July 2010 Notable Toys — All

This multifunctional yo-yo combines fixed axle, auto return and free spin technologies. It can easily switch from beginner to professional-level functionality.

This craft activity kit enables kids and adults to create handmade bag tags, key chains and more. Shrinky Dinks is a shrinking plastic that users can draw on, color in, cut out, and bake in an oven to create all kinds of crafty items such as jewelry, bag tags, charms, magnets and ornaments.

With floppy paws and feet, he sits and hugs like all great teddy bears should. This fluffy, cuddly bear comes in brown or cream, in 12" and 18" sizes.
— In a May 2012 survey, Maryalice Miner, co-owner of Miner's Doll & Toy Store in Ocean Springs, Miss., told TDmonthly that Gund bears are their best selling plush item.

This non-toxic wooden child-sized Healthy Basics food set lets kids create their own mealtime treats. The food is undersized, making it perfect for small hands, and simply designed so that it is identifiable but durable. The set includes three eggs, a bottle of apple juice, a bottle of orange juice, an orange juicebox, a jar of blueberry jam, strawberry yogurt, a carton of milk, and a wheel of cheese.

This playing card set consists of four timeless card games - Crazy Eights, Hearts, Old Maid and Go Fish - each designed with its own vibrant and vintage Ringling Brothers artwork.

Kids can bring Ducky the Picnic Pal to life with this 8" x 8" hand puppet. The toy is also available in Monkey, Lamby, Cubby and Bunny versions.

This Rhinestone Turtle Necklace is one of many in the rhinestone jewelry line for Cool Jewels. Each turtle pendant hangs on an adjustable diamond cut ball chain.

This adorable ice cream cone necklace comes with an ice cream cone pendant that hangs on an adjustable silver snake chain and comes assorted in silver and pink ice cream cones.

Stay in fashion with these mood Ying Yang necklaces.  Each pendant is made with mood material, which changes colors when touched or worn to reveal one's inner mood.  Each pendant hangs on an adjustable black slider cord.

This leather bracelet display comes with an assortment of 48 leather bracelets and including display. Each Bracelet is individually packaged with UPC (022902730458) for quick and easy display.

This Dr. Seuss Cat in the Hat four-piece set includes a bodysuit (0-3 month), bib, blanket and padded hanger. The set is available in red or white.

“Time Out To Rock," filled with up-tempo power-pop tunes, mixes songs that are “just for fun” with songs about such topics as welcoming the new kid at school or dealing with bullies. The first track, “Welcome to Our School,” sets the energy level on high with an irrepressible dance beat and clean playing that doesn’t clutter the lyrics. Rocking on from there, the pace slows at album’s end with the poetic, reflective “Hollow Tree.”

Flower Feelings are emotions brought to life as a garden of eight adorable plush characters, each with a distinctive facial expression identifiable by the feeling name embroidered on the back. Accompanying the toy is a full-color booklet describing the individual traits of each emotion, along with playful questions and answers designed to help children recognize feelings in their own life. A sing-along CD about the Flower Feelings is included in the package, along with lesson plans for home or classroom. "The colorful and engaging plush allow children a tangible way to embrace their feelings while the activities and song included in the kit provide many ways to create a positive setting in which children can express their emotions," Ei Kids President Daniel Nix told TDmonthly.

Swing Up is a unisex transformable wooden toy that follows kids from the moment they start to walk until the age of 3. The toy can be adapted in shape and function to the requirements of children in different stages of their growth. At the first stage Swing Up is used as a baby-walker, then it can be easily transformed into a ride-on.

Lift Up is a unisex transformable wooden toy that follows kids from the moment they start to walk until the age of 6. The toy can be adapted in shape and function to the requirements of children in different stages of their growth. At the first stage Lift-Up is used as a baby-walker, then it can be easily transformed into a wheelbarrow.

Surf Up is a unisex transformable wooden toy that follows kids from ages 18 months to 6 years. The toy can be adapted in shape and function to the requirements of children in different stages of their growth. At the first stage Surf Up is used as a ride-on, then it can be easily transformed into a scooter.

Grow Up is a unisex transformable wooden toy that follows kids from the moment they start walking until the age of 6. The toy can be adapted in shape and function to the requirements of children in different stages of their growth. At the first stage Grow Up is used as a baby-walker, then it can be easily transformed into a ride-on and then a trolley.

This mini Alloy 3.5 channel helicopter is a premium precision RC aircraft that can be charged via battery or by USB connection. The L99267 also includes a Gyroscopic control chip that maximizes stability during flight.
— Kim Emigh, manager of e-commerce at Growing Tree Toys in State College, Pa., told TDmonthly that "We do not sell many, if any, hobby items;" however, "We did bring in the Cobra RC Helicopter this year."
— Though Kim Emigh, VP of e-commerce at Growing Tree Toys in State College, Pa., told TDmonthly in a Fall 2012 survey that they don't carry many hobby items, she said they have the Cobra Elite Helicopter and it sells well.

SK8GLO is a skateboard lighting system that uses non-toxic glow sticks. It is designed to fit all standard skateboards and does not require any modifications. SK8GLO is battery-free, waterproof and lightweight, and does not interfere with tricks or grinds.

Based on the Gospel of Luke, this story brings the dramatic events of Jesus's birth to life. "With beautiful illustrations, this timeless story is told in a way that will easily introduce children to God's grace for a fallen world," Rosemary Parkinson, Corporate Communications, Concordia Publishing House, told TDmonthly.

The Hear Me Read Bible is designed to help children learn to read and learn about Jesus. This level one series is comprised of 18 complete stories that contain 25 words or less. "Each story uses colorful illustrations, limited words and repetition to help children develop reading vocabulary and skills," Rosemary Parkinson of Concordia Publishing House Corporate Communications told TDmonthly.

This 2009 Chevy Suburban SUV Presidential Escort Vehicle, fully licensed by GM and the U.S. government, is carefully re-created in highly collectible die-cast. The model measures 5.5" x 1.75" x 1.75". Features include front articulated doors revealing an authentic detailed interior, rolling wheels, and Presidential seals and flags. The model is detailed with Presidential license plate #44 on the rear and USA1 on the front.

GM's 2009 Presidential limousine, built on a truck chassis and Cadillac body, is known as "The Beast" for its incredible armored weight. This exclusively licensed replica comes on a collector's base and features opening doors revealing authentic interior details.

The Zoomer is an innovative balance training bike designed for children ages 2 to 5. Also called a walking bike, the Zoomer allows kids to learn balance and agility on their own and at their own pace, eliminating the need for training wheels when learning to ride a traditional pedal bike. "Our high-quality, brightly colored bikes are the most affordable balance bikes on the market," Boot Scoot Bikes LLC President Katherine Stirling told TDmonthly.
Awards: Placed in the Bicycle Museum of America in New Bremen, Ohio, 2009