Here are some of our editor’s choices for the most exciting spring and summer gifts for every occasion.

(Compiled by Lee Danuff, Susan Davis, Richard Macias and Richard M. Sherwin)

 

SwiMP3 waterproof mp3 player

TheSwiMP3 is a waterproof mp3 player created with a unique innovative sound transfer technology that offers exceptional underwater sound clarity. It utilizes bone-conduction technology to transmit high-fidelity sound underneath the water, unlike standard players that rely on the transmission of sound through air or water which causes the swimmer to perceive only muffled noise. Because the SwiMP3 uses bone conduction, the sound vibrations are able to be directly transferred from the cheek bone to the inner ear, giving the swimmer the ultimate sensory experience. www.finisinc.com

 

A Virtual 44-Inch Screen

The iWear AV230 XL+ is a wearable display that transforms your small portable video player screen into a personal home theater with a virtual 44-inch screen as viewed from nine feet. Dual displays provide crisp images and vivid colors through optics aligned to military specifications. Worn like regular glasses, the AV230 XL+ includes separate focus adjustments for each eye and removable high-quality stereo earphones. A single removable AA battery affords up to 7 hours of viewing enjoyment. Now with 3D video support! The device is compatible with all popular formats of 3D stereoscopic video including side-by-side and anaglyph. www.vuzix.com

 

Inspiron Mini 10v

Dell’s continued commitment of end-to-end personalization grows with the release of the Inspiron Mini 10v, a lower-cost configuration of its Mini 10 sibling. With its compact and lightweight design, the Mini 10v netbook is the perfect Internet companion to help keep kids, teens, bloggers and travelers connected from just about any location at any time, whether on the couch or on the road.

Inspiron 15 laptop

Dell’s popular Inspiron 15 laptop neatly bundles stylish design, performance and value. The popular laptop has been updated with more personalization possibilities - six color options including Jet Black, Alpine White, Ice Blue, Pacific Blue, Cherry Red and Promise Pink. and features such as large HD 16:9 displays, optional large hard drives and DVD Burners, and can be customized with the technology they want like optional powerful discrete graphics, multi core processors, and fast wireless networking.

Inspiron slim and mini-tower desktops


Dell’s new Inspiron desktop, lets people express themselves with options like eight colors, size (slim or mini-tower) and configuration. Colors include: Piano Black, Pure White, Plum Purple, True Blue, Formula Red, Tangerine Orange, Promise Pink and Spring Green. Ideal for common tasks including e-mail, Internet, blogging, entertainment (movies, music and casual gaming) and productivity just in time for back-to-school.

 

Adamo by Dell

Style-minded people looking for precision craftsmanship and design can add Adamo to their list of must-have items. It’s the world’s thinnest, light weight laptop measuring only .65 inches. Made of  machined-aluminum chassis, it features a 13.4-inch 16:9 HD display with edge-to-edge glass for an integrated 1.3 megapixel web camera. Advanced lithium polymer technology invites you to enjoy more than 5 hours of battery life on a full charge.  Wireless N, Bluetooth, one RJ-45 port and optional mobile broadband2 help keep you in touch wherever you go.  And a blazing-fast Intel®  Core 2 Duo®  processor with Centrino®  technology works in concert with DDR3 memory to deliver outstanding performance. www.dell.com

 

PUR Water Filter Pitcher

They say that PUR pitchers filters can remove more than 96 percent of a variety of pharmaceuticals – including antibiotics, mood stabilizers and sex hormones –that have been identified in the drinking water supplies of at least 46 million people in the United States. The new pitchers can also add fruit flavor with the touch of a button. www.purwater.com

 

Zune Video on Xbox

Zune video on Xbox LIVE will feature instant on, smooth streaming content in 1080p HD with 5.1 surround sound. This technology was developed within the Zune team and provides a great experience for accessing on demand video. Video startup is as close to instantaneous as possible by seamlessly transitioning between many different bitrates and resolutions of video. Video playback will start at a low bit rate for fast download time and then ramp up to a higher bitrate and quality which enables delivery of up to 1080p with 5.1 surround sound. Xbox LIVE party mode let you watch movies with your friends even when you’re sitting in different locations
Enhanced search functions within Zune video on Xbox LIVE let you find your favorite film at the touch of a button. www.microsoft.com

 

 

SquidBrite™ Worklight

Brighten up the day with the Stanley® SquidBright Worklight – the ultimate in directional lighting for the shop, garage or great outdoors. Flashlights are difficult to position to shine light exactly where needed. The Stanley SquidBrite solves this problem with its pivoting light and flexible rubber grip stand that wraps around objects or sits securely on uneven surfaces.
Magnetic backing holds tight to metal surfaces. The light also detaches from the base to fit into tight spots. The Stanley SquidBrite emits bright-white light from 20 ultra bright LEDs for maximum brightness. No need to purchase batteries. A rechargeable battery is built inside. It offers up to six hours of cordless lighting. Near an electrical outlet? Power the Stanley SquidBrite through its charging cord for continuous lighting. www.stanleytools.com

 

 

 

 

iPanda iPod Speaker System

Awww isn’t it cute? The new iPanda iPod speaker system packs a real punch with 25 Watts of 2.1-channel sound. It includes patented Touch technology that lets you change the volume by touching the panda's "ears." Five speakers provide maximum sound separation and distribution. A 15-Watt Subwoofer and Bass Reflex Technology ensure solid bass tones, and a 3.5-mm auxiliary input jack is perfect for connecting iPod shuffles, TVs, gaming consoles, or other music sources. www.Speakal.com

