Name: Fuzzles Ida Pink Dot Monkey
Company: DOUGLAS CUDDLE TOYS
Age: 2 and up
Price: $11.55
Category: Plush
Please click here to read TDmonthly´s roundtable review of this product.
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Name: Felt Foods Brown Bag Lunch
Company: LILLY BEAN LLC
Age: All Ages
Price: $40
Category: Plush
Please click here to read TDmonthly´s summary of online toy reviews of this product.
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Name: Swine Flu
Company: GIANTMICROBES
Age: All Ages
Price: $8.95
Category: Plush
Please click here to read TDmonthly´s summary of online toy reviews of this product.
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Name: Marvin the Monkey, ZOOCCHINI Bucket Collection
Company: HEIDI'S HOME DESIGN, LLC
Age: All Ages
Price: $22.95
Category: Plush
Please click here to read TDmonthly´s summary of online toy reviews of this product.
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Name: Rubbabu Rubbablox
Company: PLASMART INC.
Age: 2 and up
Price: Not Specified
Category: Plush
Please click here to read TDmonthly´s Toy Expert review of this product.
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Name: Treasure Chest Monkey
Company: Treasure Chest Pets, LLC
Age: 3-12
Price: $30
Category: Plush
Please click here to read TDmonthly´s Toy Expert review of this product.
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Name: Accessory Chest Dog
Company: Treasure Chest Pets, LLC
Age: 3-12
Price: $30
Category: Plush
Please click here to read TDmonthly´s Toy Expert review of this product.
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Name: Media Chest Bear
Company: Treasure Chest Pets, LLC
Age: 3-12
Price: $30
Category: Plush
Please click here to read TDmonthly´s Toy Expert review of this product.
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Name: Baboo's Bird UglyDoll
Company: PRETTY UGLY LLC
Age: All Ages
Price: Not Specified
Category: Plush
What It Is
The soft and huggable blue plush has big round eyes and two yellow front teeth. Like all Ugly Dolls, he comes in a variety of sizes, from key-chain to 2” tall.
What We Thought
My 11-year-old European stepdaughter had never seen an Ugly Doll before and fell instantly in love.
Why They’ll Want It
Ugly Dolls are about the cutest nonliving things on earth. And they’re cuddly! – Alison Marek, 6/30/08
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Name: Sweeters Pals
Company: SWEETERS LLC.
Age: All Ages
Price: Not Specified
Category: Plush
What It Is
These hand-knit dolls are made from 100 percent cotton in the U.S.A. Each doll can be personalized. The MSRP ranges from $36 to $60 depending on the doll’s size.
What We Thought
This is just the type of doll that grandmas love to buy for their grandchildren. They have an old-fashioned appeal with a modern design. The fact that they’re handmade lends them the aura of a keepsake, even though grandma didn’t do the knitting herself. My 11-year-old stepdaughter thought the doll was cute, but was perturbed that it didn’t have any hair.
Why They’ll Want It
Shoppers who are looking for wholesome, US-made products will appreciate these dolls’ quality and cuteness. Little girls will like the vibrant colors and cuddliness. – Alison Marek 6/30/08
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Name: TC Monkey
Company: Treasure Chest Pets, LLC
Age: All Ages
Price: Not Specified
Category: Plush
Please click here to read TDmonthly´s Toy Expert review of this product.
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Name: Language Littles - Jolie
Company: LANGUAGE LITTLES
Age: 3 and up
Price: $39.99
Category: Plush
Please click here to read TDmonthly´s Toy Expert review of this product.
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Name: Warm Whiskers Laraby Lab Body Pillow
Company: DREAMTIME INC
Age: 3 and up
Price: $39
Category: Plush
Please click here to read TDmonthly´s Toy Expert review of this product.
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Name: Warm Whiskers Polar Bear Buddy Body Pillow
Company: DREAMTIME INC
Age: 3 and up
Price: $34
Category: Plush
Please click here to read TDmonthly´s Toy Expert review of this product.
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Name: My Knee-Rider
Company: MY KNEE-RIDER DANOCO CORP.
Age: 1 and up
Price: $32.5
Category: Plush
Please click here to read TDmonthly´s Toy Expert review of this product.
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Name: Zoobie™ Pets - Kojo the Croc and Hada the Hippo
Company: ZOOBIES
Age: 3 and up
Price: $30
Category: Plush
Please click here to read TDmonthly´s Toy Expert review of this product.
