August 2009 Notable Toys — All

In extreme miniature, these multi-colored erasers are made to look like delicious gourmet cakes decorated with thick frosting and fruit slices. Each cake has six separate slices and comes in a round case. Four differently colored varieties are available.
― “The Iwako erasers seem to be a hot one,” said Pat Selby, owner of Calico Cat in West Bainbridge Island, Wash., about her top-selling items for girls in summer 2009.
― Deran Muckjian, owner of Catch a Falling Star, told TDmonthly in June 2009 that both locations of Catch of Falling Star sell 1,000 Iwako erasers per month.

The All in the Family collection for Snap Caps®, interchangeable, magnetic bottle cap necklaces, features funky graphics and family member oriented messages. A strong magnet attaches the bottle cap to stretchy necklaces also available from m3 girl designs, making them easy to swap out and trade with siblings or friends, or simply match to the day's outfit. 
―  “Snap Caps have been very popular,” remarked Denise Van Patten, owner of Katherine's Cottage in Chico, Calif., during a June 2009 survey of best-selling gifts for girls.
―  “They're good for a broad age range,” Mary Horne, owner of J. Christopher in Jonesboro, Ark., told TDmonthly about Snap Caps' popularity in her store in summer 2009.

A multi-dimensional play toy, this cuddly plush also has an online personality unlocked by its unique code — the passport to the Webkinz website.  After purchasing the stuffed animal, a bright eyed Arctic fox with snow-white fur and a big bushy tail, kids can interact with their new friend online on a website specifically designed with their safety and interests in mind. Each animal comes with special items and favorite foods: the Arctic fox loves Winter Snow Crepes and exercises on its very own Frozen Tundra Treadmill.
―  “Webkinz continues to do well,” said Robin Ellerman, owner of Trains-N-Toys in North Canton, Ohio., in summer 2009.
―  “Webkinz, by Ganz. We sell a lot of those,” Jacque Flagg, owner of Jacque's Inc in Bryan, Texas, told TDmonthly in June 2009 when asked about best-selling girl gifts.

Encouraging equal portions of creativity and pampering, Alex's Spiffy Spa kit contains ingredients for an opulent afternoon pedicure. Including three bottles of kid-friendly nail polish in assorted colors, two toe separators, a nail file and more than 100 nail stickers, young girls have plenty of options to match their toes to any summer fashion they might fancy. Also in the kit, a pair of super-soft slippers awaits accessorizing with 30 pre-cut felt shapes that slip over already-applied buttons. Spiffy Spa is available with two different sizes of slippers. The small is suitable for ages 6 to 8; the large is suitable for ages 8 to 10.  
― “Right now, it's one called the Spiffy Spa, from Alex,” Steve Banducci, owner of Games Unlimited in Danville, Calif., told TDmonthly of his best-selling gift for girls in June 2009.
― “Spa kits by Alex do well,” said Donna Schwedler, manager of Treasured Child in La Grange, Ky., said in summer 2009.
― In June 2009, six of 47 retailers named Alex craft kits as a best seller for girls.

The traditional dress from China is simple and elegant, made from silken brocade with butterflies, which are a symbol of joy and summer in China. It has silk loop buttons in soft purple to complement the butterflies. It fits 18" and 21" dolls. "Our products are unique in their ability to expose children to different cultures through pretend play," Leah Wheelan, director of Little Bridges, LLC, told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 2008.

SOGGS™ are half a dozen (six pairs) fresh, free-range socks. They are available in three different designs: with stripes, stars and plain. In every box with striped socks, there are six different, fresh-colored pairs of striped socks. The free-range socks are available in one size, suitable for ages 0 to 12 months. Launch date: 2005.

This soft, cuddly pillow is designed to provide companionship, a sense of security and lots of love. Offering neck support for toddlers, and a soft haven for any sleepy head, the medium-sized Cuddle Tooth comes in an assortment of color pockets. "Whether on a road trip, or crossing the big blue, you and your dreams will be comfortable with a Travel Tooth companion," Alana Zook, owner of Gappy Grin Gifts, told TDmonthly. Launch date: April 2008.

