March 2009 New Specialty Toys — Eco-Friendly

Made with high-quality blue board that gives the puzzle edges a finished look, this 399-piece family jigsaw puzzle completes to 17.25" X 26.5". It is made in the USA with 100-percent recycled fibers, soy-based inks, water-based coating and recyclable bagging material. With the family puzzles, children work from the side of the puzzle with the large pieces while adults work from the side with the small pieces. They meet in the middle when the puzzle is complete. Launch date: January 20, 2009.

The 2009 SummerMuff InfantMuff is a 100-percent organic, lightweight, sun-blocking muff for infant carriers and car seats. Its patented design fits most three- and five-point harness systems and comes in three colors. The larger SummerMuff StrollerMuff fits strollers and joggers. The InfantMuff protects baby's skin from UVA/UVB rays using certified UPF50 fabric, and from scratchy synthetic fabrics in strollers by lining them with jersey cotton. Launch date: August 2008.

Step into an adventure of a little girl who turns green from her head to her toes and learns that doing her part for the environment really shows. "I'm Turning Green" teaches young readers tips for conservation of energy, water and natural resources. It is made from 100-percent recycled papers and offer a 100-percent eco-friendly product at a reasonable price. Launch date: November 24, 2008.

This cool and hip food-themed bib has a 100-percent cotton fabric front and soft and absorbent towel backing. It is handcrafted in the USA of all new materials, and the backing is made from repurposed towel remnants from the company's hooded towel collection, resulting in less landfill waste. Fabrics inclue Sushi, Pizza, Ice-cream and Melon. "The TAKE-me-OUT bib, by Frog Kiss Designs strives to help the environment one small step at a time," Owner and Designer Ruta Leonard of Frog Kiss Designs told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 20, 2008.

This pre-colored, walk-in cardboard castle is designed for children to climb in, crawl in, play in, and decorate inside and out. It is beautiful, sturdy and offers lots of room for play and even storage, with secret compartments in the towers. The slot-and-groove system makes it easy to build, and it's made in Germany from extra-durable, lightweight white cardboard. The castle measures approximately 41" x 41" x 49". "[It's] better than any regular playhouse because children can color it and play with it," Martina McConnon, owner of Creative Toyshop, told TDmonthly. "You can build this castle in three different configurations depending on what space you have available." Launch date: 2008.

This new line is "the next best thing to bare feet" for children ages 1 to 5+ years. Available in EU sizes 20-29 (U.S. children's sizes 6-12), pediped Flex is perfect for children that have outgrown pediped Originals and are ready for the next stage. There are more than 30 adorable Flex styles, including larger versions of many pediped Originals. "They are the only toddler shoes with the Flex Fit system. An additional insole is included with every pair. Put the additional insole in the shoe when it is first bought, [and] when the shoe feels too snug on the child's foot, remove the additional insole and the shoe will have an added half-size of wear," Diane Edgeworth, marketing coordinator for pediped footwear, told TDmonthly. This product received an APMA Seal of Acceptance and a 2007 National Parenting Center Seal of Approval. Launch date: 2009.

Shains Bracelets are part of the Shains line of fashion accessories and an easy way to begin stylizing one's own fashion. Comes with the full alphabet and seven icons. Available in a variety of colors. Shains are cool, recycled fashion accessories that empower people of all ages to make their own statements — and change them anytime. "Shains are unique in using recycled materials and in their cool colors and new product selections, including unique ponytail holders and backpack keyclips," Owner Ewa Martinoff of Shainsware told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2008.

This eco-friendly animal stool is chemical-free, recycled and recyclable. The sculpture piece also has a very real purpose — to be sat upon ridden like a horse. "The product is done in a very humorous way. We have many more styles with an animal table," Cathy Henszey, executive creative director of cardboardesign, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2009.

Hi! My name is Clean Air Kate™ and I think clean air is great! I am from Chicago in the United States. I am a city girl who believes in living life to the fullest and giving back to the environment. I love riding my bike because it does not pollute and it is fun! By riding my bicycle and walking, I don’t add harmful chemicals to the environment. I also enjoying gardening and planting trees! There is much we can do to help the environment. Join me and Global Green Pals™ in greening the planet!

Greetings! My name is Carbon Offset Chet™. I’m from London, England and I love to fly! By flying in my special solar-powered plane, I've reduced the amount of air pollutants or “carbon emissions” I emit. This leaves the air and land cleaner for everyone to enjoy. And furthermore, I get to see the world with my Global Green Pals™ without polluting the environment! Roger that! Join me and my pals on our mission!

Global Green Pals,™ group of young eco-explorers from around the world know that everyone can do something good for the environment whether it's turning off a faucet, riding a bike, recycling a can or planting a tree. Made with organic and natural cotton, Global Green Pals ™ are loved by kids and adults alike. Each soft doll comes with its own environmental message and character tag. A portion of your purchase goes to saving the planet.

Kidzsack is an eco-friendly, creative backsack for kids. The fabric is 10-oz. canvas, made from 100-percent recycled cotton and soda bottles. The front of the sack is screenprinted and eight washable, non-toxic markers are included. Kids color, parents wash, and kids recolor — a great reusable activity kit. "It isn't a one-time craft that sits on a shelf collecting dust. As a parent of four, I'm very interested in long-lasting crafts that encourage creativity," Owner Tina Hill of Kidzsack told TDmonthly. This product received a 2008 Preferred Choice Award from Creative Child Magazine. Launch date: October 15, 2007.

This clean-energy set created for use at home or school uses fuel cells and allows kids to learn about wind energy as well as create hydrogen using wind and water; thus kids make their own scientific demonstrations. The set includes a water/gas storage module, a reversible fuel cell, a miniature wind turbine, an electric motor, a propeller blade and a manual. Launch date: Fall 2008.