January 2012 Notable Toys — Developmental Toys

Spin the spinner and find a matching bug. Then slip it under the rug. It’s okay, Moms, because it’s just a game! Everyone works together to get all the colorful bugs under the rug before the three stinkbugs release their smelliness around the room. Watch closely and make those matches. Each of the three levels of play adds a new challenge. The board game includes 24 bright bugs, three stink bugs, a die, instructions for three game levels and a game board with a built-in spinner. Once preschoolers complete the game they will have mastered visual discrimination, taking turns, rolling a die, recognizing colors and shapes, distinguishing big and little, and counting. The focus in Level 1 is with a roll of the die that determines which 1 bug attribute will be matched for the entire game—color, number or shape. Players try to find matches to that attribute. In Level 2, both a roll of the die and a spin on the spinner complicate players’ abilities to find a match. Level 3 requires players to match two attributes in matches. Launch date: 2012.

Child-safe scissors allow 2 to 4 players to cut all the little bugs free before Willy the Spider falls from the top of the web. But watch out because the web is well, wiggly. To get started, kids pick a card, follow the instructions to cut the web and pass the scissors either left or right. Work cooperatively to free all the bugs and everyone wins. Preschoolers master recognizing left from right, cutting with scissors, taking turns, counting, hand-eye coordination and working cooperatively. Game includes stand-up web posts and platform, 50 paper webs, child-safe scissors, 10 bugs, 1 Willy spider, 30 cards, and instructions for 3 levels of game play. Level 1 introduces cutting with scissors with the players passing the scissors in one direction only. Level 2 adds Left and Right passing and Level 3 challenges the players to get up and switch seats, moving themselves left and right accordingly. Launch date: 2012.

This environmentally-friendly wooden Construction Set is made of wood from FSC-monitored source, painted with water-based paints, packaged in a sturdy tub made of recycled materials, and printed with soy-bean ink. Building blocks are a classic. This colorful and high-quality Building Plank Set will attract kids to them like honey to bears. Develop motor and problem solving skills. Comes in a sturdy reusable tub for easy storage. Tested to meet European and U.S. safety standards. Launch date: February 2012.

This environmentally-friendly wooden Hammer Game Snail is made of wood from FSC-monitored source, painted with water-based paints, packaged in a box made of recycled materials, and printed with soy-bean ink. Developing fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination are very important for children between 12 – 18 months. Help them along with this unique toy. Learn colors and numbers while hammering away. Tested to meet European and U.S. safety standards. Launch date: February 2012.

Challenge your kids to build a different Marble Game everyday! This set includes 30 colorful wooden blocks, allowing kids to create and build their own Marble Games. Use your imagination; the sky is the limit!  Develops fine motor skills and promotes manual dexterity. Encourages problem solving and creativity. Tested to meet European and U.S. safety standards. Launch date: February 2012.

This colorful and attractive wooden Bongo Drum Trio will keep kids busy for hours. It helps children develop motor skills, rhythm and melody. Encourages creativity and imagination. Helps develop hand-eye coordination. 2 Drum Sticks are included. Tested to meet European and U.S. safety standards. Launch date: February 2012.

Kids can build their favorite Boikido animals or create their own by mixing the pieces together. Encourages problem solving and creativity. Develops fine motor skills and manual dexterity.  Includes 54 pcs:  3 Heads, 3 Bodies, 6 Arms, 6 Legs, 18 Screws, and 18 Nuts. Tested to meet European and U.S. safety standards. Launch date: February 2012.

This beautiful and easy to assemble Boikido Wooden Dinner Set is a perfect compliment to our Kitchenette, or any other cooking set. It includes 1 Table, 2 Plates, 2 Cups, 2 Forks, 2 Knives, and 1 Teapot. Develops social skills and imagination. Tested to European and U.S. safety standards. Launch date: February 2012.

eBoo's eco-friendly Tot Towers are beautifully illustrated with the same characters from our revered "Life On Earth" series. The Tower includes ten sturdy cardboard blocks to nest, stack, and tumble down. Great for children who love to build things as much as they love to see them knocked over. "eeBoo's eco-friendly Tot Tower helps build large motor skills while promoting language and concept development," Regina Gelin, sales & marketing associate at eeBoo, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 2012.

