Thousands
of products are introduced to the toy industry every year, but only a
limited number are good enough, playable enough and innovative enough
to garner an award.
In addition to issuing
TDmonthly
Awards, TDmonthly
Magazine regularly asks manufacturers
to present their award winners to our readers so that retailers can quickly
identify products with great potential and manufacturers can learn and
be inspired by others' successes. Here are the most recent responses:
Monika Peter-Leicht has created an adorable sister and brother seated and holding hands. They are sold separately, and both are the 32” size babies in silicone/vinyl. Their arms are full length and attach directly into the shoulder plate so they can wear sleeveless outfits as shown. Their legs are sculpted well above the knees so they can attach to a small cap cloth portion into the body to make them easy to pose. Their legs can cross in front as shown or hang down if seated in a chair. Abigail has blue eyes and a beautiful brunette wig with soft curls down to her neckline. She has cute pink barrettes in her hair. Monika has dressed her in an adorable sleeveless dress with a pink floral design. Her sweater is done in lime green edged with the material of her dress. She wears white socks with a lace edge and adorable pink shoes. Limited Edition of 350 pieces. This doll received a 2008 DOTY (Doll of the Year) Industry's Choice Award. 1/28/2008 (Price: $189.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]
Pingu: On Thin Ice by 20th CENTURY FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT
This 59-minute DVD features the mischievous penguin named Pingu and his comical escapades in the South Pole. Episodes include “Pingu’s Balancing Act,” “Pingu and Pinga Go Camping” and “Pinga Has Hiccups.” This product received a Dove Family Approved Seal. Launch date: January 28, 2008. 1/17/2008 (Price: $14.98; Age: 3 to 6) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]
Debbie and Friends: Story Songs and Sing Alongs by DEBBIE AND FRIENDS
This family-friendly CD features rock, country, pop, reggae and Broadway-esque musical styles, original story-songs such as “Jack and the Beanstalk,” and a powerful ballad known to stir the emotions, “Love is a Family.” It combines Debbie’s vocals with the voices of 15 Boston-area kids and the instrumental talents of numerous Berklee College of Music students and faculty. The five story songs on the CD “promote literacy and provide a wonderful opportunity for cross-promotion with books and toy products that are based on children's classic tales,” Debbie Cavalier told TDmonthly. This product received the Dove Foundation Family Seal of Approval award. Launch date: October 9, 2007. 1/17/2008 (Price: $14.95; Age: 2 to 7) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]
"Storytelling Zaki" – Plush by LIFE'S BUILDING BLOCKS INC.
This soft, lovable, singing and talking plush character contains “Zaki’s Song” and six short stories featuring each member of the Spruce Street Six and their particular virtue. Among the features included in "Storytelling Zaki" are fins on his back that change colors according to what’s happening in the stories, and a replaceable cartridge slot that allows for the purchase of new stories, thereby keeping Zaki fresh. This product received a 2008 Preferred Choice Award from Creative Child Magazine. — “The music was a great hit, [and] the songs encouraged dancing,” said Rebecca Heinrich, a participant in TDmonthly's Preschool/Early School Roundtable. Her son, Collin (3), "liked watching the colors change on Zaki's back, and figuring out how to change from story to story.” 1/17/2008 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]
What Would Zaki Do? Board Game by LIFE'S BUILDING BLOCKS INC.
"What Would Zaki Do?" is a board game that allows children to really express their thoughts with families and friends in a fun and light environment. Through the Spruce Street Six, players engage in adventures that present challenging situations that promote life’s lessons. It’s rare that the players all agree on what they would do, but through these conversations and differing perspectives, both understanding and laughter are increased. This product received a 2008 Preferred Choice Award from Creative Child Magazine. 1/17/2008 (Age: 6 to 11) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]
Spruce Street Six Activity Books by LIFE'S BUILDING BLOCKS INC.
These six virtue-specific activity books are filled with puzzles, stories, word searches and coded messages. There are also subtle lessons within the activities that give parents and kids great opportunities to connect. This series received a 2008 Seal of Excellence Award from Creative Child Magazine. 1/17/2008 (Age: 6 to 11) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]
Spruce Street Six Chapter Books by LIFE'S BUILDING BLOCKS INC.
