June 2009 Notable Toys — Kits

Using the included molds and plaster of Paris, kids create their own reproduction of a complex leafcutter ant colony and rivet the special window to the casting for observation. Children can watch their ants as they organize the many intricate tunnels and chambers for different purposes, and take food and water around the colony. Launch date: June 2009.

With the Worm Farm, kids can discover the abilities of worms and their importance in the ecosystem through a series of safe and humane experiences using real worms. This kit features a high-quality, large-volume worm colony that allows children to plant seeds and grow vegetation in soil strata that is separated by colored sand horizons — great for tracking worm activity. The farm also contains removable privacy screens to bring worm tunnels into closer view. "The Wild Science kits are constructed of the highest quality materials and designed for extended play use. Each individual kit can be designed, customized and modified to an individual child’s liking. In addition, all of the kits within the system are designed to be interconnected, providing kids and creatures with endless possibilities to explore, learn and grow," Vickie Cullen, PR account executive for International Playthings, told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 2009.

There's no limit to what you can make with this beautiful collection of materials! With simple tips and lots of examples for inspiration, cut, glue and sew ornaments, bookmarks, jewelry, cards, mobiles, gift tags, collages & more! Two bonus projects in every kit! Turn the box into a mailbox, birdhouse or special treasure box. The inner tray is perfect for framing your art. Ages 8 and up
— "I love these craft kits because the materials used are so incredible. Kids get to play with 100-percent wool felt, glass and wood beads, and beautiful handmade paper. It’s an added bonus that the company has skipped excessive packaging and uses 100-percent post-consumer waste recycled paper, reusable bags and vegetable-based inks," said Autumn Orndorff, gift buyer for Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe, Ariz., after discovering Artterro kits at ASTRA Marketplace 2009.

Complete cooking sets for kids made with delicious Kellogg’s® Rice Krispies! No beaters, blenders or knives are required, making these products safe, simple, educational and above all, fun! The color-coded measuring cups, spoons and recipes take the difficulty of measuring and mixing out of cooking. For ages 5 and up.

Kids may use this product to discover the continents, countries and captials of the world utilizing dry erase cards. Each card comes with an answer overlay for easy reference. The United States and its state captials are included. "It is a fun kid kit with an educational bonus. Great for students who are trying to memorize states and capitals," Carolyn Pickup, marketing assistant at EDC Publishing, told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 2009.
— EDC Books were on the top-10 best-seller list at the Toy Shop of Concord in Concord, Mass., according to Owner David Hesel in late 2009.

Ideal for beginners! Children can learn three different stitches. Make a 6'''x6''' needlepoint picture, bookmark, and keychain, a 6'''x6''' crosstitch picture and sew a puppy bean bag. Includes all materials needed to complete kit

Cool little albums for BIG TIME fun! Enough to make an entire mini scrapbook! Kits include mini scrapbook with 12 page protectors, 12 pattern sheets, sticker sheets, 3D embellished frames, embellished stickers, foam stickers, confetti, pom poms and rhinestones.

Every teddy bear's got personality, but this one's got yours! With a little TLC and some careful stitching you can sew a puppy and made a friend all in one sitting. This kit includes pre-cut felt, polyfill, embroidery floss, needle, ribbon, and easy to follow instructions. Everything you need to complete one 9-1/2" puppy.

The Make A Plate® Kits are a great way to capture the imagination of the young artist in a usable product that is dishwasher safe and break resistant. A classroom kit that has enough templates for your child’s classroom or parties, each kit contains 50 drawing templates, 2 packs of markers, one order form, one pre-addressed return envelope, one instruction sheet and one label to expedite your order. Have one plate made or have all 50 made at once. You decide which ones and when, after you’ve created the design. Pay only for processing the artwork that you send to the Magic Factory™. Processing is only $5.95 per plate (CAN $7.95 USD). After all, teachers and families have been making memories and we have been making them special since 1969!
— In an October 2011 survey about best selling personalized and keepsake items, Kim Emigh, manager of e-commerce at Growing Tree Toys in State College, Pa., told TDmonthly that their top selling item is "The Make a Plate kit - hands down!"

The Handstand Kids Chinese Cookbook kit features easy-to-learn recipes, such as The Great Wall of Chicken Lettuce Wraps, while teaching about the Great Wall of China; and Kung Pow! (Kung Pao Tofu), which shows characters doing karate. The Handstand Kids Chinese Cookbook introduces readers to the Mandarin language and comes in an adorable takeout box with a pair of child-friendly chopsticks. "The Chinese Cookbook introduces kids to the language, culture, and food of China in a delicious and healthy way! Children learn about new countries while gaining cooking skills that will assist them in being healthy and interested in the world around them," Yvette Garfield, creator of Handstand Kids, told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 2009.

This birthday-themed Kids Color Tissue Box® kit features birthday party-related illustrations such as confetti, balloons, and presents for a child to color in. Each Kids Color Tissue Box® kit includes 2 Coloring boxes, 4 Crayola® Crayons, and 2 packs of Hankeez Brand facial tissues, each with 80 SuperSoft 2-ply tissues in each pack. The tissue box size measues 4 3/8" x 4 3/8" at the base, and 4 3/4" tall.

This educational-themed Kids Color Tissue Box® kit features educational items such as alphabets and shapes for the child to color in. Each Kids Color Tissue Box® kit includes 2 Coloring boxes, 4 Crayola® Crayons, and 2 packs of Hankeez Brand facial tissues, each with 80 SuperSoft 2-ply tissues in each pack. The tissue box size measues 4 3/8" x 4 3/8" at the base, and 4 3/4" tall.

This vehicles-themed Kids Color Tissue Box® kit features illustrations of different modern day vehicles such as cars, boats, and even helicopters for the child to color in. Each Kids Color Tissue Box® kit includes 2 Coloring boxes, 4 Crayola® Crayons, and 2 packs of Hankeez Brand facial tissues, each with 80 SuperSoft 2-ply tissues in each pack. The tissue box size measues 4 3/8" x 4 3/8" at the base, and 4 3/4" tall.