ToyDirectory
April 19, 2024

TDmonthly Magazine

April 2009 | Vol. VIII - No. 4


TDmonthly's April Staff Picks

Plush and Toddler Toys Come Out for Spring

By Julie L. Jones
April 2009

Have you seen these toys? From cuddly creatures and exciting art projects to self-sustaining aquariums and bags for kids on the go, TDmonthly Magazine is pleased to highlight some of the newest items on the specialty market, especially so many creative items for the littlest ones among us.

Lubies™ Lion by ROCKET USA

Lion Lubie sports a cute and peaceful face. Have this Lubie be the king of the plush jungle. The Lubies collection received a 2009 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award. Launch date: 2009. 3/10/2009 (MSRP: $9.99; Age: All Ages)


Green Dollhouse w/ Furniture by PLANTOYS

Green Dollhouse w/ Furniture by PLANTOYSFrom the sustainably-minded Plan Toys company comes a dollhouse built with many of the latest advances in green engineering in mind. The house itself is made out of recycled rubberwood accented with safe vegetable dyes for color. It includes a retractable canopy wall made from organic cotton, a wind turbine, solar panels and recycling bins. The house is available furnished and unfurnished. Launch date: 2009.
— Plan products were named as best sellers at Green Frog Toys in Portland, Ore., in March 2009. “They’re eco-friendly and beautifully designed and made,” Owner Patricia Fiedler told TDmonthly.
(Watch the Green Dollhouse w/ Furniture Video Watch Video) 3/4/2009 (MSRP: $240.00; Age: 3 and Up)


ArtiSands Dinosaur Mini Kit by ARTISANDS

ArtiSands Dinosaur Mini Kit by ARTISANDSArtiSands Mini Dinosaur kit includes nine (9) shaker tubes of sand and eight (8) pre-cut Sandesigns (Brontosaurus, T-Rex, Stegosaurus, and Triceratops). Features non-toxic colored sand, 5x7 vinyl pre-cut Sandesigns, sturdy carrying box, and easy to handle shaker tubes. 3/4/2009 (MSRP: $14.95; Age: 5 and Up)


Grab Your Saddle & Boots Baby Booties Set by DOLLY AND DIMPLES

Grab Your Saddle & Boots Baby Booties Set by DOLLY AND DIMPLESThis two-pair collection features a cowboy boot design as well as a classic saddle shoe baby bootie. They come in a gift box fashioned after a boy's dresser. 3/9/2009 (MSRP: $15.00; Age: 0 and Up)


Brown Horse Bookend by STREAMLINE INC.

Brown Horse Bookend by STREAMLINE INC.This handmade bookend features a faux leather exterior and is heavily weighted with a filling of natural cotton and iron filings. It measures about 8" x 10" and comes in a non-woven drawstring bag. 3/4/2009 (MSRP: $40.00)


Holy Cow Lunch Bag by DABBAWALLA BAGS

Holy Cow Lunch Bag by DABBAWALLA BAGSThis machine-washable, neoprene lunch bag has two interior mesh pockets and is designed to both cushion and insulate its contents. It stands upright and features wide zipper openings and an easy-to-grip, cushioned handle. (Watch the Holy Cow Lunch Bag Video Watch Video) 3/2/2009 (MSRP: $32.00)


Grow Turtle in Egg by ESCO TOYS

Grow Turtle in Egg by ESCO TOYSDrop the 3" turtle egg into water, and watch the gradual hatching process of a baby turtle. Great educational fun. Each egg comes in its own box. 9"x9" display box. 3/5/2009


Brickadoo Vincent Van Gogh Yellow House by RS2PLAY

Brickadoo Vincent Van Gogh Yellow House by RS2PLAYThis set comes with bricks and materials to create a miniature version of the Yellow House as portrayed in one of artist Vincent van Gogh's famous paintings. 3/4/2009 (Age: 6 and Up)


Little Kid Furry Backpack by BEATRIX NEW YORK

Little Kid Furry Backpack by BEATRIX NEW YORKFeaturing forest characters and available in three designs (Jean-Pierre, shown; Droolie; and Fei-Fei), this backpack has faux-fur straps and sides, plus one interior pocket. It measures 9" x 12" x 5.5". 3/4/2009 (MSRP: $48.00; Age: 2 to 5)


Sweet Pea Glass Baby Bottle - 5 oz. by SWEET PEA BABY SUPPLIES INC.