 

D-Link PowerLine Adapter Kit

The next-generation D-Link PowerLine adapter kit (the DHP-303) is an ideal solution for connecting computers, high-definition media players, game consoles, network attached storage and Internet content throughout the home. It allows users to take advantage of existing home electrical wiring to create or extend a network. The kit includes two PowerLine wall plugs/ adapters to turn every power outlet in the home into a wall-to-wall network when connected to a switch or wireless access point. It has fast transmission speeds, easy installation, simplified management, push-button security and affordability. www.D-link.com

 

Clickfree™ Traveler and DVD Transformer

    

Roughly the size of a credit card. Recover all of your files from a lost or stolen laptop in minutes rather than days. No manuals to read, no software to install or setup. Automatically find, organize and backup all of your data onto the Clickfree™ Traveler. Works right out-of-the-box. Just plug it in using the integrated USB cable and the backup just starts. Perfect for the business traveler. It comes in 32 and 64 gig models  and are priced at $79 and $149.  Clickfree also makes a terrific DVD transformer that automatically burn CDs and DVDs.  No manuals to read, no software to setup.  Just plug the DVD Transformer into your computer and the Clickfree™ software will automatically start and search for all of your important content.  Then just insert blank CDs or DVDs into your burner and Clickfree™ will do the rest. www.clickfree.com

 

Dr. Fresh Fire Fly Series Children's Toothbrushes

 

Kid's Fire Fly timer toothbrushes light up or sing up for 60 seconds, the recommended time to clean, so kids comply and have fun with brushing for the correct amount of time.  www.drfresh.com
.

Passport 9500ix Radar Detector

Billed as the only radar and laser detector that uses the power of the internet and artificial intelligence to keep you up to date and ticket free, the Passport 9500ix starts with ESCORT's test-winning performance, then adds "AutoLearn" which utilizes patented GPS technology to identify and eliminate false alerts automatically. It also includes red-light and fixed position speed cameras, by programming thousands of these locations into to its memory. As you approach these high-risk locations, the PASSPORT 9500ix alerts you in advance, keeping you up to date and ticket-free. To stay updated, simply connect it to your computer and download the most recent updates from our website. www.escortradarcom

iRobot Roomba® 570 Vacuum Cleaning Robot

The Roomba 570 features innovations in vacuum performance including room navigation, edge and corner cleaning, advanced anti-tangle technology and transitioning from carpets to hard floors. It covers 4 rooms on a single battery charge, so you can relax and read a book while it does the cleaning. www.irobot.com

 

Jabra HALO Headset

 

The Jabra Halo bluetooth headset comes with 8-hours of talk time and a 13 day standby time. It’s slim, it’s light and it’s touch sensitive controls make it easy to adjust the volume. The Jabra Bluetooth headsets also come with Noise Blackout dual-mic technology. www.jabra.com

 

Moen Nurture Chrome Three-Function Eco-Performance Showerhead

Moen’s new water efficient showerheads provide a superior shower experience with full body, high performance coverage, all with flow optimized sprays that use up to 30 percent less water.  Nurture’s 3 setting fixed and handheld showerheads also offer easy installation and distinct settings that suit any mood. www.Moen.com

 

Motorola Evoke QA4

With a full touch-screen, integrated widgets and real Web browsing, this intuitive phone keeps you plugged in to your world, on your terms. It also includes great features like a 2MP camera/camcorder, MP3 player/microSD slot, virtual QWERTY keyboard, video streaming and a slide out numeric keypad. www.motorola.com

 

Livio Pandora Internet Radio

. The Livio Radio is dedicated to the popular streaming Internet music service Pandora, and lets you interact via a unique ‘thumbs up-thumbs down’ button set for rating the actual track on both front panel and remote. Tune into more than 10,000 radio stations or just plug your iPod into the input on the back. www.Livioradio.com

 

Weather Direct WA-1140U Talking Wireless Weather Station

www.lacrosstechnology.com

 

TomTom GO 740 LIVE GPS Navigation

It will get you where you want to go in style with a 4.3" Touch Screen Display, Bluetooth, MicroSD Card Slot, 2GB Internal Flash, US/Canada Maps Included. TomTom GO LIVE guides you door to door with turn-by-turn spoken instructions, including street names. It comes with three months free access ($9.95 fee per month after)  to LIVE Services such as Traffic, Fuel Prices, Local Search powered by Google, Weather and Buddies and “quick fix” to find a satellite quicker.  www.tomtom.com

 

TomTom XL 340-S GPS

OK, so this GPS doesn’t have real time weather and traffic and gas prices like the more expensive one above. But instead of simply saying turn left, it says turn left on Main Street (the S in the model number means Street).  Yet this Tom Tom might bne one of the best GPS units around. It has a 4.3" Touch Screen Display, Text-To-Speech, LCD, Lane Guidance, Speed Alerts, North American Maps. www.tomtom.com
At Toy Fairs and video game previews in NYC, Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco, New Game World chose the best toys, games, video games and educational products for the coming season. It wasn’t just Mattel and Hasbro, the world leaders in the industry, which made our top 25 list. so here’s a rundown of our favorite products from small and big companies.

