October 2009 Notable Toys — American-Made

A well-recognized throwback to yesteryear, Schylling's Mood Rings combine glossy, color-changing cabochons with silver-toned settings styled with the 1960s in mind. The “stones” in the rings sense the mood of the wearer and change accordingly from anxious orange-black to content jewel-tone blue-violet. Styles are assorted, and the metal rings are made in the USA.
― “We sell dozens of mood ring pick-ups at the counter,” said Joe Berardoni Sr., owner of Pun's Toy Shop in Bryn Mawr, Pa., during an October 2009 survey.
— In a September 2010 TDmonthly survey, seven of 44 retailers named mood rings a best-selling jewelry and accessory item, with one claiming sales of 43 a month.
— In an October 2011 survey about best selling jewelry and accessories, 4 out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that mood rings were their best sellers. They sold an average of 2 dozen each month.

Babies and their folks on the go can all have smooth, supple skin thanks to this travel pack of Mayron's Good Baby goods. Developed by Melanie Mayron of thirtysomething and her chemist Dad, the included 2-oz. sizes of Cheek Balm, Barrier and Diaper Creme, Body Oil, Body Mik and Body Wash are all full of natural ingredients such as essential oils and vitamins. These products are never tested on animals; they're tested on actress's babies! A portion of the profits go toward women's health research.

Jukem is a fast game that can be played in 20 minutes or less. The game lasts two times through the deck. No prior knowledge of football is required.
Awards: Dr. Toy 100 Best Children's Products - 2010

The Cover-Me is a fully adjustable strap that attaches to any baby blanket, converting it into a secure nursing cover. The Cover-Me is compact enough to fit in mom's pocket. "The Cover-Me is the only breastfeeding essential that can be used for other purposes! The Cover-Me creates a secure bib using a cloth napkin or cloth diaper [and] it keeps a blanket secure over baby in a stroller or front carrier," Natascia Carr, owner of Little Carr, LLC, told TDmonthly. It received an iParenting Media Award in 2008. Launch date: February 9, 2007.

A vintage novelty fabric of playful kitties is accented with peppermint stripes and black and white polka dots. The three-piece set includes a bumper with grosgrain ties in French pink, a fitted crib sheet and double crib skirt with 17" drop. The top layer of the skirt is fully lined with 200-thread count artic white cotton fabric. The accent of black ric rac is just the right touch to the bumper and crib skirt made in the USA of 100-percent cotton. "The vintage and fun prints as well as the price point for the double skirt that is fully lined" set this product apart, Molly McLean, owner and designer of Ella & Bee, told TDmonthly. "The price point is just below other American-made crib sets with this type of quality." Launch date: March 14, 2009.

Parents can protect baby in style with this infant cover that has an over-the-handle design to create a tent-like enclosuret. The hole in the top allows for a secure grip on the handle, a view of baby inside, and allows air into the baby. The all-around elastic keeps the cover securely in place. It's designed to protect babies from the sun, wind, rain and nosy strangers, and creates a cozy nap-time environment. When it's time to feed baby, Sprout Shell becomes a nursing cover to give a little added privacy on the go. At the store, Sprout Shell becomes a shopping cart cover to keep those nasty germs away from baby. It is made of 100-percent cotton corduroy and can be used for restaurant high chairs, too. It's "the only infant carrier cover that has multiple uses and can be used after baby is no longer in the infant carrier," Kirsten Reeder, co-founder of Sprout Shell, LLC, told TDmonthly. The Sprout Shell received a 2009 Baby Planner Seal of Approval. Launch date: September 12, 2009.

The Sophie Snuggler is a nursing cover-up made from 100-percent organic cotton, so mothers have soft, natural material next to them and their babies' skin. The cowl neck allows mom to position and check on baby. It is also incredibly discreet and stylish. The cover-up is durable and machine washable, and is made in the USA. Launch date: September 2009.

These nine-piece puzzles are easy to play, but hard to solve. They feature original artwork, plus educational facts on the back of the travel-size package. Interesting fact:  In 1964, the general manager of Pontiac, John DeLorean, created the first “muscle car” by approving the installation of 389 cubic inch, 6.3-liter engine in the Pontiac LeMans, adding the designation “GTO” that had been a name first used by Ferrari, Europe’s leading sports car company.

This print on wood is available framed and unframed in two different sizes: 8" x 10" and 11" x 14" (measurement includes mat). Nine styles total are available, and it is made in the USA. The artwork is "printed on sustainably harvested (and chemical-free) maple veneer," Lorena Siminovich, owner of Petit Collage, told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 2009.

This poster features whimsical toys and treats next to their corresponding letters. It is made in the USA and available in two different styles. "[The] poster is printed with soy inks on 100-percent recycled paper," Lorena Siminovich, owner of Petit Collage, told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 20, 2009.

This giraffe-shaped growth chart doubles as a wall mirror to indulge little ones' fascination with their own reflection and record their height as they grow. Made of sturdy mirrored acrylic, this growth chart is shatterproof and light. It comes in two pieces (head and body) and records heights from 1" to 3.5". Launch date: August 2009.

