ToyDirectory
April 26, 2024

TDmonthly Magazine

December 2012 | Vol. XI - No. 12


Holiday Shopping List: Great Gifts for Babies

By TDmonthly Staff
December 2012

TDmonthly has compiled a shopping list to make finding that perfect gift for Baby just a little easier this holiday season. Keep this page on your SmartPhone when you shop. Click on any item to learn more about it, or simply scroll down for more information.

Click here to see our Holiday Shopping List for Boys

Click here to see our Holiday Shopping List for Girls

Click here to see our Holiday Shopping List for All Kids

No manufacturer paid to be included in this article. All products listed were designated by editorial staff without regard to the company's relationship with TOYDIRECTORY.com/TDmonthly Magazine.


Holiday Shopping List: Great Gifts for Babies


Brilliant Bear Magnetic Stack-Up™ From: MANHATTAN TOY

Baby Band From: HOHNER

Play Doll Little Miss Fidget From: HABA USA/HABERMAASS CORP.

Beebo From: MARY MEYER CORP.

Railway – Figure 8 set From: PLANTOYS

Slumber Scent Puppies From: CLOUD B

Djeco Topanimo Cubes and Animals From: HOTALING IMPORTS

Walk-A-Long Puppy From: HAPE

Moulin Roty Dragobert Hide-and-Seek Lovey From: MAGICFOREST LTD

B. Fish & Splish Bath Boat From: TOYSMITH

Horton Organic Plush From: GREENPOINT BRANDS

Alphabet Zoo Unfolding Activity Book From: SKIP HOP INC.

Tobbles Neo From: FAT BRAIN TOY CO.

Activity Blankie From: GREAT DIVIDE CORP

Shape Sorter Bus From: RUBBABU

Stacking Ring From: PLANTOYS

Pushing Figure Tumble-turn From: HABA USA/HABERMAASS CORP.

Sock Monkey Sleep n Play From: RASHTI & RASHTI

Beansprout Blanket Buddies From: PEM AMERICA

Cuddle Bear From: ELKS & ANGELS

Infantino Pop & Swap Gym From: INFANTINO LLC



Tickle Monster Laughter Kit by COMPENDIUM INC.

Tickle Monster Laughter Kit by COMPENDIUM INC.A loveable monster with big puffy mitts has just flown in from Planet Tickle. His mission is to bring joy and laughter to Planet Earth. How? By tickling any child who happens to follow along in this book. Parents read aloud and do the tickling. The book comes with blue Tickle Monster mitts, with holes in the fingertips to make it easy for parents to instantly transform themselves into Tickle Monster and turn pages while tickling. Launch date: September 30, 2009.
— As of 12/06/2011 this product had 4.9 out of 5 stars from 81 reviews on Amazon.com.
— In a December 2011 survey, William Meredith, owner of Learning Express in Cary, N.C., said Tickle Monster was one of his best selling books. "It's a good infant item. You can buy it for a baby,” but it's also suitable for toddlers and preschoolers, he said. They sell about 10 copies every month. 12/6/2011 (MSRP: $34.95; Age: 1 and Up)


Brilliant Bear Magnetic Stack-Up™ by MANHATTAN TOY

Brilliant Bear Magnetic Stack-Up™ by MANHATTAN TOYThis vibrant, wooden, bear stacker has 5 colorful discs and a playful bear head topped with embedded magnets for easy stacking and is suitable for kids 9 months and up. Stacker is painted with a non-toxic finish, and also features a wobble base for an added element of fun. Launch date: 2012.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval (Watch the Brilliant Bear Magnetic Stack-Up™ Video Watch Video) 6/26/2012 (Age: 0 and Up)


Baby Band by HOHNER

Baby Band by HOHNERThis award-winning set includes a mini rainbow shaker, baby maraca, baby rattle and cage bell. Includes a vinyl carrying case.
Awards: 2007 Creative Child Magazine Top Toy of the Year Award
— As of 01/09/2012 this product had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 24 reviews on Amazon.com.
— In a January 2012 survey, Dean Smith, co-owner of JaZams in Princeton, N.J., told TDmonthly that their best selling musical item was, "Baby Band from Hohner — we had them for just a few months, and sold 15/month. It's a popular item." 1/9/2012 (MSRP: $21.99; Age: 1 and Up)


Play Doll Little Miss Fidget by HABA USA/HABERMAASS CORP.

A cuddly glove puppet with many extras. She likes to snuggle up and is always ready to play, with one of her many surprises for small explorers. Her mysterious rustling arm and wind-up fidgeting hair make everybody laugh. The hands are magnetic and a little mirror is hidden underneath her waistcoat. The bangle is a circular rattle that can be removed. 3/21/2012 (MSRP: $19.99; Age: 0 and Up)


Beebo by MARY MEYER CORP.

