ToyDirectory
November 21, 2024

TDmonthly Magazine

October 2009 | Vol. VIII - No. 10


Postcards Talk and Letters Roll in October's Videos

Check Out These Gifts for Kids of All Ages

By Alison Marek
October 2009

Want to mail a special note to that special someone? Challenge a friend to a race of words? Or sculpt the cutest little penguin out of wool? Watch these videos for demos on these activities and more ... and don't miss one of the most innovative new construction toy systems from Europe, directly below.

Retailers: Did you know you can broadcast TDmonthly Toy Videos from your website Manufacturers: Find out how a TDmonthly Video attracts buyers.

MOOV Starter Kit by BERG USA, LLC

MOOV Starter Kit by BERG USA, LLC

MOOV is a full-size construction toy designed so that children can construct MOOV by themselves without the use of any tools or help from their parents. The wooden parts, rings, shafts and frames are multifunctional. The spare parts in the wood are specially designed so it's easy to remove the rings from the shafts. MOOV has received the following awards: TDmonthly Top Toy 2009; Toy of the Year, 2008, The Netherlands; Honorable mention, Reddot Design Award, 2008 (International Design Award); Toy of the Year, 2008, Germany; and Right Start Award, Toy Awards, 2008, United Kingdom. Launch date: June 2009.

Where to Buy: Escapade Direct (Watch the MOOV Starter Kit Video Watch Video) 7/17/2009 (MSRP: $249; Age: 5 to 12)


Paralda by ALEN CORP.

Paralda by ALEN CORP.Named Respiratory Management Magazine's "New Product of the Year" for 2009, Paralda is an eco-friendly, RoHS compliant, Energy Star rated HEPA UV air purifier with 99.97-percent air cleaning efficiency. It is designed for babies and children's rooms because it contains zero lead components and is quiet. Its UV lamp is designed to last up to five years and sterilizes airborne viruses that cause the flu. It is available in the following colors: Bamboo Green, Twilight or Espresso. "Paralda was the first HEPA UV air purifier in the U.S. market to meet strict green standards — it is environmentally friendly by meeting all RoHS requirements and is Energy Star rated — using less energy than a standard light bulb," Ria Romano, PR manager for Alen Corp., told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 15, 2009. (Watch the Paralda Video Watch Video) 7/19/2009 (MSRP: $499.00; Age: All Ages)


Cheekeyes by STUDIO SPOON B.V.

Cheekeyes by STUDIO SPOON B.V.Cheekeyes are a series of wooden play sets with distinctive pink cheeks and dreamy eyes. These toys are handmade from eco-friendly rubberwood and are partially painted. There are more than seven playsets: Arctic, Africa, Dino, Forest, Farm, Rainforest and Sea. The average size of an animals is between 6 and 14 cm wide and 8 and 12 cm high. "Brought to you from The Netherlands (Europe) by STUDIO SPOON ... there are no bells or whistles, no batteries or flashing lights. All you need is just a little imagination and magic begins to happen. The Cheekeyes will definitely spark your kid's imagination and will encourage open-ended, educational play," Rogier van Zijp, designer for STUDIO SPOON B.V., told TDmonthly. Cheekeyes received a 2009 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award. Launch date: 2009. (Watch the Cheekeyes Video Watch Video) 7/24/2009 (MSRP: $29.99; Age: 3 to 6)


Creation By Design My Bible Cards Series A by CREATION BY DESIGN

Creation By Design My Bible Cards Series A by CREATION BY DESIGNCreation By Design brings together the “greatest story ever told” with original, 3D computer-generated artwork and a fresh narrative voice. The cards are designed to relay the concepts and stories of the Bible without without preaching the ideas of any particular denomination, and may appeal to parents who want to minimize their kids’ exposure to violent video games and TV programs. The back of each card features three sections: Narrative, which relates a snippet of the story associated with that card in everyday language; Fun Facts, which relates trivia facts about the card topic, encompassing such subjects as art, literature, history, science and animals; and Timeline, which places the events of that card in relation to the other trading cards and world history, taking Bible stories out of the realm of myth and into fact and history. "Not only is the Bible the best-selling book of all time; it is [also] the best-selling book of the year, every year. Now, we have presented the stories in a manner that kids want to see and read," Steven Kaye, managing director of Creation By Design, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 7, 2008. (Watch the Creation By Design My Bible Cards Series A Video Watch Video) 4/9/2009 (MSRP: $3.99; Age: 5 to 14)


