April 2011 New Specialty Toys — Gifts

Owl jewelry is hot for Summer 2011! Each pendant measures 2.25” in height, and hangs on an adjustable black slider cord necklace.

Brand new for Spring 2011, this rhinestone crown necklace is a hot selling item. Enjoy an assortment of different colored pendants within each dozen, including clear, pink, and assorted. Many other crown necklace styles can be found on the Cool Jewels® website.

Brand new to the Cool Jewels® line, this mermaid necklace comes in an assortment of pink, blue, and purple within each dozen. Each pendant hangs on an adjustable silver snake chain necklace.

Each adorable turtle necklace hangs on an adjustable silver ball chain necklace. Rhinestones surround the pendant, and each dozen comes with pink, purple, and blue assorted colors. This item is perfect for any souvenir locations, including aquariums and beach shops.

This hardcover picture book by Hallie Durand tells the story of Mitchell, who hates going to bed. Or at least, he does until he gets a license to drive there. Mitchell's car turns, honks, and can go really fast, but it's a little different than other cars- it's his Dad. This adorable story is illustrated by Tony Fucile, an animator who has worked on such films as The Lion King and The Incredibles. Mitchell learns how to drive his "car" and things go smoothly- until car and driver disagree on what sort of fuel they need.

Daisy Dawson is a normal girl, except for one thing- she can talk to animals. In this, the fourth book from Steve Voake about Daisy, she spends the summer at the beach.  Daisy makes friends with two rabbits and a crab, but when they band together to save a dolphin, it's Daisy and the rabbits who end up needing rescue. The 88-page chapter book will keep elementary grade readers interested with black and white illustrations by Jessica Meserve on every page.

This soft plush monkey with super sweet face is perfect for hugging. "Features velcro hands," Valerie Henderson, administrative assistant at Lambs & Ivy, told TDmonthly.

These unique Bath to Go gifts are perfect for baby’s bath. Each design includes a hooded towel with appliqué, three squirt toys, two wash cloths and a re-useable bath bucket. The terry cloth is 100% Cotton and the squirt toys are baby safe.

Meet brother and sister Momo and Mimi. These cute plush monkeys come together with Momo holding little Mimi. "The monkeys feature brightly colored striped socks," Valerie Henderson, administrative assitant at Lambs & Ivy, told TDmonthly.

Meet Sock the Zebra. With his super soft plush and sweet face, anyone is sure to love cuddling with Socks. Launch date: 2011.

Meet Bubbles and Squirt, two adorable and fun fish from under the sea. These sweet fish come together as a set with their brightly colored embroidery and super soft plush fabric. Launch date: 2011.

All-in-one pillow+mat+blanket. An easy solution for daycare, Preschool, travel, Grandma’s house or just any time a little one needs to relax. This easy to carry mat that is colorful and versatile. Easy to roll up, has Velcro closures and a carry handle. There is also a name tag included. Comes in three different styles.

Sunny BeadZ Jewelry features color-changing beads that are white indoors and instantly change to color in the sun, the stronger the UV rays the brighter the color. Skin cancer rates are skyrocketing, (1 in 5 Americans diagnosed annually). Often some of the worst sun damage occurs on cloudy summer days when the UV rays are just as strong but the temperature is cool, but Sunny BeadZ alerts the wearer to the strength of the rays. Sunny BeadZ Necklaces, bracelets and key-rings featuring both permanent-color beads & charms as well as UV beads, and all are made in the USA. Launch date: 2011.

Each member of the Piggy Wiggies family comes with a name and a lovable little story. Each Piggy is a hand-crafted plush made from socks. There are also mini Piggy Wiggies. Launch date: February 2011.

Shake, rattle and hold...these Silly Buddies now all come as pacifier holders and a rattle has been added to each. Machine wash and tumble dry. Size: 10"

Blossom is a soft, pink velour bunny. Her extra long arms make it easy to tie her on the side of a crib or atop the perfect baby gift. Machine wash and tumble dry. Size: 10"

Plush bunny with soft blue velour blanket lined and edged in silky satin. Blanket is open in the back for easier snuggling. "Best Friends Indeed" embroidery. Machine wash & tumble dry. Size: 16"

Easily take playtime to bedtime with Mimicking Monkey. Mimicking Monkey’s unique dual track voiceover option allows parents to record personal messages along with each sound to personalize their child’s play, relax or bedtime environment. Familiar voices and soothing sounds can help children achieve a more peaceful, deeper sleep. Caregivers can record a soothing message to their child to help ease separation anxiety. Mimicking Monkey features include: Plays three unique sounds - Monkey fun, angel falls, lullaby; Records voices over all sound options; 30 minute sleep timer; Velcro hands for securing to cribs and strollers; 2 AA batteries included; Illustrated storybook and adoption certificate.
— As of 05/27/2011 this product had 3.3 out of 5 stars from 3 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Cute; users liked the recording features; on an automatic timer so it doesn't stay on all night. Cons: one user said the monkey excessively shed its fur.

