TDmonthly's Toy Fair 2007 Preview
Category: Developmental Toys

Sea Play Creative Drama Kit: Opus the Octopus by PIPPEROOS™ LLC

Designed for children ages 3 to 8, Pipperoos' creative drama kits include dress-up materials and an illustrated storybook. The Sea Play Octopus Kit features a Opus the Octopus costume and Pipperoos' first book, The Key in the Sea. While listening to the story, children can pantomime, act out the story independently, or explore the theme with related activities listed in the book. "Pipperoos' creative drama products encourage active participation in reading, storytelling, and learning," Jennifer Hastings, co-founder of Pipperoos, told TDmonthly. 12/4/2009 (Price: $25.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Sea Play Creative Drama Kit: Mark the Shark by PIPPEROOS™ LLC

Designed for children ages 3 to 8, Pipperoos' creative drama kits include dress-up materials and an illustrated storybook. The Sea Play Shark Kit features a Mark the Shark costume and Pipperoos' first book, The Key in the Sea. While listening to the story, children can pantomime, act out the story independently, or explore the theme with related activities listed in the book. "Pipperoos' creative drama products encourage active participation in reading, storytelling, and learning," Jennifer Hastings, co-founder of Pipperoos, told TDmonthly. 12/4/2009 (Price: $19.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Sea Play Creative Drama Kit: Julie the Jelly by PIPPEROOS™ LLC

Designed for children ages 3 to 8, Pipperoos' creative drama kits include dress-up materials and an illustrated storybook. The Sea Play Jelly Kit features a Julie the Jelly costume and Pipperoos' first book, The Key in the Sea. While listening to the story, children can pantomime, act out the story independently, or explore the theme with related activities listed in the book. "Pipperoos' creative drama products encourage active participation in reading, storytelling, and learning," Jennifer Hastings, co-founder of Pipperoos, told TDmonthly. 12/4/2009 (Price: $25.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The JUMBO Grip by THE PENCIL GRIP INC.

The JUMBO Grip features the same shape as The Pencil Grip to place fingers in the correct stance for gripping, for both right- and left-handed writers. It’s about 40-percent bigger than The Pencil Grip, designed to offer comfort and support up to the second knuckle.
— Joan Machlis, owner of Wind Up Here in Olympia, Wash., told TDmonthly in fall 2009 that the store sells about 50 items per month by the Pencil Grip.
— ''We sell maybe 75 per month,'' Mike DiAndrea, manager of Hardware Centre, Inc., in Paoli, Pa., told TDmonthly. 11/24/2009 (Price: $2.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Cuddle Cards by MERCURIUS USA

Each of the 52 cards in this set includes a funny drawing, a catchword and a phrase. They are designed to be drawn randomly to spark conversation between parent and child, to provide comfort or reward, or to function as an ice breaker at a kids' party. 11/19/2009 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

U-Play Mat Deluxe Edition by PLAY THIS WAY EVERY DAY LLC.

Created by Dr. Jen, a pediatrician with two sets of twins, the U-Play Mat is a "U" shaped floor mat with 15 clear pockets, 240 theme-based card decks, a tote bag and an instruction manual. Children ages 1 to 4 can work on language and communication development engaging with the caregiver in 10 exercises per card deck. The child sits inside the U, which is designed to promote physical acvitity, social skills and enhancement of language development. The U-Play Mat is a "pediatrician-invented, low-tech, interactive, unique educational toy for language development," Dr. Jennifer Canter, CEO of Play This Way Every Day, told TDmonthly. This product was named one of Dr. Toy's Top 10 Active Products 2009. Launch date: September 30, 2009. 11/17/2009 (Price: $85)

Precycle by FOOT CYCLES INC.

The Precycle is a "green" and artfully crafted wood balance bikes for ages 2 to 5. It features a curved saddle, raise handlebars and wheels inspired by the Lamborghini. A tree is planted by Global Releaf for every bike manufactured by Foot Cycles. Launch date: November 27, 2009. 11/17/2009 (Price: $155) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

U-Play Mat Professional Edition by PLAY THIS WAY EVERY DAY LLC.

The U-Play Mat is a U-shaped mat with 15 clear pockets on its surface. The mat is 4 feet wide, and 3 feet deep. The innovative "U" shape allows the child to sit inside the opening of the "U" with full access to the 15 pockets. The child has full visual and tactile access to the whole surface, without having to crawl atop the mat. Child-safe see-through pockets allow fifteen theme-based cards to be secured to the mat surface. This patent pending design allows for the caregiver to sit across and engage the child in a variety of exercises using the adorable theme-based card decks. The pockets are designed to be slightly larger than the cards, allowing for the cards to be placed and removed easily. The Professional Edition is recommended for the two to five year old child at home or for the professional (speech therapist, teacher, etc.) working with children of any age or ability. This includes all of the eight available card decks for a total of 240 cards. Includes U-Play Mat, Tote, U-Animals Card Deck, U-Foods Card Deck, U-Fruits and Vegetables Card Deck, U-Go Card Deck, U-Home Card Deck, U-Dress Card Deck, U-Outside Card Deck, and U-Play Card Deck. 11/9/2009 (Price: $84.00)

U-Play Mat Starter Set by PLAY THIS WAY EVERY DAY LLC.

