Banana Design Lab's (ToyDirectory) heart-shaped plush pillow gradually syncs to the rhythm of its owner’s heart, and a virtually indestructible pet dog from Offi & Company brightens rooms with a soft glow. Other manufacturers told TDmonthly Magazine about NeonCLICK letters, which safely bring sign design from the billboard to tweens’ bedrooms, and a Celltique wardrobe for mobile phones that makes its own fashion statement.
Take a look below to scout out these and other gift ideas:
My Beating Heart by BANANA DESIGN LAB LLC
This soft, huggable heart has a soothing heartbeat you can actually feel. When hugging the heart, the tactile heartbeat reminds you of holding a pet or a loved-one. After a moment, you may begin to sense your own heartbeat slowly syncing with My Beating Heart's carefully designed rhythm. The product is designed to help children and grown-ups to nap, daydream, meditate, and relax. Every heart is hand-made in New York. — “There is a small computer in each Beating Heart that uses artificial intelligence to act just like a real heart, so the heartbeat rhythm subtly and realistically changes over time. …this is one of the most hi-tech plush toys on the market,” CEO Yury Gitman of Banana Design Lab told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 15, 2007.
MyPetLamp features rotationally molded, non-toxic, odorless plastic and uses a low-voltage (12 volt) replaceable bulb that softly lights any space. It comes in Sunset Orange, Soft White, Mellow Yellow, Sky Blue, Misty Green and Hot Pink. — “MyPetLamp is both a nearly indestructible lamp, and a pet at the same time,” Barry Nicholson of Offi & Company told TDmonthly about the product’s uniqueness. Launch date: January 2007.
Celltique Mini-Clothes for Cell Phones by CELLTIQUE INC.
These washable mini-clothes for cell phones can be worn as a necklace. They have a back pocket to carry small items and feature a removable 30” chain with lobster-claw clasps. There are four available styles: jeans, dress, jersey and hospital scrubs. — “Our product is being manufactured by a clothing firm,” Swanee Ballman, director of product development at Celltique, told TDmonthly about the product’s uniqueness. “The person wearing a Celltique can include all essential needs for walking the dog, hanging out with friends, heading to the convenience store, etc. Celltiques are a means of making a fashion statement. Celltiques can also hold eyeglasses,” Launch date: January 2007.
Crabs and lobsters have eyes that see multiple images like a kaleidoscope. With Oggle Goggles kids can explore underwater the same way. Six each of two different styles — Slats and Cones — are available. Blister size - 8” x 10”(20.3cm x 25.4cm). Launch date: March 2007.
Users simply plug strands of lights or lighted items into the six outlets with circuits coordinated to the music. The effect is kaleidoscopic choreography with the music. Each outlet can power up to 1,200 miniature lights for a total capacity of 7,200 lights. The product plays 20 Christmas songs (10 in the "Trans-Siberian" style and 10 in more traditional Christmas sound). Launch Date: Spring 2007.
Users can set this love horn on the dashboard of their car and press the big white heart button to hear one of 10 different classic redneck mating calls and compliments. Launch date: January 2007.
Bubble Countin’ Chompers use new bubble play technology not to blow bubbles, but to eat them. The four assorted Chompers, Baby Bub, Pop, Ed and Melvin, count to 50, say five funny things, giggle and burp as they eat bubbles once their bellies are pressed. Each Chomper comes with a 4-fl. oz. bubble bottle and a bubble wand in a “try me” package.
Hopping Hummer RC Low Rider Car With Hydraulics by TREND TIMES
This Hummer is remote controlled and fast, but also features hydraulic shocks that bounce into action when certain buttons on the remote are pressed. The product is great for on- and off-road action, and can turn into a low rider with dropped suspension. It measures about 15” long, has front headlights that light up, and comes with a fully functional remote that allows it to move forward, in reverse and to the left and right.
S'more Campout Treat Bar Kit by SASSAFRAS ENTERPRISES INC.
The combination of rich chocolate and gooey marshmallow in a graham cracker sandwich evokes the warm memory of cool summer nights spent sitting around a campfire with the family. That same memory can be made in the kitchen with the high-quality S’more Campout Treat Bar Kit, which includes mix, a wooden spoon, three unique baking trays, a baking hat and a rhyming recipe. Launch date: January 2007.
RC Nismo Coppermix Silvia RTR (TT-01) With LED Lights by TAMIYA INC.
