October 2008 Notable Toys — Designer Toys

MIMOBOT Designer USB Flash Drives are little friendly data fiends. Teens and adults can feed the 2" monsters all their essential data (tunes, pics, presentations, docs, etc.) and transport files in style wherever they go. Mimobots are available in 1GB, 2GB, 4GB and 8GB capacities, produced in limited editions, are hi-speed USB 2.0, compatible with both Mac and Windows. "Mimobots lead the creative revolution in personal electronic accessories and functional designer toys - truly a marriage of art and technology!" Nicole Rosano, PR manager for Mimoco, told TDmonthly.

Maru and Friends is a celebration of childhood fun sculpted by world renowned doll artist, Dianna Effner.
Maru is a young girl who lives with her aunt and uncle. She is making new friends and adapting to a new way of life. Along with the 21" all-vinyl doll, the Maru & Friends set includes a long-sleeved shirt, vest, skirt, tights, underpants, hat and matching purse with boots. It also comes with a hardcover storybook and Certificate of Authenticity. There are two other dolls in the line; each doll's facial features are unique. Launch date: 2008.

Wezens have descended from outer space and come to Earth with one objective: to cuddle. Mobelli is an industrial alien who gets no greater joy than accomplishing as much as possible. With four arms to hold onto things and three eyes to see three times as much, Mobelli would surely be the most successful alien ever — if only he had opposable thumbs. Wezens are cuddly stuffed critters in lively bright colors. Each character is designed by Dutch designer Rogier van Zijp and Dutch comic artist Boris Peeters. Wezens are "fun for adults but loved by babies and children as well," Rudi Besseling, general manager of STUDIO SPOON B.V., told TDmonthly. They feature a "completely different design compared to what's available on the common plush market, and [are] still round and 3D-shaped unlike most other designer plush." Launch date: January 14, 2008.

Jedi Master Shaak Ti was an exotic, alien female with colorful patterning decorating her flexible lekku, or head-tails. She defended the Republic and died in the effort. Shaak Ti is remembered and faithfully represented in this spectacular resin bust that stands 8" tall and includes a certificate of authenticity. This is a limited edition of 4,000 pieces. Launch date: October 2008.

Collectors can relive all the fun and laughter from The Big Lebowski with these cool action figures, which are not sold in mass-market stores. It "makes a great gift for adults that love pop culture. The retail price point makes it an affordable gift item," a representative for Entertainment Earth told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2008.

This holiday dress-up Sassy Pet Sak is a tote style and comes with a black lab puppy that is removeable. The bag measures 7" wide. "The design and unique choice of fashionable materials" set this item apart, Erika Radich, marketing manager for Douglas Company, told TDmonthly. "It is a toy and an accessory all in one!" Launch date: September 20, 2008.

Each Snugaboo polyester fleece blanket is 30" x 30" and is trimmed in triple-stitched soft satin edging that will help it last through many adventures. The blankets even have two convenient silky satin pockets for little hands to snuggle in or to use to fly around. Six designs are available: Zeek, Daisy, Frankie, Boots, Noodles and Princess Aladreena. "Each Snugaboo hooded blanket matches a specific Snugaboo cartoon character and comes bundled with a package of temporary tattoo Freckle Rewards to promote good behavior in children," Sheila Oberaigner, CEO and Boo Master Select of Crushtown, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 7, 2008.

Couplicoles are designed to entertain children while also serving as a learning tool. They help develop children’s imagination and three-dimensional thinking. While learning to follow simple instructions, children can simultaneously develop their dexterity and creativity. This product received a Dr. Toy 2008 Best Vacation Product Award, and won a grand prize in Quebec's 2006 Grafika contest. "Couplicoles ... are classified according to their degree of difficulty. Beginners start by relying on the help of an adult and progressively learn to be more independent. Couplicoles therefore encourage both cooperation and individual initiative, which makes them particularly suitable for art classes and kindergartens. Moreover, they require only basic tools such as a ruler, scissors and glue. Black and white models can be customized using crayons or highlighters," Maria Valkova, in operations at Hartiatoys, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2004.

Two-inch-tall Birdie Girl is an eligible bachelorette with fresh breath and no signs of aging. She is designed by Tummie.

By toy designer Maria Sarmiento, these vinyl, 2.5" figurines have articulated heads and are single-boxed. The first series features 10 characters (Super K, Kumaniac, Graphitti, Nippon, Metal Kiss, Geek, Polar Madness, Samurai, Love and YII). The limited edition line contains only 500 units per character. Launch date: December 2, 2004.

This Tokidoki mini figure series features 1" characters that each come with an accessory, such as a skull, dog bowl or soccer ball. The figures are Riposino, Ciotolina, Timidina, Salamino, Bastardino Jr., Tortellino and Malandrino. Launch date: 2008.

This one-of-a-kind set includes 12, 8" figurines made of exquisitely polished resin. It features intricate detailing and whimsical style. "They are aimed at collectors, whether tweens, teens or adults," CEO & Creative Director Lynette Opoku of Littlelyn Entertainment told TDmonthly.