A photo of Pete the cat

Pete's Toy Box: Scooby-Doo

Jada Scooby Doo 1:24 Mystery Machine Die-Cast Car & Scooby and Shaggy Figures

By: Jada

Pete's Expert Summary

My human, in a fit of what can only be described as misplaced nostalgia, has acquired a heavy, metal contraption they call the 'Mystery Machine.' It's from a brand named Jada, which sounds suspiciously like a human name and therefore cannot be trusted. It appears to be a miniature, non-functional vehicle, painted in offensively bright colors, accompanied by two strange, lanky figures—one a dog, the other its equally ungainly human companion. The doors open, which is a mild curiosity, but its primary function, as I see it, is as a high-velocity projectile for clearing the coffee table of lesser objects. Its die-cast nature suggests a satisfying heft and a delightful crash, but as it's a 'collectible,' I suspect my human will become insufferably protective if I so much as breathe on its rubber tires.

Key Features

  • Authentically licensed product from Scooby-Doo.
  • As seen in Scooby Doo, The Mystery Machine has been taken directly from the big screen and brought to you in a 1:24 scale die - cast model.
  • Crafted from durable materials such as 100% die - cast metal and premium rubber tires.
  • Our high - end casting method allows for feature rich details, such as opening doors, and trunk.
  • This premium die - cast model is a must have for any Scooby-Doo collection.

A Tale from Pete the Cat

The operation was designated ‘Midnight Munchie.’ The target was a single, freeze-dried shrimp, one of the premium ones the human usually reserves for post-vet trauma. The vault was this garish new van, the ‘Mystery Machine,’ placed squarely in the center of the mahogany desk. My human, with a foolish grin, had demonstrated the "feature rich details" by opening the back doors, placing the shrimp inside, and closing them with a click. They then positioned the two plastic statues, the perpetually startled human named Shaggy and his droopy-jawed canine, as sentinels. An absurd challenge, but one I could not ignore. I waited for the deep stillness of the house, the time of night when the refrigerator's hum is the only sound. A silent leap from the floor to the chair, then a fluid press-up onto the desk, my paws making no sound on the polished wood. The van was cold, its metal shell radiating an indifference I respected. The sentinels were useless, their painted eyes staring into the middle distance. I circled the vehicle, my whiskers brushing against its premium rubber tires. They had a faint, appealingly chemical scent. I peered through the plastic windows. I could see it—the pink, curled form of my shrimp. My first attempts were clumsy. A direct pat at the back doors did nothing. I tried to hook a claw in the seam, but the die-cast construction was too precise. This was not some flimsy plastic nonsense. This required intellect. I observed the hinges, the faint line of the handle. I recalled the human’s clumsy finger-and-thumb motion. Adopting a similar strategy, I used my nose to pin one door against the van's body while hooking a single, extended claw—my sharpest one—under the tiny lip of the other door's handle. I pulled, not with force, but with a steady, surgical tension. There was a faint *pop*. The door swung open. Success. I delicately retrieved my shrimp, crunching it with immense satisfaction. But the job wasn’t finished. A proper critique required testing all its functions. I gave the empty van a firm shove. It rolled smoothly across the desk before launching into the air. The resulting crash on the hardwood floor was spectacular—a resonant, authoritative *CLANG* that echoed through the silent house. It didn't shatter. It barely even scratched. A light blinked on upstairs, followed by a groan. This Jada product, I concede, is a thing of quality. It is a sturdy vault, an excellent projectile, and a delightful alarm clock for my staff. It has earned its place.

KIDS PREFERRED Warner Bros. Scooby-Doo Cuteeze Extra Soft Plush Stuffed Animal Toy for Baby and Toddler Boys and Girls – 13 Inch Size

By: KIDS PREFERRED

Pete's Expert Summary

My human has presented me with an effigy of the famously skittish cartoon dog, Scooby-Doo, apparently produced by a company that caters to human infants. The audacity. While its "Super Soft" fabric might be acceptable for a preliminary biscuit-making session, and the "bean-filled body" suggests a satisfying weight for a proper thrashing, the "crinkle sounds" are a bit rudimentary for a cat of my refined sensibilities. It's a large, floppy object meant for snuggling, a purpose I already serve with far more elegance and a superior purr. I suppose its primary function will be to serve as a stand-in wrestling partner when the human's ankles are otherwise occupied, but I remain skeptical that this droopy-eared canine can offer a challenge worthy of my time.

