Holiday Gift Guide Brings Great New Toys to You

Visit Your Local Store or Order Straight From playzak

By Alison Marek
October 2007

If you've been searching for gifts that are new, different and of better quality than usual, you've come to to the right place. The Holiday Gift Guide, brought to you by playzak and TDmonthly Magazine, lets you shop for kids of all ages without leaving home.

You can find great gifts for babies, like a brand new Octobuddy Bath Toy from Boogaloo, which encourages gross-motor skills through water play. If you're hoping to teach your little one a new language, try the Abuelita Rosa Doll from Baby Abuelita Productions; she's a cuddly soft grandma who sings traditional lullabies in Spanish!

The littlest musicians will be inspired by pianos from Schoenhut, including a new 44-Key Baby Grand Piano with working pedals and true piano sound! Or, try a working Child's Harp that's just 25" high!

Families who want to stay together can play together with crazy fun games, such as Gassy Gus from Fundex Games. Feed Gus gassy foods and pump him up, but if he "llets one loose" you lose your turn.

Kids of any age will appreciate the beautiful Wish Horses, which can dangle from the ceiling or window.

And when you're ready to buy, just click on the "I WANT ONE" link and you'll be taken to the manufacturer's or retailer's website to make your purchase.

Click here to go to the Holiday Gift Guide! And look below to see more about the products mentioned:

Octobuddy Bath Toy by BOOGALOO TOYS

Octobuddy Bath Toy by BOOGALOO TOYS The interactive, educational bath toy encourages gross motor skills through water play while teaching the principles of action and reaction in a fun way. The colorful bandana hat is used as a scoop to pour water into the head of the Octobuddy. This action triggers visually exciting activity housed in clear, bubble-like chambers in Octobuddy’s four legs: spinning wheels, a whimsical character popping up and a fish feeding. The floating Octobuddy features “innovative design from two of the brightest toy designers out of Israel, assisted by the most critical focus group — their own children,” Jonathan Rimington of Boogaloo PR & Advertising told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2007. ( Watch Video) 9/17/2007 (MSRP: $18.95; Age: 1 to 5)

44-Key Baby Grand Piano by SCHOENHUT PIANO COMPANY

This dynamic, new line of 44-key baby grand and upright pianos, launched to coincide with Schoenhut’s 135th anniversary, features true piano sound … without the use of electronics. The mid-sized piano is less intimidating for small children who want to learn to play the piano. This line is not intended to replace Schoenhut’s vintage models that feature chime-like tones, such as those originally developed by Albert Schoenhut in 1872. Rather, the introduction is in response to requests from customers for a “new” sound. It’s available in black, white or red. Launch date: January 2007.
— If parents wish to start their kids on the piano before they’re ready for the real baby grand, this stunningly beautiful instrument with authentic piano sound is the way to go. It received a TDmonthly Top Toy 2007 award for innovation in mechanics and design within the category of musical instruments for children, as well as its ability to grace any space while furthering a young child’s music education.

Past Videos:
Toy Fair 2007 ( Watch Video) 2/26/2007 (Age: 5 and Up)

Schoenhut® 15-String Harp by SCHOENHUT PIANO COMPANY

At 27 inches high, this wooden, lightweight instrument is designed with curved sides with a spacious box, along with a range of 15 notes (from C to C), permitting a wide variety of music in melodic tones. Fully tunable by using the wrench to adjust zither pins. 8/29/2007 (MSRP: $144.60; Age: 6 and Up)

Gassy Gus by FUNDEX GAMES

Gassy Gus by FUNDEX GAMES In this game for two to four players, a three-dimensional character, Gus, sits comfortably in an easy chair and is fed different food cards. Food such as a chili dog or macaroni and cheese have values that correspond to the amount of times players pump Gus’ head. Each pump expands his belly and sooner or later, Gus lets it rip. Healthy food cards and extra pump cards create additional havoc and laughter. ( Watch Video) 11/15/2006 (MSRP: $29.99; Age: 5 and Up)

Wish Horses by TOUCHED BY A HORSE

Wish Horses by TOUCHED BY A HORSE We have named these delicate looking whimsical creations designed by Nene Thomas, our "Wish Horses". Hang them from your ceiling, or in a window, place your wish upon their backs and their wings will carry them into the universe. 7/19/2007 (MSRP: $24.00)