ASTRA Marketplace & Academy Preview

For the first time in over a year, manufacturers, retailers, and more toy and game industry professionals will meet face-to-face again at the highly anticipated ASTRA Marketplace & Academy Show. Taking place at the Minneapolis Convention Center, Marketplace & Academy will host hundreds of retailers highlighting new and exciting toys, games, puzzles, art supplies, educational materials, and more. Ahead is a look at what to expect from some of the retailers participating in the 2021 ASTRA Marketplace & Academy conference. Compiled by Victoria Sheridan.

Adventerra Games

New this year, Adventerra introduces three games and puzzles for young children. In the concentration game Eating in Season, players 2 and up match each pair of veggies or fruits while learning about which season is best for eating each food. Contains 32 cards and a guide to help parents explain environmental and seasonal eating concepts to young children. The My Eco House and My Eco School puzzles have children 3 and older put together the pieces to assemble all four levels of a house or school. Then, they search each area for actions that are not good for the environment and cover them up with shapes that show ways to help the planet or go green at home. Each set contains four puzzles (with three large pieces per puzzle), 12 geometric inserts, and a guide to help parents explain eco-friendly actions to young children.

Aeromax

Little ones can “dig it” like a real paleontologist in the new Paleontologist Jacket made with a rugged, 100% cotton material and loaded with embroidered patches. It even has an image of a T-Rex head on the back. There is a zipper under the flap on the front, so it’s easy to get on and off. Includes a hidden pocket on the inside and two ways to get into the pockets on the outside — one under the flap and the other is side accessible. Available in extra small for ages 2 to 4 years or small for ages 5 to 9 years. Complete the look with a Dino Cap made from the same nice quality fabric and patch or the Dino Bucket Hat with screen printed design and made from 100% cotton.

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Ann Williams Group

Ann Williams Group expands its Craft-tastic brand with several new additions this summer. Craft-tastic Create Your Own Magical Uniform Friend allows kids to explore the world of unicorn magic with 10 easyto-make accessories, including two enchanted wands, three wings, matching bracelets, one colorful hairclip and more. Craft-tastic Magical Fairy Treats brings magic into the kitchen with a 40-page cookbook of 18 fairy-inspired recipes, enchanted wand, mini spatula, four cookie cutters, six cupcake molds, a fairy door, stickers, and treat toppers. The Craft-tastic DIY Glow in the Dark Charm Bracelets contains enough supplies to make four charm bracelets, including two sheets of glow charms and two sheets of colorful charms. Craft-tastic Let’s Learn to Sew introduces children to sewing with a 34-page step-by-step instruction booklet containing 15 projects — plus fabric, thread, measuring tape, pins, needles, and enough stuffing for nine projects. Kids will be able to fashion scrunchies, a stuffed animal, a pouch, a phone case, and more. Arriving this September, the Craft-tastic Make a Mouse Friend contains everything kids need to stitch and stuff their own mouse friend and dress it up in different costumes and accessories. The kit includes a bonus travel tote.

Banana Panda

Observation Puzzle Dinosaurs encourage little observers to find out more about Earth’s history, with plenty of things for them to find in the detailed and colorful 60-piece puzzle. Included a large educational poster and a handy, keepsake box with a practical, sturdy handle to complete this creative and educational gift. For a bigger puzzle adventure, there’s the Suuuper Size Puzzle Solar System, with 300 pieces depicting the most important and interesting objects and explorers of the solar system. Young space explorers ages 7 and up can learn and decorate with the included extra large educational poster, full of cosmic curiosities. For toddlers 2 and older, the Suuuper Size Memory Game Vehicles come with 24 sturdy jumbo cards perfect for a first memory game. Parents can even use the pieces as flashcards to teach their little ones the names of the vehicles, sounds, or colors. With 10 themes to choose from, the Looong Coloring Book series can help children 18 months to 5 years gradually develop the motor skills they will eventually need when learning to write. The collection includes four sets containing fun coloring books and activities related to popular children’s topics

Barry & Jason Games

Barry & Jason Games and Entertainment are set to debut the new fifth anniversary edition of its breakout hit game, Game Night in a Can, at ASTRA 2021. Coming this fall, Game Night in a Can 5th Anniversary Edition (for 3-30 players ages 7 and up) is the bright and shiny new mix of mini games that focus on creativity and physical skill. Activities include: competitively fly paper airplanes, perform ghost stories about the room you’re in, create the World’s Worst Book Cover, bank balls of paper off your partner’s face, and more. Barry and Jason call it the most versatile party game on the planet. The new 5th Anniversary edition includes 35 games; gold, silver, and bronze “medals;” a design upgrade with new art, and other fun surprises.

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Bleed Area- Any colors, logos or images you wish to run to the edge of the page must extend 1/8-inch beyond the trim line on all sides that bleed. Dimensions: 9.25” x 11.125”

Trim Area- ese are the dimensions of the nal page as it will appear a er it is cut/trimmed. Dimensions: 9” x 10.875”

Safe Area- All essential text, images, and logos should be kept at least 1/8-inch within the trim line to ensure it will not be cut o . Do not place any important items beyond this area. Dimensions: 8.75” x 10.625”

NOTE: aNb Media accepts only digital les for publication. All images, support, and font les must be included when the ad is submitted. Images for print must have a resolution of at least 300 dpi and be in CMYK mode. Files can be posted to our FTP site. Contact sales representative for FTP access. Please email a low-res jpeg as of the print proof with your les to your sales representative. Before submitting an ad, advertisers MUST speak with a sales representative.

