TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Animal Figures Product Category

Mini Bobcat by FOLKMANIS INC.

Looking deceptively like a domestic cat, the bobcat remains wild at heart as it hunts through the night for prey. Bring the wonder of nature to kids' fingertips with this Bobcat Finger Puppet from Folkmanis. Launch date: July 2011. 11/17/2011 (Price: $8.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Mini Cardinal by FOLKMANIS INC.

This little crimson bird is waiting to perch on kids' hands. Bring the wonder of nature to children fingertips with this Cardinal Finger Puppet from Folkmanis. 5.5" long. Launch date: July 2011.
— In a May 2012 survey, four out of 11 retailers told TDmonthly that Folkmanis was their best selling brand of plush or puppets. 11/10/2011 (Price: $7.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Fisher-Price Little People Zoo Talkers Animal Sounds Zoo by FISHER-PRICE INC.

Kids learn how to recognize animals through sight and sound with the Little People Zoo Talkers Animal Sounds Zoo from Fisher-Price. This interactive set recognizes model animals, like the included lion, gorilla, and polar bear, names them out loud for children, and demonstrates the noises they make in the wild.
— As of 11/04/2011 this product was $34.88 on Amazon.com.
— As of 11/04/2011 this product had 4.7 out of 5 stars from 12 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Cute; interactive; large; handle is useful for transporting it. Cons: Extra animal figures are expensive; one person reported missing/defective pieces came in her box; animal sounds can be annoying and even though children seem to like them, they don't add much educational value to the toy. 11/7/2011 (Price: $49.99)

Gund 2011 Amazon Exclusive Limited Edition Custom Bear by GUND INC.

Annual plush bear for Amazon from Gund. Limited edition-2011 only. Soft and huggable. For children of all ages. 11/7/2011 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Chica Plush by SPROUT

13" Soft, huggable plush. Push Chica's belly and she squeaks. Clean with a damp, soapy cloth and fluff dry. Launch date: November 2011. 11/7/2011 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Squishable Polar Bear by SQUISHABLE.COM INC.

Soft, white, and squishy, this 15" spherical polar bear is made of all new polyester fiber. 10/26/2011 (Price: $39.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Sootheze Toasty Bear & Friends by TIMELESS TOYS

All Toasty Friends products are filled with American-grown flaxseed and a special combination of FDA food grade herbs, which means they retain their temperature and aroma longer and provide ultimate therapy benefits. A Toasty Bear & Friends animal can help calm a child, soothe aches and pains, speed healing, relieve symptoms of flu, bronchitis, and other illnesses. They can warm up hands and feet, and fill a void caused by a loss or life change. They are ideal for those with arthritis, sore muscles, stress, anxiety, cramps, Alzheimer's, or anyone who needs a little tender loving care. Toasty Bears & Friends are a fun and inviting way to provide soothing comfort for the body and mind.  Over the years, the Toasty Bears Collection has grown to include a menagerie of friends such as Toasty Junior Bears, Toasty Curly Bears, Toasty Chamois Bears, and Toasty Looped Fabric Bears. In addition to these adorable lavender bears, the Toasty Bears & Friends Collection includes the Toasty Bunny Collection, the Toasty Wild Animal Collection, Toasty Beach Collection, and the Toasty Collar Collection. 10/25/2011 (Price: $38.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Pony Pals Pony Bikes by PONY PALS RANCH

Pony Pals are sidewalk pony bikes designed for children 2-5 years old. These pony bikes come with a life-like pony head with groomable mane, a miniature English saddle with matching tack, and a tail that bounces up and down when the pony bike is ridden. "Pony Pals are unique. There are no other life-like pony bikes in the market. Plus you can choose the color of mane, saddle & tack and color of tires at no extra cost," William C. Melzer, president of Pony Pals Ranch, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 2009. 10/24/2011 (Price: $220.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Midwest Tackle Box by REPLICA TOY FISH COMPANY

This toy is a box set of 12 realistic toy fish about 3 inches long.  The fish species are the ones we catch: Walleye, Northern Pike, Brook Trout, Channel Catfish, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Pumpkinseed, Crappie, Muskellunge, Tiger Musky, Smallmouth Bass and Largemouth Bass. Made of plastic and hand painted. Box measures 7” x 3.8” x 1.4”. Launch date: November 2010. 10/24/2011 (Price: $12.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

FurReal Friends Cookie by HASBRO INC.

