November 2008 Notable Toys — American-Made

The Baby Barbell™ is available in volume purchases, offering convenience and economy for those who work where babies congregate. For NICU’s, nurseries, day care centers and the like, the Baby Barbell™ is made and tested in the USA of FDA approved materials, so you know it’s safe for the little ones.

Offered in Coral Sea Green, Hot Pink, Sky Blue and Sunshine Yellow, these rattles are available in pairs inside blister packs. A continuous lateral line around the parameter of the Baby Barbell™ offers tactile stimulation to perfect, little finger tips.  And, as baby pulls the rattle to his midline, he’s creating mechanical resistance for those brand new muscles.

Children can learn and demonstrate fascinating and educational experiments with amazing plants with this kit that covers phototropism, photosynthesis, photoperiodism and more. The Botanical Discoveries Kit demonstrates, for example, how humidity affects germination and growth rates of plants, and how plants react to touch and temperature changes. Students can compare moving plants, fast plants and water conservation plants. "This educational, experimental and fun science fair kit contains everything needed to conduct dozens of projects and experiments for a reasonable cost," PR Specialist Alicia Borley of Dunecraft told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2008.

This vibrant and simple snowflake blends classic design with innovative treatment. The Shimmering Snowflake is the twelfth in a series of snowflakes dating back to 1997. Vivid shades of green, yellow, blue and pink epoxy blend seamlessly to create a three-dimensional, stained-glass keepsake. Launch date: 2008.

Capture the team spirit of a dozen schools with this unique design. Friends, family and fans alike can catch the wave with this collection. Choose from the following schools: University of Alabama, University of Florida, University of Michigan, Michigan State, University of North Carolina, North Carolina State, University of Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State University, University of Texas, University of Virginia and Virginia Tech. "Our attention to detail, unique designs and outstanding customer service make us the #1 company in our field of expertise," Marketing Executive Lee Rush of ChemArt told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 2008.

Barker Creek's 4" Letter Pop-Outs are available in seven exciting designs that coordinate with Barker Creek's full line of classroom decor products. Each Letter Pop-Out set includes upper and lowercase letters, punctuation marks and numbers. The bright, hip designs appeal to all ages and can also be used for making eye-catching report covers, science project displays, scrapbooks, 4-H projects and more. Launch date: April 2008.