Product Showcase: Playtime Safari
By Karyn M. Peterson -- Playthings, 6/16/2008 1:43:00 PM
This week’s Product Showcase features new wild animal and jungle-themed toys from Alexander Doll Company, Inflatable Impressions, Mattel, Wild Republic and Zen Design Group’s See Toys brand.
By The Book
These collectible doll versions of Mogli and Baloo ($69.95), the beloved characters from the classic animated Disney film The Jungle Book, hit the market this year as part of the Walt Disney Showcase Collection. The set includes the 8-inch Mogli with real hair and brown eyes dressed in a red loincloth, plus an even taller plush version of Baloo bear. Mogli’s face is hand painted.
Alexander Doll Co., New York
www.alexanderdoll.com
Welcome To The Jungle
The heavy duty Jungle Mega-Bounce House ($409.99) is a deluxe play experience that includes bouncing, climbing, sliding and even basketball in a single jungle-themed environment that inflates to 13 by 13 by 9 feet. Set includes a UL blower that inflates the house within a minute, 25-foot power cord, basketball hoop, extra slide surface, long fill tube, ground stakes, carry bag, repair kit and instructions.
Inflatable Impressions LLC, Libertyville, Ill.
www.bouncelandfun.com
On A Roll
Debuting this fall for preschoolers ages 4 and up, the fast-paced Rhino Rampage game ($24.99) combines strategy and luck for lots of fun. The object of the game is for players to get their team of birds safety atop the rhino's back. But if a player rolls a rhino, he or she will have to pull the rhino’s tell, setting off a Rampage and setting some birds flying way off course.
Mattel, El Segundo, Calif.
www.mattel.com
Taming The Wild
Bimbo ($14.99) is a 12-inch-tall plush Asian Elephant that’s part of the Bindi’s Friends line of signature plush from the Australian Zoo. He is super soft to the touch, true to the stylings of all the company’s Cuddlekins. Also available this year, tied to Bindi Irwin’s TV series Bindi the Jungle Girl, is a Tasmanian devil, tortoise, cheetah, tiger, koala, brushtail possum and cockatoo.
Wild Republic (K&M International), Twinsburg, Ohio
www.wildrepublic.com
A Roaring Good Time
Dynatiger ($14.99) for ages 5 and up is one of the latest editions to the See Toys line of eco-friendly, battery-free electronic products. Available in both Siberian orange/black (pictured) and Bengal black/white versions, the yellow-eyed Dynatiger purrs as kids turn the crank to power him up. A button on his back activates three bright white LED mouth lights and initiates authentic tiger roar sounds.
Zen Design Group, Berkley, Mich.
www.zendesigngroup.com
Retailers: If you see contact a manufacturer, please say you were directed from Playthings.com!
Manufacturers: If you would like to be considered for the Product Showcase, please email product images (out of packaging) and descriptions to karyn.peterson@reedbusiness.com. Please include targeted age range, suggested retail price and date of availability.
