December 2008 Notable Toys — Plush

Aurora’s charismatic Dilly Dallys line includes eight different animals. Mousey, Alley Cat and Howler (14” MSRP $14.99) feature different patches embroidered on their bellies and feet. The patches represent a characteristic of each animal. For example, Howler the Monkey features a banana; Alley Cat, a fish bone; and Mousey, a slice of cheese. Howler and Alley Cat’s uneven smiles or Mousey’s charming, oversized front tooth will put smiles on the faces of children and adults alike. The other Dilly Dallys — Laramie Lion, B.B. Bear, Woesome Wolf, Harry Hound and Darius Donkey (16” MSRP $17.99) — feature sleepy eyes and curious grins and are the perfect huggable day or nighttime buddy for children ages two and up.

Puffee Luvs are nearly impossible to put down once you start holding and cuddling them. Puffee Luvs (6”, MSRP: $5.50) include a kitty, pig, cow, bear, bunny and elephant. Perfect for kids of all ages, each of the cuddly animals is bean-filled and machine washable and soft enough for nap time.

Aurora inked a deal to produce an exclusive plush product line for Stephan Pastis’ Pearls Before Swine, the hit cartoon comic strip syndicated in more than 550 newspapers worldwide. Aurora’s Pearls plush product line will initially include seven pieces. The free standing, 12 inch plush includes Rat, Pig, and Croc (MSRP: $10.99). Buyers won’t be able to resist the smaller 8-inch pieces, which include Rat, Pig, Croc and Zebra (pictured, MSRP: $6.99). You can "meet" Stephan Pastis by watching the video, taken at Toy Fair 2009.

Snuggle Buddy is a plush toy and security blanket that offers play and soothing and tactile benefits. It is a wonderful gift that grows with baby and becomes a comforting companion for months, even years. Winner of the 2010 Top Choice of the Year Award and the 2010 Seal of Excellence Award from Creative Child Magazine.

For fans of all ages, mascot backpacks are designed to depict a favorite team's mascot. Each is made of a quality plush material and comes with adjustable nylon straps and a zippered storage compartment. Launch date: August 2008.

These plush pet beds are a fluffy, fashionable and fun addition to the Pawparazzi line. They are available in Leopard Print and Pink & Black styles. "Accessories like our Plush Pet Beds expand the Pawparazzi play experience and bring girls into the world of these miniature superstar pets in a way other plush toys don't," Susan DeCoste, marketing manager for Noodle Head, Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2006.

This set is filled with pets, purses, fashion and more — everything little girls need to spark their imaginations and pamper their favorite celebrity pets. It includes two pet sets, two dress-up sets, two plush pet beds, a doggy dining set and the Hotel Pawparazzi playset and carrying case. "Pawparazzi pets’ unique personalities (artists, writers, actors and more!) encourage young girls to use their imaginations to unlock and explore the exciting world of these tiny superstars. The pets inspire individual expression and creativity and encourage social interaction and collaborative play with friends at birthdays, parties and play dates," Susan DeCoste, marketing manager for Noodle Head, Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: November 2008.

The Pilloroo is the pillow with the surprise pouch. Each pillow has a zippered pocket at the top that opens to a hidden pocket big enough for a small toy, book or remote control. The pillow is stuffed just enough so kids can’t feel the toy from the outside. There are eight themes for girls and eight themes for boys. Each Pilloroo comes with a toy that coordinates with the theme. "The Pilloroo is the best hiding spot for kids!" President Vicky McQuoid of Pilloroo Designs told TDmonthly. This product received a 2008 Mom's Best Award. Launch date: September 2008.

Snuggle up with your soft and cuddly Wumbler named Bertrum. He is guaranteed to be your best friend
Available in 8.5", 5" and a backpack clip.

The Wumblers rely on their best buddy Raimundo as they tackle life in Wumbleton. Raimundo is a cuddly little snail with big dreams to make little ones smile.
Available in 8.5", 5" and a backpack Clip

Born from watermelon and at the center of one of our most successful "social" enrichment activities for kids held at The Wumbler Patch retail store, Baby Wumblers teach children the importance of caring for ALL beings, even the weakest and most vulnerable. Each Baby Wumbler transforms from a soft, cuddly watermelon into an adorable blue or pink Baby Wumbler that children can register on line at the Wumblers website. Each baby arrives with a bright yellow identification band worn by the adopting child which states, "It's A Wumblerful World We Live In!" Each band marks the adoption and full commitment by children and their families to helping "make the world a better place for ALL!"
— “I love the message behind these Baby Wumblers and the things that it teaches not only our kids but ourselves as well,” said the reviewer at Mommy 2 Two Girls. Her kids, on the other hand, loved that the Wumbler could be tucked back into its “little watermelon house.”
— After testing the Baby Wumblers with her sons, Erin Tales from The Mom Buzz jokingly observes that a “toy like this can start arguments if you don’t have one for each kid.” Her sons “were so excited when they discovered them,” while Erin liked that the watermelon transformation “opens up discussions about watermelons and healthy snacks!”

