November 2009 New Specialty Toys — Eco-Friendly

Crazyoleez blend various colors of crayon into a single decorative shape, for a distinctive artistic experience while coloring. Other shapes and sizes are available.

This rugged playset is constructed of Sprigwood, which is a bio-composite material that blends reclaimed wood and recycled plastic, and is dyed with safe pigments. The set includes explorer and rescue boats, Captain Owen the adventure guide, an interchangeable adventure hat, a life preserver, mother and baby dolphins, and a backpack accessory.

Little Bites Freezer Trays are designed to make storing and freezing homemade baby and toddler foods safe and easy. Made of durable, BPA-free and phthalate-free silicone, these stackable trays feature four storage cups and a see-through silicone lid. Users seal with a pinch, and then place in the freezer. They are sold in sets of two, and feature 2-oz. servings that can simply be popped out, warmed and served. The toxin-free trays are freezer safe, dishwasher safe and microwave safe. Kinderville offers "uniquely designed products made of resilient silicone. Not too many items in the market place ... are similar to what we are offering," Oliver Albers, president of Luft Industrie LLC dba Kinderville, told TDmonthly. Launch date: December 2009.

Made from organic cotton and sustainable rubber wood, this mischievous monkey hangs from just about anywhere. Launch date: October 15, 2009.

This bear features fur made of 70-percent natural bamboo fleece and 30-percent organic cotton, and is stuffed with hypoallergenic, biodegradable nature-fil derived from corn. Hemp and organic cotton are used on the bear’s character’s ears, feet, tail and paw pads. Non-toxic, cold water dyes were used. Launch date: November 2009.

Designed to address the growing concern of toxic chemicals leaching from consumer products, this bottle is made of recyclable polypropylene and is free of BPA, phthalates, PVC, lead, nitrosamines, melamine and biologically toxic chemicals. It has a travel cap and a venting system to help reduce colic. High-grade silicon nipples are used, available in seven styles and flow designs, to ease transition from breastfeeding to bottle feeding. The bottle is dishwasher safe. "In addition to being safe, our products are full of functional benefits and are highly sustainable," Kevin Brodwick, founder of thinkbaby and thinksport, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2006.

These all-natural, cuddly bears are made with 100-percent wool, which is naturally flame resistant and hypo-allergenic, making the bears safe for all ages. They're stuffed with 100-percent recycled stuffing and are handmade in Vermont. They feature the signature "Born in Vermont" eyes and a "tush tag" confirming their unconditional lifetime guarantee. Launch date: November 15, 2009.

These bears come from the Green Mountains of Vermont, but their cuddly soft fur and paw pads are made from 100-percent recycled post-consumer plastic bottles — the same fabric that goes into making some of the world's softest fleece and other cozy fabrics. They're made with 100-percent recycled stuffing. And just like all Vermont Teddy Bears, Go Green Bears feature "Born in Vermont" eyes and a "tush tag" confirming an unconditional lifetime guarantee. Launch date: November 15, 2009.

The Jane Goodall Save the Animals Kit features 50 icons of species that have been brought back from extinction. With each purchase, 10 percent is donated to the Jane Goodall Institute to continue to raise awareness and support the animals of the world. "[It's] the only kit to feature these 50 species and the kit bracelets and elements are made from recycled materials," Ewa Zielinski, owner of Shainsware, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2009.

Designed as an economical, easy and environmentally friendly starter kit that removes the guesswork from choosing a cloth diaper system, this box of cloth diapering essentials features organic cotton diapers and accessories. It includes flushable liners and a step-by-step guide to no-fuss diapering. It does not involve rinsing, pins, or stuffing. This product is a 2009 winner of both the iParenting Media Award and the PTPA Media Green Award. Launch date: June 16, 2009.

RiNGLEY is a natural teething toy made with a combination of untreated maple wood and 100-percent organic terrycloth. The wooden ring is attached by Velcro, making it easy to remove to machine wash and dry the cloth. RiNGLEY provides babies and toddlers with two safe and efficient textures that enable children to satisfy their teething needs. RiNGLEY was designed with a child’s development in mind and is handmade in Toronto, Canada. Launch date: October 2009.

The Risas y Sonrisas Songs to Learn Spanish CD includes 39 original and entertaining songs designed to teach students Spanish vocabulary and phrases. A booklet with colorful song lyrics is included. These songs can also be rehearsed using the illustrations and lyrics found in the Risas y Sonrisas program from the Student Book and the interactive CD-ROM.