(Compiled by Lee Danuff, Richard Sherwin, Richard Macias and Susan Davis)

 

New Online Dora the Explorer

Mattel and Nickelodeon introduced a new Dora for girls five years and up that empowers girls to influence and change the lives of Dora and her new friends.  It’s innovative, diverse, wholesome, bi-lingual and entertaining. A tweenage Dora has moved to the big city, attends middle school and has a whole new fashionable look.  What’s more, she now has a rich online world in which girls can explore, play games, customize, and most importantly solve mysteries with Dora and her new friends.  Adding to the play value, Dora’s online world is interactive with the new doll line. 

 

Fisher-Price® Highlights

 

Smart Fit ParkTM is a plug & play learning mat that encourages children to stay physically active while they learn.  Just plug the mat into the TV and kids can walk, run, jump and stomp while they play up to 18 different learning encounters, games and races that teach letters, numbers, shapes, colors and more.  Children can customize their on-screen characters and interact with their learning friend. 

 

3-in-1 Smart SportsTM  is a plug & play learning system that connects directly to the TV.  It includes a preschool-styled game controller and 3 great attachments – a baseball bat, tennis racket and golf and a base unit that plugs into the TV and creates a “play-safe” area so kids know where to stand when they are playing.  There are 3 games for each sport, a total of 9 learning games – teaching numbers, letters, colors, shapes, matching, math and more.  

Smart Cycle ExtremeTM.  Plug the stationary bike into your TV and start pedaling and steering to play fun learning games.  Customize the “on-screen” vehicle with new Extreme vehicle choices and designs.  Smart Cycle Extreme comes with one software title - Learning Adventure Extreme - with three ways to play and learn: Driving, Learning Arcade Games and The Big Race.  Drive on a whole new road with construction zones, oil slicks and gravel paths – hit an obstacle and feel the rumble in the handle bars.

 
Splatter BrushTM: Splatter Brush is an interactive plug & play system with a base and a wireless brush, which controls action on the TV.  There are 3 ways to play.  First, there are 8 themed worlds, each with unique paint brushes, stampers and special effects.  Paint with spaghetti, draw with whipped cream or splat an animated bat.   Second, create fun colorful works of art with the virtual spin art feature.   Finally, the splat arcade with three fun games will keep kids coming back for more.  

 

Color Me GemzTM Flowerz is a fresh new way for girls to create blingy flowers with a bit of pizzazz.  Girls simply color in the jeweled, Gemz centers, assemble the foam and patterned flower pieces, then decorate with glitter glue and other adhesive-backed jewels. 

 

TrioTM is a unique building system with bricks, sticks and panels which easily snap together, allowing young children to get to the play fast and build big quick.  It also features fun images on the panels that bring the sets to life and helps stimulate imagination even further.

• TrioTM Basic Tub Set features bright colors and includes custom parts such as figures, wheels and chassis and durable tub for convenient storage.

 

• TrioTM Fire Station features moving parts like the opening door, fire bell, fire pole and a figure enable kids to have creative, open ended play.

• TrioTM King’s Castle features working draw bridge, break-away panel, catapult/battering ram, cross-bow, fire-ball dump, cannon, 6 figures and a horse.

 

Songs 'n Smiles SillytownTM: Baby will love the fun surprises, motorized action and peek-a-boo faces in this exciting town, which features over 16 songs and sounds. A smiling face pops up to say hello with every stack to reward baby.  Baby can bat at the roller on the bridge and be rewarded with a motorized peek-a-boo motion, music and lights.  Baby can easily stack blocks on top of the knock-down tower and press down on the lever to watch the blocks tumble down to music and lights. 

 

My Toon TV: Kids can turn themselves into a cartoon character and then perform on TV with their own funny personalized character! First, use the built in camera to take a picture of you or your friends and choose from 1 of 11 funny characters to make your own character.  Then see your personalized character dance on screen with you while music plays.

Laugh & LearnTM Learning Farm: Baby can crawl through the barn door to start the fun on the farm---feed the friendly cow, flip the light switch on and off and meet all of the farm friends!  Features 30+ songs and tunes in 3 modes: In Learning Mode, baby learns early academics through each activity.  In Music Mode, the activities play sung songs and music and encourage baby to play along.  In Imagination Mode, baby can experience learning through fun role play and realistic sound effects. 

Little SuperstarTM Jammin' BandTM Musical Microphone: Future rock stars can jam with a real working microphone and 2 modes of play, including Sing-Along Musical Discoveries.  Ten songs (6 sung), musical riffs, fun phrases, scats and sound effects add to the fun.  The light-up microphone noticeably amplifies baby's voice and rewards vocalization with encouraging phrases and cheers. Baby can press the light up piano keys, guitar and drum on the microphone stand to get fun musical riffs, songs and phrases.

Imaginext® Dragon World FortressTM  playset is a tall and towering fortress that reveals a world of imaginative play with surprise features and a full range of accessories including two knights that unlock a variety of interactive features.  Place the knights on the activation disks and twist the figures to reveal great actions and special features!  Turn the disk to open the front door, and watch and hear the “lightning” and thunder. If an intruder is at the front gate, pull the lever to unleash the guard dragon or turn the activation disk to move the dragon’s head.  Other disk activations include the opening of a hidden staircase or the release of the fierce dragon that protects the fortress from above. 

