Get Involved with The Toy Book’s 2023 Classics & Specialty Issue!



The Toy Book’s 2023 Classics & Specialty issue shines a spotlight on classic, open-ended play categories alongside products Made in the USA and the best in Specialty Toys & Gifts launches for 2023. This includes products carried by independent specialty toy stores, gift shops, hobby shops, comic shops, and more. Click here to get the full details on what’s included and how you can be included.

Exclusive: WowWee’s Fingerlings Return; New Line Debuts at The Play Date in NYC



Originally launched in 2017, Fingerlings became a holiday craze and won both the 2018 Collectible Toy of the Year and the overall Toy of the Year (TOTY) Award presented by The Toy Foundation. The new line launches with updated technology this summer. Read more…

NBC Revs Up a Deal for Mattel’s ‘Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge’



Mattel’s iconic Hot Wheels brand is ready for prime time. NBC placed a 10-episode series order for Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge, a car makeover competition series that will result in at least one new product destined for the toy department. Read more…

The NPD Group, IRI Rebrand as Circana



The merger between Information Resources and The NPD Group has spawned a new brand and corporate identity to carry the combined forces into the future: Circana. The company says it is now  “the leading advisor on the complexity of consumer behavior.” Read more…

ZAG, Playmates Toys, Debut Miraculous Dolls at The Play Date Ahead of U.S. Launch



“The content-rich Miraculous Universe continues to expand, and we can’t wait for the Ladybug and Cat Noir: The Movie to launch this year,” says Jeremy Zag, director of the movie. Learn more…

Paramount Debuts ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem’ Teaser Ahead of The Play Date



The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are headed back to the toy department in a big way this summer with new products inspired by a Seth Rogen-led reinvention of the franchise. Read more…

Spin Master Unveils 2023 Toy Trends, Product Lineup Ahead of The Play Date



Spin Master’s 2023 lineup includes an assortment of 21 new toys and games, more than half of which target the budget-minded consumer with MSRPs under $20. See the toys…

Exclusive: Dart Zone Launches ‘Blaster Chat’ Podcast, DTC Membership Club, ‘The Vault’



Prime Time Toys tells The Toy Book that both new offerings from its Dart Zone brand are intended to better connect with blaster enthusiasts, fans, hobbyists, and pros that seek a deeper dive into the growing world of foam dart and gel bead blasters and wish to gain access to members-only products and intel. Read more…

More than 175 Exhibitors Join Licensing Expo 2023



Penguin Random House, Pinkfong USA, RetroBrands America, and YuMe Toys are among the first-time exhibitors this year, joining a stacked deck that includes Crayola, Funko, Hasbro, JAKKS Pacific, Jazwares, Mattel, MGA Entertainment, Paramount, The Pokémon Co. International, Spin Master, and many more. Read more…

The Changing Role of Discount, Value, and Outlet Stores in the Toy Industry



Toymakers and retailers discuss the evolution and importance of chains such as Dollar General, Five Below, Ollie’s Discount Outlet, and more in providing great products to consumers at an exceptional value. Read more…

WiT Stories: Musings on Mentorship from 7 Mentors



A look at how the Ruth Handler Mentorship Program is supporting career growth for women across the toy industry through mentorship, coaching, professional development, and learning.

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Talkin’ Toys: GlobeTrader’s Patrick O’Donnell



GlobeTrader successfully launched the AirFort brand two years ago. Since then, the company has provided manufacturers with tools that help streamline the wholesale distribution process. Learn more…

State of the Industry Q&A: Target



Nik Nayar, Senior Vice President of Hardlines at Target, discusses the retailer’s growing partnership with FAO Schwarz, the increased assortment geared toward kidults, and predictions for the future. Read more…

State of the Industry Q&A: CAMP



Sunipa Kreuzer, Chief Merchant at CAMP, discusses hot products, big wins, and what’s next for the growing experiential retailer as it gears up for additional expansion this year. Read more…

WiT Appoints Cristina Liquori as Treasurer



In her role as treasurer, Liquori will oversee the management of WiT’s financial affairs. She currently serves as Head of Marketing at The LEGO Group. Read more…