March 2009 New Specialty Toys — Educational

This interactive flat disc with several informational windows provides valuable information about the states and Presidents of the United States, including Barack Obama. It may be stored in a three-ring binder. "This product is considered 'green' do to its lack of throw-away packaging," Shantel Cartwright, in sales and marketing for TEDCO Toys, told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 2009.

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. Awards: Parent's Choice Award 2010. Launch date: July 15, 2009.
Awards: 2009 Major Fun; 2010 Parent's Choice Silver

On each turn, one team flips over a category card. Team members frantically brainstorm words that fit the category while the opposition tries to sidetrack them. The team must agree on a word and pull each letter of that word one lane closer to their side of the street, all before the time runs out. "It has excellent educational applications but feels like a party game," Leah Osterhaus, VP of marketing for Out of the Box Publishing, told TDmonthly. Awards: 2009 Oppenheim Gold Award; 2009 Major; 2010 Dr. Toy Best Vacation Products; 2010 Mensa Select. Launch date: June 2009.
— "A great language skills development game. I wonder if they are going to make a Spanish version," Jennifer Shuman, owner of 1SmartNoodle, told TDmonthly at Toy Fair 2010.

The Golden Dragon has been discovered and ninja players must be the first to reach its location. To move throughout the game, players roll one of two sets of dice and solve the number challenge rolled. The skill level of each player determines which set of dice that ninja will use. To win the game, ninjas will solve four word challenges. While moving throughout the lands, other ninjas will try to trap opponents and block their way to the Golden Dragon. "Players will be having so much fun they won't realize they may actually be reinforcing their math skills while playing," Tami Murphy, marketing manager of The Haywire Group, told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 2009.

Aurora’s super-soft and interactive 14” teddy bear provides cuddly comfort while helping kids learn valuable skills. Through the bear’s colorful pair of overalls children learn how to tie a ribbon, fasten a snap, close a button and put items in a pocket. As they practice their motor skills, they will also learn the names of popular fruits that correspond to the colored parts of the overalls, banana and orange feet, and an apple and pear to put inside a bib pouch. Sound effects, a rattle and a squeak, on the hands round out the educational and developmental fun.

All Purpose Mats serve as a cutting board, placemat and workstation in one. There are four educational mats: three feature a country from the Handstand Kids Cookbook series and the fourth illustrates a kitchen scene. Maps of Italy, Mexico and China are featured along with language translations of cooking utensils and foods used in the Handstand Kids’ recipes (the Mexican map border shows an apple and below is the Spanish translation “manzana”). These lightweight and durable mats are dishwasher safe and phthalate free. "There is no other multi-purposed item like this on the market. The mats educate kids on geography [and] language, and empower them in the kitchen to have their own work space," Yvette Garfield, creator of Handstand Kids, told TDmonthly. Launch date: April 2009.

Players race to get rid of the cards in their hands by creating sets and runs in the middle of the table. Don’t have the right cards? No problem — grab from a set or run already on the table, or play your cards on any existing set or run. It's "the fastest Rummy game available," Leah Osterhaus, VP of marketing for Out of the Box Publishing, told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 15, 2009.
Awards: 2009 Major Fun

Force Play capsulizes the excitement and strategy of baseball: Run or hold up? Steal or play it safe? Pitch to the slugger or walk him? While taking only five minutes to learn and 20 minutes to play, Force Play is a fast and fun way to enjoy the game of baseball indoors. "Force Play is the funnest and easiest baseball board game ever made, incorporating real play-action decisions in a fluid format that allows for three exciting innings in only 20 minutes. This game has been tested extensively on baseball players and non-baseball players alike [and] on gamers and non-gamers alike, and the consensus is the same — it's exciting, easy and launches you into the thrill of baseball immediately," Riley Drake, president and inventor of Force Play LLC, told TDmonthly. Launch date: April 8, 2009.

Minymini storytelling products are designed to teach children about the objects around them. The functional plush toy has a suction cap on the back for hanging. It may be used as an educational, decorative or collectible item. Launch date: 2009.

A beautiful spotted Owl in miniature?  What a hoot!  As a puppet, he perches on your finger, ready to dispense owlish wisdom.  Whooo could be cuter?

A favorite of the finger puppets, this charming Mini Field Mouse has mottled brown plush and big soft ears.

This tiny woodland creature appears to be alive when nestled atop your finger.  With lifelike detail, this miniature Chipmunk finger puppet will bring to your home the charm of a walk in the woods.

The sheer wings of this finger puppet, silk screened with the realistic orange and black markings of the Monarch Butterfly, flutter gracefully up and down with the motion of your hand. Its stretchy nylon fabric body fits fingers of many sizes.
— In a May 2012 survey, three out of 11 retailers said that Folkmanis Butterfly finger puppets were their best selling plus or puppet item. Barbara Fineblum, owner of Barstons's Childs Play in Baltimore, Md., told TDmonthly that they sell approximately 23 each month.

He’s a lean, scaly green eating machine.  The giant Tyrannosaurus Rex continues to fascinate young and old alike, retaining his legendary status as king of the dinosaurs.  Animate his jaws (of course) and feel the raw power of the mighty 'Rex.

He pants, he barks, he hunts for fleas, he wags his tail, he tilts his head quizzically, he sniffs your sleeve—and he makes your friends believe he's real, all with your help, of course.  But a hidden entrance and long fur hide the secret of your participation, so prepare to charm and be charmed by the magic of one of our most popular puppets

With its movable beak, this Raven puppet will crow "Nevermore!" from the treetops until the dawn breaks.  This highly intelligent bird is a prevalent figure in traditional mythology and fairy tales around the world. Often depicted as a trickster or a creator, this Raven will make a perfect storytelling companion.

This long and lanky desert dweller, a fellow known for his dry wit and large feet, awaits animation by your hands.  So, hop to it!  Jack Rabbit puppet features movable head and arms, back opening.

This long and lanky desert dweller, a fellow known for his dry wit and large feet, awaits animation by your hands.  So, hop to it!  Jack Rabbit puppet features movable head and arms, back opening.

This incredibly soft Dutch rabbit feels like a real bunny. With cream and coffee colored markings and the design of the ears and haunches, she looks like she could hop off at any moment. She has to be held to be believed. Ultra huggable.

A present!  What is it?  Jewelry?  Chocolate?  Surprise!  Animated from below, three plush white mice pop from this colorful package when you lift the lid, so there's no need for cheese, you'll be smiling already!

This wiggly little fellow can plant your face with puppy kisses and cock his head with curiosity.  Our cuddly puppy features a soft velvety coat, realistically weighted ears and soft pink tongue.  Also available in Chocolate.

A perennial petting zoo and farm favorite, the good-natured goat is charming and sweet. Folkmanis’ 19-inch, salt-and-pepper rendition has a sweet face; floppy ears; and soft, safe, molded horns. Weighted, vinyl hooves make playtime jumping and climbing – some of a goat’s favorite activities – realistic and fun.

As anyone with a sibling knows, brothers and sisters sometimes don’t get along! How much harder would it be if you were attached, and could breathe fire? Find out with this Blue Three-Headed Dragon puppet. Just slip your hand inside from underneath to animate the arms and all three heads, then let the bickering/braggadocio/blazing begin!

A princess among kitties, this whimsical FLUFFY CAT has a moveable mouth with a realistic tongue to demand more kibbles. Her extra fluffy body and long luxurious tail are sure to elicit lots of laughs.