January Videos

Costa Rica is the setting for the second Xeko adventure. Meet the fearsome jaguar, the intelligent bottle-nosed dolphin and some of the most amazing birds, turtles and frogs in Mission: Costa Rica.

The charming shapes, patterns and motifs will guide children into Fantasy Land. Mouse, bear, lion and the other blocks can be arranged into a jigsaw picture or piled like constructing blocks. With a kaleidoscope block, mirror and little bell, these constructing blocks of beech wood have a foil coating. It is ideal for ages 18 months and up. “This creative block set offers the unique feature that it is a 3-D puzzle also — it may be constructed vertically or horizontally on a table. The multi-faceted colors, textures and optical effects create a one-of-a-kind set for specialty stores,” Lea Culliton of HABA USA told TDmonthly. It was named one of the 100 Best Children’s Products of 2006 by Dr. Toy.

Tile by tile, through oriental patterns and shapes, children immerse themselves in the world of Aladdin and his friends with this wooden block set. It's a magnetic arranging game with 80 wooden pieces, magnetic foil and frame.

This soft, washable doll comes with a flower that serves as an elastic hair band, and features a padded body, chenille hair and a cotton/polyester and velour dress. “Her bracelet also does double duty as a hair band for the doll or for the little girl who is her owner,” Lea Culliton of HABA USA told TDmonthly.

This incredibly soft plush toy can be used as a puppet or a little friend for snuggling. The bear’s clothing reads, “My Beary Best Friend.”

This set of five rattles is made of 100 percent cotton and was hand knit in Peru. It features an apple, an orange, a strawberry, a watermelon and a pear. A Veggies set is also available. Launch date: January 2006.

This soft and cuddly 13” canine is allergy tested and allows children to “cuddle with confidence.” The asthma-friendly guidelines are as follows: Put the toy inside a freezer bag and place it in a 10-degree or colder freezer for 24 hours; then, machine wash cold (delicate cycle) and tumble dry low. This process should be repeated every four weeks.

This security blanket and finger puppet in one makes a cuddly 8” square, perfect for baby’s hands and easy to pack. A Lilirose Velour Bear Doudou is also available. The product comes in a charming round gift box. In French, “doudou” means a blanket to wipe tears. “The softness, washability and unmistakable Kaloo look are what make all Kaloo products distinctive childhood favorites,” Lisa Orman of KidStuff PR told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2006.