November 2008 Notable Toys — Fashion & Accessories

The Fashion Illustrator kit from Fashion Angels contains everything young designers need to make a portfolio of their own original clothing designs.  The kit includes double-tipped artist markers, colored pencils, fabric swatches and a design workbook along with techniques to help kids learn how to represent their fashion ideas realistically on paper.  Whether starting from the design guide included with the kit, or dreaming up something totally new, the Fashion Illustrator is a place to capture all those innovations with the right tools and skills.  
— “Fashion Angels… the line is pretty diverse.  We sell a couple dozen every month,” said Jenny Thomas, owner of Applause! Give Your Kids a Hand in Bracebridge, Ontario, Canada.
— Theresa Oppenheimer, owner of Toy World in Chanhassen, Minn., said in early fall 2008 she sells “mostly Fashion Angels” to tweens in her store.
— “A lot more fashion items are popping up,” remarked Kim Emigh, VP of e-commerce at Growing Tree Toys in State College, Pa.

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.

PakNaks are soft, rubbery 3-D decorations designed for kids (and adults!) to use to personalize backpacks, lunch bags, headbands, computer bags, household items and more. There are more than 40 available designs. Customized Velcro makes them interchangeable and weather resistant, and they quickly and easily adhere to surfaces. Robert measures 2.5” x 2.5”.
— “PakNaks are from a new little small company, and we’ve been selling them like hotcakes since Easter,” said Michelle Smith, owner of Piccolo Mondo Toys in Portland, Ore., in December 2008. “We were the first ones to launch them.”

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.

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.

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.

Cat-shaped KeyKatz gives children a safe way to carry around a house key. The product features an elastic band in the kitty's tail that secures the key, which can be removed when necessary. KeyKatz can be attached to a backpack, belt loop, binder or zipper pull, and the cat's Velcro-closure head can serve as a coin purse.

This line features four different mermaids — Cassie, Reese, Brooke and Ivy — each with its own story to tell. The line consists of T-Shirts, hats, coasters and ornaments. "These are completely original mermaids, created specially for this line. There is a beach mermaid, a golf mermaid, a preppy mermaid and a cocktail mermaid," Kit McCourt, owner of ShoreArt Gifts, told TDmonthly.

The Twinklets are whimsical, fun-loving characters who are eager to embark on adventures in a new world. They’ve slid down a rainbow from their home in Crystal Land to Earth, each acquiring a color that matches their unique personalities. These curious creatures and are yearning to learn about the world through their big, clear, crystal eyes. Their sparkly hearts radiate joy and happiness wherever they go. "The Brave Adventurer" of the group, "big brother" J.J. is known for being cool, confident and entertaining. "The Twinklets are also a complete collection of branded collectibles, accessories and jewelry with a whimsical feel. They will be exploring partnerships in America in order to infuse an educational element that will appeal to both tweens and parents alike," Robert Burns of Amazar Americas told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 2008 (in America).

The Twinklets are a family of whimsical, fun-loving characters who are eager to embark on adventures in a new world. They’ve slid down a rainbow from their home in Crystal Land to Earth and are delighted to discover they’ve each acquired a color that matches their unique personalities. The Twinklets are extremely curious creatures and are yearning to see and learn about the world through their big, clear, crystal eyes. Their sparkly hearts radiate joy and happiness wherever they go. "There is added value in the fact that they are made with Swarovski Crystals," Robert Burns of Amazar Americas told TDmonthly. Suggested retail price listed applies to the larger characters. Launch date: August 2008 (in America).