Blue Orange Games

New releases from Blue Orange Games this summer include Feed the Monster, where players compete to be the first to stack all the pancakes onto the monster’s tongue without getting bitten. The pop-up monster also doubles as a hamper. Meanwhile, the game of hide-and-seek gets a new spin with Hide ‘N Squeak as one player hides the squeaky mouse and the other players must try to find her. If they listen closely, they can hear her laughing and giggling. Once she’s found, she can be returned to her Cheese Box so she can finish her meal. And it’s time to make some noise in What’s That Sound?, a game that challenges players to do the best sound imitation. Each person takes a turn being the imitator, while the others try to guess the image the imitator is trying to turn into a sound. It’s not as easy as it sounds — with 280 images, even the most creative imitators will be challenged and find themselves in hilarious situations.

CreateOn

CreateOn is expanding its Magna-Tiles offerings with properties like Sesame Street and The Beatles. It’s time to go shopping and take a ride through Hooper’s Store with Sesame Street’s Big Bird, Cookie Monster, and Abby Cadabby with the Hooper’s Store Magna-Tile Structure Set. This set will appeal to childrens’ curiosity about foods, encouraging them to explore questions like “How many foods can you find inside the store?” “What letter do they begin with?” and “Which is your favorite?” Children will learn how to identify foods on the food pyramid while practicing their ABCs; as they build their shopping cart, they will discover which foods are the healthiest and most delicious. The Sesame Street Garbage Truck Magna-Tiles brings preschoolers on a ride with Oscar and Elmo to find out ways to help the planet become a better place for future generations — from planting a tree, to picking up trash and recyling it to turning off lights and water when they’re not being used. Favorite Sesame Street characters will help little ones learn play patterns while introducing them to conservation efforts. They can build Oscar’s garbage can to put trash in or the earth to match up the efforts. With The Monster at the End of this Story Magna-Tile Structure Set, children can help Grover overcome his fear of monsters. Grover ties ropes to pages, nails pages to pages, and builds brick walls, but when kids build the Magna-tile set, they may find out there is nothing to be afraid of at all. This interactive book-building set features Elmo and Grover, who are ready to find the Monster through twists and turns of emotions and surprises. Beatles fans of all ages can enjoy the collectible Beatles Collection Magna-Tiles Structures, with structures inspired by the band’s music and imagery. Kids, parents, and grandparents will find a way to play together while building the Yellow Submarine, Magical Mystery Tour Bus, phonograph, Beatles album collage, and more.

Creativity for Kids

Diamond painting is made simple with the Big Gem Diamond Painting Light. No glue required for this fine motor activity for ages 6 and up — just peel the clear cover off the design to reveal the adhesive, then place the colorful, transparent, gems and cast radiating light patterns on the ceiling with two shadow disks. The USB cord with an integrated on/off switch powers the light. The Magical Swirl Kaleidoscope offers fun science learning to children 6 and over, introducing them to light refraction and optics as they construct a cool Kaleidoscope. Two interchangeable swirl tubes are included for fun optical effects; kids can fill them with glycerin swirl gel, then add an array of colorful confetti accents. Glow-in-the-dark stickers are included for decorating the Kaleidoscope and swirl tubes. The Quick Knit Headband with Lion Brand Yarn is stylish fun for ages 9 and up as they quick-knit their own headbands and ear warmers, then finish them off with accents including a handmade tag, pom poms, buttons, and bows. The complete set comes with colorful yarn, a knitting hook, a needle, loom, and accessories so knitters can fashion over five headbands to wear and share. Online videos and step-by-step instructions can help them along the way while the high-quality tools can be used again and again.

E-Blox

With four different projects to construct, Build Your Own Flying Saucer makes an excellent introduction to the Circuit Blox line. Kids can assemble the nine pieces to make the motor spin and launch the fan high in the air, or watch as the LED illuminates the color-changing fiber optic tree. The Build Your Own Green Generator kit offers seven different projects with seven total pieces. After putting together the circuits, kids can use the hand crank power generator to light a star-shaped LED, heart-shaped LED, and multicolor LED light — no batteries necessary. The

Build Your Own Bubble Making

Machine comes with all the parts and bubble solution needed to build a circuit that creates a continuous stream of bubbles. The geared motor spins the wand to grab bubble solution as the motor and fan create a wind stream to blow bubbles from the wand. There are 20 total pieces to assemble and once built, it can create thousands of bubbles per minute. These kits help teach STEM fundamentals of electronics to kids ages 5 and up, with detailed instruction sheets included. They are compatible with other toy brick sets.

Elenco

Coming this fall the Dizzy 6-in-1 Gyroscope machine from the Teach Tech brand teaches STEM concepts, the basics of gyroscopes, balance, and more. Build Dizzy, pull the ripcord, and watch him go. He transforms into six different builds: stilts, rover, swinging robot, tower spinner, scooter, and roller coaster rider. Kids can make their own pinball machine, explore the globe, or launch paper airplanes with three new additions to the Smartivity line of STEM/STEAM kits, launching this fall. The Smartivity Pinball Machine contains all the necessary parts and step-by-step instructions for building a fully functional pinball machine. Players will learn about levers, momentum, and energy transfers as they challenge each other to beat their high scores. With the Smartivity Globe Explorer, kids can build a globe, play games, and engage with the augmented reality (AR) features to discover facts about each country’s resources, animals, monuments, geography, culture languages, arts, cuisine, and more. Plus, they will learn about day, night, and how the earth rotates around its axis. The Smartivity Hydraulic Plane Launcher uses the power of hydraulic presure to launch paper airplanes. After building the launcher, kids fill the syringe with water and press it to launch the plane. Kids can use the included foldable paper with markings to create different types of planes, all while learning about hydraulic systems, aerodynamics, scissor mechanisms, and the different flight patterns of different types of planes. All Smartivity products are eco-friendly and sustainable, using re-engineered, laser-cut wood that is responsibly sourced using green practices. No glue is required for assembly which uses rubber bands instead to prevent messes. The Snap Circuits Discover Coding kit, now available and recommended for ages 8 and older, combines learning to code with hands-on, tactile play. Children and families can build their projects, download the Snap Circuits Coding App, and control Snap Circuits projects using their smartphone or tablet. Beginners can learn the basics of easy graphical coding while advanced coders can move up to BLOCKLY coding and program their own patterns of lights, sounds, and moving parts.

