October 2008 Notable Toys — Developmental Toys

As Shakespearos once said, “The dog will have his day," and that day is now. I can usually be found waxing poetic and sniffing out a sonnet or two. But as the poetos of the Deglingos, I need inspiration. Will you be my muse? Discovery Deglingos are an explorative adventure for young kids. Each leg contains a different activity – squeaks, rattles, crinkles and more. Also, a pull-string tail creates a shake and rattle surprise. Launch date: November 2008.

So crazios and always in a good mood, I’m the excitable guy with the big heart. Poilodos tells me I need to chill out and loosen my suspenders a bit, but I prefer to blow off steam by playing the drums with my tail. Not everyone appreciates this talent. Party poopos! Discovery Deglingos are an explorative adventure for young kids. Each leg contains a different activity — squeaks, rattles, crinkles and more. Also, a pull-string tail creates a shake and rattle surprise. Launch date: November 2008.

Classic tales help build reading comprehension skills. Students work at their own pace with literature-based material at an approximate 2nd-grade level. Each story also includes a fun, rockin’ song with read-along words on screen. Launch date: 2006.

This award-winning tracking elephant's trunks allow and enhance hand-eye coordination for children. The product can be easily attached to any smooth surface and can be used in and out of the tub. It comes with five weighted tracking balls and is suitable for ages 9 months and up. It received an Oppenheim Gold Seal Best Toy Award in 2008. Launch date: 2008.

Excalibur Electronics presents Phantom Force, a powerful chess set with one incredible trick–it moves pieces all on its own. Utilizing the latest in micro motor and magnet technology, Phantom Force brings chess computing into the 21st century. Phantom Force will play Knights, Pawns and other pieces, sliding them into position as if an invisible hand were controlling it. "Phantom Force Chess offers a wide variety of features, including sound effects, voice vocabulary in three languages, hint button, coaching mode, teaching mode for new players, time control, built-in dual chess clock display, in-game memory, adjustable LCD contrast, [and] auto-shut off, and [it] is designed with a storage compartment to hold your chessmen," Meg Sahdala, senior product manager at Excalibur Electronics Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2008.
— As of 1.06.2011 this product was listed as a bestseller in the Games & Puzzle category on Toysrus.com. Pros: Helps hone logic skills; can be played alone.

These blocks, designed in Italy, can be connected in four different ways (vertically, stacked, laterally, perpendicularly and obliquely). "The models that could be made with these building blocks, unlike ... others, are realistic reproductions. For example, the airplane model [looks like] a real airplane; the castle [resembles] a real castle, etc. From the educational point of view, Special Cross develops creativity and imagination in children, as well as precision and patience," Georgiy Saturchenko, president of Bim Bom Trading, Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 2008.

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 dual-headed gripping spoon is intended to be used prior to an infant/toddler actually needing it to eat.  This allows a child to target the path from table to mouth ,so when they are fully fledged table eaters, there are less mishaps and increased success. The arc-shaped handle with angled lateral guard forms a wedge-like shape to reduce hand shifting along the handle.  This allows for a more consistent path from table to mouth. The dual lateral guards pevents gagging and the dual heads prevent choking.  Additionally, the arc-shaped handle makes the spoon–end angle toward the mouth so by just pivoting at the elbow toward the mouth enables success (no wrist movement required).  This reduces the need to coordinate the movement of multiple body parts, which reduces neurological stress and increases time on task and focus. Launch date: January 25, 2007

Students, friends and their fellow employees can have fun and get to know one another by responding to this ball's suggestions to share experiences from work and personal life. The 32 panels include questions and statements such as "Smartest Career Decision" and "Two Office Tools You Can't Live Without." Launch date: September 2008.

Ideal for counseling, character-building activities and socialization among employees, the Virtues & Values Thumball includes three positive characteristics for each letter of the alphabet, inviting comments on qualities that the speaker or other players have. Launch date: September 2008.

