Plush, Puppets and Dolls Try Something New

Being Sweet and Soft Just Isn't Enough Anymore

By Alison Marek
January 2008

Plush can't rely on being cute anymore. It has to do something: take kids online to another world, transform into blankets, hold jammies, dance like grandma in her heyday. Or, at least take a more unusual form, such as an iguana or moose.

Sshlumpies™ - Pink Horse by DOUGLAS CUDDLE TOYS

Each 17” machine-washable plush is under-stuffed to make it more blanket-like. The plush features embroidered eyes and satin paws and footpads, and comes in a size that makes it perfect for little toddler hands. Varieties include Tan Dog, Yellow Duck, Yellow Giraffe, White Lamb, Pink Horse, Brown and White Horse, Blue Dog and Green Frog. Launch date: February 2008. ( Watch Video) 12/19/2007 (MSRP: $16.00)

Lizzy Marine Iguana by DOUGLAS CUDDLE TOYS

The 18” iguana is made of a distinctive fabric and a variation of colors. The fabric is slightly slippery to the touch with a shiny reptilian flare. 12/19/2007 (MSRP: $12.00)

Dance Party™ by RUSS BERRIE

It's a Dance Party … and everyone’s invited! Get ready to dance through the decades as APPLAUSE introduces its fun Dance Party characters, dressed to impress in authentic attire from the '40s to the '70s. Each animal moves and grooves to a hit song from its own era, such as “In the Mood” and “Boogie Shoes.” These make great gifts for anyone who holds special memories of those by-gone days. 12/19/2007 (MSRP: $24.99)

Puppet Theater by THE STEP2 COMPANY

Puppet Theater by THE STEP2 COMPANY The theater features a sturdy no-tip design that fits two children comfortably. A dry-erase marquee announces show titles and times, while a lighted stage, curtains and two hand puppets complete the rest of the show. Plenty of storage space is available behind the stage doors. Launch date: Fall 2008. 12/19/2007

Gigapals - Plush by Gigapals

The full eight-character line of Gigapals plush toys consists of Pengo, Freddy Teddy, Toots and more. Each plush is ultra soft, safe and cuddly. Launch date: September 1, 2007. 9/19/2006 (MSRP: $12.00; Age: 3 to 6)

Baby Spray Beluga Whale by DOUGLAS CUDDLE TOYS

The plush is part of Douglas’ Sea Life collection. Other animals in the collection include Mommy Beluga Whale, several sharks, a larger dolphin and more. Launch date: February 2008. 12/19/2007

A Rose is a Rose by RICH FROG INDUSTRIES

Suitable for both kids and adults, these plush flowers come in three vibrant colors. 12/3/2007

Jellybeanies – Orange Owl Ollie by TOMORROW INC.

This scented plush friend has embroidered facial features and comes with a secret Jellycode that allows kids to unlock the character at the Jellybeanies website, play games, JellyChat with other Jellybeanies members, and find secret messages in Chroma, the Jellybeanies’ magical world. This particular character has a smart and curious personality, and comes with a story card that tells more about him. There are eight Jellybeanies characters in the first series. The scent lasts up to 20 months. Launch date: August 2007. 11/30/2007 (MSRP: $13.99; Age: 3 and Up)

In The Dark Glow Bear by WHAT-IF PRODUCTIONS INC.

In The Dark Glow Bear by WHAT-IF PRODUCTIONS INC. The In the Dark Glow Bear is designed to comfort children who are afraid of the dark. With glow-in-the-dark fur, the bear emits a warm and reassuring light in dark rooms, and also serves as a cuddly friend. Three sizes are available, Teddy-B, Teddy-Kin and Teddy-Graham, with suggested retail pricing of $29.95, $19.95 and $9 respectively. 11/28/2007 (MSRP: $29.95; Age: 2 and Up)

Twilight Ladybug by CLOUD B

Twilight Ladybug by CLOUD B This plush planetarium projects a starry night sky onto bedroom walls and the ceiling, illuminating with red, blue and green lights.
— Kate Tanner, owner of Kidstop Toy & Book Store in Scottsdale, Ariz., was impressed with this product at Toy Fair 2008, noting, “the Twilight Turtle was extremely popular over the holidays.”
— “I love this collection,” Owner Michelle Smith of Piccolo Mondo Toys in Portland, Ore., told TDmonthly of this good seller at the end of 2008.
THIS PRODUCT IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE. SEE THE RE-LAUNCHED TWILIGHT LADYBUG HERE. ( Watch Video) 11/28/2007

Travel Around the World by AURORA WORLD INC.