Imaginext® Ocean Boat includes three Ocean Rescue figures with helmets, four ocean animals, spinning propellers, antennas, satellite dish, and a deep sea sub. Turn on the adventure with the turn of a figure!  Place the figures on the activation disk to rotate the search lights; turn the other activation disk to raise and lower the sub.  Press the button to open the glass bottom doors, or push the lever to launch the life preserver!  No batteries required.

Shake ‘N Go!® Extreme Stunt Track cars perform exciting stunts like loops, jumps, and smash-through barrels!  Plus, it’s reconfigurable, so kids will love creating any kind of track they want.  Track easily snaps together and stays together crazy eights, head to head racing, or stunts. 

GeoTrax® Timbertown RailwayTM: is the perfect first train set for little boys!  It makes it easy for them to get all of their train wheels straight on the tracks.  Just drop it on the tracks, and the train’s ready to go!  Steamer is a classic steam engine with a puffing “smokestack” and bright red caboose.  Boys can push the train along to go around the curve, up the hill and to the mountain!  Use the crane to load up the logs!  The train can make its way down the winding hill, through the tunnel and back to the Easy-Rail Station to drop off cargo and complete the trip. 

Pixar Cars GeoTrax® World of Radiator Springs: Now boys can recreate all of the action from the Pixar Cars movie with their favorite characters - including Lightning McQueen!  The GeoTrax line now has sites, RC vehicles and track packs. They can build main street with the Sally track pack and connect sites like Flo’s V8 Café, Ramone’s Body Art Shop, & Sheriff’s Lookout Mountain.  The sites include character push vehicle with sound effects. The RC controller plays sound effects and character phrases from the movie.  

Precious PlacesTM  is a mini-playset line for little girls featuring a world of princesses that each has their own unique personality and characteristics.

• Precious PlacesTM Swan Palace The princess and her included prince can greet friends at their thrones or with a turn of a figure, reveal a hidden banquet table filled with tasty food.  The princess can take a nap in a hidden bed and then get ready in her mirrored dressing room that has storage for her decorative head pieces. 

 

Little People® turns 50 in 2009.  For the brand’s 50th birthday Fisher-Price is planning a year-long celebration with a Little People LIVE tour, commemorative playsets, and much, much more.

• Little People® Builders Load ‘n Go Wagon has a pull-along handle and plenty of room in the big bed to store blocks and more.  The back side flips down to reveal a building surface so kids have a perfect place to stack and build anything they can imagine. 

 

• Little People® Sing 'n Learn Recycling Truck: Kids can practice counting from 1 to 10 while learning about recycling.  Set includes realistically-styled vehicle and 10 pieces shaped like recognizable recycling objects (paper, milk cartons, bottles, cans and boxes) with double-sided detail.

• Little People® Happy Sounds HomeTM  a new playset that enables little girls to discover their very first home and provides them with tons of toddler-appropriate activities!  Playset folds open to reveal plenty of rooms on two levels complete with activities and fun sounds. 

 

• Little People® Fairy Treehouse: This beautifully detailed, multi-level tree house has many places to play.  Fairy Sarah Lynn is ready for a day of fun--put her in the buttercup swing & give her a push, join her under the canopy for a lovely fairy lunch at the flower blossom table and chairs,  and more.

• Little People® Rescue Ramps™ Fire Station is a multi-level command center with a flip-open garage door, helipad for emergency landings, upper-deck catwalk and cool ramp with lift-off lever that sends vehicles down to the next rescue mission. Set also includes a detailed fire truck with extendable, rotating ladder. 

 

Stinger XSTM: The Power Wheels Stinger XS vehicle, a Toys “R” Us exclusive, is a super-cool 2 seat dune buggy with large off road tires.  The dune buggy features Monster Traction, which delivers superior terrain performance.  The Stinger XS vehicle goes 2.5 and 5 mph forward and 2.5 mph in reverse.  It also has a front storage compartment and seat belts for added play. 

 

Harley Davidson Rocker, a Wal-Mart exclusive, is a preschool edition of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle.  This 6-volt vehicle has a single seat and is loaded with realism and cool features. 

Splatter BrushTM  is an interactive plug & play system with a base and a wireless brush, which controls action on the TV.  All content is included on the base that plugs into a TV's RCA jack.  There are 3 ways to play: First, there are 8 themed worlds, each with unique paint brushes, stampers and special effects.  Paint with spaghetti, draw with whipped cream or splat an animated bat.   Second, create fun colorful works of art with the virtual spin art feature.   Finally is the splat arcade with three fun games with plenty of challenge to keep kids coming back for more

Color Me GemzTM Flowerz: Color Me Gemz Flowerz is a fresh new way for girls to create blingy flowers with a bit of pizzazz.  Girls simply color in the jeweled, Gemz centers, assemble the foam and patterned flower pieces, then decorate with glitter glue and other adhesive-backed jewels. 

 

Leapster® and Didj systems offer kids the dual experience of online rewards for offline play, and parents the ability to connect to the LeapFrog® Learning Path to get the inside track on what their kids love to learn. Online capabilities in the Didj handheld also let kids personalize the look and feel of the games, as well as the learning, with the power to upload actual schoolwork—such as multiplication tables or spelling lists—to the games.

