August 2009 Notable Toys — General Toys

Over 270 parts! You can build at least 3 models. Illustrated instructions and tools included.

This rocker is also a table designed for indoor or outdoor fun. Upon turning it over, the stable twin-seat rocker (see-saw) becomes an activity table. It is made of durable, easy to clean plastic. The table is 15" H and the seat height is 8". The unit measures 18" H x 16" W x 34" D. Launch date: May 29, 2009.

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.

This TV-based gaming system for preschoolers combines full-body movement, music, education and fun. Combining LeapFrog’s learning products expertise with Disney’s storytelling heritage and preschool TV programs, the system lets kids bring the fun of Playhouse Disney to life at their house. As they groove and play, kids can gain a greater understanding of core preschool skills such as math, language and music. The Zippity system leads kids through eight lively learning games that use an interactive mat for lower-body movement, such as running, dancing, jumping and marching, and a tummy-high joystick, or “bopper,” for upper-body action, such as moving left, right, forward and back. The easy-to-use system with eight learning activities pre-loaded—comes with a foldable mat and bopper, which interacts wirelessly with the Zippity console. Launch date: August 2009.

Packaged in a hexagonal shaped box, these award-winning illustrations by Melissa Sweet are designed to help kids learn about phylum in the world that surrounds us. With the names indicated on the inside of the lid, Life On Earth Bingo offers a way for children to identify plants and animals. This game is made using 90-percent recycled grey board and non-toxic inks. Launch date: June 20, 2009.

Ecotronic toys were developed to function just like regular electronic toys but with a different kind of energy. Dynamo technology inside of each toy converts a shake, squeeze or crank into energy that powers lights and sounds and other electronic functions. The crank-powered Eco Mic helps kids become eco-pop stars. Using four different buttons to activate voice amplification, music to sing along to, and two different drum sounds, the Eco Mic is an all-in-one music band with a color-changing light show. "Since kid-powered energy is a highly renewable energy source, Ecotronic toys will never run out of juice. Also, all Ecotronic toys are packaged in their specially developed Gekopak™ packaging, which is made of recycled paper and is completely bio-degradable," Vickie Cullen, PR account executive for International Playthings, told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 2009.

Ecotronic toys were developed to function like regular electronic toys, but they use a different kind of energy. Dynamo technology inside of each toy converts a shake, squeeze or crank into energy that powers lights, sounds and other electronic functions. The Ecotronic Farm Flashlights, featuring four assorted animals, are squeeze-powered, kid-sized flashlights. Using the side lever that stores inside the body, kids can release and squeeze to charge up the light. Also, when switched on, each animal’s nose lights up. "Also, all Ecotronic toys are packaged in their specially developed Gekopak™ packaging, which is made of recycled paper and is completely bio-degradable. It’s easy to open and free from ties, wires or other packing materials," Vickie Cullen, PR account executive for International Playthings, told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 2009.

The Smart Bank sorts, counts, dispenses, deducts and always knows the balance. A patented "Balance Guard"™ feature locks and remembers the balance even when batteries wear out or when changing batteries. Launch date: 2000.

This Take-along-Friend is crafted out of renewable rubberwood. It's designed to inspire creativity and fun for kids to run around trying to have the shark catch the fish. Launch date: July 2009.

This take-a-long friend, with its moving wheels and chomping mouth, is designed to inspire kids to touch, grasp, explore and grow. It has bright colors and zig-zag stripes and is made from renewable rubberwood. Launch date: July 2009.

Designed for tiny hands to handle, this vibrant bunch makes clickey-clop sounds when jumbled together. It is made from renewable rubberwood. Launch date: July 2009.

This whirly, twirly activity toy has brightly colored loops and wooden discs that spin up and down in a dizzying array of activity. It is made from renewable rubberwood. Launch date: July 2009.

This rattle is made from renewable rubberwood and features a clickety-clack sound with bright colorful pieces. Launch date: July 2009.

