With additional reporting from Chris Lundy and Brenda Ruggiero
In a late Spring 2012 survey about plush and puppets, retailers told TDmonthly Magazine that their best sellers for the category were rooted in reality. Mini Monarch Butterfly finger puppets from FOLKMANIS look almost like the real thing, and were joined at the top of the list by GUND's Boo, a stuffed animal modeled after a real life dog show champion.
Take a closer look at these, and the other best selling plush and puppets, below.
No manufacturer paid to be included in this article. All products listed were designated by editorial staff without regard to the company's relationship with TOYDIRECTORY.com/TDmonthly Magazine.
The sheer wings of this finger puppet, silk screened with the realistic orange and black markings of the Monarch Butterfly, flutter gracefully up and down with the motion of your hand. Its stretchy nylon fabric body fits fingers of many sizes. — In a May 2012 survey, three out of 11 retailers said that Folkmanis Butterfly finger puppets were their best selling plus or puppet item. Barbara Fineblum, owner of Barstons's Childs Play in Baltimore, Md., told TDmonthly that they sell approximately 23 each month.
This plush item is based on the real life Boo, a Westminster Dog Show champion who has more than 3 million Facebook fans. Launch date: April 2012. — In a May 2012 survey, Joe Berardoni, owner of Pun's Toys in Bryn Mawr, Pa., told TDmonthly that "Normally I would tell you a line of plush sells well rather than an item but this past month there has been a standout. We quickly sold out of a dozen of 'Boo' from Gund, the Westminster Dog Show winner. I have more on order." — Greg Larson, owner of Larson's Toys and Games in Columbus, Ohio, told TDmonthly in a late Summer 2012 survey that Boo from Gund is one of their top-two bestselling novelty items.
This Beanie plush line from Ty features 8” characters and includes such favorites as a penguin, a panda, a koala, a monkey, a frog, and a Husky dog. — As of 05/13/2011 this product had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 8 reviews on Amazon.com. Cons: According to the user, the smile was crooked and the toy was taller and thinner than depicted, rendering it less adorable. — Beanie Boos were popular sellers at My Club Tabby in Lake Charles, La., in March 2010, Owner Natalie Comeaux told TDmonthly. — In a May 2012 survey, two out of 11 retailers said that TY Beanie Boos were their best sellers in the Plush and Puppets category. John Taylor, owner of O.P. Taylor's in Brevard, N.C., told TDmonthly that they sell 48 TY Beanie Boos each month.
Folkmanis Little Puppets are small hand puppets that are perfect for younger children. This puppet is 7" tall and 5" wide. Fluffy golden lion has an orange tufted mane and expressive, movable mouth. Awards: 2012 Dr.Toy Best 20 for $20 — In a May 2012 survey, four out of 11 retailers told TDmonthly that Folkmanis was their best selling brand of plush or puppets.
This fox is 15 inches tall and is soft and squishy. Squishables comply with U.S. ASTM F963 safety standards. They're made out of all new materials (100% polyester fiber). Squishables can be spot-cleaned. Also available in a miniature size. Awards:TDmonthly Top Toy Award, June 2011 — Why it won: These extra soft and plush animal/pillows include a variety of characters we don't usually see in children's toys, such as narwhals. They come in several sizes, too, which make them fun for decorating a kid's or tween's room. With a range of characters from the Google Android to a T Rex, they'll appeal to boys, too. — "Squishables are selling really well. It's a big ball pillow in the shape of animals. We sold 20 last month," Joe Berardoni, owner of Pun's Toys in Bryn Mawr, Pa., told TDmonthly in late Spring 2011. — In a May 2012 survey, Elmer Carranza, manager of Doodlehopper 4 Kids in Springfield, Va., told TDmonthly that they sell six Squishables each month, making them the best seller in the plush category.
With floppy paws and feet, he sits and hugs like all great teddy bears should.This fluffy, cuddly bear comes in brown or cream, in 12" and 18" sizes. — In a May 2012 survey, Maryalice Miner, co-owner of Miner's Doll & Toy Store in Ocean Springs, Miss., told TDmonthly that Gund bears are their best selling plush item.
There are six Sweet Puppies in the kennel including PJ the Black Lab, Tootsie the Beagle, Patsy the Golden Retriever, Gi-Gi the Yellow Lab, Button the Bernese Mountain Dog and Abby the German Shepherd. Each adorable pup is created of the softest mohair fur and obediently sits at 10-inches. Each wears a cute red webbed collar. Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval — In a May 2012 survey about best selling plush and puppets, Lisa LeStrange, owner of Lucky Duck Toys in Wayne, Pa., told TDmonthly that they "sell about 175-200 pieces" of Douglas plush each month.
A new breed in Douglas Fuzzles, these new styles use a mixture of trendy fabrics with a new flair in the face. There are 10 new styles owls, monkeys, pigs, and dogs...to add to the already popular and irresistible herd of 30 fuzzles to choose from. Sizes range from 8" to 26" SRP's range from $14 to $35. — In a May 2012 survey about best selling plush and puppets, Lisa LeStrange, owner of Lucky Duck Toys in Wayne, Pa., told TDmonthly that they "sell about 175-200 pieces" of Douglas plush each month.
This little crimson bird is waiting to perch on kids' hands. Bring the wonder of nature to children fingertips with this Cardinal Finger Puppet from Folkmanis. 5.5" long. Launch date: July 2011. — In a May 2012 survey, four out of 11 retailers told TDmonthly that Folkmanis was their best selling brand of plush or puppets.
This plush Curious George Storytime Pal features a stuffed animal with a child sized blanket folded inside. When the blanket is removed children can snuggle up and use the stuffed animal as a pillow. The blanket zips on and off and is machine washable; the Zoobie stuffed animal is held in shape by two velcro tabs. — In late Spring 2011, 8% of retailers surveyed by TDmonthly mentioned Zoobies as a best-selling toy for infants & toddlers. — In a May 2012 survey, one out of 11 retailers told TDmonthly that Zoobies were their best selling plush/puppet item. — Want this? As of 05/06/2011, this product was available for purchase at Magic Box Toys.
Writer's Bio: Justina Huddleston graduated Magna Cum Laude from Emerson College with a BA in Writing, Literature, and Publishing in 2009. After graduating she was the on-site director of the Boston Children's Museum gift store for a year, selling educational, developmental, and creative activity toys that tied in with the museum's exhibits. Justina also interned at children's book publisher Candlewick Press before moving from Boston to Los Angeles, where she is now Editorial Director of TDmonthly Magazine. Read more articles by this author
Writer's Bio: Justina Huddleston graduated Magna Cum Laude from Emerson College with a BA in Writing, Literature, and Publishing in 2009. After graduating she was the on-site director of the Boston Children's Museum gift store for a year, selling educational, developmental, and creative activity toys that tied in with the museum's exhibits. Justina also interned at children's book publisher Candlewick Press before moving from Boston to Los Angeles, where she is now Editorial Director of TDmonthly Magazine. Read more articles by this author