Leapster
The Leapster2 system, the industry’s first educational gaming handheld and best-selling system*, offers kids from four to eight years old more learning fun, more content and more of kids’ favorite characters and themes, with eight new titles in 2009. All the new games expand the learning play online for bonus games and rewards.
• Disney/Pixar’s Up! – early number sense, addition, subtraction, shapes
• Disney’s The Princess and the Frog – early math
• The Wolverine and X-Men – geography, shapes, word sounds
• Ni Hao, Kai-lan: Beach Day – early number sense, phonics, logic and reasoning
• Disney Fairies: TinkerBell – early math, addition and subtraction, patterns
• Star Wars: Jedi Reading – letter identification, phonics, spelling
• My Amusement Park – creativity, problem-solving
• Digging for Dinosaurs – science, dinosaur facts, logic and reasoning

The Didj Library
For kids who have outgrown their Leapster handheld, the Didj Custom Gaming System offers six new customizable learning games featuring new genres, new characters and new curriculum for 2009.
• High School Musical – music, melody and rhythm, musical forms, fractions
• NFL Rush Zone – addition, subtraction. multiplication
• Wolverine and the X-Men – letter identification and spelling
• Neopets: Quizara’s Curse – language arts
• Star Wars: Jedi Trials – simple machines, magnetism, electricity, force, motion and gravity
• Disney Fairies – math

LeapFrog® Learning Toys
The Scout Collection

Scout, the curious green puppy first brought to life in LeapFrog’s award-winning ClickStart® My First Computer, continues as the preschool child’s best learning friend. The Scout-themed learning toys make it fun for kids from six months to four years old to practice skills that will help prepare them for preschool. Best of all, the new Scout-themed toys are all on the LeapFrog Learning Path, a free online resource that gives parents insights into what skills their child explores during play.

My Pal Scout and My Pal Violet
The green My Pal Scout and purple My Pal Violet, for children six months and older, which introduce skills such as first words, daily routines and counting, are plush puppy friends that parents can personalize with their child’s name and favorite things (e.g. color, food). The pals can then incorporate the child’s name and favorite things into activities, songs and dialogue to engage the child in a truly personalized way. Parents can also create a customized playlist from an online database of 30 songs and lullabies that they can download via USB connection to the plushes, in addition to the five that come pre-loaded.

AlphaPet Explorer
Scout the puppy plays backyard guide to curious two-year-olds learning letter names and sounds in LeapFrog’s AlphaPet Explorer. A portable learning toy with four modes, the AlphaPet Explorer lets kids play at their own level—with Scout alongside to help. Toddlers will have fun exploring the phonics games and hearing fun songs, as they build preschool skills such as letter recognition and fi ne motor coordination.

Text & Learn

Busy three-year olds will love to “play” like their parents do, with LeapFrog’s Text & Learn, a just-for-kids learning PDA. Games that focus on spelling and basic computer skills—with pal Scout right there to help—are only part of the fun with Text & Learn, which lets preschoolers exchange text messages with Scout, check Scout’s planner to see what his week en”tails,” and explore in a pretend browser mode. Other learning activities include letter matching, shape identifi cation and QWERTY keyboard navigation.

Scribble & Write
Scout is ready to jump in and offer three-year-olds “paws-on” early writing assistance with the new Scribble & Write. A handheld tablet that’s just the right size for anywhere play, Scribble & Write gives step-by-step guidance as children easily trace right over lit-up figures on the LED screen, practicing drawing simple shapes and pictures, then graduating to writing upper- and lowercase letters. Fun learning games help reinforce letter recognition and pencil control skills.

Tag™ Junior book pal

The Tag Junior book pal brings stories to life in a way that is just right for two- to four-year olds, encouraging little ones who are just discovering books to build a lasting
interest in them. This toddler-sized “book explorer” is powered by: a small, sophisticated infrared camera that “reads” words and pictures printed on the special dot-patterned pages of the sturdy, child-friendly board books in the Tag Junior collection. Housed in an appealing, chunky little character, which is easier for younger children to manipulate, the Tag Junior pal works when children “stamp” its wide base anywhere on the pages of a Tag Junior book. Kids can hear a block of text read aloud or hear funny sound effects and learning songs embedded in the pictures. The Tag Junior system comes with a LeapFrog-original board book called If I Were, which explores animal sounds. Each of the other nine sturdy board books in the Tag Junior library focuses on a different preschool theme, including sounds, colors, letters of the alphabet, numbers and social play.

 

Zippity™ Learning System

LeapFrog and Disney have joined forces to create the Zippity Learning System—the first TV-based gaming system for preschoolers that combines full-body movement, music, education and fun. Combining LeapFrog’s learning products expertise with Disney’s storytelling heritage and preschool TV programs, the Zippity system lets kids bring the fun of Playhouse Disney to life at their house. Kids can dance, jump and move with characters from Disney Channel’s Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Disney Little Einsteins, Winnie the Pooh and more. As they groove and play, kids can gain a greater understanding of core preschool skills such as math, language and music. The Zippity system leads kids through eight lively learning games that use an interactive mat for lower-body movement—such as running, dancing, jumping and marching—and a
tummy-high joystick, or “bopper,” for upper-body action—such as moving left,
right, forward and back. The easy-to-use system—with eight learning activities
pre-loaded—comes with a foldable mat and bopper, which interacts wirelessly with the
Zippity console.

Learn & Groove Collection

LeapFrog’s Learn & Groove line offers interactive instruments that introduce numbers,
letters, colors and shapes through music and song, in either English or Spanish. Borrowing from jazz, pop and rhythm and blues, the Learn & Groove toys give little ones
a chance to learn with their eyes, ears and hands.