Sterling Silver Lil Sis Bracelet by CHERISHED MOMENTS

Sterling Silver Lil Sis Bracelet by CHERISHED MOMENTSThis tiny, sterling silver bracelet for babies 0 to 12 months features an array of freshwater pearls and assorted lead-free crystals in pastel shades. It also has a heart-shaped Lil Sis charm. The bracelet is also available in medium and large sizes for 1 to 5 years and 6 to 13 years, respectively. (Watch the Sterling Silver Lil Sis Bracelet Video Watch Video) 9/10/2009 (MSRP: $15.99; Age: 0 to 13)


Shaving in the Tub by ALEX BRANDS

Shaving in the Tub by ALEX BRANDSThis shaving set comes with a 7-oz. can of Foaming Body Soap, plastic play razor, shaving brush, comb and an unbreakable, child-safe mirror. Awards: iParenting Media Award; Parents Magazine Best Toys of the Year, 2004.
— Retailers have been telling TDmonthly that Shaving in the Tub is a best-selling bath toy since 2007. Other Alex bath toys have been best-sellers in their category for several years as well.
— Shaving in the Tub was specifically named as a best-selling bath toy by three of 39 specialty toy retailers in spring 2007. Only six of 37 retailers surveyed didn’t mention Alex when asked about best-selling bath toys. In March 2009, four of 64 retailers told TDmonthly this product is a best-selling bath item in their stores, selling anywhere from half a dozen to two dozen units each month. Nine of 39 retailers cited it as a best-selling bath product in March 2010.
— As of 4/19/2012, this product had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 5 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Fun for younger kids; rinses easily; nice bonding activity for fathers and their kids. Cons: One reviewer said her child had fun with it once, but not a lot of creativity is involved and he lost interest the next time.
— Want this? As of 05/06/2011, this product was available for purchase at My Imagination Station. (Watch the Shaving in the Tub Video Watch Video) 4/10/2007 (MSRP: $9.99; Age: 3 and Up)


Letter Roll by OUT OF THE BOX PUBLISHING

Letter Roll by OUT OF THE BOX PUBLISHINGAfter rolling the special dice and flipping the timer, players race to list words containing the three letters shown on the dice. Only words listed by a single player score points, so players are rewarded for their speed and creative thinking. This game is adjustable for different skill levels and ideal for varied group sizes. Launch date: April 2009. (Watch the Letter Roll Video Watch Video) 8/19/2009 (MSRP: $24.99; Age: 8 to Adult)


Penguin Needle Felting Kit by WOOLPETS

Penguin Needle Felting Kit by WOOLPETSIndividuals can learn the art of sculptural needle felting with this kit by Woolpets. A generous amount of wool roving and instructional photos are provided to make it simple to create a family of penguins. Also included are two new felting needles and a wooden skewer packaged in an attractive take out container. All one needs is a foam pad and a sense of adventure. "Lots of step-by-step photographs and very clear instructions ensure success for beginners," Kevin Sharp, owner of Woolpets, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2007. (Watch the Penguin Needle Felting Kit Video Watch Video) 7/7/2009 (MSRP: $16.00; Age: 10 and Up)


Scabs 'N' Guts by SPIN MASTER TOYS

Scabs In this game for two or more players, participants are confronted with interesting and, often, totally gross facts about the human body. One multiple choice question, for example, reads, "Most people fart about how many times a day?" It includes 130 question cards, 30 wild cards, six mover pieces, a game board that offers an intestinal look at the body, and a player guide. Launch date: 2009.
This game was formerly distributed by IMAGINATION ENTERTAINMENT. (Watch the Scabs 'N' Guts Video Watch Video) 9/10/2009 (Age: 6 and Up)


