June 2009 New Specialty Toys — Designer Toys

This take-a-long friend, with its moving wheels and chomping mouth, is designed to inspire kids to touch, grasp, explore and grow. It has bright colors and zig-zag stripes and is made from renewable rubberwood. Launch date: July 2009.

The Roadster Car is about 12 inches long and is made of durable ABS plastic. The range is designed to be safe for children of all ages, meeting stringent international testing standards including safety tests EN71. "Beautifully designed and well-engineered, these products perfectly straddle the toy and design world," Deepa Dadlani, president of VICI Enterprises (exclusive North American Distributor of Playforever Toys), told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 2009.

This 48-piece, 7" x 7' floor puzzle features the colorful animals of Simms Taback award-winning books. The puzzles can be done individually and then hooked together or placed in a very long line. This Oppenheim Gold Award winner is made in the USA. It's "just made for the specialty market," Product Manager Carol Comes of Briarpatch told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 31, 2009.

This classic pull toy is made of velour that rolls around on sturdy wooden wheels. Launch date: July 2006.

The Plume Collection Doudou Mouse is a handy little 9" blankie that little ones can carry with them everywhere. The ultrasoft cotton and microfiber mix are designed to provide comfort, and the ears and paws offer little fingers easy gripping and softness. The ears and paws can be soaked in water and frozen to offer a little relief from teething pain. The mouse is machine washable and comes in a round Kaloo keepsake box. "The quality is unsurpassed and the packaging distinguishes it from other soft toys," Leif Quraeshi, president of Kaloo North America, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2007.

These odd plush microbial characters at least have mouths and eyes, to help orient them. They're soft, too. Sold separately.

This happy "god of things as they are" is also known as a Billiken and has been floating around the U.S. for decades. He's even the mascot for the St. Louis University Billikens baseball team. Here, though, he's happy to sit on (or off)  the bench and guard your loose change.

Idolz are wearable, stackable, poseable, colorful action figures with interchangeable parts. Kids can customize Idolz by collecting and swapping accessories. "This product has all the qualities of a stylish collectible, while remaining durable enough to play with or display in many different ways. It's designed to be fun and fashionable for both boys and girls of nearly all ages," Damien Noble, president of Idolz Toys LLC, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2009.

Doraemon is a fat-cat robot in Japan, where he's reigned as one of the more popular cartoon characters since his debut in the 1970s. In his pocket he keeps an assortment of gadgets, plus a nuclear bomb to take care of dreaded mice and rats. This 13" cuddly plush is just one of the many different kinds of Doraemons a fan can collect.

Ciao Ciao is condemned to live forever on earth, in her modern grave-loft with her boyfriend Adios. But she's cute, so that makes everything okeydokey. From TokiDoki.

This prickly lass is a lot cuddlier than she looks. She's part of a Japanese-inspired designer line of toys and clothing from Italian company TokiDoki. She's 9" high.

This plush poundcake takes comfort food to a whole new level. It measures 6.5" long.

This Relaxed Bear is so relaxed, he'll take anything lying down.

Hello Kitty is so healthy, she's transformed herself into a yummy-looking 4" fruit. She's also helpful -- use the padded slot on her head to hide jewelry, cell phones or mini erasers. She comes in a variety of flavors, including green pear (pictured).

This relaxed bear is taking it easy on his feet. He can make you relaxed, though, by stashing keys, change and other treasures safely in his zippered back.

Ruu and Suu are tiny plush bunnies with just enough design detail to set them apart from the herd.

This Japanese chick has adapted a look that's all her own.

Entymologists of all ages finally can have what they've been pining for: a cuddly cocoon! No matter how much love this little cc gets, he'll never be a butterfly.

Domo is a breakthrough character whose popularity began in Japan. This little guy can happily dangle from a key chain or even a Christmas tree. His soft plushy body is offset by hard, beady plastic eyes.

This little bean bag may look innocent enough, but check Gloomy Bear's red chin and you'll see an even deeper shade of red. That's the blood of his latest victim. This gruesome character is a big hit in Japan and may appeal to the macabre tween/teen and beyond in your community. They can even play hacky-sack with this head.

The modern design aesthetic of Paul Frank Industries coupled with the whimsical nature and personality of Julius is captured in these classic knitted monkeys. Knitted Monkeys are created in soft knit fabrics featuring classic crochet, knit, and chenille stitch patterns.  Featuring a loveable embroidered sock face and body, Knit Monkeys are available in white, brown, beige, pink, and Julius signature print knit fabric in pink and blue. Launch date: July 2009.

Babo is best friends with Wage...and the cookie jar. But once he gets to know you and the kinds of snacks you keep around the house, he will focus mostly on the snacks! Little Ugly Babo is 7" tall and won 2006 Toy of the Year Award, Oppenheim best Toy Award and the 2006 Parent's Choice Approved Award.

Wage is a hard worker, just like you! He works at the local Super Mart and wears his apron to serve his customers best. Does Super Mart know that Wage works there? Nope.But 14" tall Wage doesn't mind.He likes to put things in bags, especially snacks. Wage is the Ugly Doll that started a cultural phenomenon. Watch Video to learn more. Launch date: 2001.

Mr. Kasoogi is a treasure hunter. He's had a lot of practice hunting for smaller items like candy, donuts, and even fruit. Now he's ready to take on the big challenges...But he needs a partner. Someone he can trust. Or maybe someone like you. Are you up for it? Will you be there when Mrs. Kasoogi turns the kitchen lights on and you're caught with your hand in the cookie jar? Yes? Good! You take the blame! Mr. Kasoogi doesn't mess with Mrs. Kasoogi. Launch date: Spring 2009.