New SpongeBob Toys for 20th Anniversary

“Are you ready kids?” That opening tagline might mean something to you, or it might not. But regardless of whether or not it means something to you, I’ll go out on a limb and assume you’ve heard the phrase before. Perhaps you can’t place it, or attach it to the appropriate ‘thing,’ but deep down, you’ve heard it before. And that has been the case for millions of people across the planet. For 20 years now, SpongeBob SquarePants has graced our TV screens, cinema screens, and store shelves; the franchise is invading again, with fantastic new toys to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the show, thanks to the Alpha Group.

Our good friends at Wicked Cool Toys were nice enough to send us a box of the available toys, so let’s run down each and provide a bit of a review!

Slimeez with Nickelodeon Slime

Experience the world of Bikini Bottom like never before with SpongeBob Slimeez Figures! Load each 3-inch figure with Nickelodeon Slime (included), push and watch the ooey gooey Slime ooze through the figures. Six figures are available this spring at Target, each packaged with 2oz. Slime and collectible SpongeBob cube for the ultimate blind package experience.  Will you find the rare Gold SpongeBob Slimeez? Seven figures debut in Fall.  Ages 6+, SRP: $6.99

Collectible toys are a way of life now, and my kids are ‘suckers’ for them as much as I am. While not a new concept – and one I can’t fault them for enjoying – Alpha Group has essentially combined two toys into one: a collectible SpongeBob SquarePants figure and some amazing – although hated by parents world wide – slime!

When you pick up the toy, you know you are getting something more substantial than your typical dollar store quailty collectible toy. These toys are built to last, and when squeezed, the slime runs through the figures with ease. With 7 figures to collect – including a very rare golden SpongeBob – there is no shortage of fun to be had when unboxing these toys!

Sponge Heads

Young-and-old alike, dress up as your favorite SpongeBob SquarePants characters with the 20-inch soft, inflatable headwear! Made to fit most kid and adult heads, SpongeHeads allow fans of all ages to show off their favorite characters in a silly fashion- statement!  Let the party begin!  Available on Amazon and Target for ages 6+, SRP: $12.99

A bit of an oddity here, these Sponge Heads turned out to be a much more popular toy with my kids than I would have expected. The hats are built with quality – so you aren’t getting that cheap pool toy feel here – and actually fit fairly well on the heads of both kids and adults. While meant to be worn as hats, my kids have re-purposed these for pool time at the grandparents, which is A-OK with us. Dual purpose toys I suppose!

SpongeBob StretchPants

Play with SpongeBob in a crazy new way! Stretch his arms and legs to activate over 20 unique silly sounds and phrases from SpongeBob himself! Parents, siblings and friends can join in the fun by grabbing an arm and a leg.  Keep pulling to hear what he will say next! The more you pull, the funnier he gets! Available on Amazon and Target for ages 4+, SRP: $24.99

Easily the most popular toy sent over by Wicked Cool Toys, SpongeBob StretchPants became an instant hit with my kids. If you’ve ever played with a Stretch Armstrong toy many, MANY years ago, you’ll have a sense of what this actually is. Kids can pull on SpongeBob’s arms and legs and listen as he rattles off almost two dozen different sayings. The audio is fantastic, and the sayings are all silly, but yet comical. The laughter died off for me after hearing each saying once or twice, but my kids continued to laugh and laugh while playing with the toy.

Depending on what you pull at the same time, different funny phrases will be said. My kids have been toting SpongeBob StretchPants around the neighborhood, and everyone for 4 streets over has been having a great time!

With the 20th anniversary of SpongeBob SquarePants finally here, these toys are excellent ways to celebrate this special occasion. And with a fairly low SRP, they won’t break the bank either!