TDmonthly Magazine!
December 2006 | Vol. V - No. 12


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Baby Dolls Do Their Business

Functional or Cuddly, Baby Dolls Still Sell


“Girls ... like nurturing the baby dolls.” Teri Soelter, Teri’s Toy Box
With additional reporting by Virginia Davis, Dennis Furlan, Julie L. Jones, Terri Hughes-Lazzell, Krista Lebednik and Brenda Ruggiero


Sixty-two percent of retailers credited Corolle with reliable doll sales, according to a TDmonthly Magazine survey of 51 storeowners and managers. Not surprisingly, Lee Middleton Original Dolls and the Alexander Doll Company (Gift Guide) also got high marks.

What’s on the Pot

The latest anatomically correct toilet-training dolls and dolls that can drink on their own are doing well, nine retailers reported.

In Orinda, Calif., Natasha Robinson of Sweet Dreams has had success with Paul and Emma, Corolle’s (Gift Guide) anatomically correct potty-training twins.

Kids at Heart in Portland, Ore., does well with International Playthings’ Goetz potty-training dolls, manager Sarah Green told TDmonthly.

Lots to Love dolls by Berenguer and Baby Born by Zapf were also mentioned by retailers as great tools for potty-training.

What’s Selling
Christina Callan, owner of Interactive Toys in Elum, Wash., is a fan of German-made dolls, such as Käthe Kruse (Europlay) (ToyDirectory). “Haba (ToyShow) is my other favorite one,” Callan said. “They have unique color combinations.”

Angel Stahl, owner of Angel’s Toy Barn’s in Greensburg, Pa., said, “We are counting on Zapf Creation Dolls” for Christmas Sales.

Small World Toys’ All About Baby line has gained notice from Dan Willis, owner of Communique Toys in Seattle. He credits their quality packaging with momentous sales, telling TDmonthly, “It’s a nice clean look.”

Both Lori Rumsey, owner of Mother and Baby Source in Calif., and Diane Robinson, owner of Silly Goose in Essex, Mass., carry Baby Stella. And only Baby Stella. Manhattan Toy's (ToyDirectory) pacifier-sucking baby doll is a great “big sister, big brother gift,” according to Rumsey.

Why, TDmonthly wondered, do baby dolls still sell?

“Girls like to be mothers at a very young age,” Teri Soelter, owner of Teri’s Toybox in Edmunds, Wash., said, noting that dolls appeal to a wide age span. “They like nurturing the baby dolls.”


The following are the dolls that retailers and manufacturers think will wind up in little girls’ arms this Holiday season:




MSRP: $28.95
SKU or Item #: H3518
Gender: Girls
Category: Dolls



Calin Yang has brown sleepy eyes and natural-looking rooted hair that can be combed and styled. She can also be posed like a real little baby. All Corolle dolls are made with vanilla-scented vinyl. Their clothing reflects current styles and fabrics. Calin Yang is part of Corolle’s Mon Premier collection. She has accessories that will encourage little girls aged 18 months and up to take care of her all day long.
— “We do sell several Asian dolls,” noted Gwen Bowden, manager of Doodlehopper 4 Kids in Springfield, Va. “There are a lot of adoptions [here], and we try to carry a diverse selection of dolls that kids can play with. Ten percent of toy-store owners said Corolle dolls were great sellers for the holidays 2006.
― “Corolle [sells] head and shoulders above anything else,” said Sue Hottel, owner of No Kidding in Mattapoisett, Mass., of her doll department in May 2010. Two retailers told TDmonthly in late spring 2010 that Calin Yang is their top-selling doll. Twenty of 43 retailers named Corolle as their best-selling doll brand.
ToyDirectory Product ID#: 10314      (added 11/30/2006)
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MSRP: $42.00
Age Range: 3 and up
Gender: Girls
Category: Dolls



These 14", all-vinyl baby dolls drink and wet and love to take a bath; they are excellent potty training aids too. Paul is even anatomically correct. Each doll comes complete with color-coordinated potty, pacifier, feeding bottle and diaper. Paul and Emma are recommended by several child experts, including Dr. Phil, whose potty-training method consists of an approach that includes an anatomically-correct doll and a “potty party.”
ToyDirectory Product ID#: 4493      (added 9/8/2005)
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Age Range: 3 and up
Gender: Boys And Girls
Category: Dolls



Baby Sweet Sounds has 15 functions and sounds. This cute, realistic baby doll features 8 different sounds and 7 unique interactive functions for hours of role-playing fun. The doll feeds from a milk bottle, babbles, burps, laughs, tickles, has sleepy eyes and cries — with just a series of simple squeezes, pats and more. The baby doll comes with a washable outfit with easy-to-use fasteners, plus accessories. She teaches cause and effect, promotes social development and develops manual dexterity.
ToyDirectory Product ID#: 7317      (added 3/27/2006)
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MSRP: $26.99
Gender: Boys And Girls
Category: Dolls



