August 2009 Notable Toys — Plush

This 12" cow is filled with 100-percent natural wheat and dried lavender, and after two minutes in the microwave is a warm buddy to take to bed. He is designed to stay warm for at least an hour, and may remain warm all night if snuggled under the covers. "The cow can be microwaved thousands of times," CEO Ruth Hamilton of Pritty Imports told TDmonthly, "and his aroma is designed to help kids fall asleep naturally." Launch date: June 2009.

The company's longtime sweetheart, the Press 'n Dress Doll & Outfit Collection, is available in an embroiderable carry case for personalization. Developed from the concept of paper dolls, each interchangeable cloth outfit has secure Velcro® backing so kids can just “press to dress.” The product is tested and certified safe for all ages, and is designed to develop role playing and social skills. "Press ‘n Dress is absolutely perfect for the little girls who have not yet developed the small motor skills to dress and undress a traditional doll," May Grant, director of communications for Pockets of Learning, told TDmonthly. Press 'n Dress has received the following awards: Dr. Toy Best Vacation Toy in 2000; National Parenting Publications (NAPPA) Honors Award Winner in 2002; and a TDmonthly Top Toy award in 2008. Launch date: June 2009.

These floppy chenille-type bears are a great start to Baby's classic teddy collection.

Marlowe™ is a 17” beige bear with an embroidered nose, ultra suede paw pads and a beige chiffon
neck bow.

Sidwell™ is a 17” light brown teddy with an embroidered nose, ultra suede paw pads and a beige chiffon neck bow.

Creatively designed for story telling, pretend and imaginative play and overall interaction with family, our storytelling dolls (3 positions for each doll) have been very popular over the years. Curious Goldilocks flips in surprise to discover Papa Bear, Mama Bear, and Baby Bear.

This 15" classic bear is fully jointed, with firmer construction than the company's floppy bear, and is designed for dress-up and role play. It is available in six fur color choices: vanilla, buttercream, honey, dark chocolate, light pink, and light blue. Each bear is handmade in Vermont and comes with a lifetime guarantee. "This is the bear that made us famous, having sold millions worldwide. It is being introduced for the first time ever to retailers as a product aimed at the high-end toy consumer who shops at the world's finest toy stores," Irene Steiner, VP of marketing for Vermont Teddy Bear, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

The 19" Plushee Pals are toy versions of their "real" North Pole Scout Elf counterparts. Made of the softest material Santa’s toymakers could find, this elf is available with a choice of either light or dark skin tones. "Plushee Pals™ are allowed to remain with their family year round and they thrive on hugs and kisses," Grace Purtell, logistics coordinator for CCA and B, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 15, 2009.
32" PALS ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE.

This 12" elephant is filled with 100-percent natural wheat and dried lavender, and after two minutes in the microwave becomes a warm buddy to take to bed. He is designed to stay warm for at least an hour, and may remain warm all night if snuggled under the covers. Trumpet the Elephant comes in a gift box. Launch date: June 2009.

This 12" penguin is filled with 100-percent natural wheat and dried lavender, and after two minutes in the microwave, becomes a warm buddy to take to bed. He is designed to stay warm for at least an hour, and may remain warm all night if snuggled under the covers. "The penguin can be microwaved thousands of times," CEO Ruth Hamilton of Pritty Imports told TDmonthly, "and his aroma is designed to help kids fall asleep naturally." Launch date: June 2009.

"Beddy Bear is the world's first-ever fully microwavable teddy bear," CEO Ruth Hamilton of Pritty Imports told TDmonthly. He has soft fur and is filled with 100-percent natural wheat and dried lavender. He is designed to, after just two minutes in the microwave, stay warm for at least an hour, and longer if he is snuggled under the blankets. Launch date: June 2009.

Buzzy is a 12" bee filled with 100-percent natural wheat and dried lavender, and after two minutes in the microwave is a warm buddy to take to bed. He is designed to stay warm for at least an hour, and may remain warm all night if snuggled under the covers. "The bee can be microwaved thousands of times," CEO Ruth Hamilton of Pritty Imports told TDmonthly, "and his aroma is designed to naturally help kids fall asleep." Launch date: June 2009.

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

Sanrio's popular character Hello Kitty comes to little girls in an 8” tall plush toy. Dressed in a candy-pink tutu and leotard with matching ballet slippers, this little ballerina is accessorized with Hello Kitty's recognizable bow in matching satin material as well as a tiny gold crown for her performance. 
— “I know it is a good product when people never return them,” Barbara Vininsky, owner of Jack and Jill, said of the Hello Kitty merchandise in her Montreal, Quebec, store.
— Hello Kitty products were popular at the Toy Shop of Concord in Concord, Mass., at the end of 2009, according to Owner David Hesel.

Chuckle Buddies are motion-activated rolling and laughing plush friends. Once activated, the Chuckle Buddy will roll around from side to side three or four times, filling the room with an hysterical, contagious laughter. Once he stops moving, an individual simply waves a hand in front of the sensor located directly above the eyes to reactivate. There's an on/off switch located on battery compartment. The product required 3 AA batteries (not included). A Dog, Monkey and Cat are currently available, and other styles are in development. Launch date: February 2009.

This soft, tan- and cream-colored mouse is made from the sustainable resource bamboo. It is 8" tall. Launch date: 2009.

Everybody's favorite beagle keeps his chick buddy, Woodstock, warm with a striped muffler.

This 2" x 4" turtle keychain is equipped with a blue light that's activated when one presses down on its soft shell. Launch date: 2009.

These designer toys are cutely sinister.

Of course Goringo is half apple and half gorilla. What else would you expect?

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.