TFE/TFE Licensing, June 2024

Page 1

We Put the World’s Greatest Toys in the Palm of Your Hand. Yes! Actually Works! Super Impulse Suite 330, Canal Works 10 Canal Street Bristol, PA 19007 P 267-878-0466 toys@superimpulse.com Fully Functional Miniatures. TM & © Hallmark, Used Under License BARBIE™ and associated trademarks and trade dress are owned by, and used under license from, Mattel ©2024 Mattel. ©2024 Lyons Partnership, L.P. HASBRO, SIMON, and all related trademarks and logos are trademarks of Hasbro, Inc. BOP IT is a trademark of Hasbro and is used with permission. © 2024 Hasbro. All Rights Redserved. Licensed by Hasbro. All Bananagrams, Inc. Registered Trademarks, Copyrights and Patents. Used with permission under license by Bananagrams, Inc. All Rights Reserved © 2024 Bananagrams, Inc. GigaPets® is a registered trademark of Recho, L.L.C HOT WHEELS™ and associated trademarksand trade dress are owned by, and used under license from Mattel. ©2024 Mattel.
3 tfe June 2024 Featured Content Departments 12 All in the Family e Wexler Family - Mary Couzin 22 A Soaring Success in Licensing Falcon’s Beyond Interview Daryl White 24 Never a Dull Moment Nick Truss 32 New Product Preview 66 You’re Hired! 4Observations and Opinions 6 What’s Trending 8 Industry News 10 Industry Forum Astra - Sue War eld 14 Industry Forum Design Edge - Matt Nuccio 16 Industry Forum NETS - Alan Blumberg 18 Industry Forum Toy Association - Pam Mastrota 20 Industry Forum Women in Toys - Shannon Ostrander Contents · June 2024 Vol. 19 · No. 2 On the Cover Disney & Pixar’s Inside Out Shaking with Anxiety Plush from Just Play See more info on pg. 43 On this Page 1. Decora Girlz by Cepia LLC 2. Sizzling Griddle and Grill BBQ by Hape 3. Moriah Elizabeth 6” Mystery Plush by Bonkers Toys 1 2 3

Observations & Opinions

Rocky Start…Smooth Landing

2024 has gotten o to a rocky start for the toy industry. Speaking with toy reps, toy manufacturers and toy retailers, the same general sentiment has been echoed by all: a so-so start to the selling year. Easter is generally the rst good gauge of how toys will perform sales wise in any new year. is year Easter was early, and many states were still in winter as a result. is meant Spring and outdoor toys were not quite top of mind yet. Some companies and brands are performing well, but not well enough for some to bring optimism about toy sales for the remainder of the year.

e US economy is still oundering. Recently, there has been a spate of Chapter 11 lings. Either bankruptcy or straight to liquidation sales. ese lings, thankfully, have not been in the toy world, but are still an indication of how the US economy is struggling. I nd this to be quite the dichotomy, for when my wife and I go out to eat together, or with family and friends, the restaurants we patronize are always crowded and some even have a wait time. As with the broader economy, it’s hard to gure out exactly what is happening right now.

Some of you will be reading this at the annual Astra convention in St. Louis (my favorite toy trade show on the calendar). I’m looking forward to speaking with all those with a stake in the toy industry pertaining to their current feelings and outlooks for the remainder of the year. I’m sure exhibitors will do their part again this year and bring new and exciting products to Astra to show retailers. I’m con dent that retailers will bring their pens and be writing many orders to ensure their shelves will be fully stocked for the remainder of the year, and especially holiday time.

No matter the state of the US economy, come December, manufacturers and retailers need to do their part so that consumers can do theirs in turn: BUY, bring some joy, and create lifelong memories with their children.

e TTPM Holiday Showcase will once again be held in NYC on Tuesday, September 17th. To all toy manufacturers, if you haven’t already reserved space for our event, do so now. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to promote your products to attending media and in uencers looking for the hottest holiday items to promote!

June 2024 · Volume 19, No. 2

Publisher Bob Glaser Bob@TTPM.com

Vice President, Advertising & Sales Donna Moore Donna@TTPM.com

Controller Eileen Palermo Eileen@TTPM.com

Editor in Chief Jim Silver Jim@TTPM.com

Editorial Manager Nick Truss Nick@TTPM.com

Contributors

Alan Blumberg, Mary Couzin, Pam Mastrota Matt Nuccio, Shannon Ostrander, Sue War eld Daryl White

Interested in a subscription? Contact Bob Glaser at Bob@TTPM.com.

aNb Media, Inc.

999 South Oyster Bay Road, Suite 105A Bethpage, NY, 11714

Phone: (646) 763-8710 · Fax: (646) 763-8727

Toys & Family Entertainment (TFE) is published three times per year by aNb Media. Copyright 2024 aNb Media. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photography, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher. Printed in the U.S.A., TFE, TFE Licensing, and Specialty Emporium are registered trademarks of aNb Media. Opinions and comments expressed in this publication by edtiors, contributing writers, or solicited or unsolicited documents are not necessarily those of management.

4 tfe June 2024
tfe
BOB GLASER, PUBLISHER
aNbMedia.com

What’s Trending?

These trending lists are based on aNb Media’s consumer website, TTPM.com, and related YouTube channels. TTPM’s Top Trending Lists are generated by the number of views for that item across toy, baby, and pet categories. Here are the lists of top trenders as of May 31st, 2024.

Top 10 Trending Toys

UNO Show 'Em No Mercy Mattel

Disney & Pixar's Inside Out 2 Shaking with Anxiety Just Play

Gecko Run Marble Run Starter Set Thames & Kosmos

Pickle Everything Word Game Brez Bros

Original Koosh Slingshot PlayMonster

Tutti Frutti Cookie Maker and Monsters Trio Family Games America

Cobra Strike and Seek and Hide Sardines Games Starlux Games

MEGA Pokemon Pixel Building Sets Mattel

The Night Hunter University Games

Furby Furblets 2-Pack Hasbro

Top 5 Trending Baby

Sesame Street Baby’s First Activity Toys

Kids Preferred

Count & Stack Crane Fisher-Price

Classic Pooh Collection Character Gift Set

Kids Preferred

Harry Potter Baby Toys

Kids Preferred

GUND Baby Dolls Spin Master

Top 5 Trending Pet

Dog Snuffle Mat Viitz

s1 Pro Pet Groomer Neakasa

Playology Dog Toys Playology

Cactus Dog Toy Pamlulu

Air Cat L'Chic

6 tfe June 2024

Jazwares Expands European Presence with New Spain Office

Jazwares, a global leader in toys and licensing, has announced a signi cant milestone in the company’s European growth strategy by opening its latest wholly owned o ce in Bilbao, Spain, to service the Iberian market in 2025. Iberia is an important toy market and this expansion marks Jazwares European operation’s rst direct supply model with retailers in Southern Europe. Jazwares also has o ces supplying retailers directly in the UK, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. Santiago Guerra Lopez, a highly respected and in uential gure in the Spanish toy industry, has been appointed as the Managing Director of Jazwares Iberia. With over 18 years of invaluable experience as the Executive Vice President at Bizak, a leading Spanish toy company, his appointment and the opening of the o ce is a signi cant step forward in Jazwares’ European development and growth strategy.

McFarlane Toys Teams Up With UFC to Create Powerhouse Line of Collectibles

McFarlane Toys, a leader in the collectibles category, proudly announces the signing of a new licensing agreement with UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization. is strategic partnership marks an exciting new chapter as McFarlane Toys will deliver both physical and digital collectibles to fans worldwide, spanning the dynamic UFC roster. e collectibles will immortalize some of UFC’s most iconic athletes and moments as 6”, ultra-detailed, posed, physical and digital gures. Todd McFarlane, Founder and CEO McFarlane Toys, commented, “Since UFC burst onto the sports scene, this brand has been growing bigger and bigger every year. It now stands as one of the premiere brands in sports, as hundreds of millions of fans globally have embraced its thrilling, non-stop action. And now, for us to be able to do some cool things with authentic-looking gures, both physically and digitally, it’s going to be a real treat. I can’t wait!”

BBC Studios Renews Multi-Year Global Licensing Deal with Moose Toys for Bluey

BBC Studios has renewed its global licensing partnership with innovative toy company Moose Toys for smash-hit kids property Bluey. e BBC Studios’ licensee will remain the global master toy partner for the Emmy® Award-winning animated TV sensation Bluey in all territories. e landmark multi-year renewal will build on the global success of Moose’s toy range. It also follows hot on the heels of ABC Australia and Disney platforms’ simultaneous global premiere of the extended special Bluey episode ‘ e Sign’, which welcomed critical and audience acclaim across the world. ‘ e Sign’ gathered more than 10 million views worldwide on Disney+ in the week a er its release, and is the top ABC program of 2024 YTD and the highest ABC program of all time on ABC iview

Heathside Signs License Agreement with Ubisoft to Produce Rabbids Toys, Collectables and Gifts

Heathside Trading Ltd has entered into a Licensing Agreement with Ubiso to develop, market and sell o cially a range of blind packed licensed Rabbids toys and collectibles through selected retail partners. e agreement was brokered by Kirsty Guthrie (KJG Ltd) for Heathside Ltd and Tinderbox, the specialist digital division of Beanstalk. e Rabbids are a mysterious breed of whacky creatures that seek constant fun throughout di erent worlds and dimensions. ey are playful, curious, cheeky and unpredictable. Rabbids love their freedom, making creative inventions and doing unexpected antics wherever their chaotic path leads them.Darren Epstein from Heathside commented, “Rabbids is one of those brands everyone wants to work on from a great team at Ubiso and Beanstalk.”

8 tfe June 2024

Mediawan and ZAG Announce the Birth of Miraculous Corp

Mediawan, Europe’s premier independent production powerhouse led by Pierre-Antoine Capton, and ZAG, the innovative independent animation studio renowned for cra ing original tales and IPs led by Jeremy Zag, proudly unveil the inception of Miraculous Corp. is groundbreaking joint-venture between Mediawan and ZAG reunites all facets of the globally acclaimed Miraculous franchise, under the ownership of the two partners (approximately 60% for Mediawan, 40% for ZAG). Jeremy Zag will continue his involvement as a major shareholder and Board member, while overseeing the development and creation of existing and new characters within the franchise. Miraculous Corp is also the announcement of an unprecedented expansion, ushering in a new era of iconic characters and captivating narratives.

Toysmith Announces Exciting New Partnership with Anne McGilvray & Company

Toysmith, the leading distributor of toys and gi s in the US, is thrilled to announce a dynamic new partnership with Anne McGilvray & Company (AMCI). is strategic collaboration brings together two industry leaders to further expand market reach and enhance customer experience.Toysmith serves over 15,000 independent retailers and over 150 key accounts nationwide with its extensive portfolio of high-quality toys and gi s. With a commitment to innovation, quality, and c ustomer satisfaction, Toysmith has earned a reputation as a trusted partner in the industry.Anne McGilvray & Company (AMCI) boasts over 45 years of experience in helping small businesses thrive by providing access to the specialty industry’s best vendors, skilled professional sales representatives, and unparalleled industry knowledge.

ASTRA BOOTH 2402 ASTRA

INDUSTRY FORUM

ASTRA

Marketplace & Academy & Beyond!

As we wrap up our St. Louis Marketplace & Academy, we are excited about the future. Our rst annual awards gala has been so well received in St. Louis that we are already looking at ways to improve the event next year when we meet in San Antonio, Texas on June 1 - 4, 2025. A big thank you to Melissa & Doug for their sponsorship of this year’s event. We are already looking to see who wants to sponsor our 2025 Gala! We sold out our St. Louis show oor in early February this year, so watch for the opening of sales for our 2025 show in San Antonio so you don’t miss out.

We continue to grow our Certi ed Play Expert program – both through in-person classes around the country as well as online. To date, we have certi ed over 500 play experts, including store personnel, sales representatives, and manufacturers. ere’s so much to learn about all-ages toys and play, and in our program it’s all about the true science of why play is so important! If you want to become a certi ed play expert, send an email to info@astratoy.org and we can let you know the options available.

Going to where our members are, or planning events and experiences to bring us together furthers our continued mission to elevate, engage, and promote the success of members.

We will have Astra sta at both the Atlanta and Las Vegas gi shows this summer, as well as other events that our members are planning, including game day events.

rough our Play Awards, we celebrate the best products for promoting play. is year, we have our 2024 Toy Stars Catalog that will feature all the award nalists with the winners of each category noted. Samples of the catalog are available now. e deadline to order is July 1, 2024 for scheduled delivery in early August. For more info contact ktrivisonno@astratoy.org

Our Toy Boat experience was such a success in 2023 that we are sailing again on March 17, 2025. We have cabins reserved on the Royal Caribbean Liberty of the Seas, sailing out of Fort Lauderdale. e prices we have negotiated include all fees – taxes, gratuities, a deluxe drink package, and wi ! Book before the cabins sell out! We set sail on Monday the 17th and return on Friday, the 21st. e schedule on board includes two mornings of vendor tables, education sessions in the conference area of the ship, game and kit night, and the “Astra’s Got Talent” show!

Why attend? Here’s what Tony Davis of Enchanted Moments said of the 2023 Toy Boat: “I did indeed attend. I found myself eating crow from my rst thoughts. My initial reservations were swi ly dispelled as I observed the planning and execution that went into every aspect of the event. What struck me most was the opportunity to witness vendors, retailers and reps come together in a more relaxed and social environment.”

And from Heather Edwards of Snickelfritz Toys: “Honestly, it was one of the best things I have done for myself and the store. I was able to actually sit down and talk to manufacturers and see their perspective on things.”

Join us! Go to astratoy.org and click on the Toy Boat Link or copy and paste this link into your browser: https://astra.glueup.com/event/toy-boat-sales-again-88387/

10 tfe June 2024

IT’S TIME TO PLAY

Come meet Alise and friends!

Lamaze® is a registered trademark of Lamaze International
ASTRA BOOTH # 1100

Q&A with the Wexler Family

David, how did your family first enter the toy industry?

My father, Howard Wexler, was a schoolteacher, a social worker, and then a school psychologist. He read an article about the psychology of toys – and that was it. He started working at Hasbro almost sixty years ago. After a year or two he had too many ideas to get through the pipeline, and realized he needed to go it on his own. He became an independent toy and game designer and invented Connect 4 half a century ago, this year. In a thrilling full-circle turn of events, Connect 4 has prospered with Hasbro for about forty years after they acquired Milton Bradley. It was a wonderful homecoming, and Hasbro has always felt like home.

Who has been involved and who is involved now?

I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2005 with a degree in Communication Arts. I created a show for MTV when I was 23 years old, did a ton of commercial work, wrote and directed half a dozen movies, but always moonlighted in the industry as I grew up in my father’s studio. Almost twenty years ago, I saw an intersection forming. Toys, games, film and TV were sort of melding together. One of my heroes is Walt Disney. When I walk down Main Street of Disneyworld I see toys, games, TV advertisements, and movie tie-ins, novelties - it’s all entertainment. It took a while to convince my father that I could split my attention 50/50 in both industries. We’ve enjoyed working together ever since.

TOY FAMILY SERIES 12 tfe June 2024
David and Howard Wexler

Do you think the next generation will get involved?

Part of me would love that, and another part of me would try my best to convince the next generation to do anything else. e toy industry is wonderful. I wake up every morning, and my job never feels like work. I have had some success as I’ve taken about two dozen concepts to market (my game Fish Club was nominated for a TOTY in 2021), my father has one of the greatest evergreen products with Connect 4… but it is an industry based around heartbreak and 99% rejection. But that 1% of the time, with the right spirit and attitude, can feel wonderful.

How has business changed over the years?

e Toy Industry was built upon dreamers. True innovators. e attitude was, “hey, we’re a game company, but if you have a great action toy concept, heck, we’ll release it and become that type of company”. Deals used to be drawn up on the backs of cocktail napkins, and everyone was searching for the next evergreen classic. Nowadays, for the past twenty or so years, licensing has become the big player. at and electronics,

gimmicks, or something that’s ashy. It’ll look great on the screen, but o en the replay value will be lacking. I think the pendulum will swing back. We need unplugged experiences, and family will always gather around the table. ere are twenty or so classic games that are always the go-to… let’s get twenty more classics before 2034!

What advice do you have for others thinking of joining the family business?

Family businesses, in general, are a tricky thing. I think my father is a creative genius. He is an inspiration, a huge mentor. He is a great lover of movies, so we share that as well. Again, he is my hardest critic. We speak at least three times a day. To be a son, a friend, and a business partner is exceptionally challenging, but extremely rewarding. e old adage “it’s business, it isn’t personal” holds a ton of weight in “family business.” I wear many hats as a lmmaker and toy designer, but I wear just as many as a son and business partner. It takes getting used to, but you need to remember that when you sit down for Sunday dinner, it’s your dad; when you’re on the phone, it’s your colleague. I am privileged that he considers me a colleague. And I still love being his son!

13 tfe June 2024
Howard Wexler in his studio Howard Wexler and his sons Johnathan (le ) and David (right)

INDUSTRY FORUM

DESIGN EDGE

THE DESIGNER’S PERSPECTIVE

Matt Nuccio provides tips on covering your bases, increasing your design knowledge and ensuring a perfect package every time.

