August 2010 Notable Toys — All

This kit lets children build Jeff Gordon's 24 DuPont/Pepsi Car. Included are 106 K'NEX bricks, rods and connectors, as well as wheels for push play and a Jeff Gordon K'NEXman figure. Once built, the car measures 7" in length, and features custom parts, sponsor logos and a realistic color scheme.

This 16" doll is designed to resemble Nascar driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., and wears a racing uniform and cap. A miniature Nascar car is included.

In this DVD, beloved children’s books are brought to life with voice, sign language, and beautiful music scores. Designed for preschoolers.

In this game, gardeners work hard to grow beautiful, fresh, organic vegetables, fruit, herbs and flowers. But sometimes garden pests eat those good things before people can. Players must keep the garden safe by catching all six pests and taking them to the forest where they belong. The game includes a 12 x 12" board, two dice, seven pest movers, one "havahart" trap, one electric fence chart and rules. "Play as friends, not as enemies! Our games foster the spirit of cooperation," Jim Deacove, president of Family Pastimes, told TDmonthly.
Awards: 2010 Creative Child Seal of Excellence, CREATIVE CHILD MAGAZINE.

This 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle illustrates over 15 species of beloved penguins. It measures 13" x 19," and features durable easy-fit puzzle pieces made from recycled board and vegetable-based ink. "Assembling puzzles improves fine motor skill, picture recognition abilities and task completion," Erich Fellinger, EuroGraphics sales manager, told TDmonthly.

This 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle illustrates the various life forms that make up the complex tropical rain forest ecosystem. It measures 19.25" x 26.5," and features durable easy-fit puzzle pieces made from recycled board and vegetable-based ink. "Assembling puzzles improves fine motor skill, picture recognition abilities and task completion," Erich Fellinger, EuroGraphics sales manager, told TDmonthly.

Moose Popper launches a soft foam ball up to 20 feet. When the moose is squeezed in the mid section, the sudden air pressure shoots out a soft foam ball. The harder he is squeezed, the faster and further the ball shoots out. The moose comes with six soft foam balls and a carry net. "There is no other soft foam ball shooter like this on the market. Moose Popper is an original in-house design," Joe Rooper, president of Hog Wild LLC, told TDmonthly.

"Fill in the BLEEP" is the single answer card game that creates a thousand laughs. Players are dealt BLEEP cards and are presented a sentence with a missing word. Players then fill in the blank with their best BLEEP card based on the die roll, (Funniest, Quirkiest, Choice). The dealer will then "fill in the BLEEP" with the best submission. But beware of action cards that can change the game in an instant. The first to get rid of all of his or her BLEEP cards wins. "This is a game that is different every time you play. It can be enjoyed by both teenagers and adult game players. It is set apart by the unique images included on the game cards," Talicor Inc. Vice President Todd Jacobs told TDmonthly.

These organic one-pieces and tees feature reclaimed wool appliques. "Each is a one of a kind creation," Cate & Levi CEO Josh Title told TDmonthly.

This lightweight stroller has a high-performance aluminum frame that weighs 14 lbs. It also includes a patent device on the main joints that helps avoid possible finger amputation hazards while folded or unfolded.

These nine Puzzle Blocks feature fresh contemporary graphics incorporated into a classic play pattern. The blocks are designed to be the perfect size for travel and small hands.

Kids can climb the wide platforms of this easy-to-climb, indoor-outdoor play gym to arrive at its gently sloping slide. The secret play area under the platform is designed for hide and seek or clubhouse games.
  — As of 8.16.10, this product had 4 out of 5 stars from 67 reviews on ToysRUs.com and was listed No. 45 in best-selling toys and games. PROS: Sturdy and weather resistant, entertaining, easy to assemble.

Girls can create their own princess hairstyles with this Disney-themed set.
  — As of 8.16.10, this product had 4 out of 5 stars from 14 reviews on ToysRUs.com and was listed No. 44 in best-selling toys and games. PROS: Interactive, promotes imaginative play.

Children can turn either the horizontal or vertical knobs to watch lines begin to form on this "magic" screen. When finished, they can simply shake it to watch the picture magically disappear so they can start all over again!
  — As of 8.16.10, this product had 4 out of 5 stars from 4 reviews on ToysRUs.com and was listed No. 38 in best-selling toys and games. PROS: Long-lasting; comfortable grip.

This portable table acts as both a building platform and a practical storage container. Stickers for creating scenery, plus a figurine and toy car, are included.
  — As of 8.16.10, this product had 4 out of 5 stars from 12 reviews on ToysRUs.com and was listed No. 34 in best-selling toys and games. PROS: Easy to assemble, promotes imaginative play. CONS: Some parents questioned its durability.

With the LeapFrog Chat & Count Phone, children can sing along to songs about counting and phone routines, explore more than 15 phone activities and call on Scout for learning fun as they trade calls and voicemails. Parents can connect to the online LeapFrog Learning Path for customized learning insights and ideas to expand the learning.
  — As of 8.16.10, this product had 4 out of 5 stars from 9 reviews on ToysRUs.com and was listed No. 33 in best-selling toys and games. PROS: Interactive, educational, engaging. CONS: Some parents felt the product features too few activities.

Zhu Zhu Baby hamsters have a roller ball under their tummy to rock and roll around when nudged. Butter Cheeks is a yellow hamster with a pink diaper, and comes with three "baby" accessories.   
  — As of 8.16.10, this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 3 reviews on ToysRUs.com and was listed No. 26 in best-selling toys and games. PROS: Durable, easy to control, realistic movements.

This full-color, extensively illustrated 125-page visual guide reveals stories and moments from the first two seasons of the "Clone Wars" TV series New images, character poses and exotic worlds are included.
— This product is generally well-reviewed. As of August 2010, it had earned 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3 reviews on Amazon.com, and was available online for a price range of $13.59 to $19.99. PROS: Parents liked its ability to engage early readers, and thought the included glossary was a helpful addition.

This 42-page book lets kids build robots for several activities. Children can explore volcanoes, space and the human body, using the included guide to learn about each scene.

This kit allows children to customize a plush animal through painting, stitching and embellishing. The kits are designed to be interchangeable and come ready-to-assemble with simple instructions. Embroidery floss, stuffing, a safety needle and a complete outfit are included.

Like the rest of the toy monsters offered by CurlyQ Cuties, the Mega-Sized Monster is completely customizable and is designed as an activity for parents and children to do together. The Mega-Sized Custom Monster is about 260-percent bigger than the standard CurlyQ Cuties Monster and comes in 14 body shapes with a variety of features. After selecting the Monster’s shape, children can choose their new friend’s color, eyes, belly shape and mouth shape. After each selection, customers get to see how their Monster will look prior to purchase. Designing a monster is simple and can be done with a few clicks at www.DesignAMonster.com.

Each Penguin pendant hangs from a matching color adjustable slider cord. Each dozen comes in an assortment of colorful pink, purple, blue, and black penguin pendants speckled with glitter on each bracelet.

Each glass heart pendant comes in either pink or blue, and hangs from an adjustable matching color satin cord. Watch as the UV beads change colors in the sun.