February Staff Picks

Build your own customized game of Memory Match and Tic Tac Toe that can change as often as a child's imagination. Add your favorite pictures into all 18 game pieces to play a memory matching game. The pieces are in black and white, allowing for a game of Tic Tac Toe as well. You can use photos, stickers, cut outs from magazines, or colorful crayons, glitter and glue. A sample coloring sheet is included so you can quick start your game by coloring in the matching pairs of ocean themed pictures and adding them into your game. More coloring sheets are available as free downloads on the I Built It Games website. Every game comes with 18 mixed black and white game pieces and a 20" game board. Each game piece is 2 3/4 inches around.

Zither Heaven's ukulele is well constructed. The neck is made of solid maple and features a 15-inch vibrating string length. The body is made of solid cherry, maple, or black walnut. Made in the U.S.A. from sustainable native North American solid cherry or black walnut.

Composed of 216 individual high-energy rare-earth magnets, the NeoCube allows you to create and recreate an nearly infinite number of shapes and patterns. Can be used to create complex designs and puzzles, or for simple fun and relaxtion. As of 1.06.2011 this product had 4 out of 5 stars from 84 reviews on Amazon.com and was No. 2 on the top 100 bestselling toys and games. PROS: Challenging; stimulates both brain hemispheres; many variations. CONS: Not suitable for children under 14; can be difficult to master.

With four interactive function keys and six different animals, the PLAYMOBIL Interactive Play and Learn 1.2.3 Farm is ideal for toddlers. The set’s interactive features help children to learn colors, to identify animals and the sounds they make, and to learn numbers. The roof of the farm also comes with a sorting function to help identify shapes. The set includes a figure, cow, chicken, sheep, horse, pig, puppy, and other accessories. Select between eight language choices. It measures 14.6 x 10.6 x 8.3 inches (L x W x H).

This environmental friendly wooden Double Sided Matching Game is made of wood from FSC-monitored source, painted with water-based paints, packaged in a box made of recycled materials, and printed with soy-bean ink. Learning ABCs is very important for kids while growing up. These 52 double sided wooden pieces will help kids learn their ABCs while playing. Develop motor and cognitive skills. Match the upper case letter with the corresponding lower case letter, each pair has a unique way to fit into each other to minimize frustration. Flip the pieces and you have a different set of matching game for extra fun. Store the pieces in the nice and sturdy drawer box which comes with the toy. It's been tested to meet European and U.S. safety standards.
Awards: 2011 Parents' Choice Recommended Award

This new worldwide hit television series is about eager young engines Wilson, Brewster and Koko as they learn to become working trains in the land of Chuggington. In these six episodes, the trainees find fun and excitement as they get lost in a deserted town, handle an important responsibility in the safari park, and discover that the repair shed isn't such a scary place after all. There's plenty of action and laughs along the way with lessons about overcoming fear, responsibility and problem solving, all while discovering social-readiness values like friendship, teamwork, courtesy and more. As the trains practice their skills and complete daily tasks, they learn to ride the rails of life.
— Christine Osborne, co-owner of Wonder Works Toys in Charleston, S.C., said Chuggington was her best-selling licensed line of toys. "It's selling great without a display table set up," she told TDmonthly in late Spring 2011.
— As of 05/13/2011 this product had 4.6 out of 5 stars from 11 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Engaging characters; teaches positive peer interaction; bright and interesting graphics. Cons: Some reviewers wished it had been longer; the theme song is almost too catchy.

It's a bidding and headhunting game. A card game where one bids to hire the best people with a limited amount of money they have in hand. The player who manages to gather the 12 best people and meets the designated tasks shall be the winner.

A SwaggerTag is an identification tag that reflects your personality and helps you keep track of your gear. By customizing your SwaggerTag with your own photo, image or logo, you let everyone know it's your stuff. You decide what personal information to include and your SwaggerTag reveals the hidden information only if it is opened. Water, weather and impact resistant, with strong attachment points and ties ensures a SwaggerTag will stay with your gear. Available in six distinctive colors.

A new addition to the Colours Collection, this little bear has stacking rings, a rattle in the head, crinkle in the paws and many tags to rub. Stacking rings encourage repeated play and hand-eye coordination.  Ages 6 m+.

Helmtops are soft helmet decorations to style bike, skate, ski and snowboard helmets. Helmtops come in playful designs that let children and adults personalize their helmet. "Helmtops encourage children to get active in a safe way," Gregg Mastoras, owner of Helmtops, told TDmonthly.
Awards: 2010 - Creative Child Magazine, Seal of Excellence. Launch Date: February 2011 at Toy Fair

“Meet Einstein” introduces young minds to what scientists do, helping kids make connections in things they see and experience, and teaching them that science is all around them. With colorful, playful illustrations, the book portrays Einstein as a likeable, approachable character.

The Take Home Center unit features ten locker sections, each with a paper-tray slot. Designed for organizing messages and homework amongst other things. Each locker contains two double hooks for hanging book bags, jackets and more. Ten paper-trays are included and come in a variety of colors. This stationary unit has a lifetime warranty is made with KYDZSafe® edges, KYDZStrong® construction and KYDZTuff® finish.