From MacBook to Manufacturing

Picture this, you’re a small company with a new designer, fresh out of design school, armed with nothing but a MacBook and a head full of ideas. You tasked them with crafting the perfect packaging for your revolutionary new toy or game. Sounds like a great project for a young designer eager to please. And since you have limited design and production knowledge, you might not realize that throwing someone into the deep end of a pool without teaching them how to swim may not be the wisest idea. While the designer might possess boundless creativity, they lack the practical know-how to navigate the complexities of manufacturing and production.

Now, imagine your horror when you receive the first prototype of this meticulously crafted design, only to find it looks nothing like what you envisioned. You sent it to the factory thinking it was flawless, but the reality is, you tasked someone to bake a three-tiered cake who doesn’t know the difference between flour and sugar. The results: disastrous. In your frustration, you may point fingers at the factory, unaware that your own lack of knowledge contributed to the impracticality of the design.

Understanding printing methods is crucial for package designers, as it directly impacts the final appearance and quality of their design. From offset printing to digital printing, each method has its own set of advantages and limitations. Learning about color management, resolution and file formats can make all the difference between a vibrant, eye-catching design and a lackluster one.

Unfortunately, many design schools don’t include comprehensive lessons on production processes as part of their design courses. Therefore, one can’t assume that just because someone went to design school, they would automatically know about printing techniques and other production intricacies. This knowledge gap underscores the importance of seeking out additional education and training in these areas, even after graduating.

Fortunately, acquiring knowledge of printing techniques isn’t as daunting as it may seem. Unlike the ones mentioned prior, some design schools do offer additional courses specifically tailored to printing processes, providing students with hands-on experience and valuable insights from industry professionals. Additionally, online resources, workshops, and seminars can serve as valuable tools for expanding one’s knowledge base.

Armed with this comprehensive understanding of production processes, including printing techniques, our designer emerges as a true master of their craft, capable of bringing their creative visions to life with precision and finesse. They’re not just designing packaging; they’re shaping experiences, sparking joy, and leaving a lasting impression on consumers worldwide.

Matt Nuccio is president of Design Edge, a New York-based toy and game development company. For more information, he can be reached at matt@designedge.com

14 tfe June 2024
A Designer’s Journey Through the Print Production Maze

Show Support Specialty Sales Reps!

The specialty toy business is sometimes referred to as a threelegged stool with vendors, retailers, and sales reps each representing a leg: remove one, and the stool tips over. Faire is a new disruptor that is trying to remove one of the legs, and we are wondering if our industry is interested in keeping the chair standing. Disintermediation is a big word created for companies that find a way to remove a person in the middle of a transaction, which is why Specialty Sales Representatives wonder if they have a future with Faire in the equation.

Amazon is to Specialty retailers what Faire is to Sales Reps. When Amazon came on the scene, they offered free freight, discounted prices, no sales tax and consumer convenience - which made it difficult for specialty retailers to compete. Faire is similar in that it offers free freight with small orders, guaranteed sales and dating, with other promotions that vendors do not offer through their sales reps. This makes it rather challenging for reps to compete with the very vendors they represent.

At first blush, Faire seems like it can be a great vehicle for vendors; they are signing up new accounts, driving sales and not having to pay freight. But is it a short term growth opportunity resulting in a long term growth killer? Amazon now represents the largest account to most vendors - but at a significant cost to retailers; Toys R Us, Kay Bee Toys, and 1000’s of Specialty toy stores across the country vanished.

Several vendors seem happy with how many new retailers they are signing up, but many questions remain about this type of transactional selling. Are vendors opening accounts near other stores who have a long history of loyalty to your brand? Are you creating a branded section in stores that will draw consumers into a sale or just getting a small, short-term order? Are some of the stores that are buying on Faire also reselling to consumers via a third party like Ebay or Facebook Marketplace? Where is the product going?

Because Faire is relatively new to the toy industry, there are no universal standards and practices being used by vendors. In fact, many vendors do not understand how to work within Faire while including their sales rep. Many retailers that we have spoken to want to order on Faire while also ensuring their rep is included in the process. This is not possible without the support of the vendor.

We acknowledge that there are vendors and retailers that have never used outside sales reps, but there are many compelling reasons why a rep is a valuable asset to vendors and retailers for their long term growth. If you ask retailers and vendors that rely on their reps, they will tell you how important their rep is to their business.

The most valuable commodity to all of us is time, and being efficient can help you save money. Using your local sales rep as if they are an additional employee, will help you save time by having them deal with all of the multiple issues, from multiple vendors at the same time. Most rep groups have invested in ordering portals to help retailers place orders when it is most convenient for them.

If you think about it, a rep also knows the best sellers for a specific region. This, along with understanding the best quality products and what other competitors are offering, can create a better brand section within a store. The best reps also help those retailers sell through the products once they are placed. Offering to train staff, attend in-store play days, garner free product demos and more, help ensure better consumer experience within those stores. It might cost a little more up front, but there is a value that is being offered which creates additional sales to those retailers. For retailers to compete against big box stores and online sellers, there are now more Astra Certified Play Experts. This means that consumers can come to their local retailer and have a conversation about what is best for their individual child. This cannot be offered at a big box store or through an online purchase.

But, more than anything, local reps care about the store’s success –both personally and professionally. These relationships help both the vendors and the retailers grow their business in ways that they are not always easily measured. Buying from Faire is simply a transaction.

If you are a vendor and you value your local sales rep, please talk to the sales principals to create a long-term strategy, which will result in loyal reps and the future growth of your brand. The principals have identified ways that you can work with Faire and include your Sales Representative in the equation. There is a solution for all of us to work together to maintain the balance of the three-legged stool for everyone to succeed. Let’s keep the stool standing! As Astra states, we are stronger together!

INDUSTRY FORUM 16 tfe June 2024

INDUSTRY FORUM TOY ASSOCIATION

Toy Industry Program Improves Care at Children’s Hospitals in Underserved Communities

We are in this business for our love of play and commitment to delivering the power of play to children. For a child undergoing medical treatment, play has a profoundly positive impact on their wellbeing and healing, while also supporting their families and medical teams. A recent survey of this cohort showed that incorporating play therapy into a child’s treatment plan elevates the overall patient experience by 98 percent.

The Toy Association’s foundation, The Toy Foundation, funds play therapy programs at children’s hospitals that serve economically disadvantaged communities nationwide to achieve this incredible impact. These programs help pediatric patients cope, support medical teams in completing procedures more easily, and, as a result, improve healthcare outcomes. In addition to providing cash grants, our Toy Bank also provides new toys to support these programs. By the close of this year, the program is expected to improve pediatric care and overall patient experiences for 500,000 children and families.

Despite the proven benefits that play provides, hospitals are often reliant on external funding or donations to provide play therapy activities. This year, we funded 20 grants at children’s hospitals where 50 percent or more of patients rely on Medicaid. One of our 2024 grantees, MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach, shared that they often use play as the first step in treating a pediatric patient, in order to better understand who they are outside of a hospital setting. They told us: “Play helps us normalize the hospital environment, build a rapport with the patient, and empowers him or her to have a role in their care which helps us to administer care swiftly and successfully, creating a better experience for everyone.”

We are only able to achieve these important results through the partnership and support from small, medium, and large companies. We’re grateful to Beacon Media Group, Mattel, and VTech Electronics, all of whom financially support our Children’s Hospital Play Grants Program, as well as the many others who support Toy Foundation fundraising events.

Extending our commitment to improving care, we work with Hope for Henry. This nonprofit organization is improving how hospitals care for children through innovative, scientifically tested programs, in order to deliver thousands of toys donated by the industry and bring the therapeutic value of play to children’s hospitals nationwide. The organization shared that donated toys help “...critical medical procedures happen more quickly, with less anxiety and fewer risks, assisting kids in their healing with fewer long-term negative side effects so they can thrive.”

As millions of children are admitted to hospitals annually, there is much more we can do as an industry. Your contribution of any amount, financial or in-kind, helps us improve outcomes for children and families in greatest need. It also provides you with a turnkey opportunity to participate in a measurable program of scale that supports your corporate social responsibility objectives and advances the reputation of the toy industry overall.

Our fundraiser to kick-off The Toy Association’s LA Fall Preview Market Week, Party with a Purpose, is a great opportunity to learn more and get involved. The night will be a high-energy media and entertainment event where we will showcase our work with children’s hospitals. It’s an opportunity to network while raising money to deliver the extraordinary benefits of play to children in need. Mark your calendars for Monday, September 9 at TAO Los Angeles!

Pam Mastrota is Executive Director of the Toy Foundation. For more information about The Toy Foundation and opportunities to get involved, visit ToyFoundation.org, and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

18 tfe June 2024

WOMEN IN TOYS

Leverage Infographics for Enhanced Ecommerce Engagement

In the dynamic environment of ecommerce, it is critical to adapt to ongoing change. Flat River Group understands the importance of showcasing our vendor’s products and brands in the best possible light. It is time to go beyond checking the necessary boxes of listing products online and evolve with new trends.

ere are standard benchmarks most online sales channels require in order to list a product. Historically, the preferred main image has been a 3D, forward-facing, angled image that shows packaging. Lifestyle images, an SEO optimized title, features, and descriptions are also common requirements.

We are now seeing the impact that infographics can have. Infographics are a visual presentation of an image accompanied by minimal text, intended to give an easily understood overview, o en of a complex subject. When scrolling through search results online, consumers make split-second decisions on which items to engage with further. It is crucial to communicate what the product is quickly, and creating your main image is the rst step.

Infographics can be more engaging than text-only content by using visual elements such as images, charts, graphics, and iconography to grab the consumer’s attention. With over 75% of tra c on Amazon coming from their app, images are the rst chance at engaging a customer.

Case Study: FoxMind1

FoxMind manufacturers toys and games that o er mindstimulating fun and help develop reasoning skills. eir agship game, Match Madness, launched in 2016. With an upcoming new retail channel placement, the decision was made to focus on updating its ecommerce presence. Infographics were created showcasing components, how to play, what is included, and lifestyle images with concise text. A er replacing product images with the new infographics, FoxMind saw an increase in glance views, conversions, and sales.

FoxMind results the week a er infographics were implemented over the prior 2-week average showed a 41% increase in glance views along with a 47 % increase in unit sales.

INDUSTRY FORUM
20 tfe June 2024
1 Sample infographic for FoxMind

Case Study: Project Genius2

With the success of Match Madness infographics, we saw an opportunity when strategizing about increasing evergreen product sales. Brandi Pinsker, CEO of Project Genius and Women in Toys member, was eager to embrace Flat River Group’s suggestion to update the ecommerce presence of Project Genius’ evergreen logic puzzle, Chroma Cube. “It was easy to take our existing assets and create new infographics. We saw over a 300% increase in glance views and our conversion rate grew 11%” Pinsker noted. e successful integration of infographics is shaping how Project Genius approaches new product launches as well as updating existing ecommerce listings.

Infographics can be created using free platforms (such as Canva or Visme) and existing product imagery. It is critical in the digital age to allow consumers to understand a product clearly and quickly. ese case study examples demonstrate the impact of integrating infographics into your product’s ecommerce presence. When creating infographics, you can start by asking yourself, “What do I want the consumer to know about my product?” Work from there to create concise text with images, then watch your listing engagement grow!

Shannon Ostrander, Sales Manager of Flat River Group ( atrivergroup.com), works closely with vendor partners to optimize their online listings, maximizing sales and elevating online brand presence. Flat River Group is an ecommerce distributor with 13 years of experience in marketplace

acceleration for product-based businesses. Specializing in the toy & games product category, they are the #1 Amazon Distributor for toys and games in the US and proud member of Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment. Connect with Shannon on LinkedIn @shannonostrander.

21 tfe June 2024
2 Sample infographic for Project Genius

A Soaring Success in Licensing

of Falcon’s Beyond

It seems like every week I hear about a new and exciting partnership or activation from Falcon’s Beyond, a Licensing and Management agency with decades of business under its belt. Daryl White, Falcon’s President of Global Licensing and Business Development was kind enough to answer a few of our biggest questions!

Would you please tell us a bit about Falcon’s Beyond’s history?

Falcon’s Beyond springs from our CEO Cecil D. Magpuri, who became interested in the entertainment industry while working at the iconic Iwerks Entertainment in Burbank, California. Later, as creative director at Universal Studios, which brought him to Orlando, he designed major attractions, including Twister and a brick-and-mortar experience based on Apollo 13, in collaboration with names such as Steven Spielberg and Ron Howard. He then decided to take this experience to start his own company, Falcon’s Treehouse back in 2000, which later rebranded as Falcon’s Creative Group and, subsequently, became part of the larger Falcon’s Beyond when that was formed in 2021.

Since our founding, now almost 25 years ago, Falcon’s has collaborated with some of the most accomplished entertainment IP holders across the globe, producing award-winning entertainment experiences, and creating exceptional media content and experiential technology for worldwide audiences. Falcon’s has worked on very well-known consumer entertainment experiences for major brands. This includes the Hulk Epsilon Base 3D experience; The World of the Hunger Games at Motiongate Dubai; Avengers: Battle of Ultron 4D Dark Ride; and the Hard Rock Vault. We’ve also worked with some of the biggest names in the industry -- Disney, Universal Studios, Lego, Marvel, NASA, and others.

Falcon’s Beyond was founded in the year 2000. Wow, have the times changed! How has your business model changed and adapted in your 24 years of operation?

Wow, indeed! A lot has changed over the years, especially when you consider all that has evolved across

the industry as a whole – from the advancement of technology to changes in the way consumers seek out and engage with content and experiences. But I would argue what has made the most difference over the years is something that hasn’t changed: our focus on storydriven IP.

We call ourselves a visionary leader in immersive storytelling because storytelling is our top priority for each project we take on. We own, activate and deploy brands across multiple platforms, whether it is through animated and live-action media content, gaming, retail consumer products, location-based experiences, or other consumer touchpoints. But the key for each one of those areas is telling a great story, and while technology may evolve over time, and the way consumers engage with content may evolve over time, great storytelling is great storytelling, and prioritizing that core element will always enable us to stay ahead of the curve.

So while Falcon’s in some ways may be very different than what it was over 20 years ago – after all, we are now a publicly listed company on Nasdaq – our core vision for the company has not wavered, which is something we are very proud of.

What separates Falcon’s Beyond as a special agency in the licensing industry, in your opinion?

We are activating a business model that truly differentiates us in the industry and engages consumers directly: through the continued creation of new technologies, we are activating both proprietary and partner IPs for consumers in an unprecedented manner. Falcon’s Beyond propels IP activations concurrently across physical and digital experiences through three core business units:

· Falcon’s Creative Group, which is one of the world’s leading themed entertainment and master planning firms, having planned over $120 billion in awardwinning experiences where creative vision, compelling design, immersive media, and cutting-edge technology intersect to bring imagination to life.

22 tfe June 2024
FEATURED CONTENT

· Falcon’s Beyond Destinations, which develops, owns, and operates global entertainment destinations from resorts, theme parks, attractions to retail, dining and location-based entertainment venues where stories come to life and memories are made.

· Falcon’s Beyond Brands, which expands franchises across multiple platforms from media to gaming, music to consumer products and beyond. Falcon’s also invents and sells immersive rides, attractions and technologies for entertainment destinations around the world.

It’s through these different divisions and focus areas that we are uniquely positioned in the industry and laser-focused on bringing unprecedented entertainment experiences to consumers across the globe.

Falcon’s partners with all kinds of IPs and companies, from those in televised entertainment, to gaming, to live experiences. What is the key to your success in partnering with such titanic IPs on licensing endeavors?

The key to any licensing effort is keeping up with changing consumer habits. Coming out of the pandemic for example, the interest in physical experiences is back up, but there has also been a growing desire for a more connected experience among all of the various forms of entertainment, hospitality, and tourism. People have become very attached to their favorite IPs and want to experience them in a cohesive way among a variety of platforms, including online and streaming content, video games, location-based entertainment, themed destinations, and consumer products. The challenge for the industry is making sure we meet this demand to activate these various touchpoints effectively and cohesively. At Falcon’s, this 360-degree approach is exactly what we are aiming for with the work we do every day – we are expanding IPs across entertainment content, consumer products, and physical destinations. This holistic approach allows us to achieve success and continue to develop great partnerships with major IPs.

Speaking of live experiences, Falcon’s has been going all-in on location-based entertainment. Why is this such a hot market right now?

We view location-based entertainment as an area of significant opportunity as we’ve seen the experience economy explode in recent years. This is because consumers, especially post-pandemic, are increasingly gravitating to getting out of the house and seeking new adventures and unforgettable moments. It’s why we are seeing significant investments in live experiences across the industry. As a result, location-based entertainment experiences haven’t just become another tool in the toolbox for the licensing industry – they have become a true foundation and accelerant for building a franchise and generating consumer excitement.

A big part of this is that emerging technologies are pushing the boundaries of what is possible when it comes to location-based entertainment. With this in mind, earlier this year, we announced that we are now operating our rides and attractions sales under the name Falcon’s Attractions Systems & Technologies, emphasizing our commitment to delivering cutting-edge immersive rides, attractions, and technologies for location-based entertainment experiences around the world. Employing

cutting-edge technological advancements, we specialize in crafting meticulously designed ride systems that seamlessly fuse physical and digital environments, all while elevating rides and attractions to unparalleled levels of immersive entertainment.

What upcoming projects are you most excited to share right now?