The U-Play Mat is a U-shaped mat with 15 clear pockets on its surface. The mat is 4 feet wide, and 3 feet deep. The innovative "U" shape allows the child to sit inside the opening of the "U" with full access to the 15 pockets. The child has full visual and tactile access to the whole surface, without having to crawl atop the mat. Child-safe see-through pockets allow fifteen theme-based cards to be secured to the mat surface. This patent pending design allows for the caregiver to sit across and engage the child in a variety of exercises using the adorable theme-based card decks. The pockets are designed to be slightly larger than the cards, allowing for the cards to be placed and removed easily. This set is recommended for at-home use, especially with the one to two year old child just starting to use the U-Play Mat. Includes: U-Play Mat, Tote, U-Animals Card Deck, and U-Foods Card Deck.
— "A great language activity that promotes listening, language and social skills.  A superior choice for children who need support in these areas and might have trouble staying focused," Jennifer Shuman, of 1SmartNoodle, told TDmonthly at Toy Fair 2010. 11/9/2009 (Price: $49.00)

The Goal Bands Game by BLACK BELT GOALS INC.

The Goal Bands Game features karate belts turned into six wristbands and used as a simple reward/reminder system that encourages the achievement of behavioral goals. Goals are chosen, daily, by GBG participants and the wristbands are exchanged, in karate belt order, after each days' success until the black wristband is reached, ideally, at the end of the week. The idea is for GBG participants to become goal oriented and able to supercharge their inner stregths for a lifetime of great achievements. "The Goal Bands Game is both visual and tactile, has a broad appeal, a mutitude of uses, is as simple to use as putting on a bracelet, and works for virtually anyone of any age to encourage personal growth and the achievement of great individual, or group, goals," James Mentzer, president of Black Belt Goals Inc., told TDmonthly. This game received a 2009 Dr. Toy 10 Best Socially Responsible Products award and was named one of Dr. Toy's 100 Best Children's Products. Launch date: 2009. 11/5/2009 (Price: $5.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

TADA by MUDDY CLOUD

Muddy Cloud is a character-driven line featuring bright colors and abstract shapes. "Muddy Cloud characters are abstract and invite an active imagination," Matt Anaya, co-owner of Muddy Cloud, told TDmonthly. Launch date: November 2008. 11/5/2009 (Price: $18) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Fun & Fitness Happy Bike by REDMON

Designed to provide safe, fun and healthy activity for children, the Happy bike has an adjustable seat and a tension setting, and includes a battery powered odometer. It is made with a steel frame, and is foam padded for safe play, Some assembly is required (tools included). Launch date: 2009. 10/29/2009 (Price: $130) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Fun & Fitness Air Walker by REDMON

Designed to provide safe, fun and healthy activity for children, this air walker is made of steel and is foam padded for safe and long-lasting use. Some assembly is required (tools included). Launch date: 2009. 10/29/2009 (Price: $130) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Fun & Fitness Treadmill by REDMON

This treadmill for children between the ages of 2 and 6 is designed to provide safe, fun and healthy activity. It is not motorized. It features a battery powered odometer, and some assembly is required (tools included). The treadmill is foam padded and colorful, built of steel for long-lasting use. Launch date: 2009. 10/29/2009 (Price: $130) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Fun & Fitness Weight Bench by REDMON

This weight bench for children between the ages of 2 and 6 is designed to keep children fit by providing safe, fun and healthy activity. The total weight of the bar, including foam weights, is 4.25 lbs. Three different exercise are possible: press, leg curl, and leg lift. It is made of steel and foam padded. Some assembly is required (tools included). Launch date: 2009. 10/29/2009 (Price: $130) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Silly Soft Seating- Iggy by P'KOLINO

These smart characters are comprised of three soft pieces that when “puzzled” together make a playful friend. Sturdy enough for a wobbly toddler to balance on and lightweight enough to move around, these silly seats are a fabulously fun gross motor tool. Kids can climb on it, sit on it or drool on it; the snugly, durable fabric is removable and washable, and there are four playful characters. Silly Soft was a 2010 Gold Award Winner for Netherlands' Best Baby and Infant Product. Launch date: September 25, 2007. 10/29/2009 (Price: $49.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Vibrating Textures Teething Ring by SASSY

When baby gums or bites the largest soft disk on this teething ring, it vibrates, offering comfort and a lesson in cause and effect. A disk with bold, red and white stripes catches baby’s eye. Raised stripes and smooth sections encourage teething. Completing the ring are six chewy, textured disks filled with orange, purple and red beads. Some are water-filled and, when refrigerated, provide a cool diversion from sore gums. Varied textures cultivate tactile sensitivity, helping to develop communication skills. Launch date: October 2009. 10/29/2009 (Price: $4.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Refreshing Rings by SASSY

