You've watched the videos. Now you want to learn more. Here's the scoop on some of the newest toys and products from the ABC Kids Expo in Las Vegas last month. Want to know even more? Click on Add to My Inquiry Basket and we'll contact the manufacturer for you.
Videography by Alison Marek. Edited by Alex Sormaz and Alison Marek.
With the Baby Art Kit, one can create an enduring keepsake sculpture of baby’s hand or foot. The Baby Art Kit is very simple to use and takes little time to create a perfect replica of a child’s hand or foot. The product is a wonderful gift for new parents and is 100-percent safe for baby’s skin. “Unlike most other mold kits, the Baby Art Kit allows one to create an affordable 3-D mold of a child’s hand or foot from the comfort of one’s own home,” Brad Breckenridge of Zoom Distribution told TDmonthly. Launch date: November 2007.
Just like the dolls that come in the adorable Peapod basket purses, now plush dogs have a comfy place to sleep and call home. The plaid fabric of each purse opens and folds down, transforming the basket space into a cozy dog bed. Peanut is also available.
Zooni caps are designed to protect little ones while simultaneously demanding quality, comfort and style. Other available styles are Panda Monium, Leo the Lion, Kate’s Moss, Firecracker, Hipster, Blue Grass, Under the Sea and Flower Power. Zooni’s unique designs will make people laugh and smile. “Each hat is handmade with love, quality and care. We are committed to fair trade and donate a portion of our profits to charity. By combining style, fun and functionality, Zooni hats are guaranteed to turn heads,” Co-founder Melissa Jeong of Zooni told TDmonthly. Suggested retail price ranges from $30 to $36. Launch date: March 2007.
Personalized Blanket – Rock ‘n' Roll Girl by LIFE SQUARED
The Personalized Blanket is a canvas that provides everyone the ability to create a custom blanket without the custom price tag. One can express artistic creativity with paints or use a more refined approach with iron-on photographs, monogramming or Life Squared custom art. Art (MSRP: $10) is available by theme, focusing on the most current trends such as rock 'n' roll (shown), cowboy/girl, safari and Parisian Bebe. The luxurious blankets come in pink, blue, yellow and white with a rod pocket for display. “[Individuals] can create their own masterpiece that is beautiful enough to be displayed and treasured for years to come, and is special enough to be handed down through the generations,” Co-founder Lori K. Balfour of Life Squared told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2007.
The interactive, educational bath toy encourages gross motor skills through water play while teaching the principles of action and reaction in a fun way. The colorful bandana hat is used as a scoop to pour water into the head of the Octobuddy. This action triggers visually exciting activity housed in clear, bubble-like chambers in Octobuddy’s four legs: spinning wheels, a whimsical character popping up and a fish feeding. The floating Octobuddy features “innovative design from two of the brightest toy designers out of Israel, assisted by the most critical focus group — their own children,” Jonathan Rimington of Boogaloo PR & Advertising told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2007.
Deglingos - Pikos the Hedgehog by GEARED FOR IMAGINATION
“Deglingos (deh-GLING-goes): common noun. Animalos molto funnios and muy crazios. A distinctive species of contagiously quirky animals, the Deglingos speak their own language, which consists of finishing many words with "os.'" Found living at the best shops in town.” Designed in France, these machine-washable characters stand from 8.5” to 11” tall and meet European (CE) safety standards. “The Deglingos are created from 48 different fabrics, which give them a stunning visual and tactile appeal. Specialty retailers will see repeat purchases on these items because of their collectibility, and they will be sold in no mass-market retailers,” Ryan Hamilton of distributor All New Materials told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 2007.
This handcrafted wooden toy incorporates soft, pastel colors with simple, unsophisticated shapes that are perfect for small hands and bodies. “Pastel Toys are manufactured in the village of Kishorit [in Israel], a non-denominational assisted community for individuals with mental and physical disabilities. Having the opportunity to participate in the production of a Pastel toy helps each resident gain confidence, self-esteem and much-needed occupational skills,” Owner Hila Kostinsky of distributor La-Le Kids’ Imports told TDmonthly. All paints used are lead-free and non-toxic. Launch date: September 2005.
This fun, fuschia sleeping bag has a soft, swirly design and is lined in a funky fabric featuring pirate skulls and hot pink flames. The top of the bag shows off a rhinestone-studded appliqué of a princess pirate skull. The item, which opens up into a throw blanket, is reversible and measures 56” x 70” open and 28” x 70” zipped close. It is ideal for sleepovers, trips to the grandparents’ house, pajama days at school and Saturday morning cartoons. “The stylish and soft furs, along with the accented trims, set these bags apart," according to Owner and Designer Kelly Waterman of Kelly Kouture. Launch date: September 7, 2007.
