TDmonthly Magazine!
June 2007 | Vol. VI - No. 6


Tools:


Plastic Is Passe

Wooden Toys Bring Guns and Gardens Into Modern Age


Rising petroleum prices and sustainable forests give wooden toys more appeal than ever.

Keep old-fashioned and new-fangled customers satisfied with these Holiday toys:

Balancing Tree by PLANTOYS
Balancing Tree by PLANTOYSHelp develop fine motor skills. Toss the dice to see what color you get, then choose an animal that have the same color as the one you rolled. The player that can balance the animals on the boat using the pincers without making it fall is the winner. The set consists of a boat, 6 pairs of animals, a dice, and a pincers. Ideal for 1 to 4 players. 12/30/2015


Slice and Bake Cookie Set - Wooden Play Food by MELISSA & DOUG
Slice and Bake Cookie Set - Wooden Play Food by MELISSA & DOUGThis colorful wooden set includes 12 wooden, sliceable cookies and 12 toppings, wooden knife, spatula, cookie sheet and a kitchen mitt for safe, "low-calorie" play! The cookies store in a durable dough tube.
— Molly Hungerford, manager at Leapin' Lizards Toy Company in Bend, Or., told TDmonthly in a March 2015 survey that Melissa & Doug's wooden play food is one of her store's best-selling eco-friendly toys. 3/30/2015 (Price: $19.99; Age: 3 and up)


My First Loom by HAPE
My First Loom by HAPEMake the shuttles go zip and zoom as you weave your very own design. Talk about the way cloth is made. Look at different kinds of fabric. 11/13/2014


Balance Boat - Endangered Animals by BEGINAGAIN
Balance Boat - Endangered Animals by BEGINAGAINKids develop dexterity, patience and pretend play skills with the BeginAgain Balance Boat. Inventing their own games and stories, kids will stack the brightly colored endangered animals as high as they can, balancing them atop the 6"x12" wooden boat. The animals are also perfect pocket pals, starring daily in pretend adventures. Made from eco-friendly rubber wood with non-toxic, child-safe stains, each of the 15 pieces in this playset is double-sided and one inch thick. Recommended for ages 3+, the Balance Boat includes a 14" x 12" wood tray for storage and display.

 9/22/2014 (Price: $35.00; Age: 3 and up)


Lincoln Logs Collector's Edition Homestead by K'NEX BRANDS
Lincoln Logs CollectorThe BIGGEST Lincoln Logs® set ever created - over 330 parts, including real wood Lincoln Logs®, just like you remember! Includes a frontiersman figure, 2 horses and a buildable covered wagon that really moves. Packaged in a beautiful, silver-accented tube for durable storage 8/28/2014 (Price: $99; Age: 3 and up)


Tree Top Adventure by MANHATTAN TOY
Tree Top Adventure by MANHATTAN TOYThis wooden activity center is packed full of exciting features! Includes 4 quadrants with a variety of activities: 6 tracks with animal-themed gliders, 6 bead runs with colorful wooden beads, a spring flower and more. Adult assembly required. 4/28/2014 (Price: $99.95)


Apple Ball Roller by PURE PLAY TOYS
Apple Ball Roller by PURE PLAY TOYSAn apple a day makes everyone play! With Pure Play Toys' Wooden Apple Ball Roller, kids love watching the large wooden balls meander along the “worm tracks” and through holes in the brilliantly colored apple. This toy's large size makes it a perfect center piece for retailers, homes and preschools. Unlike most marble or ball run toys, Pure Play Toys' Wooden Apple Ball Roller has been engineered to be safe for children under 3 years old. Comes with three 1-1/2” diameter wooden balls - too large to pose a choking hazard. Measures 24"H x 20"W x 8-1/2"D. Safe for ages 18 months and up. 4/7/2014 (Age: 2 and up)


