July 2009 Notable Toys — Collectibles

12" Olivia likes Peter Pumpkin Eater (Daddy), playing pranks, samhain, hide and seek, The Pixies, “A Mid Summers Night’s Dream,” carving pumpkins, candy corn, pumpkin seeds, Allegra (it helps with allergies) Pixie Stix, pumpkin pie cheesecake, Myth Busters, Wikipedia, Ding Dong Ditch. She dislikes: Stingy Jack, cold iron, wearing clothes inside out, running water, bells, Goat Weed, stale bread and Lucky Charms cereal. Limited edition.

This hand-painted figure has an intricate suit of armor and wields a broad sword and battle ax. Launch date: April 2009.

This hand-painted dragon is wearing armor and has fire coming out of its mouth. "Hotaling Inc. believes that in a world full of too many passive play options, children should be encouraged to engage in self-driven play. That's why they distribute simple and attractive toys with child friendly designs that encourage them to actively use their imagination and develop through active play, stimulation and, above all, fun," Brian Shackelton, operations manager for Hotaling Imports Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: April 2009.

This handpainted figure shows intricate detail, from its facial features down to the fierce ax in the tiger's hand. Launch date: April 2009.

This handpainted figure is decked out with armor and weaponry. "Hotaling Inc. believes that in a world full of too many passive play options, children should be encouraged to engage in self-driven play. That's why they distribute simple and attractive toys with child-friendly designs that encourage them to actively use their imagination and develop through active play, stimulation and, above all, fun," Brian Shackelton, operations manager for Hotaling Imports Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: April 2009.

Creation By Design brings together the “greatest story ever told” with original, 3D computer-generated artwork and a fresh narrative voice. The cards are designed to relay the concepts and stories of the Bible without without preaching the ideas of any particular denomination, and may appeal to parents who want to minimize their kids’ exposure to violent video games and TV programs. The back of each card features three sections: Narrative, which relates a snippet of the story associated with that card in everyday language; Fun Facts, which relates trivia facts about the card topic, encompassing such subjects as art, literature, history, science and animals; and Timeline, which places the events of that card in relation to the other trading cards and world history, taking Bible stories out of the realm of myth and into fact and history. "Not only is the Bible the best-selling book of all time; it is [also] the best-selling book of the year, every year. Now, we have presented the stories in a manner that kids want to see and read," Steven Kaye, managing director of Creation By Design, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 7, 2008.

Designed to teach children about the names of food and dining utensils, these plush toys have a suction cap on the back and can be hung from smooth surfaces. Kids can choose which food they want to eat the next day, and place it on a window before they go to sleep. The colorful pieces may also serve as decoration in a baby's room. Size is 4" x 3". Launch date: 2009.

Designed to teach children about the names of animals, nature and wild living things, these plush toys have a suction cap on the back and can be hung from smooth surfaces. The animal figures might be used to tell stories or teach kids about the food chain. Size is 4" x 3". Babies can pick up, drop and bite these toys easily. Launch date: 2009.

Peggy and Pinky the Pig watched the farmer's daughter dance ballet and really wanted to be ballerinas too! They set up a ballet studio, where they perform for all the animals!