This little Bear is a perfect pal to pack into a diaper bag for on-the-go fun. She wears a playful T-Shirt printed with eco-friendly soy inks.  Launch date: Fall 2009.

This organic Strawberry Stroller Toy comes with a rattle inside for extra fun. Launch date: Fall 2009.

This soft doll is made of organic fabric and colored with vegetable dyes. Launch date: Fall 2009.
— The My Natural Good Earth Fairy is eco-friendly inside and out; she is stuffed with organic cotton, wears a leafy skirt made from linen, and features rosy cheeks created with plants and minerals. Young girls love the Good Earth Fairy, and many of them were almost equally excited by the sturdy reusable cardboard gift box the fairy comes packaged in, turning it into a home for their fairy or a place to keep valuables. Reviewers found the doll well constructed and strong enough to survive their attempts to rip out its hair (all in the name of science, of course). Jodi Grundig from Mom’s Favorite Stuff felt assured by the doll, knowing its natural materials would not aggravate her children’s allergies. With a cute design, high durability, and environment conscious materials, the Mi Yim Good Earth Fairy is a winner with parents and kids alike.
— "Excited to add this product to the other MiYim items we carry. Quality and packaging are top-notch," Marlene England of Dancing Bear Toys & Gifts, told TDmonthly at Toy Fair 2010.

This is an 8" bamboo bunny, sitting up and white with light tan markings. Bamboo is a sustainable resource that is soft and easy to clean.

The Green Science - Soda Can Robug is an imaginative way for children to explore mechanics and electricity. The kit includes a plastic mechanic body, wire wings, wire legs, motor with wires, screws and detailed instructions.
— In a Fall 2013 survey, Gary Green, owner of Toy Box of Asheville Inc in Asheville, N.C., told TDmonthly that the Soda Can Robug from Toysmith was one of their best-selling science toys.

By simply placing the pillow behind your baby’s head and pulling the bottom of the Baby Elephant Ear lobes snugly under your baby’s chin, you will give your baby superior head/neck support and encourage healthy, strong posture development. The two organic versions of Baby Elephant Ears are made of 100% organic cotton and stuffed with a premium corn fill.

Ducky is part of a collection of five  eco-friendly stuffed animals produced in a certified organic plush toy factory in China and made with organic cotton, natural silk, sustainably grown corn fiber, soy and hemp, and non-toxic plastics. Ducky (about 9" tall) holds a heart-shaped apple rattle and comes packaged in a round red box with a leaf and ribbon on top. He has a furry tuft of soy plush on top of his head in case you weren't already charmed by his webbed feet. Launch date: September 2009.

The Ducky Blankie is part of a collection of five eco-friendly stuffed animals produced in a certified organic plush toy factory in China and made with organic cotton, natural silk, sustainably grown corn. Ducky comes as a 9" plush toy or as this chewable, suckable cuddly blankie. He has knots for gumming, adorable webbed feet and cute peek-a-boo packaging. He measures 14.75 x 12 x 3.75 inches. Launch date: September 2009.

Lamby is part of a collection of five eco-friendly stuffed animals produced in a certified organic plush toy factory in China and made with organic cotton, natural silk, sustainably grown corn fiber, soy and hemp, and non-toxic plastics. Lamby (about 9" tall) holds a heart-shaped apple rattle and comes packaged in a round red box with a leaf and ribbon on top.His extra special feature is his blue-suede hooves, which he uses to trip the light fantastic. Launch date: September 2009.

Rootensils come in an assortment of colors including red, purple, blue, and pink. Comes in a set of two (one spoon and one fork), these simple utensils are great for small hands. Rootensils are dishwasher safe, microwaveable, made of plant-based material, non-toxic, compostable, biodegradable, and are BPA free, Pthalate free, and PVC free.

Featuring the four Earthsavers (Lexie, Kai, Jaz, and Zach), Roobowls come in an assortment of colors and has one of the four Earthsaver characters printed on the Roobowl. Roobowls feature snap-on handles that can are removable. Roobowls are dishwasher safe, microwaveable, made of plant-based material, non-toxic, compostable, biodegradable, and are BPA free, Pthalate free, and PVC free.

Featuring the four Earthsavers (Lexie, Kai, Jaz, and Zach), Roocups come in an assortment of colors and has one of the four Earthsaver characters printed on the Roocup. Roocups feature removable snap-on handles and trainer top. Roocups are dishwasher safe, microwaveable, made of plant-based material, non-toxic, compostable, biodegradable, and are BPA free, Pthalate free, and PVC free.