Awards - baby toys uk thinks this impressive list speaks for itself!
2006
Baby Stella Doll Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award 2006
Cuddle Dolls Parenting Magazine 2006 Mom-Tested Toys of the Year
Cuddle Pups Puppets Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award 2006
Dreamtastic by Groovy Girls Franchesca Fairy, Melina Mermaid, Binni Ballerina Canadian Toy Testing Council 3-Star Award 2006
Froggy Frenzy Canadian Toy Testing Council 1-Star Award 2006
Froggy Frenzy National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) Holiday Educational Toy List 2006
Groovy Girls® Supersize Canadian Toy Testing Council 3-Star Award 2006
Happy Hamster House Canadian Toy Testing Council 2-Star Award 2006
Lacing Quilt Parenting Magazine 2006 Mom-Tested Toys of the Year
Lacing Quilt Canadian Toy Testing Council 3-Star Award 2006
NooBoo Rattle Parenting Magazine 2006 Mom-Tested Toys of the Year
NooBoo Symphonic Stacker National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) Holiday Educational Toy List 2006
NooBoo Symphonic Stacker Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award 2006
NooBoo Symphonic Stacker Canadian Toy Testing Council 1-Star Award 2006
NooBoo Symphonic Stacker National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA) 2006 Gold Award Infant/Toddler
Pirates Bounty Treasure Hunt Parent's Choice Approved Awards 2006
Take & Make™ Grillin' Fun Canadian Toy Testing Council 1-Star Award 2006
Take & Make™ Picnic Canadaian Toy Testing Council 3-Star Award 2006
Tiptoes Touche Mediterranean Madge Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award 2006
Trixieville Creative Child Seal of Excellence Award (Kids Dolls category) 2006
Trixieville Canadaian Toy Testing Council 3-Star Award 2006
Trixieville Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award 2006
Whoozit® Grabbitz Ball Canadaian Toy Testing Council 2-Star Award 2006
Whoozit® Starz Lights & Sounds Canadaian Toy Testing Council 3-Star Award 2006
Whoozit® Starz Lights & Sounds Neighbourhood Toy stores of Canada (NETS) 2006 Gold Star Winner
Woo Blocks Canadaian Toy Testing Council 2-Star Award 2006
Wrap & Go Whirlaround Canadaian Toy Testing Council 3-Star Award 2006
Zoolio Rainforest Canadaian Toy Testing Council 3-Star Award 2006
2005
Groovy Style Bombastic Bunk Beds Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Seal Award 2005
Groovy Style Supernova Sofa Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Seal Award 2005
Mamatots Bunny Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award 2005
Puppettos Theater Stage Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award 2005
Put & Peek Birdhouse Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award 2005
Tiptoes Touche Madge Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award 2005
Tiptoes Touche Starlet Shimmerella Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award 2005
Whoozit® Pull Musical Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award 2005
2004
Puppet Paris iParenting Media 2004 Award
Dress Up Up Creative Child Preferred Choice Award (Toddler Category) 2004
Groovy Style Bombastic Bunk Beds Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Seal
Award 2005
Groovy Style Supernova Sofa Oppenheim Toy Portfolio
Platinum Seal Award 2005
Mamatots Bunny Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold
Seal Award 2005
Puppettos Theater Stage Oppenheim Toy Portfolio
Gold Seal Award 2005
Put & Peek Birdhouse Oppenheim Toy Portfolio
Gold Seal Award 2005
Take & Make™ Cake Food Fun Creative Child Seal of Excellence Award (creative play for kids category) 2004
Tiptoes Touche Madge Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award 2005
Tiptoes
Touche Starlet Shimmerella Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award 2005
Twinkle Turtle Creative Child Seal of Excellence Award (baby toys category)
2004
Whoozit® Pull Musical Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal
Award 2005
Take & Make Pizza Food Fun Parents Magazine Best Toy
of the Year 2004
Take & Play Neighborhood Bedroom & Bathroom Parenting
Magazine Toy of the Year 2004
2003
Manhattan Toy's 20-year tradition of imaginative toy design has earned
their products both national and international popularity and a long list of
awards recognizing their originality, quality, and development value.
