TDmonthly Goes Inside ... Pixie Toys, Long Beach, Calif.

This environmentally friendly tea set includes a tea pot with lid, a sugar bowl with lid, creamer, four cups, four saucers and four teaspoons. The set is constructed of bio-plastic made from renewable, sustainable resources in order to help decrease fossil-fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions. Starch-based bio-plastic is ultimately biodegradable. "We do our best to make environmentally friendly business decisions, given today's available technologies from product development to packaging," according to Laurie Hyman, a partner at Green Toys. Green Toys also produces all of its products in the U.S. which cuts down on transportation costs and CO2 emissions. "Green Toys products are ideal for parents looking to make environmentally conscious decisions when it comes to shopping for their children," stated Hyman. Launch date: September 2007.
— “One of my new favorite toys is the Green Toys tea set and cooking set,” said Michelle Smith of Piccolo Mondo Toys in Portland, Ore., at the end of 2008.

Past Videos: ASTRA 2009

Made in the USA of recycled plastic milk jugs, this tool kit includes flat and Phillips screwdrivers, a wrench, pliers, a hammer, a saw, and two each of nails, bolts, nuts and two-hole connectors. The environmentally friendly set also includes a tool box for storage of the toys. Launch date: 2009.

Past Videos: ASTRA 2009

The Dinosaur Dish Set includes a plate, bowl, cup, fork and spoon. The melamine is BPA free and the set conforms to or exceeds U.S. and European safety standards. Gifts sets are 15"w x 11"H x 3"D. It is top-rack dishwasher safe or can be  handwashed in warm water.

This is a plastic, blow-molded skateboard deck only, NO WHEELS OR TRUCKS. Kids learn, practice, and get skills from balance and action sports moves indoors or out. The Yo Baby Kick Flipper is a great INDOOR sports toy. Whether it's too hot outside or the snow is coming down, children stay active and practice the fastest growing sport in the world indoors or outdoors. Parents love the product because children can learn boarding skills safely. The DVD that comes with it is mesmerizing for children and they watch it over and over hoping to master the same moves with their Yo Baby Kick Flipper.
Awards: 2007 TDmonthly Innovations Award; 2009 product of the year; 2008 preferred choice; ASTRA pick of the year; 2008 Seal of Excellence; Action Product Award ASR 2009
— “We're doing well with Yo Babys, [and] ordering a case a month,” said Connie Hoeft, owner of C R Toys in Kearney, N.E., when asked about her best-selling sports toys in spring 2009.

Past Videos: Toy Fair 2009

Now more than 10 years old, PlasmaCar continues to intrigue and fascinate with millions of units sole and multiple awards in over sixty countries worldwide. Just sit, put your feet up, and turn the steering wheel to propel yourself forward up to 6 mph on any smooth, flat surface. With a maximum weight capacity of 220 lbs., even parents and grandparents have experienced a giggle by taking it for a spin. Made from state-of-the-art, high-quality ABS plastics, this kid-powered, durable, ride-on vehicle comes in a variety of colors.
— Three of 44 retailers named the PlasmaCar as an overall best seller going into the holiday season 2009.
— Depending on the time of year, Kid’s Center in Tucson, Ariz., sells between four and 45 PlasmaCars monthly, a representative told TDmonthly in March 2010.
Awards: 2012 Parents Choice Awards Recommended, 2009 Green Parents List Check Mark, 2009 DisneyFamily.com Top Action Figures and Toys for Toddlers, 2009+2008+2005 The National Parenting Centre Seal of Approval, 2008 iParenting Media Toy Award, 2008 Fat Brain Toy Award Active Play, 2006 TIA Outdoor Toy of the Year - Specialty Toy of the Year, 2006 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award, 2005 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award, 2005 Dr. Toy Best Vacation Products, 2005 Creative Child Seal of Excellence, 2001 International Patent Fair, Hong Kong Gold Medal

This elegant 12” knitted butteryfly is musical, too. When his tail is pulled, he plays a Brahms lullaby.

This 8” velour cow is soft and cuddly for infants.

These mom and baby bovines are tethered together. When the string is pulled, they make music.

This soft wagon carries a load of sensory toys for baby.

Soft and light, the 7.5” Cosmidoux Hang Up Rattle is a snuggly that can be hung on the stroller, on the cradle or simply manipulated in baby's hands. It jingles softy and is machine washable.

These colorful car seat covers are removable for washing and can also be transferred to shopping carts to keep baby clean. The covers are made by a Long Beach, Calif., mompreneur.

This pretty infant dress can later be worn as a top. The dress is made by a Long Beach, Calif., mompreneur.

