droolicious : plush animals

Meet the GreeNees

Aaron Burgess — Thu, 21 May 2009 16:00:00 GMT

Say hi to Mr. GreeNee and Mrs. Vision GreeNee, the green-minded pere and mere of a new eco-friendly plush family, the GreeNees. The creative handiwork of a real family -- mom Ellie, dad Shai, and kids Dylan and Sawyer -- the GreeNees are patterned after drawings by daughter Dylan, who finished the creations when she was just 6.

As for their actual green appeal, the GreeNees are made from certified organic cotton, and each embodies a different concept about going green: Mr. GreeNee fights global warming; Mrs. Vision is an organic fanatic; daughter Val is an animal lover; son Henry digs solar power; family dog Dakota is a recycling machine; and family cat Gap uses her innate H20 aversion to teach water conservation.

Each GreeNee is $20 -- get yours and learn more about their green family values at The GreeNees. [Plastic and Plush]

What Kid Doesn't Need a Transforming Werewolf Plush?

Aaron Burgess — Fri, 15 May 2009 13:30:00 GMT

This lycanthropic transformer starts as a harmless-looking lumberjack, but a few twists and pulls later, he's ready for a bit part in The Nightmare Before Christmas. At 12" high, he's easily taken down by your full-sized GI Joe, but if your kids are anything like mine, the werewolf will always win.

$29.99 from Entertainment Earth.

SuperJuicyChicken Plush Doll Looks Even Super-er in Blue

Aaron Burgess — Thu, 07 May 2009 13:00:00 GMT

The big mama (a full 12" high) of Q-You's plush-doll antiheroes, SuperJuicyChicken appears to have stepped in the path of a freeze ray in her latest incarnation. The big blue SuperJuicyChicken is slated to retail for around $25 -- unfortunately you can't order her through Q-You's site, but you can direct wholesale inquiries about any Q-You goodies to DKE Toys. [Plastic and Plush]

Earth Day Giveaway: Win a Xeko Pals 'Hairy' Lemur Doll (ends 4/22)

Aaron Burgess — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 15:30:00 GMT

Considering its Earth-friendly angle -- think Pokémon with a green-centric purpose -- we're thrilled to be working with trading-card game Xeko on an Earth Day giveaway, the prize for which is this adorable "Hairy" Xeko Pals doll.

A hairy-eared dwarf lemur from Madagascar, Hairy is life-sized (around the size of a softball, to be exact) and made from a soy-based fabric and filled with soy stuffing. Like its fellow Xeko Pals, Hairy also comes with a mission code, which gives you unlimited play of the "Hairy the Nibbler" game at xeko.com.

To enter, simply email your name, address and daytime phone number to babblecontest@gmail.com. One lucky winner will be selected at random from the pool of entries on Earth Day, which is next Wed., April 22.

Even if you don't score a free Hairy of your own, you can still save with this exclusive coupon code for Babble readers: Enter "gogreen" at the Xeko Store to save 15% off your entire order between now and Oct. 31, 2009. (The code can be used more than once, so keep it handy.)

Check out our past coverage of Xeko to help you get in the mood for Earth Day '09 -- and good luck!

Zooguu Fugu: 100% Toxin-Free Cuddliness

Aaron Burgess — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 13:30:00 GMT

You don't need a specially trained chef or a death wish to enjoy this delightful little fugu from Etsy seller Zooguu (formerly Sweetestpea), and though we don't recommend nibbling on it, you're also not likely to get a tingling sensation when you do.

Being your happy little snuggle buddy, on the other hand, is totally doable where Zooguu's fugu is concerned: at 9" tall, with a generous 31.5" waistline, the little puffer even has soft fabric eyes for added cuddliness.

$90 from Zooguu's Etsy shop -- a little steep, yeah, but hey, you can have it custom-made in any color.