Key Features

  • ADORABLE SCOOBY-DOO PLUSH: This Cuteeze plush toy brings Scooby-Doo to life in the cutest way! Perfect for snuggles, playtime, and adding a touch of Scooby charm to any day.
  • SUPER SOFT & HUGGABLE: Made from ultra-soft fabrics, this 13-inch plush is cuddly and comforting for kids of all ages, whether it’s for playtime or bedtime.
  • CHILD-FRIENDLY DESIGN: Scooby-Doo features embroidered details and a bean-filled body, capturing his iconic look while ensuring a safe and delightful experience for little hands.
  • SENSORY FUN: With crinkle sounds in the legs and a soft, weighted body, this plush offers engaging sensory play that kids will love exploring.
  • DURABLE & EASY TO CLEAN: Designed for endless hugs and adventures, this plush is machine washable, making it simple to keep fresh and ready for more Scooby-Doo fun.

A Tale from Pete the Cat

The object was placed on the rug before me with a certain reverence I usually reserve for myself. It was a dog. Not a real one, thank heavens, but a caricature stitched from cloth, its vacant, embroidered eyes staring into the middle distance. "Look, Pete! It's Scooby-Doo!" the human chirped, as if I were familiar with this B-list celebrity. I circled the intruder, my gray tuxedo fur bristling slightly. It lay there, a lumpy, brown blot on my Persian rug. My initial assessment: a soft, silent insult. My mission, as I defined it in that instant, was to uncover its purpose. This was not a gift; it was an intelligence test. I approached with caution, extending a single paw to probe its flank. The material gave way with a plush sigh, a texture far more luxurious than its plebeian appearance suggested. Emboldened, I delivered a sharp cuff to its oversized head. It merely flopped over, offering no resistance. Pathetic. Then, my paw connected with a leg, and a sharp *crinkle* echoed in the quiet room. A hidden mechanism. A secret. This changed everything. This was no mere doll; this was a vessel. A Trojan Dog, perhaps. I launched myself upon it, sinking my teeth into its ear and initiating the ceremonial Bunny Kick of Utter Destruction. I gripped its bean-filled torso, a surprisingly substantial core, and kicked with the fury of my wild ancestors. The crinkling from all four limbs created a cacophony of noise, the desperate cries of a foe revealing its secrets under duress. I was a master interrogator, and this plush informant was breaking. What was it hiding? The location of a secret treat stash? The blueprint for a better catnip mouse? After a vigorous session, I ceased my assault. The "Scooby" lay vanquished, its goofy grin unchanged. It had withstood my finest techniques without yielding a single verbal confession. Yet, in its plushness, in its satisfying weight and its noisy limbs, it had communicated something else entirely. It was a worthy adversary. A durable, soft, and surprisingly engaging piece of tactical equipment. I dragged it by its tail to the center of my sunbeam, draping myself over its defeated form. It would not replace my naps, but it would, I decided, make an excellent pillow. The surveillance, of course, would continue.

Playmobil Scooby-DOO! Adventure in The Cemetery Playset

By: Playmobil

Pete's Expert Summary

My human, in their infinite and often baffling wisdom, has procured a miniature plastic necropolis populated by tiny, glossy bipeds and one rather undignified-looking canine. It appears to be a playset from a brand called Playmobil, designed for recreating the trivial ghost-hunting exploits of some cartoon characters. From my vantage point, its primary appeal lies not in the convoluted "mystery" but in the sheer quantity of small, lightweight, eminently bat-able components. The pop-up, glow-in-the-dark skeleton shows promise for some nocturnal pouncing practice, and the various tiny accessories are practically begging to be scattered and hidden in places the vacuum cleaner can't reach. While the overall structure seems a tedious waste of floor space, the potential for liberating these individual trinkets for my own chaotic purposes is, I must admit, moderately intriguing.

