August 2009 New Specialty Toys — Eco-Friendly

Little Soles Urban Infants Collection is designed to suit early walkers in size 3 to 8. The shoes are free from harmful dyes and toxins, feature premium Leathers sourced specifically to surpass the standards in footwear testing set by Health Canada or the CPSC, and are tested for the following: European Council directive 2002/62/EC testing for AZO colourants or Dyes, formaldehyde content and seven toxic elements (lead, arsenic, antimony, barium, mercury, cadmium and selenium). A full leather upper, inside and out, allows for optimal comfort and breathability, and the soft, flexible outsole is suited to pre-walking and early walking. The shoes also offer heel counters for support, a padded ankle collar and a cushioned heel. They are sold in a reusable designer gift box and received a 2009 iParenting Media Outstanding Products award. Launch date: April 30, 2009.

Baby Soles by Little Soles are toxin-free crib shoes in size 0-2 or 0-9 months. The Baby Soles line has gone through rigorous testing procedures by an independent, internationally accredited company, to ensure that the shoes are free of harmful dyes and toxins. The shoes feature TPR outsole inserts at the toe and heel for traction and durability, an outsole design that allows for optimal surface feel when baby starts to cruise, styling designed to present a true footwear appearance instead of a slipper form; and premium leather sourced specifically to surpass the standards in footwear testing set by Health Canada. There are four levels of testing conducted prior to the manufacture of Baby Soles; all leathers along with the outsole are tested for the following: European Council directive 2002/62/EC testing for AZO Colourants or Dyes, formaldehyde content, and seven Toxic Elements. Baby Soles received a 2009 iParenting Media Outstanding Products award. Launch date: December 31, 2008.

The 6” Busy Block has a chubby handle for little ones to hold as they explore the tug and teethe tags and Dandelion’s playful Swirly Stitches pattern. The soft textures, peek-a-boo crinkle flap and chime sound exist to enchant baby while developing fine motor and sensory skills. The Busy Block is made with organic cotton terrycloth, canvas, velour and waffle weave, and filled with soft corn fibers. It is machine washable. Launch date: September 2008.

This print on wood is available framed and unframed in two different sizes: 8" x 10" and 11" x 14" (measurement includes mat). Nine styles total are available, and it is made in the USA. The artwork is "printed on sustainably harvested (and chemical-free) maple veneer," Lorena Siminovich, owner of Petit Collage, told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 2009.

This poster features whimsical toys and treats next to their corresponding letters. It is made in the USA and available in two different styles. "[The] poster is printed with soy inks on 100-percent recycled paper," Lorena Siminovich, owner of Petit Collage, told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 20, 2009.

This modern alphabet poster is a three-color screen print hand-pulled in Oakland, Calif., on uncoated 100-percent post-consumer recycled paper. It is available in three color variations. Launch date: 2008.

The simple shapes of this mobile are laser-cut to showcase the natural beauty of bamboo. "Our product features laser-cut, sustainably harvested bamboo. It is 100-percent made in the USA. We hired a non-profit employing adults with disabilities to package our products," Lorena Siminovich, owner of Petit Collage, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2008.

Kids can join the Banana Slug String Band in their rollicking concert and as they travel with a group of children to their favorite habitats. Mr. Dirt talks nutrition and fun food facts on the farm, Nature Man leads the way to the ancient redwoods, and Marine Mark holds class in the tide pools. "The catchy songs fit perfectly into teachers' lesson plans for topics including nutrition, ecology, and the water cycle," Monica Woelfel, administrator for Banana Slug String Band, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2006.

This collection of bedtime lullabies uses vivid nature images and soothing melodies to take children to a place of warmth and security. This album was recorded with special guests George Winston, Laurie Lewis, George Kahumoku and many others. It received the following awards: 2005 iParenting Media Award, 200 Parents' Choice Silver Award, 2005 NAPPA (National Association of Parenting Publications Award) Gold Award, 2005 Early Childhood NEWS Director's Choice Award, and 2005 Creative Child Magazine Seal of Excellence Award. Launch date: 2004.

The Bamboo LullaBag is a sleep bag that is specifically designed to help babies sleep through the night. With the Bamboo LullaBag, baby stays at a constant comfortable temperature, which greatly improves the quality and duration of baby’s sleep. Since the Bamboo LullaBag promotes back sleep and replaces loose bedding, it is designed as a safer way to put baby to sleep that reduces certain risk factors associated with SIDS. "The patented Bamboo LullaBag has a continuous dual-headed zipper that begins at the neckline and curves along the entire side and bottom of the bag. This unique two-way zipper allows parents to open the bag partially or completely in either direction, making overall use and late-night diaper and clothing changes very easy," Emily Chae, marketing associate for Cloud B, told TDmonthly. This product received a 2009 PTPA Seal of Approval. Launch date: July 2009.

Attacking Inch worm has orange, spiky limbs to ward off any predator who seeks to challenge it as a delectable delight. Its initial defensive mechanism may fool intruders for a moment, but still requires a way to heed out of harm’s way. The sun’s rays power this mini solar kit to slither along to safety. The mechanical movements are designed to simulate the movements of its soft-bodied derivative. Because its home is above ground, Attacking Inch Worm has a hard plastic body to protect itself. No batteries or tools are required, and there are less than 50 parts to assemble. Launch date: April 2007.