KnightingtalesT Hand Puppets Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award 2003
Gingham GardenT Musical Mobile Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award 2003
Gingham
GardenT Flower Pull Musical Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award
2003
Gingham GardenT Dragonfly Rattle/Teether Oppenheim Toy Portfolio
Gold Seal Award 2003
Whoozit® Touch & Teethe Oppenheim Toy Portfolio
Gold Seal Award 2003
Galaxy Whoozit Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold
Seal Award 2003
Dr. Seuss Hand Puppets Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold
Seal Award 2003
2002
Stack & Nest Aquarium Dr. Toy's Best Vacation Products for 2002
Whoozit®
Tuck & Pull Rattle Dr. Toy's Best Vacation Products for 2002
Twirling
TutusT Hand Puppets Oppenheim Toy Portfolio 2002 Gold Seal Award
Groovy
Girls® Lush Loft Oppenheim Toy Portfolio 2002 Gold Seal Award
WoozleT
Oppenheim Toy Portfolio 2002 Gold Seal Award
Dr.
Seuss The Cat in the Hat Finger Puppet Set 2002 National Children's Publications
Awards (NAPPA) Honors Award
Galaxy Whoozit® Oppenheim Toy Portfolio
- Gold Seal Award 2002
Garden To GoT The National Parenting Center
Seal of Approval Fall 2002
Gingham GardenT Dragonfly Rattle Teether
Oppenheim Toy Portfolio - Gold Seal Award 2002
Gingham GardenT
Flower Pull Musical Oppenheim Toy Portfolio - Gold Seal Award 2002
Gingham
GardenT Musical Mobile Oppenheim Toy Portfolio - Gold Seal Award 2002
Groovy
Girls® K-Series Parent's Choice 2002 Recommended Award
Groovy
Girls® Lush Loft Canadian Toy Testing Council Children's Choice Award
2002
Hand Puppet Playhouse Canadian Toy Testing Council 2002
3-Star Award
Knightingtales Hand Puppets Oppenheim Toy Portfolio - Gold
Seal Award 2002
Stack & Nest AquariumT 2002 National Children's
Publications Awards (NAPPA) Honors Award
Whoozit Touch & Teethe Oppenheim
Toy Portfolio - Gold Seal Award 2002
Whoozit® Tuck & Pull The
National Parenting Center Seal of Approval Fall 2002
Whoozit® Tuck & Pull 2002 National Children's Publications Awards (NAPPA) Honors Award
Whoozit® Tummy Toy Canadian Toy Testing Council 2002 3-Star Award
2001
Busy Boa Playmat Canadian Toy Testing Council 3-Star Award 2001
Busy Boa
Playmat American Baby Toy Awards 2001
Enchanted GardenT Fill and
Sprinkle Watering Can National Parenting Publications Award (NAPPA-Children's Resources
Honors Award 2001)
Groovy Girls ® S-Series Parent's Choice
- Recommended Winner 2001
Groovy Girls ® S-Series Parent's Guide 2001 Children's Media Award
Groovy
Girls ® S-Series National Parenting Publications Award (NAPPA-Children's Resources
Honors Award 2001)
Groovy Girls ® S-Series Family Fun 2001 Toy
of the Year (T.O.Y.)
Handy WorkT Dr. Toy's 100 Best Childrens Products
for 2001
Handy WorkT Dr. Toy's 10 Best Socially Responsible Products
for 2001
Handy WorkT National Parenting Publications Award (NAPPA-Children's
Resources Honors Award 2001)
Hayseed Acres Barnyard
PlaysetT Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award 2001
Hullabaloos Dr. Toy's
Best Vacation Products for 2001
Hullabaloos Parent's Choice - Recommended Winner 2001
LilydollsT Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum
Award 2001
LilydollsT Parent's Guide 2001 Children's Media Award 2001
Pick
of the LitterT Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award 2001
Rainbow
Ball Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award 2001
Rainbow
Ball Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Special Needs Award 2001
Rainbow
Ball Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award 2001
Seek and Peek Turtle
ToyT Dr. Toy's Best Vacation Products for 2001
StorytimeT Puss In
Boots Dr. Toy's Best Vacation Products for 2001
Supersize Groovy Girls® Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award 2001
Supersize
Groovy Girls® Sarita Child Magazine's 2001 Best Toy of the Year for "Playthings
That Ignite Imaginiation"
Take and Shake SnakeT Dr. Toy's Best Vacation Products for 2001
Take and Shake SnakeT Canadaian Toy Testing Council 3-Star Award 2001
Take
and Shake SnakeT The 2001 Best Toys of the Year (0-1 age category)
Uptown
BabyT Parent's Guide 2001 Children's Media Award
Uptown
BabyT National Parenting Publications Award (NAPPA-Children's Resources
Honors Award 2001)
