certificate of Authenticity. There are two other dolls in the line; each doll's facial features are unique. Launch date: 2008.

I’m the comicos of the band and I always have a funny up my sleevos. OK, here’s a good one for you: What do you get when you cross a cat with a tree? A cat-a-log! Hee-hee! There’s lots more where that came from … but I’ll stop for now. Ciao amigos, keep laughing! Discovery Deglingos are an explorative adventure for young kids. Each leg contains a different activity – squeaks, rattles, crinkles and more. Also, a pull-string tail creates a shake and rattle surprise. Launch date: November 2008.

Players fill in their safari boards with base ten units and rods to escape the tiger. They'll learn about addition, subtraction and place value while trying to escape the tiger. "Place Value Safari is a great hands-on game for teaching math skills that's beautifully designed and includes materials children will have fun playing with while they're learning," Margo Hanson, marketing manager for Didax Education, told TDmonthly. This product received a 2008 Teacher's Choice Award and was a 2008 AEP(Association of Educational Publishers) Distinguished Award Winner. Launch date: February 2008.

As Shakespearos once said, “The dog will have his day," and that day is now. I can usually be found waxing poetic and sniffing out a sonnet or two. But as the poetos of the Deglingos, I need inspiration. Will you be my muse? Discovery Deglingos are an explorative adventure for young kids. Each leg contains a different activity – squeaks, rattles, crinkles and more. Also, a pull-string tail creates a shake and rattle surprise. Launch date: November 2008.

Made with soft, 100-percent organic Sherpa Cotton, this bunting has fitted feet, reversible handmitts, side kimono snaps, furry trim, and is completely lined with fine knit. "We use 100-percent natural dyes and cotton, which contribute to our bright and vivid colors. The reversible handmitts and side kimono snaps make it easily accessible for anyone to wrap and unwrap their little one. The warm sherpa cotton keeps the baby warm all day long," Marissa Parsons, assistant creative director at kate quinn organics, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2008.

So crazios and always in a good mood, I’m the excitable guy with the big heart. Poilodos tells me I need to chill out and loosen my suspenders a bit, but I prefer to blow off steam by playing the drums with my tail. Not everyone appreciates this talent. Party poopos! Discovery Deglingos are an explorative adventure for young kids. Each leg contains a different activity — squeaks, rattles, crinkles and more. Also, a pull-string tail creates a shake and rattle surprise. Launch date: November 2008.

Suede lace has many decorative uses, from American Heritage crafts to key chains, jewelry and more. This decorative leather lace is offered in an assortment of colors, available in spools as well as 6-yd. cards. "Tandy Leather Factory is a trusted brand name in the leather industry. Our products have a reputation for being the best quality products on the market. As well as superior quality, we can offer you our suede lace at a price that will beat any others on the market," Tony Hernandez, national crafts sales manager at Tandy Leather Factory, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2009.

Kids can help Dora save the Magic Kingdom by planting their very own colorful cleansing plants in a vibrant underwater world. Rainbow plants grow very quidkly and have fantastic, flowing multi-colored foliage. The “underwater” garden can be completed with the included deep blue gravel, sea shells, a Dora-themed stake and natural beach sand. Rainbow plants are easy to grow and will flourish in the garden on a windowsill for years in bright, indirect light as they clean the air and water. "The Dora Mermaid Adventure Garden is licensed from the top-rated creator of children's shows and exemplifies our mission to ignite an interest in plants and the world around us," Alicia Borley, PR manager for DuneCraft, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2008.

These are infant/toddler sizes of long-sleeved T-shirts, onesies and dresses with "Santa's Little Helper" on the front and hand-painted stripes and dots on sleeves, by artist Shelley Dieterichs. Launch date: October 15, 2008.

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