December 2008 New Specialty Toys — Infant & Toddler

The new Banz Wrapz and Banz sunglasses combo sets come in a pool ready tote bag and make the perfect gift for cool kids.

This life-size zebra play center is equipped with 28 fun accessories, including mirrors, rattles, teethers, crinkling textures and horns. It is perfect for hugging or riding, and also comes in a smaller, hand-held size. The product received an iParenting Media Award and was named one of the Best Toys of the Year by Parents Magazine. Launch date: July 2008.

TykeLight GloMate by MOBI features an easy-to-clean surface that is soft to the touch, durable and impact resistant. The all-white GloMate, once illuminated, can turn a constant blue, green or pink; or rainbow-mode cycles between all three colors. Thanks to the built-in NmH rechargeable batteries and low-voltage charging base, TykeLight GloMate can provide up to 10 hours of constant light when fully charged. It turns on automatically when removed from the base, and the LED lights do not give off heat, so it’s cool to the touch. “Gentle Sleep” mode automatically dims and shuts off the light after 15 minutes. "The GloMate is not just a nightlight, but [also] a portable buddy for kids [that] is great for traveling and the perfect answer to 'Can you leave the light on?'" Dan Grody, publicist at Tellem Worldwide on behalf of MOBI, told TDmonthly. "It provides the perfect ambiance for nighttime feedings and it uses very little energy, lasting through the day or night on a single charge." This item received a 2008 Greatest Products iParenting Media Award. Launch date: October 2008.

The patent-pending blankie-ball features an attached self-encompassing pocket to keep the blanket clean and portable for moms and babies on the go. The luxuriously soft blanket tucks inside the pouch and converts into a stylish and soft pillowy ball. There are six fun and contemporary styles to choose from, each with a different colored blanket inside. This product is extremely unique because of the pouch attached to the blanket. "No other blanket tucks into a ball for easy portability and cleanliness," Samantha Namboothiri, director of sales and marketing at Wagamama Baby, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 7, 2008.

This padded, reversible coffee table cover is designed to "protect kids from tables and tables from kids," offering childproofing value for a safer home as well as protecting furniture from nicks and scratches. The themed side of the cover encourages creative play as well as recognition of colors and shapes, and with roadways and railroads, is ideal for pairing with wheeled toys and figurines. The reverse side is gray, and the cover is machine washable. Kids can draw on the reverse side with Crayola Washable Markers, then throw the pad into the wash for a clean slate. Two sizes are available: 20" x 48" and 40" x 68".

Written and illustrated by Clare Beaton, this book introduced baby to different subjects, objects and themes. Sections include "Weather," "This Little Piggy," "My Toy Chest" and "Various Vegetables."

Chunky wooden body shapes can be switched around to make jolly chaps! Made in Germany, this is a solid beechwood stacking toy that will entertain the young and old alike! There are nine shapes and a sturdy base with pegs so the blocks don’t fall over.
— “We sell Haba really, really well,” said Michelle Smith, owner of Piccolo Mondo Toys in Portland, Ore., in Decemeber 2008. “I love Haba blocks, so I tend to recommend them to a lot of people, and their marble run. We have a whole display.”

Created by Rob and Lisi Wolf, this 14-track, 42-minute album features acoustic version of songs by Neil Diamond, Fleetwood Mac, The Beatles and others. The product is made in the United States, using recyclable materials.

This retro-designed rocket ship has a swivel plug and comes with a 4-watt bulb. It measures 3.5" W x 5.75" H x 3" D. Launch date: November 2008.

This colorful pull-along features wooden construction with pieces that fit into the shape cut-outs on the trailer. A doll or stuffed animal can ride along in the cab. It measures 13.7" x 7.7" x 9.5".

This pink and white trucker hat for little girls is embroidered with rhinestones. It is available in "little" (4 to 18 mos.) and "BIG" (18 mos. to 4-5 yr. olds.) sizes. Several other hat designs are available.

