October 2009 New Specialty Toys — Special Needs

The Podee® Hands-Free feeding system is a solution for on-the-go parents and parents of multiples. Since the baby feeds in a semi-upright position with the Podee bottle, it can also help reduce colic, reflux and ear infections. "We're the original hands-free baby bottle feeding system. There is nothing else like it on the market. And we've been doing this for over 16 years," Prudente Cueto, president of Podee International, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 1991.

This set includes 12, 14"-square, 100-percent nylon scarves in a variety of colors, plus a durable reusable plastic bag for storage. It is made in the USA. Launch date: 2009.

Designed to make a little girl's birthday a touch more special, these tees features cupcake appliques made with soft, fuzzy fabric. They are available in a variety of colors and patterns. The company also offers designs for boy birthdays. "All of our appliques are cut and sewn in our offices in Fountain Valley, [Calif.]," Chis Jannuzzi, co-owner of Jannuzzi, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2008.

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.