Scholastic Media is ramping up activity for Clifford the Big Red Dog in honor of the brand’s 50th anniversary in 2012.

Together with Mills Entertainment, Scholastic will launch Clifford the Big Red Dog: A BIG Family Musical show that will hit 60 markets, while Russ Berrie is on-board for a mix of Clifford plush and plush-plus products, as well as gift products including picture frames, key chains, nightlights and mugs. Products will be available in the US and Canada at all major retailers. Also in the plush category, Zoobies will create Clifford-branded plush that converts into pillows, blankets and sleeping bags.

The Canadian Group and Twisterz Toys, meanwhile, will bring several Clifford The Big Red Dog games and educational toys to market, including board games, jigsaw puzzles and magnetic play sets (from The Canadian Group), as well as educational toys including the Clifford Category Matcher (from Twisterz Toys).

Ranir-made Clifford toothbrushes aimed at children will be available exclusively at CVS stores, then at all major mass/grocery retailers in 2011. And VM Global Manufacturing will create a collection of Clifford preschool-age scooters, wagons, tricycles and bicycles.

This news follows the announcement of Scholastic’s Clifford Be Big! campaign, a multi-year integrated initiative to catalyze change in local communities and to provide resources for people to share their big ideas.