August 2010 Notable Toys — Wooden Toys

These 4” German Bavarian Bouncies come in many varieties of painted wooden animals and characters. They have a spring attached so that they continually bounce.
— Bavarian Bouncies were listed as a best seller at the Key West Toy Factory in Key West, Fla., in spring 2010 by Manager Katie Harris. “We carry over 20 different varieties,” she told TDmonthly. “Our favorites include the Pirate, Surfing Frog and Gator. They’re cute and unique items that you can’t find anywhere else, flown in from Germany.”

These hardwood classic yo-yos are assembled by Maple Landmark from domestic parts.
— Yo-yos with the Key West Toy Factory logo were top-10 best sellers at the store in May 2010, according to Manager Katie Harris. “These are classic items that everybody loves no matter their age,” she told TDmonthly. “Learning new tricks or practicing old ones with kids is perfect with the indestructible natural wood yo-yo we sell.”

From Ruffin Flag Company, these wooden painted slingshots come in several varieties, including a wolf, eagle and pirate.
— These slingshots were top sellers at Key West Toy Factory in Key West, Fla., in the late spring 2010, reported Manager Katie Harris. “These are the perfect gifts,” she told TDmonthly. “Pirates are loved here, and the unique wooden painted shot is fun for kids! Marshmallows make it safe at home, too.”

George Luck's classic wooden puzzle features various African animals.

The classic children's holiday story is told in a multi-layer wooden puzzle.

This wooden traditional-cut 98-piece puzzle is contained in a wooden frame and is suitable for display.

This wooden set contains the Amtrak F-40 engine and two Superliner cars. All Whittle Train toys are designed for use on Brio and Thomas track systems. "Our products are crafted with the highest quality of artwork and components. Attention to detail and safety are hallmarks of the Whittle Toy Company and these principles are incorporated into everything we make, right here in the USA," Owner Mike Whitworth told TDmonthly.

In the game of Cornerstone, players build and climb towers in a race to reach the top. Each turn, players build by strategically placing blocks, gaining a better vantage point for their climber, or blocking an opponent as the towers grow taller and more unstable. Matt Mette, Co-Founder of Good Company Games, told TDmonthly, "This game is universally appealing." Awards: 2009 Mensa Select; Parents' Choice Silver Honor. Launch date: October 2008.

The nic CombiCar is a basic vehicle with four different set-ups. It's now also availabe with a trailer. The set-ups are very easily interchangeable. The system is suited for use inside and outside, but should be kept dry. Made of beech wood.
— “In our view, it’s the best scooter toy that's ever been made," said Dean Ruggierio Smith, co-owner of JaZams in Princeton, NJ.

From the My Little Scoot collection, Train Engine Scoot is the perfect size for play mats, crafted from pine and approximately 4" long. This Scoot Train is modeled after the great locomotives of years past. Non-toxic clear finish and inks are used. Barbara Rainville, Marketing Manager at Maple Landmark Woodcraft, told TDmonthly, "The Scoot Train is made in the USA." Launch date: March 2010.

Great for make-believe in Camelot, on the High Seas or even at Hogwarts, these swords are crafted from hardwood plywood, highly sanded with gently rounded edges, and finished with an earth-based naturoil finish. Each sword measures about .25” thick and 20” long, and the handle is designed to fit comfortably in a child’s hand. Barbara Rainville, Marketing Manager at Maple Landmark Woodcraft, told TDmonthly, "The swords are American-made and singles are available." Launch date: Feb. 10, 2010.