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April 19, 2024

TDmonthly Magazine

November 2009 | Vol. VIII - No. 11


TDmonthly's November Staff Picks

Robots Teach Reading and Babies Sip From Stainless

By Julie L. Jones
November 2009

Ideopolis' Alphabotz line decks out robots to give colorful character to phonetics, and stainless steel becomes more present in the juvenile products market through a line of baby bottles from Pura Stainless. See what else caught the eye of TDmonthly Magazine staff in the past month:

drool by LUXEBABY LLC

drool by LUXEBABY LLCThis eco-friendly, design-driven burp cloth is biodegradeable, compostable, disposable, hygienic, sanitary and organic. It is made of organically grown bagasse, the fibrous residue left over after the sugar can has been crushed and the sugar extracted. Simply modern in design, symmetrical in shape, and contoured to be "saddled" on either shoulder, drool has a tab that allows the cloth to remain in place without the use of adhesives or straps. Embossed with the words "drool" and a design that resembles tiny bubbles, it will be offered for sale in its natural state — a slight off-white color called bare — or with simple printed designs to complement an adult wardrobe. Launch date: September 13, 2009. 10/5/2009 (MSRP: $5.00; Age: All Ages)


Long Neck Giraffe by I LOVE MY PLANET TOYS

Long Neck Giraffe by I LOVE MY PLANET TOYSThis whimsical giraffe has a poseable neck for playtime fun. It is made from naturally sustainable rubberwood and organic cotton fabric. "Our toys educate children, encourage them to use their imaginations, and provide knowledge to help make eco-conscious decisions," Michael Daner, president of I Love My Planet Toys, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 7, 2009. (Watch the Long Neck Giraffe Video Watch Video) 10/5/2009 (MSRP: $25; Age: All Ages)


BuckleyTurtle by BuckleyBoo, LLC

BuckleyTurtle by BuckleyBoo, LLCBuckleyTurtle has four buckles and a more complex configuration than other BuckleyBoos. He has a fully removable shell with a secret pocket in back to hide special treasures. "BuckleyBoos are a totally unique and fun way for toddlers to master essential developmental tasks," Emily Ross, CEO of BuckleyBoo LLC, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2009. (Watch the BuckleyTurtle Video Watch Video) 10/5/2009 (MSRP: $34.99; Age: 2 to 4)


WhyCry Mini Baby Cry Analyzer by SERENE BABY PRODUCTS INC.

WhyCry Mini Baby Cry Analyzer by SERENE BABY PRODUCTS INC.This clinically tested and 98-percent accurate product is created to listen to the cry of a baby and tell the caregiver what baby is communicating — specifically, when baby is annoyed, hungry, bored, stressed or sleepy. The WhyCry Mini is designed to stimulate baby’s development, improve parental bonding, and create healthy emotional response patterns. "There is no other product like this available in the world. The WhyCry Mini listens to the five instinctive cries all babies use to communicate hunger, stress, boredom, sleepiness and annoyance," James Valle, CEO of Serene Baby Products, Inc., told TDmonthly. "The debut of this product coincides with an ever-increasing body of neuro-biological research that affirms the importance of correctly diagnosing infants’ needs to foster healthy development in the first months of life." Launch date: September 9, 2009. 10/5/2009 (MSRP: $49.00; Age: 0 to 1)


Pura Kiki Starter Gift Set by PURA STAINLESS

Pura Kiki Starter Gift Set by PURA STAINLESSThe Pura Kiki line is a modern and eco-friendly stainless steel infant and toddler bottle line. Kiki is 100-percent BPA-free and 100-percent toxin free. The bottles are crafted from food-service stainless steel and also feature stainless lids/collars in addition to wide-neck food-service-grade cross-cut silicone nipples. Kiki is also compatible with sip spouts and wide-mouth silicone nipples from virtually all leading manufacturers. The Kiki line is backed by a lifetime warranty. "All bottles in the Kiki line work seamlessly with Pura nipples and spouts as well as those from most leading vendors," Jenifer Moore, vice president of Pura Stainless, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 13, 2009. (photo does not represent Starter Set) 10/5/2009 (MSRP: $34.99; Age: 0 to 1)


