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* 
With the structure for the selection of the The
Toy Man® Product Guide - "Best
of 2009" being such that it is a "group"
choice, each evaluator has their own unique perspective on
positive point on products. The "editor's
favorite™", ef™ notation
provides me, as the chief editor of The
Toy Man® Product Guide™, an opportunity to provide recognition of
the products that are my own personal favorites.
My judgment is based primarily yet not entirely upon the following factors: |
- Functionality
- Educational Value
- Contribution to Skill Development
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- Marketability
- Visual Appeal
- FunFactor™ (If applicable)
|
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The products that have received the "ef™" notation
are products which I feel are an invaluable investment and/or
provide a substantial contribution to positive skill
growth and productivity.
Most important of all to me are the products which contribute
to education. Education is the foundation of success and
has a long term impact in the lives of everyone.
|
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| PRESS RELEASE: [
25 December, 2009 ] - The
Toy Man® Product Guide Announces The “Best of 2009” Top
Fifty Products |
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| Apparel |
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Balboa
Baby® "Dr. Sears" Adjustable Sling
Induction Certificate Number: 74020091004-367
The Adjustable Sling by Balboa Baby® is so soft and comfortable
that “slinging” your baby will feel totally natural for
both of you. Designed to grow as your baby does, the Balboa Sling offers
parents hands free...
Participating in our eco-Recognition™ Project to
encourage greenBusiness™ |
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Frog
Kiss Designs - Handcrafted Hooded Towels
Induction Certificate Number: 74020081006-282
"Towels with personality for kids with character". They
are all 100% thick & thirsty cotton. They are generous in size
(approx. 30"x54")-so there is lots of room to grow. They
are great for bath time, swim time and play time.
Participating in our eco-Recognition™ Project to
encourage greenBusiness™ |
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Balboa
Baby Nursing Cover
Induction Certificate Number: 74020081006-282
The innovative Balboa Baby® Nursing Cover allows you to feel comfortable
and confident nursing your baby anywhere. The Nursing Cover is contoured
to fit around you and your baby – keeping the fabric securely
in place so you can nurse at ease.
Participating in our eco-Recognition™ Project to
encourage greenBusiness™ |
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Books,
CD's & DVD's |
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WebSite
- http://www.mathtutordvd.com
Induction Certificate Number: 74020091026-372
MathTutorDVD.com has created the Young Minds series of DVD's to introduce
young children to the joys of learning Math at a young age. This DVD
in Numbers and Counting teaches young children to count from 1 to 10
by way of engaging classical music, photographs, and video. |
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My
Cow Moo Cowbination Pack
Induction Certificate Number: 74020090824-354
Moo is a blue-and-white cow born to a black-and-white pasture in CowTown,
USA. Rather than look at that as a deficit, Moo realizes that there
must be more to life than eating grass. So she leaves in search of
fun, friendship and really good food. Because it is around food that
we all come together as a cowmunity!
Participating in our eco-Recognition™ Project to
encourage greenBusiness™ |
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Meet
the Feeling Friends Audio CD
Induction Certificate Number: 74020090615-326
A difficult task for parents just got a lot easier. That's because
a new compilation audio CD, "Meet the Feeling Friends",
helps children understand what feelings are and how to best communicate
their feelings to others. The audio CD encourages children to explore
and express their feelings by identifying with 12 diverse Feeling Friends
characters. |
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Meet
the Feeling Friends
Induction Certificate Number: 74020090615-327
Meet the Feeling Friends is the first of thirteen books in the Feeling
Friends series. Designed for pre-K to beginning-readers, the book transports
children to Feeling Free Island, a magical place where children are
free to express their feelings in a world as vibrant as their own imaginations. |
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The
Eyes Have It With artsee smartsee
Induction Certificate Number: 74020090810-350
This may seem like a wannabe comedy comment, but the facts say it
all. The eyes have it with artsee smartsee and its cavalcade of sound,
classical music, geometric shapes and basic colors all combined into
one incredible experience! |
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Little
PIM Foreign Language and Fun
Induction Certificate Number: 74020090323-316
Little Pim is a foreign language immersion DVD series for babies,
toddlers and preschoolers. Each program is available individually or
in a discounted three-disc set in Spanish, French, Chinese, English
(ESL), Japanese, Hebrew, and Italian. |
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The
Two Tuba Switch
Induction Certificate Number: 74020081201-153
“The Two-Tuba Switch” is an educational product that includes
a story picture book and a set of toys. A delightful tale, with illustrations
brilliantly drawn to engage and entertain the child, the story deals
with shyness and self-acceptance. |
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WebSite - http://www.preschoolprepco.com
Induction Certificate Number: 74020091214-385
Many words don't follow basic decoding rules and are taught in pre-k
and kindergarten classrooms as "sight words", "instant
words", "high frequency words" or "star words." A
new reader finds sight words very frustrating until they are memorized.
