Allyson Wonderland Bear by Gund to Arrive for Holidays; Kids Nationwide Adding Plush, Talking Bear to Their Santa's Lists.

Love, Passion and State-of-the-Art Technology Create Recipe for 'Must Have' Gift of the Season

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- The Wonderland Adventure Collection - starring the enchanting, animated Allyson Wonderland Bear by Gund - is arriving in time for the 2007 holiday season exclusively at the new Wonderland Bakery Adventure opening Nov. 1 in Costa Mesa's South Coast Plaza, the original location in Newport Beach and throughout the country online at www.WonderlandBakery.com.

Originally known for its critically and publicly acclaimed "art to eat" collection of cookies, cupcakes and other baked goods, Wonderland Bakery soon will be known for both edible delights and its branded collection of gifts for children and adults.

Sondra Ames, co-founder and Chief Visionary of Wonderland Bakery, today confirmed that the limited edition animated plush bears - a co-labor of love by Wonderland and Gund - will be traveling to California this month, along with delicate Wonderland porcelain tea sets made by specialty retailer Department 56; full-size illustrated picture books with Allyson Wonderland Bear; cupcake bake sets; mommy and me aprons, and the Haute Tasty Fashion Collection to delight the young, as well as those young at heart.

Allyson Wonderland is an adorable, animated talking bear that tells the sweet and inspiring story of Allyson and the Wonderland Bakery. The 2007 Allyson Wonderland Bear marks the first animated bear partnership from Gund, a 108-year-old legend in the plush toy industry. The new bear, which comes tucked in a collectible, easy to carry, peek-a-boo castle tote, includes Gund's trademark plush quality as well as true state-of-the-art technology - creating a collectible bear that is both cuddly and high-tech.

Doug Branch, senior vice president at Gund, explained how the partnership came to be. "The Wonderland concept and brand is something we fell in love with - as we believe will happen to all parents and children who take Allyson Wonderland Bear home with them.

"All of us at Gund are very pleased to embark on this journey with the Wonderland Bakery," added Branch. "As a company that takes branding seriously, our collaboration with Wonderland Bakery is a perfect fit." According to the American Brands Council, Gund is among the top 50 most recognized brands in the United States.

Allyson Wonderland was inspired by the real-life blond-haired, blue-eyed Allyson Ames who created the Wonderland Bakery concept in 2004 with her mother, Sondra. At just 22, Allyson is the culinary whiz and executive chef behind the beautiful and delicious goodies.

"Allyson Wonderland Bear is certainly the centerpiece of our Wonderland Adventure Collection - the children in Newport Beach who have met our animated bear have already added her to Santa's list," Sondra Ames added. "We are pleased to offer our exclusive collection nationally through our Web site, and are thrilled our new location has been added to the list of prestigious stores at South Coast Plaza in time for the holidays."

For more information, visit www.WonderlandBakery.com or call 1-888-WB-COOKIE.