Fashion Angels dolls are “anticipated to be really big this year.” — MariCela Anguay, Dragonfire Toy Company
With additional reporting by regional correspondents Virginia Davis, Dennis Furlan, Terri Hughes-Lazzell, Krista Lebednik and Brenda Ruggiero
What’s Selling
Manhattan Toys’ Groovy Girls (ToyDirectory) received the “grooviest” rating in the specialty market by far, mentioned as a projected best holiday seller by 24 out of 51 toy retailers. The dolls are “like a modern day Raggedy Ann. They’re very simple to play with,” Teri Soelter, owner of Teri’s Toybox in Edmonds, Wash., explained to TDmonthly Magazine.
Not far behind are the multi-award winning “real girl” dolls from OHC Group. “Only Hearts Club has been a tremendous surprise to us in last few years; [we] almost can’t keep it in stock,” said Mary Walsh, owner of Magical Child in Greenfield, Mass.
Manager Kim Anderson of Fun Forest in Sumter, S.C., praised the collection as well. “Mothers like them,” she said, and they’re inexpensive gifts for little girls.
What’s New
Classic lines from Alexander Doll Company (Gift Guide) and Corolle (Gift Guide) remain strong, but Fashion Angels (Gift Guide) dolls for preteens are also “anticipated to be really big this year,” MariCela Anguay, owner of Dragonfire Toy Company in Woodland, Calif., informed TDmonthly.
Here are the fashion dolls that retailers and manufacturers think will be “in” this holiday season:
They’re plushy with the cutest embroidered faces. They’re poseable with a full body armature. They stand 15" tall and pose from head to toe. Don’t tell anyone, but their 'dos are wigs and are interchangeable with each other. New 'dos sold separately. Last but not least, their wardrobe is to die for and the proof is in the details. They have great jewelry, accessories and shoes (made in a real shoe factory). The Fashion Angels are hip, sweet, intelligent and soulful. Pictured are Lulu, Bebe, Debo and Izzy. This product received a 2007 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Best Toy Award. — As of 05/13/2011 this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 2 reviews on Amazon.com. Cons: Wig may lose shape if not placed on the Fashion Angels wig stand.
Her shimmering wings let her fly through the air with her princess unicorn friend, Mystique. The doll and outfit include a baby unicorn. — Princess toys were a big seller among 4- to-8-year-old girls at Gepetto’s Toy Box in Oak Park, Ill, said owner Eric Masoncup. — “Princess anything” does well, concurred Holly Owellette, owner of Learning Train Toys in Sun Prairie, Wis. — The Only Hearts Club Princess line is brand new and features four characters, including a mermaid and a bride. Each Princess carries her own special pet. The Only Hearts Club is now available at Target. —Joanne Callander, the designer for the Only Hearts Club dolls, has always created her own OOAK fairy dolls, treasured by collectors the world over. She told TDmonthly, “I believe in fairies and so do children. Children and adults who believe in fairies take better care of the earth.”
This 18” doll wears a red brocade skirt, a navy blue jacket with gold frogs and fur trim, a fur hat with gold trim and a tassel, and red boots with tassels and a back zipper. “Carpatina is dedicated to offering high-quality fashion and collectibles with a stylish, romantic flavor. The combination of elaborate designs, unexpected details, historical authenticity and play value all combined with high quality of execution makes the Carpatina dolls and outfits highly desirable,” Mihaela Hinkle, creative director at Carpatina, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2006.
These limited edition Vintage Ginny Dolls feature mohair wigs and wear a felt reproduction Christmas outfit — first made by Vogue Doll and presented only to its employees as a Christmas gift in the early 1950s. Only 250 sets are available, and they were introduced at the Boston Fashion Doll & Bear Extravaganza in September 2006. “Ginny has been the star of Vogue since 1950, and it is the collectors’ love for Ginny [that] makes her stand out,” David Smith, vice president of Vogue Doll Company, told TDmonthly, also noting her excellent quality and affordable price point. Launch date: November 2006.
Designed by Robert Tonner, Ellowyne Wilde stands 16” tall and is made of high-quality vinyl and hard plastic. She is fully articulated for unlimited posing possibilities. Hand-painted features, rooted saran hair, and designer outfits that use the highest quality fabrics and trims are the hallmarks of this temperamental girl. Ellowyne Wilde even has her own MySpace page, Marketing & Sales Director Debra DeForte of Wilde Imagination told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 18, 2006.
Neva Dolls founder and chief designer Stacia McDonough created this raven-haired doll whose name means “beautiful hillside” in the Eskimo language. The latest addition to the Petites Fours Collection, she wears suede and genuine sable in the traditional dress of people from Russia’s Yakute region. Handcrafted of Russian porcelain and with hazel eyes made of hand-blown glass, Princess Kimira stands 17” tall. Launch date: Christmas 2006.
Clara is 13” and has red ponytails that match her little red outfit. A sweater with a ribbon tie, a flounced flowered skirt, ballerina sandals and a pink shoulder bag complete her outfit.
Mrs. Claus is dressed for winter at the North Pole in a beautiful fur-trimmed red dress. She’s often accompanied by a pair of jolly elves, sold separately. Holly has rooted titian red hair, a Christmas green dress with a jingle bell yoke and attached apron, striped stockings and gold elf shoes. Berry features wigged raven hair; a Christmas green outfit with a red vest and jingle bell pants, a red hat, striped stockings and gold elf shoes. Display stands are not included, and Santa’s Elves are available for $69.99 each. Launch date: November 2006.