Key Features

  • Scooby-Doo, Fred & Daphne found themselves with a ghostly mystery to solve in the Cemetery. Lurking in this burial ground are some spooky surprises
  • As the gang walks by, a creepy skeleton pops out of the ground (just press the candle next to the grave), giving the gang a shock. The skeleton also glows in the dark for even more scary playtime encounters!
  • Then, beware the mysterious coffin where figures disappear inside! The gargoyle above the entrance of the burial vault acts as a secret lever to release the stone slabs and block those looking to enter...or escape
  • The included ghost card will help you track down your ghost, and then use the net to capture her. Then, don't let the ghost's changing face fool you! Unmask her to reveal the real villain - Alice May!
  • Kids can illuminate the collectible card using the coffin in the Mystery Mansion or the reader in the Mystery Machine (70361 and 70286 - each sold separately). Set includes Scooby-Doo in a gravedigger costume, Fred, Daphne, Alice May ghost, glow-in-the-dark skeleton, grave site, trick coffin, ghost card, and many other cemetery accessories!

A Tale from Pete the Cat

The whispers had haunted my naps for weeks, phantoms carried on the flickering light of the Big Rectangle in the living room. They spoke of a pretender to the throne of 'Good Boy,' a goofy-jawed cur who solved mysteries. They spoke of a bone-man who glowed with unholy light. I had dismissed it as the usual nonsensical human noise, but then, the box arrived. The Warden, my primary human, spent an age clicking together pieces of plastic, and when she was done, the prophecy had taken form on my favorite sunning rug. A cemetery. It was, I had to concede, a bold territorial claim. I approached with the practiced silence of my ancestors, a gray shadow with a pristine white bib. My tail gave a single, dismissive flick. The gate was flimsy, the headstones insultingly small. Atop the largest structure, a plastic gargoyle stared with vacant, molded eyes. I met its gaze, establishing dominance. Then, The Warden, eager for my approval, reached down and pressed a tiny plastic candle. With a soft *thwack*, a luminous white skeleton sprang from the ground. My heart gave a singular, powerful thump. The glowing bone-man. It was true. All of it. My focus shifted. There he was: the pretender, Scooby-Doo, frozen mid-scamper in his ridiculous gravedigger's hat. I saw the other figures, the lanky one and the one with the orange fleece, but they were irrelevant. This was between me and the interloper. I gave him a ceremonial sniff. He smelled of factory and disappointment. A single, well-placed tap of my paw sent him skittering across the hardwood floor, his plastic form no match for my righteous fury. Victory was swift and unsatisfying. But the prophecy was not just about vanquishing a foe; it was about claiming the artifact. Ignoring The Warden's cooing, I returned to the grave. With surgical precision, I hooked a claw under the glow-in-the-dark skeleton and plucked it from its shallow plastic resting place. It was light, almost ethereal. As dusk fell that evening, I carried my prize to the foot of the human's bed. It pulsed with a soft, greenish light, a beacon in the darkness. The playset itself was crude, a mere stage for my epic. But this small, glowing bone-man? This was a trophy. This was worthy.

Jada Toys - MetalFigs 2.5" Scooby-Doo! 5-Pack – Shaggy, Scooby, Daphne, Velma, Fred – Die-Cast Figures – Collectible Display – Ages 8+

By: Jada Toys

Pete's Expert Summary

My human has brought home what appears to be a set of tiny, metal statues masquerading as 'toys.' It's a group of odd-looking humans and one particularly dopey-looking dog, all frozen in ridiculous poses. For a creature of action like myself, their static nature is an immediate disappointment—they don't move, they don't squeak, they don't do anything. However, their die-cast metal construction is intriguing. While they are utterly useless for a proper chase, their substantial weight promises a most satisfying *thud* when batted from the edge of the desk. A potential tool for late-night symphonies of chaos, but otherwise a waste of perfectly good shelf space.

Key Features

  • Iconic Group of Sleuths – Bring the whole Scooby-Doo gang to life with 5 die-cast figures: Shaggy, Scooby, Daphne, Velma, and Fred.
  • Compact 2.5" Size – Each character is captured in a stylized, dynamic pose at 2.5" scale, perfect for display or play.
  • Vibrant Mystery Machine Packaging – The figures come in a bold and colorful Mystery Machine box, making it perfect for display.
  • Die-Cast World – Immerse yourself in the die-cast universe with these premium metal figures, perfect for collectors and fans alike.
  • Jada Toys – Known for high-quality figures, Jada Toys delivers with authentic designs, durable die-cast materials, and collector-grade packaging.

