March 2009 New Specialty Toys — Plush

This colorful collection of fruits and vegetables from the HABA garden consists of a leek, a banana with a removable peel, two carrots and two tomatoes with rattles, all in a wooden basket. The fabric items are machine washable. Launch date: 2009.

Frederik has a removable saddle, bridle and magnetic clover leaf. The horse is machine washable and can be air dried. Launch date: June 2009.

Sweet soft Sissi pony is an accessory to the HABA 12” dolls. Sissi has a chenille mane and the entire pony is machine washable (gentle cycle, air dry). Launch date: June 2009.

This is a heat and cold therapy item that looks like a stuffed animal and is part of the Toasty Wild Animal Collection. It can be a calming, soothing aid for children, and also may comfort those with Alzheimer's, anxiety or sore muscles. The elephant can be warmed in the microwave to deliver heat therapy, or placed in the freezer to deliver cold therapy for up to two hours. Launch date: 2007.

From the Toasty Barnyard Collection, this plush pig has a herb and flaxseed filling and is designed to deliver heat and cold therapy by being warmed in the microwave or placed in the freezer. Launch date: 2007.

This soft, plush duck functions as a source of heat and cold therapy. It can be warmed in the microwave to deliver heat therapy, or frozen to provide cold therapy for up to 2 hours. Launch date: 2007.

Aurora is commemorating Lamb Chop’s 50th Anniversary with its special edition puppet (15” MSRP $13.99), closely fashioned after the original Lamb Chop that caught the eyes of millions of viewers. The larger brown eyelashes, more prominent nose, and ribbed white sweater with three red buttons are a reminder of the Lamb Chop who have kept us laughing for more than 50 years.

Aurora released an adorable Bush Baby that retailers couldn’t keep on shelves. Now there are four more styles available, in vivid colors, and each of them makes funny sounds when squeezed. The bean filled plush animals (8”, MSRP: $6.99) have big ears, long tails and wide eyes and colors include Violet, Hot Pink, Turquoise and Lime Green.

Eco-friendly plush is generally double or triple the cost of its non-green counterparts. However, Aurora’s soybean based eco-plush line, which won a BabyZone.com Amazing Toy Award, retains quality without compromising affordability. Varying from 7.5 to 12 inches, suggested retail prices range from $15.99 - $39.99, respectively. The line includes arctic and endangered animals like polar bears, penguins and pandas, as well as jungle animals such as gorillas, monkeys, elephants and hippos.

Jazzy, a cuddly lion featuring long curly locks of hair, is one of the most adored characters from Aurora’s line of Flopsies. Kids love hugging and squeezing this beautiful ten inch, free-standing plush lion. For 2009, three vivid and colorful additions — called Mop Tops — are joining Jazzy’s “den” -- also ten inches in size, the violet, turquoise and pink assortment make sound when squeezed. Kids and tweens will appreciate choosing from the colorful options to match their personal style.

For the award winning category, Baby Talk, Aurora has released two new items for 2009 including My First Pet and My First Tool Kit. The plush carriers (6 inches in size) are easy for children to carry with them. Included in each carrier are four related plush characters (two to four inches depending on the character). Each plays a sound and has its corresponding name embroidered on the side, which teaches learning and development by association of words, shapes and sounds.

Aurora’s best-selling product and a favorite of kids and adults alike, Flopsies come in a variety of sizes, from mini 8” flopsies to standard 12” and 14.5” flopsies and 28” “super flopsies.” Best of all, Flopsies cover all the most popular creatures of the animal kingdom. Favorite jungle dwellers are on hand, parrots, tigers, zebras lions and elephants, as are those furry inhabitants of the forest such as woodchucks, meerkats, and otters. Many of the creatures that call the sea their home along with household pets are also included in the large collection. All styles are bean-filled and incorporate only lock washer or embroidered eyes for safety.

Cheeky Charlie and his pal Carmen (both 14.5”) are two bean-filled plush monkeys that like hanging around and creating smiles. Velcro hands can clasp or wrap around just about anything, making them as at home in a crib or playpen as they are on a bookshelf or windowsill. A brightly-colored bib and trademarked “banana in the tail” add instant interest and curiosity. There’s even a baby monkey (7”) that serves as Cheeky’s little buddy; also a 12” body puppet, and a western- wearing, ranger-hat outfitted “Wrangler” Cheeky Charlie (14.5”).

Aurora’s super-soft and interactive 14” teddy bear provides cuddly comfort while helping kids learn valuable skills. Through the bear’s colorful pair of overalls children learn how to tie a ribbon, fasten a snap, close a button and put items in a pocket. As they practice their motor skills, they will also learn the names of popular fruits that correspond to the colored parts of the overalls, banana and orange feet, and an apple and pear to put inside a bib pouch. Sound effects, a rattle and a squeak, on the hands round out the educational and developmental fun.

Punky Pets are a group of characters who have a message of unity through music. The Pets are in a Punk Rock Band and sport tattoos, piercings, mohawks and rocker clothes. They are designed to appeal to cool kids and their hip parents. Launch date: 2009.

Minymini storytelling products are designed to teach children about the objects around them. The functional plush toy has a suction cap on the back for hanging. It may be used as an educational, decorative or collectible item. Launch date: 2009.

A beautiful spotted Owl in miniature?  What a hoot!  As a puppet, he perches on your finger, ready to dispense owlish wisdom.  Whooo could be cuter?

A favorite of the finger puppets, this charming Mini Field Mouse has mottled brown plush and big soft ears.

This tiny woodland creature appears to be alive when nestled atop your finger.  With lifelike detail, this miniature Chipmunk finger puppet will bring to your home the charm of a walk in the woods.

The sheer wings of this finger puppet, silk screened with the realistic orange and black markings of the Monarch Butterfly, flutter gracefully up and down with the motion of your hand. Its stretchy nylon fabric body fits fingers of many sizes.
— In a May 2012 survey, three out of 11 retailers said that Folkmanis Butterfly finger puppets were their best selling plus or puppet item. Barbara Fineblum, owner of Barstons's Childs Play in Baltimore, Md., told TDmonthly that they sell approximately 23 each month.

He’s a lean, scaly green eating machine.  The giant Tyrannosaurus Rex continues to fascinate young and old alike, retaining his legendary status as king of the dinosaurs.  Animate his jaws (of course) and feel the raw power of the mighty 'Rex.

He pants, he barks, he hunts for fleas, he wags his tail, he tilts his head quizzically, he sniffs your sleeve—and he makes your friends believe he's real, all with your help, of course.  But a hidden entrance and long fur hide the secret of your participation, so prepare to charm and be charmed by the magic of one of our most popular puppets

With its movable beak, this Raven puppet will crow "Nevermore!" from the treetops until the dawn breaks.  This highly intelligent bird is a prevalent figure in traditional mythology and fairy tales around the world. Often depicted as a trickster or a creator, this Raven will make a perfect storytelling companion.

This long and lanky desert dweller, a fellow known for his dry wit and large feet, awaits animation by your hands.  So, hop to it!  Jack Rabbit puppet features movable head and arms, back opening.