August 2009 New Specialty Toys — Apparel

The Little Soles™ Squeaky Shoes collection is free from harmful dyes and toxins, utilizes premium materials sourced specifically to surpass standards in footwear testing set by Health Canada or the CPSC, and features inner and outer materials 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). The flexible outsole is suited to pre-walking and early walking, and the shoes also have a padded ankle collar, an air-cushioned heel, an audible squeak that provides confidence for first steps and promotes a proper heel-to-toe step, as well as giving parents peace of mind by being aware of where their child is walking. The squeaker mechanism is removable and replaceable. This product received a 2009 iParenting Media Outstanding Products award. Launch date: April 30, 2009.

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.

This jacket and toy in one is made of pre-washed, blue denim with attractive pink stitching and a silky pink satin lining. Embroidered on the back of each denim jacket is a fabric doll. Kids can dress up the doll by applying the hair, dresses and various accessories to the doll's body with easy to use Velcro backings. Dress Me Jackets aims to make getting dressed an enjoyable activity for kids as they use their imagination, fine-motor and decision-making skills to create new looks with their jacket. Each jacket includes a denim purse to carry the 14 interchangeable accessories that create the two "Princess" and "Ballerina" characters. Launch date: November 2008.

These clips are designed to keep mittens safely attached to jackets, and come in a set that includes mittens and a coordinating hat with a soft strap that keeps it in place. The sets are available in various colors. Launch date: 2009.

This hat and scarf in one can be worn tied in the front or back, or with the tie over the shoulder. It is reversible to coordinates with even more jackets. Launch date: July 2009.

Best friends can be celebrated with the "Best Friends Forever" Mini Brush, which is lighter and shorter than the original, making it ideal for smaller hands or on-the-go use. Launch date: April 2009.

Hair Noodles feature a spiral design in multiple colors that create many different looks. Launch date: July 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.

Intended for infants, the DreamSwaddle uses a double-wrap system and offers a double-ended zip-up pouch that gives easy access for diaper changing. "The DreamSwaddle is a unique new concept in swaddleing babies; it's every parent's dream — sleeping made easy," Brenda Anderson, president of Bluebird Sales & Distribution, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2009.

Pretty in shades of pink, this dazzling dress features a skirt of petals. "Our award-winning products have been proudly manufactured in the USA for over 15 years and use the finest fabrics and trims to create truly sophisticated dress-up apparel," Renee Stojek, art director for A Wish Come True, told TDmonthly. It received a 2009 Toy of the Year Award from Creative Child Magazine. Launch date: August 2009.

In the Colombian countryside, poverty and the displacement of peasants due to civil war has increased illegal wildlife poaching activities. One World Projects works with Fundación Ecologica Santa Fe in the 10,000-person community of Pintada, Colombia, to produce plush toys representing the monkey species that the organization hopes to reintroduce to the wild. Plush monkeys come in a variety of styles, including finger puppets and scarves, for kids of all ages. "Plush monkeys are all sustainably and fair-trade made and support two great causes. Located near the Pan American Highway, Pintada has become a rest stop for truck drivers, who have left behind a disproportionate number of children without fathers. Crafting these items also gives single moms a much-needed source of income, and gives their children hope for a better future," Sylva Dvorak, in marketing for One World Projects, told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 10, 2006.

This two-piece suit for boys is ideal for springtime, with lightweight seersucker bubble shorts and a four-button vest that features a funky fresh van applique crafted of washable felt. Launch date: March 2010.

This polka-dot dress features a strawberry applique crafted of washable felt. It is available in sizes 6-12m through 6T, through spring 2010. It is made in the USA. Decaf Plush offers "unique animal, fruit and street illustrations crafted in washable synthetic felt — beats silkscreen any day!" Kimberly Murray, designer for decaf plush, told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 2009.

This bright, polka-dot ruffle flower print shirt features a ladybug applique crafted from synthetic washable felt. It is available for both infant and toddler girls 6-12m up to 6T. The blouse showcases a "unique and original animal [and] fruit and street illustrations crafted in washable, synthetic felt!" Kimberly Murray, designer for decaf plush, toldTDmonthly. Launch date: March 2010.

Mag-tagz are magnetic “tagz” that can be changed regularly to reflect a girl’s ever-changing mood and style. Mag-tagz begins with a large or a small necklace base that sports a magnetic center. Girls just pop in the tagz that suits the look and mood of the moment, from bees and butterflies to slang and slogans. They can be worn, traded and collected. Mag-Tagz received two 2009 Seal of Excellence Awards from Creative Child Magazine. Launch date: 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.

Designed to be every parent's solution for droolers, teethers, eczema, reflux and everyday feeding, Wonder Bibs are made from super-absorbent cotton towelling and have a water-resistant nylon backing. A double-snap adjustable neckline means one bib will last from infant to toddler. The bright color bibs are machine washable and dryer safe. A standard Wonder Bib holds 1/4 cup of water. This product received 2008 iParenting Media Outstanding Product Award, a 2008 iParenting Media Greatest Product Award, and a 2008 Mom's Best Award. Launch date: February 2008.

This newborn collection of bamboo socks comes two pairs per box. Size: 0-6 months. The socks are hypoallergenic, breathable and absorbent, anti-bacterial, natural and eco-friendly, and silky smooth to babies’ skin. The company's bamboo yarn is processed with low-impact dyes, and is OEKO-TEX® Standard 100-percent certified free of any harmful chemicals. "Bamboo could be the most sustainable natural fiber on earth. Bamboo grows quickly and does not require replanting after harvesting. Bamboo takes in five times as much greenhouse gas, and produces 35-percent more oxygen than an equivalent stand of trees," Winnie Liu, president of Jazzies, told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 2009.

Available in pink, blue and white, this  tee features brown lettering that lets the world know, "My mom doesn't want your advice." It comes as a onesie for babies and a tee for toddlers.

Little Hero Capes are designed to empower a child's imagination and expand his adventures. The fully lined capes are made from high-quality materials with high-quality sewing and have a SUPER design placed prominently on the back. The capes feature a snap closure so a child can easily spring into action when he or she hears the call. Each cape also has a collar, which may be placed upward for a more mysterious look.  "Each Little Hero Cape, mask, and pair of power cuffs is artisan crafted in the United States," Allison Faunce, owner of Little Hero Capes, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2, 2008.

Created for both boys and girls, the Sweet Pea onesie is paired with soft green leggings and a knotted hat. It comes in a Sweet Cottons box and is machine washable. "Sumptuously soft and beautifully embroidered, each item is made from eco-friendly 100-percent Pima Cotton in a fair trade factory," Carrie Murray, vice president of Sweet Cottons, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

The Just Plane Cute onesie is paired with our soft blue leggings and a knotted hat. This three-piece gift set comes packaged in a Sweet Cottons box, is machine washable, and is made from Pima Cotton in a fair trade factory. Launch date: 2009.

The Cupcake is lovingly matched with bright pink leggings and a sweetly knotted hat. The three-piece gift set is presented in a Sweet Cottons box and is machine washable. "Sumptuously soft and beautifully embroidered, each item is made from eco-friendly 100-percent Pima Cotton in a fair trade factory," Carrie Murray, vice president of Sweet Cottons, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.