Whoozit® Activity Spiral Canadian Toy Testing
Council 2001 Best Bet Award 2001
Wimmer-FergusonT FlopstersT Oppenheim
Toy Portfolio Platinum Award 2001
Where's the Bone?T Activity Book
Parent's Guide 2001 Children's Media Award
2000
rn Door Play Stage Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award
Groovy
Girls Parent's Choice Fall 2000 Awards - Silver Honor
Groovy Girls
Specialty Retailer Doll Award
Jungle Boogie - Lion Oppenheim Toy Portfolio
Gold Award
Lilydolls Dr. Toy's 10 Best Children's Products
for 2000
Lilydolls Dr. Toy's 100 Best Children's Products for 2000
Lilydolls Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award
Lilydolls Parent's Choice
Fall 2000 Awards - Recommended Winner
Lollipuppets Parent's Guide
Children's Media Honor
Rainbow Twist Cube Parent's Choice Fall
2000 Awards - Approved Winner
Pick of the Litter Oppenheim Toy Portfolio
Platinum Award
Pup Pets Hand Puppets Oppenheim Toy Portfolio
Gold Award
Rainbow Ball Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award
Storytime
- Cinderella Canadian Toy Testing Council
Supersize
Groovy Girls Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award
Tiny Travels
Musical Mobile Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award
Whoozit
Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award
Whoozit Activity Spiral Canadian
Toy Testing Council
Whoozit Activity Spiral Parents Magazine Best
Toy of the Year
Wilycats Hand Puppets Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award
Year of
the Dragon Head Puppet Canadian Toy Testing Council
Zumbalottie
Parent's Choice Fall 2000 Awards - Silver Honor
Finger Puppet Theater
Le Magazine Enfants Megaspecial Jouets
Woofers Le Magazine Enfants
Megaspecial Jouets
1998
Whoozit Middle Georgia Parenting, Best
Toys 1998
Busy Garden Activity Center Parenting Magazine Toys of
the Year
Car Seat Gallery ASTRA's 1998 Great Travel Toys
3
in 1 Triangle Toy Le Magazine Enfants Megaspecial Jouets
Finger Puppet
Theater Parents Magazine Toys of the Year
Finger Puppet Theater
Seasame Street Parents Magazine Toys of the Year
Merry Meadows Musical Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award
Merry Meadows Musical Parents Magazine Toys of the Year 1998
Merry Meadows Musical Middle Georgia Parenting, Best Toys 1998
Horse
Pull Musical Child Magazine, Toys of the Year 1998
Skwish Classic
Child Care Supplies Solutions 1998 BOSS Gold Star Awards
Groovy Girls
New York Magazine's Best Bets
1997
Sun Sensory Teether Scholastic
Parent Child Magazine, 1997 Teachers' Pick
Sunflower Pull Musical
Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Seal Award - Top 20 Products of the Year
Skwish
Classic Dr. Toy's Best Classic Toys 1997
Whoozit
Gold Star Top Toys 1997
Frog Chime Ball Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold
Seal Award
Sun Discovery Toy Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award
Busy
Train Activity Mat Canadian Toy Testing Council's Highest Rating
(Three Stars)
Busy Garden Activity Center Parents' Choice Gold Seal
Busy
Garden Activity Center Parents' Choice Gold Seal
Touch & See Busy Book Child Care Supplies Solutions BOSS Gold Star Award
Groovy
Girls Oppenheim Platinum Seal Award
Groovy Girls ASTRA Tried & True
Baby Whoozit Canadian Toy Testing
Council's Highest Rating (Three Stars)
Car Seat Gallery Dr. Toy's
Best Children's Vacation Products
Nursery Novel Oppenheim Toy Portfolio
Gold Seal Award
Discover and Go Playmat Oppenheim Toy Portfolio
Gold Seal Award
Discover and Go Playmat Oppenheim Toy Portfolio SNAP
Award (Special Needs Adaptable Product)
Pattern Padders Oppenheim Toy Portfolio SNAP Award (Special Needs Adaptable Product)
3
in 1 Triangle Toy Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award
3
in 1 Triangle Toy Oppenheim Toy Portfolio SNAP Award (Special Needs Adaptable
Product)
3 in 1 Triangle Toy Canadian Toy Testing Council's
Highest Rating (Three Stars)
3 in 1 Triangle Toy Parents' Choice Approved
Seal
Stacking Cube Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award
Enchanted
Garden Musical Mobile Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award
Funkadellics
Canadian Toy Testing Council's Highest Rating (Three Stars)
Funkadellics
Canadian Toy Testing Council's Best Bets
Funkadellics
Dr. Toys Best Children's Vacation Products