Beebo by MARY MEYER CORP.Colorful beads slide and clack around the various spindles and offer baby fun visual stimulation. Easy to hold and dishwasher safe. (colors may vary) 1/20/2012 (MSRP: $11.00; Age: 0 to 2)


Railway - Figure 8 set by PLANTOYS

Railway - Figure 8 set by PLANTOYSThis 29-piece set features two-sided tracks that can be a single railway or flipped to become a single roadway. Includes colored track and rail connector for loop expansion. Trains have non-magnetic connectors for added safety. Tracks are made out of PlanWood® 1/20/2012 (MSRP: $40.00)


Slumber Scent Puppies by CLOUD B

The soothing aroma of the Slumber Scent Puppies will calm little ones to sleep. Each puppy contains a removable Slumber Scent pouch, available in one of four unique fragrances to match the color of the puppy. Launch date: February 2012. 2/1/2012 (MSRP: $16.95; Age: 3 and Up)


Djeco Topanimo Cubes and Animals by HOTALING IMPORTS

Djeco Topanimo Cubes and Animals by HOTALING IMPORTSThese cubes are a fun variation of a familiar form that are similar to other stacking blocks but have more graphics and characters. These blocks are very colorful. There is one animal for each box so it can be used for matching. The boxes nest for easy storage. The coated heavy cardboard is very durable and very brightly printed. The adorable animals and characters are made of soft PVC and are washable. In addition, each piece uses all sides for different motifs, so the sets are open-ended. For 18 months and up.
— In a February 2012 survey about bestselling wooden toys, Barbara Fineblum, owner of Barston's Child's Play in Baltimore, Md., told TDmonthly they sell 12 units of this item each month. 2/8/2012 (MSRP: $24.99; Age: 1 and Up)


Walk-A-Long Puppy by HAPE

Walk-A-Long Puppy by HAPESit. Stand. Roll! Teach this silly dog some new tricks. Walk-A-Long Puppy is from the Early Explorers range of the Hape Collection.  Measuring 8.66”L x 3.54“W x 6.38”H, Walk-A-Long Puppy is age graded for children 12 Months +. The toy is beautifully crafted of FSC certified wood from sustainable forests and colored with safe water based paint. Launch date: July 2012. (Watch the Walk-A-Long Puppy Video Watch Video) 3/26/2012 (MSRP: $24.99; Age: 1 to 3)


Moulin Roty Dragobert Hide-and-Seek Lovey by MAGICFOREST LTD

Moulin Roty Dragobert Hide-and-Seek Lovey by MAGICFOREST LTDA pink and purple jester with cute stripey arms. Flip the blanket, and there's a blue and green mouse with floppy orange arms. It's like two toys in one. 3/15/2012 (MSRP: $37.50)


B. Fish & Splish Bath Boat by TOYSMITH

B. Fish & Splish Bath Boat by TOYSMITHFor ages 6 months and up. The bathtub is baby's ocean. Set includes 13 toys in a floating boat; captain; life preserver; fishing hook & 4 ready-to-catch fish; 3 nesting cups that shower, stack & pour, octopus comb & whale nailbrush. Everything stows away below deck.
Awards: American Baby Toy of the Year Award.
— Mary Porter Green, owner of The Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va., told TDmonthly in a 2012 survey that their best selling infant & toddler products are from Toysmiths "B." line. "Though expensive, it has great packaging and is perfect for gift giving. Fish & Splish is an especially great product," she told TDmonthly. She also said this item was a best seller in the bath category. 4/6/2012 (Age: 1 to 3)


Horton Organic Plush by GREENPOINT BRANDS

Horton Organic Plush by GREENPOINT BRANDSThis Horton is special, and he's made with care. He helps save the planet from too much wear and tear. Our Horton's made from cotton, one of nature's great joys, and he's sure to become your child's favorite toy! This Horton is made from cotton that is untreated, unprocessed, and unbleached, and colored with miYim's all-natural PureWaterWashTM process, giving this classic character a new twist and making him a safe, non-toxic alternative.  Horton's gone green. 4/13/2012 (MSRP: $25.99)


Alphabet Zoo Unfolding Activity Book by SKIP HOP INC.

Alphabet Zoo Unfolding Activity Book by SKIP HOP INC.Baby's first book unfolds for a zoo full of surprises. Pull their tails and tug their ears—these animal friends don't mind. Unfold each zoo animal's page and find multiple tactile activities, with embroidered letters, textures, flaps, a mirror, teether and more. 5/18/2012 (MSRP: $16.00)


Tobbles Neo by FAT BRAIN TOY CO.

