August Staff Picks

By TDmonthly Staff
August 2012

Our August Staff Picks include high quality toys and games for kids of all ages.

First Pounder by HAPE

First Pounder by HAPE Nothing's more fun than hammering these pegs through the holes — except flipping them over and doing it again. First Pounder is from the Early Explorers range of the Hape Collection. Measuring 7.87”L x 3.74“W x 3.74”H, First Pounder is age graded for children 12 Months +. The toy is beautifully crafted of FSC certified wood from sustainable forests and colored with safe water based paint. Launch date: July 2012. 6/18/2012 (Age: 1 and Up)

Musical Instruments TOOB® by SAFARI LTD.®

Each mini figure in Safari Ltd®’s Toob® ranges from 1” to 3” and is carefully sculpted and finely hand painted. Packaged in a reusable acetate Toob®, the figures guarantee years of learning fun. Safari Ltd® introduces for 2012 small, highly detailed musical instruments that play together in symphony. This Toob® includes a violin, guitar, clarinet, flute, French horn, saxophone, trombone and horn. All figures are 100% guaranteed and lead free to ensure children’s safety. Suggested ages 3+. Launch date: January 2012.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval 7/3/2012 (MSRP: $10.99; Age: 3 and Up)

Match It! - First Words Memory by THE LEARNING JOURNEY INTERNATIONAL

Match It! First Words Memory is a fun memory game that will challenge problem solving and develop memory skills of young children as they try to find a pair of matching cards. Bright, colorful illustrations help children learn first words through images and reading.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval 6/8/2012 (MSRP: $11.99; Age: 3 and Up)

Anti-Virus by SMART TOYS AND GAMES INC

Anti-Virus by SMART TOYS AND GAMES INC Anti-Virus is a sliding puzzle game with a new twist: Tiles that only slide diagonally and can move in groups. 60 challenges with 5 levels to keep the body and mind healthy. 6/8/2012 (MSRP: $19.99; Age: 7 and Up)

Peace Train by MAPLE LANDMARK WOODCRAFT CO.

Peace Train by MAPLE LANDMARK WOODCRAFT CO. Our Name Train Peace Train Car Set contains a flower power engine, a dove & love car and a peace sign car on one 9" straight piece of track. Individual cars measure about 3" long by 2" high each and have a non-toxic finish. Each car is printed on both sides. Track is sanded smooth with laser-engraved stripes and is unfinished. All pieces are crafted from locally sourced, sustainably harvested hard maple and are compatible with our and other wooden railway systems. Cars sold individually. Launch date: June 2012. 7/3/2012 (MSRP: $17.00; Age: 3 to 8)

Tsuro of the Seas by CALLIOPE GAMES

Tsuro of the Seas by CALLIOPE GAMES In Tsuro of the Seas players will sail the treacherous waters of the Mystic Seas in an engaging game of adventure and suspense. As the captain of one of the Emperor’s mighty Red Seal ships, players navigate the seas by placing Tsuro wake tiles to direct their vessel. Players must take great caution to avoid opponents’ ships...and those mysteries lurking on the horizon and under the sea. The last captain sailing to survive the mystic seas wins. For 2 to 8 players ages 8 and up; plays in 20-40 minutes. Launch date: August 2012. 6/27/2012 (MSRP: $40.00; Age: 8 and Up)

Chalet Dollhouse With Furniture by PLANTOYS

This dollhouse features two units which can be arranged in various ways. Also includes a huge skylight and one movable staircase. Five rooms of furniture are included. Made of eco-friendly PlanWood and solid rubber wood. 6/27/2012

Digital eReader Light by MARK-MY-TIME LLC

The new Mark-My-Time Digital eReader Light combines the unique features of a back-lit LCD screen, time of day clock, cumulative timer to 100 hours, adjustable LED light, countdown timer with alarm and auto light shut off. This tool makes it simple to monitor daily reading minutes on eReader displays. Easy to use with any hardback or paperback book. Launch date: June 15, 2012. 4/10/2012 (MSRP: $19.95; Age: 7 and Up)

Brilliant Bear Magnetic Stack-Up™ by MANHATTAN TOY

This vibrant, wooden, bear stacker has 5 colorful discs and a playful bear head topped with embedded magnets for easy stacking and is suitable for kids 9 months and up. Stacker is painted with a non-toxic finish, and also features a wobble base for an added element of fun. Launch date: 2012.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval ( Watch Video) 6/26/2012 (Age: 0 and Up)

MOGO Izza Wristlet Purse by MOGO DESIGNS, INC.

