July 2011 Notable Toys — American-Made

The new SmArt Studio 3D Shrinky Dinks Build-a-bot kit comes with 10 Shrinky Dinks Sheets and tracing sheets. Just follow the easy to use illustrated instructions and kids will be making their own  3D robots in no time in no time- up to 3000 combinations are possible. Smart Studios Shrinky Dinks are 100% Made in America. "These are the only Shrinky Dinks on the market that teach kids how to make real 3D figures," Andrew Tober, Director of Creative Development at BSW Toy, told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 2011.

The new SmArt Studio 3D Shrinky Dinks Pirates kit comes with 10 Shrinky Dinks Sheets and tracing sheets. Just follow the easy to use illustrated instructions and kids will be making their own 3D armada in no time. Smart Studios Shrinky Dinks are 100% Made in America. "These are the only Shrinky Dinks on the market that teach kids how to make real 3D figures," Andrew Tober, Director of Creative Development at BSW Toy, told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 2011.

Create locomotives, trains stations, train tracks and more. The new SmArt Studio 3D Shrinky Dinks Trains & Tracks kit comes with 10 Shrinky Dinks Sheets and tracing sheets. Just follow the easy to use illustrated instructions and kids will be making their own 3D train station in no time. Smart Studios Shrinky Dinks are 100% Made in America. "These are the only Shrinky Dinks on the market that teach kids how to make real 3D figures," Andrew Tober, Director of Creative Development at BSW Toy, told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 2011.

Maple Landmark Woodcraft has had animal and vehicle dominoes for years, and now they have developed a colorful set of standard dominoes. This 28-piece, double six set is made from locally harvested hardwood maple. Each domino measures about 1 1/4" wide X 2 1/2" long and about 3/8" thick. The colorful dots are done in a very durable non-toxic ink. Each number is in a different color. The set comes with a drawstring cloth bag and a playing instructions and suggestions. "The dominoes are made in the USA," Barbara Rainville, marketing manager at Maple Landmark Woodcraft, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2011.

Produced since 1917, the gyroscope has been a classic educational toy for generations that continues to fascinate young and old alike with its mysterious force that seems to defy gravity. Gyroscope technology is used in numerous applications such as guidance and navigation systems in ships, planes and spacecraft. Instructions with several amazing enjoyable tricks available with each gyroscope. YouTube video link available to assist with selling. Manufactured in Indiana (USA Made). "Still a popular selling product after many years in the market. Our #1 selling toy out of over 450 products offered," Bob Sherman, sales associate at TEDCO Toys, told TDmonthly.
Awards: 2010 Seal of Approval from Homeschool.com; Dr Toy's Classic Toy Award

Rock away on Rocker-feller, a carefully designed and crafted rocking horse. All details are laser engraved. Overall measurements are 29"" long by 11 1/2"" wide by 19 1/2"" high. Seat is 12"" off the floor. Sized for early toddlers, up to age three. Made from responsibly harvested solid pine and with a non-toxic finish. Ships fully assembled. "Rocker-feller is constructed out of all wood," Barbara Rainville, marketing manager at Maple Landmark Woodcraft, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 2011.
Awards: 2011 Baby and Child Best New Products Awards Winner, 2011 Blogger's Best January NY International Gift Fair

Nourish Toddler celebrates a toddler's growing independence with an easy-to-use, impossible to spill and healthy drink of their own. It is 10 oz of purified spring water in a unique, patented bottle designed for little hands and complete with a spill-proof sippy top. Nourish is also BPA-free, Phthalate-free, made in the USA and 100% recyclable and reusable. Toddlers can now quench their thirst without drenching themselves and everything around them. ""Nourish Toddler is the only 100% spill-proof sippy cup on the market,"" Brittany Roderick from Nourish Inc told TDmonthly.
Awards: 2010 MAX Award for Most Innovative New Product in Georgia; 2011 Water Innovation Award: Runner Up for Best New Water Brand

Nourish Baby eases the stress of feeding time on the go. It is 8 oz of pre-measured purified spring water with a wide neck for easy formula mixing. Nourish is also BPA-free, Phthalate-free, made in the USA and 100% recyclable and reusable. ""Nourish Baby is like no other baby bottle because it already comes with water in it and is the first immediate consumption drink for babies on the market,"" Brittany Roderkick, from Nourish Inc, told TDmonthly.
Awards: 2010 MAX Award for Most Innovative New Product in Georgia; 2011 Water Innovation Award: Runner Up for Best New Water Brand

Slick Sand will not get wet. Slick sand is saturated with silicon vapors. Silicon is a very slippery substance and these vapors reverse the way Slick Sand interacts with water. When kids pour water on it, the water will stay on top and flow, instead of wetting the sand and sinking down as happens with ordinary play sand. Paired with the fun experiments, the science behind Slick Sand is explained.  Kids will be introduced or further versed to terms and concepts like hydrophobe, hydrophile, conservation of mass, the biological composition of sand, and surface tension. Non-toxic. Slick Sand Includes: 1lb each of Red, Yellow, Blue, Green & Purple Slick Sand; Instructions and Information on Slick Sand.

With these kits, kids can grow Fly Traps without soil. This complete kit comes with everything kids need to get started. A Hydro-Pump is included, which keeps the water fresh and the nutrients available to the roots of the growing plants. Each Complete Kit Includes: Sprouting and Growing Dome, Hydroponic Rack,Hydro-Pump, 4 Net Pots, 4 Rock-Wool Cubes, Fly Trap Seed Pack: 8mg, 3 Color Decals, 1 Bag Part A Nutrient: 1.5oz, 1 Bag Part B Nutrient: 1.5oz, 1 Nutrient Scoop, and Instructions.

BrickStix are reusable, removable and re-stickable cling decals. They are compatible with most smooth plastic bricks used in construction play. Kids can use these decals to customize their brick creations- a building becomes a cafe or gas station, a play figure becomes a doctor or cowboy- allowing for hours of creative play. Each pack of BrickStix includes two sheets of cling decals, a total of 84 per style. They are made in the USA. Styles include Metro Stix, Space Stix, and Transport Stix.