July 2008 New Toys — American-Made

Alice's Tea Party Gilded Scrapbook by TERRA TRADITIONS

This hand-gilded scrapbook is made with eco- and photo-friendly Kraft pages and insert sleeves that are free of acid. Decoupage is used to apply the picture to the front of the album, where it is framed in acrylic and then sealed. Each scrapbook accommodates from 100 to 300 4" x 6" or 5" x 7" photos. "Our products are handmade in the USA by fine expert artisans with the utmost care," CEO Helena Honovich of Terra Traditions told TDmonthly. Launch date: December 15, 2008. 1/23/2009

Softdough Play Set by TERRAPIN TOYS LLC

Each Softdough Play Set includes the following: four, 4-oz. tubs of Softdough (in colors red, blue, green and yellow), a hardwood rolling pin and 11 cookie cutters (turtle, frog, squirrel, dragonfly, moon, star, sun, leaf, butterfly, heart and cloud). 1/8/2009 (Price: $18.50) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Primary KidsRuler by KIDSRULER

KidsRuler was created by a veteran elementary school teacher, who noticed that students consistently struggled with using the standard ruler to learn the beginning concepts of measurement. KidsRuler was created to help students visualize the increments of measurement, and give them a fun way to practice their skills. The KidsRuler helps students master the NCTM standards of measurement. They also connect together to allow kids to measure real-life objects, such as a desk or chair.
— Mention ToyDirectory and receive 10% off on your first order. ( Watch Video) 1/5/2009 (Price: $5.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Triviathon by JEEZLE PETE'S! LLC

TRIVIATHON... fast-paced trivia for smart AND stupid people! Triviathon will have players singing, dancing, arm wrestling, cheering, cheating, and more as they compete in a game that puts each player's  cognitive, physical, and social skills to the test, while they try to win a race moving at speeds of 0, 1, 2, or 3 spaces based on trivia questions they don’t even have to know the answers to. Made in the USA, this game is designed for 2 to 12 players. Triviathon has received the following awards: Creative Child Magazine’s 2009 Game of the Year; PTPA Media 2009; iParenting Media Award 2009; The National Parenting Center Seal of Approval 2009, NAPPA Honors 2009; and Dr. Toy's 100 Best Children's Products 2009.
— "A trivia game that you can win without having to know the answers.  Now some of us might agree that that is our kind of trivia game.  Super fun and fast paced.  A great choice for family game night.  My own children are going to love this game!!" Jennifer Shuman, of 1SmartNoodle, told TDmonthly at Toy Fair 2010.

Past videos: Toy Fair 2009 ( Watch Video) 12/19/2008 (Price: $29.99)

Morph-O-Scopes Kit - Sports of All Sorts by OOZ & OZ

The Sports of All Sorts Kit optical illusion eye-hand challenges provide hours of independent, brain-powered, sit-down sports fun. Kids find and crayon morphed shapes on distorted coloring pages to make color appear in the right place in the sports cartoon reflections. They complete the morphed picture, create their own morphed drawing, navigate a morphed maze, connect the dots, predict a reflection, and more. The activities help develop logic and perception skills, flex problem-solving mental muscles, exercise fine motor control, test spatial intelligence, and spark imagination and creativity. The kit contains 32 coloring page activities (“Soccer” is shown), two mirror-perfect Morph-O-Scopes (easy assembly), 16 non-toxic crayons, a Sports Kit Enrichment Guide to maximize learning, and instructions in English, Spanish and French — all in a portable “desk” convenient for travel. The activities engage boys and girls, kids, tweens, teens and adults, as they have universal, cross-cultural appeal. The Sports of All Sorts Kit is made in the USA and meets or exceeds all U.S. safety standards. It's the second Morph-O-Scopes Kit offered by OOZ & OZ, whose Circus Kit earned 19 national educational toy awards.
The Sports of All Sorts Kit has received the following awards and honors: 2009 Dr. Toy Best Vacation Children's Products,  a “Recommended” endorsement from the National Association for Gifted Children, 2009 The Toy Man Editors Choice Award, 2009 The Toy Man Award of Excellence, and 2009 The Toy Man Seal of Approval.  “No other products on the market use OOZ & OZ's exclusive technology or have earned as many toy honors," Myrna Hoffman, managing director and chief morphologist of OOZ & OZ, told TDmonthly. Launch date: December 13, 2008. 12/19/2008 (Price: $19.99)

