TFE, February 2015

tfe_Cover.pdf

1

1/26/15

10:48 AM

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Untitled-1 1

1/26/2015 1:37:17 PM

tfe toys & family entertainment

contents | 02/15 Volume 10, No. 2

Features

Departments

26 HKTDC Facilitates Buying for Specialty Stores

8

Observations & Opinions

28 TOMY: Playing with Emotions

by Nancy Lombardi

12

The TICKER

by Nancy Lombardi

18

by Christopher Byrne

32 Cartoon Network Relaunches Powerpuff Girls 34 Thomas Fetes 70 Years 36 Experts Assess the Specialty Toy Market 50 Toy Fair 2015

112

compiled by Laurie Leahey and Jennifer Lynch

114

110 Specialty Emporium: Thames & Kosmos

by Jennifer Lynch

TFE COVER DESIGNED BY CARTOON NETWORK. TFE LICENSING COVER DESIGNED BY JENNIFER LYNCH. IMAGE COURTESY OF NETFLIX.

20 24

by Ashley Rogers

Cartoon Network is relaunching the Powerpuff Girls globally through television, online content, and an extensive consumer products program.

Spin Master is the master toy licensee for the Powerpuff Girls. Additional licensees will be announced in the coming months.

17 22

by Jennifer Lynch

On the Cover

10

Page 44

Trending

Industry Forum: Toy Industry Association Industry Forum: ASTRA

Industry Forum: Design Edge

Merchandise Makers: Colorforms Entertainment Marketplace:

The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water You’re Hired

Calendar of Events

On this Page

LICENSING

46 Where Kids Are Watching

by Jennifer Lynch

48 Kids’ Entertainment Roundup

by Jennifer Lynch

From the top left: Colorforms was recently acquired by Out of the Blue Enterprises.

TOMY’s Joy figure is from the Disney/Pixar film Inside Out. Learning Resources adds to its New Sprouts line with the New Sprouts Stir Fry Set. Cartoon Network relaunches the Powerpuff Girls.

OBSERVATIONS & OPINIONS

NewYear, BY

BOB GLASER

New Look.

s you probably noticed when you picked up this publication, we have shortened the name of the magazine to TFE and revamped our logo to reflect this change. Still publishing as Toys & Family Entertainment, we thought it was time for a fresh look and that begins with a refresh of the name.

Also included in this issue, is a new section called TFE Licensing. This new section will be included in each issue of TFE going forward. TFE Licensing is a renamed version of our sister publication, Royaltie$. Within TFE Licensing we will continue to report on key categories in the licensing world. This month’s section highlights the continued growth and proliferation of streaming content and the opportunities it presents on many levels.

As of this writing, several reports have been published stating that the 2014 holiday selling season saw increases when compared with 2013. This is good news overall for the toy industry. However, the bad news for the toy industry is that Toys “R” Us (TRU) saw a decline in sales in holiday 2014 when compared to holiday 2013 sales. Late in 2014, TRU announced a restructuring of debt that was coming due and was able to move the payments further out.

Again, this is good news for the toy industry. I think we can all agree that a financially stable TRU is good for everyone in the industry.

Once again, online sales saw a significant increase over the previous year.

This trend will certainly continue as each year passes. If you are still not convinced that online shopping will continue to grow at a rapid pace, just look at your own habits and the habits of friends and family. Where did you do most of your holiday shopping? Where did they purchase their gifts? In aNb Media’s office, I am the dinosaur who struggles with new technology. Yet, almost all of my shopping was done online this past holiday season.

This brings us to TTPM, aNb Media’s consumer toy review website. Once again in 2014, we expanded into several new categories. We started out last year reviewing baby products, junior sporting goods, and pet toys. We will continue to expand on these categories in 2015. If you are not already submitting products for review, what are you waiting for? All reviews are FREE. Once again, in conjunction with Design Edge, aNb Media will be distributing free copies of the 2015 Toy Fair poster. Turn to page 89 for a look at this year’s poster. Be sure to stop by booth 601 to pick up a copy while supplies last.

We wish everyone a successful (and snow-free) Toy Fair. Safe travels.

A

8 tfe FEBRUARY 2015

WWW.ANBMEDIA.COM

February 2015 • Volume 10, Number 2 PUBLISHER BOB GLASER BOB@TTPM.COM ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER ANDY KRINNER ANDY@TTPM.COM ADVERTISING DIRECTOR DONNA MOORE DONNA@TTPM.COM CONTROLLER MARY GROGAN MARY@TTPM.COM EDITOR IN CHIEF JIM SILVER JIM@TTPM.COM EDITORIAL DIRECTOR NANCY LOMBARDI NANCY@TTPM.COM CREATIVE/EDITORIAL MANAGER JENNIFER LYNCH JENNIFER@TTPM.COM WEB DEVELOPER BRENDAN SANABRIA BRENDAN@TTPM.COM CONTRIBUTORS CHRISTOPHER BYRNE; LAURIE LEAHEY; KATHLEEN MCHUGH; ASHLEE NEUMAN; MATT NUCCIO; ASHLEY ROGERS PUBLIC RELATIONS REPRESENTATIVE JOSSLYNNE WELCH LITZKY PUBLIC RELATIONS, 320 SINATRA DRIVE, HOBOKEN, N.J. 07030 (201) 222–9118 EXT. 13 • JWELCH@LITZKYPR.COM INTERESTED IN A SUBSCRIPTION? CONTACT SUBSCRIPTIONS@ANBMEDIA.COM ANB MEDIA, INC. 229 WEST 28TH STREET, SUITE 401, NEW YORK, N.Y. 10001 PHONE: (646) 763–8710 • FAX: (646) 763–8727

TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT (TFE) is published four times per year by aNb Media. Copyright 2015 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 photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher.

Printed in the U.S.A. TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT, SPECIALTY EMPORIUM, and TFE LICENSING are registered trademarks of aNb Media. Opinions and comments expressed in this publication by editors, contributing writers, or solicited or unsolicited documents are not necessarily those of management.

What’s Trending?

This trending list is taken from aNb Media’s consumer website, TTPM.com. TTPM’s Trending Review is a list of the

most popular items on the site, as determined by consumers. It’s generated by the number of page views for that item in the previous 30 days, updated every 24 hours. Here is the list, in trending order, on January 29, 2015.

1

2

SquiShy Baff Spin Master

WaTer DanCinG SpeaKerS Leading Edge Novelty

ever afTer hiGh SprinG unSprunG KiTTy CheShire Mattel

my maGiCal mermaiD WaTer WonDerlanD Zuru

DiSney’S frozen olaf’S in TrouBle Game Hasbro

The amazinG SpiDer-man meGa BlaSTer WeB ShooTer Hasbro DiSney frozen CaSTle & iCe palaCe playSeT Mattel

3

ever afTer hiGh SeCreT hearTS Diary Mattel

max ToW TruCK Jakks Pacific

iCe aGe 4: ConTinenTal DrifT CraCKinG BoneS SiD Just Play

proSCan 7-inCh inTerneT TaBleT Proscan

liTTle live peTS TWeeT TalKinG BirDS WiTh CaGe (2) Moose Toys

inviTe BanDz Marked Private

heDBanDz for aDulTS Spin Master

orBeez BoDy Spa The Maya Group

leGo STar WarS manDalorian SpeeDer LEGO BarBie DiGiTal maKeover Mattel 10 tfe FEBRUARY 2015

DeSpiCaBle me 2 minion Dave (1) Thinkway Toys

neWBorn auTo roCK ’n play Sleeper (3) Fisher-Price frozen Chill ’n ChaT WalKie TalKieS eKids

THE TICKER

A Recap of Industry Headlines • For More News, Visit www.aNbMedia.com

• Sign up to Receive FREE Weekly News Alerts

RAVENSBURGER ACQUIRES BRIO

The Ravensburger Group acquired Swedish toy company Brio AB from its investor Proventus in early January. According to the company’s statement, the acquisition will enable the Ravensburger Group to strengthen its position as a toy company. Brio benefits from the acquisition because of Ravensburger’s international presence, according to the company. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Within the Ravensburger group, Brio will continue to operate as an independent subsidiary based in Malmö, Sweden under its existing management.

The acquisition also includes the company Alga, the Swedish market leader in board games. Proventus has owned Brio for more than 10 years. Brio’s product line consists of more than 200 wooden toys.

HIHAT MEDIA SIGNED FOR PEG + CAT

The Fred Rogers Company has appointed HiHat Media to lead U.S. brand licensing initiatives for its PBS Kids series Peg + Cat. Led by toy and licensing industry veteran David Jacobs, HiHat Media will develop a comprehensive consumer products campaign centered around the math-based series for ages 3–5. Peg + Cat launched on PBS Kids in fall 2013.

JAZWARES SIGNED FOR TREE FU TOM

FremantleMedia Kids & Family Entertainment signed Jazwares as the master toy licensee for its preschool series Tree Fu Tom. Jazwares will take on the role of global manufacturer and will distribute a new line of Tree Fu Tom toys in the UK, Asia, North America, Canada, and Latin America. A variety of distributors will manage the range in other key territories.

The first products, distributed by Funtastic, will launch this year in Australia. The wider product roll out will continue in the UK and other key territories. The initial range includes vehicles, figures, and an interactive carry case playset.

12 tfe FEBRUARY 2015

INDUSTRY FORUM

TIA: Celebrating 100 Years of Service BY

ASHLEE NEUMAN, TIA

t 10 A.M. on Friday, June 9, 1916, under the roof of the Hotel McAlpin in New York City’s Herald Square, Harry C. Ives of The Ives Manufacturing Corporation called to order a meeting of 46 American toy manufacturers. Their purpose: to establish a trade association exclusively for toymakers.

“Our object is to improve the toy industry of this country, which has been growing very extensively from the time when toys could not be brought here from abroad,” said Leo Schlesinger of Leo Schlesinger & Company, who was elected chairman of the association, according to hand-written minutes from that day. “We want to stimulate the use of toys by giving publicity to Americanmade toys and to give preference for toys made in America. We want to encourage the custom of buying toys for our mid-summer holiday to have two seasons in place of one.

We want to be well-equipped to protect our industry when the war is over.”

Thus began the Toy Manufacturers of the U.S.A., which would later be renamed the Toy Industry Association (TIA). Since that inaugural meeting in 1916, TIA has expanded and evolved to support the needs of a rapidly changing toy industry.

“It is a great privilege to be a part of the Association as it reaches this momentous milestone,” said TIA president and CEO, Carter Keithley. “The longevity of TIA speaks to the hard work and wisdom of all those who have helped to shape this organization into a valuable resource for our industry.”

In honor of its anniversary, TIA has planned a series of forthcoming festivities.

A

Centenary celebrations will kick off in fall 2015 with a ribbon-cutting of the brandnew Toy Industry Hall of Fame gallery at The Strong Museum in Rochester, N.Y. The museum and the Association are jointly investing $4 million to create a stateof-the-art gallery that will display TIA’s Toy Industry Hall of Fame, which honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the toy industry, alongside The Strong’s National Toy Hall of Fame, which salutes iconic toys that have enjoyed immense popularity over the years.

In the unified exhibit, inductees of both Halls of Fame will be recognized at interactive kiosks. The Toy Industry Hall of Fame wall will feature a timeline with inductee portraits and touch-screen monitors that provide a brief biography for each inductee.

The gallery will also incorporate fun features such as a digital photo gallery of classic toys; an oversized kinetic toy sculpture that kids can manipulate; animated signage; a virtual playroom packed with toys that visitors’ avatars can play with; and many more interactive elements.

Revelry will continue at Toy Fair 2016 with a spectacular birthday bash. The annual Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards and Toy Industry Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be infused with special features that pay homage to the industry’s iconic veterans and outstanding products.

Also planned for Toy Fair 2016 is the unveiling of a commemorative book created in celebration of TIA’s and the toy industry’s 100 years of history. Looking at major game-changers of the past century, it will highlight the influential people, playthings,

These are the hand-written minutes from the 1916 meeting launching a toy trade association.

The group would eventually become the Toy Industry Association (TIA).

and events that have transformed the toy industry—from the impact of wars to the rise of the technology revolution—and how the Association has adapted through it all.

The history of TIA is the history of the industry it serves. As the Association readies for its centenary anniversary, it is embracing its felt responsibility to collect and preserve records that tell the story of the toy industry’s transformation. TIA is in the process of reviewing, evaluating, and preparing its archives to be housed at The Strong museum, and will make the materials available to stakeholders and researchers interested in learning more about the past.

“We have many more terrific activities and festive events planned for TIA’s centenary,” said Ken Seiter, TIA’s vice-president of marketing communications. “We look forward to sharing and celebrating with you all in the coming year.”

Ashlee Neuman is a communications specialist and content developer for the Toy Industry Association (TIA).

FEBRUARY 2015 tfe 17

INDUSTRY FORUM

Grow Your Toy Store with ASTRA on Your Team BY

KATHLEEN MCHUGH, ASTRA

magine owning your own independent toy store. You hire local residents and add dollars to your local economy. You spend your days surrounded by the best children’s toys on the market, and you put the magic of childhood back into the lives of your community’s children. Better yet, imagine getting spontaneous hugs from local children and their parents when you are out and about in your community. Why? Because you have become known as The Toy Lady.

That’s what happened to Florence Allen, owner of William’s Fun Smart Toys in Macon, Ga. Originally an e-commerce site focused on products that fit the needs of children with disabilities, Allen’s business morphed into a brick-and-mortar toy store with an expanded mission. “Our goal was to find more affordable but engaging toys that help all children develop through play,” she says.

As a member of the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA), Allen and nearly 550 other locally owned retailers who are members, have access to ASTRA’s resources as they build, adapt, and grow their retail operations. ASTRA was created by toy retailers to help toy retailers, plus manufacturers and sales reps, achieve success in the specialty toy business.

Bob and Mary Sisson’s store, Kazoodles Toys in Vancouver, Wash., is a testimony to the value added that ASTRA offers to retailers starting a store. Inspired by their grandchildren, the Sissons saw a need for highquality, life-enriching toys in their community, but neither had any background running a business, especially a toy store. “We

I

18 tfe FEBRUARY 2015

learned everything from ASTRA and through experience,” says Mary Sisson. “It has been our toy store university.”

One event that falls into the not-to-bemissed category for David Wilson, owner of Stone’s Education Superstore in Raleigh, N.C., is ASTRA’s Marketplace & Academy. It’s the year’s largest gathering of the specialty toy industry. It will be held June 7–10, 2015, in Charlotte, N.C.

ASTRA’s Academy & Marketplace is June 7–10 in Charlotte, N.C.

Wilson says that throughout the year many excellent sales reps approach Stone’s with sample products and catalogs, but the ASTRA Marketplace goes above and beyond. “ASTRA cuts down on your learning curve,” he says. “Instead of going to a huge toy fair, Marketplace is a curated collection of the industry’s best.

Seeing it all live on the trade show floor has certainly expanded what we buy. We now work with a number of new vendors we had never seen before.”

The Sissons also make a point to attend Marketplace & Academy every year. Mary Sisson describes the powerful camaraderie and open sharing of information.

“Everywhere you go—in sessions, in the hallways—you’re surrounded by people who are doing the same thing you’re doing, and you can share ideas,” she says.

The Sissons also value the educational sessions, which have “practical information

you can take home and use right away,” says Bob Sisson, recalling a particularly helpful session on advertising. Mary Sisson’s favorite session was on forging alliances with other local businesses.

All year long, ASTRA members get access to educational webinars, publications, information about new products, and a confidential online forum where they can discuss products, marketing ideas, hiring and training issues, and much more.

ASTRA also offers its members several innovative ways to reach consumers. There is National Neighborhood Toy Store Day, which promotes the advantages of buying specialty toys, and provides a free step-bystep guide for retailers to help them maximize the public relations value of the day. Best Toys for Kids, a leading toy list that represents the year’s top picks by local toy store owners nationwide, is promoted heavily during the holiday season on parenting blogs and in national and local parenting media outlets.

Also, ASTRA’s online store locater gives toy buyers an easy way to find local stores.

“ASTRA gave me a crash course in ‘Toy Store 101,’” says Wilson. “Through ASTRA, we gained important insights that have contributed to my store’s growth.”

Allen of William’s Fun Smart Toys agrees. “There’s a lot of value in ASTRA. If anybody asks me I’ll tell them it’s the best money I’ve spent. It’s nice to have a sounding board from those who have walked further down the path than you.”

Kathleen McHugh is president of The

American Specialty Toy Retailing Association.

Untitled-1 1

1/22/2015 3:27:52 PM

INDUSTRY FORUM

Back to the BY

MATT NUCCIO, DESIGN EDGE

Future

esign Edge was founded in 1987 at 60 Madison most inspirational is that this is the site where the Apollo Lunar Ave. across from the Toy Center at 200 Fifth Ave. Module was designed and built, allowing the first man to walk on in New York City. From there we bounced the moon. This lot is home to a rich history. around Manhattan and Long Island and more Our new location reminds me that as toy designers and develrecently considered moving to Brooklyn. That’s opers, it is a mistake to only look forward. Inspiration can be when a new deal was proposed by Long Island’s Nassau County culled from the past, present, and future. Without looking into the Business Development Office. Design Edge lucked out when New past we cannot project the future. What amazing feats of yesterYork State and Nassau County relocated us to the newly opened year can we look to for tomorrow’s inspiration? What forgotten Grumman/Gold Coast Studios film lot technologies can be rethought to improve 20 miles outside of midtown Manhattan. play in our modern era?

“Design Edge’s new location at Design Edge’s ability to build protoToday, the internet allows us to research Grumman/Gold Coast Studios types, engineer new products, execute any area of a project needing an injection of reminds me that as toy designers graphics and package design, plus build creativity that goes beyond the norm. and developers, it is a mistake to displays and props, was perceived as a Seeking new technologies, scientific breakonly look forward.

Inspiration good fit for the burgeoning Bethpage film throughs, and exciting, new visual can be culled from the past.” industry on New York’s Long Island. The approaches that will enhance form and idea of having Design Edge on-site was a function is a must for toy designers. History mutually beneficial situation. Since its is now available at the stroke of a computer opening, Grumman/Gold Coast Studios has become the largest film key but let’s not forget that there are other sources as well. lot on the East Coast. Just a few feet from our studio is an authentic At Design Edge, we maintain a library of more than 5,000 replica of New York City’s Time Square complete with tagged sign classic toy catalogs dating from the 1940s onward. We find the posts and gummed sidewalks. Across from the Times Square set, the information contained within each to be invaluable and certainly largest unobstructed sound stage in the country was recently com- entertaining. It allows us to enter the creative mindsets of the pleted. In the few short years that the studio has been in existence, designers that developed products for Marx, Ideal, Aurora, J. films such as Spider-Man 2, The Avengers, Salt, The Dictator, Peter Chein, and early Mattel plus a myriad of smaller companies Pan Live, The Sound of Music Live, and Annie as well as many TV whose heyday was the 1950s and 1960s. We also seek out old TV shows and commercials have been completed here. When filming is toy ads that place us in the mindset of the play patterns of that underway, this place is bustling. golden toy era.

As a design and development agency, we find our new locale Just as the golden age of film has had such great influence on inspiring but not for the reasons you may think. Before catering film and TV entertainment today so does the history of our industrucks, spotlights, sets, and celebrities, this lot housed one of the try influence and challenge us to move into the future. That’s my largest military defense contractors in U.S. history, Grumman mindset every time I park in front of my office where the Aerospace Corporation (later known as Northrop Grumman). Hollywood of the East is shaping up.

Here they designed and built the F4F Wildcat, F6F Hell Cat, and TBF Avenger that helped win World War II. In later years they Design Edge is a New York-based graphic design and research built the F-14 Tomcat that Tom Cruise made famous in Top Gun. development studio. Matt Nuccio can be reached at (516) 377–0500 While building these great fighter planes is impressive, what is or matt@designedge.net.

D

20 tfe FEBRUARY 2015

READY FOR A BREAKTHROUGH?

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Untitled-1 1

1/26/2015 12:51:39 PM

MERCHANDISE MAKERS

C

A NEW

BY LAURIE LEAHEY

LOOK FOR AN OLD CLASSIC

olorforms, maker of the classic vinyl stick-on toys, has been at the forefront of innovation since its inception in 1951. The company says it was one of the first plastic-based creative toys and one of the first toys advertised on television.

It may be more than 60 years old, but Colorforms continues to be popular with consumers, having sold millions of sets and counting since 1951. In today’s Colorforms playsets, consumers will find the classic Colorforms play experience but with more modern designs and play patterns that reflect the way today’s kids are playing.

“When you have a brand that is over 60 years old, you have to find a way to make it different and special,” says George Vorkas, president, Colorforms brand. “Otherwise you’re just coming out with the same product, and consumers want to see something different.”

And last year’s acquisition of the Colorforms brand by Out of the Blue Enterprises means the brand will see even more development across multiple platforms, according to Samantha Freeman, CEO, Out of the Blue Enterprises.

“Our strategy in purchasing the brand was really to repackage the Colorforms brand into being a premier activity brand focusing on creativity and imagination, and to put [in] a lot of play value and offer good price value for consumers,” she says.

In terms of toys, Freeman says the company will produce Colorforms sets at six different price points with a range of licenses, from Frozen and Disney Princess to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Spider-Man. Consumers will also notice special features including sparkle, foil, and magic-reveal technology added to the Colorforms play pieces.

New formats include a Colorforms playset that lets kids add their own voiceovers and sound effects, a large wall playset for bedroom or playroom walls, and smaller take-along playsets. The company also revamped the classic Colorforms set by adding a pop-up easel with different scenes that kids can flip through. When playtime is over, the easel folds back

22 tfe FEBRUARY 2015

down into the box.

The toy line will premiere at Toy Fair with product expected on shelf in time for back-to-school 2015.

Additional plans for 2015 and beyond include a new Colorforms website as well as digital apps. In 2012, Colorforms and Out of the Blue worked together on an iOS app called Colorforms Revolution, which gave Out of the Blue an opportunity to see the potential of Colorforms that will be expanded in future apps.

“What’s interesting about the app is [that] it allowed you to bring in a lot of other properties that you couldn’t include in a regular toy line, meaning you could scale the figures and incorporate movement and more animation and different kinds of sound and music,” Freeman says. “We’re really looking this time to create more of a digital platform where consumers can create their own Colorforms stories and then share them through social media.”

The company is also considering offering free added value digital content with the new Colorforms toys. For instance, if someone purchased a Disney Frozen Colorforms playset, they would receive a special code or piece that unlocks digital Frozen content in the Colorforms apps.

Out of the Blue is also planning a TV concept for the Colorforms brand, taking its experience in TV with successful shows such as Super Why and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood to help develop appropriate content for the brand.

“It’s really about taking that ability to create characters and tell stories and applying it to this creativity and imagination curriculum of Colorforms. . . in a way that really just brings the brand to life and offers an experience that is an extension of the whole play pattern of the brand,” Freeman says.

But no matter what form Colorforms is in when you next see it, the classic play pattern of helping kids build their imaginations through story will always remain.

ENTERTAINMENT MARKETPLACE

The SpongeBob Movie

BY LAURIE LEAHEY

S

pongeBob SquarePants made his second appearance on the big screen in the new movie The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water on February 6, 2015. As the sequel to The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie, which came out in 2014, Sponge Out of Water, finds SpongeBob SquarePants on a quest to retrieve the stolen Krabby Patty recipe from the evil pirate Burger-Beard, played by Antonio Banderas. SpongeBob and his friends (played by the animated series’ regulars Tom Kenny, Clancy Brown, Rodger Bumpass, Bill Fagerbakke, Carolyn Lawrence, and Mr. Lawrence) are forced to come ashore to our world where they turn themselves into superheroes to take down the pirate and bring the recipe back to Bikini Bottom.

24 tfe FEBRUARY 2015

A production of Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies, Sponge Out of Water combines animation with liveaction filming, giving audiences a new look at a favorite character.

