June 2013 Notable Toys — Preschool

The iPotty for iPad allows parents to make this tech tool accessible to their child without having to worry about it getting dirty or damaged. Creating a relaxed and fun atmosphere can make all the difference in success for their child when learning how to use the potty. Toilet training can be a stressful time for parents and children. Many parents have discovered that the iPad, along with the many toilet training and age appropriate entertainment apps that are available, can be valuable in providing focus and fun during this important developmental time.

Based on Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book, Disney's new cartoon series captures all the adventure and fun as do Springbok's new, companion Jungle Book puzzles for Springbok Kids. Shere Khan prowls the jungle forest, always on the hunt, just like Kaa, the mighty python. In the middle of this danger is Mowgli, the very tasty "man cub," watched over by his best friends, Baloo, the bear, and Bagheera, the panther. This puzzle brings them all together in one colorful and charming "paws" in the adventures. 60 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle. These puzzles, designed especially for children age 4-10, come in three styles that specially accommodate a young child's rapidly growing skills. We even have a parent's guide book that comes with our Springbok Kids products for parents of younger children.

Beanie Ballz are a little wild and wacky, toss 'em and they always land on their feet. They are 13" in diameter and are made of Ty's best selling fabric - Ty Silk.
— Kristen Pollard of Mud Puddle Toys in Salem, Mass., told TDmonthly in a June 2013 survey that they sell 30-40 Ballz each month. "They have those big eyes that people like...they're big and can be used as a pillow. I've even sold them to adults. I have to stop questioning why they're selling so well because it's selling to everyone, boys and girls!" she said.
— Diane Gervais, owner of Amato's Toy & Hobby in Middletown, Conn., told TDmonthly in a March 2014 survey that Beanie Ballz were a best-selling product.

Offering style and storage, this KidKraft Limited Edition Toy Box has a large, generous space for organizing toys, games, and books. The flip-top lid has a secure safety hinge to protect kids' fingers from getting caught. With a gracefully arched back, it's sturdy enough to double as a bench for extra seating.
— Phil Wrzesinski, owner of Toy House and Baby Too in Jackson, Miss., told TDmonthly in a June 2013 survey that their best-selling furniture item is the Kidkraft Limited Ed. Toy Box. They sell "typically 24-30 a year, half of which is in November-December," he said.

Tree Tops have the distinction of being the lowest tech and oldest known toy because spinning tops have engaged children and adults for millennia. Karl Zahn’s set of five "Tree Tops" are made from an evergreen tree and shaped like one too – an environmentally conscientious toy.

STRIKE UP THE BAND! This assortment of musical instruments is a great way of introducing children to music. Includes castanets, a triangle, and more. Encourages rhythm and social interaction. Provides lively entertainment for all ages. Fun for jam sessions and group play. Makes a creative, reasonably-priced gift.

These high quality Snapo building blocks are made in the USA. They SNAP together in all directions for fun, fast, creative building. Snapo blocks stimulate development of spatial and fine motor skills, connecting sideways, and you can slide and rotate them too for extra fun.

This game features 5 funky monkey pins and a monkey ball. Knock as many of the pins down to win!

Ride into imaginary depths of the wild with our sturdy rockin’ alligator! Features a stable rocker base, foot rests and handle bars.

When guests are expected a delicious cake has to be conjured up quickly for the table! This bakery set provides little sand bakers with everything their hearts desire - A measuring jug, mixing bowl, whisk, pie tin, plate, strawberry mold and fruit stamp.

Discover the possibilities! Your little one will love the Rainbow House Pegging Game from HABA!  Stackable, colorful fun! 19 parts, 1 peg base with 3 pegs.

This 2013 doll has blonde hair and an adorable floral outfit. She has blue eyes. The personality and charm of the Gotz dolls capture the heart of every child. Superior quality and design provide a lifetime of love.

Pure Nature Leafy girl is made of the highest quality organic cottons and is machine washable along with the rest of the Pure Nature line. A charming companion to snuggle and cuddle with! 6mo+

A charming representation of HABA with natural colored beech wood along with a rainbow of wooden beads. A cheery addition to any baby’s rattle collection. Non toxic water based stains. 6mo+
— David Stelzer, owner of Shananigans Toys in Baltimore, Md., told TDmonthly in an April 2015 survey that Haba rattles and toys are their store's best-selling infant & toddler toys.

Synthetic rubberized front tire. 8 position adjustable handlebar. Extra wide footplate. EVA foam rear tires for a smoother ride. High carbon steel frame with fade resistant powder coat finish.

