July 2011 Notable Toys — Outdoor Fun

This soft and safe ring toss pops open for portable fun. Kids can take it and play anywhere, outdoors or indoors. Play solo or with the whole family. To collapse, hold the mat at the corners and twist. Comes with six rings, PopOut target with posts and storage bag. It's "A classic game that POPS open for big fun!" Jenny Stern, VP& Founder of Diggin Active Inc, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2011.
Awards: 2011 Oppenheim GOLD Award

Fully automatic for maximum speed, this blaster lets users just pull the trigger to begin the drenching action. Fill the water clip, attach it to the blaster and begin sending soaking streams up to 25 feet away. Requires no pumping action.

Pump-handle water blaster blasts a spinning stream of water up to 20 feet away. Detachable stock adjusts to different reaches. Water blaster comes with spinning barrel, detachable stock, tactical rails and a water clip.
— As of 6/14/2011 this product had 4.3 out of 5 stars from 7 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Gets opponent very wet; spinning barrel is amusing.  Cons: Uses water in the clip too fast; extra clips are expensive.

The Step2 Naturally Playful Sandbox has four molded-in "cornerstone" seats, and a sunshine-motif lid that protects sand from weather and critters. It can also double as a large planter. Fully assembled. Sand and sand toys are not included. Step2 Naturally Playful Sandbox holds up to 200lbs of sand. It is approximately 15.5" Height x 44" Width x 32" Depth.

The 12” Classic Flyer Retro Bike has vivid retro colors and is fully equipped with safety features. Removable and adjustable training wheels, padded handlebars & stems, rear coaster brakes, tough frames and an enclosed chain help kids off to a safe start in their bicycling development. The bike features air tires, a full set of reflectors and sporty chrome plated fenders. For a custom fit that ensures proper posture, the padded seat and handlebars are adjustable.

The CAT Excavator has a large resin digging shovel, and  dual action levers for easy scooping and dumping.  The sturdy blow molded resin body rotates 360 degrees, and sits on 4 rolling wheels to easily move forward and backwards.

The Kiddi-o Air Junior is a size-adjustable, tipping-resistant trike for young children.  The Kiddi-o product line from China continues the tradition of the KETTLER German made trikes sharing some of the same features at a value price. It has the patented Limited Turn Radius to reduce tipping. Patented Quik-Adjust frame to easily adjust the size to fit different aged children. Comes with Tubeless Air Tires for a smooth and quiet ride. Attached the included Push-bar and take a stroll through the park.      

The Anchors Away Pirate Ship is made of durable plastic construction and features two fun characters, a squirting shark and a constant running water fountain. Kids can keep the water moving by pumping or pouring the water into the crows nest; the spinners cause a current in the ship which moves floating objects around. Kids can aim and squirt water from the water cannon to see the steering wheel spin, and the anchor raises and lowers by cranking the handle.
— As of 6/6/2011 this product had 3.2 out of 5 stars from 39 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Interactive; keeps kids engaged. Cons: Numerous reports of the plank and the cannon squirter breaking; expensive; water flow in fountain isn't strong enough to make the wheels spin smoothly.

The Intex Mushroom baby pool features a built-in mushroom shade for added comfort on hot days. It has a soft, inflatable floor that allows for gentle play. Adult supervision required at all times.
— As of 06/02/2011 this product had 4.8 out of 5 stars from 12 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Shade keeps baby protected from sun; easy to blow up; inexpensive. Cons: One customer said one of the floats that came with the pool had a hole in it; if you aren't kneeling next to the pool when the top is on it's hard to see the baby in the pool.

The Wheely Pig is the latest addition to the Prince Lionheart award-winning, ride-on toy line. The Wheely Pig teaches children balance and motor skills with castor wheels which will allow children free movement. Easy to clean and durable. Launch date: June 2011 Awards: Mother & Baby, Top Gear, 2005 Baby Gear Gold, 2005 Practical Pre-School, 2010 Fat Brain Best of the Best

This is the next generation Bozagga Ball. Striped, 12-lobed high-bouncing balls. Kids can challenge their friends to see who can bounce these colorful balls the highest. Launch date: May 2011.

This three-position adjustable, removable canopy protects baby from the sun and folds for storage just like the Baby Spring Float. There is a mesh play space for toys and splashing. Dual inflation chambers and low seat enhance security; the included sun canopy blocks 90% harmful UV rays. Features a "rainy day ducky" design and includes a carry/storage bag. 34"L x 30"W x 3"H. 1.64 lbs. Ages 9 to 24 months.
— As of 05/21/2012 this product had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 199 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Thorough sun protection; folds up easily; the mesh area for toys is convenient. Cons: One customer complained of a leak around the hole where you inflate the float; One customer said her baby flipped over and was held under water because her legs were still in the hole.

