August 2009 Notable Toys — All

The Little Soles™ Squeaky Shoes collection is free from harmful dyes and toxins, utilizes premium materials sourced specifically to surpass standards in footwear testing set by Health Canada or the CPSC, and features inner and outer materials tested for the following: European Council directive 2002/62/EC testing for AZO colourants or dyes, formaldehyde content, and seven toxic elements (lead, arsenic, antimony, barium, mercury, cadmium and selenium). The flexible outsole is suited to pre-walking and early walking, and the shoes also have a padded ankle collar, an air-cushioned heel, an audible squeak that provides confidence for first steps and promotes a proper heel-to-toe step, as well as giving parents peace of mind by being aware of where their child is walking. The squeaker mechanism is removable and replaceable. This product received a 2009 iParenting Media Outstanding Products award. Launch date: April 30, 2009.

Little Soles Urban Infants Collection is designed to suit early walkers in size 3 to 8. The shoes are free from harmful dyes and toxins, feature premium Leathers sourced specifically to surpass the standards in footwear testing set by Health Canada or the CPSC, and are tested for the following: European Council directive 2002/62/EC testing for AZO colourants or Dyes, formaldehyde content and seven toxic elements (lead, arsenic, antimony, barium, mercury, cadmium and selenium). A full leather upper, inside and out, allows for optimal comfort and breathability, and the soft, flexible outsole is suited to pre-walking and early walking. The shoes also offer heel counters for support, a padded ankle collar and a cushioned heel. They are sold in a reusable designer gift box and received a 2009 iParenting Media Outstanding Products award. Launch date: April 30, 2009.

Baby Soles by Little Soles are toxin-free crib shoes in size 0-2 or 0-9 months. The Baby Soles line has gone through rigorous testing procedures by an independent, internationally accredited company, to ensure that the shoes are free of harmful dyes and toxins. The shoes feature TPR outsole inserts at the toe and heel for traction and durability, an outsole design that allows for optimal surface feel when baby starts to cruise, styling designed to present a true footwear appearance instead of a slipper form; and premium leather sourced specifically to surpass the standards in footwear testing set by Health Canada. There are four levels of testing conducted prior to the manufacture of Baby Soles; all leathers along with the outsole are tested for the following: European Council directive 2002/62/EC testing for AZO Colourants or Dyes, formaldehyde content, and seven Toxic Elements. Baby Soles received a 2009 iParenting Media Outstanding Products award. Launch date: December 31, 2008.

Rocket Pockets features floating super balls and an inflatable, multi-color target that can be used in the pool, at the beach or in a back yard. It is designed for one to eight players and points are scored by landing the super balls in the colored pockets. The game may be used for birthday parties, ring toss, fun learning activities and, for adults, party pong and chipping golf balls. Each game includes one inflatable target, four floating balls, four non-floating super balls, a patch kit and instructions. It is "great for teaching hand and eye coordination, letter recognition and number recognition," Gary Hoskins, creator and inventor of Rocket Pockets, told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 2004.

This custom-designed, toddler-sized backpack is fully lined, machine washable, and contains a mix of toys designed to keep toddlers entertained. Launch date: August 15, 2009.

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This box features 52 classic, interactive games that don't require dice, boards or equipment. Launch date: September 15, 2009.

The 6” Busy Block has a chubby handle for little ones to hold as they explore the tug and teethe tags and Dandelion’s playful Swirly Stitches pattern. The soft textures, peek-a-boo crinkle flap and chime sound exist to enchant baby while developing fine motor and sensory skills. The Busy Block is made with organic cotton terrycloth, canvas, velour and waffle weave, and filled with soft corn fibers. It is machine washable. Launch date: September 2008.

This jacket and toy in one is made of pre-washed, blue denim with attractive pink stitching and a silky pink satin lining. Embroidered on the back of each denim jacket is a fabric doll. Kids can dress up the doll by applying the hair, dresses and various accessories to the doll's body with easy to use Velcro backings. Dress Me Jackets aims to make getting dressed an enjoyable activity for kids as they use their imagination, fine-motor and decision-making skills to create new looks with their jacket. Each jacket includes a denim purse to carry the 14 interchangeable accessories that create the two "Princess" and "Ballerina" characters. Launch date: November 2008.

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With 52 questions, this game is designed to let players know how well they you know their BFF, and how well their best friend knows them. Launch date: September 15, 2009.

Players take on the role of lively goblin bodgers as they race around grabbing the parts they need to finish their outrageous contraptions. Getting that perfect part isn’t easy, though, as the conveyor belt is constantly moving valuable parts out of reach. And if that’s not enough to keep the goblins on their toes, they also have to deal with rivals scheming and tussling for parts. Players may be the first bodger to complete their contraption — or fuel the frenzy trying. This family board game is for two to four players. "Scrappers uniquely appeals to any specialty market customer with characters and themes that they recognize and love, while offering game play [that] can be brought home and played with anyone who loves to have a good time," Brent Waldher, licensing and contract manager for Privateer Press, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 14, 2009.

