November 2008 Notable Toys — American-Made

Handmade Zooguu animals provide endless hours of imaginative play for children of all ages. Zooguu love to go on adventures, and they make the most trustworthy of friends. "Every Zooguu is designed and handmade with love in Brooklyn, New York, by Jen and Brian Gubicza. Zooguu comes in a variety of designs, sizes and colors; with plastic features for ages 3+, or with embroidered features for kids of all ages," Owner Jen Gubicza of Zooguu LLC told TDmonthly. Launch date: November 18, 2008.

From the company's traditional collection of wooden blocks made in the USA, this set features 68 blocks in 12 shapes: 10 units, 10 half units, 10 half pillars, eight pillars, six columns, 4 double pillars, four Roman arches, four half circles, four small triangles, four double flats, two roof boards and two double units.
— “They don’t require minimums,” said Peg Scholtes, owner of Capitol Kids in Madison, Wis., when naming BEKA as a preferred vendor in fall 2008. Two other retailers, out of 52, also listed the company as a favorite.

There are more than a hundred frames to choose from, and all Frame-Ups can be customized per personal preference. Launch date: 2009.

This modern construction set features 35 durable, plastics squares that measure 3" on each side and have notches on the sides that allow them to be connected. Children can build structures more than 3' high.

This set of 35, 3" squares made of heavy-duty plastic can be used to build creations more than 3' tall. Launch date: 2008.

MagnaColeraze™ is a reusable “Color and Erase” coloring activity that helps children develop their creativity while they're having fun. These sheets let children color the pictures and solve the puzzle over and over again until they get them right.  The sheets are water proof, and have magnetic strips on them enabling their use with the MagnaKase while on the go.

The MagnaKase™ Wooden Magnetic Activity Box is a sturdy wooden box with magnetic dry erase surfaces, and serves both as an activity board and storage case. The 11-3/4" x 9-1/4"x 2" box is made of renewable wood and has brass hinges and clasp. This MagnaKase has two magnetic surfaces and comes with two magnetic strips to secure the coloring pages. Activities sold separately.

This MagnaKase suits coloring activities while kids are on the go. Children can use the case top as a dry erase activity board. The set includes one MagnaKase, four double-sided Reusable Color and Erase coloring puzzle, two Magnet strips to secure coloring pages to the activity surface, six Foohy Washable dry erase markers six (Sanford Corp) and one sponge eraser.

The MagnaKase™ Magnetic Activity Case is a sturdy plastic case with a magnetic dry erase surface and serves both as an activity board and storage case. The MagnaKase is an open-ended toy that, when combined with other MagnaPlay activities, allows children to engage in multiple activities in a short period of time.  Activities sold separately.

Step back into the alluring world of the dinosaurs. The colorful and dramatic illustrations make this felt play board a fun and educational activity that will captivate the attention of young children for hours. This product will encourage expression, exploration and creativity through play. Launch date: November 2008.

These retro classics will take you back to your childhood! There are four All American Boy Classics to choose from: Marbles, Knot Tying, Yo & Hardwood Throwing Top. And there are four All American Girl Pastimes to choose from: Jumbo Jacks, Skip Rope, Hopscotch and the Wonderball. Each comes with a 20-page handbook full of history, instructions and game techniques packaged in a recycled gift box. "All of our products are made in the USA," Jon Hogue, vice president of Channel Craft, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2008.

The Megatop is a perimeter-weighted, precision-built, high-performance throw top invented by Alan Adler, the famous inventor of Aerobie flying rings and other Aerobie high-performance sports toys. Using its quick launch accelerator, a skilled player can achieve 3,000+ RPM spin rates. Creative tricks and challenging games provide hours of fun. The Megatop is made in the USA. Launch date: October 2008.

Magical fairy dust reveals the fairy's treasure. Kids read Claresa's story of Fairy Treasure Stones, follow her instructions, and in the morning, the stone's treasure is revealed. The product is made in America. Claresa is "a fairy that is dedicated to bringing fun, imagination and quality into the lives of little fairy believers. Claresa has the highest standards because she believes they are an extension of her and a representation the fairy world," Clare Grindy, owner of Claresa the Fairy: Authentic Fairy Gifts, told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 11, 2003.

Large size classic wooden jigsaw puzzle, measuring 13" x 18.5"; 496 pieces.  Heirloom quality puzzle featuring dozens of winter-related and other figural pieces.  Vintage Swiss Alps ski poster.  Liberty Puzzles offers over 200 different puzzle images, from fine art to vintage prints and posters.

Children's classic wooden jigsaw puzzle, measuring 9" x 12"; 104 pieces.  Heirloom quality puzzle featuring numerous figural pieces.  Part of our Little Liberty puzzle line, designed with larger pieces for children's skill level.

This large-size, classic wooden jigsaw puzzle, measuring 13" x 19", includes 479 pieces.  Heirloom quality puzzle featuring dozens of circus-related and other figural pieces. Box cover image is taken from an early 20th Century toy set.  Hours of fun for the entire family!

Small sized classic wooden jigsaw puzzle, measuring 5.5" x 9"; 104 pieces.  Heirloom quality puzzle featuring holiday-themed figural pieces (Santa, toys, reindeer, etc.).  Comes in small craft box, perfect stocking stuffer size.

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.

The Watercolor Fairy outfit features a glitter lycra bodice and organza over a tulle tutu. It is available in XSC, SC and MC. Shown with a sequin tiara (A59-69) and iridescent glitter wings (A790-69), this costume was awarded Creative Child Magazine's Top Toy Award for 2008. "Our award-winning products have been proudly manufactured in the USA for over 15 years and use the finest fabrics and trims to create truly sophisticated dress-up apparel," Art Director Renee Stojek of A Wish Come True told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 1, 2008.

Journey to Ancient Egypt's sacred Nile valley! Great kings compete to forge mighty kingdoms in a struggle to control the land of "Kemet." Along the banks of the great river they expand their influence and explore new territory. And they hope to earn the favor of the great falconheaded god Horus. Are you the one to unite the valley into one great kingdom? With clever use of card and tile play, you guide the course of the sacred river, and the lands that surround it! You determine where the desert will give way to the green marshes, red hills, and rich black farmlands of this ancient land. Using your influence, you gain control of valuable regions. You may even build a holy necropolis to thwart the expansion plans of your foes. If true and noble, you might even earn the blessings of the Horus temple!

Descend deep into the interior of the earth, as you lead the three adventurers from Jules Verne’s classic novel: Professor Lidenbrock, his nephew Axel and their guide Hans. Begin your amazing journey with entry through the crater of the dormant Icelandic volcano Snaefells. Explore a dense forest of giant mushrooms, traverse a turbulent underground ocean, before you are hurled out of an Italian volcano to return to the earth's surface.  On your journey, collect fossils both small and large, collect gold and overcome obstacles through the prudent acquisition and use of select equipment. Explore the many parts of the subterranean cavern, using equipment and luck are critical to overcoming the obstacles within your path. The player who can escape with the best collection of artifacts is the winner. Will you direct our heroes on a journey of danger, discovery and fortune?

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.

Six No. 2 pencils come in a box covered with quotes about art from famous artists. The product is made in the USA. Launch date: 1999.