Want to mail a special note to that special someone? Challenge a friend to a race of words? Or sculpt the cutest little penguin out of wool? Watch these videos for demos on these activities and more ... and don't miss one of the most innovative new construction toy systems from Europe, directly below.
MOOV is a full-size construction toy designed so that children can construct MOOV by themselves without the use of any tools or help from their parents. The wooden parts, rings, shafts and frames are multifunctional. The spare parts in the wood are specially designed so it's easy to remove the rings from the shafts. MOOV has received the following awards: TDmonthly Top Toy 2009; Toy of the Year, 2008, The Netherlands; Honorable mention, Reddot Design Award, 2008 (International Design Award); Toy of the Year, 2008, Germany; and Right Start Award, Toy Awards, 2008, United Kingdom. Launch date: June 2009.
Named Respiratory Management Magazine's "New Product of the Year" for 2009, Paralda is an eco-friendly, RoHS compliant, Energy Star rated HEPA UV air purifier with 99.97-percent air cleaning efficiency. It is designed for babies and children's rooms because it contains zero lead components and is quiet. Its UV lamp is designed to last up to five years and sterilizes airborne viruses that cause the flu. It is available in the following colors: Bamboo Green, Twilight or Espresso. "Paralda was the first HEPA UV air purifier in the U.S. market to meet strict green standards — it is environmentally friendly by meeting all RoHS requirements and is Energy Star rated — using less energy than a standard light bulb," Ria Romano, PR manager for Alen Corp., told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 15, 2009.
Cheekeyes are a series of wooden play sets with distinctive pink cheeks and dreamy eyes. These toys are handmade from eco-friendly rubberwood and are partially painted. There are more than seven playsets: Arctic, Africa, Dino, Forest, Farm, Rainforest and Sea. The average size of an animals is between 6 and 14 cm wide and 8 and 12 cm high. "Brought to you from The Netherlands (Europe) by STUDIO SPOON ... there are no bells or whistles, no batteries or flashing lights. All you need is just a little imagination and magic begins to happen. The Cheekeyes will definitely spark your kid's imagination and will encourage open-ended, educational play," Rogier van Zijp, designer for STUDIO SPOON B.V., told TDmonthly. Cheekeyes received a 2009 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award. Launch date: 2009.
Creation By Design brings together the “greatest story ever told” with original, 3D computer-generated artwork and a fresh narrative voice. The cards are designed to relay the concepts and stories of the Bible without without preaching the ideas of any particular denomination, and may appeal to parents who want to minimize their kids’ exposure to violent video games and TV programs. The back of each card features three sections: Narrative, which relates a snippet of the story associated with that card in everyday language; Fun Facts, which relates trivia facts about the card topic, encompassing such subjects as art, literature, history, science and animals; and Timeline, which places the events of that card in relation to the other trading cards and world history, taking Bible stories out of the realm of myth and into fact and history. "Not only is the Bible the best-selling book of all time; it is [also] the best-selling book of the year, every year. Now, we have presented the stories in a manner that kids want to see and read," Steven Kaye, managing director of Creation By Design, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 7, 2008.
Sterling Silver Lil Sis Bracelet by CHERISHED MOMENTS
This tiny, sterling silver bracelet for babies 0 to 12 months features an array of freshwater pearls and assorted lead-free crystals in pastel shades. It also has a heart-shaped Lil Sis charm. The bracelet is also available in medium and large sizes for 1 to 5 years and 6 to 13 years, respectively.
This shaving set comes with a 7-oz. can of Foaming Body Soap, plastic play razor, shaving brush, comb and an unbreakable, child-safe mirror. Awards: iParenting Media Award; Parents Magazine Best Toys of the Year, 2004. — Retailers have been telling TDmonthly that Shaving in the Tub is a best-selling bath toy since 2007. Other Alex bath toys have been best-sellers in their category for several years as well. — Shaving in the Tub was specifically named as a best-selling bath toy by three of 39 specialty toy retailers in spring 2007. Only six of 37 retailers surveyed didn’t mention Alex when asked about best-selling bath toys. In March 2009, four of 64 retailers told TDmonthlythis product is a best-selling bath item in their stores, selling anywhere from half a dozen to two dozen units each month. Nine of 39 retailers cited it as a best-selling bath product in March 2010. — As of 4/19/2012, this product had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 5 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Fun for younger kids; rinses easily; nice bonding activity for fathers and their kids. Cons: One reviewer said her child had fun with it once, but not a lot of creativity is involved and he lost interest the next time. — Want this? As of 05/06/2011, this product was available for purchase at My Imagination Station.
