July 28, 2022
Exclusive: Jakks Pacific Celebrates Christmas in July with Clark Griswold, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Super Mario Reveals

For the third year in a row, all three Adventure Media & Events publications — the Toy Book, the Toy Insider, and the Pop Insider — have teamed up with Jakks Pacific to celebrate Christmas in July with an exclusive look at upcoming holiday-themed products. Jakks is spreading the holiday cheer in the months ahead with new products and the return of some sought-after favorites from the past two years. Read more…
Under Fire: Police Departments Take Aim at Growing Gel, Bead Blaster Toy Category

Just as the category of water-based gel and bead blasters is taking off in the U.S., The Toy Book breaks down the timeline of recent events that have led to a brewing controversy over these toys, which have led to incidents with police. Read more…
Spin Master Answers the Call for Disney’s ‘Firebuds’ Toy Line

Spin Master inked a deal to develop a full range of toys inspired by the upcoming animated series, Firebuds. Created by Emmy Award-winner Craig Gerber (Sophia the First, Elena of Avalor), Firebuds is a music-filled series that follows the kids of first responders and their talking vehicle sidekicks as they learn what it means to be a real hero. Read more…
Tony Hawk, Mattel Reimagine the Fingerboard Space with Hot Wheels Skate Launch

The new line is a reinvention of the fingerboard category, combining Hot Wheels’ design flair with a goal of being inclusive to those of all experience levels. Walmart is the exclusive retail partner for the August launch. Read more…
Hasbro Clarifies Plastic-Free Packaging Plans for Select Action Figure Lines

The toy giant offered an update on its plastic-free packaging transition based on consumer concerns and retailer questions regarding toys that could be considered as collectibles in which the packaging might be viewed as part of reason for purchase. Read more…
Funko Levels up to Create AAA Video Games with 10:10 Games

Last year, Funko officially became a $1 billion toy, collectible, and lifestyle company, but its entertainment aspirations have been looming large. Now, the company inked a deal with 10:10 Games to create a series of AAA video games, beginning with an action platformer set for release next year. Read more…
MGA Entertainment Launches L.O.L. Surprise! Tweens Series 3 Fashion Dolls

Series 3 is launching just in time for International Sisters Day (Aug. 7) and includes four different tween characters: Chloe Pepper, Nia Regal, Marilyn Star, and Emma Emo. Kids can unbox 15 surprises in each package, including a 6.5-inch Tweens Fashion Doll that is articulated at the elbows and knees for posing. Read more…
LEGO, General Motors Partner to Release LEGO Chevrolet Camaro Z28

LEGO is revving its engines with the LEGO Chevrolet Camaro Z28. The set is a detailed recreation of the muscle car and includes a working steering wheel, a detailed engine, and doors that open and close. Read more…
Pokémon TCG: Trick or Trade BOOster Bundle Creeps Into Stores This Halloween Season

The Pokémon Co. International revealed plans for some upcoming Halloween festivities that are about to bring frightening fun to the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG), starting with the new Pokémon TCG: Trick or Trade BOOster Bundle. Read more…
Spielwarenmesse Opens Model Hall to Consumers in 2023

The next Spielwarenmesse is set to take place from Feb. 1-Feb. 5, 2023 and will set the direction of the toy industry for the upcoming year. For the first time, Spielwarenemsse has decided to open the Model Railways and Model Construction hall to consumers. Read more…
Ravensburger, Warner Bros. Team up to Launch Blockbuster-Themed Jigsaw Puzzles

The new puzzle line will include art from popular films and animation classics, such as Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, Scooby-Doo, The Flintstones, Looney Tunes, and Tom & Jerry. The range includes puzzles with various levels of difficulty, including larger-size puzzle pieces and smaller counts for kids and more challenging, higher piece-counts for adults. Read more…
NECA's New E.T. 40th Anniversary Figure Is Lit — Literally

This E.T. action figure is heartwarming — and not just because of that endearing smile. NECA’s E.T. 40th Anniversary 7-inch Scale Action Figure- Deluxe Ultimate E.T. with LED Chest is one of several new offerings designed to celebrate the titular character from Spielberg’s classic film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Read more…
Tangle Puts a Spin on Classic Toys with New Fidget Toys and a Nightball Volleyball

Tangle is offering a new take on a classic toy that brings sea creatures to kids’ hands, expanding the Tangle fidget toy with an under-the-sea theme. Tangle is also launching a new, water-resistant volleyball that features LED lighting. Read more…
Care-a-Lot Bear Joins the Care Bears to Celebrate the Brand’s 40th Anniversary

Cloudco Entertainment — owner of the Care Bears brands — is celebrating 40 years of sharing and caring with a special 40th anniversary Care Bear: Care-a-Lot Bear! The new character possesses the most magic and belly badge powers of all the bears, and knows that caring for others is the best way to spread kindness and love. Read more…
Hunter Products Taps Canspan BMG for North American Expansion

The two companies will partner to launch a variety of toy releases into the North American toy market, including Hunter Products’ newly released Big, Big Baby. Canspan will provide influencer outreach and activations, as well as publicity and editorial services. Read more…
Brand Licensing Europe Returns This Fall with New Online Platform

Europe’s leading licensing and brand extension event returns in September for an in-person event in London with virtual days following the live event. In preparation for the event, BLE launched the brand directory and online planner to help attendees keep track of which brands will be in attendance and to promote networking opportunities Read more…
Chrissy Fagerholt of EAP Toys & Games Talks Game Development on the ‘Power Kid Podcast’

In this week’s episode of the “Power Kid Podcast,” host Phil Albritton of Power Kid Design welcomes Chrissy Fagerholt of EAP Toys & Games to the show. Listen here…

The Toy Book Podcasts by Adventure Media & Events are available through all of your favorite streaming services, including Amazon Music, Anchor, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more.
Mattel Smashes Earnings Estimates in Q2 as Toy Sales Spike 20%

Inflation and supply chain issues are no match for the comeback kids at Mattel. Following its completed turnaround efforts, Mattel Inc. scored another quarter of double-digit growth, with second quarter earnings beating estimates as net sales spiked 20% over the same period last year to hit $1.23 billion. Read more…
Toys ‘R’ Us Iberia Saved as WHP Global, PRG Retail Group Strike Licensing Deal for Spain, Portugal

Following the recent bankruptcy filing for the Green Swan-operated Toys “R” Us (TRU) Iberia, a new deal is in place under which TRU throughout Spain and Portugal will continue to operate. WHP Global, the parent company of TRU, struck a long-term deal with the Italian PRG Retail Group to license the brand for more than 40 stores. Read more…
Mastermind Toys Launches Private Brand

Timed to launch in time for back-to-school season, the house brand for Canada’s Mastermind Toys includes neon playground balls, slap bracelets, a stationery assortment, and more. The company says that it plans to double its private brand assortment for the upcoming holiday season and again double that presence in the next few years. Read more…
Exclusive: Just Play Appoints Sujata Luther as President

Luther, who has consulted for the company in the past, will support Just Play’s growth and expansion. Luther has held executive roles at Nickelodeon, MGA Entertainment, and Mattel, and will oversee the company’s day-to-day operations. Read more…
Delanie West Joins Graphic Artists Guild as Director at Large

Be Super Creative Founder and Creative Director Delanie West has been named Director at Large by the Graphic Artists Guild, an organization uniting graphic designers, interactive designers, illustrators, animators, and photographers. Read more…
 
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