With real-as-can-be movements, sounds and actions, COOKIE MY PLAYFUL PUP lets kids experience the joy of having a puppy of their very own. When kids pet her on her head or back, she barks, moves her head and wags her tail. Give her cheek a little scratch and she'll turn toward their hand to ask for more. When they tell her just how sweet she is, she'll respond with puppy babble that sounds just like she's talking. She loves her squeaky toy — when kids make it squeak, she'll turn her head toward the sound. When kids put her toy bone in her mouth, she'll make crunching sounds like she's chewing it. This pup is about 14 inches tall and can either sit up or lie down.
— As of 10/18/2011 this product had 4 out of 5 stars from 22 reviews on Walmart.com. Pros: Realistic; fun; entertaining. Cons: Dog doesn't "walk" so many reviewers reported their kids lost interest after a couple days; batteries run out quickly. 10/19/2011 (Price: $59.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Air Swimmers Flying Fish - Shark by WILLIAM MARK CORP

These helium-filled shark balloons are remote controlled to "swim" through the air. The infrared remote functions include climb, descend, and tail fin control. Up to a 40 ft range. 57 inches long, 36 inches high.
— As of 10/14/2011 this product had 2.8 out of 5 stars from 19 reviews on ToysRUs.com. Pros: Visually striking. Cons: Difficult to assemble; flimsy; does not stay inflated very long.
— Mike McCollum, owner of Learning Express in Hoover, Ala., told TDmonthly in November 2011 that Air Swimmers are becoming one of his best selling flying toys. He said that since September 2011, he has sold 16 of the sharks and 7 of the clown fish. ( Watch Video) 10/14/2011 (Price: $41.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Carnegie Dinosaur Collectibles™ Carnotaurus by SAFARI LTD.®

Named for its 2 horns similar to those of a bull, this carnivore had extremely short arms, even shorter than those of the T-Rex. This Carnotaurus is in scale and was developed with the collaboration of paleontologists of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. This model is intricately hand-painted and is phthalate and lead free and thoroughly safety tested. The scale for this figure is 1:30 and measures approx. 1.75” tall. It includes educational information in 5 languages and is appropriate for ages 3+. 9/23/2011 (Price: $20.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

eeBoo Pipe Cleaners by eeBoo corp.

eeBoo’s new line of super plush pipe cleaners come in 18 vibrant color assortments. Each 36 pipe cleaner pack contains 3 different colors and 4 different thicknesses per pack. Twist, curl or bend them into shape. "Our pipe cleaners are plusher and softer than anything else on the market. Instructions for a different project idea are printed on the back of each package for inspiration, but children are also encouraged to use their imagination to create wonderful, one-of-a-kind crafts," Regina Gelin, sales and marketing associate at eeBoo, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2011. 9/16/2011 (Price: $4.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

nanoblock Mini Series - Emperor Penguin by OHIO ART CO.

These micro-sized building blocks will enable kids to execute even the finest details like never before. With over 100 pieces, kids watch in amazement as this regal bird takes shape right beneath your fingertips. With a finished size of 1.5″w x 1.5″d x 2.36h, only this giant penguin is able to fit perfectly in the palm of a hand.  Includes detailed color instructions. 9 animal designs currently available.
— In a Summer 2012 survey, Shana Hack, owner of Moon Rabbit Toys in Santa Fe, N.M., told TDmonthly that nanoblocks were an overall best seller at their store. 9/9/2011 (Price: $8.49) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Ideal Solid Wood Memory Animal Puzzle by POOF-SLINKY INC.

Memory Animal Puzzle. Find the correct "coat" for each animal. Each includes 12 animals and 24 all -wood pieces. Heirloom quality, solid wood puzzles with detailed, European hand-crafted designs. Precision cut pieces make for a perfect fit. Launch date: 2010. 9/2/2011 (Price: $12.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Flingsock Flying Monkey by MASTER TOYS AND NOVELTIES, INC.