We are excited about a number of projects! Just in recent months, for example, we announced a deal with The Hershey Company to bring their company’s beloved IP to life through “retailtainment” destinations, along with a partnership with Tanseisha, a Tokyo-based designer and creator of commercial and cultural facilities with deep roots in the Japanese market, with the aim of expanding popular Japanese IP within Tanseisha’s robust network.

Most recently, we announced that we are the master planner, attraction designer and creative guardian of the first-ever Dragon Ball theme park coming to Qiddiya City, the world’s first city built for play, near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Falcon’s Creative Group is also supporting the creative development of multiple entertainment experiences within Qiddiya City, including master planning the forthcoming Qiddiya Water Theme Park, and supporting development for the world’s first Gaming and Esports district, also set to be part of the destination.

Those are just a few examples. We have a lot of great work going on and more exciting projects to come.!

23 tfe June 2024

FEATURED CONTENT

Never a Dull Moment

The only thing that never changes is that everything changes. Despite a significant calming of the waters, there is still plenty of chop ahead for toys. Industries worldwide are experiencing significant waves of layoffs, despite an allegedly tight labor market. This undoubtedly will make consumers more discerning with how and where they spend their income, causing everyone to feel deflated. It would seem post pandemic sales and hiring surges are coming home to roost in 2024. However, hope springs eternal, especially in the most whimsical of industries! We reached out to a handful of influential leaders in the sphere of toys to ask them some topical questions about the state of their companies, their event attendance plans for 2025, marketing strategies, and even this new-fangled AI business everyone’s always harping on about!

When asked how sales have been for the year so far, Karalyne Ley, Founder and CEO of Bene World offered up some good news. “2024 has been a good year for Bene World Toys and our Bene Buddies/Toys With a Purpose line! We started working with some sales rep groups and are excited to bring our products to more stores in 2024!”

Eric Parmeter, inventor of the smash hit Corners, has also had a boon year. “This past year has been filled with tremendous experiences, learning opportunities, and new relationships within the toy and game industry. Since releasing Corners Ring Toss on the market late last spring, I have experienced continued growth that I’ve been told is not so common among new inventions that come to market. I managed to sell out of my first container of product within months, and almost missed Christmas sales. It has been a great journey of learning the business and meeting amazing, supportive, and encouraging people throughout the industry. ”

Connetix has had a strong 2024, so affirms their CEO and Creative Director Brea Brand. “We have been fortunate to have experienced strong sales coming into 2024. We’ve always placed a strong emphasis on building relationships with our global networks, which has seen significant growth in our retailer community and is forecasted to continue as we progress throughout the remainder of the year.”

General Manager at One For Fun, Mark Slusarz, continues the good news. “2024 is exceeding our expectations from a sales budget standpoint. With our first brand exposures at Toy Fair in October, followed by various gift shows in January and the NETS Show and Toy Fest shows, we are very happy with the support from customers in both the Toy and Gift Channels. Our outlook for 2024 is very positive and we are prepared for an important first exposure at Astra and continuing success at every major summer gift show.”

2024 has been relatively sluggish for other toy companies, as evidenced by National Sporting Goods’ CEO and President Gregg Adelsheimer’s remarks. “Sales have been slow so far, down by 10%. We expect this trend to continue throughout 2024 and hope for a rebound in 2025”

Amy Reitsma, Global Sales and Business Development Manager at eeBoo, says that the company has seen meandering already, but hopes remain high. “We had a strong start in the first two months, but a quick falloff in March and April. I think Easter being early, coupled with Spring Breaks, really slowed the month down. We’ll always be optimistic, and we have a robust offering coming out in a few weeks, but feel this year might be a tough one within the specialty sector.”

Making an Appearance

The beginning of 2025 will be stacked, with three in-person shows occurring before April: NETS, ToyFest, and Toy Fair! We asked each respondent to see which shows they planned to attend.

In response to “which events will you attend?” eeBoo says “yes!” Ms. Reitsma comments, “We will have a presence at all three shows with our rep organizations and our own booth again at Toy Fair. All three shows are important for the marketplace and our specialty reps.”

Bene World’s Ms. Ley agrees. “All three shows offer great opportunities to reach as many buyers as possible and to form and develop relationships with people in the industry.”

24 tfe June 2024

FEATURED CONTENT

With bright eyes, and a successful NETS under his belt, Corners’ Eric Parmeter hopes to attend every early 2025 show, and then some! “After an incredible introduction to the toy and game industry last year at NETS, I plan on continuing to attend the trade shows that have helped immensely with the continued growth I’ve experienced so far. Fingers crossed that this will include all the great shows including NETS, Toyfest, Astra, and hopefully Toy Fair next year.”

One For Fun’s Mr. Slusarz commented, “We are confirmed to show at Toy Fair and we have invested in a new exhibit and expanded our space. The NETS Show this past February was very well executed. Considering New England and the surrounding markets are very significant with a strong customer base, the NETS Show offers potential to work with a variety of customers, including independent toy stores and mid-tier retailers. We had our first exposure at ToyFest this past March and we were successful as a new supplier. We expect to participate in these shows in 2025, but it is contingent on customer attendance.”

Muscle Memory

Toy Fair 2023 was a hoot and a holler, but all I heard from every exhibitor was how different it felt. Back from lockdown and during a different time frame, it was a lot for any industry vet to take in. Now, Toy Fair makes its triumphant return in 2025, with a more familiar late-winter timing. When asked about their energy for returning to the old routine after all this time, eeBoo’s Ms. Reitsma remarked, “We’ll be there with bells on! We’re excited to be back in our hometown and take in that great energy that Toy Fair always brings. We’re also very optimistic that our international partners will be traveling to this show because of better timing in the year. While last year’s show was solid, there were a lot of unknowns still surrounding it. I don’t think 2025 will have those same uncertainties.”

Connetix is going all-in on interactive and engaging booth design. Ms. Brand shares, “Connetix has a highly skilled team behind the scenes, who work hard to design a spectacular stand that ‘wows’ the audience. Our graphic and creative design teams work tirelessly to ensure our stand is a crowd-pleaser. We are thrilled to bring fresh stand designs, along with some exciting new product releases to New York.

Our team truly delights in the opportunity to personally connect with a wide audience of retailers, educators, affiliates, and consumers alike, and our interactive display is truly a catalyst for growth and demand for our brand. As an open-ended and STEAM accredited toy, our stand highlights that learning can, and should be fun!”

Mr. Adelsheimer sees no reason to fix what isn’t broken. He succinctly comments, “Toy Fair 2025 is still a work in progress, however our presentation and exhibit will be similar to our exhibit during last Toy Fair in Fall 2023.”

Modern Marketing

Marketing is currently, and will continue to be in a constant state of evolution. When asked how vital social media is to the continued success and growth of her business, Ms. Ley said, “For us, we are building awareness of our brand, and one of the best ways to do that is through social media, particularly influencers and testimonials. I also love the fact that we can interact with specialty stores through their social media accounts. It’s fun to see the posts from stores that are carrying our products and it offers us another way to connect and maintain relationships with them.”

Fully recognizing the value of social media as a marketing tool, Ms. Brand shares some inside strategy from Connetix. “Our Social Media Team is uniquely made up of early childhood educators, play experts and parents with first-hand experience of what customers are looking for in a brand like ours, helping us to authentically engage our audience and continue to grow our valued online community. One of our greatest achievements and assets of our brand is the strong connection we have cultivated with our customers through our Connetix_tiles Instagram account. It is through the vibrant imagery and stunning content of our social media platforms that we share inspiring ideas and instructional how-to’s, highlighting the educational benefits and magic of Connetix play.”

More and more of NSG’s business is contingent on social media. Mr. Adelsheimer remarks, “We have begun aggressive Meta social media campaigns to introduce new products, as well as evergreen products we sell in order to connect directly to consumers.”

26 tfe June 2024

FEATURED CONTENT

Mr. Parmeter recognizes the yet untapped potential for the Corners brand, commenting, “With social media having such a major effect on product success, it is an area of focus I need to attend to more. Now that Corners is coming up on its second year in the market, and with the lessons I’ve learned, I am confident more social media would continue to add value and awareness to the unlimited scoring and strategic gameplay Corners has to offer!

No one can deny that social media is a vital tool to keep one’s hand on the pulse of culture. Mr. Slusarz agrees, commenting, “Social Media is something we have started to utilize as a company to maximize the success of our products, especially the trend-driven lines. Out of all the known social media sites, we have seen more growth on TikTok mainly through using influencers. Recently we carried out three UK campaigns which proved to be massively successful. As a company, we will continue exploring all social media avenues and will implement campaigns both in the UK and US where possible, especially to encourage and drive trends.”

AI Caramba!

Among the many genies released recently that cannot be put back into their bottles, AI is among the most popular and topical. In this writer’s personal opinion, there appears to be a broad and misguided emphasis on replacing workers entirely, rather than expediting more tedious labor, thereby aiding said workers in their jobs. However, there is no denying the positive potential of AI. If laborers have more mental energy and time to devote to abstract, creative and crucial work, instead of tedious yet necessary tasks, it can only be a good thing. Right? We decided to ask what our interviewees think about this burgeoning technology, from the standpoint of business professionals.

Mr. Sluarz recognizes AI as a tool to assist with the more timeconsuming tasks involved with toy company operation. “From a product development standpoint, AI will help with time management where lengthy tasks can be better managed. AI will give Product Development more time to interpret and react to consumer behavior and emerging trends. This will accelerate product innovation and greatly facilitate product sourcing that will deliver shorter production times and higher margins. AI has endless potential when used as a product attribute where a variety of toys can employ this technology in creating interactive, personalized product based on the individual needs of the child. AI will also dramatically affect how we distribute

product. From inventory management and item forecasting to better efficiencies in shipping product and enhanced order processing for customer service.”

Ms. Brand sees AI as a potentially advantageous tool for up-andcoming businesses. She states, “Although controversial, AI has the powerful ability to enhance marketing activities and content creation with interactive videos and other various forms of content creation. This could be particularly useful for start-up and smaller businesses, giving them a head start into the toy industry.”

Ms. Ley recognizes the potential benefits of AI, but shares many people’s concerns with potential misapplications of the technology. “As long as companies are using generative AI in a way that truly represents their brand, I see it as being valuable to both businesses and consumers, especially with marketing. Content related AI is valuable in that it can help toy manufacturers resonate with consumers. With that comes the responsibility to ensure that it is an accurate representation of products and that it is not being used to mislead or misrepresent.”

Mr. Parmeter also holds a measured enthusiasm for this evolving tech, holding human ingenuity and creativity as critical elements that must not be compromised. “Having little experience compared to most in this industry, I won’t be able to say definitively how AI would impact the toy and game business. However, based on my experience in the manufacturing industry, I imagine it could impact the time it takes to fully develop an idea and bring it to market. With that said, if AI had created Corners, I don’t think I would have had the passion and determination to bring it to market. The fact that a few years ago I drew this game on a piece of paper and decided I’d bring it to market was the only reason I am writing this today. No AI will take the place of human ideation and creativity.”

Both Mr. Adelsheimer and Ms. Reitsma appear to be on the same page, sharing a mutual, measured interest, while admitting it will undoubtedly have powerful effects on every business sector, including toys. Mr. Adelsheimer comments, “This is all to be determined, however when it comes to connecting directly to end consumers there is no doubt that AI will open new opportunities for the industry.” Ms. Reitsma succinctly states, “It all depends on how it is used.”

28 tfe June 2024
REGiSTER TODAY AT ASTRATOY.ORG! NURTURE YOUR NETWORK ON THE HiGH SEAS WiTH
21 CABiN SELECTiON IS GOiNG FAST!
MARCH 17 -

FEATURED CONTENT

What’s in the Pipeline?

No matter what we all think about the topic du jour, we’re all here for the same reason: a love of toys and play. That’s what gets us out of bed in the morning! We asked each company what new products are coming that they would be excited to share.

On Bene World, Ms. Ley commented, “We are so excited about our new character that just debuted, Haylo the Horse! Haylo helps children recognize emotions like happiness, sadness, anxiety and anger and the storybook helps to guide conversations with children about how to deal with these emotions in different situations. When a child works through an emotion in a positive way or when a child recognizes their feelings, they earn a token to be put in Haylo’s token slot. After all the tokens are earned, they can take them out of Haylo’s special pouch and turn them in for a reward and then reuse them. Addressing emotions on a level that a child can easily understand is so important for their emotional health and development. We’re also already working on our next character and are excited about introducing that product at the toy shows early next year!”

On the National Sporting Goods front, Mr. Adelsheimer said, “We are excited about unveiling new updates and product extensions to our popular NSG Jr. Sports line. In addition, we have new additions to our YBIKE Jr. Wheel Goods line, including last years’ TOTY finalist YBIKE Leap. The Leap is a self-propelled kids ride-on for kids ages 3–10 that can be ridden both on knees or in a sitting position. We also have many new additions to our line of indoor and outdoor active play items with TP Toys, Eezy Peezy and Swingball. We are especially excited to introduce the new Swingball Tether Pickleball Game for fall 2024 and spring 2025. Sticking to our company theme of ‘Getting Back to Play’, we are happy to offer products that gets kids and the entire family off the coach, off their phones and other electronic devices, and back to play!”

Mr. Slusarz, shouting out One For Fun’s booth number at Astra, invites visitors to come see their new products in-person. For those of you reading online, be sure instead to keep your eyes peeled for the following: “We are excited to be exhibiting at Astra in booth #123. Here are a few of our new product launches and best sellers: Flexi Fidget Lar, Twist N Turn Rainbow, Time Pop Light Up Push Popper Game, Micro Fidgetz, Dino Collecto, Scrunchems Dumpling and Scrunchems Glow in the Dark Moon & Stars.”

With regard to Connetix, Ms. Brand proudly states, “In July, we will be launching our Connetix 50 Piece Pastel Transport Pack, following on from the success of the multi award-winning Rainbow Transport Pack. Our new

50 Piece Pastel Transport Pack features our signature stunning earthy colors, with expertly crafted rubber wheels and motion bases, this pack is not only favored by transport-fanatics, but adored by all ages. Sure to immerse little minds at first sight, the Pastel Transport Pack invites children to playfully explore STEAM concepts of color, light, refractions, gravity, and motion, plus so much more. Designed to elevate interactivity and to extend play possibilities, this pack is the perfect addition to Connetix collections, fuelling hours of independent and action-filled collaborative play. Watch this space for more exciting new packs launching Mid-August!”

eeBoo is set to have a big year in 2024, as Ms. Reitsma shares, “eeBoo will be introducing over 60 new products this summer (and over 120 for the year), including some amazing new seasonal items as part of our 30th anniversary. We are excited to be expanding our eeBoo evergreen art category with more new coloring books, color pencils and stickers as well as the introduction of two new artists Yumi Kitagishi and Cat Rabbit as part of our Maker’s Series. Within our Piece & Love series, there will be 27 new items including new stationery products, and of course product extensions in our beloved English Cottage and Alchemist’s puzzle series.”

Knowing that Corners has plenty of life in it yet, Mr. Parmeter comments, “Over the next few years, I would love to bring other products to market. I even have a few more ideas I’ve managed to jot down. But overall, my focus is and will continue to be on showcasing Corners Championship Ring Toss, the game that has reinvented ring toss!”

30 tfe June 2024

NEW PRODUCT PREVIEWS

Abacus

Professor Maxwell’s VR Atlas is an updated version of the beloved original, packed with nine NEW countries added and 200+ virtual reality experiences to explore! Kids become globe-trotters throughout the 144-page book as they discover famous landmarks, points of interest, man-made and natural wonders, cultures, languages and even food from around the world! With 15 tangible projects and activities included in the kit, the 100+ piece will inspire kids to learn about their world through images that move right on the page in augmented reality, and 360 views in virtual reality. Ages 8+, Available now.

Ageless Innovation

HoloToyz Paw Patrol Augmented Reality Tattoos - These Paw Patrol tattoos will come to life in breathtaking animation when scanned with our free HoloToyz app. Simply stick, scan and watch them come to life! It looks like the pups are on your skin! Turn up the volume to hear the pups jump around and bark to the sound of the theme tune! Tap to place them in the room with you and take photos and videos beside your favorite pups! Pack includes 10 of your favorite characters! Ages 3+, Available now.

Joy for All’s Trivial Pursuit Generations breathes new life into the hallmark Trivial Pursuit, and features generationspecific trivia, personal trivia, and easier-to-read cards. Using the six traditional categories, 1,500 all new questions are segmented by the Greatest Generation, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z. Play your own generation – or the one you know the most about. Each category has its own deck, and each card has five questions broken out by generation. Make your memories part of the game with personal trivia. Read the question, fill in a name, and write the answer on the back. Or make up you own question. Relive them every time you play! The best part? Bigger cards make reading the questions easier for everyone. Ages 16+, Available now.

Bandai

The Ultimate Legends lineup includes fan-favorite characters from popular anime series, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and Naruto. Now, you can collect Naruto Final Battle, Sasuke Final Battle, and Kakashi Battlewith Obito! Each figure stands at 5” tall with 27 points of articulation, allowing for a multitude of posing and display options. Ages 4+, Available now.

Bandai’s Dragon Ball Super Evolve figure line lets you step into the anime world of Dragon Ball Super. The amazingly articulated 5-inch scale figures allow you to recreate epic moments from both the series and film with over 16 points of articulation. Now, add SS3 Son Goku as well as Son Goku and Vegeta from Dragon Ball Super to your collection! Ages 4+, Available now.

