May 2009 New Specialty Toys — All

The Dumbell Rattle is handcrafted in wood and colored with natural, vegetable-based dyes. It makes gentle sounds, is safe for babies, and is made by Channapatna artisans in India. The craft is over two centuries old and is made in locally available, sustainable (Hale) wood. The toy is in compliance with the ASTM F963 Safety Standard. Earthentree Toys has been awarded the Baby Planners' Seal of approval and featured as one of Mothering Magazine's "Best Natural Toys of 2008." "The shiny gloss comes from natural 'Shellac' resin. The Shellac used is allnatural and hypoallergenic; it is an excellent product for use around children [or] chemically-sensitive or allergic individuals," Deepti Shankar, president of Earthentree Toys, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2008.

The Incredible Treasure Hunt Party Games are themed Treasure Hunt Party Kits that come complete with a beautiful wooden treasure chest, a set of themed clues, eight party invitations, and eight prize-filled loot bags containing more than 60 themed prizes. They are designed to offer everything parents need to host a fun and exciting party. There are three steps to set-up. First, hide the clues and treasure chest in the designated areas found on the Secret Hiding Places Guide prior to the party. Next, gather the party-goers around, and then, read the first clue aloud to start the Incredible Treasure Hunt. "The real wooden chest is a substantial and attractive piece that sets it apart from other games, and the cute characters, clever clues and multiple themes to choose from make it unique," Lisa Howard, CEO of Party Innovations, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

These natural wood construction sets are made using wood from sustainable forest management practices and are packaged in a cotton duck canvas bag. There are also sets in canisters and tubs to make cabins, forts and treehouses. The interlocking pieces require no tools and provide hours of safe and educational fun. The sets are made in the USA. Launch date: 2008.

Bamboo Sunshine Dollhouse is constructed of sustainable bamboo and includes a working solar panel in the roof.  An adjustable, fully operational solar panel absorbs light energy and transfers it to four rechargeable batteries through wiring in the walls, just like in a real house. This energy then lights five LEDs to brighten three rooms of the house with just a push of a button. A light, water-based stain is used on the bamboo and then polished with beeswax. This dollhouse comes fully furnished with nine rooms of bamboo furniture and a modern family of five. "The three-level home is the first dollhouse to offer eco-friendly materials with contemporary designs and modern technology, satisfying both a parent's interest in green products and a child's fascination with role play," Robin Lehnert, marketing manager at Hape, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

This 8" fairy doll is available in three different dress colors and has wings on her back.

This Felt Tales play set includes 19 soft, safe pieces that allow children to create colorful scenes on the portable board that includes a carry handle. It measures 15" W x 12" H. Launch date: 2009.

This stain-resistant, machine-washable lunch bag is made of sturdy neoprene, which also acts to insulate and cushion contents. The lightweight bag measures 12" L x 10" W x 6" D and has interior pockets, cushioned handles, and wide zipper openings for accessibility.

This recycled cuff bracelet features two rows to display colorful, snap-on Shains letters and icons. The cuff is available in black, blue, concrete, earth, grass, orchid, pink, poppy, red, sky, sun and vanilla shades. This set includes each letter of the alphabet along with seven icons.

From the Toasty Barnyard Collection, this plush pig has a herb and flaxseed filling and is designed to deliver heat and cold therapy by being warmed in the microwave or placed in the freezer. Launch date: 2007.

This soft, plush duck functions as a source of heat and cold therapy. It can be warmed in the microwave to deliver heat therapy, or frozen to provide cold therapy for up to 2 hours. Launch date: 2007.

This little baby doll with a big smile is made in the USA of 100-percent phthalate-free material.

This firefighter themed toothbrush holder is a stand to place one's toothbrush. A two-minute sand timer is included to help ensure kids brush their teeth for a full two minutes. Toothbrush not included.

This police officer themed toothbrush holder is a stand to place one's toothbrush. A two-minute sand timer is included to help ensure kids brush their teeth for a full two minutes. Toothbrush not included.

A collection of bracelets and necklaces in a wide variety of color options.

These colorful accessories come in assorted colors and designs to match the outfit of the day. Accessories include rings, clips, and ponytail straps.

Use this letter frame to personalize a person's room with their name. Letters are available in assorted colors and designs.

The Aero Racer is described by Kettler as a “Racecar engineered to scale to kids.” The design is sporty and made for speed, but the dual hand brakes and oversized anti-slip pedals are made for safety. It also comes equipped with a lever to switch to freewheel coasting, and carries a one-year manufacturer's warranty. Launch date: January 2009.

The Pocket Mod is a classic rider with a new twist — the pink decoration and streamers. Just like the other Pocket Mods, this version carries up to 170 lbs., including the rider and the storage compartment in the seat. It can travel up to 10 miles on a single charge. Launch date: Spring 2009.

Aurora is commemorating Lamb Chop’s 50th Anniversary with its special edition puppet (15” MSRP $13.99), closely fashioned after the original Lamb Chop that caught the eyes of millions of viewers. The larger brown eyelashes, more prominent nose, and ribbed white sweater with three red buttons are a reminder of the Lamb Chop who have kept us laughing for more than 50 years.

Aurora released an adorable Bush Baby that retailers couldn’t keep on shelves. Now there are four more styles available, in vivid colors, and each of them makes funny sounds when squeezed. The bean filled plush animals (8”, MSRP: $6.99) have big ears, long tails and wide eyes and colors include Violet, Hot Pink, Turquoise and Lime Green.

Eco-friendly plush is generally double or triple the cost of its non-green counterparts. However, Aurora’s soybean based eco-plush line, which won a BabyZone.com Amazing Toy Award, retains quality without compromising affordability. Varying from 7.5 to 12 inches, suggested retail prices range from $15.99 - $39.99, respectively. The line includes arctic and endangered animals like polar bears, penguins and pandas, as well as jungle animals such as gorillas, monkeys, elephants and hippos.

Jazzy, a cuddly lion featuring long curly locks of hair, is one of the most adored characters from Aurora’s line of Flopsies. Kids love hugging and squeezing this beautiful ten inch, free-standing plush lion. For 2009, three vivid and colorful additions — called Mop Tops — are joining Jazzy’s “den” -- also ten inches in size, the violet, turquoise and pink assortment make sound when squeezed. Kids and tweens will appreciate choosing from the colorful options to match their personal style.

For the award winning category, Baby Talk, Aurora has released two new items for 2009 including My First Pet and My First Tool Kit. The plush carriers (6 inches in size) are easy for children to carry with them. Included in each carrier are four related plush characters (two to four inches depending on the character). Each plays a sound and has its corresponding name embroidered on the side, which teaches learning and development by association of words, shapes and sounds.

Aurora’s best-selling product and a favorite of kids and adults alike, Flopsies come in a variety of sizes, from mini 8” flopsies to standard 12” and 14.5” flopsies and 28” “super flopsies.” Best of all, Flopsies cover all the most popular creatures of the animal kingdom. Favorite jungle dwellers are on hand, parrots, tigers, zebras lions and elephants, as are those furry inhabitants of the forest such as woodchucks, meerkats, and otters. Many of the creatures that call the sea their home along with household pets are also included in the large collection. All styles are bean-filled and incorporate only lock washer or embroidered eyes for safety.