November 2009 New Specialty Toys — Developmental Toys

Pay no heed to the fainters and screamers. Blanche takes pride in being your ugly stepmonster — not to mention the first pillow ever with rainbow highlights and a mutated crown.

Bright colors and high-contrast patterns offer visual stimulation; hidden noise makers, including rattles, squeakers, and crinkle paper perk up little ears; and a variety of textured fabrics keep busy hands occupied. Small enough to tuck into a purse or diaper bag.

The pebble-like stilts have rubber anti-slip guards and adjustable ropes. Once the ropes are removed, the stilts can be used as stepping stones; both sides can be used to train for balance. Dimensions are 6" x 4" x 3" and maximum loading is 132 lbs. "The new twist on an American favorite offers multiple ways to play. The stones can be used as stilts in two different ways with the curved side up to give the feet a new angle or with the flat side up for a more complicated way to walk. Also the ropes can be removed and kids can just walk across them," Lynn Toves, in sales and marketing for Wee Blossom, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2009.

This equipment targets the cerebral cortex and can be used with one or two players. Movements can be achieved by simple motions exerted from the waist and arms. The large board with a 26" diameter comes with two base mounts of varied curvatures to provide different levels of challenge and fun. Maximum loading is 132 lbs. "These fun and entertaining boards allow children to move easily in multiple directions," Lynn Toves, in sales and marketing for Wee Blossom, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2009.

BuckleyTurtle has four buckles and a more complex configuration than other BuckleyBoos. He has a fully removable shell with a secret pocket in back to hide special treasures. "BuckleyBoos are a totally unique and fun way for toddlers to master essential developmental tasks," Emily Ross, CEO of BuckleyBoo LLC, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2009.

The grow-and-go design of the BuckleyMobile extends the life of the purchase with a multi-stage product created to delight newborns and continue to engage them as toddlers. By integrating the BuckleyBoo Click Buddies into the product design, the mobile comes with four individual rattles/finger puppets that can be clipped onto any stroller, highchair or car seat so baby can take them on the go. The wind-up mobile plays Brahms' Lullaby, and the removable Click Buddies, which each have an internal rattle, buckle into the cloud canopy. Launch date: September 2009.

For ages 15 months and up, each BuckleyBoo is designed to teach babies and toddlers visual matching, small motor coordination and problem solving as they match brightly patterned ribbons and configure five different types of plastic buckles. An internal motion activated chime will delight young ears as little fingers buckle their way to mastery. "BuckleyBoo is a unique, one-of-a-kind find that has been embraced by moms, educators, special needs educators, the media and more. BuckleyBoo is the ONLY toy that gives toddlers a platform to practice essential developmental tasks in an using the every day buckles that they are surrounded by and love to play with," Emily Ross, CEO of BuckleyBoo LLC, told TDmonthly. BuckleyLion was named one of Dr. Toy's Top 10 Toys of 2009. Launch date: September 2009.

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.

With six, 27" square, washable nylon scarves in lavender, medium blue, lime green, yellow, peach and pink, this set also includes an instructional/informational insert and IDEAS Primary Music CD along with a reusable plastic hanging storage bag. Launch date: 2008.

This pack includes six, 27" square, washable nylon scarves, one of each of the following colors: purple, royal blue, kelly green, yellow, orange and red. It also includes an instructional/informational insert and IDEAS Primary Music CD along with a reusable plastic hanging storage bag. Launch date: 2008.

This pack includes 12, 27" square scarves, two of each of the following color combinations: red, white and blue. It includes an instructional/informational insert and a reusable plastic hanging storage bag. Launch date: 1996.

This kit includes 12, 27" square scarves, two of each of the following color combinations: purple, lavender, royal blue, medium blue, kelly green and lime green. It includes an instructional/informational insert and a reusable plastic hanging storage bag. "Our scarf kits contain high quality, 100-percent washable nylon scarves in vibrant colors. ... 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: 1996.

Stimulate your baby’s senses with the BuckleyBoo Crib-a-Roo, a wonderful, playful grow-and-go addition to your babies crib. The Crib-a-Roo comes with BuckleyRoo and a sleeping BabyRoo, a developmental duo that stimulates development and engages the senses.

Suitable for children ages 18 months and up, the Color Roller spins to display the colors of the rainbow when pushed along the floor.

Available in red, white, royal blue or medium blue, this 100-percent nylon scarf canopy measures 9' x 9' and comes with an nstructional/informational insert and reusable plastic bag for storage. Launch date: 2008.

This wand is a whimsical, floaty medley of brilliant multi-colored, 36", 100-percent nylon streamers attached to a 12" wooden handle. It can be used to add graceful, flowing movements to explorations of water, air or wind, or move with any flowing music. The wands come in a reusable plastic cylinder for easy storage. Launch date: 2008.

This pack includes 12, 27" square scarves — two of each of the following colors: red, pink, light pink, yellow, orange and peach, and includes an instruction/informational insert and a reusable plastic hanging storage bag. Launch date: 1996.

The 6” Busy Block has a chubby handle for little ones to hold as they explore the tug and teethe tags and Dandelion’s playful Swirly Stitches pattern. The soft textures, peek-a-boo crinkle flap and chime sound exist to enchant baby while developing fine motor and sensory skills. The Busy Block is made with organic cotton terrycloth, canvas, velour and waffle weave, and filled with soft corn fibers. It is machine washable. Launch date: September 2008.

This collection of songs includes Raimond Lap's music and comforting sounds of the sea that aim to relax babies and toddlers, helping them fall asleep. The music can also be used to calm a child. "Lovely Baby is the first and only original music series in the world specifically created for the emotional, intellectual and social development of babies, prenatal - 3+ years," Gary Brody, president of Lovely Baby Music, told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 17, 2009. It was named 2008 CD of the Year by Creative Child Magazine.

Description: This large-scale construction set is designed so that kids and parents can work together to design and build a structure on which children can climb, crawl, slide and play. Additional components or accessories like slides or wheels may be used to create larger, more complex creations. It’s designed for easy assembly and disassembly when building something new. Launch date: 1979.

With this large-scale modular construction kit, children and parents can collaborate to design and construct play structures on which children can actually climb, crawl, slide and play. Larger, more interesting and more complex designs can be created by adding more components or accessories such as slides or wheels. It’s designed for easy assembly and disassembly when building something new. The Junior kit is the second largest set in the line. "Our kits are the only product on the market where you can design your own play equipment on a computer and then actually build rugged play structures to actively play on," George Maday, owner of Phunzone, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 1979.

With this large-scale modular construction kit, parents and children can work together to design and build play structures on which children can actually climb, crawl, slide and play. Larger, more interesting and more complex designs can be created by adding more components or accessories such as slides or wheels. It’s designed to be easy to take apart so users can build something new and different as often as desired. This Basic kit includes wheels to make rolling vehicles. Launch date: 1979.

This is a large-scale modular construction kit on which children can climb, crawl, slide and play. Parents and children can work together to design and build play structures. Larger, more interesting and more complex designs can be created by adding more components or accessories such as slides or wheels. It’s designed to be easy to take apart so users can build something new and different as often as desired. "Our kits are the only product on the market where you can design your own play equipment on a computer and then actually build rugged play structures to actively play on," George Maday, owner of Phunzone, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 1979.