March 2009 New Specialty Toys — Electronics

New and improved, this special edition updates the best-selling TIA 2008 T.O.T.Y. Game of the Year with new features to improve game play, more challenges to master, and a cool metal look and texture for a better grip. Packed with speed games and brainteasers everyone can play, the Titanium Edition features six electronic games that test speed and smarts, save high scores, and track progress.

Animal Yakkers™ are electronic toys that make kids feel as if they're on a farm, as they emit hilarious sounds of their favorite animals. Give them a shake and hear the wackiest animals on the funny farm start YAKKIN away. The faster you shake them, the funnier they sound. Yakkers come in three popular farm animals: cow, pig, and lamb.

These electronic feeding bowls make fun animal sounds as baby eats. The bowl is activated by the "magic spoon" and makes one of four sounds each time the spoon leaves the bowl. "The feeding bowl is dishwasher safe. Also, a large suction cup holds the base firmly in place, making it great for self-feeding," Nicole Tiedemann, PR account executive for International Playthings, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 15, 2009.

The clock glows green signaling to children that it is now okay to wake up. Great for parents who want to maximize their available sleeping time. This clock features the flower faceplate.

The clock glows green signaling to children that it is now okay to wake up. Great for parents who want to maximize their available sleeping time. This clock features the bug faceplate.

This brain-powered game challenges users to move a ball through an obstacle course using the power of the mind. It comes with a three-sensor headset that measures brainwave activity and determines the user's level of concentration. The game unit features a fan that blows more powerfully to lift the ball as focus increases. Launch date: 2009.

Children can sing along with their favorite characters using their own detachable digital MP3 player! Each book spread features the lyrics of four songs, each with its own icon. The child can select the corresponding icon on their MP3 player to hear the song. The MP3 player includes Play, Shuffle, and Stop buttons. On the LCD screen, a simple animated icon – one for each of the 20 songs – is also displayed.

Kids can build a multi-terrain robotic vehicle, complete with six S-shaped legs designed to conquer tough terrains, such as sand, rocks, and grass. They'll test its limits by towing toy cars, climbing a stack of books, or negotiating a wall. Includes instructions for five guided projects that touch upon the science of motion and energy to explain why RoboXplorer reacts differently to various terrains.

Designed for children who are accustomed to saying, "Five more minutes, please," or interpret "right now" to mean at the commercial break, The My Time Activities Timer helps children complete tasks in a timely manner, self-monitor their leisure activities, and take more responsibility to manage their time. Features include Main Activity icon buttons (TV Time, Video Game Time, Computer Time) and a customizable interchangeable button (far right button on timer). The timer is easy to set up and use, and comes with instructions for pre-programming. "This product is ideal for children who need that extra help to limit their exposure to too much TV, video games and computer time, but also encourages [them] to spend more time reading, practicing music [and] doing physical activities," Veronique Bella, owner of My TIme Timer LLC, told TDmonthly. The timer requires 2 AAA batteries. It received a 2008 Seal of Approval from The National Parenting Center. Launch date: 2008.

Never has early learning been so much fun! These portable, hand-held talking animals are cute and colorful and as much fun as they look. Kids can learn ABC, 123, colors & shapes, animal sounds and favorite nursery rhyme melodies. Each Early Learning Animal Pal teaches something different! The animal pals feature an auto shut-off feature and requires two “AA” batteries (included). With light up buttons and fun, friendly voices and activities, these Early Learning Animal Pals will soon become your child’s favorite toy. Recommended for ages 18+ months and up.