New Toys for Girls

These Dolls Have Careers

By Sivhour Sim
May 2008

What's up in the mass market for girls? Lots of dolls and pink, of course. But just having cute clothes isn't enough anymore: These dolls design them, or wear them onstage for their Hannah Montana singing careers. Here's what today's girls are learning to like:

Dance and Sing Hannah Montana by JAKKS PACIFIC INC.

This interactive doll performs more than 16 pre-programmed dance moves on her concert control base, and girls can also make their own moves for her with the base controls. She sings her hit songs "We Got the Party" and "Life's What You Make It," and stands on a stage that lights up. The doll comes with a second outfit, a headset and a guitar. Hannah Montana was named Property of the Year at the 2008 Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards put on by the Toy Industry Association. Launch date: October 2008. 4/22/2008 (MSRP: $49.99; Age: 6 and Up)

Furreal Friends Biscuit, My Lovin' Pup by HASBRO INC.

This life-sized Golden Retriever puppy features voice-recognition technology that allows kids to interact with the dog, telling it, for example, to “Lie down” or “Give me a paw.” When touched, sensors on the puppy’s head make his tail wag; he can also bark and move his eyes and ears. The toy comes with a comb and dog bone, and requires six D batteries (not included). Launch date: Fall 2008. 4/22/2008 (MSRP: $179.99; Age: 5 and Up)

U.B. Funkeys™ Figures – Dream State™ by MATTEL INC.

The 10 characters in this collection give kids access to a virtual world in which they can play games, customize their homes, and chat with other players online. Players are awarded with coins and other items through completion of certain missions. 4/22/2008

Webkinz Chicken by GANZ

This feathery friend comes with a hangtag that grants its owner access to Webkinz World online, where it even has a special egg chair.
— “Enough said” was Jamie Burdette’s comment when he listed Webkinz as a continued best-seller in his store, LB Toys in Media, Pa., in April 2008.
— Nine of 66 retailers named Webkinz as their best-selling toy in May 2008. Donna Stone, owner of The Perfect Present in Suwanee, Ga., displays the plush in a glass case right inside the door and, on average, sells 790 Webkinz per month.
— In spring 2008, two of 55 retailers singled out Webkinz as their best-selling novelty toy. 4/22/2008

Marvel Super Hero Squad 4-Pack by HASBRO INC.

The four-figure set includes Spider-Man, Punisher, Ghost Rider and Elektra. Each collectible super hero is specially stylized. 3/19/2008 (MSRP: $9.99; Age: 3 and Up)

My Little Pony Play Phone by HASBRO INC.

My Little Pony Play Phone by HASBRO INC. Kids can talk to the ponies Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie and Sweetie-Belle with this play cell phone. Direct dial any of the ponies using the keypad, and then press the heart-shaped button for a conference call with all three ponies. The ponies repeat phrases such as “I’ve been wanting to talk to you!” and “Do you want to hear a joke?” Close the cell phone and the ponies will call back. The phone comes with keys, play credit cards, instructions and batteries. 3/19/2008 (MSRP: $9.99; Age: 3 and Up)

Hannah Montana 100-Piece Puzzle 2-Pack by HASBRO INC.

Each of the two puzzles in the set depicts a different image of “Hannah Montana” star Miley Cyrus. Each puzzle contains 100 pieces and measures 10” x 13” when assembled. 3/18/2008 (MSRP: $6.99; Age: 5 and Up)

Kimora Lee Simmons Barbie® Doll by MATTEL INC.

The doll is designed after the founder of Baby Phat. She sports a pink outfit, topped with a full-length faux chinchilla coat, pink thigh-high boots, chunky earrings and a designer bag. Kimora’s little dog Zoe is included. Launch date: 2008. 3/17/2008 (MSRP: $59.95; Age: 14 and Up)

My Melody® Barbie® Doll by MATTEL INC.

My Melody® Barbie® Doll by MATTEL INC. The doll sports clothes and accessories inspired by My Melody, from the world of Sanrio. She comes dressed in a pink and green ensemble, and carrying a bag with an image of My Melody. Launch date: March 2008. 3/17/2008 (MSRP: $34.95; Age: 6 and Up)

Disney “Enchanted” Fairytale Wedding™ Doll by MATTEL INC.

In the Disney film “Enchanted,” Giselle, a lovely animated princess, comes to life. She wears a stunning lightweight tulle, a rich “brocade” gown with princess sleeves, gloves and a tiara. Launch date: October 2007. 2/26/2008 (MSRP: $29.99; Age: 3 and Up)

Bratz Super Babyz™ - Yasmin by MGA ENTERTAINMENT

Bratz Super Babyz™ - Yasmin by MGA ENTERTAINMENT Each Bratz Super Babyz doll comes with a Super Pet, wears superhero fashions and has hair that can be styled. There are four varieties. 3/20/2008

Bratz Kidz™ 18pc Hopscotch Set by MGA ENTERTAINMENT

The game comes with eleven foam mats that interlock together like a puzzle, four heart-shaped hopscotch markers, three colorful chalks and a clear vinyl bag for easy storage and transport. Each die-cut mat is numbered for easy assembly and comes art that kids can punch out and use as a stencil. The game is great for indoor or outdoor play. 3/20/2008

Bratz™ Play Sportz™ Foldable Aluminum Scooter by MGA ENTERTAINMENT

The aluminum scooter features height adjustment capability, fold ability for easy storage and transport, a no-slip safety grip footboard, a customized footboard shape and a Bratz design. 3/20/2008

Hi Glam Fashion Doll - Alex by MGA ENTERTAINMENT

Hi Glam Fashion Doll - Alex by MGA ENTERTAINMENT With extra-long legs and snazzy tights, Alex is dressed to impress in bright, glam colors. Her story is that she loves to travel and studies different languages. She works at a travel agency and entertains at villages in the summertime. 1/17/2008 (MSRP: $14.99; Age: 6 and Up)