March 2010 Notable Toys — All

Children can use a real, kid-sized motorized pottery wheel to shape clay creations. It includes a foot pedal for speed control, six colors of paint, two lbs. of clay, cutting/sculpting tools and complete instructions on how to throw and mold bowls and vases. The compact dimensions of the electrically operated wheel let kids use it anywhere they like, and it runs on batteries if a plug isn’t handy. An AC adapter is included, or it uses 8 C batteries (not included). "This pottery wheel has the most powerful motor in the market," Andrew Tober, Director of Creative Development, BSW Toy Inc., told TDmonthly.

This window-climbing robot scoffs at the forces of gravity, using suction cups built into its feet to climb up, down, around and even upside down smooth surfaces like windows, mirrors and metal file cabinets. It requires 2 AAA batteries. Instructions for product can be found sandwiched between the cardboard insert that includes important battery replacement directions.

Made in the USA using 100-percent recycled cardboard material, the Shuttle Imagination is designed to take a child on a new adventure every day. It allows for a sturdy drawing surface and encourages creative play. Measurements (assembled): 39" L x 34" W x 72" H. Fin attachments are 12" in length. Launch date: February 22, 2010.
Awards: 2010 Tillywig Top Fun; Spring 2010 National Parenting Center Seal of Approval

The Easter Grass-kit offers an eco-friendly, all-natural alternative to wasteful plastic grass. It's designed as a fun and educational activity for parent and child to enjoy together in anticipation of the holiday. Each kit contains enough materials for two medium baskets of real grass. Recommended growth time is seven to 10 days. Launch date: March 5, 2010.

These 1:87 scale truck, trailer, and machine combos from Norscot are ideal for both die-cast collectors and HO gauge model railroaders. The combos feature Peterbilt Model 389 trucks and Trail King lowboy trailers carrying Caterpillar machines. The red truck carries a Cat® D5M Track-Type Tractor, the white truck a Cat 163H Motor Grader, the yellow truck Cat 950G Series II Wheel Loader, and the black truck a Cat 315C L Hydraulic Excavator. "Norscot is unique in our ability to bring together world-leading brands of construction and transportation equipment to create these combinations," JoAnne Jarecki, Vice President Scale Models & Toys, Norscot Group, Inc., told TDmonthly. These models are part of the entry level series, priced for the beginning collector or model railroader. Each model measures 10-1/2" x 2" x 1-3/4" (26.7 x 5.1 x 4.4 cm). Packed 12 per carton. Launch date: March 11, 2010.

The Rockboard Scooter uses propulsion technology, allowing it to be ridden without having to put a foot on the ground. It can be used as a kick scooter or a Rockboard. When in Rockboard Mode it requires no kicking, batteries, charging or gasoline. It can also be folded up for easy storage and transport. The Rockboard combines fun, fitness and functionality into one product. "While standing on the deck in Rockboard Mode the rider shifts their weight back and forth, and this powers the drive chain. Propulsion is achieved with each rock, wasting zero energy and allowing the rider to reach speeds of up to 10 mph," Zane Andrews, Account Manager, M.Y. Products, told TDmonthly. Launch date: November 18, 2009.
— Thanks to a product demo in the store, Learning Express of Newton, Mass., had sold at least 15 Rockboard Scooters in 2010 as of July, Owner Richard Gibson told TDmonthly.
— In a March 2012 survey, Grafton Stine, owner of Toys on the Square in Hummelstown, Pa., told TDmonthly that Rockboard Scooters were one of their best selling ride-on toys.

Where to buy:
SOUTH

The Random Size Semi Auto Gift Wrapping Machine allows one to gift wrap extremely fast with great consistent quality and minimal waste. The machines are ideal for internet fulfillment and retail store operations. Models are available in one-, two- and six-roll configurations. "We are the only manufacture of a random size semi auto gift wrapping machine. We are patented in US and EU," Michael E. Miller, Sales Manager, Gift Wrap Solutions, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

Designed to prolong the life of a stroller, this chic and funky padded liner transforms into a cozy changing pad and is interlined with anti-bacterial and odor- and water-resistant padding. The liners have matching blankets, slide off for easy cleaning in the washer, roll up and tie for transport and use as a changing pad, adapt to 5-point harness-compatible strollers, and are reversible, with a soft, smooth surface for spring and summer and a cozy, fluffy surface for fall and winter. Launch date: 2010.

Panini stickers and albums are household brands in 110 countries worldwide. "With over 700 licenses, Panini is making its first official foray into the U.S. market," Isaac Wolman, CEO, The Aquastone Group, North American distributor for Panini SPA, told TDmonthly. "When children buy the sticker album, repeat same-store purchases of an average of 23 sticker packs follow. With a firm retail price of $1.00 on both the sticker packs and albums (regardless of the size of the retail outlet), the Panini model is designed to ensure maximum sales and repeat traffice for the retailer." Launch date: April 30, 2010.
— David Stelzer, owner of Shananigans Toy Shop in Baltimore, Md., told TDmonthly in an August 2014 survey that Panini Sticker Books are one of the store's best-selling collectible items.

PIPEROID is a paper craft robot designed and produced in Japan. The robot is made out of paper pipes with pre-drilled holes and marks to cut, fold, and connect the pipes without the need of glue or tape. All one needs is a pair of scissors, and with minimal assembly they can bring your own PIPEROID to life. It's "very easy to make - with only scissors and 30 minutes," Shinya Fujimoto, owner, Magnote, told TDmonthly. Awards: Good Design Award (2007). Launch date: 2009.

Satsuma Bento Gift Box Sets are designed to welcome baby to the world. Each baby bento gift box set is enclosed in the chocolate gift box and ribbons and lined with novelty papers (each one unique) to coordinate with the eco-elegant gift set. "The brand new Satsuma Bento Gift Box Sets are an innovative combination of organic baby gear with easy, affordable and eco-luxe gift giving," a representative of Satsuma Designs told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 2010.

