September 2009 Notable Toys — All

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.

This collection of songs includes Raimond Lap's music and comforting sounds of the sea that aim to relax babies and toddlers, helping them fall asleep. The music can also be used to calm a child. "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," Gary Brody, president of Lovely Baby Music, told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 17, 2009. It was named 2008 CD of the Year by Creative Child Magazine.

Kids can whip up a variety of fun, imaginative cupcakes as artful configurations or intriguing singles. It features custom-designed tools and skill-building techniques. In "Sweet!," author Jenna Land Free and expert Leslie Miller focus on how to make single cupcakes as well as splendid configurations. This fully illustrated, 24-page book comes with recipes, techniques and tips on how to create one-of-a kind works of edible art using creamy frosting, simple fondant and elegant ganache. Classic decorating tricks are broken down into simple step-by-step directions. The kit includes a froster designed with little hands in mind; three frosting tips: flat, star, and round; a frosting spreader (mini offset spatula); a stencil holder with four pre-cut stencils: sand dollar, snowflake, dragon face and bow; mini cutters in three shapes: circle, flower and shell; tweezers; a cake comb; and a rolling pin with raised edges for evenly rolled fondant. The pack is 10" W x 10" H x 2" D with e-flute packout. Launch date: August 2009.

The Toy Story pens come in three styles: Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Little Green Men. "Toy Story Talking Pens will be launching just in time for the re-release of 'Toy Story' 1 & 2 and the release of 'Toy Story 3' in 2010. Launch date: December 2009.

Each Splat Attack display comes with 12 splat balls in six styles: Egg, Tomato, Gold Pig, Green Pig, Purple Pig and Orange Pig. Kids can throw them on the ground to see them splat and morph back into their original shape. In addition to the six styles, the company can create customized Splat Attack to feature licensed products or specifications. Launch date: August 2009.

This 100-piece puzzle features bright artwork and three embedded gemstones. Launch date: 2009.

Fancy, fabulous and perfect for Princess dress up time! This lacy Pettiskirt is a dream come true for little girls. Made from yards of fluffy soft polyester chiffon, a gathered satin elastic waistband and tied with a deluxe satin ribbon.   Available in one size - skirt is 11 inches long with expandable waist 15”-28”.

Dress up as your own classic princess with the My Princess Academy pink satin and tulle diamond sequin dress up dress. This dress has a high scoop neck and a tea length skirt. Dress slips on easily with stretch material for easy wear. Dress is available in: 3 / 4, 5 / 6 and 7 / 8.

Dress up as your own princess with the My Princess Academy pink satin and tulle diamond glitter dress up skirt and wings. This skirt has a diamond gold glitter pattern with pink tulle leaves layered on top. Skirt slips on easily over clothes with stretch material and elastic waist for easy wear. The wings have a glittery diamond pattern and elastic straps that easily stretch over your shoulders.

Princesses will be enchanted with the 12” heart shaped rainbow light up wand with a magical charm sound. Light and sound operate with a heart shaped button. Batteries included.

From Carrera’s Evolution line of slot car racing sets, Night Racers is a two-car set blending 1:32 scale cars with innovative 1:24 scale track so that both 1:32 and 1:24 scale cars can be raced on this equipment. The Night Racers set includes two model cars, 18 track pieces, guardrails, two speed controllers, replacement contacts, instructions and other accessories.
— One retailer out of 49 told TDmonthly in July 2009 that Carrera manufactures the store's top-selling die-cast toys.