In This Issue

Watch Puzzles, Gifts and Baby Gear Galore!

By Julie L. Jones
October 2009

Once again, TDmonthly Magazine brings you a video-focused issue, so you don't have to make buying decisions based on text and images alone. For starters, you can catch a glimpse of the baby gear and retro items that fill the woodsy space at Pixie Toys in Long Beach, Calif., and see how b. dazzle, inc. entices customers to buy more Scramble Squares® through its 5-MINUTE CHALLENGE®.

SEE THE ABC KIDS EXPO IN ACTION!

ABC Kids Expo 2009 welcomed more than 3,300 exhibitor booths this year, according to Larry Schur, president of All Baby & Child, Inc., showcasing everything from infant clothing and developmental toys and teethers to top-of-the-line strollers and fashionable bags for mom. Let's admit ... that's a lot to see! And that's why TDmonthly brought back video footage on more than 150 items at the show, so you can see products' design and functionality up close, and review the show at your leisure without having to trek up and down row after row after row. See "Video Highlights of the ABC Kids Expo" to begin watching the clips.

RECESSION-PROOF YOUR BIZ?

More than 30 specialty retail storeowners and managers shared with TDmonthly what they've done differently to help their businesses this year, or how they're planning to approach the holiday season in a new way. Read some of their top suggestions in "Retailing Tips: Riding Out the Recession" to see what options could give your store a boost now and into next year — maybe a strategic collection of vendors' overstock or a substantial increase of infant and toddler goods.

STAFF PICKS

Don't have time to peruse the nearly 100 categories announcing new and notable products? Streamline your search to a select list handpicked by TDmonthly staff — a sneak peek is below:

Coursing Around by COURSING AROUND

Coursing Around by COURSING AROUND Coursing Around's first edition offers 15 activity courses using sidewalk chalk. Designed to motivate kids to get off the couch and be active outside, it also offers an educational dynamic by helping kids learn their shapes, colors, numbers, and lefts and rights. Coursing Around received a 2009 iParenting Media Award in the Outstanding Product Toys and Games Category. Launch date: 2009. 8/28/2009 (MSRP: $19.95; Age: 3 to 12)

Stitch-it Owl Kit by The Little Experience

This kit contains everything needle to make two cute stuffed owls, right down to the stuffing, scissors and needle. The owl pattern is printed onto unbleached cotton fabric, making it easy to cut out and simple to sew together the owls. The box is printed on the inside to cut it out and recycle it into glasses for your owl. Launch date: January 2, 2009. 8/19/2009 (MSRP: $14.99; Age: 6 to 12)

Dress Me Jackets by DRESS ME JACKETS

Dress Me Jackets by DRESS ME JACKETS This jacket and toy in one is made of pre-washed, blue denim with attractive pink stitching and a silky pink satin lining. Embroidered on the back of each denim jacket is a fabric doll. Kids can dress up the doll by applying the hair, dresses and various accessories to the doll's body with easy to use Velcro backings. Dress Me Jackets aims to make getting dressed an enjoyable activity for kids as they use their imagination, fine-motor and decision-making skills to create new looks with their jacket. Each jacket includes a denim purse to carry the 14 interchangeable accessories that create the two "Princess" and "Ballerina" characters. Launch date: November 2008. 8/28/2009 (MSRP: $59.99; Age: 3 to 8)