Each Travel Around the World set includes a toy travel case with a world map, a sticker sheet with 13 removable stickers to decorate the toy case again and again, and an 8” plush friend with a fun-facts tag and a hangtag that one can personalize. The travel case measures 8.5” W x 6.5” H x 3” D. "There's real play value here — kids can sticker the case, or use other stickers and make it [their] own. Secondly, kids can put other Aurora animals and personal belongings inside,” said Sean Hellenbrand, Aurora's director of sales for the gift division. “The plush animal is a lifelong friend for your child." Launch date: January 2008. 11/27/2007 (MSRP: $15.99; Age: 3 and Up)

Waverly, the Water Drop Idbid Kit by IDBIDS LLC

A little dreamy, very sweet and loves a good laugh. He even makes fun of himself – often saying he may be all wet, but he is certainly no drip. Of course, as an Idbid, he also has a serious side. Waverly is particularly – and deeply – concerned about protecting the Earth’s water resources and keeping them clean.

AREA OF EXPERTISE: Oceans, seas, rivers and lakes
INTERESTING FACT: A fan of 60s music who is known to turn up the volume a little too high

Waverly is a huggable, soft, plush toy handcrafted in Egypt with 100% Egyptian cotton. No two are alike - just like children!.

Launch date: February 2008. ( Watch Video) 11/19/2007 (MSRP: $39.99; Age: 3 and Up)

Nola, The Monster of Loneliness by THE MONSTERS IN MY HEAD LLC

Nola, the cuddly green Monster of Loneliness lives in a world of sunny skies and beautiful landscapes. But she’s missing one thing…a friend. Her wide-eyed stare and squooshy tummy make her an ideal candidate for hugs and kisses. She also sports a standard WorryWoo belly button made for tickles! She would love to be your best friend! Nola and "The Lonely Little Monster" won a 2009 Hot Product Award from iParenting Media and a 2009 Preferred Choice Award from Creative Child Magazine. ( Watch Video) 11/9/2007 (MSRP: $21.50; Age: 3 and Up)

Deglingos - Nonos the Dog by GEARED FOR IMAGINATION

As Shakespearos once said, “The dog will have his day” … and that day is now! Nonos can usually be found waxing poetic and sniffing out a sonnet or two. But as the poet of the Deglingos, he needs inspiration. Will you be his muse? 10/31/2007 (MSRP: $40.00; Age: 0 and Up)

Jay at Play – MushABelly by JAY FRANCO & SONS

Jay at Play – MushABelly by JAY FRANCO & SONS Available in many animal varieties, MushABellies are soft and mushy and have grumbly tummies. The plush pillow corresponds with an interactive website for MushABellies, allowing kids of all ages to extend playtime. Each animal comes with its own grumbly sound, game card and MushABelly University student ID passcode. 10/11/2007

Kookeys - T Rex by 10VOX ENTERTAINMENT INC.

Kookeys - T Rex by 10VOX ENTERTAINMENT INC. This fierce cuddler has an online counterpart that lets kids access a virtual world full of games, contests and rewards.
— During TDmonthly's Homeschool Roundtable review of Kookeys, 8-year-old Joe Ledford expressed excitement for the online entertainment the plush animals afford. "Can I play the arcade games?" he asked his mom. "They are really fun!" ( Watch Video) 10/3/2007 (MSRP: $14.99)

Zoobie™ Pets - Orangutan by ZOOBIES

This cuddly, hairy friend is a pillow, blanket and stuffed animal all in one, designed to serve as the perfect travel companion. “We at Zoobies continue to be on the curve of innovation for plush and for children's products, and we have some great new products debuting at the Toy Fair [2008],” Owner J.C. Smoot of Zoobies told TDmonthly. Launch: March 1, 2008. ( Watch Video) 9/17/2007 (MSRP: $35.00; Age: 3 and Up)

Adorable Kinders Rag Dolls Kathy by GRANZA INC.

