Phoenix, AZ-February 1, 1998-Sonoran Stuffed of Phoenix expands its popular line of its educational, desert-themed plush toys with the addition of its new, cuddly mini-floppies. The six-inch, bean-stuffed toys, which include the coyote, gila monster, jackrabbit, javelina and roadrunner, are being introduced at the OASIS Gift Show, February 6-8, 1998 at the Phoenix Civic Plaza in Phoenix, Ariz.

Designed to replicate the desert animals in great detail from whiskers to paws, these unique toys offer fun, informative entertainment that appeals to, and is approved for, children of all ages. Each animal is accompanied by a hang tag that lists not only statistics on the animal's height, weight and diet, but also a quirky selection of facts about its habits and lifestyle. Special features of the new mini-floppy versions include inner-bagged pellets for safety and high-quality fabric with longer pile length than other toys of similar size currently in the market. The toys are washable and ASTM certified for safety. Suggested retail price for the mini-floppies, which are sold to retailers in packages of 12, range from $6.95 to $8.95. Orders of 60 pieces or more include a specially-designed wooden crate for display and shipping.

"Our main goal was to pay attention to the details in every aspect of creating these animals to make them as realistic and lifelike as possible while conforming to the safety standards necessary for importing a high-quality plush toy," said Todd Atkins, owner of Sonoran Stuffed. "Together with both our companies at Resort Gifts Unlimited Inc., we offer complementing books, toys and more that give Southwest retailers a chance to carry products which uniquely represent their region."

Sonoran Stuffed's current line of plush animals is available in gift shops, malls and resort boutiques in several states as well as specialty outlets such as Sky Harbor Airport retailers, the Phoenix Zoo and the Desert Botanical Gardens. The mini-floppy animals will be available in retail outlets in the beginning of March. For more information on the complete line of Sonoran Stuffed plush toys, or for a list of retail outlets, call toll-free 800-266-5265 or visit booths #1702 through 1708 at the OASIS Gift Show.