October 2009 Notable Toys — Developmental Toys

This pack comes with 12, 27" square scarves — two of each of the following colors: lavender, medium blue, lime green, yellow, peach and pink, and includes an instruction/informational insert and a reusable plastic hanging storage bag. Launch date: 1996.

This kit includes 12, 27" square scarves — two of each of the following colors: purple, royal blue, kelly green, yellow, orange and purple, plus an instructional/informational insert and a reusable hanging plastic resealable storage bag. Launch date: 1996.

This kit includes 20, 27" square scarves in 10 colors — two of each of the following colors: purple, royal blue, gray, black, orange, red, kelly green, brown, pink and yellow. It also comes with an instructional insert, the "My Many Colored Days" book by Dr. Seuss, the IDEAS Music Colors CD, a reusable plastic hanging storage bag, and Velcro to hang the scarves nicely. Launch date: 2008.

This kit includes 24, 54" square scarves in 12 colors — two of each of the following shades: purple, lavender, royal blue, medium blue, kelly green, lime green, yellow, orange, red, pink, black and white, plus an IDEAS Music 111 CD, an instructional insert, a reusable plastic hanging storage bag, and Velcro to hang the scarves. "Our scarf kits contain high-quality, 100-percent washable nylon scarves in vibrant colors," Rosanne Jessen, marketing associate for arts education IDEAS, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 1996.

This kit includes 24, 27" square scarves in 12 colors — two of each of the following: purple, lavender, royal blue, medium blue, kelly green, lime green, yellow, orange, red, pink, black and white, plus an IDEAS Primary Music CD, an instructional insert, a reusable plastic hanging storage bag and Velcro to hang the scarves. "Our scarf kits contain high-quality, 100-percent-washable nylon scarves in vibrant colors. ... they not only contain instruction/informational inserts which lead educators and caregivers on the path to endless uses for the scarves, but they also include music that has been created especially for IDEAS and for children," Rosanne Jessen, marketing associate for arts education IDEAS, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2010.

Designed to provide all-natural, active fun for children of all ages, this product features a hand-dyed silk streamer (11" x 60") coordinated with a hand-painted wand (about 12" long) sealed with water-based, non-toxic sealant. The high-quality silk has hand-rolled hems, and the length is designated so as to not cause children to trip or trample upon the fabric, as might happen more easily with longer streamers. The hardware is designed so that it cannot be removed by a child. Young children should be supervised, as with all long items that can tangle around them. It is available in more than 15 styles, as well as custom colors. "It doesn't knot or tangle, like thinner streamers. It is 100-percent natural, safe and its core quality is the need for active, imaginative play," Lori Campbell, owner and artist of Beneath the Rowan Tree, told TDmonthly. Launch date: April 2008.

This soft, cuddly pillow is designed to provide companionship, a sense of security and lots of love. Offering neck support for toddlers, and a soft haven for any sleepy head, the medium-sized Cuddle Tooth comes in an assortment of color pockets. "Whether on a road trip, or crossing the big blue, you and your dreams will be comfortable with a Travel Tooth companion," Alana Zook, owner of Gappy Grin Gifts, told TDmonthly. Launch date: April 2008.

Twinkle Tooth is the smallest of the Tooth Pillow family. Twinkling felt bodies, available with light pink and blue back pockets, are designed to match their sparkling personalities. They love hanging around on doorknobs and bedposts, or hiding under their sleepy friend’s pillow at nighttime. Half-round back pockets keep lost teeth safe and secure until a tooth fairy or tooth mouse quietly come to trade with a little treasure. It also makes it easier for Tooth Fairies everywhere to find the tooth in the dark without the risk of waking a child. It is said that on a clear night you may look up at the skies above and see where some of these pearly whites end up.  "Gappy Grin Gift tooth pillows are cheering children up and turning their little frowns upside down every day. Tooth pillows are fast becoming favorite friends, making bedtime, naptime and traveling much more comfortable. In addition, they are encouraging dental dialog and helping children develop oral health habits long before they understand the importance thereof," Alana Zook, owner of Gappy Grin Gifts, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 4, 2008.

This soft exploration cube for babies is made of organic cotton and filled with organic lambswool. It features a variety of textures along with some crackling foil. Each side measures 3.9".

These heavy cardboard banks have a metal clasp, a color-coordination padlock and two keys — they don't have to be smashed to make a withdrawal. Each bank has three slots so the money can be sorted into Spend, Save and Share compartments. The bank measures 4" high x 4.5" in diameter. The product is printed with nontoxic inks and CE tested to ensure safety. Launch date: February 2009.

This 6" sphere features a reflective mirror, pullout bear, ribbon tags, chime, crinkle, flaps and rings, set amid bold patterns and several textures. Launch date: April 2009.

Handmade in Toronto, Canada, RiNGLEY is a natural teething toy constructed with Canadian Maple wood and 100-percent organic terrycloth. RiNGLEY is designed to provide babies and toddlers with two safe and efficient textures that enable children to satisfy their teething needs.

RiNGLEY is a natural teething toy made with a combination of Canadian Maple wood and 100-percent organic terrycloth. RiNGLEY is created to provide babies and toddlers with two safe and efficient textures that enable children to satisfy their teething needs. It was designed with a child’s development in mind. RiNGLEY is handmade in Toronto, Canada. Launch date: 2008.

Designed to meet the challenges of young children's fast-paced lives, and enhance the development of motor skills, coordination, balance and emotional and social skills, the GYMBOX opens into six squares forming a playground of various elements: ball pit, different-sized rollers, rockers, steps, climb and slide slope, tunnel, and balancing elements. The sections attach with Velcro and can easily be pulled apart. It is created to encourage classical soft play and provide a fun, active environment anytime of day. At the end of the day, the GYMBOX can be snapped closed and put away for another day. The modular cube is available in two sizes: 32" (80 cm) and 39" (100 cm).