32 tfe June 2024

Bandai cont.

From the iconic Japanese franchise Ultraman, these figures stand at a 1/12th scale and are fully poseable. Each figure features 2 beam effect parts to reimagine some of the cool action moments inspired by your favorite scenes from the franchise. It also comes with a collectible card of Ultraman to add to your collection! Ages 4+, Available July 2024.

Basic Fun

Godzilla Movie Monster Series - A must-have for fans of the film franchise, each figure pays homage to the iconic Toho kaiju, or “unique monsters” in translation, throughout generations of film and is a movie-accurate display for any collector’s home. Standing at about 6-inches tall, the entire collection features incredible attention to detail crafted from durable soft vinyl - an inimitable level of craftsmanship distinct within the Japanese art form. Now, Godzilla 2004 and Mechagodzilla can be added to your collection! Ages 4+, Available now.

Look out Littlest Pet Shop fans, because LPS Gen 7 is here with an exciting new series of bobblin’ pets with the LPS Pet Surprise Singles Series 2! Including pets #70-#87, these bobblin’ cuties are individually packed in blind boxes and just waiting to be discovered. #70 Panda, #81 Scotty Dog, #83 Yellow Iguana, #84 Pink Goat, and so many more - who will you add to your LPS crew? Uncover each new pet and their unique purr-sonalities, levels and rarity types. Then trade with your friends to create your own unique LPS collection! Whether you’ve been collecting LPS for years, or are just discovering their bobblin’ magic for the first time, these pets are sure to delight. Makes a great birthday gift, holiday gift, or party favor for kids and LPS fans and collectors ages 4 and older. Collect them all, share, and trade! Ages 4+, Available August 2024.

Bene World

Celebrate Hello Kitty’s 50th anniversary with the Lite-Brite Super Bright HD, Hello Kitty Edition! Based on the retro toy you love, this modern version brings Helo Kitty to life in a whole new way. Featuring a brighter display with double the LEDs and higher definition, this Lite-Brite edition provides more details to your design. Use one of the 6 HD Hello Kitty design templates or let your creativity shine as you design your own art! Ages 6+, Available Fall 2024.

Bene Buddies from Bene World - The Bene Buddies features the Bene Bear, Sparkle the Dog, Seawhee the Turtle and coming soon Haylo the Horse. All buddies are ready to help your child practice Respect, Kindness, Empathy, Giving, Patience, Cooperation, and Sharing! In addition, you can learn all about animal and pet care as well as ocean conservation. Our collection includes all the stuffed animals, tokens, and books. Ages 3+, Available now.

33 tfe June 2024

NEW PRODUCT PREVIEWS

Bonkers Toys

Aphmau’s MeeMeows Mystery Plush Litter 5 is a brand-new line of ocean and animal themed plush. There are 8 different Under the Sea themed MeeMeows to collect, including Dolphin Cat, Stingray Cat, Whale Cat, and Turtle Cat. Each MeeMeow Mystery Plush comes in a blind box for surprise unboxing fun! These cute cat plushies make the most meow-velous cuddle companions with super soft materials, a squishy body and their signature happy faces and big, adorable eyes! An Aphmau MeeMeow Mystery Plush is the purrfect gift for Aphmau fans, collectable lovers, gamers, and cat lovers alike! Also look out for the 11” size plush including Rainbow Cat, Galaxy Cat, Ruby Cat and Diamond Cat. Ages 3+, Available now.

LankyBox is the most highly viewed YouTube gaming duo in the world starring Justin and Adam and their cast of animated characters including Boxy, Foxy, and Rocky. They create high-energy, laugh-out-loud videos including challenges, gaming and entertaining shorts. For LankyBox fans who can’t get enough of the wildly popular YouTube channel, the all-new officially licensed Golden Mystery Boxy is here. The set is filled with new awesome collectibles, making it the ultimate surprise unboxing experience. It contains micro figures, a pop-it, a lanyard with charm, and stickers, all in a special gold color exclusive to this set! It also includes a Golden Ticket where fans can win exclusive prize packages! Check out the LankyBox YouTube channel and find the toys having fun in the videos. Ages 3+, Available now.

Moriah Elizabeth 6” Mystery Plush – Series 1 - Moriah Elizabeth, the popular craft YouTuber and social media sensation, is known for her interactive art and craft videos, and adorable collection of characters. For the first time kids can collect and unbox these cute characters in a mystery blind box! There are 8 different characters to collect, including Georgie, Cathy, Bumblebear, Lemon, Derp, Pickle, Rosie, and Cuepy. Each plushie comes in a blind box for surprise unboxing fun along with a collector poster. These adorable plushies are soft and huggable and are made from super soft materials with squishy bodies. Check out the official Moriah Elizabeth YouTube channel to discover her interactive videos and adorable characters and watch the Mystery Plush here! Ages 3+, Available now.

Canal Toys

LankyBox Jumbo Plush - These fan-favorite LankyBox characters have been brought to life in new and exciting collectible variations! The Jumbo Plush is the biggest and most huggable LankyBox collectible to date! The all-new plush collection is huge at 16 inches long. Collect them all! Ages 3+,Available now.

Capture photos and instantly print them with the Paw Patrol Instant Camera This easy-to-use camera includes three different functions in one device – a digital camera, instant printer, and a video camera! Use the back or front facing lenses to capture photos or selfies. Switch to the video function to have fun recording videos with your friends. You can even choose between multiple Paw Patrol themed effects to add onto your photos. Fun filters with favorite PAW Patrol pups: Chase, Marshall, Rubble, Skye and more. Personalize your photos with markers and trendy stickers to hang on your wall or give to your friends. Ages 4+.

34 tfe June 2024

Cepia

Zhu Zhu Aquarium - Nostalgia is the wave with the newest collection as the iconic brand resurfaces with delightful land-swimming tropical creatures, bringing a mess-free, hands-on aquatic experience to kids everywhere! This school features an array of six vibrantly colored plush tropical fish, each with its unique charm and silly, unpredictable behaviors. Complementing these sea creatures are playful accessories like the fish bubble – where fish can encase themselves – and even a submarine or boat that the fish can actually drive, along with so much more! Ages 4+, Available now.

Cra-Z-Art

Decora Fashion Girlz 11inch Poseable Doll - Embrace the spirit of Decora Fashion Girlz, where every day is an opportunity to express yourself, create something new, and walk confidently in your own fabulous fashion story. Ready to make a statement? This dazzling 11” poseable doll with fully rooted nylon hair, customizable stickers, and trendy accessories is ready for you to unleash your style & creativity with “Decora”. Complete with a doll stand to proudly display your beautifully created Decora fashion girls! Ages 4+, Available now.

Discover the bright and vibrant Decora Girlz 5 Inch Collectible Mystery Dolls. Each doll showcases the lively Decora trend of themed outfits and accessories. These eccentric dolls have stunning, bright, colorful hair with fun, patterned outfits, and a range of playful accessories with customizable stickers. Explore the first series with 9 unique collectible 5inch dolls. Which one will you get? Ages 4+, Available now.

Disney Crystal Surprise - Collectable Disney sparkling crystal-like figures that come in your favorite Disney characters like Belle, Stitch, Mickey and more! Comes packaged in a decorative surprise ball – which figure will you get? Each ball contains 1 Disney Crystal Figurine, 1 bag of either Cra-ZSand or Cra-Z Slimy, and 2 small crystal accessories to match the figurine. There are over 12 different Disney characters to find! Beautiful to display as well as inspire imaginative play! Collect them all! Ages 5+, Available August 2024.

50th Anniversary Magna Doodle - Celebrating it’s 50th anniversary this year! Creativity meets nostalgia with Cra-ZArt’s Retro Magna Doodle! The ultimate unisex retro magnetic drawing toy for creating fun artwork that erases like magic! The classic Magna Doodle, featured on the popular show “Friends”, can be used to play games, draw pictures, write messages (secret erasable messages too!), and so much more. On your very own magnetic drawing board, you can draw, play hangman, play tic-tac-toe, teach letters, numbers, doodle, and lots of other fun things! Includes drawing board, magic pen, and stamps. Recommended for unisex ages 3 to 99, perfect for any child. Be “always creative” with Cra-Z-Art! All ages, Available now.

Chill Factor Slushy Maker - The frozen smoothie cup is the ultimate fun experience – enjoy creating crazy combinations and flavors that will be a guaranteed hit with kids or at parties! Featuring rapid freeze technology, this double-layer squeeze slushy maker makes quick work of quenching thirst in a fun cool way! Made with food-grade safe material and completely reusable, this cooling cup doesn’t just chill your drink, it’s a kicking up the cool-factor! Chill Factor Slushy Cup set comes with 1 Chill Factor Slushy Maker, lid and 1 spoon-straw. Turn any beverage into a treat! Comes in 3 delicious flavors: Blueberry, Watermelon Crush and Berry Burst. Ages 3+, Available now.

Cra-Z-Art

Cotton Candy Maker - Place the bowl and secure the clamp, turn the switch on, wait until the unit warms up and add your fine sugar and watch before your eyes as cotton candy begins to swirl around the bowl. Use the included paper cones to swirl the cotton candy strands around and you’ll quickly have carnival style cotton candy! Easy to disassemble and clean as well; wait until the machine has cooled completely, unclamp the top bowl and hand wash or put in the dishwasher to clean. Includes Cotton Candy Maker, 8 paper cones, 1 measuring spoon, and easy to use instructions. Ages 14+, Available now.

35 tfe June 2024

NEW PRODUCT PREVIEWS

Eeboo

Learn to Draw Dinosaurs - A thoughtfully designed introduction to drawing dinosaurs in sequential steps. Sections are organized by geological period, each ending with a two-page landscape spread for you to populate with the creatures and prehistoric plants you have learned to draw! Ages 5+ Available now.

Learn to Draw Magical Creatures - Learn to draw different types of magical and folkloric animals and whimsical environments in sequential steps. Lessons are divided into four sections and organized by magical habitat, each part ending with a two-page landscape spread for you to populate with the creatures and fantastical objects you have learned to draw! Ages 5+ Available now.

Dino 3D Glow in the Dark Building Set - This simple to assemble playset includes four 3-dimensional dinosaurs and prehistoric plants to assemble, 2-Sided backdrop with daytime and glow-in the-dark nighttime scenes, dinosaur skeletons glow-in-the-dark when the lights go out! An easy activity; a great introduction to model building or simple assembly. Ages 5+ Available now.

Preschool Things I Know Bingo - A simple bingo game featuring images of familiar things divided into 8 clear categories: colors, numbers, vehicles, food, clothing, things at home, things in the sky, and dinosaurs, featuring joyful and bright artwork. A great multi-generational activity for family play. A great tool for practicing simple vocabulary. Ages 3+ Available now.

Cupcake Shaped Spinner Game - eeBoo’s classic spinner game in a shaped box with cheerful, colorful artwork. Spin to collect ingredients for your cupcake: Wet and dry ingredients, flavoring, frosting, decorations, and cupcake liner—but don’t spin the fallen egg or you’ll lose a turn! First to collect all the ingredients? Turn over your bowl to show your completed cupcake. You win! A great intergenerational activity or for family play. Can also be used for independent pretend play. Ages 3+ Available now.

36 tfe June 2024

Family Games America

Tutti Frutti Farm Friends Family Games America – Tutti Frutti Friends on the Farm play set! 4 x 3.5 oz tubs of Tutti Frutti blendable, rehydratable, scented, nontoxic dough, 4 double sided template cards, farm animal info booklet & a color blending chart to create over 6 additional colors. Available now.

Tutti Frutti Summer kits – S’mores & BBQ Family Games America – The same blendable, rehydratable, scented, non-tox dough we know and love in cute summertime themed lunch bags! All the dough and accessories you need in a self-contained fabric lunch bag. Available now.

Rustik Table Hockey Family Games America –Take shots to score points in these two new fast-moving, wrist-flexing sports games. 2 different sizes and price points to choose from. Wood, handmade in Canada. Available July 2024. Come visit us at Astra Booth #2913!

Wandini Glow.0 - Whirl, swirl, and twirl – anyone can perform dazzling and mesmerizing light shows with Wandini. Simply loop Wandini around your middle finger to create an illusion of bright lights floating luminously in the air with your hands. This year’s wand boasts a longer battery life, brighter lights, more durability and better flow. It’s collapsible, portable and travel friendly. Retailers will notice and appreciate the updated and improved packaging. Ages 8+, Available now.

Nockles are a fantastically fun collection of soft, bendable, connectible fidget toys that snap together and morph into amazing shapes. You can expand ‘em, collapse ‘em, snap ‘em, pull ‘em, flip ‘em, bend ‘em, and pop ‘em. They just feel good and can be manipulated in multiple ways in your hands. There are no rules when it comes to Nockles so the joy people experience comes in exploration and discovering which elements of the product you are drawn to. You can even connect individual Nockles to other Nockles to create amazing, dynamic shapes. All five SKUs are interactive and compatible with each other. Ideal for kids ages 5+, discover how fun it is to crack your Nockles! Available now.

Shashibo is a must-have item for any independent toy or gift store. It is the original, patented magnetic puzzle cube and the anchor to the growing magnetic puzzle cube category that now also includes “cousin” cubes, Cubendi and Duomoto also by Fun In Motion Toys. This increasingly popular toy category is highly profitable on an inch-by-inch basis, netting 57% profit margin at the $25 MSRP (MAPP pricing which is strictly controlled by the manufacturer). The introduction of seasonal, limited-edition styles and the retirement of older styles maintains the line’s freshness and creates consumer demand for new styles as people collect & connect their new Shashibo in this repeat purchase model framework. Shashibo is bestin-class in quality and customer service and has netted an astonishing 55,000+ 5-star reviews on Amazon. Available now.

37 tfe June 2024
Fun in Motion

NEW PRODUCT PREVIEWS

Goliath

Moo Moo Achoo - Moooo-ve over and get ready for bubble-mania! From the makers of Shark Bite and Pop! The Pig comes a brand new preschool game featuring Moo Moo, a sweet little cow that sneezes bubbles—lots and lots of bubbles! Players take turns petting her head until—ACHOO! Her BIG sneeze sends bubbles flying into the air! The player with the highest points at the end of the game wins! Ages 4+, Available Fall 2024.

Jelly Blox Creative Kit - Introducing Jelly Blox - the only blocks that bend the rules! Designed for toddlers and preschoolers, Jelly Blox are a patent-pending building system that kids can squeeze, stretch, and squish! Crafted to aid developmental milestones through tactile, sensory play, Jelly Blox delivers jiggly construction fun. Plus, some blocks are filled with exciting sensory materials like sand, foam balls, mini stars, and mini bricks for added fun! And for parents, peace of mind comes standard - Jelly Blox are safety-tested and ouch-free, sparing bare feet if they’re accidentally stepped on. Ages 2+, Available now.

Fidget Blox are squishy, sensory, and satisfyingly fidgety! Available in 3 styles, each with its unique focus on fidget play: Touch, Sound, and Vision. Touch: Feel the soothing sensations as you squish, smush and squeeze! Sound: Squeeze to sort the colorful water beads into their chambers, and hear the satisfying popping sound! Vision: Turn for a lava effect! Smush to mix and then watch the colors separate slowly. Mesmerizing! Ages 3+, Available Fall 2024.

Go Go UFO - The aliens are invading! In this game, players need to use their adorable UFOs to abduct animals from around the farm! Place animal and farmer cards face up on the floor around the room then randomly place Alien Antic cards face down. Then let the cosmic frenzy begin! Players race around the room using their springy spaceships to capture animals and farmers! Pick up an Alien Antic card to earn extra points at the end of the game. Once all the cards are picked up, tally up the score. The player or team with the most points wins! Ages 6+, Available Fall 2024.

Summit or Plummet is a fun adventure-style family game that features a 3D mountain as the game board. Players are challenged to scale their side of the mountain and be the first to reach the top! But watch out—there are dangers in the mountains; mudslides, bears, avalanches, and more might stop your ascent at any moment! To survive these challenges, players must ensure their backpacks are well-stocked with essential provisions. One misstep and they could find themselves plummeting back down the mountain! Ages 8+, Available Fall 2024.

Good Soul Brands

Scratch Off Share or Dare - This team-based game play features scratch-off style challenges—you never know what you’ll do next! Each box contains 8 unique posters and a scratcher. Tailored for kids and tweens, this game offers truthor-dare gameplay with varying degrees of difficulty and point values for each challenge. Players even have the freedom to create their own content, fostering creativity. Do you dare or will you share? Be surprised each time you play this fun twist on a classic play pattern. Ages 8+, Available Fall 2024.

Who doesn’t love a good comfort hug? Bumpas are lovable plush toy friends who you can play and cuddle with. This huggable friend is weighted to provide a sense of comfort and security when you need it most! Bumpas’ arms are perfectly sized to give realistic-feeling hugs. Choose your favorite comfort friend from 4 available Bumpas characters: creative and quirky Shin Shin, daring and adventurous Zeek, gentle and soulful Oz, and cheery and encouraging Lucky! Ages 3+, Available now.

