September 2009 Notable Toys — Educational

Bold black and white geometric patterns — stripes and polka-dots — are designed to attract baby’s attention and help her focus on this ring-shaped rattle. Chewy textures on the handle and three smooth, smaller blue, green and teal rings on the handle are designed to encourage baby to teethe and touch, developing baby’s tactile sense. The smaller rings make a soft click clack sound, and black and white beads in the clear portion of the handle make soft rattling sounds. The thin ring is sized for tiny hands to grasp.

Bright, bold colors, high contrast, symmetrical animal faces, and real-life photographs of people baby loves make these photo blocks an ideal toy to stimulate baby’s visual development. The set has four blocks that stack to make a house. There are two cubes, a rectangle and a triangle for the roof. "Babies love to look at faces, even as newborns, so these lightweight photo blocks will capture even the youngest child’s gaze and imagination," Peggy Barrett, PR consultant at Barrett Marketing Communications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 2009.

The company's longtime sweetheart, the Press 'n Dress Doll & Outfit Collection, is available in an embroiderable carry case for personalization. Developed from the concept of paper dolls, each interchangeable cloth outfit has secure Velcro® backing so kids can just “press to dress.” The product is tested and certified safe for all ages, and is designed to develop role playing and social skills. "Press ‘n Dress is absolutely perfect for the little girls who have not yet developed the small motor skills to dress and undress a traditional doll," May Grant, director of communications for Pockets of Learning, told TDmonthly. Press 'n Dress has received the following awards: Dr. Toy Best Vacation Toy in 2000; National Parenting Publications (NAPPA) Honors Award Winner in 2002; and a TDmonthly Top Toy award in 2008. Launch date: June 2009.

Kids will do more than just turn the pages with this cloth book: They'll button, zip, lace, buckle, snap items, and more. Between covers, there's page after page of activities to develop important motor skills. The book can be zipped up and carried about for car trips and overnights to Grandma's.