Calin Charming Pastel is specially designed to encourage hugs and capture hearts. Thanks to the soft, beanbag body, this doll can be posed just like a real baby. With blue sleeping eyes and a pink-and-white striped outfit this 12” doll is perfect for ages 18 months and up.
— Fifteen of 57 retailers TDmonthly surveyed said that Corolle dolls were among the best-selling classic toys in their stores.
— In spring 2007, Owner Sally Lesser of Massachusetts’ Henry Bear’s Park stores mentioned Calin dolls, specifically, as best sellers. Corolle dolls are also popular at Juggles in Wakefield, R.I., Owner Idanna Smith said.
— Maggie Moss-Tucker, public relations consultant for Corolle, told TDmonthly, "The bottom line about Calin is that it's truly one of the best dolls on the market. Its price, design, play value and accessories are what makes it such a great doll."
ToyDirectory Product ID#: 9262      (added 9/5/2006)
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MSRP: $39.99
SKU or Item #: 35103
Gender: Girls
Category: Dolls



Already well known for beautiful baby doll sculpts, Berenguer presents its La Newborn Expressions Collection, which has taken realism one step closer to perfection. Each newborn represents the tender first expressions of real babies as they begin to explore and take in the new world around them. Each doll is meticulously sculpted to show all the wonderful details of an infant. From the lovable wrinkly face to the soft and fragile hands and fingers, all dolls in the La Newborn Expressions collection are meant to be cherished forever.
ToyDirectory Product ID#: 10309      (added 11/30/2006)
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MSRP: $85.00
Age Range: 2 and up
SKU or Item #: 39608
Launch Date: January 2006
Gender: Girls
Category: Dolls



Kikou Rose is a cuddly doll that loves hugs and likes to play outside. She wears a fleecy pink dress that is perfect for the outdoors, along with striped stockings and a matching cap. She stands 15" tall, and her dangling body is stuffed with cotton wool and weighted with pellets. Kikou’s vinyl head is hand painted. “Käthe Kruse dolls and toddler toys are something very special as they are still, since 100 years, made by hand,” Marion Hohmann of Käthe Kruse Puppen GmbH told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 9, 2006.
ToyDirectory Product ID#: 9893      (added 11/2/2006)
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MSRP: $60.00
Age Range: 3 and up
SKU or Item #: 01723
Launch Date: August 2006
Gender: Boys And Girls
Category: Dolls



This crib with a working musical mobile includes a storage area to keep things organized. Pink ribbons and heart cutouts add a nice touch to the soft, fabric bedding, which includes a mattress with an attached bumper, a blanket and a pillow. Rolling casters allow for easy movement of the crib, which measures approximately 12” wide, 24” long, and 31” high. It is designed for dolls up to 22”. Some assembly is required. “Our doll furniture stands out because it's made with wood and wood composite materials, rather than plastic,” Sara Logan, VP of marketing at Badger Basket Co. told TDmonthly. “It is attractive to parents and children both and will not be discarded when a fad or trend is over.” Launch date: August 2006.
ToyDirectory Product ID#: 9906      (added 11/2/2006)
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MSRP: $19.90
Age Range: 0 and up
SKU or Item #: 74224
Gender: Boys And Girls
Category: Dolls



The soft, warm and cuddly towel dolls are made of finest cotton flannel, molleton and cotton. The faces are hand embroidered. For playing, cuddling or sleeping, this fairy is always the right friend. There are many more characters, such as bear, bunny, mouse and duck available. The fairy also comes in blue. It debuted at the American International Toy Fair 2006.
ToyDirectory Product ID#: 8052      (added 5/31/2006)
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MSRP: $239.00
Gender: Boys And Girls
Category: Dolls
Dolls - Accessories



A Victorian-inspired wicker carriage with wooden seat, beadwork and curlicues set upon a sturdy metal frame and wheels with rubber rim. The carriage features our quality construction (will hold at least 30 pounds) and is available in white, whitewash/ivory and walnut brown.
ToyDirectory Product ID#: 8966      (added 8/10/2006)
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Age Range: 3 and up
Launch Date: December 2006
Gender: Boys And Girls
Category: Dolls



“Kids love this attractive, high-quality toy replica of the popular Joovy Caboose Stand-On Tandem stroller,” Greg Gardner of Joovy told TDmonthly. The clever design features of the Joovy Toy Caboose allow children to secure and transport two or three cherished toy friends at once, for hours of role-playing fun. The Joovy "Just-Like-Mine" Caboose Tandem Stroller sets the highest standard for toys — designed with realistic features to maximize role-playing fun. With real swivel front wheels, it’s easy to maneuver and suitable for playing indoors and out. A deluxe padded handle gives extra comfort and an easy-to-use trigger system makes folding a breeze. Launch date: Holidays 2006.
ToyDirectory Product ID#: 10319      (added 11/30/2006)
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MSRP: $169.00
Gender: Boys And Girls
Category: Dolls