38 tfe June 2024

Hape

Hape Sizzling Griddle & Grill BBQ - Kids can enjoy the ultimate food-play with a new wooden playset featuring a fun grilling experience and accessories for a delicious feast! With the portable BBQ set, children can turn the dials to light up coals and hear sizzling sounds from the grill. The set includes everything kids need to role-play as grill masters and cook meals: cooking utensils, condiments, hotdogs, steak, veggies, and more. Grill, sear, or fry the painted accessories, or remove the griddle and grates to spin kabobs for an interactive BBQ feast! Ages 2+, Available now.

Hasbro

Experience the epic origins of legendary Transformers robots with this Warrior Class Quintesson High Commander action figure! Inspired by the iconic character from the Transformers One film, this 5-inch figure converts from robot to Cybertronian jet mode in 18 steps for awesome 2-in-1 play. Includes Energon cube accessory that can be attached to the figure. Ages 6+, Available Summer 2024.

Ultimate Energon Optimus Prime action figure - This 10-inch figure converts from robot toy to Cybertronian truck toy in 15 steps for awesome 2-in-1 play. Includes an Energon axe that attaches in both modes, and a Matrix of Leadership accessory that attaches in robot mode. Ages 6+, Available Summer 2024.

Energon Matrix Optimus Prime action figure - This 4.5-inch Optimus Prime figure features 2 modes for 2-in-1 play (product does not convert). Switch between Matrix mode and Cog mode by rotating the figure’s head and chest. The simple movement is perfect for Transformers fans ages 4 and up to do all by themselves. Available Summer 2024.

Energon Glow Bumblebee (B-127) action figure - This 6-inch figure converts from robot to Cybertronian car mode in 6 steps for awesome 2-in-1 play. Features a light-up area in his chest for an Energon glow effect. Comes with a blaster and sword that can attach in robot mode - combine the accessories to create a larger blaster accessory. Includes 3x A76/LR44 button cell batteries. Ages 6+, Available Summer 2024.

Race and Blast 2-Pack - The pack includes the 5.5-inch Megatron/D-16 figure that converts from robot to Cybertronian tank mode in 11 steps. Also comes with the Whirlwing figure that converts from robot to alt mode in 3 steps. Kids can convert both figures to alt mode and launch it from the tank for race and blasting play. Ages 6+, Available Summer 2024.

Racing Warrior action figure 3-pack - Inspired by iconic characters from the Transformers One film, the pack includes Optimus Prime/Orion Pax, Megatron/D-16, and Mirage toys. These 4.25-inch action figures convert between robot mode and alt mode in 1 step for awesome 2-in-1 play. The Optimus Prime/Orion Pax figure converts between robot toy and truck toy. The Megatron/D-16 figure converts between robot toy and tank toy. The Mirage figure converts between robot toy and car toy. Ages 6+, Available Summer 2024.

Race Changers 2-Pack - Inspired by iconic characters from the Transformers OneE film, the pack comes with 1.5-inch Optimus Prime/Orion Pax and Megatron/D-16 figures that convert from robot to alt mode for awesome 2-in-1 play. Launch the figures to race at each other -- when they crash together, they automatically convert to robot mode. Race them side by side to see which one goes the farthest to win the race. The pack comes with 2 launchers to launch the 2 vehicles. Ages 5+, Available Summer 2024.

39 tfe June 2024

NEW PRODUCT PREVIEWS

Hootenanny Games

Sixem Sour Patch Kids - You’d better roll fast to beat family and friends in this mischievous dice game. Grab your favorite Sour Patch Kid board and pick a token at random to name the pattern. Then, the frenzy begins! Sour Then Sweet. Play ‘sour’ to erase Xs from your opponents or play ‘sweet’ to give Xs to others. The first player to match the pattern with six Xs in a row wins! Every game is different in this wild race. Sixem is the game that combines strategy, speed, and a dash of mischief in one exciting package. Perfect for anyone who loves a good challenge with a side of fun! Six dice. Six rows. Endless kicks as you roll to six! Ages 13+, Available Fall 2024.

Horizon Group USA

Star Wars Slime Jars - Embark on a journey across the galaxy with Star Wars Slimes — a collection of 4 different slimes that bring Mando, stormtroopers, Grogu, and even Darth Vader right to your fingertips! Available in green, black, metallic gray, and glossy white colors and crowned by each character, these jars are more than just containers of galactic goo — they’re a collector’s dream! Dive into the science of compounds with collector cards featuring fun facts about non-Newtonian fluids and light and reflection, drawing parallels between the slime and the characters. Crafted with non-toxic, gluten-free ingredients, these slimes offer instant stress relief for kids and adults alike. Resealable for endless play, whether you’re at work, home, or on the go, Star Wars slime is more than just a STEM activity — it’s a piece of the Star Wars galaxy you can hold in your hands. Perfect for any Star Wars fan ages 6 and up. Available now.

Just My Style Tinsel Hair Stylist Studio - From fairy hair to beaded locks, this one-of-a-kind hair kit makes it easy to rock a new look — it’s perfect for every hair type, length, and color! Featuring easy-to-use styling tools, including hair clips, elastics, and a hair beader, this set lets you easily create head-turning results. Learn two quick techniques for wearing sparkling tinsel in your hair — either with removable bobby pins or slidable knots for an ethereal vibe you can change up whenever you wish. The best part? The tinsel hair extensions measure 10 inches long each and can be cut to accommodate your hair length! Pair the tinsel with hair beads for a fun 90s look — the included beading tool makes it a breeze to create colorful beaded locks! Whether you’re heading to a festival or a concert, party with friends, or just want to express your unique style, the Just My Style Tinsel Hair Stylist Studio makes it easy to leave a little glow wherever you go — and the convenient storage case means you can bring the hair fun anywhere. Perfect for any trendsetter ages 6 and up! Available now.

Celebrate Hello Kitty’s 50th Anniversary in style with the Hello Kitty Mini Collectible Stationery Set by STMT! This extraordinary collection is a must-have for Hello Kitty enthusiasts of all ages, offering over 50 delightful pieces of collectible stationery that will fill your world with kawaii joy. These mini-sized stationery pieces add an extra layer of charm and make every message an adorable experience — they’re the perfect Sanrio school supplies! These materials not only inspire creativity but also let you create a truly personalized stationery experience. Whether you’re jotting down notes, sending letters, or adding a touch of Hello Kitty flair to your daily life, this set has you covered. It’s the perfect choice for cute school supplies, Hello Kitty desk accessories, or Hello Kitty office supplies! Recommended for ages 6 and up. Available now.

40 tfe June 2024

Horizon Group USA cont.

Hello Kitty Official Sanrio 50th Anniversary Journaling Set by STMT - A joyful journaling adventure awaits with the Hello Kitty 50th Anniversary Journaling Set by STMT — a celebration of Hello Kitty’s timeless charm and your cherished memories! This exclusive set offers a delightful assortment of journaling essentials and Sanrio school supplies, inviting you to capture special moments for a lifetime. From a 70-page hardcover spiral-bound Hello Kitty notebook to an array of collectible kawaii stationery goodies, this set combines the best of creative journaling with super cute scrapbooking. Use kawaii stickers, foldable magnetic bookmarks, glossy frames, die-cut shapes, and pre-printed pages to bring your Hello Kitty to life. With gold glitter tape and a glue stick, you can secure lightweight keepsakes to every journal page, turning your memories into works of art. This one-of-a-kind collection is perfect for every Hello Kitty fan, both young and young at heart.Recommended for any Hello Kitty fan ages 8 and up. Available now.

IMC toys

Meet the adorable Cry Babies Minnie Mouse that cries real tears just like a real baby! The newest addition to the popular Cry Babies line comes dressed inspired by one of Disney’s most beloved characters - Minnie Mouse, complete with her classic polkadot dress and iconic mouse ears. Cry Babies Minnie Mouse also makes realistic baby sounds. When she’s crying, put her pacifier in her mouth and watch as she magically stops crying! Ages Months +, Available now.

Cry Babies Tiny Cuddles are the softest version of Cry Babies, and now they’ve been given a magical makeover with 6 new dolls dressed up in outfits as Disney inspired characters. Cry Babies Tiny Cuddles will feature Disney’s Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Stitch, Daisy Duck and Winnie the Pooh. Each one comes with a matching pacifier and cries real tears. Ages 18 Months +, Available now.

Jet Disc is the new innovative disc that combines the classic play patterns of flying disks and airplane gliders that get kids outside and moving! Its unique and distinctive design allows it to be thrown like a disc, while the aerodynamic plane tail allows smooth gliding motions, making it effortless to both throw and catch for kids. Jet Disc comes in two sizes - Jet Disc Zoom which is 5.9” wide and perfect for throwing into a bag or backpack for on the go fun, and the larger, 9” wide Jet Disc Hunter. Ages 6+, Available now.

Revamp hairstyles with VIP Fashion Dolls Megan and Quinn! With an innovative pull-string mechanism, kids can effortlessly transform their doll’s hairstyle. Megan wears a chic metallic silver dress and you can add pink boots, while Quinn features a glittery gold outfit. Each doll is paired with five unique premium accessories reflecting their personality. From heart-shaped stickers and gel-infused glitter, each accessory set inspires endless creativity, fostering fine motor skills development through play with kids. Ages 6+, Available now.

41 tfe June 2024

NEW PRODUCT PREVIEWS

Jada Toys

Godzilla RC - Experience the ultimate adventure with the Remote-Control Godzilla with heat-ray breath from the movie Godzilla X Kong! This larger-than-life toy lets you control Godzilla as it walks, stomps, and whips its tail around. Witness the awe-inspiring light-up heat ray breath as it illuminates the battlefield with its iconic roar. Stretching almost 2 feet long, Godzilla is ready to win the next fight. The user-friendly remote control allows you to maneuver Godzilla effortlessly, bringing legendary battles to life. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this Godzilla RC is great for play and display. Ages 8+, Available now.

Godzilla Metalfigs - Wreak havoc on your collection with these iconic monsters. Featuring authentic characters from the movie Godzilla X Kong, each Die-Cast metal figure has sculpt and paint execution unique to each character. Godzilla, King Kong, Skar, Shimo are all featured as a single pack and ready for menacing terror - collect them all! Ages 8+, Available now.

The Transformers 2.5” Metalfigs are highly detailed collectibles that feature the most iconic characters from the Transformers universe: Bumblebee, Optimus Prime, Megatron, and Optimus Primal. These figures are perfect for displaying on your desk, bookshelf or in your collection with their unique and detailed sculpt. Get your hands on the Transformers 2.5” Metalfigs and start building your collection of Transformers characters! Also look out for Metalfigs from Minecraft, Marvel’s Avengers, TMNT, and Spider-Man! Ages 8+, Available now.

Jazwares

Squish time is playtime when you add the Spidey and His Amazing Friends Squishmallows HugMees to your Squishmallows Squad! This ultra-squeezable 10-inch medium-sized plush is made with high-quality and ultrasoft materials. Squishmallows HugMees have their arms extended and are always ready for a hug! Add this adorable HugMees plush to your Squishmallow Squad! The soft HugMees plush is perfect to snuggle with while relaxing at home, watching your favorite series, or traveling! This authentic Squishmallows plush is easy to clean: hand wash, then air dry. These lovable and squeezable Squishmallows are the softest and cutest plush toys around! Officially licensed Marvel product from Jazwares. Only by Original Squishmallows. Join the Squad! Ages 3+, Available now.

AquaBumz - BumBumz are super-soft, uniquely trendy, collectible 7.5” plush! Once you pick them up you can’t put them down! BumBumz are as diverse and unique as the people who collect them! When it comes to this trendy, soft, super-sensory plush, anything and everything can become a BumBumz. Whether you’re a retro-rocker, a football superfan, or a veggie-aficionado, there is a BumBumz for everyone! Ages 3+, Available now.

42 tfe June 2024

Jazwares cont.

Pokemon 6” Articulated Figures - Train and display this Pokémon Select Super Articulated Figure. This assorted 6-inch figure is highly detailed and features over 15 points of articulation. It also includes a special posing arm accessory for dynamic display. Boxed in the Select Series’ signature black and silver packaging, this figure looks like it flew right out of the Pokémon Animated Series. Team up with this figure and build the ultimate Pokémon Select team. Officially licensed Pokémon product from Jazwares. Ages 8+, Available now.

Just Play

Hello Kitty and Friends 18” Sleeping Plush - Hello KittySnuggle up with the Hello Kitty Sleeping Plush! This supersized 18-inch plush is made from super soft sherpa material, and it truly feels like a dream come true! Hello Kitty is wearing tie-dye pajamas and a non-removable sleep mask inspired by her favorite teddy bear, Tiny Chum. Hello Kitty is always ready to catch some zzz’s! Grab this huggable plush and snuggle up for a cozy nap. We won’t tell! Ages 6+, Available now.

Work through worries with the Disney and Pixar Inside Out 2 Shaking with Anxiety Feature Plush. Her arms can be arranged in many fidgety forms. Twist Anxiety’s hair to see her shake and say phrases as her eyes quiver. Twist her hair a bit more, and she’ll shake and talk for even longer. Sized 13 inches tall, Anxiety features a soft body, velvety corduroy pants, striped sweater, and embroidered facial details. Her tuft of red hair can be shaped and mussed. Perfect for play and display, this animated feature plushie is sure to be a favorite at sleepovers and may even help kids talk about complicated emotions. Ages 3+, Available now.

The Disney Junior SuperKitties Purr ‘N’ Play Playset puts kids in the center of the action with lights, phrases, music, and sound effects. This playset, inspired by Disney Junior’s show, SuperKitties, unfolds to reveal 20-inches of colorful play space, 3 figures, and 8 accessories. Find articulated Hero Ginny, Kitten Ginny, and Cat Burglar figures, the SuperKitty Kit, Mr. Greenie, a mission control monitor, a bed, brush, and yarn ball. Press buttons to activate multicolored lights and hear phrases, sounds, and music from the show. The top floor is an indoor playground. Downstairs, discover the secret SuperKitties Cavern. Use the transformation chamber to change Ginny into a SuperKitty. Ages 3+, Available July 2024.

Behind every door, a surprise is in store with Disney Doorables Multi Peek Technicolor Takeover collectible figures. Open the doors to unbox a guaranteed 5 figures, but perhaps 6 – or even 7. This first-of-its-kind series includes 50 characters and features an additional 10 special-edition Technicolor Takeover figures – Rapunzel, Marie, Cheshire Cat, Stitch, Olaf, Tinkerbell, Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse, Winnie The Pooh, and Tigger too! Some will find the limited-edition Pepita and Genie as Gameshow Host. Each of these figures are designed with a unique ombre coating. Some will find never-before-featured Doorables from the stories of Disney’s Peter Pan and Wendy, Zootopia, Fantasia, Finding Nemo, The Rescuers, and more. Look for special flocked figures from Disney’s 101 Dalmatians and Pearlized Translucent figures from Disney Pixar’s Elemental. Ages 5+, Available now.

Give a happy home to cute baby animals with the furReal Newborns Interactive Toy Pets. These sweet interactive pets are ready for warm snuggles and imaginative role play from nurturing kids. Choose from 1 of 2 pets: an adorable creamcolored puppy or a gray and white striped kitten. Swaddle newborns in their soft blankets. Brush their cuddly fur. When they’re hungry, feed them with their bottles. They make sweet sounds and close their eyes while eating. Sized at 6-inches long, these interactive toy pets are perfect for cuddling on laps, travel to friends’ homes, and delightful pretend play. Ages 4+, Available now.

43 tfe June 2024

NEW PRODUCT PREVIEWS

The Loyal Subjects

Introducing the Strawberry Shortcake 8” Plush! These plush feature a floppy body & bean filled bottom for softness all around, and is sweetly scented! Collect all 4! Also look out for Rainbow Brite 8” Plush! Available now.

1.5” CheeBee Figures – Rainbow Brite - This Rainbow Brite Blind package includes 2 figures inside a star container with a fun peel off lid! 20 figures to collect, including 3 Rare and 3 Ultra-Rare. Also look out for Strawberry Shortcake 1.5” CheeBee Figures! Available now.

Backpack Clips – Strawberry Shortcake - The Strawberry Shortcake 4” tall sweet scented Mini Plushies with backpack clips. Collect all 4! Collect all 4! Also look out for Rainbow Brite backpack clips! Available now.

Lab

The Original Flat 2 Fast Card Racers launched in late 2023 and have been flying off the shelves ever since. Celebrated for its unique innovation, this toy transforms from flat cards to superfast racing cars with the press of a button – a true first of its kind! No pull back needed. Flat 2 Fast Card Racers are portable and fit perfectly in a pocket or backpack for on-the-go play! Ages 5+, Available now.

Blossom Pets are the latest innovative toys from Luki Lab, where adorable flower pets need loving care to keep their petals colorful and blooming! Featuring four characters – Rosie the Bunny, Lilac the Cat, Dewy the Dog, and Daisy the Pig – each collectible pet inspires children to nurture animals and flowers through play. To make each Blossom Pets’ flowers bloom, gently pull their stems to unveil the petals, then use water to fill the “Magical Mist” bottle and spray onto the flowers to reveal their vibrant hues. To maintain each Blossom Pet’s colorful blooms, remember to water the petals when they start to dry and fade. Ages 5+, Available now.

44 tfe June 2024
Luki

Make it Real

Stamp To Reveal - Check the stamper for the number on the paper dot, then find the matching number on the poster. Align the circles and stamp! Continue to reveal a fun and colorful artwork featuring cute characters. Kids and kids at heart will have a blast using the uber satisfying stamper to bring the artwork to life in no time. Take a step back to allow the image to come into focus and reveal the masterpiece. Young creators can hold onto their stampers so multiple creators can join in on the fun. This collection of Stamp To Reveal releases includes a total of 7 sets to explore. Ages 8+, Available Summer 2024.

