September Staff Picks

By TDmonthly Staff
September 2011

The TDmonthly staff has been on the lookout for the most promising, interesting, and innovative new toys. Soft, cute, and affordable new Sleep Sheep Poufs from Cloud B made the list, along with a new game, Eruption, from Stratus Games LLC. See these and other new favorites below.

Sleep Sheep Poufs by CLOUD B

Sleep Sheep Poufs by CLOUD B What’s a pouf? It’s a round, cuddly, over-stuffed plush. It can be used it as a pillow, for home decor or as a huggable friend for little ones. Comes in 3 sizes: 12 inch - $14.95, 10 inch - $10.95 and 7 inch - $8.95. Each size sold separately. Launch date: June 2011. 8/8/2011 (MSRP: $14.95; Age: 3 and Up)

Pink Rainbow Fairy by LITTLE ADVENTURES LLC

This pink rainbow fairy dress up is sprinkled with pixie dust and sequins. The shimmery spandex is embellished with pink rainbow flowers with gems at the center. The knee length, layered tricot skirt is sewn directly into the leotard, making it perfect for daily wear. Launch date: February 2011. 8/5/2011 (MSRP: $29.99; Age: 3 to 8)

Eruption by STRATUS GAMES LLC

The volcano on the players' island has sprung back to life, unleashing rivers of molten lava in every direction. Players direct lava from the volcano at the center of the island toward the surrounding villages. If lava enters a village, it will heat up and eventually burn. Occasionally, lava will spring up from anywhere on the island and cause even more devastation! To hold back the lava, players can build walls of various materials or play cards to rotate, replace, and remove lava tiles as well as cool down and fortify their own villages. After the volcano has finished erupting, the player whose village is at the lowest temperature wins. For 2-6 players; game time is 30-60 minutes. Launch date: October 2011. 8/8/2011 (MSRP: $44.95; Age: 10 to Adult)

Removable Wall Logos by TRADEMARX WALL DECOR

Our 2'X2' removable wall logos are printed in bold, vibrant colors and are easily applied to smooth surfaces. 8/5/2011 (MSRP: $29.95; Age: All Ages)

Little Pim Spanish Bop by LITTLE PIM CO.

Little Pim Spanish Bop music CD is a delightful way to enhance children's language abilities. 15 songs, 12 of which are sung in Spanish, can be enjoyed on their own or as part of the award-winning Little Pim DVD series. Each CD contains a 16-page lyrics book that highlights vocabulary taught on the DVDs, and an English translation of all the songs. Spanish Bop features three original songs by Milkshake, a popular band on the kid music circuit, and one song by Grammy award-winner Dan Zanes & Friends. 8/4/2011 (MSRP: $14.95)

Match It! Make It! Zoo by THE LEARNING JOURNEY INTERNATIONAL

The Make It! series are fun construction games that will challenge problem solving and memorization, and will develop fine motor skills of young children as they build their favorite creatures. Featuring Dinosaurs, Zoo Animals, Farm Animals and Animal Babies, Make It! is a multiplayer game that teaches cooperation skills and animal recognition. Simply take turns selecting game cards and try to collect the pieces necessary to complete your animal. Great family games for all ages. Ages 3+ years. 8/3/2011 (Age: 3 and Up)

HEXBUG® Larva Micro Robotic Creatures by INNOVATION FIRST LABS, INC.

The HEXBUG® Larva is a micro robotic creature that slithers forward on smooth surfaces using a slow, rhythmic flexing motion. Just like real larvae, each of these creepy crawlers reacts to its environment, instinctively changing direction upon sensing an object in its path and wriggling off to explore a clear, undisturbed path ahead. Its behavior is eerily mesmerizing to watch and interact with. The HEXBUG Larva is CPSIA approved for kids ages 8 and up. The HEXBUG Larva features a forward facing infrared sensor that allows it to detect fellow squirming larvae and other objects in its path. When the HEXBUG Larva encounters a road block, it spins around on two micro robotic wheels hidden beneath its hard exterior shell and heads off in a new direction. Three button cell batteries are included. Available in various translucent colors including Red, Green, Indigo, Orange and Black. Launch date: mid-August 2011. 8/2/2011 (MSRP: $14.99; Age: 8 and Up)

Mark-My-Time Party Pack by MARK-MY-TIME LLC

Mark-My-Time offers a discounted party pack for birthday or classroom party favors. Each party pack is 12 assorted bookmarks assorted to match your party theme colors. Available exclusively on ToyDirectory! 8/1/2011

Wool Felt Bug Kit by ARTTERRO

Fun and easy to sew, colorful wool felt is perfect for making your own fuzzy caterpillars, dragonflies, ladybugs and more! With easy to follow tips and lots of examples for inspiration, use craft thread, beautiful ribbon and beads to make wings, eyes and antennae. Make up to 7 creepy-crawly bugs! Two bonus projects in every kit! Turn the box into a mailbox, birdhouse or special treasure box. The inner tray is perfect for framing your art. Ages 8 and up
Awards: 2015 TDmonthly Magazine Top Toy Award; 2010 NAMTA (National Art Materials Trade Association) Best New Kids' Product 7/26/2011 (MSRP: $22.00; Age: 8 and Up)

DINGaRINGs by O.B.DESIGNS

DINGaRINGs are a 3-in-1 RATTLE, SOFT TOY & TEETHING RING all rolled into one cheeky Australian character. Emma Owl is a truck driver who loves Country music & Surfing, but hates VPL & Speed cameras. Keith Koala works as a DJ, loves schmoozing & silk PJs, but is sick of trying to get the glitter out of his fur in the morning! DINGaRINGs are safe, non-toxic, and highly interactive. Open up your babieâ€™s senses with the perfect gift for ages 0 & up. Conceived & created in Byron Bay Australia. Made with a social and ethical conscience in Indonesia.
Awards: Top 10 infant toy of 2010 from Babyology, Top 10 new products from Life Instyle trade show 2009 from KidsStyleFile 8/5/2011 (MSRP: $19.95; Age: All Ages)

Sqwishland Bracelets by SQWISHLAND LLC

Sqwishland Bracelets by SQWISHLAND LLC The SqwishLand Soft `n Squishy Bracelet is a fun new way to bring a child's SqwishLand collection on-the-go. Kids customize the bracelet with their favorite SqwishLanders, and can swap out different animals depending on their mood or outfit. The bracelets are also soft `n Squishy™ and come in four cool colors. Comes with one SqwishLander on the bracelet, as well as a Crazy Rare SqwishLander in a capsule. Launch date: Summer 2011.
Awards: 2011 Fall Seal of Approval from the National Parenting Center 8/23/2011 (MSRP: $2.99; Age: 3 and Up)

Pure Nature Clutching Figures by HABA USA/HABERMAASS CORP.

Soft and snuggly organic cotton clutching toys will be a hit with mom and baby. Choose from an adorable blue Bob Burrow (bird), green Freddie Frog, or Lisa Long Ears. Each clutching toy is filled with Oeko-Tex Standard 100 polyester filling, which means they’re machine washable and hygienic. (Natural fillings don’t dry as well and are more prone to mold.) Approx. 5 ½” Launch date: 2011. 8/23/2011 (MSRP: $24.99; Age: 0 and Up)

Europe Coloring Book by PUTUMAYO KIDS

Children are invited to explore and color the pastoral countryside, famous landmarks, musical instruments, animals and people of Europe. The coloring book features a monument and musical instrument glossary and a page of European flags to encourage children to learn as they play. Launch date: July 2011. 8/12/2011 (MSRP: $9.95; Age: 3 to 7)