Endless Games

Obstacle Course in a Box is an invitation to kids 7+ to build their own physical challenge circuit. Players can add personal touches to each course by using any outdoor objects, features, and nautral landscape from their own backyard. Once the course is set, they can race against the clock for a personal best, or against siblings and friends. The game is packed with physical challenges designed to keep kids active, healthy, and fit. Designed to play inside or outside, it comes with 27 floor tiles, a stopwatch, a jump rope, a booklet filled with obstacle course ideas, and a drawstring bag for easy storage and travel. Popcorn Party gets the party started for two to four players 8 and up. This fast-paced game serves young foodies with a food fight-out to earn and grab up the biggest collection of popcorn before their opponents. They must use cards and dices to get three matching popcorn toppings to pop the popcorn. With matches being rolled on just about every turn, no one knows who will be popping next in this catch-the-kernel food frenzy. For older fans, Endless Games follows up its first Horror Trivia game with Horror Trivia II Deeper Cuts. At least two players or teams ages 13+ are challenged to correctly answer questions so they can be the first to collect three weapon cards and not become a casualty of the other teams. And in pop culture board game Hip Town, two to four trendsetters will need to use their style, street smarts, and sense of humor to beat their fellow developers at creating the trendiest neighborhood in town. Each player starts with a blank canvas and fills their streetscape with niche business choices — from craft pickleries to modern speakeasies. In Hip Town, the home of Hip Coin Capitalism, developers can opt to construct a culinary empire, a nightlife epicenter, or something else entirely, marked with their own brand of wit and wisdom.

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Faber-Castell USA

How to Rainbow, Watercolor Pencils introduces young children to basic watercolor techniques so they can draw, color, and paint rainbows. The set includes illustrated instructions, a 4-inch by 6-inch spiral bound watercolor pad, five high-pigment watercolor pencils, fine tip brush, and pencil sharpener. This fall, Faber-Castell USA also debuts new Color By Number Puzzles. Color By Number Puzzle: Camping and Color By Number Puzzle: Jungle are unique activities for kids 6+ to complete solo or with a parent. Hidden glow-in-the-dark shapes can be revealed by coloring in the puzzles, which feature illustrations created in collaboration with book illustrator and surface pattern designer Allison Cole. The Faber-Castell Duo-tip Markers are twice the number of colors for double the coloring fun with bright, washable inks for easy clean-up. How to Rainbow and Color By Number Puzzles are launching August 2021.

Far Out Toys

The world of Diana, star of one of YouTube’s top channels, Kids Diana Show, comes to life with the Fashion Fabulous Magic Music Castle. This castle is decked out for imaginative play fun with three floors, 28 pieces, multicolored lights, and three original Diana songs that play out loud. Kids will join the Princess of Play in adventures on the light-up dancing stage and fashion runway, DJ booth with real mixing sounds, water slide and pool, swing, two elevators, and more. Included with the deluxe playset are an exclusive Fashion Fabulous doll and pet — with additional Fashion Fabulous dolls and pets available to collect separately to bring more magic to the party. Plus, an exclusive code is provided for fans to unlock a prize in the Love, Diana Fashion Fabulous mobile game. The Fashion Fabulous Music Castle launches at Target on October 1.

Geomag

In February 2021, the Geomag Classic 100% Recycled Supercolor introduced three new Supercolor Panels sets with piece counts ranging from 35 to 78 pieces. Geomag magnetic kids allow kids to express their creativity with an array of brightly colored pieces to play with and rearrange. They open the door for all children to explore science and engineering in a fun way. Pieces are made from 100% recycled plastic in a Swiss hydro-powered facility. Each set includes panel pieces to support the structures. Geomag’s new Classic Recycled collection with 100% recycled plastic has the same bright colors and high-quality standards as all of the company’s original sets. Going forward, the company has committed to only introducing new product using recycled plastic and will be replacing all non-recyled lines with recycled alternatives in the coming years. With Geomag Classic, kids use their imaginations to build countless 3D structures, held together by the forces of magnetism.The construction system is made up of magnetic rods, steel spheres, and panels of different shapes. The kits include everything kids need to create their structures. The 35-piece Supercolor Panels set consists of 12 rods, 12 spheres, and 11 plastic panels. In the 52-piece set, there are 16 rods, 16 spheres, and 20 plastic panels. The largest Supercolor Panels set with 78 pieces contains 28 rods, 20 spheres, and 30 plastic panels. “Magnetism lies at the very heart of Geomag, facilitating building, encouraging exploration and creativity. Geomag Supercolor is the new line in the Geomag platform that provides fun and stimulating play that will reinforce positive learning,” says Andrea Calastri, VP of Geomagworld. “Our vocation at Geomagworld is to encourage learning through play. Our Geomag construction platforms does exactly that.”

Griddly Games

Griddly Games adds a neat new entry to its Just Add ___ line of science and activity kits withe Just Add Soap. The good clean fun of Just Add Soap is the eighth product in the Just Add ___ line of multi-awardwinning STEAM kits. Soap joins the branded series of kits that includes Just Add Milk, Just Add Glue, Just Add Sun, Just Add Egg, Just Add Sugar, Just Add Baking Soda, and Just Add Fruits & Veggies. Just Add Soap, recommended for ages 8+, is a fun kit that has the underlying study of elasticity and geometry. This bubbly kit will slip in an increased interest from any budding scientist and artist. Using the new kit, children learn about the geometry of bubbles, density of liquids and chemical reactions while they enjoy over 20 different sparkling fresh new experiments and activities, that can be done over and over again. Just Add Soap is scheduled to hit store shelves in Fall 2021.