The 3-IN-1 Compass Tool is conveniently attached to a self-winding retractable carabiner clip, so it's always within reach yet quickly out of the way. Push-button releases spring-loaded compass lid. Flip-out magnifying glass stays neatly hidden when not in use. High-visibility LED signal light lets kids flash secret Morse code messages across any field.
Awards: National Parenting Center Seal of Approval Spring 2011

This water table helps children develop "put and take" and early motor skills. They can: drop balls down spiral, watching them go round and round and down into the lazy river; turn the Ferris wheel to scoop up and drops off balls; fill the cup and pour into the funnel to power twin water wheels; and turn the spinner that powers the "lazy river."
— As of 05/24/2011 this product had 4.6 out of 5 stars from 7 reviews on Amazon.com. Cons: Assembly is somewhat difficult; one customer received a box with missing pieces, but the company replaced them when she called.
— In a May 2012 survey, Barbara Fineblum, owner of Barstons Child's Play in Baltimore, Md., told TDmonthly that they "just sell Little Tikes" in the furniture/play house category.

These fully adjustable stilts feature soft grip handles. Kids can practice walking on their stilts using the sturdier big foot trainers. Once their balance skills have improved, they replace the trainers with no-skid caps. Fits kids up to 110 lbs.

Tosy AFO (Aliens' Flying Object) is a boomerang flying-disc game that lights up when it's dark. uper bright LEDs automatically ignite when launched, creating a colorful rainbow through the night sky or in a darkened play space. A specially designed, hand-held launcher and thin, flexible blades allow the user to control the distance, height and flight characteristics. Pull the launch string and watch it fly; horizontally across the field to be caught by a play partner or vertically to an incredible height, then arcing back to return exactly from where it was launched. Indoors, compete to see how long the Tosy AFO can suspend from the ceiling or against the wall, seemingly defying the laws of gravity.

The Quadrabyke is a children's cycle that can be used with four, three, or two wheels, thanks to its unique axle system.  As a child's cycling skills grow, parents can alter the bicycle, until they are riding a two-wheeler. A
Awards: Toy Man 5 Star Rating; Toy Man Top 50 Product of 2010; Product Design Awars- Nottingham Creative Awards.

Beginning T-ball set includes an easy-to-use oversize bat, 2 oversize baseballs and Tee. Adjustable height “T” adapts to a child’s developing skills. Special “hang-on-the-wall” design for easy small-space storage. Helps improve batting skills, motor skills and coordination.
— As of 05/12/2011 this product was #1 in the Toy Sports category on Amazon.com and had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 50 reviews. Cons: One reviewer said that though the minimum age is listed at 2 years, her two year old had trouble with it; the base isn't very heavy so on the grass it's not very steady; the height only adjusts by about an inch.

This pine bird feeder kit includes four paint pots, 5" brush and a chain for hanging. Birdseed not included. When kids have completed their creation, they can fill it with seed and set it outside for bird-watching fun.
— Michelle Bears, owner of The Toy Store in Highlands, N.C., told TDmonthly in late Spring 2011 that she sells 30 of these bird feeders each month.
— As of 05/20/2011 this product had 2 out of 5 stars from 1 review on Amazon.com. Pros: Fun to paint. Cons: The opening at the bottom of the feeder is too large, so too much seed spills out of the tray.

No batteries, gears, or pedals - just a fun, encouraging and progressive start to bicycle riding. PlasmaBike’s unique design encourages balance, coordination and motor skill development while offering a fun ride. Children as young as 18 months can enjoy the freedom or riding without the added complication of training wheels or anxiety of having to hold their balance too long, too early. Wide wheels ensure that PlasmaBike doesn't tip over in a stopped or stationary position, giving children added confidence and promoting self-esteem. The wide wheels and limited steering range enhance balancing capabilities and provide a smoother transition to a conventional 2 wheel ride.
Awards: 2012 The Toy Insider – Top Summer Toys, 2012 The National Parenting Centre – Seal of Approval, 2012 Parenting Magazine – Recommended, 2012 Creative Child Awards – Preferred Choice Award, 2011 Parenting Best in Play – New York Toy Fair, 2011 Best Toys Guide

These helmets encourage kids to be safe while still expressing their individuality in a fun way. The helmets feature Molded Exotuff™ 3D helmet design; aerodynamic cooling vents, shock absorbing EPS inner shell, and adjustable straps.

52 count bucket of sidewalk chalk in assorted colors. Sidewalk chalk features new crayon shape, embossed with Crayola logo and serpentine design. Clear storage bucket with purple handle for take along fun. To reduce breakage & dust, sticks will be shrink wrapped in 4 sets of 9 and 2 sets of 8.
— As of 05/20/2011 this product had 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com from 12 reviews. Cons: Breaks easily; the blue chalk can stain concrete. Pros: Great value; the chalk lasts a really long time as long as it doesn't get wet.

The Odyssey Wagon is a roomy luxury vehicle with several different seating configurations, a bonus cooler pack, safety belts, and easy to fold handle for transportation, just to name a few of its features. It also comes with a UV sun protection canopy, as well as an abundance of cup holders (two for the kids; two for the adults). Flip-up seats make for a comfortable ride for kids, but can also be folded flat to haul stuff around.

Putting Pool Puzzles together is simple- just pop the foam puzzle pieces out and assemble them by number. Once together, they become floating friends- a dolphin, turtle, or lobster. They can be taken apart and put together again every time a child plays in the pool.