September 2009 Notable Toys — Novelties

Each uniquely designed, 6" Kooky Klicker character pen features a name, birth order and numbered holographic sticker. There are hundreds of designs available, each topped with brightly colored stringy hair that bounces and springs when kids write. "Fresh new characters coming out monthly add to the collectibility of the brand. Kids always have to have the next new krew," Melanie Ghiz, marketing manager of Courage Brands Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 2009.

The Gyro-discs spin up to 1000 rpm. Just hold the 11" metal ring and strike the smaller, colored discs. As you rotate the ring, the discs begin spinning faster and faster, like mini-gyroscopes. At first, the challenge is to keep all the discs spinning. Once you can do this, there are several tricks and stunts to master.

This product features two front teeth and "is the only 100-percent edible Christmas Candy Teeth," Colin Leier, manager of Triple Alliance LLC dba Bubbagum, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2008.

The objective of this product is to allow children as well as adults the opportunity to clearly allow others to see how they are feeling. Each wrist band has a character and a mood in writing that shows emotional states. These wristbands are designed as a fun way for kids to learn about emotions, colors and how to connect with themselves and others through feelings. "Moody Bands are an ideal tool to be incorporated in any school curriculum. This product is perfect for children, but what sets Moody Bands apart is that adults of all ages love them as well," Naif J. Faris, president of Moody Bands, told TDmonthly. Moody Bands received a 2009 Dr. Toy Best Children's Vacation Product Award, a 2009 Toy Man Award of Excellence, a 2009 Toy Man E-Choice Award, and a 2009 Toy Man Seal of Approval. Launch date: September 9, 2008.

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.

Loofah-Art products are made with 100-percent all-natural loofah (a sustainable agricultural crop) and dyed with vegetable dyes, making them bio-degradable, eco-friendly, non-toxic and compostable. The whimsy of the designs aims to help encourage children to assist with the dishes and wash their fruits and vegetables. "The unique, whimsical designs that attract consumers to buy our products is what makes Loofah-Art stand out. Once the customer is attracted to that, the 100-percent natural fabrication as well as the practicality and functionality of our scrubbers performance create a winning combination!" Anita Liwette, creator and co-founder of Loofah-Art LLC, told TDmonthly. "Because of their natural fibers, they scratch absolutely nothing!" Launch date: January 25, 2009.

Loofah-Art products are made with 100-percent all-natural loofah (a sustainable agricultural crop) and dyed with vegetable dyes, making them completely bio-degradable, eco-friendly, non-toxic and compostable. "Because of their natural fibers they scratch absolutely nothing! The whimsy of our designs helps encourage children to assist with the dishes and wash their fruits and vegetables!" Anita Liwette, creator and co-founder of Loofah-Art LLC, told TDmonthly. Launch date: November 2004.

Loofah-Art products are made with 100-percent all-natural loofah (a sustainable agricultural crop) and dyed with vegetable dyes, making them completely biodegradable, eco-friendly, non-toxic and compostable. "The unique, whimsical designs that attract consumers to buy our products is what makes Loofah-Art stand out. Once the customer is attracted to that, the 100-percent natural fabrication as well as the practicality and functionality of our scrubbers' performance create a winning combination!" Anita Liwette, creator and co-founder of Loofah-Art LLC, told TDmonthly. This item was finalist for "Best New Product" at the New York Gourmet Housewares Show in October 2004. Launch date: May 2004.

Whenever there is an awkward pause, individuals can push the button on the key chain-sized theCRICKETtoy™ to hear "Chirp. Chirp." (crickets chirping). "There really is no other item out there like this designed for those awkward moments. It's a great conversation piece and it gets people asking, "Hey, where did you get that?" That's GREAT marketing and branding with multiple impressions throughout the week!" Jeff Anderson, owner of Kardandak Enterprises LLC, told TDmonthly. Launch date: November 5, 2008.