January 2009 New Specialty Toys — All

The Marine Life Grow-a-Head assortment includes goldfish, crab, penguin, leopard and tiger styles. Kids just add water and watch them grow "hair," or grass. It's a "great educational tool with info about plant biology, seed germination and more," Lori Wrubel, national sales manager for Sourcing International LLC, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

This fun camouflage pen hooks onto a belt loop or backpack. It comes in assorted colors.

Designed for children who are accustomed to saying, "Five more minutes, please," or interpret "right now" to mean at the commercial break, The My Time Activities Timer helps children complete tasks in a timely manner, self-monitor their leisure activities, and take more responsibility to manage their time. Features include Main Activity icon buttons (TV Time, Video Game Time, Computer Time) and a customizable interchangeable button (far right button on timer). The timer is easy to set up and use, and comes with instructions for pre-programming. "This product is ideal for children who need that extra help to limit their exposure to too much TV, video games and computer time, but also encourages [them] to spend more time reading, practicing music [and] doing physical activities," Veronique Bella, owner of My TIme Timer LLC, told TDmonthly. The timer requires 2 AAA batteries. It received a 2008 Seal of Approval from The National Parenting Center. Launch date: 2008.

Featuring famous “firsts” in African American history — Barack Obama, Bessie Coleman, Oscar Micheaux, Rebecca Lee Crumpler and Toni Morrison — this kit is both a fun craft activity and an inspired teaching resource. It contains the following: five blank corrugated bodies, 10 blank arms and legs, five blank heads, five themed faces, five sticks, 20 fasteners, five sheets of decorative paper, 50ml of glue, easy to follow directions and synopses of included historical figures. Completed stick puppets stand 14" tall and have movable arms and legs. "Our product features famous "firsts" in African American History, including President-Elect Barack Obama!" Tiger Kandel, president of Tigercandy Arts, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

This cool and hip food-themed bib has a 100-percent cotton fabric front and soft and absorbent towel backing. It is handcrafted in the USA of all new materials, and the backing is made from repurposed towel remnants from the company's hooded towel collection, resulting in less landfill waste. Fabrics inclue Sushi, Pizza, Ice-cream and Melon. "The TAKE-me-OUT bib, by Frog Kiss Designs strives to help the environment one small step at a time," Owner and Designer Ruta Leonard of Frog Kiss Designs told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 20, 2008.

This adventure of good, old-fashioned fun features an upbeat collection of songs by Michael Plunkett that moves children from high-energy action to quiet-time. The songs are easy-to-sing and memorable, and offer valuable early learning opportunities, as well as activities that encourage creative movement and imaginative play. There’s also attention to building relationships, eating healthy foods, hygiene, manners and more. Shenanigans is great for the family to share, as well as a special resource for schools and libraries. "It offers a music style and lyrics that today's kids can relate to, and adults will also enjoy," Elaine Murphy, director of sales and marketing for Kimbo Educational, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2008.

Polliwalks' fun and colorful fish-shaped sandals feature squishy fishy lips that change from white to purple when exposed to UV rays. They are also waterproof, lightweight, super comfy, incredibly easy to clean, and easy for little ones to put on and take off by themselves. Polliwalks' Fish Lips Sandals have built in arch support, a deep heel cup and a removable back strap for a great fit. As with all Polliwalks' shoes, they leave a trail of fun footprints behind when kids step in firm sand, dirt or water. "Polliwalks has created a whole new category for children's shoes: Toys for Feet!" Cheryl Andonian, co-founder of Polliwalks, told TDmonthly. Launch date: December 2008.

"Moey’s Music Party" is a 17-song CD with fun songs that entertain and educate children — and get parents dancing, too. The songs are about manners, sharing, listening to parents, getting dressed, tasting sushi, and being a kid in New York City. They were inspired by award-winning, Off-Broadway songwriter Melissa Levis's (aka Moey’s) own experiences as a mother. “I Gotta Go Potty” was her son’s potty training mantra, and “Pierre Wouldn’t Wash His Hair” was her solution to his six-month hair-washing strike. The CD is a winner of Dr. Toy's Best Vacation Product 2008. Launch date: June 2008.

PakNaks are decorative accessories that transform plain backpacks, bags and other stuff into personalized, ever-changing, colorful works of art. With more than 40 designs that are interchangeable, weather resistant and quickly and easily adhere (no ironing, sewing or pinning!), PakNak makes changing style easy, especially since they stick on with super-strong, custom, self-adhesive Velcro. PakNaks make terrific birthday party giveaways, tooth fairy leave-behinds, incentives, gifts, luggage identifiers and more. The newest designs are made from recycled plastic and are phthalate free. Launch date: January 8, 2007.

There are two sizes and two styles of Quiltis — bouquets of fresh color in hand-picked designer fabrics. Quilti Dogs are 12" and There are four prints of 12" Quilti Dogs and three prints of 9" Quilti Horses. Mini Quilti Dogs and Horses are called "Lil' Buds." There are three prints of each. Amaryllis is a bright crimson paisley with coordinating striped mane and chest. "There is a freshness in the fabric and the design that is very desirable. The Quiltis are gently weighted so they flop anywhere," Erika Radich, marketing manager for Douglas, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 6, 2009.
— Tim Hayes, owner of Learning Express in Sudbury, Mass., named Douglas as a preferred vendor in fall 2008 because they are “local, high quality and [have] good turnover.” One other retailer, out of 52, also pinpointed Douglas as a favorite supplier.

