Toy Safety Tips – As shoppers head to the malls, or before they buy online, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is reminding consumers to put safety at the top of their toy shopping list and is urging manufacturers and consumers to be vigilant, especially when it comes to buying children’s toys.
Toy Safety Awareness – With the holiday shopping season well underway, The Toy Association is offering parents, grandparents, and other gift-givers reliable toy and play safety advice as part of the 2nd annual “Toy Safety Awareness Month.”
Top Toys
tonies Sleepy Friends – Award-winning audio system designs new collection to help little ones wind down.
Squishmallows wins distinguished Toy of the Year Award – The Toy Foundation (TTF) announced Squishmallows from Jazwares has been named the winner of both the “Toy of the Year” and the “People’s Choice” awards, as part of the 23rd edition of theToy of the Year (TOTY) Awards & Celebration.
Toy Association Releases STEAM Toy Guide – The “Holiday 2022 STEAM Toy Guide,” includes 30 officially accredited STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) toys.
Top Toy Trends – The Toy Association reveals the top toy trends of the 2022 holiday season.
TPBot Car from ELECFREAKS wins 2022 IDEA Bronze Award – The TPBot Car is a micro:bit programmable smart car. It not only can be a toy that can perform entertainment functions such as line patrol and obstacle avoidance when it is not plugged into the micro:bit motherboard, but it can also be a teaching tool, through which you can learn programming skills.
The New Monster High– Nickelodeon and Mattel released the official trailer for Monster High, the original animated series based on the globally loved and iconic Monster High franchise!
tonies Set ro be Youngsters Wishlists – Designed for children to replace bright and overstimulating screens, the Toniebox is a robust, softly padded musical storytelling box, built for kids.
Warmies – Known for their best-selling, lavender-infused plush toys, has been awarded a Mom’s Choice Award for Best Product in the Toys, Games, and Puzzles categories.
The Toy Insider Hot Toys – The Toy Insider’s 17th annual Holiday Gift Guide has more than 360 toys from 145 toymakers. The hottest and most coveted products for 2022 are broken out into three toy lists: the Hot 20, STEM 10, and 12 Under $20.
Toys of the Year – The prestigious awards spotlighted the finalists across 17 categories of play, including collectibles, grown-up, plush, specialty, and the newly created ride-on category. Eighteen winners were announced, including a tie for Specialty Toy of the Year.
Top Toys – A magical crystal ball, a giant pyramid climbing tower, and the most diverse assortment of dolls ever are among the 122 innovative finalists for this September’s Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards.
2022 Top Toy Trends – The Toys Association unveiled the top toy trends that are expected to drive consumer spending on toys in 2022.
TOTY 2022 – The Toy Foundation announces the 2022 Toy of the Year Awards.
On the Wishlist
WILD HEARTS is a new kind of hunting game that whisks players away on an epic adventure in fantasy medieval Japan.
Melissa & Doug for Infants and Toddlers – The #1 preschool brand for wooden and sustainable toys, has developed an innovative and fun collection of infant and toddler toys designed to inspire learning through play.
BANANAGRAMS® Signature Edition – Signature features 144 elegant brown and gold letter tiles, ten “luxe” tiles for an added twist to stand in as any letter, and unique sewn-in fabric instructions—all in premium velvet pouch.
Monopoly: Original Squishmallows Collector’s Edition – In this new twist on the world’s most popular board game, players can gather their fellow Squishmallow fans and friends to buy, sell and trade their way to victory.
Brightkins – 13 interactive “paws-on” pet toys and tools to keep pets happy, sharp and active, while engaging the entire family.
Backdrop x Barbie – Backdrop launches a trio of new paint colors timed to the 60th anniversary of the Barbie Dreamhouse™.
Bruno the Brake Car– Mattel introduces Bruno, the first autistic character in the iconic Thomas & Friends franchise.
Tonka’s 75th Birthday Playcation – TONKA Spokesperson Shaquille O’Neal Kicks Off the Iconic Brand’s 75th Anniversary with Month-Long “Playcation” Encouraging Families to Play Together.
An American Girl – Inspired by 1920s historical character, Claudie Wells, whose story is written by acclaimed author Brit Bennett.
Mewaii – On social media have sparked passion amongst audiences, pushing them beyond simply liking and sharing as they have successfully urged a click and buy frenzy; but one is never enough, they are collectibles after all.
EA SPORTS™ FIFA 23– FIFA 23’s HyperMotion2 technology and physics system have unlocked an array of new features making the gameplay experience feel more immersive than ever.
Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America’s Stranger Things – Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America Inc. is bringing Vecna beyond the television screen and into your home like never before with two must-have collectible figures and an Amazon 4-pack deal that bundles all the monstrous fun.
Just Play Art Squad – Art Squad celebrates creativity, crafting and self-expression with gorgeous 10-inch dolls that include arts & crafts supplies, color-in clothing and accessories, and DIY activities for both kids and their doll.
My Avastars™– WowWee partners with Gamefam to innovate the doll and gaming categories, bringing physical dolls to life online with My Avastars.
Vital Hero – An interactive band that evolves the way you play!
Bratz Minis and Bratz Minis Cosmetics – Each Bratz Minis mystery pack includes two nearly 2-inch tall Bratz dolls in mini replica packaging, mirroring the full-sized dolls iconic classic packaging.
DJ Beat Boxer™ – Available this fall, the adorable DJ Beat Boxer™ lets kids move and groove with beatboxing, mixing music and nurturing play.
Marble Rush™ – VTech® has announced the expansion of its popular Marble Rush™ line with the addition of the Marble Rush Corkscrew Rush Set™ and Marble Rush Raceway Set.
Cool Cats – Cool Cats and TOIKIDO announced a manufacturing and distribution deal for a wide range of Cool Cats merchandise – including toys such as plushies – to bring the beloved characters of the Cooltopia ecosystem into the physical world.
Barbie in Space – In collaboration with the International Space Station (ISS) National Lab on Mission DreamStar, Mattel sent two Barbie dolls up to space to encourage girls to consider a career in aerospace, engineering and STEM.
LEGO Star Wars™: The Skywalker Saga – Warner Bros. Games, TT Games, the LEGO Group and Lucasfilm Games today announced LEGO Star Wars™: The Skywalker Saga, the latest LEGO Star Wars™ title featuring all nine Skywalker saga films in one brand new game, is now available.
LeapFrog® New Interactive Learning Toys – With a focus on curriculum-based content and important foundational skills, LeapFrog gets kids excited about learning with exciting new products, including the Magic Adventures Microscope™, LeapPods Max™ and Touch & Learn World Map™.
Moose Toys 2022 – Leading toy innovator to deliver expansive toy line that builds on success of holiday phenom Magic Mixies Magic Cauldron, positions Moose as player in games category, flexes preschool properties prowess.
Sonic the Hedgehog Movie 2 toys and collectibles by JAKKS Pacific and Disguide, Inc. – The new line of merchandise from JAKKS is set to include action figures, playsets, vehicles, plush toys, and other collectibles just in time for the film’s international release. Disguise, the costume division of JAKKS Pacific, will also be designing and manufacturing costumes and accessories inspired by characters from Sonic the Hedgehog 2, which will be available to fans this Fall.
LEGO and Universal Add New Jurassic World Sets – Continuing to build out the portfolio for Jurassic World fans globally, the newest sets, featuring the largest assortment of dinosaurs than ever before in LEGO® brick form, also include fan favorite characters like Owen, Claire, Ian Malcolm, Dr. Ellie Sattler and more.
The Spice Girls Are Back in Brick – In celebration of new LEGO set, world-renowned photographer Rankin has brought the brick band to life, recreating images originally shot in Rankin’s studio that made the girls so recognisable around the world, this time featuring the LEGO BrickHeadz quintet.
2022 Hasbro – Hasbro is unveiling all-new entertainment and product innovations across key franchise categories including action brands, such as Power Rangers and Transformers; sports action brands leading the way with NERF; arts & crafts brands with Play-Doh; gaming brands, including Clue, Dungeons & Dragons, Magic: The Gathering and Monopoly; fashion brands, like Baby Alive and My Little Pony and preschool brands, such as Peppa Pig and PJ Masks.
Spin Master 2022 – Spin Master Forecasts Fun For 2022 with Toys and Activities that Inspire Creators, Fuel Fandoms, and Promote Inclusive Play
Baby Shark’s Big Show – Introducing WowWee’s new plush, playset, figures and bath toys based on the preschool series, Baby Shark’s Big Show!
Mattel Canada Reveals Most Wanted Toys for 2021 – Gift givers can expect to see new and exciting toys from their favourite brands such as Hot Wheels®, Barbie® and Fisher-Price® as well as a large assortment of items that are sure to spark nostalgia.
