August 2009 Notable Toys — All

Eco-Snoopers Fun Activity Travel Book contains an array of puzzles, mazes, Q&A's, and activities specifically designed to entertain and educate children on the merits of being environmentally green. The book can be carried anywhere and contains quizzes and challenges created to keep kids occupied for hours. The Eco-Snoopers Fun Activity Travel Book is part of a larger selection of Eco Snoopers stationery and backpack products. Launch date: May 2009.

Stickiestory is a company that creates personalized storybooks for children in which the children become the main characters. Kids can recognize their friends and themselves in the story. Launch date: February 2009.

Eco-Snoopers plush products are designed to be cute and quirky, and carry back-stories that invite children to use their imagination. Eco-Snoopers products prime a child’s natural curiosity into areas that deal with the environment and in preserving the earth's natural resources, in a fun and creative manner. The backpack comes in five different characters, with more slated for release into 2010. Launch date: May 2009.

MOOV is a full-size construction toy designed so that children can construct MOOV by themselves without the use of any tools or help from their parents. The wooden parts, rings, shafts and frames are multifunctional. The spare parts in the wood are specially designed so it's easy to remove the rings from the shafts. MOOV has received the following awards: TDmonthly Top Toy 2009; Toy of the Year, 2008, The Netherlands; Honorable mention, Reddot Design Award, 2008 (International Design Award); Toy of the Year, 2008, Germany; and Right Start Award, Toy Awards, 2008, United Kingdom. Launch date: June 2009.

Where to Buy: Escapade Direct

This book teaches children about the large, diverse country of America — past, present and future — using a simple metaphor of a village of just 100 people. Launch date: August 2009.

These fun wooden medals celebrate children's everyday achievements. Each medal comes with matching ribbon with Velcro at the top. The backside has a space for the child's name and date. Launch date: January 2009.

This two-sided Dry Erase Paddle Board has one lined side and one blank side. It comes with an EZ pen and storage for the pen right in the handle. The durable, lightweight paddles may be used by both young students and adults. They are sold in a four-pack reusable mesh tote with an activity booklet and four extra dry erase markers/erasers. The boards can be cleaned with soap and water. Launch date: July 2009.

Qubits is a simple plastic toy that can be built up using a distinct, patented modular geometry. It is designed to quickly capture the imagination of those who might have visions of becoming architects, engineers, scientists or even nanotech designers. The pieces are flexible to allow for curved creations. The Jumbo Kit comes with 330 pieces. 120 flexible Qubits, 150 connectors and 60 bridges. Molded with high quality plastic featuring bendable pieces that allow curved shapes. Launch date: June 2009.

Kids Crooked House can customize a playhouse specifically to the interests or needs of a child. Custom-designed playhouses are handcrafted and built to individual requirements. Parents can turn to the company's existing designs for inspiration or ask their kids (or inner kid) to describe their dream playhouse. Launch date: June 2009.

This colorful trio of crocheted balls features interior rattles and bright spots on the outside. They are handcrafted, and Yellow Label is a member of the Fair Trade Federation.

Flat Head Syndrome can severely affect the shape of the head and face of a baby. Infant Sleep Mat has been designed by a pediatrician to prevent Flat Head Syndrome in babies. Specially designed head-rest area of the Mat molds around baby’s head to provide support from all sides and allows the head to grow normally. Also, the soft memory foam offers cuddly feelings and comfortable sleep to the baby. Made in USA.

Chicago 101 is required reading for every Chicagoan! This educational and entertaining board book features all the things that make Chicago unique - from the beauty of the  Chicago Water Tower to the fun of the ferris wheel on Navy Pier, from the excitement of the Cubs and Bulls to the taste of Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. You'll share all the  memories and local spirit with the next generation of Chicagoans.

There is even a child-friendly map of the city and page to include a photo of the "future mayor."

Chicago 101 makes a great gift for local residents or tourists seeking a keepsake of a great vacation.

UCLA 101 is required reading for every future Bruin! From the beauty of Royce Hall to the excitement of a football game in the Rose Bowl, you'll share all the excitement with the next generation!

Boston 101 is required reading for every Bostonian! This educational and entertaining board book features all the things that makes Boston unique - from the architecture of the Old North Church to the fun of the Swan Boats in Boston Common, from the excitement of the Red Sox and Patriots to the tastes of lobster and Boston cream pie. You'll share all the memories and local spirit with the next generation of Bostonians.

There's even a child-friendly map of the city and page to include a photo of the "future mayor."

Boston 101 makes a great gift for local residents or tourists seeking a keepsake of a great vacation

New York Yankees 101 is required reading for every Yankees fan! From the great players including Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth to the fun of watching the grounds crew dance to YMC in Yankee Stadium, you'll share all the memories with the next generation.

Enjoy all the traditions of your favorite team, learn the basics about playing baseball and share your passion for America's Pastime!

You want to go for a walk, go to the beach, or enjoy a picnic, but you're worried about your little one getting sunburn! What do you do?  Stay inside all day?  Absolutely not!  BabbaCo created a very lightweight, airy solution that actually has a layer of SPF and UV protection 40-50+ fabric.  The sides are mosquito netting to keep the bugs out while keeping it completely airy so your baby can enjoy the outdoors, too.  Doctors recommend not putting sunscreen on infants younger than 6 months, so this is the perfect solution!  Fits ALL standard infant car seat carriers!

Made in the USA.

No more fumbling with blankets or bulky car seat liners to keep your baby warm!  BabbaCover is an infant car seat cover that creates a tent-like environment for the baby.  Window flaps in the front and back that can be buttoned up or down, deep side cargo pockets to throw your personal items in, hole for the handle for a sure grip, snug fit on any brand of infant car seat, and a super cute design!  Snuggle fleece version is double layered with 100% cotton and 100% polar fleece.  A stylish way to truly protect your precious one from the cold!

Made in the USA

No more fumbling with blankets or bulky car seat liners to keep your baby warm!  BabbaCover is an infant car seat cover that creates a tent-like environment for the baby.  Window flaps in the front and back that can be buttoned up or down, deep side cargo pockets to throw your personal items in, hole for the handle for a sure grip, snug fit on any brand of infant car seat, and a super cute design!  Snuggle fleece version is double layered with 100% cotton and 100% polar fleece.  A stylish way to truly protect your precious one from the cold!

Made in the USA

A simple, innovative twist to the traditional burp cloth. When one side is wet or dirty, just turn it inside out and you have a whole new burp cloth! More efficient, clean and super cool.

Cute garden critters & ladybugs. Garden turtle: 6.75" x 4", Salamander: 5" x 4", Frog: 3" x 3.5", 3.5" x 4", Snail: 2.75" x 1.75", 2.75" x 1.75", Crickets: 1.75" x 1", 2.25" x 1", Caterpillars: 2.5" x .5", 1.25" x .25", Butterfly: 2" x 3", Ladybugs: 1" x

A super sweet design by artist Mary Viega. This beautiful candy castle: 20" x 23"; 2 Clouds: 9.25" x5", 9.5" x 4.25"; 2 Gingerbread Folks 2.5" x 4"; 38 Assorted Candies from .75" to 2"

15 fun and funky retro rainbow daisies make any room bright. Daisies range in size from 5" to 1" in diameter. Flower sizes range 5" to 1" (12,7 to 2,54 CM) in diameter

This soft foam pirate saber will make a little blackbeard feel like the king of the seas, without causing any harm.