TDmonthly's Top 10: Artsy Toys

This tiny vinyl character is the "hero of gettin' around" and has travel-related powers, such as ensuring that you always get a good parking spot. It was designed in Thailand by the DEBO (Do-Everything-By-Ourselves-) group of four artists – Byb, Beer, Noi and Ning – and then sewn together. The Maru-bo shape can be repeated in other dolls, but this particular design is only available in a limited edition of 50.

Create shrink-art jewelry that any pooch would be proud to wear, and while you’re at it why not make a coordinating piece for yourself. Includes enough material to make more than 20 charms and tags. Also includes alphabet beads to further personalize, cord, ribbon and “s” hooks to hang ID or charms from a collar, and even a hole punch.

Suitable for up to eight people, this party pack includes a themed color poster that doubles as a photo frame, eight sheets of Frosted Ruff-N'-Ready shrinkable plastic, at least 32 line-art images for tracing, eight invitations and envelopes, and eight key chains for bag tag favors. It also comes with "Make-&-Bake" instructions.

This set comes with assorted wood shapes and a special tool that allows children to customize their projects with three different engraving heads. Launch date: 2008.

This glamorous set includes a 58-page book, 17 sheets of patterned and shaded paper, beads, sequins, sticky jewels, glue, organza and satin ribbon and a bunch of tiny hangers for girls to hang their miniature fashion creations when completed. Launch date: March 2008.
— “Klutz books have been steady sellers for us,” Melodie Ingwersen, owner of Creative Kids Toy Shop in Columbia, S.C., told TDmonthly in March 2008.

Giving kids the chance to make recycled paper by hand, this kit includes construction paper, a papermaking tray, two screens, two boards, six poster paints, ribbons, wooden beads and additional accessories.
— Owner of The Toy Shop in Lexington, Ky., and Erica Welton, manager of Bedford Falls Toy Shop in Charlotte, N.C., both told TDmonthly in early 2008 that Alex’s craft kits for older kids are the best-sellers in their store.

Encourage recycling and reusing by offering these design kits to your little and tween girl customers. The kits are great for craft or slumber parties, too. This toy is still in development and artwork may not reflect the final product.

This small, collectible version of the ride-on Rody is just right for collecting coins and also comes in red, orange, yellow, blue and pink.