My Best Organic

Aurora has created a line of plush toys called Yoo Hoo & Friends. Each character is based upon an endangered species, and a virtual world accompanies the toys at yoohoofriends.com. From lemurs to capuchin monkeys, each toy can be squeezed to make a noise and have certain characteristics online, like being “creative & smart”.

Personally, I find these toys a bit freaky. Their color schemes are bizarre, and the sounds are not genuine to the animals they represent. I am not sure what the educational benefit is as far teaching children about endangered species, and these toys are made of synthetic materials. Unlike Aurora’s Natural plush toys made from soy and kapok that more accurately resemble animals, I feel the Yoo Hoo line is all about marketing and trying to tap into the Webkinz frenzy.

Disclosure: I was sent free samples of these products to review. No prior assurances were given as to whether the review be positive or negative.