November 2008 Notable Toys — Gifts

Martha™ Mom and Baby is a 10.5” fluffy mom duck with an orange beak and feet. She sports a yellow and lilac chiffon neck bow. Her chick is crafted of yellow plush and wears white and pink bunny ears. When you press mom’s wing, mom’s mouth and body move to the music “How Sweet It Is” while the chick’s wings flap up and down. It includes three replaceable AA batteries. The product's "animated movement" and "design concept" set it apart from similar items, according to Shallu Chhabra, marketing manager for GUND. Launch date: 2009.

The Scrunch Bottle Bib is a revolutionary way to protect infants from spillage during bottle feeding. Catching the drips and spills that traditional bibs leave behind, the Scrunch Bottle Bib attaches to the bottle instead of the infant and catches spills before they reach the tender neck area. "It is made of the softest materials and is 100-percent cotton and machine washable. The Scrunch Bottle Bib extends and gently molds onto the infant's chin, requiring no holding or assistance," CEO Jennifer Edison of Wee Baby, Inc. told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2008.

This action-packed, hidden-identity game is geared to please the younger crowd. Assuming the identity of one of six spies, each player uses the die and moves cards to move around the gameboard. If a player lands on the same colored space as his/her opponent, he/she may take a guess of the opponents identity. If the guess is correct, the opponent is out of the game. The winner is the last player remaining. The game "focuses on bluffing and guessing," Bill Stephenson, president of Spy Alley Partners, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 1, 2008.

The dorm-style beanbag is feather-light and filled with expanded polystyrene beads. It's covered in the hottest fashion trend colors and materials. Personalization is available. The beanbag offers "totally versatile kids' seating that looks good and is superbly comfortable," SVP Lonnie Scheps of Hudson Industries told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2008.

Given the proper name of Cheerful McBliss when born, Bliss Bliss quickly earned his nickname because he was always so...well. blissful; even when inappropriate. Like the time when his Grandfather passed away. Bliss' eulogy was comprised of a string of off-color jokes followed by hysterical laughter; or during his first job interview when he cracked jokes about the owner's toupee. While sometimes outlandish, Bliss has something that many people strive for...to always have a smile on his face...but then again, that's probably because he's laughing at you.

The No Slippy Hair Clippy features magnets for a tighter clasp, plus a velvet cover to keep them soft and comfortable. They stay in little girls' hair even during play. They're also handmade in America.

The appearance of a sandal is designed onto these socks. Now your baby can wear sandals throughout the year. This box includes 6 pairs of “sandals” in 6 colors. Jazzy Toes socks have non-skid grips on the bottom of the socks to help infants learn to walk . They socks come in a ready-to-mail gift box.

These Mary Janes designs come with a flower on the buckle. These socks for girls come with elasticized ankles and non-skid grips that help babies learn to walk without slipping. With six different colors in the set, each ready-to-mail gift box contains six pairs of socks. The full collection includes 12 original designs and a variety pack for both boys and girls.

Tatutina's Olympic-style wooden medals are hand painted and come with a matching ribbon and Velcro on top for easy removal. The "winner" can put his or her name on the back of the medal. Designs include Grandma Loves Me, Good Citizen, New Big Brother, Funniest Kid and more. Launch date: 2008.

Pawparazzi Pets have a nose for style and whatever they’re wearing is what’s PAWpular in fashion! Girls will gasp when they see this tail-wagging collection of stylish clothes and fashionable accessories. They can dress their posh pets up for a night on the town or get together with friends and put on a fashion show. High-profile style for Little Pets Living Big Lives!™

This non-toxic snap-pocket bib is made from PVC-free, phthalate-free, lead-free coated material. It is wipable, machine-washable and eco-friendly. The bib is available in over 20 prints to satisfy any discerning little one. The patented snap-pocket sets is apart from the competition. Launch date: May 1, 2008.

This necklace is part of a rugged line for tween boys called MAJOR. Suggested retail price for pieces in the range, including other chains and bracelets, is $3 to $5. Launch date: Summer 2008.

Little Taggies Colours Collection 12” x 12” blankets are made with soft, rich fabrics edged with an array of vibrant, engaging tags, described on the company’s website as “scrumptious to touch.” Colorful patterns include Confetti, Polka Dot fun, Bubbles and Sweet Swirls.
— “A new blanket made of minky fabric — Little Taggies Colours,” is the best-selling baby gift at  Doodlehopper for Kids in Springfield, Va., Manager Gwen Bowden told TDmonthly in July 2080. “They are really soft. We just got them in; we had six and we have one left.”
— “Consumers just want something a little unusual that they can't find in mass market,” explained Kara Fichtner, manager of Out Of The Blue Ltd. in Albuquerque, N.M., whose store does well with Taggies.
— Mike DiAndrea, owner of Hardware Toys in Paoli, Pa. told TDmonthly in Spring 2011 that he sold one dozen Taggies blankets each month.
— Want this? As of 05/06/2011, this product was available for purchase at Hardware Toys.