KEVA Trebuchet by MINDWARE
KEVA Trebuchet by MINDWAREBuild your own medieval siege engine from pre-drilled planks, a little glue and the help of easy, step-by-step “blueprint” instructions. Then let the fun and experimentation begin! What travels farther: a marshmallow or a piece of macaroni? Alter the counterweight to adjust the trebuchet's hurl, and practice knocking down a field of target planks using the two included balls.
— In a February 2014 survey, Julie Steinbach, owner of Rainbow Toys in Falmouth, Maine, told TDmonthly that this Trebuchet from Mindware was among their best-selling wooden toys.
— Tye Steinbach from Thinker Toys in Portland, Ore., told TDmonthly in a May 2015 survey that this is one of their best-selling activity kits. 2/27/2014 (Price: $29.95; Age: 7 and up)


Croc Pile by AREAWARE
Croc Pile by AREAWAREA set of five stackable wooden crocodiles. 6/18/2013


Rainbow House by HABA USA/HABERMAASS CORP.
Discover the possibilities! Your little one will love the Rainbow House Pegging Game from HABA!  Stackable, colorful fun! 19 parts, 1 peg base with 3 pegs. 5/23/2013


Brio Farm Railway Set by SCHYLLING
Brio Farm Railway Set by SCHYLLINGThis rural railway set has the classic Brio quality and features a barn with loading crane, farm engine with wagon, farm tractor with trailer, farm animals and hay bale.
— In a February 2014 survey, two out of 10 retailers told TDmonthly that Brio Trains were among their best-selling wooden toys.
— Patti Tepper-Rasmussen, owner of Learning Tree Toys, Games & Books, Inc. in Oklahoma City, Ok., told TDmonthly in an August 2014 survey that Brio was one of the store's best-selling brand of collectibles.
— In a February 2015 survey, Sue Hottel, co-owner of No Kidding (aka Sand Castle Toys Inc) in Mattapoisett, Mass., told TDmonthly that Brio trains are her some of her store's best-selling wooden toys. 4/29/2013 (Price: $59.99; Age: 3 and up)


Rubber Band Paddle Boat Toysmith by TOYSMITH
Rubber Band Paddle Boat Toysmith by TOYSMITHWind up this 6 inch wooden boat and watch it paddle across the water. Each boat includes three rubber bands. Powered by an ordinary rubber band, this old-fashioned paddle boat zips across bathtub, swimming pool or pond-inspiring pure delight. A simple, time-tested classic, it's crafted of varnished pine with rubber band-driven paddle wheel. Simply wind paddle, place boat in the water, carefully release, and watch it go.
— Mary Porter Green, owner of Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va., told TDmonthly in a February 2013 survey that the Rubber Band Paddle boat was her best selling wooden toy.  2/13/2013 (Price: $6.99; Age: 5 and up)


Fairy Tale Castle by ELVES AND ANGELS
Fairy Tale Castle by ELVES AND ANGELSSolid and stately, this castle is built to withstand battles and sieges. Free-standing, with a functional drawbridge to secure the castle from intruders, there's plenty of room inside to organize jousting tournaments or set up a great hall for a royal feast. Launch date: January 2013. 1/11/2013 (Price: $149; Age: 4 to 12)


Conductor Carl 100 Piece Wooden Train Set by BRYBELLY HOLDINGS INC.
Conductor Carl 100 Piece Wooden Train Set by BRYBELLY HOLDINGS INC.This is the Conductor Carl 100 piece piece train set. Wooden train sets are great for any curious child. Children can build train sets from scratch and then role play with the various characters. Children have to use problem solving skills to build their set and will act out real world situations with the pieces. It's fun and enjoyable for kids and parents alike," Yi Sun, Graphic Designer at Brybelly Holdings Inc. told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2011. 11/21/2012 (Price: $49.99; Age: 3 to 12)


Blossom Cottage by BIGJIGS
Blossom Cottage by BIGJIGSBlossom Cottage is a wooden doll house that comes complete with a family of dolls, cat, dog and all the furniture kids need. It has a convenient carry handle in the roof so that it is easily transportable and the front folds down to make the garden. 11/8/2012 (Price: $119.95)


Fishing Hole Size Sorter by P'KOLINO
Fishing Hole Size Sorter by PMatch the color of the hole to the fish and drop in. The diving fish bounce on the base and create a drumming sound. Easily remove the fish through the open back for endless play. 8/9/2012 (Price: $24.99)


