September Staff Picks

The Twinklets are whimsical, fun-loving characters who are eager to embark on adventures in a new world. They’ve slid down a rainbow from their home in Crystal Land to Earth, each acquiring a color that matches their unique personalities. These curious creatures and are yearning to learn about the world through their big, clear, crystal eyes. Their sparkly hearts radiate joy and happiness wherever they go. "The Brave Adventurer" of the group, "big brother" J.J. is known for being cool, confident and entertaining. "The Twinklets are also a complete collection of branded collectibles, accessories and jewelry with a whimsical feel. They will be exploring partnerships in America in order to infuse an educational element that will appeal to both tweens and parents alike," Robert Burns of Amazar Americas told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 2008 (in America).

Packaged together are this plush Flat Friends Kangaroo and a Flat Friend 100% cotton drawstring bag that has an illustration of the Kangaroo. Other themes are also included, such as Koala, Chimpanzee, and Crocodile. There are 22 Flat Friends Soft Animals available in the range.

An amazing soft discovery cube turns inside out to reveal six different sides — 12 sides in all. The toy features engaging images and patterns, multiple textures and beautifully embroidered details. It encourages exploration and teaches lessons in object performance. This product is designed to entice, entertain and nurture the developing minds of children from birth to 3 years.

When precision wooden shapes and vibrant color meet, expect nothing less than masterwork. Twig features natural wood, carved with care and colored with brilliance. Light plays its way through the windows of Twig - illuminating lines, contours, space and arrangement, opening the mind and imagination to new exercises in visual spatial development. Each Twig set consists of 72 wooden pieces; all are compatible with one another. The interactivity between components means limitless combinations in open-ended play. Launch date: February 2009.

Ever felt that your feet are too big or your ears stick out? If so, you will be able to relate to Rue, The Monster of Insecurity in his new story The Nose That Didn't Fit. Follow his silly antics as he attempts to change himself only to find out that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. In this, the second book of the WorryWoo series, Author Andi Green explores the emotional world of insecurity through captivating illustrations and a playful tale. Rue and "The Nose That Didn't Fit" won a 2009 Excellent Product Award from iParenting Media and the 2009 Toy of the Year Award (category: storybook and plush) from Creative Child Magazine.

These erasers look like individual Japanese sushi, and are available in six different designs.
— "I don't know why it's such a craze, but I sell hundreds," Meredith Zellweger of Toy Jungle in Manhattan Beach, Calif., told TDmonthly in July 2008.
—  “They're selling hundreds a month,” seconded Deran Muckjian, owner of Catch a Falling Star in Lexington, Mass.
—  Nine percent of 64 retailers said in summer 2008 that Iwako erasers are creating a buzz in their stores.

Meet BuckleyBear. He can be a little shy but he is extremely well behaved and barely makes a growl. BuckleyBear likes to burrow under your covers and pretend he is hidden in the far corners of a bear cave. He will patiently wait for play time and then frolic for hours.

At 15” tall, Moritz features a hand-embroidered face, sheep-wool body stuffing, and mohair hair. He can be dressed and undressed. Launch date: 2005.

In the first of a new series about the ongoing idylls of a little doll and her friends, whimsy is wrapped in a fresh, modern look. It's a wonderful windy day and perfect for Windy's favorite activity — flying her big, blue kite. When the wind blows her kite away, she sets off to find it through artfully photographed cut-and-folded paper landscapes. Each book in the series will highlight an activity from the story with complete and simple instructions on the inside jacket cover (in Windy's case, how to make and fly a kite). The pictures and stories are perfect for small children, with playful maps to trace each adventure and great ideas for things to do and make.

The PhD flying disk is made with Fair Trade labor and is 100% cotton. An alternative to plastic and vinyl flying disks, it can be thrown indoors or out. "PhD" stands for "perfectly harmless device" because it "prevents home destruction." In other words, it won't knock over vases or lamps. It can even be stuffed in your pocket for easy portability.

There is nothing more terrifying to a parent then the thought of being separated from his or her child. Award-winning Spot Me ID™ “animated” ID bracelets were invented by a mom who lost her 7-year-old daughter for a terrifying 15 minutes while on vacation in 2007. As these uniquely-themed ID bracelets move back and forth, a “magical” effect is created that brings our safety dog “Spot” to life. On our stadium series bracelet, Spot kicks the football and he has black sports lines under his eyes. Using the included marker, parents simply write their names and cell phone numbers on the back of the easy-to-recognize safety products. Spot Me ID™ animated ID Bracelets are waterproof, affordable, and require no batteries. "There is nothing on the market like Spot Me ID™," said Jamie Rayko, CEO of Spot Me ID, Inc. “With over 2,000 children lost every day, there is nothing more important to parents than keeping their kids safe. Every family needs Spot Me ID™, “Because Kids Get Lost™.” Patents pending. Launch date: 08/01/2008

The Birth Day Box is the perfect way to celebrate a new arrival. Each ultra-stylish three-piece gift set contains a combed cotton hat and long-sleeved lap tee accented with plush trim and matching plush diaper cover. Fabulous touches such as tiny footprints that adorn the back of each tee, soft satin detailing and cozy flannel lining finish each extraordinary piece. The rich chocolate toned Birth Day Box is intricately crafted with a nature-themed design and accented with thoughtful words to inspire any mom to be. Each set is machine washable/dryable and comes in two sizes (0-3 months and 3-6 months). The sets are available in Pink Lamb, Blue Leopard and White Swirl varieties. "Bloomers Baby creates beautiful and stylish newborn essentials that are ready for gift-giving, and all designs are proudly made in the USA," Michelle Caruso, owner of Bloomers Baby, told TDmonthly. This product received a 2008 Top Choice of the Year Award from Creative Child Magazine. Launch date: 2008.

Housed in a charming deluxe metal box, this construction kit contains eight different models you can build yourself—each with at least one moving part. Included are perforated construction sheets for each paper toy with additional materials designed to individualize and enhance each figure, including wooden sticks, rubber bands, plastic beads, string and wire.  Each model can be built with ease using the detailed, step-by-step instruction manual and colored pre-punched motifs.  From an amusing bunny to a pop-up monster to a plane with propeller, the models have been lovingly created and include ingenious mechanisms: push the car, and the driver and his luggage sway amusingly from side to side; turn the stick, and the clown’s facial expression changes.

An African Elephant graces this "me tee" with a brief factoid running vertically across the shirt, describing the elephant as the largest land animal on earth.  The "me tee" has the image printed on the shirt both rightside up and upside down, allowing for the wearer to also see what everyone else sees while wearing the shirt.

Kids can create miniature works of art that celebrate their four-legged family members. The kit contains four papier-maché shapes (star, rectangle, square and circle) and lots of colorful and shiny decorating materials (paint, brush, glitter glue, gem stones, gloss varnish, alphabet stickers). Kids can add their own photos and creativity to the included materials to personalize their pet ornaments. It is a fun and easy project that provides a creative way for kids to express their love for their pets. "Pet Ornaments are perfect for holidays or anytime," Co-President Mike Greenwald of BowWowMeow told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 20, 2008.