Goliath Games

In Pressman’s Betcha Can’t, the game of bets and brags, players bet on how many things they think they know. Can they name the most ice cream flavors? How about theme parks? But they should be prepared to prove themselves if they get the “betcha can’t.” If a player answers correctly, they win the card. Buf if they lose, they’re going to time out. The first player to collect five cards is named the Better Bettor. Betcha Can’t was designed by Lily Brown and Tait Hansen, winners of the 2018 Young Inventor Challenge at the Chicago Toy and Game Fair, for three or more players ages 7 and up. In Unsolved Case Files: Jamie Banks, players take on a murder mystery case. On November 20, 1992, the death of an 18-year-old high school student rocked the quiet town of Verona, Massachusetts. Police ruled it a suicide, but it turns out she was murdered. Game participants take on the role of detective to find out who she was with, which suspect lied, and convict the real killer. Recommended for one more player at least 14 years of age.

The Good Game Company

Not It! challenges players to spot the card in their hand that doesn’t match any of the three attributes revealed on the three dice that tumble from the dice tower and onto the table. Players must find the card quickly, and when they do, slam it on the table and yell “not it!” The last player to do so must keep their card, and anyone who plays an incorrect card and gets caught will have to take a penalty card. The first to get rid of all their cards wins the game. For three to six players 6+, this fun-filled frenzy will have players of all ages competing in the race to not be last.

HABA USA

In the Orchard Maze Magnetic Game, junior farmers can use the magnetic stick to move the balls around, count them, or sort them by color. The brightly colored balls become apples, plums, pears and cherries on the tree and can be harvested. But kids must watch out for the black raven ball, which should never be put in the basket. This magnetic game is fun for kids while giving parents the opportunity to educate their children about fruit varieties and healthy treats. And in the game Hammer Time, players try to knock shiny stones off the box using the hammer. To complete their tasks, they need to collect the right number and color of gemstones. But players should act carefully — anyone who knocks too hard will wake up Dragonir the Dragon and loose their loot. The first person to completely fill all four of their wagons wins the game. Introducing Soft Doll Freya. At 12 inches tall, HABA’s soft dolls are the perfect size for toddlers and will quickly grow into a favorite companion. They have a slightly weighted bottom, which makes them great for cuddling and allows them to sit on their own without falling. Fashionable Freya has her own unique style and is a friend to everyone. She wears a loose-fitting mustard-colored top, with grey striped leggings, a removable blue cap, and sewn-on shoes.

Hog Wild

Get ready for the football of the future with Wing Ball, a soft foam tubular throwing toy that can reach speeds of up to 88 miles per hour. The secret is in the design — Wing Ball’s annular wing construction lets air pass through its tube-shaped body, helping lift it upwards to achieve super speeds and distances. Now available to ages 8+, Wing Ball is great for solo throwing or playing catch with others. Plus, two new additions from Hog Wild launch this September. Meet the new family party game TAPES (which stands for Turn-based Approximate Proportion Estimation Showdown). Players 8 and up guess the size of objects in the room using random, and even bizarre units of measurement. For example, “How tall is that lamp in gummy bears?” or “How many chicken eggs wide is that coffee table?” The player who comes closest to guessing the actual size wins. Hog Wild also puts a new spin on its original Handy Grabs with the Handy Grabz Nibblerz. This new version is the shape of a human-like mouth that can grip, grab, or “nibble” on any object. It’s designed like a classic grabber tool that allows for lifting, moving, or pushing an item just for fun. Recommended for ages 4 and older, Handy Grabz Nibblerz offer a classic design, simple action, and hilarious results for kids and grown-ups alike.

iPlay, iLearn

iPlay, iLearn expands its Bouncy Pals with four animals for ages 18 months and up. Bouncy Pals Hopping Cow sports a distinctive white and black patched coat with a stable four-legged design and two horns for grasping, ideal for young toddlers learning to bounce. Hopping Whale has a blue and white coat with a rounded design, two stabilizing fins, and water spout safety handle for grasping — a must-have for little fans of the ocean. Hopping Gator’s soft coat is green and gator features a rounded design with four short legs and safety handles for little ones to hold onto. Hopping Shark is a friendly shark that’s easy-touse; just inflate it with the included hand pump and it’s ready to go. The Bouncy Pals’ covers are made from ultra-soft plush fabric than can be unzipped, removed, and cleaned in the washing machine.

Kangaru Brands

Furomas is a playfully tactile, multi-sensory experience. The lovable characters will provide open ended fun and inspire creativity. The line includes BTS stationery, markers, gel pens, crayons, stickers, and color build and activity kits. Kids ages 3 and up can collect all 72 colorful, sweet-scented hairy helpers.

Madame Alexander Doll Company

Children 3 and up bring home their own baby to nurture when the Adoption Day Baby arrives this September. This 14-inch baby doll is crafted with a soft fabric body and soft vinyl head, perfect for little hands to grasp. The baby features sleepy eyes and when it’s time for a nap, children can put their baby to bed in the included rocking cradle that converts to a changing table. Also included are an adoption certificate for children to fill out, “hospital” wristband, blanket, pacifier, and disposable diaper. With painted eyes and a sweet expression, Adoption Day Baby is available in three skin tones and offers a gender-neutral option.

Peekaboos are the perfect companion for newborns and toddlers that satisfy their need to nurture. These sweet, snuggly babies in plush outfits are ready to play peek-a-boo with little ones. They wear peek-a-boo hoods and onesies with a soft applique on the belly with three animal themes to choose from: Llama, UniCat, and Sloth. Their hoods and soft bodies help little ones develop motor skills. They measure 12-inches tall and are washable.