The new Flingsock Flying Monkey screams the jungle scream sound while flying up to 50 feet across the room.  Insert your thumb into the hand pockets, pull back and let it fly. Launch date: October 2011. 9/2/2011 (Price: $8.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The blankZ™ by ALWAYS BEEN CREATIVE INC

Each blankZ toy is a plush animal that acts like a canvas for any child's imagination. Each set includes 1 blankZ toy, 5 blankZ markers, and 1 blankZdrop Card to be decorated and placed behind the finished creation. The blankZ can be colored, washed, then colored again, allowing for hours of fun. Series one features 7 animals including a pig, elephant, bear, rabbit, and seal. Launch date: February 2012. 8/30/2011 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Wooden Koala Bear Bank by CHARLIE'S WOODSHOP

Our Wooden Koala Bear Bank is durable with a cork attached to the tail of the Koala Bear to be able to remove the saved deposits. The bank is attractive to display not only in a child's room but elsewhere in the house. It teachs children to form good habits of saving money. The Hard Maple and Black Walnut wood components are finished with a Clear Hand Rubbed Natural FDA approved Teak Oil. The size of this Koala Bear Bank is approximately 5" wide, 7-1/2" tall, and 3-1/4" deep. It is one of a series of wooden banks that we hand create out of the Maple and Walnut. Launch date: September 2004. 8/29/2011 (Price: $44.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Pawparazzi® Accessories by NOODLE HEAD INC.

Pawparazzi Lifestyle Dining Sets & Snuggly Bed Sets for pampered pets.  Snuggly Bed Sets come with a plush sofa bed and snuggly blanket for couch paw-tato time!  Lifestyle Dining Sets come with a heart and paw patterned leash and collar, colorful dining mat and silver bowl to keep celebrity pets walking and dining in style! 8/26/2011 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Breyer Misty and Stormy Set with Book by REEVES INTL. INC.

Misty and Stormy are together again along with the book that introduced them to the world. Since the publication of Misty of Chincoteague in 1947, Misty has become one of the most beloved equines in children’s literature. Marguerite Henry’s novel weaves a true story with warmth and imagination. The result is an exciting tale about children’s love for horses and the real wild ponies that still roam Chincoteague Island off the Virginia coast. Includes two model horses. Launch date: July 9, 2009.
— As of 08/22/2011 this product had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 11 reviews on Amazon.com.
— Linda Laramy, owner of Crackerjacks Toys and Children's Books in Easton, Md., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that this item was a best-selling collectible. 8/22/2011 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

DIG! & DISCOVER: 3D T-Rex by KRISTAL EDUCATIONAL INC.

Kids carefully dig into a block of soft, sedimentary rock and discover an ancient, 70 million year-old 3D Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton. Then solve an ancient puzzle and assemble its scattered bones into a 10 inch “museum quality reproduction.” A fun filled, educational, hands-on experience for all explorers ages 7 and up.  Contents: excavation block with bone replicas, excavation tool, excavation brush, and instructions.  WARNING! CHOKING HAZARD – contains small parts. Not suitable for children under 3 years. Conforms to ASTM F-963-08. Launch date: 2010. 7/11/2011 (Price: $24.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Baboon by FOLKMANIS INC.

Aspiring puppeteers can move the mouth and arms of this plush baboon puppet. Launch date: July 2011. ( Watch Video) 7/1/2011 (Price: $39.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Venomous Creatures Toob® by SAFARI LTD.®

Each mini figure is carefully sculpted and finely painted by hand to ensure optimum quality for years of learning fun. For added play value these collections are packaged in a reusable acetate tube. Figures range in size from 1" to 3". All figures are phthalate and lead free to ensure your child's safety. These tiny yet highly detailed figures depict real venomous creatures from around the world. Toob® includes a Cane Toad, a Yellow-Belllied Sea Snake, a Bat Ray, a Komodo Dragon, a Brown Tarantula, a Giant Centipede, a Fat-Tailed Scorpion, a Stone Fish and a Common Indian Cobra. ( Watch Video) 6/30/2011 (Price: $10.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Baby Sharky Brush by BABY BANANA BRUSH BY LIVE-RIGHT

For infants from 3 months to 24 months. A fun new design from the creative minds at Baby Banana Brush. The Baby Sharky Brush is still made from the highest quality medical grade silicone. His “teeth” are actually short massaging bristles, and his fins give babies additional places to chew. In fact, Baby Sharky can stand up all on his own using his unique back fins. 6/27/2011 (Price: $8.49) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Groovy Girl Pets Midnight Star Horse by MANHATTAN TOY

Groovy Girl "Midnight Star" Horse is a black stallion that makes realistic horse sounds. With the push of the Groovy Girls flower on her hip, this poseable horse makes galloping sounds, whinnies and snorts. Dimensions: 15" H
— As of 06/14/2011 this product had 4.9 out of 5 stars from 8 reviews on Amazon.com. 6/14/2011 (Price: $27.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]