After rolling the special dice and flipping the timer, players race to list words containing the three letters shown on the dice. Only words listed by a single player score points, so players are rewarded for their speed and creative thinking. This game is adjustable for different skill levels and ideal for varied group sizes. Launch date: April 2009.
Individuals can learn the art of sculptural needle felting with this kit by Woolpets. A generous amount of wool roving and instructional photos are provided to make it simple to create a family of penguins. Also included are two new felting needles and a wooden skewer packaged in an attractive take out container. All one needs is a foam pad and a sense of adventure. "Lots of step-by-step photographs and very clear instructions ensure success for beginners," Kevin Sharp, owner of Woolpets, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2007.
In this game for two or more players, participants are confronted with interesting and, often, totally gross facts about the human body. One multiple choice question, for example, reads, "Most people fart about how many times a day?" It includes 130 question cards, 30 wild cards, six mover pieces, a game board that offers an intestinal look at the body, and a player guide. Launch date: 2009. This game was formerly distributed by IMAGINATION ENTERTAINMENT.
This gonto bag features Camouflage 100% cotton fabric lined with grey nylon an adjustable 2" black strap with shoulder cushion, and orange thread detailing. Handle strap on side. Two outside pockets and one deep inside pocket for water bottle. Pre-formed square bottom. Drawstring closure. The Large gonto is great for an activity filled day. Pack with change of clothes and shoes or swim trunks, towel and snorkel gear for a day at the pool/beach. Easy to carry while walking, riding your bike, skateboarding, or rollerblading. Large D-ring to clip keys on. Durable and lightweight. Easy to fold and pack in a suitcase. Machine washable. Measures 8.5 x 8.5 x 18 inches.
This 28cm keepsake teddy bear is all ready for bed in soft, plaid pink pajamas on a huggable plush body. Designed to be soft for baby's skin, it complies with the Oekotek Standard 100.
Snoozie Cube Baer Game is a child/adult educational, humorous and fun game that aids in the development of freehand drawing and creative expression. Each player uses a contour drawing sheet of faces without features; rolling a 3 x 3 cube designates which feature a player should add to his drawing sheet. The first to complete a face, wins. Advanced instructions offer futher challenge to older children and adults.
Jelly Belly BeanBoozled Spinner Box by JELLY BELLY CANDY COMPANY
With this game and candy in one, kids take the dare with the spin wheel, then pick the jelly bean in the color the spinner lands on to take a chance on tasting look-alike wild or mild flavors. There's a collection of 20 look-alike flavors, while others are the delicious Jelly Belly beans customers love. New for 2009 are Canned Dog Food and Centipede flavors, along with Booger, Baby Wipes and Pencil Shavings flavors, to name a few. Launch date: August 2009.
Thumbuddy to Love™ Ballerina Sue Storybook and Thumb Puppet by THUMBUDDY TO LOVE LLC
Designed to help children stop sucking their thumbs, this puppet and storybook includes stickers and weekly calendar to chart successes. Ballerina Sue can be worn at bedtime and throughout the day. There's also a Fireman Fred version.
Mom & Me Bracelet Set - "Hearts Entwined Forever" - White by CHERISHED MOMENTS
This set of sterling silver bracelets with heart charms is adorned with white jade and genuine lead-free crystals. The bracelet for moms is adjustable from 7" to 7.5" and the daughter's bracelet comes in three sizes: small (0-12 months); medium (0-5 years); and large (6-13 years).
Writer's Bio: ALISON MAREK is an award-winning writer, director and cartoonist whose work has been published by Fairchild Publications and DC Comics (Piranha Press), broadcast on Showtime and other cable networks, and viewed worldwide in film festivals. See her short films and print work on www.alisonmarek.com. Watch her nefarious villains in the web series www.MuggsMovers.com. Get inspired by her cartoons "Daily ARFFirmations to Unleash Your Inner Fido" at www.ARFFirmations.com. Phew! And then ... Read more articles by this author
Writer's Bio: ALISON MAREK is an award-winning writer, director and cartoonist whose work has been published by Fairchild Publications and DC Comics (Piranha Press), broadcast on Showtime and other cable networks, and viewed worldwide in film festivals. See her short films and print work on www.alisonmarek.com. Watch her nefarious villains in the web series www.MuggsMovers.com. Get inspired by her cartoons "Daily ARFFirmations to Unleash Your Inner Fido" at www.ARFFirmations.com. Phew! And then ... Read more articles by this author