Sweet Pea Glass Baby Bottle - 5 oz. by SWEET PEA BABY SUPPLIES INC.This glass bottle features a silicone nipple and comes with a nipple cover. Brightly colored, neoprene bottle covers are available. 3/2/2009 (MSRP: $6.19; Age: 0 to 2)


iPlay Scrub-A-Dub Doggies by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC

iPlay Scrub-A-Dub Doggies by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLCThe adorable, washable, water-safe Scrub-A-Dub Doggies come in two styles: Cocker Spaniel and Dalmatian. The washable ears, matching bathrobe and squirter accessory will have children "begging" for bathtime. "Children can pretend what it would be like to give a real dog a bath, and afterward, can slide the lever from side to side to see the puppy shake the water off its head," Nicole Tiedemann, PR account executive for International Playthings, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 15, 2009. 2/27/2009 (MSRP: $29.99; Age: 2 and Up)


My First Summer House by GIGA TENTS

My First Summer House by GIGA TENTSThis tent features four large, closeable windows and door for ventilation and easy viewing by parents, a 58”x45” floor size that easily accommodates several children and their toys, an attached porch that shades the door and gives a little one somewhere to kick back and relax after a hard day, and fiberglass poles that go together easily to make set-up quick. It is designed to be used inside or outside and can keep children busy for hours. The floorless design makes clean up easy, and the home comes with carry bags for the poles and tent and stakes. It is made from durable and fire-retardant coated polyester to last for years. "We design each tent, tunnel and play house to be large enough for more than one child to play in. All of our products are evaluated and tested by seasoned professionals before hitting the open market," CEO Joe Robey of Gigatent told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009. (Watch the My First Summer House Video Watch Video) 2/27/2009 (MSRP: $69.99; Age: All Ages)


Coo Clocks by HEADSUP DESIGN CO.

Coo Clocks by HEADSUP DESIGN CO.These are cuckoo clocks with a delightful twist. On the hour, a wacky farm or jungle character pops out of the doors and sounds with a "moo," "neigh," "bawk," etc. These funny clocks are ideal as children’s clocks or for young-at-heart adults. Coo clocks are usable as wall clocks or mantle clocks. The product was named Gift of the Year 2004 - Best Gift for Kids from the UK Giftware Association. Launch date: September 2002. 2/27/2009 (MSRP: $49.99; Age: All Ages)


Bunk Bots - Stepper by HUGE FACTORY LLC

Bunk Bots - Stepper by HUGE FACTORY LLCThis soft, cuddly robot has escaped from a factory with a bunch of his other robot friends. Stepper is known for his assembly skill, and even helped construct Bunk Bots themselves. 2/26/2009 (MSRP: $14.00)


Jewel Water Garden Starter Kit Eco-Aquarium by WILD CREATIONS

Part of the Wild Creations eco-aquarium line, this balanced ecosystem offers a low-maintenance way for children or adults to enjoy an aquarium environment. This starter kit comes with the Jewel Water Garden, a snail, two little frogs, food and care pack, and choice of base.
—  Nine percent of 43 specialty retailers told TDmonthly Wild Creations’ Eco-Aquarium was a best seller in late spring 2010. (Watch the Jewel Water Garden Starter Kit Eco-Aquarium Video Watch Video) 2/25/2009 (MSRP: $35.00)


Sky Box by SKY BOUNCE, LLC

The Urban Classic now in a beautiful display box! This colorful counter piece contains twenty-four Sky Bounce Balls in an assortment of colors. Games listed on the side of the box are: Handball, Stickball, Stoopball, and Off the wall. (Watch the Sky Box Video Watch Video) 2/25/2009


Monsters Play All Day by ALEX BRANDS

Monsters Play All Day by ALEX BRANDSThis deluxe game set come with seven monter-themed games. The three-tiered box includes Moody Monsters matching game, a 56-card deck of playing cards with four different game instructions, and a Mix & Match puzzle game. Moody Monsters features 15 different monsters, each addressing the social and emotional needs of children. 2/25/2009 (MSRP: $35.00; Age: 3 to 5)


Doodles™ by DOODLETOWN TOYS

Doodles™ by DOODLETOWN TOYSDoodles™ are small wooden starter toys that are designed based on the vehicles as a child would imagine them. There are 8 models available including a plane, copter, tractor, pickup, road grader, bulldozer, car and a train engine. All moving parts are glued and pressure fit for durability and child safety. 2/24/2009 (Age: 1 and Up)


Morph-O-Scopes Party Fun Pack - Princess Pony by OOZ & OZ

Morph-O-Scopes Party Fun Pack - Princess Pony by OOZ & OZThis no-stress optical illusion coloring activity captivates all ages, has global appeal, and is ideal for mixed boy and girl groups. The activity is easy to assemble, totally child safe, and made in the USA. Each Party Fun Pack for 8 Children contains eight morphed placemat coloring pages with colorable borders, eight Morph-O-Scope mirror decoders, and eight bonus morph activities. Activity time is about 30 to 45 minutes. Retail cost per child is about $2. The Princess Pony Party Fun Pack meets or exceeds all U.S. safety standards. Pirate and Halloween themes are also available. 2/24/2009 (MSRP: $15.99; Age: 5 to 14)








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