Two to 36 players match color photographs of rocks, minerals and gemstones with relating trivia facts or physical/chemical properties. With two levels of play, students will unearth three rock types and dust off some interesting trivia. The game involves practice with 70 different rocks, minerals and gemstones and includes color game boards, calling cards, plastic markers and an instructional guide. It teaches the physical characteristics of rocks and minerals, the rock cycle, and the characteristics, uses and names of rocks, minerals and gemstones. "All our games offer multiple levels of play and are aligned with national standards. They are made with the needs of every learner in mind," Alyssa Brown, product development manager for World Class Learning Materials, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

These personalized, fun retro boxes come in 12 boy and 12 girl designs. Custom designs are available on request. The boxes measures approximately 8" x 7" x 4". Each has a waterproof vinyl label. Launch date: August 3, 2008.

This pre-colored, walk-in cardboard castle is designed for children to climb in, crawl in, play in, and decorate inside and out. It is beautiful, sturdy and offers lots of room for play and even storage, with secret compartments in the towers. The slot-and-groove system makes it easy to build, and it's made in Germany from extra-durable, lightweight white cardboard. The castle measures approximately 41" x 41" x 49". "[It's] better than any regular playhouse because children can color it and play with it," Martina McConnon, owner of Creative Toyshop, told TDmonthly. "You can build this castle in three different configurations depending on what space you have available." Launch date: 2008.

The Wildlife Animals Grow-A-Head Collection includes five styles: parrot, elephant, panda, leopard and tiger. Kids can just add water and watch them grow. Launch date: 2009.

This beautiful nap mat is for the "girly girl" that not only appreciates plush comfort with the highest quality luxury minky fabrics, but also custom designed appliqué work and embroidery in the theme of the perfect day in Paris — with the Eiffel Tower and adorable French Poodle. The plush blanket is attached to a soft, comfortable, quilted nap mat. Also attached is the satin pillow, enveloped in a soft pink minky fabric pillowcase. It folds and rolls up easily to form its own beautiful bag with shoulder straps, making it fun and easy to take to Grandma’s or to a sleepover. "Napping or overnight parties have never been so easy for young children, with the plush sleeping mat, blanket and pillow all attached," President Jamee Mionie of Cavichi told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 30, 2008.

These mini suede duffle bags are perfect for keys, coins and other small items. "Each bag is handmade and available in 13 distinct, unique colors of suede," Juniper Guerrero, owner of Tigo Gifts Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

Picture Pockets are inexpensive hanging photo/artwork display galleries that have proved incredibly popular with children and adults alike, for many years, all over the world. Kids love seeing themselves in photos on the wall and seeing their artwork, placed by their teachers. Picture Pockets can be hung in nurseries, kitchens, bedrooms, offices and schools, and used to record happy events, such as births, weddings, holidays, anniversaries or retirements. "Picture Pocket photos are kept clean and undamaged, continually on display, and are easily interchangeable. As soon as you fancy a change, just turn the Picture Pocket over to reveal up to 80 more photos," Director Jon Goldsmith of Clever Little Ideas Ltd., told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2008.

This new line is "the next best thing to bare feet" for children ages 1 to 5+ years. Available in EU sizes 20-29 (U.S. children's sizes 6-12), pediped Flex is perfect for children that have outgrown pediped Originals and are ready for the next stage. There are more than 30 adorable Flex styles, including larger versions of many pediped Originals. "They are the only toddler shoes with the Flex Fit system. An additional insole is included with every pair. Put the additional insole in the shoe when it is first bought, [and] when the shoe feels too snug on the child's foot, remove the additional insole and the shoe will have an added half-size of wear," Diane Edgeworth, marketing coordinator for pediped footwear, told TDmonthly. This product received an APMA Seal of Acceptance and a 2007 National Parenting Center Seal of Approval. Launch date: 2009.

From the leader in language instructional videos for children, Language Tree introduces Italian to kids in a way that engages them from start to finish. Blending 3D animation, sing-along songs and interactive games, this DVD clearly demonstrates conversational Italian used in everyday situations. Topics include meeting and greeting, counting, colors, eating and playing. "To enable children to learn faster, we employ a unique methodology,the Multi-Cognition Approach, developed by a Stanford University PhD in Cognitive Sciences. Our DVDs also makes learning fun by incorporating 3D animation, original sing-along songs and interactive, remote-control games," Ana Leung, president of Language Tree, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 6, 2007.

Shains Bracelets are part of the Shains line of fashion accessories and an easy way to begin stylizing one's own fashion. Comes with the full alphabet and seven icons. Available in a variety of colors. Shains are cool, recycled fashion accessories that empower people of all ages to make their own statements — and change them anytime. "Shains are unique in using recycled materials and in their cool colors and new product selections, including unique ponytail holders and backpack keyclips," Owner Ewa Martinoff of Shainsware told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2008.

This handcrafted toy box is available in three colors: natural oak, dark cherry and espresso. The child's name is laser engraved into the front panel for a beautiful effect. The customer also has an option to add a solid aromatic cedar base to the chest for a cedar chest application. The customer can choose from countless designs and font options. This toy chest comes with two lid supports for safety. "Nobody on the planet personalizes toy boxes like we do," President Bob Beck of Wood Creations told TDmonthly. Launch date: 1999.

KAUZBOTS is passionate about inspiring kids and adults to change the world — one kause at a time. Each 18” plush toy robot is handcrafted by a human and passionate about a specific kause. For each KAUZBOT (or accompanying apparel) purchased, 10 percent of the retail price is donated to the kauze that is close to that robot’s heart. More than just a cool robot, KAUZBOTS inspire action and support kauses. Launch date: December 2008.
— Clifford Jackson, manager of The Wizard's Chest in Denver, Colo., told TDmonthly in July 2010 that his store sold about a dozen KAUZBOTS over the last month.

This high-quality, framed nursery art makes for a personalized keepsake. Launch date: 2004.

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.