Featuring Lauren Fisher Cat, Penny Petite Bear, Willow Cottontail Rabbit and Nibbles Norwood Mouse, each Critter comes with removable clothing and can easily be placed in a sitting position. The plush Critters are approximately 8” tall. "The Calico Critters plush dolls are unique additions to a popular product line that formerly only featured miniature characters. This loveable, hugable, Calico Critter character provides children with a cuddly version of the characters they've already come to know," Vickie Cullen, account executive for International Playthings LLC, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

What if you could have four of America’s favorite classic toys packaged conveniently in one box? Well, you can! Look no further than the new Hall of Fame Toy Pack from POOF-Slinky®, Inc. This one-of-a-kind product contains the world's original metal walking spring toy the Slinky®, the world's #1 Yo-Yo the Duncan® Butterfly®, everyone’s favorite bouncy, stretchy, rubbery Silly Putty®, and a classic gold and green metal tin of Crayola® crayons. Each toy in this Hall of Fame Pack was picked for inspiring creativity and imagination in children and for being loved throughout generations. This, “USA Made”, pack of classic toys is great for kids, or the kid in you! All of these famous toys are inductees in the National Toy Hall Of Fame. For ages 5 and up.

With deck and chin spoilers, rear diffusers, side skirts, large blue wheels, silver top  and other high performance styling cues, this Silver S9-R of the Automoblox R-Line speaks the language of serious driving fun. Fully interchangeable with other models, R-Line owners can mix-and-match parts to build unique performance models or just add a little horse power to the current Automoblox styles.

With deck and chin spoilers, rear diffusers, side skirts, large red wheels, silver top and side accents plus other high performance styling cues, this White C9-R of the Automoblox R-Line speaks the language of serious driving fun. Fully interchangeable with other models, R-Line owners can mix-and-match parts to build unique performance models or just add a little horse power to the current Automoblox styles.

Design is in the details and the C9-S will add a strong dose of sophistication to your existing Automoblox collection.

These electronic feeding bowls make fun animal sounds as baby eats. Each bowl is activated by the "magic spoon" and makes one of four sounds each time the spoon leaves the bowl. The insert bowl is removable, can be placed in the microwave, and is dishwasher top-rack safe. A large suction cup holds the base firmly in place, making the bowl useful for self-feeding. Animal Snackers come in two varieties, Dog and Cow. "[It] allows children to be in control of activating the lights and sounds of the animal snackers while they eat," Nicole Tiedemann, PR account executive for International Playthings, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

This collection brings back some old favorites, as well as a number of new faces, in a whole new way. These 3.75" scale plastic action figures include accessories and fun details, such as articulated wrists and removable helmets. Launch date: July 2009.

This soft, huggable and sweet-smelling redhead just might become a “berry” best friends. A case includes eight individually packaged dolls. "She might be tiny, but Strawberry Shortcake has a huge heart! Her friends love to gather at her Berry Café, where they can always count on Strawberry Shortcake for a helping hand and some berry delicious treats — no wonder she’s everyone’s best friend in Berry Bitty City!" Jenna Banks, director of sales for EE Distribution, told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 2009.

When these four soft farm friends are bopped on their heads, they make music and animal sounds. Each animal has its own song, so when baby hits one and then another, the music changes. The hook-and-loop straps can be wrapped around a stroller bar or carrier handle, or attached to a car's headrest or a crib rail. The Fun Farm Activity Bar is for children ages 3 months and up. Launch date: 2009.

The Spintacular Play Center attaches to smooth surfaces with strong suction cups, making it usable on highchairs and stroller trays. Featuring five spinning balls and three spinning bug-beads, the Play Center also includes a top piece that clicks as it spins, and a center wheel that climbs up and down the center pole as it turns. The Spin-tacular Play Center is 100-percent kid-powered, with no batteries required. "The kid-powered characteristic of this table-top-friendly toy allows for children to explore their own ability to create fun," Nicole Tiedemann, PR account executive for International Playthings, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.