The possibilities are endless with LinXo! LinXo is the only lifestyle construction and design system that allows kids to design and personalize fashionable creations and stylish accessories to wear, display, take along and build again and again. LinXo pieces are flexible, connectable, and fashionably wearable. Tweens can make a variety of creations by connecting the links and easily taking them apart and rebuilding. All sets come with built-in storage and organizing trays. From 3D characters to jewelry and even light-up decor, the creative possibilities are endless! Ages 6+, Available July 2024

Magna-Tiles sets inspire young minds and help kids develop skills they’ll use in everyday life. Invented by an educator for educators, Magna-Tiles brand was born in the classroom in 1997. From these humble beginnings, Magna-Tiles has grown to become America’s #1 Magnetic Building Sets Brand and an essential tool for a child’s growing mind. Meaningful Play awaits!

Space 32-Piece Set - Blast off with the new Magna-Tiles Space Set, sure to be a top toy this holiday season! Enjoy the thrills of learning through play at light speed, with this STEAM-centric space adventure. Includes the first-of-its-kind Shuttle that conveniently stores all pieces after play. Cleanup is a breeze! Features a unique astronaut figure and new micromags pieces for an enhanced, imaginative play experience. All pieces are compatible with and complementary to all other MagnaTiles sets. Kids can easily add to their current Magna-Tiles collection to build an entire space station, or whatever their imagination desires! Ages 3+, Coming August 2024.

45 tfe June 2024
Magna Tiles

NEW PRODUCT PREVIEWS

MGA

L.O.L. Surprise! brings you all-new fun with L.O.L. Surprise! Water Balloon Surprise! Feed your doll and watch as her water balloon hair expands! Comes with regular latex balloons to pop and play, some with surprises inside! Or use the unpoppable, glitter-filled set as water toys for some summer fun. There are 4 ways to play: Bottle can be used as a squirt toy, bottle can feed the tot and fill her hair, glitter balloons can be used as a squirt toy, and latex water balloons can be popped or thrown. Adapter included to help fill balloons at a faucet or bottle. Ages 3+, Available now.

Toddlers get ready for lots of fun on the Little Tikes Easy Store Slide & Explore. This playset is action-packed with loads of play options; a slide, climbing steps with easy-grab stair handles, and collapsible crawling tunnel with peek-a-boo windows. Toddlers and kids stay active as they climb, slide, and crawl. The interactive playset features a rotating telescope with 3x zoom, spinning steering wheel, and multiple clicker bugs for hours of imaginative play. As a bonus, the weather-resistant Easy Store Slide & Explore disassembles and packs away for easy storage and transport. Ages 1 - 3, Available now.

Our new Rainbow High Swim & Style Fashion Dolls come with an adorable wrap that can be styled 10+ways making this a fun, versatile and super affordable gift this Spring! They come dressed in swimsuits which is perfect for pool/bathtub playtime. The color matching wrap can be styled 10+ ways, inspiring so many stories – pool towel, suit cover up, skirt, dress, head wrap and more. It’s the only Swim doll on the market that comes with a Wrap you can style 10+ ways. These dolls are ready for the day in the sun with their signature play accessories: sunglasses, shoes, handbag. 4 new fashion dolls: Ruby in Red, Sunny in Yellow, Skyler in Blue, Violet in Purple. Ages 4+, Available now.

MGA’s Miniverse Make It Mini Foods Cafe, Series 3 - Mystery Ball shaped capsule. Make It: Build your dish / drink from the ingredients from your pack. Set It: Once you have your dish or drink prepped, cure the resin in any UV light (e.g., the sun) until resin has hardened. Display It: Each Diner mini comes with a mini table to display your mini food! Collect Them All: Each pack has unique ingredients to make different dishes/ drinks. All new savory, and sweet mini foods! Hyper realistic and detailed mini replica foods . Perfect novelty/ display collectible. 24 Minis to Collect. Ages 8+, Available now.

Now you can care for a sweet baby of your very own! BABY born My Real Baby is a beautiful doll with lifelike features. She makes baby sounds, including babbles, gurgles, laughter, and crying. She acts so real when she sucks on her bottle or pacifier, goes potty, and even cries real tears! When it’s time to sleep, she slowly closes her eyes and starts to snore. So many fun, interactive ways to play! Includes doll, outfit, hat, bottle, pacifier and diaper. Girls and boys ages 3 years old and up will love nurturing and caring for this lifelike baby. Available in 3 different skin tones and eye colors. Ages 3+, Available now.

46 tfe June 2024

Mindware

Nacho Pepper! - This spicy version of the classic game of Spoons will have game shoppers hungry for more! Scan fast passing tortilla chip cards as you search for four of a kind. Snag a Super Nacho chip from your stack and gain a free pepper. The last one to grab a squishy pepper earns a letter. Be the last player to spell NACHO and you win! Ages 6+, Available now. Discover endless fun and creativity with our Make Your Own Wind Spinner Kit! Perfect for kids aged 8 and up, this kit is a delightful blend of crafting and outdoor whimsy. With everything included and no tools required, children can easily build, make, and decorate charming pieces like a dragonfly, a bumble bee, or a ladybug. Watch as their imaginations take flight, adding an adorable touch to gardens and outdoor spaces. Let the wind spin their creativity into something truly magical! Encourages artistic creativity, fosters an understanding of natural elements like wind and develops fine motor skills. Ages 8+, Available Now.

Crash Monsters is a new Peaceable Kingdom game from MindWare. Players take turns drawing a card from the deck. The cards show a unique stack of monsters, and player must stack up foam monster blocks to match it. After the stack is built, send the skateboard zooming down the ramp to crash them down! Complete five successful stacks and crashes and you win the trophy, finishing the game. Teaches tactile skills, pattern and shape recognition, and cause and effect. Ages 2+ Available Summer 2024.

Miniland

Miniland Doll with Vitiligo - Continuing their mission of inclusivity and representation, Miniland is proud to add a new member to its award-winning Colorful Dolls Edition family: Vitiligo Baby Doll. 15” with rooted hair, this beautiful doll comes dressed in a soft, pastel blue knitted romper. She represents the beauty of vitiligo with care and respect. Reinforcing representation and acceptance, this doll joins Miniland’s award-winning dolls with Down syndrome and hearing implants to ensure all children are seen and valued. Ages 2-6, Available now.

Miniland ECO Junior Sand Set - This beautiful sand set is made of eco-friendly materials and designed in soft, pastel colors. Available in two sizes, this set is suitable for children ages 18 months and up and comes complete with a bucket, shovel, dustpan and rake. Perfect for summer and water play adventures! Ages 0+, Available now.

47 tfe June 2024

NEW PRODUCT PREVIEWS

Moonlite

Moonlite 4 Story Collections with Projector - Moonlite is a children’s storybook projector powered by your smartphone which transforms together time into a special experience for parents, caregivers and kids. The Moonlite Story Collections use ambient music, playful sounds, and big, bright storybook images to delight a child’s senses. Every story contains a picture disc and activation code that downloads the content onto a smart device. To download, grownups can visit the Google Play or Apple App Store and look for the Moonlite app. Each Moonlite Story Collection include a Moonlite Projector and 4 stories. Each story contains a picture disc and activation code that downloads the content onto your smart device. All ages, Available now.

Moose

Bluey 3-In-1 Airplane Transforming Airplane Set - With 10 accessories, the playset is equipped with everything the Heeler family needs for a perfect ‘Family Trip’. Take off in the plane with an exclusive Bluey figure as captain; land, and Bluey sheds her captain’s hat and is ready for vacation, accompanied by her little sister, Bingo, who is ready for the beach with her glasses. The plane easily converts to an all-inclusive two-level ocean front resort that sleeps four, complete with a restroom. On the upper deck, swivel the seats to transform from airplane seating to a resort café. For some water action, the two-seat cockpit pulls out and becomes a speed boat with an inner tube. When it’s time to hit the beach, the cockpit chairs convert to beach chairs that can be complemented with the included hammock accessory. Adding to the experience, the playset has 25 vacation-themed sounds and phrases from the hit series. When the vacation is over, everything can once again be stored in the plane until Bluey and family are off on another adventure. Ages 3+, Available July 2024.

Bluey Wedding 4-Pack - From the recent extended episode “the Sign,” Uncle Rad, dressed in a bow tie, is ready to tie the knot with Frisky, with her wedding veil and bouquet. Bluey and Bingo are joining the celebration as flower girls wearing sweet flower crowns. Ages 3+, Available now.

Despicable Me 4 Ultimate Fart Blaster - Make like a Minion (and their favorite bodily function) with the new Ultimate Fart Blaster. The fart blaster has always been a fan favorite, but this is the first time that it has lights, fart sounds AND shoots scented fart rings that travel up to six feet away. The 14-inch-long blaster comes loaded with two “fart formulas” that produce the rings with either the good smell of banana, or the bad smell of, well, farts. There’s also no guessing where the despicable smell came from given the blaster’s hefty size and the lights and sounds it emits, including a selection of fart sounds and the Minions laughing. To keep the fun and the farts going, each bottle of fart formula produces up to 5,000 fart rings and blasts. Ages 4+, Available now.

Heroes of Goo Jit Zu – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - As if the sewers of New York are not ooey and gooey enough for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the sewer-dwelling, pizza loving heroes in a half shell have been given the Heroes of Goo Jit Zu treatment. The crime fighting foursome of Raphael, Leonardo, Donatello and Michelangelo are just over four inches tall right out of the pack and can stretch up to three times that … then go right back to their original shape and size. Kids can collect their Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles two by two with the Team Up Pack, where Raphael and Donatello are “totally scrunchy,” Leonardo is “totally stretchy,” and Michelangelo is “totally oozy.” Or, go full cowabunga and collect all four in the Ultimate Team Pack, which have different colored goo mutations when you squeeze them. Ages 4+, Available now.

48 tfe June 2024

Moose cont

Treasure X – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - A jolt of Turtle Power has hit the world of Treasure X with a new licensed line of classic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles figures. The humorous, pizza loving Raphael, Leonardo, Donatello and Michelangelo have been given the Treasure X treatment, including the Treasure X signature search for a 1-in-24 chance of finding a real gold dipped treasure. With these Turtles, that treasure could be just one thing … a pizza slice. Sift through a mutagen ooze-filled sewer pipe that holds the pieces to assemble each craftable character and find his signature Ninja weapon. Joining the fearless heroes in a half shell are two additional characters from the classic animated series – Shredder and Casey Jones, both with their own accessories. There’s also a rare Golden Leonardo, bringing the count to seven figures in all to collect and connect. Ages 4+, Available now.

Moosh Moosh

Moosh-Moosh Hoodie Blankets are meant to be worn from head to knee. The twist is their one-size-fits-all is perfect for kidults who miss that comfort of wrapping themselves in softness. It’s like a blankie for a very big kid or grownup! Colorful and kooky, there are six personalities to choose from: pink Caticorn (part meow, part unicorn); chalk colored Llamacorn; sea blue Shark; yellow/orange Pug; green toothy Dinosaur and cloud covered Panda. Wrap yourself in the comfort, warmth, and softness of Moosh-Moosh and let your imagination run wild. These one-size-fits-all coverings have full sleeve that leave hands free. Each style boasts an animal-inspired hood with big eyes, perhaps horns or a toothy smile. Choose from six characters that are ultra-soft and cozy — the gift of all Moosh-Moosh products. All ages, Available now.

Moosh-Moosh Spring 2024 Starlight Buddies - These 12” bundles of softness are squishy and dare we say, mooshy! Each buddy boasts two perky ears, big eyes and a smirk, a grin or a pink tongue. Meet the green and purple dragon Drac; a purple and white pup Carrie; pink and blue Kandy Kat; sweet as can be Honey the Bear; a gold horned unicorn Sparkle and starry-eyed Pandy. Each of these six pillow-y pals boast personalities which are eager to become a BFF and promise cuddles and softness whenever it’s needed! All ages, Available now.

49 tfe June 2024

NEW PRODUCT PREVIEWS

The Noble Collection

Bring iconic Minecraft items into real life with these Inventory Chests! Series 1 of this product line features 4 unique, collectable chests, each featuring 4 individual items belonging to iconic in-game biomes: The End, Caves, Plains, and Forest biomes. Each chest contains 4 inventory slots which can be stored inside, or stacked together to display all 16 items in Series One. Each individual item is also designed to stand freely so they can be displayed outside of the inventory slots. Minecraft Inventory Chests were designed to authentically mirror the in-game items, featuring detailed sculpting, metallic finishes, and wood-like textures. Each chest measures approximately 4” tall, with items measuring up to 3” tall. Ages 6+, Available Fall 2024.

Meet Pufflums! Made from ultra-soft slow-rise foam, Pufflums will always return to their original shape so they can be squashed, twisted, and smushed again and again without losing their form. This pufflum is a film-accurate recreation of Harry Potter’s birthday cake from the first film in the franchise, featuring detailed sculpting of the frosting patterns and raised lettering across the top. This pufflum also comes in special decorative packaging, inspired by the cake box shown in the film. Pufflum measures approximately 5” around. More to come! Ages 7+, Available Now.

Life finds a way! Now you can bring home all three of The Noble Collection’s Jurassic Park Collector Plush Dinosaurs. These dinos are crafted with premium textured fabrics and fine embroidered details to capture the majesty of these giants that used to rule the earth. Standing at approximately 10” tall, these jurassic plushies are perfect for collectors of all ages. Ages 0+, Available Now.

OOLY

Shrink-its! DIY Shrink Art Bracelet Kit- B.F.F. - This adorable bracelet making set is the perfect jewelry project for BFFs to do together! This shrink art kit includes enough pre-cut shrink charms and colored cords to make 20 bracelets. Each shrink charm is one-half of a famous bestie, like peanut butter and jelly, a cloud and a rainbow, and much more! Just color in the design, have an adult put them in the oven, and marvel at how in only a few minutes, bracelet-ready charms appear! Then kiddos can decide: are they more peanut butter than jelly? More milk than cookie? Whatever they choose, these DIY charm bracelets are a delightful way to spend an afternoon! Ages 6+, Available Fall 2024.

50 tfe June 2024

OOLY cont.

Foil-tastic Foil Art & Coloring: Whimsical World - This foil art kit is the perfect balance of coloring and crafting! It includes 12 double-sided coloring pages, each with a different whimsical design including a unicorn, narwhal, and other mythical creatures! One side of each page is for decorating with shimmery foil, the other is for coloring in. 24 bright foil sheets are also included, so your little one can create their own shiny masterpiece. This foil art is for kids who love to spend afternoons being creative! Ages 6+, Available Fall 2024.

Creatibles

D.I.Y Air-Dry Clay Kit: Rainbow BFFs - This air dry clay ensures an afternoon of hands-on fun! Watch as your kiddo learns how to sculpt two bright and sweet besties—a colorful butterfly and a friendly rainbow. Simple instructions are included, along with four different colored pieces of super soft, non-toxic clay. It even comes in a reusable tub for easy storage. This clay kit is great at keeping little hands busy on-the-go, and makes a great gift for budding artists and anyone who loves some tactile play! Ages 6+, Available Fall 2024.

Vivid Pop! Water Based Paint Markers - Metallic - Set of 8 - Rock out with this set of paint markers! Non-toxic, water based paint markers come in a cool metallic sheen, so they’ll give your masterpiece a little extra glow. Designed to stay on porous surfaces like paper, wood, cardboard, rocks, and more, these multi surface metallic paint markers can be cleaned off of smooth surfaces like glass, glazed ceramic, and whiteboards. Eight markers are included in all, so be bold, be bright, and be creative with this metallic set! Ages 8+, Available Fall 2024.

Body Doodlers - Face & Body Crayons, Set of 12 - Are you feeling like a clown? A punk rocker? A human flower? Express those whims with this set of face and body crayons! It includes 12 temporary colors so you can transform yourself into whatever you dream up, and then easily wash it off whenever you want. Each non-toxic body crayon twists up so you can add more color whenever you need. Body art crayons are great for adding activities like face painting to a birthday party, or for turning a humdrum afternoon into a creative adventure! Ages 6+, Available Fall 2024.

Petit Collage

Animal Acrobats Balance Game - Roll up, roll up, it’s time for an astounding balancing act! Stack the acrobats any which way you can without them all tumbling down! Roll the die to decide which color creature you’ll add to the tower and then carefully connect it to another animal in the stack. It can go anywhere you like but be careful because the game is over when those aerial artists fall! Perfect for 2-4 players (or more if you play in teams), ages 3 and up, this game develops fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and hand-eye coordination.

51 tfe June 2024

NEW PRODUCT PREVIEWS

Playmobil

Pirate fans, get ready for an exciting pirate adventure with the Large Pirate Ship! This floating ship is equipped with swiveling cannons, an adjustable large cannon and offers plenty of space for the adventurous pirate crew. Thanks to the practical foot clamps, the figures can stand securely on board. The sails are also movable, and can be unfolded on both sides. The thrilling pirate world from Playmobil is not for the faint-hearted. With imaginative characters, fantastic ships with many features, and creepy sea monsters, it offers everything for imaginative role-playing. Ages 4-10, Available July 2024.

