July 2012 Notable Toys — Musical Toys

13" toddler doll sings "I'm a Little Teapot," full song with music background. Comes with two sets of cups, plates and spoons and Plastic Teapot. Launch date: February 2004.
Awards: 2009 Creative Child Magazine Seal of Excellence Award; 2012 Creative Child Magazine Seal of Excellence Award

Zither Heaven's Rock-it Stick is a cross between a dulcimer and a guitar. The strings are tuned to D-A-D. Anyone who picks up one of these instruments can make a great sound right away without knowing music.  It is designed to promote interest in music for children and beginners, while experienced musicians can play familiar tunes without hesitation.  The Rock-it Stick features a 23-inch vibrating string length. The neck is made from sustainable native North American solid cherry with nylon frets and steel strings.  Zither pins are used for the tuning keys. The body is made from sustainable native North American solid maple with a Baltic birch back. Made in the U.S.A. from sustainable native North American solid wood. Launch date: February 2011.

Each mini figure in Safari Ltd®’s Toob® ranges from 1” to 3” and is carefully sculpted and finely hand painted. Packaged in a reusable acetate Toob®, the figures guarantee years of learning fun. Safari Ltd® introduces for 2012 small, highly detailed musical instruments that play together in symphony. This Toob® includes a violin, guitar, clarinet, flute, French horn, saxophone, trombone and horn. All figures are 100% guaranteed and lead free to ensure children’s safety. Suggested ages 3+. Launch date: January 2012.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval

Tiny Love’s new Soothe ‘n Groove Mobile will calm and entertain a child from birth through the toddler years. As a crib mobile, the Soothe ‘n Groove Mobile offers several innovations that parents will appreciate. Three brightly colored, friendly faced animals hang from the rotating mobile and the music box has the widest range of music currently available in any crib mobile. Eighteen different soothing tunes play 40 minutes of non-repetitive music from two high-quality built-in speakers. In addition to traditional nursery classics by Mozart and Bach, melodies from additional music categories can be played, including classical, world music and jazz, among others. Additional features include music shuffle mode, nature and “white” sounds, a calming night light, baby activation button and varied volume control.  As a baby grows, parents can detach the mobile arm and the music box can remain attached to the crib. The music box also has a carry handle for baby to use outside of the crib, and can also sit on a table top, which is convenience while traveling. Includes "eighteen different soothing tunes play 40 minutes of non-repetitive music from two high-quality built-in speakers," Audrey DeSimone, Executive Director of Public Relations at Tiny Love, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 2012.

Virtual Strumming with No Strings Attached. Play the Air Guitar by pressing on the chord buttons & strumming in the air.  Connect to an iPod & play along with favorite songs. Infrared sensor detects your hand motions. Plays all chords in major, minor, sharp, flat & 7th. Play along with 10 preset songs. Built in speaker. Earphone jack for private playing. Connects to an external amplifier. Connect to any music player to play along. Free play mode. Runs on 2 ‘AAA’ batteries (not included).  Size: 8 ¼” x 3 ½” x 1 ½” Weighs: 6 ozs. Launch date: January 2012.

This playful melody maker develops an early interest in music while teaching shape & color recognition. As individual pieces, these colorful blocks allow children to arrange and rearrange to create their very own melodies. When the music is done, nest the blocks together for a quick and easy clean up or stack for a beautiful display.

It's a 7" long x 2-1/2" dia PVC tube with a resonant head at one end attached to a 17" long x 3/16" dia extension spring. Kids shake it, scrape it, wiggle it, use their palm to muffle it and they generate creaks, deep warbles, rumbles, weird heterodyne-ish gong effects, wa-wa's, rude noises, and, yes, realistic thunder. A perfect musical companion to a cuica and rain stick - and good, clean fun around the house.