December 2011 New Specialty Toys — Developmental Toys

eBoo's eco-friendly Tot Towers are beautifully illustrated with the same characters from our revered "Life On Earth" series. The Tower includes ten sturdy cardboard blocks to nest, stack, and tumble down. Great for children who love to build things as much as they love to see them knocked over. "eeBoo's eco-friendly Tot Tower helps build large motor skills while promoting language and concept development," Regina Gelin, sales & marketing associate at eeBoo, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 2012.

Now, Baby Stella can talk. Features three sounds: pacifier sucking noise when pacifier is attached, giggling when foot is squeezed, and saying "mama" when hand is squeezed. Doll comes with pink ruffled onesie with Velcro-like closures in back and magnetic pacifier. Comes with 2 replaceable AA batteries. Launch date: January 2012.

Finally, a well-designed play mat that lasts through the developmental stages of your child!  Our play mats have been designed to cushion and delight babies during tummy time, entertain toddlers for play time, and encourage young learners of all ages to engage and explore.  Search for the hidden characters, count the creatures, sound out letters, or master the road rules: the only limit is their imagination. Reversible: engaging art on both sides; Water-resistant, wipes clean; Soft & cushiony ; Non-toxic. "The play mat lasts through multiple developmental stages of a child - from baby to kindergarten," Lea Janowicz, marketing director for Prince Lionheart, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2012.

A lightning fast shape and color recognition game for kids, families and gamers alike. In Ghost Blitz, five wooden items sit on the table waiting to be caught: a white ghost, a green bottle, a cute grey mouse, a blue book, and a comfortable red chair. Each card in the deck shows pictures of two objects, with one or both objects colored the wrong way. With all players playing at the same time, someone reveals a card, then players grab for the "right" object - but which object is right? The first player to grab the correct object keeps the card, then reveals the next card from the deck. If a player grabs the wrong object, she must discard one card previously collected. Once the card deck runs out, the game ends and whoever has collected the most cards wins. Launch date: 2011.
Awards: 2011 Deutscher Lernspielpreis "6 years and up" Nominee; 2011 Golden Geek Best Children's Board Game Nominee; 2011 Spiel des Jahres Recommended.

The Weplay ® Tricky Fish is a hand-held balance coordination board designed in the shape of a fish. This ball maze board is two-sided to provide the user with different types of tracks for more fun and challenge. As the user works the ball around the track, the board helps them to develop muscle control, flexibility of the wrists, and improves reflexes. The Tricky Fish enhances eye-hand coordination and exercises the eye muscles while elevating the user's attention span. The Tricky Fish is suitable for everyone. Includes: 1 Board, 1 Ball  Dimensions: 10 X 9 X 2". Launch date: January 2012.

Build and roll this Construction Toolbox around like a vehicle. 5 projects included; kids can use their imagination to build anything. Includes 11 Geometric Shapes, 4 Wheels, 12 Screws, 10 Nuts, 1 Screwdriver, and 1 Wrench. This Toolbox also provides easy storage for all the pieces. Develops imagination, hand-eye coordination, manual dexterity, and problem solving and fine motor skills. Tested to meet European and U.S. safety standards. "Unique design - the attractive colors, unique features, super play value, learning elements and cute character of this toolbox draws kids attention and become their best friend in no time," David To from Biokido/Georgeous Products Inc. told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2012.

The Solar System by Teach My introduces children to the basics of The Solar System. Using a coordinated book, puzzle, poster and flashcards, Teach My showcases the sun and nine planets that rotate around the sun (incl. Pluto, The Dwarf Planet). In order to simplify The Solar System for little ones, we have highlighted one characteristic for each planet and each planet's place within the solar system. The Solar System is an Add-On by Teach My, an additional section for the award winning, all-in-one learning kits, Teach My Toddler & Teach My Preschooler. Conveniently packed in a re-sealable bag, The Solar System by Teach My can be used on its own or with Teach My Toddler & Teach My Preschooler. "The Solar System by Teach My includes coordinated learning tools such as a matching poster, flashcards, book and puzzle. The tools promote natural interaction and repetition, making learning quick, easy and fun," Christy Cook, founder of Teach My, told TDmonthly. Launch date: November 2011.

