April 2011 Notable Toys — Sporting Goods & Accessories

This soft foam boomerang toy can be thrown indoors or out.
—Porter Green, owner of The Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va., sells about a dozen a month.

The JM Maverick Pogo Stick is designed to provide fun exercise for boys and girls from 5 to 9 years old. The precision, foam-covered metal construction includes replaceable, non-slip foot pads, handlegrips, and a rubber tip. The pogo stick supports users between 40 and 80-lb. It measures 38 x 9.5 x 2.5 in.
—Two reviewers on Amazon.com gave this product five out of five stars for high quality and durability.

Sunny SleeveZ are light-as-a-feather, 50+UPF fabric sun protection sleeves. They block 98% of UVA & UVB rays. No mess. No missed spots. No Fuss. Kids can wear Sunny Sleevez with a regular short sleeve & get instant, chemical-free sun block that never has to be reapplied. Slip them on in the sun, Slide them off when you're done. They provide sun protection "that never needs to be reapplied and won't get in babies eyes and mouths," Dashiel St. Damien, founder of Sunny SleeveZ, told TDmonthly. Available in 7 sizes (baby-adult), with a wide range of colors & designs, including 3D.

Zike's new freestyle scooters are a combination of both a scooter and a bicycle. Zike is the "World's first hybrid scooter marketed directly to children that can fight childhood obesity and is fun to ride," Nathan Scolari, owner of Zike, told TDmonthly. A unique foot pumping action propels the bike forward, while relying on the balance properties of a traditional bicycle. Launch date: February 2011

The Sbyke is a rear-steering scooter that is self standing and weight shift controlled, making it easy for both children and adults to ride. It features interchangeable stem lengths so it can be used by short and tall alike. The front wheel, a standard bicycle wheel, makes the Sbyke more durable and able to cover rough terrain than a traditional scooter. Holds up to 250 lbs.
Awards: Dr. Toy 2012 Best Green Product, Dr. Toy 2012 10 Best Active Products, 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Children’s Products, Parenting Magazine Best in Play award at Toy Fair 2012, and ISPO 2012 Showcase Winner.
— As of 9/21/2012 this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 1 review on Amazon.com. Pros: Well made; glides smoothly; fun for kids and adults.

Gridiron Fanatic screams “Touchdown!” and “Boooo!” on command with the press of a button on his foot. Gridiron Fanatic is also packed with several offensive and defensive sound effects and phrases (“Tackle somebody!  Anybody!” and “Bears have an amazing sense of smell, and I smell a TOUCHDOWN!”), activated with a pat on his paws. Launch date: Fall 2011.

Kids can learn the basics of America's Pastime with this sturdy yet gentle foam batter's set. Launch date: January 2011.

Improve concentration and attention span for all ages with this new dart set, made of sturdy yet gentle foam. Launch date: January 2011.

Improve concentration and attention span for all ages with this new ring toss game, made of sturdy foam. Launch date: January 2011.

Score a strike with these colorful caterpillar bowling pins - a great opportunity for learning sportsmanship and fair play. Launch date: January 2011.