ToyDirectory
April 24, 2024

TDmonthly Magazine

August 2009 | Vol. VIII - No. 8


August Videos Get You Moving

These Toys Keep You Active Indoors and Out

By Alison Marek
August 2009

This month's videos let kids dance to the music of their own skirts, learn on the fly, and play on the move. Watch how summer shapes up with videos of travel games and active toys:

Retailers: Did you know you can broadcast TDmonthly Toy Videos from your website? Manufacturers: Find out how a TDmonthly Video attracts buyers.

My Magical Castle by AURORA WORLD INC.

My Magical Castle by AURORA WORLD INC.This 6" plush castle with a front door that opens from the top includes prince and princess finger puppets as well as a dragon and a white unicorn with sound effects. (Watch the My Magical Castle Video Watch Video) 7/15/2009


Craft Critters Giraffe by AURORA WORLD INC.

Craft Critters Giraffe by AURORA WORLD INC.This soft, huggable giraffe features a pastel palette with patchwork accents on its body and the bottom of its feet. (Watch the Craft Critters Giraffe Video Watch Video) 7/15/2009


Lamb Chop - 50th Anniversary Edition by AURORA WORLD INC.

Lamb Chop - 50th Anniversary Edition by AURORA WORLD INC.Aurora is commemorating Lamb Chop’s 50th Anniversary with its special edition puppet (15” MSRP $13.99), closely fashioned after the original Lamb Chop that caught the eyes of millions of viewers. The larger brown eyelashes, more prominent nose, and ribbed white sweater with three red buttons are a reminder of the Lamb Chop who have kept us laughing for more than 50 years. (Watch the Lamb Chop - 50th Anniversary Edition Video Watch Video) 3/30/2009


Felt Tales™ Forest Fairies by BABALU INC.

Felt Tales™ Forest Fairies by BABALU INC.This colorful, themed set includes a carry handle and a storage pouch on the back for toting the various pieces included. It features felt fairies, flowers, insects and more. Launch date: 2009. (Watch the Felt Tales™ Forest Fairies Video Watch Video) 6/19/2009 (Age: 3 and Up)


Felt Tales™ A Day at the Aquarium by BABALU INC.

Felt Tales™ A Day at the Aquarium by BABALU INC.With 20+ felt pieces, this story board includes a sturdy handle and back pocket for storage of the pieces. This particular theme highlights sea life and various other characters for play. Launch date: 2009. (Watch the Felt Tales™ A Day at the Aquarium Video Watch Video) 6/19/2009 (Age: 3 and Up)


Felt Tales™ Pirates at Shipwreck Cove by BABALU INC.

Felt Tales™ Pirates at Shipwreck Cove by BABALU INC.Outfitted with 19+ pieces, this felt storyboard set measures 12" x 15" and has a sturdy, attached handle. Pieces include pirates, weapons, treasure and other accessories. Launch date: 2009. (Watch the Felt Tales™ Pirates at Shipwreck Cove Video Watch Video) 6/19/2009 (Age: 3 and Up)


FeltTales™ Busy Day on the Farm Storyboard by BABALU INC.

FeltTales™ Busy Day on the Farm Storyboard by BABALU INC.“Busy Day on the Farm” lets you spend time with all the fun farm animals.  Watch the pigs roll in the mud.  Milk the cow.  Feed the bunny some carrots.  Gather eggs from the hen.  You can even drive the tractor through the corn fields.

14 ¾ x 11 ¾ -inch feltboard with a collection of over 20 themed felt pieces. (Watch the FeltTales™ Busy Day on the Farm Storyboard Video Watch Video) 4/24/2009 (MSRP: $19.99; Age: 3 to 7)


TravelKiddy (for ages 6+) by TravelKiddy

Contains age appropriate crafts, stickers, activity books, 3-d puzzles, small toys, crayons in a durable container, doodle pad, pencil, tape measure, pre-stamped design-your-own post cards and more.  Each easy to carry, durable bag is designed to provide over 7 hours of entertainment. The return kit is separately packaged so the TravelKiddy can be refilled with new toys, crafts and activities for the trip home. (Watch the TravelKiddy (for ages 6+) Video Watch Video) 6/3/2009 (MSRP: $39.95; Age: 6 and Up)


Roley Poley Animals by WILD APPLES

Roley Poley Animals by WILD APPLESThis collection of little animals on wheels includes the following designs constructed from various American hardwoods: anaconda, alligator, bear, chimpanzee, cow, elephant, giraffe, horse, kangaroo and rabbit. They are finished with non-toxic mineral oil. Each measures approximately 3" x 2" x 1.5". (Watch the Roley Poley Animals Video Watch Video) 7/15/2009 (MSRP: $4.75)


Meet and Greet Thumball by ANSWERS IN MOTION

Meet and Greet Thumball by ANSWERS IN MOTIONStudents, 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. (Watch the Meet and Greet Thumball Video Watch Video) 9/10/2008 (MSRP: $13.99)


Move Your Body Thumball by ANSWERS IN MOTION

Move Your Body Thumball by ANSWERS IN MOTIONThis squeezable ball has 32 panels and is one of five new designs for 2008. It is 4" in diameter. (Watch the Move Your Body Thumball Video Watch Video) 8/5/2008 (MSRP: $10.99; Age: All Ages)


Grilled Chicken by HABA USA/HABERMAASS CORP.

