September 2009 Notable Toys — Gifts

These natural colored piggy banks are handmade fair trade in a small artisan community called Quinea, in the province of Huamanga in Peru's central highland department of Ayacucho. Some designs are available in large, medium and small, and each bank has a cork stopper. Launch date: April 15, 2008.

The cotton outer body of this fair-trade, artisan-made animal is filled with acrylic and rice, so the pet may be used as a heating pad after placed in the microwave for a very short period of time. Velcro on the bottom of the animal enables washing of the cotton body and acrylic inside. The uncooked rice is separate, in a bag. Caution: When heating, please carefully check the temperature prior to giving it to a child. Launch date: May 20, 2007.

The soft, squeezable, 10"-round Norman PhartEphant produces eight different fart sounds with each gentle squeeze of his tail. "Norman PhartEphant appeals to all ages, and brings silly to any situation. He has become a gift of choice in hospital gift shops and even hit the corporate world as a gift to give the person that has everything. Really, who doesn't want a farting elephant?" Angela Larson, in sales at Fierce Fun Toys, told TDmonthly. This product has received the following awards: Great Dad Recommended: Seal of Approval - 2009; The Toy Man: Seal of Approval - 2009; and The Toy Man: Editors Choice Award - 2009. Launch date: June 2009.

Polar bears are well-adapted to severe cold. In fact, they often have a problem with overheating and have to take frequent breaks to cool down while hunting. Posed with her head turned to the left, lovely Anouk is a picture of grace with her calm expression. Shown here as a plaque mount; she is also ready to hang as a big game shoulder mount.
You can pose the lower jaw to make a sweet smile or to show a little tongue! Anouk stands 15" from the wall. Shoulder mount is an ample 36" girth. Plaque mount is a solid pine 11"x14" plaque

As North America's largest native land mammals, buffalo "bulls" stand up to six feet tall at the shoulder, are 10 feet long and can weigh over a ton. Revered by the Plains Native Americans; their word "Tatanka," means "buffalo." He is often purchased to be part of a theme room. Tatanka stands 16" from the wall with a 40" girth and 14" between horn tips. Available only as a big game shoulder mount. Ready to hang and enjoy.

Cliff enjoys being around the other trophies and people. Posed looking to the left gives Cliff a sense of confidence. His long 26" horns are fully adjustable. Stands 18" from the wall with a 33" shoulder mount girth, and 16" horn span. Ready to hang and enjoy.

Adorable rag doll Dulce (D) dressed for bed in purple pajamas with pink hair ribbons, slippers and a teddy bear. Made in the USA, Adorable Kinders rag dolls are high quality 18” soft-dolls.  They were engineered for durability while eliminating the hard plastic parts that other dolls have.  They are an excellent bedtime companion for any child. Adorable Kinders are dress-up dolls with many colorful outfits to choose from.  Plus, the dolls and clothes are washable! Each doll comes with a code to register online at the Adorable Kinders e-School.  This is an interactive cartoon school where children play educational games that make learning fun (Preschool through 6th grade).  When all games for a grade level are successfully completed, the child graduates to the next grade.

Tied with a beautiful red ribbon, this gift bag includes a large Christmas tree cookie decked out with ornaments and two smaller cookies on the sides.

This newborn collection of bamboo socks comes two pairs per box. Size: 0-6 months. The socks are hypoallergenic, breathable and absorbent, anti-bacterial, natural and eco-friendly, and silky smooth to babies’ skin. The company's bamboo yarn is processed with low-impact dyes, and is OEKO-TEX® Standard 100-percent certified free of any harmful chemicals. "Bamboo could be the most sustainable natural fiber on earth. Bamboo grows quickly and does not require replanting after harvesting. Bamboo takes in five times as much greenhouse gas, and produces 35-percent more oxygen than an equivalent stand of trees," Winnie Liu, president of Jazzies, told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 2009.

This porcelain night light features a distinctive submarine design. Launch date: July 15, 2009.