Funkadellics
NAPPA Honors Award
Spellcasters Canadian Toy Testing Council's Highest
Rating (Three Stars)
Spellcasters Canadian Toy Testing Council's
Best Bets
Spellcasters Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award
F-Lips
Fish Puppets Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platnium Seal Award
F-Lips
Fish Puppets Parents' Choice Honors Seal
Looney Birds Hand Puppets Dr. Toys Best Children's Products
Finger Puppet
Theater Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platnium Seal Award
Finger Puppet
Theater Oppenheim Toy Portfolio's The Best Toys, Books, Videos, Music, and Software
for Kids
Finger Puppet Theater Canadian Toy Testing Council's
Highest Rating (Three Stars)
Fingerellas Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold
Seal Award
Finger Fillies Canadian Toy Testing Council's Best Bets
Finger Fillies
NAPPA Honors Award
Finger Fillies Dr. Toy's Best Children's Vacation
Products
Jungle Boogie Finger Oppenheim Toy Portfolio's The
Best Toys, Books, Videos, Music, and Software for Kids
Jungle Boogie
Finger Canadian Toy Testing Council's Highest Rating (Three Stars)
Woofers
Canadian Toy Testing Council's Highest Rating (Three Stars)
Sunflower & Bee Oppenheim Toy Portfolio SNAP Award (Special Needs Adaptable
Product)
Infant Stim Mobile ASTRA Top 10 Toys for Infants and
Toddlers
Infant Stim Mobile Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award
Infant
Stim Mobile Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Blue Chip Classic Award
Infant Stim Mobile Good Toy Guide's Gold Award
Infant Stim Mobile Canadian
Toy Testing Council's Highest Rating (Three Stars)
Infant Stim
Mobile Baby Talk Magazine Mother's Choice Award
Infant Stim Mobile Le
Centre du Jeu et du Jouet
Infant Stim Mobile Parenting Magazine Toy
Hall of Fame
Double Feature Mirror Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Blue Chip
Classic Award
Double Feature Mirror Canadian Toy Testing Council's
Highest Rating (Three Stars)
Car Mobile Dr. Toy's Best Children's
Vacation Products
Car Mobile Parents' Choice Honors Seal
Pattern
Play Dr. Toy's Best Children's Vacation Products
Pattern Play
Canadian Toy Testing Council's Highest Rating (Three Stars)
Mind Shapes
Dr. Toy's 10 Best Educational Products
Mind Shapes Dr. Toy's 100
Best Children's Products
Mind Shapes Oppenheim Toy Portfolio SNAP
Award (Special Needs Adaptable Product)
Mind Shapes Oppenheim Toy Portfolio
Platinum Seal Award - Top 20 Products of the Year
Mind Shapes
Parenting Magazine's Toys of the Year
Mind Shapes Parents' Choice
Honors Seal
Pattern Pals Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award
Pattern Pals Oppenheim
Toy Portfolio Platinum Seal Award - Top 20 Products of the Year
Pattern Pals NAPPA Gold Award - Soft Toys Category
Brain Teether Oppenheim
Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award
Brain Teether Parents' Choice Honors
Seal
Car Seat Gallery Oppenheim Toy Portfolio SNAP Award (Special
Needs Adaptable Product)
Flip Frogs Child Care Supplies Solutions
BOSS Gold Star Award
Press Releases
Manhattan Toy Expands Groovy Girls' World of Products and Dolls
April 4, 2003 (Minneapolis, Minnesota) - Minneapolis-based Manhattan
Toy is expanding its mega-popular Groovy Girls line of funky dolls and
trendy accessories. This summer, the company is adding 12 fresh new items
to the already fabulous world of Groovy Girls, the brand that celebrates individualism,
diversity and the power of friendship.
"The Groovy
Girls are in a world of their own -- one that continues to grow and foster
character in all girls no matter what shape, size or ethnic background," says
Roger Bildsten, president of Manhattan Toy. "And now Groovy Girls fans can showcase
their very own personal accessories for the first time."
Beginning
in April, Groovy Girls will introduce girls' funky handbags in four
styles - classic, tote, cylinder and clutch. In true Groovy Girls fashion,
each bag is draped in faux fur and trimmed with bold animal prints and colorful
fabrics. Plus, inspiring a sense of "do-it-yourself" fashion, Groovy
Girls will also introduce two new Sticker Snazzmatazz sets. Packaged in a
transparent tote, the Snazzmattazz sets feature a Groovy Girls doll with stylish
outfit, denim jacket, and 16 reusable embroidered fashion stickers.
