December 2009 New Specialty Toys — All

This package includes 20 elephant-shaped paper clips in assorted colors.

This necklace features a colorful bunch of cat's eye beads and Swarovski crystals, plus two charms: a birthday cake and a number to indicate how many years old. It's on a sterling silver chain and comes in the following sizes: 12" (2T-4T); 14" (5T-10 years); and 16" (tween-small adult).

This colorful DVD featuring real-life nature scenes explains about summer solstice, pollination and various insects, summer safety and seasonal foods. Bonus features include sign language, a game, a quiz, a slideshow of images, and a Spanish vocabulary slideshow. A corresponding Activity Book is also available.

Available in Fairy, Sports and Dino varieties, this battery-operated sippy cup features multicolor LEDs that light up when a child sips and then go off after approximately 20 seconds. They can also be manually turned on and off with the press of a button. The cups are free of BPA and come with batteries. The lid and cup can be washed in the dishwasher (remove base first). This product received 5 out of 5 stars from What the Stuff Toy Review.

Maternal Whispers is a baby sleep CD that mimics what a baby hears in the womb. The pulse and blood flow of the mother (the sounds the baby is most used to hearing) remain perfectly steady throughout, for 72 minutes, giving your baby a rhythmic and familiar sound to sleep to.

This short-sleeved tee, available in sizes 2 to 6, is made fair trade in India and is 100-percent organic. The monkey image was designed by Norwegian founder of Tyler Trends, Anette Tyler.

This kit includes chemicals needed to grow a Rose Quartz crystal cluster of up to 4" in diameter. It comes with the Space Age Crystal Growing chemical, a stirring rod, a display pedestal and instructions. Within just a few hours of transferring the chemical to hot water, pouring the mixture into the vessel and letting it cool, crystals will begin to form and then continue growing for many days.

This brainteaser puzzle includes 50 "mind-splashing" challenges set to the scene of a pool party. The goal is to move the puzzle pieces around in such a way that the boy on the red inner tube ends up next to the steps in the lower right corner of the pool. It comes with the swimming pool, 14 puzzle pieces, a storage bag and a challenge booklet with instructions and solutions.

Flip-n-Stack Monkeys includes everything you need to create a perfect monkey tower: four super-magnetic monkeys, one launcher, and a target landing pad. Multiple stacking options allows for the monkeys to be stacked in different arrangements.

Chip Shotz Golfer includes everything you need to play a round of golf: swingin' Chip, balls, tee box, green, water feature, sand trap, and even trees. A nice desktop distraction for the golf enthusiast.

This 22" doll features fabric skin made from hemp fiber, clothing constructed of organic or recycled eco fibers, stuffing made from recycled plastic containers, and hair made of organic cotton. Her backpack carries a Hope Tree Planting Kit with Douglas Fir seeds.

The Bannister family’s new addition, Zeus (voiced by Mario Lopez)  a former K-9 police hero, appears to be less than the dependable guard dog the family needs.  However, when two burglars (led by Dean Cain) set out to break into the Bannister’s home while they’re away for Christmas, Zeus seizes the chance to be a hero, proving every dog – even this one – has his day.

Annie, a sassy, self-deprecating, authentically raw 28-year-old, hazardously, yet humorously, freefalls from an all-time low to rock bottom. She's lost her job, feels legitimately trapped inside a bad relationship with arguably the most charming prick on the planet, is stifled by her past... and, oh, a perpetual buzz. Then she meets Billy, a soulful petty thief. Add barbed witticisms from Annie's cousin, an angry acupuncturist, and quips from two sadomasochistic elementary school teachers, and watch as reckless desperation leads to blind fearlessness in this modern-day tale where love is lost, found, "whined and dined," but mostly — redefined. This book was written by actress Lisa Cerasoli, a regular on TV's "General Hospital." Launch date: June 15, 2009.

High-end, custom-designed Five Star Copper Bookmarks are made with quality copper and Swarovski crystals and pearls, making them ideal for avid readers and gift giving. They come in three 3-1/2" high designs: a serene angel made with a divine crystal and opulent pearl; a paw print, which sports a teal or amethyst crystal; and a crystal-packing star. Launch date: October 15, 2009.

Five Star Finger Puppets are manufactured in the United States and made by hand of soft, durable, hand-washable yarn. They are child safe with no removable parts and come in packages of five that include owl, snake, child, dog and cat characters. "This novelty item can be used for so many things, from potty training to story characters," pointed out Lisa Goldman of Five Star Publications. Launch date: September 9, 2009.