This detailed night light includes a 4-watt bulb and swivel plug. Launch date: July 15, 2009.

This exclusive design is printed on 50# premium coated paper. Available in 18" (price give), 24", and 30" widths. Roll lengths are either 417' or 833'. Launch date: August 2009.

This collection of dishwasher-safe dishware featurs Woodours artwork. Separately available pieces include a bowl (pictured), plate, spoon and sippy cup. Launch date: 2009.

This American-made Scramble Squares puzzle features nine cowboy-themed pieces that must be arranged into a 12" x 12" square so that the graphics match up edge to edge for every piece, forming a complete design. There exists only one solution. The packaging includes educational information relating to the puzzle theme, as well as a trivia quiz. Scramble Squares awards: TDmonthly Top Toy 2008. Launch date: 2009.

Where to Buy: LB Toys

Designed for quick, simple cutting of Scotch-type tapes, this dispenser cuts large quantities of tape to a 3.8 cm length with a single rotation of the handle. It may also be used as storage for pens, scissors or name cards. The product is available in pink, light blue and yellow.

This colorful storage basket with handles and a curved roof measures 50 cm x 30 cm x 44 cm.

An aromatheraputic delight for your baby’s skin and yours. Tangerine Massage & Body Oil is a unique blend of Essential and Organic oils; Tangerine, Orange, Lavender, Chamomile, Calendula, Jojoba, Sunflower Oil, Coconut & Gardenia Flower Oil and Rosemary. Plus Vitamin E for healing and nurturing the skin. Goes on easy and dries quickly. Paraben Free. 99.6% Natural.

Fight cold, wind, desert and “life” with this Shea Butter based Cocoa and Orange concoction of Organic and Essential Oils, including Cocoa Butter, Coconut Oil, Beeswax, Soybean Oil, Chamomile, Orange Oil, Tangerine Oil, Calendula Extract, Aloe Vera and Vitamin E. Protects lips and cheeks and also good for wherever else there is dry skin. Paraben Free. 99.5% Natural.

This box is just right for treasures like note cards, stationery and mementos. Three drawers, one on the front and one on each side, could easily accommodate pencils, pens markers and crayons. Measures 10” x 6” x 2 1/4”. Launch date: 2009.
― Two of 39 retailers told TDmonthly in October 2009 that music boxes are their top-selling jewelry or accessory item.

Painted on all four sides and the top with vibrant images of kimono-clad Asian royalty, this edition in Enchantmints' Princesses of the World series is sized for cards, stationery and other treasures. The mirrored top opens to start a miniature figurine turning gracefully inside and triggers the included music box. Drawers in the front and either side slide out to accommodate pens, pencils, jewelry and other precious things. 
― “We have been selling a lot of jewelry boxes lately, specifically from Enchantmints,” said Kim Emigh, vice president of e-commerce at Growing Tree Toys in State College, Pa., when asked about her best-selling gift for girls in June 2009.

SOGGS™ are half a dozen (six pairs) fresh, free-range socks. They are available in three different designs: with stripes, stars and plain. In every box with striped socks, there are six different, fresh-colored pairs of striped socks. The free-range socks are available in one size, suitable for ages 0 to 12 months. Launch date: 2005.

This soft, cuddly pillow is designed to provide companionship, a sense of security and lots of love. Offering neck support for toddlers, and a soft haven for any sleepy head, the medium-sized Cuddle Tooth comes in an assortment of color pockets. "Whether on a road trip, or crossing the big blue, you and your dreams will be comfortable with a Travel Tooth companion," Alana Zook, owner of Gappy Grin Gifts, told TDmonthly. Launch date: April 2008.

Created for both boys and girls, the Sweet Pea onesie is paired with soft green leggings and a knotted hat. It comes in a Sweet Cottons box and is machine washable. "Sumptuously soft and beautifully embroidered, each item is made from eco-friendly 100-percent Pima Cotton in a fair trade factory," Carrie Murray, vice president of Sweet Cottons, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.