Robot Plush Doll Ready to Hotwire Our Heart

Aaron Burgess — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 14:30:00 GMT

Large Robot Plush Toy with Headphones: not much in the way of a name there, eh? Well, what it lacks in off-the-shelf glitz, this 14" plush robot makes up for in cuteness and personality. Plus he makes a way better snuggle buddy than that MP3 player whose earbuds you're rightfully worried about sending kids into bed with.

$40 from Hey Killah! [Plastic and Plush]

Cuddle Up With Naturally Better Petter Rabbit

Aaron Burgess — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 13:30:00 GMT

With springtime come bunnies, and when our thoughts turn to bunnies, it's a quick skip and a hop to Peter Rabbit, whose "Naturally Better" incarnation adds an extra touch of green to the seasonal mood.

Made from natural linen and cotton, the Naturally Better Peter Rabbit nursery plush also ships in a lovely, reusable gift box that combines recycled paper with wood from FSC-accredited and sustainable sources. Save some green now at FAO Schwarz, where Mr. Natural is currently over 50% off his $34 retail price.

Meerkat Plush

AmandaHill — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 01:00:00 GMT

For reasons I'll never understand, my daughter is obsessed with the show MeerKat Manor. In fact, she's obsessed with Meerkats in general, which to me is quasi-creepy, because, hello, Meerkats? But if you also have a Meerkat loving little one, they might like the Meerkat plush.

You can find the Meerkat plush at the Discovery Store.

Odelia Makes Dolls, and We Love 'Em

Aaron Burgess — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 18:00:00 GMT

Tel Aviv-based designer Odelia Lavie has won our heart with her collection of handmade animal plush dolls, each a unique creation made from old clothes and textile scraps and stuffed with raw wool provided by small-scale farmers. If there's a drawback, it's that such quality and attention to detail don't come cheap -- but we'll happily pay more for a unique, well-made heirloom, especially one that's durable enough to take all the TLC our kids can give it.

The owl shown here is $52 -- others in the series range from $42-$49. Check out the whole collection at the Odelia Makes Dolls Etsy shop, or if you find yourself in downtown Tel Aviv, drop by Liliana to see the dolls in person.

Interactive Easter Basket Item

Cathy Hale — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 17:00:00 GMT

Looking for cute little items to put in your baby's Easter Basket? Here's an interactive option - Little Bunny: Finger Puppet Book! They used to sell these books at Pottery Barn Kids and we loaded up on them. Each book features an attached finger pupper. My littlest one loves these books. I'd say they guarantee a smile and probably quite a few giggles too. Find it at Barnes & Noble.

Like Pink Poodles? Well, Here Ya Go...

Cathy Hale — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 16:00:00 GMT

Rocking horses are so last year. Welcome to the delightful world of non-traditional rocking animals. Cows, pigs, ducks, dinosaurs, sheep, etc. Dubbed a "prim and proper rocking toy," this Pink Poodle may be the ultimate girlie rocker ever built. Don't worry, they have a less-pink brown cow too. For children (and poodle aficionados) up to 60 pounds. Retails for $159 at Room Service Home.

For Easter, Give a Mustache

Heather Kuldell — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 19:05:00 GMT

Rabbits may be symbols of fertility, but labbits are a sign of cool. Kidrobot fans out there know about designer/illustrator Frank Kozik’s bizarre labbit toys: white, vinyl rabbits that come with interchangeable mouth accessories like ice cream cones, bananas, pipes and cigarettes. The vinyl toys are too naughty for kids due to the small parts and smoking accessories, but a smoke-free, cuddly version does exist. The Plush Mustache Labbit ($15.99) sports only a mustache, offering the silliest twist on the rabbit since the clucking Cadbury bunny. My son has one, and he actually strokes the mustache as he’s going to sleep. (I foresee facial hair in his future.)

Circo Plush Horse

AmandaHill — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 21:00:00 GMT

The plush Circo Horse from Target is a cuddly stuffed animal in a laying down position. It's easy for toddlers to climb on and sit. Huggable and cuddly, the horse is 8" high and 28" long. It would make a fabulous addition to any stuffed animal collection.

