August 2009 Notable Toys — All

This 10" dump truck includes two figures. The bed of the truck actually dumps.

Now little kids can mimic big sis and bro with their own designer backpack. Made of lighweight vinyl, it's perfect for toting around favorite toys and stuffed animals.

This sturdy backpack will help kids get their stuff from point A to point B.

Artist Yomiko has created another realistic forest dweller for Russ Berrie. This cuddly deer makes a great room decoration or a cuddly pal to keep company with at night.

Kids who dream of cuddling with dinosaurs can get their wish. Even the horny plates on this Stegosaurus are soft and lovable.

Kids can whittle down their waists by keeping this hula hoop going. It comes in various colors and sizes to suit all shapes and sensibilities.
— Syd Clarke, owner of Ali-Cat in Carrboro, N.C., sells about 30 hula hoops per month. She attributes the fad's resurgence to increased interest in countering childhood obesity with exercise. She also noted that a woman in her neighborhood now offers a hula hoop class for adults.   

Shimmery fabrics and exceptional detailing make this mermaid glisten.  An easily removable tail reveals a snazzy skirt and legs to take Macy from sea to shore in no time.

Groovy Girls can travel in style with their own plush horse.

This brightly colored backpack can help kids tote their tomes to school.Sturdy back packs are just the right size for younger children. Bold colors and designs. Back packs are 11.5"W X 14" H.
— In a November 2011 survey about best selling educational items, Elmer Carranza, assistant manager of Doodlehopper 4 Kids in Falls Church, Va., told TDmonthly that, "We have backpacks from Crocodile Creek... people love the designs. We sell about 3 a month."

Beautifully sewn and finished, Corolle's accessory fashions for the 14" baby dolls reflect the meticulous attention to detail that is a company hallmark.

Soft and light, Minireves Bright is an adorable snuggly that will delight the very young. 6", machine-washable Minireves Bright also jingles softly when you shake her.

Very stylish and full of mischievous charm, Les Dollies toddler dolls, with their bright bold outfits - and hair! - are sure to delight budding fashionistas.Les Dollies have soft cloth bodies, vinyl faces and hands, fixed eyes and rooted hair. Tina is 16" tall and has a soft body.
— This doll gets lots of play at Three Cheeky Monkeys in Los Angeles, as it's one of the many toys available to kids for hands-on activities at the store. Watch the video to hear what owner Wallace Harvey says about why Tina and other Corolle dolls are favorites at his store.

Designed to make it easier and convenient to create colorful friendship bracelets, the Friendship Bracelet Maker features an adjustable butterfly clip to hold the top of the bracelet during construction, as well as a holder to keep all the strings in place. It's travel-ready, with a pull-out drawer for string storage and instructions, and comes with 56 threads in 14 colors. Launch date: Fall 2009.
Awards: Dr. Toy’s Best Vacation Products 2010

Past videos: Product Demonstration

About 9" in diameter, this colorful ball features outer sections that name the colors represented. It unzips and unties to reveal various activities inside, including the ABCs and 123s with a mirror, ties, a button and elements that crinkle and squeak.

This soft, huggable giraffe features a pastel palette with patchwork accents on its body and the bottom of its feet.

This 6" plush castle with a front door that opens from the top includes prince and princess finger puppets as well as a dragon and a white unicorn with sound effects.

This 6" sphere features a reflective mirror, pullout bear, ribbon tags, chime, crinkle, flaps and rings, set amid bold patterns and several textures. Launch date: April 2009.

This pink and white dress-up set for Pawparazzi celebrity dogs or cats includes a robe, two slippers, tote, towel and eye mask. Launch date: September 2008.

A delightful first book for the nursery or a sweet addition to baby’s expanding library, this soft book tells the classic tale of "Guess How Much I Love You." It has a 7” colorful spine for teething tender gums, plus a hanging teether heart. Awaiting discovery inside is a kissing sound and an “I Love You” message. Launch date: April 2009.

This 70th anniversary edition of Madeline is packaged in a see-through can bag with a pink rope handle. Madeline is dressed in a delft blue, lace-trimmed dress adorned with famous Parisian locales from the original book. Madeline’s red hair is tied on one side with a satiny blue bow. She stands 13.5” tall. Launch date: April 2009.

This collection of little animals on wheels includes the following designs constructed from various American hardwoods: anaconda, alligator, bear, chimpanzee, cow, elephant, giraffe, horse, kangaroo and rabbit. They are finished with non-toxic mineral oil. Each measures approximately 3" x 2" x 1.5".

Handmade in Toronto, Canada, RiNGLEY is a natural teething toy constructed with Canadian Maple wood and 100-percent organic terrycloth. RiNGLEY is designed to provide babies and toddlers with two safe and efficient textures that enable children to satisfy their teething needs.

RiNGLEY is a natural teething toy made with a combination of Canadian Maple wood and 100-percent organic terrycloth. RiNGLEY is created to provide babies and toddlers with two safe and efficient textures that enable children to satisfy their teething needs. It was designed with a child’s development in mind. RiNGLEY is handmade in Toronto, Canada. Launch date: 2008.

Young children will enjoy this as a counting game, while two to four older players will enjoy it for the strategy. Our heirloom quality version of this classic seafaring game has a latching wooden box that features a transparent, shatterproof top and flipping wooden number tiles. It includes two dice, a convenient storage pouch and a detailed instruction booklet.