Twinkle Tooth is the smallest of the Tooth Pillow family. Twinkling felt bodies, available with light pink and blue back pockets, are designed to match their sparkling personalities. They love hanging around on doorknobs and bedposts, or hiding under their sleepy friend’s pillow at nighttime. Half-round back pockets keep lost teeth safe and secure until a tooth fairy or tooth mouse quietly come to trade with a little treasure. It also makes it easier for Tooth Fairies everywhere to find the tooth in the dark without the risk of waking a child. It is said that on a clear night you may look up at the skies above and see where some of these pearly whites end up.  "Gappy Grin Gift tooth pillows are cheering children up and turning their little frowns upside down every day. Tooth pillows are fast becoming favorite friends, making bedtime, naptime and traveling much more comfortable. In addition, they are encouraging dental dialog and helping children develop oral health habits long before they understand the importance thereof," Alana Zook, owner of Gappy Grin Gifts, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 4, 2008.

Combining the distinctive aspects of conventional kneeboarding and various wheeled products, the LandShark is designed to show off razor sharp steering and maximum maneuverability. It is ridden on the knees and powered by kicking or “pumping,” so users are presented with a sleek design optimizing a low center of gravity. Launch date: September 2009.

The Money Savvy Pig® is a four-chambered bank designed to help kids and their parents or grandparents begin a conversation about money. It is designed to help teach basic money skills by introducing four choices: SAVE, SPEND, DONATE and INVEST. "Its unique four-chambered design allows children to deposit their money through four separate slots on the top of the bank — one slot for each money choice — and empty each money chamber individually through the feet on the bank," Melinda Voelcker, director of operations and marketing for Money Savvy Generation, told TDmonthly. It is available in six colors.
Awards: 2015 TDmonthly Magazine Top Toy Award; 2002 Parents' Choice Gold Award; 2008 National Parenting Publications Gold Award; 2008 Preferred Choice Creative Toy Award; and 2008 National Parenting Center Seal of Approval. Launch date: 2002.
— As of 05/12/2011 this product had 4.3 out of 5 stars from 34 customer reviews on Amazon.com. Cons: Three customers reported that the bank broke when they dropped it.
— The Money Savvy Pig is a traditional piggy bank on steroids. Instead of holding a child’s money in a single chamber, it utilizes four,  labeled save, spend, donate and invest. Reviewers found that it works well with an allowance system. Trent Hamm of The Simple Dollar explains that even if children cannot completely understand the concepts behind the Money Savvy Pig, it can make it “so that saving seems like a completely natural thing.” See also 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires.

Created for both boys and girls, the Sweet Pea onesie is paired with soft green leggings and a knotted hat. It comes in a Sweet Cottons box and is machine washable. "Sumptuously soft and beautifully embroidered, each item is made from eco-friendly 100-percent Pima Cotton in a fair trade factory," Carrie Murray, vice president of Sweet Cottons, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

The Just Plane Cute onesie is paired with our soft blue leggings and a knotted hat. This three-piece gift set comes packaged in a Sweet Cottons box, is machine washable, and is made from Pima Cotton in a fair trade factory. Launch date: 2009.

The Cupcake is lovingly matched with bright pink leggings and a sweetly knotted hat. The three-piece gift set is presented in a Sweet Cottons box and is machine washable. "Sumptuously soft and beautifully embroidered, each item is made from eco-friendly 100-percent Pima Cotton in a fair trade factory," Carrie Murray, vice president of Sweet Cottons, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

Ideal for all seasons, this onesie is paired with orange leggings and a knotted hat. The three-piece gift set is machine washable and comes in a Sweet Cottons box. "Sumptuously soft and beautifully embroidered, each item in our collection is 100-percent Pima Cotton," Carrie Murray, vice president of Sweet Cottons, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

These animals are made from excess fabric and irregulars and stuffed with reclaimed polyester mill scrap. The Penguin’s embroidered eyes and securely sewn-on hat are designed to make it safe for all ages. This product is made in the USA of certified organic fibers by Opportunity Threads, a 100-percent worker-owned cooperative in Morganton, North Carolina. Launch date: 2009.

