November 2008 Notable Toys — Special Needs

Made in Italy, the Gymnic Line's Gyffy the Giraffe is a favorite with children for learning balance and coordination while hopping. Made of heavy-duty, yet soft, latex-free vinyl, it inflates according to the size and weight of the child. Launch date: February 2009.
— As of 7/21/2011 this product had 4.8 out of 5 stars from 5 reviews on Amazon.com.

"Catnap Kitties generate a patent-pending harmonic purr contained in a soft-bodied cat that feels and sounds so much like a real cat some people might not notice the difference," Owner Vivian Hoard of Catnap Kitties Inc. told TDmonthly. They are ideal for people with allergies; children who are denied a real pet cat; families whose real cat hisses at small children; people with special needs who cannot properly care for a real cat; anyone living where cats are not allowed; families who have a cat that needs “a night off”; and anyone who loves cats. Catnap Kitties recently won the 2008 Preferred Choice Award from Creative Child Magazine. Launch date: February 18, 2008.

This dual-headed gripping spoon is intended to be used prior to an infant/toddler actually needing it to eat.  This allows a child to target the path from table to mouth ,so when they are fully fledged table eaters, there are less mishaps and increased success. The arc-shaped handle with angled lateral guard forms a wedge-like shape to reduce hand shifting along the handle.  This allows for a more consistent path from table to mouth. The dual lateral guards pevents gagging and the dual heads prevent choking.  Additionally, the arc-shaped handle makes the spoon–end angle toward the mouth so by just pivoting at the elbow toward the mouth enables success (no wrist movement required).  This reduces the need to coordinate the movement of multiple body parts, which reduces neurological stress and increases time on task and focus. Launch date: January 25, 2007