Magical beginnings start at Cinderella’s Castle! Stacking the cups to the castle is the central feature and promotes fine motor skills, cause and effect, cognitive skills, sound and effect skills, and more. Have your little one create music by shaking the towers of the castle and listen to the different noises. Cinderella’s princess dress is removable and turns her into a spinning top toy, for even more fun! The adorable Disney characters encourage children to tell their own stories during early role play. Set includes Cinderella, Prince, stacking castle, slide, and other accessories. Ages 1-4, Available August 2024.

Immerse yourself in the scenes and characters from the popular series, Miraculous - Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir” with Marinette’s Loft! Join the main character Marinette Dupain-Cheng as she takes care of the little girl, Manon Chamack, and embarks on thrilling adventures. Marinette‘s cozy loft in her parent‘s bakery comes to life with the realistic floor panel and decorative side walls. The dressing mirror includes a reflective surface while the versatile chaise lounge provides both seating and a resting space. The sewing machine can be operated with the side crank, causing the needle to move up and down, creating an authentic play experience. With this fantastic set, children can dive into the magical world of Miraculous and become superheroes of their own stories. Ages 4-10, Available now.

In the world of Princess Magic, the mermaids of the underwater kingdom treat and care for cute sea creatures at the Mermaid Animal Care! Protecting the sea and its inhabitants is the mermaids’ top priority. Here, the mermaids work together as they wrap the tail of the injured swordfish, check the shark’s massive teeth for imperfections, and feed the baby seal with the bottle. Watch as the wound on the baby seal disappears when rubbed. Ages 4+, Available now.

The Campsite set includes several accessories such as camping gear, food items, and wildlife figures to enhance the play experience. Children can set up their campsite, cook meals, and go on adventures in the wilderness. This set encourages creative storytelling and helps develop social and fine motor skills as kids interact with the various pieces and create their own camping scenarios. Ages 4-10, Available now.

52 tfe June 2024

Playper

Welcome to Curious Kingdom, where imagination and fun come together in a build-it-yourself playset packed with excitement! Pop out the pieces, build the toys, and play with silly King Ketchup, sweet Snuffles the allergy-prone dragon, boisterous Ollie the ogre, adventurous Princess Petunia, and more. This multi-level castle features plenty of windows, hiding spots, a working drawbridge with a lock, and a secret trap door for added adventure. With seven colorful characters and interchangeable accessories, kids can let their creativity soar as they embark on endless story-based play. But the fun doesn’t stop there! Through the optional, free app, kids can bring their toys to life with augmented reality, engaging in interactive stories, learning games, and delightful surprises. The Magic Mirror feature allows children to view their creations in a whole new way, enhancing their play experience. Complete with props, accessories, and sustainable, recyclable materials, Curious Kingdom offers endless hours of entertainment while fostering creativity and imagination. Available now.

Plus Plus

HEXEL — the new fidget toy for hands of all sizes. Crafted with six Plus-Plus pieces connected by a flexible cord, HEXEL’s simple design flexes to fit any lifestyle. HEXEL bends, twists, and connects to allow you to create intricate structures or simply just fidget. Collect more HEXELs and unlock limitless possibilities of creation. HEXEL is quiet, pocket-friendly and portable for anytime fidgeting at your fingertips. Craft mesmerizing forms like Maximo or Crystal or just allow HEXEL’s smooth motion to sooth and satisfy as you play. Set play free and enjoy the art of motion. Available in 3 color combinations: rainbow, bubblegum and waterfall. How do you flex your HEXEL? Ages 3+, Available now.

Name: Puzzle by Number - 500 pc Puppy - This little guy is looking for adventure! Or maybe just a bone, either way he’s eager to fulfill his role as man’s best friend. This one simple shape is the key to unlocking endless creativity. Discover how to create flat mosaics and 3D builds. It’s the perfect, relaxing STEM toy to encourage fine motor skills, focus, and innovation. Using the enclosed pattern, fill in the design by matching each number with the corresponding color to complete your Kitten. When you are done, display it on a table or hang it up as room décor - no glue or ironing required! Ages 5-12, Available now.

Ridley’s Games

Utterly villainous behavior will be needed if you want to be the ultimate Disney Baddie and seize the throne in this Disney Villains Selfish game! You and your fellow players will play as one of five iconic Disney Villains in search of glory Play as Maleficent, Scar, Jafar, Hades or Ursula and use evil deeds to attack rival Villains, or to aid in your mission to be the evilest of them all! Each Villain travels on their own personal quest, encountering events unique to their story that frequently impact other players. But be mindful not to lose control, if you run out you will fail your quest for the throne! Do you have what it takes to be the most Selfish Villain of them all? For 2-5 players, ages 10+, and a 20-minute playtime.

It Flies It Spies - Hey, guess what? The pigeons are listening! Those flying sources are competing to break the next big story! Your mission is to steer your savvy Spy Pigeon past the watchful Drones and be the first to shout your headline from the rooftop of News Coop! But your fellow flyers will stop at nothing to break the news before you, even if it means pulling a few feathers, so you’d better get moving. For 2-6 players, ages 8+, and a 20-minute playtime.

53 tfe June 2024

NEW PRODUCT PREVIEWS

Schleich

Everything about the Jungle Dragon looks dangerous. Its mighty green wings are covered with spikes and even its tail is covered in nasty, pointed thorns. You really don’t want to get on the wrong side of it. Oh no, it’s already opening its mighty jaws and baring its sharp teeth. Pretty scary! Everyone feels safest when the dragon is circling the skies far away above Eldrador. Ages 7+, Available now.

Ice Dragon - The ice dragon turns his opponents into ice in no time at all: he is a fast and agile flier who can catch his enemies in the blink of an eye. His wings have dangerous spikes made of ice which he can use to break through even the strongest armor. And one puff of his icy breath is enough to instantly freeze attackers! Ages 7+, Available now.

In the Working Forest playset from the Farm World theme world, Farmer Paul has used the chainsaw to cut the tree trunks into manageable logs. After stacking the wood onto the loading area, he is ready to drive off, but his off-road vehicle is making a funny noise. He lifts the hood and looks to see what’s going on. Oh! The tank is empty, but luckily Farmer Paul has a spare canister/ Ages 3+, Available now.

Spin Master Rubik’s Cube Gridlock -Challenge your flexible thinking and problem-solving skills with the Rubik’s Gridlock. With blocker pieces in place, the objective is to fit all the pieces onto the board to solve each puzzle. There is plenty of challenge with the 44 double sided puzzle cards that range from beginner to expert. All pieces store within the square case, making setup and storage incredibly easy. Ages 7+, Available now.

Sustainably Soft Mini Dolls - Sustainably Soft Dolls are now available in a whole new sweet size. These adorable little mini dolls are made with 100% recycled materials. Dressed in adorable animal onesies, these mini baby dolls are perfectly sized for tiny hands. Ages 0+, Available Fall 2024.

Gabby’s Dollhouse Purrfect Party Bus - Get ready for Cat-errific celebrations on the go, with Gabby Girl & DJ Catnip, in Gabby’s purrfect party bus.Pop open the front wall, raise the drivers cab upwards, into DJ booth mode, and reveal a huge dance floor, a cat-tastic sofa and a meow-mazing karaoke stage. Prepare for endless pretend play adventures in Gabby’s Purrfect Party Bus. Ages 3+, Available now.

54 tfe June 2024

Spin Master cont.

Bring the fastest-growing sport in America to your backyard, pool or the beach with the SwimWays Hydro Paddle & Pickleball Set. The pickleball paddles are regulation sized and perfect for all skill levels. The set also includes a rubber ball and a pickle ball, giving you 2 ways to play for added fun. Ages 7+, Available now.

Squaregles

Oggsmore Keep: A Castle Saga - Ready to embark on an enchanted building adventure? Rox & Go will give you a tour of the castle. 35 pieces include 2 characters with accessories, battlements, tube, and 14 magnetic frames. Working drawbridge door, spiral staircase and 2 castle tops create a truly mystical scene for Go and Rox to go head-to-head in a magical battle. 5 paper panels included. Draw any piece you can imagine, then pop it into a square magnetic frame or edge frame to add to your build. The Included comic recounts when the Oggs (Go & Flare) first discovered a mysterious castle. Ages 3+, Available now.

Steiff

Build countless creations with the Innovator Set! With 53 pieces, the Innovator Set comes with magnetic frames and 3D panels to stretch your Squaregles muscles and create unique structures and stories with every build. With over 5 ways to play for hours of entertainment - Build, then race the included Oggs cars and launch them off the ramps! Or doodle your own pieces on the paperboard panels and add them to the build! Then, roll the Oggs head down and see which one makes it down first, and create adventures for Bax & Wren! 3D panels easily pop in and out of magnetic frames so your child can build, play, re-design and repeat. 5 Paperboard panels for arts and crafts lovers to draw their own scenery. 2 Oggs and 1 car included for endless stories and motion. Ages 4+, Available now.

Steiff Peanuts Snoopy Plush - Snoopy is “top dog!” This beloved beagle is a comic strip icon, TV and movie favorite, and now a social media megastar. For the first time ever, Snoopy is available in a very special version designed for everyday play or display from Steiff. Handmade from luxuriously soft fabrics, he’s a perfect plush interpretation of the character loved by all ages, all around the world. Ages 2+, Available now.

Denny the Dolphin - Sewn from blue fabric that will remind you of the ocean, and white plush which echoes the color of the surf, Denny dolphin will bring your child all the fun of a day at the beach, even if it’s in your own backyard. This snuggly and sweet sea creature is made from sumptuously soft fabrics that kids can’t resist. And since he’s perfectly at home in the water, he’s 100% machine washable, making him a favorite of parents, too! Ages 2+, Available now.

55 tfe June 2024

NEW PRODUCT PREVIEWS

Storypod

Storypod is the audio system that engages kids with multi-sensory stories, music and skill-building. Children can hear age-appropriate audio. The Storypod Starter Kit includes the player, an interchangeable and machine-washable teal sleeve, a lanyard for little hands to carry the Storypod around, and a Story Sticker to record the first 60 min of family stories & memories. Using the Storypod App, you and loved ones can record stories, songs, memories, & more.

Super7

Are you ready to make another trip to Sesame Street? Super7 has a whole new wave of Sesame Street ReAction Figures featuring classic characters and colorful residents that make the neighborhood such a fun and interesting place to be! Cookie Monster, Lefty the Salesman, Oscar, and Guy Smiley are here in 3.75” scale, ready to bring a piece of your childhood out of your TV memories and into the third dimension! Ages 14+, Available now.

Wherever there’s cookies in the neighborhood, there’s bound to be Cookie Monsters! This articulated 3.75” scale Sesame Street ReAction Figure of Cookie Monster features the neighborhood’s resident baked dessert expert just as you remember him, and comes with a pair of cookie accessories. At the intersection of memory lane and Sesame Street you’ll find this Cookie Monster ReAction Figure! Ages 14+, Available now.

“Psst! Hey, kid. You wanna buy some numbers?” If you’re looking for some hot numbers, Lefty the Salesman is just the person to fill that need. This articulated 3.75” scale Sesame Street ReAction Figure of Lefty the Salesman features the totally legit freelance numeral distributor in his signature trench coat and comes with a “number 8” accessory. At the intersection of memory lane and Sesame Street you’ll find this Lefty the Salesman ReAction Figure! Ages 14+, Available now.

He may seem to be a real grouch, but deep down, Oscar has a heart of gold! This 3.75” scale Sesame Street ReAction Figure of Oscar the Grouch features him in the trash can he calls home - outfitted with a slide mechanism feature that allows him to be posed up or down in his trash can - and includes an accessory of his pet worm, Slimey. At the intersection of memory lane and Sesame Street you’ll find this Oscar the Grouch ReAction Figure! Ages 14+, Available now.

If there’s a TV show that needs hosting, Guy Smiley is the boisterous man for the job! This articulated 3.75” scale Sesame Street ReAction Figure of Guy Smiley depicts “America’s favorite game show host” with his iconic well-coiffed hair and prime-time ready fancy suit, and comes with a loaf of bread accessory. At the intersection of memory lane and Sesame Street you’ll find this Guy Smiley ReAction Figure!

56 tfe June 2024

Thames & Kosmos

Mega Cyborg Hydro Blaster - Using over 180 plastic pieces, assemble an awesome wearable water blaster and claw that is powered by hydraulics — no motors or electricity required! Once assembled, slide the cyborg blaster onto your hand. Press one trigger and out shoots a stream of water from the blaster nozzle using a hydraulic piston. Press another trigger to simultaneously activate the claw mechanism to grab something in your path while still dousing your opponents with water! This revolutionary device can transform swiftly and effortlessly into five different shapes: the gripper claw, shield, sword, crossbow, and boomerang. Ages 8+, Available now.

Robotics: Smart Machines – Junior - Build and program your own robotic pal with this simple, fun, and customizable introduction to robotics. Assemble the durable, plastic building pieces into a 9-inch tall bot, then pair it with the free app on your smart device to unlock all of Junior’s capabilities. Program its movements directly on a built-in keypad or use the easy, visual interface on the app. Drive it around by remote control or use your device as a gyroscope. Play a make-believe robot workshop game in the app to diagnose any onboard issues. Junior’s microcontroller (or “brain”) has separate inputs for the LED lights that light up its eyes, a speaker, two motors (left and right), and a battery. A full-color, 32-page step-by-step illustrated manual explains how Junior’s functions relate to each of these elements, walks kids through the construction process, and helps them make the most of the app’s features Ages 8+, Available now.

Wow in the World: The Ultimate High-Flying Air Rocket - Blast off to hilarious science fun with your own high-flying air-powered rocket kit. Kids (and adults!) are in for an active afternoon of laughter and learning as they stomp to launch their rockets, making silly fart and whistle sounds in the process. The goofy sound effects jumpstart scientific investigations into physics and air pressure as kids learn how farts are, in fact, kind of like rockets! Experiment with three different rocket designs and customize them with stickers. Explore how the different sound-making nozzles affect the rockets’ performance. Adjust the angle of the launch tube to test your aim and to understand how the angle determines how far the rocket will fly. The launcher even has a simple air pressure meter so kids can analyze and understand their jump power. Store everything in the included mesh bag.

Wow in the World: Break-Open Crystal Geodes - Unearth your inner geologist as you break open ten real geode specimens to reveal beautiful, sparkling crystals inside. Using your own hammer and the included safety goggles, crack open each whole geode to discover the natural treasures within. Then put your gem-tastic collection on exhibit in the beautiful iridescent, crystal-shaped display case. Customize your display case with the colorful decorative stickers. A fun, 8-page, full-color experiment guide takes you through cracking open the geodes and provides exciting educational content about these amazing natural wonders. Scan the QR code to access exclusive podcast content including scientific info about how geodes form and fascinating facts about geodes, all explained by Wow in the World’s Guy Raz and Mindy Thomas! Ages 6+, Available August 2024.

The Gang - Round up your gang and get ready to pull off a series of bank heists using the power of poker! In this innovative, cooperative version of a poker game, players bet on how good they think their hand of cards will be relative to the other players, and then try to make their predictions a reality. Early in a round, without talking to each other, each player chooses a chip indicating how good they think their hand is. Then they begin dealing cards in the middle of the table and have a chance to reassess their hands as more cards are revealed. At the end of the round, players see if they correctly evaluated their hand. If all players did, you get to open one of the bank vaults! If not, you trip the alarm! If you manage to open three vaults before you trip the alarm three times, your gang wins! Ages 10+, Available August 2024.

57 tfe June 2024

NEW PRODUCT PREVIEWS

TOMY

This Build-A-Buddy Monster Truck features two great ways to play! This 12-piece construction toy includes a hand ratchet that lets kids take it apart and put it back together again which is great for encouraging problem solving skills. Made of chunky parts, it’s easy for little hands to assemble and maneuver into place. But the fun doesn’t stop there! Put together, this truck is a great push-along toy for lots of on-the-floor fun. Ages 18 months+, Available Fall 2024.

Bebé Fuerte Count & Groove Bouncy Barbell - Welcome to Bebé Fuerte! Robin Arzόn, VP of Fitness Programming and Head Instructor at Peloton, believes in the power of movement for all ages and, as a mom herself, was inspired to create a collection of infant toys. Bebé Fuerte celebrates the magic that movement brings to baby and caregiver alike. The Count & Groove Barbell lets baby join in workout time with three different ways to play. Babies like to swing and bash as they learn gross motor control, and this clever toy responds to each shake or bump with a bit of a tune. Keep bumping to hear more! Or you can show baby how counting “reps” rewards with a song. Arzόn also leans into her Cuban-Puerto Rican roots with this toy by including both bilingual counting and music. It’s a fun way to bring Spanish into playtime. Ages 9 months+, Available Fall 2024.

TOMY Games Pop Up Bluey - Let’s do this! Join everyone’s favorite heeler pup in this exciting version of TOMY’s classic Pop Up Pirate game: Pop Up Bluey! With simple game play, there’ll be plenty of fun for everyone on family game nights or as an easy game for kids to learn on a playdate. Each player takes turns sliding their crocodile sticks into the barrel. If nothing happens, you’re safe, but choose the wrong slot and … POP! Bluey bounces out of her barrel and that player is out. Nobody knows which slot will make her pop up next – it’s different every time! Keep on playing until there’s only one person left: the winner! Pop Up Bluey is a kid’s action game that’s easy to set up and easy to learn, but will always keep them guessing. Contains 1 Bluey figure, 1 barrel, 24 crocodile sticks, and simple instructions. TOMY’s Pop-Up family of board games are suitable for 2-4 players ages 4 years and up. Available Fall 2024.

