November 2008 New Specialty Toys — Animal Figures

This poseable kitten is available in two varieties and features a head, legs and tail that move.

Made of stretchy material, this 2" block of cheese is home to two mice that can be moved around to the different holes.

Eclipse Doggy loves to eat. He's one of six Angels from the Attic, 10" plush friends designed to promote creativity and encourage children of all ages to build friendships. They are sewn with love so no two are exactly alike, making them instantly cozy and lovable. "[A] portion of proceeds are donated to local and national children['s] charities, making this a win-win for customer, retailer and children," Creative Director Mark Marderosian of Big City Publishing told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 30, 2008.

Twinkle Mouse is part of the Angels from the Attic line of 10" plush friends designed to promote creativity and friendship. Each Angel is made from soft fabric and sewn so that no two are exactly alike. Launch date: July 30, 2008.

This soft teddy bear is designed to keep children happy and cozy. Each Angel from the Attic is a 10" plush. "The bonus 12-page hard cover book that each Angel is packaged with helps spread the message of friendship," Mark Marderosian, creative director of Big City Publishing, told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 30, 2008.

Angels from the Attic are 10" plush friends designed to promote creativity and friendships. Each Angel is made from soft fabric and sewn so that no two are exactly alike. The line consists of six characters who all live in a magical attic. "There are no batteries [or] fancy remotes, just simple soft fabric [that is] cozy to the touch. The appealing and elegant gift box that each Angel comes in makes the gift look more expensive than it really is," Mark Marderosian, creative director at Big City Publishing, told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 30, 2008.

Clay-Mates are a great value gift and make perfect stocking stuffers. These handmade miniatures are crafted in Thailand of porcelain clay. The 20-piece Starter Set is a perfect way to start a new collector. "Clay-Mates consist of a variety of whimsical, real and imaginary animals, birds and sea life. Each tiny character is meticulously detailed with delightful and charming features. Although very similar, no two are ever identical," Lisa Ramus, president of Clay-Mates USA, told "iPlay Jungle Animal Pinball resembles the age-old classic eat-up pinball games, but includes a new twist. Instead of gathering pinballs, players are required to keep the pinballs out!" Nicole Tiedemann, PR account executive for International Playthings, Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2008.. Launch date: 2008.

Mrs. Claus awaits Santa's return for Christmas in an overcoat, mittens and beret. This limited-edition set comes in window packaging, ideal for gift-giving. Launch date: October 2008.

Cuddle up at night with Emily the Strange's kitty, Miles, the cutest one-eyed pilot around! He is 12 inches high, and comes with a striped pilot scarf, goggles and cap. He makes a great gift for aviation, cat or Emily the Strange fans. Pilot Miles also makes a great Halloween gift. "This plush toy is Miles, an Emily icon. He does not look like the average black cat, as he has an X replacing one eye," explained Jill Beaverson, PR/Marketing Director, Emily the Strange. "And he is outfitted in all pilot gear. Emily and cat fans alike will love Pilot Miles."

These twin doggies, William and Fiona, join the cute cast of characters that make up the Calico Critters world. They love to play in the sandbox together, and wear pastel blue and pink outfits.
— Calico Critters are strong sellers at Piccolo Mondo Toys in Portland, Ore., according to Owner Michelle Smith, who spoke with TDmonthly in December 2008.

These tiny critters — Brown Bear Brother, Polar Bear Sister and two others from Cloverleaf Corners — are decked out in costumes for Halloween. The critters are poseable and wear removable clothing. The two bears retail together for $19.99. Launch date: October 2008.