No political connections here. A small green turtle that is cleverly designed in fabric with a reversible soft shell that is satiny on one side with many fabric patterns and bold black and white dots on the other side. The shell has crinkle sounds and knottie tabs in satin. This is one of those little toys that will be enjoyed for tracking and fingering and even peek-a-boo games when you make the turtle disappear and reappear. Newborn & up.

Age: Infants. Award Year: 2012. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Designed as a first baby doll, this 10-inch fabric huggable has stitched features and is dressed in non removable hat and polka-dotted romper. Her bib does come off with a Velcro closing. Soft and cuddly, this is an armful that a toddler will enjoy. A few tufts of hair come either in brunette or blonde yarn. Made of short, non-shedding plush it feels like velour to the touch. Infants and toddlers.

Age: Infants, Toddlers. Award Year: 2012. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Very sweet soft 8-inch squeaker toys that match the bigger 18-inch Baby Long Legs dolls. These fit nicely in little hands and are also ideal for encouraging baby's tracking skills. Choose a Pink Mouse, or blue or pink trimmed white bunnies and grey elephants ($12.99 each). Baby safe and machine washable. All ages.

Age: Infants. Award Year: 2012. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

A sweet 12-inch yellow duck done in lush plush with contrasting yellow beak and feet with velour like finish and satin bow. Mama duck has an unstuffed baby in her arms and it has a crinkle sound inside. Look for the matching 6 inch rattle. Machine washable.

Age: Infants, Toddlers. Award Year: 2012.

Choose a huggable tan 16-inch puppy with floppy ears and under-stuffed body. It has a velvety black snout and velvety underside to its long floppy ears. Or choose the smaller Loppy Puppy, 10-inch version ($12) that is filled like a bean bag. Both sport pale green velour like bows. Baby safe and machine washable.

Age: Infants, Toddlers, Preschool. Award Year: 2012.

Choose a honey colored 16-inch bear with under-stuffed body. It has a velvety brown snout. Or choose the smaller Loppy Bear, 10-inch version ($12) that is filled like a bean bag. Both sport pale yellow velour like bows. Baby safe and machine washable.

Loppy Bear

Age: Infants, Toddlers, Preschool. Award Year: 2012.

A lovely combination of knit and plush that is totally on the mark for toddlers who like a big but light enough huggable to drag about. These huggables are 18-inches long. The photo of this soft cuddly doll with long legs and arms and floppy ears does not really convey just how cute this doll is. The legs are not rigid or wired, but soft and easy for little ones to grasp. The features are stitched and baby safe. There is a grey elephant version as well as a pink mouse. We happen to love the bunny and see the new black and white Puppy in the same line. Also adorable, Baby Long Legs Squeakers, Bunnies, Elephants, Puppy and Pink Mouse ($12.99 each) in this line that are 8-inch miniatures of the bigger dolls.   Baby safe and machine washable. All ages.

Age: Infants, Toddlers. Award Year: 2012. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Push the shell on the little green turtle and its little head and legs move as it quickly scoots forward across the floor. Talk about making things happen, this is a fun cause and effect toy for floor play with sitting up and beginning to crawl babies. 6 months.

Age: Infants. Award Year: 2012.

A jolly colorful birdie to dangle on an infant seat or stroller. It has licks of black and white striped patches, bright ribbon wings, and big embroidered eyes to grab baby's visual attention. Inside it has a quiet jingle that will attract listening. The dangly legs add to the motion. It attaches with a Velcro strap. Slightly older babies may like pulling on the legs to make it bounce. Newborns & up

Age: Infants. Award Year: 2012.

An update of a classic; a multi-armed ball that infants can easily grab.  This one is done in a short no-shed plush and felt-like finish. A smiling honey bear's head sits on top and plump paws with different patterns are attached on the side. Inside the arms of the ball is a fabric bee. Pull it out and it vibrates as it goes back into place. A quiet jingle bell is safely hidden inside.  A good choice for sitting-up babies.

Age: Infants. Award Year: 2012. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.