This collection of high-quality dolls based on Proverbs 31 is designed to provide a Bible-based, Christian alternative to secular toys, and to encourage young girls to pursue biblical womanhood. The dolls stand 19.5” tall, have glass eyes and long rooted hair, and wear a contemporary outfit. Each comes with an accessory kit containing a Bible lesson (Proverbs 31:20) and a list of exciting activities that focus on generosity – one characteristic of a P31 girl. Also included are two cookie-cutters and a recipe that allow girls to make a batch of cookies for someone in need. Launch date: October 25, 2006.
Pirouette is dressed in a graceful soft pink outfit with a wrap jacket that, like her leg warmers, is made from cozy fleece. Under her jacket, she wears a smart striped t-shirt. Pirouette’s cotton skirt is trimmed with a cloud of tulle and ribbons, and her ballet shoes are trimmed with flowers. She wears ribbons to match her t-shirt in her long blonde hair. Lolle is 21.5 inches tall, and her dangling body is stuffed with cotton wool and weighted with pellets. Lolle has a canecalon wig and the vinyl head is hand painted. Launch date: January 9, 2006.
What Palamino loves most is sitting in the saddle of her favorite horse. She is just the right friend for any big or small horse lover. Her red corduroy britches and quilted vest are perfect for a day at the stables. Under the vest, Palomino wears a t-shirt with our signature Lolle print. Her riding helmet and boots give her an authentic equestrian look. Lolle is 21.5 inches tall, and her dangling body is stuffed with cotton wool and weighted with pellets. Lolle has a canecalon wig and the vinyl head is hand painted. Launch date: January 9, 2006.
Tonner Character Figures DC Stars Collection – Supergirl by TONNER DOLL COMPANY
Inspired by “Silver Age” art concepts from DC Comics, this poseable, limited edition doll stands 16” tall. Tonner Character Figures, based on classic superheroes appearing in DC Comics, feature hand-detailed face painting, rooted hair and authentic costuming inspired by the superhero’s life from origin to secret identity. Launch date: December 2006. — Supergirl is one of the first two original dolls released in the Tonner Character Figures Collection. — "The fine-quality 'ingredients' that make up each Tonner doll include hand-painted faces, finely engineered articulation and beautifully crafted contemporary clothing made from some of the finest fabrics available,” Tom Courtney, visuals and merchandising director for Tonner Dolls told TDmonthly. — Award-winning designer Robert Tonner created this doll.
Tonner Character Figures DC Stars Collection – Wonder Woman by TONNER DOLL COMPANY
By award-winning designer Robert Tonner, this collection includes limited edition Wonder Woman, inspired by “Silver Age” art concepts from DC Comics. She is 16” tall with multiple points of articulation for powerful poses, movement and mobility. Tonner Character Figures, based on classic superheroes appearing in DC Comics, feature hand-detailed face painting, rooted hair and authentic costuming inspired by the superhero’s life from origin to secret identity. Launch date: December 2006.
This 12” tall doll features 18 points of articulation, glass eyes and hand-stitched clothing. The doll's hands and fingers bend to meet for prayer and more. Voice chip technology enhances learning and promotes role play with key selections from the Bible. Press the doll's body just above the waist, and a calm voice recites the words of John 20:29; 3:3; 15:5 and 3:16, Mark 12:30, 12:31. Moses, David, Mary and Esther are also available. Launch date: August 2007.
Polly Pocket So Hip Cruise Ship Playset by MATTEL INC.
Enjoy the ultimate vacation destination on the So Hip Cruise Ship with Polly and three of her fab friends, Lila, Lea and Rick. It’s the biggest Polly playset ever, with tons of fun-filled activities. Polly and her shipmates can go parasailing, rock climbing, zoom down the ultimate super slide, chill in the hot tub, and of course, there’s tons of shopping. Launch date: June 2006.
The AVAN Stylin' Pony is now available in four models, three of which resemble true-to-life horse breeds. Each pony has its own unique personality with individually colored accessories to match. Every set comes complete with several styling tools for grooming the long mane and an abundant amount of beads, ribbons, barrettes, feathers, gems and more. All grooming materials can be conveniently stored in the easy-to-detach easy-to-carry handled grooming tray. Featuring a rotocast neck with a smooth feel, a long, thick shimmering mane and a sturdy grooming tray, this product fits the niche of “high quality unique products that can withstand the long hours of creative child’s play,” Stacey Sandvoss of Avan told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2006.
Writer's Bio: Julie L. Jones has written articles for both newspapers and magazines. Before joining the staff of TDmonthly Magazine, she worked as a communications writer and provided editorial support for a market research company. Read more articles by this author
Manhattan Toys’ Groovy Girls (ToyDirectory) received the “grooviest” rating in the specialty market by far, mentioned as a projected best holiday seller by 24 out of 51 toy retailers. The dolls are “like a modern day Raggedy Ann. They’re very simple to play with,” Teri Soelter, owner of Teri’s Toybox in Edmonds, Wash., explained to TDmonthly Magazine.
Manager Kim Anderson of Fun Forest in Sumter, S.C., praised the collection as well. “Mothers like them,” she said, and they’re inexpensive gifts for little girls.
Writer's Bio: Julie L. Jones has written articles for both newspapers and magazines. Before joining the staff of TDmonthly Magazine, she worked as a communications writer and provided editorial support for a market research company. Read more articles by this author
