Product Description

Wish...Share...Shine! Next time you wish upon a star...let it be your very own shining star! RUSS has partnered with the International Star Registry in a revolutionary new Shining Stars program. The program includes a plush Shining Stars Friend, crafted using only the finest of materials and identifiable by the crystal-like star icon and embroidered Shining Stars logo on the paw pad...and the chance to literally become a star by having your name officially recorded with a star in the sky. You can choose from a wide variety of Shining Stars Friends to buy for yourself or to give to your own shining star. Once purchased, you can log on the the Shining Stars website and using the secret code found inside the laminated tamper resistant hangtag, you can register and name your star with the International Star Registry. The name will be offically recorded in book form with the United States Copyright office and the website will show an image and the coordinates of your star. This can then be printed on a certificate that verifies it's exact location in the cosmos. But there's more...for children of all ages, the website is a virtual universe where they can send e-cards, play customized games designed for different age groups and find a galaxy of fun activities. Young or old, anyone who receives a Shining Stars Friend will have a cherished keepsake to treasure forever, as well as their own personal star to shine brightly throughout eternity. A portion of the proceeds from each sale will also be donated to the Starlight Starbright children's foundation. So, reach for the Shining Stars and get ready to embark on a magical virtual journey where everyone can...Wish...Share...Shine!

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #11014 in Toys & Games
• Brand: Russ
• Model: 34431
• Released on: 2007-07-01
• Dimensions: 10.50" h x 6.37" w x 4.50" l, .45 pounds

Features

• Soft plush pink colored doll
• Identifiable by the crystal like star icon and embroidered Shining Stars logo on the paw pad
• Surface washable
• Includes a secret code found inside the laminated tamper resistant hangtag which will give you access to the shining stars web
• For ages 6 - 12 years

Customer Reviews

Great toy for anyone - big or small!
When my daughter was born in May, my mother in law brought my 7 year old son to the hospital gift shop to pick out his sister's first stuffed animal. We all liked it so much, we decided to get him one, and then I bought one for my husband and I (so we could have an animal family). Here is my opinion after 2+ months of ownership:

The toy itself is basically a stuffed animal. The fun part (for me and my 7 year old son) was going to the website, deciding which constellation to place his star in, and what to name his star. And guess what I think he *gasp!* learned at the same time!
The game section of the site has been up for a while now. It is called "The Starcade". Most of the games are re-vamped "old school" games such as Pac-Man, and an Asteroids like game. I like it :) Some of the games are under construction, but there are at least 8-10 that are playable.
Another cool part of the site is that you can make a wish on your star for yourself or for someone else. You can also send greeting cards with the animals themselves on them. Each user has their own "Star Page" with all of their animal's information, and the information on their star, which you can print out. You can add more than one animal for each user.

Now all that said . . . My 2 month old daughter LOVES "monkey". (Yeah, I know we're real creative). She holds him by the ears and chews on the top of his head. He's really soft and the star on his foot WILL not come off if you are concerned and considering warning me (Thanks anyway though :)

All in all, I think this is a great toy for the price. I really like that fact that kids old enough can learn about the stars and constellations and can also be thoughtful and make a wish for someone. Younger kids who like stuffed animals will love the soft feel and the cute little faces. I have seen all of the toys in person and they are all of high quality. They are well made from quality materials and are very durable.

For the record, we have "monkey", "frog", and "pig". We are also considering making an investment in "elephant" and "snow owl".

Cute
I got this for my girlfriend and she liked it. It's very cute. I chose it over the other pigs because it's a bit floppy and cuddly.

It comes with an application to name a star after someone, which is bogus. These star naming registries are recognized by nobody except the registries themselves. Buy this because it's a cute pig, not because of the star gimmick.

http://www.iau.org/public_press/themes/buying_star_names/

Nice Idea - Average Quality
I think the idea behind "NAMING A STAR" is a very interesting concept to gift recipients. However, I was somewhat disappointed in the actual product (stuffed animal). The animal was rather "flimsy" and seem to have loose fur. I would not recommend allowing a small child to "play" with the stuffed animal.