Boxset - Dollhouse by DIGGIN
Boxset - Dollhouse by DIGGINBoxsets have all the fun without the mess. Boxsets are beautifully designed wooden playsets that fold open for creative, imaginative play. When play time is over, all the pieces store nicely into the compact box which is easy to store. Includes two dolls, chaise lounge, Two tables, bathtub, wash basin, piano, piano bench, bed, stairs, balcony, and swing. 8/3/2012 (Price: $49.99; Age: 3 and up)


Moulin Roty Large Tool Box Set by MAGICFOREST LTD
Moulin Roty Large Tool Box Set by MAGICFOREST LTDKids can create useable, meaningful wood projects with these real tools. Sized to be fully functional, yet easily used by children. An inter-generational gift that builds skills and relationships. 14 impeccable, real tools, including a hand saw, hammer, gimlet, sanding block, plane, pliers, mallet, chisel, Phillips screwdriver, flat screwdriver, c-clamp, ruler, square ruler, and spirit level, stored in a beautifully printed wooden tool box. Please note that this is a working tool kit with sharp-edged pieces. It should only be used under direct adult supervision. 8/3/2012 (Price: $74.99; Age: 6 and up)


Safari Cubes by SMART GEAR LLC
Safari Cubes by SMART GEAR LLCA fun safari animal puzzle that's shaped like a cube. Promotes problem solving skill and hand-eye coordination. Slide individual cubes on pegs to create images. 8 unique images to view in all. Made of renewable rubberwood and non-toxic paint. 7/20/2012 (Price: $19.99; Age: 2 and up)


Pull String Tops by JACK RABBIT CREATIONS INC.
Pull String Tops by JACK RABBIT CREATIONS INC.These classic pull string tops are made of wood and painted with multicolored stripes. $24 for bucket of 12. Launch date: 2012. 6/27/2012 (Age: 3 and up)


The Un-block by AHA! CONCEPTS
The Un-block by AHA! CONCEPTSThe Un-block is a system of interlocking blocks and connectors that stimulates both the left and the right sides of the brain simultaneously, improves gross motor skills, and challenges the pathways through which the mind relays information. Made of Ash Wood, kids can build anything they can imagine. "The Un-Block has a system of interlocking blocks and connectors that resist falling apart even when your masterpiece is knocked over, unlike ordinary building blocks that will fall apart if moved the wrong way," Joe Azmani, CEO/President of Aha! Concepts LLC told TDmonthly. Launch number: 2011.
Awards: Creative Child Magazine Top Toy of the Year 2012 (Watch the The Un-block Video Watch Video) 6/21/2012 (Price: $38.80; Age: 7 and up)


GeoBlocks by GEOTOYS LLC
GeoBlocks by GEOTOYS LLCOne of a kind handcrafted wooden blocks to help childred become geography whizzes. GeoBlocks have country names in English and native languages, capitals, national icons, and a world map puzzle. Made in China from FSC-certified wood and non-toxic inks. Ages 2+. Launch date: June 2012. 5/21/2012 (Price: $40.00; Age: 2 to 5)


Peg Stilts for Kids and Adults by PEGSTILTS.COM
Peg Stilts for Kids and Adults by PEGSTILTS.COMStilt walking is great for co-ordination, cognitive and physical development, balance, confidence, self-esteem, strength, and trust building, and is an extremely interactive activity. Kids' Peg Stilts are recommended for ages 8+ and/or for users under 5ft 2in tall. Kids stilts are available in heights of: 1', 1.5', 2', 2.5', and 3' tall. All stilts have adjustable nylon webbing straps that include Velcro. Straps are located at the toe, ankle, and knee; Knee also has a padding cup to increase stability and comfort. Re-claimed mountain bike tires are used on the peg bottom to increase traction and to absorb shock. Stilts are handmade with care and attention to detail by PegStilts.com and can be used by kids of most sizes. All PegStilts.com products are woman veteran handmade by Kricket Caffery in Portland, OR USA. 4/10/2012 (Price: $140.00; Age: 8 and up)


Nuts & Bolts by THE ORIGINAL TOY COMPANY
Constructed of hardwood & comes with over 38 pieces; skills developed will include the matching of gears, construction building and hours of multiple tasking. Container has handle. 2/24/2012 (Price: $20.00; Age: 3 and up)