The Amazing Alphabotz™ Superphonic Decoder Cards by IDEOPOLIS LLC

The Amazing Alphabotz™ Superphonic Decoder Cards by IDEOPOLIS LLCThe Alphabotz Superphonic Decoder Cards jumpstart beginning reading skills by building lasting associations between sounds and the letters that represent them. The cards include a variety of games and activities that are designed to promote vital early literacy skills such as phonemic awareness and are geared toward children of various skill levels, making this product both an educational tool and a toy. "The ALPHABOTZ personify sounds in the English language. They help children visualize and build lasting associations between sounds and the letters that represent them. The letter/letter team on a character's chest and the icon on its head serve as constant visual reinforcements for the sound that is represented by that character," Nicole Sigsby, principal of Ideopolis LLC, told TDmonthly. Awards: 2009 Creative Child Magazine Preferred Choice Award in the Educational Products Category; iParenting Media; Mom's Choice; Tillywig Brain Child; and Dr. Toy's 100 Best Children's Products 2009; 2009 Family Choice Award; 2010 The Toy Man Seal of Approval, Award of Excellence and Editors Choice Award. Launch date: July 2009.
— "Just when you thought it was not possible, here is another fresh approach to letter recognition.  Developed by an educator, Alphabots are for children at all developmental levels.  Use the 46 robot character cards in one of 12 fun letter and sound games to improve phonemic awareness. I love Alphabotz!" Jennifer Shuman, of 1SmartNoodle, told TDmonthly at Toy Fair 2010. (Watch the The Amazing Alphabotz™ Superphonic Decoder Cards Video Watch Video) 10/2/2009 (MSRP: $19.95; Age: 3 to 7)


“Patches” Plush Puppy Lovie in Dog House Gift Box by BABY ASPEN

“Patches” Plush Puppy Lovie in Dog House Gift Box by BABY ASPENThis soft 15" plush is cream, taupe and chocolate-brown with black accents. Patches comes with a sweet smile, adoring eyes, and a comfy place to sleep, and holds a plush, white, bone-shaped rattle for baby. The trim and inner lining is chocolate-brown satin, and a plush tail is attached to the Lovie's lower back. The border design includes embroidered paw prints and a small taupe appliqué with paw prints and a pink bone. Patches comes in a dog house with a red roof, puppy paw prints all around, his tail poking out the back, a sign on the front that says, “Patches” Plush Puppy Lovie, a bone-shaped handle on the roof, and a poem around the base that reads ,“This puppy needs a loving home, A place to play and call his own, With a child to hold him close and tight, One to comfort throughout the night! The dog house gift box measures 8” H x 4 ½“ W x 9 ½” D (including Patches’ face and front paws peeking from the dog house). (Watch the “Patches” Plush Puppy Lovie in Dog House Gift Box Video Watch Video) 10/1/2009 (MSRP: $10.00)


Take Along Teddy by VERMONT TEDDY BEAR

Take Along Teddy by VERMONT TEDDY BEARThe Vermont Teddy Bear Company's Take Along Teddies feature a fun, flat design that makes them perfect for bedtime, travel or taking along on trips. These flat bears are handmade in Vermont and are unconditionally guaranteed for life. Injured flat bears can be sent to the Bear Hospital and the company will repair or replace them for free. Take Along Teddy is available in Cow Print, Espresso, Snow, Maple, Blue and Pink fur.
Awards: 2010 Creative Child Toy of the Year (Plush Toys for Travel) (Watch the Take Along Teddy Video Watch Video) 10/5/2009 (MSRP: $19.95; Age: All Ages)


Secret Message Bead Kit by BEAD THE MESSAGE

Secret Message Bead Kit by BEAD THE MESSAGEThis patent-pending kit of nearly 1,000 beads features various colors that each represent a letter, number and space, so that kids can create bracelets and other accessories with their own secret messages to be decoded. The kit includes 20 decoder cards, 15 feet of lacing with closures, labels, and instructions.
Awards: 2010 WTS "What The Stuff" Five Star; A TDmonthly Classics Award for being an all-time favorite toy.

Past videos: Product Demonstration (Watch the Secret Message Bead Kit Video Watch Video) 10/30/2009 (MSRP: $19.99; Age: 4 to 14)


Silipads by SILIKIDS LLC

Silipads by SILIKIDS LLCFor crawlers to toddlers, these stylish baby kneepads — made from cotton with silicone pad protection — are designed to keep little ones' knees feeling and looking good. Designed for comfort and ease, they slide right over baby’s knees to protect and keep them scrape-free from hard and irritable surfaces as they crawl and explore their surroundings. The machine-washable pads are one size fits most and come in blue, green, orange and red. 10/12/2009 (MSRP: $14.95; Age: 0 to 2)


Jukem Football by FLYING PIG GAMES, INC.