Ian's new potty makes him feel like a big boy. He is excited to know he will wear real underpants and go to the potty, but the new system will take some getting used to. Ian sits on the potty, but nothing happens. When he is out playing, he feels a tickle in his tummy, and his pants are wet. This sympathetic story about a universal situation will help children understand that mastering this new skill takes time and patience, and everyone is entitled to a few slip-ups. Ian wears big boy underpants, builds a big boy fort, eats a big boy sandwich, and finally learns to use the potty like the big boy he knows he is. When he achieves his goal, it is time to help mom empty the potty, wash his hands, and go outside to play with the other big boys. Launch date: November 2011.

Kids undo a latch, swing open the numbered door, and see the picture beneath revealed on this wooden play board. Build fine motor skills while learning colors, numbers, animals and more. Measures 15.7" x 11.7" x 1.6".
— As of 10/26/2011 this product had 4.4 out of 5 stars from 130 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Helps develop manual dexterity; durable; pieces are attached and can't get lost. Cons: Sharp edges on latches; fingers can get pinched in the latches.

Phone Mat Fun is an interactive 3D Animated DVD and activity mat that prepares young children for school.  Phone Mat Fun teaches children basic concepts of letters, colors, and numbers in both English Spanish while moving around the Learnercise Phone Mat. Launch date: 2011.

CircaToys is a family business that designs and manufactures heirloom quality wooden toys that are handmade in Franklin, N.C. USA.  The company was founded in 2009 by Gary Murphy whose inspiration for the first toy "Wagon of Blocks" came from the original toy itself which he received on his birthday in 1942.  The original toy still exists, although beginning to show its age, having been played with by 3 generations. It is a simple toy made from basic wood shapes and threaded nuts and pegs that can be taken apart easily. It is a mechanical learning toy that opens the door for imagination building and hand eye coordination. Safety tested and approved for children 6 months and up. Launch date: January 2009.
Awards: 2010 Creative Child Magazine TopToy of the Year; 2010 Brain Child Tillywig

This original series of electronic Discover the-Sound Books allow kids to explore  backyard, farm, rain forest and pond scenes to discover the animals who live there. Each book has a sound module that plays an animal sound. Available in English and Bilingual versions (English/ French, English/ Spanish). Launch date: January 2012.

Inquisitive hands will transform Villetta into a village of colorful cottages, a tower of balancing prisms, or an abstract sculptural masterpiece. This artful open-ended building toy expands the possibilities of building ideas never before imagined. The color, form and sheer beauty of Villetta will attract young children as well as artists, designers and playful adults. "With a beautiful array of vibrant colors, this block set combines the function of an open-ended classic wooden toy to be played by generations of children, yet also has the aesthetic appeal to attract designers, artists, architects, and playful adults," Karen Hewitt, president/designer of Learning Materials Workshop, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2011.

Coloraturo, a new block set created by award winning toy designer Karen Hewitt, will delight and captivate the imagination of children and artists of all ages. This smart toy functions both as a designer art piece and a high quality children’s building toy providing endless experiences with color in both two and three dimensions. The color, form and sheer beauty of Coloraturo will attract young children as well as architects, designers and playful adults. "Displaying 36 unique, vibrant colors, this piece stands out from ordinary block sets, yet will still be a timeless toy for generations of children. This toy will provide endless building opportunities, yet looks beautiful enough to display anywhere in the house," Karen Hewitt, president/designer of Learning Materials Workshop, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2011.
Awards: TDmonthly Top Toy Award, January 2012; 2011 Dr. Toy 10 Best Creative Products Award; 2011 Dr. Toy 100 Best Children's Products Award.
— Why it won: Beautifully designed, kids can enjoy hours of pattern play, color sorting, and building. Meanwhile, parents won't mind having these colorful, geometric blocks left lying around.

uKloo was developed as a reading game with the help of teachers, parents, lids, and special needs family testers. Great for kinesthetic learners. Offers physical exercise, builds confidence, and promotes independent learning and play. Kids search for clues and learn to read in this interactive literacy game.
Awards: Dr. Toy's 10 Best Active Products - 2011

PINKALICIOUS - New York Times Bestselling Hardcover book by Victoria Kann & Elizabeth Kann. Eight 27" square 100% nylon scarves, two of each of the following colors: ballet pink, white frosting, cotton candy pink, and dazzling pink  IDEAS Music CD with lots of dancing, twirling, magically inspired music selections. Instructional/informational insert. Easy to store in our reusable sturdy storage bag with self-closing handles. All scarves are made and all kits constructed in the USA. Launch date: June 2011.

