Pump It Up!

Physical activity is important for the whole child — building body muscles, pumping blood to the mind, developing vital motor skills and promoting self-esteem.

Rody Horse by TMI TOYMARKETING INTERNATIONAL INC.

Gymnic Line’s Rody Horse is a favorite with children to learn balancing and coordination while they hop on it. (A base is available for transforming to a Rocking Rody Horse.) Rody is used in therapy for handicapped children, owing to its softness and ride-on qualities. Made of super-strong, latex-free vinyl, Rody inflates according to the size and weight of a child with a hand or foot pump. The maximum inflated height to “saddle” is 12". Rody is recommended for kids ages 3 and up, with adult supervision.
Awards: A TDmonthly Classics Award for being an all-time favorite toy.
— As of 7/21/2011 this product had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 145 reviews on Amazon.com.
— “We do more Rody Horse [than any other physical fitness toy]. They look like a horse. They’re more unique and kids love them,” said Jenny Goodlund, manager of JT Puffin’s in Madison, Wis.
— Jennifer Blacklock, sales and marketing representative for Toymarketing International, told TDmonthly, “Even though the Rody is for 2- to 4-year-olds, my 7-year-old rides it and loves it. He plays games with it with his little brother. It’s just a really good toy that teaches balance and coordination. It’s fun exercise — what we need more of in this society today.”

( Watch Video) 1/25/2006 (MSRP: $49.00; Age: 3 and Up)

Hop Fantasy by TMI TOYMARKETING INTERNATIONAL INC.

Made in Italy, Gymnic’s Hop Balls are the very best quality in hopping balls! Made from super strong, yet soft latex-free vinyl material for long lasting use and durability. Great exercise product for indoors and smooth safe outdoor surfaces. Promotes children’s body coordination, balance, lymph circulation and provides a fun work out while hopping on the ball. Special patented handgrip safety handle. Ages 5 years and up with adult supervision.
— “Hop Balls from Toymarketing International — I think it’s just a classic kids' toy. They’ve been around forever,” said Kim Duff, manager at Giggles Toys & More in Bozeman, Mont.
— “I sell a lot of those Hop Balls … They’re fun. Kids like to hop around,” noted Amy Barrett, owner of Lasso the Moon Wonderful Toys in Helena, Mont.
— TDmonthly spoke with Jennifer Blacklock, sales and marketing representative for Toymarketing International, about why the Hop Fantasy is popular: “They’re made of heavy-duty vinyl, which makes them long lasting. They’re latex-free. They’re very durable. They have a patented handgrip. They’re made in Italy. It’s a better-made, higher quality, European-made product. It’s a phenomenal product. It’s been around for more than 25 years.” 1/25/2006 (MSRP: $26.95; Age: 2 and Up)

PlasmaCar® by PLASMART INC.

The Original PlasmaCar continues to intrigue and fascinate. Powered by kid power; no batteries, gears, or pedals needed. Just sit, put your feet up, and turn the steering wheel to propel yourself forward. The patented safety seat design places riders in a safe, comfortable position and minimizes tipping. Moves up to 6 mph on any smooth, flat surface. Supports up to 220 lbs. Visit www.plasmacar.com to see all the wonderful colors available.
— In a March 2015 survey, two out of 10 retailers told TDmonthly that Plasmacar is a best-selling outdoor toy.
— As of 05/13/2011 this product had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 122 reviews on Amazon.com. Cons: Does not work well on surfaces that aren't completely smooth.
— This top-seller in specialty stores earned a TDmonthly Top Toy 2007 award for its distinctive aerodynamic design and ease-of-use. TDmonthly believes it has the potential to become a classic due to its fresh, contemporary appeal and application in a child’s formative years.
Awards: 2012 Parents Choice Awards Recommended, 2009 Green Parents List Check Mark, 2009 DisneyFamily.com Top Action Figures and Toys for Toddlers, 2009+2008+2005 The National Parenting Centre Seal of Approval, 2008 iParenting Media Toy Award, 2008 Fat Brain Toy Award Active Play, 2006 TIA Outdoor Toy of the Year - Specialty Toy of the Year, 2006 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award, 2005 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award, 2005 Dr. Toy Best Vacation Products, 2005 Creative Child Seal of Excellence, 2001 International Patent Fair, Hong Kong Gold Medal 6/28/2005 (MSRP: $69.99; Age: 3 and Up)

Original Folding Nursery Trampoline by THE ORIGINAL TOY COMPANY

This trampoline comes with a slip-resistant jumping surface and easy grip handle bar to ensure both safety and fun. It is suitable for indoor and outdoor use due to its tough weatherproof mat, tubular steel frame, and durable coat finish. For extra safety, a padded cover around the mat cushions the frame and prevents children from stepping through the bungee cord. The trampoline is also ASTM safety approved and is CPSIA compliant. Adult assembly and supervision is required. 11/17/2006 (MSRP: $100.00; Age: 3 and Up)

FunSlides Carpet Skates by SIMTEC CO.

FunSlides Carpet Skates by SIMTEC CO. Remember sliding around on hardwood floors in your socks? Now enjoy the same fun on any carpeted area using these special skates. Strap them onto athletic shoes and you´re ready to glide. The smooth plastic with built-in toe grips lets users coast across carpet, yet they are safe to walk in. One size fits all. FunSlides was awarded Dr. Toy’s "10 Best Active Products" in 2004, The National Parenting Center’s Seal of Approval 2004, and, most recently, the IParenting Media Excellent Product Award. "Our toy has created a whole new category — toys and games that slide on carpet! It is a great toy that is fun and easy to demonstrate," Linda Willrich of Simtec told TDmonthly. ( Watch Video) 3/31/2005 (MSRP: $19.99; Age: 6 and Up)

Wobble Deck by DIGGIN

Wobble Deck by DIGGIN This indoor/outdoor electronic board challenges users to balance during Memory Match, Speed Play and Freestyle multi-level games. It is designed to enhance fitness, coordination, color and sound recognition, and reflexes. 9/28/2007 (Age: 5 and Up)