October 2011 New Specialty Toys — Eco-Friendly

Blocks by brinca dada were designed to engage kids and adults. Unlike other blocks that fit together simply, these blocks are designed to conflict. We play with the simplicity of imperfection. They are a puzzle with infinite solutions. They are spontaneous, not pre-programmed--the opposite of video games. Handmade of teak hardwood. Launch date: November 2011.
Awards: 2011 New York Gift Fair Blogger's Choice Award

Squeeze-powered, kid-sized flashlights. Each animal's nose lights up when switched on. Side lever stores inside the body—release and squeeze to charge up the light.
— June Hargrove, co-owner of Black Forest Books & Toys in Charlotte, N.C., told TDmonthly in September 2011 that they sell 12 of this item each month.

Toobalink is the only construction toy that uses paper towel tubes and toilet tissue tubes as a main building element.  A Toobalink set comes with all the pieces necessary to build a wide variety of connectors, which are then used to hold the tubes together to build large scale structures. Each Toobalink kit comes with 39 pieces, including brand new tubes so that kids can get building right away. Kids love it because they can collect more tubes to build bigger, better structures and parents love it because the extra building material is FREE. Made in the USA. Launch date: June 2012.

Adopt a Plant - Save a Species. Encourages the public, one at a time, to adopt and nurture an endangered plant until it is sturdy enough to release back to nature or be re-potted as a house plant.  Kit includes actual rooted baby plant, plastic terrarium with small loop for attaching, coconut substrate and assembly instructions.  "Adopt a plant, build it a home, then take it with you wherever you roam." Launch date: May 2011.

Stay pretty in pink while getting down and dirty helping to save the planet. Made in the USA from 100% recycled plastic milk containers, the Green Toys™ Pink Dump Truck is ready for any task, hauling sand and rocks or dolls and diamonds with ease. This durable, eco-friendly rig is both safe and stylish, with no metal axels and a workable purple dumper. No BPA, phthalates, PVC, or external coatings. "The Green Toys™ Pink Dump Truck is an innovative twist on a longstanding classic: USA-made, 100% recycled, high-quality design and construction -- and stylishly colored for even the most particular palate," Cameron Passmore, marketing manager at Green Toys Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 2011.
— In a March 2015 survey, two out of 10 retailers told TDmonthly that Green Toys is their best-selling brand of eco-friendly toys.

School's in session with the planet's favorite new kid in class - the Green Toys™ School Bus. Made in the USA from 100% recycled plastic milk containers that save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, this sturdy bus is ready to be loaded up for an earth-friendly ride to the classroom, a field trip, or whatever excursion little scholars see fit. The Green Toys School Bus goes to the head of the class for safety and eco-design, with no metal axels or external coatings. No BPA, PVC or phthalates. Packaged using only recycled and recyclable materials. "The Green Toys™ School Bus, like all Green Toys products, is made responsibly in the USA from 100% recycled plastic, and is still fun and appealing to youngsters of all ages," Cameron Passmore, marketing manager at Green Toys Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2011.
— Bebe Feimster, manager of Big Smile Toys/Hardware Center in Paoli, Pa., told TDmonthly in a March 2015 survey that the Green Toys School Bus is one of their best-selling "green" toys.

New from miYim, beautifully made organic Disney plush toys are the ultimate in safety and softness for baby. Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore and Piglet are joined by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in this collection of earth-friendly infant playthings, with embroidered details and muted colors.
— In a May 2012 survey, Barbara McVeigh from the Turtle's Nest in Johnson City, Tenn., told TDmonthly that "anything infant & toddler" with Winnie the Pooh is their best selling licensed product.

A hand knitted crochet doll made of 100% organic cotton inside and out, dyed with metal-free, low impact dyes certified by GOTS standards. Making it safe for babies. Size: 7.5 inches. Sckoon Organics plush toys are made of 100% organic cotton (even stuffing is 100% organic cotton) and dyed with low-impact, environmentally friendly dyes. They are machine washable, easy to clean and safe for babies to chew.

A nine piece set of simple durable hard maple furniture. Great for imaginative play. Chairs are 2" high and the table is 3 1/2" long. Crafted from responsibly harvested hardwood maple with laser engraved designs, this set comes shrink wrapped. Set comes unfinished, can be painted. "Simple furniture for basic play that can't be broken," Barbara Rainville, marketing manager at Maple Landmark Woodcraft, told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 2011.

Kids can paint and decorate their dream house, and have their dolls, stuffed animals and friends move into their new cozy home! Just like all other CALAFANT models, this big playhouse can be easily assembled with the special CALAFANT slot-and-groove system – no need for any other tool or glue.   The playhouse is particularly sturdy because of the special roof construction, the double-sided walls and the 4 corner pillars. Easy to carry with the recessed grip in the roof. Made from recycled cardboard.  Size: abt. 36" x 31" x 38." Launch date: September 2011.

Add-on for the Calafant party set. This kit includes 1 playmat, 1 pirate ship and 2 pirate dolls. Made from recycled cardboard. Launch date: September 2011.

Add-on set for the Calafant Princess/Knight Party Set. This kit includes 1 castle, 1 princess doll and 1 knight doll. Launch date: September 2011.

This set allows guests to create their own pirate toys and also serves as decoration- and,  each kid gets to take his or her toy home. The sets come with 4 kits including 4 play mats, 4 pirate ships, 8 pirate dolls 1 treasure chest, and enough markers for 4 children to decorate. Additional sets of one kit are also available (no additional markers included). Made from recycled cardboard. Launch date: September 2011.