Baby can learn so much through basic play, and these stackable, nestable, fit-together-and-roll-around cups offer endless versatility for lots of enriching discoveries. Includes 10 colorful cups to grasp, stack or nest, with grooved surfaces for a snug fit and easy stacking. Different colors, sizes and numbers help build early identification skills. A smiling jingle ball nests inside any cup, or fits on top of a whole stack.

The Sassy sensory ball set has three unique balls inspire all of baby's senses. One ball engages baby's sense of touch with its fabric textures and baby's vision with its bold colors and patterns. The next ball captures baby's sense of hearing with an easy-to-grasp hard plastic ball with a chime ball inside. The third ball is made of squeezable BPA-free plastic that has been scented to smell like vanilla, a calming scent that appeals to the baby's sense of taste.
Awards: 2011 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award; Snap Award.
— As of 12/13/2011 this product had 4.3 out of 5 stars from 10 reviews on Amazon.com.

Baby's first teeth a new adventure. To make things easier, the MAM designers have developed a new teether that not only soothes, but also cleans baby's first teeth.
— As of 12/13/2011 this product had 4 out of 5 stars from 60 reviews on Amazon.com

Teething is tough for parents and their babies. So soothe their tender gums with our incredibly cool teether. Place from freezer to gums and in no time babies will be chewing and cooing their way to happiness.
— As of 12/13/2011 this product had 4.2 out of 5 stars from 20 reviews on Amazon.com

Now, Baby Stella can talk. Features three sounds: pacifier sucking noise when pacifier is attached, giggling when foot is squeezed, and saying "mama" when hand is squeezed. Doll comes with pink ruffled onesie with Velcro-like closures in back and magnetic pacifier. Comes with 2 replaceable AA batteries. Launch date: January 2012.

Finally, a well-designed play mat that lasts through the developmental stages of your child!  Our play mats have been designed to cushion and delight babies during tummy time, entertain toddlers for play time, and encourage young learners of all ages to engage and explore.  Search for the hidden characters, count the creatures, sound out letters, or master the road rules: the only limit is their imagination. Reversible: engaging art on both sides; Water-resistant, wipes clean; Soft & cushiony ; Non-toxic. "The play mat lasts through multiple developmental stages of a child - from baby to kindergarten," Lea Janowicz, marketing director for Prince Lionheart, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2012.

A lightning fast shape and color recognition game for kids, families and gamers alike. In Ghost Blitz, five wooden items sit on the table waiting to be caught: a white ghost, a green bottle, a cute grey mouse, a blue book, and a comfortable red chair. Each card in the deck shows pictures of two objects, with one or both objects colored the wrong way. With all players playing at the same time, someone reveals a card, then players grab for the "right" object - but which object is right? The first player to grab the correct object keeps the card, then reveals the next card from the deck. If a player grabs the wrong object, she must discard one card previously collected. Once the card deck runs out, the game ends and whoever has collected the most cards wins. Launch date: 2011.
Awards: 2011 Deutscher Lernspielpreis "6 years and up" Nominee; 2011 Golden Geek Best Children's Board Game Nominee; 2011 Spiel des Jahres Recommended.

The Weplay Pedal Walker works like a quadricycle. It has two balancing pedals and one pair of detachable handrails. It allows a child to move forward by exerting their own body weight and distributing it across the pedals of the walker. For the more experienced user, the handrails can be removed to encourage higher levels of balance and coordination exercise. Dimensions: 15" x 20" x 22",  Pedal - 11" x 4". Weight  Limit: 110 lbs. Launch date: January 2010.

