June 2009 New Specialty Toys — Wooden Toys

This maple wood toy recycling truck is finish-free and measures about 4" long. It includes the word "recycling" and portrays sorting bins for glass, plastic and paper.

German company Holztiger uses native maple and beech woods and water-based paints and sealants in the construction of its wooden toys, such as this giraffe that is one in a collection of many wildlife animal figurines.
— Holztiger wooden animals were recognized as top sellers by Candace Gooch, owner of At Once All Agog in Limerick, Maine, in spring 2009.

Tiny tots will enjoy putting the layers of auto back into place with this wooden puzzle. Launch date: Early 2009.

The driving age has been lowered to 18 months with these mini racers and the maple plywood switchback track. Kids can compete to see who has the fastest car. Launch date: Early 2009.

Kids 18 months and older can use these wooden stacking blocks to learn colors, numbers and letters and more! Launch date: Early 2009.

Little kids can practice whipping up nutritional meals with this wooden cook station. Launch date: Early 2009.

Made of treated rubber wood and painted with non-toxic, lead-free paints, these teaching aids are designed for use in the home and at Montessori schools. Launch date: February 2, 1973.

Made from all-natural wood and watercolor-based paints, and packaged in recycled material, this activity walker includes a block puzzle, working gears, wire beads, a spinning block, a peg maze, a shape sorter and a xylophone, plus a storage space with mesh netting in the back. It's "the only wooden walker on the market that is eco-friendly," Kris Millington, VP of marketing and development for Maxim Enterprise, told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 2009.

Designed to develop hand-eye coordination, color recognition and basic number skills, the Junior Ramp Racer may entertain children even after the checkered flag is waved. "Made from all-natural wood, painted with watercolor-based paints, and packaged in recycled materials, our EverEarth line of goods is our way of trying to take care of Mother Earth," Kris Millington, VP of marketing and development for Maxim Enterprise, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

Made from all-natural wood and watercolor-based paints, and packaged in recycled material, this cute wooden dog wags his tail as he's pulled along. "No other wooden pull toy is taking the same measures with recycled packaging materials, watercolor-based paints, and the use of sustainable forestries for raw materials," Kris Millington, VP of marketing and development for Maxim Enterprise, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

The Mini Excavator is made of precut pieces of wood that are designed for easy assembly. The product is created to teach the technology of the same machines seen in the construction site. No batteries are required. It was honored in the 2008 Creative Play Awards. Launch date: 2008.

Manufactured by German company Holz-Hoerz, this wooden balance bike is constructed of sustainably grown birch and is finished with a linseed oil treatment. It has 12" pneumatic rubber tires and supports riders up to 100 lbs. Multiple accessories, including a ski bob conversion kit, are available. Launch date: 1991 (Germany); 2003 (United States).

This set of 12 wooden, sliceable cookies offers creative play for young bakers. The realistic-looking cookies come in a durable dough tube.
— The set was listed as a best seller in spring 2009 at Green Frog Toys in Portland, Ore. “The set is good for fun, educational and creative play,” Owner Patricia Fiedler told TDmonthly.
— This cookie set has been on the top-10 best seller list at Pufferbellies in Staunton, Va., for at least a year, Co-owner Susan Blanton told TDmonthly in fall 2009.

Created in France, these well-crafted wooden car kits, designed to introduce children to the world of woodworking, give children a chance to build something fun for themselves. The kit comes with pre-cut wood, a hammer, sandpaper and glue and dowels for old-world construction, as well as acrylic paints in durable pots, plus two paintbrushes to personalize the project — one for broad painting and one for details. The set features "beech wood components, which is more durable than pine, and everything the child needs is included," Meghan Ristau, sales and marketing manager for Woodland Magic Imports, told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 2008.

Suitable for ages 18 months and up, this wooden play set includes a skillet, spatula, breakfast foods, utensils and service for two. It is made with organic materials and finished with linseed oil. The toast has internal magnets that allow the two pieces of bread to be joined together.

These multicultural, wooden dolls feature a child-safe design using organic materials and are finished with linseed oil.

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.

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.

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.

This wooden sword may be used for hours of pretend play. It measures 29”long.
— Wooden swords were among the top-10 best sellers at Twirl Toystore & Playspace in Taos, N.M., in early 2009, Owner Molly McMullin told TDmonthly.

Classical pull toys encourage kids to walk. This colorful pull toy is designed to grab children´s attention. It is tested to meet European and U.S. safety standards.

Preparing your children for school is so important today, you´ll want to give them the best start possible. Combining colorful fun and learning and designed for little ones age three and over, this whimsical case contains everything your child needs to begin learning the alphabet and numbers. Your little one can draw and write on the white board or create words and numbers with the 52 wood letters and 10 wood numbers. And, when you are ready to pick up, the pieces fit nicely in the attractive case, featuring a contemporary smiling cow. Tested to meet European and U.S. afety standards. THIS PRODUCT HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED since July 1, 2010.

Healthy imagination is part of any happy childhood. Designed for toddlers 24 months and older, this high quality, colorful and attractive puppet theater will help your little one create new worlds while feeling good about putting on a show for Mom & Dad. This brightly colored set features 4 wood Boikido stick puppets and a theatre with electronic sounds. The thoughtful design includes a handle so you can take your young one´s show on the road. Tested to meet European and U.S. safety standards. THIS PRODUCT HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED since July 1, 2010.