Plush and Puppets Play and Go

“We’re developing an in-store play-program complete with discounts, extra terms and custom support.” — Elaine Kollias, Folkmanis Puppets

Even kidults need cuddly friends, manufacturers of plush and puppets told TDmonthly Magazine. Toys that are low on tech but high on imagination capture kids’ attention and encourage them to develop their own creativity.

“We try to promote toys that utilize a child's imagination,” explained Paul Roche, senior vice president of sales at Aurora World Inc. (ToyDirectory), makers of Fancy Pals and other plush toys.

“Some shy children respond to puppets more than to adults, so they can be used to put a child at ease, to teach values or to teach learning skills such as math and reading,” Fanny Wong of Fanny’s Playhouse (ToyShow) told TDmonthly. Her Fantanimals encourage kids to change a puppet’s body parts and features to create original characters.

“Experts have agreed that puppetry offers a tremendous opportunity for creative and imaginative play, family interaction and role playing,” seconded Aaron Hill of Bright Path Enterprises LLC (ToyDirectory), which makes the Grand Little Theatre of Puppets for kids.

"Plush toys are probably the first gift received by a baby," pointed out Suzanne Hammond of Fiesta Toy. "They're appropriate for both boys and girls."

Puppets and plush can be easy sells, said manufacturers, because kids can’t resist picking them up, especially when they’re on display.

“Folkmanis encourages that puppets be handled and played with in the store, resulting in immediate sales,” said Elaine Kollias of Folkmanis Puppets (Toy Show). “We’re developing an in-store play-program complete with discounts, extra terms and custom support.”

Fanny’s Playhouse also supports in-store play.

“A retailer can open the two styles of our kits on a low table, ask the children to mix and match the parts, take photos of the finished Fantanimals, and ask the children to give fantastic names to their creations,” suggested Wong.

Bright Path's brand new Grand Little Theater of Puppets can be used to give in-store puppet shows.

“The Grand Little Theater of Puppets has all that’s needed for a full presentation puppet show: Theater, cast of puppets and scenery for multiple sets,” said Hill. “It’s great fun, draws customers into the store, and really sells the product.”

Lisa LeLeu, of Lisa LeLeu Studios (ToyShow), agreed. “We organized some very successful Puppet Show Pajama Parties. The kids came dressed in jammies and fun snacks were served.”

LeLeu is confident her puppet books will be a big hit for the holidays because, “all five characters will be featured on HGTV on August 19^th. They were also chosen to be featured in the upcoming film ‘Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium’ starring Dustin Hoffman.”

Pair ‘O Pals, mini plush reversible friends that come in 3” and 6” sizes, also sell best when on display, explained Pamme Boutselis of Elaine & Wallace. “They’re so soft and cuddly, and you can turn them inside out for another animal!”

Plush toys by Merrymakers (ToyShow) have built-in interaction, since they’re usually licensed from popular kids’ books. Clair Frederick, president, was particularly excited about this year’s Babymouse toy, inspired by Jennifer Holm’s graphic novel.

“It’s a big breakthrough book — a graphic novel for tween girls,” continued Frederick. “Babymouse tackles challenges like Wild West shoot outs and jail breaks! We’re really excited about the toy.”

Lorene Shiraiwa, public relations director for North American Bear, expects that collectors will be excited by the Muffy Poinsettia Holiday Couture bear.

"She’s dressed in very lavish green-and-red outfit and comes with a petite poinsettia doll as part of the boxed limited edition,” described Shiraiwa. “Most collectors put the boxed set on shelf for decorative holiday display.”

Martha Bishop, president of The Puppet Factory Inc. (ToyDirectory), couldn’t divulge specifics, but said there would be three new characters in the Sparkle family ready for the Holidays 2006, plus a chicken, rooster and Roman soldier.

“The soldier will do really well with Easter and Christmas,” she projected. They’ll be available September 1.

Another brand new plush toy is Eye-Man by the Eye-Deal Company (ToyShow). Oenita L. Blair, designer, told TDmonthly, “He's a plush toy but he thinks outside the box. We’ll have learning tools and songs on an included CD.” She anticipates that shipments will be ready by the end of July.

Following are the puppets and plush that manufacturers say will be cuddling with kids this holiday season: