October 2008 Notable Toys — Gifts

Packaged in a small tin, this product includes 15, 8 cm x 8.5 cm note cards and envelopes. "We start the thought. You finish it," the packaging says. Starter phrases include "You are especially good at ...,"You have a great way of ..." and "I remember when ..." The cards can be stuffed into stockings or lunch bags, and four other themes are available. Thought Cards won an iParenting Media Best Products Award.

This playful set of 15 fill-in-the-blank note cards comes in a tin with 15 envelopes. It challenges individuals to finish the sentence on each card. Phrases include "You are special because ...," "You make me smile when ..." and "I have fun when we..." Four other themes are available.

This 10.25” x 10” Laugh Out Loud paper frame has dimensional flower pop ups and a vibrant, popping pattern. Launch date: 2008.

This soft and beautiful beanie has the perfect bright Celina flower. Made of 100% Cotton decorated with Swarovski Crystals.

Be proud of your age and show it on this adorable onesie. Great for birthday pictures and perfectly cute all by itself!

This pettiskirt gets its sparkles from studs on the outfit. Made of extra soft nylon chiffon, the material allows the skirt to give off its fluffiness. With an elastic waist and adjustable ribbons, this outfit is designed to grow with a child and also fit everyone.

This pink pettidress is made with extra soft nylon chiffon to allow for the dress to be extra fluffy.

This set of six, 3"-square soft blocks comes in a drawstring bag. Spot clean only.

This fantasy story is about 12-year old Sophie’s adventures during her summer vacation while visiting her archeologist grandparents in Greece. They are in the middle of an exciting dig, resurrecting an ancient goddess temple. When she meets a new friend, Tena, the two girls find themselves in trouble as they venture into explorations of their own. The experiences and challenges Sophie and Tena go through teach them the importance of self-love. This hardcover adventure book contains 192 pages, 10 full-color illustrations, a parent workbook and guide. "This book is geared for women and girls," said Bridgette Nofer, Executive Administrator, Nea Matia Inc. Home of SophiaDolls. Launch date: 7/21/2008.

Part of the Four Seasons-series of jewelry boxes from Enchantmints, this small treasure chest is richly detailed with cheerful watercolor paintings on the outside, and myriad places for storage tucked away all over the box. Simply open the lid, and it plays music just like the classic child's jewelry box, while a tiny figurine dances inside.
- “Our best is our Enchantmints' jewelry boxes,” Kathy Beaman, owner of Toys to Treasure in Evansville, Ind., told TDmonthly in September 2008 when discussing her store’s best-selling jewelry items.
- Ronald Kutchick, owner of Grand Slam Toys in Kodiak, Alaska, also named Enchantmints' music boxes as “a big seller.”

This whimsical jewelry box is painted on all sides with rich watercolors in a scene out of a fairy tale. The main chamber hides a dancing prince and princess that twirl as the enclosed music box plays when the lid is open. The box features a divided, flocked tray, a large drawer in the bottom, and smaller drawers that come out of the sides for sorting out various treasures.
— “Jewelry boxes … the top seller comes from Enchantmints,” David Ekwall, owner of The Wooden Toy in Wethersfield, Conn., told TDmonthly in September 2008 when speaking about best-selling products for tweens.
— “Musical jewelry boxes by Enchantmints,” agreed Diana Nelson, owner of Kazoo & Co. in Denver, Colo., who sells more than two dozen a month. “[They’re] very nostalgic.”
— These music boxes were best sellers at Twirl Toystore & Playspace in Taos, N.M., in early 2009, according to Owner Molly McMullin. “Grandparents love to give these to their granddaughters … a classic we remember receiving as kids,” she said.

Who knew saving waste can save money and the environment? These eco-friendly banks, recycled from paper, mud and glue, come in 13 wildlife and marine varieties. Kids can smash the bank once it's full; it's biodegradable and will decompose by itself, plus it doesn't leave any sharp edges. "It's the only recycled bank in the U.S. market ever featured, as of the moment. We are educating the kids to save up and, at the same time, care for the environment," Janelle Go-Lin, president of King-Max Products told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 2009.

