June 2009 New Specialty Toys — Gifts

Ecotronic toys were developed to function like regular electronic toys, but they use a different kind of energy. Dynamo technology inside of each toy converts a shake, squeeze or crank into energy that powers lights, sounds and other electronic functions. The Ecotronic Farm Flashlights, featuring four assorted animals, are squeeze-powered, kid-sized flashlights. Using the side lever that stores inside the body, kids can release and squeeze to charge up the light. Also, when switched on, each animal’s nose lights up. "Also, all Ecotronic toys are packaged in their specially developed Gekopak™ packaging, which is made of recycled paper and is completely bio-degradable. It’s easy to open and free from ties, wires or other packing materials," Vickie Cullen, PR account executive for International Playthings, told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 2009.

The Smart Bank sorts, counts, dispenses, deducts and always knows the balance. A patented "Balance Guard"™ feature locks and remembers the balance even when batteries wear out or when changing batteries. Launch date: 2000.

The Monsterbooks are illustrated rhyming books for all generations. The books were created as a response to parents' desire for books to read to their children that adults can also enjoy. They draw upon themes that resonate with adults, including the Beatles, presidential politics and baseball. Launch date: June 2009.

KinderCone’s namesake product is a large, colorful cone filled with inspiring and educational gifts for young children, which parents give to their children to recognize the transition from kindergarten to first grade. KinderCone’s guiding principle is about inspiring young children to enjoy learning by celebrating this special milestone in their lives. KinderCones are 28" tall, handmade in Germany of sturdy box-board printed paper, and feature a limited edition design. Each KinderCone comes pre-filled with a Kinderjournal, Kalri, the plush main character of the journal, five pencils and temporary tattoos. The cones are offered in two main colors, red and bright green, and offer eight color options of the felt enclosure on top. "KinderCone is the first and only American company to re-create this concept outside of Europe," Vivian Lie, owner of KinderCone LLC, told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 15, 2009.

To play, a child selects one of five colorful, two-sided match cards and place it in the tray. Then, he places the magic monkey in the center on the left side of the card and points his banana to the picture, letter, shape, or color he wants to try and match. Then, he selects the image on the right side of the card that best matches his selection. To see if he's correct, he'll place the monkey in the center on the right side of the card and let go. He will mysteriously spin and point to the correct match. "This little monkey's actions will even amaze adults and he does it all without batteries," Jason Cheung, general manager of Huntar Company, told TDmonthly. This product received a 2009 Parents' Choice Silver Honor Award. Launch date: 2009.

Playsam's Strollers are packaged in a white box with silver lettering. "These are touted to be the 'Best Baby Shower Gift Ever' under $70," Deepa Dadlani, president of VICI Enterprises (exclusive North American Distributor of Playsam), told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

From Scandinavian design company Playsam, this rocket is created to be both classic and contemporary, fanciful and functional, simple and sophisticated. "The products are beautifully packaged — ideal for gift giving," Deepa Dadlani, president of VICI Enterprises (exclusive North American Distributor of Playsam), told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

This wooden dollhouse was designed by Eva Schildt. "With its beautiful packaging, Playsam makes an ideal gift; it is for the sophisticated customer with an understanding and appreciation for the unique and well made," Deepa Dadlani, president of VICI Enterprises (exclusive North American Distributor of Playsam), told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

Featuring Lauren Fisher Cat, Penny Petite Bear, Willow Cottontail Rabbit and Nibbles Norwood Mouse, each Critter comes with removable clothing and can easily be placed in a sitting position. The plush Critters are approximately 8” tall. "The Calico Critters plush dolls are unique additions to a popular product line that formerly only featured miniature characters. This loveable, hugable, Calico Critter character provides children with a cuddly version of the characters they've already come to know," Vickie Cullen, account executive for International Playthings LLC, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

Pilloroo Pillows have a hidden pouch for hiding away a toy or gift item. The pillow is stuffed so the item cannot be felt from the outside. This product is made in the USA and received a 2008 Moms Best Award. Launch date: November 2008.

My Pillow Pets are snuggly plush companions that are also a comfortable pillow for bedtime, television time or travel time. There are more than 20 styles, all made from soft, high-quality chenille and safety tested.The Original Pillow Pets come in both 11" and 18" sizes. "My Pillow Pets are the Original pillow pets. The overall design, special facial features, and highest quality chenille make them ideal for the specialty and gift market," Heidi Niehart, director of marketing for My Pillow Pets, told TDmonthly. This product has received the following awards: iParenting Media Excellent Product Award, Dr. Toy Best Vacation Toy, and Mr. Dad Seal of Approval. Launch date: 2003.