MOGO Izza Wristlet Purse by MOGO DESIGNS, INC. The classic wristlet with slip through wristband. Available in 2 colors: Soft Silver and Neon Pink. Each Izza holds up to 4 Charms (Charms sold separately). Perfect for cell phones, ID cards and Cashola! Size: 6.25" x 4". Launch date: September 2012. 7/5/2012 (MSRP: $15.00; Age: 8 and Up)

Rock 'n Table by EDUSHAPE LTD.

Rock Edushape's new Rock 'n Table is an adorable play table for two toddlers, but turn it upside down and it instantly converts to a see saw. Brightly colored and extremely sturdy, it is a toddler’s dream for both indoor & outdoor play. Launch date: August 2012. 7/5/2012 (MSRP: $100.00; Age: 2 to 5)

Tobbles Neo by FAT BRAIN TOY CO.

Tobbles Neo by FAT BRAIN TOY CO. The unique grippable texture of Tobbles Neo awakens touch. See those gentle, playful curves? They truly enliven tactile experiences. Young minds revel in stacking, toppling, and the discovery of endless ingenuity with Tobbles Neo. Six uniquely weighted pieces balance, neatly nest, and incessantly spin beyond your expectations. Includes 6 vibrant, weighted spheres & stacking base. Launch date: July 2012. 5/25/2012 (MSRP: $26.95; Age: 0 and Up)

National Geographic Puzzles by TECHNO SOURCE

These unique National Geographic puzzles are great for puzzle fans who love animals and nature. Puzzles come in four themes: Into the Wild, Natural Wonders, Monumental Marvels, and World Travel. 6/22/2012 (MSRP: $9.99; Age: 10 and Up)

Buzzlewords® The Spelling Bee Game Level 2 - 3rd & 4th grade by THE SPELLING BEE GAME INC.

BUZZLEWORDS® - The Spelling Bee Game is the most fun that children and adults can have while learning spelling, reading and vocabulary. Because the spelling words are taken from actual school word lists, children will master all of the spelling words for his or her grade level just by playing the game. In addition, by reading the words to the speller and by looking up the meanings of words for the speller, children will improve his or her reading and vocabulary skills while having fun, without even realizing it. Includes Game Board, Tri-Colored Die, 6 Bee Playing Pieces, 300 BUZZLEWORD Cards, 50 BUZZLEBEE Cards. 6/22/2012 (MSRP: $14.95; Age: 8 to 10)

The Un-block by AHA! CONCEPTS

The Un-block by AHA! CONCEPTS The Un-block is a system of interlocking blocks and connectors that stimulates both the left and the right sides of the brain simultaneously, improves gross motor skills, and challenges the pathways through which the mind relays information. Made of Ash Wood, kids can build anything they can imagine. "The Un-Block has a system of interlocking blocks and connectors that resist falling apart even when your masterpiece is knocked over, unlike ordinary building blocks that will fall apart if moved the wrong way," Joe Azmani, CEO/President of Aha! Concepts LLC told TDmonthly. Launch number: 2011.
Awards: Creative Child Magazine Top Toy of the Year 2012 ( Watch Video) 6/21/2012 (MSRP: $38.80; Age: 7 and Up)

Basher 1 2 3 by KINGFISHER BOOKS

The numbers 1 to 20 are creatively counted in this companion to the critically acclaimed Basher: ABC Kids. Witty, rhythmic text and Basher’s bold, appealing artwork highlight the gallery of unforgettable characters like two cheeky monkeys playing tennis, three messy piggies baking cakes, and five cool caterpillars blowing bubbles who dance across the pages. But there’s some learning that comes with all this fun—each double-page spread features a number line from 1 to 20, which combines with the language to give children essential tools to learn how to count quickly and with confidence. 6/15/2012 (MSRP: $16.99; Age: 2 to 5)