In addition, Groovy Girls is launching a playful new line of paper goods including
thank you notes, party invitations, postcards, memo pads, and stationery letter
sheets. Special Groovy Girls writing kits include postcards, letter sheets
and envelopes.
Groovy Girls dolls and products appeal to girls
ages three to 12.
Manhattan Toy introduced Groovy Girls as part
of its overall collection of distinctive soft toys that inspire creative play.
Groovy Girls, the brand that teaches girls to celebrate diversity and
their own uniqueness & style, distributes its products through more than 5,000
specialty retailers worldwide. Groovy Girls also features several boy dolls. For more information on the entire collection of Groovy Girls and other products
from Manhattan Toy, visit www.manhattantoy.com.
Manhattan
Toy and Dr. Seuss Enterprises are at it Again with New Additions for 2003.
January
3, 2003 (Minneapolis, Minnesota) - This year, Manhattan Toy continues
to bring the genius of Dr. Seuss to life with four beautifully crafted new toys.
Designed in collaboration with Dr. Seuss Enterprises, each one is designed
to be true to the author's imagination, using only the finest, most unique materials.
The 2003 introductions include a new FOX IN SOCKS soft toy and boxed finger
puppet set, a new LORAX hand puppet, and the innovative Dr. SeussT Sit Upon,
featuring HORTON. Each one helps to enhance families' reading experiences with
the classic Dr. Seuss books and inspire exciting, original new story lines.
Children of all ages will love to play along as they read about the tricky FOX IN
SOCKS and his antics. The new soft toy is nine inches tall and comes dressed in
his signature socks and gloves. The boxed finger puppet set includes SUE, MR.
KNOX, the BOX and FOX, giving children lots of opportunities to invent new adventures.
Joining
an already well-loved cast of hand puppets is the LORAX,
the fuzzy-mustached creature from The Lorax. Families will enjoy collecting
this entire puppet line, which includes HORTON, THE CAT IN THE HAT and his jittery
pal THE FISH, and THE GRINCH and his faithful dog MAX. Each puppet is 10
inches tall and loaded with whimsical Seussian personality.
One of
the company's most creative debuts is the Dr. SeussT Sit Upon, a 40-inch-long.
HORTON that can be used for lounging, as imaginative room décor or simply as a
large and playful friend. Big enough to ride and wonderfully soft, this item is
sure to turn heads and will make a very special gift.
Other Dr. Seuss
toys from Manhattan Toy include the popular Hug Arounds, huggable 52-inch versions
of THE GRINCH and THE CAT IN THE HAT; three sizes of classic characters and finger puppets from many of the most popular
Dr. Seuss books. For true puppeteers, there are even two soft puppet stages,
the Zoom a Zoop Theatre backdrop, and another featuring the cast of How the Grinch
Stole Christmas!.
Manhattan Toy began collaborating with Dr. Seuss
Enterprises in 1999 and in 2002 launched the first of this magnificent character
line, which has already become a favorite of many retailers and their customers.
It is just one example of the company's ongoing commitment to creativity,
quality craftsmanship and the success of the specialty store. For more information
about all of the Manhattan Toy lines, visit www.manhattantoy.com.
Manhattan Toy Expands its Colourful Whoozit ® Line for Babies
Whoozit ®, by Manhattan Toy, was the first character designed specially to hold babies'
interest. Incorporating groundbreaking graphics and plenty of the developmental
features the company is known for, Whoozit toys offer infants a wide variety
of challenging activities. This year, Manhattan Toy is updating the Whoozit
world with eight new innovative creations that are sure to become favorites.
The
Whoozit ® character, available in two sizes, has been redesigned
with ultra-soft velour fabrics that little hands will love to hold. The new Whoozit
® Car Mobile is designed to attach to the back of a car seat, with dangling
pieces that sway as the car moves. It includes baby-safe mirrors that encourage
self-discovery and bold colors and patterns proven to keep little ones' attention.
Busy
babies will enjoy reaching for the intriguing playthings
hanging from the three-dimensional Whoozit® Gym to Go. The gym folds flat for
easy storage and travel and features an outside pocket that holds diapers and
bottles. Like all Whoozit toys, the Gym to Go is crafted from bright, soft fabrics
that babies can't resist.
With the Whoozit® Wiggle Ball, babies
will learn about cause and effect as they build their developing motor skills.