Caregivers can refrigerate this colorful, water-filled rattle to bring cool relief to teething babies. On one end, a red, squishy, water-filled, oval ring with nubby bumps invites baby to soothe his gums. In the middle, a curved, white handle features raised, black stripes and three colored rings click-clacking around it. The handle is thin enough for even young babies to grasp. There is a black ball with white polka-dots on the other end of the handle to help baby focus. Launch date: October 2009. 10/29/2009 (Price: $3.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Ladybug Teethers by SASSY

These sleek, boldly colored ladybugs can be refrigerated so that their water-filled sections provide cool comfort for sore gums. Bendable, squishable textures and raised polka-dots encourage exploration by mouth. A smooth, black head provides bold contrast in color and texture to the rest of the little bug. Nubby antennae offer additional teething fun. They are available in two-packs with either a red and a purple ladybug or a red and an orange ladybug. Launch date: October 2009. 10/29/2009 (Price: $3.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Stim-Gym by SASSY

This soft, padded playmat features a high contrast, smiling ladybug. Overhead, white polka-dots on a black arch are designed to catch baby’s gaze, allowing him to focus. Three brightly colored toys with geometric patterns and high contrast designs dangle overhead to provide added visual stimulation. A soft, curved cushion securely cradles baby. It doubles as a tummy time bolster. A self-standing, True Reflection™ mirror offers tummy time entertainment. Many textures encourage baby’s tactile sense while sounds stimulate baby’s hearing. "The playmat is so versatile, with activities for back-lying babies and tummy time too. The high contrast, geometric patterns help baby develop visually, sounds and textures stimulate the other senses," Peggy Barrett, PR consultant for Barrett Marketing Communications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2009. 10/29/2009 (Price: $34.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Flip & Grip Rattle by SASSY

These lightweight oval rattles are made for little hands to grasp and little mouths and fingers to explore. The set comes with a yellow rattle with raised, textured, orange stripes and a red handled rattle with raised, purple stripes. A smooth, clear plastic ball perches at one end of the rattle, spinning and sending colorful beads popping along. Inside is a spinning disk with a mirror on one side and a symmetrical, smiling face on the other. It comes in a two-pack and received a 2009 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award. Launch date: October 2009. 10/29/2009 (Price: $4.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Grasp & Glow Rattle by SASSY

High contrast geometric stripes, polka dots and a surprising light up feature grab baby’s focus. The lime green rattle has two textured handles with teal stripes, perfect for two-handed play. There are two spheres on the rattle. One lights up as it spins. The other is clear with a bug character smiling on a rotating disk inside. It is available with either blue or pink accents and has received a 2009 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award and SNAP Award. Launch date: October 2009. 10/29/2009 (Price: $4.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Hello Baby! Phone Rattle by SASSY

This retro, little phone receiver has chewy textures, soft rattling noises and clear, bright colors to engage and stimulate baby’s senses. A bold, black and white bull’s eye on one end fosters visual acuity. Two beads — one black and the other white — circle around a mirrored funnel on the other end for additional visual stimulation. The lightweight rattle has a thin handle to fit even the tiniest grasp. This product received a 2009 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award and an Oppenheim Toy Portfolio SNAP Award. 10/29/2009 (Price: $2.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Bucket of Beads by SASSY

Little hands will snap and unsnap 20 large beads in bold, bright colors with many textures. The beads have a vanilla bean scent to stimulate the sense of smell, too. At first, baby will dump the beads and pull strings of them apart. As muscles coordination improves, baby will learn to snap the beads together and even sort them by color and shape. The beads pack up in a clear reusable plastic storage bucket with a convenient carry handle. "Vanilla scent helps stimulate another sense. The set has two large pieces with three attachment points to allow more building variety and fun," Peggy Barrett, PR consultant at Barrett Marketing Communications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2009. 10/29/2009 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Reversible Knight/Dragon Cape & Reversible Knight/Dragon Hood by CREATIVE EDUCATION OF CANADA

This product was a 2009 ASTRA Best Toys for Kids Winner — the only costume to win this award in 2009 in the Pretend/Fantasy Play category. The green Dragon side is made with shimmering scales and a yellow dragon tail. The silver Knight side emulates a glittering armor and is embellished with a red and black emblem. The Reversible Dragon/Knight Hood (sold separately) completes the look of this fiery dragon and a feisty knight. "This is a truly unique and high-quality design and it's sold for the specialty market only," Veesha Knight, sales and marketing manager for Creative Education of Canada, Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2009.
Awards: 2010 Children's Choice Award by the Canadian Toy Testing Council.
— Donna Frederick, owner of The Play House Toy Store in Durham, N.C., told TDmonthly in a December 2011 survey that "We ran out of capes this year," and that she will definitely order capes from the Great Pretenders line by Creative Education again for Halloween next year. 10/29/2009 (Price: $31.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]