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Name: Kookeys
Company: 10VOX ENTERTAINMENT INC.
Age: All Ages
Price: $11.99
Category: Plush
Please click here to read TDmonthly´s Toy Expert review of this product.
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Name: Abima
Company: PRETTY UGLY LLC
Age: All Ages
Price: $20
Category: Plush
What Is It?
Abima is part of the award-winning collection of “ugly” plush created by Pretty Ugly. There’s not a whole lot to Abima, but his own story and personality — not to mention his look of bewilderment — make him intriguing.
What We Thought
Uglydolls are fun because they’re unique, and they’re empowering people all over to love and accept something atypical, which is, of course, a cool thing to do and a trend unto itself. Abima and the other dolls boast huggable bodies (cuddly and flat, kind of like a pillow), quality fabric and attractive colors. There are smaller-sized plush and keychains, too, so customers can have their picks.
Why They’ll Want It
In short, Uglydolls are still popular (see TDmonthly’s Top-10 Most-Wanted Plush), so anyone interested in stuffed creatures, home decorating or out-of-the-ordinary gifts should be steered toward Abima. Perhaps the best thing about Uglydolls is that they don’t just belong in the toy box. A contemporary color palette and soft appeal give them just as much ownership on a couch or bookshelf, where they can exude personality all day long. — Julie L. Jones 7/30/07
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Name: Shining Stars - Beagle
Company: RUSS BERRIE
Age: 4 and up
Price: $15
Category: Plush
What Is It?
This cuddly creature comes with a secret code that allows kids to name an actual star in the sky through the National Star Registry and print an official Shining Star Chart. In addition, kids will be able to officially name their Shining Star friend. They can also assign it character traits using a simple drag and drop method, make a wish upon their very own star, and more.
What We Thought
The stuffed animal is not only cute and cuddly, but it is accompanied by many online features, including the ability to add Shining Star friends, watch Shining Star movies, play games, send e-cards, chat and download wallpapers and icons. The Web site is child-friendly, with large, colorful images and icons, fun sounds and intuitive setup. Although it was easy to use, there was a glitch in which the site kept prompting me to exit the screen and try again. The site also had about three features that seemed really cool, such as voting and discovering unique facts about specific constellations. But when I clicked on them, I got the message, "Coming Soon!" which was kind of disappointing.
Why They’ll Want It
Kids will love the opportunity to officially name and assign character traits to their Shining Star friend. Such personalization allows kids to develop strong emotional attachments to their new friend, while the animals’ cuddliness allows kids to develop strong physical attachments to the toy. Kids can give their little friends “star makeovers” at any time, changing the toys’ personalities as they themselves change and grow, thus making their Shining Star friend a friend for life. — Sivhour Sim, 6/5/07
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Name: Cuddle'ums Elephant
Company: BESTEVER INC.
Age: All Ages
Price: $20
Category: Plush
Please click here to read this special TDmonthly´s Expert Mom review.
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Name: Crème Puff Elephant
Company: FIRST & MAIN INC.
Age: All Ages
Price: $9
Category: Plush
What Is It?
A floppy, fluffy elephant made of purple plush, this cuddly toy would stand almost 15" tall - if he could stand. But he´s more of a lying-down, rolling around the Savannah type of elephant -- just the right kind of puffy toy to use as a pillow. He has black embroidered eyes, small white tusks, and a long crooked trunk. His ears are lined with pastel pink and are just as floppy as the rest of him. He has orange, pink and purple feet that are filled with pellets for weight, as is his tummy. His tail is tipped with purple fake fur. He´s made of nontoxic and nonallergenic materials.
What We Thought
Crème Puff lives up to his name, because he´s an airy, fluffy confection of a toy. Soft and silky to touch, he has plenty of squeezable, cuddly parts. His cute, chubby cheeks and innocent expression will endear him to young and old alike. He and the other animals in the First & Main line bring the zoo to the cradle so that kids become as familiar with elephants and giraffes as they are with cats and dogs.
Why They´ll Want It
What kid doesn´t want an elephant? And this one requires a lot less upkeep than the real thing. He´s a good baby substitute for kids who don´t like dolls but still feel like nurturing. And since he´s a tiny tyke of pachyderm, he´ll be perfect company for babies who like to hang out with their own. He´s practically feather-light, so even the smallest tot can tote him around without effort. Parents will like him because he doesn´t make a peep and will probably keep the baby quiet, too.
