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For Immediate Release
Contact: Amy Cathey, 612-337-9610; amyc@manhattantoy.com

Manhattan Toy Introduces Nearly 100 New Products for Holiday 2003

August 22, 2003 (Minneapolis, Minnesota) – Minneapolis-based Manhattan Toy today unveiled nearly 100 distinctive and creative new products for the fourth quarter holiday season. Available exclusively through fine retail and specialty stores, the new products are from Manhattan Toy’s popular Whoozit, Manhattan Baby, Manhattan Toy, Dr. Seuss, Lilydoll, Puppettos, and Groovy Girls brands.

“Today’s parents and gift givers are being more selective when it comes to toys,” says Kiki Foget, Director of Product Development and Marketing. “Our new products break through the mass market clutter to deliver distinctive toys that inspire the imagination and bring out a child’s true character.”

Dr. Seuss

In fact, Manhattan Toy is launching items featuring the official 100 Seussentennial “The Cat in the Hat” logo in time for the upcoming “The Cat in the Hat” movie launch in late November. The company is offering all favorite Seuss characters to ignite vivid imaginations including a “The Cat in the Hat” hand puppet and bold and bright “Thing One” and “Thing Two” soft toys.

Manhattan Baby

Manhattan Baby’s research-proven developmental features and engaging designs are inherent in 11 new baby products, toddler and infant toys. In addition to several new colorful, cuddly and textured toys in the line, the Loopy Links line has evolved into a fun fishing set and jewelry set; each with vibrant accessories that can be interchanged with other Loopy Links sets.

Whoozit

Manhattan Toy’s Whoozit line, featuring a bold, whimsical character designed to hold babies’ interest, is unveiling five new products including a new friend for Whoozit. “Tizoo,” a complement to vivid blue Whoozit, is a bright pink heart toy that offers visual stimulation and special noises to perk up little ears.

Soft Toys

From the wide-eyed “Langllies” and wild, under-stuffed “Rarities” to caring pup “Nursing Nana,” Manhattan Toy is announcing eight new soft toy lines. In addition, the company is introducing four line extensions for brands such as the playful creature “Lolligags,” prehistoric pal “Mesozaurs,” and mega popular floppy, take-anywhere “Dowgs.” Even super size friendly action hero “Rocketpack Jack” is getting a new save-the-day friend, “Lightning Bolt Bud.”

Lilydoll

Lilydoll is a high-quality soft-doll that girls can appreciate and love for years to come. Adding to the trend-conscience apparel collection are four new chic outfits and a violin with a case and bow as a new accessory. New apparel includes “Debut Performance,” a lush green evening gown with coordinating purse, shoes, and necklace; “Warm and Wonderful,” a faux fur coat with gloves and scarf; “On Your Toes,” a sweet ballerina outfit with hair accessory and toe shoes; and a sassy “Round the Block” ensemble with t-shirt, jacket, and tennis shoes.

Groovy Girls

Groovy Girls, Manhattan Toy’s hip line of funky dolls and trendy playtime accessories, is launching three new Groovy Girls, “Bindi,” “Britta” and “Brenna,” including a new Supersize Brenna. In addition, Groovy Girls is introducing a new “Myra Mermaid” doll and three new pets including a dolphin. Two new, edgy boy dolls, “Blake and Brandon” will hit the groovy scene this fall.

The launch also includes four new clothing lines. “Groovy Gear” features hip and happenin’ wear such as bohemian retro duds, “Boho Poncho” and faux suede coat ensemble, “Suddenly Suede”. “Groovy Extravaganza” showcases many looks for awesome activities, such as a “RahRah Palooza”, a cheerleading get-up including mix-and-match outfit, hair accessories and pom-poms.

Groovy Girls is also launching a “Groovy Style Sittin’ Pretty” salon with hair dryer, sink with water sprayer and large mirror and chair. The Groovy Girls “B” and “C” (Celeste, Carissa and Cicely) series is also offering two new zipper pull assortments, perfect for backpacks and purses.

Puppettos

Manhattan Toy’s cast of characters, Puppettos, are hitting the shelves with several new finger and hand puppets including two new boxed sets for gift giving. Whimsical new sets include “Nail Biters,” thumb and index finger puppets “Sallie and Eddie,” Merryonettes and “Mutt Puppets” colorful dogs.

Manhattan Toy distributes its distinctive products through more than 5,000 specialty retailers worldwide. For more information on the entire collection of products from Manhattan Toy, visit www.manhattantoy.com.