Steadily place the Weplay Up On Top on the head while standing or walking. According to different ability levels, the players can stack 2 or 3 on the head to create a balancing game. Dimensions: 6” x 6” x 5” (l x w x h). Contents: 1 each (Blue, Green, and Orange). Launch date: December 2011.

This Weplay Team Walker set includes 4 colorful pairs of walkers. Each walker set can be used alone or firmly locked together with the other sets to create a teamwork activity that enhances coordination and improves individual motion development. The adjustable rubber straps allows the item to fit the feet with ease. This item is wonderful for schools and daycare centers. It can be used indoors and outdoors.  Dimensions: 16" x 5" x 1". Maximum Weight: 177 lbs. per pair. Launch date: 2009.

The Weplay Rocking Bowl is a new addition to the Weplay family. This item allows kids to climb, hide, rock, and balance in a safe and inviting way. The wave designed edge provides children with areas to grab without the threat of being pinched. The patterned inside gives the product an anti-slip area and a visual focus. The bottom is designed with a smooth curve to allow the bowl to rock in all directions. The bowl is large enough for one to two children to play with it together. Maximum Weight: 88 lbs. "This bowl is large enough for two kids, and the scalloped edges and textured bottom make it safe!" Lynn Toves, marketing & sales rep for Wee Blossom, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 2012.

The Weplay ® Tricky Fish is a hand-held balance coordination board designed in the shape of a fish. This ball maze board is two-sided to provide the user with different types of tracks for more fun and challenge. As the user works the ball around the track, the board helps them to develop muscle control, flexibility of the wrists, and improves reflexes. The Tricky Fish enhances eye-hand coordination and exercises the eye muscles while elevating the user's attention span. The Tricky Fish is suitable for everyone. Includes: 1 Board, 1 Ball  Dimensions: 10 X 9 X 2". Launch date: January 2012.

Build and roll this Construction Toolbox around like a vehicle. 5 projects included; kids can use their imagination to build anything. Includes 11 Geometric Shapes, 4 Wheels, 12 Screws, 10 Nuts, 1 Screwdriver, and 1 Wrench. This Toolbox also provides easy storage for all the pieces. Develops imagination, hand-eye coordination, manual dexterity, and problem solving and fine motor skills. Tested to meet European and U.S. safety standards. "Unique design - the attractive colors, unique features, super play value, learning elements and cute character of this toolbox draws kids attention and become their best friend in no time," David To from Biokido/Georgeous Products Inc. told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2012.

The Solar System by Teach My introduces children to the basics of The Solar System. Using a coordinated book, puzzle, poster and flashcards, Teach My showcases the sun and nine planets that rotate around the sun (incl. Pluto, The Dwarf Planet). In order to simplify The Solar System for little ones, we have highlighted one characteristic for each planet and each planet's place within the solar system. The Solar System is an Add-On by Teach My, an additional section for the award winning, all-in-one learning kits, Teach My Toddler & Teach My Preschooler. Conveniently packed in a re-sealable bag, The Solar System by Teach My can be used on its own or with Teach My Toddler & Teach My Preschooler. "The Solar System by Teach My includes coordinated learning tools such as a matching poster, flashcards, book and puzzle. The tools promote natural interaction and repetition, making learning quick, easy and fun," Christy Cook, founder of Teach My, told TDmonthly. Launch date: November 2011.

It's a teether and toy in one. Twisty Figure 8 can be twisted and turned while baby's sore gums are soothed by the four different teething surfaces. Featuring an easy—to—grasp shape, this brightly colored teether also can be used as a rattle.
Awards: 2002 Parent's Choice Gold Award
— As of 11/30/2011 this product had 3.7 out of 5 stars from 30 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Easy for babies to grasp; easy to clean; lots of texture; can be chilled to ease teething pain; the part baby holds onto doesn't freeze, so their hands don't get too cold. Cons: Not dishwasher safe; too big for smaller babies; a little bulky for younger children.