To continue the on-screen antics off the movie screen, Paramount Licensing signed a variety of licensees for everything from apparel and bedding to costumes, toys, and books. Licensees include Fisher-Price for toys under the Imaginext brand, Random House for books, Freeze for apparel, Activision for video games, MEGA Bloks for construction sets, Just Play for toys, General Mills for licensed food products, Global Brands Group for sleepwear, Smilemakers for stickers, Scentco for scented stationery, Trends International for movie posters, Baby Boom for a toddler blanket set, Tervis for tumblers, Franco Manufacturing for bedding, Hybrid for Tshirts, The Northwest for throw blankets, and Rubie’s for costumes.

This robust lineup of licensees and licensed product gives SpongeBob fans of all ages the chance to play out favorite movie scenes and show off their fandom.

Patrick, SpongeBob, Squidward, and Mr. Krabs become superheroes in Sponge Out of Water.

FUN FACTS • The animated TV series SpongeBob SquarePants debuted on Nickelodeon on July 17, 1999.

• SpongeBob SquarePants’ creator, Stephen Hillenburg, is a marine biologist.

• On November 18, 2014, Nickelodeon and Toyota unveiled The SpongeBob Movie 2015 Toyota Sienna with a custom 3-D exterior, featuring SpongeBob’s superhero Incredibubble mask that blew real bubbles from the top of the car. The vehicle went on a crosscountry promotional tour leading up to the movie’s release this month.

• In 2011, it was reported that researchers at San Francisco State University discovered a new species of mushroom shaped like a sea sponge. The researchers named the new species Spongiforma squarepantsii after SpongeBob SquarePants.

e SpongeBob Movie Product Presentation

3

1

2

4

5

The SpongeBob R/C Krabby Patty(1) from NKOK features full-function control and working headlights. It requires six AA batteries, which are not included. The SpongeBob R/C Krabby Patty is for ages 6 and up. The Raskullz SpongeBob 3D Helmet(2) features adjustable straps and interior foam padding. It is CPSC and ASTM safety certified. It fits most children ages 4–7. (3) Activision’s new SpongeBob HeroPants video game(3) is an action game with a focus on platforming, exploration, light puzzles, and combat. Each of its six playable characters—SpongeBob, Patrick, Squidward, Sandy, Mr. Krabs, and Plankton—can morph into a super-powered champion to solve challenges, unlock new areas, and defeat SpongeBob’s crazy imagination. The video game is available on Xbox 360, Nintendo 3DS, PlayStation Vita, and PlayStation TV. Random House will publish a junior novelization(4) and other tie-in titles, including a sticker book, a coloring book, a Step Into Reading title, and a Little Golden Book(4) title, for The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water. MEGA Bloks’ Sponge Out of Water construction sets include the Burgermobile Showdown(5). This buildable boat converts into a food truck and shoots ice cream projectiles. Invincibubble (aka SpongeBob) and Sir Pinch-a-lot (Mr. Krabs’ superhero alterego) are ready for a food fight and strike back with a bubble launcher. It’s for ages 5 and up.

FEBRUARY 2015 tfe 25

HKTDC Facilitates Buying for Specialty Stores BY

CHRISTOPHER BYRNE

The HKTDC intends to develop a dedicated buying mission from the U.S. for smaller retailers and first-time buyers in 2016. Stay tuned for more news about this as it develops throughout the year.

ark skies and pelting rain couldn’t diminish the excitement at the opening of the 41st annual Hong Kong Toys and Games Fair in January. The show, which runs in conjunction with the Hong Kong Baby Products Fair, Hong Kong International Stationery Fair, and Hong Kong International Licensing Show, packed the convention center for four days, attracting more than 110,000 visitors to the more than 3,000 exhibitions on display. Overall, visitors to the show grew more than four percent, as the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) continued its efforts to attract more buyers and exhibitors with a variety of programs designed to make attending and working the show more efficient. As a result, participation from U.S. buyers was up 25 percent over last year, according to the HKTDC. Helping people do business continues to be one of the main objectives of the HKTDC with its fairs. The show implemented what it calls a Small Order Zone, designed to facilitate buying for specialty stores. Allowing orders from five to 1,000 pieces, more than 120 exhibitors par-

D

26 tfe FEBRUARY 2015

ticipated. The products covered a wide range of categories and unique offerings that make product differentiation possible for smaller stores. The potential for small orders was not limited to this designated area. Several exhibitors indicated that they would be willing to ship smaller orders, depending, of course, on the terms. Buyers from smaller enterprises who may have been reluctant to make the trip to Hong Kong because of minimum-order requirements found many more options for purchasing than has been the case in the past.

Among first-time exhibitors, enthusiasm was high. Hong Kong-based Nobel Creative launched a fine arts printing workshop kit that seeks to go beyond basic crafting and introduce kids to fine art concepts. In this case, it’s about different modes of printing, on a cognitively appropriate level with instructions written to address different learning styles.

Bruce Bryan of BioToy was looking for a distributor or a manufacturing deal for his innovative water blasters. The science is complex, and the effect is impressive. Essentially, Bryan has isolated marine proteins, which when combined in the chambers of a blaster creates water that glows in the dark for several minutes. As so often happens in this business, a technology invented for another purpose—in this case a medical diagnosis—finds a creative application in the toy business.

The integration of the smartphone into tech products continues to blur the line between toys for kids and toys for kids of all ages. New at the show was a model train controlled by an iPad with a built-in video camera from German toymaker Modelleisenbahn. And, clearly, this is going to be the year of the drone. From sophisticated, quasimilitary devices that will retail for almost $3,000

to almost bug-sized miniatures, technology leveraging the smartphones continues to grow—no surprise considering that smartphone ownership in the U.S. was more than 70 percent at the end of 2014, according to a variety of surveys.

Equally impressive was the Baby Products Fair with 480 exhibitors from 28 countries and regions.

Key trends continue to be innovative applications of technology to traditional baby gear and an increasing emphasis on contemporary design, not to mention an almost overwhelming array of strollers. Ranging from basic goods to luxury items, this area provided effective options for creating a unique mix of merchandise from new companies as well as new and innovative products from established companies such as Joovy.

The HKTDC remains committed to industry development through education as well, and throughout the show presented a series of seminars and workshops covering everything from technology in toys to safety to the global industry. These well-attended seminars featured presentations from leading toy industry figures and organizations from around the world.

The HKTDC also developed more than 100 buying missions from around the world, bringing more than 8,700 buyers to the show. For the 2016 show, the HKTDC intends to develop a dedicated buying mission from the U.S. for smaller retailers and especially first-time buyers.

The expansion of the show, increased options for smaller orders, and growth in unique, welldesigned goods from many exhibitors who exhibit only at this show, may make this an appealing option. Stay tuned for more news about this as it develops throughout the year.

As the second largest toy fair in the world, the Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair remains as diverse and exciting as its host city.

TOMY: Playing with Emotions BY

NANCY LOMBARDI

he latest Disney/Pixar film, Inside Out, takes moviegoers inside the mind of Riley, a young girl whose life is uprooted when her family moves from the Midwest to San Francisco. And, like all of us, Riley is guided by her emotions: Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust, and Sadness. Riley’s emotions live in Headquarters, the control center inside her mind, where they help advise her through everyday life. As Riley and her emotions struggle to adjust to a new life in San Francisco, turmoil ensues in Headquarters. Although Joy, Riley’s main and most important emotion, tries to keep things positive, the emotions conflict on how best to navigate a new city, a new house, and a new school.

The film’s all-star voice talent includes Kaitlyn Dias as Riley; Amy Poehler as Joy; Phyllis Smith as Sadness; Lewis Black as Anger; Mindy Kaling as Disgust; and Bill Hader as Fear. Diane Lane voices Riley’s mom and Kyle MacLachlan voices Riley’s dad.

TOMY is the master toy licensee and will be showcasing key items at this year’s Toy Fair. The toy line is character-driven, showcasing the diverse personalities and distinct qualities from the animated film, which opens June 19. The characters are featured as multi-sized figures and plush. TOMY also recreates the imaginative settings seen in Inside Out in key playsets that interact with the different figures.

“This property appealed to TOMY because it gave us the opportunity to go the extra mile to unleash fresh ideas, surprise, and innovation for the girls’ toy aisle,” says Willie Wilkov, CMO, TOMY International. “We’ve enjoyed collaborating with Disney to create toys that will spread the magic of the film with thoughtful and unexpected design elements, so kids will have an imaginative setting to relive and recreate this unique story and the colorful personalities of its rich characters.”

Disney Consumer Products’ (DCP) executive vice-president, global licensing, Josh Silverman added, “DCP and our best-in-class licensees worked hand-in-hand with the wonderful and amazing Pixar filmmakers to bring the range of emotions in Inside Out to life. From high-quality poseable figures that light up, to emotive plush and interactive playsets, TOMY’s toy line reflects Pixar’s unique storytelling and allows for self-expression and recreation of key movie moments.”

As with all Disney/Pixar films, Inside Out is sure to have wide family appeal. The unique storyline will certainly bring an interesting new play pattern to the girls’ aisle.

T First Look at TOMY’s Inside Out Plush Line

Disney/Pixar’s newest film, Inside Out centers around a young girl named Riley. Like all of us, she is guided by her emotions, which in Riley’s case live in Headquarters. Her emotions, shown here, are depicted as plush from master toy licensee TOMY. Designed for ages 3 and up, from the top left there’s Joy, Sadness, Disgust, and Anger. Fear is shown on the top right.

Additional licensees for Disney/Pixar’s Inside Out include ACI for shoes, Global Brands Group for apparel, Hallmark for ornaments, Handcraft for apparel, and Jay Franco for bedding and home accessories.

28 tfe FEBRUARY 2015

Cartoon Network Relaunches Powerpuff Girls BY

NANCY LOMBARDI

ugar, spice, and everything marketplace right now,” says Yoder. “The nice. These were the ingredinew series will hold on to the touchpoints ents chosen to create the perthat were really strong in the initial series but fect little girls. But Professor it will feel refreshed and there will be new Utonium accidently added an characters introduced.” extra ingredient to the concoction: Chemical The new TV series is set to launch on Cartoon X. Thus, The Powerpuff Girls were born.

Network in 2016, the exact time of year has yet to be Blossom Buttercup Bubbles That’s the explanation given at the start of every announced. In the meantime, there will be a strong Powerpuff Girls episode as to how these three digital presence that will tease the property on two levSpin Master is the global master toy licensee quirky, feisty girls came to be. The series originalels: existing fans who are in their late teens and early for The Powerpuff Girls. ly aired on Cartoon Network from November 20s and young girls who are unfamiliar with the prop“This won’t be the typical product [found] in the girls’ 1998–March 2005, winning multiple awards erty. Specific digital plans have yet to be announced. aisle,” says Spin Master’s Adam Beder. “Spin Master is including two Emmys and two Annie Awards (an However, one major piece of the puzzle that is looking to bring its ‘disruptive innovation’ to The Powerpuff Girls program and the girls’ aisle.” award for accomplishments in animation). now in place is the signing of Spin Master as the During the height of its popularity, the young-girl global master toy licensee. Spin Master has the targeted consumer products program had more than 100 licensees in the rights to various product lines such as plush, dolls, figures and playsets, U.S. alone. Some of the categories included toys, video games, publish- select electronics, activity, and remote-control toys, as well as novelty ing, apparel/accessories, DVDs, food and beverage, seasonal, and more to and impulse items. the tune of $2.5 billion in global sales, according to Cartoon Network “This won’t be the typical product [found] in the girls’ aisle,” says Enterprises (CNE). The studio says that The Powerpuff Girls remains one Adam Beder, Spin Master’s executive vice-president of global licensing of CNE’s top-grossing brands of all time. and business affairs. “Spin Master is looking to bring its ‘disruptive innoNow, Bubbles, Blossom, and Buttercup are back as Cartoon Network vation’ to The Powerpuff Girls program and the girls’ aisle. This property gears up for the relaunch of, what it calls, the original girl-power proper- will be extremely meaningful and compelling to today’s girl.” ty. The girls are, once again, dedicating their lives to fighting crime and the Yoder says that the consumer products program will also operate on forces of evil plaguing Townsville—all before bedtime, of course. two tiers with one targeting existing older fans and a second to attract “We are not just launching a TV show,” says Pete Yoder, vice-pres- young girls. ident, CNE, North America. “We are launching a global brand. We have “Now that we have the lead partner in Spin Master on board, we will linked with all of our offices in Europe, Asia, and Latin America to seek out interactive, apparel, and other partners over the next three to make sure we are truly synched on this.” six months,” says Yoder. (Cartoon Network is also working with The Powerpuff Girls represent a girl-power attitude, which Yoder Penguin for publishing.) says is a message that is even more relevant today than it was when this Cartoon Network and Spin Master are strengthening an already property first launched. At the same time, the girls’ aisle is suffering a existing relationship dating back to 2008 with CNE serving as licensing bit of “princess fatigue” as girls—and the industry—are looking for agent for Spin Master and Nelvana’s Bakugan. The relationship was something new. And it seems that girl power in the form of superhero extended in 2010 with Spin Master granting CNE exclusive licensing play patterns is meeting that need for girls right now. Even Barbie is rights for its portfolio of brands. getting in on the superhero action with this spring’s DVD release of While visitors to Spin Master’s Toy Fair booth may perhaps get a Barbie in Princess Power with an accompanying product line. sneak peek of what’s to come, girls can certainly expect a full product “There is something really unique about the show that isn’t in the line to be on shelf for holiday 2016.

S

32 tfe FEBRUARY 2015

î ‰omas Fetes 70 Years

BY JENNIFER LYNCH

hen Thomas & Friends first rolled into the station in 1945, it was to entertain just one boy, not millions of children across many generations. For Rev. Wilbert Awdry, a long-time train fanatic, it was a way to pass on his love of the railways and entertain his son Christopher who was confined to his bed with the measles. Awdry drew inspiration from the nearby steam engines at Box Station to create stories as Christopher recovered. And the stories may have simply ended there had it not been at the encouragement of Awdry’s wife to submit them to a literally agent. In 1945, the first series The Three Railway Engines was published, Thomas the Tank Engine was born, and the trains haven’t stopped running on the Isle of Sodor since.

This year, Mattel is kicking off a 70th anniversary celebration with a full 360-degree campaign that’s all about celebrating a 70-year friendship with Thomas both for kids and today’s moms and dads.

Just as children begin to live and breathe their own obsession with Thomas from the minute they wake up—in their Thomas-themed beds wearing their Thomas & Friends pajamas—parents begin to live that obsession with them. Mattel’s new parent-directed marketing campaign focuses on and pays homage to the #ThomasObsessed lives they live.

Helping make light of Thomas’ ever-presence in their lives, Mattel has teamed with Funny Or Die to create exclusive adult-targeted content around the Thomas & Friends 70th celebration. The content will air across all Funny Or Die channels, with a private screening expected during Toy Fair. An A-list celebrity parent is on board as part of the partnership, Turbo Flip Thomas

1945: 7KH ȴUVW RI WKH 7KRPDV )ULHQGV VWRULHV LV SXEOLVKHG HQWLWOHG Edward’s Day Out :LWKLQ D IHZ PRQWKV FRSLHV ZHUH VROG

W

1984: 7KRPDV WKH 7DQN (QJLQH )ULHQGV PDNHV LWV EURDGFDVW GHEXW LQ WKH 8. DWWUDFWLQJ DQ DXGLHQFH RI PLOOLRQ FKLOGUHQ DQG DGXOWV

1957: 7KH Č´UVW FRQVXPHU SURGXFWV KLW UHWDLO WLPHG WR WKH UHOHDVH RI The Railway Series ERRNV LQFOXGLQJ IRXU SUH FXW PRGHO HQJLQH ERRNV ZKRVH SLHFHV FRXOG EH SUHVVHG RXW IROGHG DQG JOXHG WR PDNH D UHDOLVWLF PRGHO RI WKH HQJLQHV

34 tfe FEBRUARY 2015

1996: 7KH Č´UVW 8 6 'D\ 2XW :LWK 7KRPDV IDPLO\ HYHQW NLFNV RÎ? LQ :LVFRQVLQ

1989: The TV VHULHV DUULYHV LQ WKH 8 6 DQG GHEXWV RQ 3%6 ZLWK 6KLQLQJ 7LPH 6WDWLRQ

although his/her name had not yet been revealed as of press time.

A concurrent child-directed campaign also recognizes Thomas as a child’s first best friend. “To a child, Thomas is their best friend, and the storylines mimic what they are experiencing in their own world,� says Tracy Myerson, director of marketing, Thomas & Friends North America. “Kids simply can’t get enough of building their own version of Sodor and lining up all their favorite characters.� Mattel will work to communicate its understanding of this idea to parents and kids through a new Thomas & Me Club. The club will send out semi-monthly emails to keep families up-to-date on all the latest Thomas news and product deals as well as encourage them to share their friendships with Thomas by uploading pictures and stories to the linked microsite. With each upload, families will be entered to win a trip to the new North American Thomas Land theme park, which is scheduled to open Father’s Day weekend in Edaville USA, located outside of Boston.

Despite all of these outside efforts, Thomas’ appeal remains rooted in storytelling. A new TV season launches in October on PBS. Two new feature-length DVDs will also debut. For spring, Dinos and Discoveries will hit shelves with Sodor’s Legend of the Lost Treasure following in the fall. Walmart will also offer a retail-exclusive DVD on the origin story of Thomas tied to the 70th anniversary, as well as a dedicated consumer products statement. “Thomas’ year of celebration carries into our toy line with must-haves such as the innovative Turbo Flip Thomas, the amazing twists and turns of the Trackmaster Shipwreck Rails Set, as well as the launch of the smallest Thomas & Friends engines yet, Thomas Minis,� says Myerson.

With much more to come, it’s easy to see why fans will continue to be #Thomas Obsessed in 2015.

Thomas and the Magic Railroad WKH SURSHUW\ȇV ȴUVW IHDWXUH OHQJWK ȴOP KLWV WKHDWHUV ZRUOGZLGH

1998: 7KRPDV /DQG RSHQV DW )XMLN\X +LJKODQG 7KHPH 3DUN LQ -DSDQ

+Ζ7 (QWHUWDLQPHQW LV DFTXLUHG E\ 0DWWHO DQG 7KRPDV )ULHQGV EHFRPHVRQH RI 0DWWHOȇV FRUH EUDQGV

1HZ JOREDO PDVWHU WR\ SDUWQHU )LVKHU 3ULFH DQG QHZ PDVWHU FRQVWUXFWLRQ SDUWQHU 0HJD %ORNV UROO RXW QHZ 7KRPDV )ULHQGV WR\V

7KRPDV MRLQV WKH 0DF\V 7KDQNVJLYLQJ 'D\ SDUDGH 7KRPDV )ULHQGV QDPHG %HVW &ODVVLF /LFHQVHG 3URSHUW\ DW 7KH /LFHQVLQJ $ZDUGV LQ /RQGRQ

$ QHZ 7KRPDV :RRGHQ 5DLOZD\ OLQH LV ODXQFKHG E\ )LVKHU 3ULFH 7KH ȴUVW 7KRPDV 7RZQ DWWUDFWLRQ RSHQV LQ &KLQDȇV %LQ*X &KDQJQLQJ 4X VKRSSLQJ FHQWUH

7KRPDV )ULHQGV FHOHEUDWHV \HDUV 7KH Č´UVW SHUPHQDQW 7KRPDV /DQG ORFDWLRQ RSHQV LQ WKH (GDYLOOH 86$ DPXVHPHQW SDUN ORFDWHG RXWVLGH RI %RVWRQ

Untitled-1 1

1/23/2015 11:02:55 AM

EXPERTS ASSESS THE SPECIALTY TOY MARKET BY

ASHLEY ROGERS

FE is examining the ever-changing specialty toy market and taking stock of the current environment as well as pinpointing the upcoming trends for 2015. The experts interviewed below offer insight into the challenges and opportunities for this specialized arena, honing in on retail and promotional opportunities, the importance of online marketing and sales, the role of social media and cause-related marketing in promoting their brands. In addition, they examine how best to capture the imagination of a child, borrowing play pattern cues from the past, while incorporating them into contemporary products.

The companies included are representative of a range of product categories from arts & crafts, educational and science products, collectibles, fashion dolls, and much more. Listed alphabetically below are edited responses to TFE’s questions.

T

ALEX BRANDS

Andy Bailen, Executive Vice-President of Merchandising, Marketing, and Global Sourcing

Alex Brands has recently opened a new worldwide headquarters, expanded into the European market, and hired some heavy hitters in the industry.

How has this impacted sales, marketing, and visibility for the company?

It is an exciting time for Alex Brands. We have had tremendous growth in our product lines with the additions of CitiBlocs, Backyard Safari, and Zillionz and in our infrastructure with the opening of our new corporate headquarters in Fairfield, N.J. as well as expanded distribution centers. Perhaps the most important and exciting change has been the addition of Neil Friedman as president and CEO. We invested in our worldwide infrastructure and our people to enhance our ability to serve as a true program partner with our customers worldwide. We are seeing the benefits in every facet of our company’s growth including sales, talent recruitment and retention, and the visibility of our toys on the must-have lists. We have already brought more customers to our new headquarters and state-of-the-art showroom in the past couple of months than in all the previous years.

We are excited for 2015 and know that we are on a path for continued growth, having spent the time and effort to install the necessary framework for success. We are looking forward to reaping the benefits of the investments we have made and to helping further spur a move to get kids active and engaged with their creativity and imagination.

36 tfe FEBRUARY 2015

Do you believe that tech products are diverting interest away from classic toys, educational, and arts & crafts products?

No, if anything we are starting to see a bit of a backlash—especially among parents. There is concern about the amount of screen time children are logging. Caregivers want kids to experience active, imaginative play. We have seen a reemergence in classic and educational toys as well as arts & craft-based products in recent years. Another large impact has been the emergence of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) and STEAM (the “A” is for art)—which many of our science (Scientific Explorer), construction (Zoob, Frontier Logs, CitiBlocs), and art-based (Alex) toys support.

So, while the toy industry in general continues to be dominated by electronic toys, change is definitely brewing. With the structure of many dual-income families, many parents are looking for toys that allow them to interact with their children. Parents want the time they do have with their kids to be made up of quality time—they want to play, teach, and learn with them. The Alex family of brands aids in creating high-quality interaction between parents and kids—it’s what kids want to do and what their caregivers want to have them experience. We plan on playing a major role in pushing that message forward in 2015 and beyond.

BABALU

Blair Everett, Founder

What is the appeal of Felt Tales? How can such a simple toy successfully compete in the electronic age?

m (9(176 (9(176 These one-day events gives exhibitors the opportunity to sho showcase wcase products in front of key media, encompassing print, EEURDGFDVW DQG RQOLQH QHZV RXWOHWV DV ZHOO DV WKH PRVW LQȵXHQWLDO SDUHQWLQJ DQG WR\ EORJJHUV 7730 ZLOO DOVR XQYHLO LWV URDGFDVW DQG RQOLQH QHZV RXWOHWV DV ZHOO DV WKH PRVW LQȵXHQWLDO SDUHQWLQJ DQG WR\ EORJJHUV 7730 ZLOO DOVR XQYHLO LWV FFRYHWHG 0RVW :DQWHG /LVWV DQG WKH KRWWHVW WUHQGV DQG SURSHUWLHV IRU WKH VHDVRQ RYHWHG 0RVW :DQWHG /LVWV DQG WKH KRWWHVW WUHQGV DQG SURSHUWLHV IRRU WKH VHDVRQ

Spring Showcase April 30 D P È&#x201A; S P D P È&#x201A; S P The Altman Building : WK 6WUHHW 1HZ YRUN 1< 135 : WK 6WUHHW 1HZ YRUN 1<

Holiday Showcase September 29 D P È&#x201A; S P D P È&#x201A; S P 77KH 0HWURSROLWDQ 3DYLOLRQ KH 0HWURSROLWDQ 3DYLOLRQ : WK 6WUHHW 1HZ YRUN 1< 125 : WK 6WUHHW 1HZ YRUN 1<

To reserve your space today, contact Bob Glaser 646.763.8720 bob@ttpm.com

Donna Moore 646.763.8718 donna@ttpm.com

THE SPECIALTY TOY MARKET Everyone that played with felt as a child remembers it and remembers it fondly. Many want to see this experience continue—to show the children in their life the simplicity of the play element and the creative input required from the participant’s imagination. Its portability, quiet play, and single-person play all relate to most mobile households today. And, the appeal of creating and making up never-ending stories and scenes, and using one’s imagination excites both children and parents. It’s not the babysitter that electronics are fast becoming known for.

