August Peeks

Staff Faves May Become Customer Raves

By Vanessa VanderZanden
August 2006

Summer is soon drawing to a close, which means the fourth quarter selling season is just around the bend and new products abound. Which ones sparkle above the rest? The following caught TDmonthly staffers' eyes. Take a look and see why.

Betty-Lou Mimobot by MIMOCO INC.

Betty-Lou Mimobot by MIMOCO INC. Mimobots are little friendly data fiends that hold essential data, such as tunes, pictures, or presentations. The 2" monsters transport files via flash memory drives that also come preloaded with bonus removable content such as animation, games and music. Mimobots are produced in limited editions and are available in capacities ranging from 256MB to 4GB. They are hi-speed USB 2.0 and compatible with both Mac and Windows. The 2006 mimobot Artist Series delivers crisp characters created by influential artists representing a cross-section of pop art genres. Pictured here is Betty-Lou, designed by Lili Chin, co-creator of the Warner Brothers hit show Mucha Lucha! Only 500 were produced and she runs from $49.95 to $144.95, depending on flash memory size. Launch date: Late 2005. 6/29/2006 (MSRP: $49.95)

Farm Collection Flash Cards by WEE GALLERY

Farm Collection Flash Cards by WEE GALLERY Wee Gallery flash cards are works of art that can introduce babies to a new world of animal and marine life down on the farm and under the sea. Wee Gallery flash cards come from hand-painted originals that take advantage of infants' visual strengths. Whimsical animals made up of black-and-white repeating shapes entertain and engage little ones, transforming playtime into a virtually artistic experience. The Farm Flash Cards help baby say “moo," "oink" and "baa” with six high-contrast prints that stimulate and engage baby. A striped bee, dotty cow, feathered hen, curly sheep, flowery pig and tall horse make up this creatively designed farm flash card set. 7/11/2006 (MSRP: $12.95; Age: 0 and Up)

Piggies Finger Puppet Playset by MERRYMAKERS

These silly little piggies play all day until bedtime when they skip down your tummy, dance on your toes and give kisses goodnight. These Piggies Finger Puppets are based on the prize-winning books by Don and Audrey Wood, published by Harcourt. ( Watch Video) 5/31/2006 (MSRP: $20.00; Age: 0 to 6)

Baubles and Bangles Jewelry for Fun by AURORA WORLD INC.

This unique line of jewelry for Aurora plush products includes six different styles, each individually packaged with an illustrated "How To" backer card. Each package includes four strands of detachable jewelry hanging from a key ring with clip. Two of the strands can be worn as bracelets by the child or his or her plush pet. The other two become charms for a purse, cell phone or MP3 player. One or all of the strands can be left on the key ring as a decorative accessory. 6/27/2006 (MSRP: $4.99; Age: 5 to 12)

Inventive Thinking by SCHOLASTIC

Inventive Thinking by SCHOLASTIC Presented by Xerox, this "By Kids for Kids"-sponsored product is designed for grades K-12. It teaches kids how to investigate for inventions, test their idea, build it, test it and test again. They'll be inspired by stories of kid inventors, such Philo Farnsworth, who invented television at 14, and Louis Braille, who at 12 devised a system that allowed the blind to read. It also covers the basics of patent law. The kit includes a Teacher's Guide, Student Guides, an Inventive Thinking Game poster, DVD and more. 7/11/2006 (Age: 5 to 17)

Lilirose Chubby Rabbit Chair by KALOO

Lilirose Chubby Rabbit Chair by KALOO Kaloo’s toddler-sized beanbag chairs come in three styles, including the 123 Maxi Patapouf Bear Chair, the Maxi Cat Chair, Lilirose Chubby Rabbit and the Sable Maxi Bear Chair. Each features bright colors and easy-to-care for soft fabrics that are machine washable and dryable. Their unique designs, including the animal’s stubby ears and paws, also encourage learning skills that foster a child’s creative expression, stimulate gross motor and sensory abilities and promote independent play. It's 20" by 20" by 17". ( Watch Video) 7/11/2006 (MSRP: $70.00; Age: 2 and Up)

Spot by ELH ENTERPRISES

Spot by ELH ENTERPRISES ELH has created a line of plush Spot products based on the popular board and lift-the-flap series of toddler books by Eric Hill. This soft yellow plush puppy has one single brown spot on either side of his torso and a brown tipped tail. He is the perfect playmate for hug-happy toddlers who enjoy squeezing cuddly buddies while listening to Mom read fine literature. 7/19/2006 (Age: 0 to 4)