August 2009 New Specialty Toys — All

Designed by a mother and son team, these soft and funky pillows combine a variety of textures and fabrics, including sweater and stocking material as well as remnants from bean bags and teddy bears. Though sized differently, each of the 10 pillows in the range measures approximately 15" H x 14" L. Launch date: July 2009.

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.

This soft and whimsical designer plush friend has cuddly fur and wears a smile at all times. She measures 7" H x 7.4" W x 11.7" L.

This soft exploration cube for babies is made of organic cotton and filled with organic lambswool. It features a variety of textures along with some crackling foil. Each side measures 3.9".

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.

Created and illustrated by Simon Basher, and written by Dan Green, this 128-page, full-color paperbook dedicates individual pages to profiles of stars and other objects in outer space. It comes with a solar system poster. Launch date: May 2009.

Inspired by the legendary genius Da Vinci, the product is a Code Machine that stretches players' imaginative and logical mind. It is a beautiful fusion of a Word game and a Logic game. Its interactive game-play makes it a great piece for friends and family pastimes. The difficulty levels are controlled by players so it is also a nice adult-child educational toy.

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 set of butterflies can be used to jazz up a wall in a child's room. The decals are designed to be easily repositioned on walls and furniture, without damaging surfaces.

Designed by David Weeks and made from sustainably harvested beech wood, Hanno features a sturdy hardwood frame and measures 12" x 6.5" x 3.5". He has elastic-band "muscles" and is named after the Greek voyager who found gorillas 2,500 years ago.

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

Constructed from patented Stylewood, this modern lounger for babies has a soft seat and five-point harness safety system. It's designed to create a smooth rocking motion on its own.

Measuring 52 cm x 44 cm, this chic bag is outfitted with a handle, an adjustable strap, and two loopholes at the top that slide over stroller handles. It has a small exterior pocket in addition to storage space inside.

Made with 100-percent cotton for breathability, Baby Rhys Bandana Hats come in a variety of colors and three different sizes: small (0 to 6 mos.); medium (6 to 18 mos.); and large (2 to 4 yrs.). They are specially created to fit little heads.

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.

Kids can make their own bouncy balls with this kit that includes 25 packets of ball-making powder, 10 molds and instructions for creating the colorful balls. All it requires is pouring the powder into a mold, dipping it in water, and then waiting four minutes for the finished product.

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".

This wooden pull toy measures approximately 6" x 7" and comes packaged with a gingham bow.

Each uniquely designed, 6" Kooky Klicker character pen features a name, birth order and numbered holographic sticker. There are hundreds of designs available, each topped with brightly colored stringy hair that bounces and springs when kids write. "Fresh new characters coming out monthly add to the collectibility of the brand. Kids always have to have the next new krew," Melanie Ghiz, marketing manager of Courage Brands Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 2009.

This silver and pink tiara is trimmed with marabou feathers and embellished with pink gemstones. "This tiara is our unique design and it's sold only in the specialty toy market," Veesha Knight, sales and marketing manager for Creative Education of Canada, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

These designer plush toys are made in limited edition batches from a Swedish designer. Spok-spok was a runner-up for Plush Toy of the Year 2007 from Plastic and Plush. Launch date: June 2007.

This germ education product for toddlers and preschoolers is designed so that kids quickly go from not knowing they are spreading germs to being equipped with the knowledge of what they can do to stop the spread of germs and illness. "Many in the medical community advocate teaching children the three keys to illness prevention: keeping germs from your face, wash your hands, and cough and sneeze into your elbow. Germy Wormy Germ Smart for Kids does the teaching for you!" Margaret Back, president of Back Enterprises LLC, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2009.