A Tale from Pete the Cat

The crime was audacious, a brazen act of territorial aggression. My human, in a shocking lapse of judgment, placed the five metal interlopers directly on the mantelpiece—*my* mantelpiece. The high ground. The sunning spot. The grand stage from which I survey my domain. I watched from the arm of the sofa, my tail twitching, as the box shaped like a garish van was discarded and the culprits were arranged. A gang. The tall, cowardly-looking one. The bespectacled one who stared into my soul. Two others, and their leader, a canine of dubious posture. This insult could not stand. That night, under the pale glow of the streetlights filtering through the blinds, I ascended to the scene of the crime. The mantelpiece was now a courtroom, and I, robed in my finest gray tuxedo fur, was the sole arbiter of justice. The five figures stood silent, their metallic sheen glinting. I began my cross-examination, circling them slowly. "You stand accused," I murmured, my purr a low growl of indictment, "of criminal trespassing and, worse, of being profoundly boring." Their silence was their confession. My investigation was swift and tactile. I nudged the one called Fred with my nose. Cold. Heavy. Unresponsive. A hardened stoic. The one named Daphne was equally uncooperative. But it was the dog, Scooby, that drew my ultimate ire. A metal effigy of a lesser species, placed in a position of honor. I tapped it with a soft paw, then again with more purpose. The density of the die-cast metal was impressive. This was not a flimsy piece of plastic; this was an object with gravitas. Literally. The verdict was in. Guilty. The sentence: banishment by gravity. I turned my attention first to the lanky one, Shaggy. A well-aimed swat sent him tumbling over the edge, landing with a soft *paff* on the area rug. A merciful sentence. One by one, the others followed, each cast down from my hallowed perch. Finally, only the dog remained. I gave it a deliberate, powerful shove with my paw. It fell, not onto the rug, but onto the hardwood floor, striking it with a glorious, resounding *CLACK!* that echoed through the silent house. Justice, and the perfect acoustic punctuation, had been served. The mantelpiece was mine again.

Scooby Doo Mystery Machine Tent – Kids Pop Up Play Tent | Scooby Doo Toy

By: Sunny Days Entertainment

Pete's Expert Summary

My human has presented me with what appears to be a mobile nap fortress disguised as a garishly colored vehicle from a primitive cartoon. Apparently, this "Mystery Machine" tent is for the small, loud humans to engage in some sort of "imaginary play," which usually involves shouting. However, I see its true potential. Its pop-up nature means it can be deployed at a moment's notice, and the multiple openings—a rear entrance and a roof hatch—offer superior tactical options for surveillance and ambush. While the cartoon dog's face plastered on the side is an insult to my refined feline sensibilities, the sheer volume of this enclosed space could make it a prime location for undisturbed napping, provided the aforementioned small humans can be kept at bay. It could be the ultimate command center, or just another noisy obstacle.

Key Features

  • CREATIVITY and IMAGINARY PLAY: Bring a life-sized version of the iconic Mystery Machine to your living room. A psychedelic design, signature style graphics and realistic details make adventures more fun. Join Scooby, Shaggy and the rest of the mystery solving crew on their next investigation.
  • LARGE PLAY TENT: The multiple openings keep kids busy as they pretend to go on action packed adventures. Children can crawl into the tent through the hidden rear entrance door, once inside they can peek out of the roof opening. Use the rear entrance for added supervision or fun peek-a-boo play.
  • PRETEND PLAY: Imaginative children can pretend they’re driving to the next investigation and play out different mystery solving stories with Scoob and friends.
  • EASY ASSEMBLY and FAST STORAGE: Pop-up design allows for hassle free assembly. Simply pop up the tent, insert the poles and you're ready to go. No need for tools. When play time is over the vehicle tent folds flat for easy storage.
  • SAFE AND DURABLE: Designed with safety in mind, the tent has round corners, durable stitching and safe material. We thoroughly test every tent to ensure they meet all federal requirements as outlined by the CPC and FHSA. Each tent is CPSIA, ASTM F963 and CPAI-84 compliant, making it safe for your child to play in.
  • GREAT GIFT IDEA: Give little detectives the freedom to imagine a new Scooby-Doo story while encouraging active play. With a spacious design and engaging graphics, this Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine play tent makes a great gift for cartoon fans ages 3 years and older.

