August 2009 Notable Toys — All

Mag-tagz are magnetic “tagz” that can be changed regularly to reflect a girl’s ever-changing mood and style. Mag-tagz begins with a large or a small necklace base that sports a magnetic center. Girls just pop in the tagz that suits the look and mood of the moment, from bees and butterflies to slang and slogans. They can be worn, traded and collected. Mag-Tagz received two 2009 Seal of Excellence Awards from Creative Child Magazine. Launch date: 2009.

Baby BeeHinds Reusable Bamboo Diapers have been designed with comfort and absorbency in mind. Harnessing the naturally absorbent and anti-bacterial properties of bamboo and organic cotton, Baby BeeHinds reusable diapers are designed not only for use during the day; they can also cover heavy wetters through the night without leaks. The diapers are available in natural, plus three new colors exclusive to the North American market. "The unique design of the Baby BeeHinds Bamboo Diaper allows parents to adjust sizing to fit from birth to potty training, and from daytime/light absorbency to nighttime/heavy absorbency. This versatility means that parents can use the same set of reusables even if they have more than one baby in diapers. For retailers, the multi-fit sizing streamlines the ordering process and drives sales for busy, budget-conscious consumers," Selena Volodzskis, president of Eco Brands Ltd., told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2009.

Dream Baby’s No Tools-No Screws Safety Kit consists of a 35-piece set of child safety accessories that doesn’t require tools for installation. It's designed for those concerned maintaining their cabinets, drawers, appliances and other pieces of furniture, and ideal for those who are renting. The set is created to help keep the household safer for ever-curious toddlers exploring their independence. Launch date: May 5, 2009.

ROLLORS is a yard game that can be played at a park, in the front or back yard of a house, or just about anywhere where a relatively flat ground surface can be found. This game of skill requires a modest level of physical activity and can be quickly varied depending on the age and skill level of the players. It can be played in teams or individual competition. Launch date: May 2009.
Awards: Dr. Toy 100 Best Children's Products - 2010
As of 6/16/2011, this product is now licensed to and manufactured by MARANDA ENTERPRISES LLC.

The Heart Power Adventure Bracelet is one of six Magic Wishing Bracelets, each of which comes with a keycode that will open a different land online. The bracelet shown opens up Winter Land, where girls can earn valuable Princess Points that can be used to create their own virtual Princess. The game and bonus games are designed to be educational and fun. Registered users will also receive a weekly letter from Princess Renee, full of geography, good deeds and much more. Launch date: May 2009.

Adina's Deck is a group of 8th-grade friends who use technology to solve a different mystery in every episode. In episode 1, the team is on the case to figure out who has been Cyber Bullying Skye, the most popular girl in the 8th grade. In episode 2, Adina's Deck tries to find out if Ally's online boyfriend is really a dream come true. In Episode 3, someone plagiarized his/her paper in Mr. B's class and the club investigates to find the cheater. "Adina's Deck is the first DVD series of it's kind addressing the social challenges that arise with increased technology use amongst teens," Debbie Heimowitz, co-founder of Adina's Deck, told TDmonthly. "The show is action-packed, filled with comedy and fun for students and parents alike." Adina's Deck has received these awards: International Family Film Festival, Best Educational Film, 2009; Eugene, Oregon, Best Film For Youth, 2009; Kid's First Film Festival, 2nd place, 2008; Honolulu Film Festival, Silver Lei Award, 2009; Approved by the Coalition for Quality Children's Media; and Dr. Toy's Best Summer Vacation Products, 2009. Launch date: August 2009.

14 great songs that include body parts, recess time, vegetables, family members, and 2 well-known comptines, 'Alouette', and 'Savez-vous planter les choux?'

Who is the piggle? And more importantly, will it end up on a bun? To find out, follow Sam and Sally in the search for Zoey, their unusual dog with a fondness for reading and a deep appreciation of art. In this adventure, they will meet the lonely, sensitive Yok-Yok Man and the impish, capricious oygoys ruled by their king, 'The Grumpiness.'

"Clear pronunciation and imaginative lyrics brighten this adventurous language CD,
perfect for those starting language study" (Booklist).  Great for Spanish immersion programs.

Perfect for the 2-7 age group, the songs combine simple words, frequent repetitions,
and infectious melodies.  Even adults will find them hard to resist.

On the farm, in the dirt, through the fields this kart is boss. Pneumatic tractor tires and sealed bearing in each wheel keep you rolling. Pedal forward, coast while the pedals remain static, use the hand brake to stop and then pedal in reverse to back up. Also available in a 3-speed model with three point hitch in the rear and optional lift bucket!

AF Wholesale $699 Retail $999
BF-3 Speed Wholesale $999 Retail $1399 (Pictured)

It's the kit that gets you going (ages 6+)  The Shailie™ Starter includes one life size pink and white polka dot dress form, a must for any aspiring fashion designer.  The Starter also includes the Base top and skirt so you can easily attach and detach all of your Shailie™ dress pieces and accessories, a Starter dress - in 9 pieces, and a Shailie™ Closet for storage.