Belly Bandit by BELLY BANDIT

The Belly Bandit is an abdominal compression wrap for post-pregnant women. It is designed to help reduce the swelling of the uterus, decrease bloating caused by water retention, support the legs and back, and provide additional support for breast-feeding Moms. Tagless, latex-free, and comfortable under all clothing, the Belly Bandit also helps constrict the skin to help minimize stretch marks. Launch date: May 2008. 12/12/2008 (Price: $39.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The SummerMuff InfantMuff™ by SUMMERMUFF LLC

The 2009 SummerMuff InfantMuff is a 100-percent organic, lightweight, sun-blocking muff for infant carriers and car seats. Its patented design fits most three- and five-point harness systems and comes in three colors. The larger SummerMuff StrollerMuff fits strollers and joggers. The InfantMuff protects baby's skin from UVA/UVB rays using certified UPF50 fabric, and from scratchy synthetic fabrics in strollers by lining them with jersey cotton. Launch date: August 2008. 12/12/2008 (Price: $94.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Magnaplay™ Wooden Magnetic Alphabet Picture Puzzle by MAGNAPLAY

The MagnaPlay™ Wooden Magnetic Alphabet Picture Puzzle contains self-checking tiles that give little fingers the ability to put puzzles together and keep them together. Launch date: November 15, 2008. 12/12/2008 (Price: $24.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Doggie by CARDBOARDESIGN

This eco-friendly animal stool is chemical-free, recycled and recyclable. The sculpture piece also has a very real purpose — to be sat upon ridden like a horse. "The product is done in a very humorous way. We have many more styles with an animal table," Cathy Henszey, executive creative director of cardboardesign, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2009. 12/12/2008 (Price: $49) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Lamps4Kids Chocolate Pastel Daisy Lamps by Creative Images - Art4Kids

This modern, linen-shade lamp is available in the following styles and sizes: Contemporary 24" H x 11" D, 20" H x 9" D and 20" H x 6" D; and Up Lite 20" H x 9" D and 14" H x 6" D. It has a metal base and is made in the USA. 11/26/2008 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Zooguu Handmade Plush by ZOOGUU LLC

Handmade Zooguu animals provide endless hours of imaginative play for children of all ages. Zooguu love to go on adventures, and they make the most trustworthy of friends. "Every Zooguu is designed and handmade with love in Brooklyn, New York, by Jen and Brian Gubicza. Zooguu comes in a variety of designs, sizes and colors; with plastic features for ages 3+, or with embroidered features for kids of all ages," Owner Jen Gubicza of Zooguu LLC told TDmonthly. Launch date: November 18, 2008. 11/24/2008 (Price: $68) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Deluxe 68-Piece Block Set by BEKA INC.

From the company's traditional collection of wooden blocks made in the USA, this set features 68 blocks in 12 shapes: 10 units, 10 half units, 10 half pillars, eight pillars, six columns, 4 double pillars, four Roman arches, four half circles, four small triangles, four double flats, two roof boards and two double units.
— “They don’t require minimums,” said Peg Scholtes, owner of Capitol Kids in Madison, Wis., when naming BEKA as a preferred vendor in fall 2008. Two other retailers, out of 52, also listed the company as a favorite. ( Watch Video) 11/20/2008 (Price: $158.00)

Frame-Ups by MEISSENBURG DESIGNS

There are more than a hundred frames to choose from, and all Frame-Ups can be customized per personal preference. Launch date: 2009. 11/13/2008 (Price: $45.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Dado Squares - Blues by FAT BRAIN TOY CO.

This modern construction set features 35 durable, plastics squares that measure 3" on each side and have notches on the sides that allow them to be connected. Children can build structures more than 3' high. 11/13/2008 (Price: $22.00)

Dado Squares - Ice by FAT BRAIN TOY CO.

