November 2008 New Specialty Toys — Plush

All over the planet, Pixies are losing their homes due to pollution, deforestation and global warming. Kids can save a Pixie and learn about the environment and ways to help. Planet Pixies are earth-friendly soft toys made from natural and organic cotton fabrics. They educate children, encourage their imaginations, and provide knowledge to make eco-conscious decisions. The Planet Pixies website includes interactive games and information on how to help the environment. Launch date: October 2008.

Made of 100% Australian sheepskin, this Flat Friend is made in the shape of a Koala that matches the real marsupial and comes with a gift card.  The Flat Friend Koala can be purchased by itself or with one of the available 100% cotton drawstring bags or carry bags.  Child friendly and safety tested.

Flat Friends' new range of animal character puppets such as the Snow Leopard are designed to help to educate children to learn more about endangered species by nurturing a dialogue between children about the animals.

Packaged together are this plush Flat Friends Kangaroo and a Flat Friend 100% cotton drawstring bag that has an illustration of the Kangaroo. Other themes are also included, such as Koala, Chimpanzee, and Crocodile. There are 22 Flat Friends Soft Animals available in the range.

Flat Friends range of puppets features children in national costume from around the world. The new line of Puppets is designed to educate children about different cultures and to also highlight the similarities all children share. This hand puppet takes the form of a Japanese girl wearing a flower-themed traditional kimono dress. 

The most realistic and playful giant stuffed dinosaur with real and authentic look-alike skins. Size: 36"L x 21"H.

Adding to the Folkmanis family of award-winning dragon puppets is this timeless symbol of heraldry, the Wyvern Dragon. It’s easy to manipulate the velvety mouth and tongue of this scaly green iconic beast and have fun for ages and ages! Designed for ages 5 and up. MSRP: $49.99.

Squeek, The Monster of Innocence is a cotton candy pink little guy who lives in a bubble! As you can see by the look on his face, he’s shy and needs you to introduce him to the world. Just hold him in your arms and describe everything to him. You can be his teacher and show him all the fun things that are special in your life. Oh, and don’t forget, he’s the pip “squeek” of the bunch so be gentle! Squeek is a part of the The WorryWoo Monsters series that tackles complicated feelings and transforms them into quirky, loveable characters.

Fuddle, the flighty Monster of Confusion can never make up her mind. It’s as though you can see her thinking aloud; Do...Don’t... Up... Down ...Yes…No. She’s so confused about making decisions. All she needs is a pat on the back and a few positive words. Wouldn’t you like to whisper in her ear “Go for it"? Fuddle is a part of the The WorryWoo Monsters series that tackles complicated feelings and transforms them into quirky, loveable characters. All the characters in the series were created and developed by Andi Green, a creative director from NYC who received such positive responses from her art exhibition The Monsters In My Head, she decided to develop these characters into books and plush dolls. Launch date: December 2, 2008.

Rue, the irresistible Monster of Insecurity hides behind flowers because he thinks he's different. He doesn’t realize that his unusual features make him interesting.  He thinks that his nose just doesn't "fit" with his shaggy hair, cheese curl ears and fluffy wings. How silly! What he needs is a little encouragement. Won't you tell him he is perfect just the way he is? Rue is a part of the The WorryWoo Monsters series that tackles complicated feelings and transforms them into quirky, loveable characters. Rue and "The Nose That Didn't Fit" won a 2009 Excellent Product Award from iParenting Media and the 2009 Toy of the Year Award (category: storybook and plush) from Creative Child Magazine, as well as a TDmonthly Top Toy Award 2009.

Where to Buy: My Toy Smart