April 2011 Notable Toys — Gifts

His light blue color with white accents is set off with a light blue and white gingham bow, and his soft, velour fabric make this the plushest Puppy around.  Bottle Snugglers Precious Puppies make excellent feeding time helpers for child care providers at day cares and preschools, where baby feeding schedules tend to overlap. When the Precious Puppy holds baby's bottle, the caregiver can more easily and comfortably bond with baby during this special time.

The Charming Teddy Bear snuggler is soft brown velour with cream foot pads and a plaid bow, suitable for a boy or girl. This soft, huggable Bottle Snugglers Charming Teddy Bear will support most baby bottle types and can be used as a regular toy after baby learns to hold the bottle alone. The Charming Teddy Bear is the bottle holder that started it all for Bottle Snugglers. Bottle Snugglers encourage bonding during feeding time by allowing Mom to continue holding and cuddling a feeding baby while using her free hand to care for herself or another child. They are also a big help to Moms of multiples.

Part of Candlewick's Toon Books imprint, this book helps get kids interested in reading by matching comic-book illustrations with text matched to a specific reading level. This particular book is a Level 2, intended for children in grades 1-2. Patrick is a teddy bear who loves jumping in puddles. These four stories from Geisel Award-winning author Geoffrey Hayes follow Patrick through his adventures. The book has a reading guide in back for parents.

One day, on the way to the park, a little girl climbs the gate of an old yellow house. Although no one has lived there for a very long time, a little boy suddenly appears before her. "Come and play with me," he beckons. He leads her through an enchanted garden, showing her all its marvelous inhabitants: a tiger playing with its cubs in the long grass, a dolphin leaping in the goldfish pond, a pelican roosting high in the apple tree. Then the mysterious boy is gone, the girl’s mother is calling, and all is as it was before. Written by Blake Morrison and illustrated by Helen Craig (illustrator of the Angelina Ballerina stories), this hard-cover book features soft and simple pictures that compliment the imaginative but matter-of-fact way the author tells of the adventure in the yellow house.

This hardcover picture book by Hallie Durand tells the story of Mitchell, who hates going to bed. Or at least, he does until he gets a license to drive there. Mitchell's car turns, honks, and can go really fast, but it's a little different than other cars- it's his Dad. This adorable story is illustrated by Tony Fucile, an animator who has worked on such films as The Lion King and The Incredibles. Mitchell learns how to drive his "car" and things go smoothly- until car and driver disagree on what sort of fuel they need.

Daisy Dawson is a normal girl, except for one thing- she can talk to animals. In this, the fourth book from Steve Voake about Daisy, she spends the summer at the beach.  Daisy makes friends with two rabbits and a crab, but when they band together to save a dolphin, it's Daisy and the rabbits who end up needing rescue. The 88-page chapter book will keep elementary grade readers interested with black and white illustrations by Jessica Meserve on every page.

This hardcover picture book by B.G. Hennessy is illustrated with detailed watercolor and ink pictures by Hiroe Nakata. It is a story that shows children that the small, kind actions of one person can affect the world. Touting advice such as "Because of you, there is one more person who will grow and learn...and one more person who can teach others," the book's penultimate message is that "Even something as big and important as peace" can be achieved "Because of you."

Each of these colored bracelets are adjustable, so one size fits all. Each dozen comes assorted in bright, different colored bracelets.

This butterfly necklace is part of another new jewelry line by Cool Jewels®. Each butterfly pendant hangs on an adjustable silver ball chain. Line includes other styles, such as horses, penguins, turtles, hearts, peace signs, and many more.

This Mood Prism Star Necklace is part of a new mood jewelry line by Cool Jewels ®. Each star pendant hangs on an adjustable cord necklace. Other styles included in this brand new line include dolphins, hearts, turtles, frogs and more.

Miniature versions of the popular Wahoo toys from Marky Sparky, kids can write messages on these pthalate- and latex-free animals, affix postage directly, and mail them to someone special. No packaging is needed.

This exclusive design is printed on 50# premium coated paper. Available in 18" (price give), 24", and 30" widths. Roll lengths are either 417' or 833'.

This soft plush monkey with super sweet face is perfect for hugging. "Features velcro hands," Valerie Henderson, administrative assistant at Lambs & Ivy, told TDmonthly.

These unique Bath to Go gifts are perfect for baby’s bath. Each design includes a hooded towel with appliqué, three squirt toys, two wash cloths and a re-useable bath bucket. The terry cloth is 100% Cotton and the squirt toys are baby safe.

Meet brother and sister Momo and Mimi. These cute plush monkeys come together with Momo holding little Mimi. "The monkeys feature brightly colored striped socks," Valerie Henderson, administrative assitant at Lambs & Ivy, told TDmonthly.

Meet Sock the Zebra. With his super soft plush and sweet face, anyone is sure to love cuddling with Socks. Launch date: 2011.

Meet Bubbles and Squirt, two adorable and fun fish from under the sea. These sweet fish come together as a set with their brightly colored embroidery and super soft plush fabric. Launch date: 2011.

All-in-one pillow+mat+blanket. An easy solution for daycare, Preschool, travel, Grandma’s house or just any time a little one needs to relax. This easy to carry mat that is colorful and versatile. Easy to roll up, has Velcro closures and a carry handle. There is also a name tag included. Comes in three different styles.

Sunny BeadZ Jewelry features color-changing beads that are white indoors and instantly change to color in the sun, the stronger the UV rays the brighter the color. Skin cancer rates are skyrocketing, (1 in 5 Americans diagnosed annually). Often some of the worst sun damage occurs on cloudy summer days when the UV rays are just as strong but the temperature is cool, but Sunny BeadZ alerts the wearer to the strength of the rays. Sunny BeadZ Necklaces, bracelets and key-rings featuring both permanent-color beads & charms as well as UV beads, and all are made in the USA. Launch date: 2011.

Each member of the Piggy Wiggies family comes with a name and a lovable little story. Each Piggy is a hand-crafted plush made from socks. There are also mini Piggy Wiggies. Launch date: February 2011.

Shake, rattle and hold...these Silly Buddies now all come as pacifier holders and a rattle has been added to each. Machine wash and tumble dry. Size: 10"

Blossom is a soft, pink velour bunny. Her extra long arms make it easy to tie her on the side of a crib or atop the perfect baby gift. Machine wash and tumble dry. Size: 10"

Plush bunny with soft blue velour blanket lined and edged in silky satin. Blanket is open in the back for easier snuggling. "Best Friends Indeed" embroidery. Machine wash & tumble dry. Size: 16"

Easily take playtime to bedtime with Mimicking Monkey. Mimicking Monkey’s unique dual track voiceover option allows parents to record personal messages along with each sound to personalize their child’s play, relax or bedtime environment. Familiar voices and soothing sounds can help children achieve a more peaceful, deeper sleep. Caregivers can record a soothing message to their child to help ease separation anxiety. Mimicking Monkey features include: Plays three unique sounds - Monkey fun, angel falls, lullaby; Records voices over all sound options; 30 minute sleep timer; Velcro hands for securing to cribs and strollers; 2 AA batteries included; Illustrated storybook and adoption certificate.
— As of 05/27/2011 this product had 3.3 out of 5 stars from 3 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Cute; users liked the recording features; on an automatic timer so it doesn't stay on all night. Cons: one user said the monkey excessively shed its fur.