July 2009 New Specialty Toys — Gifts

This American-made Scramble Squares puzzle features nine cowboy-themed pieces that must be arranged into a 12" x 12" square so that the graphics match up edge to edge for every piece, forming a complete design. There exists only one solution. The packaging includes educational information relating to the puzzle theme, as well as a trivia quiz. Scramble Squares awards: TDmonthly Top Toy 2008. Launch date: 2009.

Where to Buy: LB Toys

Designed for quick, simple cutting of Scotch-type tapes, this dispenser cuts large quantities of tape to a 3.8 cm length with a single rotation of the handle. It may also be used as storage for pens, scissors or name cards. The product is available in pink, light blue and yellow.

This colorful storage basket with handles and a curved roof measures 50 cm x 30 cm x 44 cm.

This box is just right for treasures like note cards, stationery and mementos. Three drawers, one on the front and one on each side, could easily accommodate pencils, pens markers and crayons. Measures 10” x 6” x 2 1/4”. Launch date: 2009.
― Two of 39 retailers told TDmonthly in October 2009 that music boxes are their top-selling jewelry or accessory item.

SOGGS™ are half a dozen (six pairs) fresh, free-range socks. They are available in three different designs: with stripes, stars and plain. In every box with striped socks, there are six different, fresh-colored pairs of striped socks. The free-range socks are available in one size, suitable for ages 0 to 12 months. Launch date: 2005.

This soft, cuddly pillow is designed to provide companionship, a sense of security and lots of love. Offering neck support for toddlers, and a soft haven for any sleepy head, the medium-sized Cuddle Tooth comes in an assortment of color pockets. "Whether on a road trip, or crossing the big blue, you and your dreams will be comfortable with a Travel Tooth companion," Alana Zook, owner of Gappy Grin Gifts, told TDmonthly. Launch date: April 2008.

Created for both boys and girls, the Sweet Pea onesie is paired with soft green leggings and a knotted hat. It comes in a Sweet Cottons box and is machine washable. "Sumptuously soft and beautifully embroidered, each item is made from eco-friendly 100-percent Pima Cotton in a fair trade factory," Carrie Murray, vice president of Sweet Cottons, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

The Just Plane Cute onesie is paired with our soft blue leggings and a knotted hat. This three-piece gift set comes packaged in a Sweet Cottons box, is machine washable, and is made from Pima Cotton in a fair trade factory. Launch date: 2009.

The Cupcake is lovingly matched with bright pink leggings and a sweetly knotted hat. The three-piece gift set is presented in a Sweet Cottons box and is machine washable. "Sumptuously soft and beautifully embroidered, each item is made from eco-friendly 100-percent Pima Cotton in a fair trade factory," Carrie Murray, vice president of Sweet Cottons, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

Ideal for all seasons, this onesie is paired with orange leggings and a knotted hat. The three-piece gift set is machine washable and comes in a Sweet Cottons box. "Sumptuously soft and beautifully embroidered, each item in our collection is 100-percent Pima Cotton," Carrie Murray, vice president of Sweet Cottons, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

Written and illustrated by Sarah Dillard, this picture book welcomes readers to Arugula’s tea party. Everything’s going to be just perfect, because that’s exactly how Arugula likes things. The problem? Perfection is no fun for her guests — they’re too nervous to touch or eat anything. And when someone unexpected arrives, ready to get her party started, Arugula is horrified. Especially when everyone seems to like him better than her. The book features a hedgehog heroine, comic-book style panels, and witty thought balloons. "Arugula is an day-dreaming diva, part Martha Stewart, part Miss Piggy, and all fun," Dillard told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 3, 2009.

Piggy Paint's Girls Rule! pack contains two polishes (Forever Fancy and Girls Rule!), as well as a bottle of Piggy Paint Remover in a reusable purple organza bag. It is the company's No. 1 seller, as of July 2009. "Piggy Paint is a non-toxic, eco-friendly fingernail polish that dries to hard, durable finish and can be easily removed with Piggy Paint's low odor, hypoallergenic remover," Melanie Hurley, CEO of Piggy Paint, told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 2008.

Forever Fancy, a sparkly, bright pink shade, is Piggy Paint's best-selling polish. It is also available in the company's Toe-Tally Fancy, Girls Rule!, and Lovebug Hug gift sets. "Piggy Paint is a non-toxic, eco-friendly, odorless nail polish designed for fancy girls. Say good-bye to harsh, smelly chemicals and hello to Piggy Paint ... it's as Natural as Mud!" Melanie Hurley, CEO of Piggy Paint, told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 2008.

Piggy Paint is an eco-friendly, non-toxic nail polish designed for fancy girls. This hypoallergenic, odorless formula is designed to be gentle enough for sensitive little hands and noses, yet it dries to a hard, durable finish. "Not only are consumers going green, but Moms are always looking for safe products for their little angels," Melanie Hurley, CEO of Piggy Paint, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2008.

The Pocket Referee is a conflict resolution tool that comes in the form of a shiny gold coin. The Ref comes packaged with a protective pouch and handy carrying clip that allows kids to keep it close by. This powerful tool helps teaches kids how to work out conflicts on their own without the help of parents or guardians. When a conflict arises that can only have one resolution (which TV show to watch, where to go for dinner) the holder of the coin can choose to get her way, which means she'll pass the coin on to her counterpart for the next conflict, or she can choose to keep the coin and pass the current choice over to the other child. In all situations both kids win. Also available in antique brass for MSRP $9.95.
Awards: Summer 2012 Tillywig Award Winner

This environmentally friendly, 13-oz. drinking bottle is made from food-grade stainless steel and measures 7" H x 2.5" D. For use with water, juice or milk, the bottle is lead safe and free from BPA and phthalates. It is completely recyclable, and various designs are available.
— These water bottles have been recent best sellers at Pufferbellies in Staunton, Va., according to co-owner Susan Blanton in September 2009.

Featuring laminated canvas material, this sturdy, insulated lunch box is designed for easy cleaning and includes a name tag and zipped pocket on the back. It is free from PVC, phthalates and lead.

This flat, flexible vase expands into a three-dimensional piece of art when filled with water, and stands upright while displaying flowers. Several designs are available in addition to this classic curved model. It has a tear-off top.

This ring rattle is made of cashmere-soft polyester and features a serene owl face.

This white throw pillow measures 17" x 17" and is made with 100-percent Holland wool felt and hand-appliqued. It features a down feather insert.

This fabric letter, ideal for wall decor over a crib or elsewhere in a nursery, features a blue and green palette with polka dot and stripe accents.

This banner is made of cotton and reads "Sweet Dreams" against shades of pink and green. Each individual flag is 8" x 12".

From the company's vintage magazine collection comes this 500-piece jigsaw puzzle of the March 1931 cover of Popular Mechanics Magazine. It features an image of an innovative airplane design in flight and is made in the USA from post-consumer recycled materials. Launch date: August 15, 2009.

From the company's vintage magazine collection comes this 500-piece jigsaw puzzle of the October 1926 cover of Popular Mechanics Magazine. Featuring an image of a pirate battle, it is made in the USA from post-consumer recycled materials. The company's collection features "relevant puzzles that have broad cross-market appeal from general gift buyers and casual puzzlers to even the most discerning of jigsaw enthusiasts," Adam Silver, co-President of New York Puzzle Company, told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 15, 2009.