Kids love to read fun and interesting books. But if the exciting and interesting plots can include additional value such as allowing the readers to improve their understanding of what they should consider as they face difficult decisions, all the better. Created by an award-winning author and equally decorated illustrator, this six-book series highlights each member of the Spruce Street Six and is destined to be a classic that children will enjoy for generations to come. This series received a 2008 Seal of Excellence Award from Creative Child Magazine. — Gail Richardson, a participant in TDmonthly's Preschool/Early School Roundtable, said that her children, Alexander (8) and Jessica (6), “could relate to what was happening to some of the characters (like Carlos losing his temper in the “Worst Day Ever”), and that gave us something to talk about as the lights were being turned off.” 1/17/2008 (Age: 6 to 11) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]
The craft kit includes plastic stencils that allow kids to easily trace perfectly proportioned pants, purses, skirts, scarves, sweaters and shoes, and then embellish their designs with sequins and ribbons. The creations can be hung or mounted onto greeting cards, gift bags, lockers and more. This product is a Parents’ Choice Gold Award and National Parenting Center Seal of Approval Award winner. Launch date: — Laura Pearson, manager of The Durango Kid in Durango, Colo., said her store sells “100 to 200 [Klutz kits] a month.” — The Three Bears' Manager Ms. Rene, in Ruidos, N.M., told TDmonthly that when it comes to Klutz, her store sells “about 100 per month.” — Over 13 percent of retailers told TDmonthly that Klutz Inc. products are their best arts-and-crafts sellers. 1/16/2008 (Price: $19.95; Age: 8 and up) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]
Mia Doll & Paperback Book by AMERICAN GIRL LLC
Mia comes dressed in figure skating practice clothes. The 18” doll is soft and huggable, with a poseable body and hair that can be styled. She comes with a book, Mia, that tells the story of her following her dream to become a figure skater and the challenges she faces and the lessons she learns. Additional outfits and accessories are available separately. Launch date: 2008. 1/11/2008 (Price: $90.00; Age: 8 and up) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]
Ivy Doll & Paperback Book by AMERICAN GIRL LLC
Ivy is Julie’s best friend. She comes dressed in a knit top, twill pants and 1970s boots. The 18” soft-cloth doll is soft and huggable, with a poseable body and hair that can be styled. The doll comes with a matching book, Good Luck, Ivy, which tells the story of Ivy growing up in 1970s San Francisco. This product is an Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award winner. 1/11/2008 (Price: $90.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]
This 59-minute DVD features the mischievous penguin named Pingu and his comical escapades in the South Pole. Episodes include “Pingu’s Balancing Act,” “Pingu and Pinga Go Camping” and “Pinga Has Hiccups.” This product received a Dove Family Approved Seal. Launch date: January 28, 2008. 1/17/2008 (Price: $14.98; Age: 3 to 6) 
This family-friendly CD features rock, country, pop, reggae and Broadway-esque musical styles, original story-songs such as “Jack and the Beanstalk,” and a powerful ballad known to stir the emotions, “Love is a Family.” It combines Debbie’s vocals with the voices of 15 Boston-area kids and the instrumental talents of numerous Berklee College of Music students and faculty. The five story songs on the CD “promote literacy and provide a wonderful opportunity for cross-promotion with books and toy products that are based on children's classic tales,” Debbie Cavalier told TDmonthly. This product received the Dove Foundation Family Seal of Approval award. Launch date: October 9, 2007. 1/17/2008 (Price: $14.95; Age: 2 to 7) 
Mia comes dressed in figure skating practice clothes. The 18” doll is soft and huggable, with a poseable body and hair that can be styled. She comes with a book, Mia, that tells the story of her following her dream to become a figure skater and the challenges she faces and the lessons she learns. Additional outfits and accessories are available separately. Launch date: 2008. 1/11/2008 (Price: $90.00; Age: 8 and up) 
Ivy is Julie’s best friend. She comes dressed in a knit top, twill pants and 1970s boots. The 18” soft-cloth doll is soft and huggable, with a poseable body and hair that can be styled. The doll comes with a matching book, Good Luck, Ivy, which tells the story of Ivy growing up in 1970s San Francisco. This product is an Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award winner. 1/11/2008 (Price: $90.00) 