Grilled Chicken by HABA USA/HABERMAASS CORP.Dinner is already done with this adorable grilled chicken. Prefer a drumstick or a wing? Each poultry part is detachable by hook-and-loop strip. Made of soft
velour, cleanup at this dinner table is quick. Launch date: February 2009. (Watch the Grilled Chicken Video Watch Video) 1/23/2009 (MSRP: $18.00)


Learn With Me Ball by AURORA WORLD INC.

Learn With Me Ball by AURORA WORLD INC.About 9" in diameter, this colorful ball features outer sections that name the colors represented. It unzips and unties to reveal various activities inside, including the ABCs and 123s with a mirror, ties, a button and elements that crinkle and squeak. (Watch the Learn With Me Ball Video Watch Video) 7/15/2009


ZipBin® Airport by NEAT-OH! INTERNATIONAL LLC

ZipBin® Airport by NEAT-OH! INTERNATIONAL LLCThe ZipBin® Airport looks like an airport hangar and when unzipped, reveals an operating airport with runway, control tower, heliport and hanger.  When play is done, capture all the toys inside. This play set includes a die cast, propellered plane. (Watch the ZipBin® Airport Video Watch Video) 1/27/2009 (MSRP: $12.95; Age: 3 to 10)


Roman Praetorian Guard by WARLORD GAMES

Roman Praetorian Guard by WARLORD GAMESThis hard plastic miniature set includes parts for 20, 28mm Imperial Roman Praetorian Guard. It includes two sprues — one with command elements, including Centurion, Standard Bearer and Musician, and the other with the majority of the troops. It also comes with shield transfers. (Watch the Roman Praetorian Guard Video Watch Video) 6/19/2009


Puffee Luvs by AURORA WORLD INC.

Puffee Luvs by AURORA WORLD INC.Puffee Luvs are nearly impossible to put down once you start holding and cuddling them. Puffee Luvs (6”, MSRP: $5.50) include a kitty, pig, cow, bear, bunny and elephant. Perfect for kids of all ages, each of the cuddly animals is bean-filled and machine washable and soft enough for nap time. (Watch the Puffee Luvs Video Watch Video) 12/29/2008 (MSRP: $5.50)


Travel Buddies™: Pig by NOODLE HEAD INC.

Travel Buddies™: Pig by NOODLE HEAD INC.Travel Buddies™ neck pillows are designed to comfortably support sleepy heads on planes, trains and automobiles. Besides this Pig theme are numerous other themes including Hippo, Lion, Giraffe, Dog, Bear, Dolphin, and many more.  Kids will want to take them everywhere and won't leave them behind! Machine-washable and hypo-allergenic. (Watch the Travel Buddies™: Pig Video Watch Video) 6/20/2008 (MSRP: $14.00; Age: 2 and Up)


Stackers Storage Play Set: Noah's Ark by TIER TOYS

Stackers Storage Play Set: NoahThis colorful stack and play puzzle combines together to form Noah's Ark. The Ark breaks up into 13 layers, 12 of the layers acting as different levels of storage for the different plastic animal figures residing within them. Each layer of the ark have special spaces to hold each individual animal figure in place. 21 pairs of animals as well as two human figurines are included. Animals include giraffes, pigs, birds, horses, rhinos, and dogs. This product received a 2009 Tillywig Brain Child Award and Sterling Fun Award, as well as a 2009 Seal of Approval from The National Parenting Center.

Past Videos:
Product Demonstration (Watch the Stackers Storage Play Set: Noah's Ark Video Watch Video) 6/2/2009 (MSRP: $49.99)


70th Anniversary Madeline by KIDS PREFERRED INC.

70th Anniversary Madeline by KIDS PREFERRED INC.This 70th anniversary edition of Madeline is packaged in a see-through can bag with a pink rope handle. Madeline is dressed in a delft blue, lace-trimmed dress adorned with famous Parisian locales from the original book. Madeline’s red hair is tied on one side with a satiny blue bow. She stands 13.5” tall. Launch date: April 2009. (Watch the 70th Anniversary Madeline Video Watch Video) 7/15/2009 (MSRP: $30.00; Age: 3 to 9)


Amazing Baby™ Pop-Up Activity Ball by KIDS PREFERRED INC.

