January 2012 Notable Toys — Developmental Toys

Ian's new potty makes him feel like a big boy. He is excited to know he will wear real underpants and go to the potty, but the new system will take some getting used to. Ian sits on the potty, but nothing happens. When he is out playing, he feels a tickle in his tummy, and his pants are wet. This sympathetic story about a universal situation will help children understand that mastering this new skill takes time and patience, and everyone is entitled to a few slip-ups. Ian wears big boy underpants, builds a big boy fort, eats a big boy sandwich, and finally learns to use the potty like the big boy he knows he is. When he achieves his goal, it is time to help mom empty the potty, wash his hands, and go outside to play with the other big boys. Launch date: November 2011.

Kids undo a latch, swing open the numbered door, and see the picture beneath revealed on this wooden play board. Build fine motor skills while learning colors, numbers, animals and more. Measures 15.7" x 11.7" x 1.6".
— As of 10/26/2011 this product had 4.4 out of 5 stars from 130 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Helps develop manual dexterity; durable; pieces are attached and can't get lost. Cons: Sharp edges on latches; fingers can get pinched in the latches.

Phone Mat Fun is an interactive 3D Animated DVD and activity mat that prepares young children for school.  Phone Mat Fun teaches children basic concepts of letters, colors, and numbers in both English Spanish while moving around the Learnercise Phone Mat. Launch date: 2011.

CircaToys is a family business that designs and manufactures heirloom quality wooden toys that are handmade in Franklin, N.C. USA.  The company was founded in 2009 by Gary Murphy whose inspiration for the first toy "Wagon of Blocks" came from the original toy itself which he received on his birthday in 1942.  The original toy still exists, although beginning to show its age, having been played with by 3 generations. It is a simple toy made from basic wood shapes and threaded nuts and pegs that can be taken apart easily. It is a mechanical learning toy that opens the door for imagination building and hand eye coordination. Safety tested and approved for children 6 months and up. Launch date: January 2009.
Awards: 2010 Creative Child Magazine TopToy of the Year; 2010 Brain Child Tillywig

This original series of electronic Discover the-Sound Books allow kids to explore  backyard, farm, rain forest and pond scenes to discover the animals who live there. Each book has a sound module that plays an animal sound. Available in English and Bilingual versions (English/ French, English/ Spanish). Launch date: January 2012.

Inquisitive hands will transform Villetta into a village of colorful cottages, a tower of balancing prisms, or an abstract sculptural masterpiece. This artful open-ended building toy expands the possibilities of building ideas never before imagined. The color, form and sheer beauty of Villetta will attract young children as well as artists, designers and playful adults. "With a beautiful array of vibrant colors, this block set combines the function of an open-ended classic wooden toy to be played by generations of children, yet also has the aesthetic appeal to attract designers, artists, architects, and playful adults," Karen Hewitt, president/designer of Learning Materials Workshop, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2011.

Coloraturo, a new block set created by award winning toy designer Karen Hewitt, will delight and captivate the imagination of children and artists of all ages. This smart toy functions both as a designer art piece and a high quality children’s building toy providing endless experiences with color in both two and three dimensions. The color, form and sheer beauty of Coloraturo will attract young children as well as architects, designers and playful adults. "Displaying 36 unique, vibrant colors, this piece stands out from ordinary block sets, yet will still be a timeless toy for generations of children. This toy will provide endless building opportunities, yet looks beautiful enough to display anywhere in the house," Karen Hewitt, president/designer of Learning Materials Workshop, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2011.
Awards: TDmonthly Top Toy Award, January 2012; 2011 Dr. Toy 10 Best Creative Products Award; 2011 Dr. Toy 100 Best Children's Products Award.
— Why it won: Beautifully designed, kids can enjoy hours of pattern play, color sorting, and building. Meanwhile, parents won't mind having these colorful, geometric blocks left lying around.