October 2008 Notable Toys — All

This miniatures building, showing rubble and a demolished interior, measures 13.25" L x 7" W x 8" H. Launch date: October 13, 2008.

Each Livie & Luca shoe is handmade, crafted by artisan shoemakers who leave their mark under each strap — no pair is exactly the same. Livie & Luca is also eco-conscious. They use reusable cloth shoe bags and the shoes are made of leather pieces that would otherwise be discarded. Livie & Luca’s innovative ultra-light and flexible sole has been re-engineered to require less glue (thus reducing their carbon footprint). A mom-owned company, Livie & Luca donates 10 percent of their profits each month to a rotating charity. Another way Livie & Luca gives back is by partnering with Art for Humanity to arrange for the delivery of donated children's shoes to low-income families in Honduras.  Launch date: 2008
 

This kit includes ingredients to make flavored lip balm that has an SPF of 15.

From the Simple Machines Series, this natural wood cherry-picker mimics the principles used to work the real thing, but uses water in place of hydraulic fluid. It teaches kids about levels and parallel linkages and is easy to construct (glue included).

Suitable for children ages 1 1/2 and up, this wooden puzzle made in Taiwan is designed to improve hand-eye coordination and motor skills. The different puzzle pieces — items found in dad's suitcase — are labeled underneath: tie, watch, electric razor, wallet and more.

This bear, straight from Grammy Bears' Stitchery, is unique among its fellow bear friends. It features hearts on its paws and chest and comes with membership to Bear-Beach Club. Kids can earn funscapers coupons that they can use for prizes for them and their bears.

No two Little Toy Bears from Grammy Bears' Stitchery are alike. The bears have mending hearts and are members at Bear-Beach Club, which features online activities.

The Fancy Zoo line features a range of plush characters in various colors and sizes. Custom designs are available.

djubi™ (pronounced joo-bee) is played with specially designed racquets and a distinctive ball called “the djubi”.  To play, place the rubber loop over the launch hook, pull back and aim.  When the ball is released it flies through the air at varying degrees of speed, distance and height, depending on the launch trajectory. The djubi is then snagged out of the sky in the deep racquet pocket. Playing djubi undoubtedly will take the tried-and-true game of catch to a cool, new level of fun and excitement for all. See video of djubi in action at djubi.com.
— Christine Osborne, owner of Wonder Works in Charleston, S.C., told TDmonthly in March 2010 that her store sells 36 units per month of the djubi.
— In a March 2012 survey, John Taylor, owner of O.P Taylor's in Brevard, N.C., told TDmonthly that the djubi was one of his best selling outdoor toys.

Each 4.25" x 3.5" pad includes 108 stickers with a child's name. More than 100 names are available, and the company offers blue pads for boys and pink for girls.
— "Mulberry Studios has really neat stickers that have children's names on [them]," said Katherine King, manager of Giggles Toys & More in Bozeman, Mont., noting that her store sells 30 to 40 units per month.
— King and one other retailer, out of 51 surveyed, told TDmonthly in September 2008 that the stickers are a best-selling personalized product in their stores.

Parents and kids can show off their trivia smarts together on family game night. The Kids Card questions are just right for younger players, while the Adult Cards challenge older players on their own level. The six fun question-and-answer categories include People & Places, Entertainment, Wild Card, Science & Nature, Sports & Leisure and History. Everyone gets in on the trivia fun… and everyone has a chance to win. The game includes gameboard, 300 question-and-answer cards, 2 card holders, 6 scoring tokens, 36 scoring wedges, die and instructions. Available exclusively at Target stores. Launch date: 2008.

This sassy skate shop lets a little bird buddy find a pair of skates to keep her rockin’ and rollin’. The PLAY & DISPLAY PET NOOKS (each sold separately) can be collected and either stacked or attached side-by-side to create a Littlest Pet Shop world. Skate shop comes with bird pet and roller skates accessory.

Alfred Hitchcock’s  “The Birds” Barbie® Doll celebrates the 45th anniversary of the acclaimed film. Dressed in a re-creation of the stylish green skirt-suit worn by the 1963 film’s ill-fated heroine in an iconic scene, every aspect  of this doll captures the film’s infamous appeal, from the perfectly painted expression to the accompanying black birds. Note to Parents: The Birds is rated PG-13. Consult www.filmratings.com for further information. The Birds is a trademark and copyright of Universal Studios. Licensed by Universal Studios Licensing LLLP. All rights reserved. Alfred Hitchcock and the Hitchcock likeness are trademarks and copyrights of The Hitchcock Trust. Production doll may vary from the photo shown above. Mattel reserves the right to modify the fashion/fabrics, sculpt, hair color/style, and accessories. Doll cannot stand alone as shown. Launch date: 2008.

