January 2009 Notable Toys — All

This plastic, lenticular flip Spider-Man journal measures 6.3" x 8.25" and has 140, 60-lb. ruled pages. Launch date: 2009.
THIS PRODUCT IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE

This themed cape is made of washable crushed velvet lined with comfortable China silk. It is easy for children to put on and take off with quality Velcro closures. Launch date: February 15, 2009.

The 16" x 16" polymer panels are designed so that kids can safely build three-dimensional structures kids. Launch date: March 2009.
— Dave Taylor of The Attachment Parenting Blog said Brik-A-Blok was a huge hit with his kids (ages 6 and 9). He noted that his kids’ constructions took up a great deal of space, with Brik-A-Blok tunnels stretching throughout their home. Taylor called the building system “fabulously cool,” though he lamented the high price tag.
— Brik-A-blok was the "most funnest review ever!" for She Scribes’ Kimberley and her son. Her kids enjoyed creating new structures with the versatile panels. However, Kimberley also pointed out the large amount of space needed for the toy as well as the panels’ inability to support much weight.

The Naughty Monsters are portable time-out pillows in the form of friendly monsters. They include talking timers that allow parents to program the length of time the child should remain in time out. The child is to sit on the Naughty Monster while in time out. When time is up the monster will say, in a friendly monster voice, “You can get up now, but don’t be a Naughty Monster!” Launch date: November 15, 2008.

Monskey is a line of 2.5" collectible figures molded in smooth vinyl and decorated with the cool designs. They are a perfect addition to a desktop, dashboard, locker, backpack or keychain. Launch date: August 2008.

The 2009 SummerMuff InfantMuff is a 100-percent organic, lightweight, sun-blocking muff for infant carriers and car seats. Its patented design fits most three- and five-point harness systems and comes in three colors. The larger SummerMuff StrollerMuff fits strollers and joggers. The InfantMuff protects baby's skin from UVA/UVB rays using certified UPF50 fabric, and from scratchy synthetic fabrics in strollers by lining them with jersey cotton. Launch date: August 2008.

Style Paige LLC introduces Shailie™: going beyond “dress-ups.” With Shailie™, girls design, create, and wear their own fashions. Shailie™ includes a life-size designer dress form and stand. Shailie™ dresses come in pieces. Sleeves, skirts, tops, and accessories come in various styles, colors, and lengths. All pieces easily attach and detach; girls can mix and match creating endless looks to wear. Launch date: February 13, 2009.

Cart-Stopper offers a new level of safety in grocery-store parking lots by reducing the risk of child injury and vehicle damage related to "run-away" shopping carts. Cart-Stopper is extremely effective, is easy to use and is compact in design, storing easily in a purse, diaper bag or glove compartment.

Take to the skies with this high-flying jet kite. Stable and easy-to-fly with its built-in flame tail. Hand sewn with a tough ripstop nylon sail and durable fiberglass frame for years of use. Includes flying line and winder. Launch date: January 26, 2009.

Backseat Drawing is fun for the whole family. Players race to identify what the artist is drawing. But, the artist doesn’t know what he or she is drawing; the artist can only follow the instructions given by the director. The excitement continues as players attempt to follow directions and guess what the picture might be. Launch date: 2009.

ZooPoo puts the FUN in functional. Tucked away inside each plush character is a refillable Shampoo (or Poo, if you will) tube so that the product can be applied by squeezing it out right on a little stinker. Launch date: 2009.

The MagnaPlay™ Wooden Magnetic Alphabet Picture Puzzle contains self-checking tiles that give little fingers the ability to put puzzles together and keep them together. Launch date: November 15, 2008.

From the award-winning Banana Slug String Band come 10 toe-tappin’ tunes that celebrate all things water. Each song makes a perfect introduction to an elementary science lesson or just some danceable fun. Kids can grab their waders and wander from spring to sea in a musical adventure that’s wet and wild. Launch date: March 6, 2008.