-- Alison Marek, 8/30/05
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Name: Mini Fancy Pal
Company: AURORA WORLD INC.
Age: 3 and up
Price: $4.99
Category: Plush
What Is It?
This adorable little puppy won’t have to go into the cargo hold on a plane because he comes in his own blue plush zippered and lined suitcase marked “Precious.” Open the suitcase and that’s just what you’ll find: a precious little plush Beagle pup in black, tan and white. He looks up with soulful black button eyes, his head cocked hopefully, as if waiting for a delicious doggy treat. His tail’s cut short and his ear’s are cut long, but kids won’t have to worry where this little dog’s gone because his carry case comes with a hook that can attach to a belt loop or a purse. The suitcase also has two handles.
What We Thought
It’s very hard to actually put the puppy in his case. Not because he’s too big or the case is too small, but only because you don’t really want him to go “bye-bye.” The purse is a pretty, sparkly blue plush trimmed with silvered blue cording for kids who are still into Bling Bling. And for the more sentimental, the puppy is as precious as a nonliving thing can be -- down to his shiny plastic nose and pensive expression. Also, the suitcase is washable. This isn’t the manufacturer’s claim; it’s the reviewer’s experience. A nice plum juice stain washed right out with soap and water.
Why They’ll Want It
It’s cute, it’s transportable, and it’s collectible. Since bags with bags are popular with Big Sis, Little Sis will like to add this suitcase/puppy combo to her own backpack, purse or book bag. Just small enough to sneak into school, the Mini Fancy Pals could become a girl’s best friend. The little suitcase is lined and sturdy, so when the pup’s out to play, his carrier can be used as a change purse or a jewelry carrier.
Aurora´s ToyDirectory Listing
-- Alison Marek, 8/9/05
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Name: Uglydog
Company: PRETTY UGLY LLC
Age: All Ages
Price: $24
Category: Plush
What Is It?
Developed by artists David Horvath and Sun Min-Kim, this irresistible 12” to 14” tall hot pink plush creature looks like a Cyclops caught in a nuclear meltdown. The “dog” has four feet and a tail, all in a row, which look more like the outline of a clenched foot than individual appendages. Made of a soft fabric akin to the inside of a fleece sweatshirt, the doll is easy to squeeze and hard to put down. Uglydoll describes the character as “the ultimate pet” because “what he really likes to do is stand on his tail and live out his big dream … to be just like you!!!”
What We Thought
Eccentric and ugly, as the name implies, this ridiculous little dog makes a fine companion. Uglydoll knows how to craft unusual plush figures that speak to a girl’s inner freak. Who wouldn’t love a deformed, fuzzy hot pink stuffed dog? For the girl who has everything, from stuffed wombat to millipede, this plush “man’s best friend” will complete her stuffed animal collection. That is, until she sees one of Uglydoll’s other bizarre designer plush creations …
Why They’ll Want It
Uglydoll knows how to market their designer toys, that’s for sure. One look at the list of celebrities who claim an infatuation for the peculiar plush line will have any kid — age irrelevant — asking for one from their local toy retailer. The list includes Paris Hilton, “American Idol” finalist Constantine Maroulis and Robin Williams, to name a few. The dolls are even sold at hip spots like Barney’s New York and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, so that even if little ones don’t know what they are yet, their chi-chi aunts and uncles will no doubt introduce them to the dolls before long. And once one kid on the playground has one, well, say no more.
-- Vanessa VanderZanden, 7/27/05
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Name: Pink Panther Plush Clip-On Figure
Company: AURORA WORLD INC.
Age: 4 and up
Price: $4.99
Category: Plush
What is it?
A pink cat with attitude, this 5” Pink Panther is soft, pettable and portable. Plastic yellow eyes are lidded with dark pink. His black eyebrows give him an air of insouciance. Four whiskers remind one that this high-tone character is, indeed, feline. A plastic clip secured to his head with a pink cord lets kids or adults attach Mr. P to a purse, belt loop, key ring or even a car visor.
