July 2010 Notable Toys — Puppets

This cuddly 18" x 5" x 11" puppet features a movable mouth.

This cuddly puppet has movable arms and mouth and measures 5" long x 15" tall x 8" wide. With its sweet expression, this puppet is a huggable child's companion for play time, nap time, or on the go.

This stage puppet has a movable mouth and measures 9" x 6" x 15."

These playtime puppets from Aurora all have sound, bright colors and a shimmery shine in the details. Kids will appreciate all the different animals available including Giraffe, Lion, Elephant, Tiger, Monkey, Zebra, Mutt, Kitty (image attached), Pony, Cow, Piglet and Lamb (10”, MSRP: $12.99)

Paws Puppets are nicely stuffed puppets (as opposed to sleeve puppets) with soft claws that compliment the paw pad detailing. The soft puppets are available in six styles including White Tiger, Leopard, Black Panther, Bengal Tiger, Polar Bear, and Lion.

Kids can bring Lamby the Picnic Pal to life with this 8" x 8" hand puppet. The toy is also available in Monkey, Ducky, Cubby and Bunny versions.

Kids can bring Ducky the Picnic Pal to life with this 8" x 8" hand puppet. The toy is also available in Monkey, Lamby, Cubby and Bunny versions.

These big beautiful birds are 38" tall from the control to the bottom of the puppet's feet. The flamingo puppet is available in pink, orange and rainbow colors.

A flexible and animated hand puppet from Melissa & Doug, this little ballerina's name is Tina Prima.  Her recital-ready outfit is made of realistic satin and tulle. One hand can operate the puppet's mouth, while a detachable rod controls an arm or leg to allow her to pose, dance, and move as a child's imagination sees fit. The puppet can be used easily by right- or left-handed kids.
— “Melissa & Doug puppets always do well,” said Susan Castor, owner of Air Fun in Pentwater, Mich., in late spring 2010. “The Ballerina and Cowgirl are most popular.”
— Two of 43 retailers told TDmonthly in May 2010 that their top-selling puppets are supplied by Melissa & Doug.

A character from the children's cartoon, Fraggle Rock, this hand puppet from Manhattan Toy has bright colors and true-to-character features. Boober's bright orange hair is clamped down tight under a plush brown hat, while a matching scarf wraps around his neck. In the television show, he is the community's blues-singing cook and launderer.
— “Our Manhattan Fraggle Rock puppets are just going great. We tested with a few and our customers have asked for more,” said Priscilla Moore, owner of Mr. Fub's Party in Yellow Springs, Ohio, when asked about her best plush sellers in late spring 2010.
— During a May 2010 survey on top-selling plush and puppets, three of 43 retailers told TDmonthly their top items come from Manhattan Toy.

Puppets allow kids to use their imaginations while building coordination.

Young puppeteers can hang their puppets on the 16 branches of this puppet tree. Each branch is 8" long, allowing for maximum puppet storage. The unit is 11" W x 11" D x 48" H, and is made of rich maple and sturdy birch wood. The puppet tree's ultra-violet KYDZTuff finish "is as tough as a gym floor and allows marks from common items to be simply wiped away," Jonti-Craft Marketing Associate Melissa Gustafson told TDmonthly.

These three reptilian Topsy Turvy Pets feature 6" velour hatching eggs that turn inside out to reveal a full-bodied turtle, dinosaur or salamander. The imaginative design is baby safe with embroidered facial features and can make a playful gift idea for inquisitive minds. Topsy Turvy Pets wholesale as an assortment of 4 pieces of each animal.

Gobo tends to be the leader of the group. Unusually level-headed and practical for a Fraggle, Gobo prefers to control most situations. He plays a guitar (made from a gourd) and often goes on trips to explore the lesser-known tunnels of Fraggle Rock. Gobo is an independent Fraggle and resists the influence of his friends. Gobo has an orange complexion and purple hair, and wears a yellow and pink stripe sweater with a brown vest. Julie Flann, Manager of Marketing & Sales at Manhattan Toy, told TDmonthly, "Fraggle Rock is back and Manhattan Toy has exclusive rights to making Fraggle Rock puppets and plush!" Launch date: 2010.

One can tell their favorite family road trip vacation with this great hand/finger puppet. The soft puppet design fits right over your hand, perfectly. "It's a hand puppet with spots for four fingers, each one fits a different character," Julie Flann, Marketing & Sales Manager at Manhattan Toy, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2010.

Preston is made with green reptilian-like fabric and his accentuating horns, mouth and teeth make him almost come alive. Launch date: 2010.