From fascinating art sets, to eco-friendly dolls and plush, to creative games and science kits, there are plenty of new product launches to consider for fourth quarter. Check out some of TDmonthly Magazine's recent staff favorites below.
T-me Design-Your-Own is a do-it-yourself kit that includes everything a child needs to design his or her own wearable artwork. She can draw a picture using the markers and papers in the kit, choose her favorite T-shirt style from the enclosed catalog, and mail the drawing to the company in the pre-paid return envelope. In 10 days, she'll receive her very own wearable art. The kit's T-shirt-shaped packaging converts into an easel-style picture frame so kids can easily display their favorite artwork. 4/3/2009 (Price: $32.50) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]
This kit includes six, 4-oz. containers of handmade soft dough made with organic flour, sea salt, cream of tartar, canola oil, natural plant and vegetable colors, natural scent extracts and natural preservatives. The lemon, orange, lime, strawberry, cherry and grape dough varieties are packaged with several different play dough tools. Clementine Art products are available exclusively at Whole Foods stores through 2009. 3/19/2009 (Price: $38.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]
The Dangerous Book for Boys: Electronics presents information on electronics every child should know through fun, engaging, and impressive experiments and activities. Children ages eight and up learn how to construct simple electronic toys, such as a joy buzzer and insect. It comes with a 32-page, full-color experiment manual and retails for $35.95. Launch date: Fall 2009. 3/31/2009 (Price: $35.95; Age: 8 and Up) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]
Strategy meets opportunity with a little bit of luck in this game for two to four players. Players must try to complete different patterns using interlocking game pieces. A roll of the dice decides how many Trango tiles a player can add to the matrix on his turn. Participants use their tiles to score points by making certain shapes, or block their opponent from being able to make their shapes. "Trangos' unique triangle package has a simple yet elegant look that begs to be picked up," Jerrett Metzger, president of Silly Willy Toys Inc., told TDmonthly. "Because Trango feels like a cross between those famous 'snap-together building blocks' and the game where you try to get 'four in a row,' a simple demo will convince anyone that it is worth buying." Launch date: February 13, 2009. 3/31/2009 (Price: $19.99; Age: 8 and Up) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]
The Metamorphosis Butterfly Display Book shows the five stages of development of the butterfly. The display book holds a removable model of each stage of the butterfly's growth and development. The display book also has a brief description of each stage inside with a photo. 3/31/2009 (Price: $11.99; Age: 4 and Up) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]
The Incredible Treasure Hunt Party Games are themed Treasure Hunt Party Kits that come complete with a beautiful wooden treasure chest, a set of themed clues, eight party invitations, and eight prize-filled loot bags containing more than 60 themed prizes. They are designed to offer everything parents need to host a fun and exciting party. There are three steps to set-up. First, hide the clues and treasure chest in the designated areas found on the Secret Hiding Places Guide prior to the party. Next, gather the party-goers around, and then, read the first clue aloud to start the Incredible Treasure Hunt. "The real wooden chest is a substantial and attractive piece that sets it apart from other games, and the cute characters, clever clues and multiple themes to choose from make it unique," Lisa Howard, CEO of Party Innovations, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009. 3/31/2009 (Price: $49.99; Age: 5 to 10) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]
Players add or subtract 1, 2 or 3 to the number on the top card of the pile to determine if they have a card that can be played next. It sounds simple, but with everyone playing simultaneously, the options are constantly changing. The first player out of cards wins. The game is for two to four players and offers "quick, easy and fun mental math practice," Leah Osterhaus, VP of marketing for Out of the Box Publishing, told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 15, 2009. 3/31/2009 (Price: $9.99; Age: 8 and Up) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]