 

Little Tikes EasyScore Basketball Set

This basketball set makes sports easy and rewarding for kids 1 1/2 to 5 years. It adjusts to six heights from 2 1/2 to 4 feet, an oversize rim and a junior size basketball ensure that baskets are easier to make, encouraging more active, winning play.

Little Tikes Cozy Coupe

Little firefighters will love all the interactive options: the electronic microphone, seven siren sounds, flashing lights, reflective light bar, working door, horn, clicking key and open-and-close gas cap.  Adults will love the removable floor for foot-to-floor powering or protected feet while they push the car with the cut-in-handle and rear cup holders. Front wheels rotate 360 degrees, the driver’s side door has optional inside lock.

V-Tech Alphabet Train Station

Kids will love this deluxe play set with 25 Smart Parts and 12 learning activities; 3 modes of play teach colors, letters and objects. Move the train to hear the alphabet and press the track to hear letters, phonics and words. 25 Smart Parts talk and teach when they are placed in fun hot-spots throughout the station, Kids learn letters, phonics, vocabulary, numbers, shapes, colors, animals, animal sounds, music and more

Jakks Pacific Eyeclops Bionicam

A portable and recordable Bionic Eye, with a full color LCD screen and battery pack, Kids can take EyeClops and explore the world around indoor and outdoors. They can use the LCD screen as a viewfinder for specimens, zoom in with one of three powerful new magnifications (100x, 200x and an eye popping 400x) and take digital pictures and video of every amazing discovery. They can save and share findings with the built-in flash drive and removable USB key – view on any standard television and upload files to a PC to email and send to friends., the EyeClops BioniCam is the ultimate Bionic Eye! USB key included.

Jakks Eyeclops Night Vision Goggles

They let you see in absolute darkness. How cool is that?

 

LEGOS

 

Legos are  low tech, low maintenance and, forever it seems, they’ve been a mainstay for kids and creative souls of any age. An especially good choice in these tough economic times.

Creative Bucket
This sturdy, reusable storage bucket includes all the fun, colorful LEGO pieces to build characters, buildings, animals, rolling vehicles and anything else you can imagine. The perfect start to a LEGO brick collection, and the perfect addition to a current one, too!

• Contains 480 pieces in sturdy reusable bucket!
• Special elements like windows, doors, wheels and more included! Lots of basic System bricks too!

 

LITTLEST PET SHOP

The LITTLEST PET SHOP property began as a line of collectible mini-dolls aimed at tween girls, age 7-9, and their zeal for nurturing and collecting and is currently the fastest selling girls brand.  With more than 180 pets available to collect, girls simply can’t get enough of these quirky, edgy and cute pals and the accompanying LITTLEST PET SHOP playsets and accessories that make the experience complete.   There are 20 major categories from apparel and accessories to publishing, electronics, and room décor.  Among the new entries for 2009:

• LITTLEST PET SHOP COLLECTIBLE PETS Assortment
• New pets include an angel fish, lion, flamingo, and sea horse.

• LITTLEST PET SHOP MY COLLECTOR JOURNAL

• This colorful diary features 18 pages of fun content, cool quizzes, and a special sticker page.
• LITTLEST PET SHOP PLAYFUL PAWS PET DAYCARE CENTER
• Provides a day full of fun!  Pets will be amused for hours in this activity-filled two level playset.

• LITTLEST PET SHOP DIGITAL PETS Assortment

• Gives kids a fun way to interact with the LITTLEST PET SHOP family.   Each pet 'comes to life' with engaging animations in a hand-held electronic system that girls can clip on their belt or backpack for on-the-go pet play.

 

GI JOE

 

Hitting U.S. theaters on August 7, 2009, “G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra” focuses on an elite G.I. JOE team that uses the latest in next-generation spy and military equipment to fight the corrupt arms dealer DESTRO and the growing threat of the mysterious COBRA organization to prevent them from plunging the world into chaos. Hasbro’s 2009 G.I. JOE toy line allows fans of all ages to capture the excitement of the live-action movie and recreate it in their own homes.  With dozens of first-class action figures that resemble their on-camera characters, the figures can navigate several awesome vehicles from the film, including jets, tanks, and other all-terrain vehicles, some featuring lights, sounds, and hidden weapons systems. 

 MY LITTLE PONY

This spring, the MY LITTLE PONY brand will introduce the MY LITTLE PONY NEWBORN CUTIES line, an adorable new collection of figures and playsets that offers little girls a new way to play "mommy" to their baby ponies.  In the fall, all of the ponies will feature a new look.  PINKIE PIE, RAINBOW DASH, TOOLA-ROOLA, STARSONG, SWEETIE BELLE, CHEERILEE and SCOOTALOO ponies will all feature bright colors, stylish new hairstyles, and varying sizes that reflect their ages. In addition, the cherished brand will expand its popular PONYVILLE and SO SOFT lines.
products for spring 2009 include:

• MY LITTLE PONY NEWBORN CUTIES LITTLE RAINBOW DASH'S ROOM Playset
• MY LITTLE PONY PONYVILLE LA-TI-DA HAIR & SPA
• MY LITTLE PONY DIARY ASSORTMENT PONY & DVD
  MY LITTLE PONY SO SOFT NEWBORNS
• SO SOFT NEWBORN CHEERILEE          
• SOFT NEWBORN SWEETIE BELLE
• MY LITTLE PONY PONY FRIENDS Assortment 

