Both blanket and stuffed companion, the 24” Comfy Cozy Lion is made of silky fleece material in the shape of a lion. The big cat's round head has embroidered features and a loose fleece mane that matches the fringe on his floppy tail. When taking a break from play time, toddlers can curl up with their new friend for a short nap. ― “Gund's baby blankets are always steady sellers,” Joe Berardoni, owner of Pun's Toy Shop in Bryn Mawr, Pa., told TDmonthly in June 2009. ― “We do well with Gund,” said Jeri Dorsey, buyer for Kits and Kaboodle in Carmel, Ind., when asked about his top-selling baby gifts in summer 2009.
Part of Gund's San Diego Zoo line, Zhen Zhen is a special plush animal named for a Giant Panda cub at the San Diego Zoo, born August 3, 2007. Posed sitting and looking forward curiously, Zhen Zhen is carefully stitched and extra soft. Gund contributes 7 percent of all sales of its San Diego Zoo line to global conservation programs. — “Gund has been our long-time [best seller],” said Bill Rayment, owner of Toy Crossing in Harbor Beach, Mich., during a May 2009 survey of top-selling plush. — Thirty percent of 43 retailers told TDmonthlyGund is a best seller.
With his bright yellow feathers and familiar, wide-eyed face, Big Bird is a staple character for many children. Gund captures one of Sesame Street's cardinal characters in a soft, flexible hand puppet where little players or big can move both his wings and his long beak to act out favorite or original stories. The puppet measures approximately 12” tall. — “The Gund plush [is] the only licensed product that's ever done really well,” Mike DiAndrea, manager of Hardware Centre in Paoli, Pa., told TDmonthlyin spring 2009 of his top-selling licensed toys, Gund Sesame Street characters. — “The Sesame Street 11" dolls are selling very well,” Fran Anaya, owner of Golden Aspen Toys in Flagstaff, Ariz., said, reporting sales of 15 to 20 plush characters per month in spring 2009. — Nine out of 49 retailers named Sesame Street as their best-selling licensed character line during an April 2009 survey.
Ernie, one of the most playful characters on Sesame Street is an 11" character with his trademark jeans and striped jersey, red sneakers, and a big wide smile. Launch date: December 2002.
This soft, fleecy white lamb produces sheep sounds when squeezed. — This little lamb is a top-selling toy at Kazoo & Company in Denver, Owner Diana Nelson told TDmonthly in early 2009.
This set of three frightful characters move along when their string is pulled. Each is between 4.5” and 5.5” tall. — Three of 52 retailers told TDmonthly in fall 2008 that Gund items sell well for Halloween in their stores.
Martha™ Mom and Baby is a 10.5” fluffy mom duck with an orange beak and feet. She sports a yellow and lilac chiffon neck bow. Her chick is crafted of yellow plush and wears white and pink bunny ears. When you press mom’s wing, mom’s mouth and body move to the music “How Sweet It Is” while the chick’s wings flap up and down. It includes three replaceable AA batteries. The product's "animated movement" and "design concept" set it apart from similar items, according to Shallu Chhabra, marketing manager for GUND. Launch date: 2009.
Gund’s Comfy Cozy is a 24-inch plush blanket with a full satin underside and a plush animal pillow. The blankets come in a variety of colors and animals including a monkey, cow, lamb, horse, lion, bear, puppy, and kitten. — “There are so many that are good, but I say Gund Comfy Cozies — the larger size a baby can lie on” are my best-selling baby gifts, Dennis Hofstetter, owner of The Toy Store in Atlanta, told TDmonthly in July 2008. — “For babies, we have had a lot of success with the My First Teddy Bear [Comfy Cozy] blanket by Gund,” added Donna, owner of Treasured Child in LaGrange, Ky. “I have re-ordered twice and we just started carrying them six weeks ago.” — Eleven percent of 66 retailers mentioned a Gund product when discussing as top-selling gifts for babies in summer 2008.
At just 7” tall, these bears have the look of a classic teddy in a much smaller package. Available in four styles, they each have their own color scheme and basic design. — “Our mini bears are great. We have four varieties. It's the best little bear; it has character,” said Barbara Anderson-Sannes, owner of The Essence of Nonsense in St. Paul, Minn., about her best-selling plush line, Gund. — “[People] request them for gift toppers,” Rhonda Cole, owner of Ansley's Attic in Newnan, Ga., told TDmonthly. — Ten percent of 62 retailers named Gund as their top seller in plush in early summer 2008.
The 18” classic teddy bear is made of a cuddly plum-textured fabric and features burgundy accents and ultra-suede paw pads. The bear wears a matching satin ribbon around his neck, with a “Gotta Getta GUND” enamel charm attached to his ear. Launch date: January 2008. — The product uses “unique materials, innovative designs and detailed facial features,” Gund Marketing and Licensing Manager Shallu Chhabra told TDmonthly.