Barbie® doll as Batgirl™ looks absolutely amazing in a body-hugging black bat suit. A striking black cape with “gold” lining, yellow gloves, belt, knee-high boots, and fabulous “bat ears” complement the ensemble. Gorgeous face paint and long auburn hair give the doll an especially striking look. BATGIRL and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © DC Comics. Production doll may vary from the photo shown above. Mattel reserves the right to modify the fashion/fabrics, sculpt, hair color/style, and accessories. Doll cannot stand alone as shown. Launch date: 2008.

 Kit wears a crocheted cloche, carries a straw purse for her printed hankie and replica buffalo nickel and sports a special necklace styled after a compass inside a ship’s wheel—to remind her to find her own way through hard times. Kit’s 18-inch doll body is soft cloth; her head and limbs are smooth vinyl. She’s posable for hundreds of playtimes and can be treasured for years to come. Her "Meet Kit" book enhances playtime with the first story of this clever girl growing up in 1934 Cincinnati.  It offers lessons about choices and friendship that still touch girls today.

This set includes two ponies, four figurines, jumps, a tree, a stand for visitors and much more. Launch date: 2008.
—  Seven of 63 specialty retailers named Playmobil as one of their overall best-selling products in September 2008, and five of 52 said the same the next month. Three of 32 retailers also told TDmonthly in October 2008 they expect Playmobil to be a top seller for the holidays.
— James Burdette, owner of LB Toys in Media, Pa., said his store sells about 100 units from the line each month.
— Playmobil was one of the top-10 best-selling items at Pun’s Toy Store of Bryn Mawr, Pa., in the fall of 2008, according to owner Joe Berardoni, Sr. “It’s well designed and has great play value,” he said. “It’s a toy that uses imagination — old-fashioned imagination.”

"Tom Glazer Sings Honk-Hiss-Tweet-GGGGGGGG and Other Favorites" is a delightful collection of children's music recorded live from the 1950s to the 1970s. Among the 24 remastered songs are irresistible favorites like "Skip to My Lou," "This Old Man," and "Hush Little Baby," as well as original songs composed by Glazer and unique renditions of folk classics from around the world. With intimate liner notes by John, Peter and Diana Wasserman Glazer, including lyrics to the songs, "Tom Glazer Sings Honk-Hiss-Tweet-GGGGGGGG and Other Favorites" introduces Glazer's legacy to the children of the twenty-first century. Launch date: October 28, 2008.

The Little Environmentalists proudly print their books using 100% post-consumer waste, chlorine free and non-toxic toner. This picture book follows a little girl discovering what everyone sees when they stop to look and smell the roses. a falling leaf, fluttering butterfly or crunchy grass beneath bare feet become an instant nature lesson. “Children will smell, hear, feel and see their way through their own backyard nature discovery,” explains Rebecca Mattano, creator of The Little Environmentalists. “Each page offers a new and unique look into nature with colorful pictures that not only teach but challenge children to find all that nature has to offer.”

This book and bag combination with sparkly, pop-out Easter eggs features whimsical text that introduces a new pop-out on each page. Kids can collect the eggs and fill their bag as they read, and then follow directions to create their own Easter egg hunt. Launch date: February 2009.

Tender rhyme and beautiful illustrations offer the opportunity for parent-child bonding and provide the perfect backdrop for a family's most precious photos. Simply slide a photo into place on each page to personalize the treasured keepsake. Launch date: February 2009.

Was King Arthur real? What were the coolest weapons that knights carried? How were castles built? And what was the best way to capture one? Kids will learn the answers to these questions along with countless other facts in this fascinating introduction to the world of medieval knights and castles. It includes 16 custom chess pieces, a 24-page fact-book and two games: Chess and Capture the Castle. Launch date: September 2008.

Otis C. Mouse lives a happy life in New York City — until he accidentally gets whisked away to Egypt. His epic adventure begins with a whirlwind tour of the country's history and culture. Launch date: September 2008.

With eight 12-page books, 32 flash cards, a parent guide and an eight-page activity book, "Word Play" is packed with games, activities and stories. Launch date: September 2008.