What contribution has your acquisition of WJ Fantasy made to Babalu’s business, its bottom line, and customer base?

The acquisition of the WJ Fantasy line presented us with an exciting opportunity to take over a classic line filled with high-quality products, and to add our own contemporary updates to it. It provided us with an opportunity to put more emphasis on products such as building blocks, advent calendars, and children’s books. WJ Fantasy’s attention to beautiful, original illustrations, quality manufacturing, and ample selection made it appealing to our consumer base. Additionally, the product parallels shared by both WJ Fantasy and Felt Tales make this acquisition beneficial to our customers, as both brands are now under the Babalu umbrella.

ELENCO TOYS

Jane Stephens-Smith, National Sales Manager

Can you give us a sense of the overall toy industry for a company like Elenco? What are the challenges and where are the opportunities?

The industry is currently very favorable for Elenco. With continued interest, publicity, and focus on STEM, STEAM, STREAM (the “R” sometimes refers to reading and sometimes it’s robotics) and educationally based toys in general, Elenco is fortunate to be in a very prime position.

Though we have sustained solid and consistent growth over the past 10-plus years, the recent focus and demand for high-quality, hands-on, educational products has played in our favor. Efforts put forth through STEM programs and related initiatives have added to our consumer base. We see a wide range in interest from very young, elementary-aged children to middle school, high school, and college students. And, because our products offer open-ended learning potential, they have a lot to offer to a wide range of consumers.

With the current emphasis on STEM-based education, how do you make it

38 tfe FEBRUARY 2015

fun and engaging to encourage active play and learning?

At the core, most of our products have remained unchanged in concept.

However, our recent line extensions, including Snap Circuits Light, Snap Circuits Sound, and Snap Circuits Motion, have incorporated project themes that add a new element of discovery and fun, many of which interact with the newest smart devices. This keeps us fresh, on trend, and appealing to our customer base.

Also, word of mouth is really powerful. When you consistently deliver a quality product people will talk about it. We take great care in not only the development of our Snap Circuits, in particular, but we painstakingly create strong education-based content in beautifully illustrated instruction manuals that provide easy-to-grasp, easy-to-execute, success-oriented curriculum that keeps kids of all ages interested and coming back for more.

FABER-CASTELL USA

Heather Lambert-Shemo, Director of Marketing, Children’s Brands

How does Faber-Castell promote its products in this current market? What methods have proven most effective?

Our biggest investment in marketing promotions is with our trade partners. We work directly with our retailers, both bricks and clicks retailers, to support trade promotions. In addition, we are testing some new digital promotions to see what drives the optimal ROI. The greatest challenge we face is the shift in how consumers shop (the move from bricks to clicks). We want to make sure we meet consumers where they want to find our products, while continuing to partner with our bricks retail partners to help them increase in-store foot traffic.

The Creativity for Kids line promotes the production of quality products for children that consist of both classic and trendy creative activities. How do you spot and choose trends to market, while staying true to the foundation of the arts & crafts category?

When the Creativity for Kids brand founded the craft kits category almost 40 years ago, Phyllis Brody and Evelyn Greenwald saw a need in the marketplace that needed to be filled. At that time and still today, our team is very focused on striking a balance between trendy, fashion-focused products and classic crafting or “making” activities. Our core mission is to stimulate and encourage children’s natural creativity.

We have an amazing development team representing some of the best

Untitled-1 1

1/26/2015 11:10:29 AM

THE SPECIALTY TOY MARKET innovators in the arts & crafts category. They spend countless hours exploring trends and brainstorming product concepts that today’s kids will love. We also talk to kids about what they are interested in and test our product concepts with them. It’s amazing to see a new product concept from a child’s point of view.

HOTALING, INC.

Larry Hotaling, President

How do you get the attention of retailers and how do you keep them focused on your products? What about consumers?

Our marketing is basically done through trade shows. We exhibit at, what we consider, a good cross section of shows that fit our brands and keeps our products in front of retailers. We also rely on our sales reps who work very hard to promote and manage our brands in the field. I really feel that trade shows and good representation in the field is the most effective way to market our products. We do not sell directly to consumers. We feel this is a conflict with our customers that we rely on to do this. We do sell to a select group of online merchants.

How do Hotaling’s products encourage self-driven play? Why is that important in a world filled with so many passive play and electronic options?

We specialize in creative, imaginative play—no buttons, no batteries.

This has been our strategy since the company was started. Unfortunately, children are driven to electronics. So the challenge is convincing parents of the educational value in our products.

However, we are very fortunate to have suppliers that are extremely talented at designing, developing, and producing product. We generally review their entire lines and select items based on their experience as well as items we feel fit into our market.

REEVES/BREYER INTERNATIONAL Kathleen Fallon, Vice-President of Communications

Reeves/Breyer focuses on strong creative basics and, of course, the popular Breyer brand. What, in particular, does your consumer come to you for?

The Breyer consumer is generally a child that loves horses and animals, and Breyer provides the most satisfying roleplay experience for them. Our model horses and accessories are incredibly realistic, authentic, and fun.

Kids can see the difference and they gravitate to it. Later, they come to

40 tfe FEBRUARY 2015

appreciate the craftsmanship and the collectibility.

With all of our products, we focus on finding the hidden gems—highquality brands that go beyond their basic premise and offer great value to the consumer and good margins for the retailers. Some examples of this are toys such as WOW, which are battery-free and virtually indestructible. There is Tolo Toys offering great developmental benefits for kids 5 and under. There’s also Red Toolbox, which promotes quality time for parent and child while teaching valuable life skills.

The company’s corporate mission and mandate encompasses charitable causes that resonate with your audience. How successful have these programs been and how noteworthy are they with your consumers?

Reeves has a long and proud history of supporting a wide variety of charities from St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital to PATH International, the leading organization in the world dedicated to equineassisted therapies. At our annual festival BreyerFest, we host four fundraising activities to benefit various charities. More than $1 million has been raised this way. In 2015, for example, we have created a horse named Hope to generate awareness and funds for equine-assisted therapeutic programs for kids with autism spectrum disorders. Parents and children alike appreciate and support our efforts. It resonates with our fans.

SCHLEICH USA

Rebekah Mlinke, Marketing Coordinator

What are the biggest challenges and the biggest opportunities for Schleich at this time?

There will always be a demand for toys. Whether we grew up with one or several, we still played with them and so do kids today. One of the challenges within the toy industry is the prevalence of all things digital. The current generation of children is growing up with toys that interact with them, that move and talk. Some kids would consider a computer or tablet to be their toy. The toys we make challenge digital in that we have gone back to the basics to provide a toy that engages children on the most basic, tactile level. Rather than interacting with a predetermined scene, they can use their imaginations to create their own play world. In a time where interactivity is preferred, it can be a challenge to promote such a simple product. However, digital also provides a lot of opportunity. We have tapped into adding digital components outside of the product itself. We have a website and apps that engage users with our products digitally in a

THE SPECIALTY TOY MARKET way that complements the Schleich toy that they play with every day.

Schleich expanded to include a favorite property—Peanuts. What is your approach to this classic license and how do you hope to leverage it with today’s consumers?

We are so excited about Peanuts. It is truly a classic brand down to each character, and both young and old recognize the brand and characters. We love to partner with evergreen brands and we felt that Peanuts was the right fit. Beyond our individual figurines, we have taken some of the most recognized Peanuts scenes and created playsets such as It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown and A Charlie Brown Christmas. We want to connect with people of all ages, in all stages of life, and give them something not only recognizable, but something that would offer that nostalgic feeling. As we have expanded our licenses with Peanuts and DC Comics, we have also gained a large collector base in addition to our usual consumers.

SCHYLLING

Will Coleburn, Marketing and Business Development Consultant

Do you sell direct to consumers online or sell through online merchants?

How has this changed your business reach and overall exposure?

We sell direct with Shopatron through our schylling.com website. We also have a presence with all the major e-commerce sites. Over the past year, we partnered with Amazon to offer most of our line. We are treating Amazon as both a sales and a marketing channel. We know the consumer expects to see our products on its site and often uses it as a research portal.

We are also taking great care to show our items with the best possible images and detailed descriptions. We work hard on SEO (search engine optimization) and other methodologies for the best search performance.

Our MAP (minimum advertised pricing) policy has helped protect the specialty retailer by minimizing the price discounting often seen on Amazon.

We are seeing many consumers research products on Amazon and then go to the specialty retailer to buy the product. Our online presence has dramatically increased our reach and exposure to the consumer and improved our sales overall.

Fashion dolls are a notoriously competitive category. Yet, you’ve managed to make a mark with the Lottie dolls. What does it take for a smaller manufacturer to gain entry into this category?

Lottie has been very successful for us. She’s different from other fashion

42 tfe FEBRUARY 2015

dolls and her message resonates with the consumer. There is a perceived societal pressure for girls to grow up too fast and miss out on parts of childhood. Lottie is fashioned after an average 9-year-old, wearing age-appropriate clothing and no makeup or jewelry. She has a feisty, independent attitude and an optimistic outlook on life. Her “be bold, be brave, be you” tag line really sums it up well. This has been a compelling message to both moms and girls and has helped her find her niche in the market. She’s won 19 U.S. and international awards for design and quality. We will be dramatically expanding the line for 2015 as we continue to gain distribution.

THAMES & KOSMOS

Ted McGuire, President

What distribution outlets are most successful for educational products and why?

The resellers who contribute some type of expertise or unique point-ofview are the ones who create the best distribution outlets. Ideas can range from making a great video to promote a product, setting up an eye-catching window display, keeping a beautifully merchandised store, holding classes in which the educational products are used, finding the teachers who want the educational products, and knowing how to talk about and explain the product to their specific customers. Those are the retailers who are successful. Also the selling process itself is key. There’s a lot of competition at the retail level and retailers have to find things other than just resale price to set them apart.

Thames & Kosmos released 40 new kits in 2014. What are you most proud of and what can we look forward to in 2015?

Of these 40 new kits released in 2014, the Geek & Co. Science line is what I am personally most proud of. It is a line of 12 (soon to be 16) awesome, fun, and educational project kits that are really approachable and not scary (science kits can be scary to people sometimes) and that retail for an amazing value at $20.

We have 32 new products coming in 2015. Of these, the major themes are: (1) Outer space science, including Mars exploration, space farms, astronomy, and telescopes; (2) Remote-control machines and robotics: more construction kits that let kids build, control, and program motorized models; (3) Board games: a new line of games to promote logical and strategic thinking skills, and visual-spatial and math skills, plus other life skills; and (4) Cutting-edge technology products: we have an unprecedented nanotechnology kit coming out, which we are really excited about.

Where

Kids are Watching Analyzing viewing habits in a multichannel world

BY JENNIFER LYNCH

ast month concluded yet another Jetsons-like product showcase at the 2015 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. And among all the new product, one stood out as a potential game-changer in the entertainment space: Dish’s Sling TV. To put it simply, it’s a sign of the times. Dish’s $20-per-month alternative cable service, dubbed Sling TV, offers cable cutting consumers exactly what they want—all their favorite programming (Disney Channel, TBS, ESPN, et. al) without the fine print (i.e., you can bail at any time). Also moving away from the cable bundle and following in the footsteps of HBO, Viacom announced its plans to launch a paid SVOD for Nickelodeon customers without a cable subscription. (Nickelodeon would not comment further on the details of the service but is expected to expand on it at its upfront this month.) With subscription streaming services on the rise, content creators are now faced with the challenge and opportunity of where to go from here.

L

Full Stream Ahead

One answer is simple: streaming. From Netflix to Amazon to YouTube, these alternative channels for entertainment are providing new opportunities for both creator and digital distributor. The culture of streaming and the rise of tablet use by even the youngest of viewers only supports this.

According to NPD’s Kids and CE: 2014, the number of kids using tablets has more than doubled since 2012, from 13 percent to 31 percent among kids ages 4–14 in the U.S., while NPD also estimates 40 percent of U.S. internet homes will have a streaming media player by Q1 2017, bringing the total number of homes with these devices to 39 million.

“Today’s kids only know a world where everything is at their will, where they have the ability to go on-demand, watch a live feed, play a game, download an app,” say Paul DeBenedittis, senior vice-president, programming strategy, Disney Channels Worldwide. “This is how they live and breath.”

Disney was included in the distribution deal with Dish to make its channel accessible via Sling TV. “For anyone that is a content provider, you are always looking for that über reach,” says DeBenedittis. “Even though Disney is in millions of homes with 100 percent penetration for Disney Channel, we recognize there are many distribution models where folks are viewing content and engaging with games, so we need to be in those places.”

Netflix first rolled out its children’s programming in 2011, but more

46 tfe FEBRUARY 2015

A child engages with Amazon Fire HD Kids tablet. Image courtesy of Amazon.

“Kids only know a world where everything is at their will,”

—Paul DeBenedittis, Disney Channels Worldwide

recently began to expand this environment to meet the needs of both kids and parents. “I get a lot of questions about this: Are kids just really important to Netflix all of a sudden?” says Jenny McCabe, director of global media relations at Netflix. “But ultimately it’s about focusing on what content is most valuable to the consumer. If it’s valuable to the consumer, the more valuable it is to us, whether you are a preschooler or a grandparent.” In addition to amping up its original programming in the space, the company has also invested more into creating a safer, kid-centric environment for viewing. The separate kids’ channel, when accessed, locks viewers into the space with content that can be programmed based on the age of the child. Kids can then search based on their favorite character rather than just title.

This also creates a tempting environment for content creators, whether it’s a large or small studio. For bigger partners such as a DreamWorks Animation—which inked a landmark deal with Netflix for 300 hours of programming in 2014, the global distribution of streaming services offers a quick way to get as many eyeballs on a new show as possible. Smaller distributors can likewise benefit because programming doesn’t have to fit a specific mold or cater to a single demographic to find an audience. “It’s

nice that on the content side that you can develop a concept, make a pilot, get a pick up, and be in production in such a short period of time,” says Samantha Freeman, Out of the Blue Enterprises. “Usually the traditional networks have a much more extended process for how they evaluate and develop new shows.” Out of the Blue created the Amazon Original Series Creative Galaxy, which is currently prepping for its second season.

Amazon Studios views the digital space as a way to incorporate more learning curriculum into its programming while also offering its partners a 360-degree approach beyond the screen. “For example on Creative Galaxy, Tumble Leaf, and Annedroids, there are interstitial pieces we’ve provided for kids and parents so they might take a lesson and extrapolate that to a daytime activity at home that wouldn’t necessarily be within the screen,” says Tara Sorensen, head of kids’ programming, Amazon Studios.

Data Remains King

But as with any new model, uncertainties and pitfalls still exist. And many of those fall on the side of the content creators, specifically when it comes to licensing properties evolving in this space. While spaces like YouTube offer its viewing numbers as an indicator to aid brand awareness and potential retail success, currently neither Netflix nor Amazon shares its statistical data on the performance of its programming. That said, it seems as if Amazon is uniquely positioned as both a content provider and a retailer. Amazon’s Sorensen says its current priority is on ensuring the success of its original programming, but as it greenlights second seasons, Amazon may look to offer fans new ways to interact with characters offscreen. Netflix also points to its renewals as an indication of a program’s success. But for retailers and potential consumer product partners it can still be a hard sell without a better understanding of the scale of success and distribution associated with the content.

“You’ve got these two worlds trying to reconcile with one another,” says Andrew Kerr, co-head, Nelvana, a division of Corus Entertainment.

“Digital providers have been treating their metrics and their measurements as quite proprietary and private. However when you start trying to take those streaming services and align them with consumer products ambitions that still operate in an analog world—that involves real-world challenges that require tooling, inventory, lead-time, distribution margin—you see these two halves grinding to find an equilibrium.” What that equilibrium is or will be is yet to be determined.

In Defense of the Cord

While many content creators are moving toward streaming that doesn’t mean they are ready to completely cut ties with the traditional model just yet. Many still view linear channels as viable options especially when

building properties they wish to license. Some, such as Hasbro, believe instead of an “either/or” scenario, the two worlds can and should co-exist.

“What we actually see in consumer behavior is that kids like to have a multi-platform experience,” says Stephen Davis, chief content officer, Hasbro Studios. “They like to go back and forth between linear and digital channels. We don’t see any level of cannibalization, although I think we’ll find some real surprises around the impact of cord cutting. Right now the big discussion is an à la carte consumption model, where linear will give consumers the opportunity to have a digital viewing experience and self program their content behavior.”

Two ways to find success in this evolving multichannel landscape is more in-house control and true partnerships. Recently both Hasbro Studios and Saban Brands expanded their business endeavors to take more creative control over their entertainment properties on a global scale. For Hasbro that came in the formation of Allspark Pictures, which has already announced the production of the live-action film Jem and the Holograms and a My Little Pony animated feature film. Saban, likewise, created the new business unit Saban Brands Entertainment Group. “More and more, broadcast and digital distribution are becoming dependent on one another and our new in-house team allows us to better serve these distribution partners,” says Frederic Soulie, senior vice-president of global distribution, Saban Brands. “We can now directly manage our content and create more meaningful relationships with partners.”

Additionally, creating a true partnership with a consumer products company that has a background in entertainment can help to lower the risks associated with the streaming space and better guarantee success at retail, be it an existing a toy property, such as Mattel’s Ever After High and Saban’s re-imagined Popples heading to Netflix or Nelvana/Spin Masters’s Little Charmers, which just aired on Nickelodeon. “Historically, you would have seen more separation of licensed entertainment companies and licensing master toy partners, but what we’re seeing increasingly, given the scale of the bets necessary to succeed in today’s business, is partnerships in lieu of licenses,” says Nelvana’s Kerr. “We’re seeing joint ventures and co-productions that both mitigate risk and allow the partners to resource the IP they’re co-creating to make a bigger splash when their content arrives at market both on screen and on shelf.”

The Little Mermaid Effect

While today’s landscape for content creation is one of vast opportunities, no matter the size of a studio, perhaps the best strategy isn’t a matter of simply where to go but what to create. Be where the people are, especially kids, but at the heart of that create compelling content that can succeed no matter the platform.

FEBRUARY 2015 tfe 47

Kids’ Entertainment

BY JENNIFER LYNCH

Today’s viewers are taking a multi-channel approach toward viewing with an emphasis on streaming their favorite content on the go. Thus, it’s up to the content creator to be where the viewers are. Below is a sampling of new deals and programming being offered within the entertainment space.

DISNEY

Disney signed a distribution agreement with DishTV for its new Sling TV subscription streaming service. As part of Sling TV’s new package, customers will be able to live stream Disney Channel programming.

MATTEL

Netflix and Mattel have teamed up for an all-new animated original series based on the Ever After High franchise. The Netflix original series was preceded by the movie Ever After High Spring Unsprung, which debuted February 6. The 12-episode series features the stories of the Ever After High students with new twists, turns, and character introductions for current and new fans.

OUT OF THE BLUE ENTERPRISES

Last fall, Out of the Blue Enterprises acquired Colorforms. In addition to a new toy line for the brand, an animated series and digital apps based on the Colorforms brand are also in the works.

DDON’T ON’T M MISS ISS A M MONSTROUS ONSTROUS OOPPORTUNITY! PPORTUNITY! CONTTACT US AATT 212.389.3931 OR AATT CONTACT LICENSING@SCHOLASTIC.COM scholastic.com/goosebumps Goosebumps, Goosebumps, Scholastic Scholasstic and associated associated logos are are a trademark trademark of Scholastic Scholasstic Inc. Movie Movie © 2016 2016 CPII. Motion Picture Picture Photography Photography © 2014 2014 CTMG. All Rights Reserved.

Reserved.

48 tfe FEBRUARY 2015

SABAN BRANDS

Saban Brands and Netflix announced a new original kids’ series, Popples, exclusively for all Netflix members worldwide. The new animated series will reimagine the nostalgic species of brightly colored creatures that transform from fluffy balls to furry friends and back again. It will launch with 26 half-hour episodes in late 2015.

NETFLIX

Netflix announced Netflix Recommended TV, an independent smart TV evaluation program to help consumers identify televisions built for a superior internet TV experience. With the Netflix Recommended TV logo, TV manufacturers can highlight products that offer both Netflix and superior smart TV performance. This spring, Sony Electronics, LG Electronics, Sharp Electronics, VIZIO, and manufacturers of Roku TVs are expected to be among the first to deliver models designated

by Netflix as Netflix Recommended TV.

All NEW EPISODES. All NEW ADVENTURES.

AWESOMENESSTV

AwesomenessTV has reinvented the classic cartoon character Richie Rich for TV in the new live-action series available exclusively on Netflix in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America beginning early this year. The 21-episode series follows the adventures of the boy tech-genius and trillionaire as he explores Antarctica, makes a movie with his friends, and meets celebrities.

TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX

Cirque du Soleil Média signed a first-look deal with Twentieth Century Fox Television to develop new, live-action scripted television projects. Creative Artists Agency brokered the deal on behalf of its client, Cirque du Soleil Média, which is a joint venture between Cirque du Soleil and Bell Media.

FREMANTLEMEDIA

Amazon Prime Instant Video UK entered into an agreement with FremantleMedia Kids & Family Entertainment (FMKFE) that includes the rights to the preschool series Kate & Mim-Mim. Amazon picked up six series and one animated special from FMKFE’s portfolio, totaling about 68 hours of programming.

The agreement includes rights to Kate & Mim-Mim, children’s series Team Toon, Alien Dawn, Really Me, The Aquabats Supershow!, and Monsuno; and the animated family feature The BFG–Big Friendly Giant.

Join JJoi oinin th the the he Astr AAst As Astroblast sttr trobla roblasstt CCrew! rew! reww!! rew CONTACT US AT 212.389.3931 OR AT LICENSING@SCHOLASTIC.COM scholastic.com/astroblast TM & © Scholastic Inc. SCHOLASTIC, ASTROBLAST and logos are trademarks of Scholastic Inc. Based on the Astroblast book series © Bob

CgdYj& Khjgml Yf\ l`] Khjgml dg_g Yj] j]_akl]j]\ ljY\]eYjck g^ ;`ad\j]f k F]logjc$ DD;& 9dd ja_`lk j]k]jn]\&

FEBRUARY 2015 tfe 49

Toy Fair 2015

COMPILED

BY JENNIFER LYNCH AND LAURIE LEAHEY

The following companies represent a sampling of what will be on display at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City during Toy Fair 2015.

MATTEL

The Barbie in Princess Power Super Sparkle doll is based on the character from the new Barbie DVD Barbie in Princess Power. Barbie stars as Kara, a modern-day princess who gets kissed by a glitter bug and bestowed with new powers. The doll transforms from Princess Kara to her hero alter ego Super Sparkle with a push of the gem on the doll’s bodice. Accessorize the look with wrist cuffs and a tiara that transforms to a mask. It’s for ages 3 and up.

The Barbie Bubble-tastic Mermaid doll blows bubbles from its mermaid fin. Dip the doll’s fin in the bubble solution and pull the string on the doll’s back to make the tail spin and create bubbles. Use the included brush and tiara for styling the doll’s long hair with pink streaks. The doll is for ages 3 and up.

The Fisher-Price Imaginext Ultra T-Rex comes with three Power Pads that bring the toy roaring to life. Turn the Power Pad behind the tail to make the T-Rex walk. A turn of the Power Pad above the left hip allows the T-Rex to stand at its full height and activates the LED lights in the spikes and eyes. The Ultra T-Rex features realistic sound effects when walking, standing, and firing projectiles. It comes with three Imaginext figures with helmets and accessories, four boulders, and four projectiles. It’s for ages 3 and up.

