December 2008 Notable Toys — Developmental Toys

Suitable for babies 3 months and up, this teething rattle combines elements of the company's Skwish and Winkel baby toys — soft plastic loops, colorful rings and a wooden ball. The product measures 6.25" H. Launch date: July 2008.

I’m the comicos of the band and I always have a funny up my sleevos. OK, here’s a good one for you: What do you get when you cross a cat with a tree? A cat-a-log! Hee-hee! There’s lots more where that came from … but I’ll stop for now. Ciao amigos, keep laughing! Discovery Deglingos are an explorative adventure for young kids. Each leg contains a different activity – squeaks, rattles, crinkles and more. Also, a pull-string tail creates a shake and rattle surprise. Launch date: November 2008.

As Shakespearos once said, “The dog will have his day," and that day is now. I can usually be found waxing poetic and sniffing out a sonnet or two. But as the poetos of the Deglingos, I need inspiration. Will you be my muse? Discovery Deglingos are an explorative adventure for young kids. Each leg contains a different activity – squeaks, rattles, crinkles and more. Also, a pull-string tail creates a shake and rattle surprise. Launch date: November 2008.

So crazios and always in a good mood, I’m the excitable guy with the big heart. Poilodos tells me I need to chill out and loosen my suspenders a bit, but I prefer to blow off steam by playing the drums with my tail. Not everyone appreciates this talent. Party poopos! Discovery Deglingos are an explorative adventure for young kids. Each leg contains a different activity — squeaks, rattles, crinkles and more. Also, a pull-string tail creates a shake and rattle surprise. Launch date: November 2008.

Classic tales help build reading comprehension skills. Students work at their own pace with literature-based material at an approximate 2nd-grade level. Each story also includes a fun, rockin’ song with read-along words on screen. Launch date: 2006.

This award-winning tracking elephant's trunks allow and enhance hand-eye coordination for children. The product can be easily attached to any smooth surface and can be used in and out of the tub. It comes with five weighted tracking balls and is suitable for ages 9 months and up. It received an Oppenheim Gold Seal Best Toy Award in 2008. Launch date: 2008.

Excalibur Electronics presents Phantom Force, a powerful chess set with one incredible trick–it moves pieces all on its own. Utilizing the latest in micro motor and magnet technology, Phantom Force brings chess computing into the 21st century. Phantom Force will play Knights, Pawns and other pieces, sliding them into position as if an invisible hand were controlling it. "Phantom Force Chess offers a wide variety of features, including sound effects, voice vocabulary in three languages, hint button, coaching mode, teaching mode for new players, time control, built-in dual chess clock display, in-game memory, adjustable LCD contrast, [and] auto-shut off, and [it] is designed with a storage compartment to hold your chessmen," Meg Sahdala, senior product manager at Excalibur Electronics Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2008.
— As of 1.06.2011 this product was listed as a bestseller in the Games & Puzzle category on Toysrus.com. Pros: Helps hone logic skills; can be played alone.

These blocks, designed in Italy, can be connected in four different ways (vertically, stacked, laterally, perpendicularly and obliquely). "The models that could be made with these building blocks, unlike ... others, are realistic reproductions. For example, the airplane model [looks like] a real airplane; the castle [resembles] a real castle, etc. From the educational point of view, Special Cross develops creativity and imagination in children, as well as precision and patience," Georgiy Saturchenko, president of Bim Bom Trading, Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 2008.

Suitable for children ages 1 1/2 and up, this wooden puzzle made in Taiwan is designed to improve hand-eye coordination and motor skills. The different puzzle pieces — items found in dad's suitcase — are labeled underneath: tie, watch, electric razor, wallet and more.

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

Students, friends and their fellow employees can have fun and get to know one another by responding to this ball's suggestions to share experiences from work and personal life. The 32 panels include questions and statements such as "Smartest Career Decision" and "Two Office Tools You Can't Live Without." Launch date: September 2008.

Ideal for counseling, character-building activities and socialization among employees, the Virtues & Values Thumball includes three positive characteristics for each letter of the alphabet, inviting comments on qualities that the speaker or other players have. Launch date: September 2008.