July Staff Picks

The CAT Excavator has a large resin digging shovel, and  dual action levers for easy scooping and dumping.  The sturdy blow molded resin body rotates 360 degrees, and sits on 4 rolling wheels to easily move forward and backwards.

Players will be challenged to put their memory to the test in just five short seconds as they attempt to memorize a specific shade of color and then match it to the correct color wheel. Just the slightest difference between shade, tint or hue can completely change the game. The first player to fill their artist’s palette with six color chips and win the game. Fast-paced play combines with memory building, visual thinking and art.  Color guide provides extra learning material.
Awards: TDmonthly Top Toy Award, January 2012; 2011 Finalist for ASTRA's Best Toys for Kids
— Why it won: Unlike most matching games, which require players to remember and pair off images, this game challenges players to remember the exact shade of a certain color. They then must match the color they saw to a color wheel. An entertaining, challenging twist on the classic memory game.

Produced since 1917, the gyroscope has been a classic educational toy for generations that continues to fascinate young and old alike with its mysterious force that seems to defy gravity. Gyroscope technology is used in numerous applications such as guidance and navigation systems in ships, planes and spacecraft. Instructions with several amazing enjoyable tricks available with each gyroscope. YouTube video link available to assist with selling. Manufactured in Indiana (USA Made). "Still a popular selling product after many years in the market. Our #1 selling toy out of over 450 products offered," Bob Sherman, sales associate at TEDCO Toys, told TDmonthly.
Awards: 2010 Seal of Approval from Homeschool.com; Dr Toy's Classic Toy Award

Kids construct circuits with colorful electric building blocks to learn about electricity and how electronic devices work. The innovative snap-together blocks in the ElectronX building system make learning electronics fun and accessible. Use the blocks’ bright colors and unique shapes, and easy-to-follow assembly diagrams to construct a variety of functional circuits. Includes Over 70 different experiments and building projects, plus capacitors, resistors, LEDs, phototransistor, cable blocks, battery holder, speaker, sound-integrated circuit, 30 contact blocks, and a 64-page, full color manual. Launch date: June 2011.

The Pod is the newest product in the OgoBild line. The set offers a combination of active and constructive play. Kids can build their own sculpture, or build their own space. Kids can experiment with the flexibility of the Pod for hours of dynamic, inventive play. The set includes 12 of the OgoBild rubber balls and 30 ball to ball 24" connectors. This product offers play for multiple children. "The Pod does not easily come apart - it can be thrown around and manipulated without the connector pieces popping out of the OgoBild rubber balls," Mary Kate Cowell, sales manager at OgoSport LLC, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2011.

In this game, players have to hunt for and describe where Leo the Lion may be hiding. Cards show the real location in the lower left corner, and the "last place I saw Leo" is in the thought or speech bubble above each animal's head. Players race to follow the route and find Leo's real location. For example, the frog last saw Leo asleep in his bed. Players scan the circle of card tiles to find the bed in the lower left corner of the tile and discover that the bed is in the Bear's room. But Leo is not there. The bear last saw Leo at the lighthouse. And so it goes.
Awards: Spring 2011 Parents Choice Recommended Award 

BrushyBall is an interactive toothbrush holder and  timer.  A sink top 'follow-the-leader' toothbrushing game, BrushyBall, guides children through brushing their own teeth for two minutes.  BrushyBall coaches young brushers with an adorable voice and pearly white teeth which light up in six sequential sections.  BrushyBall was specifically designed to motivate young brushers, captivate short attention spans and teach complete brushing of all teeth. BrushyBall also holds up to four toothbrushes for open air drying and offers 900+ brushing sessions on two AA batteries (included). Launch date: Fall 2011.

Diception is a strategic board and dice game for 2 to 4 people. Players must bluff and bid their way through the game. Each Diception board game comes with 20 dice, a Second Chance Cube, four high quality genuine leather tumblers, instruction booklet that reveals multiple different ways to play, and a convenient and durable carrying case, complete with carrying strap.

Got Something to Say? Want to keep your thoughts in writing? Kids can let their inspiration and imagination flow with Shains Notebook. Personalize the cover with their name, class subject, or decorate and change it whenever you want. Use the unlined paper as a journal, sketchbook or scrapbook. Portable. Available with 30, 60 or 100 elements. Price quoted is for 30 elements. "What sets these apart is the ability to change your message whenever you want and the ability to mix, match and combine various Shains products to create new cool looks," Chris Ohama from Shainware told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 2007.
Awards: 2010 Women in Toys Green Award

Kids create beautiful designs with these colorful wooden pieces. With hundreds of wooden pieces, this creativity kit provides endless hours of imaginative play and self-expression. The wooden shapes are designed to interlock perfectly, making it easy to create beautiful, artistic designs, while learning about geometry.  Contents: 240 wooden pieces; A booklet with suggested patterns. Launch date: 2010.

