This hands-on, interactive science collection is full of fossils, minerals, marine life and insects that children can touch and examine. The wooden box includes more than 30 items, such as trilobites fossils, pyrite, geode, sand dollar, starfish, murex shells and an insect in lucite. Also included is a hand lens and activity guide. "It stimulates a child's sense of curiosity and encourages kids to make discoveries in the back yard, at the beach or on a hike. The Discovery Box becomes an heirloom that children will share with their own children and grandchildren in the future. The activity guide provides parents with great activities to do with their kids," John Skowlund, president of World Discovery Box, told TDmonthly. This product received a 2009 Dr. Toy Best Classic Toy award and was named a Homeschool.com Best Educational Gift 2008. Launch date: November 2008.

Mommy Alligator floats in the water, holding her three little babies on her back. But when they’re feeling frisky they can jump into the tub and float, too. Other Bathtub Family Tub Toys include a Pirate Boat, Mermaid, Frog, Turtle, Duck, Penguin and Dolphin.

—The Bathtub Family Tub Toys line is one of the favorite tub toy products at J. P. Boing Toy Shop in Jamaica Plains, Mass., said owner Elaine Hackney.
— “These are our number-one best selling item,” said Rhonda Glick of D & D Distributors.
—The trademarked Bathtub Family Tub Toys have been going strong since their launch about 8 years ago, said Glick. There are currently almost 30 styles in the line.