July 2009 New Specialty Toys — All

Block Mates build upon the foundation of unit blocks by providing children with a themed exploration set. All Block Mates are designed to fit standard unit blocks and can be built in their natural form or mixed and matched with others in the set to create new, imaginative creatures. The patented gasket design is created for a snug fit. There are five characters per set. The Safari set includes Gorilla, Rhinoceros, Elephant, Alligator and Lion. Blocks not included. There is not a toy in any market like Block Mates™. "They bring new life to a store's unit block sales and they are not marketed in big-box stores. They can be sold as an educational toy or a creative toy," Dave Ruddock, digital imaging and design for Guidecraft, told TDmonthly. This product received a Best of 2008 Instructor Teacher's Pick award and a 2008 and 2009 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award. Launch date: October 20, 2008.

This product features two front teeth and "is the only 100-percent edible Christmas Candy Teeth," Colin Leier, manager of Triple Alliance LLC dba Bubbagum, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2008.

Designed to combat boring kids' golf lessons, myminigolf employs obstacles the teacher can use to motivate kids in a playful way. "There is no competitor on market. myminigolf is the only product for this application," Hannes Weber, designer for defacto.GmbH, told TDmonthly. This product was a finalist of the "Golf Europe Product Award 2008."

The Monsterbooks are illustrated rhyming books for all generations. The books were created as a response to parents' desire for books to read to their children that adults can also enjoy. They draw upon themes that resonate with adults, including the Beatles, presidential politics and baseball. Launch date: June 2009.

Jacquard Products’ popular Medium Point Tee Juice Fabric Marking Pens are now offered in a boxed set which includes: Yellow, Blue, Red, Green and Black pens. Tee Juice Fabric Art Marking Pens are also available in Fineliner and Broad Tip Pens; all are available in eight vivid colors: Golden Yellow, Red, Blue, Black, Chocolate Brown, Orange, Purple and Emerald Green. The pens can be used on a wide variety of natural and synthetic fibers. Any piece of fabric, from t-shirts to lampshades can be transformed into a unique piece of art. Launch date: June 2009.

The KaZAM provides an alternative way to learn to ride a pedaled bicycle based on the concept of balance first, pedal last. It is a training bicycle that assists children to balance, increase coordination and ultimately ride a traditional bicycle for the first time with confidence. "This customized toddler bicycle has the steering and balancing challenges of a traditional bicycle but it has no pedals, chain or training wheels. Unlike all the competitors on the market, there is no more awkwardness with where to put your feet when gliding and cruising on a run bike — the KaZAM is uniquely designed with a foot rest area thereby making the transition onto a pedaled bicycle quicker and seamless! Because of its unique patented footrest and design, KaZAM appeals instantly to children and their parents," John Lugo, partner at KaZAM, told TDmonthly. Launch date: November 15, 2008.
Awards: Dr. Toy 100 Best Children's Products - 2010
— "All colors are great,"Kate Tanner, owner of Kidstop Toys, told TDmonthly at Toy Fair 2010.
— Glisyn Lewis Jarrells, manager of Imaginations Toy & Furniture Colo. in Blacksburg, Va., told TDmonthly in a March 2013 survey that they sell around 10 Kazam balance bikes during the warm-weather months.
— In a July 2013 survey Diana Nelson, owner of Kazoo Toys in Denver, Colo., told TDmonthly that Kazam balance bikes are her store's overall best-selling toy.

The Fuzion Spencer Hawk H4 builds on current Fuzion 4-wheel Steering Technology (FST). With four oversized cast urethane wheels and a floating axle design, the Spencer Hawk H4 offers the ultimate in road hugging, ground slicing, street carving abilities. Integrated pro rubber grips and 360° rotation are designed to allow for maximum trick potential for athletes of any caliber. "Spencer Hawk represents a new generation of participants in the action sports arena. The H2 and H4 products will shed new light on an up-and-coming genre and help exemplify the traditions and quality standards associated with the Fuzion brand and Hawk name," Darren Yuen, marketing manager for Nextsport, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2009.

