Perennial Toys Launches with King Eider Gift Set

Albuquerque, NM — Perennial Toys, a global brand connecting children to earth’s habitat introduced its initial product line just in time for Earth Day 2007.

Initial brochures taunted, “move over rubber ducky…the King Eider has landed.” Rubber ducky may not initially need to worry because the King Eider Habitat gift set is available only online and locally at Explora Museum. The Perennial Toys initial collection displays as New Mexico Bank & Trust’s “business of the month” at the Jefferson and Ellison branch and as a vendor at La Montanita Co-op on Central during Earth Day’s salute on April 22.

The King Eider Habitat Gift Set, the first in the company’s Arctic bath habitat series, includes a King Eider Arctic duck bath toy and an iceberg (both made from phthalate-free plastic containing recycled content) designed by Navajo artist Daryl Tom, baby-duck-shaped natural glycerin soap, an educational coloring book, Arctic 1-2-3 children’s book, King Eider flexible magnet and a drip-dry carry bag for $34.95.

Perennial’s packaging features “Nothing-To-Throw-Away,” a concept that reduces landfill waste and stands as a model for other business. Further, one percent of purchases go to conservation organizations.

Under the direction of Albuquerque’s Holly Hitzemann and Jan Atcitty, Perennial Toys pledges a four-pronged mission that includes the conservation and education of natural resources/endangered species, use of recycled materials, preservation of indigenous cultures and contract with firms hiring disadvantaged or disabled persons. Perennial is also committed to using New Mexican firms and is currently vending to nine local firms and individuals including Navajo artist Daryl Tom, R&R Drafting, Casa de Lobo Modeling, AromaWerks, Peli Packaging, Smart Associates, AlphaGraphics, Carla Hall – writer, and Connecting Point Communications.

Wayne Unze, Manager/Broker Vaughan Company said, “As an Albuquerque businessman, I am happy to see the emergence of a company that not only provides a delightful, quality product, but also one with a message that is aimed at the young children who will one day be stewards of the environment. The lessons Holly Hitzemann learned in launching her business and dealing with off-shore manufacturing entities should be taught in statewide seminars.”

Hitzemann plans to release a second Arctic gift set, the Narwhal Habitat Gift Set later this summer when she introduces the River Otter Habitat Gift Set, the first in the River Series. The River Otter series will tie directly to regional efforts, spearheaded by Defenders of Wildlife and Amigos Bravos to re-introduce the river otter to the region. Lisa Hummon, New Mexico Outreach Representative, Defenders of Wildlife, said, "We are very excited that a local New Mexico company has decided to take on such a noble cause to educate consumers about rare and imperiled species like our very own river otter."

To order Perennial Toys, visit the Ideas Store at Explora or log onto www.PerennialToys.com.

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