Children’s brand The Gerkins is expanding its product line in the baby/children’s category.

The Gerkins, little pickle seeds who live in Gerkin Hollow and share some of the important lessons of life through the eyes of children, has debuted a new infant/toddler division called “Baby Gerkins.”

The Gerkins is a brand of children’s books, and BabyGerkins.com is the educational Web site that is home to the books and “Baby Gerkins” clothing line.

Doll and action figure company one2believe strengthened its position in the toy industry with the release of two playsets in January.

The company launched its first playsets in 2007 with a 17-piece nativity and three-piece PVC figurine Bible story sets. The “Tales of Glory” line expands to include a Noah’s ark set and a Galilee boat set, each constructed of PVC and designed for children ages 3 and up.

“We have two boat sets because not only are they important stories from the Bible, but kids love to play with boats,” said one2believe President Josh Livingston. “We are always looking to create toys that have as much added play value as possible, and we know that these two ‘Tales of Glory’ sets accomplish that while also introducing great Bible stories to young children.”

The Noah’s ark play set includes a figure of Noah, 14 animals and the ark. The ark floats, making it suitable for bath time or the pool. Suggested retail is $29.99.

The Galilee boat set is taken from the story in Luke 5 when Jesus told Peter to row out to deep water and throw out the nets to catch fish, even though Peter had not been able to catch a single fish all day. The set includes 14 figures and a boat. Suggested retail is $24.99.

For more information, call 888-557-2327 or visit www.one2believe.com.

Creation By Design has come up with a Bible-based trading card series that hops on the popular trading and collecting bandwagon, slipping in a biblical and random facts education along the way.

The company hopes its original 3-D computer-generated artwork will grab the attention of kids, and rekindle their interest in the adventures of the Bible.

“I wanted my kids, ages 7 and 5, to be able to learn about their religion without them feeling like they were in Sunday school,” said Steven Kaye, creator of the trading card line. “These cards had to be made in a way that the kids want to look at them, want to read them, want to collect them.”

Reading glasses come in cross or dove themes with scripture lines on arms

Disciple Shades rolled out the industry’s first collection of Scripture-based reading glasses with Bible verses on the inside of every style last month.
Following up its summer 2006 release of sunglasses for men and women with spiritual icons and scripture, the company decided it needed to create reading glasses with a spiritual emphasis as well.

“Our glasses provide a unique way to keep our attention on what is truly important—our faith and spirituality,” said Disciple Shades President Sherrie Gornish.

With patriotism flying high following the November election, the presidential inauguration this month and the upcoming spring holidays, Blossom Bucket introduces in February three resin patriotic-themed figurines from artist Barbara Lloyd.

Combining classic Americana and spring motifs, the Crow on Flag Block could stand alone as a decoration or fit into a collection. The flag reads “USA.” It stands 3 inches high and retails for $5.99.

Demdaco has announced the new license of artist and world-renowned naturalist Marjolein Bastin, beginning with the January release of “Nature’s Journey,” which includes five new collections of gifts and home accents with more than 150 items. It is Demdaco’s largest release ever, even surpassing the number of pieces included in its popular  “Willow Tree” launch by artist Susan Lordi.

A Hallmark designer discovered Marjolein’s artwork while on a trip to Holland in the early 1990s, initiating a relationship that has spanned nearly 20 years. Today, stationery, greeting cards, home décor items and gifts in Hallmark’s “Nature’s Sketchbook by Marjolein Bastin” line are among the company’s best-selling offerings.