December Staff Picks

The only complete toilet training system in the world! The Ultimate Kits cover everything from teaching children about the Potty to using an insert on an adult toilet. Its packed full of rewards and is perfect for first time parents or parents experiencing difficulties with toilet training. The kit includes Tinkle Potty, Tinkle toilet seat insert, Tinkle Reward board and magical heat sensitive potty sticker, Tinkle coloring set (includes badges, stickers, post cards and pencils and Toilet Training Certificate)and two Tinkle toilet paper rolls.

Bella is a multi-ethnic girl from Roosevelt Island, New York City who enjoys to roller blade with her friends along the East River. She has beautiful cascading curls. Bella’s mom is African-American and her dad is Caucasian with blond hair and green eyes. Bella knows all about the beauty of cultural diversity. Take her home and be dazzled by her life-like beauty. Be captivated by her loving and caring spirit and her vibrant personality. In her book, she also talks about the event that happened in her beloved New York City and changed the whole world: September 11, 2001. Learn why Bella believes that forgiveness is important!

Munipals' first train and track set is a great starter set for any subway fan. The set comprises two 42 Street Shuttle cars and 19 track pieces, enough to build ovals, loops, and straight shuttle runs over 6' long. Being the only IRT shuttle in the system, the real 42 Street Shuttle carries nearly a quarter million people every week. It runs on tracks only 20' beneath the street, with each of the three shuttle trains making an average of 360 runs each day.

This natural wooden bench includes 12 maple blocks in four shapes — circle, square, rectangle, triangle — that fit into the labeled cutouts of the bench, which measures 4" H x 4" W  x 6 3/4" L. The bench is made of hard maple and comes unfinished. Launch date: 2008.

For a preschooler’s first foray into gardening, Sprig offers Honey Bee’s Garden Home. “Plantable” packaging grows into  wildflowers and herbs in the flower pot and beehive that double as a sand strainer and water bucket. Kids can help the included Honey Bee character grow a beautiful garden for the Sprig Hollow community.

Each Snugaboo polyester fleece blanket is 30" x 30" and is trimmed in triple-stitched soft satin edging that will help it last through many adventures. The blankets even have two convenient silky satin pockets for little hands to snuggle in or to use to fly around. Six designs are available: Zeek, Daisy, Frankie, Boots, Noodles and Princess Aladreena. "Each Snugaboo hooded blanket matches a specific Snugaboo cartoon character and comes bundled with a package of temporary tattoo Freckle Rewards to promote good behavior in children," Sheila Oberaigner, CEO and Boo Master Select of Crushtown, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 7, 2008.

Kids are a total mess, so why fight it? Designed by a mom who was tired of designer bibs and duds stained after their first use, My Dirty Birdie™ tees and goodies are "pre-stained" in the sweetest way. Featured is the Football Playin’ tee, and there are many others to choose from, for both boys and girls. "They are fun and functional — no need to fret over a little drip or dirt," Erin Moyer, president and CEO of Progeny Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 2008. 

Sitting on four rolling wheels to move forward and backwards, this construction digger can rotate 360 degrees and features dual action levers. Weight limit: 75lbs.

These blocks, designed in Italy, can be connected in four different ways (vertically, stacked, laterally, perpendicularly and obliquely). "The models that could be made with these building blocks, unlike ... others, are realistic reproductions. For example, the airplane model [looks like] a real airplane; the castle [resembles] a real castle, etc. From the educational point of view, Special Cross develops creativity and imagination in children, as well as precision and patience," Georgiy Saturchenko, president of Bim Bom Trading, Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 2008.

Stacy and Rebecca, each sold separately, are 8" vinyl dolls from the Sweet as Can Be line. Each wears a plaid pleated skirt and pink sweater, fashionable boots and a knit cap. The outfit is just what either girl needs to take her special puppy out for a walk on a fine cool autumn day.

This soft, cuddly doll is 11.5" tall and comes dressed in red with brown skin and in pink with peach skin. The company is a member of the Fair Trade Federation.

These building blocks have soft connectors so children can easily build with them. They are tactile and great for early spatial learning.
Awards: Parent's Choice Award 2010. Launch date: March 2009. (Product was formerly dist. by PlaSmart)

This energetic album, featuring vocalist and guitarist Matthew Pryor, drummer Bill Belzer, guitarist Dustin Kinsey and bassist Eric McCann, is full of "playground pop" songs that were inspired by Pryor's kids. The family-friendly, 16-track CD includes homegrown themes set to upbeat rhythms and cool melodies.

The Megatop is a perimeter-weighted, precision-built, high-performance throw top invented by Alan Adler, the famous inventor of Aerobie flying rings and other Aerobie high-performance sports toys. Using its quick launch accelerator, a skilled player can achieve 3,000+ RPM spin rates. Creative tricks and challenging games provide hours of fun. The Megatop is made in the USA. Launch date: October 2008.