This little green amphibian friend leaps with a joyful sense of freedom using its hind legs and rubber feet. Happy Hopping Frog jiggles its eyes as a dog would wag its tail, acknowledging its love and appreciation to its owner. The tailless, leaping mini solar kit is activated by the power of the sun’s rays; no batteries are required. Happy Hopping Frog is designed for easy assembly with approximately 25 parts, and demonstrates alternative energy principles. Launch date: April 2007.

Powered by the sun's rays, this alternative-energy toy car requires no batteries or tools, and contains less than a dozen parts to assemble. Launch date: April 2007.

Methodically, eight legs work in harmony to create a ballet style “tippy-toe” movement. Similar to its cousin from Alaska, the Walking King Crab scurries along to safe passage when powered by the sun's rays. Walking King Crab is powered with a mini solar cell (included) and demonstrates alternative energy principles. No batteries or tools are required; there are 35 parts to assemble. "Because of its entry-level price point, retailers will grow fond of its movements; both off the shelf and after assembly. If a make-it and take-it type product is what you are looking for, this hands-on terrestrial tantalizer will make you the local hero," Craig Morioka, president of OWI Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: April 2007.

Cute and cuddly stuff animals with therapeutic benefits. The unique twisted nubby’s for the hands and feet are great for tactile stimulation and a safe alternative to teethers. Elephant Buddy features large ears and trunk, characteristic of the typical elephant. Made of an Ultra soft blend of bamboo and organic cotton.

These solar-powered, remote-controlled vehicles measure about 2.5" in length and and are powered for 30 minutes of playtime when the micro solar panel in the roof is exposed to direct sunlight. The vehicles can also be charged from the controller. Car and SUV styles are available, and the racers can pop wheelies. Launch date: August 2009.

Mary Meyer’s Fuzz that Wuzz collection is made from plastic bottles. The outer fabric and stuffing are high-quality polyester made from 100-percent recycled plastic bottles. There are six Mini Zzzzoo animals. Launch date: June 2009.

Pedoodles shoes are manufactured using environmentally friendly processes. Carefully selected quality remnant leather is used in construction of Pedoodles in order to reduce waste. Recycled materials are also used for the manufacturing of the soles, and the “green” packaging for Pedoodles is made from recycled materials. Designed to be developmentally correct for little feet, the shoes have PedFlex Soles that are lightweight and flexible to offer protection, durability and traction. Launch date: June 2008.

These natural colored piggy banks are handmade fair trade in a small artisan community called Quinea, in the province of Huamanga in Peru's central highland department of Ayacucho. Some designs are available in large, medium and small, and each bank has a cork stopper. Launch date: April 15, 2008.

The cotton outer body of this fair-trade, artisan-made animal is filled with acrylic and rice, so the pet may be used as a heating pad after placed in the microwave for a very short period of time. Velcro on the bottom of the animal enables washing of the cotton body and acrylic inside. The uncooked rice is separate, in a bag. Caution: When heating, please carefully check the temperature prior to giving it to a child. Launch date: May 20, 2007.

These frogs, fish and turtles are handmade in Vietnam using the ecologically harvested woods of the tropical jackfruit tree, and only when the tree is no longer able to bear fruit. The company calls them "bop-animals," as "bop" is the Vietnamese word for the "ribbit" you hear when you run a wooden stick (included) along their spine. These fair-trade items are made by artisans. Launch date: April 22, 2006.

There are three different Make Your Own Kits: Make Your Own Chewing Gum, Make Your Own Gummies and Make Your Own Chocolate Kits. Each kit has a short story describing the life and surroundings of a hypothetical child and explains what his or her family and neighbors do regarding the kit's contents. "These kits are all Fair Trade Made. They have an important message; for example, the Make Your Own Chewing Gum Kit includes an educational booklet describing the benefits of the Rainforest and how Chicle is tapped from trees to make gum," Sylva Dvorak, in marketing for One World Projects, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2004.

ReUsies are a reusable alternative to plastic sandwich bags. They are cotton on the outside and leak-resistant nylon on the inside, sealed with Velcro closures. ReUsies can be machine or hand washed, and each one is designed to replace hundreds of plastic baggies. ReUsies come in two sizes (larger sandwich and smaller snack) and many different patterns to appeal to all members of the family. "We use reusable items in many other areas of our lives (reusable water bottles, shopping bags, lunch boxes, etc.), but there are very few products that replace those plastic sandwich baggies we all use and toss every day," Karen Whorton, owner of ReUsies, told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 2009.

Baby BeeHinds Reusable Bamboo Diapers have been designed with comfort and absorbency in mind. Harnessing the naturally absorbent and anti-bacterial properties of bamboo and organic cotton, Baby BeeHinds reusable diapers are designed not only for use during the day; they can also cover heavy wetters through the night without leaks. The diapers are available in natural, plus three new colors exclusive to the North American market. "The unique design of the Baby BeeHinds Bamboo Diaper allows parents to adjust sizing to fit from birth to potty training, and from daytime/light absorbency to nighttime/heavy absorbency. This versatility means that parents can use the same set of reusables even if they have more than one baby in diapers. For retailers, the multi-fit sizing streamlines the ordering process and drives sales for busy, budget-conscious consumers," Selena Volodzskis, president of Eco Brands Ltd., told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2009.