August 2009 Notable Toys — All

Individuals can learn the art of sculptural needle felting with this intermediate kit by Woolpets. This kit is designed for those with some experience needle felting, but adventuresome craft folks won't have difficulty. A generous amount of wool roving and step-by-step color photographs are provided to make it simple to create an adorable sheep. Also included are two new felting needles and a wooden skewer packaged in an attractive take-out container. All one needs is a foam pad and a sense of adventure. Launch date: 2007.

Individuals can learn the art of sculptural needle felting with this kit by Woolpets. A generous amount of wool roving and instructional photos are provided to make it simple to create a family of penguins. Also included are two new felting needles and a wooden skewer packaged in an attractive take out container. All one needs is a foam pad and a sense of adventure. "Lots of step-by-step photographs and very clear instructions ensure success for beginners," Kevin Sharp, owner of Woolpets, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2007.

Children can get into the holiday spirit with this festive Santa Scribble Mat. This durable, washable vinyl placemat is designed to provide hours of fun and creativity. It comes with four non-toxic crayons and may be used at meal time, school, home, restaurants, or for travel and kids on the go. "Our signature surface wipes clean with a dry cloth. Children can color over and over," Andi Thea, COTS of Scribble Mats!, told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 2003.

Kids can join Santa on his Christmas journey in this Scribble Book that comes with 10 color-on, wipe-off board book pages and six crayons. The pages can be colored again and again, and the product may be used at meal time, home, school and restaurants, and for travel and kids on the go. "Our special surface wipes clean with a dry cloth, so children can color over and over," Andi Thea, COTS of Scribble-Mats!, told TDmonthly. It received a 2009 Dr. Toy Best Vacation Children's Products Award. Launch date: 2006.

These nature-themed, gender-neutral wall cards are numbered one through 10. The images are made using recycled paper. The cards are designed to be educational, stylish and environmental from start to finish, using only 100-percent recycled materials and soy ink for the product and packaging. "Wall cards are known as an economical alternative to expensive wall art, which makes them the perfect product for families on a budget. And their versatility allows them to be individually framed, or simply tacked up to the wall!" Rebecca Peragine, CEO of Art and Philanthropy, told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 2009.

Museumline Pteranodon Sternbergi is made of a non-PVC material called synthetic rubber. It is handpainted, made to 1:30 scale, and produced to the company's high standards of design and safety in Germany. Each piece comes with a ring screwed into the creature's back, so it can be hung on a thread to "fly." The tag contains information about Pteranodon Sternbergi and his pre-historic environment. The fish in its mouth is detachable. "Museumline Pteranodon Sternbergi's design has been created in cooperation with and approved by the National Museum for Natural History "Museum am Lowentor" in Stuttgart, Germany," Rico Fabbroni, director of sales for Bullyland Toys, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2002.

This “run bike” or “balance bike,” which is pedal free and without training wheels, is designed to help a child develop balance and motor skills necessary to later ride a two-wheel bicycle with pedals. Smart Balance Bikes work to develop a child’s balance and coordination by simply allowing the child to sit and walk or run with the bike by pushing with his or her feet. If the bike starts to fall, kids instinctively regain balance using their feet. Once they’ve gained some momentum and balance control, they can lift their feet up as they feel comfortable and start cruising. Smart Balance Bikes are made from birch wood from a replenishable source, with real inflatable rubber tires, handle bar grips, an adjustable, cushioned leatherette seat to grow with the child, and a distinctive carry handle incorporated into the bike's body. The construction uses formaldehyde-free lacquer and non-toxic paints, and the carton is made from recycled paper with water-based ink. Launch date: September 2008.
— In a March 2012 survey, Chris Lowe, owner of Beanhead Toys in Sandy Springs, Ga., told TDmonthly that Balance Bikes from Smart Gear were one of her best selling ride-on toys.

The Rocking Caterpillar features a wooden base, a soft, plush seat and a squeaky red nose. The multi-colored fabric plush can be removed for easy cleaning.

Babies can learn sorting, matching and association skills. Looking through the blocks, children will see the world in different colors. The Wonderworld Rainbow Sound Blocks are comprised of wood and transparent multi-colored plastic, and filled with rattling beads that produce different tones when shaken. "Wonderworld, as a strong advocate of protecting the environment, insists on using only rubber-wood that is of replenishable source[s]... Wonderworld strictly uses only non-toxic color and laquer constituent for all our products," Jason Cohen, president of Smart Gear, told TDmonthly. This product received a National Parenting Publications Award. Launch date: September 2007.