The battle lines are drawn both at home and abroad, as bestselling author Dianne Ebertt Beeaff's gripping first novel unfolds. Framed in a rich historical backdrop, "Power's Garden" is the masterfully woven tale of two southeastern Arizona families — one Texan, one Mormon — whose cultures collide during trying economic times. As World War I rages in Europe, a crippling drought engulfs the Gila Valley desert, the hope of the area's ranchers wasting away with their livestock. With candor and courage, the Brennick and Beecham families develop an embattled but gripping relationship, navigating uncertainties, challenging traditions and learning to love. "It's a novel of two different cultures and the Morman religion," pointed out Five Star's Lisa Goldman. Launch date: June 15, 2009.

Rattlesnakes are much maligned primarily because they are much misunderstood. In Rattlesnake Rules, award-winning children’s author and science editor Conrad J. Storad, of Arizona, removes the veil of mystery from these fascinating creatures and imparts to young readers valuable information that will help them better understand rattlesnakes and keep both the children and the snakes safe. Delightfully illustrated by Conrad’s long-time collaborator, artist Nathaniel P. Jensen, The Rattlesnake Rules is yet another in their popular series that includes Desert Night Shift (A Pack Rat Story) and Don’t Ever Cross that Road! (An Armadillo Story), among others. Launch date: October 15, 2009.

As Luke and his sister Jenny resume their summer vacation, their mother plans a stop at the historic town of Lincoln, New Mexico. But when a thunderstorm begins to brew, Luke and Jenny realize things aren't what they seem. Suddenly they are swept back in time and find themselves face-to-face with the notorious Billy the Kid. The ghost of Paul, a young buffalo soldier who lived more than a century ago, guides them on their journey as they experience the life and times of this mysterious young outlaw. Will Billy the Kid live up to his legend? — This book received a 2007 Indie Book Awards of Excellence.

Award-winning children’s recording artists Danny Adlerman, Kevin Kammeraad, and Yosi, have joined efforts to create what is sure to be the most innovative winter holiday album of 2009. Danny, Kevin, and Yosi have been inspiring kids and families for more than a decade with both music and books. Through their friendship, an idea was born to create a CD that captures both winter holiday originals and inventive remakes of traditional favorites. The humor, love, joy, and excitement of the season shine through in this exceptional, all-ages, family CD. "This album is a collaborative collection of Christmas, Hanukkah, and Winter Songs all cohesively brought together by three award winning recording artists in one all ages, family CD," Kevin Kammeraad, The Kids at Our House artist, remarked to TDmonthly. Awards include Dr. Toy's 10 Best Audio/Video Tape/CDs 2009 and The National Parenting Center’s 2010 Seal of Approval. Launch date: October 15, 2009.

The Fun Facts! series of Puzzle Doubles combines a beautifully illustrated floor puzzle with twelve fun animal facts into a high-quality educational experience. Children will first enjoy assembling the large, colorful puzzle. Flip the puzzle over to learn fun facts about the pictured animals, which encourage parent-child discussion. Each 50-piece puzzle measures a giant 3' x 2'. Launch date: November 16, 2009.

The Fun Facts! series of Puzzle Doubles combines a beautifully illustrated floor puzzle with twelve fun animal facts into a high-quality educational experience. Children will first enjoy assembling the large, colorful puzzle. Flip the puzzle over to learn fun facts about the pictured animals, which encourage parent-child discussion. Each 50-piece puzzle measures a giant 3' x 2'. Launch date: November 16, 2009.

Puzzle Doubles Create A Scene Ocean combines a puzzle with additional activities to create a fun and interactive learning experience for your child. After assembling the puzzle, children can create their own scenes and stories by placing the reuseable static stickers on the surface of completed puzzle. Then turn the puzzle over for a big coloring activity! The bright illustrations encourage parent-child conversation. Each 50-piece puzzle measures a giant 3' x 2'. Launch date: November 16, 2009.

This set of three-piece puzzle pairs features familiar characters and professionals. Children will learn to recognize many different people, such as a police officer, ballerina, and wizard. The colorful puzzle sets are self-correcting — only cards that belong together will fit together. Launch date: October 2009.

Meet Skiff, a playful Sheltie. In Little Skiff’s Moving Adventures, Skiff moves from Alaska to Arizona, and in Little Skiff Copes With Valley Fever, Skiff learns all about Valley Fever firsthand. Author Dany Pierard-Deviche hopes Skiff will teach children how to stay confident in the face of adversity and change. Launch date: January 15, 2010.