March 2009 Notable Toys — All

The Kettrike Alana features a four-position telescoping frame, a four-position, adjustable, high-back seat, a high carbon steel frame with a fade-resistant polyester powder coat finish, limited turn-radius steering, and a low center of gravity to help prevent tipping. It also has synthetic MaxXtread™ tires for a smooth and quiet ride. "KETTLER German-made tricycles all have a five-step paint process with an anti-rust coating. [This] allows for the tricycles to have a five-year warranty against fading or rusting," Heather McGlothlin, national sales manager for KETTLER International, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 15, 2009.

This scooter features an eight-position, adjustable handlebar, a synthetic MaxXtread™ front tire for a smooth and quiet ride, EVA foam rear tires, a rear footbrake and an extra-wide footplate. Weight capacity is 100 lbs. "The KETTLER® Scooter Prinzessin comes with a lifetime warranty on the main 'd' tube frame, [and] also has a five-year warranty on the paint against fading. It is coated inside and outside with an anti-rust coating," Heather McGlothlin, national sales manager for KETTLER International, told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 10, 2009.

These digital timing bookmarks allow kids to track their nightly reading homework minutes for school or for the summer library reading programs. The bookmark now includes a 60-second timer for fluency checks. "Its unique, patented design allows for both count-up and count-down timing and removes the dreaded, 'Am I done yet?' from the nightly homework routine. The bookmark's price point makes it an ideal add-on sale for the specialty retail market," Owner Maureen Farinella of Mark-My-Time told TDmonthly. It has received the following awards: iParenting Media, National Parenting Center, Mr. Dad, Teachers' Choice, Family Review Center, Creative Child Magazine, and Parent to Parent Adding Wisdom. Launch date: February 17, 2009.

This certified, 100-percent organic cotton yoyo doll is handmade by fair trade artisans in India. This is the classic yoyo doll made for decades by grandmas, updated for the green community. "It's so difficult and time consuming to make this doll that it can only be made by hand. Yoyo dolls have been childhood favorites for generations," Jenny Krauss, president of Kinderware, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

You may look at Winkolina and say, "There goes a really plain, regular, every day looking Ugly." But on the inside, Winkolina is an adventure waiting to happen, which is funny because she sees that in you, too. Winkolina thinks you have nothing but action and adventure locked away, way deep down! Is she right? Are you ready to show the world what you've really got going on in there? Winkolina has six cookies, an apple and 11 tacos in there. What about you? Launch date: April 2009.
— “All of the Uglydolls do well. We sell about five a week,” said Jeanette Lauture, owner of Aunt Jean's Toys & Treats in Montclair, N.J., when asked about her best-selling plush toys in spring 2009.
— “We sell lots of plush, but as a single group or vendor, Uglydoll is at the top,” Sallie Kashiwa, owner of Timbuk Toys in Denver, Colo., told TDmonthly in May 2009.
— Twenty-one percent of 43 retailers surveyed in May 2009 said Uglydolls are best-selling plush items in their stores.

Fea Bea: The Ugly Stick. Ugly Sticks are sort of the perfect sidekicks to have with you at all times in the Uglyverse. They are there for you. Feeling sad? Ugly Sticks will knock that right out of you. Happy now? No, wait ... feeling really ugly? Good! Ugly means unique! Anyone can retouch a photo to look beautiful, but you can't fake ugly. Launch date: March 2009.

This is a very special UGLYVERSE EDITION UGLYDOLL. These limited versions are produced only for one year. "Artist created, UGLYDOLLS inspire creativity/individuality [and] appeal to both genders and kids of all ages," Karen Laureigh of Pretty Ugly LLC told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.
— Uglydolls are top sellers at Moon Rabbit Toys in Santa Fe, N.M., Owner Shana Hack told TDmonthly in summer 2009.

The Red Bolt Cape is elegant and durable. Each satin cape is lined with supersoft velvet chamois (made from recycled plastic bottles) and adorned with a retro-cool handsewn wool felt applique. The high neckline has a one-size-fits-all snap closure. It includes a drawstring bag, perfect for tucking away secret identities. Available in various styles, and two sizes, the cape starts at $18. It is handcrafted in San Francisco. Launch date: March 2009.

