Swine Flu
MSRP: $8.95
Category: Plush

ToyDirectory Product ID#: 24401

This 5-7" plush doll represents the Influenza A virus H1N1. It is part of a line of educational stuffed "animals" that look like mini microbes. Launch date: June 2009. 7/1/2009 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Common Cold - Rhinovirus
MSRP: $7.95
Category: Plush
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ToyDirectory Product ID#: 23174

Billions of people a year catch the cold. Now you can get one too. Kids of all ages and degrees of health can learn about the Common Cold with this cuddly 5" to 7" companion (about a million times the actual size of the virus). Also available are three tiny Common Colds in a Petri dish for 12.95 and a Giant Common Cold (15" to 20") will be available starting April 10, 2009. Launch date: 2006. 4/7/2009 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

GIANTmicrobes West Nile
MSRP: $7.95
Category: Plush

ToyDirectory Product ID#: 21603

This plush, one of several new items in the GIANTmicrobes line, represents West Nile virus. It measures 5" to 7". 12/5/2008 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

GIANTmicrobes Petri Dish – Stomach Ache
MSRP: $12.95
Category: Plush
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ToyDirectory Product ID#: 17643

This smaller version of GIANTmicrobes comes three to a pack in see-through, Petri-dish packaging. "It has struck a chord with this community. I'm shocked -- I thought it was only going to be pharmacy driven," Dave Callahan, director of sales for Giant Microbes, told TDmonthly at Toy Fair 2008. Launch date: February 2008. 2/20/2008 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Plush White Blood Cell
MSRP: $6.95
Age: 5 to 12
Category: Plush

ToyDirectory Product ID#: 12059

The cute and cuddly GIANTmicrobes® White Blood Cell, which looks like a real white blood cell a million times its actual size, helps kids learn about the science of health. Each GIANTmicrobe comes with an image of the actual cell, plus facts about how these white knights protect the body against attacking germs and cancer cells. “GIANTmicrobes sell best in specialty stores that cater to an educated consumer. As a fun, gentle way to introduce children to health and hygiene, parents love the educational value, and kids love the friendly, cuddly shapes. With 47 different GIANTmicrobes currently available, and more on the way, they make a perfect collector’s item,” Director of Business Development Dan Oliver of GIANTmicrobes told TDmonthly. Launch date: December 2006. 3/22/2007 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Anti-Microbial Liquid Soap Dispenser
MSRP: $9.95
Age: 5 to 12
Category: Bath

ToyDirectory Product ID#: 12058

The GIANTmicrobes® soap dispenser looks like the common cold microbe and is a fun reminder to wash away germs — the best way to avoid getting sick. It is perfect for adults, children and everyone in between. "Our unique soap dispenser, shaped like the common cold virus, helps remind kids of all ages to keep their hands clean and germ-free," Dan Oliver, director of business development for GIANTmicrobes, told TDmonthly. Launch date: November 2005. 3/22/2007 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Giant Microbes Plush Germs
MSRP: $5.95
Age: 3 and up
Category: Plush

ToyDirectory Product ID#: 5224

What is a Giant Microbe? These plush dolls look like common microbes — only a million times their actual sizes! From ulcers to Ebola, they’re humorous, educational and quite contagious. Each 5- to 7-inch microbe doll comes with an image and information about the microbe it represents. These germs of endearment are better than a get-well card for a sick friend.
— Dave, founder and head of Sillyasstoys, Richmond, Va., thought the Giant Microbe plush toys are the coolest things around. “They’re one of our biggest sellers.”
— “Kids love them and so do teachers. We sell a lot to schools. They make biology fun and cuddly,” explained Susan Richards, manager for Educational Innovations Inc., Norwalk, Conn.
— Michael Stipe, lead singer of REM, even got some of these at Kawaii Gifts in Pittsburgh, Penn. (of all places). 10/27/2005 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]