Jan 28, 2014

Thanks to Its Clever Design, Cuddly Bommerscheim Buddies Receives Tillywig Award

Bommerscheim Buddies, the stuffed animals bunnies that feature a secret — a fabric cover that could be removed, washed (or even replaced) when the Buddie needed to be cleaned, have just won the Tillywig Toy Award Top Fun Award.

Tillywig lauds products on the basis of group play tests, the primary purpose of which is evaluating the entertainment and/or educational value of the products submitted.

Here’s why the Tillywig judges decided to recognize the Bommerscheim Buddies:

“Remember the binky or blanky your parents couldn’t pry out of your hands (not even to wash) when you were a child because it made you feel happy and safe? Bommerscheim Buddies are like that – soft, cuddly, comforting – the constant companion. With floppy ears and a facial expression so distinct and welcoming young infants zero right in on it, Buddies have a retro simplicity and feel that add to their timeless attraction, and come in a variety of colorful patterns and facial designs(28 designs within 5 collections). Their soft, flannel or fleece covers are easily removable and washable, allowing you to keep their appearance fresh and clean while leaving the pillow-like interior nice and dry. Bommerscheim Buddies are a foot tall, not counting the ears, and those cute, floppy ears are designed to make carrying easy for small hands. For added variety, extra covers are available for 13.99 each in 23 different styles (viewable online at BommerscheimBuddies.com), so your child never has to go without his or her Buddie, even when it’s in the wash.”

The Tillywig award is prestigious because of how submissions are judged and winners are determined.

TILLYWIG CRITERIA FOR WINNERS:

In order to be selected as a Tillywig award winner, a product submitted to us must be determined by our testing team to have high entertainment and/or educational value. When assessing these values, our focus is on evaluating many factors, including:

Ease of First Use

Clear, easy-to-understand instructions and product design are key factors in creating a positive initial experience.

Replay Value

It was fun the first time out, but will it be equally or even more enjoyable over a period of weeks, months…years?



Quality/Appearance

Does it look and feel well-made? Is it something retailers would be proud to have on their shelves, a parent would be proud to give as a gift? Is it, from all appearances, built to last?

Social Interaction/Fun Factor

Products that effectively promote a high level of face-to-face playful interaction receive a high rating from us. If participants laughed out loud, so much the better!

Creativity

Does it inspire creativity during use/play? Does this product actively fuel the imagination?

Thought Processes/Motor Skills

Does it encourage new ways of thinking or promote physical development?

Weighting of Criteria

The degree to which we consider some of the above criteria depends, in part, on what we feel the product presents itself to be. If it appears to be an educational product, then we will more heavily weigh factors relating to learning and development. If a product presents itself as a family or party game, we will more heavily weigh factors relating to social interaction and playfulness. If the packaging and instructions seem to be communicating one thing, and the product turns out to be quite another, then the product will not be selected for a Tillywig award.

During the evaluation process, products are used by a number of testers in an observed focus group format. In our final evaluation of any product, comments from observers are integrated with feedback from testers. Our testers and observers come from all walks of life and a broad range of ages.

Founded by Paul Kluempers who was intent on sharing his family tradition with the world, Bommerscheim Sisters Company is the creator and manufacturer of lovable, nostalgic cuddle toys called Bommerscheim Buddies. Grandmother Irene Bommerscheim, decided to teach her five daughters to sew. Since she was a skilled seamstress, it seemed like a natural fit. Taking the knowledge they acquired, daughters Pat and her sister Joan began creating hand-made stuffed animals for their children starting in the early 1960s and then their grandchildren in the 1980s. Three generations and 50 years later, the plush toys are available in a wide variety of fabrics and patterns and feature — most importantly — removable covers that are easily washed. All products are Made in the U.S.A.

Find these nostalgic friends, still lovingly made in the Midwest, online at www.BommerscheimBuddies.com and choose from over two dozen appealing patterns. The business is known, aptly, as the Bommerscheim Sisters Company.

With so many dolls and toys on the market, why choose a stuffed animal? A cuddly plush is forever — a first friend, a companion at night, packed in a suitcase while traveling or that familiar “face” waiting on the bed after school. In that tradition, these Made-in-America soft toys are not just loveable but nostalgic. The Buddies make an affordable present for a beloved member of the family (or a baby on the way!) Add a name, up to 13 letters, and pick the color of the thread for only $10 more. How’s that for a one-of-a-kind gift that will be cherished for many years to come?



Safety is very important to this family company. There are no small parts. Every Buddie is made simply of polyester fiberfill then covered with either cotton flannel or fleece covers. Hidden hook and loop fasteners, found under a Buddie’s feet and tail, are the secret trick for grownups to remove the cover. All products are made in a small Indiana shop and exceed all safety regulations, tested by an independent lab.

Bommerscheim Buddies • Newborn+ • $19.99

The floppy-eared bunny-shaped doll measures 15″ from ear to toe. Its whimsical facial expression helps the youngest tots bond instantly. The large ears are perfect for little fingers to grab and go. The cute “feet” and “tail” designs cleverly hide the hook and fasteners allowing for cover to be removed! When ready, wash the fabric cover on the gentle cycle, then lay flat to dry. Choose from 28 different designs within 5 Collections ranging from Stars to Camouflage.

Covers • Newborn+ • $13.99

Purchase an extra cover in 23 different styles ranging from Blue Sports Flannel to Bright Orange Fleece. All covers are shown online and customized orders are shipped within a few days.

Bommerscheim Ittie Bittie Buddies • Newborn+ • $12.99

Mix or match a big Buddie with this sweet mini-me version of the floppy-eared bunny. Choose from six patterns including Teal Monkeys, Grey Construction Zone or Pink Teddy Bears.

Bommerscheim Blankets • Newborn+ • $11.99

This soft flannel blankie comes in six charming patterns to match a Buddie or compliment the nursery. Choose from Yellow Dinosaur with Yellow/Green/Red plaid colors or Red Traveler with Navy Blue colors to Blue Teddy Bears with Light Blue.

As an added incentive, the website offers free shipping on orders over $50. Shop online or at select specialty shops in California, Idaho, Indiana and Canada– with more retailers to follow. A full list of stores can be found under the “Find a Retailer” footer menu tab at www.bommerscheimbuddies.com/

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