Puzzles, crayons, teddy bears and lip balms get their start on domestic soil in this collection of American-made items. See products from Jonti-Craft, Diggity Kids, International Arrivals and others in TDmonthly’s Holiday Preview of toys and games Made in the USA below.
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Butterflies Mobile by SKYFLIGHT MOBILES
Skyflight's whimsical mobile is designed to entertain infants with its constant motion. The mobile is made in the United States from archival art board, and is printed in lead-free, non-toxic colors. An informative fact sheet is included.
Puzzlers can visit the Duck Pond, Noah's Ark, Llama's Castle and more at this Children's Zoo Wonderland. This 500-piece jigsaw puzzle can be a family activity. Adam Silver, CEO of New York Puzzle Company, told TDmonthly, "All of our jigsaw puzzles are made in the USA from extra-thick puzzle board to provide for better play and a better overall fit."
Goodbyn is a lunchbox reinvented for kids, parents and the planet. Made in the USA, BPA free and phthalate free, Goodbyn is designed to keep tastes (and moisture) separate with five separately sealing compartments. Each Goodbyn lunchbox comes with hundreds of stickers: alphabets, body parts, allergy labels and more. Goodbyn has a carrying handle, is dishwasher-safe, and can be recycled simply and easily when it’s time to buy a new one. Rob Grennan, COO of Byndoo LLC, told TDmonthly, "The Goodbyn lunchbox line eliminates the need for one-time packaging like plastic bags and drink boxes; it has five separately sealing compartments to make packing lunches easy and fun."
Eco Stars are 100-percent recycled, star-shaped crayons collected from children across the country by the National Crayon Recycle Program. This set of 10 Eco Stars comes in environmentally friendly packaging made from renewable resources.
Children can rock their dolls in this roomy 14½" x 27" x 12" cradle. The head and footboards are made of sturdy Birch plywood and the side rails are made with rich Maple wood. The cradle features an ultra-violet KYDZTuff finish that "is as tough as a gym floor and allows marks from common items to be simply wiped away," Jonti-Craft Marketing Associate Melissa Gustafson told TDmonthly.
Kids can shake up some painting fun with Glob Natural Color Blends craft paints. This set includes four do-it-yourself paint jars. Just add water and shake to produce 2 oz. each of all-natural lemon verbena, tangerine, berry blue and pomegranate colored and scented paint. All Glob paints are gluten-free, soy-free, vegan, non-toxic, made in the USA, and boxed in recycled packages. — Glob paints were a big hit with Eco Child’s Play’s Jennifer Lance: “This may be one of the coolest products we have reviewed in a long time,” she raved. With the all-natural ingredients, Jennifer felt assured the paints were truly non-toxic. She noted, “Mixed up paint needs to be stored in the refrigerator, because they are truly all natural, but you can easily just mix up a little at a time based upon your needs.” — Tiffany of Nature Moms Blog found the Glob paint to require more work than other paints, but once mixed, the paint worked well for her children on a variety of surfaces. She also enjoyed the fruity and floral scents.
This refrigerator, stove and sink set provides generous storage space. The sink features a realistic pull-out "sprayer," and the "burner" stove has wood turn-button controls. The four-piece set includes an additional cupboard, and each item is available for individual purchase.
Shoulder Buddies are a collectible, educational accessory that kids can wear on their shoulders, backpacks, hats, etc. Shoulder Buddies are packaged with a collectible "Smarts" card that teaches their "Smarts" through an easy-to-remember acronym. A "Shoulder Buddies Coin" is also included, which is used to attach them to your shoulder. They also have a hole on their back so that kids can attach them to their backpacks with a keychain, which is also included with the product. There's also a book that corresponds to the Shoulder Buddy characters. "Shoulder Buddies are very unique because they are an adorable character that can be worn on the shoulder," Jeaneen & Kevin Muller, Managing Members, Shoulder Fun USA, LLC, told TDmonthly. "They definitely attract attention when wearing them and our variety of characters each have a different learning message that comes with them." Launch date: October 2009.
The Learn-To-Dress Fairy Princess helps little ones learn how to snap, buckle, tie, button, and zip all while encouraing hours of imaginative playtime. The Fairy Princess changes into a Pretty Pink Princess by removing her top skirt and unbuttoning her wings. The outfit is completely removable, and the dress and bear are machine washable. The bear is guaranteed for life. Storm Tussey, Retail Marketing Coordinator at Vermont Teddy Bear Company, told TDmonthly, "The Learn-to-Dress Fairy Princess outfit is fully removable and educational portions are designed into the garment for a longer life and to inspire creative play." Launch date: July 2010.
Scoot Train Engine by MAPLE LANDMARK WOODCRAFT CO.
From the My Little Scoot collection, Train Engine Scoot is the perfect size for play mats, crafted from pine and approximately 4" long. This Scoot Train is modeled after the great locomotives of years past. Non-toxic clear finish and inks are used. Barbara Rainville, Marketing Manager at Maple Landmark Woodcraft, told TDmonthly, "The Scoot Train is made in the USA." Launch date: March 2010.
Children's Activity 36" Multi-Colored Scarf Kit by ARTS EDUCATION IDEAS
This multicolored scarf kit contains 24 durable 36” square, washable nylon scarves — two of each of the following 12 colors: purple, lavender, royal blue, medium blue, kelly green, lime green, yellow, orange, red, pink, black and white. A CD is included with songs to accompany the scarves, as well as an instructional insert, a self-closing sturdy carrying bag with handle, and Velcro to hang the scarves in a special place.
These non-toxic, rock-shaped crayons are made in America from natural soy wax derived from American-grown soy beans. Colors include, red, pink, blue, sky, green, grass, dark yellow, light yellow, orange, peach, purple, light purple, brown, tan, black and gray.