Martha™ Mom and Baby is a 10.5” fluffy mom duck with an orange beak and feet. She sports a yellow and lilac chiffon neck bow. Her chick is crafted of yellow plush and wears white and pink bunny ears. When you press mom’s wing, mom’s mouth and body move to the music “How Sweet It Is” while the chick’s wings flap up and down. It includes three replaceable AA batteries. The product's "animated movement" and "design concept" set it apart from similar items, according to Shallu Chhabra, marketing manager for GUND. Launch date: 2009.

The Scrunch Bottle Bib is a revolutionary way to protect infants from spillage during bottle feeding. Catching the drips and spills that traditional bibs leave behind, the Scrunch Bottle Bib attaches to the bottle instead of the infant and catches spills before they reach the tender neck area. "It is made of the softest materials and is 100-percent cotton and machine washable. The Scrunch Bottle Bib extends and gently molds onto the infant's chin, requiring no holding or assistance," CEO Jennifer Edison of Wee Baby, Inc. told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2008.

This action-packed, hidden-identity game is geared to please the younger crowd. Assuming the identity of one of six spies, each player uses the die and moves cards to move around the gameboard. If a player lands on the same colored space as his/her opponent, he/she may take a guess of the opponents identity. If the guess is correct, the opponent is out of the game. The winner is the last player remaining. The game "focuses on bluffing and guessing," Bill Stephenson, president of Spy Alley Partners, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 1, 2008.

The dorm-style beanbag is feather-light and filled with expanded polystyrene beads. It's covered in the hottest fashion trend colors and materials. Personalization is available. The beanbag offers "totally versatile kids' seating that looks good and is superbly comfortable," SVP Lonnie Scheps of Hudson Industries told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2008.

Given the proper name of Cheerful McBliss when born, Bliss Bliss quickly earned his nickname because he was always so...well. blissful; even when inappropriate. Like the time when his Grandfather passed away. Bliss' eulogy was comprised of a string of off-color jokes followed by hysterical laughter; or during his first job interview when he cracked jokes about the owner's toupee. While sometimes outlandish, Bliss has something that many people strive for...to always have a smile on his face...but then again, that's probably because he's laughing at you.

The No Slippy Hair Clippy features magnets for a tighter clasp, plus a velvet cover to keep them soft and comfortable. They stay in little girls' hair even during play. They're also handmade in America.

The appearance of a sandal is designed onto these socks. Now your baby can wear sandals throughout the year. This box includes 6 pairs of “sandals” in 6 colors. Jazzy Toes socks have non-skid grips on the bottom of the socks to help infants learn to walk . They socks come in a ready-to-mail gift box.

These Mary Janes designs come with a flower on the buckle. These socks for girls come with elasticized ankles and non-skid grips that help babies learn to walk without slipping. With six different colors in the set, each ready-to-mail gift box contains six pairs of socks. The full collection includes 12 original designs and a variety pack for both boys and girls.

Tatutina's Olympic-style wooden medals are hand painted and come with a matching ribbon and Velcro on top for easy removal. The "winner" can put his or her name on the back of the medal. Designs include Grandma Loves Me, Good Citizen, New Big Brother, Funniest Kid and more. Launch date: 2008.

Pawparazzi Pets have a nose for style and whatever they’re wearing is what’s PAWpular in fashion! Girls will gasp when they see this tail-wagging collection of stylish clothes and fashionable accessories. They can dress their posh pets up for a night on the town or get together with friends and put on a fashion show. High-profile style for Little Pets Living Big Lives!™

This non-toxic snap-pocket bib is made from PVC-free, phthalate-free, lead-free coated material. It is wipable, machine-washable and eco-friendly. The bib is available in over 20 prints to satisfy any discerning little one. The patented snap-pocket sets is apart from the competition. Launch date: May 1, 2008.

This necklace is part of a rugged line for tween boys called MAJOR. Suggested retail price for pieces in the range, including other chains and bracelets, is $3 to $5. Launch date: Summer 2008.