May 2009 Notable Toys — General Toys

Man's best friend cuter than ever. This plush animal is soft, round, and small enough to carry around anywhere.

Another member of the Lubies collection, this artic white polar bear is as soft as it is round as the others.

Not the usual brown bear that roams the forest. This one is a smaller, round plush version.

Drop the 3" turtle egg into water, and watch the gradual hatching process of a baby turtle. Great educational fun. Each egg comes in its own box. 9"x9" display box.

Squeeze these 6" plush animals, and watch bright colored gel appear. Frog, duck, & pig assorted. Includes key chain. 8"x11" printed display.

Touted as the "world's easiest to fly indoor helicopter," the Vertigo is equipped with a V-Wing for stability and a dual-rotor remote control/charger that delivers gaming-style action. A Sky Shark model is also available. Launch date: February 2009.
― “I tell customers it takes a brain. It's not your typical helicopter and they have to figure it out. Kids love a challenge,” said Kate Tanner, owner of Kidstop in Scottsdale, Ariz., of what makes the Vertigo Helicopter her best seller for tween boys.
― Two of 39 retailers told TDmonthly in October 2009 that their best-selling item for tween boys is a remote-control helicopter.
Per a March 15, 2010, letter from Feldman Law Group, P.C., of New York, N.Y., Interactive Toys claims this product infringes on U.S. Patent 7,204,453.

With over 50 mazes, word find, connect the dots and pictures to color, the Giant Activity Tablecloth allows for multiple child play. The tablecloth comes with six washable markers, but can work with any washable maker. It is completely machine washable. Launch date: February 15, 2009.

On the iPlay Sizzlin' Stove, food sizzles on the grill, simmers in the pan, and pot bubbles on the stove. Also, the "burners" can be turned on and off. Sizzlin' Stove includes four cooking utensils, salt and pepper, spaghetti pot, frying pan, shrimp, fish and steak. "Unlike most kitchen sets that stand up on the floor, the Sizzlin' Stove is a fun table-top option," Nicole Tiedemann, PR account executive for International Playthings, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 15, 2009.

The adorable, washable, water-safe Scrub-A-Dub Doggies come in two styles: Cocker Spaniel and Dalmatian. The washable ears, matching bathrobe and squirter accessory will have children "begging" for bathtime. "Children can pretend what it would be like to give a real dog a bath, and afterward, can slide the lever from side to side to see the puppy shake the water off its head," Nicole Tiedemann, PR account executive for International Playthings, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 15, 2009.

The VikingToys Cute Cars Mom & Baby Assortment feature cute big "Mom" and small "Baby" car sets in four different themes: Frog, Pig, Cat and Bear. Featuring new colors, VikingToys are sized just right for little hands, and their smooth, soft edges are safe for teething toddlers. "VikingToys Cute Cars are designed to be safe for young children to mouth. They are sanitary, allowing for top dishwasher rack cleaning. Additionally, they are made of soft, pliable plastic with smooth, round forms," Nicole Tiedemann, PR account executive for International Playthings, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 15, 2009.

Baby's first camera encourages "digital" exploration. Press the button on the top of TAGGIES Smile! Camera and hear a shutter noise, while if you spin the mirrored lens, you'll hear a "click." There is room for a photo in the back, and it comes with a locking link. "TAGGIES' vibrant colors, materials and ribbons make this TAGGIES Smile! Camera a visually and tactilely stimulating toy for baby. Given the importance of pretend play in baby's life, the TAGGIES Smile! Camera is a great first toy for all of the future photo-lovers," Nicole Tiedemann, PR account executive for International Playthings, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 15, 2009.

These electronic feeding bowls make fun animal sounds as baby eats. The bowl is activated by the "magic spoon" and makes one of four sounds each time the spoon leaves the bowl. "The feeding bowl is dishwasher safe. Also, a large suction cup holds the base firmly in place, making it great for self-feeding," Nicole Tiedemann, PR account executive for International Playthings, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 15, 2009.

This six-piece playset is full of activity. Each food features a different texture and crinkles, jingles or chimes. It is ideal for fill-and-spill and take-along fun. "Often times, play fruit and veggie items are made of rubber or plastic; however the Lil' Shopper playset features soft, squeezable fabrics with stimulating textures and sounds," Nicole Tiedemann, PR account executive for International Playthings, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 15, 2009.

This tent features four large, closeable windows and door for ventilation and easy viewing by parents, a 58”x45” floor size that easily accommodates several children and their toys, an attached porch that shades the door and gives a little one somewhere to kick back and relax after a hard day, and fiberglass poles that go together easily to make set-up quick. It is designed to be used inside or outside and can keep children busy for hours. The floorless design makes clean up easy, and the home comes with carry bags for the poles and tent and stakes. It is made from durable and fire-retardant coated polyester to last for years. "We design each tent, tunnel and play house to be large enough for more than one child to play in. All of our products are evaluated and tested by seasoned professionals before hitting the open market," CEO Joe Robey of Gigatent told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

This softball-sized plush is soft and cuddly, featuring a simply, playful ball design. It is part of collection featuring various animals, including a lion, elephant, penguin, polar bear and more. It can be packaged in a "top secret" gift box. Launch date: February 2009.

The splat mat measures 42 x 36 inches when fully opened, and folds down to 14 x 12 inches when closed. Features a padded mat and a large zipper pocket to hold snacks, toys, and essentials.

Kids need a lot of stuff and parents need an extra set of hands. This placemat has a unique pocket that makes on-the-go adventures more fun for kids and easier for parents. The pocket is secured using velcro, holding small toys until it is time for play. The placemat also serves as a sanitary spot for kids to play and eat. Water-resistant and wipes clean easily.

Kids need a lot of stuff and parents need an extra set of hands. This placemat has a unique pocket that makes on-the-go adventures more fun for kids and easier for parents. The pocket is secured using velcro, holding small toys until it is time for play. The placemat also serves as a sanitary spot for kids to play and eat. Water-resistant and wipes clean easily.

With pirate ships, buried treasure, and secret islands and coves, this bib is both clean and entertaining on the go. The bib features a zipper pocket that holds utensils or snacks. When the pocket is opened, it can serve as a crumb catcher. Water-resistant and wipes clean easily.

Perfect for princesses who want to take their treasures with them when roaming from the castle!  The fanny pack features a front zipper pocket for small toys and an elastic waistband with sheaths on either side for royal essentials.

These eco-friendly construction toys were inspired by children's board books and come with landscape and character pieces. Each set includes flat panels printed with colorful, water-based ink and slotted building blocks made from earth-friendly Sprigwood. The Palace and Barnyard are large sets. There are also medium sets: Construction Site, Ladybug Adventure and Safari Adventure (MSRP: $19.99). Large sets are 90 pieces; the medium are 60. Launch date: Fall 2009.

When thrown onto the ground, these squishy pigs splat into a flat, liquid-looking mess, then morph back into their original shape. The pigs come in four colors, and various designs are available. Launch date: February 2009.

The first completely electronic, solvable Rubik's Cube has six touch-sensitive sides. A player just moves his finger, sliding the row of colored squares where he wants. This version also comes equipped with a teaching tool that shows how to solve the puzzle, and a rechargeable battery with charging display stand. Launch date: Fall 2009.

The best toys are ones children dream up themselves. Eric Levin, president of TechnoSource, told TDmonthly that Printies “allow kids to experience a whole new level of customization and self-expression by creating their own stuffed toys.” Kids can design, print and stuff their own Printies toys, print them out with fabric paper, and stuff them at home — all with the items in this kit. Launch date: Fall 2009.