Click over to Target to check out the Circo Plush Horse.

Yo Gabba Gabba Plush Pals

AmandaHill — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 03:00:00 GMT

Yo Gabba Gabba is pretty much a way of life in our house. You either know 'Party in my tummy' or you don't. It's that simple. The five plush Yo Gabba Gabba dolls have all of your little ones' favorite characters: Muno, Foofa, Plex,Brobee and Too Dee.

Click behind the fold to find out more.

Each character is available individually from Olie Bollen for $9.95.

Snuggle Up with Moncalin Flat Cat Lovie

Heather Kuldell — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 01:35:00 GMT

The first time I saw a “lovie,” I thought someone had ripped the filling out of poor stuffed animal. My baby son, however, loved it. He spent hours clutching the little thing, exploring the textures and seams. For a simple toy, the Moncalin Flat Cat Lovie offers lots to explore, including the ears, knotted arms and even — if my son is any indication — the ribbon tag. Right now it’s on sale for $19.99 and available in chocolate and baby blue stripes or chocolate and melon stripes.

Snuffins the Puff Ball Puppy

AmandaHill — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Snuffins the Puff Ball Puppy is one of those ugly/cute plush animals. I'm not sure if giving it to my daughter would make her smile or cry, but either way, I am smitten. Click behind the fold to learn more about the puffy puppy and see more pictures.

Snuffins' pom pom face is handmade, and he is the product of Absolutely Small. Snuffins is available from Shana Logic.

The Most Awesome Valentine’s Day Gifts

Heather Kuldell — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 14:01:00 GMT

Ah, remember when Valentine’s Day was a couples affair? Chances are dang good that if you’re reading this blog, your special someone has multiplied into special someones. Fear not, we have a few recommendations for those immediate family needs, particularly those with a little sense of humor.

Kick off the day with a big “I love you,” but say it with toast. Order an “I Love You” Toast Stamper, press it on your bread of choice and pop the thing in the toaster. Mmm, crisp love for only $4.50 at Archee McPhee.

Little details can show your sweet side. Slip a French Heart-Shaped Sugar on the edge of morning coffee (or tea or hot chocolate). A 64-count box is on sale for $9.99.

Oh baby, the options for the wee babe are numerous, but I like the I Got the Beat T-shirt. Each American Apparel t-shirt features an anatomical heart and reads “I got the beat” in both English and Japanese. Available in baby blue or lavender for $18. BTW, there’s a matching stuffed ani ... er, organ too.

For your sweetheart’s sweet hair, check out the Hugs and Kisses Valentine’s Day Hair Clip. Each clip is a little smaller than 2 inches and handmade with wool felt. Pick one up for $10.95. (For more girly suggestions, check out Sunny’s list here.)

For the kids who like to cuddle, Mini Robot with Headphones take the edge off of robots. Each of these 6-inch plushies are hand-sewn felt and feature a big ol’ red heart and safety eyes. It’s a limited run and will cost $28.

For those who believe in magic, try the Heart Musical Fairy Wand. Spread the love with pure imagination or the chiming sound the aluminum alloy makes. Each wand measure between 10 and 12 inches tall and is prices at $4.99. Other designs are also available.

For the fighter (and not a lover), the Vermont Teddy Bear Company created the 15-inch Ultimate Lover. The bear’s gloves feature red hearts and the shorts read “You’re a knockout.” Silly? Absolutely. But even tough kids have a soft side somewhere. Bears start at $69.95 and can be customized.

For the parent who’s been extra good this year, treat him or her with a Sony Ericsson Cyber-Shot Camera Phone. The C902 is slim, but features a 5-megapixel camera with flash. Most cell phones on the market hover around the 1.3-megapixel mark or boast if they reach 3.2. Five, on the other hand, is a decent enough camera that leaving a separate device at home is actually possible. Available in a very Valentine-y Lusicious Red or Swift Black, it’s a splurge at $499.99, but it’s marked down from $549.

