|
|
WowWee Partners with Gamefam for My Avastars ‘Roblox’ Game and Doll Line
WowWee is partnering with Gamefam to create the My Avastars: RP roleplaying game, launching in July. Kids can get to know the My Avastars characters in this Roblox game, while also collecting the physical My Avastars dolls in real life. Both the physical and digital versions of the dolls will feature a variety of looks and accessories so that kids can customize them with hundreds of different looks. Read more…
|
|
|
|
|
Hasbro Reveals First-Ever NERF Official Mascot
Hasbro is expanding the NERF team with the brand’s first-ever official mascot. Personifying the playful spirit that NERF encourages, Murph is made entirely of NERF foam darts from head to toe. They are a natural athlete, an expert at surprise NERF Super Soaker ambushes, and a fantastic trick shooter with any NERF blaster. Read more…
|
|
|
|
|
EXCLUSIVE: Jada Toys Launches Transformers Converting Optimus Prime RC
The leader of the Autobots is rolling out, R/C style. In collaboration with Hasbro, Jada Toys has launched the interactive Transformers Converting Optimus Prime RC. With the push of one button, kids and collectors will transform the robot to vehicle mode and back. Read more…
|
|
|
|
|
Exclusive: The Noble Collection Reveals Details on Minecraft Licensing Partnership
The Noble Collection inked a licensing deal for a new line of products inspired by the hit video game Minecraft. Under the new deal, The Noble Collection will create a Minecraft Signature Edition Chess Set and an assortment of real-world prop replicas geared toward fans and collectors. Read more…
|
|
|
|
|
L.O.L. Surprise! Celebrates 6 Years with Collectible Dolls and Pop-Up Events
L.O.L. Surprise! dolls from MGA Entertainment have inspired consumers for the last six years to express themselves and be confident while doing so. To celebrate six years of empowerment, MGA is launching a “fierce” collection of some classic L.O.L. Surprise! dolls full of new, bold looks, plus three pop-up events across the U.S. to further push their initiative and inspire fans to "find their fierce." Read more…
MGA Entertainment is also launching the first series of Bratz Minis and Bratz Mini Cosmetics. These mystery packs transform the classic Bratz dolls and cute cosmetics into miniature versions. Read more…
|
|
|
|
|
Mattel Gives Back During Play it Forward Global Volunteer Week
Mattel paid it forward by playing it forward. Last week, the entertainment and toy manufacturing company held its annual Play it Forward Global Volunteer Week. This series of events provided Mattel employees with various opportunities to support their communities through beautification projects, toy donations, home constructions, and more. Read more…
|
|
|
|
|
PlayMonster’s New Craft-tastic Nature Activity Kits Inspire Summer Exploration
The toy company’s new Craft-tastic Nature activity kits give kids and their families the opportunity to immerse themselves in craft experiences using simple prompts and supplied materials. Kids will also have to explore the great outdoors to collect the necessary natural ingredients for each project, including flowers, leaves, rocks, and sticks. Read more…
|
|
|
|
|
Bandai Launches Vital Hero, the Wearable Digital Monster Band
This summer, Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America will launch Vital Hero, gamified, wearable bands with digital monsters in them. The first wave of bands have one unique digital monster per band, with an extensive roster of monsters that kids can collect to extend play. Read more…
|
|
|
|
|
WiT Opens Registration for 9th Annual Empowerment Day
Women in Toys, Licensing, and Entertainment (WiT) has opened registration for its 9th annual WiT Empowerment Day. The event will take place on Sept. 19 at the Dallas Market Center in partnership with The Toy Association’s Preview and Holiday Market, as well as in collaboration with Walmart. Read more…
|
|
|
|
|
Kids2 Completes Summer Infant Acquisition
Kids2 has closed the acquisition of infant and juvenile products company Summer Infant (SUMR Brands). The merger was first established in March, incorporating all of the company’s outstanding stock into the agreement. Summer Infant is joining the umbrella of Kids2 brands, including Baby Einstein, Bright Stars, and Ingenuity. Read more…
|
|
|
|
|
Exploding Kittens Goes Full Pet Sematary for New Zombie Kittens Game
Welcome to the night of the meowing, living dead! Exploding Kittens is launching a new expansion to its popular, eponymous card game, Exploding Kittens. In the new version, called Zombie Kittens, players explode and then come back to life ... and then maybe explode again. As countless zombie movies have taught us, it’s hard to get rid of the living dead! Read more…
