From the Editor: Sparking Toy Industry Magic at Retail in '24



The U.S. toy industry is facing headwinds this year, and while certain factors remain out of its control, one thing that can be changed via thoughtful collaboration is the retail experience at mass. Read the latest commentary…

FUNfluential Makes Toy and Family Influencer Campaigns Easier than Ever



FUNfluential is revolutionary software that combines an unparalleled level of access to toy- and family-specific influencers along with time-saving management tools to create campaigns, contact creators, and track results — all at an affordable price. Ready to join the FUN?

Mattel Reveals Barbie’s 2024 Career of the Year Collection: Women in Film



Mattel’s Barbie 2024 Career of the Year Collection is highlighting women in film. The new collection includes four dolls: a Studio Executive, a Director, a Cinematographer, and a Movie Star. Read more…

LEGO Expands Braille Bricks to New Languages



LEGO launched its Braille Bricks, a set that makes learning Braille in English and French more accessible, in August. Now, the company is expanding the sets to feature German, Spanish, and Italian. Read more…

Carrera Reveals New AI-Supported Slot Car Innovation: Carrera Hybrid



At the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show this week, Carrera revealed its next generation of slot cars. The company is introducing the Carrera Hybrid, a slot car supported by artificial intelligence that can switch lanes, be steered with a mobile phone, and more. Read more…

Tonies Celebrates 1 Million Tonieboxes Sold, Introduces New Products

Consumers are singing the Tonies tune as 1 million Tonieboxes have officially been sold in the U.S. In addition, the company revealed three new figures at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show this week. Read more…

Build-A-Bear Launches Skoosherz Plush



Build-A-Bear is stepping outside of its classic teddy bear offerings with a line of huggable plush. The launch is set for Friday, Jan. 12, just over a week before National Hug Day on Jan. 21. Read more…

Melissa & Doug Launches Sticker WOW! Activity Packs



Melissa & Doug’s latest activity set is Sticker WOW!, an activity pad that kids can fill up with stickers from the included animal-shaped stamper. There are four different versions of the set. Read more…

Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, Baby Products Fair, Stationery & School Supplies Fair Welcome Attendees



The 50th Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, the 15th Hong Kong Baby Products Fair, and the 22nd Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair opened to guests from around the world at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center this week. Read more…

KidStuff Public Relations Celebrates 30th Anniversary

KidStuff Public Relations, an agency that focuses solely on children’s products and toys, is celebrating 30 years of promoting playthings this year. Read more…

Educational Insights Expands Kanoodle and BrainBolt Lines

Educational Insights introduced two new products to its brainteaser and brain game lines at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024. BrainBolt Boost and Kanoodle Ultimate Champion will launch this spring. Read more…

The Tetris Co. Partners with IMG Ahead of 40th Anniversary



In anticipation of Tetris’ 40th anniversary, The Tetris Co. has appointed IMG as its merchandise licensing representative in the U.S., Canada, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The agreement is an expansion of the companies’ existing licensing partnership in Brazil and Asia. Read more…

The Disney and Star Wars Villainous Universe Will Expand This Summer



For those looking to venture into the Disney Villainous universe, there will be a new version of Disney Villainous: Introduction to Evil that features streamlined gameplay inspired by feedback from fans and players. Plus, two new “expandalone” games are on the way. Read more at The Pop Insider…

Exploding Kittens Launches 4 New Card Games

Gaming and entertainment company Exploding Kittens has revealed four new card games. One party game — That Escalated Quickly — launched earlier this week, while Power Hungry Pets, Danger Danger, and Hoppy Salmon will be available online and in stores next month. Read more…

Crayola to Host Third Annual Creativity Week

Crayola will provide parents and educators with a free week-long program, full of activities, events, celebrity appearances, and more, all aiming to spark kids’ creativity, later this month. Read more…

PlayMonster Launches ‘Bluey’ Spirograph

PlayMonster is teaming up with Hasbro to launch a new Spirograph art set featuring some of kids’ favorite characters from the preschool series Bluey. Read more…

Step2’s New Toy Storage Box Brings Organization to Your Home



The new Harmony Toy Storage Box is here to make any day of play easy to clean up after. The box features a large bottom storage area, a middle shelf perfectly sized for books, and more. Read more at The Toy Insider…

Bandai to Release Trading Card Game Union Arena English Version

Bandai is making moves to bring its Union Arena game to a wider, international audience. The Japanese trading card game was originally released in March, and features a collection of anime and game intellectual properties. Read more…

Holiday Hill Farm Inks Consumer Products Deal with Oriental Trading

Holiday Hill Farm is entering a three-year licensing agreement with Berkshire Hathaway’s Oriental Trading to create products featuring Spookley the Square Pumpkin and other Holiday Hill Farm characters. Read more…

Stock This! 27 New Toys & Games to Look Out For

From our Innovation & STEAM Issue comes this curated showcase featuring more than two dozen new toys and games across a variety of categories that retailers should have on their radar in the months ahead. Read more…

Yogapalooza with Bari Koral Launches Licensing Program

Yogapalooza was created by singer-songwriter and kids yoga pioneer Bari Koral and has helped millions of preschoolers move their bodies, ease anxiety, and learn self-regulating practices while being entertained. Read more…

Idea to Innovation: An Inventor’s Idea Meets VTech’s Product Development Expertise

VTech has been a pioneer and world leader in electronic toys for more than 45 years. With its core values centered on innovation and play value, the company is now turning the corner to explore how its unique strengths and expertise can be applied to other categories with the help of inventors. Read more…

Enchanted Moments Expands with New Hire, Partnerships

Enchanted Moments is making its way across the U.S. with new plans in the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeast via a collaboration with the H D Coller Company. Scott Friedland has been brought on to head accounts in the Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin areas. Read more…

Hasbro President of Toys, Licensing, & Entertainment Tim Kilpin Joins The Toy Association Board of Directors

Tim Kilpin will sit on the organization’s Executive Committee, filling the position left vacant following Andy Keimach’s transition to interim President & Chief Executive Officer of The Toy Association on Jan. 1. Read more…