Lamaze Alise the Axolotl, Lamaze Carson the Clydesdale, Lamaze Buzzy the Bee, Lamaze Lovey the Pug and Lamaze Arty Says Cheese - These new Lamaze Clip & Go Toys are ready for fun! Promoting tactile and fine motor skill development, these toys are great both at home and on-the-go with engaging textures, chimes, crinkles and much more for baby to explore. There’s no better way to share your love, bond with your child, and help them feel secure than through playtime together. It’s time to Play! Ages 0 months+, Available Fall 2024.

58 tfe June 2024

Top Secret Toys

Dissect-It Rattlesnake Super Lab - The Rattlesnake Super Lab is the newest addition to the Dissect-It line of synthetic dissection STEM toys. Using a firm gelatine-like compound this toy provides the realistic experience of scientific dissection without harming a real snake. The rattlesnake is the biggest kit in the Dissect-It line as it comes with 35 bones and organs to dissect along with a special surprise! Discover what your snake ate by popping open the stomach to reveal 1 of 3 mystery animal skeletons inside! Each kit also comes with a detailed, full color learning guide, a work table, 4 safe surgical tools, and 2 refill mixes so you can dissect it again and again! Ages 6+, Available Fall 2024.

Dissect-It Discover-It Bigfoot Dig lets you put your armature archaeology skills to the test by discovering realistic Bigfoot bones which can be assembled into a complete skeleton. Each kit features a foot shaped dig pit filled with a dust-free gelatine-like material surrounding the bones, a work table, a bone identification mat, a learning guide, and two double ended excavation tools. Dig in and collect all of the bones and then learn about human anatomy by placing the bones on the bone identification mat then following along in the learning guide. Within the guide you will learn fun facts about each bone and you will also learn about Bigfoot lore. Ages 6+, Available Fall 2024.

GigaPets Bit Bunnies - Bit Bunnies are the newest virtual pets joining the growing GigaPet family. In this game you will start as a baby bunny which with a good amount of love and care will grow into an adult bunny. From there your bunny can become a mother and will give birth to 2 additional bunnies all 3 of which can be cared for within the same game! Each bunny has their own unique personality, animations, and games. In total, the GigaPets Bit Bunnies includes 13 mini games, some of which can only be unlocked by discovering hidden areas in the bunny world. This game is jam packed with activities, easter eggs, and even a hidden character! Ages 5+, Available now.

Gooblins are a whole new kind of unboxing experience! Each of these six out-of-this-world gooey, stretchy, slimy alien creatures contain a skeleton which can be removed from the gooey character. Dig through the goo to find spooky bones and organs! Open up your Gooblin’s stomach to discover the surprise item that they had for lunch! Gooblin skeletons can be assembled into different forms and the Gooblins gel does not dry out to provide hours of stretchy, slimy fun! Ages 4+, Available now.

Take aim and fire! HoverTech Quack-Shot brings the classic duck hunting game to life without harming any real ducks! To begin the game simply turn the duck on and place it on a flat surface, from there duck will take off any fly around the room using IR sensors. Using the included double barrel blaster, you must knock the duck out of the sky with a dart in one minute or less to win the game. Quack-Shot is super durable, easy to recharge, and hours of fun! Skill and accuracy required! Ages 6+, Available Fall 2024.

59 tfe June 2024

NEW PRODUCT PREVIEWS

Ultra Pro

The race is on! Hey Hey Relay is a fast and frenzied relay game where teams race one another across the game board, rolling character dice and performing silly tasks as quickly as they can. The first team to cross the finish line wins, so choose your favorite animal racer and get rolling! With over 50 different activity-packed Challenge Cards and added Character Ability cards for additional gameplay, the whole family will be racing to play Hey Hey Relay again and again. 2+ or more players, ages 8+ to adult. Gametime runs approximately 15 minutes. Contents include: Hey Hey Relay Board, 6 Character Tokens and Stands, 6 Character Ability Cards, 50 Challenge Cards, 6 Custom Dice, and Rulebook. Ages 8+, Available Summer 2024.

University Games

Test your Pokémon knowledge with Trainer Guess Unova Edition! Just think of a Pokémon, answer the questions, and Trainer Guess will figure out which Pokémon you’re thinking of! The Unova Edition celebrates Pokémon from the Unova region! Use speech recognition - no buttons, no reading! Talk to the Poké Ball, it will understand you and talk back to you. The included Trainer Field Guide helps you guess and collect 156 Pokémon from the Unova Region! For 1 or more players ages 6+, 15 minutes playing time. Contents include Champions Edition Timer Ball, Field Guide, and 3 AAA batteries. Available Summer 2024.

Dog Man Scarlet Shedder Card Game - University Games adds to its successful line of board games, card games and puzzles featuring Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man property. The Scarlet Shedder is Dav Pilkey’s 12th book in the Dog Man series. University Games’ new card game based on the storyline of the book follows Dog Man and the Supa Buddies on their latest adventure to save the world! Ages 5+, Available July 2024.

Pete the Cat Bedtime Blues Game - Licensed Games (licensed through Merry Makers for James Dean’s character) University Games adds to its successful licensed line of preschool games for Pete the Cat. Pete the Cat Bedtime Blues Game is a preschool game where imagination and coordination collide! Players earn tokens as they act out bedtime activities while placing their Pete the Cat pawns onto the pop-up bed. Watch out! One wrong move and the kittens jump out of bed! Ages 3+, Available now.

60 tfe June 2024

University Games cont.

University Games launches a trio of uniquely designed BePuzzled The Legend of Zelda Brainteaser Puzzles. This set of high-end The Legend of Zelda Hanayama puzzles are three familiar items and emblems from the storyline: The Master Sword, The Tri force, and The Hyrule Crest. Each puzzles carries a Mensa-rated level of difficulty. Ages 12+, Available Spring 2024.

The #UpsideDownChallenge Backyard Edition is a unique and entertaining game that challenges players to see the world from a different perspective. Using special goggles that flip your vision upside down, players compete in various challenges and tasks, such as drawing, writing, and pouring water. This game is suitable for family and kids and is perfect for gatherings, parties, and casual fun! It encourages laughter and tests coordination and adaptability as players navigate tasks with an inverted view. With easy-to-understand rules and engaging challenges, the game provides hours of fun for all ages. Ages 8+, Available now.

These new Bizyboo Series 2 Seek ‘N’ Find Busy Bags are your perfect on-the-go and low-fuss companion. Not only do they keep your little ones engaged, but these bags are a perfect companion for fostering mental, emotional, and social health (MESH) in children. These engaging bags boost cognitive skills, encourage emotional well-being and promote social interaction, offering both fun and developmental benefits for children. Bizyboo is the imaginative twist on the popular toddler busy bag concept. And now, the best-selling line of portable, mess-free and irresistibly charming preschool-friendly characters has 12 new soft and cuddly friends joining the fun! Ages 2+, Available May 2024.

61 tfe June 2024
Vango

NEW PRODUCT PREVIEWS

Warner Bros Discovery House of the Dragon Official Coloring Book - Step back into Westeros with this brand new coloring book featuring over 75 illustrations of your favorite scenes, characters, and show logos from the hit series House of the Dragon. Available now.

There’s nothing hotter in the universe than this special edition Little People Collector The Big Bang Theory figure set from Fisher-Price. Celebrate all the laughs of this iconic television show with Sheldon Cooper, Raj Koothrappali, Howard Wolowitz, Leonard Hofstadter and his gal Penny, all brought down to Little People figurine size with amazing details. Arriving in a window box package depicting Apartment 4A and its famous couch (Sheldon’s “spot”), this set is a must-have for collectors and fans of everyone’s favorite geeks. Available now.

Harry Potter UNO Fandom Decks is inspired by the fan-favorite characters from the courageous Gryffindor Hogwarts house, the cunning Slytherin characters, the wise characters from the Ravenclaw Hogwarts house, and fan-favorite characters from the loyal Hufflepuff house. Available now.

Fisher-Price Little People Collector - Harry Potter and The Sorcerer ’s Stone - In the first introduction to the Wizarding World, this Little People Collector set features fan favorites characters Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley and Professor Albus Dumbledore. The new students are sorted into their house as they begin their magical journey at Hogwarts. The packaging is about to take you on an adventure, including a tour around the Great Hall and a special look inside the halls of Hogwarts.The three Gryffindors don their red and gold robes, with a wand always in hand. Featuring Ron, looking a little scared and maybe a bit confused, while Harry and Hermione are as calm and confident as ever. And behind that beard, Professor Dumbledore is hiding years of wisdom. Available now.

Little People Collector - Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets set - Nothing can prepare Harry Potter for the trouble lurking in the halls, as he enters his second year at Hogwarts. Featuring Harry Potter, Tom Riddle, Ginny Weasley, and a Basilisk, this set takes place in the eerie Chamber of Secrets. Lined with towering pillars and the menacing statue of Salazar Slytherin – one of the four original founders of Hogwarts – Harry and the others are always ready to take on anything that comes their way. Available now.

62 tfe June 2024

Watchitude

Tag’d by Watchitude offers a range of trackable watches designed to fit an Apple AirTag for easy monitoring of both the watch and its wearer. The Apple AirTag is not included with purchase. These Tag’d trackable watches are available in many styles and each watch combines AirTag technology with a user-friendly design, making it a valuable tool for parents and caregivers. Setting the watch’s time is effortless, catering to children of all ages. Whether at home, school, or out with friends, Watchitude Tag’d watches provide peace of mind, enabling caregivers to track their child’s AirTag. Moreover, the 3V Lithium battery ensures nonstop wear, with the option to replace it months or years down the line. All ages, Available now.

These mighty yet compact Jamm’d speakers make it easy to take the party and play music wherever you go. Get out the ruler and notice the height and width of just 3.66” and a depth of 1.73”. This wow factor is even more impressive as they are SGS certified safe for kids, so everyone can groove without worry. The speakers have a playtime of 3 hours of battery life, which means you can keep the party going without pausing. All square-shaped speakers measure under 4” with less than 2” in depth. Tucked along the side panel are slots for USB and micro SD plus bluetooth capability. Whenever and wherever it’s time to groove, Watchitude has your speaker for every playlist. Compatible with mobile, computer, MP3, and MP4, these Bluetooth speakers are convenient for just about every possible scenario that calls for audio fun. All ages, Available now.

Ring’d Reversible Silicone Rings by Watchitude are the trendiest way to express yourself with fun catchphrases. Each colored ring carries an outside and inside message written in white lettering. Flip the ring inside-out to reveal thoughts of the moment, like Nope/Dope, Love Me/Love Me Not, and Have Fun/Hahaha. Trade, mix and match these trendy rings with BFFs, including a BFF/Forever Ring’d ring, making them a bold statement, a conversation starter, and a fashion-forward way to showcase your personality. Each Ring’d comes in a 4-pack for kids, tweens or kidults ages 6+. Available now.

Glow Watches, the newest accessory that’s youthful and useful, are a wristwatch that projects a dazzling multicolor LED light show. With so many playful patterns, it might be hard to choose just one! The water-resistant Glow Watch can withstand showering, bathing, and shallow water swimming if one forgets to take it off. A flick of the wrist will look more like a flash when the embedded LED lights display bright colors. Available in an incredible assortment of patterned silicone bands. Glow In the Dark hands makes this an instant wow purchase! Ages 4+, Available now.

63 tfe June 2024

NEW PRODUCT PREVIEWS

Winning Moves Games

What do zebras, pigs, chickens, skunks, cats and dogs all have in common? Fuzzy Butts is the quirky high energy family game. Try to earn the most points by quickly and correctly counting up specific animal butts or colors on cards. Decide whether the total is an odd or even number. Try to be the first player to slap your Odd or Even card on the ‘Big Bear Butt’. It’ll crack you up! Contains 20 animal cards, 6 sets of odd/even cards, 1 oversized bear card, 2 oversized dice, and illustrated instructions. Ages 6+, Available now.

Ouija Salem Edition - A custom Ouija board featuring historical imagery from Salem, Massachusetts “The Witch City”. Featuring fine illustrations of The Witch House, The House of the Seven Gables, Custom House, Derby Wharf Light Station, Old Town Hall and more. This special Ouija® board sets the scene with the city’s famed landmarks. Let the spirits move you! Ages 8+, Available August 2024.

Instant Insanity - The classic colored-cubes puzzle from the 1960’s is back to tease your brain. Don’t let the appearance of these simple colored cubes fool you. The solution to the Instant Insanity puzzle is much trickier than it seems at first glance. Contains 4 plastic puzzle cubes. Ages 7, Available now.

WowWee

Twistables Holiday Puzzle - Holiday shapes and colors add a new twist to the Twistables 3x3x3 puzzle. Mix, twist and turn, as quickly as you can, so that each of the six sides shows a holiday picture. A fun and joyful puzzle for all! Ages 8+, Available August 2024.

Uplift Games and WowWee are announcing a new global licensing partnership to bring digital pets to life in the real world with the all new Adopt Me! x Fingerlings. The line features two must-have pets from the worldwide phenomenon Adopt Me! game. The collection includes one of the most frequently collected pets in the game, the Dog, as well as fan-favorite, legendary pet, the Adopt Me!: Strawberry Shortcake Bat Dragon. Each pet responds to touch and senses motion, so fans can care for their pet like they would in the game. Fans can pet their head, give them a kiss, feed them, and even play peek-a-boo! Available August 2024.

64 tfe June 2024

You’re Hired!

Dallas Market Center: Amy Harper,

Harper is responsible for the strategic buyer delivery initiatives for Dallas Market Center, including retail development, major stores, and private buys. She is also responsible for market services, including registration and Market Travel. Harper has been with the company since 2001, managing an increasing number of responsibilities to drive buyer tra c to Dallas Market Center, beginning with apparel and accessories, international, and then assuming leadership for all industries. “I’m thrilled to continue to serve our customers, and I love what I do because it makes such a di erence for buyers,” said Harper.

Hanna Andersson: Grace Wong, CBO

Grace Wong brings over 20 years of strategic brand building experience to Hanna Andersson’s marketing team. In her new role leading brand marketing, she will develop strategies that scale the brand and the business. Wong will lead creative development of all brand and product assets producing impactful storytelling across the brand’s ecosystem from strategic ideation to content creation for key initiatives in support of the brand vision. “I’m looking forward to joining Hanna Andersson, and the company’s incredible, female-led executive team, at such an amazing moment for the brand and children’s apparel industry in general.”

Hidden Pigeon Company:

Creative

In his new role, Updike will work alongside HPC founder Mo Willems and executive producer/ showrunner Tim McKeon to oversee all television and theatrical creative. is includes the development and production of such renowned book-based character IP as Elephant & Piggie, Knu e Bunny, and e Pigeon as well as a vast collection of characters from Willems’s other popular books. Prior to joining HPC, Updike was VP, Development at Peacock, where he implemented the Peacock Kids streaming portfolio and managed development and production of $100 million worth of internationally

TCG Toys: Lindsay Karbum, VP of Global Sales

In her role, Karbum is charged with driving and growing TCG’s key product categories, including SURE-LOX puzzles, Imaginmats play mats and FleX gs collectible gures, as well as other key brands, with an omnichannel strategy, and focus on providing accounts with newness and unique positioning. “ e company has an amazing 25 year history of delivering incredible toys and games across the globe. I am excited for the direction, mission and next 25 years of this organization.”

Julie will now have all TOMY International toy brands across their Oak Brook, IL and Dyersville, IA o ces, including Lamaze, Club Mocchi- Mocchi-, TOMY Games and added responsibility for farm toys that include brands like Big Farm, Monster Treads, John Deere Preschool, and BuildA-Buddy lines. TOMY’s Amazon business team will also report to Julie. “TOMY’s mantra is to “Make the World Smile” and that truly is what I love about my job,” said Gwaltney. “I love knowing we can bring joy to people of all ages and stages in life. I’m looking forward to working directly with more of our talented team across TOMY, and excited about the great things ahead we’ll achieve together.”

Mattel:

While at Mattel, Lewis has lead the Monster High global franchise from $400 million to over $1 billion in retail sales and forged industry partnerships which include DisneyPixar, WWE, Universal, and more. Lewis has spearheaded the global Action Figure and Plush portfolios which include products from Masters of the Universe and Jurassic World, as well as driving the action gure business to a record high in 2022. Lewis has led several rsts throughout his time at Mattel including winning the licenses to launch businesses on WWE, Minecra , and the rights to the TOTY awardwinning launch of Grogu “Baby Yoda” on behalf of Lucas lm, the #1 Plush release in Mattel history.

66 tfe June 2024

NOCKLES™ are a fantastically fun collection of soft, bendable & connectible fidget toys that snap together and morph into amazing shapes. You can expand ‘em, collapse ‘em, snap ‘em, pull ‘em, flip ‘em, bend ‘em, and pop ‘em. It’s fun to crack your NOCKLES!

INTRODUCING SNap
Of IT! NOCKLEHEADS HAVE ALL THE FUN! SPHERE cube tetra loop Digit FunInMotionToys.com 1-888-588-9908 @funinmotiontoys
OuT

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.