September 2009 Notable Toys — Dolls

The charismatic teens from the movie series — Gabriella, Troy, Sharpay, Ryan, Taylor, Chad and Kelsi — are captured as fashion dolls from a key scene in “High School Musical 3.” The poseable dolls are dressed in their formal graduation attire, complete with cap and gown, and even class rings for the girls.

A 3” scented Strawberry Shortcake can hang out in this two-story cafe that comes with furniture, play food, a spinning smoothie machine and even a bird friend to ride. No batteries are needed. Launch date: Fall 2009.

This fashionable friend has tons of beauty options. Girls can comb her hair, or style it with included clips, barrettes and hair extensions. An applicator, after it’s been chilled in the freezer, can be used to trigger the color-change feature of the doll, giving it eye shadow, lipstick and a little berry on her cheek. Stickers complete the scene. The 11” doll has the classic strawberry scent and requires no batteries. Launch date: Fall 2009.

Shaped like a giant gumball machine, this house has two levels of fun. Sweetie Belle, from the Newborn Cuties line, can have her friends over for a snack in the first floor kitchen, take the musical elevator up, and check out the view over the giant lollipop balcony. It comes with Sweetie Belle, and a house full of accessories like a kitchen set shaped like candies. Launch date: Fall 2009.

Kids can feed, groom and dress their pets in a new playset that promises hours of activities. There's a spinning playpen, salon and more than 30 accessories. The center has storage space for pets and can be carried so girls can take their collections anywhere. Launch date: Fall 2009.

Barbie Millicent Roberts, after half a century of different careers and pursuits, is returning to her roots. This new version of the original teenage fashion doll wears a two-piece bathing suit and a cell phone. Her face and the tone of her skin, lips, eyes and hair have been painstakingly updated while keeping the iconic look. Mattel estimates that a Barbie doll is sold somewhere in the world every 3 seconds.

This Asian-American doll is part of the Friends Forever Girls series of dolls and books that focus on friendship, character and community. She comes with "The First Day of Forever" book. Launch date: September 2009.

This 18" vinyl doll represents a character in the Friends Forever Girls series of dolls and books centered on friendship, community and character. She comes with a purse accessory, a Butterfly Promises bookmark, and "The First Day of Forever" book.

This soft, huggable and sweet-smelling redhead just might become a “berry” best friends. A case includes eight individually packaged dolls. "She might be tiny, but Strawberry Shortcake has a huge heart! Her friends love to gather at her Berry Café, where they can always count on Strawberry Shortcake for a helping hand and some berry delicious treats — no wonder she’s everyone’s best friend in Berry Bitty City!" Jenna Banks, director of sales for EE Distribution, told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 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.

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.