SONY

The Thomas & Friends Rail Rollers Spiral Station comes with Thomas and Diesel Rail Rollers toys that kids, ages 12 months and up, can load into Tidmouth Sheds and watch the toy spiral down to the bottom, slide into the spinner, and soar back to the top.

Additional new Thomas & Friends toys include Turbo Flip Thomas, a remote-control train that moves forward with the press of a button.

Kids can also make this Thomas spin in reverse, pop a wheelie, and do a back flip. And the Thomas & Friends Shipwreck Rails Set features spiraling action, molded ship detail, and an auto reset function for uninterrupted play. Both toys are for ages 3 and up.

The Fisher-Price Little People Spinnin’ Sounds Airport lets toddlers play out the entire air travel process from check-in to take-off. The playset features airplane sounds on the ground and during “flight.” The set includes a removable airplane, a Thomas & Friends baggage cart, a Little People Eddie figure, a Little Rail Rollers Spiral People pilot figure, two luggage pieces, and a table Station and two chairs. It’s for ages 1.5–5.

The Hot Wheels Ultimate Auto Garage features more than 35 spots to park a Hot Wheels collection.

Once the cars are loaded, take them on different adventures, including a side-by-side race. The set comes with five Hot Wheels vehicles and a helicopter. It’s for ages 4 and up.

In the upcoming film Pixels (July 24) the world gets invaded by iconic ’80s video games (Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Centipide, and Q*bert, among others) that wreak havoc and a team of “Arcaders” is enlisted to defeat the aliens and save the planet.

Following in the slate is Hotel Transylvania 2 (September 25), the second installment to the popular franchise. Simon & Schuster’s children’s division will publish a series of storybook formats. Halloween décor, giftware, and party goods round out the merchandisable categories.

The October 2015 release of Goosebumps will bring the classic Scholastic property, based on the best-selling book series written by R.L. Stine, to the big screen. A new Smurfs movie is an origin story featuring the classic characters from Peyo. Both of these properties will create licensing opportunities in all major categories.

50 tfe FEBRUARY 2015

Untitled-1 1

1/22/2015 10:14:05 AM

Toy Fair 2015 HASBRO

Hasbro continues to grow its Transformers and Marvel lines this spring with new offerings. Transformers: Robots in Disguise One-Step Changers, for ages 5 and up, features a character from the new animated series, Transformers: Robots in Disguise, coming to Cartoon Network in 2015, and converts from robot to vehicle and back in one step.

Each of the new Marvel’s Ultimate Spider-Man: Web Warriors Web Slingers six-inch action figures has five points of articulation and includes two webs as well as a villain target. Choose from characters including Spider-Man, Agent Venom, Spider-Man 2099, and more. A racer assortment will also be available for spring as well as new Marvel Avengers: Age of Ultron roleplay gear.

The Playskool Stack ‘N Stow cups features a lion base and seven colorful cups with easy-grasp tabs and colorful cut-out shapes. Little ones, ages nine months and up, can develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination as they pile the cups on top of one another or nest them all together. To store, gather the cups and lock the base.

The new FurReal Friends Glamour Glow Rarity Lil’ Big Paws assortment will also launch this spring with Peek-A-Boo Daisy, a kitty that plays peeka-boo; DJ Howler, a husky puppy that howls; and Tug ‘N Luv Bouncy, an energetic puppy that plays tug of war.

Expanding the DohVinci line for spring is the DohVinci Color Mixer kit. Now any Deco Pop tube can be refilled into a unique color mix. Add as many colors as you’d like. Once the mix is created, pop the tube into the Deco Pop Styler, then aim, squeeze, and design with swirls of color. The kit includes one pop-up art project.

My Little Pony Pop will expand with larger-scale design-a pony kits in five-inch versions. Choose between Fluttershy and Princess Celestia. Princesses Cadance and Luna will launch for fall and include scratch-off tools to draw and create. Also new for My Little Pony is the Glamour Glow Rarity Pony Figure (pictured) with light-up features for spring and new My Little Pony Equestria Girls dolls.

LEGO

Roll into battle against the clone army on Geonosis with the new 163-piece LEGO Star Wars Hailfire Droid.

As featured in Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones, this Droid can speed across any terrain on its huge wheels to join the battle. It also features folding side pylons, an adjustable gun, and four spring-loaded shooters. A Clone Trooper Lieutenant minifigure with a weapon and two Super Battle Droids are also included. A 247-piece T-16 Skyhopper will also be introduced.

LEGO brings the world of Minececraft off the screen with the new LEGO Minecraft Creative Adventures set.

Create Minecraft models, build from the 8-in-1 instructions, or follow the inspirational pictures and scenarios to complete other Minecraft biomes. Use the periodic table poster to identify the LEGO Minecraft elements or test out a diamond pickaxe. The set comes with a Steve minifigure with an accessory, plus a skeleton and a mooshroom.

With the new LEGO Movie 292-piece Bad Cop Car Chase, help 52 tfe FEBRAURY 2015

Wyldstyle escape Build Bad Cop’s Super Secret Police car Robo SWAT’s motorbike with gun, megaphone, and searchlight elements. Four minifigures with weapons and accessories are included.

Build the Frozen Elsa’s Sparkling Ice Castle as part of the LEGO Disney Princess line. Play hide and seek behind the secret staircase,skating around the castle, ski down the ice hill, or prepare frozen treats in the castle’s ice cream bar. The 292-piece set includes Queen Elsa and Princess Anna mini-doll figures plus Olaf.

In the LEGO Super Heroes Brainic Attack set, Brainiac leads an Earth invasion in his tentacular Skull Ship. Rush to the rescue with Superman and Supergirl. Dodge the spaceship’s flick missiles and activate the Super Jumper to disable the cannon.

LEGO will expand and introduce other lines including LEGO Duplo, LEGO Juniors, Classic, Legends of Chima, Ninjago, Champions, Ultra Agents, Mixels, LEGO Friends, Ideas, Creator, and more for 2015.

Toy Fair 2015 SPIN MASTER

Spin Master expands its Kinetic Sand line with new playsets, such as Doggy Day Care. Kids can mold sand sculpts of three different puppies and create kibble. The set comes with its own sandbox play area for easy clean-up and two colors of Kinetic Sand. The Kinetic Sand Dino Dig Play Set also has its own sandbox play space where kids can mold and dig for fossils using the Dino Digging Tool. Fill the molds with Kinetic Sand to create dinosaurs.

Chubby Puppies is a new line of collectible puppy toys that waddle or hop, depending on the position of their feet. As they walk, their oversized ears and tongue wiggle. Each Chubby Puppy comes with his or her favorite toy or treat that fits inside their mouths. There are 12 different Chubby Puppy breeds and an Ultimate Dog Park playset for the Chubby Puppies. They are for ages 4 and up.

New in the DigiBirds line are DigiChicks, DigiPenguins, and DigiOwls. Like the original DigiBirds, these also sing multiple melodies and come to life when kids blow through the included Whistle Ring.

They will also sing together. They’re for ages 5 and up.

The Minecraft Creeper Anatomy Deluxe Vinyl Figure comes in premium foil-embossed packaging with multiple pieces to combine and dissect the Creeper. It’s for ages 7 and up.

The Paw Patrol Rescue Training Center features a kitty stuck in a tree, tennis ball target practice, and a zip line for the included Chase figure to swing on. The playset is for ages 3 and up.

The new Zoomer Kitty features lifelike movements and realistic kitten sounds. The cat’s eyes even change color depending on its mood.

The toy responds to movement and touch thanks to IR sensors in its eyes and cap sensors in its head, cheeks, and back. Zoomer Kitty has three modes: autonomous, cuddle, and play. It also comes with its own kitty toy. Zoomer Kitty is for ages 5 and up. Two new Zoomer Zuppies will be added to the line this year: Flora and Kicks. Both have LED matrix eyes and phototransistors on their chests that track movement, allowing the Zuppies to communicate lifelike emotions. Use the back and nose buttons as well as the head sensor to cycle through different games, check mood status, and perform secret tricks. Zoomer Zuppies are for ages 5 and up.

54 tfe FEBRUARY 2015

JUST PLAY

Just Play expands with an assortment of new offerings for its current properties along with introduction of new licensed lines for fall 2015. The Doc McStuffins Take Care of Me Lambie is a magical interactive plush that comes to life with realistic movements from her head to her toes. Lambie talks and sings, as her eyes, ears, mouth, and body move along to show how she’s feeling. She says more than 50 interactive responses activated through three trigger points on her wrist, tummy, and heart. Doctor’s tools such as a stethoscope, thermometer, otoscope, and sticker bandages are also included. It is for ages 3 and up.

The new Care Bears Sing-a-longs plush interact with each other and can talk, sing, and dance in sync to three different songs. They sing solo, as a duet, or a group. Squeeze their hands or give them a hug. They are available in characters Cheer, Grumpy, Funshine, and Share Bear for ages 3 and up.

Peanuts fans can dance along with the world-famous beagle in Just Play’s Happy Dance Snoopy. Squeeze its paw and this Snoopy plush boogies to the irresistible tune of “Linus and Lucy.” Give Snoopy a kiss and he’ll respond with a kiss, a laugh, a pout, or even a raspberry sound. It’s for ages 3 and up.

Puppy in My Pocket is back with more than 100 puppies as well as playsets and accessories. The puppies have realistic and detailed features with fuzzy coats, some of which are wearable. Put them in your pocket, carry case, or easily snap puppy charms onto the Puppy in My Pocket bracelet, earrings, or rings. They are for ages 4 and up.

Continuing to expand the hit retro line Puppy Surprise are three new Puppy families with new coats, fresh hairstyles, and a bigger surprise—some puppies make barking sounds. The line is also growing to include the most popular themes from the past including Kitty Surprise. The line is for ages 3 and up.

Untitled-1 1

1/29/2015 8:41:41 AM

Toy Fair 2015 VTECH

Busy Sounds Discovery Home

On the heels of 2014’s Kidizoom Smartwatch, VTech introduces the Kidizoom Action Cam. The Kidizoom Action Cam lets active children capture their adventures with videos and photos. The Action Cam comes with two mounts so kids can attach it to their bikes, skateboards, and more. It also comes with a waterproof case to take videos and pictures up to six feet under water. It also captures stop-motion videos and time-lapse photos.

The Go! Go! Smart Adventures family expands with new additions to its three lines. The Go! Go! Smart Wheels line will feature its first remote control vehicle as part of the Go! Go! Smart Wheels Ultimate RC Speedway, while Go! Go! Smart Animals are moving from the zoo to the Grow & Learn Farm. Go! Go! Smart Friends will also be available in wide distribution, anchored by the Busy Sounds Discovery Home.

In addition, VTech continues to expand its infant and preschool line with more than 20 new product announcements to be made during Toy Fair. VTech’s baby line will also feature eight new products suitable for children ages birth to 24 months. Each item is designed to help build the foundation for basic mental processes including sensory-motor pathways, emotional responses, language, and other cognitive abilities.

TIGGLY

In 2015, Tiggly will launch two new learning suites: Tiggly Patterns and Tiggly Words. New Tiggly Patterns offers preschoolers five colorful toys in the shape of a rainbow that interact with three learning apps to help children recognize, identify, create, and explain patterns and develop their critical thinking skills.

Tiggly Words learning suites features a set of colorful toy vowels that interact with three learning apps to help children ages 4–7 construct wacky words and solve silly problems that also help them to become better readers, listeners, and talkers.

FOLKMANIS

Armadillo puppet

56 tfe FEBRUARY 2015

The Dragon in Turret is the latest pop-up puppet from Folkmanis Puppets. The baby dragon puppet is king of this castle, featuring colorful metallic accents and movable mouth and arms. With the whimsical Sea Serpent, kids can pretend to dive to the ocean depths. The puppet features scaly-looking, midnight blue skin with a feathery, three-humped spine highlighted with bright blue accents on its movable head and tail. The Little Pteranodon brings to life the reptilian raptor in this puppet, ideally suited for small hands. The Folkmanis Armadillo puppet features a “plated” shell fabric and leather-like skin to bring the animal to life.

Animate all four legs as well as the head. Or roll it into its shell using the hookand-loop fasteners. All puppets are for ages 3 and up.

Untitled-1 1

1/26/2015 11:03:16 AM

Toy Fair 2015 SKIP HOP

Skip Hopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new Explore & More Rolling Owl Push Toy, for ages 1 and up, is designed for tots learning to walk. As the owl waddles along, the beads in its belly tumble around.

The tumbling belly beads make a soft rainfall sound, while the rubber wheels soften the sound and protect floors. It also features flapping textured wings and an easy-assemble handle that snaps together and twists to two positions.

With the Explore & More Rocking Owl Stacker, little ones can practice motor skills and develop hand-eye coordination as they rock, stack, and play. Made for ages six Explore & More Rolling Owl Push Toy months and up, it features five unique play pieces: a rocking base, yellow ring with clickclack rings that doubles as a musical shaker, green ring with leaf-shaped rattle beads and textured rubber wings for teething, numbered rings for stacking, and rattle beads inside the owlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s head.

Skip Hop will also offer new Zoo Little Kid Backpacks in Unicorn and Cow versions. The mesh side pocket adjusts to fit a juice box, sippy cup, or water bottle. The front pouch is ideal for snacks and includes extra pockets for pencils and other travel necessities. Comfy padded straps go easy on little shoulders. They also feature write-on nametags inside and easy-to-clean linings. All products are BPA-, PVC-, and Phthalate-free.

KAHOOTZ

EPIC RIGHTS

Epic Rights is heading to Toy Fair 2015 with their toy partner, Bif Bang Pow. The company will debut a new line of KISS action figures. Each of the KISS Alive II 3.75-inch action figures feature detailed character-specific clothing and accessories based on the Alive II album. The figures feature 11 points of articulation. Gene, Paul, and Peter each come with a guitar and Ace with a pair of drumsticks. Each is sold separately. The collectible figures are for ages 14 and up.

58 tfe FEBRUARY 2015

Create countless designs on the go with the classic Travel Spirograph. This portable Spirograph studio has a built-in design ring, work surface, and storage compartment to hold wheels, pens, paper, design guide, and finished artwork. The Original Super Spirograph is back with interchangeable Spiro-Tracks to create unique pattern shapes. This jumbo 75-plus piece set comes in a durable storage case with a work surface and features a real metal die-cast No. 50 Spirograph wheel to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the original Spirograph.

Kahootz will also expand the classic mix-and-match Fashion Plates drawing set. Create one-of-a-kind looks by combining the different rubbing plates together into the new Fashion Plates tablet. With just a few passes of the rubbing tool, designs transfer to the sketch paper. This line will expand for 2015 with new expansion Travel packs including glamour- and sports Spirograph collection-themed fashions.

Toy Fair 2015 OZOBOT

Adding to the line for 2015 is the Ozobot Bit, which will become the line’s entry robot, featuring enhanced educational capabilities all in the same tiny size.

Launching in Q2 for ages 8 and up, this oneinch robot can sense colored lines, detect patterns such as intersections, read flashing light codes and play back up to 500 commands.

Based mostly on the hardware design of the original Ozobot, the Bit is also programmable via both color-based code language and a block-based programming editor based on Blockly. It can move at speeds up to 3.5 inches/sec and it operates on physical surfaces such as paper and game boards and digital screens such as tablets and mobile phones. Both the original Ozobot and the Bit are sold as single- and two-packs.

SMARTGAMES

Three Little Piggies is the latest game in SmartGames’ preschool line. It comes with 48 challenges. In the 24 “daytime” challenges, kids must fit the three big puzzle pieces on the game board so that the Three Piggies are playing outside their homes. In the 24 “nighttime” challenges the wolf appears, and the puzzle pieces must be placed on the board so that the Three Piggies are protected inside their homes. The multi-level logic game is for ages 3–6.

60 tfe FEBRUARY 2015

GUND

Now available from Gund, the Sleepy Seas Sound & Lights Octopus is a plush pink octopus that plays ambient music at the push of a button including ocean waves, bubbling water, and spa-like sounds. Circles of light glow from within and automatically shut off with the music after five minutes. Corduroy accents add tactile sensation. It is surface-washable and made for all ages. Three replaceable AAA batteries are included.

Also now available is Gund’s 12-inch plush version of Malone the bear dressed up as DC Superheroes Batman in an accurate costume. It is surface-washable for easy cleaning. It is made for ages 1 and up.

Gund makes playtime a more huggable experience with the My First Purse Playset. This five-piece playset includes a pink plush mini-purse with touch-and-close fasteners. Each purse includes a compact with a mirror, a crinkling credit card, crinkling keys, and a plush cell phone sound toy. It is surface-washable and made for all ages. It is now available.

Gund also expands its plush line based on Boo, the World’s Cutest Dog for Valentine’s Day with the Boo Bowtie & Boxer.

Part of the Itty Bitty Boo collection, this five-inch plush is a realistic replica of Boo decked out in a red bowtie and red boxer shorts patterned with white hearts. It is surface-washable and made for ages 1 and up. It is now available.

The Uglydolls are collaborating with Star Trek in a 12-piece assortment of 12-inch plush toys that features Babo as Dr. McCoy, Ox as Spock, Wage as Captain Kirk, Tray as Lt. Uhara, and Ice-Bat as Scotty. They are surface-washable and also available in backpack clip formats. Now available, the collection is for ages 1 and up.

Toy Fair 2015 ZURU

Zuru’s Bunch O Balloons is a ready-togo, pre-tied, self-sealing mechanism that allows kids to fill 100 water balloons in 60 seconds. Connect the attachment, fill the balloons, and watch them self-seal to make hundreds of water balloons ready to launch in minutes. Each pack contains three bunches of 34 balloons plus a quick-fix adapter. The balloons and self-tying O-rings are 100-percent biodegradable. Bunch O Balloons is for ages 6 and up.

The X-Shot Bug Attack blasters combine Zuru’s X-Shot and Creepeez brands. Using Creepeez as moving targets for the Bug Attack Blasters, throw the bugs against a wall and shoot them as they crawl to see them fall. Kids can also launch them into the sky and shoot them as they soar, or launch them on a moving target and shoot. Two blaster styles are available. The Eliminator features a double barrel and comes with two bugs. The Rapid Fire features a multi-load barrel that rapidly shoots six darts and comes with three bugs.

Both are for ages 8 and up.

Robo Turtle walks on land and swims in water. Carbon sensors on the Turtle’s shell lets it activate when dropped in water or start to walk if lightly touched on land. Four individual turtle designs and a land-and-water setting playset are available. Robo Turtle is for ages 3 and up.

YUHUHUGS

DreamHut

62 tfe FEBRUARY 2015

IMPORTS DRAGON

Imports Dragon’s 2015 lineup includes products for the children’s cartoon, Johnny Test. Johnny Test is an 11-yearold boy with super-genius 13-year-old twin sisters. Johnny is the test subject of his sisters’ many experiments. With fiery hair and a turbo-charged backpack, Johnny fights off villains and occasionally saves the world thanks to his sisters’ inventions. The toy line, for ages 5 and up, includes more than 80 figures and vehicles to collect along with a one-of-a-kind Johnny Test Shocking Figure. With four different modes, kids test their luck to avoid being shocked.

Imports Dragon celebrates the 25th anniversary of Caillou with plush, figures, and playsets. New for 2015 is the Caillou Classic doll, Caillou Learning Train, Caillou 14-inch Plush, Bath Time with You Caillou Playset, and the Caillou Learning Jet. The toys are for ages birth and up.

Caillou Learning Train

The DreamHut from YuhuHugs is a multi-functional, indoor play space that converts into a modern, sleek armoire, storage space, or desk in a matter of seconds. Perfect for the living room, family room, or bedroom, the armoire easily expands outward, revealing a playroom with a chalkboard, magnetic walls, a folding table, windows, curtains, and an interchangeable backdrop with four different backgrounds to choose from: underwater adventure, fantasy, countryside, and outer space. It also features a designated shelf to hold a tablet, where children can download any of YuhuHugs’ educational apps. When playtime is over, DreamHut transforms into a cabinet or desktop and can serve as a storage place for toys. When closed, the armoire is more than 4.5-feet high and two-feet wide. When opened, the DreamHut expands to nearly six feet in depth. It is made from environmentally friendly Scandinavian wood. The DreamHut is for ages 3–8.

Have extra inventory?

Donate it to K.I.D.S.

Your excess product can put smiles on faces!

Poverty is a disaster that happens every day, but K.I.D.S. brings hope to 4.5 million children and their families every year. Donating your excess apparel, shoes, toys, books and juvenile products can provide your company with a generous tax deduction and replace despair with dignity. Fill out the donation form online at www.KIDSdonations.org or call 1-800-266-3314.

Untitled-1 1

1/26/2015 11:35:29 AM

Toy Fair 2015

Brobo assortment

PLAYMATES TOYS

Playmates Toys continues to expand its lineup of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles vehicles and action figures for 2015. Kids can mutate the four heroes from pet turtles to 5.5-inch, fully articulated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles with the Pet to Ninja Turtles action figures. Each comes with the character’s corresponding weapon accessories. The figures will launch this spring and are for ages 4 and up. Kids can also mix and match the characters with new Mix and Match Mutations figures. Mix and match the heads, arms, legs, and torsos of the fully articulated 4.5inch action figures to create hundreds of different, unique mutations.

The collection includes Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Raphael as well as Splinter, Metalhead, Shredder, Slash, Tiger Claw, Bebop, Rocksteady, and Casey Jones. They are for ages 4 and up and due out this spring.

Expanding its TMNT vehicles are the T-Machines Single Pack Vehicles. Each 1:50-scale diecast vehicle comes with an action-posed, non-removable figure in the driver’s seat. Due out in April is Raph in Monster Truck, Mikey in Patrol Buggy, and Tiger Claw in Safari Vehicle. In June, Donnie in Patrol Buggy, Raph in Armored Truck, Casey in Ice Machine will join the line. With “Ninja-charged” deco schemes, Playmates will also roll out 1:50-scale T-Machines 2-Pack Vehicle sets. Equipped with translucent wheels and highly detailed bodies, the Ninja Charged vehicles can only be found in the two-packs.

The Shell Launcher with Mikey in Party Van gives an added boost to kids’ T-Machines vehicle collections. Compatible with all the TMachines vehicles, kids can load their favorite vehicle into the launcher, pull back on the shell, and launch the vehicle into action. The launcher comes with an exclusive Mikey in Party Van vehicle. It will be available this spring. All the vehicles are compatible with leading competitor’s track systems.

Shell Launcher with Mikey in Party Van

64 tfe FEBRUARY 2015

HOG WILD

Hog Wild expands its Poppers line for 2015 with new Unicorn Poppers, now available. Made for ages 4 and up, two new Unicorn Poppers shoot rainbow-colored soft foam balls up to 20 feet, according to the company. Squeeze the Unicorn’s belly to shoot out a soft foam ball. Six balls are included.

Hog Wild will also introduce a new toy line this spring called Brobo, a nightlight buddy for toddlers. Made for ages 18 months and up, Brobo features both light and dim modes to give little ones instant control over the darkness and shadows that make bedtime difficult. The soft, plush “robot” has a five-minute auto shut-off with long-lasting LED lights that are cool to touch.

Swipe Brobo’s right hand across its chest to activate flashlight mode for before-bed playtime. Swipe its right hand across Brobo’s chest again to activate night-light mode. Brobo comes in five different characters: Brobo, Pep, Trex, Mumu, and Dog. Brobo requires three AA batteries, which are included.

ANKI

Anki’s debut product, Anki DRIVE, unleashed a new entertainment experience powered by cutting-edge technology in 2013. A first-of-its-kind battle racing game that utilized physical toy cars capable of driving themselves through a specially designed app, Anki DRIVE will break new ground with the debut of the next generation of Anki DRIVE and a new addition to be unveiled at Toy Fair 2015.