 

BABY ALIVE

Each playful new doll in the BABY ALIVE line highlights different stages in a child's development, delivering realistic baby moments in ways that allow little girls to engage in ”real” nurturing play. This spring, moms-in-the-making can care for their little one in a whole new way with the BABY ALIVE BETTER NOW BABY doll. Girls will love playing ”Dr. Mom” by making sure their doll ”takes” her medicine and rests up until she's a happy, healthy baby. This fall, girls can experience the brand's classic feeding and diapering play with the BABY ALIVE WHOOPSIE POOPSIE doll. This "hungry" baby loves her “juice”, and when she's all done eating she's sure to let mommy know it's time for a diaper change! Also this fall, the original BABY ALIVE doll returns to delight a whole new generation of mommies-to-be. This year she's more realistic than ever as she speaks more than 25 phrases and makes life-like facial expressions.

TRANSFORMERS

In honor of the 25th anniversary of the ROBOTS IN DISGUISE, Hasbro is “rolling out” dozens of TRANSFORMERS UNIVERSE toys that showcase the innovation and depth that have been synonymous with the toy line since its inception. Featuring numerous styles and varying levels of complexity, Hasbro’s 2009 TRANSFORMERS UNIVERSE toy line will appeal to a growing fan base that – after 25 years – spans multiple generations.  While the toy line will include popular characters kids will recognize from current and recent entertainment, the line also pays homage to the brand’s roots with many classic ‘bots from its extensive stories and unique mythology.

HANNAH MONTANA POP TOUR GUITAR

 

The bright lights, the roar of the crowd. All the thrills of a live concert — Starring YOU! With Hannah Montana Pop Tour Guitar Video Game, you can rock out as Hannah Montana. Just Plug the rockin' guitar controller into you TV and jam your way across the country, building skill, points, and new fans along the way. And with 10 real Hannah Montana songs built inside, you can rock right out of the box!

 
Here’s some non high tech gifts that may make your life more rewarding, greener and happier.

Exclusive Texas Hold 'Em Poker Playing Cards


www.pokerdivas.com
Learn as you play with POKERprimaDIVAS. Printed on each high quality playing card, is a key tip or poker strategy that immediately reminds you how to avoid making the most common beginner blunders. Each professional quality deck includes a free Mini Cheat Sheet that can be stowed in a pocket or purse for easy reference and review. Learn something new every time you play. The Charities that we contribute to are Big Brothers and Sisters, Love Heals and Bideawee.

Rusk’s Designer Collection
www.rusk1.com
Rusk styling and finishing products allow stylist to use innovative and imaginative techniques to create everything from the latest runway looks to current street fashions. Rusk designer collection formulas allow stylist to manipulate the amount of body, texture, hold and control while keeping hair incredibly healthy and shiny.

BaylissPro Nano Titanium Mini Tools


www.babyliss.com
Mini to the Max! BabylissPro introduces their newest additions to the Nano Titanium line: The new Mini Flat Iron and Mini Travel Dryer. The Full-size power you expect from the regular Nano Titanium tools, in a convenient easy to travel-size. BabylissPro for Fabulous on the go!

Busy Garden



Busy bees buzz through a colorful garden complete with butterflies and ladybugs in these charming products based on the “Busy Garden” artwork by 9-year-old Stephanie, a cancer patient in the Children’s Cancer Hospital at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. Pack the day’s necessities in a canvas tote – and don’t forget the matching umbrella. There’s a handy weekly planner pad and a note pad, too, in the same cheerful design. About the Children’s Art Project: For more than 35 years, the Children’s Art Project at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center has made life better for children with cancer. Through worldwide sales of young cancer patients’ original artwork featured on seasonal note cards and gift items, the project has funded more than $25.5 million to programs that benefit cancer patients and their families.

Flower Power


Gatlin, age 6, shows the power of spring blossoms in four products created from his “Flower Power” art. As a patient in the Children’s Cancer Hospital at M. D. Anderson, Gatlin brought the outside in when he drew this cheery bloom. The design is seen on note cards, thank you cards and a contribution card, which offers the opportunity to honor someone special with a donation to the Children’s Art Project. Gatlin’s pretty flower also soaks up your drink drips with a set of four, 4”-round natural sandstone coasters. About the Children’s Art Project: For more than 35 years, the Children’s Art Project at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center has made life better for children with cancer. Through worldwide sales of young cancer patients’ original artwork featured on seasonal note cards and gift items, the project has funded more than $25.5 million to programs that benefit cancer patients and their families.

Patchwork Flower


Patches of color make up the spring bloom in the “Patchwork Flower,” a paper flower drawn by Hannah, age 10, from San Antonio, TX. The bright note card and note pad make it fun to jot a special message or note to remember. The colors transform to patterns on the sterling silver charm – and that makes a dainty necklace when put on the silver link and gray pearl chain. About the Children’s Art Project: For more than 35 years, the Children’s Art Project at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center has made life better for children with cancer. Through worldwide sales of young cancer patients’ original artwork featured on seasonal note cards and gift items, the project has funded more than $25.5 million to programs that benefit cancer patients and their families.

