September 2012 Notable Toys — All

The iTikes Map and companion app are jam-packed with great content. The map comes with a smart-pen that recognizes images on the map. Through the eyes of the iDevice camera and technology of Augmented Reality, the map virtually turns into a lifelike playground. Compatible with all iDevices.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys

Worlds Together is a new excellent educational film series that explores a number of the world’s most out of the way places seen from the viewpoint of a curious traveler. Each documentary in the series introduces their culture, history, food, geography, and people. The series includes East Africa, Ethiopia, and West Africa. Approximately 25 minutes are included per country. Features include close-captioning and a free Teacher’s Guide.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys

A handheld flash-card game that targets tricky times tables. Kids can play just the ones they want or select them all. Answer as many problems (numbers 0–12) as they can in 60 seconds. Vertical problem format, 2 skill levels, timed/untimed modes, plus fun sound effects. Requires 3 AAA batteries, not included.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys

The LaQ Dinosaur T-REX is a clever and creative 4-in-1 kit with 300 standard parts, and 4 specialized parts. Build a ferocious looking T-REX searching for its prey, or an Ankylosaurus, Deinonychus, or Pteranodon. Clear instructions to make each of the dinosaur models are offered in a colorful 24-page instruction guidebook. A Starter’s Model building instruction page is included for beginners. This is a very simple, yet highly creative construction toy block set, which offers an infinite possibility of creation from just 7 types of block parts, including 2 types of base parts and 5 types of joint parts.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys

Few things are as satisfying as the THONK! of hitting a target. With Coin Blaster Arcade, even novice sharpshooters can flick coins with surprising speed and accuracy using the included “coin blasters” — the world’s first coin-operated, finger-powered mini-cannons, only from Klutz. The book is full of awesome tabletop target games including Hot Shot Hoops, Break the Bank, Skee Coin, and Penny Putt Golf. Ten different games test your coin blasting mastery and let you dominate the kitchen table.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys

Cutie Pops are trendy fashion dolls who love to decorate and accessorize everything in their world. They’re inspired by everything girls love from hearts, neon colors, rainbows, sweets, parties, surprises and more.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys

WrapStar is the first mic kids can bend and twist. With 3 feet of bendability, kids can get all wrapped up in the fun. Each color includes three fun sound effects, and the built-in speaker provides ultimate creative freedom.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys

Turn one of the most difficult math topics into the most FUN. The NEW Multiplication football is more fun than flash cards for learning these important math facts. Help kids learn the multiplication tables through engaging active play to increase retention and recall for higher test scores. Take along this soft stuffed ball to review the multiplication tables outdoors, indoors and even in the car. It is a colorful picture dictionary on an oversized ball making it easier to catch and throw.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys

Cross-curricular games packed with 500 grade-level questions. Players spin to see which category their challenge will come from: Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies or Mystery Meat. Players must read the statement in the corresponding category on their card and then determine whether it is true or baloney (false). Points are given for correct answers. Each game includes 200, 4-1/4" -dia. cards, spinner and directions.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys

Excavate 3 genuine shark teeth just like a real paleontologist. Buried inside the shark tooth shaped digging brick shark-lovers will uncover 3 different species of shark teeth. This hands-on kit includes an excavation tool, brush, magnifying glass, full-color information guide, and an activity booklet with 10 fun games, puzzles, and challenges to complete. This is a must have gift for anyone who loves sharks. The genuine specimens in this kit are each millions of years old. This educational gift is a great way to start a fossil collection. Launch date: August 2012.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys; 2012 Seal of Approval - Parent Tested, Parent Approved; 2012 Dr. Toy 10 Best Socially Responsible Products.

This all new Wobble Deck is an electronic balance board that features four fun balance games that challenge the mind and body. Games include: Copy Wobble, Memory Wobble, Wobbly Statues, and Musical Wobble. Base detaches to become a portable handheld game. Fun for the whole family.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys

Customize this fleet of 5 durable foam planes with color-in stickers, markers, and metallic accents. The soft but tough foam bodies are easy to assemble and perfect for indoor or outdoor use. Wingspan measures 7". For ages 5 and up.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys, 2012 Dr.Toy Best 20 for $20

This set comes with a large tray and footing in which kids build the structure. The tray measures approximately 10 inches by 16 inches by 3 inches deep. The tray and the footing are both white. The footing has a grid of 12 holes for columns (4 x 3 configuration). Build the structure using the footing in the tray for the base, place the submersible pump in the tray, add water until it completely covers the inlet on the pump, and then enjoy reconfiguring the pipes, opening and closing valves and watching the action. When one takes the set down, all the parts pack into the tray, the plastic lid snaps on and it can be safely stored away for future use.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys

Simply touch the face to unlock the most technologically advanced Omnitrix ever created. The pop up touch pad allows kids to discover over 40 sounds and three separate modes of play. Mode one allows kids to hear 7 Alien voices, while mode two has ambient sounds that kids can overlay their own sound effects onto and create beats. Mode 3 allows them to replicate the DNA code found in other Ben 10 items to unlock secret messages from Azmuth, the creator of the Omnitrix.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys

The Black Capped Chickadee is a pretty little bird with a pretty “chicka-dee-dee-dee” song. It ranges throughout Canada and the northern United States, including Alaska. The scientific name for the Black Capped Chickadee species is Poecile atricapillus. Black Capped Chickadees can be found anywhere in the woods or even residential areas. They usually flock together. Those flocks are likely to be mixed groups, having other species of small and chirpy birds. They settle on tree branches, woody shrubs, in parks in residential areas, marshes and even weedy fields, which they choose for nesting. They sometimes even use woodpeckers’ abandoned nests. Their nesting season extends from the beginning of May to the end of June.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys

It's so easy to decorate ceramic beads with stickers. Just peel, stick and string. Includes 17 ceramic beads, 225 stickers, seed beads, 7 cords, ball chain, elastic, beading needle and easy instructions.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys

Children will have the best seat outside the house with the ultimate solution in stroller support and style, recommended and used by medical professionals. This stroller cushion provides soft, stylish support for baby's back, head, & neck. High-quality memory foam conforms to infant's head, decreasing resistance and the risk of flat-head syndrome. This product is recommended by medical professionals, and offers a reversible, two-sided design. In addition it is compatible with most stroller harness systems and is machine washable. Launch date: May 2012.

Swingin' Smart bucket swing seat protector has easy Velcro attachment to bucket seats and chains. The washable fabric safeguards against germs. The soft padding warms or cools seat. The rings keep toys close and secure. This product comes in a convenient, re-usable tote for take-along ease and storage. "This is the only swing protector on the market that not only gives you 360 degree protection, but also covers the swing chains which are dirty, hot, and can pinch fingers," Heather Prattas, president / QueenBee at Baby Beehavin, told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 2012.

Stroller rides can't all be as easy as a walk in the park. Whether parents are running errands or waiting in line, sometimes they need to keep baby entertained on the go. Finally there's a stroller organizer that does it all, featuring multi-media storage as well as room for all parents' must-haves. The See 'n Store Multi-Media Stroller Organizer is designed for iPads or tablets, to protect, store, and/or entertain babies and parents on-the-go. Launch date: April 2012.

My Natural Eco Teether is a perfect choice for teething, as it soothes and stimulates any infant’s sore gums. Its fun animal shape is easy to grip, and will keep babies entertained. This 100 percent toxin-free teether is made in the USA, and features a sustainable, plant-based bio material made from corn. Launch date: October 2012.

Meet the OgoBILD BITs. Part of the OgoBILD construction line, the BITs are flexible, secure and safe to play with. With imagination, the BITs come alive and are seeking adventure. Launch date: 2012.

The Construction Set includes nuts and bolts, wheels, pieces of different length and a screwdriver. 84 pieces in all made from Plantation Birch Wood. There is no limit to what kidscan make. Develops mechanical aptitude and stimulates the imagination.  Packaged in a durable flat box with a handle for easy storage. Launch date: June 2012.

The FunPod was created by a mother in the UK. The parents enjoyed spending time in the kitchen. The designer/parent Kim wanted her daughter to participate in cooking activities safety and she needed the freedom to move about the kitchen without a child on her hip. Heralded as socially responsible by a leading obesity expert in the UK, the FunPod encourages children to learn all about the whole food experience and can encourage parent and child bonding with quality time spent preparing meals. Children form their habits and opinions between the ages of one and four so this is an essential time to be giving them a healthy food education. There are 5 settings accommodating the average height of a 12 month baby up to a toddler of 6 so at whatever level, the top of the FunPod™ is always at chest height for safety reasons. Manufactured in a durable, high quality FSC MDF (recycled material), selected for high durability. Product exterior is non-toxic commercial laminate chosen for water resistance and easy of cleaning. Launch date: January 2011.

Little imaginations will soar with this adorable bookcase. The FUNctional design revolves for easy access and includes a vintage airplane motif with a control tower storage compartment and two shelves (12" and 10") to keep favorite storybooks up and off of the floor. The bookcase coordinates with our Fly Boy Airplane Rocker (RAB00038) Assembled dimensions: 13" L x 13" W x 37" H. Launch date: September 2012.