December 2011 New Specialty Toys — Arts & Crafts

The Kiwi is made of high quality woven plush mohair. It is 11.8 inches tall and filled with polyester fiber. No wires will be used for the legs and beak. "Something that distinguishes our animals from others on the market is our endeavor for a very natural appearance. All our animals are made of very high quality materials. These we refer only from manufacturers in Europe. In addition, all animals are handmade in Germany," Peter Straubel from Kösener Spielzeug Manufaktur GmbH told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2011.

The Starry Night would have been just another landscape if it were not for van Gogh’s swirling layered brush strokes that make the painting come alive. The Starry Night Master Kitz includes all the tools your child needs to create their own Starry Night masterpiece and learning materials to deepen their understanding of the original painting. Each Starry Night Master Kitz includes:A sturdy, re-usable art tool box with magnetic closures, 3 Custom Acrylic Paints (child friendly), 5 Custom Oil Pastels (child friendly), 1 van Gogh Roller specially designed to , replicate van Gogh’s active stroke, 1 re-usable Starry Night Cyprus Stencil, 1 standard paint roller, 2 pieces deluxe art paper, 1 low tack “Mesmerizing Stars” sticker sheet, Fun, easy-to-understand van Gogh learning materials, Easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions. The Tree of Life by Gustav Klimt and Water Lilies by Claude Monet kits are also available. Fifteen percent of Kidzaw’s profits are donated to programs that fund art for disadvantaged public schools in urban areas.
Awards: TDmonthly Top Toy Award, January 2012
— Why it won: This fun kit introduces kids to one of the most famous pieces of art in the world. Including educational materials about van Gogh, the kit also provides paint, stickers, and the tools necessary for kids to recreate, or re-imagine, the Starry Night painting.

Kid-friendly dry erase markers with felt erasers that rinse with a simple solution of soap and water. Eight new colors. Our markers are compliant with CPSIA and are non/toxic-low odor. "Our marker tips don't push back up into the barrel when pressure is applied," Julia Rhodes, CEO of KleenSlate Concepts, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2011.

The Shrinky Dinks Monster Lab includes 50+ pre-cut Shrinky Dinks, Faber-Castell color EcoPencils, brads, chenille stems, wiggly eyes and more. When you are finished, place them inside the 3-D pop-up laboratory. This craft kit is perfect for play and display. The Laboratory measures 16" x 7 3/4" x 6". This is a spook-tacular kit for Halloween too.

This quick and easy craft makes a spook-tacular Halloween decoration. Includes genuine Shrinky Dinks®, 11" x 8" sturdy black velvet tree, colored pencils, sharpener, mini hole punch and all the extras needed for decoration and display.

All purpose sketch paper is bright white with sturdy backing. Kraft paper covers to customize! 30 acid-free sheets. 50 lb paper weight (80g). Polybag with label. Size:5¾ x 8¼“. Launch date: August 2011.

All purpose sketch paper is bright white with sturdy backing. Kraft paper covers to customize! 30 acid-free sheets. 50 lb paper weight (80g). Polybag with label. Size: 8¼ x 11¾”. Launch date: August 2011.

All purpose sketch paper is bright white with sturdy backing. Kraft paper covers to customize! 30 acid-free sheets. 50 lb paper weight (80g). Polybag with label. Size: 11¾ x 16½" (A3). Launch date: August 2011.

High quality tree-free pencils are entirely graphite for drawing and writing! Great for broad strokes and fine detail. 2B grade. Set of 8 in recycled hanging window gift box. Launch date: August 2011.

We've teamed up with Strathmore Artist Papers to create a unique place for budding artists to explore their creativity through art journaling. Learn fun doodling, drawing and collage techniques with inspiring materials! Five great colors to choose from, collect them all! Great for all ages.
— Linda Laramy, owner of Crackerjacks in Easton, Md., told TDmonthly in an October 2011 survey that diaries/journals are their best selling personalized or keepsake item.