October 2008 Notable Toys — Plush

With stories tucked inside special pouches, these stuffed animals come to life with their very own stories by published authors. Children are encouraged to find the squeak, the crinkle and other special characteristics described in the story on the stuffed animal. The illustrated stories are printed on easy-to-read, soft, fabric story sheets. The adventures blend reading, storytelling and play into a stuffed animal. The large, 10" characters ($30) pair up with their own 5" friends attached via Velcro or magnets. The medium-sized, 8" characters ($15) each come with three adventure stories zipped inside a pocket. The small, 5" characters ($7) each come with one story written about them and tucked into a pocket. Launch date: March 2008.

When kids talk to a playfully interactive Nintendogs Bark Back puppy, he takes action, barking, shaking his head and wagging his tail. There are four lovable breeds to choose from. "Nintendogs Bark Back Playful Pups are realistic puppies that simulate life-like movements which are based the best-selling, popular Nintendogs Nintendo DS video game," Phillip-Michael Lee, product manager for Commonwealth Toy & Novelty Co., told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 15, 2009.

UbiPetz Monkeyz plush come to life on a favorite Nintendo DS Petz video game. The soft characters come with a secret code that allows them to come alive right on a DS game screen. Kids can collect multiple characters and have them all interact on the Petz Monkeyz House game, plus name their exclusive characters on the Petz Website, print out their personal profile, and download free stuff. Launch date: October 15, 2008.

UbiPetz Catz are the only plush toys that can come to life on a favorite Nintendo DS Petz video game. These adorably soft characters come with a secret code that allows them to come alive right on a DS game screen. Kids can collect multiple characters and have them all interact on the Petz Catz Clan game. They can also name their exclusive characters on the Petz Website, print out their personal profile and download free stuff. Launch date: October 15, 2008.

UbiPetz Dogz are the only plush toys that can come to life on a favorite Nintendo DS Petz video game. Kids can take home one of these adorably soft characters that will allow you to unlock a secret code, and watch as your character comes alive right on the DS gamescreen. Children can collect multiple characters and have them all interact on the Petz Dogz Pack game, plus name their exclusive characters on the Petz Website, print out their personal profile and download free stuff. Launch date: October 15, 2008.

This soft-touch stacking toy features a jingle, rattle and crinkle sound to engage babies as they play. It measures 10.5" tall.

I’m the comicos of the band and I always have a funny up my sleevos. OK, here’s a good one for you: What do you get when you cross a cat with a tree? A cat-a-log! Hee-hee! There’s lots more where that came from … but I’ll stop for now. Ciao amigos, keep laughing! Discovery Deglingos are an explorative adventure for young kids. Each leg contains a different activity – squeaks, rattles, crinkles and more. Also, a pull-string tail creates a shake and rattle surprise. Launch date: November 2008.

As Shakespearos once said, “The dog will have his day," and that day is now. I can usually be found waxing poetic and sniffing out a sonnet or two. But as the poetos of the Deglingos, I need inspiration. Will you be my muse? Discovery Deglingos are an explorative adventure for young kids. Each leg contains a different activity – squeaks, rattles, crinkles and more. Also, a pull-string tail creates a shake and rattle surprise. Launch date: November 2008.

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.

Misty Pig loves to read and, like her fellow Angels from the Attic, watches over children. Each Angel has its own personality and theme. The six-character collection is designed to promote creativity and encourage children of all ages to build friendships.

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.

Polly wears a stunning red and green velour coat with champaign mink fur trim. She holds her friend Prancer under her arm. Also shown is “Bell V. Deer” – MSRP: $13.00. Launch date: June 2008.

This soft, plush roll-up musical snail has eight musical note chips for enhancing the discovery of sound. It comes with six Melody Music Cards. The product measures 5 1/2" x 17 1/2" and is suitable for ages 6 months and up. Launch date: 2008.

Wezens have descended from outer space and come to Earth with one objective: to cuddle. Mobelli is an industrial alien who gets no greater joy than accomplishing as much as possible. With four arms to hold onto things and three eyes to see three times as much, Mobelli would surely be the most successful alien ever — if only he had opposable thumbs. Wezens are cuddly stuffed critters in lively bright colors. Each character is designed by Dutch designer Rogier van Zijp and Dutch comic artist Boris Peeters. Wezens are "fun for adults but loved by babies and children as well," Rudi Besseling, general manager of STUDIO SPOON B.V., told TDmonthly. They feature a "completely different design compared to what's available on the common plush market, and [are] still round and 3D-shaped unlike most other designer plush." Launch date: January 14, 2008.

Over 1.5 Million of these unique,Trademarked collectibles have been sold since their introduction in the year 2000. The colorful bears have a "see through" pocket that holds the state coin. The color of the bear reflects the geographic or historical background of the state. The year the coin was issued, the year the colony became a state and an exact replica of the state flag are embroidered on the bear. The years 1999 through 2006 are available at special prices. This product received a Dr. Toy award for most unique collectible toy in 2001. "It is the only collectible that combines the appeal of a teddy bear, a bean bag and a coin in one product," CEO Harold Nizamian of Timeless Toys Inc. told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 22, 2008.

New to Bearington’s Fall/Winter 2008 Collection, Andy and Sandi Sweetooth are Santa’s best little helpers this year. Both wear adorable candy cane elf outfits and matching stocking hats. Sweetie McSqueaky is their little mouse friend. He can also be an ornament. The line offers "outstanding quality and collectibility at the most amazing prices," Alicia Ariza, marketing associate for the Bearington Collection, told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 2008.

The Beverly Hills Puppy Club© plush line of products is ready to be spoiled by little girls. The “toy” toy dogs are a realistic–looking group of four popular pampered pups — Pug, Shih-tzu, Yorkie and Chihuahua — that are designed for ultimate cuddling, coddling and unconditionally limitless imaginative play. Fashion outfits and accessories are sold separately. Launch date: September 2008.

These 12" plush tooth fairy dolls are shaped as little fairies and come in boy and girl styles. The dolls hold a child's tooth in their shiny pouch, waiting for the tooth fairy to come. Launch date: September 6, 2008.

This set of three different trucks includes a dump truck, fire engine and bulldozer. All have the same, popular, velvet-like flocking as the other Rubbabu vehicles, but have movable parts to encourage active play. Launch date: March 2009. (Product was formerly dist. by Plasmart)
Awards: 2010 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Toy Award, Gold Seal.

These building blocks have soft connectors so children can easily build with them. They are tactile and great for early spatial learning.
Awards: Parent's Choice Award 2010. Launch date: March 2009. (Product was formerly dist. by PlaSmart)

This soft, cuddly doll is 11.5" tall and comes dressed in red with brown skin and in pink with peach skin. The company is a member of the Fair Trade Federation.

This cuddly, wrinkly rabbit is designed in France and has a super-soft body. It is 4" tall and comes packaged in a hat box that can be used for storage.