TDmonthly's Toy Fair 2007 Preview
Category: Developmental Toys

Earlystar Fun Farm Activity Bar by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC

When these four soft farm friends are bopped on their heads, they make music and animal sounds. Each animal has its own song, so when baby hits one and then another, the music changes. The hook-and-loop straps can be wrapped around a stroller bar or carrier handle, or attached to a car's headrest or a crib rail. The Fun Farm Activity Bar is for children ages 3 months and up. Launch date: 2009. 6/3/2009 (Price: $35.99)

Earlyears Spintacular Play Center by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC

The Spintacular Play Center attaches to smooth surfaces with strong suction cups, making it usable on highchairs and stroller trays. Featuring five spinning balls and three spinning bug-beads, the Play Center also includes a top piece that clicks as it spins, and a center wheel that climbs up and down the center pole as it turns. The Spin-tacular Play Center is 100-percent kid-powered, with no batteries required. "The kid-powered characteristic of this table-top-friendly toy allows for children to explore their own ability to create fun," Nicole Tiedemann, PR account executive for International Playthings, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009. 6/3/2009 (Price: $14.99)

Fishing for TAGGIES by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC

Suitable for ages 6 months and up, the Fishing for TAGGIES play set includes three rattling fish, a soft pond with a large mirrored bottom, and a soft fishing pole with a jumbo hook-n-loop hook for easy fish-catching fun. The base mirror encourages self-recognition and makes a game of fill-and-spill play extra engaging. Featuring the TAGGIES vibrant colored materials and ribbons, this distinctively textured game is designed to stimulate baby’s senses. Launch date: 2009. 5/28/2009 (Price: $27.99)

Earlyears Baby Activity Birdhouse by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC

The Baby Activity Birdhouse includes five sides of fun. Each side features a new activity, including find the owl, peek-a-boo birdie, slide-along bugs, put-and-take pocket bird, and a mirror on the bottom. The birdhouse chimes as it swings from the included link. "This easy to take-along toy is truly packed with baby-exploration, including seven activities total," Nicole Tiedemann, PR account executive for International Playthings LLC, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009. 5/28/2009 (Price: $23.99)

Stroller Activity Center by SASSY

The bright green inchworm’s segmented body offers many different sights, sounds, activities and textures. Baby can gaze at the smiling face, with its high-contrast eyes and soft, teethable antennae. The symmetrical face is designed to have a calming effect on baby. The activity center has a baby-safe mirror outlined in black and white stripes, and the inchworm’s multi-textured features foster tactile exploration, which encourages brain development. A convenient snack segment flips open and can be stocked with small snack foods to encourage development of baby’s pincer grasp. Babies can push a leaf to hear “moving” classical music, including the “William Tell Overture” and silly sounds. A bumblebee on the base clicks when baby dials. It has high contrast stripes and bright orange silky wings that crinkle to the touch. The toy attaches to all strollers using Velcro® straps. Launch date: July 2009. 5/28/2009 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Sensory Symphony by SASSY

This aquarium crib toy features a bold, bright spectrum of colors to help baby develop visual perception. A school of fish in a variety of silky, nubby, fuzzy, smooth and bumpy textures enhances baby’s tactile experience as the reaches out to touch them. Classical music and tonal sounds encourage development of listening/hearing skills. This crib toy offers pleasing sounds to encourage motor and cognitive processing. Adjustable elastic straps make it easy to attach to a variety of cribs with different rail widths and to put the action at the right height for baby. It can also be used for floor play when baby is old enough to sit up. "This toy stimulates baby's vision and tactile development with many colors, patterns and textures," Peggy Barrett, PR consultant for Barrett Marketing Communications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 2009. 5/28/2009 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Butterfly Puzzle by WEE ORGANICS LLC

Butterfly Puzzles are Consumer Product Safety Commission 2009 tested and approved. All Wee Organics products are hand rubbed with natural oil that is FDA approved. Designed for early learning, the 7" x 5" puzzles measure are 1" thick, and each of the four to five pieces is 2" to 3" high. Wee Organics recommends that parents help their child initially and then let them progress on their own. "Wee Organics hand rubs each wood piece for a smooth, tactile experience. Each puzzle can also stand up on its own," Ed Bogosian, president of Wee Organics, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2004. 5/19/2009 (Price: $21.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Good Nite Lite by GOOD NITE LITE

This behavorial modification device is designed to teach children acceptable sleep patterns by displaying a sun face for day and a moon face for night. It can be preset to any times, depending upon the schedule that parents set for their children. The sun caricature brightens the room in the morning, letting kids know it is time to get out of bed; the moon signifies that it is "time to rest." The programmable light measures 6" in diameter. ( Watch Video) 5/11/2009 (Price: $34.99)

Alphabet Exercise by ROCK 'N LEARN INC.