Featuring various color palettes, designs and different textures, these flat shape characters are extra easy for little ones to grasp. "Bright Beginnings products benefit a children’s development by enticing them to explore through visual and tactile stimulation," said Stephanie Araujo, marketing coordinator for Russ Berrie. Launch date: 2008

Toddlers can open the barn door on this activity set and find a barnyard of fun just waiting for them. They'll be delighted to discover three soft removable friends inside: a cow that chimes, a squeaky little chick and a cute pig that rattles. "This playset combines different sights, sounds, and textures to encourage toddlers' development and stimulate their imagination," said Stephanie Araujo, marketing coordinator for Russ Berrie. Launch date: 2008.

Kids can play simple tunes on this durable, wooden instrument by just covering different holes to play various notes. It's an excellent instrument to add to a child's band. Launch date: October 2008.

Enrich a child's knowledge with this Odyssey Magic Talking Farm Learning Toy. Watch as he or she giggles while playing and learning at the same time. The Learning Magic Talking Barnyard Learning Toy by Odyssey includes a Magic farm barn and pasture; six farm figures (farmer, horse, cow, chicken and sheep); and six learning modes, including Number, Color, Counting, Characters and Quiz modes. "This educational toy is not sold in big-box stores," assured Sal Irigoyen, president of Odyssey Marketing. Launch date: 6/1/2008

This new line of marine-inspired plush allows members to create their own virtual and interactive aquarium amid realistic ocean scenery. Each SeaPal comes with a secret code that allows kids to log on to www.seapalsworld.com where they can personalize an aquarium, play games, chat with other fish in the sea, explore reefs and shipwrecks, and learn about marine life. "This is the ultimate marine-inspired, web-interactive plush that lets kids build their own virtual aquarium amid realistic ocean scenery," said Stephanie Araujo, marketing coordinator for Russ Berrie. Launch date: 07/01/2008

An amazing soft discovery cube turns inside out to reveal six different sides — 12 sides in all. The toy features engaging images and patterns, multiple textures and beautifully embroidered details. It encourages exploration and teaches lessons in object performance. This product is designed to entice, entertain and nurture the developing minds of children from birth to 3 years.

Easy-stand, extra large dominos are designed for little hands to easily manipulate. The uniquely designed base and pitch of each domino helps the small child stand them up easily, with little frustration and yet when pushed they will come crashing down upon each other. Children will find many ways to design and stack the dominos using bridge and stairs.
Awards: A TDmonthly Classics Award for being an all-time favorite toy.

Unbuckle the fun with the adorable and huggable, 17" BuckleyCat. Like most cats, BuckleyCat loves to have his tummy tickled once his buckles are opened. He likes to be included in tea parties and birthday parties and will demand a hug before bedtime. He is very well behaved and makes an excellent companion on long car rides. This product is suitable for children ages 15 months and up and was designed in cooperation with a child psychologist.

Meet BuckleyDog. He is the perfect friend for any baby or toddler. BuckleyDog is protective and lovable and always ready to run and play. He loves to tumble with other stuffed animals, but be careful when it comes to balloon animals. Sometime he gets frisky and pops them!

Meet BuckleyBear. He can be a little shy but he is extremely well behaved and barely makes a growl. BuckleyBear likes to burrow under your covers and pretend he is hidden in the far corners of a bear cave. He will patiently wait for play time and then frolic for hours.

Meet BuckleyBunny. Our first seasonal offering, BuckleyBunny will debut during the Easter shopping season. This lovable Bunny will keep children on their toes. He loves to play games, and he most especially loves Easter egg hunts.

This book will quickly help beginning readers to recognize and understand the meaning of over 300 basic English words from A through Z. Each word is clearly defined and then used in one or more sample sentences. Lively, full color illustrations enhance the text. Each word has its own, easily recalled image. The 26 letters of the English alphabet are printed in sequence, in capitals and lower case, at the top of each page. Young children will thereby learn what a dictionary is and how to use it. Although designed for young children, this book will appeal to older children with reading difficulties and, of course, their teachers.

SPEECH PARADE! early language development videos are a fun and exciting way to encourage and facilitate language growth and development. Whether your child is not yet talking or already forming some early words, these engaging videos will encourage imitation by using animals, objects, and activities that children love.

This fun and exciting video is not only helpful for native Spanish speaking children developing their language skills, but what a great way to introduce another language to your children! Whether your house is bilingual, multilingual, or monolingual, this video will help facilitate language development in children.