November 2008 Notable Toys — Plush

Handmade Zooguu animals provide endless hours of imaginative play for children of all ages. Zooguu love to go on adventures, and they make the most trustworthy of friends. "Every Zooguu is designed and handmade with love in Brooklyn, New York, by Jen and Brian Gubicza. Zooguu comes in a variety of designs, sizes and colors; with plastic features for ages 3+, or with embroidered features for kids of all ages," Owner Jen Gubicza of Zooguu LLC told TDmonthly. Launch date: November 18, 2008.

Pakicetus-Squalodon is the first of Evolvems, evolutionary transforming plush toys, to be developed. Pakicetus-Squalodon represents an amazing evolutionary transition that led to all modern whales. Whales, which are mammals not fish, developed from land mammals that began to venture further and further into the ocean for a meal and protection from predators.

This 14"-long edgy canine features black and grey markings, a toothy grin and a half-winking eye. Sly 9 Junior (9" long) has an MSRP of $8.95. Launch date: Early 2009.

Crafted from 100% Australian sheepskin, this Flat Friend is made in the shape of a Seal Pup and comes with a gift card that tells you all about the animal in 8 different languages. The Seal Pup is part of a range of animals made in the shape of endangered species. There are 22 animals in the range and they all come with either a carry bag or drawstring bag with a character illustration of the animal. The Flat Friend Seal Pup can be purchased by itself or with a 100% cotton carry bag or drawstring bag with an illustration of the Seal Pup. Passes ASTM standards.

Packaged together are the Flat Friends Crocodile made from Australian sheepskin and a 100% cotton carry bag with an illustration of the Crocodile. Other Australian animals in the range also include the Wombat, Platypus and the Tasmanian Devil. There are 22 Flat Friends Soft Animals available in the range. All animals are made form 100% Australian sheepskin in the shape of endangered species and pass the ASTM standards. Each animal comes with a gift booklet that tells you all about the animal in 8 different languages.

This life-size zebra play center is equipped with 28 fun accessories, including mirrors, rattles, teethers, crinkling textures and horns. It is perfect for hugging or riding, and also comes in a smaller, hand-held size. The product received an iParenting Media Award and was named one of the Best Toys of the Year by Parents Magazine. Launch date: July 2008.

The Okee Dokee line of 12" plush features whimsical friends with distinctive, wacky patterns and fun colors exclusive to each animal. Their mismatched eyes and crooked, yet cute, smiles are sure to bring the giggles. The collection includes Potomas the hippo, Mangos the monkey and Lillibelle the lamb. Launch date: 2009.

This cushion is made of plush materials with polyester stuffing. It is convenient, easy to clean and ideal for relaxation. "This is not only a utility in the room, but also a decoration," a company representative told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2008.

This soft doll is available in versions with either pink or green accents, and features cotton, toweling, wool felt and fleece materials. It measures 35 cm x 40 cm.

This Asian inspired tote-style bag is purple, orange and black and white. The Zen theme gives it special appeal to the more intellectual girl. Inside is a playful black-and-white panda, and like all of Douglas soft pets, it is irresistibly soft with a must-love face. All pet-carrying Sassy Saks are 7” wide. Launch date: 2009.

This 7"-wide tote features iridescent fabric with pink and blue accents, plus gold and silver glitter swirls and two silver handles. The mermaid doll inside has long, golden hair. Launch date: 2009.

These 11" stuffed animal babies are wrapped in a removable blanket, that features a plush decorative velcro closure. 27 styles available from teddy bears, jungle animals, woodland creatures, and sea life.

This soft, 8" bear is available in four pastel colors and comes packaged in a gift box.

This 12" monkey is one in a range of six zoo animal plush that are lavender scented and can be heated in the microwave for two minutes to provide hours of warmth. Launch date: 2009.

Broken Heart Dolls are soft, plush dolls that are in the shape of hearts. Each character has a story and a fun fact. Wolfgang's story reads: "Wolfie thought he hit the jackpot with the ladies with the screen name “just10timbrl8k.”  The only problem was things always took a rapid dive when he finally showed them his photo. It was such an ongoing torment. What exactly did Justin have that he didn’t?" His fun fact states: "Got detention when his pants fell down in the Principal’s office." This Broken Heart Doll is 7" high and very plump.

Broken Heart Dolls are soft, plush dolls that are in the shape of hearts. Each character has a story and a fun fact. Susiee's story reads: "Why was life such a struggle? Would Susiee never find love? She tried putting on a happy face but negativity followed her everywhere. Luckily she had enough black eyeliner, black polish, black fishnets, black boots and black hair dye to cheer her up - at least temporarily." Her fun fact states: "Once wore pink and tried out for cheerleading as a joke." This Broken Heart Doll is 7" high and very plump.

Broken Heart Dolls are soft, plush dolls that are in the shape of hearts. Each character has a story and a fun fact. Clyde's story reads: "Clyde thought the tragic poet angle would be an instant chick magnet. What girl didn’t like a depressed romantic mooning over doomed love?  But he had to admit he was getting tired of wearing black, and he was even missing his favorite episodes of Pimp My Ride." His fun fact states: "Once chewed the same piece of gum for five days." This Broken Heart Doll is 7" high and very plump.

Broken Heart Dolls are soft, plush dolls that are in the shape of hearts. Each character has a story and a fun fact. Aarchie's story reads: "Aarrchie knew he was the sickest bass player around but still it had to hurt when he played a Green Day after-party with top record label suits in attendance, and all he got was a lousy photo op with Billie Joe and one free drink ticket." His fun fact states: "Has a collection of 1344 classic records from garage sales." This Broken Heart Doll is 7" high and very plump.

This 4" mini version of Plunko, who's a businessman and owner of a car wash and tire store, is ideal for toting around on a purse or backpack.

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.