"The Fuzion Spencer Hawk H2 is the first freestyle scooter to hit the market," Darren Yuen, marketing manager at Nextsport, told TDmonthly. It has a lightweight aluminum frame and wide polymer deck, custom solid core wheel technology and one-piece alloy bars. "Driven by the performance and quality standards of Spencer Hawk and his family, the H2 and H4 were developed to provide the ultimate in next-generation scooters. With edgy new looks and superior materials, both scooters are guaranteed to outshine the average two-wheel scooter," Yuen said. Launch date: September 2009.

The Roadster Car is about 12 inches long and is made of durable ABS plastic. The range is designed to be safe for children of all ages, meeting stringent international testing standards including safety tests EN71. "Beautifully designed and well-engineered, these products perfectly straddle the toy and design world," Deepa Dadlani, president of VICI Enterprises (exclusive North American Distributor of Playforever Toys), told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 2009.

KinderCone’s namesake product is a large, colorful cone filled with inspiring and educational gifts for young children, which parents give to their children to recognize the transition from kindergarten to first grade. KinderCone’s guiding principle is about inspiring young children to enjoy learning by celebrating this special milestone in their lives. KinderCones are 28" tall, handmade in Germany of sturdy box-board printed paper, and feature a limited edition design. Each KinderCone comes pre-filled with a Kinderjournal, Kalri, the plush main character of the journal, five pencils and temporary tattoos. The cones are offered in two main colors, red and bright green, and offer eight color options of the felt enclosure on top. "KinderCone is the first and only American company to re-create this concept outside of Europe," Vivian Lie, owner of KinderCone LLC, told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 15, 2009.

In this game of skill and chance for two to four players, the goal is to be the first to top off a treat with a cherry to win the game. It is made in the USA. Launch date: March 31, 2009.

This 48-piece, 7" x 7' floor puzzle features the colorful animals of Simms Taback award-winning books. The puzzles can be done individually and then hooked together or placed in a very long line. This Oppenheim Gold Award winner is made in the USA. It's "just made for the specialty market," Product Manager Carol Comes of Briarpatch told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 31, 2009.

To play, a child selects one of five colorful, two-sided match cards and place it in the tray. Then, he places the magic monkey in the center on the left side of the card and points his banana to the picture, letter, shape, or color he wants to try and match. Then, he selects the image on the right side of the card that best matches his selection. To see if he's correct, he'll place the monkey in the center on the right side of the card and let go. He will mysteriously spin and point to the correct match. "This little monkey's actions will even amaze adults and he does it all without batteries," Jason Cheung, general manager of Huntar Company, told TDmonthly. This product received a 2009 Parents' Choice Silver Honor Award. Launch date: 2009.

Four individual puzzles help children learn shapes by putting the puzzles together. The shapes are cleverly shown in the puzzle pictures. The sturdy puzzles come in a self-closing carrier box designed for years of puzzle fun. "The unique Briarpatch Carrier design makes it a one-of-a-kind item, perfect for holiday and birthday party gift-giving. The award-winning SAMi artwork is also made for the specialty store shopper," Carol Comes, product manager for Briarpatch, told TDmonthly. This product is an Oppenheim Gold Award winner. Launch date: March 31, 2009.

Lil Red Tractor is a high-quality, rechargeable, battery powered mini-tractor for boys or girls. It can be driven up to 2 mph indoors or out, on semi-hard surfaces. It has a large, adjustable seat for growing legs, and on-off foot pedal, and a one-year limited warranty with a free second year extended warranty and toll-free customer service. It is made in Canada. "Lil Red Tractor is a very high quality product, powered by a rechargeable battery (included). Kids love the bright shiny red finish and it's the perfect size for use indoors or out. [It is] not distributed in big-box stores," Ken Maxwell, VP of marketing for Peg Perego, told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 2009.