Kimochis are small pillows with a feeling (happy, sad, silly, brave) printed on one side and a corresponding facial expression on the other. Each Kimochis plush character comes with a set of three feelings and a How-To Kimochis Feel Guide. The characters have a special pocket where kids can store their "Kimochis" — of feelings. Using the characters and their Kimochis, kids can get in touch with their emotions through puppetry and play. "Getting back to the basics by playing and communicating with Kimochis is a simple, yet powerful way to teach children how to: be aware of feelings, choose how to communicate in emotional moments, and redo mistakes. Children will be drawn to the fun, adorable, accessible characters. Parents will be drawn to the high-quality craftsmanship and the valuable educational content," Associate Susan Schroeder of Plushy Feely Corp. told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 2008.
— Amy of Coffee with the Mrs. reported that her son “loves his Kimochi Cloud doll and is already starting to use more words about feelings since he got the doll.” He has even improved his reading by identifying the words printed on the emotions.
—    Take It From Me’s Kristin used the emotions of her daughter’s Kimochi to help her deal with the complex emotions she was feeling about a recent move. The Kimochis were so successful, Kristin said, that: “Now every time my daughter starts to get upset, I refer to the Kimochis and looking for what she feels helps her to calm down and relax.”
Awards:   Dr. Toy 100 Best Children's Products - 2010

The Tootsie Roll Metal Lunch Box is printed and embossed with “delicious” graphics. It measures approximately 8” x 7”.

This set includes a week’s worth of graphic socks with dots and comes in a gift box.

The Pinx line includes birthday and greeting cards with whimsical watercolor designs. This company is no longer in business.

This heavy duty, textured ball is great for indoor or outdoor play. The ball is 7" diameter. It is made of rubber and contains no PVC, latex or vinyl. The product conforms to or exceeds U.S. and European safety standards.
— During a March 2010 survey of top-selling sports and outdoor products, three out of 37 retailers told TDmonthly play balls are their best seller.

What kind of mermaid can’t swim? These mermaids are fully submersible for bathtub or swimming pool fun. They come with either magenta or purple hair that can be combed.

The Mermaid Cookbook by Barbara Beery is filled with delicious, nutrious recipes that get kids thinking about healthy eating while engaging their imaginations. This spiral-bound book is perfect as a gift or for creating themed parties.

This mermaid doll is soft and cuddly enough for a young child, but carries detail to foster the imagination of older girls.

The Only Hearts Club dolls are wholesome playthings meant to foster healthy self-images in young girls. Karina Grace comes decked out for a day of healthy fun at the beach.

A knightly handpuppet brings a new play pattern for boys who like lances a lot.

This three-piece set — part dinnertime, part storytime — is a fun take on classic children’s tableware. Made of keepsake-quality ceramic and designed for older kids (4-6) who’ve mastered table manners, each piece depicts a different scene and caption from one of three original, Piggy Story tales. The entire set is microwave and dishwasher safe, and comes nestled in a tin box with matching placemat and a small storybook. The tin box measures 7” x 7” x 4.75”.

This 9.5" soft and cuddly frog with removable clothing is based on the beloved characters from Arnold Lobel's classic books. NOTE: THESE ITEMS HAVE BEEN DISCONTINUED.

This book allows girls to create their own poseable fairy dolls that feature petal dresses and flowing floss hair. Supplies to make 12 posey pixies are included, and the book is written by Rachel Haab.
- “Girls love Klutz; [it] sells constantly,” Jeanne McCullough, owner of Children’s Store Inc. in Boise, Idaho, told TDmonthly.  
- “Klutz is No. 1 by far,” said Ron Banducci, co-owner of Games Unlimited in Danville, Calif., when telling TDmonthly about best-selling items for tweens in fall 2008.
- “[Tweens] want to make something,” said Diana Gisolfi, co-owner of Sister’s Kids in Springfield, Mass.

The bug “pod”, with six ribbon legs and antennae, hides a sleepy, 8” doll inside. Ideal as a first baby doll, Snuggle Bug encourages and develops nurturing skills in children. With its embroidered detailing, satin-lined interior and soft exterior, Snuggle Bug will be a favorite snuggle buddy for years to come. It’s for babies 6 months and up.

Rub-a-dub-dub, there’s a big duck in your tub. Schylling Toy Company believes that bigger is better, which is why this duck is 12” long from beak to tail. The Large Rubber Duck comes with an assortment of hats for virtually any occasion a child might have in mind: rain hat, bonnet and sailor’s hat.
— "Rubber duckies by Schylling" were bath best-sellers according to Tristan Hewitt, manager of Dragon's Toy Box in Seattle. Another agreed.
— Both retailers noted that ducky sales are sporadic throughout the year.
— Mike DiAndrea, manager of Hardware Toys/Big Smile Toys in Paoli, Pa., told TDmonthly in an April 2013 survey that they sell about 5 of this toy each month, making it a best-seller in the bath toy category.