PunkinFutz, a maker of inclusive play products for children with special needs, introduces a collection of creative play products and accessories featuring Sesame Street characters.

The collection, launching exclusively at JCPenney.com, incorporates Sesame Street characters – such as Elmo, Cookie Monster, Oscar the Grouch, and more – into PunkinFutz’s original collection of inclusive play products, including compression vests, fidgets, “reward patches,” and more. The new line is designed specifically to support children with a broad range of physical, sensory, developmental, and emotional needs and promote a more comfortable transition and return to classroom learning, the company notes in a media release.

“Back-to-school 2021 is particularly important for children of all abilities. After a year and a half of disruption, children are experiencing learning loss and anxiety at unprecedented levels. Our unique sensory play line, now featuring the Sesame Street characters, is designed to help all children calm and focus, to put their best foot forward as they return to in-person learning.”

— Lisa Radcliffe, Founder and CEO of PunkinFutz

The innovative, child-centric, sensory play collection features products intended for kids ages 3 years and up, including a calming compression vest disguised as a paintball game and dress-up toy, a weather- proof and highly reflective wheelchair bag that’s also great on scooters and bicycles, a fidget set that makes car travel or waiting room stays an adventure, a sensory set that helps all children remain calm and focused for classroom learning, and more.

Ongoing content will also be accessible through the “PunkinPassport” – a reusable play guide and online content filled with programming, activities, and jokes included with the back-to-school bundles.

“As Sesame Workshop continues its mission to help kids everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder, we are thrilled that PunkinFutz has included the Sesame Street characters in its ongoing effort to bring smiles, comfort, and joy to kids of all ages and abilities through this invaluable collection.”

— Gabriela Arenas, Vice President of Licensing, North America, Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street

The Sesame Street collection by PunkinFutz will be available exclusively on jcp.com for purchase beginning July 30, 2021 and exclusively at jcp.com through August 26, the release continues.

“Alongside PunkinFutz and Sesame Workshop, we’re honored to introduce the JCPenney community to extraordinary play products and educational experiences designed for all kids. This partnership helps JCPenney deliver on our commitment to incorporating more inclusive design in our product assortment to better serve the American family.”

— Michelle Wlazlo, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer at JCPenney

New Sesame Street-Inspired Products

The following products, featuring Sesame Street messaging, are now available from PunkinFutz:

PunkinHug Compression Vest

(PUNKINFUTZ / MSRP: $69.99 – 84.99 / Age Range: 3+)
The PunkinHug is a fully breathable vest with a highly customizable 5-way fit that provides a deep compression while also delivering endless creative play options. Comprised of super soft loop, the PunkinHug Compression Vest allows kids to express their creativity and style by attaching anything they want using Velcro, including the new Sesame Street Emoji and Reward Patches (sold separately). Vests are available in multiple trim colors including black and green. Sizes small, medium and large. Additional sizes and colors available at punkinfutz.com.

Emoji Patches by PunkinFutz and Sesame Street

(PUNKINFUTZ / MSRP: $24.99 / Age Range: 3+)
Each of these five brightly colored character patches will help your child to identify and express their emotions. Additionally, they support development of shape and color identification. The patches are backed with hook for easy use with PunkinFutz’ PunkinHug Compression Vests or anywhere there is Velcro loop. The Sesame Street collection of Emoji Patches features Elmo, Big Bird, Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby and Oscar the Grouch.

Reward Patches by PunkinFutz and Sesame Street

(PUNKINFUTZ / MSRP: $19.99 / Age Range: 3+)
These re-useable patches feature Elmo and his adorable star pal; they are the perfect way to reinforce positive behavior or reward progress. The patches are backed with hook for easy use with PunkinFutz’s PunkinHug Vests or anywhere there is Velcro loop. Five patches in every set.

Every Wheel Carry Bag with Collectible Character Patch by PunkinFutz and Sesame Street

(PUNKINFUTZ / MSRP: $34.99 / Age Range: 3+)
This weather-resistant, highly reflective bag is designed to carry your precious cargo by scooter, bicycle, motorized wheelchair, or walker, and now features your favorite cast of iconic characters. The Sesame Street collection of Collectible Character Patches features Cookie Monster, Oscar the Grouch, or Count von Count. This version of the patented bag is especially designed for flexible placement on motorized wheelchairs.

Every Wheel Carry Bag with Collectible Character Patch by PunkinFutz and Sesame Street

(PUNKINFUTZ / MSRP: $37.99 / Age Range: 3+)
This weather-resistant, highly reflective bag carries your precious cargo by scooter, bicycle, manual wheelchair, or walker, and now features your favorite cast of iconic characters. The Sesame Street collection of Collectible Character Patches features Cookie Monster, Oscar the Grouch, or Count von Count. This version of the patented bag has spoke-wrapping wings, especially designed for manual wheelchairs.

Sensory Set by PunkinFutz and Sesame Street

(PUNKINFUTZ / MSRP: $49.99 / Age Range: 3+)
PunkinFutz’s unique Sensory Set aims to helping your child stay calm and focused in the classroom and at home. Great for waiting rooms, car trips and dinners out, too. The included PunkinPassport provides an endless supply of programming, activities and jokes to engage and delight. The Sesame Street Sensory Set by PunkinFutz includes 1 Sensory Carry Bag, 1 Marble Maze, 1 PomPom Fidget, 3 Emoji Patches, 1 PunkinPassport Activity Book.

Active Child Set by PunkinFutz and Sesame Street (sizes small and medium)

(PUNKINFUTZ / MSRP: $99.99 / Age Range: 3+)
The Active Child Set features the fan-favorite, award-winning paintball game, for indoor or outdoor active play. The PunkinHug does double-duty, as its reassuring “hug” can help your active child settle and focus in quiet settings, too. The soft loop exterior provides limitless accessorizing opportunities, starting with the Collectible Cookie Monster patch. The PunkinPassport provides an endless supply of programming, activities and jokes to engage and delight. The Sesame Street Active Child Set by PunkinFutz includes 1 PunkinHug, 1 set of PunkinPitch balls, 3” Cookie Monster Collectible patch, 1 PunkinPassport Activity Book.

Fidget Set by PunkinFutz Sesame Street

(PUNKINFUTZ / MSRP: $99.99 / Age Range: 3+)
Starting with the Elmo-inspired backpack, this set takes your child successfully from school to playground and home, again, with PunkinFutz’s combination of quiet fidgets, self-contained play space and cool, collapsible water bottle. For hours of fun on the road or at home, the PunkinPassport provides an endless supply of programming, activities and jokes to engage and delight. Don’t forget the Collectible Cookie Monster patch to secretly show your love of all things COOOKIEEE. The Sesame Street Fidget Set by PunkinFutz includes 1 PlaySpace Backpack, 1 Marble Maze, 1 PomPom Fidget, Endless Art Crayons, 3” Cookie Monster Collectible patch, 1 collapsible Red silicone water bottle, 1 PunkinPassport Activity Book.