March 2009 Notable Toys — All

What do you know about Pikachu? The National Pokedex describes all 493 Pokémon. It not only tells information about the cast of characters of this collectible card game, but also plays games.

Take the battle of good and evil into the pool! X-Wing and Jedi Star Fighters are 4' long and come equipped with front-mounted blasters. Children can sit behind the controls and become part of the action.

These Cabbage Patch Kids Fairies like to take flights of fancy. They also have fun in the garden, so each one is themed after her very own flower. Like the Cabbage Patch Kids' traditional dolls, Gardenia, Rose, Tulip and their friends all have their own unique name and birth date.

Darth Vader's Tie Fighter maneuvers in behind Luke Skywalker's X-Wing. Tension is high before Han Solo's Millennium Falcon swoops in to bail out his friend. This is the first assortment of kites based on the vehicles of Star Wars. These high performance nylon kites are at least 3’ long and include a special High Speed Winder.

Offering peace of mind for the parent and health for the environment, Seedlings dolls are made without harsh chemicals and use natural fibers for all of their surfaces and clothing. Even the boxes are made of recycled material. The family consists of Ivy, Baby Blossoms, Willow and others. Baby Blossoms received a 2009 TDmonthly Top Toy Award.

The fast-moving rummy game hits the big time with a new edition featuring bright, oversized numbers. Players still create “runs” and “groups” with their numbered tiles, but now the tiles are easier to read. Orange tiles have been switched with green to make it even clearer. It is for two to four players.

Two of Around the Table's award winning games in one tin. Family Talk and Grandparent Talk cards,  each with 100 cards per deck, connect generations through fun and diverse conversations.  Available March 2009.

Gisela sat dreaming of her special costume. She could hardly wait for the great procession to begin in the village. All Hallows Day was a great holy day and Gisela was ready for a feast!

Introducing the Tales 4 Tomorrow branded toy & website line, created to inspire children to "Save the animals!” Tales 4 Tomorrow promotes socially conscious green fun and saves endangered animals around the world by donating 5% of all proceeds to Conservation International wild life conservation programs. The spring 2009 launch includes eight plush animals made from 100% natural soy and cotton materials. “Tungar” The Tiger, “Tawa” Orangutan, “Shen Si” Panda and friends.  Each 10” plush toy comes with a donation code that gives children access to the Tales 4 Tomorrow website,tales4tomorrow.com, where they can play games, watch videos, send Tale Mail to their friends, and create lush habitats where their animal friends live and thrive. Trading Card Fun Packs will also be available.  Launch date: February 2009.

Both the single (8') and double (16') are made from a double-braid, soft polypropylene rope that swivels right in the hand, making handles unnecessary. These colorful and durable jump ropes (available in six solid colors and six confetti colors) can be adjusted to fit most size kids, and they can be put into the family wash if soiled. They can be used by adults, too.
— “Jump ropes … are really big right now,” Linda Hamm, owner of Early Work Toy Station in Petaluma, Calif., told TDmonthly in spring 2009.
— Four of 60 retailers surveyed in March 2009 said jump ropes account for their top sales in outdoor and sports toys.

The BuckleyBoo menagerie now comes in a 12" version for the baby and toddler on the go. With three unique buckles, these little guys offer challenges to keep children engaged. BuckleyBoos may be taken on an airplane to keep babies and toddlers busy for an extended period of time. Launch date: February 15, 2009.

Made with eco-friendly materials (ultra soft bamboo fabric and hypo-allergenic stuffing), the Dozy Dolphin™ was designed as a fun interactive plush toy that also helps soothe children to sleep.  It features four relaxing water base sounds.  Push four different buttons with the words to get distinctive sounds including PLAY (sounds of dolphins playing – actual dolphin noises), CALM (actual whale noises), RELAX (peaceful sounds / tranquil music) and SLEEP (actual ocean waves crashing on the shore).

Muu, the new children’s furniture line created by Robert Kwak, is inspired by the Zen concept of Mu, which teaches that there is no difference between us and our environment. This modern crib  can be tailored to your personal taste. A centerpiece that is safe, comfortable, and elegant, it will become a family heirloom. Make it your own with a custom MuuPanel® … which is a snap to change for baby number two … or three. Made in the USA, the Sam Crib features fixed side rails for greater stability, three-level adjustable mattress position, easily converts to toddler bed with Sam Toddler Conversion Kit, fits standard 28" x 52" full-size crib mattress (not included), made of solid maple, poplar and recycled wood fiber MDF, white non-toxic lacquer finish, easy assembly.  Launch date: February 2009.