Madd Capp

Madd Capp’s new summer 2021 offerings, I Am T. Rex, I Am Gator, and I Am Lil’ Koala, invite puzzlers ages 5 and older to put together a puzzle in the shape of their favorite animals while learning fun facts along the way. These poster-sized Jr. Puzzles from Madd Capp feature high-gloss, photo-realistic animal images mounted on premium quality chipboard that’s dust-free. The large pieces are sized just right for small hands to hold and manipulate; they’re also a great option for anyone with limited dexterity. Madd Capp Fun Facts are included in each puzzle, as well as a puzzle image for reference. While completing their puzzle, children and families will learn that the brain of a T. Rex was twice as big as those of other giant carnivores, that a gator’s bite is one of the most powerful on the planet, and other fascinating details about the animal in their puzzle.

Magformers

Magformers is committed to producing high quality, reliable magnetic building toys to inspire the creators of the future. The screen-free construction sets use magnetic technology to ensure a unique constructional play experience. Designed with both safety and fun in mind, each Magformers shape contains rotating Rare Earth Neodymium magnets, the strongest of their kind for guaranteed connectivity. The high-quality shapes safely secure the magnet in Sonic welded, BPA free, HQABS plastic. A 2D shape becomes a 3D structure as Magformers offers a wide range of shapes and colors that are all compatible with one another for hours of play. The Magformers Cube House Frog Set will introduce children 3 and up to magnetic construction. This 20-piece set includes new character pieces — a child in a frog onesie, with a hat that can be swapped for a seal one. The set makes a variety of different mini-houses using the magnetic window square, five standard squares, floor and wall pieces, a tricycle, and table. This amazing roleplay set features Magformers’ Rotating Magnets System, where small magnets safely sealed in every edge of the magnetic pieces actually spin, so they always connect. With an A3 instruction sheet the Cube House Frog set is fun and educational. The Magfromers Cube House Penguin Set serves as another entry point into the world of Magformers for young ones 3 and up. Also containing 20 pieces, the new character piece found in this set is a child in a penguin onesie that can be swapped for a bear one. The magnetic window square, four standard squares, two triangles, a sector, and two arches can be configured to make an assortment of mini-houses. Additional accessories include three floor inserts, two windows, a chair, picture, and a slide. Like the Frog Set, the Penguin Set also incorporates the Rotating Magnets System and offers an A3 instruction sheet. Magformers 48-piece Carnival Plus Set is a brand new upgrade to one of Magformers’ best-selling sets. This new set contains improved fairground ride accessories and new figures. There’s a sturdy crosshatch base which the characters can be attached to, and clip-on ride leg supports can also be added, which make building fairground rides super fun and easy. Hexagon clip-on panels spin vertically and horizontally and there are two cute detachable characters with swappable helmet toppers.

MasterPieces

Celebrating its 25th year in business this year, MasterPieces’ new 2021 offerings include several licensed puzzles, craft kits, and games.New licenses for Sesame Street, The Elf on the Shelf, and Smokey the Bear join the MasterPieces roster of officially licensed merchandise for The Farmer’s Almanac, U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, Mossy Oak, Hershey’s, Lionel, Coca-Cola, Betty Boop, Clifford, John Wayne, Batman, Polar Express, Wizard of Oz, Audubon, Caterpillar, Realtree, Saturday Evening Post, NFL, MLB, NHL, and NCAA. As part of the Sesame Street licensed product line, the company introduces three craft kits. Sesame Street Garbage Truck is a DIY wood-painting kit featuring Oscar the Grouch; Sesame Street Best Friends Character Bank is a personal coin saver bank box paint kit featuring Elmo on one side and Cookie Monster on the other; and Sesame Street School Bus is a large cardboard traditional school bus featuring bus riders Elmo, Big Bird, Cookie Monster, Snuffleupagus, and other characters to decorate with the stickers and eight included markers.The line-up is also introducing a range of new game titles, such as the Grouchy Old Oscar card game, Elmo & Friends Matching Game, Elmo & Friends Supersized Playing Cards, Sesame Street 3-in-1 Educational Card Games, and Sesame Street Alphabet Bingo. As part of its licensing partnership with Elf on the Shelf, MasterPieces is unveiling the Believe in Your Elf 60-Piece Puzzle, Friends Fur-ever 100-Piece Puzzle, The Elf on the Shelf Four-Pack 100-Piece Puzzle, and The Elf on the Shelf Matching Game. And under its recent license deal with Smokey the Bear, MasterPieces offers a 550-piece, 100-piece, and four pack of 100-piece puzzles. The collection features the famous wildfire prevention spokescharacter, and MasterPieces is backing the message by committing a portion of the proceeds from its Smokey Bear merchandise to help fund the nationwide wildfire prevention campaign. Finally, the MasterPieces Gallery Series high-end collection is a set of 1,000-piece blue board linen premium big box puzzles with European styling.

Octagog

Octacog is a STEM construction toy and game that’s all about the physics of balance. It provides an opportunity to design and build countless contraptions — many will balance; many will not. As a toy, Octacog is a modular construction set that allows users to insert balance rods into the angled holes of the Octacog core. Weights are then added to the balance rods at various locations to create endless balanced designs. The added Octacog Expansion Pack allows for even more balance design potential. Octacog is a balance toy that allows users to explore balance, rather than simply witness it. To use Octagog as a game, players start with a beginning balanced setup from one of the included Design Inspiration Cards. Each person takes a turn by strategically adding a piece or moving a piece one notch closer to the Octacog core. If Octacog stays balanced, it’s the next player’s turn. If Octacog falls, the game is over.

