November 2011 Notable Toys — American-Made

Stay pretty in pink while getting down and dirty helping to save the planet. Made in the USA from 100% recycled plastic milk containers, the Green Toys™ Pink Dump Truck is ready for any task, hauling sand and rocks or dolls and diamonds with ease. This durable, eco-friendly rig is both safe and stylish, with no metal axels and a workable purple dumper. No BPA, phthalates, PVC, or external coatings. "The Green Toys™ Pink Dump Truck is an innovative twist on a longstanding classic: USA-made, 100% recycled, high-quality design and construction -- and stylishly colored for even the most particular palate," Cameron Passmore, marketing manager at Green Toys Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 2011.
— In a March 2015 survey, two out of 10 retailers told TDmonthly that Green Toys is their best-selling brand of eco-friendly toys.

School's in session with the planet's favorite new kid in class - the Green Toys™ School Bus. Made in the USA from 100% recycled plastic milk containers that save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, this sturdy bus is ready to be loaded up for an earth-friendly ride to the classroom, a field trip, or whatever excursion little scholars see fit. The Green Toys School Bus goes to the head of the class for safety and eco-design, with no metal axels or external coatings. No BPA, PVC or phthalates. Packaged using only recycled and recyclable materials. "The Green Toys™ School Bus, like all Green Toys products, is made responsibly in the USA from 100% recycled plastic, and is still fun and appealing to youngsters of all ages," Cameron Passmore, marketing manager at Green Toys Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2011.
— Bebe Feimster, manager of Big Smile Toys/Hardware Center in Paoli, Pa., told TDmonthly in a March 2015 survey that the Green Toys School Bus is one of their best-selling "green" toys.

We've teamed up with Strathmore Artist Papers to create a unique place for budding artists to explore their creativity through art journaling. Learn fun doodling, drawing and collage techniques with inspiring materials! Five great colors to choose from, collect them all! Great for all ages.
— Linda Laramy, owner of Crackerjacks in Easton, Md., told TDmonthly in an October 2011 survey that diaries/journals are their best selling personalized or keepsake item.

This Jumbo Marble Whacker is a two player marble game where players operate sets of Flippers and attempt to smack and whack a rolling marble into a goal. The game is played with 20 large one-inch diameter marbles. The Flippers are controlled by by pushing big wooden buttons at the sides of the game. All wood construction, and Made in America. "This is a brand new game with an old fashioned look and feel.  It is built to last for many years," Mike Spikes, owner of American Toy LLC, told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 2011.

A nine piece set of simple durable hard maple furniture. Great for imaginative play. Chairs are 2" high and the table is 3 1/2" long. Crafted from responsibly harvested hardwood maple with laser engraved designs, this set comes shrink wrapped. Set comes unfinished, can be painted. "Simple furniture for basic play that can't be broken," Barbara Rainville, marketing manager at Maple Landmark Woodcraft, told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 2011.

POP-Dies are wafer thin dies, for use in Cuttlebug and other die cutting machines, to cut pop-up greeting cards. Launch date: February 2011.

GEO-Dies are wafer thin dies, for use in Cuttlebug and other die cutting machines, to cut geometric designs that, when flaps are folded (using duplex papers), create interesting patterns. Launch date: November 2010.

Kids can trace, bake, shrink and build their own Christmas ornaments in 3D. Classic Shrinky Dinks with a new 3D twist. Create trees, reindeer, presents and more. The new SmArt Studio 3D Shrinky Dinks® Christmas kit comes with 10 Shrinky Dinks Sheets and tracing sheets. Just follow the easy to use illustrated instructions and kids’ll be making their own 3D Christmas in no time. Smart Studios Shrinky Dinks are 100% Made in America. Launch date: August 2011.

Mr. Happy, Mr. Strong, Miss Chatterbox...piece together all of your favorite characters from Roger Hargreaves' series of Mr. Men and Little Miss books.  Launched in 1971 after the creator's son asked him what a "tickle" looked like, the Mr. Men and Little Miss books have continued to remain an integral part of every child's introduction to reading. Launch date: March 2011.

Enjoy the exploits of this fat, lazy and lovable cat by piecing together over 70 Garfield comic strips, each a hand-picked favorite chosen by Garfield creator, Jim Davis.  Originally launched in 1978 and still having 200 million daily readers today, Garfield is the most widely syndicated comic strip in the world, making this 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle a great hit with teens and adults alike. Launch date: March 2011.

Piece together some of your favorite scenes and characters from Beatrix Potter's classic tales of Peter Rabbit and friends in this 500 piece jigsaw puzzle.  Made in the USA from extra thick chipboard to provide for a better quality fit. Features "80 point chipboard instead of the usual 67-70 point board in order to provide for better puzzle play," Adam Silver, VP Sales at New York Puzzle Company, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2011.

Jemima Puddle-duck and Mr. Tod take a stroll down a country road, while rabbits and other wildlife busily move about, in this 36-piece floor puzzle featuring Beatrix Potter's timeless art.  Made in the USA from extra-thick puzzle board and wrapped on both front and back for extra durability. Launch date: March 2011.

36 piece Floor Puzzle featuring an image of a birthday party for the lovable Paddington Bear.  Made in the USA from extra thick puzzle board and litho-wrapped on both the front and back for outstanding durability.  Celebrate a child's birthday along with Paddington. It has "Sturdier and thicker pieces than most floor puzzles," Adam Silver, VP sales at New York Puzzle Company, told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 2011.