Still Innovative

A Second Look at Some Recent Innovations

By Alison Marek
January 2008

Though these products debuted up to two years ago, they're still fresh and deserve a closer look.

Eat It! Snacks & Sweets Trivia Game by C-ME LLC

This game tests players on their knowledge of snacks and sweets by asking them fun and clever trivia questions across five tasty categories: Chocolate, Candy, Cookies, Snack Attack, and Ice Cream & Desserts. The types of trivia questions range from jingles and advertising campaigns to ingredients, nostalgia, pop culture and more. "EAT IT! Snacks & Sweets Trivia Game now includes [$5.00 in] coupons for Sara Lee desserts, Jolly Time popcorn, Auntie Anne’s pretzels, Cadbury Adams Swedish Fish candies and Sour Patch candies," C-Me LLC CEO Eric Ash told TDmonthly. ( Watch Video) 4/18/2005 (MSRP: $29.99; Age: 13 and Up)

Coin Hopping - Washington D.C.™ by COIN HOPPING GAMES LLC

To play this game of strategy, players simply scatter coins on the board and then vie to become president, appoint Supreme Court justices, and even vote in Congress to change the rules. The game is fast-paced and topical as all eyes turn toward the 2008 U.S. election year. “People are interested in politics, and this game gives them a chance to become president and experience the balance of power among the three branches of government. It really captures the spirit of the city,” Co-owner Joan Cartier of Coin Hopping Games told TDmonthly. The game board, a beautiful map of the National Mall and surrounding areas, invites exploration of the city and its landmarks. The game includes 50 destination cards with pictures of things to see, and is a patriotic experience Americans will find intriguing. For those thinking of taking the family to D.C., it's more fun than a guide book and provides a way to involve the whole family in the vacation planning. The game has received the following awards: 2007 iParenting Media; Dr. Toy's 100 Best Children's Products 2008; Dr. Toy's 10 Best Board Games 2008; and Creative Child Preferred Choice 2009. Launch date: March 2007. ( Watch Video) 12/5/2006 (MSRP: $29.95; Age: 8 to Adult)

Electronic Sudoku Puzzle with High-Resolution HTN LCD Screen by BULLSEYE MEDIA INC.

This game includes 1 million puzzles, an alarm clock, a memo function and a help function that gives the correct answer for any cell — up to four times per game. This Sudoku electronic puzzle is top of the line with a super-high-resolution, large HTN-type LCD display for easy playing. It measures 4.5” × 6”, has five skill levels, can save games for later play and requires 2 AAA batteries. 12/19/2005 (MSRP: $34.95; Age: All Ages)

BabyPlus Prenatal Education System by THE BABYPLUS COMPANY LLC

This patented prenatal education system plays auditory lessons through the mother's abdomen in a softer version of the mother's heartbeat (approximately 30 decibels less). The 16-week curriculum is designed for use one hour twice daily; the mother straps the fabric pouch around her belly and presses a button to start the lesson. Reported benefits are relaxed, alert and responsive babies who can better soothe themselves, as well as for older children, longer attention spans and earlier development. “BabyPlus is the only proven and patented auditory learning curriculum on the market that functions in the one language the prenatal child understands — the maternal heartbeat,” Carey Hart of BLASTmedia told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2001. 12/19/2007 (MSRP: $149.00; )

TickleMe Plant Growing Kit by TICKLEME PLANT COMPANY INC.

TickleMe Plant Growing Kit by TICKLEME PLANT COMPANY INC. This plant grows within days of being planted, folds up to sleep at night and moves quickly when tickled. The complete growing kit includes a 5” x 4” x 2-1/2” Jiffy Mini-Greenhouse, six peat pellets, one TickleMe Plant seed packet (10 to 20 Mimosa pudica seeds) and easy-to-follow instructions. Launch date: 2003. 12/5/2007 (MSRP: $9.99; Age: 5 and Up)

Bump N Go Bubble Train by D & L COMPANY

The battery-operated train can either sit still or chug along, all the while blowing bubbles through the smoke stack. When in motion, the train changes direction whenever it bumps into any object. The bubble feature can be turned on or off. Launch date: 2007. 9/27/2007 (MSRP: $14.99)

Space Bike by D & L COMPANY

The bike features push-and-pull handlebars, adding an exercise element to the fun. The bike accommodates up to 75 lbs. Launch date: 2007. 9/27/2007 (MSRP: $49.99; Age: 3 and Up)

The Submissive Jesus Prayer Answering Talking Head by PIRROMOUNT PRODUCTS

The 8” talking head will say one of 100 random replies when the crown of thorns on his head is twisted. Launch date: March 2007.
— “There is absolutely nothing else like this currently on the market,” Mark Pirro, creator of the Submissive Jesus at Pirromount Products, told TDmonthly. 1/2/2008 (MSRP: $29.95; Age: 12 and Up)