What We Thought
Okay, maybe we’re just prejudiced in favor of cool cats who can wear pink without flinching, but this guy is irresistible. TDmonthly staff can’t keep their hands off the Pink Panther, no matter what form he manifests. Those with a fetish can easily keep this little panther close at hand with the easy-to-use clip. He looks enough like a cat to please animal lovers, and enough like a person to tickle the fancy of those who prefer their characters in human form.
Why They’ll Want It
Pink, soft, funny and cheap make this toy a pretty safe bet for an impulse item. Dangling from the ceilings or perched in baskets on the counter, kids and adults will probably find themselves picking him up. And once he’s in their hands, well – they’re just a $5 bill away from taking him home. The pink might turn off some boys, but that could change, once they see MGM’s new “Pink Panther” movie starring Steve Martin, due out next year. The little clip-on could also be perched next to his big-brother poseables: the 12” version has an MSRP of just $7.99.
Aurora´s ToyDirectory Listing
-- Alison Marek, 6/15/05
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Name: Bibble
Company: MATTEL INC.
Age: 3 and up
Price: $14.99
Category: Plush
What is it?
Part of the Barbie Fairytopia line, Bibble is the winged pet of fairy Elina. Bibble joins Elina on her adventures in the Magic Meadow of Fairytopia, where Elina lives with her other friends, Dahlia and Dandelion. A plush toy with turquoise and lavender fur, Bibble makes a whistling, chirping sound when he gets a squeeze. Bibble requires three AA batteries.
What We Thought
The exterior of the toy is soft over a plastic interior. Its durability will last many hours of playtime and cuddling.
Why They’ll Want It
Fairytopia is the latest line of Barbie dolls, and little girls will love the whimsical feel of this new line.
--Susan Maddela, 4/15/05
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Name: The Ooshes
Company: LAVINIA'S WORLD (AURORA LIBRIS CORP.)
Age: 3 and up
Price: $18.99
Category: Plush
What is It?
The Ooshes are a new line of plush toys by Lavinia’s World (ToyShow) that come included with a new series of modern fairy tales by the same name. The dolls come in five appealing candy colors – orange, green, pink, yellow and purple – and each has its own special personality and biography. What We Thought
The velboa exterior, squeezable polyester fill and plastic pellets give The Ooshes a level of softness and warmth rarely seen in plush dolls. The correspondence of color to personality gives each doll a unique image and identity that children can relate to, and the included storybook is a great way to encourage literacy.
Why They’ll Want It
Lavinia’s World has created a product that combines an important ecological and educational message in a soft, lovable and high quality toy at a below average retail price.
- Andrew Robinton 4/4/05
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Name: Warm Whiskers: Dog
Company: DREAMTIME INC
Age: 3 and up
Price: $18
Category: Plush
What is It?
Warm Whiskers are wonderful eye masks used to reduce facial tension and ease headaches. This plush dog is filled with a material that absorbs the heat from your microwave and the cold from your refrigerator, making it the cutest way to gently relieve stress. Warm Whiskers contain lavender and chamomile to further soothe and relax your senses and aid a good night´s sleep.
What We Thought
This neat little dog stays warm for a long time and is a joy to use after hours of eye strain.
Why They´ll Want It
This is a great toy to have whether you are young or old because it gives off a nice warmth, sweet scent, and soft feel. For younger children, Warm Whiskers also manufactures larger plush animals that are wonderful for a good night of cuddling.
--Nancy Tan
Learn more about Warm Whiskers: Dog
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Name: Feed Me Pumbaa
Company: HASBRO INC.
Age: 3 and up
Price: $19.99
Category: Plush
What is It?
"Uh oh! You might not want to stand downwind!" says Feed Me Pumbaa, which is based on the smelly warthog from Disney´s animated classic, The Lion King. This grotesque yet loveable creature speaks whenever you feed him one of the three plush bugs included in the set. To add to his fun little quips and silly sounds, Pumbaa will let out an enormous, giggle-inducing gas bomb whenever you pull his tail.
What We Thought
The hygienically-impaired character that audiences enjoyed watching on the big screen has a special place in all our hearts, which makes this soft plush a fun toy to have for play or simply for its novelty.
Why They´ll Want It
Children love interacting with their stuffed animals, and who makes a better companion than someone that is smellier and sillier than yourself! Pumbaa will delight children and the silly at heart and make them laugh whenever they hear his "rootin´" and "tootin´."
--Nancy Tan
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