Having taken care of Venom in Spiderman 3, Peter Parker is back to battle what could be his most evil super villan yet in Carrera’s GO!!! Spiderman, the 1:43-scale slot car and race track system themed after Marvel Comic’s fourth installment in the Spiderman series (anticipated for release in 2011 by Sony Pictures). As enthusiasts step into the cockpit of Spiderman’s “Webslinger” they’ll have to contend with Spiderman’s newest mortal foe, Carnage, who pilots the Parasite RS at scale speeds of up to 450 miles per hour. Twenty feet of web-slung track, featuring a double loop, four-way crossover, and wall-climbing flyover bring Spidey’s home town of New York to life in Carrera GO!!! 1:43 scale “Spiderman” set (62120). Launch date: February 2009.

Lightning McQueen and Chick Hicks are going head to head again, this time in Carrera’s high-octane racing adventure GO!!! “Cars,” where, like the movie, both the young and young at heart will learn that life isn’t always about the finish line, it’s about the journey. Carrera GO!!! lets slot car and film fans live life in the fast lane, putting the fate of hotshot rookie race car Lightning McQueen in their own hands during what could be the most important race of his life. Can the NASCAR-inspired Chick Hicks out-cheat the flashy and fast Lightning McQueen? Find out as the two fly down over and through the competition on almost 18 feet of track, featuring two cross over sections, spiral overpass and lap counter. In addition to Lightning McQueen (61147) and Chick Hicks (61149), Carrera is also bringing back #45 The King, Strip Weathers, the 1970 Plymouth Superbird, licensed by Petty Racing. Launch date: February 2009.

Fans of Kooky Klickers now have the opportunity to join an exclusive club created just for them.   The Kooky Fun Klub offers exclusive membership benefits and tools for collectors.  Benefits of Klub membership include a special website activation code for members only, an exclusive Kooky Klicker pen named “Desmond”, a Klub Lanyard, Fun Klub Bling stickers, a 2009 Kooky Klicker checklist, a Fun Klub Member certificate, a Fun Klub window sticker, a 2009 Kooky pocket checklist, Fun Klub peel and stick stickers, and a Klub button. Launch date: 2009.

The Robot Head Buzz Wire Game that tests a players' steady hand.  The aim is to take the wire loop from one side of the Robot’s head to the other, guiding it along his curly antenna as they go.  Touch the sides and the Robot will object, buzzing his disapproval with light up eyes.  What’s best is that it is all done by winding it up using a handle on the side without using any batteries! Mr. Robot Head is also now available with a built in AM/FM radio. Launch date: Feb. 2009.

Built-in easy-to-grip handle makes this 6" in diameter, natural-finish wood tambourine easy to play.

This is just like the scooters the boys have, but with the Sweet Pea pink coloration and streamers. Weighing only 6 lbs., it holds a rider up to 143 lbs. Launch date: Spring 2009.

Fire fighters don’t go to work wearing sneakers. It’s against regulations. So help your Jr. Fire Fighter with a genuine-looking pair of Jr. Fire Chief Boot covers. Available in small, medium, large and adult (Hey, moms and dads like to pretend too!). Launch date: February 2009.

Where are you running, kid? To a fire? Well, you’re certainly dressed for the part! This brand new yellow fire fighter outfit includes bib overalls with pockets and knee patches, adjustable suspenders. Also included is a coat with buckles, zipper, pockets, authentic gauntlet cuffs and reinforced elbow patches. Plus, an awesome adjustable hard helmet. Available in 6 months size for babies all the way up to adult size for the dad or mom who wants to play, too. (Price varies for baby and adult sizes.) Joins best-selling colors tan and black. Launch date: February 2009.

The cheers are up to you but the style is all Aeromax with bright colors, great attention to detail, a set of pom-poms, matching briefs and hair scrunchie too! Choose from three fresh color combinations: red, white & blue; purple & gold or classic blue & white. The one-piece outfit with authentic pleated skirt comes in three sizes: 2/3, 4/6 or 6/8. Launch date: February 2009.

New adventures from Frog and Toad bring to life the charming artwork of Arnold Lobel. The unique “create asyou go” game encourages kid’s creative thinking and problem solving. For one to four players. Launch date: February 2009.

Get ready to Explore Space with this exciting mini-kit! Young Scientists recreate a solar eclipse, match planets to their descriptions, make their own “moonlight,” recreate the phases of the moon, construct a constellation box, identify mystery constellations, and design constellation cards. Explore Space will make Young Scientists want to be future astronomers! Launch date: February 2009.