A Tale from Pete the Cat

The thing materialized in the living room with a startling *FUMP* sound, an explosion of nauseating greens and blues that assaulted the otherwise tasteful decor. My human called it the "Mystery Machine." A ridiculous name. I, however, knew it for what it was: a temporal anomaly, a ripple in the fabric of spacetime that had deposited this bizarre structure in my domain. My duty, as the sole intelligent guardian of this timeline, was clear. I had to enter the anomaly and assess its potential to disrupt the sacred timeline, which is carefully structured around my meal schedule. I approached with the utmost caution, my gray tuxedo fur a stark, elegant contrast to its psychedelic chaos. The main entrance was guarded by a spectral image of a grinning, oafish dog—a clear psychic ward I could not breach directly. I circled the object, my paws silent, my mind racing through temporal mechanics. As the product description whispered telepathically through the human's voice, I learned of a "hidden rear entrance." A back door in time. Perfect. I slipped through the fabric flap, not into a tent, but into a pocket dimension where the laws of physics felt… suggested. Inside, the light was strange, filtered through mesh portals to my own reality. The air hummed with latent energy. It was larger on the inside, of course. These things always are. I saw visions of past and future cat naps, of kibble yet to be crunched, of sunbeams that had not yet graced the floor. I climbed upwards, seeking a higher vantage point, and emerged through the "roof opening." From this perch, I was unstuck in time. I could see myself as a kitten, batting at a string, and as an old cat, imperiously demanding a soft blanket. The entire history of the living room was laid out before me. This was no mere toy. It was a nexus. A control room for managing the temporal flow of the household. By positioning myself within its confines, I could ensure the timely delivery of wet food, orchestrate the sudden appearance of dropped potato chips, and subtly influence the human to purchase only the finest, gravy-drenched pâté. The garish exterior was a necessary evil, a "perception filter" to fool the simple-minded. My verdict was absolute: the Mystery Machine was not only worthy, it was essential. The timeline, and my dinner, was now secure.

Monopoly Scooby-Doo! Board Game | Official Scooby-Doo! Merchandise Based on The Popular Scooby-Doo! Cartoon | Classic Monopoly Game Featuring Scooby-Doo! Characters

By: USAOPOLY

Pete's Expert Summary

My human has presented a large, flat square that rattles when shaken. It seems to be a ritualistic surface upon which they and their packmates move small, shiny metal effigies around, apparently in honor of a clumsy Great Dane and his human associates. They call it a "game," but I see it for what it is: a territorial dispute simulator. The primary appeal, from my perspective, is not the flimsy paper rectangles they call "Scooby Snacks" or the colorful board itself (though it could serve as an adequate, if not plush, napping spot). No, the true treasures are the collectible tokens. These small, metallic objects—a tiny van, a dog collar, a magnifying glass—are perfectly sized for batting under the heaviest piece of furniture in the room. The rest of the affair seems a dreadful waste of time that could be better spent admiring me.

Key Features

  • Buy, sell, and trade monstrous locations featured in the Scooby-Doo! cartoon series
  • Featuring classic artwork from the original cartoon and your favorite characters
  • Includes collectable tokens and custom Monopoly money based on the Scooby-Doo! animated series
  • Bring your favorite memory of Scooby-Doo! to life with this custom Monopoly game
  • 2-6 Players| Ages 8+ | 60 Min Play Time