This rural railway set has the classic Brio quality and features a barn with loading crane, farm engine with wagon, farm tractor with trailer, farm animals and hay bale.
— In a February 2014 survey, two out of 10 retailers told TDmonthly that Brio Trains were among their best-selling wooden toys.
— Patti Tepper-Rasmussen, owner of Learning Tree Toys, Games & Books, Inc. in Oklahoma City, Ok., told TDmonthly in an August 2014 survey that Brio was one of the store's best-selling brand of collectibles.
— In a February 2015 survey, Sue Hottel, co-owner of No Kidding (aka Sand Castle Toys Inc) in Mattapoisett, Mass., told TDmonthly that Brio trains are her some of her store's best-selling wooden toys.

Ten cups to stack or nest are great companions to water and sand play.
— Patti Tepper-Rasmussen, owner of Learning Tree Toys, Games & Books, Inc. in Oklahoma City, Okla., told TDmonthly in an April 2013 survey that these stacking cups are among her store's best-selling bath toys.

Take the helm of the Green Toys™ Submarine for a nautical journey to help protect the planet. Submerge it underwater to explore the terrain at the bottom of the tub, and let it resurface to scan the horizon in search of the next earth-friendly adventure. Made in the USA from 100% recycled plastic milk jugs that save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, this sturdy watercraft features a spinning rear propeller, a flat bottom for added stability, and the classic handle and wide-mouth opening combination for plenty of scoop-and-pour fun. The cabin can be opened for easy cleaning, while the whole vessel is also dishwasher safe. No BPA, phthalates, PVC or external coatings, and also meets FDA food contact standards. Packaged with recycled and recyclable materials and printed with soy inks.
— Teresa Derry, owner of Annie's Toy Chest in Cocoa, Fla., told TDmonthly in an April 2013 survey that this was the store's best-selling bath toy.
— In a March 2015 survey, two out of 10 retailers told TDmonthly that Green Toys is their best-selling brand of eco-friendly toys.
— Taka Andrews, owner of Miller's Toys in Mamaroneck, N.Y., told TDmonthly in an April 2015 survey that the Green Toys submarine was one of their store's best-selling bath toys.

Designed for little hands with big plans. Beeps, flashes & spins.
Easy to turn when it hits an obstacle. Radio signal works across rooms. Auto-off feature conserves all that power. Try it in the dark - colors light up your room like a toddler disco.
— Mary Porter Green, owner of Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va., told TDmonthly in an April 2013 survey that their best-selling infant/toddler toy is "probably the Battat 'Wheeee-mote Control Car' - we always seem to be ordering more."

One part teether, one part toy. The Green Ring is perfect for teething and beneficial skill building infant fun. The Green Ring is 100% compostable and features GreenDot, a MADE IN THE USA biomaterial made from corn! The GreenRing toy is comprised of a 3 inch loop of smooth maple wood encircled by our soft, corn starch bio-resin. This clip friendly ring is great for travel, easy cleaning, and is 100% eco-friendly. The bright green outer ring can be removed and sanitized in the dishwasher.
— Gladys Griffin, owner of Main Street Toy Shop in Columbus, Ga., told TDmonthly in an April 2013 survey that Green Ring is one of their best-selling infant/toddler toys.

With 4 chunky board books and a 6-piece puzzle that fit neatly in a frame for easy storage, children can dive into the deep with Read and Play: Under the Sea. Meet Turtle's new friends at the reef, play hide-and-seek with Octopus, join Clown Fish for her first day at fish school, and make a splash at the beach with Dolphin! For just $12.95, this fun and unique format that will engage children ages 3 and up.

Birdy needs help building a new house--time to get the toolbox out! With a "zee-zaw," the saw cuts wood and with a "tap, tap" the hammer pounds nails. Children ages 3 and up will learn about tools as they play with the shaped foil puzzle pieces all the way to the end where they'll find a fun pop-up surprise -- a beautiful birdhouse! Unleash the builder in your child with this charming $12.95 board book.

Children will enjoy making music by tapping the xylophone keys one by one. Even better, when children want to move on to another toy, simply unfold the instrument and it becomes a pull-along train. Children can tug on the string to watch the colorful 17"-long train chug-chug behind them! An attached mallet will help children reveal six different tones. For 12 months and up.

TDmonthly recommends looking at Schoenhut for similar, high-quality musical toys and instruments.

Children will be delighted by this adorable 9.5" toy featuring six removable shape-sorting and color-matching gears! Once all of the gears have been correctly placed, they will move ‘round and ‘round with a simple turn of the knob, encouraging children's hands-on exploration and discovery. And as a lively bonus, Busy Buddy’s eyes blink and ears wiggle when the gears move. For ages 9 months and up.