March 2009 New Specialty Toys — Designer Toys

Kids can scoop up these colorful critters as they glide across the water. The set includes three floating bugs and a mesh net in modern styles and colors. Launch date: November 30, 2008.

Jane Jenni's custom-fit personality buttons come assorted in a container of 300 buttons. There are more than 112 designs that describe various personalities. Are you a "queen bee" or a "big cheese"? There's a button to fit nearly everyone, and the colorful and fun buttons can appeal to all ages. The combination of the word and picture to illustrate the phrase is designed to stimulate conversation between generations. "The word and picture illustrations engage the customer, and capture their imagination. The collection of various personalities offers the customer a fun item to give to their assortment of friends and relatives," Designer Jane Jenni told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2004.
— Buttons and pins, including ones from Jane Jenni, were best sellers at Twirl Toystore & Playspace in Taos, N.M., in early 2009, according to Owner Molly McMullin. “We’ve had great success finding both companies and individuals making cute, funny or artsy buttons,” she told TDmonthly. “They’ve been our most consistent seller, and are also great for preteens through young adult.”

You may look at Winkolina and say, "There goes a really plain, regular, every day looking Ugly." But on the inside, Winkolina is an adventure waiting to happen, which is funny because she sees that in you, too. Winkolina thinks you have nothing but action and adventure locked away, way deep down! Is she right? Are you ready to show the world what you've really got going on in there? Winkolina has six cookies, an apple and 11 tacos in there. What about you? Launch date: April 2009.
— “All of the Uglydolls do well. We sell about five a week,” said Jeanette Lauture, owner of Aunt Jean's Toys & Treats in Montclair, N.J., when asked about her best-selling plush toys in spring 2009.
— “We sell lots of plush, but as a single group or vendor, Uglydoll is at the top,” Sallie Kashiwa, owner of Timbuk Toys in Denver, Colo., told TDmonthly in May 2009.
— Twenty-one percent of 43 retailers surveyed in May 2009 said Uglydolls are best-selling plush items in their stores.

Fea Bea: The Ugly Stick. Ugly Sticks are sort of the perfect sidekicks to have with you at all times in the Uglyverse. They are there for you. Feeling sad? Ugly Sticks will knock that right out of you. Happy now? No, wait ... feeling really ugly? Good! Ugly means unique! Anyone can retouch a photo to look beautiful, but you can't fake ugly. Launch date: March 2009.

This is a very special UGLYVERSE EDITION UGLYDOLL. These limited versions are produced only for one year. "Artist created, UGLYDOLLS inspire creativity/individuality [and] appeal to both genders and kids of all ages," Karen Laureigh of Pretty Ugly LLC told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.
— Uglydolls are top sellers at Moon Rabbit Toys in Santa Fe, N.M., Owner Shana Hack told TDmonthly in summer 2009.

This 21" vinyl play doll wears a knit sweater and leather boots and comes with a certificate of authenticity. It was sculpted by Dianna Effner and has childlike facial features. Tanya comes with a "Forever Friends" storybook written by Maritza Gutierrrez and illustrated by Rhiannon Cunag. The doll received a 2009 DOTY award.

These mini vinyl uglies come as a Blind Box assortment in fancy schmancy display box!es. Kids can join the thrill of the chase to collect all 13 figures. Launch date: March 2009.

This 14" plush friend is known for overreacting and isn't known to look before he leaps. Launch date: February 10, 2009.

Ze Super Heroes have super powers ... but they also have flaws that negate those powers. Zonk the Monkey, for instance, is a self-proclaimed "super climber," yet he's also afraid of heights. There are 6 Ze Superheroes so far. You can clean them by surface washing only. Launch date: 2009.

Monskey is a line of 2.5" collectible figures molded in smooth vinyl and decorated with the cool designs. They are a perfect addition to a desktop, dashboard, locker, backpack or keychain. Launch date: August 2008.

There are two sizes and two styles of Quiltis — bouquets of fresh color in hand-picked designer fabrics. Quilti Dogs are 12" and There are four prints of 12" Quilti Dogs and three prints of 9" Quilti Horses. Mini Quilti Dogs and Horses are called "Lil' Buds." There are three prints of each. Amaryllis is a bright crimson paisley with coordinating striped mane and chest. "There is a freshness in the fabric and the design that is very desirable. The Quiltis are gently weighted so they flop anywhere," Erika Radich, marketing manager for Douglas, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 6, 2009.
— Tim Hayes, owner of Learning Express in Sudbury, Mass., named Douglas as a preferred vendor in fall 2008 because they are “local, high quality and [have] good turnover.” One other retailer, out of 52, also pinpointed Douglas as a favorite supplier.

This beautiful nap mat is for the "girly girl" that not only appreciates plush comfort with the highest quality luxury minky fabrics, but also custom designed appliqué work and embroidery in the theme of the perfect day in Paris — with the Eiffel Tower and adorable French Poodle. The plush blanket is attached to a soft, comfortable, quilted nap mat. Also attached is the satin pillow, enveloped in a soft pink minky fabric pillowcase. It folds and rolls up easily to form its own beautiful bag with shoulder straps, making it fun and easy to take to Grandma’s or to a sleepover. "Napping or overnight parties have never been so easy for young children, with the plush sleeping mat, blanket and pillow all attached," President Jamee Mionie of Cavichi told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 30, 2008.

These mini suede duffle bags are perfect for keys, coins and other small items. "Each bag is handmade and available in 13 distinct, unique colors of suede," Juniper Guerrero, owner of Tigo Gifts Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.