Toy Fair 2015 HEDSTROM

Hedstrom is bringing the BOSU balance ball to kids with the BOSU Sport.

The nearly 20-inch BOSU Sport Balance Trainer allows for easy transportation and storage and quick posiBOSU Sport tioning for any type of workout. The BOSU Sport is sized for kids to get involved with fitness and stay physically active.

The new PuzzleMat is a colorful puzzle that has two-sided pieces featuring a zoo theme on one side and letters (upper and lower case) and numbers on the reverse. Made out of durable foam, it is for ages 3 and up. With tactile shapes and designs, the Sensory Play Mat features a shape-sorting puzzle with textures on one side, and letters and numbers on the other. This play mat is for ages 18 months and up.

The Sensory Ringstackerz, for ages six months and up, features five rings to appeal to baby’s senses, from grape-scented to glitter-filled.

Also for ages six months and up, the Sensory Shape Ball is a mix of two classic toys, a ball and a shape shorter. Kids can roll, bounce, and learn with this ball by fitting the correct shape into the corresponding spaces on the ball. The two-sided pieces have textures that will help kids explore their senses while learning letters, numbers, and shapes.

PARTY ANIMAL TOYS

Party Animal Toys will introduce the TeenyMates MLB Collector Tin in spring 2015. Collectors of all ages will enjoy the vibrant storage tin, while the MLB standings stadium display will allow fans to display their TeenyMates collection by their real life MLB standings. The set comes with one storage tin, an MLB standings stadium display, four packs of MLB Series 2 Teenymates, and one exclusive rare figure. .

66 tfe FEBRUARY 2015

ENDLESS GAMES

In Endless Games’ Camera Roll, players use their own pictures to tell the story of their lives, or rather what’s on the descriptor card for each round. Once the description card is in play, all players are given 30 seconds to find a photo with whatever the card says, such as “something hot” or a “big mistake.” Will your photo be the best example of that description? Do so and you win the round.

In the game Sleepover Party, players take turns spinning the spinner and then attempt to complete one of more than 200 Act It, Work It, or Party Challenges.

Challenges range from “Be the Human Mirror,” in which a player must copy everything another player does to a “Funny Sound Competition” to trying to lick your own elbow.

BRUSH BUDDIES

Parents can ease their child into a sound sleep with Sleepin’ Buddies from Brush Buddies. The Sleepin’ Buddies give children a bedtime companion to mimic and to fall asleep by their side. A USB connection and built-in MP3 player allows voice recordings, lullabies, stories, music, and more to be uploaded and set to play for one to 60 minutes. While the patented, adjustable sleep timer gradually lowers the music’s volume and slowly closes Sleepin’ Buddies eyes to show kids it is bedtime and to help them fall asleep. Once the timer has stopped, kids can sleep soundly without interruptions from music or sudden sounds. Sleepin’ Buddies is for ages birth–5.

Untitled-1 1

1/23/2015 9:21:52 AM

Toy Fair 2015 BLUE ORANGE GAMES

Blue Orange presents a sampling of its 2015 offerings, including Thumbs Up!, a two to six player game for ages 6 and up. In this game, the goal is to be the first player to stack different-colored rings on his thumb, based on the order shown on a challenge card. Challenge cards will require each player to focus on the order of numbers and match their colors.

Wink is a silly party game for four to eight players for ages 8 and up. In the game, your mission is to covertly wink at your secret partner without being detected by the other players.

Sushi Draft is a three to five player game for ages 8 and up. Five deluxe sushi rolls are on the menu, but players must pick rolls strategically to “eat” their way to victory. Pick one sushi to eat, one to keep, and pass the rest to the next player. Earn points by eating more of one type than your opponents, or earn dessert (more points) for the most variety on your plate.

Blue Orange is also introducing a new collection of educational matching games called Super Genius. Depending on the version, kids will look for a match between an image to a word, or a mathematic equation to its product or sum. Similar to Blue Orange’s Spot It! games, there will always be one and only one match between any two cards. Games will be packaged in portable magnetic boxes. The assortment will include First Words for ages 5 and up, Dolch Words I, Dolch Words II, and Additions for ages 6 and up, and Multimax for ages 8 and up.

Additional new games include King’s Gold, Sushi Draft, Rally Up!, Attila, and Color Clash as well as a packaging refresh for Gobblet Gobblers.

The Spot It! line also expands with a new version for Frozen fans— Spot it! Disney Frozen Olaf Numbers & Shapes for ages 3 and up.

68 tfe FEBRUARY 2015

ALIQUANTUM INTERNATIONAL

Aliquantum International (AQI) will showcase a variety of product lineups at Toy Fair 2015, including Rilakkuma, PowerUp 3.0, and Djubi.

Over the past decade, the Rilakkuma brand and its characters have become a key part of Japanese culture and the Kawaii (see: cute) life. After a successful North American launch in specialty in 2014, Rilakkuma’s loveable characters—Rilakkuma, Korilakkuma and Kiiroitori—will now be available at mass retailers in plush, apparel, and accessories, electronics, and stationery. Rilakkuma is for ages 3 and up.

The inventors of PowerUp have taken average origami creations and fused them with state of the art technology.

Expanding the line for 2015 is the PowerUp 3.0. Crowd-funded on Kickstarter, raising more than $1.2 million, the new model allows you to control your plane by smart device.

Connected by Bluetooth technology, the paper plane can be controlled for more than 10 minutes of continuous flight, according to AQI. The 3.0 kit includes paper templates, crashproof attachable propeller, and portable charging station. It is for ages 14 and up.

The Djubi brand puts a new twist on traditional games with spins on classics such as throw and catch, darts, slingshot, and more. Djubi is currently available in five SKUs: Djubi Classic, Djubi Spring Shot, Djubi Dartball, and Djubi Junior. All Djubi balls float and the games require no setup time, according to AQI. Launching this month is the Djubi Parashoot, which uses the Djubi Mini Launcher (also used in Dartball) and the “Ball” or Parashoot item. Launch the “ball” into the air and after a delayed timer is reached, the ball pops open to reveal a Parashoot. Djubi is for 8 and up and available at mass.

Untitled-1 1

1/23/2015 9:24:53 AM

Toy Fair 2015

Baby Genius characters

DOUGLAS

Douglas Company recently introduced the Plumpies. The lineup of nineinch sitting animals includes Bunny Plumpie, Lamb Plumpie, Fox Plumpie, Donkey Plumpie (pictured), Giraffe Plumpie, Dog Plumpie, and Owl Plumpie. Each is under stuffed making Donkey Plumpie them extra huggable. Some Plumpies feature an embroidered belly button and details such as satin neck bows and satin paw pads. Giraffe Plumpie comes in soft pink with big blue and yellow daisies on its belly that coordinates with the colors that line its ears. Sleepy Owl Plumpie has colorful striped wings. Donkey Plumpie has colorful stripes on its torso that match the tufts of hair on the top of its head.

Plumpies are expected on shelves in March.

Douglas has also combined pink and purple for an additional lineup of characters. Flufferton the Dog, Swinger the Monkey, and Allegra the Horse are a mix of bright pink and vibrant purple plush fur. Tickled Pink and Purple plush animals are due to launch in March.

WICKED COOL TOYS

Wicked Cool Toys entered into a licensing agreement with Original Appalachian Artworks, Inc., as the master toymaker for Cabbage Patch Kids.

The new line is expected in U.S. mass retailers this fall.

Separately it will introduce the first-ever Girl Scouts Cookie Oven, as well as a line of roleplay inspired by the Girl Scouts organization. The oven will feature mixes inspired by popular Girl Scout Cookies, such as Thin Mints and Trefoils.

Additional items include the Girl Scouts On-the-Go Wagon and Cookie Stand. The line is expect to launch this fall.

Other lines include Wild Kratts, WWE, Disney Wood, Cat Paw, and more.

70 tfe FEBRUARY 2015

GENIUS BRANDS

Expanding Baby Genius’ offerings, Genius Brands International (GBI) is relaunching Baby Genius in September 2015 with fresh, new designs, new entertainment, and an array of new toddler products. Three new licensees for Baby Genius will debut product in 2015, including Zak Designs, which will release a first feeding line under the Toddlerific brand, including sippy cups, plates, utensils, placemats, and more for ages 6–36 months.

The products will be available later in 2015. In Q3 2015, Manhattan Toy will release a line of plush toys, soft developmental toys, and wood toys for ages birth–3. Home entertainment partner PBS Distribution will release a line of new Baby Genius DVD titles for ages birth–4, available now at Target, Amazon, and Toys “R” Us. GBI will debut an all-new line of Warren Buffet’s Secret Millionaires Club products in 2015, including a new book for ages 8–12 from Downtown Bookworks entitled How To Grow Your Very First Business, as well as a 128-page book with extras that are critical in establishing your first business. The book will launch in spring with the 128-page book to debut in summer, available at Amazon and national retailers.

Celessence Technologies, a licensee of GBI’s A Squared Entertainment, is a manufacturer of micro-encapsulates for the textile industry. Celessence’s new partner Manhattan Toy will create new scented lines for Groovy Girls Style Scents Doll (for ages 3 and up) and Baby Stella Sweet Dreams Doll (for age 3 and up). Each doll and pet features a scent, fashions, and more. Baby Stella will launch Q1 2015 and Groovy Girls Q2 2015, both at mass market and specialty retailers.

Toy Fair 2015 IMPERIAL TOY

ALEX BRANDS

With Alex Toysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Shrinky Dinks Bake & Shape 3D Jewelry kit, kids can take their Shrinky Dinks jewelry to a new dimension. Use the included patent pending silicon molds to bake thin flexible flat Shrinky Dink shapes into thick sturdy plastic cuffs, or earrings and rings. The set is for ages 8 and up.

Also new for arts & crafts is the Tilt and Swirl Painter, an interactive tilting, rolling art maker for ages 4 and up. Fill the side cups with paint, drop in foam balls, and shake it up. Slide open the hatches to let the balls paint swirls and patterns all over the page as you tilt and move.

Also expanding its lineup of activity kits, for ages 8 and up, comes the Sketch It Nail Pen Salon. Sketch and paint your nails with five colors of two-tip nail pens.

Create long-lasting looks with professional-grade nail polish and color-in appliques. Peel, stick, and fill in with precision-tipped pens. Then, add nail gems.

In the Poof lineup comes the Poof Turbo Tunnel Ball for ages 5 and up. Throw the ball and watch it soar more than 360 feet. Modeled after an airplane wing, the hollow football really flies. It is made of soft foam and engineered for maximum distance.

Innovating the classic Slinky, Alex brands introduces the Sound FX Slinky, for ages 5 and up. This motionactivated Slinky makes 10 different silly sounds as it flips. Three button cell batteries are included.

72 tfe FEBRUARY 2015

Host a bubble party with the Super Miracle Bubbles (SMB) Bubble Refill Station, which holds up to 128 ounces of bubble solution and includes 33 bubble toys and tools. Fill the bubble solution with SMB or Blitz bubbles and push down the nozzle to release a controlled stream of bubble solution. Imperial will introduce a Star Wars-themed line of bubble toys featuring Darth Vader, Yoda, and R2D2 as eight ounce bubble bottles.

Kids can get soaked with the new Kaos Aqua Bow. Launch water balloons with accuracy up to 150 feet. The Aqua Bow comes with water balloons and a wrist brace. New from Splat X is the Roto Shot. Pre-load up eight pieces of water ammo for rapid fire launching up to 100 feet. Push the trigger to advance ammo. Includes long distance performance and sticky strike shotz.

Or pump up the new Gigagoogly Ball. It starts out small, and pumps up to three feet tall. Toss it, catch it, or bounce it.

SKYROCKET TOYS

With Skyrocket Toysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; new Candy Craft Chocolate Pen, kids can write, mold, and decorate in colorful chocolate. The motorized chocolate pen dispenses liquid chocolate that then hardens into solid chocolate at room temperature or in the refrigerator. The chocolate tubes can be switched to create multicolor treats, and partially used tubes can be stored for future use.

Additional chocolate kits and themed molds are sold separately. The set will launch this fall for ages 6 and up.

The remote-controlled Sky Viper Drones continue to deliver hobby-level performance with extreme performance capabilities, one-touch stunts, six-axis digital stabilization, and variable modes of flight sensitivity. For fall, the line will offer several new high-flying, high-tech options with new features and price-points.

The Prank Star line continues its expansion with the new Prank Star Fart Bubble Gun. New for spring, the motorized Fart Bubble Gun blasts out a strong stream of cherry-scented fart bubbles, accompanied by real farting sounds for ages 3 and up.

Candy Craft Chocolate Pen

Toy Fair 2015 MAYA GROUP

Orbeez Crush

The Maya Group is updating its Orbeez line and introducing a new line of Orbeez activities for ages 5–12. Expanding the Orbeez spa line for 2015 are three new sets: the Orbeez Ultimate Soothing Spa, the Orbeez Massaging Body Spa, and the Orbeez Hand Spa. Each set uses thousands of Orbeez beads to create a soothing spa experience for kids. The Ultimate Soothing Spa offers a relaxing waterfall feature along with a new, sophisticated purple and white color scheme, built-in strainer, and increased foot area. The Massaging Body Spa features a sophisticated Body Spa chair that comes in new hot pink and purple color scheme with 6,000 Orbeez and a vibration device for relaxation. The Orbeez Hand Spa features a cascading waterfall and whirlpool of swirling Orbeez as well as tools for buffing, massaging, and cuticle care.

The new Orbeez Crush line combines new Orbeez colors with a wide assortment of craft projects. Choose an Orbeez color, “crush” your compound, and create with a variety of kits. The Sweet Treats Studio comes a Crush Center to create your compound and “treats” to decorate including a three-layer cake on a pedestal tray with light, two cupcake molds, three cookie cutters, 10 pastry toppers, and more. Available in three themes–farm yard, pets, and safari, each package includes two Crushkins, eight unique and reusable eyes, one reusable body art set, and 10 mixand-match accessories. Also included is a crush cartridge and dispenser.

Additional sets include the Crush ‘N Design 2D Window Art kit, Crush Magic kit, and the Grown Orbeez kit. All kits come with a wide variety of Orbeez in a variety of colors.

COLORFORMS

Colorforms Brand is debuting an all new line of Colorforms vinyl stick-on playsets. From Disney’s Frozen, Doc McStuffins, Cars, and Marvel’s The Avengers and Spider-Man; to Universal’s Minions and Curious George; Nickelodeon’s Dora, SpongeBob, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and more, the 2015 Colorforms line will embody the hottest licenses, most popular characters, and innovative features. New features in Colorforms include glow-inthe-dark, glitter, magic reveals, and even some with sound effects, and record and play back capabilities. New items for fall include a Colorforms on the Go Assortment, Take Along Assortment, Create a Story Boxed Set, Colorforms Roll and Play Story Creator, and Big Wall Playset.

INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS

New in International Playthings’ Earlyears line is the Deluxe Fill ‘n Fun Water Mat. Inflate the outside border with air and the inner chamber with water to use for tummy time and beyond. It’s for ages 6–24 months.

The Imaginetics A Bright & Sunny Day set contains one play board and one magnet sheet with 22 individual magnets for playing out a story about Heart Girl and her friends Daisy and Mittens.

The set is for ages 3 and up.

Aquabeads Beginners Studio The Aquabeads Beginners Studio comes with 800 jewel and classic beads in 12 colors. Select a design template and slide it into place under the template lid. Create the bead art and spray with water, then let it dry. This kit also includes a storage bin with lid, a sprayer, four design templates, a bead pen, and instructions. It’s for ages 6 and up.

The Calico Critters Adventure Treasure Ship features four secret compartments, a lookout tower with steering wheel and crow’s nest, a slide, a bridge, a lifesaver swing, a treasure chest, four treasure pieces, a crown, a water piece, a fishing net, binoculars with strap, a flag, two ship railings, a map, and eight card inserts. The ship is for ages 3 and up.

74 tfe FEBRUARY 2015

Toy Fair 2015 R&R GAMES

R&R Games introduces four all-new games, including the new Caffeine Rush party game. Made for ages 8 and up, Caffeine Rush pits players against each other to be the fastest battling barista. Grab ingredients, pump out orders, and rake in the perks. But watch out, if someone finishes your drink, they’ll snag your tips. As each drink is served, pull a new order, and shout it out.

In Spit it Out, players must train their brains to give the wrong answer to easy questions. But sometimes you have to give the right answers, too. And you’ll only have 30 seconds to spit it out. It’s for ages 10 and up.

In Cup A Cup, all cups are up for grabs in this game of quick thinking and fast hands as players race to catch the cups. Roll the dice, quickly identify the missing colored shape, and then swipe the matching cup off the table. But watch out; all cups are up for grabs. Be the first to collect three cups to win. This is a game for ages 6 and up.

Slideways is a sideways game of tic-tac-toe. Move your bar on the board or flip colors to get four in a row. Choose wisely to become a Slideways champion. All parts of the game are self-contained. The game is for ages 8 and up.

HAYWIRE GROUP

FrankenWords is a fast paced compound word game in which players must identify compound words faster than their opponents. See the card “match” and the card “box,” grab them quick to make “matchbox” before your opponent grabs the cards needed to make another compound word, such as sandbox. Cards have both words and matching images to assist early readers. It is a two-or-more-player game for ages 6 and up.

Taco Takeover pits players head-to-head to see who can correctly fill their taco orders first. But players must be careful, if they draw a “la cucaracha” or are served an antacid by an opponent, they are out of the game for a round. Taco Takeover is for two or more players ages 6 and up.

In Beardos Name That Beard Game, players are given clues, one at a time, from the player wearing the beard card. Players must then determine the famous beards on the cards. The game is for two or more players ages 14 and up.

INK’D The Tattoo Guessing Game is the drawing game where your body is the canvas. Choose an ink card, a body card, and then choose the player you want to ink. Players race to guess what the tattoo is and earn points for correctly guessing and drawing. This game is for ages 17 and up. It is a three or more players.

MORPHMALLOW

Spaghetti Headz by Morphmallow, LLC puts a twist on hair accessories for girls. Made of polymer clay, the eco-friendly swirls are for all ages and come in a variety of collectible, themed charm packages.

Spaghetti Headz kicks off 2015 with 16 new collections, including new peacock and tropical feathers, sports, hearts, princess, flowers, puppies, bows, and more. There will also be fluorescent-themed collections, available in friends and cute bugs, as well as glow-in-the-dark collections available in music-, under the sea-, and ballerina-themed charms.

Spaghetti Headz encourages creative play where girls can spend quality time creatively styling each other’s hair or turn them into bracelets. They are for ages 3 and up. Each pack includes three twists.

76 tfe FEBRUARY 2015

TFE SMX SG Combo ad 1-20 final.pdf

1

1/20/15

9:13 PM

Come see what's new from SmartGames and SmartMax

C

M

Y

T VISIT US A

CM

MY

CY

CMY

81 6 # H T O O B

K

,

Learn

Play,

! w o Gr

Phone (800) 542-6375 Fax (415) 931-5250 Sales@SmartToysandGames.com www.SmartMaxUSA.com www.SmartGamesUSA.com Untitled-1 1

1/22/2015 11:44:27 AM

Toy Fair 2015 LITTLE KIDS

At Toy Fair 2015, Little Kids will debut its new line, Moji Mi. Moji Mi are “living emoticons” in the form of characters that love to jibber jabber. Made for ages 6 and up, Mojis have their own silly language and can chat with kids and each other. Tickle their hair to get the conversation going. Cross the Mojis hairs to make them talk to each other. Mojis express feelings through more than 20 sounds, all of which they communicate in their own silly way. Sounds include happy, frazzled, grumpy, silly, startled, bored, and more. When Moji Mi is bored they’ll fall asleep and even snore. Give them a jiggle to wake them up and start chatting again. Moji Mi comes in four characters.

Little Kids also expands its Fubbles line for 2015 with the Fubbles Bump ’n Bubbles Robot. The motorized bubble blower spins and turns while continuously blowing bubbles. As the Robot comes into contact with objects, it spins and redirects while the bubbles continue to flow. It includes four ounces of bubble solution. Six AA batteries are required but not included. It is for ages 3 and up.

Or blow endless bubbles with the new Sesame Street Bubblin’ Blast Elmo. Pull back on Elmo’s head and watch him launch a blast of bubbles into the air. It includes four ounces of bubble solution. Two AA batteries are required but not included. It is for ages 3 and up.

The new Paw Patrol Bubble Blower is a newly designed, motorized Bubble Machine that blows tons of bubbles themed in Paw Patrol styling. Two AA batteries are required but not included. It is for ages 3 and up.

With the Paw Patrol Water Rescue Pack help your favorite pups from the Nickelodeon TV series save the day. Fill the rescue pack with water, put it on, and adjust the easy-slide straps. Hold the fire hose handle, take aim, and pump the blaster to unleash the water. The pack holds up to 30 ounces of water and sprays up to 30 feet. It is for ages 3 and up.

78 tfe FEBRUARY 2015

Magical Lights Pets

BLIP TOYS

Blip is expanding its line of Disney Princess Palace Pets for spring with the new Glitzy Glitter Friends. The glistening 2.5-inch figures have a shiny new look with sparkling, removable glitter skirts for dress up, over-sized, removable tiaras and styling brushes. The new collection features Pumpkin (Cinderella’s puppy), Treasure (Ariel’s kitty), Petit (Belle’s pony), and Beauty (Aurora’s kitty). The pets will also light up this fall with the 2.5-inch Magical Lights Pets.

The pets feature glitter accents and sparkling hair that light up with the push of a button. Removable tiaras and brushes are also included. The collection features Sultan (Jasmine’s tiger), Matey (Ariel’s puppy), Slipper (Cinderella’s kitty), Pumpkin (Cinderella’s puppy), Bibbidy (Cinderella’s pony), Summer (Rapunzel’s kitty), Blondie (Rapunzel’s pony) and Bloom (Aurora’s pony).

Disney Princess Palace Pets are for ages 4 and up.

INNOVATION FIRST/HEXBUG

The Hexbug Underwater World Expands with the Hexbug Aquabot Jellyfish, Seahorse, and Remote Control Angelfish. Each features LED lights and motion sensors for self-waking activation. It is powered by electro-magnetic propulsion and an automatic on and off sensor that activates when submerged in water.

Hexbug also introduces two new series to its VEX Robotics line. The VEX Robotics Ball Machines set is a collection of six STEM-based robotics construction kits that teach kids about robotic design concepts through the use of automation. Kits include the Fork Lift, Handoff, Hexcalator, Hook Shot, Pick & Drop, and Screw Lift. Each machine can be motorized or powered by a hand crank, and can operate independently or can be linked to other machines. Also available is the VEX Robotics Age of Innovation Kits, which teach STEM principles such as gearing, torsion, and kinetic energy through hands-on learning. Kids can collect and build the roman-style Crossbow, which projects foam darts; the medieval Catapult, which shoots balls; or the Orbit, which features a real working solar model, among others. These items will launch this fall.

Orbit

Untitled-1 1

1/22/2015 11:42:16 AM

Toy Fair 2015 WOWWEE

WowWee introduces its new REV (Robotic Enhanced Vehicles) line. REVs think and fight for themselves, and are equipped with BeaconSense technology, a proprietary indoor GPS system that enables them to sense their surroundings and navigate accordingly. REV does not require a special surface or mat to play on, and a limitless number of people can enter the game. Each REV Starter Kit comes with two specially equipped vehicles. Download the free app and jump into the driver seat, while setting the second REV to Autonomous Mode.

WowWee also expands the MiP line with the new MiPosaur which interacts with both a TrackBall equipped with BeaconSense technology as well as the MiP robot and a BLE-enabled app, compatible with iOS and Android devices.

