January 2009 Notable Toys — Puppets

This velvety little winged piggy defies the laws of gravity. With a magnet in its nose, two of them can kiss or hang on to a refrigerator. They're just 3.5" long.

This nocturnal wide-eyed Flying-squirrel puppet is designed in ultra-soft plush in his flying position, allowing the puppeteer's hand to glide this adorable creature along. This puppet has movable front paws and tail. It won a 2007 IParenting Media Greatest Product Award.

The sweet-and-gentle Fawn puppet is adorable from its soft vinyl nose down to its soft vinyl hooves. Big black eyes and silky spotted fabric "fur" details complete the realism of this hand puppet.

Heirloom-quality details and a rich mix of sumptuous plush make this 20" Folkmanis Rabbit Stage Puppet a stand-out in the puppet world. He has a movable mouth and arms.

Featuring famous “firsts” in African American history — Barack Obama, Bessie Coleman, Oscar Micheaux, Rebecca Lee Crumpler and Toni Morrison — this kit is both a fun craft activity and an inspired teaching resource. It contains the following: five blank corrugated bodies, 10 blank arms and legs, five blank heads, five themed faces, five sticks, 20 fasteners, five sheets of decorative paper, 50ml of glue, easy to follow directions and synopses of included historical figures. Completed stick puppets stand 14" tall and have movable arms and legs. "Our product features famous "firsts" in African American History, including President-Elect Barack Obama!" Tiger Kandel, president of Tigercandy Arts, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

In addition to the colorful sheep, hare and bear hand puppets, this set includes a die and a memory game for one to four players. It encourages role play, language development and comprehension of rules. Launch date: 2008.
— Lisa McMartin, co-owner of Wonderment Inc. in Minneapolis, told TDmonthly in late 2008 that HABA is one of her most-liked vendors because “they'll take individual orders in their dating program." Nearly 10 percent of 52 retailers named HABA as one of their favorite suppliers.

Another loveable face for the Folkmanis line of pooches, the popular labrador is known as a loyal breed. This puppy has a movable mouth to give out big puppy kisses.
— “The workmanship and expression” of Folkmanis’ puppets makes the company a favorite of Fran Anaya, owner of Golden Aspen Toys in Flagstaff, Ariz., she told TDmonthly in fall 2008, when more than 11 percent of 52 retailers named the company as a preferred vendor.

The Folkmanis BLACK BEAR CUB is an unbearably cute 15-inch puppet. Just the right amount of stuffing makes this cub a snuggly teddy bear but with additional play value – it has a movable mouth and front paws. Made of silky soft fabric, Black Bear Cub has safe, soft, vinyl claws, a smooth, suede-like nose and paws and a contrasting brown snout. His facial features bring an innocence only found in little cubs.

Past Videos: Toy Fair 2009

This soft plush fawn handpuppet will add to any puppet theater production.

Kids who are studying karate will appreciate this soft plush handpuppet dressed in a traditional Gi. He even sports a pair of nunchukas in case the other puppets get out of line. Launch date: 2008.

This soft plush hand puppet from Timeless Toys features a great big hippo mouth. Launch date: 2008.

This soft plush  kangaroo puppet keeps her joey snugly tucked in her pouch. Launch date: 2008.