National Toy Hall of Fame Names 12 Finalists for 2022

The Strong’s National Toy Hall of Fame revealed this year’s finalists for induction into the Hall. A dozen classic toys are vying for position this year, including bingo, Breyer Horses, Catan, Lite-Brite, NERF, Masters of the Universe, and more. See the finalists…

Funko Reveals Plans for Growth as the Company Targets $2 Billion in Annual Sales by 2026

The Toy Book catches up with Funko CEO Andrew Perlmutter to discuss the company’s plans to double its annual sales within the next four years and how it’s connecting with an important new audience: kids. Read more…

PMI Speeds into Action with Sonic the Hedgehog



The Blue Blur is heading into some new toy categories. PMI Ltd. inked a deal with SEGA and WildBrain to create a new range of novelty toys and games inspired by Sonic Prime, the new CG-animated Sonic the Hedgehog adventure series that’s set to debut on Netflix later this year. Read more…

Super Impulse Introduces Minis-in-Minis Collectibles



The leader in miniature toys and collectibles is breaking out the shrink ray again to make its newest collection even smaller. Minis-in-Minis is a brand new collectible concept that takes officially licensed miniature toys and packs even tinier versions inside. Read more…

ToyFest Builds on Its Rebrand for 2023 Show in Las Vegas



Following the conclusion of its most well-attended show in two decades, the Western Toy and Hobby Representatives Association (WTHRA) repositioned ToyFest (formerly ToyFest West) as a national trade show set to take place from Feb. 27 to March 3, 2023, at The Expo at World Market Center Las Vegas. Read more…

Jakks Pacific Celebrates 10 years of ‘Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood’



Jakks Pacific is teaming up with Fred Rogers Productions and 9 Story Brands to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Emmy-winning PBS Kids series with a special edition plush toy. Read more…

Random House Children’s Books Expands Richard Scarry Licensing Program



The busy world of Richard Scarry is expanding. Random House Children’s Books tapped several new licensing partners to join a consumer products program that includes Super7, Yottoy, University Games, and others. Read more…

Luki Lab Unveils New House Monsters and Building Sets for Fall



Luki Lab is expanding its product assortment with extensions across its brands. The fall lineup includes new House Monsters, Pixies construction sets, and a new brand called Dexor. Read more at The Toy Insider…

United Smile to Debut Gigantosaurus Toy Line By Award-Winning Designer



Veteran toy designer Darren Lee Phillipson is creating a new line of toys inspired by Gigantosaurus with his consultancy, design_lead_play_. Phillipson is a former Disney, DreamWorks, and Lucasfilm executive that specializes in entertainment-based products. Read more…

Target, FAO Schwarz Ink Multiyear Partnership Deal, Unveil Bullseye’s Top Toy List



Following successful holiday partnerships in 2020 and 2021, Target and FAO Schwarz have extended their relationship in a new deal that will enhance the reach and assortment of both retailers’ efforts in the toy space. Read more…

Texas Judge Issues Scathing Order in Toys ‘R’ Us Complaint Against Independent Toy Store



Following a similar case in New Jersey last year, Toys “R” Us is butting heads with a family-owned toy store in Texas. Hear what a Judge has to say about the matter and why the motives of the complaint are in question. Read more…

GameStop Leans into Collectibles as Video Game Sales Slide



The retailer divides its current business into three primary sectors: hardware and accessories, software, and collectibles. Of the three, only collectibles is showing growth with Q2 sales growing to $223.2 million versus $177.2 million during the same period last year. Read more…

Amazon Debuts 2022 ‘Toys We Love’ List



This year’s list features more than 200 toys and games, including 100 priced under $50, and more than 60 that are exclusive to Amazon. Read more…

Melissa & Doug Debuts Redesigned E-commerce Website



Alongside its launch into baby and toddler toys, Melissa & Doug is setting its sights on growing its direct-to-consumer retail business. With a heavy focus on brand story and consumer experience, the enhanced website was redesigned in partnership with Tomorrow. Read more…

Build-A-Bear’s Halloween Collection Is Full of Treats



This retailer’s 2022 Halloween collection features stuffed characters decked out in all sorts of festive costumes and accessories. New licensed products include seasonal versions of characters from Gremlins, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and Star Wars. Read more at The Toy Insider…

Making Mighty Merch: A Chat with Mighty Jaxx Founder Jackson Aw



The Pop Insider chatted with Jackson Aw about his experiences over the past decade — ranging from what inspired the company name and why Mighty Jaxx has embraced NFTs to how he convinced beloved pop culture brands to show off their characters’ skeletons in the name of art. Read more at The Pop Insider…

Jazwares Promotes Sam Ferguson to SVP, Global Licensing



In his newly expanded role, Ferguson will oversee the company’s inbound and outbound licensing efforts. Ferguson joined Jazwares in 2016 and most recently led the growth of its global licensing program for Squishmallows. Read more…

Ashley Mady Joins Zigazoo as President of Consumer Products



In her new role, Mady will lead physical and digital consumer product initiatives, including NFTs and other digital assets, physical merchandise, and products that are a blend of the two. Mady joins the company from IT’SUGAR where she served as vice president of brand development. Read more…

PlayMonster Introduces New Chief Parenting Officer in Tandem with Playskool Glo Friends Launch



In an effort to support social emotional learning, including mindful play, active listening, and encouraging reading, PlayMonster tapped parenting influencer Desiree Fortin to share her expertise with other parents as the company’s chief parenting officer. Read more…

Fun In Motion Toys Welcomes Kenneth Morrell as Vice President of Operations



Morrell joins the company from the Seminole Tribe of Florida where he served as general manager and director of operations. He previously held roles at the Coca-Cola Co., Anheuser-Busch, Unilever, and others. Read more…