June 2008 New Toys — Dolls

Gotz Doll: Brunette Muffin by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC

The 13” doll features sleep eyes, a soft body, a bean bag bottom and stylish clothes that can be easily put on and removed. The doll’s durable, rooted hair allows children to brush her hair over and over. Launch date: January 2008.
— “With Gotz, kids like [the doll] because it has long hair. Children seem to want hair rather than the bald guys,” Helen Ullrich, assistant manager of Hardware Center Inc., told TDmonthly. “We usually sell 10 a month.”
— Two of 62 specialty retailers named Gotz as a best-selling doll line in their stores in early summer 2008.
— “Unlike most other dolls, Muffin's has brown-rooted hair, styled in a fashionable 'bob' that can be shampooed and blown dry,” International Playthings Inc. Representative Nicole Tiedemann told TDmonthly.  Muffin’s beautiful brunette locks resemble real-hair structure and maintain a full and healthy appearance after many years of play.” 5/30/2008 (Price: $30.00)

Gotz Doll: Aquini Girl with Bath Tub by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC

The drink-and-wet doll is excellent for both potty training and bath time. The 13” doll features an articulated vinyl body, painted hair, blue sleep eyes and a beautiful, cotton, flower-print sundress. “Kids will love Aquini's pink scalloped-edge bath tub as well as a butterfly sponge, diaper, pink bottle and hooded terry cloth towel,” International Playthings Inc. Representative Nicole Tiedemann told TDmonthly. “The doll also includes a bath tub, sponge, hooded towel, diaper and pacifier.” Launch date: January 2008. 5/30/2008 (Price: $36.99)

My Belly Button Baby by SMALL WORLD TOYS

The doll features magnetic feet and hands that let her touch her hands, feet and belly  button. The doll comes with a corresponding lift-the-flap book. ( Watch Video) 5/30/2008 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Hollywood Royalty Lana Turner Dolls by INTEGRITY TOYS

Designed for collectors, this 12”, 1:6 scale doll features a highly poseable body and meticulously crafted clothes. A full biography brochure of Lana Turner is included with each doll. Clothes can be shared between the Hollywood and Fashion Royalty collectible doll lines. Launch date: Fall 2008. 5/30/2008 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Kathe Kruse Jannik by EUROPLAY CORP.

The 16-1/2” doll features hair that can be washed and styled. The vinyl doll is free of nonyphenol and phthalate. Launch date: February 2008. 5/30/2008 (Price: $200.00)

Kathe Kruse Käthe 125 years by EUROPLAY CORP.

The 12” doll is designed for the swimming pool and bathtub. It features a vinyl body and a face hand-painted with water-resistant paint. It is intended for children over the age of 18 months. The doll “can go in the water for a maximum of one hour at 40 degrees Celsius,” Europlay Corp. Service and Request Associate Marion Hohmann told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2008. 5/30/2008 (Price: $72.00)

Bébé Chéri by COROLLE DOLLS

The huggable, life-like doll comes snuggly dressed in a white embroidered jumper, with soft blue eyes and kissable cheeks. The 20” doll can even wear real baby clothes. “Bebe Cheri is realistic, specially scaled and weight- proportioned to fit the child's age, and has a delicate vanilla scent.” Liza Marques, a representative for Corolle told TDmonthly. “She will last during a lifetime of play and create a family tradition.” Launch date: February 2008. 5/30/2008 (Price: $80.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Queen Mother Yaa Asantewaa of Ghana by ETHIDOLLS

The doll is based on the famous Ghanaian Queen Mother Yaa Asantewaa, a real African woman leader from West African history. She comes with a beautifully illustrated storybook and audio CD that recount her singular act of bravery in 1900, against colonial domination. The doll and the storybook and audio CD set may be purchased separately, with MSRPs of $139 and $25, respectively. “Now, more than ever, girls grow up fast, and EthiDolls offers them a chance to imagine the possibility of leadership, accomplishment and excitement through the inspiring story of Queen Mother Yaa Asantewaa, a wonderful role-model doll for the 21st Century,” Patti Gindoff, senior vice president of marketing at EthiDolls, told TDmonthly. Launch date: Summer 2008. 5/30/2008 (Price: $164.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Play Along - Juku Courture Dolls by JAKKS PACIFIC INC.