This print on wood is available framed and unframed in two different sizes: 8" x 10" and 11" x 14" (measurement includes mat). Nine styles total are available, and it is made in the USA. The artwork is "printed on sustainably harvested (and chemical-free) maple veneer," Lorena Siminovich, owner of Petit Collage, told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 2009.

This poster features whimsical toys and treats next to their corresponding letters. It is made in the USA and available in two different styles. "[The] poster is printed with soy inks on 100-percent recycled paper," Lorena Siminovich, owner of Petit Collage, told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 20, 2009.

This giraffe-shaped growth chart doubles as a wall mirror to indulge little ones' fascination with their own reflection and record their height as they grow. Made of sturdy mirrored acrylic, this growth chart is shatterproof and light. It comes in two pieces (head and body) and records heights from 1" to 3.5". Launch date: August 2009.

This modern alphabet poster is a three-color screen print hand-pulled in Oakland, Calif., on uncoated 100-percent post-consumer recycled paper. It is available in three color variations. Launch date: 2008.

The simple shapes of this mobile are laser-cut to showcase the natural beauty of bamboo. "Our product features laser-cut, sustainably harvested bamboo. It is 100-percent made in the USA. We hired a non-profit employing adults with disabilities to package our products," Lorena Siminovich, owner of Petit Collage, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2008.

Kids can explore the systems of the human body — skeletal, nervous, muscular, circulatory, urinary, respiratory and digestive systems — in this 52-minute DVD that meets National Science Education Standards. Created for grades 4 through 8, it also covers the five senses and offers a bonus segment on healthy nutrition, exercise and MyPyramid. Launch date: October 2009.

Led by D.J. Doc Roc, positive lyrics, cool rap music and high-energy action characterize this educational DVD. Sums up to 18 and differences from 18 are covered in these "add and subtract songs." This product was named one of Dr. Toy's 100 Best Children's Products 2009. Launch date: August 25, 2009.

Coursing Around's first edition offers 15 activity courses using sidewalk chalk. Designed to motivate kids to get off the couch and be active outside, it also offers an educational dynamic by helping kids learn their shapes, colors, numbers, and lefts and rights. Coursing Around received a 2009 iParenting Media Award in the Outstanding Product Toys and Games Category. Launch date: 2009.

A festive red pouch unveils a set of Piggy Paint nail polishes in red, green and clear sparkle topcoat. "Piggy Paint is a natural, eco-friendly nail polish designed for fancy girls. Not only is it made in the USA, but all of our raw materials come from here as well," Melanie Hurley, CEO of Piggy Paint, told TDmonthly. This ideal stocking stuffer was Safbaby's Mom Approved and received a Child Tested Excellence Award. Launch date: August 2008.

Kids can join the Banana Slug String Band in their rollicking concert and as they travel with a group of children to their favorite habitats. Mr. Dirt talks nutrition and fun food facts on the farm, Nature Man leads the way to the ancient redwoods, and Marine Mark holds class in the tide pools. "The catchy songs fit perfectly into teachers' lesson plans for topics including nutrition, ecology, and the water cycle," Monica Woelfel, administrator for Banana Slug String Band, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2006.

This collection of bedtime lullabies uses vivid nature images and soothing melodies to take children to a place of warmth and security. This album was recorded with special guests George Winston, Laurie Lewis, George Kahumoku and many others. It received the following awards: 2005 iParenting Media Award, 200 Parents' Choice Silver Award, 2005 NAPPA (National Association of Parenting Publications Award) Gold Award, 2005 Early Childhood NEWS Director's Choice Award, and 2005 Creative Child Magazine Seal of Excellence Award. Launch date: 2004.

For Sleepy Seaside Piano, Raimond Lap composed 27 new instrumental tracks that include the relaxing sounds of the sea along with his special piano melodies and improvisations. This set of three CDs is suitable for babies and designed for relaxation and aiding with sleep. "Lovely Baby is the first and only original music series in the world specifically created for the emotional, intellectual and social development of babies, prenatal - 3+ years. Our new grown-up titles are also suitable for the same infants and babies that listen to the regular Lovely Baby CD series," Gary Brody, president of Lovely Baby Music, told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 17, 2009.

In as little as 10 minutes, the Music For Brains collection is designed to rejuvenate one's mental wellbeing by providing a serene and relaxing environment in which to unwind, relieving stress and tension and enabling one to make it through the rest of the day. This music may be shared with children for a happier, peaceful home. This set includes three CDs packaged in an Amaray (DVD) box. Launch date: August 17, 2009.

Designed to provide moments of serene rest and relaxation during pregnancy while positively influencing the development and well-being of the baby, this set includes three CDs. "From three months before birth, your baby will be able to listen to music," Gary Brody, president of Lovely Baby Music, told TDmonthly. "Our new grown-up titles are also suitable for the same infants and babies that listen to the regular Lovely Baby CD series." "Lovely Pregnancy" was named 2009 CD of the Year by Creative Child Magazine. Launch date: August 17, 2009.