PonyCycle: The Most Coveted Gift on the Market for Young Children – The PonyCycle makes the perfect Christmas or holiday gift for children ages 4 to 9. Currently, the PonyCycle is available in three different sizes, so a young child of any size can enjoy one. The PonyCycle is also available in a variety of different colors for parents and children to choose from.
Walthers Build-A-World Railroad Subscription– Walthers’ Build-A-World Modeling Kit reimagines how model railroading is introduced to hobbyists bringing creativity, learning and fun straight to their door.
Spin Master Makes A Splash – The children’s entertainment company, makes a splash with the debut of Mermaid High™, a collection of fashion dolls with animated digital content and a vlog-style series.
Board & Card Games
Card Playing Day – Shuffle your cards and cut the deck on Card Playing Day, December 28.
Game & Puzzle Week – National Game and Puzzle Week is from November 20 to November 26, spanning Thanksgiving week.
Play Monopoly Day – National Play Monopoly Day is on November 19 every year.
MONOPOLY: David Bowie – Relive the artistry and musical milestones of one of the world’s most influential artists as you buy, sell, and trade locations named for Bowie’s remarkable albums, such as The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders from Mars.
National Scrabble Day – Alfred Mosher Butts gave the world an iconic board game and on April 13 we celebrate his birthday and the board game Scrabble!
Really Loud Librarians – Exploding Kittens, a leading gaming and entertainment company, announces the launch of its newest game, Really Loud Librarians, a merciless, word-shouting board game where players’ useless knowledge wins useful points.
Happy Salmon – Exploding Kittens, the hit tabletop game creator, announced the relaunch of popular, fast-paced card game, Happy Salmon, recently acquired from North Star Games.
Best Baby Boomer Games – Baby Boomer games and toys are certainly long-lost treasures for many grandparents today. The holiday season is a terrific time to bridge the generation gap(s) and bring some nostalgic fun to the game table!
Blue Orange Games – Blue Orange has created entertaining games for families for a decade. The classic format and construction of recycled tin and wood products takes me back to the days where I didn’t need batteries or an Internet connection to play.
Monopoly Goonies – Fans of the cult film The Goonies will appreciate this 2020 version of Monopoly. The Steven Spielberg film became one of the top-10 highest grossing films of 1985.
2021 Winning Moves Games USA – Two new games designed to bring the family together! Words Over Easy™ is a quick-playing word game with uniquely shaped letter eggs and a random letter sorter. The second new game in Winning Moves Games USA’s 2021 line is a fast-paced card game called Trashed™!
Educational Kits & Activities
Crayola Creative Color Play – Infuse color into your holiday season with all new toys and activities for toddlers through tweens from Crayola.
LEGO Education Minifigures Launch Into Space – Available now, the Build to Launch Series, designed in collaboration with NASA, offers free, hands-on, interactive lessons that allow students to explore different STEAM concepts and careers inspired by the Artemis missions.
Potato Chip Science – Featuring 29 incredible experiments-plus one edible project, what could be better than an educational gift which sparks young scientists imagination?
In the Spotlight
Barbie Celebrates Women – Barbie recognizes seven female leaders in STEM from across the globe as part of the brand’s long-term commitment to helping girls realize their limitless potential.
American Girl Twins– New historical duo find their inner girl power growing up during the dial-up decade.
National Barbie Day – March 9 is National Barbie Day! The perfect opportunity to recognize a favorite collectible and playtime toy.
Little People Collector™ Super Bowl LVII Champions – Fisher-Price® Launches Exclusive Little People Collector™ Super Bowl LVII Champions Set. Fans of the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles Can Now Pre-Order Commemorative Set to Remember Their Team Making Sports History.
Bobblehead Day – National Bobblehead Day on January 7 now is a chance to recognize the fun behind these dolls and figures.
Easy-Bake Oven Day – Learn about the evolution of this perennially popular toy.
Plush Animal Lover’s Day – Celebrated on October 28 every year. and a time to appreciate your favorite plushie or collection.
Teddy Bear Day – Teddy Bear Day is celebrated on September 9 annually, a day set aside for everyone to bring out all their teddy bears to thank them for their companionship.
Top Ten Barbie – As the Barbie doll approaches her 65th birthday, it seems like a good time to reminisce about my top ten choices for my dream collection.
National Puzzles Day – January 29 marks National Puzzle a day when we celebrate the enjoyment of completing puzzles and all sorts of mind-bending problems.
Jigsaw Puzzling – A selection of Web Links and resources to get you started with this popular pastime.
