November 2008 Notable Toys — All

This interactive plane guides a child through learning colors and shapes while having tons of fun. It has two play modes: Learn the Color and Shape and Find It! Kids play simply by inserting the plastic shapes into their slots. The infrared remote control, which works up to 12' away, can be used to bring the plane in for a landing. The plane vibrates, moves forward and backward, and plays melodies as it moves along. It also has red lights that blink randomly. The shape pieces and remote can be stored in the handy storage compartment in the nose of the plane. Jumbo Jet also has an automatic shut off. This product received a 2008 Seal of Excellence award from Creative Child Magazine. Launch date: March 2008.

This life-size zebra play center is equipped with 28 fun accessories, including mirrors, rattles, teethers, crinkling textures and horns. It is perfect for hugging or riding, and also comes in a smaller, hand-held size. The product received an iParenting Media Award and was named one of the Best Toys of the Year by Parents Magazine. Launch date: July 2008.

TykeLight GloMate by MOBI features an easy-to-clean surface that is soft to the touch, durable and impact resistant. The all-white GloMate, once illuminated, can turn a constant blue, green or pink; or rainbow-mode cycles between all three colors. Thanks to the built-in NmH rechargeable batteries and low-voltage charging base, TykeLight GloMate can provide up to 10 hours of constant light when fully charged. It turns on automatically when removed from the base, and the LED lights do not give off heat, so it’s cool to the touch. “Gentle Sleep” mode automatically dims and shuts off the light after 15 minutes. "The GloMate is not just a nightlight, but [also] a portable buddy for kids [that] is great for traveling and the perfect answer to 'Can you leave the light on?'" Dan Grody, publicist at Tellem Worldwide on behalf of MOBI, told TDmonthly. "It provides the perfect ambiance for nighttime feedings and it uses very little energy, lasting through the day or night on a single charge." This item received a 2008 Greatest Products iParenting Media Award. Launch date: October 2008.

The Okee Dokee line of 12" plush features whimsical friends with distinctive, wacky patterns and fun colors exclusive to each animal. Their mismatched eyes and crooked, yet cute, smiles are sure to bring the giggles. The collection includes Potomas the hippo, Mangos the monkey and Lillibelle the lamb. Launch date: 2009.

The patent-pending blankie-ball features an attached self-encompassing pocket to keep the blanket clean and portable for moms and babies on the go. The luxuriously soft blanket tucks inside the pouch and converts into a stylish and soft pillowy ball. There are six fun and contemporary styles to choose from, each with a different colored blanket inside. This product is extremely unique because of the pouch attached to the blanket. "No other blanket tucks into a ball for easy portability and cleanliness," Samantha Namboothiri, director of sales and marketing at Wagamama Baby, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 7, 2008.

This cushion is made of plush materials with polyester stuffing. It is convenient, easy to clean and ideal for relaxation. "This is not only a utility in the room, but also a decoration," a company representative told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2008.

Kids can rock the house with this simple rocker solution that epitomizes “play potential." It can be used as a speeding motorcycle, a galloping horse or even a balance beam. The open-ended design allows kids to bring their imagination to life and create an experience all their own. Its large size allows for two kids to grab a hold and take off. It is constructed from durable molded ply as strong as the log that inspired it. It's a "new-school version of an old-school classic ... the teeter totter," General Manager Matt Genova of 10 Grain told TDmonthly. Launch date: December 2007.

The URoll is the perfect size for little racers. It boasts a cantilevered seat strong enough for dad and mom, and the floating form creates a dynamic toy car that lets junior cruise in style. With an incredible turning radius, it’s agile enough for small spaces and can maneuver around tight corners. Launch date: December 2007.

This beautifully engineered globe is suspended in midair by an electronically controlled magnetic field. It must be plugged in to work. "This globe has a chip that continuously adjusts to atmospheric changes," Melissa Rains, in Premium Incentive Sales at Cram Herff Jones, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2008.

There are more than a hundred frames to choose from, and all Frame-Ups can be customized per personal preference. Launch date: 2009.

This modern construction set features 35 durable, plastics squares that measure 3" on each side and have notches on the sides that allow them to be connected. Children can build structures more than 3' high.

This set of 35, 3" squares made of heavy-duty plastic can be used to build creations more than 3' tall. Launch date: 2008.

Covering everything from Jellies and link belts to empire dresses and bolero, this educational title gives a thorough introduction to fashion through illustrations, historical tidbits and product segments that tell "What it looks like," "Who made it," "Who made it hot" and "How to rock it." Launch date: June 2008.

This book by Lois Ehlert features 64 creatures from the animal kingdom in playful, rhyming verse. It is 56 pages. Launch date: May 2008.

This travel-friendly playmat is made to fit airplane tray tables and also functions as a child's backpack, with adjustable straps, for easy portability. It offers a clean space for eating and playing, features accessible side pockets, and can hold more than 20 small toys, games and even snacks.

This 12-book series couples rhyme and repetition with predictable storylines and complementary illustrations that guide children as they increase self-confidence while learning to read. Titles include "What Goes Together?" "How Do I Feel?" and "Watch Out for Worms!" The variety pack has an MSRP of $23.88.

This padded, reversible coffee table cover is designed to "protect kids from tables and tables from kids," offering childproofing value for a safer home as well as protecting furniture from nicks and scratches. The themed side of the cover encourages creative play as well as recognition of colors and shapes, and with roadways and railroads, is ideal for pairing with wheeled toys and figurines. The reverse side is gray, and the cover is machine washable. Kids can draw on the reverse side with Crayola Washable Markers, then throw the pad into the wash for a clean slate. Two sizes are available: 20" x 48" and 40" x 68".

Each Charm It! box holds a surprise, oversized charm inside. There are seven different charms available, including Troy, Chad, Sharpay and Gabriella. Charm It! Secret Surprise Boxes are also available in Hello Kitty and Hannah Montana themes. Launch date: September 2008.

Designed for children ages 15 months to 6 years, this DVD features more than 15 Kindergarten sight words — including of, I, have, said and is — to help little ones be able to recognize them while reading.
— Kim Pagliarini of Teach! LLC http://catalog.teachcharlestoncatalog.com/ in Mt. Pleasant, S.C., sells about 15 to 20 per month, she told TDmonthly in autumn 2010.

This 12" x 10" insulated tote features an outside pocket and an easy-to-clean shell. It's ideal for carrying lunches to school or the office, or for holding snacks while traveling.

The BRIK-A-BLOK™ toy system provides an easy means for any child to recreate the world that surrounds them, at their scale. Easy to assemble panels come together to give kids the power to build their own world. Creative freedom coupled with our toy system liberates kids to custom build the perfect fort, playhouse, or any other structure they care to imagine. (Product Image depicts two BRIK-A-BLOK-46 sets)

The Fancy Dancy Skirt (41413) is absolutely gorgeous with layers and layers of soft pink tricot. It is gathered at the waist with a wide satin band and finished with 3 hot pink satin roses. The Fairy Top (28015) is made of ruched light pink satin and finished with a large hot pink rose.  Pink Poppy necklace and Ballerina Handbag accessories are sold separately.

This enchanting Medieval Gown (32425) makes little princesses’ fantasies come alive. The gown is made of rose and peony crepe satin, rose panne and silver mesh. The skirt has a stiff crinoline underskirt which gives it fullness and a soft lining to prevent scratching.
— Four of 52 retailers told TDmonthly in fall 2008 that costumes from Creative Education of Canada sell well in their stores, in terms of any merchandise related to Halloween.