July 2009 Notable Toys — Pretend Play

Little kids can practice whipping up nutritional meals with this wooden cook station. Launch date: Early 2009.

Suitable for ages 18 months and up, this product features Elmo, Grover, Oscar and Cookie Monster cooking up some fun. Sound effects, a spinning turntable and lights add to the experience. When kids put the five included play food items into the microwave, they change and come out “cooked.” It comes with 3 AA batteries. Launch date: June 2009.

Glamorous all around, Lakinzie is ready to take on anything. Stylin' in pink, purple and green, her outfit features: purple shoes, pink polka dot orange tights, a cute shiny patterned dress accented with lime green fur and beautiful bright highlighted blonde hair.
— Manhattan Toy’s products were listed as best sellers in spring 2009 by Steve Melody, owner of Melody’s Choices in Fayetteville, Ark. “Groovy Girls make up a good portion of the sales here, but the line offers much more,” he said.

Complete with a cow head and matching cow shirt, this two-piece set may be used for storytelling, dramatic play, school plays, costume parties and dress-up centers. The washable fabric is made from flame-retardant material and features easy-to-use Velcro® fasteners to make dressing up simple. It is designed as a one-size-fits-all costume.

This set of five includes crocheted Teapot, two cups and two saucers. Launch date: February 2009.

This assortment of knit "cookies" includes: Strawberry cream, Chocolate cream sandwich, Double chocolate chip, Chocolate chip, Chocolate candy and Black and white. It comes packaged in a fabric box with gingham napkin.

This adventure game is designed to encourage thought and imagination in young children. On their journey to Granny's, players go through dark woods, cross a stream, need to be very careful passing a sleepy bear, etc. Players decide what to bring along — a dog, a basket of food, perhaps some sticks and a rope — and must use these items to invent ways to deal with whatever obstacle they meet. The game includes a 12" x 12" board, a team mover, a die, and good things tokens. "This is a cooperative game in which all the players use their imaginations to get by the obstacles on their path to Granny's house in the country," Jim Deacove, president of Family Pastimes, told TDmonthly. Launch date: April 28, 2009.

This fanny pack features a front zipper pocket for small toys and an elastic waistband with sheaths on either side for essential pirate gear. It's a "unique kids' fanny pack with side elastic sheaths to hold kids' pirate swords, toy telescopes, treasures and more," Mike Biggers, president of Portable Playtime Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

This costume includes a yellow- and black-striped dress with an attached skirt, detachable black wings and a headband with antennae. The back of the dress is knit fabric for comfort. It is available in sizes 2/3, 4/6 and 6/8. Launch date: July 15, 2009.

These gloves include official NASA patches, a textured palm for easy grip and an elastic inner cuff. They are available in small, medium and large sizes. "High-quality fabrics, construction, and attention to detail will set this product apart," Sean Schipper, COO of Aeromax, told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 2009.

In this active pantomime game, players move around the board, helping each other bring all the things needed for a party. Command cards get turned, describing an action to be done. Co-operative play allows everyone to get into the actions without worrying about losing and being eliminated, and because players keep up their mime until the next turn, many funny interpretations happen at once. It includes a 12" x 12" board, die, party favor movers and command cards. "The children get to play together and do a mime show together without being against each other," Jim Deacove, president of Family Pastimes, told TDmonthly. Launch date: April 22, 2009.

This portable, folding wooden stable comes with four horses, four hay bales, a corral and a ladder. Launch date: 2009.

Full of whimsy this set of butterfly wings, wand and fur antennae make a perfect addition to your daughter's dress up trunk! Now at a wonderful price! Includes one set of pink wings, one wand and one set of marabou fur antennae. Fits sizes one to ten years.

A mix of purple and lavender make this adorable set of wings, wand and crown a perfect addition to any dress up collection. Oversized for the most dramatic entrance! Will fit children 1 year to 10 years. Now at a fabulous price!

Coral poofy princess tutu with daisies. Perfect for weddings, dance, special photography, birthdays, dress up and everyday wear. As seen in Gala Weddings magazine.

Rose Fairy Dress is a beautifully designed gown suitable for all little princesses and fairies.  The skirt has many layers and it’s made of bridal satin, tulle, tricot, and shimmery organza with the top layer gathered in a princess style and garnished with four handcrafted red roses.  The stretchy bodice is embellished with five beautiful roses.  Launch date: 2009.

Woodland Fairy Dress is a beautifully designed gown with layers of satin lining, tulle, and topping the skirt are shimmery rainbow organza petals.  The corset-style stretchy bodice is embellished with golden metallic ribbons and two rainbow organza bows on each shoulder.  The shimmery sleeves are designed from rainbow organza and shaped like petals. Launch date: 2009.

Reversible Princess Fairy Cape is made of light pink bridal satin on one side and decorated with a silver princess crown, which is adorned with pink gems.  The reversed side is made of a pink glittery spangle and decorated with pink panne set of wings which are adorned with a pink satin ribbon. Launch date: 2009.

The Queen Gown showcases a beautiful skirt, which is made of many layers.  It has a layer of rose bridal satin underskirt, a layer of lavender tulle to give it full volume, and a layer of magenta organza to give it a flowing effect.  The stretchy ruched top is made of magenta satin, and it’s finished with a silver crown which is decorated with silver heart gems. "Our designs are made from the finest available fabrics and sewn to perfection," Veesha Knight, sales and marketing manager for Creative Education of Canada, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

The Queen Cape is made of magenta steamed velour and it’s trimmed with black and white ermine to give it a royal effect.  The cape has a hood and it’s  tied with a white satin bow.  "Our dress-up quality is beyond compare and it's designed to last for generations," Veesha Knight, sales and marketing manager for Creative Education of Canada,  told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

These wooden play watches are a must for any little girl's costume wardrobe. They also teach her how to tell time. Designed in Italy, produced mostly in the Phillippines.

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.