Zapf Creation Expands Its Line of
Accessories
For Its Award-Winning Baby Annabell Doll
NEW YORK, February 15, 2004 - Baby
Annabell, the sweet newborn baby doll from Zapf Creation, continues her popularity streak
in 2004 with new accessories to increase her playability. In 2004, Zapf Creation presents
an expanded line of accessories for Baby Annabell including cuddling outfits for her first
cold winter days, a bouncer for soothing Baby Annabell, a wooden cradle for sleeping or a
wardrobe in lovable pastel colors.
A recent Zapf Creation study showed that
dolls are the favorite play toy among little girls between the ages of two and four. This
is good news to child experts, who recommend that parents provide children with tools that
foster imaginary play. Blocks, action figures and baby dolls such as Baby Annabell top the
list of such toys.
Dr. George Scarlett, a child development
expert from Tufts University in Boston commented, "I loved the toys we played with as
kids…and now I trumpet their tremendous benefits to children. Providing the right
play space and play toys that allow children to create stories and use their imagination
is one of the most important aspects of development that parents can foster in their
children."
Baby Annabell Mania Continues
Baby Annabell demands attention from little girls who can care for and protect
their dolls. Baby Annabell giggles and gurgles merrily. When she is given her bottle or
pacifier, she sucks on it like a real baby, moving her mouth and cheeks and slowly opening
and closing her eyes. After eating, she lets out a little burp, yawns and falls asleep -
or she becomes grumpy because she has a tummy ache. This passes quickly, though, if the
doll mommy gives her a gentle tummy rub. When Baby Annabell cries, she can be comforted
with her little lamb rattle.
Baby Annabell, who reacts differently in
various situations, stimulates the child's social skills by encouraging her to love,
protect and accept responsibility. Above all, Baby Annabell promotes empathy.
Sandra High, 2003 Toy Test Coordinator
for WGAL-TV in Pennsylvania recently observed Baby Annabell during the television
station's toy test. "The little girls just would not let Baby Annabell alone,"
she said. "You've got a HIT!"
Baby Annabell is available in caucasian
and ethnic versions throughout North America for the suggested retail price of $39.99 USD
and $53.99 CND.
My First Baby Annabell Follows in her Big
Sister's Footsteps
This slightly smaller, 14-inch play doll hit the North American shores in 2003 with big
shoes to fill from her big sister - and she succeeded. Receiving accolades from The
National Parenting Center, Canadian Toy Association, Parents' Choice, and Dr. Toy
throughout 2003, experts observed that she is the perfect first baby doll for girls,
one-year-old and up. Baby Talk Magazine said in a recent issue, "She's destined to be
toted everywhere." My First Baby Annabell is available for the retail price of $19.99
USD and $24.99 CND.
Zapf Creation AG
Zapf Creation AG is Europe's leading brand manufacturer of play and functional
dolls, as well as its accessories. Today's top selling brands are BABY bornŽ, which has
been sold over 10 million times worldwide since 1991, Baby Annabell and CHOU CHOU. All
Zapf Creation brand concepts conform to the highest demands of design, quality, safety and
play value. As a result of its successfully implemented internationalization strategy,
Zapf Creation is continuously approaching its goal of becoming the number one company
worldwide in the play, functional and mini doll segment. The company currently has six
business units, situated in the United States, Europe, Asia as well as Australia. Zapf
Creation, with headquarters in Roedental/Germany, currently employs 545 employees
worldwide. Zapf Creation AG, founded in 1932 by Max Zapf, was acquired in 1992 by TA
Triumph-Adler AG and in April 1999 successfully introduced to the stock market (MDax:ZPF).
For further information, please visit www.zapf-creation.com