Page A Day Math

Math is fun and easy when taught in an incremental and encouraging way. With the playful Page A Day Math with the Math Squad, even the most reluctant learners will come to love math. There are currently three kits available. The Math Handwriting Introduction for preschoolers ages 3 to 5 consists of 10 addition books with 14 days of practice per book (140 days of practice total); for ages 5 to 7, Addition and Counting also contains a 10-book addition program with 14 days of practice per book; and the Multiplication kit for ages 6 to 8 includes 12 books offering 14 days of practice per book (168 days total). The intentional, step-by-step progression style of these programs allows children to master concepts before moving on. Two new board games Page A Day Math Work-Together board games are expected to release in November. Zo’s Garden teaches skills in counting; addition and subtraction concepts; concepts of “greater than,” “less than,” and “equal to;” number sequence; fine-motor development; and hand-eye coordination. Participants help Zo plant 10 flowers in her garden. Players roll the die, pick a card, answer a question, and place one flower into any one flower pot — but sometimes the fox comes out and eats a flower. After each turn, the flowers to the left of Zo and to the right of Zo are counted. Players must decide which side has more flowers and place the math sign piece on the right side and in the right direction. The game ends once Zo plants 10 flowers.

Scoopy is a fun ice cream-themed game that covers addition and subtraction concepts; number lines; counting to 12; number sequence; fine motor skills; and working together. Participants play as a team to help the Math Squad puppies — Mo, Jo, Bo, Zo, and Flo — have their ice cream party. Each time a player rolls the dice they count the total number of dots on both dice. Then, starting at one they count the same number of dots on the board’s number line. However, sometimes an ice cream scoop melts and a scoop is lost. The game ends when all 10 ice cream cones are full.

PLAYMOBIL

PLAYMOBIL introduces three new playsets, out now. The 1.2.3. AQUA Splish Splash Water Park is making a splash with little ones ages 1.5 to 4-years-old, as they exercise important developmental skills. This Stage 3 - Little Expert set promotes cognitive, fine motor, and language learning in toddlers, providing a water play experience at the same time. They can discover the various game functions by turning the crank to help the water flow and create a lazy river that moves the floating rafts and animals with it. Alternatively, the center pool is a calmer spot ideal for taking a break. This playset includes one adult figure, two child figures, baby octopus, fish, and floating rafts and boats. For more splash-filled fun, it can be combined with accessories Water Seesaw with Watering Can, Water Slide, and Duck Family, all sold separately.

Back to the Future fans 5 and older can play out time travel adventures with Back to the Future Marty’s Pick-up Truck. Marty has just arrived back in 1985 when the next time jump — to the year 2015 — is on the horizon. Based on the second film from the cult-classic trilogy, Doc and Marty must prevent Marty’s son from sabotaging the McFly family’s future. In 1985, Marty takes a seat in his brand new Pick-up Truck with his girlfriend Jennifer Parker and spins the streets of Hill Valley. But in the future, Marty’s arch-nemesis, Biff Tannen, is in on the action and leaves no stone unturned to get one over on Marty. The set comes with Marty McFly, Jennifer Parker, and Biff Tannen, as well as a Pick-up Truck with space for two figures and a collector’s postcard for fans. The hood and tailgate of the Pick-up Truck can be opened. It’s T-Rex vs. robot in the Dino Rose T-Rex: Battle of the Giants set. A robot machine is on a destructive path and the dino-human team must stop them. Equipped with removable armor and functioning cannons, Ian rides on the back of the T-Rex to shoot down enemies and direct the dino to take down the machine. As the deinonychus fires its functioning cannons, the T-Rex uses its arm to catapult a barrel towards the robot. With interchangeable hairstyles and removable armor, hero figure can easily transform out of battle mode. Among the included pieces and accessories are: two figures, T-Rex, deinonychus, robot machine, armor, functioning cannons, catapult, and barrel.

PlayMonster

Spirograph, the classic way for aspiring artists to create millions of amazing designs, is now animated. Spirograph Animator features iconic gears like the original, but once the designs are created, they can be set on the animator and brought to life. The spinning and lights create an amazing 3D effect. This deluxe studio set also features built-in storage and includes six gears and five markers. It seems like it would be easy to name three Disney dog characters—but what about under the pressure of five seconds twisting down, and with the other players staring? In the game Disney 5 Second Rule, players name three items listed on the card in five seconds or less. This version of PlayMonster’s popular family game features questions all about Disney. Players have to be quick, shout whatever comes to mind, and risk silly answers slipping out, but it’s all in good fun. The easy to catch, hard to put down squiggly balls of fun are back. Koosh is a well-recognized and universally loved brand with a unique blend of indoor and outdoor excitement that spans generations. Koosh quality stands up to everyday, hard play —-nothing looks like, plays like, or feels like a Koosh. Arriving this summer, Koosh Sharp Shot is an interactive target game that tests players’ aim with three game modes. Target Toss, Criss Cross, or Lightning Flash modes allow for solo or multiplayer fun. Using the Koosh® flingers and the included shooters, players take aim and shoot at the five light up target areas as prompted. The target stands up or can be hung on a door for versatile play. The Koosh Double Paddle Play Set puts skill and agility to the test, as friends or solo players test how high and far they can make their Koosh ball fly. And the original Koosh Classic ball for playing indoors, outdoors, and even using as a fidget ball. Available in multiple colors, this 3-inch ball is tactile and easy to catch. This year, Colorforms is celebrating 70 years with a special anniversary edition. The sleek Colorforms 70th Anniversary Edition box set includes 500 design pieces that stick like magic, along with a playboard and design guide for tons of repositionable creative and geometric fun. Colorforms vinyl repositionable playsets provide safe, creative, open-ended, and imaginative play, and have been trusted by generations of parents and grandparents. What began as basic shapes of squares, triangles and circles, has evolved, incorporating popular licensed characters and other innovations that engage kids and encourage storytelling. Another PlayMonster brand celebrating a milestone year, Five Crowns turns 25. Five Crowns 25th Anniversary Edition features a specially designed collectors tin, 116 cards, a custom spread, and a rulebook. Five Crowns is a rummy-style card game with a unique double deck that contains five suits: spades, clubs, hearts, diamonds, and stars. The rotating wild card keeps players on their toes. The game begins with three cards and 3s are wild, the next round has four cards and 4s are wild, and so on until the Kings go wild. Players must make the right combinations, be the first to go out, then watch as others scramble as they get one last chance to cut their losses. For ages 8 and up, Five Crowns appeals to avid card players and casual fans alike. There are even rules for solitaire play. Fresh and fun updated styles including body positive models and on-trend fashions will inspire mix-and-match fashion possibilities with Fashion Plates Sweet Styles. With just a few passes of the rubbing tool, designs are transferred to the sketch paper. Adding colors and detail to new looks is a snap with the included artist’s pencils and the fashion textures built into the back of each Fashion Plate. The stylish portfolio case neatly stores the tablet, plates, and tools making it easy to take designs and fashions on the go. In this set, young designers 6 and up will find a Fashion Plates Drawing Tablet, 15 double-sided fashion plates, a box of eight colored pencils, transfer crayon and holder, 20 sheets of design paper, fashion folio with idea guide, and carry-along portfolio/storage case.

