September 2009 Notable Toys — Travel

Fifty years ago, Billboard launched a revolutionary music chart called the Hot 100. Billboard's Hot 100 Trivia Game captures 50 years of music facts, designed to appeal to both passionate and casual music lovers. Played in a fast-paced team format, Billboard's Hot 100 Trvia Game creates a party atmosphere. It has 2,880 questions in four categories: Who Sang It?, Finish The Lyrics, Who Am I?, and Grab Bag. Launch date: March 15, 2009.

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.

No reading is required for this fast-paced, card-swapping game for the young Thomas fans. The Stanley Comes Aboard deck can also be used to play Snap and Memory games. It is made in the USA of recycled materials. Launch date: March 31, 2009.

I Spy Colorful Kids Puzzle Assortment offers an imaginative new twist on classic I Spy fun. The assortment features six different color-themed puzzles that link hands when completed. Players do the puzzle, then solve the riddles. It comes in a durable carry-along package and includes 100 pieces. The puzzles measure 16.75" x 18". Launch date: March 31, 2009.

It takes a keen eye and a quick hand to keep up in this fast-paced matching game. Players search the colorful picture cards to find the one that matches the silhouette card in hand. The player with the most matches wins. No reading is required and there are four levels of play. The game is created to help develop visual interpretation, critical thinking and social skills. It received a 2009 Oppenheim Gold Award. Launch date: March 31, 2009.

Four individual puzzles help children learn shapes by putting the puzzles together. The shapes are cleverly shown in the puzzle pictures. The sturdy puzzles come in a self-closing carrier box designed for years of puzzle fun. "The unique Briarpatch Carrier design makes it a one-of-a-kind item, perfect for holiday and birthday party gift-giving. The award-winning SAMi artwork is also made for the specialty store shopper," Carol Comes, product manager for Briarpatch, told TDmonthly. This product is an Oppenheim Gold Award winner. Launch date: March 31, 2009.

Velcro fasteners attach this trio of smiling bugs to baby’s infant carrier handle. Rich primary colors and high-contrast black and white geometrics are designed to catch the eye of even the youngest baby. The bold patterns and symmetrical faces and bodies allow baby to focus, helping baby feel calm. The bee and dragonfly have shiny fabric wings with top stitching, and the ladybug has ridged corduroy wings. The wings crinkle to the touch, designed to to delight baby and encourage exploration. The dragonfly, bumble bee and lady bug can be moved to different spots on the carrier handle to give baby a different perspective. Each bug makes its own soft sound. When a toy is positioned to the side of baby’s head (and field of vision), it can be shaken to help baby seek the source of the sound. "This toy encourages visual development: it has high-contrast, geometric patterns, faces and bright colors and can be hung at a distance to fit baby's developing vision," Peggy Barrett, PR consultant for Barrett Marketing Communications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 2009.