Tobbles Neo by FAT BRAIN TOY CO.The unique grippable texture of Tobbles Neo awakens touch. See those gentle, playful curves? They truly enliven tactile experiences. Young minds revel in stacking, toppling, and the discovery of endless ingenuity with Tobbles Neo. Six uniquely weighted pieces balance, neatly nest, and incessantly spin beyond your expectations. Includes 6 vibrant, weighted spheres & stacking base. Launch date: July 2012. 5/25/2012 (MSRP: $26.95; Age: 0 and Up)


Activity Blankie by GREAT DIVIDE CORP

Activity Blankie by GREAT DIVIDE CORPOur Activity Blankie is perfect for busy mothers as baby will stay active and engaged. It’s a blankie that’s snuggly, bubbly, squishy and squeaky all in one. The precious bear, star and moon will bring joy and delight to little ones. Launch date: March 2012.
Awards: 2012 Seal of Excellence - Creative Child Magazine 7/13/2012 (MSRP: $19.99; Age: 0 to 5)


Shape Sorter Bus by RUBBABU

Shape Sorter Bus by RUBBABUThe Shape Sorter Bus is a soft, squishy colorful vehicle for little ones to hug, hold, and play with, plus it has an extra bonus of a shape-sorting game built into the sides. Six friendly faces pull out of the sides of the bus, all in different colors and shapes. Rubbabu toys are made of soft, squishy rubber foam, which is organic, hypo-allergenic, and completely biodegradable.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval, 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys 9/11/2012 (MSRP: $24.95; Age: 0 to 6)


Stacking Ring by PLANTOYS

Stacking Ring by PLANTOYSA unique twist on the classic stacking toy. Stack the rings in different ways to make various patterns. Flip the rings upside down to add even more variety. Rod is bendable at base for added safety. Made from PlanWood and solid rubber wood. Launch date: March 2012. (Watch the Stacking Ring Video Watch Video) 1/20/2012 (MSRP: $18.00)


Pushing Figure Tumble-turn by HABA USA/HABERMAASS CORP.

Rattles and spins when pushed - stimulates walking. 3/21/2012 (MSRP: $39.99; Age: 1 and Up)


Sock Monkey Sleep n Play by RASHTI & RASHTI

Sock Monkey Sleep n Play by RASHTI & RASHTICotton Sleep n Play with Novelty feet and Rear Sock Monkey Face Applique. The Sock Monkey print is cute and nostalgic. Other styles available. Launch date: June 2012. 9/12/2012 (MSRP: $18.00; Age: 0 to 1)


Beansprout Blanket Buddies by PEM AMERICA

Beansprout Blanket Buddies by PEM AMERICAThe Beansprout Buddies come in different animals like Frogs, Hippos, Monkeys, Sheep, and Giraffes. Super soft and Super cute. All of our products meet or exceed the ASTM 2012 safety standards. Launch date: August 2012. 9/12/2012 (MSRP: $14.99; Age: 0 and Up)


Cuddle Bear by ELKS & ANGELS

Cuddle Bear by ELKS & ANGELSThe Cuddle Bear from Elks & Angels is nature's answer to a cuddly companion for little ones. Its silky soft texture made from Australian shearling has a darling gentle face and is flat for ease of cuddling and sleeping on. Sheepskin has a host of benefits, that make this toy hard to resist, it is easy-to-clean, static- and stain-resistant, anti-bacterial, hypoallergenic, and flame retardant. Plus, since it's made with sheepskin, it's incredibly breathable and never smells! Sheepskin is also said to be very soothing and calming for little ones to swaddle into. This adorable cuddle buddy is a cute companion for little ones and has so many great benefits. Launch date: October 2010.
Awards: 2012 Mom's Choice Gold Award 10/2/2012 (MSRP: $49.00; Age: All Ages)


Infantino Pop & Swap Gym by INFANTINO LLC

Infantino Pop & Swap Gym by INFANTINO LLCThe Infantino Pop and Play Swap Gym is like no other with customized features that let parents create lots of ways for baby to play. The 3 activity pods on the main activity center of the gym can be interchanged with other Pop & Play™ Pods. The pods are also great stand alone toys so they can be used solo or on the go-go. Just use the VELCRO® brand closure strap to attach it to a car seat, stroller or gym. 4 Great Ways to Play: Newborn Overhead Discovery, Tummy Time, Sit & Play, Crib Activity Center. Launch date: August 2012.
Awards: 2012 Parents Magazine Toy of the Year 10/5/2012 (MSRP: $49.99; Age: 0 to 2)


Still looking for toys? Then check out the ToysRUs Fab 15 Holiday Toys, Walmart's Top 20 Holiday Toys, or Target's Top 20 Holiday Toys







Copyright © 2024 TDmonthly®, a division of TOYDIRECTORY.com®, Inc.