February 2009 New Specialty Toys — All

The Vamos Kids product line is designed to introduce the Spanish language to toddlers and preschoolers through the use of toys and audio CDs while interacting with a parent. Launch date: November 2008.

JAMLiBs are reusable accessories for kids to decorate and customize their Perler® and fused-bead creations. JAMLiBs open the door to another level of creativity and fun. There are many varieties of JAMLiBs, including jewels of all shapes, sizes and colors, googly eyes, colorful dots and word tabs. They can even be hung on a refrigerator with one of the super magnets. "The patent-pending reusable fastener that allows you to decorate your fused-bead designs is the only such product available. This craft for creative kids will open their minds and offer hours of creativity and entertainment," Brad Wilcox, managing director of JAMLiBs, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 15, 2009.

With over 50 mazes, word find, connect the dots and pictures to color, the Giant Activity Tablecloth allows for multiple child play. The tablecloth comes with six washable markers, but can work with any washable maker. It is completely machine washable. Launch date: February 15, 2009.

On the iPlay Sizzlin' Stove, food sizzles on the grill, simmers in the pan, and pot bubbles on the stove. Also, the "burners" can be turned on and off. Sizzlin' Stove includes four cooking utensils, salt and pepper, spaghetti pot, frying pan, shrimp, fish and steak. "Unlike most kitchen sets that stand up on the floor, the Sizzlin' Stove is a fun table-top option," Nicole Tiedemann, PR account executive for International Playthings, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 15, 2009.

The adorable, washable, water-safe Scrub-A-Dub Doggies come in two styles: Cocker Spaniel and Dalmatian. The washable ears, matching bathrobe and squirter accessory will have children "begging" for bathtime. "Children can pretend what it would be like to give a real dog a bath, and afterward, can slide the lever from side to side to see the puppy shake the water off its head," Nicole Tiedemann, PR account executive for International Playthings, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 15, 2009.

The VikingToys Cute Cars Mom & Baby Assortment feature cute big "Mom" and small "Baby" car sets in four different themes: Frog, Pig, Cat and Bear. Featuring new colors, VikingToys are sized just right for little hands, and their smooth, soft edges are safe for teething toddlers. "VikingToys Cute Cars are designed to be safe for young children to mouth. They are sanitary, allowing for top dishwasher rack cleaning. Additionally, they are made of soft, pliable plastic with smooth, round forms," Nicole Tiedemann, PR account executive for International Playthings, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 15, 2009.

Baby's first camera encourages "digital" exploration. Press the button on the top of TAGGIES Smile! Camera and hear a shutter noise, while if you spin the mirrored lens, you'll hear a "click." There is room for a photo in the back, and it comes with a locking link. "TAGGIES' vibrant colors, materials and ribbons make this TAGGIES Smile! Camera a visually and tactilely stimulating toy for baby. Given the importance of pretend play in baby's life, the TAGGIES Smile! Camera is a great first toy for all of the future photo-lovers," Nicole Tiedemann, PR account executive for International Playthings, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 15, 2009.

These electronic feeding bowls make fun animal sounds as baby eats. The bowl is activated by the "magic spoon" and makes one of four sounds each time the spoon leaves the bowl. "The feeding bowl is dishwasher safe. Also, a large suction cup holds the base firmly in place, making it great for self-feeding," Nicole Tiedemann, PR account executive for International Playthings, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 15, 2009.

This six-piece playset is full of activity. Each food features a different texture and crinkles, jingles or chimes. It is ideal for fill-and-spill and take-along fun. "Often times, play fruit and veggie items are made of rubber or plastic; however the Lil' Shopper playset features soft, squeezable fabrics with stimulating textures and sounds," Nicole Tiedemann, PR account executive for International Playthings, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 15, 2009.

Follow history in the making with our 44th President. Each card in this 510-card deck identifies an actual campaign promise made by Obama, and provides background information on the impact of the promise. This deck is an ideal starting point for lively debates, discussions and classroom activities. Compiled by reporters and researchers at Politifact.com, this deck can be used interactively to track the progress of each promise. It is made in the USA. Launch date: March 2008.

This tent features four large, closeable windows and door for ventilation and easy viewing by parents, a 58”x45” floor size that easily accommodates several children and their toys, an attached porch that shades the door and gives a little one somewhere to kick back and relax after a hard day, and fiberglass poles that go together easily to make set-up quick. It is designed to be used inside or outside and can keep children busy for hours. The floorless design makes clean up easy, and the home comes with carry bags for the poles and tent and stakes. It is made from durable and fire-retardant coated polyester to last for years. "We design each tent, tunnel and play house to be large enough for more than one child to play in. All of our products are evaluated and tested by seasoned professionals before hitting the open market," CEO Joe Robey of Gigatent told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

These are cuckoo clocks with a delightful twist. On the hour, a wacky farm or jungle character pops out of the doors and sounds with a "moo," "neigh," "bawk," etc. These funny clocks are ideal as children’s clocks or for young-at-heart adults. Coo clocks are usable as wall clocks or mantle clocks. The product was named Gift of the Year 2004 - Best Gift for Kids from the UK Giftware Association. Launch date: September 2002.

