January 2009 Notable Toys — All

Following the success of the initial introduction of the Clackers in 2008, Play Visions has added a new twist to the item ... with a maraca shape on the ends, filled with small beads. This combination produces a pleasant “swishing” sound while participants play with one of the most tactile, elastic items on the market. Launch date: January 10, 2009.

Pakicetus-Squalodon is the first of Evolvems, evolutionary transforming plush toys, to be developed. Pakicetus-Squalodon represents an amazing evolutionary transition that led to all modern whales. Whales, which are mammals not fish, developed from land mammals that began to venture further and further into the ocean for a meal and protection from predators.

Lamb says “maa,” doggie says “woof,” crow says “caw caw”—and baby laughs with joy. The shiny embossed and laminated pictures of animals seem to jump from the page, inviting babies to reach out and touch. As they become more familiar with the book, children will enjoy imitating the sounds each friendly creature makes. Launch date: December 2008.

A set of fifteen colorful 4" x  7-1/4" cards designed to keep babies interested and engaged. Early language will develop as children look, play, and are spoken to. Included is a parent card, which suggests talking points and learning games to play with baby. Launch date: January 2009.

One of the most popular pets—and the animal baby is most likely to know—sounds off in this amusing 6" x 6" foam board book. There are toy dogs; happy ones that look as if a child drew them; and noisy ones making noise. A touch-and-feel fur element at the end of the book enhances the experience. Launch date: June 2008.

Tandy Leather Factory has developed a line of kits especially made to be used with iron-on products. The Pixie Pouch is just one of over 20 age appropriate kits that include items like a video game guitar strap, IPOD holders, and a even a complete belt buckle kit which are all iron on products and will be featured in three different colors. The kits have a modern appeal as well as the appeal of being an actual craft item that children can assemble easily. Launch date: February 2009.

Create beautiful jewelry with pendants that change color according to your mood. Romantic, relaxed, loved or in love, one can log her mood changes in the diary as per the color chart inside.

Knit an adorable colorful scarf using a high-quality wooden loom. Learn to knit with the detailed instruction booklet included. Light and trendy for a romantic walk on the street.

Make your own trendy jewels and belts using charming design ribbons and metallic rings.

Make your own friendship bracelets using the double-sided pattern wheel and up to 8 colors of thread and a variety of beads. Up to 14 different possible styles.

This ceramic boot planter comes with herb or flower seed packets and is available in red, yellow, blue and green.

This comfy beanbag chair features two detachable, machine-washable covers, soothing micro beads on the interior, and a gentle vibration system designed to relax the body and stimulate circulation. It is available in black with a baby blue or pretty pink top.

Peanuts appeals to every generation with its simple everyday wisdoms, wit and unique perspective on life. With enduring icons like Snoopy and Charlie Brown, Peanuts has made an indelible mark on popular culture. Happiness is… the Peanuts gang!

“Welcome to a world of science, of fiction, of fantasy, and of science fiction fantasy. Welcome to the world of Futurama…Welcome to the world of tomorrow!” Bendable, Poseable toys included in box set: Fry, Leela, Professor Farnsworth, Bender, and Planet Express Spaceship (keychain).

From his humble Super 8 beginnings that smashed him upon TV screens nationwide on “Saturday Night Live”, to the unique spot that he now occupies in the nation’s consciousness, Mr. Bill has become a legend.

Super flexible, bendable, and poseable Gumby bendable toys are highly collectible. The first bendable Gumby sweeps the country in 1964. By 1966, Gumby sales break all records!

This game console lets kids drive Hot Wheels cars virtually in an online 3D racing game, "Race The World," at HotWheels.com.

From the company's traditional collection of wooden blocks made in the USA, this set features 68 blocks in 12 shapes: 10 units, 10 half units, 10 half pillars, eight pillars, six columns, 4 double pillars, four Roman arches, four half circles, four small triangles, four double flats, two roof boards and two double units.
— “They don’t require minimums,” said Peg Scholtes, owner of Capitol Kids in Madison, Wis., when naming BEKA as a preferred vendor in fall 2008. Two other retailers, out of 52, also listed the company as a favorite.

This high-energy game that combines balancing, jumping, sliding, giggling  to celebrate children's “I Can Do That!” attitude! The Cat in the Hat has come for a visit and he wants to see all the things a child can do.  The game starts by flipping over three cards to discover a new challenge: Can you jump up and down…while holding the fish…under your chin? Can you limbo under the trick-a-ma-stick…while balancing the boat…on your stomach? Those who think they can shout, “I Can Do That!” There are hundreds of hilarious possibilities. The player who earns the most stars wins. The Cat in the Hat – I Can Do That! Game brings to life the beloved Dr. Seuss book giving kids a new and incredibly fun way to experience this classic Dr. Seuss story.

When these lifelike, miniature plastic animals and dinosaurs embedded with barcodes are swiped with a scanner,  a pre-recorded voice offers acts about the creatures. Animal figures are available separately for $4.99 to $12.99 each.

Children will be inspired to shake their thangs when they step in front of this kid-friendly camera console. When plugged into the TV, the camera project little ones onto the TV screen so they can dance along to kid-friendly tunes and adorable preschool characters. In Dance Along mode, kids can get down with Playskool characters while be-bopping to 20 popular and playful preschool tunes. Camera console comes with cable, snap-on base and instructions (product works best on a 27" or smaller TV). It requires 4 "AA" batteries, which are not included.

This set of 55 blocks adds variety to the classic move-a-block-and-don't-let-the-tower-fall game with colored pieces and rules that involve rolling dice and moving a block of the same color shown.

This versatile building set combines both art and science with pieces that build 3-D structures that serve not only as décor or architectural models, but also as marble runs in which the activity of the balls is unpredictable.

This 7-oz. bottle holds an earth-friendly solution that can be sprayed liberally wherever germs reside.