I love ugly stuffed toys. They are so cool and endearing. Toys R Us gives us some new holiday ideas from their list of hot toy trends for 2011/2012. (As always, click on the links if you want more information.)
1. UglyDoll Plush from Pretty Ugly LLC
And, just because I like these so much, here’s another q uick video of UglyDolls.
Okay, Uglydolls are not new. These artist-designed characters have been out for about 10 years but they are a combination of cuteness and quirkiness that’s hard to beat. UglyDolls look a bit like monsters, but they are not scary. As of 2011, there are over 70 different dolls that all have different names and personalities. Also, there are limited-edition dolls that you will find at specialty stores like FAO Schwartz or that are sold exclusively in Japan.
Some stuffies are designated as males, some females, and some gender neutral. The bigger dolls will make good pillows because they are somewhat flat, or you can get square UglyDoll pillows that are expensive but adorable. (I need one.)
Here’s a video that one kid made about his UglyDolls. And, being a non-commercial mom, I love toys that give your children open-ended play. I’m talking about the type of play where your child (or grandchild) comes up with his or her own stories about the toy. Computer-animated interactive toys are limited by the designer’s preconceived ideas. And, interactive toys usually weight more and aren’t as snuggly as old fashioned stuffies.
Here are a few other popular UglyDolls.
- Flatwoodsey (2010 Either Gender)
- Turny Burny (2009 Male)
- Big Toe (2007 Original)
- Nandy Bear (2010 Male)
- Nandy Bear Keychain Doll
Uglydolls are all unique because their faces are handsewn, and these toys are good for babies on up. You can also get Uglydoll books, clocks, clothing, blankets, stationery, old-fashioned tin toys, and action figures. Rock on little dolls!
2. KooKoo Zoo 6-Inch KooKoo Birds from Jay at Play
I’m not as sold on Kookoo Birds. They have sound and when you squeeze them a small bird in an egg pops out. The designers seem to have been looking for a cross between an UglyDoll and an Angry Bird. But, these are not, in my opinion, as good as either. If this is what your child longs for, it might be the right toy. But, it’s not my first pick.
3. Smurfs Plush from JAKKS Pacific Kids
I am happy to report that I’ve lived my entire life in a Smurf-free household. But, if you haven’t been as lucky, or you grew up watching Smurfs, or your kids forced you to see that Smurf movie, one of these Smurf stuffed dolls may be the right toy for your little one. Smurfs have a certain hip-nerd quality that’s hard to define.
4. Jackson the 22-Inch Lion from Plushalicious
With a face taken straight from Tony the Tiger, and wearing brightly colored fur in hearts and peace signs, this Toys-R-Us exclusive looks like something my sister would have wanted when she was a younger brat back in the 60s. To me, Jackson doesn’t have the charm of the UglyDolls, however he does have one enduring feature. He won’t show dirt as much as an UglyDoll. However, Jackson doesn’t have a cult following. This stuffed animal is best for toddler boys and for girls from toddlerhood up through grade school.
5. Annoying Orange Talking Fresh Squeezed Stuffed Toy from The Bridge Direct
OMG, this is humor made for Beavis and Butthead crowd. The stuffed Annoying Orange toy is based on the humor of youTube’s Annoying Orange series (seen in the video above). I don’t know who wants this stuffed orange but if you have a kid who keeps asking for it, you might have to buy this for him or her. Unfortunately, as far as I can tell, the orange, apple, and other nerd-fruits don't come with headphones. This annoying product is brought to you by the same company that spawned the singing Bieber doll. (Update: I have to admit that Annoying Orange is growing on me, the more I watch it. It's the pet rock of 2011.)
Okay, you know your kid better than I do, but my faves from this list are the UglyDolls and Jackson the Tiger. God help you if you end up with an Annoying Orange that doesn’t shut up. I can listen to A. Orange a few times but not all day.
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Christina Gregoire - Christina Gregoire writes about divorce, fashion, and baby boomers. Her forte is explaining complex ideas in simple language.
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