George tands 13" from nose to wall. Adjustable antler span is 16". Girth is 21". Ready to hang; choose big-game shoulder mount or solid pine plaque mount. Plaque size: 9"x12" His name was chosen in honor of two famous Mainers: President George H.W. Bush and Senator George Mitchell. He is one of the most popular moose every year, loved by Democrats and Republicans alike. NEW and improved George has Deep (fuzzy) nostrils and a lower jaw with teeth and tongue.

Polar bears are well-adapted to severe cold. In fact, they often have a problem with overheating and have to take frequent breaks to cool down while hunting. Posed with her head turned to the left, lovely Anouk is a picture of grace with her calm expression. Shown here as a plaque mount; she is also ready to hang as a big game shoulder mount.
You can pose the lower jaw to make a sweet smile or to show a little tongue! Anouk stands 15" from the wall. Shoulder mount is an ample 36" girth. Plaque mount is a solid pine 11"x14" plaque

As North America's largest native land mammals, buffalo "bulls" stand up to six feet tall at the shoulder, are 10 feet long and can weigh over a ton. Revered by the Plains Native Americans; their word "Tatanka," means "buffalo." He is often purchased to be part of a theme room. Tatanka stands 16" from the wall with a 40" girth and 14" between horn tips. Available only as a big game shoulder mount. Ready to hang and enjoy.

Cliff enjoys being around the other trophies and people. Posed looking to the left gives Cliff a sense of confidence. His long 26" horns are fully adjustable. Stands 18" from the wall with a 33" shoulder mount girth, and 16" horn span. Ready to hang and enjoy.

The MathMosis CD is happy and energetic music that is fun for all ages. Children learn to count by multiples through repetition while enjoying MathMosis Music. MathMosis Music provides children with a strategy which aids in understanding and memorizing multiplication and division problems. The counting songs are in order from easiest to most difficult so each child can develop number sense at his/her own rate.

CrossCribb® is the award winning, exciting strategy game that takes the traditional favorite, cribbage, and multiplies the fun times five. CrossCribb uses conventional cribbage scoring rules as you try to build five high scoring cribbage hands while simultaneously sabotaging your opponents' hands. It's easy to learn, but difficult to master.

Made entirely out of recycled newspaper, Smencils are gourmet-scented pencils designed to retain their scents for two years. The tightly rolled newspaper is hardened around a core of No. 2 graphite, so it sharpens like a standard wood pencil. The Smencils are then soaked to infuse their fragrance, finished with an eraser and identifying sticker, and packaged in a biodegradable, corn-based plastic Freshness Tube. There are 10 scents available: Bubble Gum, Cinnamon, Tropical Blast, Grape, Cotton Candy, Very Berry, Black Cherry, Orange, Watermelon and Rootbeer. They are available assorted in packs of 10 (one of each scent) or buckets of 50 (five of each scent). 
— “One kid has it, then everyone has to have it. I've been selling buckets of those things,” Sherry Phipps, owner of School Crossing in Williamsburg, Va., told TDmonthly in July 2009 about why Smencils are a top seller in her store.
— Smencils are also strong sellers at Golden Apple Learning Store in Pleasanton, Calif., Owner John MacDougall told TDmonthly in summer 2009.

The Caiman Basin is part of Playmobil’s zoo line, a wide variety of modular sets that allow children to construct a full-featured zoo of their own design. This set comes with a large caiman and two babies, their landscaped enclosure, a tree with other wildlife, and an attentive zookeeper. The enclosure has a pool that can be filled with water for more realistic play.
— “There are some customers who have to have every single piece in a theme,” said Sue Hottel, co-owner of No Kidding in Mattapoisett, Mass., of what makes Playmobil her top-selling collectible item.

Bright green, friendly-faced, flocked frogs make up the Bullrush Frog siblings who live in International Playthings’ fanciful world called Cloverleaf Corners. Brother Algernon and sister Lily live in the swamp and have many friends in Cloverleaf Corners. The Bullrush Frogs integrate with an extensive line of houses, accessories and other character figures.
— Out of 49 retailers interviewed in July 2009, two told TDmonthly Calico Critters are a favorite collectible in their stores.

From Breyer’s Traditional line, Ethereal Fire is third in a set of models embodying the four elements. Fire is an athletic sorrel and white appaloosa with tossing main and tail, sculpted with carefully attended lifelike details. The model comes with a decorative display base. 
— Two of 49 retailers told TDmonthly during a July 2009 survey that Breyer is their best-selling collectible.

Intended to bridge the gap between entry level and advanced game play in the extensive Magic the Gathering trading card game system, the Classic two-player game is comprised of 350 cards from a wide variety of the line’s various expansions. 
— Two of 49 retailers surveyed in July 2009 told TDmonthly Magic the Gathering is their top-selling collectible toy line.

Highly detailed and hand painted, Brainy Smurf stands as a member of Schleich’s large host of licensed figurines from the Smurfs cartoon series.  The spectacled know-it-all stands with finger raised, as if in mid-explanation. 
— “Smurfs are always popular,” remarked Barbara Paeth-Haas, owner of The Durango Kid in Durango, Colo., when asked about her best-selling collectible toy in July 2009.
— Of 49 retailers interviewed by TDmonthly in summer 2009, two noted Smurfs as a top-selling collectible.