These Sticky Mosaics Singles are the party-sized answer for a rainy afternoon or long car ride. With no mess, these small, portable kits are simple and fun for both boys and girls. Each includes 1 project, 1 wall hanger and over 400 sparkling tiles and jewels. Follow a simple numbered legend and create a beautiful mosaic with Sticky Mosaics singles. "Perfect for travel, stocking stuffers and party favors, Sticky Mosaics Singles are the perfect size for a quick craft on a rainy day or surprise gift for a special little girl or boy," Stephanie Carver from The Orb Factory told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 2011.

These Sticky Mosaics Singles are the party-sized answer for a rainy afternoon or long car ride. With no mess, these small, portable kits are simple and fun for both boys and girls. Each includes 1 project, 1 wall hanger and over 400 sparkling tiles and jewels. Follow a simple numbered legend and create a beautiful mosaic with Sticky Mosaics singles. "Perfect for travel, stocking stuffers and party favors, Sticky Mosaics Singles are the perfect size for a quick craft on a rainy day or surprise gift for a special little girl or boy," Stephanie Carver from The Orb Factory told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 2011.

These Sticky Mosaics Singles are the party-sized answer for a rainy afternoon or long car ride. With no mess, these small, portable kits are simple and fun for both boys and girls. Each includes 1 project, 1 wall hanger and over 400 sparkling tiles and jewels. Follow a simple numbered legend and create a beautiful mosaic with Sticky Mosaics singles. "Perfect for travel, stocking stuffers and party favors, Sticky Mosaics Singles are the perfect size for a quick craft on a rainy day or surprise gift for a special little girl or boy," Stephanie Carver from The Orb Factory told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 2011.

Sticky Mosaics Tropical Friends comes with 4 sparkling projects, 4 plastic wall hangers and over 2300 sparkling tiles and jewel pieces. Follow a simple numbered legend and stick on the colorful tiles and jewels to create a stunning masterpiece every time. This no mess, no fuss kit features colorful chameleons, hopping tree frogs and curious geckos. "Sticky Mosaics are not just crafts; they are works of art!  Just because a craft is completed doesn't mean the fun is done; display these mosaic masterpieces for years to come with the special wall hangers included in each kit," Stephanie Carver, from The Orb Factory, told TDmonthly.

Sticky Mosaics Owl Pals comes with 4 sparkling projects, 4 plastic wall hangers and over 2500 sparkling tiles and jewel pieces. Follow a simple numbered legend and stick on the colorful tiles and jewels to create a stunning masterpiece every time. This no mess, no fuss kit features little owls peeking out of trees, snuggling under the moonlight and reading a book. "Sticky Mosaics are not just crafts; they are works of art!  Just because a craft is completed doesn't mean the fun is done; display these mosaic masterpieces for years to come with the special wall hangers included in each kit," Stephanie Carver, from The Orb Factory, told TDmonthly.
— Retailers surveyed by TDmonthly have been naming The Orb Factory's Sticky Mosaics kits as a best-selling line since 2009.
— In late Spring 2011, 25% of retailers surveyed said Sticky Mosaics were their best-selling line of activity kits.

Sticky Mosaics Ocean Princess comes with 4 sparkling projects, 4 plastic wall hangers and over 2100 sparkling tiles and jewel pieces. Follow a simple numbered legend and stick on the colorful tiles and jewels. This no mess, no fuss kit features our underwater Princess with her fishy friends and submerged palace. "Sticky Mosaics are not just crafts; they are works of art!  Just because a craft is completed doesn't mean the fun is done; display these mosaic masterpieces for years to come with the special wall hangers included in each kit," Stephanie Carver, from The Orb Factory, told TDmonthly.
— In a January 2012 survey about arts and crafts toys, Kelly Boone, manager of The Elephant's Trunk in Greenville, S.C., told TDmonthly that "Orb Factory's Sticky Mosaics, specifically Ocean Princess," are best selling arts and crafts items. They sell 10-12 each month.