November 2009 New Specialty Toys — Award Winners

Children can make moving figures of a dozen world-changing individuals from thousands of years ago. Cut-and-color or pre-colored action figures really move as they play out the lives of Julius Caesar, Alexander the Great, King David, Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi (builder of the Great Wall of China), Hannibal (and his elephant!) and others. Their stories are right in the book — or kids can make up their own stories about these historic figures. Launch date: April 15, 2009.

Kids can personalize a lovable fabric dog with this kit that includes a stuffed dog (measures 8" from paw to the top of his head and 12" from his snout to the tip of his tail) and a set of permanent fabric markers. Children can use their creativity to create a one-of-a-kind work of art and treasured keepsake, featuring messages, autographs and designs to commemorate a special event, sleepover or graduation. It could even be used as a "guest book" at a party. Launch date: September 2009.

Mag-tagz are magnetic “tagz” that can be changed regularly to reflect a girl’s ever-changing mood and style. Mag-tagz begins with a large or a small necklace base that sports a magnetic center. Girls just pop in the tagz that suits the look and mood of the moment, from bees and butterflies to slang and slogans. They can be worn, traded and collected. Mag-Tagz received two 2009 Seal of Excellence Awards from Creative Child Magazine. Launch date: 2009.

Designed to be every parent's solution for droolers, teethers, eczema, reflux and everyday feeding, Wonder Bibs are made from super-absorbent cotton towelling and have a water-resistant nylon backing. A double-snap adjustable neckline means one bib will last from infant to toddler. The bright color bibs are machine washable and dryer safe. A standard Wonder Bib holds 1/4 cup of water. This product received 2008 iParenting Media Outstanding Product Award, a 2008 iParenting Media Greatest Product Award, and a 2008 Mom's Best Award. Launch date: February 2008.

This planner is designed to help young adults set short- and long-term goals and demystifies the world of banking, investing and credit. It features a 36-page handbook, four sturdy, zippered pouches for saving, spending, donating and investing, convenient storage pockets, and a privacy padlock. It is available in durable ballistic silver nylon. "This personal finance organizer is simple and easy-to-use. ... A perfect product for the current economic environment," Melinda Voelcker, director of operations and marketing for Money Savvy Generation, told TDmonthly in summer 2009. This product has received the following awards: 2004 Parents' Choice Silver Award, 2008 NAPPA Gold Award, and 2008 Product of the Year (Creative Toy Awards) from Creative Child Magazine. Launch date: March 2004.

This distinctive bank has a patented, four-chambered design created to help kids (ages 4-11) and their parents or grandparents begin a conversation about money. It helps teach basic money skills (Fiscal Fitness Training for Money - Smart Kids™) by introducing four choices: SAVE, SPEND, DONATE and INVEST. It is available in brown with white stripes and laces. The Money Savvy Football Bank received a 2008 NAPPA Gold Award and a 2008 Preferred Choice Award from Creative Child Magazine. Launch date: December 2006.

A cousin to the award-winning Money Savvy Pig® piggy bank, this four-chambered bank is designed to help kids (ages 4-11) and their parents or grandparents begin a conversation about money. It helps teach basic money skills by introducing four choices: SAVE, SPEND, DONATE and INVEST. It is available in clear with black cow spots. "Its unique four-chambered design allows children to deposit their money through four separate slots on the top of the bank — one slot for each money choice — and empty each money chamber individually through the feet on the bank," Melinda Voelcker, director of operations and marketing for Money Savvy Generation, told TDmonthly. It has received the following awards: 2004 Parents' Choice Gold Award and 2008 NAPPA Gold Award (National Parenting Publications Awards). Launch date: November 2004.