Greatest Classic TV Mom – Mrs. C from “Happy Day” tops the chart as the most voted for Greatest Classic Mom. More than 6000 people participated in then 7-day tournament.
The Toy Association Announces Top Toy Trends of 2021– “This year’s biggest trends underscore the ongoing impact of the pandemic on play; the toy industry’s growing commitment to helping kids become better global citizens; and the many social, emotional, and cognitive benefits of mindful, musical, and ‘kidult’ toys,” said Adrienne Appell, senior vice president of marketing communications at The Toy Association.
Arts & Crafts
Klutz 2020 – With kids spending more time than ever on devices for remote schooling, the Klutz kits offer a much-needed break from screens and a fun, educational escape from the new-normal that has been a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Spirograph – A true classic, the Spirograph came into play in 1965. It was created by Denys Fisher, a mechanical engineer. Combining the principles of art and mathematics, Denys set off to create a drafting tool and ended up creating a piece of art, enjoyed by generations of aspiring artists.
Colorful Easter Eggs – What would Easter be without family egg decorating? That’s not something most people would even consider, according to a new survey from PAAS®, America’s favorite egg-decorating brand.
News
Spin Master 2023 – Spin Master unveils their 2023 portfolio of toys, games, and activities that will spark creativity and imagination in both kids and kids at heart this year.
American Girl’s 2023 Girl of the Year – Meet Kavi Sharma, American Girl’s 2023 Girl of the Year. In her story, written by Varsha Bajaj, Kavi has a passion for performing and dreams of starring on Broadway one day.
Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon – The Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon game, a new take on the Bayonetta series, launches for Nintendo Switch on March 17, 2023.
Crash Bandicoot Returns – Get ready to team up and throw down, because Crash and his friends (and foes) are back, and this time there will be some unexpected, fur-ocious competition!
EA SPORTS™ NHL® 23 – For the first time ever, IIHF Women’s National Team members can now play alongside men in the same HUT squad, meaning players can line up Team Canada’s Sarah Nurse alongside Ducks phenom Trevor Zegras to make their very own dream team of the sport’s best players.
Volvo CE partners with BRIO – Volvo CE and BRIO will launch a new range of wooden construction toys to delight and excite the imagination of aspiring young construction engineers.
EA SPORTS Madden NFL 23 – Through new technology and mechanics, FieldSENSEdelivers a gameplay flow with realistic outcomes on the field.
Nintendo Indie Showcase – 20 Indie Games Featured in New Presentation, Including ElecHead, Another Crab’s Treasure, Gunbrella, Wildfrost and Ooblets.
Dance to the Beat of 40 Hot New Tracks – Just Dance® 2022, the newest installment of the #1 Music Video Game Franchise of All Time,* is now available on the Nintendo Switch™ system, PlayStation®4, PlayStation®5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S consoles and Stadia.
L.O.L. Surprise!™ Toy Series, Movie Magic™ – Kids will get a chance to play filmmakers themselves with the ultimate gift item, L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G.™ Movie Magic Studio™. The set includes 12 exclusive dolls to play the cast & crew, and a package that folds out into a 360-degree playset, a green screen, and a movie theater.
Jazwares Launches Music-Centric Toy Line on Amazon – The all-new Di, Re, and Mi toy collection is available exclusively on Amazon and includes Do the owl, Re the hummingbird, and Mi the blue jay in addition to musical instruments, play sets, and more!
VTech® Marble Rush™ – Marble Rush lets kids build thrilling courses, send marbles into motion and compete with family and friends in exciting challenges with sounds and lights.
Magic Mixies Magic Cauldron – A first-of-its-kind interactive toy created to ignite imaginations by putting real magic into kids’ hands.
Mego Figures Teams Up With Topps – Topps.com will feature exclusive action figures of some of the most iconic characters from Warner Bros, DC, MGM, Fox, and more. The action figures, available exclusively on Topps.com, will include additional new characters through reimagined classics.
LEGO® Education introduces SPIKE Essential – Announced as part of the LEGO® Learning System, LEGO® Education introduces SPIKE Essential to engage students in STEAM through playful learning experiences, putting them on the path to become resilient, independent thinkers.
First-ever Hot Wheels® NFT Series – Mattel, Inc. announced that Mattel Creations, the company’s collaboration and direct-to-consumer platform, is further evolving its toys as art collection to include a Non-Fungible Token (“NFT”) series from the super-charged Hot Wheels brand featuring the Twin Mill®, Bone Shaker® and Deora® II.