Made from “less than perfect” Maggie’s Organics Solid Cotton Crew Socks, this first edition Maggie’s Menagerie Sock Monkey is made by a 100-percent worker-owned co-operative in North Carolina. These hand-sewn monkeys are one of a kind and are made with certified organic fibers. The colors shown are examples only and may or may not be available; therefore, these monkeys are sold on a "grab bag" basis only. Launch date: September 2008.

Written and illustrated by Sarah Dillard, this picture book welcomes readers to Arugula’s tea party. Everything’s going to be just perfect, because that’s exactly how Arugula likes things. The problem? Perfection is no fun for her guests — they’re too nervous to touch or eat anything. And when someone unexpected arrives, ready to get her party started, Arugula is horrified. Especially when everyone seems to like him better than her. The book features a hedgehog heroine, comic-book style panels, and witty thought balloons. "Arugula is an day-dreaming diva, part Martha Stewart, part Miss Piggy, and all fun," Dillard told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 3, 2009.

Piggy Paint's Girls Rule! pack contains two polishes (Forever Fancy and Girls Rule!), as well as a bottle of Piggy Paint Remover in a reusable purple organza bag. It is the company's No. 1 seller, as of July 2009. "Piggy Paint is a non-toxic, eco-friendly fingernail polish that dries to hard, durable finish and can be easily removed with Piggy Paint's low odor, hypoallergenic remover," Melanie Hurley, CEO of Piggy Paint, told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 2008.

Forever Fancy, a sparkly, bright pink shade, is Piggy Paint's best-selling polish. It is also available in the company's Toe-Tally Fancy, Girls Rule!, and Lovebug Hug gift sets. "Piggy Paint is a non-toxic, eco-friendly, odorless nail polish designed for fancy girls. Say good-bye to harsh, smelly chemicals and hello to Piggy Paint ... it's as Natural as Mud!" Melanie Hurley, CEO of Piggy Paint, told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 2008.

This vibrant, red nail polish made its Hollywood debut on Saturday, June 6, at Stella McDermott’s first birthday party. Tori Spelling chose the color for Stella's little fingers to match her lady-bug themed birthday party. Sometimes Sweet is also available in the following gift sets: MistleToes, Lovebug Hug, and Little Miss Firecracker. "Piggy Paint is an eco-friendly, non-toxic and odorless nail polish designed for fancy girls. Say good-bye to harsh, smelly chemicals!" Melanie Hurley, CEO of Piggy Paint, told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 2008.

Piggy Paint is an eco-friendly, non-toxic nail polish designed for fancy girls. This hypoallergenic, odorless formula is designed to be gentle enough for sensitive little hands and noses, yet it dries to a hard, durable finish. "Not only are consumers going green, but Moms are always looking for safe products for their little angels," Melanie Hurley, CEO of Piggy Paint, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2008.

Designed by a mother and son team, these soft and funky pillows combine a variety of textures and fabrics, including sweater and stocking material as well as remnants from bean bags and teddy bears. Though sized differently, each of the 10 pillows in the range measures approximately 15" H x 14" L. Launch date: July 2009.

The Pocket Referee is a conflict resolution tool that comes in the form of a shiny gold coin. The Ref comes packaged with a protective pouch and handy carrying clip that allows kids to keep it close by. This powerful tool helps teaches kids how to work out conflicts on their own without the help of parents or guardians. When a conflict arises that can only have one resolution (which TV show to watch, where to go for dinner) the holder of the coin can choose to get her way, which means she'll pass the coin on to her counterpart for the next conflict, or she can choose to keep the coin and pass the current choice over to the other child. In all situations both kids win. Also available in antique brass for MSRP $9.95.
Awards: Summer 2012 Tillywig Award Winner

This environmentally friendly, 13-oz. drinking bottle is made from food-grade stainless steel and measures 7" H x 2.5" D. For use with water, juice or milk, the bottle is lead safe and free from BPA and phthalates. It is completely recyclable, and various designs are available.
— These water bottles have been recent best sellers at Pufferbellies in Staunton, Va., according to co-owner Susan Blanton in September 2009.