Owners can review infant and child choking rescue and CPR skills anytime and anywhere. CPR Teddy Jr. is an 8" bear that can be attached to a stroller, diaper bag, car seat or baby bed. Individuals squeeze his infant or child paw to hear the corresponding instructions for what to do if a child chokes or stops breathing. It includes a full-length training DVD that also teaches First Aid and Injury Prevention. Awards: PTPA Media Award, January 2010. Launch date: October 2009.

The Vintage Sports collection features handcrafted striped quilting and embroideries colored to reflect a sports time past. Many accessory options can be used with this classic design. Launch date: November 25, 2009.

This custom-designed girls collection is inspired by the mystic and wonder of flower fairies and their secret gardens. It features a quilt with intricate and delicate embroidery details of butterflies, snails and flower fairy friends. Touches of lurex thread shimmer across the front of the white, pink and green cotton sateen, reversing to an option of our fairyland dot. It is 240 thread count and machine washable. Launch date: November 25, 2009.

The concept of this series is to promote financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills and attitudes for readers of many ages in a time when economic realities demand a new kind of savvy skill set. It's designed for both kids and adults. "The simplicity of the work book takes the fear factor out of starting a business," Dianne Linderman, CEO, The First Moms Club Press, told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 2010.

This day-at-a-glance calendar with plenty of space for the reusable static cling chores, money and happy/sad pieces is designed to make allowance fun for kids and easy for parents. It includes a dry-erase pen and more than 60 chores to choose from. Launch date: April 2010.

Physicians, lactation experts, and designers collaborated to create the mimijumi, designed to be practical, attractive and functional. The bottle serves to ease the transition between breast-feeding and bottle-feeding. Gold Award Winner of the Spark Design Awards, the mimijumi replicates the look and feel of a mother's breast with natural colors, textures and forms. “Two main features separate the mimijumi Very Hungry from other bottles,” states Dr. Bill Colomb, child psychiatrist and co-inventor of the bottle. “First, the look and shape of the nipple prompts a feeding response, making the baby more likely to accept the bottle. Second, the baby must latch on to the nipple in a manner almost identical to breastfeeding in order for the bottle to work, thus minimizing confusion and making the transition between bottle and breast a breeze. In testing, 100 percent of babies who had refused traditional bottles took the mimijumi Very Hungry." The bottle is crafted from BPA-free plastic engineered in Switzerland, with medical-grade silicone molded over the thread. The one-piece nipple includes an integrated ventilation system to aid in digestion and reduce colic further helping to calm the baby. Launch date: 2010.

This multi-purpose memory foam surface for baby is designed to bring the comfort of the nursery into any room or space. It may be used for diaper changes, tummy time, infant/parent classes, around the home, or when traveling with infants. The Plush Pad features a thick, memory foam cushion that relaxes baby by molding to his curves and relieving tiny pressure points; is temperature friendly; is machine washable and water resistant; rolls open without creases; and, at about 2' x 2', provides wiggle room for baby but is still portable. Launch date: July 2007.

This book features beautiful wildlife photography by award-winning photographers Carl R. Sams II & Jean Stoick and charming prose by first-time author and mother of four, Bridget McGovern Llewellyn. It's designed to stir appreciation and care for Mother Earth. Launch date: September 2009.

Have you ever wondered how Santa Claus came to be Santa? A long time ago, a young boy named Nikolas took on a mysterious mission and created a legend that would be carried on from generation to generation. "Christmas Story" is a magical and heartwarming tale of how the gift-giving tradition was created. Awards: 2009 Dove Family-Approved Seal. Launch date: November 3, 2009.

One of the most beloved family tales of all time comes to life in an enchanting combination of live-action drama and animated adventure. It's the story of a young boy named Toby who is sent by his busy father to spend the holiday season in the home of his stern grandmother. Toby's world instantly changes when he discovers the house's 'magic attic' where three forgotten toys, including a special stuffed rabbit, unlock a world of imagination that will change all their lives forever. The film is directed by Michael Landon, Jr., features the voices of Jane Seymour, Tom Skerritt and Ellen Burstyn, and was produced based on the best-selling book by Margery Williams. Awards: 2009 Dove Family-Approved Seal. "Total sell-through for Christmas 2009 was over 64 percent!" Jennifer Barger, Assistant Brand Manager, Anchor Bay Entertainment, told TDmonthly in spring 2010.

Living on a farm is a lot of hard work, but just think about the variety of animals under care. Using the stiff straw, the soft feathers and the bubble wrap, preschoolers can learn through their sense of touch about these animals. "Children ages 2 to 5 years old learn best when engaged in activities that integrate their fine motor skills. 1-2-3 Preschool Projects develops hands-on activities that are packaged according to themes. They feature a variety of textural materials that encourage the development of a child’s fine motor, gross motor, cognitive, language, math, drama, science, and tactile skills," Linda Scanlan, owner,1-2-3 Preschool Projects LLC, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 2010.

Pippalily's organic toy straps keep baby's favorites on board and off the ground. Simply Velcro one end of the 100-percent organic cotton toy strap to a car seat, stroller, carrier, etc., and the other adjustable end to the object of choice: teethers, snack containers, sippy cups, plush toys, etc. MSRP is $10 for the standard cotton and $11 for the organic. The product is made in Canada. Launch date: November 2009.

These animal-shaped plush ear muffs are designed for both style and warmth. "Ear muffs are no longer the tedious style. If you are a child or lady, you will look even more lovely with our plush muffs," William Xie of China ToyBiz.cn told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 10, 2010.