Jukem Football by FLYING PIG GAMES, INC.Jukem is a fast game that can be played in 20 minutes or less. The game lasts two times through the deck. No prior knowledge of football is required.
Awards: Dr. Toy 100 Best Children's Products - 2010 (Watch the Jukem Football Video Watch Video) 10/20/2009 (MSRP: $14.99; Age: 8 and Up)


Thoughts and Feelings 2 - Sentence Completion Card Game by BRIGHT SPOTS GAMES

Thoughts and Feelings 2 - Sentence Completion Card Game by BRIGHT SPOTS GAMESThis all-new sentence completion game is the vibrant sequel to the original Thoughts and Feelings, new sentence stems, new illustrations, and new ways to engage children of all ages. This deck compliments and adds to Thoughts and Feelings 1, and is a great way to build a set of therapeutic tools. Thirty five cards are included. (Watch the Thoughts and Feelings 2 - Sentence Completion Card Game Video Watch Video) 10/20/2009 (MSRP: $19.95; Age: All Ages)


FILEX Hootie Folder by INTERNATIONAL ARRIVALS

FILEX Hootie Folder by INTERNATIONAL ARRIVALSThis set of 6 printed file folders features an artful design of an owl over a color stripe background on the folder cover. Set includes folders with 3 tab locations and includes 12 Adhesive Tab Labels. 10/16/2009 (MSRP: $6.95)


Rooware Rootensils by ROOWARE

Rootensils come in an assortment of colors including red, purple, blue, and pink. Comes in a set of two (one spoon and one fork), these simple utensils are great for small hands. Rootensils are dishwasher safe, microwaveable, made of plant-based material, non-toxic, compostable, biodegradable, and are BPA free, Pthalate free, and PVC free. 10/19/2009 (MSRP: $7.95)


Dramatic Playwear: Firefighter by PIPPEROOS™ LLC

This set includes a Firefighter T-shirt with toy flashlight. Available in three sizes: small (3-4 yrs), medium (4-5 yrs), and large (5-6 yrs). (Watch the Dramatic Playwear: Firefighter Video Watch Video) 10/16/2009 (MSRP: $9.95; Age: 3 to 6)


Weplay - Putt Putt Balance Board by WEE BLOSSOM INC.

Weplay - Putt Putt Balance Board by WEE BLOSSOM INC.The design of double-layered tracks allows the ball to move forward and go in one hole and out from the other continuously through the user's left-right movement. This innovation increases the play value and promotes the player's movement, balance and coordination. Putt Putt Balance Board is an evolution of Rocking Seesaw & Maze Balance Board. The user can watch the progress of the ball while standing on the base. The anti-slip design on the bottom of the board is provided to ensure the safety of the user. The playing method can vary from simple to complex; it can be adjusted based on the child's ability: the ball can circulate between the upper and lower layers. Dimensions are 20" x 16" x 2" and maximum loading is 176 lbs. Launch date: October 2, 2009.

 10/15/2009 (MSRP: $85.00; Age: 3 and Up)


Mermaid Set by IMAGINATION CREATIONS INC.

Mermaid Set by IMAGINATION CREATIONS INC.This light blue mermaid set features a two-piece swimsuit and mermaid fins. (Watch the Mermaid Set Video Watch Video) 10/12/2009


Apple Park Picnic Pals-Ducky Blankie by APPLE PARK LLC

Apple Park Picnic Pals-Ducky Blankie by APPLE PARK LLCThe Ducky Blankie is part of a collection of five eco-friendly stuffed animals produced in a certified organic plush toy factory in China and made with organic cotton, natural silk, sustainably grown corn. Ducky comes as a 9" plush toy or as this chewable, suckable cuddly blankie. He has knots for gumming, adorable webbed feet and cute peek-a-boo packaging. He measures 14.75 x 12 x 3.75 inches. Launch date: September 2009. (Watch the Apple Park Picnic Pals-Ducky Blankie Video Watch Video) 10/19/2009 ()


Paper Dolls by GRANZA INC.