The handmade rag doll is entirely washable and entirely manufactured in the United States. The 18” doll even comes with her own Internet key-code, allowing her owner to join the Adoptable Kinders online eSchool. This doll product was a TDmonthly 2007 Top Toy Award finalist. Launch date: June 2007. 12/28/2007 (MSRP: $59.99; Age: 3 and Up)

Dayton Bear by GUND INC.

Dayton Bear by GUND INC. The 18” classic teddy bear is made of a cuddly plum-textured fabric and features burgundy accents and ultra-suede paw pads. The bear wears a matching satin ribbon around his neck, with a “Gotta Getta GUND” enamel charm attached to his ear. Launch date: January 2008.
— The product uses “unique materials, innovative designs and detailed facial features,” Gund Marketing and Licensing Manager Shallu Chhabra told TDmonthly. 12/28/2007 (MSRP: $40.00; Age: 3 and Up)

Pinkaboo – 12” by GUND INC.

Pinkaboo – 12” by GUND INC. The pony is crafted of different pink calico patterns and corduroy accents. The pony also features a wide embroidered smile, aqua velour ears and a ruffled calico tail and head trim. An 8” style and a 22” style are also available. Launch date: January 2008.
— The pony uses “colors and material that match with today’s fashion industry,” Gund Marketing and Licensing Manager Shallu Chhabra told TDmonthly.
— “Stuffed animals by Gund — [we sell] three or less per month,” Tina, owner of Baby Furniture & Accessories in Albuquerque, N.M., told TDmonthly in March 2008, when asked which items sell best for infants and toddlers in her store.
— Five percent of the 40 retailers who spoke with TDmonthly in March 2008 named Gund as the hottest manufacturer of baby products in their stores. 12/28/2007 (MSRP: $16.00; Age: 0 and Up)

Sshlumpies – Tan Dog by DOUGLAS CUDDLE TOYS

The 17” plush is the perfect companion or snuggle toy for any toddler. These “blankie friends” are made from extremely soft material and feature satin paws and foot pads, coordinating piping and embroidered eyes. The plush is machine-washable. Launch date: February 2008.
— “The faces are irresistible and the material is softer than imaginable,” Douglas Cuddle Toys Marketing Manager Erika Radich told TDmonthly. ( Watch Video) 1/2/2008 (MSRP: $16.00; Age: 0 to 3)

Pillow Pals by STEPHAN BABY

Pillow Pals by STEPHAN BABY From toy to pillow for the child on the go, these 100 percent cotton and 100 percent machine washable plush chenille characters have the nubby texture little ones love to touch. Small Velcro tabs make it easy to convert from plush toy to comfy, cushy pillow. Launch date: January 2008. 1/2/2008 (MSRP: $24.00; Age: 3 and Up)

"Dream To Be Kids" by NYNYA CORPORATION

"Dream To Be Kids" by NYNYA CORPORATION The Dream To Be Kids collection includes a paramedic, an EMT, a postal worker, a fire fighter, a construction worker and more. Each 15” doll comes with a highly detailed and embroidered facial expression, an enlarged head, enlarged feet and an enlarged uniform and a tag that can house a personal photo. Dream To Be Kids are designed to be inspirational gifts for children or can be given as remembrances for friends or family members in these professions. 1/2/2008 (MSRP: $17.99; Age: 3 and Up)

Flatsy Doll by SCHYLLING

Flatsy Doll by SCHYLLING A remake of the original 60’s doll, Flatsy is flat, yet bendable and poseable. The Flatsy collection includes six 4-3/4” dolls, each equipped with their own assortment of hair accessories. The trendy doll fits perfectly in pockets. 1/3/2008 (MSRP: $5.99; Age: 3 and Up)