AMERICAN PLASTIC TOYS

Among the new items in its roleplay assortment for fall 2015 are the Cozy Comforts Kitchen and Huge Nesting Shopping Cart. The Cozy Comforts Kitchen is a miniature modern kitchen featuring realistic kitchen designs, such as a single-cup coffee machine, raised “gas” burner featuring a boiling water sound when pots and pans are placed on it, microwave, refrigerator, oven, toaster, and recycling and play bins. Eliminating all screws, the kitchen features snaps and press fits for easy assembly. All accessories—two sets of plates, cups, forks, knives, and spoons, two pieces of toast, muffin tin, pan with lid, touchscreen phone, spatula, large spoon, strainer spoon, and strainer—are bagged and ready for play. Assembled, the playset stands at more than three feet tall. It is for ages 3 and up.

80 tfe FEBRUARY 2015

HABA

New from HABA comes Equilibrius the Robot Ron Magnetic Stacking Game Game. Help Robot Ron on his way by using the magnetic wand to move colorful balls through the maze and into Ron’s wheel wells. A robotic twist on a timeless classic, this wooden puzzle builds fine motor skills and concentration through play. It is for ages 2 and up.

Another new game is the My Very First GamesBubble Bath Bunny, a bathtub-themed board game for toddlers. Players take turns rolling the die and matching the color or symbol rolled with tiles spread across the bubbly box tub. The game aims to teach shapes and colors and help kids develop memory, matching, and fine motor skills—without actually getting wet. It is for ages 2 and up.

New to the Lilliputiens line is the Equilibrius Stacking Game. Select a sturdy critter card and stack it wherever you like to sculpt all kinds of crazy creatures.

The game includes 15 cards and raised star platform base. It is for ages 3 and up.

The Gotz brand also expands with the new Aquini Girl, a life-like 13-inch baby bath doll. The waterproof doll features a sculpted face, anatomically correct body, removable dress, bloomers, seat, bottle, and bath towel.

It is for ages 18 months and up.

Adding to the Lassig line for 2015 is the Lela Plush Toy. It’s a super-soft, six-inch fawn with a sweet face, long lashes, and brown spots on her back that coordinates with a complete line of giftable Lela items for baby. It is for ages birth and up.

Visit us at

TOY FAIR February 14â&#x20AC;&#x201C;17 Booth # 4512

1) 2) 3) Contents: Shadow Box with Cover, Ribbon, Wallpaper, Washi Tape, Photo Frames, 3D Embellishments, Time Capsule, Adhesives

Toy Fair 2015 DISCOVERY

Discovery Consumer Products (DCP) will be on hand at Toy Fair 2015 with new product debuts and announcements around the Discovery Kids, Animal Planet, and Discovery Channel brands.

The Discovery Kids brand continues to expand with new product hitting shelves throughout 2015. NKOK will spotlight a line of interactive tech toys including battery-operated laser tag, dinosaurs, infrared bugs, pull-back bugs, R/C robots, UFO/Astronaut helicopters, and activity/arts & crafts sets such as a Glow Art Drawing Board, a splatter painter, and sewing machines. Good Stuff will showcase Discovery Kids View-Master Reel Packs featuring Age of Dinosaurs, Safari Adventures, and Marine Life reels. The reel pack comes with three reels capturing 21 3-D images and fun facts. Parragon will debut a new line of Discovery Kids-inspired books including coloring books, activity books, sticker books, fact books, and books focusing on the Discovery Kids themes of dinosaurs, sharks, animals, space, and more.

Kids Station, Tek Nek Toys, and Merchsource will also showcase Discovery Kids products at Toy Fair 2015.

For Animal Planet, Smart Play will showcase a new line of children’s educational toys offering ways to discover the world of animals. Designed for children ages 2–8, the line includes 3-D flashcards and puzzles, puzzle cubes, alphabet floor puzzles, a lighted click-and-see toy projector, and an electronic learning pad.

MasterPieces Puzzle Company will display a line of puzzles for families and craft sets depicting Animal Planet, as well as Shark Week themes. Masterpieces will also create Animal Planet puzzles featuring a range of animals from the animal kingdom and Shark Week puzzles using Discovery images. SCS Direct will spotlight its line of Animal Planet Hatch ‘Em Eggs, featuring safari-, rainforest-, dinosaur-, and ocean-themed animals that, when placed in water, can grow up to 10 times their original size. Each egg also contains a collectible card with fun facts about the animal inside.

82 tfe FEBRUARY 2015

DAY 6 SPORTS GROUP

Backyard Sports will bring to market a line of innovative smart sports toys targeting today’s youth. The more the kids interact and play with the physical products, the more they will be rewarded in the companion mobile game. The Backyard Sports Sonic Boom Bat features an oversized bat chamber for easier hitting and booming sound effects. Engineered with Action Track Technology, kids can swing the bat to get codes and scan the codes to unlock digital game power-ups in the free Backyard Sports Baseball 2015 mobile game. The Trick Pitch Ball features a unique power fin design that allows kids to throw better curves, knuckleballs, and floaters. The Triple Threat Bat features a unique threesided bat design with energy rings for home runs, power ridges for hard line drives, and force-absorbing foam for bunts. Scan the bats’ or ball’s code to unlock digital game power-ups in the Backyard Sports Baseball 2015 mobile game.

For basketball fans, the Mega Morph Super Hoop features a motorized rim that changes sizes while you play. It also features a real-game announcer, sound effects, an electronic scoreboard, and shot clock to test your skills. It comes with one Mega Morph Super Hoop Basket and Ball. Also engineered with Action Track Technology, score points to get codes and scan the codes to unlock digital game power-ups in the free Backyard Sports NBA Basketball 2015 mobile game. This is for ages 5 and up.

Malibu Sports & Recreation is a premier brand for social, active fun. Launching in 2015 is Trickster, a new twist on flying discs. With the help of dynamically designed air-foil technology, the Trickster delivers the first in-air 360-degree corkscrew spin. Sky Splitter is a new flying disc that splits mid-flight into two separate discs. Launching with a roster of DC Comics properties, these discs will be limited-editions. Rollors also brings to market a new spin on the game of horseshoes.

Untitled-1 1

1/20/2015 12:52:06 PM

Toy Fair 2015 GREEN TOYS

The Green Toys Watering Can is a classic set suited for gardening and the beach. Made in the U.S. from 100 percent recycled plastic milk jugs, it features an easy-to-pour spout and cotton rope carrying handle. It is for ages 18 months and up.

Also making its 2015 debut is the Green Toys Sport Boats. Made in the U.S. from 100 percent recycled plastic milk jugs, the lightweight cruisers are specially sized for little hands and suited for the tub, pool, or beach bag. The blue Launch Boat, orange Race Boat, and green Speed Boat all feature brightly colored, interchangeable tops for mixing and matching. All feature easy-open designs for cleaning. Each boat includes a duck captain figure. They are for ages 2 and up. These sets are dishwasher safe, packaged using recycled and recyclable materials, and printed with soy inks.

The Green Toys Block Set has been re-engineered for an easier grip and better stacking action. The block set includes a variety of shapes for building. The set contains no BPA, PVC, phthalates, or external coatings. These blocks are made in the U.S. from 100 percent recycled plastic milk containers that save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The set is packaged using only recycled and recyclable materials and printed with soy inks. It is for ages 1 and up.

DELTA CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS

Delta will create a line of products for Paw Patrol such as the children’s chair shown here. There will be extensions in the Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse lines with new deluxe toy organizers with book shelves. The twin bed business is a new category for Delta and twin beds will be available in both the Minnie Mouse and Cars characters. The brand will also launch its first Princess blow-mold toddler-andtwin conversion bed. First to market with this, the bed will look like a princess carriage. Future anticipated launches include Stars Wars and Disney’s Miles from Tomorrowland.

BANANAGRAMS

This Toy Fair 2015, Bananagrams will showcase Bananagrams WildTiles, along with the brand’s existing tabletop games. WildTiles includes six monkey-themed “WildTiles” to put an all-new spin on the original Bananagrams racing crossword game. As players race to complete their grids, they can pick up a WildTile and play it as many times as needed, standing in for any letter. WildTiles is for ages 7 and up.

84 tfe FEBRUARY 2015

AMBI TOYS

The Ambi Toys 2015 range offers babies and toddlers durable, fun, and educational toys. Included in the range is the Baby Gift Set, which also serves as an introduction to the full Ambi Toys collection. The set comes with five of Ambi Toys’ most popular items in a gift pack, including Lock A Block, Humpty Dumpty, Twin Rattle, Trumpet, and First Keys. The set is for ages birth and up.

Untitled-1 1

1/22/2015 11:17:59 AM

Toy Fair 2015 CLOUD B

Cloud b’s Super Max the Turtle is a new compact, portable and easy-to-clean version of its Twilight Turtle. Inspired by a young boy named Max fighting childhood brain cancer that chose the original Twilight Turtle to bring him a sense of empowerment, the new Super Max the Turtle features the same glowing starlight projections of the original Twilight Turtle, but in a new, all-plastic version that is easy to keep clean, so it’s adaptable for use in day care settings, hospitals, at home, or on the go. It projects blue, amber, or green stars from its shell. Super Max the Turtle has a 45-minute auto shut-off timer that ensures complete darkness during children’s deep sleep as recommended by pediatricians. It is for all ages.

The new Stay Asleep Buddies: The Simple Sleep Trainers were developed to help children understand when it’s time to stay in bed and when it’s okay to wake up. The Sleep Buddies feature an interactive plush Hedgehog that engages children while delivering gentle melodies and glowing reminders on bedtime and playtime. Set the Hedgehog’s internal timer to countdown for the desired wake-up time and a lullaby sound loop plays and a soft night light glows from the character’s heart for 45 minutes. If a child awakes up during the night or too early in the morning, a motion sensor re-activates the lullaby sounds and lights for 23 minutes at a time to remind them that it’s still too early to get up. When the designated wake-up hour arrives, the little Hedgehog greets the day with a Happy Wake-Up tune and a bright wake-up color.

Cloud b’s Twilight Buddies are also now available in a smaller six-inch version with the Mini Twilight Buddies. Kids can name their new Twilight Buddies and register them online to receive a customized printable birth certificate.

86 tfe FEBRUARY 2015

Super Wings

AUDLEY TOYS

The China-based Guangdong Alpha Animation and Culture Company Ltd announced the creation of Audley Toys North America and the launch of its new headquarters in Boston. Audley Toys North America will make its Toy Fair debut with new product innovation in its established boys, R/C, and vehicles lines.

Wave Racers is a new brand that revolutionizes car racing, with racers, tracks, and playsets featuring its new Wave Technology. Kids can activate their racers via a wave sensor. The faster you wave your hand, the faster your Wave Racer will go. Wave Racer product, for ages 6 and up, will the Racer with Charger, Skyloop Rally & Speed Streak playset, Epic Challenge & Triple Loop Raceway playset, and the Mega-Match Raceway. Wave Racer Tracks can also be expanded or customized with TrackPack extensions.

Coming soon to NBC Sprout, Super Wings is a new animated preschool series targeted for ages 3–6. The show features a cast of characters that fly the world delivering packages to children, with learning-based storylines about friendship, cultures, and problem-solving. In addition, Jett and his Super Wings friends all have a unique transformation feature, taking them from flying machines to superheroes. Super Wings is set to make its TV debut in March and Audley will support the program with a toy line in fall 2015.

Sky Rover will see a brand refresh with all-new packaging and logo execution, expected to roll out for fall. This will kick off with the launch this summer at mass of the new Voice Command helicopter.

ASA PRODUCTS

Among Asa Products’ new lineup for 2015 is the Mobo Tot Disney Frozen ride-on. The ergonomically designed three-wheeled cruiser, made for ages 2–5, features an adjustable frame to grows with a child with Disney Frozen detailing.

S U N D AY F E B 1 5 2 0 1 5 N YC Our 2015 Lifetime Achievement Honoree is Ann Kearns of Sesame Workshop and our 2015 Retailer of the Year is Amazon.com. We also celebrate more than forty 2015 Wonder Women Nominees!

Thank you to all of our Yearly Sponsors!

Platinum Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Supporting Sponsors

Buy Tickets and Get More Info at WomenInToys.com Untitled-1 1

1/26/2015 10:00:51 AM

Toy Fair 2015 THE BRIDGE DIRECT

The Bridge Direct expands the world of Strawberry Shortcake this fall with the Strawberry Shortcake’s House Playset. Standing six inches tall, the playsetexclusive Strawberry Shortcake doll and Custard figure are ready for a fun day together in their strawberryshaped house. The back of the house opens up to reveal the interior of Strawberry Shortcake’s Café with an area just for Custard. It also includes fun party accessories such as cakes, pies, drinks, table, balloons, and more.

With the Strawberry Shortcake Garden Party Dolls, kids can dress up Strawberry Shortcake and her friend Raspberry Torte for a garden party. The sparkly six-inch fashion dolls feature wings that flutter with the push of a button. Each comes with matching wings for their pets too. Dolls and playsets are for ages 3 and up.

For the first time, popular characters will join the Inkoos draw-wash-redo plush line.

Starting in spring, kids can design the two-sided surface of characters including Minion's Bob and Stuart, Disney Princess characters Ariel and Rapunzel as well as Elsa, Anna, and Olaf from Disney’s Frozen. The Color ‘N Create Inkoos come with metallic threading and stick-on gems for added sparkle.

Several characters will also be available in the smaller Color ‘N Go size. They are for ages 4 and up.

The Bridge also expands its C3 WWE construction line with the new C3 WWE StackDown SmackDown Ring Playset launching this fall. Build, brawl, and rebuild with more than 450 pieces, including three collectible C3 figures including (Face) Roman Reigns, (Heel) Bray Wyatt, and an exclusive “Sting” figure. The set is for ages 6 and up.

88 tfe FEBRUARY 2015

WILD REPUBLIC

To help support The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (WAZA) Biodiversity is Us campaign, Wild Republic will introduce a special line of endangered species stuffed animals. Characters include Asian Claw Otter, Bornean Orangutan, Cheetah, Mountain Gorilla, Red Wolf, Snow Leopard, Sumatran Elephant, and Sumatran Tiger, among others. Each comes with a booklet of information about the campaign and suggestions on easy ways to get involved.

The endangered species plush are joined by a new Wild Republic personal cause concern plush line called Buddies. The Buddies are stuffed animals that relate to common child ailments and are designed to provide some comfort and companionship to youngsters who may be feeling under the weather. Each buddy comes with a Thinking of You greeting card to keep kids company during their sick days. The Buddies include Alligator with Toothache, Dog with Headache, Elephant with Earache, Giraffe with Sore Throat, Monkey with Broken Arm, and Teddy Bear with a Cold.

Wild Republic will also debut an all-new species of Cuddlekins as well as new Sweet & Sassy plush, Wild Republic Creations jewelry creations, and E-Team X playsets,

FUTURE OF PLAY

Future of Play’s new 7United dolls add a tech-twist to the doll space with built-in voice-recognition technology that allows girls to interact with the 12.5-inches dolls without connecting to a network. Based on the country where each character is from, the dolls can also translate in different languages.

The Luv & Learn Bear is a plush bear with two-way Bluetooth technology and accompanying app that allows children to record messages, play math games, solve puzzles, sing popular songs, read stories, and more. It functions in six different languages, is Skype-enabled, and has a built-in speaker and microphone to allow kids to speak to family members through those calls. It also includes an SD card to download stories, songs, and recorded messages to let kids play without the app and a tablet. .

Untitled-1 1

1/23/2015 9:09:09 AM

Toy Fair 2015 CARDINAL GAMES

For 2015, Cardinal expands its game offerings with new options for all ages. Cardinalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s official Wikipedia Game: The Game about Everything, for ages 8 and up, will test playersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; knowledge on every topic, from entertainment to history to pop culture. It even features questions about page rankings and disambiguation. The Disney Frozen Do You Want to Build A Snowman? Game puts an Olaf twist on classic gameplay. Players must complete the spelling of their word before Olaf disappears. It is for ages 5 and up. The Crowd Sourced Star Wars Trivia Game captures the world of Star Wars and test playersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; knowledge of the franchise with hundreds of questions from the Star Wars universe. Every question is written and submitted by an actual Star Wars fan. There are also two ways to play as you build a timeline and answer trivia questions at once.

Cardinal continues to evolve its puzzle line for 2015. Its Puzzle Capsules turn puzzles into collectibles. The collection includes puzzles based on characters such as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Darth Vader. The Puzz 3D line is expanding with character licensing, beginning with Iron Man. The Iron Man Puzz 3D is a 91-piece replica of the iconic Marvel superhero. A Jurassic Park-themed puzzle will follow with a detailed T-Rex Puzz 3D that players can assemble and display.

IN 2014, OVER 1.4 MILLION SOLD IN EUROPE & THE U.K. fÍ 1(3$ #.6- 8.441 6.11($2 Ÿ %%$$ 12Ŝ fÍ 1(3$ #.6- 8.41 6.11($2 Ÿ %$ 12Ŝ ffÍ $$# 3'$, 3. ,$JJJ Í $$# 3'$, 3. ,$JJJ

JJJ y++ '.+# 3'$, %.1 8.4Ĺś JJJ y++ y++ '.+ ' +# + 3'$, 3' %%.1 . 8.4Ĺś ffĂŤ $y++ &$3 3'1.4&' 3'(2 3.&$3'$1Ĺś ĂŤ $y++ &$3 3'1.4&&' 3'(2 3.&$3'$1Ĺś

See the entire Worry Eater line at Toy Fair Booth 6217 Also look for our booths at CAMEX 2015 and TOYFEST West Haywire Group, Inc. â&#x20AC;˘ 413-543-3020 â&#x20AC;˘ www.haywiregroup.com

90 tfe FEBRUARY 2015

NOW AVAILABLE IN NORTH AMERICA!

EDUCATIONAL INSIGHTS

Educational Insights’ (EI) new Magic Moves RainbowJam expands the original Magic Moves with new features. Touch a color to hear its musical note, touch multiple colors to compose your own music, or sing along to nine songs about colors. It features different musical styles, from rock and Latin to jazz and country, two modes of play (instrumental or song), and a 16-page musical activity book. Three AAA batteries are required and included. It is for ages 3 and up.

New to the science category is the GeoSafari Jr. Sneak & Peek Periscope and GeoSafari Jr. Science Utility Vehicle, which comes complete with 3x magnification and night-vision LED lights. They are for ages 3 and up. With the Nancy B’s Science Club Stir-It-Up Chemistry Lab & Kitchen Experiments Journal, budding scientists can perform chemistry experiments in their kitchen with 11 reusable chemistry tools. Suited for STEM learning at home, junior chemists can safely explore simple scientific principles including extinGeoSafari Jr. Sneak & Peek Periscope guishing a flame with invisible gas; making their own bubbling “lava” in a bottle; causing chemicals to change color; and more. It includes a 22-page activity journal filled with experiments using common household ingredients. It is for ages 8 and up.

In the games category, EI offers up the Crazy Cereal Electronic Game. In this game, players race to fill their cereal bowl first. Watch the color-changing spoons light up and pick up a matching-color piece of cereal. The player who has collected the most cereal when the bowl is empty wins the game. This is a two-player game for ages 4 and up. Additional new games include Crowded Waters, Kanoodle Extreme, and RiddleCube The Game.

YOMEGA

Yomega introduces Battle Ballerz, the first characters with removable, high-bounce heads. Collect the characters, then pop their heads off the base for high-bouncing and challenging games. Each pack comes with two Battle Ballerz characters, action accessories, and two game discs. Every game disc presents a fun challenge; Bounce, Roll, Stack, or Spin your Battle Ballerz character to complete it in under a minute. The discs have grooves that can be connected to create ramps or obstacles. Battle Ballerz are for ages 5 and up, launching in March.

Star Wars Battle Ballerz will also launch later this year along with other soon-to-be-announced properties.

Yomega’s Kendama Pro offers new colors and durable finishes, including metallics, stripes, “cracked earth,” and soft-touch rubberized versions. Available now, the line is for ages 8 and up.

THE ORB FACTORY

New craft and activity kits from The Orb Factory include Teddy Bear Pillow. With this kit, kids use the stylus and follow a numbered legend to add fabric pieces and create a Teddy Bear Pillow teddy bear pillow.

Kids stick, stack, and squish cubes to make a pixilated pet with the Pixel Pops Hedgehog kit. Use the stylus to pick up foam cubes and stick them to the square base. Additional pets are also available to make and collect.

FEBRUARY 2015 tfe 91

Toy Fair 2015 FANTASMA

Fantasma’s new Excellent Legendary Magic Set includes more than 200 tricks perfect for beginner magicians of all ages. The set comes with a production box/table, three magic cups, four red balls, sliding tip wand, coin base, two Sky Lighters, a money machine with three bills, a Miracle Deck, three magic ropes, Zoltar candy machine, Houdini poster (card prediction), two Bizarre Boomerangs, and an instructional booklet and DVD. Use the set to learn some of the world’s greatest magic tricks such as Sky Lighters, card tricks with the Miracle Deck, and more.

92 tfe FEBRUARY 2015

PLANTOYS

PlanHome table and chair

For 2015, PlanToys will introduce its new PlanHome Collection for kids. The line will include tables and chairs that promote a harmonious play and learning environment while keeping with a modern feel for mom’s home.

PlanToys will also introduce its new PlanWorld Collection, which offers kids new wooden playsets to learn and dream their way about the world. The collection includes a Home, Fire Station, Farm, Bakery, Pet Care, Ice Cream Shop, Station, and Market. Each set comes with wooden figures and accessories. The PlanWorld collection is for ages 3 and up.

DIGGIN

Diggin has expanded its wooden toy line with new eco-friendly Bamboo Box Sets. The Bamboo Box Set Tool Kit and the Bamboo Box Set Kitchen are wooden playsets that fold open for imaginative play.

The Bamboo Box Set Tool Kit features tools sized for little builders, including a work bench, hammer, screwdriver, wrench, screws, nuts, bolts, and wooden building pieces.

Little chefs can pretend to prep their favorite meals with the Bamboo Box Set Kitchen. The set includes an oven, stove top, utensils rack, spoon, spatula, knife, fork, pot, pan, pizza, egg, and salt shaker.

Slimeball, the new active roleplay line from Diggin, will launch at New York Toy Fair. The Slimeball line brings active slime fun with no mess. The new product line will feature slime gear, slingers, and buckets of Slimeballs targeted for kids ages 6 and up. .

COROLLE

Corolle’s Miss Fresh Riviera & Blanket is a new gift set for newborns ages birth and up.

Miss Fresh Riviera is 9.5-inches tall and features a soft body that’s easy for little fingers to grasp and hold, according to the company. The doll comes in a soft pastel color palette and its smooth vinyl face is delicately scented with vanilla—a Corolle signature. The set also includes a fleece doll blanket.

Expanding the Mon Premier Bebe Calin collection comes the Bebe Calin Ballerina. The doll features a recitalready look with a leotard, tutu, tights, and pink slippers with ribbon laces. Designed for ages 18 months and up, the Bebe Calin Ballerina has a sweet face with blue eyes that close when it’s put down for a nap. Its soft vinyl skin is gently scented with vanilla and its soft body is poseable.

Bebe Calin Ballerina

CUDDLE BARN

New to the Cuddle Barn lineup for 2015 is Dr. Charlie, a new learning product that Miss Melody introduces children to fun facts about eight different parts of the body. Place its magnetic stethoscope over its colorful patches to activate fun learning songs. This is for ages 18 months and up.

Another new companion for children is the interactive plush teddy bear Miss Melody, which sings five children’s songs.

Sophie Sniffles is an interactive stuffed elephant that cannot stop sneezing. Activate Sophie Sniffles to see how she deals with her sneezing and sniffles.

Or join Cuddle Barn’s reindeer as he sings the new classic song “Ugly Sweater Song.”

SUPER IMPULSE

Super Impulse will introduce Klippits, licensed bag tags that clip to backpacks, book bags, and pocketbooks. Clip them end-to-end to collect and display. The assortment includes My Little Pony, Transformers, Minions, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and more.

