This kit has everything kids need to get started on the path to handwriting proficiency. Includes activities that help kids improve gross and fine motor skills. The I Can Write Lower Case! writing tablet will help teach kids proper lower case letter formation. Large muscle movements prepare childrens' bodies for writing. With magnastix, kids will have a great time and grow more confident as they learn to identify and form the letters of the alphabet. Gross motor cards are a fun and easy way to practice letter recognition while improving flexibility and strengthening muscles. The handy carrying case makes this kit perfect for use at home or on-the-go. Launch date: 2011.
Awards: 2012 Tillywig Brain Child Award; 2012 The National Parenting Center Seal of Approval

Designing Star Magnetic all in one Locker Wallpaper kit comes with: 1 magnetic laser zebra printed pencil cup, 3 sheets of our fully magnetic laser zebra printed locker wallpaper, 1 Round Magnetic Gem Mirror, and 4 magnetic heart shaped clips. Our kit comes in 3 different laser printed colors — pink, purple, and silver.  Available in 3 color combinations: Purple zebra, Pink zebra, and Silver zebra designs. Launch date: June 2012.

Designing Star Magnetic Locker Chandelier flashes in a rainbow of colors with it's 6 LED lights. Batteries ARE included. Strong magnets on the top hold chandelier fast to most all metal surfaces. An additional hook on top can be used for the option of hanging the chandelier anywhere. Our chandelier is strong and durable. Launch date: June 2012.

Keep children creatively engaged with the Dip & Print Sponge Painting Kit. Use this kit to experiment with colors and print techniques, develop gross and fine motor skills, explore color theory, and stimulate visual development. Roylco’s Dip & Print Sponge Painting Kit comes with easy-to-clean sponges in 15 popular shapes; 2 oz. each nontoxic finger paint in red, blue, green, and yellow; 4 bowls for dipping; 2 mixers; and 24 sheets of paper. There are 49 pieces and all. This product is suitable for children ages four and older. Launch date: August 2012.

Zowa are fun toy puzzle erasers that kids can collect and trade with their friends. Series 1 has over 50 erasers to collect in 5 different themes: Fantasy, Jobs, Imagination, Sport, and Monster. Find all the rare erasers which come in white. The more Zowa one collects the bigger the Zowa World becomes. Zowa are available in a single pack or a 3 pack.

Zowa are fun toy puzzle erasers that kids can collect and trade with their friends. Series 1 has over 50 erasers to collect in 5 different themes: Fantasy, Jobs, Imagination, Sport, and Monster. Find all the rare erasers which come in white. The more Zowa one collects the bigger the Zowa World becomes. Zowa are available in a single pack or a 3 pack. Launch date: 2012.

The O3 kids backpacks boast a blend of creativity, functionality and style. All kids backpacks feature a main compartment that is large enough to fit school supplies, including a standard size school folder. Kids can also stay organized with the inner organizer pockets. And because kids already have enough to carry to school, the front pocket is a lunch cooler so they don't have to carry an extra lunch tote. Because we know how important a comfortable backpack is, the straps and back feature padded mesh support for a much more comfortable experience. Launch date: July 2011.

This back pack is tie-dyed for maximum fashion impact. Kids can use it to store their school things, for over nights and sleepovers, or their toys. Launch date: April 2012.

Telepathy Jr is the younger version of the Telepathy board game. Telepathy Jr teaches kids how to use logic and deduction at an early age and is important in the area of critical thinking. Game plays in around 10 - 15 minutes. "There are not a lot of logic/deduction games for youngsters out there and Telepathy Jr will help kids practice their deductive skills," Derek Chinn, owner of LMD Games, told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 2012.

The Picnic Lunch Box™ & Placemat features four adorable themes ranging from Cats and Dogs to Pigs and Cows. With comic artwork on the exterior, unzip the lunch box to find not only lunch, but a small placemat ready and waiting. Lays flat and wipes clean with a damp cloth for spills and crumbs. A clean place to eat and an even easier lunch box to keep clean. Patented. BPA Free, Phthalate Free on every lunchbox, PVC Free, Lead Free. Sold individually or in an assortment of 4. A1510XX - Penny the Pig Lunch Box & Placemat; A1511XX - Denzel the Dog Lunch Box & Placemat; A1512XX - Clyde the Cow Lunch Box & Placemat; A1513XX - Carmen the Cat Lunch Box & Placemat. Launch date: 2012.

This is a brand new double sided, laminated, educational desk map. Learn A Map is a terrific learning tool for children. It's easy to read and easy to use. It is double sided and laminated so it can be drawn on and easily erased. Learn A Map can be used anywhere, at home, at school, or on the road. Bulk ordering is available and there is free shipping on orders of 100 or more. Launch date: 2011.