Jingle Blocks were created with baby's love for discovery and touch in mind. Soft and visually interesting prints are appliqued with felt stars, and a gently chiming bell is securely placed in the center of each block. Other applique options include letters and numbers. Other fabrics are also available. The product is made in Vermont. "The Jingle Blocks combine old-world quality with design that appeals to modern parents. There is a special magic about toys such as these blocks, that are handmade in small batches by artisans who love thier work. They are intended to be lasting heirlooms, cherished by many generations," Cecilia Leibovitz, president and creative director of Craftsbury Kids, told TDmonthly. Launch date: April 15, 2009.

Recycle Kyle™ likes to get people motivated about recycling because it is fun, easy, and something everyone can do. From Seattle, he loves to ride his skateboard, a pollution-free form of transportation. Kyle's dedication to recycling began one day while cruising through a park. He hit a soda can and fell down and hurt himself. Since then he has been spreading the word about recycling. He even started a recycling program at school. Kids can join Kyle and the other Global Green Pals on their mission. "The Global Green Pals are a unique group of dolls that highlight important environmental issues and encourage children to learn through play. They have the capability of inspiring children of all origins to take action by changing small things in their daily activities," Malini Goel, founder and president of Restoration Gallery LLC, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 15, 2009.

Pig Lubie is just like its traditional counterpart; pink and round, but smaller and softer. The Lubies collection received a 2009 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award. Launch date: 2009.

This 16" doll is one in a collection of nostalgic Little Friends with varying dress designs that correlate with the company's seasonal dress releases for 3-month to 4-year-olds. Launch date: 2009.

This jolly old fellow is handknit of 100-percent cotton, featuring light blue eyes and a full beard. There's also a Reindeer in the Zubels line of soft, knit characters. Launch date: 2009.

This soft, handknit frog is made of 100-percent cotton and has a jingle bell inside. Zubels are available in 7", 12" and 36" sizes. Launch date: 2009.

These magnetic paper dolls work well on any metal surface. They are wonderful for traveling. Take along a cookie sheet and they will store right on it. They won't slide off and get lost. No more hassle with the little paper tabs that are always tearing. No more slipping and sliding outfits that won't stay on the dolls.

Do you like your eggs hard-boiled or sunny-side up? Well you can have both with this egg. Have it whole or make it SPLAT sunny-side up! When thrown onto the ground, SplatBacks splat into a flat, liquid-looking mess, then morph back into their original shape.

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WTHRA 2009

Toss this mouse SPLAT on the floor and watch everyone freak out! It goes from blob to squirmy mouse in seconds. Colors include Gold and Gray. When thrown onto the ground, SplatBacks splat into a flat, liquid-looking mess, then morph back into their original shape.

This cute, entertaining ducky SPLATs and comes back. When thrown onto the ground, SplatBacks splat into a flat, liquid-looking mess, then morph back into their original shape.

New and improved, this special edition updates the best-selling TIA 2008 T.O.T.Y. Game of the Year with new features to improve game play, more challenges to master, and a cool metal look and texture for a better grip. Packed with speed games and brainteasers everyone can play, the Titanium Edition features six electronic games that test speed and smarts, save high scores, and track progress.

Animal Yakkers™ are electronic toys that make kids feel as if they're on a farm, as they emit hilarious sounds of their favorite animals. Give them a shake and hear the wackiest animals on the funny farm start YAKKIN away. The faster you shake them, the funnier they sound. Yakkers come in three popular farm animals: cow, pig, and lamb.

Classic games you can play on the go. The Techno Source LCD Video Games line has a game for everyone: whether you want the fast-paced action and bold graphics of the handheld games or the portable playability of the keychain and mini games.

Lion Lubie sports a cute and peaceful face. Have this Lubie be the king of the plush jungle. The Lubies collection received a 2009 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award. Launch date: 2009.

To go along with the Pink Bear is the soft, plush Blue Bear Lubie.

No longer an egg, but not quite a full chicken yet, the Chick Lubie is soft, round and cute.