WebRappers Keep on Greeting for Any Occasion

When Debbie Runge and her father received more greeting cards at a shared birthday party than they could keep, Debbie decided to invent a product that, unlike cards, could be paid forward and reused over time. That thrifty thought led her to create WebRappers, re-recordable 8” plush toys that can be customized with songs and personal greetings. Velcro on WebRappers allows gift givers to wrap the toys around presents to celebrate special occasions and milestone events. They can be wrapped around cribs, baskets, bottles and practically anything one can imagine!

Introduced at the 2010 Toy Fair, all of the WebRapper characters, which include Docta Love, Snoop Dog Eat Dog, Vino Gino and Moosey Mature, were created by Runge, who also invented PetStairz that help pets navigate heights with ease. In partnership with several talented musicians and singers, she has written and developed an extensive library of original music — the equivalent of 12 albums — in hip hop, religious and comedy genres, in five languages that can be recorded onto the toys. Songs offer congratulations for anniversaries, happy birthday wishes, declarations of war against cancer and spiritually uplifting messages. Runge herself is also a character known as the Music Police who patrols the site to ensure it is a safe music destination for all ages.

Users can re-record 30 seconds of music and messages up to 200 times before the battery must be replaced. The adorable animals, along with the humorous and inspirational tracks, delight babies and boomers alike, but also help to convey important messages. “WebRappers are the ambassadors of health, wellness and happiness,” Runge says. “Whether it’s for your family, friends, spouse or co-workers who need to brighten their day, you’ll find just the right WebRapper character and message to put smiles on their faces.”

WebRappers will be available by March 2011 with an MSRP of $29.99 or less. Not only will individuals be able to buy pre-recorded WebRapper tracks for the characters, but they will also be able to write and record raps for their personal libraries. In addition, WebRapper coloring books are available for purchase and are also being donated to children’s hospitals, Boys & Girls Clubs and youth organizations.

A flagship WebRappers store will open next year in Skagway, Alaska and will sell the plush toys and related merchandise. Runge has also developed a WebRappers screenplay and is currently in negotiations to bring her characters to the big screen in an animated feature that she describes as a cross between “Shrek” and “Grey’s Anatomy.”

Get in the groove of greetings that keep on giving at www.webrappers.com or contact Debbie Runge at 866-778-2479 or 561-239-2555.