With Crosley’s Memory Master turntable and CD recorder combo system, simply put on an LP or pop in a cassette, load a blank CD and press “record.” For computer savvy collectors, the Memory Master is USB-enabled for connection to Windows-equipped Macs™ and PCs, and includes a software suite for ripping and editing audio content. The Memory Master also allows one to spin records, play cassettes and CDs, or tune in to a favorite swing or big-band station on the analog AM/FM tuner, using the full-function remote control for hours of nostalgic enjoyment. "Reintroductions of original vintage radios and turntables feature the newest technologies graced by unforgettable Crosley stylings," Director of Marketing Elizabeth Braun of Crosley Radio told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 2008.

This Crosley 2/3 scale CD Jukebox is the finest replica of the most famous juke box ever produced, the Wurlitzer 1015. Updated for our times, it features a state-of-the-art, 10 compact disc changer, an AM/FM radio, a full-function remote control and a 42-disc storage base. The Crosley Jukebox is also equipped with four speakers and four transformers, each appropriately thermostatically controlled to keep the internal components cool for hours of endless enjoyment. Each unit is individually checked and tested extensively to meet the highest standards of quality workmanship. "Today, the Crosley name lives on with superbly detailed replicas that truly transcend time," Elizabeth Braun, director of marketing for Crosley Radio, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2001.

The Autorama CD represents a vintage icon, mimicking the clean, streamlined stylings of a classic 1950s automobile. From the sleek lines to the chrome grill side-mounted speakers, this beauty takes one back to the days of drive-ins and diners, but adds a hint of technological advance with a CD player. The Autorama CD features an AM/FM Radio, a three-speed turntable, a compact disc player and enough sophistication to render most enthusiasts speechless. Launch date: 2001.

Vinyls can be converted to CDs in minutes with just a few simple steps. The Keepsake allows old albums to be recorded in a digital audio format for high quality sound on a smaller, more modern compact disc. It easily interfaces with the USB port on any computer by utilizing the supplied software suite. However, if one still wants to enjoy albums old-style, Crosley’s Keepsake offers a three-speed turntable for listening enjoyment.

The Crosley Traveler Turntable is designed to reflect the portable stylings of yesteryear. This fan favorite is a three-speed, belt-driven turntable that plays 33 1/3, 45 and 78 RPM records. The Traveler includes modern conveniences, such as a diamond stylus needle and dynamic full-range stereo speakers. "Rich lines, retro designs and authentic crafting have made Crosley today’s premier vintage electronics manufacturer. True to the Crosley tradition, these replicas are as fabulous as they are functional, providing a delightful dose of nostalgia," Elizabeth Braun, director of marketing for Crosley Radio, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2001.

This heavy-duty decorated pint (pub) glass features vintage graphics from the Mexican game "Loteria." Launch date: August 2008.

Dressed in his signature green corduroy overalls, this Touch-activated plush gently moves his head back and forth while he reads the endearing story of Corduroy bear in a sweet childlike voice. "A perfect bedtime - or anytime - companion, children will love to listen to this irresistible character's heartwarming tale over and over again," said Stephanie Araujo, marketing director for Russ Berrie. Launch date: 03/01/2008

The 2008 White House Christmas Ornament honors the administration of President Benjamin Harrison. Mr. Harrison is considered to be the Centennial president, celebrating the 100 years of the American Experiment during his term in office. He was the grandson of our 9th President, William Henry Harrison. The 2008 ornament features a Christmas tree in the White House. "Our attention to detail, unique designs and outstanding customer service make us the #1 company in our field of expertise," said Lee Rush, marketing executive for ChemArt. Launch date: 06/01/2008

Kids can create miniature works of art that celebrate their four-legged family members. The kit contains four papier-maché shapes (star, rectangle, square and circle) and lots of colorful and shiny decorating materials (paint, brush, glitter glue, gem stones, gloss varnish, alphabet stickers). Kids can add their own photos and creativity to the included materials to personalize their pet ornaments. It is a fun and easy project that provides a creative way for kids to express their love for their pets. "Pet Ornaments are perfect for holidays or anytime," Co-President Mike Greenwald of BowWowMeow told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 20, 2008.

This 11 oz. ceramic coffee mug with Loteria graphics is distinctive because it is "decorated with classic (vintage) graphics from [the] famous Loteria game of Mexico," Owner Alonso Flores of Xochico told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2008.

An unassuming colored dome a little bit larger than an egg, the zOrb packs powerful magnification once plugged in by simple USB connection. This tiny microscope zooms the viewer in from 35 to 53x magnification depending on the size of the computer screen. Focus can be refined by twisting the top half of the zOrb one way or the other, and pictures can be easily captured for later use. Also takes video footage. Includes software on CD, two base adaptors, and instruction manual. USB cable attached.