REVIEW: Monster Vapor - Winston Plush

Background

Bravery In A Bottle is a line of aromatherapy sprays with essential oils that are supposed to create an actual soothing effect. Developed by Nancy Zazzaro, the line of sprays is targeted towards helping children overcome their fears (vaporize monsters, squash storms, infuse courage, and stave off homesickness).

One of the more popular lines is named Monster Vapor. The little orange monster that's become the mascot for the spray is named Winston. And Winston has now been transformed into a pair of somewhat different plushies.

Winston will save the day - and night. He will be your child's guardian monster. No mean monsters will dare enter the room with Winston on duty.

The Facts  

Monster Vapor - Winston Plush
Manufacturer: Bravery In A Bottle
Artist: Nancy Zazzaro
Material: Plush (organic cotton and non-pilling felt)
Dimensions: LE Winston - 9.5" tall, Organic Cotton & Felt Winston - 7" tall
Designs: Limited Edition Winston and Organic Cotton & Felt Winston

Tag

There's only a tag on the Limited Edition Winston, and since it's likely that you'll be cutting it off and giving the plush to your child...it's not a big deal.

Our Opinion

It's fairly obvious that this line is targeted toward children. Although there might be a few adults out there who are still afraid of monsters. But you don't have to be a child to appreciate – or collect – plush. Correct?

Viewing through the eyes of a child...I had a box full of plush toys, and the one that my 13 month old son kept grabbing was the LE Winston. It's bright, fuzzy and cute. I can see why a child would like to play with it. It's constructed fairly well, although you might need to brush some of the fur away from Winston's eyes and mouth to get the look of the original design. I'm sure some folks will feel that $22.00 is a little expensive for this plush, but they are limited (and Bravery In A Bottle is a small company).

The Organic Cotton & Felt Winston might be the version that collectors prefer. The front almost looks like it's made of burlap. There is an embroidered version of Winston on the front, with orange felt on the back. I think this version resembles the drawn character a little better, but you trade off the soft and cuddly feel of the LE Winston.

We did get a sample of the Monster Vapor and Storm Squasher sprays, and I must say that they do smell pretty good. Personally, I prefer the Monster Vapor because it has a citrus smell. But it works when trying to eliminate the smell of dogs or a rank diapers.

OVERALL: I think the whole line is great for those of us who have kids. Even if you don't have children, the sprays smell great...so I'd have to recommend them. I'm just wondering what will happen if you spray the Monster Vapor around your Winston plush. Will he disappear?

You can pick one up at the following:

Bravery In A Bottle:
LE Winston - $22.00
Organic Cotton & Felt Winston - $15.00
Sprays - $12.00 ea.

Monster Vapor - Winston Plush Grades

Plush Quality: 8/10
Stitching: 8/10
Material: 7/10
Softness: 8/10
Packaging/Tag: 6/10
Cuteness: 9/10
Fun Factor: 9/10
Value: 8/10