Kathe Kruse - alternative to Taggies

I'm admittedly reluctant to criticize what I know is beloved in many a household, and I know that I'm forever going to be pegged as a major design snob for saying this, but I hate taggies. Love the idea, just don't care for the execution. I mean, why do they craft them in synthetic fabrics and insipid pastels? Would infants love them any less if they were 100% cotton and came in bright primary colors? I don't think so. And fortunately for this (perhaps overly) sensitive mom, German toy makers Kathe Kruse agree with me. These guys are best known for their almost iconic dolls with those irresistibly sweet and simple faces. But they also offer many creative taggies alternatives. Here are a few of my favorites:

- For the animal lover: The horse, dragon, giraffe, elephant rattle collection (pictured above). Manes, ears, tails and feet are all tags!

- For the doll enthusiast: Kathe Kruse's version of Raggedy Anne and Andy. Tag hair!

- For the most literal translation: Labellies Towel Doll taggies blanket.

Seems to me that for baby these offer at least the same appeal, maybe even more. For design sensitive moms, they're a definite improvement.