Recycle Kyle™ likes to get people motivated about recycling because it is fun, easy, and something everyone can do. From Seattle, he loves to ride his skateboard, a pollution-free form of transportation. Kyle's dedication to recycling began one day while cruising through a park. He hit a soda can and fell down and hurt himself. Since then he has been spreading the word about recycling. He even started a recycling program at school. Kids can join Kyle and the other Global Green Pals on their mission. "The Global Green Pals are a unique group of dolls that highlight important environmental issues and encourage children to learn through play. They have the capability of inspiring children of all origins to take action by changing small things in their daily activities," Malini Goel, founder and president of Restoration Gallery LLC, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 15, 2009. 3/12/2009 (Price: $29.99; Age: 3 and Up) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]
Jingle Blocks were created with baby's love for discovery and touch in mind. Soft and visually interesting prints are appliqued with felt stars, and a gently chiming bell is securely placed in the center of each block. Other applique options include letters and numbers. Other fabrics are also available. The product is made in Vermont. "The Jingle Blocks combine old-world quality with design that appeals to modern parents. There is a special magic about toys such as these blocks, that are handmade in small batches by artisans who love thier work. They are intended to be lasting heirlooms, cherished by many generations," Cecilia Leibovitz, president and creative director of Craftsbury Kids, told TDmonthly. Launch date: April 15, 2009. 3/12/2009 (Price: $19; Age: 0 to 3) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]
This Fishing Game with a colorful 3-D boat is designed to teach kids numbers and shapes and help develop motor skills. They use the magnetic fishing rod to pick up fish and sea shells. Pieces can also be stored inside the boat and can be conveniently stored away. It includes two magnetic fishing rods, three magnetic fish, three magnetic sea shells, and a fishing boat. The product is tested to meet European and U.S. safety standards. 3/25/2009 (Price: $35.99; Age: 2 and Up) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]
Quentin is part of line of colorful and quirky eco-friendly plush designed to encourage children toward environmentally friendly initiatives. The Eco Snoopers characters each have their own stories. Launch date: April 22, 2009. 4/3/2009 (Age: 3 to 12) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]
Suitable for ages 18 months and up, Les Beedibies are an amusing collection of cuties, with expressive faces, articulated limbs, and "outie" belly buttons. They even suck their thumbs. Launch date: 2009. 4/1/2009 (Price: $9.00; Age: 1 and Up) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]
This dough can be mixed, molded, baked and eaten. Yummy Dough feels like regular modeling clay, but kids can eat it as they form designs and creations, and then bake it into an edible cookie. "This modeling clay has molding properties and can be eaten. Regular cookie dough cannot be molded into detailed creations, and clay is not edible and does not taste good. Yummy dough combines the best of both worlds," Tracey McIlwaine, account manager for PlaSmart Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 2009. 3/12/2009 (Price: $9.99; Age: 3 and Up) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]
Each Little Roomie includes a whimsical, not your average, rag doll and a distinctively decorated bedroom. Each Little Roomie has its own unique personality and story, yet when the Little Roomies are stacked, they create a one-of-a-kind dollhouse. Each room is soft and foldable, making them perfect for travel. Little Roomies are a splendid first dollhouse and an imaginatively fresh approach to collectibles. "This single little bedroom folds flat. A unique carrying case makes the Little Roomies portable," Karen Bornholt, in product development for Pint Size Productions, told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 2009. 3/12/2009 (Price: $24.99; Age: 3 to 10) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]
The Work-Home Collection offers both Worktown Mat™ and Hometown Mat™, offering a variety of fun platforms to support kids' imagination of work and home life. Launch date: April 2009. 3/24/2009 (Price: $44.91; Age: 3 and Up) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]
Decorate your window with fun circus creatures! This package contains 6 colors with glitters, 1 outline, patterns, PVC sheets. 3/24/2009 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]
This jolly old fellow is handknit of 100-percent cotton, featuring light blue eyes and a full beard. There's also a Reindeer in the Zubels line of soft, knit characters. Launch date: 2009. 3/12/2009