Paper Dolls by GRANZA INC.These little paper dolls are based on the Granza Adorable Kinders rag dolls. The dolls come on perforated cards for easy punching out. A variety of clothing is available separately. Kids can develop their fine-motor skills by cutting out the little outfits. (Watch the Paper Dolls Video Watch Video) 10/20/2009 (Age: 4 and Up)


Original Baby Banana Brush by BABY BANANA BRUSH BY LIVE-RIGHT

Original Baby Banana Brush by BABY BANANA BRUSH BY LIVE-RIGHTFor toddlers ages 12-24 months. Made from soft, bendable, but durable medical grade silicone. Thick handle is easy to hold, while the long neck can easily reach back molars without being a choking hazard. Dishwasher and Freezer safe. Teach healthy oral care habits to your child at the earliest possible age. (Watch the Original Baby Banana Brush Video Watch Video) 10/19/2009 (MSRP: $7.99; Age: 1 to 2)


Little RasCools™ Eye-Poppin Crazy Critters - Series 4 by CoolZips

Little RasCools™ Eye-Poppin Crazy Critters - Series 4 by CoolZipsThese 2" rubber animals have hard plastic eyes that pop out when the character's head is squeezed. The eyes then go back to their normal position. This series includes Holly the Hippo, Mickey the Monkey, Bobby the Bear and Parker the Penguin. Launch date: 2009. (Watch the Little RasCools™ Eye-Poppin Crazy Critters - Series 4 Video Watch Video) 10/23/2009 (MSRP: $4.99)


DesignStudioPro Automotive Design Sculpture Kit by CLAYMODELERS.COM

DesignStudioPro Automotive Design Sculpture Kit by CLAYMODELERS.COMDESIGNSTUDIOPRO is the car design modeling kit created and developed by professional clay modelers and designers working in the automotive design industry. DESIGNSTUDIOPRO will teach you the basics of automotive design sculpture using the same techniques that car design studios all around the world use. Develop modeling skills you cannot get from plastic or wood modeling kits. Design your own 1/10 scale RC car body or personal show car. This product requires adult supervision for children 12 and under. MSRP is $339.99 with inclusion of clay oven components. Watch video 10/23/2009 (MSRP: $199.99; Age: 13 and Up)


Holiday Snifty Scented Pens – Seasonal by INTERNATIONAL ARRIVALS

Holiday Snifty Scented Pens – Seasonal by INTERNATIONAL ARRIVALSScented pens available in Gingerbread or Candy Cane flavors. Holiday Snifty Scented Pens are seasonal. International Arrivals will begin shipping September 2010.
— Assorted Snifty pens have been best sellers at The Parent-Teacher Store & Toys Too in Louisville, Ky., for about four months, Owner Kimberly Kopatz told TDmonthly in November 2009. 10/22/2009 (MSRP: $2.49)


Circle Out! Game by CIRCLE OUT GAMES LLC

Circle Out! Game by CIRCLE OUT GAMES LLCThe Circle Out! game is a game of abstraction and visual memory. Twelve to 16 cards are laid out and players race to find the most circles of the largest size. The “circle” aspect of the game is all abstract. Each card has two features — a top and bottom triangle of different colors. Circles are formed by connecting cards of the same color together: red to red, blue to blue, etc., until the same color connects the chain of cards together at both ends. Bottom Triangles only link to Top Triangles and vice versa. A circle of three linking cards are worth one point, four linked cards are worth two points, and five linked cards are worth three points. (Watch the Circle Out! Game Video Watch Video) 10/22/2009 (MSRP: $9.99)


Mega Metal Dirtbag® - Blue/Green Footbag by FLYING CLIPPER

Mega Metal Dirtbag® - Blue/Green Footbag by FLYING CLIPPERThe Mega Metal Dirtbag® is a one of a kind footbag. Not only does this one have miniature steel ball bearings for a filler but each panel of the Mega Metal has a metal stud affixed to it. Talk about Heavy Metal. 10/27/2009 (MSRP: $12.00; Age: 8 and Up)


Triangular Color Pencils by P'KOLINO

Triangular Color Pencils by PThe soft-edged triangular shape and jumbo size of these colored pencils naturally place little hands and fingers into the appropriate coloring position. As an added functional bonus, the triangular shape prevents these pencils from constantly rolling off the table onto the floor. Each packaged set has 12 colored pencils. (Watch the Triangular Color Pencils Video Watch Video) 9/24/2009 (MSRP: $8.99)








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