Ryan's Room Wooden Peg Puzzle - Farm by SMALL WORLD TOYS
RyanDetailed, brightly colored pictures encourage 1 1/2 - 3 years old to complete these 9-piece wooden puzzles, each with a different theme. Our level 2 puzzles help children learn to group like items and expand their vocabulary. Constructed with smaller knobs than Level 1 puzzles, each piece is easy to hold and promotes the development of fine motor skills.
—  Linda Laramy, owner of Crackerjacks in Easton, Md., told TDmonthly in a 2012 survey that puzzles from Small World Toys are their bestselling wooden toys. 2/8/2012 (Price: $10.99; Age: 1 to 3)


Wooden Flip Tops by MAPLE LANDMARK WOODCRAFT CO.
Wooden Flip Tops by MAPLE LANDMARK WOODCRAFT CO.Clear hardwood Flip Tops will flip right over onto their stem if they are spinned fast enough. These tops are not recommended for kids under six as they haven't yet developed the proper dexterity to get the tops to work. Flip Tops measure approximately 1-1/4" diameter by 1-3/4" tall.
— In a February 2012 survey about wooden toys, Dean Smith, owner of JaZams in Princeton, N.J., told TDmonthly that these tops were their bestseller. They sell 15-20 units each month. 2/8/2012 (Price: $1.30; Age: 7 and up)


Djeco Topanimo Cubes and Animals by HOTALING IMPORTS
Djeco Topanimo Cubes and Animals by HOTALING IMPORTSThese cubes are a fun variation of a familiar form that are similar to other stacking blocks but have more graphics and characters. These blocks are very colorful. There is one animal for each box so it can be used for matching. The boxes nest for easy storage. The coated heavy cardboard is very durable and very brightly printed. The adorable animals and characters are made of soft PVC and are washable. In addition, each piece uses all sides for different motifs, so the sets are open-ended. For 18 months and up.
— In a February 2012 survey about bestselling wooden toys, Barbara Fineblum, owner of Barston's Child's Play in Baltimore, Md., told TDmonthly they sell 12 units of this item each month. 2/8/2012 (Price: $24.99; Age: 1 and up)


Tribute Kendama by KENDAMA USA
Tribute Kendama by KENDAMA USAThe Tribute Kendama is a Japanese wooden skill toy that challenges hand-eye coordination, focus, balance, and creativity. Enjoyed by millions in Japan, its only recently been introduced into the USA thanks to KendamaUSA. " It is the only Kendama designed so that the cups can never fall off the handle, which is the #1 customer complaint with copy-cat brands," Jeremy Stephenson, president of Kendama USA, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 2007.
Awards: 2012 ASTRA Toy of the Year Award Nominee
— David Castillo, vice president of The Red Balloon Toy Store in Salt Lake City, Utah, told TDmonthly in a November 2014 survey that Kendamas, especially ones from Kendama USA, are one of their store's best-selling toys. 2/8/2012 (Price: $22.00; Age: 9 and up)


CitiCars 8-Piece Wooden Car Set by CITIBLOCS LLC
CitiCars 8-Piece Wooden Car Set by CITIBLOCS LLCThese colorful cars are the perfect accessory for CitiBlocs constructions. Each car features a unique and playful design, including a taxi, police car, fire truck and more (8 cars total). Cars range in size from 2" - 4" long and are the same width/height as the standard blocks (approx 3/4"), making them perfect for kids 3+. 1/12/2012 (Price: $19.99; Age: 3 and up)


Boikido Eco-friendly Wooden Construction Set 100 Pcs by BOIKIDO
This environmentally-friendly wooden Construction Set is made of wood from FSC-monitored source, painted with water-based paints, packaged in a sturdy tub made of recycled materials, and printed with soy-bean ink. Building blocks are a classic. This colorful and high-quality Building Plank Set will attract kids to them like honey to bears. Develop motor and problem solving skills. Comes in a sturdy reusable tub for easy storage. Tested to meet European and U.S. safety standards. Launch date: February 2012. 1/2/2012 (Price: $39.99; Age: 1 and up)








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