A good reader will be able to instantly recognize "sight words" without
having to 'figure them out'. Now children can master "sight words" with
the same rapid speed that they learned letters, numbers, shapes and
colors. |
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WebSite
- http://www.rocknlearn.com
Induction Certificate Number: 74020091221-377
Explore the systems of the human body—skeletal, nervous, muscular, circulatory,
urinary, respiratory, and digestive systems. Also learn about the five senses
and view the bonus segment on healthy nutrition, exercise, and MyPyramid. Meets
National Science Education Standards.. |
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Itza
Bitza
Induction Certificate Number: 74020090817-349
ItzaBitza is a mouse and monitor PC drawing game for early readers.
Childrens' drawings are incorporated into the video game story line.
Through real time participation, children are challenged with creative
thinking, problem solving and reading comprehension.
Participating in our eco-Recognition™ Project to
encourage greenBusiness™ |
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Consumer
Electronics
& Accessories |
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Picture
Keeper 8GB Thumb Drive
Induction Certificate Number: 74020090928-366
Anyone with a computer and digital camera today is all too familiar
with the joy of "trying" to keep digital images in sort of
order and classification, yet more often than not, their efforts prove
futile. Picture Keeper solves that problem and best of all, it is easy
to use, affordable, and convenient. |
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WebSite - http://www.blendtec.com
Induction Certificate Number: 74020091221-378
Total Blender is the all-in-one appliance that makes
the ultimate smoothies, fresh juice, ice cream, milkshakes, cappuccinos,
margaritas, soups, sauces, bread dough, dressings, salsas and more!. Total
Blender automatically speeds up and slows down, then shuts off when
the cycle is complete. It has so much power (1500 Watts) that it turns
ice to snow and comes with an Ice-Crushing Guarantee! |
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Games |
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WebSite
- http://www.bellasara.com
Induction Certificate Number: 74020081020-284
Bella Sara is a unique combination of collectable horse-themed trading
cards and a magical online world for kids at BellaSara.
Each Bella Sara trading card features a fairytale-like illustration
of a horse along with a positive message such as "Beauty
comes from within..." They are designed to stimulate pro-social
dialogue among kids, and between kids, their parents and educators. |
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The
Merbs - The Spoils of Civilization
Induction Certificate Number: 74020090720-330
The Spoils of Civilization is a motivational tool used to increase
the interest in school work. The game uses a storyline of characters
called MERBS which is an acronym for Mathematically Educated Randomized Buyers.
The game is played by having students earn money for tasks (homework,
class work, test, quizzes) and then investing that money in a stock
market that is used to build an economy in the game. |
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WebSite
- http://www.chess3.net
Induction Certificate Number: 74020091214-380
Chess is already a game which has been a classic game for generations;
a game which stimulates the mind and influences strategic developmental
skills. Chess3 takes this game of strategy and focus, magically infuses
fun into the game Play and transforms the normal 2 player Chess challenge.
It transforms it into an even greater level of challenge as a 3 player
Chess game...Chess 3™. |
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WebSite
- http://www.activemindsonline.com
Induction Certificate Number: 74020080614-243
Comet, The Fast Path to Learning, is an engaging way to learn and
spell. The foundation of the game is built using dictionary meanings,
world facts and legends; the best in knowledge about science, geography,
and history. Comet, The Fast Path to Learning is
a fun and stimulating game which turns learning into a fun adventure. |
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Wackelkuh
- Wiggling Cow Board Game
Induction Certificate Number: 74020091026-370
Elsa the wiggling cow loves to eat fresh grass. In this
game the question which comes into play is how much grass can you pull
from under Elsa before she tips over? It looks a lot easier than you
might think. It is definitely a curious game of skill and technique.
