November 2008 Notable Toys — Gifts

Trampoline®’s colorful posters featuring theme-based Spanish vocabulary and phonetic pronunciations can be used to complement a Spanish program. Posters come in 23 themes, including Alphabet, Days of the Week, Months of the Year, Shapes, The House, Transportation, Numbers 1-20, Numbers 21-100, Opposites 1 and 2, Colors, Parts of the Classroom, School Supplies, Family, Food, Fruit, Vegetables, My Body (1) – The Face, My Body (2) – The Body, Clothing, Weather, Animals (1) – Farm/Pets and Animals (2) – Zoo. "Spanish words with phonetic spellings make second language acquisition a possibility in ANY classroom," Angelica J. Menefee, president of Trampoline Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 30, 2008.

Through engaging and practical exercises, this guide teaches young girls valuable lessons to help them lead financially secure and independent lives. It is "written by The Women's Foundation of California with an introduction by Kathleen Brown, former Treasurer of the State of California," Cathleen Brady, senior manager of children's publicity for Chronicle Books, told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 2008.

Much more than an atlas, this book is a virtual travel experience. It includes more than 40 maps, 30 feature articles on impressive places, more than 50 eye-popping 3-D photos of the world's most interesting sights, and two pairs of 3-D glasses. It "brings geography to life," Cathleen Brady, senior manager of children's publicity for Chronicle Books, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2008.

This one-of-a-kind set includes 12, 8" figurines made of exquisitely polished resin. It features intricate detailing and whimsical style. "They are aimed at collectors, whether tweens, teens or adults," CEO & Creative Director Lynette Opoku of Littlelyn Entertainment told TDmonthly.

This versatile, attention-grabbing product is a twist on classic building blocks, designed to engage the imagination as the slits on each cube interlock to create an unlimited number of three-dimensional structures. The "interlocking" takes on a whole new dimension as the Cubes go Pink to connect for a cause — the company donates 10 percent of profits to cancer research on behalf of the seller. "[It's a] great promotion for October's Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In addition to being loaded with educational benefits, Dado Pink can be used as a centerpiece, sculpture, or design-centered art, adding to its versatility as an already-proven product. [It is] made in the USA," Shannon Wallingford of Fat Brain Toy Co. told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2008.

This design of this plush coin purse is based on a famous Mexican pastry, so should appeal to Latin-American customers. Launch date: September 2008.

The most informative calendar one will ever own, The 2009 Learning Calendar presents 17 full months of history and trivia that make learning fun. Two major themes abound, with Innovations, Inventions & Ideas, plus Best-Loved Toys. Science, geography, landmarks, sports, presidents, weather, music and more are sprinkled throughout. Large-size images, fascinating details, and time-capsule activities keep kids coming back to learn something new every day. "It's the most all-emcompassing collection of history available in one easily-accessible resource. [It] truly provides a 'mini' well-rounded education in every detailed date for more than a full year of excitement in learning," Shannon Wallingford of Fat Brain Toy Co. told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 2008.

NutQUACKER plush duck is dressed in his felt soldier outfit complete with embroidered details. "This Christmas plush entertains as it waddles around and quacks out the Christmas tune, 'The March Of The Wooden Soldiers,'" explained Stephanie Araujo, marketing coordinator for Russ Berrie U.S. Gift, Inc. Launch date: 2008

Kidorable's latest girls' design is sure to please even the smallest adventurer. Let a child experience her next rainy day as a Mermaid. "This new and innovative design is sure to keep the girls feeling adventurous," said Nancy Gut, assistant operations manager for Kidorable. "This is way more than just a rain ensemble but rather a new way for a little girl to express herself and use her imagination. The practicality of it is the added bonus." Launch date: 11/1/2008.

This beautifully illustrated and designed music box features four drawers for storing treasures as well as a main compartment for jewelry, etc. "The unique design and illustration of our products make them ideal for the specialty market," said Liz Bjornstad, sales administrator for Enchantmints. This product won a Creative Child Magazine top toy award for 2008. Launch date: 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.

The Birth Day Box is the perfect way to celebrate a new arrival. Each ultra-stylish three-piece gift set contains a combed cotton hat and long-sleeved lap tee accented with plush trim and matching plush diaper cover. Fabulous touches such as tiny footprints that adorn the back of each tee, soft satin detailing and cozy flannel lining finish each extraordinary piece. The rich chocolate toned Birth Day Box is intricately crafted with a nature-themed design and accented with thoughtful words to inspire any mom to be. Each set is machine washable/dryable and comes in two sizes (0-3 months and 3-6 months). The sets are available in Pink Lamb, Blue Leopard and White Swirl varieties. "Bloomers Baby creates beautiful and stylish newborn essentials that are ready for gift-giving, and all designs are proudly made in the USA," Michelle Caruso, owner of Bloomers Baby, told TDmonthly. This product received a 2008 Top Choice of the Year Award from Creative Child Magazine. Launch date: 2008.