Camouflage Large gonto Bag by gonto bags

This gonto bag features Camouflage 100% cotton fabric lined with grey nylon an adjustable 2" black strap with shoulder cushion, and orange thread detailing. Handle strap on side. Two outside pockets and one deep inside pocket for water bottle. Pre-formed square bottom. Drawstring closure. The Large gonto is great for an activity filled day. Pack with change of clothes and shoes or swim trunks, towel and snorkel gear for a day at the pool/beach. Easy to carry while walking, riding your bike, skateboarding, or rollerblading. Large D-ring to clip keys on. Durable and lightweight. Easy to fold and pack in a suitcase. Machine washable. Measures 8.5 x 8.5 x 18 inches. (Watch the Camouflage Large gonto Bag Video Watch Video) 7/14/2009 (MSRP: $40.00)


Sleep Well Bear by STEIFF NORTH AMERICA

Sleep Well Bear by STEIFF NORTH AMERICAThis 28cm keepsake teddy bear is all ready for bed in soft, plaid pink pajamas on a huggable plush body. Designed to be soft for baby's skin, it complies with the Oekotek Standard 100. (Watch the Sleep Well Bear Video Watch Video) 9/10/2009


Snoozie Cube Bear Game by SNOOZIE ENT. INC.

Snoozie Cube Bear Game by SNOOZIE ENT. INC.Snoozie Cube Baer Game is a child/adult educational, humorous and fun game that aids in the development of freehand drawing and creative expression. Each player uses a contour drawing sheet of faces without features; rolling a 3 x 3 cube designates which feature a player should add to his drawing sheet. The first to complete a face, wins. Advanced instructions offer futher challenge to older children and adults. (Watch the Snoozie Cube Bear Game Video Watch Video) 12/29/2005 (MSRP: $15.00)


Jelly Belly BeanBoozled Spinner Box by JELLY BELLY CANDY COMPANY

Jelly Belly BeanBoozled Spinner Box by JELLY BELLY CANDY COMPANYWith this game and candy in one, kids take the dare with the spin wheel, then pick the jelly bean in the color the spinner lands on to take a chance on tasting look-alike wild or mild flavors. There's a collection of 20 look-alike flavors, while others are the delicious Jelly Belly beans customers love. New for 2009 are Canned Dog Food and Centipede flavors, along with Booger, Baby Wipes and Pencil Shavings flavors, to name a few. Launch date: August 2009. (Watch the Jelly Belly BeanBoozled Spinner Box Video Watch Video) 7/7/2009 (MSRP: $5.99; Age: 5 and Up)


Color Roller by SCHYLLING

Color Roller by SCHYLLINGSuitable for children ages 18 months and up, the Color Roller spins to display the colors of the rainbow when pushed along the floor. (Watch the Color Roller Video Watch Video) 9/10/2009 (MSRP: $24.99; Age: 2 and Up)


Thumbuddy to Love™ Ballerina Sue Storybook and Thumb Puppet by THUMBUDDY TO LOVE LLC

Thumbuddy to Love™ Ballerina Sue Storybook and Thumb Puppet by THUMBUDDY TO LOVE LLCDesigned to help children stop sucking their thumbs, this puppet and storybook includes stickers and weekly calendar to chart successes. Ballerina Sue can be worn at bedtime and throughout the day. There's also a Fireman Fred version. (Watch the Thumbuddy to Love™ Ballerina Sue Storybook and Thumb Puppet Video Watch Video) 6/24/2009 (MSRP: $19.95; Age: 3 to 6)


Mom & Me Bracelet Set - "Hearts Entwined Forever" - White by CHERISHED MOMENTS

Mom & Me Bracelet Set - "Hearts Entwined Forever" - White by CHERISHED MOMENTSThis set of sterling silver bracelets with heart charms is adorned with white jade and genuine lead-free crystals. The bracelet for moms is adjustable from 7" to 7.5" and the daughter's bracelet comes in three sizes: small (0-12 months); medium (0-5 years); and large (6-13 years). (Watch the Mom & Me Bracelet Set - "Hearts Entwined Forever" - White Video Watch Video) 9/10/2009 (MSRP: $29.99; Age: All Ages)








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