November 2010 Notable Toys — Science & Nature

This 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle illustrates the various life forms that make up the complex tropical rain forest ecosystem. It measures 19.25" x 26.5," and features durable easy-fit puzzle pieces made from recycled board and vegetable-based ink. "Assembling puzzles improves fine motor skill, picture recognition abilities and task completion," Erich Fellinger, EuroGraphics sales manager, told TDmonthly.

This set of realistic birds, licensed by the National Audubon Society, features real bird calls provided by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Each bird is carefully researched, and comes with an educational hang tag that includes information about its appearance, eating habits, habitat maps and sounds. This series includes a Mallard Duckling, Baby Chick, Baby Emperor Penguin, Baby Piping Plover, Baby Ostrich and Baby California Sea Gull.
Awards: Dr. Toy Best Green Toy Award 2010, Dr. Toy 100 Best Children's Products - 2010
— Shana Hack, owner of Moon Rabbit Toys in Santa Fe, N.M., told TDmonthly in a June 2014 survey that Wild Republic plush is a best-seller in their store.

This novel item is nutrient-rich animal dung from an elephant, reindeer or rhino. From the Natural History Museum, the Poo in a Box begins at a British zoo or safari park and is treated to be germ and odor free. Kids and adults simply sow the seeds, water the cardboard box and watch the plants grow. Awards: Dr. Toy Best Green Toy Award 2010

The Sustainable Earth Lab science kit gives children the tools and information to learn first-hand about the environmental problems burdening the planet and how we can overcome these challenges through sustainable practices. The full-color, 48-page manual explains over 40 different experiments and energy conservation activities. Awards: Dr. Toy Best Green Toy Award 2010
— In late summer 2010, five percent of 43 retailers named Thames & Kosmos a top selling science and nature brand.
— “Thames & Kosmos — we sold out of all their items,” Carly Gerhardstein, manager of The Durango Kid in Durango, Colo., told TDmonthly in August 2010.

The Hydro-Dome is a hydroponic system that features a Hydro-Pump, offering true hydroponic gardening on a small scale with a flood plain and bubbler system. The Hydro-Dome includes a greenhouse with a hydroponic tray, two-part nutrients, net pots, rock-wool seeds and comprehensive instructions. Awards: Dr. Toy Best Green Toy Award 2010

Designed for viewing solid or three dimensional objects rather than glass slides at 20X magnification. Binocular head allows comfortable viewing with both eyes (no more squinting) and built in light illuminates all specimens for premium viewing every time. Real glass optics provide high quality images and battery power makes it portable for outdoor use to explore nature. Also ideal for collectors: view stamps, coins, gems & rocks, etc. Uses 2 AA Batteries (not included).