These dolls are inspired by the limitless possibilities and fashionable combinations that mismatching and layering pieces offers girls to express themselves and have fun. Launch date: August 2008. 5/30/2008 (Price: $19.99)

Play Along - Fabulous Fancy Nancy Doll by JAKKS PACIFIC INC.

The 18” doll is modeled after the character from the New York Times’ best-selling children’s book series, Fancy Nancy. Launch date: May 2008. ( Watch Video) 5/30/2008 (Price: $29.99)

Play Along Holiday Pop Star Hannah Montana by JAKKS PACIFIC INC.

The collectible fashion doll sings Hannah’s version of “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” and wears an exclusive, hand-sewn dress. The doll also comes with a stand and a special keepsake in a beautiful gift box. “Hannah Montana fans, doll enthusiasts and even mom herself will want to play and display this exquisite Holiday Pop Star Hannah Montana doll,” Play Along Public Relations Manager Jen Bernstein told TDmonthly. 5/30/2008 (Price: $34.99)

Basic Betsy Brunette by TONNER DOLL COMPANY

This 8” doll is part of the 2007/2008 fall/holiday collection. It comes with a bodysuit, socks and shoes. Launch date: 2007. 5/29/2008

Mrs. Beasley Talking Doll by ASHTON-DRAKE COLLECTIBLES

A character from the television show “Family Affair,” this 20” vinyl doll speaks 11 phrases voiced by actress Cheryl Ladd, an ambassador for Childhelp USA. A portion of profits from the sale of this doll benefit the Childhelp charity. 5/29/2008 (Price: $89.99)

Campus Sweetheart Barbie Doll by MATTEL INC.

From the Gold Label collection, this vintage reproduction of a 1965 Barbie doll is outfitted in a satin gown with pink netting and opera-length gloves. She comes with a rose bouquet and a silver-colored trophy. Launch date: 2008.
— When asked about best-selling dolls in summer 2008, 2 of 62 specialty retailers mentioned that they carry Barbie dolls by Mattel.
— “Our biggest seller is the nostalgic Barbie dolls,” Dave Brisbois, owner of The Toy Dept. in Pasadena, Calif., told TDmonthly.
— “It seems to me that people are producing more vintage-style dolls ... which is great for me,” he added. 5/29/2008 (Price: $49.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Santa Baby by GOODREAU DOLL LLC

The 16” vinyl doll features articulated ball joints. Her three-piece Santa Baby ensemble is sold separately. 5/22/2008 (Price: $120.00)

Doll Bike Seat by BABYDOLL PLAYGROUND LLC

The doll bike seat carries a baby doll on the front handle bar of any bicycle or tricycle. The positioning of the seat allows the child to see her doll at all times. Launch date: 2007. 5/22/2008 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

String Dolls/Voodoo Dolls - The Princess (The String Doll Gang®) by KAMIBASHI

String Doll Gang ® characters each have a tag with their name and special power. Each handmade doll comes on a lobster clip with a round keyring and can be used as a backpack or bag charm, keychain or ornament. The keyring parts can also be removed so allow the dolls to be used as action figures. “We…[use] strong tags (ours are fabric and not paper) and a strong keychain (ours is a lobster clip as opposed to a ball chain, which can open unexpectedly, causing the doll to get lost),” Christopher Daniels, of Kamibashi’s Web department, told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 2006. 5/21/2008 (Price: $9.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The First Day of Forever by FRIENDS FOREVER GIRLS

