November 2010 Notable Toys — Plush

Each of these tiny versions of past and present Build-A-Bear characters comes packaged in a french fry box with "nutritional friendship information" on the back. Characters include Sassy Kitty, Read Teddy, Marble Monkey, Endless Hugs Teddy, Shaggy Pup, Peace Bear, Fabulous Frog and Cinnamon Swirl Bunny. Fashions and accessories for Build-A-Bear Smallyfrys are also available.

Each of these tiny versions of past and present Build-A-Bear characters comes packaged in a french fry box with "nutritional friendship information" on the back. Characters include Sassy Kitty, Read Teddy, Marble Monkey, Endless Hugs Teddy, Shaggy Pup, Peace Bear, Fabulous Frog and Cinnamon Swirl Bunny. Fashions and accessories for Build-A-Bear Smallyfrys are also available.

George the three-headed monster has a soft, yellow plush body, bright white teeth and red accents on each of his heads and tummy. This puppet is designed to make children smile, chasing away fears of "scary" monsters.

Ole the orangutan is designed to be as adorable as the real thing. Ole's beautiful, soft, reddish-orange coat of fur and cute tan paws and black eyes make Ole a realistic wildlife animal.

Giselle's intricate details are designed to fascinate listeners during storytime. Pretty in pink, Giselle features multiple patterned fabrics and textures and will fit all hands.

With huggable soft plush bodies, luggable detachable straps, lovable personalities and stuffable zip open mouths, these multi-play toys are designed to be an adventure buddy, soft toy or pajama keeper. Marvin Mudcrab is a barber who loves tofu burgers and pedicures, and hates sad endings and skinny jeans.

DINGaRINGs' natural wooden teething ring, luxuriously soft body and gentle rattle are designed to make them ideal gifts for newborns and teething babies. Lulu Ladybug is a magician's assistant who loves lip gloss and line dancing, and hates thunder. This product is "the ultimate non-plastic baby toy," Kate Nicolson, director of O.B. Designs, told TDmonthly.

Eli is proud to be the national bird and symbol of the United States of America. Eli is little Eleri Eagle's senior and they love spending time together. This "beautiful eagle plush (features) super soft fur and a realistic look," Manhattan Toy Marketing and Sales Manager Julie Flann told TDmonthly.

Red has an exuberant and athletic nature. She also tends to be highly cynical and sometimes teases her friends. Like Gobo, Red likes to take the lead and they sometimes butt heads. This life-size Red plush has a yellowish orange complexion, orange hair, and wears a red sweater.

Doozers live within Fraggle Rock and stand only 6" tall. The Doozers are small humanoid pudgy green creatures. They spend most of their time busily constructing small buildings out of a candy-like substance (that the Fraggles love to eat, which ensures a steady and constant work flow for the Doozers) made out of radishes and chanting marching songs. They use miniature construction equipment and wear hard-hats and work boots. No one but the Doozers themselves seems to understand the actual purpose of their intricate and beautiful constructions. "Doozers look just like the Fraggle Rock characters and comes in a puppet or plush," Julie Flann, marketing and sales manager of Manhattan Toy, told TDmonthly.

Traveling Matt is a brave and famous Fraggle explorer. He is also Gobo's uncle. Matt spends most of the Fraggle Rock series in "Outer Space" (his perspective of the human world) and sends postcards back to his nephew describing his adventures there. Matt prides himself on his bravery and resourcefulness, but also tends towards clumsiness, frequently falling backwards or tripping during his travels. This Matt toy looks just like the Fraggle Rock character, and comes in plush and puppet versions.

Sprocket is an intelligent sheepdog owned by Doc, the inventor of Fraggle Rock, and he proves the motto that dog is truly man's best friend. He spends much of his time in Doc's Workshop, where his bed and food dish are, observing Doc at work. Sprocket is very communicative and frequently talks to Doc by barking, making faces, or pointing to objects in a form of charades. Doc often relies on Sprocket to help with household chores, including repairs on the water pipes. This soft plush toy has furry gray hair, just like the real Fraggle Sprocket.

This soft, multi-textured friend is designed to be both cuddly and educational. The youngest babies can hug him to hear a Baby Einstein melody and explore the textures for tactile development. As children grow they can learn color names by squeezing each leg to hear its color in English, Spanish or French. The Octoplush includes volume control and requires two AA batteries.
 —  As of 8.30.10, this product had 4 out of 5 stars from 31 reviews on Target.com and was listed in the top 30 best-selling toys and games. PROS: Cute, educational and appeals to children. CONS: Colors can wear off with time.

Paul Frank’s iconic monkey: the famously feisty character, Julius. Some think he’s a bit of a renaissance man, but others think he’s just a crazy monkey with big dreams and great taste. Fiesta’s Paul Frank line includes 15” and 18” Julius, holiday Julius, knitted monkeys, bath mitts, and cool 6” and 12” character heads.

These cute 15” teddy bears are dressed in cheerleading outfits, pom-poms, and accent bow in their hair.  Available in three assorted colors of blue, pink, and red. Outfits are embroidered with team spirit sayings like “Go Team”, “I Love Cheer”, and  “Cheer”.  SRP: #13. Ages 3+.

The 10" Buttonz teddy bears are made of soft knit fabrics and are accented with bright print fabrics and feature buttons. Available in 13 styles.

This line of plush 12” Moms include Lioness, Tiger, White Tiger, and Leopard.  They tote their baby cubs gently in their mouths – just like in nature.

Fiesta is making a big “splash” with stuffed animals in fun bubble print fabric – Bubblegum Pink and Ocean Blue. Bubble series animals include a 16.5” dolphin and orca, 14” stingray, and 61” snake. Fiesta offers both fun, novelty designs in Sea Life, and a full line of realistic Sea Life including sharks, sea otters, dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and more.

The "Gotta Love Me" plush characters from Fiesta include the Everyday Critters: Puddles the frog, Sunshine the bear, Rascal the puppy, and Whiskers the cat. This plush line also features Jungle animals including Leo the lion, Mimi the monkey, and Peanuts the elephant. Each has an embroidered heart and endearing “Gotta Love Me” message.

This Mini Firefly finger puppet features a leather-like head, stitched wings, and furry body, plus a bright green abdomen.

This detailed baby dragon features a pair of whelp wings, a long tail, and spiky scales running along its back. Movable mouth and front feet.

This plush dog handbag is designed to look like a real pug. Ant wears a holiday-themed outfit, with a Christmas tree sweater and silver lame reindeer antlers. His tweed-lined pouch fits a few essential items, and he comes with a detachable faux-leather strap. OUR SAMPLE, WHICH WE REVIEWED IS FOR SALE. please call 310-979-4330 to purchase it with a credit card for $45. Ask for the Publisher.

This 9" talking plush is a re-creation of the character from the "Star Wars" films. With a press of a button kids can hear Dath Vader's trademark breathing sounds.

This 9" talking plush is a re-creation of the beloved character from the "Star Wars" films. With a press of a button kids can hear R2-D2's trademark beeping sounds.