Visit almost any gift shop at a zoo or a hospital, a toy, Hallmark store or Claire’s …

… even a florist, a candy or stationery store worldwide – and you’ve probably ogled over the cute plush toys from Aurora World, Inc. Founded in 1981, the Korean company with headquarters also in the U.S., the UK and Hong Kong is a leader in the toy and gift industry, offering luxuriously soft, lifelike and adorable plush toys for kids of all ages –a far cry from my own little stuffed doggie named Trevor I still have from my childhood!

Signature by Aurora® This brand new line of plush animals is handcrafted with personal attention to detail. Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Wildlife, jungle and exotics like fox and lemurs –even bald eagles and owls- are boxed individually and include a hand-stitched, illustrated booklet outlining the animal’s distinctive characteristics.

Aurora has elegantly captured the spirit, grace and vitality of real wildlife with one of the most beautiful lines we’ve ever created. Each piece is hand cut, sewn and shaded to make it so exquisite. These particular details bring each of the Signature characters to life.

-Michael Kessler, senior vice president of sales and marketing

Raggedy Ann & Raggedy Andy Aurora World and Hasbro, Inc. have teamed up on a new line of plush dolls based on the iconic Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy of old, bringing these beloved characters to life for a new generation of children.

YooHoo & Friends™ Aurora’s international plush toy phenomenon has sold more than 14 million worldwide, and the company recently added eight new WannaBes and an assortment based on the colors of the rainbow. Due to popular demand, Aurora added a pink gorilla and camel to the YooHoo & Friends line, too.

Lush Two-Toned Fabric. This year, Aurora adds shimmer and shine to new lines Sweet & Softer, Wishful Bear, Silly Monkey and Jewel Pets- a line of squeezably soft stuffed animals. The short pile plush appears reflective and bright from one angle and soft and smooth from another.

Three brand new plush gift lines are geared toward new parents and their children:

The western-themed Lil’ Howdys, an interactive collection of Crinkle Friends and Quizzies, a collection of bears, bunnies and puppies. Michael Kessler says, “These accessories are the perfect complement for the crib and nursery.”

• Children’s Retail Today publishes new posts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. If you want to get the word out about your innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children, contact me today!