A Tale from Pete the Cat

The box hissed open, releasing the scent of cardboard and manufactured fun. I observed from my command post atop the velvet armchair, unimpressed. My human and his chosen companion for the evening laid out the colorful board, a garish map of haunted-looking locales. They chattered excitedly, their simple minds captivated by the bright colors. My gaze, however, was drawn to the real prize. In a small plastic tray lay a collection of tiny, metallic tributes: a miniature van, a pair of spectacles, a lantern, and—most magnificent of all—a dog collar tag, gleaming under the lamplight. They began their strange ritual, rolling clicking cubes and moving the totems from square to square. They exchanged paper slips, their voices rising and falling with the arcane whims of the "dice." I watched, feigning disinterest, my tail a slowly metronoming pendulum of gray fur. They had placed the dog collar tag on the board. An offering. A challenge. They seemed to think its purpose was to represent one of them in their bizarre little world. Fools. Its purpose was to be hunted. My moment came when the companion declared "bankruptcy," a term I can only assume means a catastrophic failure to provide adequate snacks. In the ensuing drama of paper-shuffling and mock despair, I made my move. A silent drop from the chair, a few ghost-like steps across the rug, and a leap onto the table so graceful it barely disturbed the air. My paw, a soft gray blur of precision, shot out and hooked the dog collar token. It was cool and solid in my mouth as I landed silently on the far side of the table. A sudden cry of "Pete! You little thief!" alerted me that my successful acquisition had been noticed. I paid them no mind. Their game was flawed, their rules nonsensical. My rules are ancient and pure: what gleams is a prize, and what is a prize must be captured and hidden beneath the refrigerator. I trotted off, my trophy secured, leaving them to their flat, boring square. The game itself is a failure, but its components are an undeniable triumph. It is worthy, not for its intended purpose, but for the quality of its tributes. I'll be back for the van.

Scooby Dog Doo Birthday Party Decorations Supplies, Including Birthday Banner, Tablecloth, Backdrop, Hanging Swirls, Balloons, Cake Toppers for Dog Party Supplies

By: GOTOFUN

Pete's Expert Summary

Honestly, must we? My human has presented me with evidence of an impending cacophony. It's a "party kit" from a brand called GOTOFUN, which seems overly optimistic. From my vantage point on the heated blanket, I can see it's a collection of flimsy paper and plastic emblazoned with the image of a particularly goofy-looking Great Dane and his human entourage. While the sheer volume of clutter is an affront to my minimalist aesthetic, I must concede a few points of interest. The "hanging swirls" might offer a satisfying target for a well-aimed swat, and the balloons possess a certain... volatile potential. The rest of it—the tablecloth, the banners, the various toppers—is just visual noise, destined to disrupt my patrol routes and absorb the scent of inferior party food. It's a tremendous amount of effort for what will ultimately be a fleeting and loud distraction.

Key Features

  • 【The Party Package】1 backdrop, 1 piece of happy birthday banner, 1 cake decoration, 1 tablecloth, 6 hanging swirls, 16 balloons and 24 small cupcake toppers, which will create an unforgettable and interesting scooby doo party.
  • 【Attractive Designs】This scooby doo decoration kit is available in lovely designs with classic scooby doo colors, they are embellished with various scooby doo characters, such as the dog, other members, the mystery machine and so on, which are in line with boys and girls' taste.
  • 【Widely Applicable Occasions】This is a good idea for scooby doo party, adventure party, birthday party, applying the scooby doo decoration in your party can help build good and impressive memories for you and your guests; It is also suitable for many occasions, such as indoors, outdoors, gardens, walls and trees, and so on.
  • 【Safe and Reliable Material】All scooby doo party tableware are made of high-quality materials, sturdy and durable, and the decorations are exquisitely printed, sturdy and long lasting, not easy to fade, deform or tear, and can serve you for a long time.
  • 【Customer Service】We will try our best to make you satisfied with our products and services. If you have any questions after receiving the products, please feel free to contact us.