This program introduces students to professionals who have chosen to work in the visual arts and related fields. The thirteen careers described and visually illustrated include Architect, Art Educator, Fashion Designer, Framer, Gallery Owner, Graphic Designer, Industrial Designer, Interior Designer, Metal Sculptor, Painter, Photographer, Publication Designer and Urban Planner. "Each career is introduced in a concise manner," President Amy Woodworth of Crystal Productions told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 16, 2009.

Claim your fortune! Twenty different Ancient Coins of unique design await your skill, luck and desire. As player’s strategies unfold, the quantity of each Coin continues to build. The temptation to claim each Coin increases as well – but don’t claim too soon, yet don’t wait too long! Players strive to claim as many of each coin as possible. As they play their cards to matching quantities of coins, their claim to their fortune begins. Sounds easy, but players encounter a few twists along the way...and a challenging strategy unfolds. Game play 30-40 minutes. Launch date: April 15, 2009.

Get hooked on this card game of big fish and even bigger fish tales. Cast a lure card from your tackle box, then pick from your opponents' cards in hopes of landing the big one. Will you be able to see through their bluffs or will you get stuck with a soggy old boot? Reel in the most fish and you're the master angler. But catch only junk and you'll be left telling a story about the one that got away. Launch date: March 2009.
— Gamewright games were listed as top sellers by Shana Hack, owner of Moon Rabbit Toys in Santa Fe, N.M., in June 2009.

Imagine if a bakery merged with barber shop. What would you call the new business? Bread Heads? ... Cookie Cutters? ... How about Shave 'n Cream? Think up these and other creative answers in this hilarious party game where naming is the name of the game. Randomly select two different business cards and then try to come up with a clever name for their unlikely merger. If your name wins the most votes, you're the boss. Game includes 200 business cards, 8 write-erase boards, 8 write-erase markers, 8 voting wheels, 2 card stands, 1 sand timer, 1 score board and instructions. Launch date: March 2009.

It's a rolling polar bear jam. Roll the colored dice to collect high-scoring polar bears from the rink. Roll doubles to trip up opponents or "Free Skate" to take your pick of the pack. But press your luck too far and you may wind up flat on your face. The player with the most points skates away with the victory. Launch date: March 2009.

Players race to the photo finish in this dice game that plays out in a flash. They quickly roll their dice to match the characters on the photo booth cards. When a player matches a pair, he or she must shout "Cheese!" and collect the card. Once a player has won all the cards, he or she is picture perfect. "Say Cheese is a fast-paced, unique game that combines dice and cards to create a fun and playful enviornment," Michael Masseur, account executive at Aigner/Prensky Marketing, told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 2009.

Primo the Monkey was happily asleep until his friends swung by for a surprise pajama party. Help Primo chase away the primate pranksters by flipping and swapping cards in numerical order. Watch out for elephants and giraffes who want to crash in on the fun. And if you're lucky, draw a wild monkey card to clear out the room in one clean sweep. The first player to stop the monkey mayhem and get Primo back to bed wins. Game includes 55 cards and instructions. Launch date: March 2009.

The clock glows green signaling to children that it is now okay to wake up. Great for parents who want to maximize their available sleeping time. This clock features the flower faceplate.

The clock glows green signaling to children that it is now okay to wake up. Great for parents who want to maximize their available sleeping time. This clock features the bug faceplate.

Bling by Number Wall Art sets feature pre-printed designs on stretched canvas and come with glitter glue and sparkly "bling" to complete the artwork. Launch date: March 2009.

The tool set includes 11 cookie cutters (turtle, frog, squirrel, dragonfly, moon, star, sun, leaf, butterfly, heart and cloud) and a wooden rolling pin is a perfect accessory for softdough.  The parts are all sized for small hands.

Ideal for both indoor and outdoor play, ZARTZ feature a safe, SOFTEK foam suction cup that sticks to windows, metal, walls, asphalt or nearly anything with a smooth surface. The self-releasing suction cup allows the ZARTZ to fall just a few seconds after adhering to a ceiling or other hard-to-reach place. ZARTZ are available in 7" and 9" forms, and come packaged in a durable carry case. There's also a Fun Pack that includes two hand-target catchers and a 9" ZART, which can be launched as far as 100'. Launch date: 2009.
— “The Zing Air Zartz are really good right now,” Emily Bieritz, manager of My Favorite Toy Store in Downers Grove, Ill., told TDmonthly in June 2009 when asked about her best-selling gift for boys.
— “Zartz are definitely No. 1,” said Steve Banducci, owner of Games Unlimited in Danville, Calif., when TDmonthly asked about his best-selling sports and outdoor items in March 2010. Banducci reported sales of at least one Zartz per day.
— Four of 37 retailers surveyed in spring 2010 listed Zing as their top-selling brand of outdoor products.

Past videos: WTHRA 2009