Enesco stirs up the gifts-and-collectibles industry with a licensing agreement with Boyds and the acquisition of Gund.

Matthew Bousquette is a man with passion, persistence and a plan. If he succeeds, he will revolutionize gift-store retailers worldwide. It’s a $65 billion-a-year industry, and Bousquette is determined to carve out a big slice of that pie for Enesco.

Goodreau Doll’s ball-jointed animals make their way onto the doll and bear scene.

As she sculpts the molds and designs the costumes for Goodreau Doll’s American Ball Jointed Dolls (BJDs), Paulette Goodreau is surrounded by pets she and her sister, Annette Goodreau, have rescued. The two share their home with 17 very loved animals. They even call their home “Whisker Woods.” With such an animal attraction, it’s no surprise Paulette is now creating critter companions for the company’s dolls.

“Goldilocks and the Three Bears” is the newest chapter of stunning storybook characters from R. John Wright.

The endearing dolls and animals from R. John Wright Dolls in Bennington, Vt., are what fairy tales are made of. Their expressive faces and unparalleled detail enliven quintessential characters that once only lived in our imaginations or illustrated the pages of our favorite books. From Alice in Wonderland to Winnie-the-Pooh, John and his wife and creative partner, Susan, create classic characters that are sought after by doll and bear collectors and fairytale fans alike.

Courtesy of Boyds Bears, Jim Shore’s past and present patch together in a seamless blend of quilting quaintness and folksy whimsy.

While other little boys spent their childhoods dreaming of becoming firemen, cowboys or astronauts, Jim Shore, well-known creator of the “Heartwood Creek” line of collectibles, “knew” at the age of four that he was an artist.