"A Child’s Christmas: Holiday Songs & Carols" offers a mix of children’s favorite holiday songs, beautifully arranged traditional carols, two stories and more to get families in the mood for Christmas. The CD contains 74 minutes of entertainment, song lyrics, and beautiful, 100-percent-recycled cardboard booklets. "Rock Me Baby Records offers collections of traditional songs (with a twist) that bridge generations with music and can become the soundtrack to a young child's life," VP Amy Steadman of Rock Me Baby Records told TDmonthly. This product received an iParenting Media Award. Launch date: September 2, 2008.

Bright colors and fun (often funny) sayings turn an everyday necessity into an accessory. The company's newest design — "Snooze Button" — joins Volume Control, 'hi', no hablo, ttyl, Just Chillin and other designs. "Laughter and style are not the only goals our pacifiers achieve — safety is No. 1! All of our Lots to Say Baby pacifiers are made in the USA and conform to all Consumer Product Safety Commission standards," Erin Wilson, chief momma of Lots to Say Baby, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2008.

This line features four different mermaids — Cassie, Reese, Brooke and Ivy — each with its own story to tell. The line consists of T-Shirts, hats, coasters and ornaments. "These are completely original mermaids, created specially for this line. There is a beach mermaid, a golf mermaid, a preppy mermaid and a cocktail mermaid," Kit McCourt, owner of ShoreArt Gifts, told TDmonthly.

"Lovely Baby Brain Power," a specially priced four-disc set, is the latest release from Lovely Baby creator and international baby music expert, Raimond Lap. "Brain Power" continues the fine tradition as the most effective way to gently stimulate the young mind through music. "This is the only original music series in the world specifically created for babies. Virtually all other music available has been adapted and packaged to appeal to parents, without any thought as to what it is actually doing for the baby. Lovely Baby is also the highest quality music (sonically) available for babies," Gary Brody, president of Lovely Baby Music, told TDmonthly. Launch date: December 2007.

Santa Dust is a magical potion used by children worldwide to help guide Santa and his reindeer to a child's door. Every child who believes in the magic of Christmas believes in the magic of Santa Dust. The hang tag reads: Hold your Santa Dust tight; sprinkle Christmas Eve when Santa takes flight! Santa Dust consists of oats, glitter and cinnamon. The oats and cinnamon are for the reindeer, and the sparkle let's Santa find children — where ever they are! "Santa Dust comes in a beautiful, red velvet pouch that resembles Santa's knapsack. Each pouch has a side loop to hang on a tree as a Christmas tree ornament and save for next Christmas. The pouch is a remembrance of the Christmas that was," Patricia Cardello, owner of PAC Jennic Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 18, 2008.

The Nessie, inspired by the Loch Ness Monster, is the newest addition to the LumiSource kids and tween LED lighting line.  This bendable lamp is perfect for reading or homework.  There is a setting with a color-changing LED for mood lighting.  Turn the light on, or switch settings by squeezing the head.  Available in Red, Pink, Orange, Yellow, Black, Leopard, and Green.

The BoomPod™ features a curved bottom that allows for the ultimate gaming experience. Kids can lean into every move and turn to dodge asteroids or other racecars. It features two 3” internal speakers, connectivity with other chairs, and the option of using an adapter. Kids can play their favorite games or music for hours on four AA batteries. The BoomPod™ is easy to store and carry, making it great for a dorm room or playroom. "The BoomPod runs on batteries, eliminating many annoying cords that get in the way of little feet. This makes the chair great for younger kids who lack coordination and oftentimes get tripped up in all the cords. Also, the chair is very light, about 15 lbs. This is great for portability; in and out of storage or from room to room," Jessica Wuellner, marketing coordinator for LumiSource, Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2008.

The Boomdesk is great for Back-to-School or college. This portable storage desk with speakers is great to use with your laptop or music when sitting on your bed, the floor, or even on the couch. The Lapdesk is the ultimate Back-to-School accessory because it allows you freedom to study where you want, listen to your music, and store all your must-haves. Available in pink and tan.

Round and colorful, these puffy blowfish erasers are available in four assorted colors.

These hamster-themed erasers are available in six assorted colors. They can be taken apart and put back together like a puzzle.
—  As of 05/13/2011 this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 10 reviews on Amazon.com. Cons: Not suitable for younger children because the small pieces constitute a choking hazard.
—  Belmont Toys in Belmont, Mass., sells from 800 to 1,000 Iwako erasers monthly, Manager Gage Brownell told TDmonthly in October 2008.

These erasers look like individual Japanese sushi, and are available in six different designs.
— "I don't know why it's such a craze, but I sell hundreds," Meredith Zellweger of Toy Jungle in Manhattan Beach, Calif., told TDmonthly in July 2008.
—  “They're selling hundreds a month,” seconded Deran Muckjian, owner of Catch a Falling Star in Lexington, Mass.
—  Nine percent of 64 retailers said in summer 2008 that Iwako erasers are creating a buzz in their stores.