March 2010 Notable Toys — Eco-Friendly

This environmentally friendly wooden activity board is made of wood from an FSC-monitored source, painted with water-based paints, packaged in a box made of recycled materials, and printed with soy-bean ink. It is colorful, fun and has cute moving eyes, designed with a 1-year-old in mind. It teaches hand-eye coordination, colors, shapes, numbers and characters. It also works like a shape sorter and color-matching game as each of the different shapes has its own home (slot) and can be placed on the wooden pegs of the gears for added color matching and spinning fun. Tested to meet European and U.S. safety standards. Launch date: February 14, 2010.

Players help the mighty polar bear navigate the ice caps of the Bering Sea to find his way back home. This game features endangered wildlife species and includes a manual for kids to learn more about them. Approximately 5 percent from the sale of this product will be donated to support WWF’s global conservation efforts. "The Wildlife Conservation Collection is an assortment of classic, timeless, family-friendly games and puzzles that are made from sustainable materials," Sean Tyrrell, Category Manager, Terra Toys, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2009.

Under a licensing agreement with World Wildlife Fund, Terra Toys introduces the Wildlife Conservation Collection. Players can challenge themselves in strategy and conservation with the 8-in-1 Combo Games Set, learning about some incredible species. Illustrated game boards and pieces are designed to bring endangered species and habitats to life. Games featured include: chess, checkers, backgammon, dominoes, ludo, pick-up sticks, and salamanders and ladders, plus playing cards and instructions for all games. The games teach strategy and teamwork, improve numbers skills and provide social companionship. The set is portable and compact. The components, including the playing cards, wood pieces, boards and the storage unit, are made from Forest Stewardship Council materials. The pick up sticks are made from bamboo. Package size is 10.5" L x 2" W x 10.5" H. "The Forest Stewardship Council is an independent, international non-profit association established to promote the responsible management of the world’s forests. Approximately 5 percent from the sale of the product will be donated to support WWF’s global conservation efforts. In addition, the products are beautifully designed to stimulate empathy for and understanding of the animals and the unique habitats depicted," Sean Tyrrell, Category Manager, Terra Toys, told TDmonthly. Awards: Dr. Toy Green Toy of the Year 2009. Launch date: January 10, 2009.

Itsy Bitsy Hearts offers 100-percent organic cotton and each garment comes on a 100-percent recycled hanger. The company's slogan is "Clothing with Heart" because 20 percent of profits are donated to the Heart Gallery in an effort to help foster children find families. They offer hip stone art creations, including adoption designs and black organic styles, for newborns and young children. They are hand pressed in the United States. Launch date: 2009.

This pail liner to hold soiled diapers provides non-wicking, bacteria-free and odor-control storage. Made from a high-quality PUL (poly urethane laminate) fabric with a special anti-microbial* effect, the Kissaluvs Antibacterial Pail Liner lets soiled diapers sit another day or so, worry free, without collecting gunk. The special finish also helps reduce unpleasant odors and protects against the spreading of health-hazardous bacteria, which can sometimes collect on soiled diapers. It may also be used for storing laundry, dirty shoes, wet swim suits and more. Launch date: December 2009.

This soft-structured baby carrier provides comfort and health benefits. Boba is eco-friendly — the shell and batting are made with GOTS and OE100 certified organic cotton and lined with 100-percent organic Texas cotton. No pesticides or herbicides are used. Made in the USA, it is designed for children ages 1 to 4 years old and is available in six different earth-inspired colors: Aspen, Cedar, Chestnut, Pine, Walnut and Willow. "Boba is the first baby carrier to feature patent-pending foot straps allowing the child’s legs to be held at a natural 90-degree angle, ensuring complete baby leg support and better alignment for a child's hips and spine," Ria Romano, PR Manager, NAP, Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 30, 2009.

Ideal for decorating a large space on a budget, these 26, 5" x 7" cards give an individual freedom to space them as they'd like. "Our products introduce global exploration and environmental stewardship with stylish, eco-friendly and culturally diverse images full of whimsy. Each product is lovingly created with recycled papers, scraps and earth-friendly inks," Rebecca Peragine, Owner, Children Inspire Design, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 15, 2010.

This 100-percent organic cotton blanket features a natural silk trim with corn fiber batting and comes in a 100-percent recycled paper package with soy ink printing. The embroidered monkey is made of a blend of organic cotton, silk and hemp. The blanket measures 40" x 32".

A safe and easy option for storing and heating your little one’s edibles at home, daycare or on-the-go. Unlike plastic, little bites storage jars are bacteria resistant and BPA, Phthalate and Lead free. These stylish, versatile silicone jars and lids feature an innovative, patent-pending design and are made from high-grade silicone, making them dishwasher, refrigerator, freezer, and microwave safe. Little bites stackable storage jars can be used for preserving baby food, storing and defrosting leftovers, stowing and warming lunches, and serving up snacks, and more. Size: 3 1/2" wide x 2 1/4" tall. Volume: approx. 3.5 fl/oz.

Like the classic little bites jars, these bigger, portable silicone jars provide a safe and easy option for storing and heating child's edibles at home, school or on the road. Serves as an alternative to plastic lunch boxes as, unlike plastic, bigger bites storage jars are bacteria resistant and BPA, Phthalate and Lead free. These stylish jars come in sets of two and feature an innovative, patent-pending design. These toxin-free jars are dishwasher, refrigerator, freezer, and microwave safe. Size: 4 1/2" wide x 2 7/8" tall. Volume: approx. 10 fl/oz.

These portable, stackable silicone bowls feature a wide base (to prevent tipping), low profile and nifty sidewalls to help your little one scoop up their edibles. For home use, at daycare or on the road, little bites bowls are dishwasher, refrigerator, freezer and microwave safe. Serves as an alternative to plastic as, unlike plastic, little bites bowls are bacteria resistant and BPA, Phthalate and Lead free. Size: 5 1/2" wide x 1 1/2" tall. Volume: approx. 12 fl/oz.

Little bites cups feature a wide base and low profile to minimize tipping and spills. Their slightly textured exterior helps to prevent slippage. These stackable little cups are highly portable, easy to clean and, like all Kinderville products, are an alternative to plastic for being bacteria resistant and BPA, Phthalate and Lead free. Size: 3 1/8" wide x 2 3/4" tall. Volume: approx. 6 fl/oz.

Made of durable, BPA-free, non-leaching silicone, these ice pop molds are the perfect size for small hands and bellies. The unique tapered design allows the ice pop to be pushed to the top to enjoy. The fluted rim helps any residual liquid go back into the mold and not over little hands. No sticks and less mess. Dishwasher, refrigerator, freezer, and microwave safe. Size: 2 1/8" wide x 5" tall. Volume: approx. 3.5 fl/oz.

This short-sleeved tee, available in sizes 2 to 6, is made fair trade in India and is 100-percent organic. The monkey image was designed by Norwegian founder of Tyler Trends, Anette Tyler.

This 22" doll features fabric skin made from hemp fiber, clothing constructed of organic or recycled eco fibers, stuffing made from recycled plastic containers, and hair made of organic cotton. Her backpack carries a Hope Tree Planting Kit with Douglas Fir seeds.