The World’s Smallest features the smallest, functional assortment of officially licensed classic toys, including Perplexus, Etch-A-Sketch, Duncan Yo-Yo, and Rubik’s Cube. cJax are charms that plug into the headphone jacks of cell phones, tablets, and MP3 players. Choose from Minions, My Little Pony, SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Adventure Time, Transformers, and iconic toys such as Etch-A-Sketch, Rubik’s Cube, and Monopoly. Each cJax charm includes a unique cJax clip that connects to your earbud or headphone cord, and each includes its own display base that can connect to other bases to create a diorama showcase on a desk, cubical, or dresser.

FEBRUARY 2015 tfe 93

Toy Fair 2015 KEEPSAKE COTTAGES

Keepsake Cottages are 3-D scrapbooking kits that become displayable wall art. Kids ages 6 and up can use each kits included wallpapers, 3-D embellishments, washi tape, and frames to decorate shadow boxes. Add photos, souvenirs, keepsakes, and trinkets. Keepsake Cottages kits can be hung using the gray satin ribbon provided or linked together to create a modern wall art collection.

Themes include Birthday, Summertime, Anchors Away, A Cat’s Life, Dog Love, Best Friends, Love Dance, Ballet, Family Time, Celebrate, Camp, and Life’s a Beach.

94 tfe FEBRUARY 2015

AURORA

Tushies

Aurora World’s YooHoo & Friends’ plush collection of more than 100 characters just got larger with more than 20 new styles that debuted last month. Each plush endangered animal features a personality tag containing its name, habitat, and personality traits.

Aurora’s new Tushies are a new line of plush woodland animals positioned in a playful romping pose with their fluffy tails high in the air. They are available in eight styles.

The My Little Pony collection will also get a new design in 2015. New ponies feature styled hair with mylar highlights that make them sparkle. The 12 new additions will be available in 6.5-inch and 13-inch sizes.

Zippy Sack

TECHNO SOURCE

Techno Source and KD Interactive will introduce the next generation of tablet gaming with Kurio Motion 2.0.

Featuring 10 Kurio Motion games, plus eight new multiplayer Kurio Motion 2.0 games, this seven-inch wifienabled Android 4.4 (KitKat) kid’s tablet allows children to compete side-by-side simultaneously (or by taking turns) against their friends and family, race against a virtual player, or play cooperatively. Each new game has three unique levels to master that get kids jumping, running, and moving as they run bases, raft down rivers, and more. The Kurio Motion technology works using the tablet’s camera alone, allowing games to be played anywhere. No consoles, sensors, gaming controllers, or TV required. Kurio Motion 2.0 games feature advanced movement-recognition technology with even more sensitive motion detection. The tablet is also fully loaded with more than $300 worth of free premium content.

Thousands of more kid-safe apps can be accessed through the curated Kurio Store or parents can choose age-appropriate content from Google Play. It features customizable app management, time controls, an Intel Atom processor, Bluetooth technology, and 16 GB of internal memory, which is expandable to 40 GB with Micro SD Card. It’s for ages 6 and up.

Zippy Sack, from Techno Source’s Toy Island, helps kids make their bed with a quick zip and flip. Made from soft machine-washable fleece, it slips over the child’s bed like a fitted sheet. At bedtime, kids simply zip inside without the worry of their covers sliding off. In the morning, with just a zip and a flip, the bed is made and transformed into a cuddly friend. Each Zippy Sack comes with a travel bag. Characters include Kitty, Puppy, Dino, and Panda. They are for ages 4 and up.

Malia’s Beach House

BUILD&IMAGINE

Build&Imagine playsets aim to expand a child’s possibilities by developing foundational skills in STEM fields. The magnetic construction sets put the child in the role of designer and architect. In the Malia’s Beach House playset (pictured), kids can hop into the shoes of best friends Malia and Skyler as they play in their favorite hangout. The playset features Malia and Skyler dolls, 16 dual-sided building panels, and more than 40 magnetic accessories, including a swimming pool, functional door, living room, kitchen, two bedrooms and bathrooms, garden, floor and roof shapes, outfits, accessories, pets, and more.

Additional new sets include the Marine Rescue Center Build&Imagine playset and the Day at the Beach Build&Imagine playset. All Build&Imagine playsets are for ages 4–8.

SENTOSPHERE

SentoSphere’s Aquarellum Pegasus set comes with embossed picture cards that absorb paint in some areas and repel it in others to create intricate, detailed works of art. It comes with three boards and nine washable inks, and is for ages 8 and up.

Follow Your Nose is a simple game that uses players’ sense of smell. It includes 30 distinct aroma diffusers enclosed in child-resistant scent flasks that need to be matched with the corresponding image found on five brightly illustrated game boards. It’s for ages 4 and up.

FEBRUARY 2015 tfe 95

Toy Fair 2015 ZING

Firetek Bow

Zing adds to its Firetek line with the Firetek Rocket and Firetek Bow. Turn the light switch on the rocket to turn on the lights. Then, attach the rocket to the launcher, pull the tab, and let it fly. The arrow makes a whistle-scream sound as it flies. The Firetek Rocket can fly up to 250 feet high. Each set comes with two whistle-screaming light-up rockets and one launcher. It’s for ages 8 and up. The Firetek Bow is a foam bow-and-arrow toy with LED lights.

Hook the Zonic Blaze whistle-screaming arrow into the fast-load loops, a safe and secure pulley system that can only sling the soft-foam arrows, then pull back and fire. The Firetek Bow sends arrows flying up to 145 feet. It comes with three Zonic Blaze glowing, whistle-screaming arrows. An Air Huntress Firetek Bow is also available. Both are for ages 8 and up.

WORX TOYS

Worx Toys will expand its Bo-Po (Brush On-Peel Off) nail polish line for kids with 17 scented new colors. The new names for the Bo-Po colors and fragrances include Freak of Nature green with sour apple smell, Fusion tan with caramel smell, Mint Chocolate Chip light green and glitter with mint smell, Confection pink with bubble gum smell, Mud brown with chocolate smell, Night Glow orange glow-in-the-dark with peach smell, and LOL pearl with vanilla smell, among others. The new Bo-Po fragrance-enhanced nail polishes have the aroma emanating from the bottle and brush as the Bo-Po polish is applied, but nails do not continue to smell after it dries (within 60 seconds).

Bo-Po spreads on fingernails and toenails just like regular nail polish, but unlike traditional polishes, Bo-Po does not contain any harmful chemicals or odors, and there isn’t any need for harsh acetone-based remover because the polish simply peels off. Each Bo-Po polish comes in a unique spill-proof bottle, which eliminates the risk of stains to clothes, floors, and furniture as a result of accidental tipping. The bottles will not spill even if turned completely upside down.

GALT TOYS

Galt Toys’ Playnest Dino is a soft multi-sensory environPlaynest Dino ment in a fun bright dinosaur. A fabric covered inflatable ring that supports baby during play. The additional textures and sounds help both hand/eye coordination and manipulative skills.

The Playnest Dino covers are machine washable and for ages birth and up.

96 tfe FEBRUARY 2015

SCHOOL ZONE

Charlie & Company, available on School Zone’s Little Scholar tablet, is a live-action/animated educational video series about a Golden Retriever named Charlie and his animated friends. Past adventures include a trip to the farm, a construction site, and a gym. Brand new adventures include an educational afternoon at the zoo, an art studio, and a U.S. Coast Guard station. There’s even a very special Charlie & Company Christmas episode.

Roominate Amusement Park

ROOMINATE

Roominate will expand its product range to include an Amusement Park, RV, and school-themed set especially for specialty retailers. Roominate is a stackable and customizable line of wired building systems that inspire openended and hands-on play. Using circuits, modular pieces, and universal joints, girls will build spinning windmills, carousels, lamps, and more to create their own unique and original rooms that can be stacked against one another. Also new for 2015, Roominate will introduce a new and innovative app to wire and control Roominate creations via a mobile device.

LEARNING RESOURCES

Learning Resources’ Bright Bites Burger Shapes lets kids 2 and up build their own pretend burger full of shapes. Start with the bun (circle) and hamburger patty (circle). Add ketchup (heart) and mustard (star) along with a slice of cheese (square). Top it off with lettuce (triangle), pickle (clover), and onion (hexagon). The set also includes a plate.

With Create-a-Maze, kids 5 and up build a maze with curvy, colorful pieces by following the designs pictured on the Activity Cards. Then, map a path through the maze, tilting the board and guiding the ball New Sprouts Stir Fry Set around the obstacles and into the goal. Endless combinations of designs provide multiple levels of play. It includes a maze board and base, 17 maze pieces, four balls, and 10 Activity Cards. It’s for one to four players.

The All Ready for Preschool Readiness Kit introduces kids 3 and up to essential preschool skills such as counting, the alphabet, color identification, and shape recognition. This comprehensive kit includes an assortment of colorful manipulatives and other hands-on tools, a writeand-wipe Activity Book for children, and a 32-page Guide created just for parents. All components store in a sturdy storage box. Learning Resources also makes an All Ready for Kindergarten Readiness Kit and an All Ready for First Grade Readiness Kit, sold separately.

The New Sprouts Stir Fry Set includes a healthy selection of pretend vegetables, a wok, and to-go container. Use the utensils to pick out vegetables, such as peapods, carrots, broccoli, peppers, celery, and onions. It also comes with a pretend fortune cookie. The set is for ages 2 and up.

FEBRUARY 2015 tfe 97

Toy Fair 2015 JAZWARES

Jazwares will launch its second sandbox gaming toy line, including favorite characters from the video game Terraria. The line includes figures, roleplay (such as the Night’s Edge sword), plush, playsets (such as the Biome multi-level playset), and electronics. The line is for ages 6 and up.

The launch of Jazwares’ Peppa Pig toy line will encourage imagination and creativity. The toy line includes but is not limited to Rainy Day Peppa, family and friends figure packs, Peppa’s Deluxe House Playset, Peppa’s Family Campervan, Peppa’s Treehouse Playset, Grandpa’s Push-Along Train, Peppa’s Red Car, feature plush, and more. Products are for ages 2 and up.

With Blueprints Paper Craft kits, kids take what they see in the virtual world and physically recreate it in the real world, including figures, vehicles, and entire play environments, all from paper. After the launch of Minecraft Paper Craft, the line expands to include Barbie, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Marvel, Star Wars, and SpongeBob SquarePants. The kits are for ages 6 and up.

Jazwares will release three new series of Bungees characters along with new game boards and accessories. Products include new Bungees characters for series 2, a new collector’s board for the deluxe pack, and a battleground expansion pack with extra accessories. They are for ages 6 and up.

The Teen Titans Go! toy line features five-inch articulated figures, including Night Wing and Speedy. The line will also expand in plush, figures, playsets, and roleplay for ages 4 and up.

MAVERIX

The Urban Spirit from Maverix USA is a handy and lightweight motorized skateboard that offers moderate speed and power, allowing the rider to tackle inclines and flat surfaces. It has a max speed of 12 miles per hour and a maximum weight limit of 165 pounds.

98 tfe FEBRUARY 2015

Bungees Battleground

KLUTZ

New kits from Klutz include Shrink & Link Jewelry, which includes step-by-step instructions for making and shrinking jewelry. The Nail Art activity kit comes with six colors of water-based, non-toxic, peel-off nail paints. No nail polish remover is required. Prankster Magic is full of easy pranks and quick tricks with sections on coin tricks, card tricks, and mind reading.

Dress Up Your Own Paper Pups comes with accessories such as food bowls, bones, and hair curlers for decorating paper puppies. The kit also includes a punch-out doggie carrier. Build Your Own Gotcha Gadgets is a set of customizable electronic gizmos, along with a book of games, pranks, and jokes that make the most of them. Kid-friendly explanations of the electronic circuitry accompany step-by-step instructions for how to wire (and re-wire) a door alarm, motion sensor, light sensor, and push-button device.

And LEGO Chain Reaction: Make Amazing Moving Machines shows kids how to build LEGO contraptions and machines that explore Rube Goldberg-style chain reactions. Use this set alone, or combine it with a LEGO collection to experiment with new results.

WINNING MOVES GAMES

New 2015 games from Winning Moves Games include a new version of Candy Land that features graphics and components from the game’s early days, including the gingerbread men.

The game comes with a game board with original artwork, four plastic gingerbread men movers, a deck of 64 cards, and instructions that include “The Story of Candy Land.” It’s for two to four players ages 4 and up.

Connect 4 Twist & Turn plays like the classic game of Connect 4, but each layer of the tower twists to create exciting gameplay strategies. The game comes with a game unit, 18 red plastic discs, 18 yellow plastic discs, and illustrated instructions. It is for two players ages 6 and up.

To play Guess Who, ask “yes” or “no” questions to figure out your opponent’s mystery person. The game includes two game units, 48 face cards, a deck of 24 mystery face cards, and illustrated instructions in English and Spanish. It’s for two players ages 6 and up.

With Hi-Ho! Cherry-O, players practice math skills, such as counting, addition, and subtraction, by picking fruit from their trees to fill their buckets. The game includes a plastic game board with four trees and buckets, 44 plastic cherries, a fully assembled spinner, and illustrated instructions. The game is for two to four players ages 3 and up.

WARNER BROS. CONSUMER PRODUCTS

Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) heads into Toy Fair 2015 with an animated lineup of global licensees on board to support the vault of properties and content across the studio. The DC Comics universe leads the charge with support from partners such as master toy licensee Mattel and preschool toy partner Fisher-Price, among others. WBCP will also highlight its strong DC Comics TV slate with The Flash, Arrow, and Gotham; its classic animation brands such as Scooby-Doo and Looney Tunes; TV series such as The Big Bang Theory; and franchises such as The Hobbit Trilogy, Harry Potter, and more.

CJ PRODUCTS

CJ Products introduces Pillow Pets Crazy Clingz, a line of removable and repositionable plush adhesive wall art that stick to any surface. Made of soft chenille, Pillow Pets Crazy Clingz are ideal for children’s lockers, binders, bedroom walls, windows, and anywhere else that could use a touch of color. They will be available in five themes: Polka Dot, Fairytale, Garden, Space, and Sports.

The Pillow Pets line of plush foldable stuffed animals has also expanded its licensed character lineup with 18-inch versions of Lambie from Disney Junior’s Doc McStuffins and Bob and Larry from DreamWorks’ VeggieTales.

YVOLUTION

For 2015, Yvolution introduces the Y Scoot line, modern-day updates of the traditional two-wheeled scooter that allow kids to scoot in style. The line includes the Y Scoot Flow, Y Scoot Style, Y Scoot Coaster (skateboard and scooter in one), and Y Scoot Cruzer (longboard scooter).

Yvolution enters the go-kart category with the Y Explorer Deluxe, the threewheeled beginner go-kart that gives kids a new way to explore the outdoors and the Y Rocker Go-Kart, the ultimate three-wheeled stunt pedal kart that gives kids a true race car experience.

Additionally, Yvolution expands its balance bike offerings with the Flippa, an innovative 2-in-1 trike and balance bike that converts easily thanks to its special Twist & Flip feature.

FEBRUARY 2015 tfe 99

Toy Fair 2015 UNCLE MILTON

Uncle Milton introduces Dream Scenes, a new product line under its In My Room brand. With Dream Scenes, kids can create a small, magical scene for their nightstand with soothing lights to inspire their dreams. First, kids create and customize the multi-dimensional scene and then use it as a soft nightlight that gently changes colors to create a soothing light show in their room. Themes include underwater, outer space, and even character scenes featuring popular licenses. It’s for ages 5 and up.

Super Moon In My Room automatically matches the light of your moon with the real moon outside. Also, it’s more than 35 percent larger than the original Moon in My Room, has a special solar eclipse light effect, and includes soothing nighttime sounds and sound bytes from the original moon landing. It includes a remote control so kids can manually set the moon to 12 different lunar phases. It’s for ages 6 and up.

Scare Factor is a new brand that lets everyone in on the fun of scaring friends and family. The R/C Tarantula and R/C Snake will join new items, such as gross-out Slime Labs and a Scare Projector to tell scary stories with. A “scare meter” on each package will rate the toys from scary to hideous to “Ahhhhh!”

They are for ages 6 and up.

OHIO ART

Ohio Art’s Frozen Etch A Sketch Jr. includes a drawing screen and a shake-toerase feature like the traditional Etch A Sketch, but with Frozen character graphics. It’s for ages 3 and up.

TRENDiY Art is an assortment of edgy and fashion-forward arts and crafts activity kits inspired by the latest designer creations. The Mexican Bracelets kit contains everything needed to make 20 bracelets, such as 26 bundles of colored thread, 13 soft bracelets, and seven plastic bracelets.

It’s for ages 8 and up.

MAGFORMERS

The Magformers Magnets in Motion 83-Piece Power Set comes with high-performance Neodymium magnetic shapes and all-new gears and motorized pieces, for building and controlling different mechanisms. The set contains triangles, squares, arches, super arches, super sectors, rectangles, super rectangles, and hexagons. The Magnets in Motion 61-Piece Set contains a variety of Neodymium magnetic shapes, including squares, triangles, rectangles, super rectangles, arches, super arches, and super sectors in a variety of sizes and colors. Combine the magnets with gears and use the hand crank to wind up the creation and add motion. Attach the character and colored spinners to bring the build to life.

100 tfe FEBRUARY 2015

PLASMART

With PlaSmart’s Magic Canvas, fill the stylus with water and begin drawing to bring out the colors hidden in the canvas. Watch pictures slowly disappear and dry back to a blank canvas to create again or turn the Magic Canvas over. The dual-sided canvas allows kids to keep creating while the opposite side dries. Magic Canvas is for ages 12 months and up.

K’NEX

K’NEX’s new product line Mighty Makers is a construction toy designed to empower girls through creative and stimulating building sets. The STEMbased sets were designed by women and are for girls ages 6 and up. The introductory line includes sets such as Up, Up and Away (an aviation-themed set), Around We Go (engineering theme), Deep Sea Dive (marine biology theme), and more. Each set includes colorful rods, connectors, and panels, along with story-based instructions that follow the life of the included figure and an exploration card for additional fun and education.

K-Force is another new product line of buildable blasters for ages 8 and up. Kids get to construct a customized blaster, big or small, single or multi-shot, with endless possibilities. The line includes six different blasters, buildable targets, and blaster missile packs.

The Sky Sprinter Roller Coaster is the tallest K’NEX coaster ever made at more than seven-feet tall, with more than 800 K’NEX pieces. It includes a blaster motor to launch the coaster car. It’s for ages 9 and up.

The K’NEX Education: Robotics set includes 715 K’NEX rods and connectors; a control device; three motors; color, light, and touch sensors; and PC-compatible software that allows kids to build a programmable dog that follows commands, car with smart phone holder, airplane with retractable landing gear, and more. This set is for ages 9 and up.

The Lincoln Logs 100th Anniversary Tin features real wood logs. This 102-piece set celebrates the centennial anniversary of the iconic Lincoln Logs brand and includes a frontiersman figure, two horses, and more.

U.S. GAMES SYSTEMS

U.S. Games Systems will introduce Mystery Rummy: Escape from Alcatraz, a new thematic card game inspired by actual events. In this Rummy card game, players are in charge of uncovering prisoners’ escape plans. On each turn, players gather information by melding matching Plan Cards or playing off an existing Plan. When players collect eight matching Plan Cards and identify the Plan’s mastermind, they can foil the Escape Plan, capture the culprit, and score points. The first player to 100 points wins. The game includes 84 Escape Plans Cards and 14 Escapee Cards, 31 Action Cards, four “Foiled!” Cards, and illustrated instructions. The game is for two to four players ages 8 and up.

PAINTING LULU

Painting Lulu is a traditional coloring book that bridges the gap to the digital world. Kids color in the Painting Lulu Activity Book, then with the help of their parents, scan the page using the free Painting Lulu app on a smart device. The coloring page instantly appears on the device, and kids can continue coloring and editing where they left off using the Painting Lulu Digital Crayon. With the tap of the Digital Crayon, kids can easily re-touch, save, and print their creations. The one-click share feature makes it easy for kids to share their artwork with their parents. The eco-friendly book is made with recyclable paper and comes in a reusable carrying bag. Licensed properties will soon be added to the line. Painting Lulu is for ages 3 and up.

FEBRUARY 2015 tfe 101

Toy Fair 2015 MOOSE TOYS

Little Live Pets Owl and Baby Bird

Moose Toys adds to its Beados craft activity line with beads that feature a glitter finish. The beads stick together with just a spray of water. Once dry, the beads are fused together, and kids can place their designs in the enclosed display stands and use the connectable play pads and scene cards to create a sparkling Beados world. The spring 2015 line features refill packs, a starter pack, an activity pack, and the Glitter Quick Dry Design Station. Beados Glitter is for ages 4 and up.

The Little Live Pets family expands with new bird designs and the addition of an Owl and Baby Bird that sing and talk to each other. The Season 2 Tweet Talking Birds features two new designs, the Cardinal and Robin. Little Live Pets Birds are for ages 5 and up.

SOUND OF FUN

Sound of Fun, the U.S. distributor of Kiddimoto wooden balance bikes and coordinating helmets and gloves, introduces 13 new products, including the black Kurve Skullz balance bike, designed with a skull pattern. It features rugged construction and 12-inch pneumatic tires with inner tube.

Kiddimoto Helmets are interKurve Skullz balance bike nationally approved for safety.

The ABS hard plastic BMX dirt-style shell comes with an adjustable band to ensure a snug fit, while allowing the helmet to grow with the child. New helmet designs include Skullz, Cherry, and Black Goggle. They are available in sizes small (ages 2–5) and medium (5 and up).

102 tfe FEBRUARY 2015

John Deere Mighty Movers Bullpen Escape

TOMY

TOMY will expand its John Deere line with new product launches under its Gear Force and Monster Treads brands, along with the introduction of Mighty Movers. The John Deere Mighty Movers Bullpen Escape lets kids propel the tractor under the bull and crash through the bales. It’s for ages 3 and up.

When babies squeeze the Lamaze Clip ‘N’ Go Squeezy Donkey, the donkey’s ears pop up. The toy features satin legs with crinkle and “clip-clop” hooves. The Lamaze clip lets parents hook Squeezy Donkey to strollers, car seats, and more. It’s for ages birth and up.

Lamaze Sonny the Glowing Bunny teaches colors in four different languages: English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese. Press one of Sonny’s colorful ears to illuminate his tummy and he will say that color. Press two ears at the same time to hear music play as Sonny’s tummy changes through different colors of the rainbow. The bunny features soft velour fabrics with bright, bold colors and contrasting black-and-white patterns. Sonny also plays lullabies for helping baby drift off to sleep. It’s for ages 6 months and up.

The Push Me Pull Me Puppy is a pull-along and push-along toy in one. The dog follows kids no matter which way they push or pull the leash. The toy features music with realistic walking movement. Press the dog’s nose for barking and panting sound effects. It comes with a bone and dog dish for roleplay. Push Me Pull Puppy is for ages 1 and up.

Jumbo Jamboree is a push-along toy that becomes a one-man band that plays five instruments at once. Separate the instrument pieces that make up Jumbo Jamboree’s body to play each one by itself. The nose is a saxophone and the ears are jingle bells. Pull out the top handle and the first orange section becomes a drum, followed by a green harmonica, and a yellow xylophone. To put Jumbo Jamboree back together again, match the colors back into the correct sections, and pop the ears and nose back on. Jumbo Jamboree is for ages 1 and up.

TINY LOVE

Tiny Love’s new Peek-A-Boo Mobile features a dual-motion system and animal characters suspended from fan-like fronds that gently rotate around the characters to create a peek-a-boo show for baby. It also features a music box with glowing nightlight that plays 30 minutes of continuous music across 15 melodies. The mobile arm detaches from the music box, which has piano keys for added playability for older babies. The music box can be used as a floor toy.

Also new is Tiny Love’s Double-Sided Crib Toy that provides stimulating play for baby during the day and soothing music and lights for bedtime. The two-in-one toy attaches to nursery cribs and portable cribs, so baby can have familiar activities at home and on the road. One side features a calming nighttime sky that soothes baby with a twinkling light show, while playing 30 minutes of continuous lullabies or white noise. The other side has fun and playful features for developmental play, such as touch-activated giggle and musical sounds, a click-and-reveal bird tree, a spinning ball with colorful beads, exploring slider, and crinkle-textured leaf with peek-a-boo flower.

