January 2010 New Specialty Toys — Plush

The Vermont Teddy Bear Company's “Soft Floppy Bears” are designed to give the best bear hugs anywhere. Featuring a huggable floppy body and cuddly washable fur, every bear is handmade in Vermont and unconditionally guaranteed for life. If it's ever injured, it can be sent to Vermont Teddy Bear's Bear Hospital and the company will repair or replace it for free.
Awards: 2009 Dr. Toy Best Picks Children's Products; 2010 Creative Child Seal of Excellence (Plush Toys for Kids)

This whimsical giraffe has a poseable neck for playtime fun. It is made from naturally sustainable rubberwood and organic cotton fabric. "Our toys educate children, encourage them to use their imaginations, and provide knowledge to help make eco-conscious decisions," Michael Daner, president of I Love My Planet Toys, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 7, 2009.

This twist on the classic jack in the box features the king of the jungle in an intricate, wood-burned design on the rubberwood box. It is made from naturally sustainable rubberwood and organic cotton fabric. "At I Love My Planet Toys, we pride ourselves on offering eco-friendly toys that retain quality without compromising affordability!" Michael Daner, president of I Love My Planet Toys, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 7, 2009.

The Tu-Tu Snuggle Buddy is part of a mix and match collection designed specifically for girls. The fun and fancy collection also includes a tu-tu themed sleep ‘n play and a novelty blanket to create a coordinated, cross-merchandised statement. There are multiple patterns and colorations offered. "Snuggle Buddies combine the comfort of a security blanket with the interactivity of a toy, making them irresistible to babies," Danielle Signorelli, media and communications director for Rashti & Rashti, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2010.

This hamster on a mission loves to explore and can scoot along the ground and boogie through its different habitats. The Zhu Zhu Pets Hamster line also includes Chunk, Pipsqueak and Num Num, all of which squeak and chatter when in loving mode. This product was named one of Dr. Toy's 100 Best Children's Products 2009. Launch date: Fall 2009.

Launching in 2009 are new 16" and 10" animal designs from Stuffysoft. Each of the 35 different animal styles are available as empty shells, ready to be filled by a child, then closed with a secure zipper. They are also available as complete kits that include stuffing, T-shirt, optional custom imprint, wishing star and birth certificate. There are also a number of outfits for each of the 2 sizes - ten inch and sixteen inch. "Animal stuffing events of many hundreds of children are easy to manage. How delightful is the party with the name of the child, or the fund-raiser with the imprint of the school mascot or logo? The hand crafted animal will be cherished by the child who made it forever." Richard Bock of Stuffysoft told TDmonthly.

This two-piece gift set includes a cream-colored, 14” tall, plush piggy with tan feet, ears and nose on a friendly face and a curly pig tail. Piggy arrives in a soft blanket for baby, with the classic nursery rhyme embroidered and appliquéd along the 31” x 40” blanket’s cream-colored satin trim. Around piggy and blanket is a chocolate-brown organza ribbon and bow, and they’re comfortably nestled within artwork that depicts the rhyme “This Little Piggy,” with five little piggies all around the box, doing what made each one famous. On the back is an open book with the complete nursery rhyme. Both the little piggy and blanket are 100-percent polyester, including appliqués. The gift box measures approximately 12” H x 10” W x 5.25” D.

This soft 15" plush is cream, taupe and chocolate-brown with black accents. Patches comes with a sweet smile, adoring eyes, and a comfy place to sleep, and holds a plush, white, bone-shaped rattle for baby. The trim and inner lining is chocolate-brown satin, and a plush tail is attached to the Lovie's lower back. The border design includes embroidered paw prints and a small taupe appliqué with paw prints and a pink bone. Patches comes in a dog house with a red roof, puppy paw prints all around, his tail poking out the back, a sign on the front that says, “Patches” Plush Puppy Lovie, a bone-shaped handle on the roof, and a poem around the base that reads ,“This puppy needs a loving home, A place to play and call his own, With a child to hold him close and tight, One to comfort throughout the night! The dog house gift box measures 8” H x 4 ½“ W x 9 ½” D (including Patches’ face and front paws peeking from the dog house).