October 2012 New Specialty Toys — Creative Activities

Kids can create useable, meaningful wood projects with these real tools. Sized to be fully functional, yet easily used by children. An inter-generational gift that builds skills and relationships. 14 impeccable, real tools, including a hand saw, hammer, gimlet, sanding block, plane, pliers, mallet, chisel, Phillips screwdriver, flat screwdriver, c-clamp, ruler, square ruler, and spirit level, stored in a beautifully printed wooden tool box. Please note that this is a working tool kit with sharp-edged pieces. It should only be used under direct adult supervision.

Clean, simple fun for young artists. A reusable drawing surface, water-filled stylus and sturdy, travel-friendly frame combine to create the perfect activity toy.

Favorite colors and easy washability make these markers a classroom favorite. Easily washes off skin and clothing. Water-based ink.

Thinking Putty is high quality silicone bouncing putty enhanced with knock-your-socks-off colors. It is all Made in the USA, non-toxic, and never dries out. The three new Super Illusions are unbelievably vibrant colors that shift depending on how the light hits them. The dynamic colors shine like no others: when held up to the light and pulled thin, the colors magically disappear and kids can see right through them. Launch date: June 2012.
— Mary Sisson, owner of Kazoodles in Vancouver, Wash., told TDmonthly in a Fall 2012 survey that Thinking Putty is one of her best sellers in the tween category.

Kids can design and decorate their own fashion boutique. Sturdy cardboard fashion dolls come ready to dress and decorate with 50+ pre-cut Shrinky Dinks¸ fashions. This complete set includes Faber-Castell colored pencils, Playscape, 7 fashion dolls, Shrinky Dinks, character stands and a sharpener. The Playscape measures 8 3/4"h x 15 1/2"w x 7.25"d.
Awards: Summer 2012 Tillywig Award Winner

Kids can make a dozen dimensional rings, perfect to wear and share. This is also a great party activity. Layer 90+ printed acetate and chipboard flourishes with rhinestones and glitter gel accents onto 12 metal ring bases. This kit includes a sweet 6" diameter foam flower ring holder.
Awards: Summer 2012 Tillywig Sterling Fun Award Winner; Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal

Includes everything kids need to create an enchanting home for three wee gnomes. This all-inclusive garden craft kit includes a garden dish, potting mix, wheat grass seeds, bark house, leaf-shaped pond, mossy rocks, stepping stones, resin gnomes, toadstools, ladybugs, paint, brush and a mister - just add water and a little sunshine. The garden dish measures 11"w x 2"d. The natural wheat grass seeds are pet friendly and sprout in just a few days.
Awards: Summer 2012 Tillywig Award Winner

Plus-Plus is a brand new breed of construction toy. Made in Denmark (the land of LEGO!), it is the ultimate in open-ended, imagination-driven simplicity. Each piece is the same shape - two plus symbols joined together - allowing for endless possibility. Available in Basic or Neon colors, and in 100pc, 300pc, 600pc and 1200pc. MSRP from 9.99 to 59.99. Launch date: July 2012.
— In a September 2014 survey, Kai Rady, owner of Shenanigans Inc in Charlottesville, Va., told TDmonthly that Plus Plus is one of the store's best-selling novelty items.

A petite package to stack for whenever a child needs an activity. Each portfolio includes over 100 awesome drawings to color plus 4 rubbing plates and 8 crayons. Simply lay the drawing over the rubbing plates and rub with the included crayons to create cool textures and patterns. Use Pocket Portfolios to exercise fine motor skills, expand vocabulary, and promote creative thinking. There are 120 pieces in all. Launch date: August 2012.

A petite package to stack for whenever a child needs an activity. Each portfolio includes over 100 awesome drawings to color plus 4 rubbing plates and 8 crayons. Simply lay the drawing over the rubbing plates and rub with the included crayons to create cool textures and patterns. Use Pocket Portfolios to exercise fine motor skills, expand vocabulary, and promote creative thinking. There are 120 pieces in all. Launch date: August 2012.

A petite package to stack for whenever a child needs an activity. Each portfolio includes over 100 awesome drawings to color plus 4 rubbing plates and 8 crayons. Simply lay the drawing over the rubbing plates and rub with the included crayons to create cool textures and patterns. Use Pocket Portfolios to exercise fine motor skills, expand vocabulary, and promote creative thinking. There are 120 pieces in all. Launch date: August 2012.

Tub-Art Pirate provides great bath/pool time fun and memories. Comes complete with four non-toxic soap crayons, a toddler safe, "What would I look like if I were a Pirate?" Hi-Def mirror and 2 large double sided pirate themed Edu-Foam drawing pads, all of which adhere to tiles when wet. Canyons simply wipes clean with water and is also great for drawing on tile, mirror and glass. Launch date: March 2012.
— As of 09/17/2012 this product had 3 out of 5 stars from 2 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: The crayons work well; the pirate mirror is a fun accessory. Cons: The foam coloring pieces are very difficult to erase.

Baby Fitness Center. Baby sized innovative products to develop baby's fine and gross motor skills and strengthen core muscles. Includes Edu-Training Mat, Edu-Weights (only 1.5 ounces each), Power Stretch and My First Ball. A perfect gift set or each available separately. Launch date: June 2012.

Edushape's new Rock 'n Table is an adorable play table for two toddlers, but turn it upside down and it instantly converts to a see saw. Brightly colored and extremely sturdy, it is a toddler’s dream for both indoor & outdoor play. Launch date: August 2012.

Children love to make up stories, and these 40 creative projects and activities encourage them to free their storytelling instincts. Younger children will love making story stones and a storytelling jar, and then will love using them to create stories of their own, while older kids will enjoy word grab bags, story walks, and journaling exercises. For everyone ages 5 to 12, whatever their reading level, this book has everything needed to spark an infinite number of child-created stories. 144 pages. Launch date: September 2012.