This DVD promotes fitness and imaginative play while teaching children about letters. Young learners may enjoy performing new and traditional exercises, developed with a certified fitness trainer. It runs approximately 37 minutes. "Children get exercise and build coordination while learning their ABCs," Cindy Burleson, communications coordinator for Rock 'N Learn, told TDmonthly. The product received a Best Vacation Product award from Dr. Toy. Launch date: 2003. 4/28/2009 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Paci-Plushies® by PACI-PLUSHIES

Paci-Plushies are a pacifier holder that connects popular name-brand infant pacifiers with a super-soft and light plush toy using a patent-pending Hug Ring™. When a Paci-Plushie is attached to Baby's pacifier, the pacifier becomes easier for both Mom and Baby to find. Pacifers are fully removable, allowing for proper sanitation of both the pacifier and plush toy. Paci-Plushies are compatible with over 200 varieties of name-brand pacifiers, allowing for usability and versatility. The Nookums™ brand Orthodontic pacifier included with each Paci-Plushie is 100-percent BPA and Phthalate free. "Paci-Plushies are the only plush pacifier holder of its kind with the ability to attach to name-brand infant pacifiers," Stacy Dallman, president of Paci-Plushies, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 15, 2008. 4/28/2009 (Price: $13.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Teach My Baby by TEACH MY TODDLER INC.

This all-in-one learning kit for babies includes 15 teaching tools to give babies a head start. Babies can learn First Words, First Numbers, Self and Sounds, and Touch with four board books, five finger puppets, nesting blocks, one-piece puzzles, two-piece puzzles, mirrored flashcards, textured flashcards and more. Launch date: July 15, 2009. 4/27/2009 (Price: $49.99)

Sophie the Giraffe by CALISSON INC.

Suitable for babies 0 to 3 months and up, this teether and discovery toy features a contrasting spot pattern that offers visual stimulation, plus a squeaker for amusement. It is made of natural rubber from Hevea tree and colored with food paint. Sophie is distributed in the United States by Calisson.
— Retailers surveyed by TDmonthly have been naming Sophie the Giraffe as a best-seller since 2009.
― Nicole Boomhover, assistant manager of Learning Express in Cahaba Heights, Ala. told TDmonthly in late Spring 2011 that they sold between five and ten Sophies a month.
— In an April 2012 survey, three out of 11 retailers told TDmonthly that Sophie the Giraffe was their best selling infant & toddler product.
― “Sophie giraffe is a great baby product that we order over and over again,” Diana Nelson, owner of Kazoo & Company in Denver, Co., told TDmonthly in June 2010. “I can't keep them on the shelf,” agreed Keith Schumacker, general manager at Talbot’s Toyland in San Mateo, Calif.
― During a March 2010 survey of 39 retailers, seven said Sophie the Giraffe is a top-selling toy for infants. Sales averaged 24 per month.
— Want this? As of 05/06/2011, this product was available for purchase at Learning Express of Cahaba Heights, Ala.
AWARDS: 2014 TDmonthly Magazine Top Toy Award, 2010 TDmonthly Top Seller ( Watch Video) 4/10/2009 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Yo Baby Kick Flipper by GarageCo Toys, Inc.

This is a plastic, blow-molded skateboard deck only, NO WHEELS OR TRUCKS. Kids learn, practice, and get skills from balance and action sports moves indoors or out. The Yo Baby Kick Flipper is a great INDOOR sports toy. Whether it's too hot outside or the snow is coming down, children stay active and practice the fastest growing sport in the world indoors or outdoors. Parents love the product because children can learn boarding skills safely. The DVD that comes with it is mesmerizing for children and they watch it over and over hoping to master the same moves with their Yo Baby Kick Flipper.
Awards: 2007 TDmonthly Innovations Award; 2009 product of the year; 2008 preferred choice; ASTRA pick of the year; 2008 Seal of Excellence; Action Product Award ASR 2009
— “We're doing well with Yo Babys, [and] ordering a case a month,” said Connie Hoeft, owner of C R Toys in Kearney, N.E., when asked about her best-selling sports toys in spring 2009.

Past Videos: Toy Fair 2009
( Watch Video) 4/2/2009 (Price: $14.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Clutching Figure Bunny Hugo by HABA USA/HABERMAASS CORP.

This soft bunny rattle contains a soft bell that sounds when shaken. The machine-washable, air-dry rattle was designed in Germany. Launch date: June 2009.
— Elizabeth Ryan, owner of Tales & Toys in Venice, Calif., sells “a lot of Haba rattles,” she told TDmonthly in spring 2009.
— Four of 64 retailers named Haba when discussing best-selling infant and toddler products in March 2009. ( Watch Video) 3/31/2009 (Price: $10.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Carpenter Pixie Walker Wagon by HABA USA/HABERMAASS CORP.