A Tale from Pete the Cat

The invasion began on a Tuesday. My human, usually a creature of quiet routine and reliable meal schedules, started pulling brightly colored sheets of plastic and paper from a box. My tail gave a single, irritated flick. The air, once serene and filled only with my magnificent scent, was now tainted with the odor of printed vinyl and cheap cardboard. And the face staring back at me from every surface was that of a dog. A clumsy, cowardly, perpetually hungry dog. The sheer disrespect was staggering. My human had the audacity to dangle one of the "hanging swirls" before me, a spinning effigy of a garishly painted van. "What do you think, Pete? Fun?" she asked. It was not a question. It was a challenge. I accepted. My mission, which I chose to accept, was to conduct a thorough structural analysis of these so-called "decorations." I began my reconnaissance from atop the bookcase, my gray-and-white form nearly invisible against the shadows. Phase one targeted the tablecloth, a vast, slick expanse of blue and green. A silent leap, a perfect four-point landing. The material was disappointingly thin, crinkling under my paws. I extended a single, needle-sharp claw and dragged it with surgical precision, creating a satisfyingly long, whisper-thin tear. A vulnerability. Noted. Phase two involved the aforementioned hanging swirls. They twisted gently in the air currents from the vent, a silent, mocking dance. I crouched, my body low, and launched myself into the air. My paws connected with the cardboard cutout of the dog's face. For a glorious moment, I swung with it, a pendulum of judgment. The spiral unraveled slightly from the force, and the hook popped off the ceiling tack. The entire apparatus drifted gracefully to the floor. A successful neutralization of a primary target. I landed without a sound, a ghost in the party chaos. The final test, the grand finale, was the balloons. Sixteen of them, bobbing near the ceiling like colorful, swollen ticks. One drifted tantalizingly low, tethered to a chair. I stalked it, the hunter in my blood singing. This was not play; this was science. I gathered my haunches, sprang, and met the taut, rubbery surface with both front paws, claws fully extended. The resulting *BANG* was magnificent. It echoed through the house, a thunderclap of my own making. The humans shrieked, my human scooped me up, and I allowed myself a brief, rumbling purr. The GOTOFUN kit was, by itself, worthless junk. But as a multi-stage interactive environment designed to test my agility, stealth, and capacity for causing delightful mayhem? It was, I must admit, a roaring success.

Scooby Doo Gigantic 192 Page Coloring Book with Bonus Stand-Up Characters on Back,Large. (Large)

By: Bendon

Pete's Expert Summary

My human seems to have acquired this... item. A gigantic, flimsy portfolio of low-grade paper pulp, emblazoned with the likeness of that uncouth Great Dane and his band of meddlesome humans. Apparently, its purpose is to occupy the simple mind of a smaller human with "coloring" and "activities," which I can only assume is a colossal waste of opposable thumbs. The sheer size of it might make for a decent, if crinkly, napping mat when laid open on the floor. However, the true—and likely unintentional—value lies in the "Bonus Stand-Up Characters." These small, rigid paper cutouts are the real prize here; the book is merely the inconveniently large and boring packaging for what are clearly high-quality paw-pats targets.

Key Features

  • Scooby Doo Coloring and Activity Book
  • Scooby Doo-themed gigantic coloring and activity book
  • Perfect for quiet indoor play
  • Book also includes Scooby Doo-themed stand-up characters on back

A Tale from Pete the Cat

The Caretaker unfurled the colossal paper object on the rug, a task that required some effort and produced a series of satisfyingly loud crinkles. I watched from my perch on the armchair, unimpressed. She then began a strange ritual, carefully perforating and tearing the back cover. From this destruction, she folded into existence a small, silent assembly of two-dimensional beings and stood them in a line near the hearth. A paper dog, a lanky fool, and their companions. Then she left, abandoning these intruders in my domain. As evening fell and the shadows in the living room grew long and distorted, the paper figures took on a sinister quality. They did not move, of course, but their stillness was an affront. Their garishly colored, printed eyes seemed to mock the elegant gloom of my home. Who were they to stand so boldly before the fire I so often monopolized? I decided they were not guests, but a silent tribunal, there to pass judgment upon me. I could feel their collective, papery gaze as I performed my nightly grooming. The audacity. My patience, a famously shallow reservoir, was depleted. I descended from the chair with the fluid grace of pouring cream and padded across the rug. My approach was a study in silence. I stopped before the dog, the supposed star of this farce. His name was "Scooby," a ridiculous sound for a ridiculous creature. I lowered my head, my nose inches from his flat, smiling face. I was the Grand Inquisitor, and he was the first to be questioned. I delivered my inquiry with a single, sharp tap of my paw. He offered no defense, simply collapsing backward with a faint rustle. One by one, the rest of the tribunal faced my verdict. The lanky one, the bespectacled one, the orange-haired one—all fell before my righteous paw. They were flimsy, unsatisfyingly light, and offered no resistance. Yet, there was a certain methodical pleasure in dismantling their silent council. I had faced down the paper ghosts and re-established my authority. The gigantic book itself is still just a glorified placemat, but for providing the antagonists for my one-cat drama of justice and swift, silent retribution, it has served a noble, if brief, purpose.