This kit includes the Little Yogis DVD, the Little Yogis Eco Mat, which is colorful, durable and free from phthalates, phenols, dioxins, and furans; a cartoon yoga poster with 21 poses; a handy tote bag made from recycled materials; and silly cartoon stickers. The DVD has received the following awards: Film Advisory Board Award of Excellence, Parent's Choice, Dr Toy, and Dove. Launch date: April 2009.

"Thumbuddy To Love" is an illustrated story book that comes with a thumb puppet to help children stop thumb sucking. Fireman Fred (for boys) matches the character in the book. A calendar at the end of the book allows kids to mark off the days they do not suck their thumb. "Thumbuddy To Love is a positive teaching tool for kids to help them break the thumb-sucking habit," Andrea, president of Thumbuddy To Love, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009. This product received a 2009 Mom's Choice Award.

The Jelly Belly Kids Mix of 20 flavors was selected by kids, for kids. The company interviewed children, pre-teens and teens to determine which Jelly Belly jelly bean flavors they loved most. The result is this collection of kid favorites. Launch date: February 2009.

With this game and candy in one, kids take the dare with the spin wheel, then pick the jelly bean in the color the spinner lands on to take a chance on tasting look-alike wild or mild flavors. There's a collection of 20 look-alike flavors, while others are the delicious Jelly Belly beans customers love. New for 2009 are Canned Dog Food and Centipede flavors, along with Booger, Baby Wipes and Pencil Shavings flavors, to name a few. Launch date: August 2009.

Steiff's update on the classic rocking horse, Leo Riding Lion, is made of high-quality woven fur and solid beech. With a handmade inner frame of stainless steel that can hold up to 300 lbs., this handcrafted rocker stands 28" tall and is surface washable. With a soft, full mane and loving face, Leo is marked with Steiff's signature "Button in Ear," representative of the company's trademark commitment to ultimate quality and workmanship. Launch date: September 2009.

This kit is designed to help parents teach kids about money — specifically saving, spending and sharing. It comes with a lesson plan, a book about how people approach money differently, a game to encourage money talk, and a Moonjar Moneybox to promote goal setting and budgeting. "This kit is designed to break open the money conversation at home and to help parents find staightforward, fun and meaningful ways to help the children sustain smart saving, spending and sharing for a lifetime," Mary Ryan Karges, vice president of Moonjar LLC, told TDmonthly. This product has received the following awards: 2009 Creative Child Seal of Excellence, Oppenheim Best Toy, Teachers Choice Award, IP award, and Global Learning Initiative award. Launch date: June 12, 2009.

This beginner's origami book instructs kids on creating designs that include a spaceship, frogs, flowers and more. The 48 pages of instruction include color diagrams, and the back of the book holds 40 sheets of origami paper. A drawer in the book's spine opens to reveal six colored pencils and 12 decorative eyes that may be used to adorn the finished creations. The book measures 7.5" square.

This lively and colorful book features rhyming text that shares facts about lesser-known animals in a humorous way. It is written by Maxine Rose Schur and illustrated by Michael S. Maydak. It is also available in hard cover (MSRP: $16.95).

This set of five books shares several stories about PBS Kids' Caillou: "Caillou and Rosie's Doll," "Caillou Makes a Snowman," "Caillou Plans a Surprise," "Caillou Puts Away His Toys" and "Caillou Sleeps Over." It is designed to encourage communication between kids and adults as it relays life lessons. Launch date: 2009.

This 32-page hardcover explains why humans wear clothing and certain gear that animals don't have to, thanks to special adaptations that help them survive rain and more. Launch date: 2009.

This book gives readers a close look at the the lives and work of honey bees, supported by rhyming verse and colorful illustrations. It is authored by Lori Mortensen and illustrated by Cris Arbo. A hardcover version is also available (MSRP $16.95).

This 32-page hardcover is an interactive book designed to help kids understand their own surroundings and get a glimpse of the world while learning basic mapping concepts. It is written and illustrated by Scot Ritchie. Launch date: 2009.

This hardcover explores the secret world of faeries, including visits to an enchanted forest and an underground workshop. The cover painting was done by Emily Fiegenschuh. Launch date: January 2009.

Monstrously fun shaped pillows made from super soft faux fur with felt appliquéd toes.  Choose from three styles, Yucky Yogi, Lonely Lloyd and Love Lucy in three color ways – lime green, red and lilac. This sad sack is part of a bedding and bath decor line created by the team-up of Alex with CHF. Launch date: July 15, 2009.

Alex has teamed up with CHF to create a Moody Monsters decor line for kids. Launch date: July 15, 2009.