In this exciting story, longtime friends Marlee and Natalie meet their new neighbor, Reina.  Together the three girls face a challenging adventure that leads to the creation of the Friends Forever Girls®.  The story also reveals the secret of how the Butterfly Promises came to be.  The Friends Forever Girls® dolls and books are fun to play with and provide adults with a tool to talk with young girls about positive choices and the importance of friendships.  The First Day of Forever hardcover book is included with the purchase of each doll.  The First Day of Forever is also sold separately and available in paperback for $6.95. 5/16/2008 (Price: $12.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Friends Forever Girl - Marlee by FRIENDS FOREVER GIRLS

Introducing Marlee, who along with Natalie, Reina, Nika, Kristine and Kyleen, form a community of six friends with loveable, distinctive personalities that young girls quickly identify with. Each doll comes with special accessories and The First Day of Forever hardcover book.  In this exciting story, longtime friends Marlee and Natalie meet their new neighbor, Reina.  Together the three girls face a challenging adventure that leads to the creation of the Friends Forever Girls®.  The story also reveals the secret of how the Butterfly Promises came to be.  The Friends Forever Girls® dolls and books are fun to play with and provide adults with a tool to talk with young girls about positive choices and the importance of friendships. Available now:  Marlee, Natalie, Reina and Nika. ( Watch Video) 5/12/2008 (Price: $89.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Friends Forever Girl - Natalie by FRIENDS FOREVER GIRLS

Natalie has been Marlee's friend since they were very young as she lives across the street from Marlee. Natalie likes to talk a lot and has a love for playing all kinds of sports, and don't mind skinning her knees to score one for the team. She has a pet fish, only because her dad and older brother are allergic to dogs and cats. Sometimes, she believes she's allergic to her older sister. ( Watch Video) 5/12/2008 (Price: $89.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Kristina Takes the Stage by FRIENDS FOREVER GIRLS

This paperback book features all six Friends Forever Girls® and is a heart-warming story about friendship, honesty and the power of overcoming our fears. The Friends Forever Girls® brand provides the perfect book series for parents and their young girls who are discovering the rewards of friendships and are learning about the challenges and adventures of growing up girl.  Through adventures in the book series, young readers see how the Friends Forever Girls® use the Butterfly Promises to handle situations like meeting new friends, trying to learn a new sport, and sticking up for what’s right.  Young girls learn about developing common sense, making the right decisions when it’s hard to do and respecting themselves and others.  The First Day of Forever hardcover book is included with the purchase of each doll.  The First Day of Forever is also sold separately and available in paperback.  Coming soon - our third book which will be available in August 2008. 5/12/2008 (Price: $6.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Ghilan Dara & Sara by INSTITUTE FOR THE INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS

The dolls are twin siblings Dara and Sara. Both are designed to reflect Iranian values. Many different versions are available. 5/8/2008

Special Needs Equipment by THE CHILDREN'S FACTORY

Special Needs accessories for dolls. Dolls sold separately. ( Watch Video) 5/2/2008 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Moonman Lovey by ee publishing & productions, llc

The Moonman’s steadfast and comforting presence reminds children that they are loved and watched over, no matter where they are. Made to be loved to pieces, the Moonman lovey glows when Little Twinkles cuddle him and plays a sleepy “luvaby” when they hug his tummy! He’s a comforting presence as they drift off to dreamland. 5/1/2008 (Price: $19.99)

Tonya by Doris Stannat by MASTERPIECE DOLLS

Love this little girl. Her face is so sweet. Doris Stannat has sculpted an adorable big sister for Mia. She is 26" tall in vinyl. Her arms are sculpted above her elbows and her legs are above her knees. She has pretty brown eyes and wears a brunette wig. She has on sea foam green pants and coordinating pink jacket. There is embroidery on her shirt and on the jacket. She also has on white sandals. Tonya comes with a dark brown wooden based doll stand. (teddy bear not included). Limited Edition 350 pieces. 5/1/2008 (Price: $179.00)