Multi-colored ribbons encourage exploration, and a pull on the Whoozit character
activates an exciting jiggling motion.
There are lots of ways to
play with the Whoozit® Star Play Panel. Its five engaging activities include a
jiggling star, a hide-and-seek game, a baby-safe mirror, textured plastic beads
to move and touch, and a pocket with a hidden surprise. Designed with the classic
Whoozit colors and graphics, the Star Play Panel ties onto most crib rails
and makes a wonderful floor toy as well.
New Toys from Manhattan Baby Help Babies and Toddlers Learn as They Play.
January
24, 2003 (Minneapolis, Minnesota) - Research proven developmental
features and engaging designs have always made Manhattan Baby toys unique.
This year, Manhattan Toy adds many exciting new items to its already popular
baby lines and introduces two entirely new categories created specially for infants,
and toddlers.
The company's new infant toys are designed and stuffed
using ultra-soft materials. Its Snuggle Toys, a unique twist on the traditional
baby blanket, include Sue the Duck, Lou the Lamb and Moo the Cow. Made
from contrasting cotton velour and satin fabrics, with sewn-in textures babies
will love to explore, these unique toys are perfect in the crib or other play area.
The soft and floppy new Cuddle Toys, great first-toy friends, feature Miles
Monkey, Buster Bear and Bella Bunny. Toe TappersT include two sets of whimsically
themed booties - rockets and butterflies - that babies will be drawn to as
they discover their feet.
Also new this year are nine new products designed to address the developmental
needs and curiosity of busy toddlers ages 18 to 36 months. The Mix & Match
Activity Garden has colorful rings and garden critters that can be sorted and stacked
onto three soft flower stems. With Itty Bitty Beading Bugs, children can
lace soft beads and plastic spacers in a multitude of combinations. The Loopy
LinksT Garden and Loopy LinksT Zoo support toddlers' love of linking and feature
boldly colored and patterned loops with magnetic snap closures. With the new
Peek-A-PetT Activity Toy, children can stuff cute creatures into the see-through
tummies of increasingly larger pets.
Toddlers will also love Zoolio,
a soft travel case filled with six animal-inspired panels that encourage zipping,
buttoning, snapping and other favorite toddler activities; and BellybopsT,
three wearable playmates (a horse, elephant and car) that fit around most children's
waists for hours of imaginative role-play.
The company is also
introducing several additions to its successful lineup of bath toys. This year,
Wallace Walrus, Plato Platypus and Crocket Crocodile are sure to make a splash
with shoppers. These stuffed Tub Toys are made from a soft, quick-drying terry
fabric and come with removable life vests.
Manhattan Toy is the
official manufacturer and distributor of Wimmer-Ferguson® toys, the original,
high contrast graphic products for newborns and infants. These carefully designed,
research-based toys help babies with early visual and multi-sensory development.
This season, the company has updated the popular line with fresh new colors
and shapes, including the new Wiggle & Watch Carrier Spiral, which features
visually stimulating dangling pieces for babies to explore, and a patented spiral
shape that wraps around most carrier handles.
Manhattan Toy is one of the industry's most innovative makers of children's
toys and is committed to the art of creative play, quality craftsmanship and the
success of the specialty retailer. For more information on all of the company's
baby toys, as well as its other lines, visit www.manhattantoy.com.
Long
considered one of the industry's leading makers
of innovative, high
quality playthings, Manhattan Toy enters the 2003 season with more than 150
new creations ranging across all of its major product categories, plus an entirely
new line designed especially for toddlers. As always, every toy the company
manufactures is meticulously designed to delight young children while meeting
their age-appropriate developmental needs, and each is carefully hand-crafted from
the finest, most unique materials, making them true specialty store standouts.
"We
expect our toys to be catalysts for great, imaginative fun,"
says Kiki Foget, Director of Product Development, "so we take every opportunity
to build in exceptional quality and play value. Our goal is to excite both the
specialty buyer and the customer with innovative designs, distinctive fabrics
and incredible attention to detail."
Perhaps one of the company's
most exciting additions this year is its line of Toddler Toys, featuring six new
items designed to challenge and entertain children ages 18 to 36 months. Colorful
and clever, these toys encourage stacking, linking, sorting, zipping, buttoning
and other favorite toddler activities.