GOLDILICIOUS - Hardcover book by Victoria Kann. Eight-27" square 100% nylon scarves, two of each of the following colors: star bright gold, white frosting, cotton candy pink and perky purple  IDEAS Music CD with lots of dancing, twirling, magically inspired music selection. Instructional/informational insert. Easy to store in our reusable sturdy storage bag with self-closing handles.  Loose scarves are available for purchase. All scarves are made and all kits are constructed in the USA. Launch date: June 2011.

PURPLICIOUS - Hardcover book by Victoria Kann & Elizabeth Kann. Eight-27" square 100% nylon scarves, two of each of the following colors: perky purple, sunset skyblue-pink, boo-hoo blue and cotton candy pink.  IDEAS Music CD with lots of dancing, twirling, magically inspired music selections.  Instructional/informational insert. Easy to store in our reusable sturdy storage bag with self-closing handles.  Loose scarves are available for purchase. All scarves are made and all kits are constructed in the USA. Launch date: June 2011.

These are 36" square scarves that come in the following colors: purple, lavender, royal blue, medium blue, kelly green, lime green, yellow, orange, red, pink, black and white.  These scarves are wonderful for children ages 3-12. They are washable, air dry. Launch date: 1996.

Individual 27" square nylon scarves in a variety of colors: purple, lavender, royal blue, medium blue, kelly green, lime green, yellow, orange, red, pink, black, white, peach, light pink, brown and grey. These scarves are wonderful for children ages 3-12.  They are washable, air dry. Launch date: 1996.

PINKALICIOUS & SILVERLICIOUS* (NY Times Bestselling Children's Book List), PURPLICIOUS, AND GOLDILICIOUS Hardcover books by Victoria Kann & Elizabeth Kann - COMPLETE SERIES. Sixteen 27" square 100% nylon scarves, two of each in the following colors: cotton candy pink, dazzling pink, sunset sky-blue pink, perky purple, starbright gold, white frosting, silver, and lively lavender; An IDEAS Music CD with lots of dancing, twirling, magically inspired music selections; Instructional/informational inserts. Easy to store in our reusable sturdy storage bag with self-closing handles.Launch date: May 2011.
Awards: Silverlicious - 2011 Creative Child's Book of the Year and Media of the Year Award.

A fun way to discover 100 everyday sounds. Children will be delighted to hear sounds that come to life when bar codes are scanned by using the Smart Pen.  Crystal clear technology teaches animals, musical instruments, vehicles, machinery and nature sounds. The sounds are recorded in high fidelity and are very realistic. 50 double sided learning cards are included for hours of learning fun. Launch date: July 2011.
Awards: 2011 Creative Child Toy of the Year

Lil' Iguana Feelings Calendar features master copies of a calendar in Spanish and English with 9 wooden and rubber stamps depicting different childhood feelings. The calendar "has been used by schools and child care facilites with tremendous results of understanding how children are actually feeling inside. Has been credited for saving young children from abuse," Jim Tomaszewski,  executive director of Lil' Iguana's Children's Safety Foundation, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2010.

With Teach My Preschooler, little ones can get Ready To Read, Print, Count to 100, Add & Subtract, all in one kit. Teach My Preschooler is the multi award winning, all-in-one learning system for preschoolers. The kit has all the educational tools necessary to help prepare preschoolers for kindergarten. The kit is divided into four sections – Ready to Read, Ready to Print, Ready for 1-100, and Ready for Math – each fully-coordinated with books, flashcards, posters, a print guide and magic drawing board. Developed with education consultant Judith Rowlands, M Ed., Teach My Preschooler is designed to give preschoolers a head start, develop fine motor skills, encourage parent/child interaction and increase school readiness skills. Launch date: September 2010.
Awards: 2010 Dr. Toy 100 Best; 2010 iParenting Media Award