August 2009 New Specialty Toys — Special Needs

Meebie is a toy developed for play, with therapeutic benefits. Designed as a globally appealing tool for expression and learning, it may be used in educational settings, play therapy, speech/language pathology, occupational therapy, social work, counseling and at home. The soft, furry Meebie measures 21" from head to seat and is fully washable. It may be used to express emotion, using the interchangeable pieces; comfort a child with separation anxiety, or one who has been hurt; engage children who are reluctant to express or participate; or teach specific emotions and emotional understanding. "Meebie’s 37 beautifully embroidered pieces can be arranged and rearranged in any number of ways, conveying all emotions," Lisa Johnson, co-owner of Orkid Toys, told TDmonthly. It was named among Dr. Toy's Best Products from 2007 to 2009. Launch date: September 15, 2005.

This kit includes 10, 27" square scarves in 10 colors — one of each of the following: purple, royal blue, gray, black, orange, red, kelly green, brown, pink and yellow. It also comes with an instructional insert, the "My Many Colored Days" book by Dr. Seuss and the IDEAS Music Colors CD. "We also provide durable and reusable plastic bags for storage as well as Velcro to hang the scarves in a special place, where they can be put away easily and beautifully," Rosanne Jessen, marketing associate for arts education IDEAS, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2008.

This kit includes 20, 27" square scarves in 10 colors — two of each of the following colors: purple, royal blue, gray, black, orange, red, kelly green, brown, pink and yellow. It also comes with an instructional insert, the "My Many Colored Days" book by Dr. Seuss, the IDEAS Music Colors CD, a reusable plastic hanging storage bag, and Velcro to hang the scarves nicely. Launch date: 2008.

WhisperPhone Duet uses the power of auditory learning while also allowing students to learn together in pairs. Duet also can keep classrooms quieter. Duet is Title I and Reading First funds qualified, dishwasher safe and battery free. It received a 2009 Dr. Toy’s Best Vacation Products award. Launch date: May 2009.

This 12" duck is filled with 100-percent natural wheat and dried lavender, and after two minutes in the microwave is a warm buddy to take to bed. He will stay warm for at least an hour, and may remain warm all night if snuggled under the covers. The duck can be microwaved thousands of times, CEO Ruth Hamilton of Pritty Imports told TDmonthly, and his aroma is designed to help kids fall asleep naturally. Launch date: June 2009.

This 12" pig is filled with 100-percent natural wheat and dried lavender, and after two minutes in the microwave is a warm buddy to take to bed. He will stay warm for at least an hour, and may remain warm all night if snuggled under the covers. The pig can be microwaved thousands of times, CEO Ruth Hamilton of Pritty Imports told TDmonthly, and his aroma is designed to naturally help kids fall asleep. Launch date: June 2009.

This 12" sheep is filled with 100-percent natural wheat and dried lavender, and after two minutes in the microwave is a warm buddy to take to bed. It is designed to remain warm for at least an hour, and may stay warm all night if snuggled under the covers. "This sheep can be microwaved thousands of times," CEO Ruth Hamilton of Pritty Imports told TDmonthly, "and his aroma is designed to help kids naturally fall asleep." Launch date: June 2009.

This 12" bunny is filled with 100-percent natural wheat and dried lavender, and after two minutes in the microwave is a warm buddy to take to bed. He's designed stay warm for at least an hour, and may remain warm all night if snuggled under the covers. The bunny can be microwaved thousands of times, CEO Ruth Hamilton of Pritty Imports told TDmonthly, and his aroma is designed to naturally help kids fall asleep. Launch date: June 2009.

This 12" polar bear is filled with 100-percent natural wheat and dried lavender, and after two minutes in the microwave is a warm buddy to take to bed. He is designed to stay warm for at least an hour, and may remain warm all night if snuggled under the covers. "The polar bear can be microwaved thousands of times," CEO Ruth Hamilton of Pritty Imports told TDmonthly, "and his aroma is designed to help kids naturally fall asleep." Launch date: June 2009.

This 12" cow is filled with 100-percent natural wheat and dried lavender, and after two minutes in the microwave is a warm buddy to take to bed. He is designed to stay warm for at least an hour, and may remain warm all night if snuggled under the covers. "The cow can be microwaved thousands of times," CEO Ruth Hamilton of Pritty Imports told TDmonthly, "and his aroma is designed to help kids fall asleep naturally." Launch date: June 2009.

This 12" elephant is filled with 100-percent natural wheat and dried lavender, and after two minutes in the microwave becomes a warm buddy to take to bed. He is designed to stay warm for at least an hour, and may remain warm all night if snuggled under the covers. Trumpet the Elephant comes in a gift box. Launch date: June 2009.

This 12" penguin is filled with 100-percent natural wheat and dried lavender, and after two minutes in the microwave, becomes a warm buddy to take to bed. He is designed to stay warm for at least an hour, and may remain warm all night if snuggled under the covers. "The penguin can be microwaved thousands of times," CEO Ruth Hamilton of Pritty Imports told TDmonthly, "and his aroma is designed to help kids fall asleep naturally." Launch date: June 2009.

"Beddy Bear is the world's first-ever fully microwavable teddy bear," CEO Ruth Hamilton of Pritty Imports told TDmonthly. He has soft fur and is filled with 100-percent natural wheat and dried lavender. He is designed to, after just two minutes in the microwave, stay warm for at least an hour, and longer if he is snuggled under the blankets. Launch date: June 2009.

Buzzy is a 12" bee filled with 100-percent natural wheat and dried lavender, and after two minutes in the microwave is a warm buddy to take to bed. He is designed to stay warm for at least an hour, and may remain warm all night if snuggled under the covers. "The bee can be microwaved thousands of times," CEO Ruth Hamilton of Pritty Imports told TDmonthly, "and his aroma is designed to naturally help kids fall asleep." Launch date: June 2009.