Plush Licensing--Strong Sales of Hokey Pokey Elmo & New Products Such as Potty with Elmo

By Penelope Blair
December 2004

Licensing, particularly licensing tied to big name movies, continues to be a hot trend. Getting a seat aboard the gravy train on monster hits such as “Shrek 2,” “Spider Man II,” the “Incredibles” and “Shark Tales” proves to be a daunting task.

With the strong sales of Hokey Pokey Elmo, new products such as Potty with Elmo, My First Steps Pooh and Blues Clue Boogie with Your Blue, point towards the growing interest in interactive, electronic plush.

In addition, there is also a growing niche of unconventional plush items aimed at adults, collectors and the impulse buyer. Applause Plush Toys, for instance, is launching Bruiser from “Legally Blonde” in limited markets. As the demand for plush toys “to do something” grows, this season still offers simple, cuddly choices to love from many hot new trend-setting toy makers.

The Teddy Hammock from Toytech, Inc. (Gift Guide), help keeps kids’ beloved friends clean and their rooms organized. Teddy Hammock easily installs in the corner of any room using the included hardware packet. The Teddy Hammock is 34" X 34" X 45" plush toys, Beanie Babies, and sports balls are typically found in our Teddy Hammocks

Pet carriers are all the rage and now kids can make a fashion statement too, just like Paris Hilton and Reese Witherspoon! From Aurora’s (Gift Guide) newest plush line Fancy Pals™, Pet Carriers (8”) are a stylish plush purse and best friend in one. Fully lined Pet Carriers have plenty of room for belongings, handles and a unique dual zipper closure.

Show your wild side with this 52 inch brown tiger! Add a piece of the jungle to any room, with this warm and oversized animal carpet from RVY designs (Gift Guide). Read in front of a roaring fire, watch TV, hang out with family or take a needed nap. The options are endless with this furry jungle cat!

Sweet and chocolate without the calories! Brownies™ by JOJO LLC (Gift Guide), are the sweetest treats. These adorable animals are spectacularly soft and their amazing combination of brown and vanilla colors makes them so special. If you are looking for endless hugs, you are looking for Brownies TM. Brownies TM are 16” long and are available in two different styles.

I Sea Horses from the original children’s book of the same name are award-winning plush animals in a vibrant trio of colors by Wild Heart Ranch (Gift Guide). Squeeze their belly and a magical star lights up! Take them anywhere, each one has a flexible tail to secure it where you want. The seahorses include a secret password to an interactive Web site that educates kids about the endangered seahorse and the efforts to preserve this unique creature.

Thirty million VeggieTales fans can´t be wrong! You fell in love with these classic plush VeggieTales designs by Imaginow (Gift Guide), in the 10th Anniversary Edition. Now they’re back, and even bigger. With their revolutionary fabric eyes, there are no hard plastic parts to bruise your little veggies. The fabric is super soft, and the quality is unprecedented

Now have the doll, you always wanted! Name Me A Doll by Abel Creations (Gift Guide) let’s you personalize an 18” doll. The rag doll is available in white or black skin; blonde, black, brown or red hair. The dress can be done in any color combination but will always wear a white apron. The trim can be hearts or flowers. A boy doll is available with a sweater and corduroy pants.

Surprise family and friends with Walter the Farting Dog Doll! The book has sold millions and has been on the NY Times Bestseller List for over 80 weeks! Now add to the fun with this mischievous dog by MerryMakers, Inc. (Gift Guide) This dog is cute and cuddly, but if you squeeze him he lets out an enormous, noisy fart. The perfect gift for kids of all ages.

Aliens are coming to planet Earth and they are cute, huggable and adorable! Sweetz, the older brother, Kyzzie his sister and Hunee, the baby, are all irresistible, soft and cuddly. They love to receive hugs and kisses. No worries of them leaving earth. With their included ID card and alien registration number, these out of this world cuties by Luv-Beams (Gift Guide) are here to stay!

It’s baby’s first best friend! Velour Babies by Fanny’s Playhouse (Gift Guide) are snuggly soft and easy for tiny hands to grasp. Saliva and spits-up are no problem, these lovable ethnic dolls in white, black, Asian and Hispanic are machine washable and dryable. Boy or girl version available in each ethnicity.

Children go international with Language Little (Gift Guide) Dolls. These unique dolls speak English and teach another language. Children are eager to learn and excited to share their bilingual skills with everyone they meet! Children everywhere will be spouting international phrases learned from their cuddly companions.