July Staff Picks

The goal in this Word Golf course is simple – complete each hole with as few strokes as possible. Strokes are calculated by the number of words it takes to finish a hole. Players can work against the course or compete against their friends. Word Golf is portable and is designed to be a fun way to expand vocabulary and spelling skills. "Word Golf combines the challenges and fun of a word game with the excitement of a round of golf!" All the King's Games Owner Kevin Greenberg told TDmonthly.

George Luck's classic wooden puzzle features various African animals.

These little cuties have been individually custom-molded from nontoxic wax crayons. Their faces are then hand-carved into their egg-shaped bodies, one egg at a time. They are ergonomically shaped for little hands, although they are great for all ages. They stand on their own and come in a half-dozen egg crate. Also sold individually. They measure 1.25" wide x 1.6" high.

This easy to use three-in-one (Microscope, Telescope, and Magnifier) is ideal for the budding Spy or Scientist. Get bright, sharp images without blurry edges around the viewing area with these high quality optical lenses. This unique, slick, lightweight multi-use instrument is also great for sports fans, spy enthusiasts, or bird and animal watchers.

Features:

Sticky Pixies Wall Art Kit comes with 8" x 10" hardboard-framed fairy wall art and a ribbon to attach it to a wall. The fairy wears a Velcro-attached dress that can be mixed and matched with other Sticky Pixies dresses, one of which is included in a tri-fold hardboard armoire. This armoire holds up to three dresses, as well as fairy crowns and hats that are sold separately. "Sticky Pixies is unique in design and is always interactive," Founder Tyanne Hitchcock of Morgan Evan-Thorne told TDmonthly.

This cardboard kit includes everything you need to build three little houses, play with the three piggies and the big bad wolf (included, plus a playmat to set up the houses and figurines, as well as 12 washable, non-toxic markers).

The Mehndi Glitter Kit allows users to create unique body art designs with three colors of glitter. The cosmetic grade adhesive and glitter are long-lasting but easily removable. Each kit includes three jars of glitter (silver, lavender and turquoise), adhesive in a fine applicator bottle, a special applicator tip, five self-adhesive stencils, cotton swabs, instructions and design ideas.

The Metal-Urges Set includes 32 pewter letters and a recycled rubber bracelet designed to fit all sizes. Bracelets are available in 12 earth tones and four glittery Popsicle colors. The set is "customizable, empowering, eco-friendly, (and a) great gift!," Shainsware Owner Ewa Zielinski Martinoff told TDmonthly.

This flower is a patented interchangeable charm hugger for eyeglass frames.

These 3-D watches come in assorted 12-sets of themed styles.

Towering over four feet high and featuring motorized lift and three exciting ball runs, the Motorized Madness is a builders dream. This set includes 2,004 colorful K'NEX pieces, new track system and five multi-colored balls. Users follow the color-coded instructions to build this exciting ball machine step-by-step, then switch the motor on to bring the model to life. The motorized ball lift continuously carries balls to the top of the tower, where they alternate down one of three different ball runs. The downward spiral sends balls down a dizzying ride to the bottom, whereas the hammer drop transports the balls off the track and onto 2 swiveling elevators, and the funnel drop sends balls on an express ride straight to the bottom. Requires two AA batteries.

Features:

• Includes 2,004 pieces
• Builds over 4 feet high
• Motorized ball lift
• 5 balls & 3 ball runs

This bag has an adjustable shoulder strap, a zipper pocket, two magnetic pockets, an elasticized bottle pocket, and five elasticized compartments. Also included are a cell phone pouch, changing pad and key clip. The bottom panel is removable for easy cleaning. The Diaper Diva bag is "specially designed for hip moms" and "hold(s) those essentials needed for a day out with your little one," Diaper Dude Administrative Assistant Stephanie Moore told TDmonthly.