Made in Germany, this beechwood wagon is not only a multi-play-value toy but also a walker wagon. The front wheels have adjustable brakes to allow parents to adjust the ease of movement based upon their child’s ability. It offers role-play activities, including operating a hand saw, hammer, screwdriver and wrench. The wagon consists of solid beechwood with natural, water-based, non-toxic stains. Launch date: July 2009. 3/31/2009 (Price: $300.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Animal Sound Alarm Clock by STREAMLINE INC.

Each alarm makes the sound of the animal on the dial, so the dog barks, the frog ribbits and the butterfly kisses. Batteries are included. The product features a clear-box design with a "hear me" option that allows customers to hear the sound of the clock alarm sound inside the package. The product is 7" tall, with a 4"-diameter clock face. "Bright colors and clearly printed numbers make it fun for children to learn how to tell time," a representative of Streamline Inc. told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2007. 3/31/2009 (Price: $20.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Earthentree Dumbell Rattle by EARTHENTREE

The Dumbell Rattle is handcrafted in wood and colored with natural, vegetable-based dyes. It makes gentle sounds, is safe for babies, and is made by Channapatna artisans in India. The craft is over two centuries old and is made in locally available, sustainable (Hale) wood. The toy is in compliance with the ASTM F963 Safety Standard. Earthentree Toys has been awarded the Baby Planners' Seal of approval and featured as one of Mothering Magazine's "Best Natural Toys of 2008." "The shiny gloss comes from natural 'Shellac' resin. The Shellac used is allnatural and hypoallergenic; it is an excellent product for use around children [or] chemically-sensitive or allergic individuals," Deepti Shankar, president of Earthentree Toys, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2008. 3/31/2009 (Price: $16) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Rody Horse - Yellow by TMI TOYMARKETING INTERNATIONAL INC.

Designed to help young children learn balance and coordination, the inflatable Rody Horse is made of strong, latex-free vinyl. Its ride-on qualities and softness make it suitable for therapy, too.
— “The Rody is good for little guys — definitely No. 1 there,” Linda Hamm, owner of Early Work Toy Station in Petaluma, Calif., told TDmonthly in spring 2009 of the top-selling ride-on toys in her store.
— “People love them for the age range,” added Lauren Obenour, manager of Green Frog Toys in Portland, Ore., noting that Rody’s high weight limit contributes to its status as a customer favorite. It’s been a best seller for a year at Pufferbellies in Staunton, Va., Co-owner Susan Blanton in fall 2009.
— Of 60 retailers surveyed in March 2009, seven named the Rody Horse as a best-selling ride-on. Three of 64 retailers named Rody as a top-selling infant and toddler toy in March 2009.

Where to buy:
NORTH WEST

 3/27/2009 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Paul Pingu Clutching Toy by HABA USA/HABERMAASS CORP.

This quirky little penguin twitters when shaken and rustles. It is easy to clean. 3/20/2009 (Price: $11.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Spilling Funnel by HABA USA/HABERMAASS CORP.

Bake a sand cake and decorate it beautifully every time with the Haba Spiloling Funnel. Always the right combination of sand and water to make a sand flower or write a messge in the sand. 3/20/2009 (Price: $11.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Gerda Gacker by HABA USA/HABERMAASS CORP.

Farmer Eggbert just loves fried eggs. Who can find the same number of chickens as eggs in the pan? Whoever collects th most fried eggs wins! 3/20/2009 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Lucky Sock D ip Card Game by HABA USA/HABERMAASS CORP.

One of four new Haba card games-easy to carry along and fun to play! This Lucky Sock Dip card game will help you to match up the mismatched up socks and get that old 'sock monster'! 3/20/2009 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Haba Car by HABA USA/HABERMAASS CORP.

Vroom, Vroom Watch out! The nippy little car is coming into your child's room. This is the ideal child's riding vehicle for dashing around corners as it won't chip or mar cupboards or doors with it's wrap around padding. 3/20/2009 (Price: $299.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Flower children by HABA USA/HABERMAASS CORP.

Use your skills at threading these bright and cheery flower children on the string to make a necklace or simply dump and start over. 3/20/2009 (Price: $23.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Picture & Word Books by HABA USA/HABERMAASS CORP.

Teddy, bib, pacifier, sheep: The charming illustratedpictures fuarantee first watching and reading fun. In these handy books children will discover lots of familir objects and will learn to name and read! 3/20/2009 (Price: $7.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]