This tutu features a two-tone organza petal topskirt over a tulle tutu with flower trim. It is child-sized and comes in turquoise, lavender and pink. Launch date: March 2009.

This bouquet crinoline chiffon petticoat tutu has sequin appliqué and comes in lavender, pink and hot pink. Launch date: December 2008.

This dress features a panné velvet leotard and a glitter topskirt over the tulle and organza skirt. It is available in light blue and pink, and comes in four sizes: XSC, SC, MC and LC. Launch date: February 2009.
— Two of 52 retailers mentioned costumes and accessories from A Wish Come True when asked by TDmonthly about best-selling Halloween items in fall 2008.

Flying Wish Paper is a wishing kit for birthdays, holidays, weddings ... anything from a prayer meeting to a bachelorette party. Just write a wish on the special paper, shape it into a tube, and light the top. The wish burns down and, at the last second, dramatically rises into the sky. Write it, light it, watch it fly! It comes with 50 sheets of Flying Wish Paper, 25 platform cards, pencils, matches and instructions. Launch date: August 8, 2008.

Comet® The Fast Path to Learning - Family Edition is an exciting and stimulating game based on spelling. The Family Game offers the best knowledge in Science, Geography, History, Health and much more. Based on multiple choice answers, choose the correct word, spell the word, state the number of vowels…win a Bonus Card. Roll the dice, everyone has a chance to win! Launch date: August 8, 2008.

This much-anticipated first album from New York City’s favorite kindie rockers, "The Jimmies," has already met with wide acclaim and plenty of toe tapping, with music running the gamut from rock, funk, pop and blues to reggae, hip-hop and even Dixieland. The group's clever lyrics, catchy hooks and sophisticated melodies add up to an album full of songs listeners won’t mind getting stuck in their heads. Launch date: April 22, 2007.

Step into an adventure of a little girl who turns green from her head to her toes and learns that doing her part for the environment really shows. "I'm Turning Green" teaches young readers tips for conservation of energy, water and natural resources. It is made from 100-percent recycled papers and offer a 100-percent eco-friendly product at a reasonable price. Launch date: November 24, 2008.

Go! Go! Sports Girls are plush, sports-themed dolls for girls. They are designed to be a fun and educational way to promote self-appreciation and the benefits of daily exercise, healthy eating, good sleeping habits and overall healthy life-skills. A portion of profits are donated to organizations that encourage girls to develop healthy lifestyles. Launch date: November 11, 2008.
— Dana of Feeling Fit with Dana praised Dream Big for representing many sports and making the Go! Go! Sports Girls “look like dolls, not models, not movie stars, just dolls.”
— Reviewers from What the Stuff Toy Review found that girls loved the dolls and were easily able to identify with the variety of sports, looks and personalities. Adult reviewers appreciated the positive values and healthy habits encouraged by the dolls. The review did caution that the dolls’ small accessories were likely to be misplaced.
Awards: Dr. Toy 100 Best Children's Products - 2010

This doll is part of a line of handmade Afro-American, Hispanic and Caucasian baby dolls. Handmade baby outfits, Christening gowns and various pajamas are also available. Launch date: September 10, 2008.

This costume comes complete with a deluxe, oversized mask with helmet that allows the user to gain an extra 12" in height by looking out of the neck. The costume also comes with hand/arm extenders, Sasquatch feet, muscle-suit padding and an attached latex chest piece. Launch date: 2009.

These cards provide a simple format to teach the important safety principles around food allergy management. Specific examples help children and those who care for them learn that staying safe with a peanut or tree nut allergy goes beyond the nut product itself. These flashcards introduce cross-contamination, the importance of label reading, and the importance of always carrying emergency medication. There are 36 color-coded cards with eye-catching illustrations on the front and important safety information and tips on the back. The cards have been recommended by allergists, school nurses, day care providers and families of children with nut allergies. Launch date: November 10, 2008.