The Handstand Kids Chinese Cookbook kit features easy-to-learn recipes, such as The Great Wall of Chicken Lettuce Wraps, while teaching about the Great Wall of China; and Kung Pow! (Kung Pao Tofu), which shows characters doing karate. The Handstand Kids Chinese Cookbook introduces readers to the Mandarin language and comes in an adorable takeout box with a pair of child-friendly chopsticks. "The Chinese Cookbook introduces kids to the language, culture, and food of China in a delicious and healthy way! Children learn about new countries while gaining cooking skills that will assist them in being healthy and interested in the world around them," Yvette Garfield, creator of Handstand Kids, told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 2009. 3/23/2009 (Price: $24.99; Age: 3 and Up) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]
3 times award winning kit containing pre-cut wooden pieces, paint, glue and varnish to make a bird café. Even includes a splash mat to keep your surfaces clean 3/23/2009 (Price: $18.99; Age: 5 to 12) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]
The eco-friendly naturebag is full of outdoor nature activities for children. An activity booklet guides users through engaging hands-on games and experiences; everything needed is right inside the bag. "We live in a world where electronics play such a large part in children's lives that staying connected with the outdoors is all the more important to maintain a psychological, physical and spiritual balance," Director Sylvie de Sousa of Naturebag Eco-Activities told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2008. 3/23/2009 (Price: $34.99; Age: 3 to 12) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]
Kids can make eyewear fun, fashionable and fresh with Ficklets charm huggers. They're versatile and are made to be easy to attach and remove. With a wide selection of designs, kids can mix and match depending on their interest, outfit or mood. "Ficklets is the first and original interchangeable/removable charm hugger or adornment for eyeglass frames," President and Founder Ros Guerrero of Ficklets LLC told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2007. 3/23/2009 (Price: $5.98; Age: 5 and Up) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]
My First Sticky Mosaics® bring all the fun of Sticky Mosaics® to pre-schoolers! Match shapes and colors to create your own mosaic masterpiece. Includes 5 templates, 5 wall hangers, and over 1000 sticky foam pieces. 3/20/2009 (Price: $10.00; Age: 3 and Up) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]
Patch the Dog and Caty the Cat watched the kids on the farm play sports, and wished they could do it too. As soon as Haylee the Horse taught them how to walk on two legs, Patch and Caty reaced out to the field to play their favorite sport, soccer! 4/3/2009 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]
Made out of recycled plastic bottles, this environmentally friendly moose stands 10" tall and features a dark brown coat and tan antlers. Launch date: 2009. 3/18/2009 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]
This vehicles-themed Kids Color Tissue Box® kit features illustrations of different modern day vehicles such as cars, boats, and even helicopters for the child to color in. Each Kids Color Tissue Box® kit includes 2 Coloring boxes, 4 Crayola® Crayons, and 2 packs of Hankeez Brand facial tissues, each with 80 SuperSoft 2-ply tissues in each pack. The tissue box size measues 4 3/8" x 4 3/8" at the base, and 4 3/4" tall. 3/17/2009 (Price: $7.99; Age: 3 and Up) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]
Designed to encourage communication and self-expression, FAMILY MATTERS challenges players to do funny things, share stories, learn trivia, and resolve 140 "Fake Family Crises" as they take turns driving through town toward the finish line (aka the Weekend Wish) for some post-game family fun of the winner's choosing. 3/13/2009 (Age: 7 and Up) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]
This bright, chic bracelet for moms also serves as a teether and toy for babies. "Oh Plah" means "Here you go" in French. The flexible bracelet is free from phthalates, lead, paints, latex, PVC and BPAs. Simplicity (shown), Energy (green) and Harmony (navy) styles are available. Launch date: March 2009. 3/13/2009 (Price: $19.99; Age: All Ages) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]
Writer's Bio: Julie L. Jones has written articles for both newspapers and magazines. Before joining the staff of TDmonthly Magazine, she worked as a communications writer and provided editorial support for a market research company. Read more articles by this author
Writer's Bio: Julie L. Jones has written articles for both newspapers and magazines. Before joining the staff of TDmonthly Magazine, she worked as a communications writer and provided editorial support for a market research company. Read more articles by this author