Playmobil Scooby-DOO! Mystery Machine

By: Playmobil

Pete's Expert Summary

My human has presented me with a large, offensively vibrant plastic box on wheels, a replica of that "Mystery Machine" from the noisy picture-box show with the talking dog. It's from Playmobil, a brand I associate with an endless supply of tiny, losable plastic bits that are only fun for about five seconds before they disappear under the sofa, becoming future dust-bunny treasures. This particular contraption comes with three of the less-interesting humans from the gang—the one with the silly ascot, the purple-clad one, and the bespectacled nerd. I see no sign of the dog or the perpetually hungry one, a critical oversight. It supposedly has an "illuminated monitor" inside, which sounds vaguely interesting as a potential source of blinky lights to stare at, but the whole thing seems engineered for the clumsy hands of a small human, not the sophisticated, lightning-fast paws of a predator. It's likely destined to become a stationary dust collector rather than a vessel for any true adventure.

Key Features

  • Time to solve some mysteries with the members of Mystery, Inc
  • In the SCOOBY-DOO! Mystery Machine! This psychedelic vehicle always has everything you need for your ghost-hunting adventures
  • Open the van’s rear doors to reveal an illuminated monitor, where you can insert your ghost cards to learn more about the mystery
  • Set includes Fred, Daphne, Velma, map, flashlight, spyglass, and other accessories
  • Recommended for ages five years and up

A Tale from Pete the Cat

The thing arrived on a Tuesday, a day I had designated for a sixteen-hour nap in a particularly compelling sunbeam. My human, oblivious as ever, tore open its cardboard prison, releasing the scent of fresh, sterile plastic into my carefully curated air space. He assembled it with a series of dissatisfying clicks and snaps, placing the final product—a garish green-and-blue monstrosity—in the center of the living room rug. It was an affront to the room's neutral-toned decor. Three stiff-limbed figures were placed beside it, their painted-on smiles mocking my very existence. This, I deduced, was not a toy. It was an invasion. My first move was reconnaissance. I approached from the flank, using the leg of the coffee table as cover, my gray tuxedo fur providing excellent camouflage against the beige carpeting. I observed the human demonstrating its features. The back doors swung open with a cheap-sounding clack. He inserted a small, flat card into a slot inside, and a faint blue light flickered to life, illuminating the face of some cartoon phantom. A communication device, clearly. These plastic homunculi were spies, and this was their mobile command center. Their mission: to observe my napping habits and report back to some shadowy anti-feline agency. I could not let this stand. The operation had to be swift and silent. I waited for the human to be distracted by his glowing rectangle before I struck. The one called "Fred" was the first to go. A single, precise bat of my paw sent him flying, his ridiculous ascot offering no protection as he skidded under the entertainment center. Next was "Daphne." She was knocked sideways, tumbling into the dark abyss beneath the armchair. That left only "Velma," the supposed brains of the operation. She stood defiantly by the open van door. I stalked closer, gave her a deliberate nudge, and watched with grim satisfaction as she tipped backward into the vehicle, disappearing into the blue glow of her own infernal machine. With the crew neutralized, the vehicle was mine. I sniffed the empty driver's seat, then hopped onto the roof. The plastic was smooth and cool beneath my paws. From this new vantage point, I had a strategic overview of the entire living room—the doorway to the kitchen, the path to the food bowl, the high ground of the sofa. The psychedelic flowers painted on the side were tacky, but the structural integrity was sound. It was not a toy, and it certainly wasn't a "Mystery Machine." It was a trophy. A captured enemy outpost, now repurposed as Fort Pete. It would serve as a constant reminder to any other plastic spies that this territory was under my undisputed, and very fluffy, control.