Wezens have descended from outer space and come to Earth with one objective: to cuddle. Mobelli is an industrial alien who gets no greater joy than accomplishing as much as possible. With four arms to hold onto things and three eyes to see three times as much, Mobelli would surely be the most successful alien ever — if only he had opposable thumbs. Wezens are cuddly stuffed critters in lively bright colors. Each character is designed by Dutch designer Rogier van Zijp and Dutch comic artist Boris Peeters. Wezens are "fun for adults but loved by babies and children as well," Rudi Besseling, general manager of STUDIO SPOON B.V., told TDmonthly. They feature a "completely different design compared to what's available on the common plush market, and [are] still round and 3D-shaped unlike most other designer plush." Launch date: January 14, 2008.

Jedi Master Shaak Ti was an exotic, alien female with colorful patterning decorating her flexible lekku, or head-tails. She defended the Republic and died in the effort. Shaak Ti is remembered and faithfully represented in this spectacular resin bust that stands 8" tall and includes a certificate of authenticity. This is a limited edition of 4,000 pieces. Launch date: October 2008.

Maru and Friends is a celebration of childhood fun sculpted by world renowned doll artist, Dianna Effner.
Maru is a young girl who lives with her aunt and uncle. She is making new friends and adapting to a new way of life. Along with the 21" all-vinyl doll, the Maru & Friends set includes a long-sleeved shirt, vest, skirt, tights, underpants, hat and matching purse with boots. It also comes with a hardcover storybook and Certificate of Authenticity. There are two other dolls in the line; each doll's facial features are unique. Launch date: 2008.

This soft, plush roll-up musical snail has eight musical note chips for enhancing the discovery of sound. It comes with six Melody Music Cards. The product measures 5 1/2" x 17 1/2" and is suitable for ages 6 months and up. Launch date: 2008.

No Slippy Hair Clippy has expanded into headbands and French clips to offer a full line of "no slip hair accessories" for the distinguished boutique that wants to differentiate from the norm. "No Slippy's quality and design is superior. The clips and headbands really are functional and do stay in the hair!" Annie Salyer, CEO of No Slippy Hair Clippy, Inc., told TDmonthly. Retailers votes' won this product an Earnie award. Launch date: August 2008.

Twinkle Mouse is part of the Angels from the Attic line of 10" plush friends designed to promote creativity and friendship. Each Angel is made from soft fabric and sewn so that no two are exactly alike. Launch date: July 30, 2008.

This stylish blanket features water-resistant nylon backing that has a DWR (durable weather resistant) coating that acts as a protective barrier for a child, while the cozy soft fabric creates a wonderful surface to lie on or snuggle. The innovative tie design allows WooBee blankets to be attached to strollers, front packs, infant car seats, or anything else you can imagine. The original WooBee blanket is 30” x 36” and makes a great baby shower gift. It is available in the following color combos: Pistachi/Pewter; Turquoise/Pewter; Urban Black; Pistachio/Chocolate; Tangerine/Red; Turquoise/Chocolate; and Turquoise/Red. "Rain Or Shine Kids WooBee blankets offer a modern look and water-resistant functionality," Lizzie Sorensen of 32FlavorsPR told TDmonthly.

Step back into the alluring world of the dinosaurs. The colorful and dramatic illustrations make this felt play board a fun and educational activity that will captivate the attention of young children for hours. This product will encourage expression, exploration and creativity through play. Launch date: November 2008.

The MagnaKase™ Magnetic Activity Case is a sturdy plastic case with a magnetic dry erase surface and serves both as an activity board and storage case. The MagnaKase is an open-ended toy that, when combined with other MagnaPlay activities, allows children to engage in multiple activities in a short period of time.  Activities sold separately.

Posey loves Christmas, especially the presents! She shakes and squeezes each gift—what’s inside? And one afternoon, when she’s alone, Posey picks up a present and lifts the wrapping just a little… Any child who finds it hard to wait for Christmas will understand and love Posey, who never forgets the day she peeked. Anne Kennedy’s delightful paintings of the Mouse family capture the charm and warmth of Ann Dixon’s happy holiday story.

These handcrafted baby shoes are made of sheepskin and feature a soft suede sole. They are available in three sizes: 0-6 mos., 6-12 mos. and 12-18 mos.

Shape the World is a game for everyone, everywhere. Using the universal language of shapes and numbers, imagination and simple shapes are combined to create images of objects in the world around us, providing economical and intergenerational play with no drawing skills required, and no advantage with age. Just a little luck gives all players a chance to win. Easily customized, players can shape their own world. For one to six players, each player has one minute to draw up something to fit the designated category using the shapes available. Players decide if the drawing fits the category or not.