Plus-Plus

Bringing the creativity of Plus-Plus to wherever people learn, work, or play these days, BOKS is a sturdy wooden platform that supports all sorts of amazing ideas. It’s designed for desks, home offices, conference rooms, kitchen tables, or anywhere else where it can add some fun and function. The BOKS Windmill set includes one sturdy wooden platform, 220 Plus-Plus pieces, one green baseplate, and one wheel. It can function as a windmill, a phone holder a pen-andnote holder, and more. Step-by-step instructions are included, but the “Learning” section of the Plus-Plus website as well as free Plus-Plus app can help provide additional inspiration. Younger Plus-Plus fans will love the new BIG GO! elements. Adding to the open-ended fun, kids can make a fire truck, motorcycle, farm truck, and more. BIG Make and GO! features new wheels as well as three new colors of BIG Baseplate. And the Learn to Build Vehicles Super Set is the ultimate in creative building, featuring the new larger GO! wheels as well as the original size. This set allows kids to construct a go-kart, jet plane, beach buggy, and even a working dump truck.

Relevant Play

Mad Mattr is a super-soft building compound that easily molds and shapes into endless creations, inspiring open-ended play while delivering stress-reducing benefits. When molded and sculpted into any shape kids can think of, its texture is incredibly smooth to the touch. The unique, non-toxic formula is free from wheat, gluten, and casein, and clean-up is a breeze when playtime is over. Kids are going to eat up the all-new Mad Mattr Activity Sets, ready to fill the days with hours of hands-on creative play. Mad Mattr products can be found at specialty stores nationwide. Get the scoop on one of the hottest new toys of 2021: the Mad Mattr Ice Cream Activity Set. Kids serve up flavors like vanilla, strawberry, tropical swirl, and more. They’ll pretend play running their own ice cream store as they whip up pretend cones and popsicles or swirl their colors for cool flavors, and finish it all off with toppings. Three colors of Mad Mattr are in this set (2 oz. each of pink, white, and orange), plus a cut-safe tool and seven molds for forming sugar and waffle cones, round or swirl ice cream, and popsicles. The Mad Mattr Bakery Activity Set makes playtime the sweetest ever. Little bakers and up can create delicious-looking make-believe donuts, cupcakes, and cookies while adding as much faux-frosting as they would like. This set comes complete with four packs of Mad Mattr in different colors (2 oz. each of pink, purple, orange, and yellow) to mix, shape, mold, and play. The cut-safe tool and seven molds can be used to shape and decorate treats ranging from chocolate chip, sprinkle, and sugar cookies to round or pointed cupcakes and donuts. And kids will flip over the Mad Mattr Burger Activity Set, which will fire up their imaginations as they set up their own burger shop. Young chefs can concoct their favorite pretend hamburger with all the fixin’s — cheese and tomato to name a few — plus a side of fries. The six molds and cut-safe tool will transform the three included Mad Mattr colors (red, yellow, and blue) into a burger patty with a bun, cheese slice, tomato slice, and french fries. Everything can be served up in the included burger box and fry box. All sets are recommended for ages 3 and up.

Schleich

Schleich’s Farm World line adds the Sunny Day Mobile Market. In this set, kids imagine Farm World Ben figure and his mom Laura loading their mobile farm stand with fresh produce directly from their farm. They can fit juicy apples, freshly laid eggs, crisp lettuce, potatoes from the field, chilled milk, and crusty bread all on their wagon.

Volcano Expedition Base Camp, the highlight of the Schleich Dinosaurs world, offers surprising and action-packed play functions such as glowing lava, cool smoke and eruption functions with vibration effect or dangerous dino sound at the touch of a button. On this expedition, researcher Yuki collects all sorts of information about dinosaurs in her research container. Suddenly she hears a loud rumbling sound; the entire mountain vibrates and starts to smoke, and she must react quickly.

Super Impulse

The outrageous miniature collectible brand, Wacky Packages Minis, based on the classic stickers by trading card company Topps introduces a new series of mini toys and mini stickers to collect. With Wacky Packages Minis Series 2 comes a whole whack of new toys and stickers shamelessly spoofing beloved household brands. There are 82 new minis and stickers to collect, now with three levels of rarity: Rare, Really Rare, and Fuggetaboutit Rare. Each blind box cup includes five mini toys, one check list and one miniWacky Packages sticker. The clear top reveals one toy and four are hidden surprises inside. Series 2 comes in five different varieties: the blindbox as well as sets containing either 10, 15, 20, or 25 pieces.