This set of 35, 3" squares made of heavy-duty plastic can be used to build creations more than 3' tall. Launch date: 2008. 11/13/2008 (Price: $22.00)

MagnaColeraze™ Search-A-Word Coloring Puzzle by MAGNAPLAY

MagnaColeraze™ is a reusable “Color and Erase” coloring activity that helps children develop their creativity while they're having fun. These sheets let children color the pictures and solve the puzzle over and over again until they get them right.  The sheets are water proof, and have magnetic strips on them enabling their use with the MagnaKase while on the go. 11/3/2008 (Price: $15.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

MagnaKase™ Wooden Magnetic Dry Erase Activity Box by MAGNAPLAY

The MagnaKase™ Wooden Magnetic Activity Box is a sturdy wooden box with magnetic dry erase surfaces, and serves both as an activity board and storage case. The 11-3/4" x 9-1/4"x 2" box is made of renewable wood and has brass hinges and clasp. This MagnaKase has two magnetic surfaces and comes with two magnetic strips to secure the coloring pages. Activities sold separately. 11/3/2008 (Price: $34.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

MagnaPlay™ Magnetic Coloring Travel Set by MAGNAPLAY

This MagnaKase suits coloring activities while kids are on the go. Children can use the case top as a dry erase activity board. The set includes one MagnaKase, four double-sided Reusable Color and Erase coloring puzzle, two Magnet strips to secure coloring pages to the activity surface, six Foohy Washable dry erase markers six (Sanford Corp) and one sponge eraser. 11/3/2008 (Price: $35.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

MagnaKase™ Magnetic Dry Erase Activity Case by MAGNAPLAY

The MagnaKase™ Magnetic Activity Case is a sturdy plastic case with a magnetic dry erase surface and serves both as an activity board and storage case. The MagnaKase is an open-ended toy that, when combined with other MagnaPlay activities, allows children to engage in multiple activities in a short period of time.  Activities sold separately. 11/3/2008 (Price: $24.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Days of the Dinosaurs by LEARNING FUN WITH FELT

Step back into the alluring world of the dinosaurs. The colorful and dramatic illustrations make this felt play board a fun and educational activity that will captivate the attention of young children for hours. This product will encourage expression, exploration and creativity through play. Launch date: November 2008. 10/29/2008 (Price: $16.95)

All American Boy & Girl Games and Toys by CHANNEL CRAFT & DISTRIBUTION INC.

These retro classics will take you back to your childhood! There are four All American Boy Classics to choose from: Marbles, Knot Tying, Yo & Hardwood Throwing Top. And there are four All American Girl Pastimes to choose from: Jumbo Jacks, Skip Rope, Hopscotch and the Wonderball. Each comes with a 20-page handbook full of history, instructions and game techniques packaged in a recycled gift box. "All of our products are made in the USA," Jon Hogue, vice president of Channel Craft, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2008. 10/27/2008 (Price: $10.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Aerobie® Megatop™ Spinning Top by AEROBIE INC.

The Megatop is a perimeter-weighted, precision-built, high-performance throw top invented by Alan Adler, the famous inventor of Aerobie flying rings and other Aerobie high-performance sports toys. Using its quick launch accelerator, a skilled player can achieve 3,000+ RPM spin rates. Creative tricks and challenging games provide hours of fun. The Megatop is made in the USA. Launch date: October 2008. 10/27/2008 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Claresa's Fairy Treasure Stones for Boys by CLARESA THE FAIRY

Magical fairy dust reveals the fairy's treasure. Kids read Claresa's story of Fairy Treasure Stones, follow her instructions, and in the morning, the stone's treasure is revealed. The product is made in America. Claresa is "a fairy that is dedicated to bringing fun, imagination and quality into the lives of little fairy believers. Claresa has the highest standards because she believes they are an extension of her and a representation the fairy world," Clare Grindy, owner of Claresa the Fairy: Authentic Fairy Gifts, told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 11, 2003. 10/27/2008 (Price: $5.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

"Gindelwald Winter Sport" Wooden Jigsaw Puzzle by LIBERTY PUZZLES

Large size classic wooden jigsaw puzzle, measuring 13" x 18.5"; 496 pieces.  Heirloom quality puzzle featuring dozens of winter-related and other figural pieces.  Vintage Swiss Alps ski poster.  Liberty Puzzles offers over 200 different puzzle images, from fine art to vintage prints and posters. 9/24/2008 (Price: $105.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

"Wizard of Oz" Wooden Jigsaw Puzzle by LIBERTY PUZZLES

Children's classic wooden jigsaw puzzle, measuring 9" x 12"; 104 pieces.  Heirloom quality puzzle featuring numerous figural pieces.  Part of our Little Liberty puzzle line, designed with larger pieces for children's skill level. 9/24/2008 (Price: $39.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]