March 2009 Notable Toys — Developmental Toys

Made in Germany, this beechwood wagon is not only a multi-play-value toy but also a walker wagon. The front wheels have adjustable brakes to allow parents to adjust the ease of movement based upon their child’s ability. It offers role-play activities, including operating a hand saw, hammer, screwdriver and wrench. The wagon consists of solid beechwood with natural, water-based, non-toxic stains. Launch date: July 2009.

Each alarm makes the sound of the animal on the dial, so the dog barks, the frog ribbits and the butterfly kisses. Batteries are included. The product features a clear-box design with a "hear me" option that allows customers to hear the sound of the clock alarm sound inside the package. The product is 7" tall, with a 4"-diameter clock face. "Bright colors and clearly printed numbers make it fun for children to learn how to tell time," a representative of Streamline Inc. told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2007.

The Dumbell Rattle is handcrafted in wood and colored with natural, vegetable-based dyes. It makes gentle sounds, is safe for babies, and is made by Channapatna artisans in India. The craft is over two centuries old and is made in locally available, sustainable (Hale) wood. The toy is in compliance with the ASTM F963 Safety Standard. Earthentree Toys has been awarded the Baby Planners' Seal of approval and featured as one of Mothering Magazine's "Best Natural Toys of 2008." "The shiny gloss comes from natural 'Shellac' resin. The Shellac used is allnatural and hypoallergenic; it is an excellent product for use around children [or] chemically-sensitive or allergic individuals," Deepti Shankar, president of Earthentree Toys, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2008.

Designed to help young children learn balance and coordination, the inflatable Rody Horse is made of strong, latex-free vinyl. Its ride-on qualities and softness make it suitable for therapy, too.
— “The Rody is good for little guys — definitely No. 1 there,” Linda Hamm, owner of Early Work Toy Station in Petaluma, Calif., told TDmonthly in spring 2009 of the top-selling ride-on toys in her store.
— “People love them for the age range,” added Lauren Obenour, manager of Green Frog Toys in Portland, Ore., noting that Rody’s high weight limit contributes to its status as a customer favorite. It’s been a best seller for a year at Pufferbellies in Staunton, Va., Co-owner Susan Blanton in fall 2009.
— Of 60 retailers surveyed in March 2009, seven named the Rody Horse as a best-selling ride-on. Three of 64 retailers named Rody as a top-selling infant and toddler toy in March 2009.

Where to buy:
NORTH WEST

This quirky little penguin twitters when shaken and rustles. It is easy to clean.

Bake a sand cake and decorate it beautifully every time with the Haba Spiloling Funnel. Always the right combination of sand and water to make a sand flower or write a messge in the sand.

Farmer Eggbert just loves fried eggs. Who can find the same number of chickens as eggs in the pan? Whoever collects th most fried eggs wins!

One of four new Haba card games-easy to carry along and fun to play! This Lucky Sock Dip card game will help you to match up the mismatched up socks and get that old 'sock monster'!

Vroom, Vroom Watch out! The nippy little car is coming into your child's room. This is the ideal child's riding vehicle for dashing around corners as it won't chip or mar cupboards or doors with it's wrap around padding.

Use your skills at threading these bright and cheery flower children on the string to make a necklace or simply dump and start over.

Teddy, bib, pacifier, sheep: The charming illustratedpictures fuarantee first watching and reading fun. In these handy books children will discover lots of familir objects and will learn to name and read!

Who is that ringing and squeaking on track 7? Why it's Terry Train! Terry and his two cars will be right into the depot! This beechwood pulling toy is perfect for any toddler to push and crawl with. Will last a lifetime!

Bunny or bear? How about both! Colorful beechwood blocks for a constantly changingzoo!

It's Springtime at Haba with this triangular clutching toys for little girls. Wooden shapes on an elastic string are sure to stimulate any youngster's senses! Made in Germany of beechwood and non toxic waterbased stain.

Let the race begin! Nicely colored clutching toy for the young car enthusiast. Made in G ermany of beechwood, this clutching toy has non toxic waterbased stain finish and is totally safefor all young drivers!

Brightly colored, simple and elegant clutching toy for infants six months and up. Made with German Beech and colored with non-toxic water based stain!

Little carpenter pixies like to push themselves up on their feet, start walking and helping dad. This walker wagon not only helps them to take their first steps but offers many toddler tools to be played with or to help mom or dad do home repairs! Includes an adaptable brake to allow for individual needs of various stages of walking.

Three cheeky chaps offer a variety of choices for stacking combinations for children 10 months and up. Hook and Eye tape allows any child to make the friendly creature of their dreams.

This fabric hen twitters and rustles when shaken. Will delight any infant six months and up!

Haba's little mouse enjoys cuddling up to a child's cheek to help keep them secure. Each muslin contains a teething helper, a snap to attach the enclosed teether or a favorite pacifier. With an opening in the mouse head this fabric muslin can also double as a puppet!

Brightly colored clutching toy for infants six months and up. Made with German Beech and colored with non-toxic water based stain!

Jingle Blocks were created with baby's love for discovery and touch in mind. Soft and visually interesting prints are appliqued with felt stars, and a gently chiming bell is securely placed in the center of each block. Other applique options include letters and numbers. Other fabrics are also available. The product is made in Vermont. "The Jingle Blocks combine old-world quality with design that appeals to modern parents. There is a special magic about toys such as these blocks, that are handmade in small batches by artisans who love thier work. They are intended to be lasting heirlooms, cherished by many generations," Cecilia Leibovitz, president and creative director of Craftsbury Kids, told TDmonthly. Launch date: April 15, 2009.

This 4"-diameter ball features not only the colorful, clutchable design of the original Oball, but is also outfitted with beads that add a rattling dimension to the product when shaken.
— These spherical rattles have been consistent best sellers for over a year at Pufferbellies in Staunton, Va., as reported by Co-owner Susan Blanton in September 2009.

This set of 12 blocks comes in a plastic tray and features various designs on each block side, so that kids can assemble them in different ways to form many distinct creations.