These new pooch shaped over the shoulder bags include Poppy Pug, Karina Shih Tzu, Harper Golden, JJ Chihuahua, Piper Black Lab and Elle Yorkie. Each bag is designed in the complete body image of a fancy prancy puppy dog.  Each design has its own deep rich coloring and affluent pattern choice, such as argyle, leopard print, fleur de lure or simply rich purple or pink brocade fur. Each Furry Couture bag is embellished with a posh feather boa or swanky satin accent. There is even a sparkly gemstone here and there. “Furry Couture is simply elegant and playfully fun for little girls, but don’t be surprised if fashion savvy moms enjoy them, too” Erika Radich, marketing manager, told TDmonthly. “Douglas Company has an extensive line of award winning handbags and totes for young ladies, and Furry Couture offers something a little bit upscale.” Launch date: February 2011.

To play, players take turns placing their wooden "wall" pieces on the board, attempting to complete squares while preventing their opponent from doing the same. The player with the most completed squares at the end of the game wins. TRAPPEX is simple enough to be played by children, strategic enough to engage a true gamer. The rules have been drafted so that there is always a winner, no ties, stalemates, or cat's games. Hand crafted from high quality hardwoods. Playing time is 10-15 minutes. Includes game board, 60 wooden wall pieces, 25 two-sided game discs, and instructions.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy Best Classic Toys

Aurora World 10" Keep me comfy Cheeky Charlie Neckrest. This neckrest features monkey design to wrap around neck with cute face. Aurora only uses lock washer or embroidered eyes and nose for safety.

Now made in Canada, our non-toxic, eco friendly bath comes with a non-slip mat for comfort and security. New York magazine has called Spa Baby "a soothingly womb like hot tub for infants." It is the "largest upright tub on the market to last infants the longest," Brandy Cameron, President of Spa Baby Tubs, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2011.

Baby Diner attaches to any smooth table top or structure and allows a parent or guardian to secure all types of smooth-bottom plates, bowls and any other dinnerware to prevent young children from accidentally knocking or throwing dishes on the floor. "Baby Diner can be used with all types of dishware such as: Ceramic, Glass, Plastic, Melamine and Stoneware dishes," Jesse Mills, Owner/CEO of Lil Diner, told TDmonthly.
Awards: 2009 Best of Utah.

For infants ages 3 months and up. Thick, massaging bristles are perfect for sore teething gums. “A-peel-ing” handles are easy for little hands to hold, or for a parent to loop a binki strap through. Dishwasher and Freezer Safe. Made from highest quality medical grade silicone. Teething and brushing can be fun!
Awards: 2010 National Parenting Center Seal of Approval.

Who will be the player/team to win the most cards by guessing other players' words correctly the fastest, and with the fewest letters possible?  Players take turns making a word from the lettered cards in their hand, but they don’t show their word to any of the other players. Instead, they place each lettered card of their word face down on the table.  Then... the first letter of the word is revealed (and the timer is started) as the other players begin to shout out possible words for what the hidden word could be. A player must guess the word before the timer runs out... so if at any time two or more players agree to see another letter, another card is turned over and players continue to try and guess the word. The player who first guesses the hidden word correctly wins the number of cards that are still left face down... or ALL of the cards if the word is discovered with only one letter revealed. Launch date: June 2012.

Robotime is a real wood three dimensional puzzle that when assembled is a fully functional robotic dinosaur.  It is an intelligent high-tech toy with high simulation and interaction. No tools needed to construct these creatures. Approximately 100 pieces. Launch date: August 2010.
Awards: 2010 Creative Child Magazine Toy of the Year; 2010 Preferred Choice Award.

Each card lists 6 items. Players roll the die and the number rolled tells them what to sketch. Each person simultaneously sketches a different item. The challenge is to draw quickly enough to grab the highest-valued token, but carefully enough that opponents can identify the drawn image. Points are gained in two ways: when one player correctly identifies another's drawing the artist gets points, and the player who correctly identifies the image gets points as well. After 10 rounds, the one with the most points wins. Launch date: June 2011.

Merry Christmas Microbes! Tree Ornaments: Trim your tree with Common Cold, Brain Cell, Kissing Disease, E. coli and the limited-edition Red Amoeba, festively adorned with a Santa hat, reindeer antlers, winter scarf, candy cane, and mistletoe.
Launch date: November 2010.