Reducing fossil fuel use and CO2 emissions is part of the recipe for aspiring gourmets who use the Green Toys Chef Set. This classic collection of kitchen essentials is made in the U.S.A. from 100% recycled plastic milk containers. Safe, non-toxic, BPA-free, and even meets FDA food contact standards. Dishwasher safe. The set includes a stock-pot with lid, skillet, ladle and spatula.
Ozark Mountain Sock Monkey by FOX RIVER MILLS INC.
Handcrafted in Ozark, Mo., this monkey is made from original Rockford Red Heel socks. Blue and pink versions are also available. — "We've been selling a lot of sock monkeys (by Rockford Red Heel) recently," Susan Swickard, owner of The Talking Teddy in Estes, Colo., told TDmonthly in April 2010.
The Diggity Kids™ Comfort Travel System is The Keester, The Diggity Kids Neck Pillow and The Diggity Kids Seat Belt Cover together in one set. The Diggity Kids Comfort Travel System is the comfort travel system marketed to children ages 4-10. Made in the USA, it comes in different design themes.
Tie-Not is a patented tool and method made of recycled materials that helps kids and adults tie water balloons in seconds. Tie-Not is made in the USA. The tool is packaged with balloons and hose adapter. "There isn't currently a tool to tie water balloons in the marketplace. This is a chance to offer a new and innovative products to your customers," Laura Sikorcin, owner, Tie-Not Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2010.
These Water Cannons can soak a target over 60' away or fill water/air balloons with one push of the handle. The user simply submerges the end of the water cannon, pulls back on the handle, and is ready to fire. The Water Cannon features a non-slip grip and comes apart for cleaning out sand and debris. It is made in the USA. Launch date: December 2010.
Blamtastic Natural Based Lip Balms for girls and guys were created by the Sandler sisters, ages 10 and 11. The formula contains no petroleum or artificial preservatives. Blamtastic is made in the USA and does NO animal testing. The line includes five potent guy flavors, give yummy girl flavors and a line of accessories. "Blamtastic's product lines are 100-percent kid-created and we are the only company with a separate line of edgy lip balms just for guys," Renee Sandler, President, Blamtastic LLC, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2010.
This line of modern toy airplanes is compatible with most wooden train systems and is proudly made in the USA with FDA-compliant materials that are PVC, BPA, lead and phthalate free. Parents can visit the Little Sky Riders website to experience how these planes can help teach children the alphabet. "Little Sky Riders' personalities set them apart from all other toy airplanes on the market. Add in that they are made in the USA and have an online educational component and you have a modern classic," Daniel Monahan, President, DANO2, told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 4, 2010. Watch Little Sky Riders: Top-5 Video, Toy Fair 2010
This fragrance-free natural sculpting dough is certified organic and certified gluten free. Packaged in recyclable and reusable containers, the naturally anti-microbial dough is made in the USA. It comes in brown, white, yellow, red, orange, purple, blue and green.
The My Cow Moo Cowbination Set includes an adorable Moolette (toy version of Moo) and our award winning book, "Moo Becomes a Cash Cow". Moo's book is designed to open the dialog about want vs need and the importance of saving your moola! Hopefully, Moo’s storybook will inspire your child to cowtinue her tales with her Moo Cow. Moo's books are printed on FSC-certified paper and soy ink. The gift set comes packaged in a recycled gift bag.
These 18" soft-cloth rag dolls are American made and come with admission to an Internet cartoon eSchool where kids learn as they play fun educational games (grades Pre-K through 6th). The dolls and their clothes are washable, and there are 26 different characters and multiple outfits. The dolls are "made in [the] USA and not sold in mass-market retail stores," Greg Goodenbury, VP of GRANZA, Inc., told TDmonthly. Adorable Kinders have received the following awards: NAPPA 2009 Children’s Products Gold Award; Dr. Toy's 2009 100 Best Children’s Products Award; Dr. Toy's 2009 10 Best Toys Award; Toy Man Seal of Approval; Toy Man Award of Excellence; Toy Man Eco-Recognition Award; and Toy Man eChoice Award. Launch date: 2009.
Fact Pack Collector Cards - Zoo Animals by PEABODY'S TOYS THAT TEACH INC.
Most Fact Pack collectible card sets include six unique cards, six colored pencils, 36 fun facts, six blue ribbon stickers, a pencil sharpener and a plastic travel case. The product is made in the USA and, through various subjects that are available, is designed to help children learn interesting facts about animals, holidays, music, states and more.
In 164 BCE, Judah Maccabee led his Maccabean army to liberate the land of Israel and reclaim the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. But the Maccabees did not have enough oil to light the menorahs to rededicate the Temple. Now players must lead a band of Maccabees and acquire enough oil to light the new eight-stemmed menorah called a Chanukiah. But beware, there are still remnants of the Seleucid Empire’s army roaming the lands trying to thwart these efforts. This board game is made in the USA and turns the basic game of dreidel into an adventure. The entire game is in English and Hebrew, so it serves as a tool for learning Hebrew. Launch date: September 2009.
Jukem is a fast game that can be played in 20 minutes or less. The game lasts two times through the deck. No prior knowledge of football is required. Awards: Dr. Toy 100 Best Children's Products - 2010
Writer's Bio: Julie L. Jones has written articles for both newspapers and magazines. Before joining the staff of TDmonthly Magazine, she worked as a communications writer and provided editorial support for a market research company. Read more articles by this author
Writer's Bio: Julie L. Jones has written articles for both newspapers and magazines. Before joining the staff of TDmonthly Magazine, she worked as a communications writer and provided editorial support for a market research company. Read more articles by this author