Participating in our eco-Recognition™ Project to
encourage greenBusiness™ |
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Portrayal
- A BrainCog Creation
Induction Certificate Number: 74020090810-351
In each hilarious round of Portrayal, one player (the
Portrayer) describes a unique and utterly bizarre image while the other
players (the Artists) attempt to draw the image based solely on the
Portrayer's description. Once time is up, Artists trade drawings and
the ten hidden criteria for the image are uncovered. It's up to each
Artist to decide whether the drawing he or she is judging meets the
criteria and receives points. |
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Blunders
Induction Certificate Number: 74020091214-378
Blunders® is a board game which teaches children
between ages 5 to 10 about social and dining etiquette. In other words,
how not to be an obnoxious, disrespectful, pain in the rump, in what
may very well be the most unique, interactive, and entertaining way
ever imagined... |
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Jishaku
Induction Certificate Number: 74020081020-286
Jishaku™ is a patent-pending, portable strategy
game like chess or checkers that can be played anywhere – the
kitchen or the beach. But unlike chess, there is an element of surprise
when the magnets jump out of position, without warning. There is no
predicting what will happen from one moment to the next when playing
Jishaku. |
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Pink
Panther Animal Rescue!
Induction Certificate Number: 74020090209-310
A non-profit volunteer organization is working on saving
endangered animals. The Pink Panther is recruited to help the organization.
This product offers kids fulfilling games that encourage thinking and
important learning skills including developing general knowledge, memory
and problem solving skills. |
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Smash
or Trash
Induction Certificate Number: 74020090615-328
Smash or Trash is the game where players make up hysterical
new lyrics to popular hit music! You can guarantee the dust will be
shaken off some brain cells with this game! Smash or Trash is an excellent
source for creating social interaction and tapping into your creative
skills that you may not even realize you have! |
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DreamBox
Learning K-2 Math
Induction Certificate Number: 74020090804-337
DreamBox Learning K-2 Math is the next generation of
online learning - it provides an in-depth math curriculum and completely
individualized learning in an engaging and effective game experience.
It's serious learning. |
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Home Furnishings |
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WebSite
- http://www.littlecolorado.com
Induction Certificate Number: 74020091221-311
All solid pine wood construction and manufactured in full compliance
with CPSIA regulations, this Treasure Chest is a beautifully made classic. Made
in America with FSC certified materials by Little Colorado, Inc.,a
green manufacturer, that has been known for its's quality craftsmanship
since 1987.
Participating in our eco-Recognition™ Project to
encourage greenBusiness™ |
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Juvenile Products |
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WebSite
- http://www.haba.com
Induction Certificate Number: 74020091214-384
Luscious looking ice cream treats. Bright colors
with enticing design. Fun to play house or store with! These
are the "must
have" item for any infant or toddler which will stimulate a variety
of senses and encourage a greater level of skill development.
Participating in our eco-Recognition™ Project to
encourage greenBusiness™ |
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WebSite
- http://www.roundhousedc.com
Induction Certificate Number: 74020091214-377
Oh Plah!™, (French for “Here you go),
teething bracelets are free of paints, lead, latex, PVC, BPA and phthalates
and are made
in the USA. In addition, Roundhouse Design practices a
closed loop cycle with its Full Circle Recycling program: When
it's time, Roundhouse will even pay to have your Oh Plah!™ shipped
back to have it recycled into new products.