Bandai America Launches Tamagotchi Pix – Bandai America is fortifying the Tamagotchi franchise in the North American market and allowing fans to enter the Tamagotchi world like never before.
Bandai America Launches One-Piece Action Figures – One Piece action figures are highly detailed 6.5-inch figures, equipped with over 16 points of articulation allowing fans to recreate beloved moments from the anime series.
Moose Toys Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout – The innovative toy company partners with Mediatonic and Devolver Digital to introduce first-ever toys and collectibles for multiplayer gaming phenomenon.
Breyer Announces Release of Hope– Every year, Breyer features a themed limited-edition Horse of the Year. For 2021, the company wanted to celebrate the most powerful driver of good and progress – hope.
Get Ready to Groove And Bust A Move – LOL Surprise™, no. 1 Toy Property*, is moving into the Roblox world, bringing their fierce fashions, surprises and outrageous personalities to game play!
Moose Toys & Warner Bros.: Space Jam: A New Legacy – Moose Toys, a leading innovator in the toy industry, in collaboration with Warner Bros. Consumer Products will have fans cheering with the introduction of an all-star line-up of products to celebrate the summer theatrical release of Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Space Jam: A New Legacy.”
Jazwares And Epic Games Partners for Fortnight Toys and Collectibles Through 2025 – Since 2018, Jazwares and Epic Games have worked together to bring the Fortnite universe into the real world for fans in over 50 countries, launching more than 350 toys and collectibles at retail that allow fans to interact with their favorite characters and experiences from the game in a brand new way.
Moose Toys HitsTrifecta – Squeakee The Balloon Dog was named the number one new item year-over-year in the Youth Electronics Supercategory, Bluey was the number one new license year-over-year in the Preschool Figures, Playsets and Accessories category, and Kindi Kids emerged as the first best-selling item within the Large Dolls & Accessories class for 2020.
New Go! Go! Cory CarsonVTech® Toys from VTechVTech® Race Onto Shelves – VTech® announced new products in its successful Go! Go! Cory Carson® toy line are now available nationwide. Go! Go! Cory Carson follows the adventures of kid car Cory Carson, his family and his friends in Bumperton Hills as they navigate the winding roads of childhood
Jazwares Extends Wildly Popular Squishmallows® Brand – Jazwares, a global leader in toys and licensing, along with Kellytoy, a subsidiary of Jazwares, is building on its hugely successful plush brand Squishmallows® with the launch of an all-new colorful and squishy brand extension called Squishville™.
tonies Sleepy Time Collection – Featuring a variety of soothing sounds to help little ones wind down to rest, including gentle lullabies, relaxing nature sounds and calming white noise, and are now available for purchase in the U.S.
American Girl Unveils New Conversation Series– The digital platform will highlight various female trailblazers who share their unique stories and perspectives to help foster empathy, equality, and respect—while inspiring others to share their voices for good, too.
Spin Master 2021 Lineup – With award-winning franchises, highly sought after licenses and trailblazing new intellectual property, Spin Master’s 2021 line up taps into the hottest toy trends and pushes the boundaries of creativity.
UNO® Celebrates 50 Years – Discover how the brand is celebrating 50 years of bringing people around the world together.
American Girl Auction – With proceeds going to the First Responders Children’s Foundation, American Girl is auctioning three unique dolls.
Mattel Leads 2021 ‘Toy of the Year’ Finalist List -Mattel’s portfolio of toys has received nine finalist nominations across multiple categories for The Toy Association’s 2021 Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards.
Inaugural Funko Fair – Funko, Inc., a leading pop culture consumer products company, is kicking off 2021 with its first-ever Funko Fair, a two-week long virtual affair that will introduce fans and partners to new products expected to hit retail later this year.
Exploding Kittens Launches First Two-Player Strategic Board Game– Hit tabletop game creator, Exploding Kittens, today announced its first two-player board game, Tacocat Spelled Backwards, a palindrome-themed duel of wits and tactics that incorporates a fun balance of strategy, luck, and instinct. In a unique, friendly competition, opponents aim to outsmart one another in battles to win the ultimate prize, Tacocat.
Play-Doh Day – National Play-Doh Day is celebrated on September 16 every year.
Yo-Yo Day – Discover the fun and physics of the yo-yo on June 6.
Tabletop Game Day – The first Saturday in June is International Tabletop Day!
Enjoy! – Hobbies and collectibles for your leisure time.
Electronic Gaming – Video game news, resources, and articles for all ages.
Board Games & Puzzles – Table-top games and jigsaw puzzles provide hours of entertainment for friends and family.
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