The birth of every baby is truly a "blessing" and Laura Tuzio-Ross has created a 22" silicone/vinyl baby that we hope will bring you much joy and happiness. This special new baby has a meticulously hand-rooted human hair blend for added realism. "My Little Blessing" comes with a birth certificate where you can personalize her birth with your own naming ceremony. She is available in both a Caucasian and an African-American version. Each baby weighs about 4 pounds. The arms are sculpted below the elbow and the legs are a full sculpt that attach at her hips. Both babies are dressed in a gorgeous long and very luxurious gown designed by Laura for this special newborn. The sheer overlay of organza is accented with a beautiful floral embroidered design and scalloped edge. The dress is about 26” long from her shoulders to the bottom edge. The bodice and shoes are accented with hand sewn pearls. Her bonnet matches the detailing in her gown. Limited Edition 350. SPECIAL NOTE: You can select blond or brunette hair color for the My Little Blessing Caucasian.
ToyDirectory Product ID#: 9867      (added 11/1/2006)
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MSRP: $17.99
Age Range: 3 and up
Gender: Boys And Girls
Category: Dolls



Lots to Cuddle Babies come with their own soft animal friend.  Each doll showcases a cute animal found in the wild.  Kids can choose from among a lion, monkey, polar bear or giraffe. These huggable baby dolls measure in at 15" and are perfect to cuddle with. They have a vinyl head, arms and legs with a soft cloth body.
ToyDirectory Product ID#: 10322      (added 11/30/2006)
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MSRP: $14.99
Age Range: 1 and up
SKU or Item #: 803000
Gender: Boys And Girls
Category: Dolls



My Little Baby Born (13") looks just like her big sister. She has fixed eyes and is precious to look at and huggable to hold. She comes with a pacifier, a bottle and a rattle. She can be taken in the water and she air-dries quickly. She is also suitable for machine dryers.
ToyDirectory Product ID#: 10323      (added 11/30/2006)
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MSRP: $44.99
Age Range: 1 and up
Gender: Boys And Girls
Category: Dolls



Amelie the Doll will quickly gain a place in the hearts of toddlers and preschool-aged children. Her cheerful, embroidered face, bright red hair and slightly weighted body make her fun to cuddle, hold and carry about. They'll love her removable (and reversible) jacket, and coordinating, capri pants. Amelie's removable, blue canvas shoes are especially cute. Amelie makes a wonderful first doll or gift for a child's first, second or third birthday. She comes in a sturdy, clear vinyl case with a handle.
ToyDirectory Product ID#: 10325      (added 11/30/2006)
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MSRP: $34.99
Age Range: 3 and up
SKU or Item #: 723391
Gender: Girls
Category: Dolls - Talking
Interactive



Talking 19”  CHOU CHOU says the cutest things — in two languages: English and Spanish. When she is given her bottle or her favorite toy, when her bib is put on or her cheek stroked, she responds by saying the cutest toddler-like phrases. She has a soft cuddly body and a realistic look and feel characteristic of all CHOU CHOU dolls. In addition, she interacts with her Interactive Changing Bag, Interactive Carrying Sling and Interactive Bed — each sold separately. Talking CHOU CHOU requires 3AA batteries (not included) and is available in various ethnic versions.
ToyDirectory Product ID#: 8054      (added 5/31/2006)
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MSRP: $19.99
Age Range: 2 and up
Gender: Boys And Girls
Category: Dolls



This 13” machine-washable travel doll comes with a carrier, a soft backpack car seat, and mix-and-match outfits. As her name suggests, she is “EZ” to dress — no buttons, snaps or ties — and her clothing sticks on easily. The doll is made for little hands (ages 18 months and up) and includes the Goldberger Lifetime Guarantee. She helps develop fine motor skills, promotes eye-hand coordination, gives children a sense of accomplishment, teaches cause and effect, nurtures the feeling of security, and inspires imagination and creativity. She was named one of the Top 100 Best Children’s Products of 2006 by Dr. Toy.
ToyDirectory Product ID#: 9764      (added 10/25/2006)
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MSRP: $39.99
Launch Date: January 2006
Gender: Girls
Category: Dolls



These dolls have realistic eyes and features, are easy to pose, and come in Caucasian, African-American and Hispanic as well as gender neutral and anatomically correct varieties. A diaper is included; clothing is sold separately. Tenna Block of Teddy Get Ready told TDmonthly the dolls are unique because their “eyes are very expressive and a beautiful color.” Launch Date: 2006.
ToyDirectory Product ID#: 9901      (added 11/2/2006)
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Gender: Boys And Girls
Category: Dolls



This anatomically correct 13” doll comes in girl and boy varieties and includes a potty, a towel and a bottle. It features an articulated vinyl body, painted eyes and painted hair. The doll is great for children who are being potty trained.
ToyDirectory Product ID#: 10330      (added 11/30/2006)
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