Created for the budding fashion designer, this activity comes with a dry-erase board and wipe-off markers to allow the young designer to come up with several combinations of wild and wacky outfits. On one wheel, the designer will spin to choose the type of bottom (i.e. pants, skirt, etc.) and top (i.e. sweater, tank-top, etc.). On the other wheel, the designer will spin to choose the footwear and an accessory. Then, the designer goes to work with the different colors to create an outfit on the pre-modeled body. "SQUIGGLE Style is not about only creating a hip and fashionable outfit; it’s about being creative and engaging children’s imagination," John Kiely, president of RandomLine, told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 15, 2009.

A member of the order Ferrous Lepidoptera. Easy to set free, but can you net the ring? A prize specimen for any collection. The object of this puzzle is to remove the ring.

Captain Teach gave no quarter when he plundered and pillaged. Likewise, this hook will leave you hanging. The object of this puzzle is to remove the shuttle.

The name is American slang for fortified wine. This vintage puzzle is just as intoxicating. The object of this puzzle is to remove the ring.

Loofah-Art products are made with 100-percent all-natural loofah (a sustainable agricultural crop) and dyed with vegetable dyes, making them bio-degradable, eco-friendly, non-toxic and compostable. The whimsy of the designs aims to help encourage children to assist with the dishes and wash their fruits and vegetables. "The unique, whimsical designs that attract consumers to buy our products is what makes Loofah-Art stand out. Once the customer is attracted to that, the 100-percent natural fabrication as well as the practicality and functionality of our scrubbers performance create a winning combination!" Anita Liwette, creator and co-founder of Loofah-Art LLC, told TDmonthly. "Because of their natural fibers, they scratch absolutely nothing!" Launch date: January 25, 2009.

Loofah-Art products are made with 100-percent, all-natural loofah (a sustainable agricultural crop) and dyed with vegetable dyes, making them bio-degradable, eco-friendly, non-toxic and compostable. With natural fibers, they are designed to not scratch surfaces, and with whimsy designs, aim to encourage children to care for their skin. Launch date: July 2008.

Loofah-Art products are made with 100-percent all-natural loofah (a sustainable agricultural crop) and dyed with vegetable dyes, making them completely biodegradable, eco-friendly, non-toxic and compostable. "The unique, whimsical designs that attract consumers to buy our products is what makes Loofah-Art stand out. Once the customer is attracted to that, the 100-percent natural fabrication as well as the practicality and functionality of our scrubbers' performance create a winning combination!" Anita Liwette, creator and co-founder of Loofah-Art LLC, told TDmonthly. This item was finalist for "Best New Product" at the New York Gourmet Housewares Show in October 2004. Launch date: May 2004.

The Wild West Bench Seat With Storage features a nostalgic western town seat back design that includes star finials, a "Good Guy" and a "Bad Guy" on horseback that spin, and a toy store with doors that open and close. Toys can be stored by lifting the bench seat or sliding the toy barn door open at the base, and driving or riding toys or animals in. The bench seat closes with a slow-closing metal safety hinge. Launch date: June 2009.

The Wild West Rocker features a "Good Guy" photo frame in the rocker seat back, where the consumer can place a 4" x 6" photo of any little dude. The top of the seat back has spinning beads, two cowboys on a horse, and a bag of money that spins. Underneath the seat is the company's signature understamp that can be used to personalize the rocker for the child. A photo greeting card is included so the child can say thank you. "Our rockers are designed as a rocker, and with fun things for children to play with and discover as they rock," Cheryl Batzing, PR director for Levels of Discovery, told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 2009.

Tail Wags helmet covers are designed to fit over all makes and models of bike, ski, snowboard, toboggan, skate and equestrian helmets. They come in more than 35 animal character designs. Tail Wags was a 2008 JPMA finalist and received a 2009 iParenting Media Award. Launch date: June 2009.

Parents may indulge their child’s imagination with this enchanting unicorn helmet cover, designed to encourage kids to wear their safety helmet. Tail Wags helmet covers are designed to fit over all makes and models of bike, ski, snowboard, toboggan, skate and equestrian helmets. They are available in more than 35 animal character designs. "Tail Wags helmet covers uniquely fit over all safety helmets, thereby, making it an ideal all-year-round product," Karyn Climans, owner of Tail Wags Helmet Covers Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 2009. Tail Wags was a 2008 JPMA finalist.

Tail Wags helmet covers are designed to make it fun for kids to wear their safety helmets. They are made to fit over all makes and models of bike, ski, snowboard, toboggan, skate and equestrian helmets, and come in more than 35 animal character designs. Tail Wags was a 2008 JPMA Finalist. Launch date: June 2009.

Santa's biggest secret is revealed in The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition gift set, with a North Pole pixie-elf (available with light skin or dark skin and dark eyes, as pictured), a hardbound children's book and a keepsake box. Launch date: October 15, 2009.
— Owner Diana Nelson of Kazoo & Co. in Denver told TDmonthly in fall 2009 that her store sells about 36 Elf on the Shelf sets per month.