The company's 2003 catalog
also features 34 new baby toys, including eight additions to the popular Whoozit® line. Highlights include the original Whoozit and Baby Whoozit characters,
now revised with ultra-soft velour fabrics; the Whoozit Star Play Panel, featuring
five different, engaging activities; the Gym to Go, a portable play space
with hanging Whoozit figures to explore; and Whoozit Water Play, a set of soft,
colorful nesting stars that scoop, strain and pour water. All of the new toys
feature the brand's signature graphics and developmental features.
Shoppers will also find much that's new under the company's Manhattan BabyT
brand with eight new plush and snuggle toys, additions to the research-proven,
developmental Wimmer-Ferguson® line, new activity toys and activity book products.
Children will also enjoy several new bath toys as well as BellybopsT, soft
wearable characters (a horse, elephant and car) that fit around youngsters' waists
for hours of imaginative fun.
For the slightly older set, children
ages three years and up, Manhattan Toy offers a colourful array of new playmates, from its classically styled Mesozaurus dinosaur collection;
to four new, highly imaginative Galoompagalots monsters; to an entire family
of critters wearing their own fashionable glasses. Another surprise this year
is the oversized Rocketpack Jack, a 30-inch-tall super hero with a removable rocket
pack that fits most young children and encourages active role-play.
The
company is also introducing two new doll collections: BallesqueT, featuring
three poseable ballerinas that come with removable dancewear and their own
wire stands; and Little MajestiesT, four royal princesses in fanciful dresses
of velvet and satin. Plus, the popular Lilydoll T collection is expanding to
include new accessories and furniture, and a pet dog named Clara.
This
year, Manhattan Toy launches Puppettos tm), the new umbrella brand for all of
its various hand and finger puppets, MerryonettesT, Lollipuppets ® and puppet
Theatres. There are new entries into each of these categories, including six new
characters built just right for smaller hands, as well as something entirely different: the Prehistoric Pack, an
innovative concept in puppet play. This set includes two caveman-themed finger
puppets with chairs and blankets, a soft campfire, skewered hot dogs and marshmallows
and a wooly mammoth, packed neatly into a playful vehicle/carrying case.
Together, they provide all the characters and props children need to invent endless
adventures.
Finally, new Groovy Girls ® dolls, accessories and
other items will add excitement to the already phenomenal Groovy success story.
The 2003 Groovy collection includes three new dolls that carry on the brand's
hip, signature style and multi-cultural focus; trendy new outfits and accessories,
including a beach-themed butterfly chair, cabana and wave runner; two new
pets named Pogo and Ling; and plenty of fresh revamps of last seasons' best sellers.
Also debuting is a kid-sized Groovy Style ® backpack that's sure to drive
store traffic. The Ultra Pack is designed to hold five dolls and plenty of their
stylish stuff, and is designed with the Groovy graphics and detailing girls
everywhere have come to love.
Manhattan Toy is dedicated to the art
of creative play, quality craftsmanship and the success of the specialty retailer.
It distributes its products through more than 9,000 specialty stores worldwide.
For more information on its collections, visit www.manhattantoy.com.
The Groovy Girls world, from Manhattan Toy, just keeps getting bigger
and better.
Designed to promote individuality, diversity and the power
of friendship, Groovy Girls dolls and their stylish lines of outfits and accessories
have become a toy sensation and an international household name. This year,
the Groovy world is expanding, with three new dolls and all sorts of fashionable
new accoutrements.
With the addition of Carissa, Cicely and Celeste,
there are now 18 distinctive dolls in all, including two Groovy Boys ®
and a Groovy Mermaid ® friend. Each new doll is available in the popular 13-inch
size, and Carissa, along with Trini and Kinsey - two of last season's favorites
- also comes in a 40-inch Supersize.
Part of the fun of going Groovy
is collecting the latest clothing and accessories. There are four new Groovy
Gear® outfits in 2003 and, as always, they feature high quality fabrics and
unique detailing. From the new Hula-la ensemble to the ultra-fabulous Glamour Gown,
girls will love adding the newest in Groovy couture to their favorite friends'
wardrobes.
Also new are two exciting clothing/accessory combos under the Groovy XtravaganzaT
brand. Surf Stuff features cool beachwear and a radical surfboard. Slumber Soiree
includes jammies, slippers, and a personal, doll-sized phone.
This
season's Groovy Accessories ® line debuts a trio of Saucy Skirts, and a Singsational
Karaoke Set in leopard print that comes with two microphones and three
miniature CDs. There are also two new Groovy Pets ®, Pogo dog and Ling cat. Loaded
with personality and decked out in swanky collars, these lovable animal pals
come with leashes that fit around a Groovy Girl wrist.
