TDmonthly Classics Award Winners Part II

By TDmonthly Staff
August 2011

See Part I

When it comes down to the bottom line in the toy industry, we have to ask: Which products do kids LOVE? From more than 32,000 products in TDmonthly's database, the following toys (the second of two batches) were selected for being some of our all-time favorites.

No nominees or winners paid a submission fee to be considered for the program or chosen as an award recipient.

Products were reviewed based on various criteria, including play value, safety, price point vs. quality, factors of social or environmental awareness, favorable review from retailers, consumers, experts and/or TDmonthly staff, and successful presence in or availability to the specialty market._{For more information on submitting your products for awards consideration, see here.}

Tony Chestnut & Fun Time Action Songs by THE LEARNING STATION

This award-winning, musical collection is brimming with 14 lively action songs, circle games and upbeat, learning fun. Top rated internationally by educators and parents this CD features the HIT songs, Tony Chestnut, Five Little Monkeys and Shiny Clean Dance. On top of all this fun, it’s quite a healthy workout too!
Awards: A TDmonthly Classics Award for being an all-time favorite children's product; 2009 Creative Child Magazine Seal of Excellence; 2008 Children's Music Web Best Recording for Preschoolers. 12/6/2007 (MSRP: $15.00; Age: 3 to 8)

Good Luck Mini Babies by SAFARI LTD.®

No one will be able to resist these cute, itty-bitty babies. Perfect impulse item as a souvenir for baby showers. Mini babies are available in two variations, pink and blue. Offered loose in sturdy acetate bins with 192 pieces per bin. Minis average .75” to 1” in length. Hand painted, phthalate and lead free. Ages 5+. Safari Ltd. exceeds all safety standards. Safari Ltd's products are 100% guaranteed.
Awards: A TDmonthly Classics Award for being an all-time favorite toy. ( Watch Video) 1/22/2009 (MSRP: $0.75; Age: 3 and Up)

Snap Caps® Black & White Initials by m3 girl designs LLC

Snap Caps® are the original, interchangeable, magnetic bottle cap necklace. This set offers a new, fun style for girls to show off their initials.
Awards: A TDmonthly Classics Award for being an all-time favorite toy. 7/14/2009 (Age: 5 and Up)

Mixis™ Limited Edition Sunshine Collectible Play Dolls by YNU GROUP INC.

Mixis™ Limited Edition Sunshine Collectible Play Dolls (Emerald, Rosa, Opal and Houda) come in the same reusable keepsake package; are wearing beautiful casual dresses, a pair of handmade espadrilles and a matching purse.
Awards: A TDmonthly Classics Award for being an all-time favorite toy. 9/23/2009 (Age: 6 and Up)

Advent Calendar by HABA USA/HABERMAASS CORP.

More than just a simple one time use advent calendar. This calendar can be used again and again. Each of the 24 sliding box compartments contain a wooden shape – perhaps a star or even a donkey. Children can’t wait to open the next day’s drawer. After the first use, the calendar can be reloaded with ‘treats’ for next year OR save the wooden parts and mix them up.
Awards: A TDmonthly Classics Award for being an all-time favorite toy. 9/3/2009 (MSRP: $35.00; Age: 3 and Up)

Snap Caps® Who Said Hoot! by m3 girl designs LLC

Snap Caps® Who Said Hoot! by m3 girl designs LLC Snap Caps® are the original, interchangeable, magnetic bottle cap necklace. This set features bright, fun, trendy little owls to brighten up any outfit.
Awards: A TDmonthly Classics Award for being an all-time favorite toy.
— Six of 39 specialty retailers told TDmonthly in October 2009 that Snap Caps are a hot seller for tween girls.
— Black Forest Books & Toys in Charlotte, N.C., sold 50 Snap Caps in two weeks, Co-owner June Hargrove reported in fall 2009.
— "I sell about 10 per week with the straps," Jeanette Lauture, owner of Aunt Jean's Toys & Treats in Montclair, N.J., told TDmonthly of best-selling Snap Caps in late fall 2009. 7/14/2009 (Age: 5 and Up)

Mixis™ Culturally Inspired Clothing by YNU GROUP INC.

Mixis™ Culturally Inspired Clothing draws on influences from China, Japan, India and Central and North American. Each outfit draws inspiration from traditional, historical and modern fashion trends. (Doll not included).
Awards: A TDmonthly Classics Award for being an all-time favorite toy. 9/23/2009 (Age: 6 and Up)

Incredible Creatures Pangolin by SAFARI LTD.®

An amazing replica of an unlikely creature! This armored and armadillo-like anteater inhabits the tropical forests in parts of Africa and Asia. Safari Ltd. brings yet another interesting animal to the Incredible Creatures Collection. Replica measures 7.25” H x 3” H. Hand painted, phthalate and lead free. Ages 3+. Includes a 5 language educational hangtag. Safari Ltd. exceeds all safety standards. Safari Ltd's products are 100% guaranteed.
Awards: A TDmonthly Classics Award for being an all-time favorite toy. ( Watch Video) 1/22/2009 (MSRP: $9.50; Age: 3 and Up)

Secret Message Bead Kit by BEAD THE MESSAGE

Secret Message Bead Kit by BEAD THE MESSAGE This patent-pending kit of nearly 1,000 beads features various colors that each represent a letter, number and space, so that kids can create bracelets and other accessories with their own secret messages to be decoded. The kit includes 20 decoder cards, 15 feet of lacing with closures, labels, and instructions.
Awards: 2010 WTS "What The Stuff" Five Star; A TDmonthly Classics Award for being an all-time favorite toy.

Past videos: Product Demonstration ( Watch Video) 10/30/2009 (MSRP: $19.99; Age: 4 to 14)

Comet® The Fast Path To Learning - Bible Edition by ACTIVE MINDS INC

Comet® Bible Edition offers an exciting and fun way to learn spelling and amazing facts about characters, angels, events and scripture. This particular version features questions and multiple choice answers such as "Who announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds?" and "The spirit of God is described as descending like this." DOVE sparrow eagle raven. Multiple choice answers and an element of risk ensure everyone has a chance to win. Comet® has received awards from The Toy Man Online and Creative Child Magazine. "Spelling is very important, and far too few games offer this concept. Critical skill development is crucial, important and necessary to develop good educational performance," Creator Sandy Evans of Active Minds Inc. told TDmonthly. Launch date: Fall 2008.
Awards: A TDmonthly Classics Award for being an all-time favorite toy. ( Watch Video) 10/29/2008 (MSRP: $19.95; Age: 11 and Up)

Comet® The Fast Path To Learning - Children's Game Cards by ACTIVE MINDS INC

Comet® offers an exciting and fun way to learn spelling, based on dictionary meanings, world facts, geography, science, history, health and animals. This expansion deck is designed for children ages 8 to 10 covering the same themes as the Family Edition of Comet.
Awards: A TDmonthly Classics Award for being an all-time favorite toy. 1/14/2009 (MSRP: $14.95; Age: 8 to 10)