Plush Keep it Fresh Yet Familiar

While many toy makers are using licensed products to deliver soft, familiar pals to young children this year, others are reaching deeper into their imagination to create new friends from scratch. Either way, the following assortment of huggable buddies remain eye-catching and supportive, hard for young hands to resist.

Ooshes by LAVINIA'S WORLD (AURORA LIBRIS CORP.)

Nature-loving Ooshes from the delightful children’s book series “The Little Stories of Manoosh and Baloosh” are now brought to life. These 18” huggable plush toys, with velboa exterior, squeezable polyester fill and plastic pellets, have posable arms and legs. The Ooshes plush toys starring: Manoosh - the pea, Bluey - the snowball, Folio - the leaf, Miss Ladybug and introducing five new Stellas – “The Wishing Doll” - inspire children to love and explore nature. The Ooshes Stella comes in 5 appealing candy colors, each with its own special personality and biography. The plush toys are being marketed with a colorful 24 page story book The Ooshes a Wish Comes True which tells the story of Stella’s magical journey to earth. For just $23.99, the plush Ooshes will also come in a boxed Christmas set with a book. 12/3/2004 (MSRP: $18.99; Age: 3 and Up)

Walter the Farting Dog Doll by MERRYMAKERS

Walter the Farting Dog Doll by MERRYMAKERS "Walter the Farting Dog—star of the best-selling books by William Kotzwinkle, Glenn Murray and Audrey Colman—is up for adoption. Bring him home to live with your family and watch everyone's mood brighten. Sure, he looks as adorable as the next puppy, but watch out—when you squeeze him, he lets out a loud doggie fart! He’s an irresistible giggle-inducer for children and the young at heart." - Aire Norell. Walter the Farting Dog is also available in a large 18" size ($40.00 MSRP).
9/1/2004 (MSRP: $14.00)

Baby Bottoms by THE CHILDREN'S FACTORY

Baby Bottoms 12" baby rag dolls are anatomically correct with truly adorable faces. The dolls are available in four different skin tones and in both boy and girl versions. Realistic, developmentally appropriate dolls help children grow up with a healthy body image. The outfits are removable and the dolls are machine washable and dryable. ( Watch Video) 12/21/2004 (Age: 2 and Up)