The fun continues with several new Groovy Style ® creations. In 2003, the Groovy
girls take to the beach. There's a breezy cabana, beach-themed butterfly
chair and personal watercraft with a removable doll-sized life vest. Girls will
also delight in the addition of a rockin' drum set and an awesome revamp of the
Sassy Sleepover bag.
Of course, no Groovy world would be complete without Groovy Style for Girls®,
the company's collection of room décor for real girls. This year, the line includes
a soft and swingy, carry-everything backpack. Featuring the Groovy graphics
and fabrics that girls love, the Ultra Pack is designed to hold up to four
dolls in its main compartment, plus a fifth in a removable case, and includes
tons of storage space in a top compartment and five inner and outer pockets. Made
of durable nylon oxford fabrics, the pack has adjustable shoulder straps.
Manhattan Toy is one of the industry's most innovative makers of children's toys and
is committed to the art of creative play, quality craftsmanship and the success
of the specialty retailer. Since its introduction in 1998, its Groovy Girls
line has become one of the most popular toys for girls in the United States and
Europe. For more information on Groovy Girls and other Manhattan Toy lines, visit
www.manhattantoy.com.
Toy Industry Association names Groovy Girls ® "T-Series"® "Girl Toy of the Year" and "Specialty
Toy of the Year"
March
4, 2003 (Minneapolis, Minnesota) - At the U.S. toy industry's most prestigious
awards event, Manhattan Toy's Groovy Girls® were named "Girl Toy of the
Year" and "Specialty Toy of the Year" by the Toy Industry Association, Inc.
(TIAT). Honors for the Groovy Girls®, huggable playmates that sport trendy hairdos
and funky removable outfits, were announced at the TIA's third annual Toy Of
The Year (T.O.T.Y.) gala awards dinner at New York's Waldorf Astoria on February
15.
Despite a sluggish economy, Groovy Girls, which are only sold
in specity retail and fine department stores, have continued their rise as one
of Americas most popular dolls amongst girls ages 2 to 12, parents, and other
consumers.
According to Tom Conley, president of TIA, the T.O.T.Y.
Awards honor the best toys and games for consumers in the United States. "We
applaud Groovy Girls' originality and other positive messages, particularly for
impressionable young girls," he said. "Manhattan Toy's Groovy Girls encourage
imaginative play and that's what the T.O.T.Y. Awards are all about."
Inspiring
a sense of personal style and positive self-image, each Groovy Girls
character is non body-specific and has a unique, one-of-a-kind look expressed
in her hairstyle, skin tone and outfit. Groovy Girls' award-winning "T-Series," Talli, Trini, and Tomiko represent diverse ethnic backgrounds.
"America
has literally and figuratively embraced the Groovy Girls. Fans of the dolls
have actually become the inspiration for additions to the Groovy line," says
Roger Bildsten, president of Manhattan Toy. " Groovy Girls are a very special
brand. You can look forward to some amazing innovation as their world continues
to grow."
In addition to the "T-Series," Groovy Girls has launched more than 85 dolls
and accessories since 1998. The dolls are introduced in letter-series, such as
"K," "V," and "T." Thus, each doll features a first name starting with its series
letter. Making them a hot collectable item, various Groovy Girls dolls "graduate" each year.
Groovy Girls offers sku's in fashion accessories,
apparel, footwear, party goods, personal care, bedding, and entertainment. Groovy
Girls currently licenses games and puzzles and is exploring other licensing
opportunities.
Manhattan Toy, based in Minneapolis, MN, introduced
Groovy Girls as part of its overall collection of distinctive soft toys that inspire
creative play. Groovy Girls, the brand that teaches girls to celebrate their
own sense of unique, personal style and diversity, distributes its products
through more than 5000 specialty retailers worldwide. Groovy Girls also features
two boy dolls. For more information on the entire collection of Groovy Girls
and other products from Manhattan Toy, visit www.manhattantoy.com.
Founded
in 1916, the Toy Industry Association (TIAT), formerly Toy Manufacturers of
America, is recognized by government, trade, media and consumers as the authoritative
voice of the U.S. toy industry. TIA ( www.toy-tia.org ) represents U.S.
producers of toys, games, interactive products and holiday decorations. Its more
than 280 members include manufacturers and importers (regular members), who account
for approximately 85 percent of total domestic toy sales, as well as design
firms, professional inventors and toy testing laboratories (associate members).
TIA also owns and operates the American International Toy FairT, which celebrated
its 100th anniversary in February, 2003.
