MANCHESTER, N.H., Nov. 7 -- The weather is getting colder outdoors, but Bendos are heating up indoors. Just voted as one of the top 10 hottest toys for the holiday season, Bendos are flying out of over 2500 specialty retailer stores nationwide. Whether as stocking stuffers or special gifts, these toys make celebrating this holiday season warm, cozy and affordable for both kids and adults of all ages.

Especially in a time when violence has become all too real ... thousands of fans find Bendos so appealing -- and a welcome alternative to violence- oriented toys. These figures let kids script the action. And like most top classic toys, they're inclusive and diverse -- over 125 posable, bendable figures feature ballerinas, firefighters, quarterbacks, wizards, snowboarders and more. Instead of menacing weapons, they tote the tools of their trade or hobby. And there are no muscle-bound physiques or grim lips here. Just wiry limbs and endearing cartoon faces.

Just Imagine, a toy store in Baraboo, Wisconsin sells hundreds of Bendos each week. Todd Wickus, the owner notes, "A parent sees value in a toy that will stimulate positive creative play with original themes that depict real everyday people." Parents especially like "creative action figures versus the violent media-driven action figure sets found in the mass market. The variety of price points are just right for the Birthday party gift at $5 or $15."

Imagination is at the heart of Bendos play. "In a society filled with technology -- including toys driven by electronics and batteries -- it's great to know there are toys available that are powered solely by a child's imagination," said Rick Malagodi, President of Kid Galaxy. "Even the vehicles in the Action Sets are fueled by imagination, not batteries," adds Rick.

And new this year for Bendos are special sets featuring popular sports themes and vehicles for the Bendos. Now, Bendos come to life kicking a soccer ball, hitting a baseball, riding a scooter or skateboard. Plus, three new vehicles place Bendos in the driver seat in an off road racer or two different Baja Bugs. The prestigious Oppenheim Toy Portfolio selected both Sport Sets and Baja Convertible Actions Sets as Gold Award winners and Soccer and Scooter Sport Sets won Dr. Toy's Best Vacations Products Award.

Are they the next craze in collectibles? Many kids and adult collectors are scooping up the retired characters from both retailers and popular sites on the web.

So as you make your holiday list, remember there's a Bendo to fit everyone's personality. If you haven't met your match yet, you will once you meet a Bendo. Bendos action figures are available at retail for $4.99, Sports Sets at $9.99 and Action Sets $14.99. Call Kid Galaxy at 800-816-1135 to find the store nearest you or visit the store locator on their site http://www.bendos.com.

Bendos(R) is a registered trademark of Kid Galaxy, Inc.