Participating in our eco-Recognition™ Project to
encourage greenBusiness™ |
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Roces
IDEA 6-in-1 Adjustable Children's Ski Boot
Induction Certificate Number: 74020090105-307
The IDEA 6-in-1 Kids Adjustable Ski Boot is changing
the way parents buy and rent ski equipment with technology never seen
before in the ski industry. The boots are exceptional due to their
ability to grow with children and accommodate their unique and changing
needs. |
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Teach
My Toddler
Induction Certificate Number: 74020090224-311
Teach My Toddler is the award-winning all-in-one learning
system for toddlers. The toddler tote has 17 teaching tools to help
toddlers master the basics; alphabet, numbers, shapes and colors. Each
section is fully-coordinated with a total of 5 puzzles, 4 board books,
4 posters and 4 sets of flashcards, all in one handy carrying case. |
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TeeJuice
- Fabric Markers
Induction Certificate Number: 74020090921-362
Any piece of fabric, from a T-shirt to a lampshade, can
be transformed into a piece of art with TeeJuice Fabric Markers by
Jacquard Products. TeeJuice Fabric Markers take felt tip markers to
an entirely new level of functionality and value! |
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Coddlelife
Laboratory Grade Glass Bottle
Induction Certificate Number: 74020090921-359
The Coddlelife Laboratory Grade Glass Bottle is the ultimate
glass baby bottle. It is composed of the same kind of glass used in
laboratories due to its superior strength, durability and ability to
resist thermal shock, making it extra safe for your little one. It
is also much lighter than traditional glass that is used for baby bottles. |
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Coddlelife
PP Bottle with Peristaltic Nipple
Induction Certificate Number: 74020090921-358
The Coddlelife PP Bottle with Peristaltic Nipple is the
ultimate Polypropylene (PP) Bottle, baby bottle. It is composed of
the plastic compounds needed to ensure a lightweight bottle yet still
maintaining the assurance of safety with no leeching into the contents
of the bottle. With superior durability and ability to be convenient
yet still deliver the functionality you need so greatly with a newborn,
it makes it extra safe for your little one. |
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First
Toddle®
Induction Certificate Number: 74020090824-352
First Toddle®, the 5-in-1 Infant/Toddler Play, Entertainment
and Development System, initially emphasizes standing and walking skills.
In addition, it can be easily reconfigured to provide a variety of
fun and challenging play areas for children up to 3 years of age and
beyond.
Participating in our eco-Recognition™ Project to
encourage greenBusiness™ |
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HABA
Baguette-Sub Sandwich
Induction Certificate Number: 74020090921-362
Wow! It's a hoagie, grinder or...no, it's HABA's Baguette-Sub
Sandwich that is sure to fill the imaginative appetite of a child with
fun! Hmmm...A Baguette roll with cheese, salami, onions, lettuce and
tomatoes all included. Remember now, you can't be trying to eat your
child's toy! |
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Skuut
Wooden Balance Bike
Induction Certificate Number: 74020090825-266
The Skuut is a wooden bike for children ages 2 - 5. It
has no pedals and no training wheels. Children kick off the ground
as if running, thus pushing or "skuut-ing" themselves and
the bike forward. The Skuut is perfect for learning balance, steering,
coordination and independence. Having mastered balance on the Skuut,
the transition to a traditional two-wheeler bike is easy. |
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WebSite
- http://www.summermuff.com
Induction Certificate Number: 74020091228-358
SummerMuff is used in strollers and other carriers, when it is warm
and sunny to keep baby cool, comfortable and happy while also protecting
them using the highest UV protection available in fabrics today. It
is the only product in the market that offers all these features.
Participating in our eco-Recognition™ Project to
encourage greenBusiness™ |
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Sprout
Shell Chic Infant Carrier Covers
Induction Certificate Number: 74020100113-388
Parents save time, money and space with Sprout Shell's
multi-use product. It goes over the carrier to create a tent-like enclosure
for the infant. The hole in the top allows for a secure grip on the
handle, a view of baby inside, and allows air into the baby. The all-around
elastic keeps the cover securely in place. It protects babies from
the sun, wind, rain and nosy strangers, plus creates a cozy nap-time
environment. |
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Toys & Specialty |
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WebSite
- http://www.marshfunco.com
[ Currently under evaluation for induction ]
The Marshmallow Fun Company is proving that you can have fun with
your food, especially when you can shoot marshmallows up to forty feet
at unsuspecting targets. The company’s fun products are putting
new meaning to the concept of "fast food." The
award-winning marshmallow shooters have been seen on Hannah Montana,
Rachael Ray, Good Morning America, The Jay Leno Show, and The Ellen
DeGeneres Show. |
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WebSite
- http://www.citiblocs.com
Induction Certificate Number: 74020090817-353
CitiBlocs raise the bar when it comes to quality and greenBusiness™.
