ToyDirectory
April 19, 2024

TDmonthly Magazine

May 2008 | Vol. VII - No. 5


TDmonthly's May Staff Picks

Gear Up for Summer

By Julie L. Jones
May 2008

Sunny summer days are just around the bend, and with kids on break from school, there's lots of extra time to play! See if these products could be a hit with your customers:

FUNDOMINO, Wild Action Dominoes! by BLUE ORANGE GAMES

FUNDOMINO, Wild Action Dominoes! by BLUE ORANGE GAMESIn this family-friendly game, players match the color of each tile and anticipate which direction the action tiles will take. Twists in the game include players receiving extra turns, drawing extra tiles, reversing orders and gaining extra points. Launch date: February 2008. (Watch the FUNDOMINO, Wild Action Dominoes! Video Watch Video) 4/4/2008 (MSRP: $19.99; Age: 6 and Up)


Aluminum Bug Kits - Angelic Butterfly by OWI INC.

Aluminum Bug Kits - Angelic Butterfly by OWI INC.The kit contains hard and soft pre-punched aluminum parts, four screws, four nuts, four springs and assembly tools. The butterfly measures 4-1/2” x 5” x 2” when assembled, and features moveable wings and legs for more creativity. Other varieties in the bug kits collection include the Samurai Scorpion, the Mega Mantis and the Rhino Beetle. 4/3/2008 (MSRP: $11.95; Age: 10 and Up)


Peanuts "Classic Cookie Break" Lunchbox by NECA

Peanuts "Classic Cookie Break" Lunchbox by NECAOne side of the tin lunchbox features Charlie Brown, while the other side features Snoopy. The lunchbox comes with a matching thermos. 1/29/2008


Exploring Bubbles by PACIFIC SCIENCE SUPPLIES INC.

Playing with bubbles is always a favorite activity. But did you know there is science involved? Exploring Bubbles sets out to teach how this fun activity is a great physics lesson. The kit allows soap films and bubbles on metal frames to be studied, showing that a soap film always adopts a configuration with the least surface area, and also allows a simple measurement of the surface tension of water. PacSci’s Exploring Bubbles kit includes a 16.5 cm diameter trough for soap solution, six different metal frames for making and manipulating bubbles, and a metal ring and sensitive spring scale for the surface tension measurement. A detailed experiment guide is included. 4/2/2008


On Target 32" Flowboard by SPORT TECHNOLOGY INC

The Flowboard is built with the patented 14-wheeled Deep Carve System (DCS) which sets the flowboard apart from regular skateboards. The design enables a rider to carve through 45-degree turns with smooth, fluid transitions from edge to edge. On Target dimensions are 32"L x 9.25" W with a concave design. 4/1/2008 (MSRP: $79.99)


Teething Bling Rose Quartz Heart-Shaped Pendant by SMART MOM LLC

Teething Bling Rose Quartz Heart-Shaped Pendant by SMART MOM LLCThe fashionable pendant looks great on moms and is safe for babies to chew. A variety of other pendants is available, all made from a food-safe, phthalate-free, federally approved silicone. 3/28/2008 (MSRP: $18.90)


Xylophone Dots by COLORI USA/TATIRI

Xylophone Dots by COLORI USA/TATIRIGreat instrument with great sound for young and older kids! It comes in happy colors. (Watch the Xylophone Dots Video Watch Video) 4/8/2008


Qubits Construction Toy - Junior 96-Piece Kit by QUBITS TOY COMPANY

Qubits Construction Toy - Junior 96-Piece Kit by QUBITS TOY COMPANYThe 96-piece kit contains 36 Qubits, 30 connectors and 30 bridges. The educational set’s easy-slide connectors slip into place, keeping the structures strong and steady. All designs touch on architecture, structure and basic concepts of geometry. Launch date: May 2008.
— "My husband came home to find [our four children] immersed in fabricating various projects and was so intrigued that he spent 30 minutes building with them," said Teresa Wilson, a reviewer among the five families that evaluated this product for a TDmonthly Roundtable. (Watch the Qubits Construction Toy - Junior 96-Piece Kit Video Watch Video) 4/4/2008 (MSRP: $29.99; Age: 7 and Up)


Snack & Play Travel Tray by STAR KIDS PRODUCTS

Snack & Play Travel Tray by STAR KIDS PRODUCTSSnack & Play Travel Tray is made of soft, durable, 100-percent nylon. It buckles around the child and fits most car and booster seats. Snack & Play Travel Tray has two side pockets for storage and easy reach, plus a 2" wall to stop toys, food and other items from falling off the tray. It has won a number of awards, including iParenting Media and NAPPA awards. 4/7/2008 (MSRP: $20.99)


LaQ Art and Hobby Construction Kit - Siren Car by LaQ USA, Inc.