This radio-controlled vehicle is equipped with LED lights for ultimate realism and to match the accurate body decals and molding. — “Accurate reproduction of the real-life counterpart and our [commitment to making] the finest products in the world contribute to the most ultimate realism of our products,” Larry Chen, marketing coordinator for Tamiya, told TDmonthly. “The vehicle is pre-built and pre-painted out of the box, and the radio system is included. The only required items are a 7.2V battery and AA batteries for the transmitter.” Launch date: September 2006.
This realistic flying bat flaps its wings to soar and swoop through the sky. The creature of the night flies using a unique power drive winder and internal torsion system that provides satisfying flying time. It includes a cool stand for display. Launch date: Q4 2007.
F-104C Starfighter 1:72 Die-Cast Model by Hobby Master
Replicating “Pussy Cat,” a USAF F-104C flown out of Thailand by 435th Tactical Fighter Squadron commander Lt. Joe Nevers, this 1:72-scale die-cast model features finely engraved panel lines, a detailed cockpit with an optional-position canopy, fuselage-mounted missiles and wingtip fuel tanks, optional-position landing gear that perfectly replicates the F-104's unusual arrangement, an authentic jungle camouflage paint scheme, and more. It measures 9" long and includes a display stand. Launch date: February 2007.
This fun and colorful 14-oz. mug is perfect for any beach girl. On one side, it features the words "Surfer Girl" with a surfboard and a beach scene. On the other, it reads, "If the flip-flop fits, wear it!" Launch date: January 2007.
TBM-1C Avenger 1:72 Die Cast Model by Hobby Master
Replicating the Avenger that President George H.W. Bush flew from the USS San Jacinto in World War II, this amazing 1:72 scale die cast model has it all — engraved panel lines, a detailed cockpit with an optional-position canopy, a dorsal machine gun turret and a rear ventral gun station, a bomb bay with four bombs and opening doors, wing-mounted missiles, optional-position landing gear, authentic VT-51 markings, and more. It has a 9” wingspan and includes a display stand. — The model stands out from the competition because “in one package, you get a product that is fun, a collectible and teaches history,” Sarah Broadwater of Historic Sales told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2007.
This clip-on is 3" tall and says lines from "Shrek the Third." It can be clipped to backpacks, key chains, belt loops, handbags and more. "It not only has audio in Antonio Banderas' actual voice, but it is also his most famous line from 'Shrek the Third,' which was featured on American Idol," President Jay Kamhi of Kamhi World told TDmonthly.Launch date: April 2007.
Show your princess how magnificent she is with her very own hand-painted ceramic plate. She can imagine that she is at a royal dinner party without leaving her house — and maybe this fun plate will even motivate her to eat her veggies. All plates are dishwasher/microwave safe and come in a sturdy cardboard package. The Pebeo Porcelaine Pen can be purchased for an extra $5 to personalize this plate with your Princess’s name.
Each Simpsons pen says five funny Simpsons lines in the character’s own voice. — “The big screen movie hits theatres July 2007, and fans have been waiting 17 years for it!” President Jay Kamhi of Kamhi World told TDmonthly. Kamhi said that selecting a license involves looking at movie previews, measuring the popularity of a sequel, and determining “if your target market is into that kind of thing.”
Mr. Potato Head Sports Spuds – Boston Red Sox Package by PROMOTIONAL PARTNERS WORLDWIDE
Six-inch tall Mr. Potato Head toys wearing authentic team jerseys are available representing MLB, NBA and NHL teams. Collegiate versions are coming soon. — “The co-licensed aspect of our toy makes it unique. Fans of Mr. Potato Head and sports will rush out to find their favorite team,” Dean Gorby of Promotional Partners Worldwide told TDmonthly. “Our ‘toy’ has great play value, but also appeals to collectors of sports memorabilia.”
The Peterbilt 385 Wrecker, built to 1:64 scale, is the company’s fourth limited edition “black with flames” vehicle. Only 252 will be made. Each model features rubber-like tires, a serial number printed on the chassis, and boom that moves. The truck is packaged in a window box container.
Writer's Bio: Julie L. Jones has written articles for both newspapers and magazines. Before joining the staff of TDmonthly Magazine, she worked as a communications writer and provided editorial support for a market research company. Read more articles by this author
Writer's Bio: Julie L. Jones has written articles for both newspapers and magazines. Before joining the staff of TDmonthly Magazine, she worked as a communications writer and provided editorial support for a market research company. Read more articles by this author