They are precision cut blocks of wood which are 100% ChildSafe™,
green, crafted from renewable pine forests in Vietnam and provide an
outstanding skill development medium. From pre-school to elementary
school and even architecture professionals, CitiBlocs are an ideal
educational toy, which is so simple in design yet is limited only by
the imagination.
Participating in our eco-Recognition™ Project to
encourage greenBusiness™ |
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WebSite
- http://www.whiplashscooter.com
Induction Certificate Number: 74020091214-379
The Scooter With a Twist - The Whiplash™ is
a self-propelling, revolutionary new ride. It is part scooter, part
Wave board (caster board) and totally fun. The Whiplash Scooter’s
flexing deck and handlebar fuse together to provide riders with a cool,
side to side, whip-like ride. Riders can self-propel the scooter
so that their feet never touch the ground or ride it like a traditional
scooter. |
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WebSite
- http://www.patchproducts.com
Induction Certificate Number: 74020091214-387
The 112-piece PirateShip™ kit includes a Scavenger List of recyclable
items that kids must collect to build the ship that really floats.
Items kids search for include paperclips, plastic water bottles, Popsicle® sticks,
plastic grocery bags, cups, rubber bands and Scotch® tape. Other
kits in the Scavenger Series include LandSailer™, ÜberFO™, ÜberDragster™ and
OutRigger™ |
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WebSite
- http://www.patchproducts.com
Induction Certificate Number: 74020091214-386
This kit is part of the Animal Kingdom Series. The Uberbird kit also
teaches youngsters about the workings of movable joints, and when it's
appropriate to engineer a creation with movable, as opposed to non-movable,
connections. Kids can build a host of other models with these kits
as well, including a MiniPult that launches small objects. As a bonus,
the kits contain a one-hour simple-machines lesson plan. |
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All
Star Buddies
Induction Certificate Number: 74020090224-312
These guys are a unique group of sports themed plush
characters with a companion website. That web site is a virtual, sports-themed
playground that uses fun and clean humor to teach kids important, real-life
values and lessons via online games, fantasy play, and virtual group
activities. |
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Norman
The Phartephant
Induction Certificate Number: 74020090608-322
Norman PhartEphant™ is an African elephant that
was adopted by a US zoo. He is VERY special and is quite a gas when
it comes to fun. Best of all, he is soft, cuddly, and is over the top
in HugFactor™. There is no question about it, Norman is a one
of a kind elephant, err, I mean PhartEphant™. |
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Cory
Caterpillar
Induction Certificate Number: 74020090810-334
Cory the Caterpillar and his little tinkling bell waddle
along with his pull string to help stimulate toddlers to crawl and
walk. Cory also brings his pulling string, kaleidoscope, and mirror
foil print. He's really prepared to capture the attention of a toddler! |
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Amazing
Baby Pop-Up Activity Ball
Induction Certificate Number: 74020090928-363
Based on the Amazing Baby book series, this 6-inch sphere
is so enchanting. Baby can see himself or herself in the reflective
mirror while giggling with the pullout peek-a-boo bear, tugging on
the ribbon tags and discovering a chime, a crinkle, flaps and rings. |
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BuckleyBoo
Plush Animals - BuckleyDog
Induction Certificate Number: 74020090928-363
BuckleyBoo is a growing collection of plush toys co-created
by a child psychologist and grandma! The BuckleyBoos are huggable,
lovable developmental toys based on multi-stage learning. |
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Adorable
Kinders Rag Doll - Mari
Induction Certificate Number: 74020090914-365
GRANZA Inc., the creators of these innovative rag dolls
with serious personality, are committed to providing quality and safe
rag dolls that are made in the USA. The Adorable Kinders® rag dolls
are very high quality 18” soft-dolls built to last yet maintain
the quality for show. |
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Stackers
Noah's Ark
Induction Certificate Number: 74020090824-355
Children familiar with the story of Noah's Ark can name
many of the animals that endured 40 days and 40 nights of flooding.
There are giraffes, lions, elephants, monkeys and bears. But what youngster
would shout out, kangaroo? Aussie kids, that's who! The Australian
makers of a new line of toys known as Stackers... |