Radko Holiday Ornaments


The Children’s Art Project has partnered with Christopher Radko to create distinctive ornaments adapted from the artwork of young cancer patients at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. From a traditional round ball such as the “Bird and Holly” design, to the blown glass “Mr. Claus,” “Joyful Family” and “Snow Pup,” the hand-painted and hand-glittered ornaments are just four in the project’s line of collectible treasures. About the Children’s Art Project: For more than 35 years, the Children’s Art Project at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center has made life better for children with cancer. Through worldwide sales of young cancer patients’ original artwork featured on seasonal note cards and gift items, the project has funded more than $25.5 million to programs that benefit cancer patients and their families.

Valentine Sweet Hearts


No occasion is overlooked by the Children’s Art Project at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center - and hearts abound in the collections all year ‘round, but especially for Valentine’s Day. Shown here are examples of the unique Valentine note cards, left blank for you to add your own sentiments, the “Kids Valentines” especially for classroom exchanges, and a magnetic list pad to hang on the frig for handy note writing. New this year is a stunning porcelain “Floral Heart” ornament featuring a child’s artwork and produced by Wedgwood in collaboration with the art project. About the Children’s Art Project: For more than 35 years, the Children’s Art Project at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center has made life better for children with cancer. Through worldwide sales of young cancer patients’ original artwork featured on seasonal note cards and gift items, the project has funded more than $25.5 million to programs that benefit cancer patients and their families.

Cubex Chair - Environment Furniture


www.environmentfurniture.com
A contemporary eco-luxe lounging chair in rugged reclaimed truck top canvas. Environment's forward-thinking policy of instituting fair labor practices and sustainable resources, as implemented through partnership with the Tropical Forest Trust, has landed them praise from the global community, as well as endearing them to high profile, eco-conscious clients, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Oprah Winfrey, and "green" architect, James Chuda.



Rebar Dining Table - Environment Furniture
www.environmentfurniture.com
A raw cruzetta wood dining table in reclaimed rebar and downed Brazilian telephone polls.

NightWave


www.nightwave.com
NightWave sleep assistant calms the body and mind by activating the relaxation (parasympathetic) branch of the nervous system. It does this using the only non-drug method known, deep breathing. When you use this ancient relaxation technique, busy thoughts fade away. Your eye lids grow heavy and you fall asleep.
The Watergeeks Laboratories
Wide Mouth Stainless Steel Bottles


These fabulous new wide mouth stainless steel bottles have a sleek, new design and come with a stainless steel loop cap so your water never comes in contact with plastic.
available in 3 sizes: 20oz, 24oz and 32oz
- made with unlined, 18/0, food grade stainless steel
- wide mouth for ice cubes and easy cleaning
- ergonomic, curved design
- lightweight, easy to carry
- non-leaching and BPA-FREE
- fits most cup holders
- comes standard with a stainless steel loop cap
- sport cap also available

This 20oz water bottle with double-wall construction incorporates a thermal barrier of air to keep heat out and cold in. In addition, a foil layer reflects solar rays for additional protection. The Easy Clean Valve System lets you remove and clean the valve on a regular basis. Now you can drink fruit juices and sports drinks and never get stuck. Dishwasher safe. Fits most bike bottle cages.

 

PakSeat Backpack & Messenger Bag


www.pakseat.com
Backpack with stow away seat. The PakSeat backpack and bag will take you from the trail to the classroom to the office and back. Need a place to sit during your travels? Not a problem, with the PakSeat you are never alone. Simply fold down the adjustable seat from the back of the pack and sit for hours. PakSeat's large capacity and versatility makes this backpack a must have. It includes a padded universal sleeve that aptly holds and protects either a laptop or a hydration reservoir. PAKSEAT has been a popular celebrity gift item at several red carpet events, most recently at this years Golden Globe Awards and Golden Goggle Awards. PAKSEAT also has donated bags to several charities as well as to young entrepreneurs through their affiliate program with Collegepreneur Magazine."

ImmuGo


ImmuGo.com
ImmuGo is an over the counter dietary supplement to help support a healthy immune system. Gene Arnold -- known to his customers as the “Vitamin Guru to the Stars” -- has been custom-blending vitamins and nutrients for his celebrity clientele. Among the many questions his celebrity customers would ask him was how to support a healthy immune system while touring and filming. Vitamin Gene had the answer: a unique blend of vitamins, herbs and minerals called “Wellness Shots.” Gene created ImmuGoTM from his basic Vitamin Barn formula and it is a powerful new dietary supplement loaded with vitamins, herbs, and minerals for immune system support and energy.

 

Nespresso

Essenza D100 RS 

New Compact Brewing Unit technology
19 Bar pressure pump
Thermoblock heating element
Automatic and programmable

 

Divine Chocolate USA


www.divinechocolateusa.com
For the 45,000 farmers of Kuapa Kokoo Farmers Cooperative in Ghana, Divine Chocolate provides a guaranteed Fair Trade price, which means steady income and a social premium that they invest in schools, clean water, mobile medical clinics, and other social projects. Plus, because the farmers own part of the company, they share in the profits and have a seat at the table of global business.

 

The First Move

“May All Beings Be Happy, Beginning With You” The phrase that launched our company! Our core message is available on t shirts for men, women and kids. Many styles are 100% organic cotton. Also can be found on grocery bags, messenger bags, note cards, bookmarks and prayer flags. Each quarter, $2.00 from each shirt purchased is donated to Doctors Without Borders, Heifer International, Grameen Foundation and Habitat for Humanity