The pony is crafted of different pink calico patterns and corduroy accents. The pony also features a wide embroidered smile, aqua velour ears and a ruffled calico tail and head trim. An 8” style and a 22” style are also available. Launch date: January 2008. — The pony uses “colors and material that match with today’s fashion industry,” Gund Marketing and Licensing Manager Shallu Chhabra told TDmonthly. — “Stuffed animals by Gund — [we sell] three or less per month,” Tina, owner of Baby Furniture & Accessories in Albuquerque, N.M., told TDmonthly in March 2008, when asked which items sell best for infants and toddlers in her store. — Five percent of the 40 retailers who spoke with TDmonthly in March 2008 named Gund as the hottest manufacturer of baby products in their stores.
The plush stands 14-1/2” tall and sounds “Hip Hop Jingle Bells” when the music note on his hand — an on and off switch — is pressed. The bear’s arms, hips, mouth and head move in unison with the music.
The 26” plush moves his head and mouth as he sings “Jingle Bells” and wishes onlookers a very Merry Christmas. The battery-activated toy comes with an on and off switch on his hand.
Bouncing babes will fall in love with the 24" Tender Beginnings Comfy Cozy Giraffe. Made with GUND's softest, most huggable plush, this furry friend has a blanket body, soft pillow head and tiny giraffe tail. Comfy Cozy Giraffe comes in creamy yellow plush and is available with pink or blue accents and features a full satin bottom. The detail in features makes this Giraffe stand out as part of Gund's classic line of plush toy animals. — Gund Comfy Cozies are among the most popular baby items for customers of Learning Tree Toys in Oklahoma City, Okla.
Girls will be tickled pink at the newest collection from GUNDKids®, the Twirly Girly™ collection is filled with whimsical, ballerina-inspired keepsakes perfect for tiny dancers. Twirly Girly Doll is a soft, snuggly friend sure to win over little hearts. Available in three styles, the golden-haired doll is outfitted in a pink body suit, tutu and ballet slippers. The 25" Twirly Girly Large Doll has a pocket-skirted tutu embroidered with the words "dream," "dance," and "twirl." — "Gund dancing dolls called Twirly Girls by Gunn," said Betsy Justings, owner of Betsy's On Ross in Auburn, Ala., when asked by TDmonthly about top-selling gift items for girls in her store.
This 12”-tall fairy-in-training is a bright, bubbly character with a tendency for turning things into pumpkins with her training wand. She is made of soft-pink plush and features pigtails woven from pink and purple yarn, as well as white mesh wings and a dress of blue lilac. “She’s the newest character on Sesame Street and this is her first appearance as a plush pal,” Shallu Chhabra, marketing and licensing manager for GUND, told TDmonthly. “GUND has taken great care in adding lots of wonderful design details — including yarn and embroidery accents and shimmery fabrics — to make Abby especially suited to the specialty toy market.” Launch date: August 2007. — Gund’s Sesame Street characters and large puppets are best-selling items at Clever Kids in Rochester, Minn., according to Owner Michelle Beyer.
The 15" Rigby, a cozy and classic Gund bear, features milk chocolate super-soft fur, a sophisticated brown-and-tan plaid ribbon, a soulful expression and a potbelly. He’s perfect for both cuddling and displaying. He also comes in a 24" version and weighs 1.1 lbs. Rigby is part of a Gund line of classic bears that also includes Fabian and Corin. The accompanying rocking chair is not included. — "If I had to pin it down, I'd say the brown classic teddy bear from Gund," said Andrew Lev, manager of Smart Kids Toys in Greenwich, Conn., about the best-selling plush item in his store. Twelve of 62 retailers TDmonthly spoke with in spring 2007 said Gund is among the most popular plush with their customers. — According to retailers, sales of Gund plush across the country range from a few units per month to about 200 per month. — “Great for kids and adults, Rigby's soft, long pile plush makes him the perfect bedtime companion, while his sophisticated cream and chocolate organza ribbon makes him a wonderful home décor piece,” pointed out Shallu Chhabra, marketing and licensing manager for Gund.
Everyone's favorite monsters are graduating, too. The 5" plush version of Elmo, wearing black cap with gold tassel and triumphantly clutching his ribbon-tied parchment, will delight graduates of all ages. Elmo doesn't graduate alone, however. He's accompanied in this Gund line by long-time pals Big Bird and Cookie Monster. It's celebration time as this class of Sesame Street graduates moves on to bigger and better things, like the arms of an adoring child. Launch Date: Fall 2006 — "Gund is our best seller [in plush]. We have the Sesame Street line that does well," said Michelle Beyer, owner of Clever Kids in Rochester, MN, when discussing store sales with TDmonthly in the spring of 2007.
A beloved babyGUND character, Spunky is a floppy-eared pup made sweeter by the spot of white fur surrounding his right eye. The tan-colored, 8” plush plays “Rock a Bye Baby” as he moves his head to the music. This product received a 2007 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award. Launch date: January 2007. — Baby Gund is the No. 2-best-selling plush for Co-owner Fred Rosenberg of On the Park in Kingwood, Texas, he said in spring 2007.
Paxton, at 14.5” tall, features cuddly, toffee-toned fur and warm brown eyes. He has fully jointed arms and legs for a timeless quality, and a cream-colored ribbon around his neck to accentuate his happy smile. Paxton was awarded a 2007 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award. Launch date: January 2007.