Amazing Baby™ Pop-Up Activity Ball by KIDS PREFERRED INC.This 6" sphere features a reflective mirror, pullout bear, ribbon tags, chime, crinkle, flaps and rings, set amid bold patterns and several textures. Launch date: April 2009. (Watch the Amazing Baby™ Pop-Up Activity Ball Video Watch Video) 7/15/2009 (MSRP: $22.00; Age: 0 to 3)


Boikido Wooden Shapes Train by BOIKIDO

Winner of a 2009 TDmonthly Top Toy Award!
2009 Award Winner The Toy Insider Top Holiday Toys!
Multi-activity, multi-color and multi-character train set with building blocks included so it is a 2 in 1 - classical building blocks and train play. Learn shapes, colors and characters. Develop motor skills. The pull along feature encourages children to walk. Tested to meet European and U.S. safety standards. (Watch the Boikido Wooden Shapes Train Video Watch Video) 3/25/2009 (MSRP: $44.99; Age: 1 and Up)


Silly Socks by PRESSMAN TOY CORP.

Silly Socks by PRESSMAN TOY CORP.Ever wash a pair of socks and end up with one lone sock and wonder where all those lost socks go? Silly Socksplays on this question while teaching young children skills such as turn-taking, matching and counting. Each player receives three different silly socks to start the game. Players take turns picking an item from the washing machine. If it’s a sock that matches one of the socks the player is holding, the player places the pair in the laundry basket. But, if a player pulls out a pair of pants, he or she will lose one turn until they can try for silly socks again. The first player to collect three matching pairs wins. Launch date: August 2009. (Watch the Silly Socks Video Watch Video) 6/26/2009 (MSRP: $14.99; Age: 3 to 5)


Pawparazzi Celebrity Pets Dress-Up Set - Day at the Spa by NOODLE HEAD INC.

Pawparazzi Celebrity Pets Dress-Up Set - Day at the Spa by NOODLE HEAD INC.This pink and white dress-up set for Pawparazzi celebrity dogs or cats includes a robe, two slippers, tote, towel and eye mask. Launch date: September 2008. (Watch the Pawparazzi Celebrity Pets Dress-Up Set - Day at the Spa Video Watch Video) 7/15/2009 (MSRP: $13.00; Age: 4 to 11)


Hokey Pokey/Can Can Musical Skirt by ACTING OUT

Hokey Pokey/Can Can Musical Skirt by ACTING OUTMade with layer upon layer of hot pink, super soft tulle and satin. Polka dotted tulle fabric adds a little whimsy to this already adorable skirt. Removable music device plays two songs. Skirt features an adjustable waistband which allows it to fit ages three to eight. Three AAA batteries included. (Watch the Hokey Pokey/Can Can Musical Skirt Video Watch Video) 1/30/2009 (MSRP: $44.00; Age: 3 to 8)


Classic Water Garden Starter Kit Eco-Aquarium by WILD CREATIONS

Classic Water Garden Starter Kit Eco-Aquarium by WILD CREATIONSThis balanced ecosystem offers a low-maintenance way for children or adults to enjoy an aquarium environment. It comes complete with water, a snail, two little frogs, food and care pack. The water in the aquarium only has to be changed every five or six months.
— ''We sold about 660 during the year,” Marc Holcomb, owner of Toys & Co. in Greensboro, S.C., said in autumn 2010. Dave Campbell of Amazing Toys in Great Falls, Mont., sells approximately 12 per month.
— "I brought in 20, and in two weeks it sold out. I brought in 20 more and it sold out," Gage Brownell, manager of Belmont Toys in Belmont, Mass., told TDmonthly in March 2009 about the EcoAquariums he discovered at Toy Fair the month before. Molly McMullin of Twirl in Taos, N.M., reported sales of about 70 a month in March 2009.
— "Everyone was excited about them," Jeanne McCullough, owner of Children's Store Inc., said following ASTRA Marketplace in June 2009.
— In late summer/early fall 2009, three of 38 retailers named EcoAquariums as a best-selling science and nature product, noting sales of 18 to 60 a month. “We were hesitant to bring them in. We didn’t want to be a pet store. But it’s a neat idea. It’s low maintenance. It’s something the parents and kids can agree on,” Gary Green of Toy Box of Asheville in Asheville, N.C., told TDmonthly.
Awards: 2010 Tillywig Top Fun; Parent's Choice Award 2010
Past Videos: Toy Fair 2009 (Watch the Classic Water Garden Starter Kit Eco-Aquarium Video Watch Video) 2/16/2009 (MSRP: $30.00)








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