This modern alphabet poster is a three-color screen print hand-pulled in Oakland, Calif., on uncoated 100-percent post-consumer recycled paper. It is available in three color variations. Launch date: 2008.

The simple shapes of this mobile are laser-cut to showcase the natural beauty of bamboo. "Our product features laser-cut, sustainably harvested bamboo. It is 100-percent made in the USA. We hired a non-profit employing adults with disabilities to package our products," Lorena Siminovich, owner of Petit Collage, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2008.

ReUsies are a reusable alternative to plastic sandwich bags. They are cotton on the outside and leak-resistant nylon on the inside, sealed with Velcro closures. ReUsies can be machine or hand washed, and each one is designed to replace hundreds of plastic baggies. ReUsies come in two sizes (larger sandwich and smaller snack) and many different patterns to appeal to all members of the family. "We use reusable items in many other areas of our lives (reusable water bottles, shopping bags, lunch boxes, etc.), but there are very few products that replace those plastic sandwich baggies we all use and toss every day," Karen Whorton, owner of ReUsies, told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 2009.

This two-piece suit for boys is ideal for springtime, with lightweight seersucker bubble shorts and a four-button vest that features a funky fresh van applique crafted of washable felt. Launch date: March 2010.

This polka-dot dress features a strawberry applique crafted of washable felt. It is available in sizes 6-12m through 6T, through spring 2010. It is made in the USA. Decaf Plush offers "unique animal, fruit and street illustrations crafted in washable synthetic felt — beats silkscreen any day!" Kimberly Murray, designer for decaf plush, told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 2009.

This bright, polka-dot ruffle flower print shirt features a ladybug applique crafted from synthetic washable felt. It is available for both infant and toddler girls 6-12m up to 6T. The blouse showcases a "unique and original animal [and] fruit and street illustrations crafted in washable, synthetic felt!" Kimberly Murray, designer for decaf plush, toldTDmonthly. Launch date: March 2010.

George tands 13" from nose to wall. Adjustable antler span is 16". Girth is 21". Ready to hang; choose big-game shoulder mount or solid pine plaque mount. Plaque size: 9"x12" His name was chosen in honor of two famous Mainers: President George H.W. Bush and Senator George Mitchell. He is one of the most popular moose every year, loved by Democrats and Republicans alike. NEW and improved George has Deep (fuzzy) nostrils and a lower jaw with teeth and tongue.

Polar bears are well-adapted to severe cold. In fact, they often have a problem with overheating and have to take frequent breaks to cool down while hunting. Posed with her head turned to the left, lovely Anouk is a picture of grace with her calm expression. Shown here as a plaque mount; she is also ready to hang as a big game shoulder mount.
You can pose the lower jaw to make a sweet smile or to show a little tongue! Anouk stands 15" from the wall. Shoulder mount is an ample 36" girth. Plaque mount is a solid pine 11"x14" plaque

As North America's largest native land mammals, buffalo "bulls" stand up to six feet tall at the shoulder, are 10 feet long and can weigh over a ton. Revered by the Plains Native Americans; their word "Tatanka," means "buffalo." He is often purchased to be part of a theme room. Tatanka stands 16" from the wall with a 40" girth and 14" between horn tips. Available only as a big game shoulder mount. Ready to hang and enjoy.

Cliff enjoys being around the other trophies and people. Posed looking to the left gives Cliff a sense of confidence. His long 26" horns are fully adjustable. Stands 18" from the wall with a 33" shoulder mount girth, and 16" horn span. Ready to hang and enjoy.

This 8.5” x 11” oversized peel-and-stick postcard from Greenie2Steps is produced with inks, coatings and adhesives that are all water based. It is designed to be removed and relocated hundreds of times without losing adhesive ability, marring walls or leaving residue. It depicts TelleyGreen, the beautiful and magical home of Greenie, the eco-friendly elephant. She is traveling the world to discover new places, learn new lessons, and meet new friends in her pineapple plane. Launch date: July 29, 2009.

Jumbo Greenie2Steps whimsical wall art prints (36" x 48") are both educational and eco-friendly, and depict the friends and adventures of Greenie, the eco-friendly elephant. The peel-and-stick wall art is designed to be removed and relocated hundreds of times without losing adhesive ability, marring walls or leaving residue. The inks, adhesive and coatings are all water based, so the wall art is safe for infants, toddlers and children of all ages. Launch date: July 29, 2009.

Huge Greenie2Steps whimsical wall art prints (24" x 36" are educational and eco-friendly, and depict the friends and adventures of Greenie, the eco-friendly elephant. The peel-and-stick wall art is designed to be removed and relocated hundreds of times without losing adhesive ability, marring walls or leaving residue. The inks, adhesive and coatings are all water based, so the wall art is safe for infants, toddlers and children of all ages. Launch date: July 29, 2009.