This new party set provides everything one would need for a cool princess or knight's party. This set includes 4 castles, 4 princess dolls, 4 knight dolls and 4 unicorns plus enough markers for 4 children to decorate. Made from recycled cardboard. "It's a creative activity for the party and it provides a toy for the little guests to take home," Martina McConnon, owner of Creative Toyshop, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2011.

This pirate ship sails over the Seven Seas and the pirates are always looking for loot to fill their treasure chest. This amazing cardboard pirate ship is easy to build and so much fun to decorate. A project for all little pirates 3+. Sturdy construction and fun details like canon holes and a treasure chest. Made from recycled cardboard!  Item no.: D 2513X Assembled size: 18" x 8" x 18." "It's a craft activity AND a toy! This Pirate Ship provides hours and hours of fun - building, decorating and playing," Martina McConnon, owner of Creative Toyshop, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2011.

Baby’s new best friend! The Monsieur and Madame wooden clutching toys have charming faces and colorful moving parts to keep baby interested. Made in Germany using beech wood from sustainably managed forests. Approx. 4 ½” Launch date: September 2011.
— Kai Rady, owner of Shenanigans Inc in Charlottesville, Va., told TDmonthly in a 2012 survey about infant and toddler products that wooden rattles from HABA were one of her best sellers.

Soft and snuggly organic cotton clutching toys will be a hit with mom and baby. Choose from an adorable blue Bob Burrow (bird), green Freddie Frog, or Lisa Long Ears. Each clutching toy is filled with Oeko-Tex Standard 100 polyester filling, which means they’re machine washable and hygienic. (Natural fillings don’t dry as well and are more prone to mold.) Approx. 5 ½” Launch date: 2011.

Only multi-functional 7-N-1+1, organic and reversible car seat cover with Ultra-Soft Cotton Technology, solving the problem of carrying around multiple products when leaving the house. Can be used as a car seat, restaurant high chair, swing and shopping cart cover along with nursing shawl, car seat shade and stroller cover, with a UV protection shade. The super soft, moisture-wicking fabric blocks 95% of the sun's harmful rays while keeping baby cool and comfortable. "It is the only multi-functional and organic product  made from material that is OekoTex certified to be free of any chemicals, metal or phthalates, so you can be confident that nothing toxic is touching your baby," Susan Kiley, owner/founder of Splendipity Inc, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 2008.

BabyTop Booster Seat is a two-level booster seat & a small toddler chair. It can be used with or without the tray and can also be transformed very easily. Babytop folds making it very  transportable for use at restaurants, friends, & at Grandma's house  The feet of the armchair fold into the base for use as a booster.  The straps can be stored in the small compartment formed by the tray and the back rest. The non slip tray attaches to the back of the Babytop  when not in use. Child stability and support is provided by the safety traps and the encasing shape.  Colors: Pearl/Blue, Blue/Green,  Black/White and Plum/Lilac Case Pack: 4 Units. Launch date: September 2007.

1oz./40ml. 2oz./70ml. & (new) 4oz./140ml. All three sizes of Baby Cubes can be mixed & matched to fit into trays. Sold in sets of four or eight Baby Cubes. Each size comes with a storage stacking freezer tray. Ideal for freezing homemade baby puree…keeps baby food as fresh as the day it was made. Makes complete meals by mixing & matching different sizes. Reduces waste by only having to defrost what is needed  Ideal for freezing breast milk. Ideal for storing small individual toddler snacks. Trays stack one on top of each other in freezer saving valuable space. Airtight, freezer & dishwasher safe. Travel well from freezer to microwave.  Contain no Bisphenol-A (BPA), Phthalates or Lead.  Complies with all USA (CPSC) safety standards   Case Pack: 36 Units (all sizes).

Zoë b Biodegradable Beach Toys include a bucket with built-in handles that won’t break off (usually the first thing to go, in our experience). A sifting lid with geometric cut-outs for learning shapes. Two cups for sand and water play. And one tough, virtually indestructible shovel. It’s all scaled for toddler-size hands and fits easily inside the bucket for carrying to the beach. In the off-season, the toys are great for the bathtub—plus the bucket doubles as a container for crayons and toys. BPA, phthalates and PVC free. Launch date: June 2011.
Awards: PTPA award

Thermobaby has invented the Kiddyloo for toilet training from 18 months old. Allows the child to do what grown-ups do. The Kiddyloo is very comfortable and its enveloping shape reassures the child. Features include: Soft surface ensures pleasant contact with skin;  Ergonomic handles;  Non slip step with two settings;  Feet adjust to different height toilets;  Non slip skids under feet offer stability. Case Pack: 4 units. Min order: 12 units. Colors can be assorted:  Blue/Green,Black/White Plum/Lilac, Grey/Green.

The Aquababy is suitable for babies 7-16 months when the child starts to want to sit up. The Rounded shape gently supports the child while giving it freedom of movement. Features include a non slip seat  Extra large suction cups for excellent stability  (Not suitable for non-skid surfaces).  No assembly or accessories needed.  Contains no BPA, Phthalates, PVC or Lead.  Pkg: Boxed. Case Pack: 3 Units per color. Min order: 12 units,  colors can be mixed White/Blue,White/Black,Blue/Green, Lilac/Plum,Dark Pink/Light Pink.
Awards: 2011 Babble.com Best Bath Award

Each ZooLEY teether is made with 100% certified organic cotton terrycloth as well as untreated, naturally antibacterial Maple wood, two items which are safe and soothing for children to gnaw on as they cope with the soreness of teething. Launch date: September 2011.