Kid-friendly dry erase markers with felt erasers that rinse with a simple solution of soap and water. Eight new colors. Our markers are compliant with CPSIA and are non/toxic-low odor. "Our marker tips don't push back up into the barrel when pressure is applied," Julia Rhodes, CEO of KleenSlate Concepts, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2011.

New Deluxe Dry Erase Response Paddles with marker and eraser in handle for that all-in-one experience. Great for travel, working on homework and for family games.Environmentally friendly and clean up with a soft cloth and a simple solution of soap and water. Paddles Come in 8 colors. Launch date: September 2010.
Awards: 2010 Kidlutions; 2008 Teachers Choice Award - Best in-classroom tools.

High quality tree-free pencils are entirely graphite for drawing and writing! Great for broad strokes and fine detail. 2B grade. Set of 8 in recycled hanging window gift box. Launch date: August 2011.

The French excel in the arts of daily living. There the coffee cups balance perfectly in one's hand, the loaves of bread jut fetchingly out of stylish grocery bags, and even the trashcans have a certain je ne sais quoi. In Paris one can find an infinitude of delightful stationery products. These are our version of French cahiers. Each notebook's cover is graced with full color vintage art with a French connection. 20 Blank Pages.

This nonfiction series encourages kids' historical exploration and discovery. With detailed reconstructions, original artworks, and source material from each period, plus reading lists, and resources for further study, this series is a comprehensive introduction to the history that shaped America. "It's history in action with dynamic full-bleed spreads featuring historical objects, cutaway illustrations, scenes from daily life, and accessible age-appropriate text," Marina Cambareri, Marketing Manager at Kingfisher, told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 2011.

Teachers can use these handy magnets in a pocket chart or any magnetic surface in the  classroom to show the class routine. Illustrations are simple enough for non-readers of any age to understand. Created by a teacher. No more having to make a routine out of laminated paper! 18 durable magnets. Includes 3 blanks to fill in with a permanent or dry erase marker. Great for kids with special needs. Launch date: 2010
Awards: 2010 Creative Child Magazine Top Choice of the Year Award (Parenting Aids-Teaching Responsibility & Educational Products); 2010 PTPA Award (Parent Tested Parent Approved).

This new backpack is stylish and functional. It's the ideal size for children to store books and a snack or anything else for school or play. It comes with a matching pencil case that can hold crayons or collectibles. Comes in 5 styles.

Pedestal Pets are sold as "Pencil Toppers".  Each series includes 4 animal pencil toppers, 4 coordinating pencils and 4 fun fact trading cards. "The similar items on the market are sold as squishie toys and are not made specifically to be a pencil topper, although they sometimes market them that way. Similar products on the market either tear, or won't stay on the pencil at all," Lisa Jo Scherfel, owner of Inspired Design LLC, told TDmonthly.

Each pack of Twisty Stix Scented Erasers comes with four fragrant Twistys. There are six different scents to choose from, each with bright colors and a design on both ends. Scents include grape, watermelon, apple, banana, peach and strawberry. These unique erasers will last longer than other erasers- they are 6.5"" long, almost the same length as a standard pencil.

The Pic N Color is a PC software program that converts any photo into an outlined image that can be printed out and colored. Kids or parents can choose an image, then print it out for coloring fun. The software is "Very child friendly," Dominick Testa, president of Rocko Unlimited LLC, told TDmonthly.

Tell Tale is a portable story telling game. Players pick from the 60 included cards, then spin a story based on what has been picked. Packaged in a sturdy round tin, the game is good for travel. There are nearly an infinite amount of unique card combinations to pick, and four variations to spice up the game. "Tell Tale offers a new option to traditional storybooks. Your little one can choose a few cards for you to improvise and tell your own short bedtime story," Nicole Britton from Blue Orange Games told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 2011.

The Steps4Kids multiplication DVD provides engaging graphics and animation to help children memorize their math facts. Practice tests, memorization strategies, and parent/teacher section included. "The Steps4Kids multiplication DVD teaches math concepts, properties, single digit by double digit math and self help strategies to help children memorize their math facts of numbers 0 through 12," Nancy Holt from Steps4Kids told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2011.

A straw that naturally transforms white milk into bold and delicious flavors. When kids drink milk through the Got Milk? Magic Straws, the milk becomes flavored and colored. "Parents and kids from 2 to 99 buy them year-round and it's completely new to toy stores with no competition," Paul Henson, CMO of Food Market Merchandising, Inc, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 2010.
— In a late Summer 2012 survey, three out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that these were one of their top-2 bestselling candy items.

This compilation by Susan Magasmen uses a developmental skills model called the 6Cs™ that was created by Kathy Hirsh-Pasek and Roberta Golinkoff to help parents and teachers see the immediate links between learning and play.  The stories come from families and educators at Goddard Schools around the nation.