December 2011 Notable Toys — Dolls

There is a new ghoul at Monster High, Spectra Vondergeist who is making a scary good impression. Spectra Vondergeist is the daughter of Ghosts, and she can float through the walls with an uncanny ability to overhear school gossip. Spectra would be lost without best friend and sidekick, Rhuen, a Ghost Ferret that’s always getting to mischief. Spectra Vondergeist doll is fully articulated so she can be posed in many different ways and includes pet Ghost Ferret Rhuen, doll stand, brush, diary and accessory.
— As of 9/9/2011 this product was ranked number 8 on Amazon.com's list of Hot New Releases in Toys & Games, and had 4.3 out of 5 stars from 11 customer reviews. Pros: Translucent limbs are unique and ghostly; chain jewelery and accessories are neat. Cons: One reviewer wrote that the doll's leg broke hours after purchase; this doll is thinner than the other dolls in the Monster High line and might promote an unhealthy body image; the ferret figure cannot stand on its own.

Lil' Cutesies are play dolls that are dressed in the cutest outfits. Cutesies encourage creative play. Each doll is sold separately, or they can be purchased in sets of three. Launch date: January 2011.
Awards: 2011 DOTY (Doll of the Year) Industry Choice Play Doll