LaQ Art and Hobby Construction Kit - Siren Car by LaQ USA, Inc.The Car Series is one of the newest additions to the LaQ Hobby Kit Series. It is possible to make seven different vehicles from one kit for hours of creative snapping fun. The Siren Car kit consists of 180 regular pieces and 14 movable parts. “The basic square and triangle pieces are connected together by various joint parts with a fun snapping noise. Children love this snap, and it encourages them to know that the pieces are firmly fit together,” Mo Saeki of Yoshiritsu Co. told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 1, 2008. 4/11/2008 (MSRP: $20.00; Age: 5 and Up)


Polliwalks Clogs – Duck by POLLIWALKS INC.

Polliwalks Clogs – Duck by POLLIWALKS INC.These colorful and comfortable animal-shaped shoes feature the likeness of a duck, with patent-pending Footprinter bottoms that leave animal tracks when a child steps in dirt, firm sand or water. Polliwalks have built-in arch support and a deep heel cup. They are lightweight, easy to clean, easy on-and-off for young children, slip resistant and waterproof. The packaging features environmentally friendly hang tags and hooks made from recycled materials. The duck style also comes in fuchsia and orange. “Children don't just see Polliwalks simply as a pair of shoes; they see them as animal companions,” Co-founder Cheryl Andonian of Polliwalks Inc. told TDmonthly. “We are hearing back from customers that their children don't want to take them off.” Launch date: December 2007. (Watch the Polliwalks Clogs – Duck Video Watch Video) 4/11/2008 (MSRP: $24.99; Age: 1 to 8)


Zolo Mobilo by KUSHIES

Zolo Mobilo by KUSHIESThe soft-textured crib mobile features unique patterns, vibrant colors, a mirrored canopy and five adorable plush characters. The plush characters can be removed from the mobile for independent play. Launch date: 2007. 4/11/2008 (MSRP: $60.00; Age: 0 and Up)


Light Magic Ambient Temp Sensor by TALENTOY FACTORY LTD.

Light Magic Ambient Temp Sensor by TALENTOY FACTORY LTD.Maintaining a stable and comfortable room environment is basic to a baby's health. The sensor lets caregivers know the temperature and humidity of a room at a glance. The sensor is even equipped with visual indicators that advise if the room is a predefined comfort zone. Launch date: June 2008. 4/11/2008 (MSRP: $39.99; Age: 0 and Up)


LCR® Left Center Right™ Dice Game Blue Tin by GEORGE & COMPANY LLC

LCR® Left Center Right™ Dice Game Blue Tin by GEORGE & COMPANY LLCThis addictive, fast-paced dice game is now available in a blue tin box. This edition includes three specially marked LCR® cubes. The game itself retains its original simplicity where the roll of the dice determines which players to the left, right or center get the chips; the winner being the player with the chips at the end. Simple, fun and even educational for growing minds. L-C-R also comes with 24 playing chips and game instructions. The game is designed for three or more players. 4/15/2008 (MSRP: $8.98; Age: 5 and Up)


Alphabet Think & Blink by SCHOOL ZONE PUBLISHING CO

Alphabet Think & Blink by SCHOOL ZONE PUBLISHING COThe game’s 26 flash cards come in a handy carrying case and feature an innovative combination of letters, pictures and picture words. Each card also features specialized lenticular printing, which allows for multiple 3D images on each card. The game helps children master essential reading skills, such as recognizing letters of the alphabet, learning the alphabet order and identifying beginning sounds. Launch date: October 1, 2007. 4/11/2008 (MSRP: $6.99; Age: 3 to 6)


Dog Cat Mouse Pull Toy Family by RICH FROG INDUSTRIES

Dog Cat Mouse Pull Toy Family by RICH FROG INDUSTRIES

Children can watch the baby animals follow them as they pull the animals along on sturdy wooden wheels. This product is intended for children over the age of 18 months. Awards: TDmonthly Top Toy 2009. Launch date: January 1, 2008.