And for yourself, offer your partner a few Love Lotto scratch-offs. Each ticket offers a mix of winnings: french kisses, hot dates or get lucky. Woohoo! You both win! For $9.95, get 100 tear-out game cards.

Domo Valentine's Day Plush

AmandaHill — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 00:30:00 GMT

The Domo plushes are so adorable. This particular plush is available for Valentine's Day, and it stands at a meager 6 inches tall. Domos are mysterious little creatures with monster-like features.

Click behind the fold to find out where you can pick this lovely up.

You can pick one up right now at Amazon.

Boomer Sooner Stick Horse

Cathy Hale — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 02:00:00 GMT

It seems OU is gearing up for one of the biggest games ever. Without Demarco Murray. Oh, that's news for a different post - sorry. Anyway, treat your lil' fan something extra special this year. A brand spankin' new OU Stick Horse, just like the ones we played on as kids. This plush Sooner Schooner is musical too. It plays "Boola Boola," the fight song of Yale the OU fight song, of course! "Boomer Sooner, Boomer Sooner, Boomer..."

Want to see more OU baby fan gear? Check it out at MommyQ.

PB Kids Sale: Animal Sleeping Bags

Cathy Hale — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 20:30:00 GMT

While thumbing through the Pottery Barns Kids catalogue, you've probably seen these plush sleeping pals. Maybe you already own one. If not, let me just say this is a great product and in my opinion, worth the money.

Even if your kiddos are too young for sleepovers, you'll still use it a lot. We use ours as a nap mat at school. Talk about luxurious! My active preschooler always rests during nap time and we think it's because this sleeping bag is so comfy. He likes to rest in it at home too. Perfect for those cold winter days!

Made of high quality cotton, it is plump and cozy. It's also very easy to roll up and closes with Velcro tabs. You can wash it on the gentle cycle and tumble dry on low. The blue one and the red one are on sale for $64. A functional treat that happens to be adorable too - 2 thumbs up!

Cutiepieosaurus

Cathy Hale — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 22:54:00 GMT

I'm not usually a big fan of plush dinosaurs, but this funny guy is oozing personality galore. Meet Sigikid Ankylosaurus Sweety Dinosaur. Standing 10 inches tall, he's not ferocious at all. He's really cuddly thanks to his soft microfiber outer fabric. The TRex is actually my favorite, but he's currently ~~extinct~~ out of stock. Shop Maukilo for lots of Sigikid creations.

80" Tall Teddy Bear, Sadly, Does Not Answer to 'Daddy'

Aaron Burgess — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 18:04:00 GMT

I'm all about "Gotta Getta Gund," but after a certain point, do you think it maybe starts to look like you're overcompensating?

If you've got it, flaunt it, I guess: This 80" tall, 40-pound plushie will run you $500 at Hammacher Schlemmer.

ABC Kids Expo 2008: Microwavable Plush Animals - The Cozy Collection

Chris Ford — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 12:02:00 GMT

Say what now? Microwavable cozy toys? The best part of a show like ABC is seeing the brand new stuff that's coming out, especially from the smaller producers. The Cozy Collection from Pritty Imports are plush animals (ducks, bunnies, lambs, pigs, cows and dogs) that you put in the microwave to heat up before bed time. Each animal will stay warm for about an hour, or if you're cuddling with it in bed it should stay warm for up to two hours.

It's a simple idea that, quite frankly, I can't believe no one has ever thought of before, but I can't think of another product like it. The toys are stuffed with "natural wheat" and are "gently scented with French lavender". Best of all there is no removable inner pouch you have to deal with. Made in Britain, they are brand new to the US and should be available for around $19.95 in stores soon.

Check them out at their web site, PrittyImports.com.