July Staff Picks

By TDmonthly Staff
July 2015

From board games to arts & crafts, this month's staff picks will keep kids occupied when it's just too hot to get outside.

Light-Up Marquee by CREATIVITY FOR KIDS

Point yourself in a crafty direction. Marquees are the hottest room accessory and now you can make your own. Personalize it! Just color in, construct and shine on! Shiny foil interior and 2 AA batteries (not included) will light-up your space. Includes markers, instructions and ideas. Finished marquee measures 5” w x 12” h

6/22/2015 (Age: 8 and Up)

Tranquil Frog by CLOUD B

Tranquil Frog by CLOUD B Like his cousin, the award-winning Tranquil Turtle, Tranquil Frog transforms any room into a serene oasis. Glowing in a relaxing lily pad green, the shell projects a magical underwater light effect and plays the soothing sounds of ocean waves and a seaside serenade. The total effect provides for a calm and relaxing environment giving children a peaceful night’s sleep. Tranquil Frog features a 23-minute timer with auto shut-off to ensure complete darkness during deep sleep, as recommended by pediatricians.
Awards: 2015 TDmonthly Top Toy Award 6/19/2015 (MSRP: $44.95)

Crazy City by MINILAND EDUCATIONAL CORP

This is a fun magnetic game and part of Miniland’s new 2015 On-The-Go collection. With Crazy City you use your memory to combine the pieces on the city streets, and then check that the models are the same as those on the outer board. This new collection comprises 6 crazy magnetic games. These are games of association with a large dose of imagination and excitement. Their format and design make them ideal for taking them wherever you go and for playing without limits. Made for children 3-7 years old. 4/28/2015 (Age: 3 to 7)

Laugh & Learn Piggy Bank by FISHER-PRICE INC.

Laugh & Learn Piggy Bank by FISHER-PRICE INC. Count on plenty of learning fun and musical rewards with this delightful friend. Baby will learn about counting, colors, animals and sizes with songs, music, speech, and activities that respond to baby. There are 10 colorful coins to drop into the slot while counting along, comparing big and small, and discovering mommy and baby animals. Press the piggy’s snout for musical responses, open the door for put-and-take play, and enjoy fun sing-along songs. Make learning more fun with the Laugh & Learn collection of toys. With rich music, sing-along songs, and lots of activities, they combine early academics and everyday experiences—for the way kids really learn! Requires 3 "AAA" alkaline batteries (included). 5/28/2015 (MSRP: $24.99; Age: 0 to 3)

3D Head Case Wall Art by FASHION ANGELS

Looking for unique, and interesting décor for your tween’s room? It’s easy and affordable to get the latest in modern interior design trends with the 3D Head Case™ Wall Art Kits by Fashion Angels. Simply punch out and follow the instructions to slide the bright and colorful patterned pieces together to form the coolest cruelty-free, cardboard wall décor. Then use the decorative stickers, gems, and puffy glitter appliques included with the kit to create the perfect accent and customize your Head Case. Remember: You don’t have to be a head case to love our Head Case Wall Art kits… but it helps! Each Kit Includes: laser-cut puzzle boards, puffy glitter sticker sheet, decorative gems, paper flower, charm, lace trim, and instructions. There are 4 styles of Head Case Wall art kits - choose from a deer, dog, cat, or bunny – or collect them all to make a major statement (4 styles sold separate).
Awards: 2015 TDmonthly Top Toy Award 5/28/2015 (MSRP: $9.99; Age: 8 and Up)

Aquarellum Pegasus by SENTOSPHERE USA

These easy to use sets feature a distinct and unique method that makes painting by numbers obsolete. The painter has complete control. Unique embossed picture cards absorb paint in some areas and repel it in others creating intricate, detailed works of art that even the youngest children can achieve. The vibrant colors provided in these superb painting kits are extremely appealing to children, Parents describe Aquarellum as captivating and relaxing for both themselves and their Children. The Aquarellum have three boards and 9 washable inks to create 1000's of exciting color combinations!

11/24/2014 (MSRP: $21.94; Age: 8 and Up)

Cinema Box by Moulin Roty by MAGICFOREST LTD

Get your tickets and your popcorn ready, the show is about to begin! With the Cinema Box from French toymaker Moulin Roty, children are given the pictures and they supply the story! Armed with a flashlight (batteries included) and five different rotating discs in the themes of Valiant Knight, Cowboy, Pirate, A Thief and Super Hero colorful images are shone on the box cover – which doubles as the screen – and the child tells an amazing story about each adventure. Also included is a movie poster so the child can fill in the date and time of the show and sturdy tickets that can be sold and then reused many many times for many many shows! Best of all Mom, all items fit back in the box and can be tied shut with the attached ribbon. Clean up is a breeze! Look for other items in Les Petits Merveilles such as Nighttime Shadow Puppets, Puppet Theater Curtain, Storybook Flashlights, and Hand Shadows. Imported Exclusively by Magicforest.
Attributes:
·    Creative & Imaginative Play
·    Storytelling
·    Dexterity
·    Scheduling
·    Part of Les Petits Merveilles Collection by Moulin Roty

3/31/2015 (MSRP: $40.00; Age: 3 and Up)

Eco Crafts Scrapbook by ALEX BRANDS

Celebrate all the special memories of your child’s life — and create new ones — while making a personalized, environmentally friendly scrapbook! Eco Crafts Scrapbook includes all the materials you’ll need to design and decorate a colorful, visually inspiring scrapbook. Fill all the pages of this hardcover, spiral notebook with photos, stickers, drawings, wooden buttons, string, colorful ribbons and more. Use cardboard paper frames to highlight photographs and use the letter stickers to call out special moments and names. So much fun for a family to create together! Includes over 300 pieces, zig zag scissors, stickers, paper shapes and frames, printed paper, buttons, craft sticks, glue stick, ribbons, twine cords and easy to follow instructions.
Awards: Creative Child Awards, Eco-Friendly Product of the Year; Dr. Toy's Best Green Toys; NAPPA Sliver Educational Tools for Parents and Children, Arts & Crafts
— Bebe Feimster, manager of Big Smile Toys/Hardware Center in Paoli, Pa., told TDmonthly in a March 2015 survey that the Eco Crafts scrapbook from Alex is one of their best-selling "green" toys. 3/30/2015 (MSRP: $24.99; Age: 6 and Up)

Janod Confetti Guitar 25" by JURATOYS US CORP

Let your child discover and explore the sounds of music with our Confetti range of musical instruments. Our role play toys are brightly colored and so much fun to play. Whether you have a soloist in the family or an entire band, music can benefit your child in so many different ways. Music can 'boost your child's brain power, improve your child's memory, help them be more social, build their confidence, and even teach them a little patience.'
Awards: Oppenheim Platinum Seal Best Toy Award
— Taka Andrews, owner of Miller's in Mamoroneck, N.Y., told TDmonthly in a January 2015 survey that they sell a handful of Janod Guitars each month, making them the store's best-selling musical toy. 1/29/2015 (MSRP: $49.99)

Zombie Run by HAYWIRE GROUP

Zombies have taken over the town and they're EVERYWHERE! Can you be the first to escape the town and get to safety? The player with the lowest number of zombies chasing them after five rounds wins and successfully escapes the town. Zombie Run!™ combines memory with luck and is the ultimate card game for kids with braaaaaaaaaaaaains! For 2 or more players.
Awards: 2014 Creative Child Preferred Choice Award 3/18/2015 (MSRP: $6.99; Age: 7 and Up)