|
|
|
|
|
Funko, My Little Pony Team Up For New NFT Series
Hasbro has partnered with Funko for a new My Little Pony non-fungible token (NFT) collection. The series of animated, digital trading cards will include Pop!-style versions of fan-favorite characters from the toy brand, such as Pinkie Pie, Princess Luna, Rainbow Dash, and more. Read more…
|
|
|
|
|
NFTs Go Fungible For Game Night in New Ape-Opoly Board Game
few years. Now, one of the most recognizable players in NFTs has partnered with family board game maker Imagination Gaming to bring the crypto experience to game night. In collaboration with Bored Ape Yacht Club, Imagination Gaming is launching a board game called Ape-Opoly, in which players can experience the highs and lows of what it's like to be an NFT investor. Read more…
|
|
|
|
|
Razor Launches Ride with Us Campaign
The scooter brand is launching its first-ever brand campaign, Razor … Ride with Us. The new slogan — which was created in partnership with brand agency space.camp — will debut with a campaign featuring a brand anthem spot, social media and in-person activations, a new logo, and other promotions. Read more…
|
|
|
|
|
How the Toy Industry Is Navigating the Metaverse and Web3
Generation Alpha socializes and plays in a network of virtual worlds called the metaverse, and even the internet itself is evolving into a new stage called Web3. This new lingo may sound like a bunch of mumbo jumbo to those who are less technologically inclined, but it’s crucial for the toy industry to stay on top of these trends because consumer behavior is shifting. Brands need to be where kids are. After all, you can’t ignore your target audience. So, what exactly is the metaverse and Web3? Read more…
|
|
|
|
|
SuperAwesome: Engaging the Modern Girl
Marketers can benefit from today’s digital media landscape by leveraging existing behavioral patterns at scale. Brands can find success by creating safe, online spaces for girls and kids who identify as girls to experience and share what they love with others in a branded or brand-sponsored environment. Read more…
|
|
|
|
|
It's Showtime on the Sea: ASTRA Sets Sail with the Toy Boat
Thinking outside of the walls of hotels, showrooms, or convention centers, ASTRA is launching a whole new way for our industry to gather: the ASTRA Toy Boat, due to set sail from Feb. 20-24, 2023. You heard correctly: Toy Boat. ASTRA President Sue Warfield answers a few questions you may have about the organization’s newest adventure. Read more…
|
|
|
|
|
New Data Suggests Inflation Is Finally Slowing U.S. Retail Sales
The impact of rampant inflation on U.S. consumers' wallets has finally made a slight, but noticeable, dent at the cash register. New data released by the U.S. Census Bureau and the National Retail Federation reflects slow retail growth from month to month. Read more…
|
|
|
|
|
Amazon Prime Day, Target Deal Days Lead the Charge for Summer Inventory Blowouts, and Yes, Toys Are Included
From inventory shortages to backlogs of over-ordered goods, the supply chain challenges of the past year have moved the needle from one side to another as retailers struggle to balance the line between too little and too much. With rafts of late deliveries showing up, including products that are either out of season or out of favor due to wildly shifting, pandemic-fueled buying patterns, retailers are ready to clear out inventory, and the big sales are about to begin. Read more…
|
|
|
|
|
In Memoriam: Mark Hatherill
Toy industry veteran Mark Hatherill died on June 13, 2022. Hatherill's career spanned 35 years in the toy industry, including positions at Mattel, Playmates Toys, and Munchkin Inc., working with iconic brands such as Barbie, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Star Trek. He also consulted with multiple start-ups throughout his career. Read more…
|
|
|
|
|
Mattel Names Josh Silverman as Global Head of Consumer Products and Chief Franchise Officer
Mattel Inc. appointed Josh Silverman to serve as global head of consumer products and chief franchise officer, effective September 1, 2022. Silverman joins Mattel from The Walt Disney Co. where he spent more than a decade in its consumer products division. Read more…
|
|
|
The Toy Book Toy Report™ is a registered trademark of Adventure Media Events, LLC.
It is published by Adventure Media and Events, LLC,
307 Seventh Avenue, Room 501, New York, NY 10001.
Closing is Wednesday at noon EST of the same week's edition.
If you would like to submit news to the Toy Book Toy Report, please email
If you would like to advertise in the Toy Book Toy Report,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