Squeaky Jr, one of Animaland’s newest and most popular animals, is now dressed in a brand new Pink Winter Outfit, complete with hat and mittens. Animaland plush is stuffable on any standard stuffing machine or by hand. Animaland outfits fit most 15 in. to 18 in. pre-stuffed plush. If you are selling pre-stuffed plush, you can still benefit from this interactive retail trend by offering customers Animaland outfits (choose from over 100 different styles) to fit your standard plush lines. Launch date: September 8, 2008.

Glambear is one of the newest Animaland stuff-your-own-plush animals. This popular, glamorous pink bear has hearts on its tummy and paws. Animaland offers over 150 styles of animals, over 100 outfits and over 75 different accessories. Animaland plush is stuffable on any standard stuffing machine or by hand. Launch date: September 8, 2008.

Ray is the newest member of Animaland’s stuff-your-own-plush family of aquatic animals that includes the Dolphin, Shark, Whale, Clownfish, Otter and more. We also carry a complete line of zoo, domestic, jungle and fantasy animals (over 150 styles) along with over 100 outfits and 75 accessories. Animaland plush is stuffable on any standard stuffing machine or by hand. Launch date: September 8, 2008.

Chrissie is a Broken Heart Doll. Broken Heart Dolls is a character-driven line of super-soft plush hearts for tweens, teens and collectors. There are five original BHDs, with more to be unveiled seasonally. The nurturing, sad-eyed, 7" hearts have humorous story-lines geared to help young people navigate the emotional landscape of middle school and beyond. Launch date: November 1, 2008.

The Naughty Monsters are portable time-out pillows in the form of friendly monsters. They include talking timers that allow parents to program the length of time the child should remain in time out. The child is to sit on the Naughty Monster while in time out. When time is up the monster will say, in a friendly monster voice, “You can get up now, but don’t be a Naughty Monster!” Launch date: November 15, 2008.

ZooPoo puts the FUN in functional. Tucked away inside each plush character is a refillable Shampoo (or Poo, if you will) tube so that the product can be applied by squeezing it out right on a little stinker. Launch date: 2009.

Go! Go! Sports Girls are plush, sports-themed dolls for girls. They are designed to be a fun and educational way to promote self-appreciation and the benefits of daily exercise, healthy eating, good sleeping habits and overall healthy life-skills. A portion of profits are donated to organizations that encourage girls to develop healthy lifestyles. Launch date: November 11, 2008.
— Dana of Feeling Fit with Dana praised Dream Big for representing many sports and making the Go! Go! Sports Girls “look like dolls, not models, not movie stars, just dolls.”
— Reviewers from What the Stuff Toy Review found that girls loved the dolls and were easily able to identify with the variety of sports, looks and personalities. Adult reviewers appreciated the positive values and healthy habits encouraged by the dolls. The review did caution that the dolls’ small accessories were likely to be misplaced.
Awards: Dr. Toy 100 Best Children's Products - 2010

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.

KAUZBOTS is passionate about inspiring kids and adults to change the world — one kause at a time. Each 18” plush toy robot is handcrafted by a human and passionate about a specific kause. For each KAUZBOT (or accompanying apparel) purchased, 10 percent of the retail price is donated to the kauze that is close to that robot’s heart. More than just a cool robot, KAUZBOTS inspire action and support kauses. Launch date: December 2008.
— Clifford Jackson, manager of The Wizard's Chest in Denver, Colo., told TDmonthly in July 2010 that his store sold about a dozen KAUZBOTS over the last month.

This realistic Godzilla plush has fierce-looking teeth and measures 13" tall.

Hi! My name is Clean Air Kate™ and I think clean air is great! I am from Chicago in the United States. I am a city girl who believes in living life to the fullest and giving back to the environment. I love riding my bike because it does not pollute and it is fun! By riding my bicycle and walking, I don’t add harmful chemicals to the environment. I also enjoying gardening and planting trees! There is much we can do to help the environment. Join me and Global Green Pals™ in greening the planet!

Greetings! My name is Carbon Offset Chet™. I’m from London, England and I love to fly! By flying in my special solar-powered plane, I've reduced the amount of air pollutants or “carbon emissions” I emit. This leaves the air and land cleaner for everyone to enjoy. And furthermore, I get to see the world with my Global Green Pals™ without polluting the environment! Roger that! Join me and my pals on our mission!

Global Green Pals,™ group of young eco-explorers from around the world know that everyone can do something good for the environment whether it's turning off a faucet, riding a bike, recycling a can or planting a tree. Made with organic and natural cotton, Global Green Pals ™ are loved by kids and adults alike. Each soft doll comes with its own environmental message and character tag. A portion of your purchase goes to saving the planet.