World’s Smallest Micro Figures launches even more fan-favorite characters in miniature size. Measuring up to 1.25 inches tall each, Super Impulse’s popular Micro Figures feature highly detailed figures of some of the most famous pop culture icons. Joining the line-up are Garbage Pail Kids, Hello Kitty, Bob Ross, and Richard Simmons. Each micro figure comes with a mini collector case for display and storage. Introducing Micro Toy Box, a tiny box of tiny toy treasures that fit into the palm of a hand. The new line of miniature collectibles shrinks the greatest toys of all time down to the tiniest size. Classics and fan-favorites from Mattel, Hasbro, Spin Master and their signature brands Transformers, Rubik’s, My Little Pony, Monopoly, Nerf, Barbie, Hot Wheels and many more are waiting to be discovered. In Series 1 discover 50 different collectible miniatures including six Rare and two Scarce finds. Each blind box cup includes five mini toys, one check list, and one mini checklist sticker. The clear top reveals one toy and four are hidden surprises inside. Once opened, the cup transforms into a clear, reusable toy box to display in a collection. t’s the perfect throwback for adults and an enchanting impulse collectible for kids. Recommended for ages 8 and up.

Steiff

Steiff’s partnership with Disney brings together two of the biggest names in the toy and gift industry. Expanding on their Soft Cuddly Friends line, Steiff debuts three new Disney characters. Soft Cuddly Friends Disney Dumbo is made of pale blue plush. His oversized ears are pink on the inside and drape over his body like a coat. He has a collar with a gold-colored braid and is wearing a little yellow hat, just like his counterpart in the Disney film. Energetic and heartwarming Disney Tigger has a charming personality, with his magnificent snout, two-tone ears, and original Tigger stripes. Disney Baloo is utterly adorable. He has kind eyes, a striking snout with a gentle smile, and small, two-tone bear ears. His pale-colored belly and paws are just some of his unique markings. The tuft of blue hair on his head adds to his unique look. For newborns and older, all the new Disney Soft Cuddly Friends measure 12 inches tall, are made from soft plush, and include bean bags in their arms, legs, and bottom for an exciting feel and added fun.

Story Time Chess

Story Time Chess is based on a chess teaching method that has been utilized and perfected over the last 16 years through a New York City-based company called Chess At Three, which has successfully taught over 200,000 children in the last decade how to play chess through stories. The same story-based curriculum being used by these tutors is also being licensed by over 1,000 schools. The game compresses 16 years of knowledge from teaching young kids how to play chess and the result is a beautifully designed game that can teach any person from age 3 to 103 how to play chess through fun engaging stories and exercises. Story Time Chess utilizes a cast of adorable characters through a series of fun and interactive stories in order to progressively teach children how to play chess. The stories focus on why chess pieces move in their own unique ways and are supported by activities that cement chess knowledge in children’s minds. Story Time Chess requires no chess experience to play and is fun for both parents and children.

Tangle, Inc.

Introducing the Tangle Charms Fidgety Wearables. A brand-new way for kids to wear their favorite Tangle fidget toy! Tangle Charms feature trendy colorways and loveable characters that can be collected and connect to any Tangle. A surprise Mystery Charm adds a fun twist to this adorable series, allowing collectors to create custom wearable Tangle jewelry that matches their unique style. Tangle Charms add a little glimmer and a ton of fun. Kids can wear, share, and trade with friends —the possibilities for creative sensory and tactile play are endless

TREND Enterprises

Net some major family fun with the exciting card game of Gone Fish’n. Suspenseful reveals and gutsy competition keep kids and adults reeled in until the very last cast. Flip cards to see what’s biting. Any luck? The unique hexagon cards fit together differently every game, giving prize fish new places to hide. Have fun challenging other players to fishing competitions, exploring the island, or fishing a new spot. Lucky players may even get to net the legend, Big Eddie for major points. Every nice catch, puny perch, and bit of luck adds up. Collect the most fish points to win. For kids and families ages 6 and up.

SqWatch Out! is a card game that will bring big fun to family time. Memories and appetites for mystery will be put to work as the search for proof of Bigfoot ensures. Players take risks to collect the best score and trek further than their opponents to get closer to the truth. There are six chances to collect evidence — but SqWatch Out: Bigfoot disappears with every round. The game’s big reveal is certainly worth the wait. Unique three-sided cards and Bigfoot folklore are irresistible to all players ages 8 and older. Everyone goes bananas for Jungle Pals. This wildly fun card game for ages 4 and up has a double-sided deck for two ways to play. Lively and quick 15-minute games are full of matching challenges. Use the blue side of the cards to play Monkey in the Middle where players search to find three of one kind plus a monkey card to win. The white side of the cards is for Animal Match where players connect cards to those in the center of play…but they don’t line up any-which-way. Players need to match all of their cards to win. It’s puzzling for players of all ages. Word-free cards are ideal for young kids and nonreaders. Unique three-sided cards fit together to make new patterns every game.

Pizza Time is hard to top. This family-friendly game for parents and children 4 and older brings a range of challenges from easy-cheesy to supreme; try all four menu options for many rounds of fun. Each triangle slice card is a piece of the pie that players must gather and arrange into pizza perfection. Be careful, finished pizzas must match the menu and have only tasty toppings. Totally gross “Oh, Yuck!” topping cards and action cards deliver surprises every game. Complete the most pizzas to win. Make time for some chance EnCOWnters with a card game that’s out-of-this-world. Participants ages 6+ compete against fellow aliens to match silhouettes on their UFO start card to hilariously unsuspecting earthly things. Players can arrange their triangle cards to capture the right three in their light beam to win. Every turn brings a chance of mission-changing cards that cause cosmic chaos for one player, and a comeback for another. It’s quick to play so there’s always time for another round. Each game includes 63 cards and full-color instructions in a compact, travel-ready box.

Winning Moves Games

Mermaids have been swimming through the magical sea, collecting colorful jewels along the way. They have an overflowing treasure chest of “pearls” and now want kids 5+ to join in on the fun. In The Mermaids Jewels - String Together a Treasure from the Sea, two to four players roll the die and collect pearls from the special pearl sorting treasure chest. Players try to string together enough of these treasures from the sea to make their very own necklace. This game contains one plastic treasure chest, four necklace strings with safety clasps, one custom die, 200 plastic colored beads, and illustrated instructions.