July 2011 Notable Toys — Designer Toys

Encourages creative problem solving and more. Develop a child's ability to creatively solve challenges with this Multi-Solution Puzzle. Offered in a variety of designs, these easy to use puzzles challenge children 2 years and older to come up with creative alternatives. "With as many solutions as a child can imagine, these puzzles hold their attention longer than the standard one-and-done puzzles," J.B. Schneider of P'Kolino told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2010.
Awards: 2010 Parents' 55 Best Toys

Encourages creative problem solving and more. Develop a child's ability to creatively solve challenges with this Multi-Solution Puzzle. Offered in a variety of designs, these easy to use puzzles challenge children 2 years and older to come with creative alternatives. "With as many solutions as a child can imagine these puzzles hold their attention longer than the standard one-and-done puzzle," J.B. Schneider of P'Kolino told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2010.
Awards: 2010 Parents' 55 Best Toys

From the creator of the popular Uglydoll Plush figures, David Horvath has created another lovable character, Bossy Bear, based on the titled character from David's children's book. This new "monster" version evolves the classic Bossy Bear into the world of kaiju or monsters like Godzilla and Gamera. Available in a case pack with two different versions - classic Blue and Cutie Stomp Pink Editions and includes variant expression editions. Launch date: July 2011.

Toy2R is pleased to unearth the next series of artist 2.5" Skelanimal Qees. Featuring designs by Voltaire, Lunabee, Pocket Wookie, Albert Art, Nick Z, and PO! (Patricio Oliver) and also including classic editions of the Skelanimal characters Dax, Jack and Kit. This 25 pc blind box assortment is randomly packed. Each Skelanimal Qee includes keychain attachment so the Skelanimals don't get lost. Launch date: July 2011.
Awards: 2010 HKADF Outstanding Greater China Design Award; 2010 Best SME’s Award; 2009 Hong Kong Ten Outstanding Designers by Hong Kong Communication Art Centre.

Jurassicmorphs #14: Jurassicmorphs, new for 2011, is part of the Zoomorphs pop-together building system. The child can build animals that exist or have existed in nature; or easily pop the pieces apart to make all sorts of friendly, poseable fantasy creatures. There are six characters in this set:  Diplodocus, Pilosaur, Coelophysis, Rhamphorhyncus, Pterosaur and Triceratops All sets are interchangeable.  All animals have hinged jaws.  Also available: Junglemorphs #15. There are four characters in this set:  Tree Python, Bird of Paradise, Tiger and Tropical Beetle.  All sets are interchangeable.  Some animals have hinged jaws.
Awards: Family Fun TOY of the Year

Players will be challenged to put their memory to the test in just five short seconds as they attempt to memorize a specific shade of color and then match it to the correct color wheel. Just the slightest difference between shade, tint or hue can completely change the game. The first player to fill their artist’s palette with six color chips and win the game. Fast-paced play combines with memory building, visual thinking and art.  Color guide provides extra learning material.
Awards: TDmonthly Top Toy Award, January 2012; 2011 Finalist for ASTRA's Best Toys for Kids
— Why it won: Unlike most matching games, which require players to remember and pair off images, this game challenges players to remember the exact shade of a certain color. They then must match the color they saw to a color wheel. An entertaining, challenging twist on the classic memory game.

"While there are several stacking toys on the market, none of them are circular and included the added element of balance.  Tobbles is a stacking toy which encourages children to explore and discover," Erik Quam, Director of Product Development at Fat Brain Toy, told TDmonthly.
Awards: 2011 Finalist for ASTRA's Best Toys for Kids
— Melodie Ingwersen, owner of Creative Kids Inc in Columbia, S.C., told TDmonthly in an April 2012 survey about best selling infant & toddler products that they sell 2-3 dozen Tobbles each month.

With it's innovative flipping mechanism, Wishbone Flip transforms from rocker to ride-on in seconds. Eye-catching and super-functional, Wishbone Flip is the perfect first birthday present. It’s an heirloom quality, transformable toy, packed with personality. Made from plantation birch for ages 1 to 5. "Wishbone Flip has an impressively simple flipping mechanism making it easy to transform Flip from rocking to ride-on toy and back again in seconds," Jennifer McIver, managing director at Wishbone Design Studio, told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 2011.

Combination of game play, brainteaser, optical illusion.

Woody Rocking Horse is made from 100% birch, harvested from an FSC Approved (ethically harvested) forest. It is produced to last as an heirloom toy. Helps Children develop balance, muscle strength and coordination. Over-sized rockers prevent tipping forwards or backwards, and footrests help children balance and position themselves properly. Weight limit is 100 lbs. Launch date: June 2011.