From the Editor: The Holiday Home Stretch!



The finish line is in sight as the toy industry races toward the end of another challenging year, but will 2022 be hailed as a victory? Dig into this week’s commentary…

‘Barbie’ Teaser Trailer Encourages Kids to Touch a Toyetic Monolith



Warner Bros. surprised audiences by attaching the teaser trailer for the Barbie movie from filmmaker Greta Gerwig to prints of Avatar: The Way of Water. The short clip instantly set social media ablaze in a flurry of activity commenting on the Barbie-fied version of Los Angeles. See the trailer…

LEGO Expands Modular Building Collection with Jazz Club



The LEGO Jazz Club sets the tone for a smooth evening of music and relaxing building. The set is built in five pieces, including a pizza parlor, an office, a tailor’s workshop, a dressing room, a rooftop greenhouse, and — of course — the jazz club. Check out the saxxy construction set…

Hape Supports 10th Annual ‘Christmas with the Currys’



Hape’s “Love, Play, Learn” mantra met the Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation at Christmas with the Currys, an annual event hosted by Stephen and Ayesha Curry to bring the holidays to families in Oakland, California. Read more…

Hasbro Playing with Purpose ESG Report Goes Over Planet, Play, People, and Principles



The toy and entertainment giant’s latest environmental, social, and governance (ESG) progress report, Playing with Purpose, details advancement and plans from Hasbro across four areas: planet, play, people, and principles. Get the details…

Plastic Meatball Preps 'Emmet Otter's Jugband Christmas' 45th Anniversary Collection



The Jim Henson Co. teamed up with rising merch-maker Plastic Meatball to create a collection of action figures, posters, and apparel to celebrate the classic holiday special. There ain’t no hole in this washtub…

Distroller World Ceases U.S. Operations



It’s been a rough few years for Distroller World. Just months after the unexpected passing of its founder, Amparo Serrano — known to many fans as Amparín — the company has ceased its U.S. operations and plans to focus exclusively on Mexico and Latin America. Read more…

Toys for the North Sees Record-Breaking Toy Donations



The Canadian charity reported a huge increase in donated toys this year, up 170% from last year. With a total of more than $470,000 worth of toys donated, the organization is set to make the season bright. Read more…

33 Perfect Presents for Infants & Newborn Babies



The Toy Insider looks at some of the hottest gift ideas for the newest members of the family in this special roundup. Get the scoop from new mom and Toy Insider Editor-in-Chief Marissa Silva…

Just Play Taps Industry Veteran as Head of International



Shari Mann is returning to Just Play as its Head of International. Mann has been in the industry for almost 20 years, starting her toy career in 2003 serving as International Sales Manager at Play Along under Just Play co-CEO Charlie Emby. Read more…

Beacon Communications Reveals Leadership Expansion



The communications arm of Beacon Media Group completed a leadership expansion that includes promotions and new hires. The agency says that it’s focusing on its global brand strategy with a commitment to expand into new markets in the year ahead. Read more…

Stern Pinball Expands Leadership Team; Seth Davis Named CEO



Stern Pinball Founder Gary Stern is stepping down as CEO, but is keeping his position as Chairman of the Board. He is being succeeded by Seth Davis, who is currently serving as President of the company. Read more…

Game On: Arcade1Up Expands Sales Team



A trio of new players from the consumer electronics industry has entered the game with Tastemakers’ retro home arcade business, while an experienced player has leveled up to a new role. Read more…