Where to Buy: The Satin Button (Watch the Dog Cat Mouse Pull Toy Family Video Watch Video) 4/11/2008 (MSRP: $34.95; Age: 1 to 2)


Spinny Critter by MAPLE LANDMARK WOODCRAFT CO.

Spinny Critter by MAPLE LANDMARK WOODCRAFT CO.The Spinnys are three 1” cubes strung on a 5" dowel that is capped with bright blue enders. Kids can expand their imaginations by creating over three dozen, different animal combinations, including a horinocerlion or even a liodogous. The toy, intended for children over the age of 18 months, is made with non-toxic finishes and inks. Spinny Speller and Spinny People versions are also available. “Our Spinnys are compact and durable, [allowing them] to go everywhere the toddler goes. Always creative and interesting,” Maple Landmark Woodcraft Co. Marketing Manager Barbara Rainville told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 1, 2008. 4/17/2008 (MSRP: $9.00; Age: 1 to 6)


Tub City by ALEX BRANDS

Tub City by ALEX BRANDSKids can build, stack and play, creating a floating city right in the tub. The set comes with 41 double-sided foam pieces to make a variety of buildings, vehicles, trees and people.  A mesh bag with suction cups is included for drying and storage. Launch date: February 2008. 4/17/2008 (MSRP: $19.99; Age: 2 and Up)


Monkey Lovie Blankie by GREENPOINT BRANDS

Monkey Lovie Blankie by GREENPOINT BRANDSThe blanket-and-toy-in-one is made from OCIA certified organic cotton and colored in an all-natural PureWaterWash™ bath with dyes from plants and minerals.  The soothing companion is free of chemicals, toxins and other harmful substances, making it safe for babies. Launch date: March 2008. 4/17/2008 (MSRP: $14.99; Age: All Ages)


World Tour Medallions Set by COMPASS KIDZ

World Tour Medallions Set by COMPASS KIDZThe compact set gives kids a glimpse into three diverse cultures from a child’s point of view. The set includes 24-page photographic passports for Egypt, Italy and Mexico, three golden medallions and FactZ cards featuring famous landmarks and cultural icons. “Compass KidZ World Tour Medallions Set offers kids the chance to get a glimpse into other cultures, in a kid-relevant way, Compass KidZ Co-Founder Jennifer Apy told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 2008. 4/17/2008 (MSRP: $22.95; Age: 8 to 12)


X9X Sport Utility Vehicle by AUTOMOBLOX

X9X Sport Utility Vehicle by AUTOMOBLOXThis sport utility vehicle is built for high-quality performance on rugged terrain. The wooden replica features durable body accessories permanently fixed to the simple wooden body blocks. Launch date: February 2008.
— Jeanette Lauture of Aunt Jean’s Toys & Treats in Montclair, N.J., told TDmonthly in summer 2008 that Automoblox are top sellers in her store. “This product has mass appeal for girls and boys,” she said. “Children love to pull things apart and build them up again, and the variety and interchangeability of these cars offer many hours of play.”
— Automoblox are top sellers at Green Frog Toys in Portland, Ore., Owner Patricia Fiedler said in spring 2009. “They’re fun, well-made, and offer endless mix-and-match possibilities.” 4/17/2008 (MSRP: $39.99; Age: 3 to 9)


Wooden Rocking Horse – Woody by ZEIGER ENTERPRISES INC.

Wooden Rocking Horse – Woody by ZEIGER ENTERPRISES INC.The durable, wooden rocking horse is made by Old World craftsmen in Poland. These toys make “great heirloom gifts…because grandparents remember growing up with these,” Zeiger Enterprises Inc. President Marion Zeiger, told TDmonthly. Launch date: April 2008. 4/17/2008 (MSRP: $220.00; Age: 2 to 5)


Double Shutter Vintage by BLUE ORANGE GAMES

Double Shutter Vintage by BLUE ORANGE GAMESThis vintage version of the self-contained Double Shutter comes with wooden dice. The entire game comes in a wooden box. A casino tin and junior version are also available. “Durable, easy to stow away and with minimal pieces this game is perfect to travel with,” Jeremy Smith at Blue Orange Games told TDmonthly.  Launch date: February 2008. 4/17/2008 (MSRP: $34.99; Age: 8 and Up)








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