October 2009 Notable Toys — Award Winners

This distinctive bank has a patented, four-chambered design created to help kids (ages 4-11) and their parents or grandparents begin a conversation about money. It helps teach basic money skills (Fiscal Fitness Training for Money - Smart Kids™) by introducing four choices: SAVE, SPEND, DONATE and INVEST. It is available in brown with white stripes and laces. The Money Savvy Football Bank received a 2008 NAPPA Gold Award and a 2008 Preferred Choice Award from Creative Child Magazine. Launch date: December 2006.

A cousin to the award-winning Money Savvy Pig® piggy bank, this four-chambered bank is designed to help kids (ages 4-11) and their parents or grandparents begin a conversation about money. It helps teach basic money skills by introducing four choices: SAVE, SPEND, DONATE and INVEST. It is available in clear with black cow spots. "Its unique four-chambered design allows children to deposit their money through four separate slots on the top of the bank — one slot for each money choice — and empty each money chamber individually through the feet on the bank," Melinda Voelcker, director of operations and marketing for Money Savvy Generation, told TDmonthly. It has received the following awards: 2004 Parents' Choice Gold Award and 2008 NAPPA Gold Award (National Parenting Publications Awards). Launch date: November 2004.

A unique patent-pending abdominal wrap design that allows a post-maternal woman to regain her healthy waistline naturally and comfortably with a single wrap. The Cinch comes in two sizes, 26-34” or 33-42”. An internal measuring tape helps to track progress baby weight loss. Front inner pocket feature allows for a warm/cold pack insert. Side zipper allows for ease of wear. Elastic bands in the front and back help with extra support. Compact and light. Designed to be comfortable enough to be worn for hours at one time.

Past Videos: Product Demonstration

The Money Savvy Pig® is a four-chambered bank designed to help kids and their parents or grandparents begin a conversation about money. It is designed to help teach basic money skills by introducing four choices: SAVE, SPEND, DONATE and INVEST. "Its unique four-chambered design allows children to deposit their money through four separate slots on the top of the bank — one slot for each money choice — and empty each money chamber individually through the feet on the bank," Melinda Voelcker, director of operations and marketing for Money Savvy Generation, told TDmonthly. It is available in six colors.
Awards: 2015 TDmonthly Magazine Top Toy Award; 2002 Parents' Choice Gold Award; 2008 National Parenting Publications Gold Award; 2008 Preferred Choice Creative Toy Award; and 2008 National Parenting Center Seal of Approval. Launch date: 2002.
— As of 05/12/2011 this product had 4.3 out of 5 stars from 34 customer reviews on Amazon.com. Cons: Three customers reported that the bank broke when they dropped it.
— The Money Savvy Pig is a traditional piggy bank on steroids. Instead of holding a child’s money in a single chamber, it utilizes four,  labeled save, spend, donate and invest. Reviewers found that it works well with an allowance system. Trent Hamm of The Simple Dollar explains that even if children cannot completely understand the concepts behind the Money Savvy Pig, it can make it “so that saving seems like a completely natural thing.” See also 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires.

Los Angeles-based artisan studio Terra Traditions offers its pieces with customized covers — photo albums, journals, guest books, Baby’s Journey books, pillows, candles and LaTela Wall art. Our items may be used for weddings, baby gifts, favors and everyday life. They can be crystallized with Swarovski elements (optional). Launch date: 2009.

This two-sided Dry Erase Paddle Board has one lined side and one blank side. It comes with an EZ pen and storage for the pen right in the handle. The durable, lightweight paddles may be used by both young students and adults. They are sold in a four-pack reusable mesh tote with an activity booklet and four extra dry erase markers/erasers. The boards can be cleaned with soap and water. Launch date: July 2009.