This is a fast-paced, fun Spelling Board Game that teaches spelling, vocabulary and reading as it's played using spelling words taken directly from any child's grade-appropriate spelling list. Also available in challenging Adult level for those who think they can spell but might find out otherwise.The fast-paced game teaches spelling, reading and vocabulary. "There are no other board games on the market which allow each player to spell words selected from their own grade level and which combine elements of chance, strategy and spelling knowledge in a way that makes learning to spell fun and easy," Richard J. Sullivan, president of The Spelling Bee Game, Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: July, 2009.
Awards: 2010 Creative Child Magazine Game of the Year, Children's Educational Board Game Category; 2011 Creative Child Magazine, Game of the Year, Children's Educational Board Game Category.

There's no limit to what you can make with this beautiful collection of materials! With simple tips and lots of examples for inspiration, cut, glue and sew ornaments, bookmarks, jewelry, cards, mobiles, gift tags, collages & more! Two bonus projects in every kit! Turn the box into a mailbox, birdhouse or special treasure box. The inner tray is perfect for framing your art. Ages 8 and up
— "I love these craft kits because the materials used are so incredible. Kids get to play with 100-percent wool felt, glass and wood beads, and beautiful handmade paper. It’s an added bonus that the company has skipped excessive packaging and uses 100-percent post-consumer waste recycled paper, reusable bags and vegetable-based inks," said Autumn Orndorff, gift buyer for Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe, Ariz., after discovering Artterro kits at ASTRA Marketplace 2009.

Featuring authentic cultural styles, original compositions and fun sing-a-long songs, the album helps parents nurture cultural awareness in their children by exploring new rhythms and musical genres from around the world. The CD includes the Global Wonders Theme Song ("A Great Big World") featuring a catchy sing-along chorus with layers of instruments from eight different countries, including an Indian sitar, Australian didgeridoo, Japanese koto, a Ghana log drum and a Scottish bagpipe. In "Global Wonders Hello," children are introduced to words and phrases to say “Hello” in 10 different languages. Launch date: June 2009.

Kids can learn to appreciate the highest achievements of civilization in painting, sculpture and architecture. This product is designed to cover the world of art across time and culture, introducing children to basic terminology and famous artists. The Professor Noggin series has won more than 12 awards. Launch date: July 30, 2009.

Wild Animal Baby is created to have kids laughing and smiling at the antics of Izzy, Rosie, Sandy and Skip as they solve mysteries and learn about the natural world. Brought to you by the National Wildlife Federation and Sunwoo Entertainment featuring high-quality animation and live action footage, these endearing animals aim to make learning fun and keep children glued to every educational episode. "Wild Animal Baby helps preschoolers develop important skills through 3-D animated characters, footage of real-life animals, animal sounds and intriguing puzzles. This multi-sensory approach is a feast for the eyes, ears and the entire body!" Aaron Zeigler, national account manager for TOPICS Entertainment, told TDmonthly. Single titles received a 2006 iParenting Media Award. Launch date: June 9, 2009.

An addition to the NameTrain Wooden Railway System created by Maple Landmark, the four-car Santa Train Car Set is crafted from locally harvested maple with whimsical images of Santa, Mrs. Claus, reindeer and elves. The finishes and inks are all non-toxic. The car pieces are not sold separately. Launch date: June 15, 2009.

Playsam's Strollers are packaged in a white box with silver lettering. "These are touted to be the 'Best Baby Shower Gift Ever' under $70," Deepa Dadlani, president of VICI Enterprises (exclusive North American Distributor of Playsam), told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

Brought back to celebrate Maple Landmark's 30th anniversary, Danish Solitaire is a mind-challenging math game crafted from locally harvested maple (in Vermont) and finished using a non-toxic clear lacquer. Measuring 5" x 7", Danish Solitaire comes with pegs numbering from one to 10. The object is to follow the lines and make the pegs add up to the same number. Directions are on the back. "The Danish Solitaire is an original, very rarely copied," Barbara Rainville, marketing manager for Maple Landmark Woodcraft, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 15, 2009.

From Scandinavian design company Playsam, this rocket is created to be both classic and contemporary, fanciful and functional, simple and sophisticated. "The products are beautifully packaged — ideal for gift giving," Deepa Dadlani, president of VICI Enterprises (exclusive North American Distributor of Playsam), told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.