This lightweight (3 lb.), water-resistant blanket features cotton fabric on one side plus durable nylon backing. It comes with a bag for easy portability, measures 54" x 84", and is available in a variety of designs.

These handcrafted baby shoes are made of sheepskin and feature a soft suede sole. They are available in three sizes: 0-6 mos., 6-12 mos. and 12-18 mos.

This soft, 8" bear is available in four pastel colors and comes packaged in a gift box.

Suitable for babies 3 months and up, this teething rattle combines elements of the company's Skwish and Winkel baby toys — soft plastic loops, colorful rings and a wooden ball. The product measures 6.25" H. Launch date: July 2008.

With stories tucked inside special pouches, these stuffed animals come to life with their very own stories by published authors. Children are encouraged to find the squeak, the crinkle and other special characteristics described in the story on the stuffed animal. The illustrated stories are printed on easy-to-read, soft, fabric story sheets. The adventures blend reading, storytelling and play into a stuffed animal. The large, 10" characters ($30) pair up with their own 5" friends attached via Velcro or magnets. The medium-sized, 8" characters ($15) each come with three adventure stories zipped inside a pocket. The small, 5" characters ($7) each come with one story written about them and tucked into a pocket. Launch date: March 2008.

This high-quality pettidress has plenty of frills and fluff for any little princess. Launch date: October 22, 2008.

This soft-touch stacking toy features a jingle, rattle and crinkle sound to engage babies as they play. It measures 10.5" tall.

Complete with water-resistant nylon backing that has a DWR (durable weather resistant) coating, this blanket is designed not only to make children (and adults) feel cozy, but also to act as a protective barrier. It measures 38” x 56” with loops for tie options, and is great for double strollers, wheelchairs, or use asan all-around cozy outdoor blanket. It is available in the following color combinations: Pistachio/Chocolate and Turquoise/Pewter.

I’m the comicos of the band and I always have a funny up my sleevos. OK, here’s a good one for you: What do you get when you cross a cat with a tree? A cat-a-log! Hee-hee! There’s lots more where that came from … but I’ll stop for now. Ciao amigos, keep laughing! Discovery Deglingos are an explorative adventure for young kids. Each leg contains a different activity – squeaks, rattles, crinkles and more. Also, a pull-string tail creates a shake and rattle surprise. Launch date: November 2008.

As Shakespearos once said, “The dog will have his day," and that day is now. I can usually be found waxing poetic and sniffing out a sonnet or two. But as the poetos of the Deglingos, I need inspiration. Will you be my muse? Discovery Deglingos are an explorative adventure for young kids. Each leg contains a different activity – squeaks, rattles, crinkles and more. Also, a pull-string tail creates a shake and rattle surprise. Launch date: November 2008.

Made with soft, 100-percent organic Sherpa Cotton, this bunting has fitted feet, reversible handmitts, side kimono snaps, furry trim, and is completely lined with fine knit. "We use 100-percent natural dyes and cotton, which contribute to our bright and vivid colors. The reversible handmitts and side kimono snaps make it easily accessible for anyone to wrap and unwrap their little one. The warm sherpa cotton keeps the baby warm all day long," Marissa Parsons, assistant creative director at kate quinn organics, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2008.

So crazios and always in a good mood, I’m the excitable guy with the big heart. Poilodos tells me I need to chill out and loosen my suspenders a bit, but I prefer to blow off steam by playing the drums with my tail. Not everyone appreciates this talent. Party poopos! Discovery Deglingos are an explorative adventure for young kids. Each leg contains a different activity — squeaks, rattles, crinkles and more. Also, a pull-string tail creates a shake and rattle surprise. Launch date: November 2008.

These are infant/toddler sizes of long-sleeved T-shirts, onesies and dresses with "Santa's Little Helper" on the front and hand-painted stripes and dots on sleeves, by artist Shelley Dieterichs. Launch date: October 15, 2008.