Double-Sided Crib Toy

MANHATTAN TOY

Manhattan Toy’s S.C.O.U.T. doll collection includes 16-inch soft dolls each with a specific personality and interest. Finch loves to hang out with friends and skateboard. Sofia is the explorer and photographer of the group who loves to see new places and journal about her experiences. And Leaf loves to draw and spend time with her pup, BlueBell. She enjoys doing crafts and giving them to friends.

The Travel + Comfort Play Mats are soft animal-themed mats for baby to snuggle up with or play on top of when on the go. Each play mat is made of a high-quality fabric. There are two styles, deer and bear.

The Travel + Comfort Tablet Wedge props up tablets and iPads when on the go. The Tablet Wedge is sturdy horizontally or vertically, and can roll back and forth between two children or people using S.C.O.U.T. Finch it for a game or work. It is made of soft and colorful fabrics.

PLAY VISIONS

Play Visions’ Aqua Dragons are live aquatic creatures that come to life when kids put the eggs in the illuminated underwater habitat. Aqua Dragons swim and play in their underwater world. Care for them and watch them eat, grow, swim, and play.

More Aqua Dragons will soon appear. Aqua Dragons are for ages 6 and up.

Sands Alive! Glow is a line of glow-inthe-dark sand sets that come with either UV (ultraviolet) LED glasses or a UV penlight. When looked at through the glasses, the sand will change colors and glow. Using the UV penlight, kids can write glowing messages and designs in the sand that will light up and glow. All the plastic components, including the play trays, are made of UV-reactive neon colors and will react with UV light and light up. Sands Alive! Glow sets come in various themes.

FEBRUARY 2015 tfe 103

Toy Fair 2015 RAVENSBURGER

Ravensburger’s Artist’s Desk is a 1,000-piece puzzle that provides a peek into the design process of an artist. The finished puzzle showcases the drawing desk of a Disney/Pixar artist, complete with images of characters during the drawing process.

It’s for ages 14 and up.

The Eiffel Tower Mickey & Minnie Edition puzzle is a 216-piece 3-D puzzle of the famed Eiffel Tower decked out in Mickey and Minnie artwork. The easy-to-assemble puzzle features precision-cut flat, hinged, and rounded pieces that click into place with no glue required. Puzzlers can put the structure together by the numbers located on the inside of every piece, by the exterior design, or both to erect a 17.3inch display-worthy replica of one of the world’s most famous structures with a special flair. It’s for ages 12 and up.

Bugs in the Kitchen features a battery-operated Hexbug Nano (from Innovation First) that crawls across the 3-D game board as players attempt strategic moves to lead it into their traps. The board features 24 utensils that rotate in place to create paths for the bug. It’s for ages 6 and up.

PLAYMOBIL

PACIFIC PLAY TENTS

Pacific Play Tents’ Camo Combo Set comes with a tent, chair, and sleeping bag in either green camo or pink camo. This indoor/outdoor play tent set sets up in minutes and packs compactly to take along anywhere. The tent has mesh top panels for ventilation and to give parents a full view. It easily wipes clean.

The Ballerina Pavilion Green Camo can become a dress-up Combo Set room, prop room, or showroom for aspiring ballerinas. This pastel pink and purple play tent is made of 100-percent cotton canvas and features two mesh windows for ventilation. It is easy to assemble with a metal structure frame and an attached floor. It comes in a cotton canvas carry bag.

The Firehouse Tent features ladder, fire hydrant, and hose graphics with an entrance/exit that makes it easy for children to get in and out of the tent. There is also a window to peek out, as well as a tunnel port. Color-coded poles make for easy assembly. It can be used indoors and outdoors, and comes with a carry bag.

Playmobil’s Ferris Wheel with Lights comes with colorful flashing lights and seven red and blue gondolas. The ride can accommodate up to 14 Playmobil figures. The set includes two adult figures, two child figures, a functioning Ferris Wheel, a ticket office with tickets, a cash register, a computer, and other accessories. It’s for ages 4–10.

The Vet Clinic features a front desk and waiting area, an exam table, and multiple accessories, such as a stethoscope, medical instruments, removable bandages and casts, a computer, a desk with chair, an animal water bottle, a tree, a pitchfork and hay, a bunny hutch, fencing, baskets, and books. The two outdoor enclosures provide space for the calf, rabbits, cats, dogs, birds, and more. The set also includes three figures. It is for ages 4–10.

Ferris Wheel The Coast Guard Station with Lighthouse is a functioning lighthouse with upper observation room and with Lights boat that floats in water. The set includes a working winch, five figures, two rescue rings, an oxygen tank, flippers and a mask, a surfboard, walkie talkies, emergency medical equipment, a fire extinguisher, and other accessories. It’s for ages 4–10.

104 tfe FEBRUARY 2015

THINKWAY

Thinkway’s new Disney/Pixar toy collection includes Interaction Wall-e’s Eve, a toy that comes to life with voice, light-up eyes, and flying sound effects. There are five ways to play. In Play mode, press the play button for voice and sound effects. In Talk mode, talk to Eve and she Interaction Nemo responds. In Protection mode, press the release button on Eve’s right arm to use the cannon blaster with sound effects. In Flying mode, tilt Eve up or down for flying sound effects or hold Eve upright for landing sounds. And in Free-Wheeling mode, move Eve around the base.

U-Command Wall-E comes with a remote control that kids use to control the character’s expressions, light-up eyes, original movie voice, sound effects, movement, and more. Use the 10 action buttons on their own or program them for more than 1,000 action combinations.

Raise and release the right arm of the Mr. Incredible Talking Superhero for punching sound effects. Pull back on the right leg and release for kicking sound effects. Press the toy’s chest button for original movie voice with talking mouth action. Turn Mr. Incredible’s waist for fighting sound effects.

Interaction Nemo talks and moves with sound effects through three modes of play. In Talk mode, press the talk button to hear movie phrases or talk to Nemo to hear the toy respond. In Action mode, Nemo will perform a pre-programmed action sequence with voice and sound. And in Explore mode, Nemo will go on an adventure to explore his surroundings. The toy has smart sensors that detect obstacles or a hand in front of it.

SAFARI

Dragon

New figures from Safari includes the 2015 Carnegie Collection Velociraptor figure, which measures eight-inches long and 3.25-inches tall.

The new hand-painted 1:1 scale Shrimp figure measures 3.75-inches long and 3.25-inches tall. The new 2015 Mythical Realms Green Gnome model measures 2.5-inches tall and 2.25-inches wide. All three figures are for ages 3 and up. Safari’s new 2015 hand-painted Dragon figure measures 3.5-inches long, 6.25-inches wide, and 5.25-inches tall. It is for ages 4 and up.

PATCH PRODUCTS

Patch Products will produce a smaller line of three-inch to four-inch Perplexus brainteasers called Microplex. The new collectible line debuts with three different handheld themes: Orb, a classic sphere with a space theme and twisty inner maze; Gridlok, a cube with inner blocks making up the tricky maze; and Drakko, which comes in an egg shape with a dragon as its maze.

The Game of Things . . . Peggable Version is a smaller version of the humorous who-said-what game. It features new topics and can be played on its own or added to fans’ larger games. It’s for four or more players ages 14 and up.

In Stack Attack, roll the dice and stack matching numbers on the dice tower. Just don’t be the player who knocks down the tower because you’ll score zero points. The player to get all of his dice on the tower before it falls wins. It’s for two to four players ages 8 and up.

Patch’s Mirari line expands with Flip Flop ABC Blocks. Each block represents a letter with a letter sticker on the back, and inside each clear two-inch block is a suspended letter or character that begins with that letter.

Hidden magnets allow them to jiggle and wiggle, and kids can wave the wand over the blocks for more movement.

All 26 blocks come in a storage bag with zipper. The set is for ages 12 months and up.

Patch will enter into the children’s room décor category with its new line of Onaroo nightlights and alarm clocks. The line includes the OK to Wake! clock featuring a nightlight and wake-up indicator, the Teach Me Time! clock that adds a teaching game with the OK to Wake! features, a plush OK to Wake! Owl nightlight with music, a portable nightlight owl with OK to Wake! functions, and portable nightlights.

Drakko

FEBRUARY 2015 tfe 105

Toy Fair 2015 PEACABLE KINGDOM

Peaceable Kingdom’s Cauldron Quest is a cooperative game where two to four players work together to break the evil wizard’s spell. Create the potion that breaks the spell and find the hidden ingredients before the wizard blocks all of the paths. The game is for ages 6 and up.

Match Up Games & Puzzles includes three themes: Trucks, Dinosaur, and Fairies. Each box contains cards with match-up pieces on one side and floor puzzle pieces on the other. The games are for one to four players ages 2 and up.

T-Shirt Tats are temporary tattoos for T-shirts. The tats apply with a wooden stick; no heat or ironing required. Themes include, shark, T-Rex, pink fairy, unicorn, Pocket Pal Bugs, and Pocket Pal Kitty and Puppy. They are for ages 5 and up.

Furry Stickers is new in the sticker category. Each pack has one sticker sheet with animal stickers that are furry and fuzzy. Themes include Happy Monkeys, Pink Kitties, and Silly Animals. They are for ages 3 and up.

SILVERLIT

Silverlit’s Nano Spy Cam is a micro-sized helicopter with a camera that can be folded and stored inside the transmitter carrying case. It captures images and videos with 32 GB of memory. Kids can shoot in helicopter form or inside the transmitter case. The Nano Spy Cam features three channels with digital proportional control and a gyro stabilizer for smooth flying.

The Nano Falcon XS is the world’s smallest R/C model helicopter as certified by Guinness World Records. At 2.3 inches, it features three-channel control and includes a storage/carrying case that converts to a landing pad.

The Nano UFO is a 2.4Ghz, four-channel mini UFO for use indoors and outdoors in calm conditions. Its lightweight, advanced airframe design offers durability, while the gyro stabilizer gives a smooth flying experience. The Nano UFO can perform 360-degree flips in almost any direction and includes LED lights, spare propellers, and a USB charging cable.

106 tfe FEBRUARY 2015

Nano Spy Cam

SET ENTERPRISES

To celebrate 25 years, Set Enterprises, Inc., will release Mini Rounds of SET, Quiddler, Five Crowns, and Karma. The Mini Rounds are shorter, faster versions of the full game that come in playful click tins. Each Mini Round is pocket-sized for easy travel and designed to be played in a quick 10 to 15 minutes without losing the unique flavor of the game. The SET Mini Round comes with round cards to accent the visual perception of the game. The Quiddler Mini Round has four rounds verses eight to make the short word game a little shorter. The Five Crowns Mini Round is a five-suited Rummy-style game. The Karma Mini Round features subtle strategy.

RUBIE’S

Rubie’s Batman Unlimited Collection includes a Deluxe Batman Costume with a muscle chest jumpsuit with attached boot tops and matching cape. The costume is available in child sizes small, medium, and large.

The Paw Patrol Marshall costume includes a jumpsuit, headPaw Patrol piece, and backpack. It is available Marshall costume in toddler and child size small.

Chase and Sky costumes are also available.

From the DC Comics Universe, the Supergirl costume includes a pink sequin dress with tutu skirt and embroidered matching cape. It is available in sizes toddler, small, and medium.

SABAN BRANDS

Earlier this year, the newest season of the Power Rangers series, Saban’s Power Rangers Dino Charge, premiered on Nickelodeon in the U.S. A global rollout is scheduled for later in the year. Global master toy licensee Bandai created a new dinosaur-themed product line, in addition to new themed merchandise from hundreds of other Power Rangers licensing partners. Highlights from Bandai’s new product range will include the Deluxe Morpher, Dino Charger 3-Pack, Deluxe Megazord, and an all-new collection of figures.

This year’s toy line also includes energized Ranger Battle Gear, Ranger Masks, and Ranger Training Sets.

Collectible items will also be available, including the Legacy Sabba Sword, Legacy Megazord, and Legacy Morpher. In the digital space, Bandai launched the new Power Rangers Dino Charge Scanner app, available on Google Play and the Apple app store in the U.S. and Canada. Users can morph themselves into their favorite Rangers or Zords, scan their Dino Chargers to preview the upcoming toy collection, and even unlock exclusive coupons for toys.

Saban Brands is also launching new Power Rangers Dino Charge-themed web games for desktop, tablet, and mobile devices. Keeper’s Escape will allow players to pilot Keeper’s ship and try to outrun the evil Sledge while navigating through outer space and avoiding asteroids. Dino Duels will be a six-level game featuring battles between Power Rangers and villains, also integrating the Energems from the series. Saban Brands partnered with Funtactix to launch the new mobile game Power Rangers: Unite. The new game is a card battle game that allows fans to collect, trade, and battle with Rangers, villains, zords, and weapons from every season of the series. Power Rangers: Unite will tap into the 21-year legacy of the Power Rangers franchise to create a completely new storyline, uniting Rangers from all past seasons to battle a fearsome new enemy, Nerodark.

In addition to the television series, Saban Brands, in partnership with Lionsgate, announced a feature film for the iconic franchise, which will reimagine the classic Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Lionsgate and Saban Brands also revealed the official Power Rangers feature film release date as July 22, 2016.

THE YOUNG SCIENTISTS CLUB

Science Explosion

The science behind magic, water, and crystals is the focus of The Young Scientists Club’s 16th season of lessons in science, math, and engineering. Clifford Magic Science comes with a 20-page manual to guide kids through experiments, such as funny mirrors, building a kaleidoscope, and magic rainbow glasses. The kit includes rainbow glasses, a measuring cup, a test tube, a bottle connector, a screen, sponges, and much more. It’s for ages 3 and up.

Clifford Water Science, also for ages 3 and up, introduces kids to simple water experiments, such as phases of water, the water cycle, and colored celery. Tools include a lab tray, a measuring cup, a pipette, chromatography paper, and test tubes.

In Science Explosion, players try to be the first to reach the finish line and explode the volcano. This board game includes two experiences in one box: match science-based topic cards to master cards in one game and use memory and strategy skills in another. The game comes with a two-sided board, a volcano, a bowl, four colored measuring cups, a clear measuring cup, 16 science master cards, and 80 science topic cards.

The game is for ages 5 and up.

FEBRUARY 2015 tfe 107

Toy Fair 2015 THINKFUN

ThinkFun’s All Queens Chess is a Chess-inspired two-player strategy game using all Queens. Players plan their moves carefully to get four Queens in a row. Just like in a game of chess, the Queen can move any number of squares vertically, horizontally, or diagonally.

The only difference is that pieces can’t be captured. The game is for ages 8 and up.

The object of Science Logic Maze for Juniors is to get the laser beam to the rockets so they can safely return to Earth. Players use science and logic as they position tokens on the board to create a path.

Carefully place the satellite mirrors to guide the beam and watch out for space rocks that might get in the way. The game is for ages 6 and up.

A line of Maker Studio building sets let kids turn things from the recycle bin into cars, planes, and more. The Maker Studio Gears Set lets kids build a race car, a cable car, a three-wheeler, and a motorcycle. The Maker Studio Propellers Set lets kids build a chopper, a biplane, a windmill, and a plane.

The Maker Studio Winches Set lets kids build a tow truck, a jeep, a well, and a crane. Each kit includes step-by-step instructions and a set of 10 challenges to encourage problem solving. The kits are for ages 7 and up.

TCG

TACTIC GAMES

Tactic Games’ iKNOW Mini Amazing Earth is a game cube full of fun facts and interesting information.

Win points by answering the question correctly on the level of your choice and earn more by guessing other players’ success. The game comes with a game board, question cards, pawns, betting tokens, and rules. It’s for two to four players ages 15 and up.

In the Minions Hit Them Out Game, two or more players aim a fabric-coated rubber ball at eight minions.

The game includes eight minions in three heights and two fabric-coated rubber balls. It’s for ages 5 and up.

TCG’s new Peppa Pig puzzle line includes an assortment of 24-piece puzzles in resealable foil bags that feature Peppa Pig and friends.

The company will also produce foam puzzles, including the 12-piece Bath Time Puzzle and 26-piece ABC, 123 Puzzle. Both puzzles include chunky foam puzzle pieces that stick to bathtub walls and come in zippered vinyl bags for easy storage. Peppa Pig wood puzzles include the 12-piece Big Adventure Wood Puzzle, which includes 12 big, easy-to-grip wood pieces that fit snugly into the tray for easy storage. The seven-piece Discover & Learn Chunky Wood Puzzle comes in two styles, each with seven easy-to-grip wooden pieces.

New Peppa Pig games include the Domino Game, where players line up and match their favorite Peppa Pig friends; and the Match Up Game, where players collect pairs of their favorite Peppa Pig friends. Both games come in resealable foil bags. The Fairground Ride Game comes with a spinning fairground ride. If you land on a red space, you have to hop off, but if you can guess where an empty swing will land, you can jump back on the ride.

The Peppa Pig Value Mat is a foam-backed mat that measures 3.5-feet wide and 2.5-feet tall. It comes with a Peppa Pig character in a vehicle.

The Mega Mat is also a foam-backed mat, but it measures 5.5-feet wide and 3.5-feet tall. It includes two Peppa Pig characters in vehicles.

108 tfe FEBRUARY 2015

TECH 4 KIDS

Tech 4 Kids’ Nitro Grinders are collectibles on wheels that perform tricks and won’t fall over, says the company.

Characters will jump, twist, Nitro Grinders spin, and ride through any customizable mini skate park. There are more than 50 characters to collect in series 1, each with detailed graphics. Nitro Grinders are for ages 6 and up.

Squishy Pops are miniature My Little Pony collectibles that can be worn as stylish fashion pieces. Customize a Squishy Pops bracelet by adding charms and mini ponies. Squeeze a pony Squishy Pop to hear it pop. A Fashion Pack includes a bracelet, two charms, and a Squishy Pop. Kids can also collect a mystery pony and charms in a surprise capsule. Squishy Pops are for ages 4 and up.

With Storytime Theater, kids can see and hear their favorite storybook characters come to life. The Storytime projector connects wirelessly to any smart device. Choose a Digital Story Key and place it on the projector to activate the story. As the key softly glows, the story projects onto a wall with custom animation for every page. Storytime Theater has four modes: Read-A-Loud, Storyteller, Bedtime Mode, and Custom. It is for ages 3 and up.

REEVE + JONES

Reeve + Jones introduces Spin’n a Row, a spinning tic-tac-toe game.

Players take turns rotating one of the balls to get three in a row. The nine balls rotate on three axles in the sturdy frame.

THAMES & KOSMOS

Remote-Control Machines: Space Explorers is an engineering kit that lets kids build a remote-controlled model of a robotic rover resembling the ones used to explore Mars. The remote can control up to three motors that move the rover back and forth, turn the wheels to steer the rover, and control the robotic arm to pick things up. The 237-piece construction set also includes instructions to build a lunar rover, rocket launcher car, space shuttle with opening and closing cargo bay doors, robotic space shuttle payload arm, Moon lander, wacky astronaut, satellite, Mars station, and cross-wing flyer. A full-color 64-page stepby-step illustrated manual helps kids assemble all of the models and teaches them about realworld examples of the outer space robots, vehicles, and devices they are creating.

Dohdles is an artistic guessing game for three to six players. To play, create a Dohdle by sculpting the approximate shape of an object or living thing with the modeling clay, which will not dry out or harden, says the company. If a player thinks he can identify a Dohdle, he throws a guessing cube in the sorting funnel. The player’s cube that comes out first can guess first. Guessers earn points by guessing the exact word that the Dohdle represents, and the sculptor earns points if the solution to his Dohdle is neither too easy nor too difficult for the opponents. Points move you forward around the game board, and the player who makes it around the board first wins the game. [Editor’s note: Turn to page 110 for more on Thames & Kosmos for 2015.]

FEBRUARY 2015 tfe 109

Tqfdjbmuz!Fnqpsjvn

BY JENNIFER LYNCH

Thames & Kosmos’ New Game

W

hen you hear the name Thames & Kosmos (T&K) stateside, consumers immediately think science. But go anywhere else in the world and T&K’s parent company, the German-based publishing house Franckh-Kosmos VerlagsGmbH’s (Kosmos’) emphasis has long focused on a different category: games.

This year, T&K is pulling a page from Kosmos’ playbook and stepping into the games aisle. “Kosmos has a fantastic games portfolio with world-class designers and game authors so it just makes so much business sense for us to distribute those,” says Ted McGuire, president of T&K. “But beyond that, we’ve thought long

312 6 !Ij h imj h iut

• T&K games will operate under the

Kosmos brand to build off of the line’s existing brand recognition as well as to keep the science and games lines separate but related.

• T&K’s pre-science kits will focus on early science skills such as observation and cause-and-effect operating under the Kids First brand.

• T&K’s science kits will focus on space exploration as well as robotics with new introductions.

110 tfe FEBRUARY 2015

and hard about what it means for our company and, philosophically, why we are doing it.”

What T&K realized was that adding games to its offerings also aligned with one of its core principles—to provide kids with real-world experiences that aren’t prescribed for them or require the portal of a monitor or screen to experience.

Reflecting back at how T&K first got its start in the toy industry, McGuire attributes a few key elements to its success the first time around.

When the company first launched under the leadership of McGuire’s late-mother Jane Holdsworth in 2001, Kosmos had already attempted to distribute its science kits in the U.S. but without much success. Coming from a science educational background gave T&K a different approach to the space. “For better or for worse, we didn’t know what we were doing in the toy business at the time,” says McGuire.

“We did a lot of things that made the quality of the educational experience stronger but maybe weren’t the best in terms of cost of goods.” (It’s since learned what works and what doesn’t.)

In addition, the timing for its first science kit, the original Fuel Cell Car & Experiment Kit, couldn’t have been more favorable. The expensive kit—retailing at $150—happened to coincide with a big push from the U.S. government on fuel cell research. In some ways it was the perfect product at the perfect time.

While games is a different beast with its own set of challenges to tackle, McGuire says timing might once again work in T&K’s favor. “People spend so much time in front of the computer that they are looking for something they can sit around their kitchen table and play with family and friends,” he says. “Some of that is led by

popular games, such as Settlers of Catan, and some of it is just the reaction to the over-digitalization of our daily lives.”

For 2015 T&K will offer a mix of games, including strategy, logic puzzles, and party. It’s drawing from Kosmos’ library with the Germanstyle strategy game Lost Cities and puzzle games Dimension and UBongo to test players logic and spatial skills, but the game its perhaps most excited to introduce is Dohdles—new to all territories.

Straight from the mind of Settlers of Catan game author Klaus Teuber, McGuire describes the party game as Pictionary meets 20 Questions but with posable clay. “It’s very different from Catan, but you still see the beauty in the way Klaus Teuber’s mind works,” says McGuire.

“Everything is balanced, such as the ways you can get ahead or fall behind in the game. And that’s what can make a really good game.”

One of the biggest challenges will be in adopting Kosmos’ existing catalog for the American market. While similar problems arise with game adaptations as with science kits, such as German-to-English translations, science kit adaptations focus mainly on technical issues.

With games, the problem is more elusive— determining what people across different cultures deem fun. T&K is relying heavily on Kosmos for its gaming expertise in this matter.

Science fans can also continue to count on new offerings for 2015, including new science kits for preschoolers, space-themed kits, and kits that teach the science behind the field of robotics by building and playing with robots with and without the use of smartphones. As McGuire says, games will only enhance its current portfolio. T&K is simply finding its happy medium.

A S T R A’ S M A R K E T P L A C E & A C A D E M Y

THE WORLD OF

The Trade Show Event That Inspires Play.

More than a TRADE SHOW, ASTRA’s Marketplace and Academy is the place to:

> Shop the FREE Marketplace, where you’ll discover the hottest new toys, many from manufacturers who are new to the marketplace.

> Get a jump on 4th quarter buying, and take advantage of amazing show-only discounts.

> Learn business building tips and best practices at the

Academy, in sessions led by innovators and thought leaders in the industry.

> Connect with fellow retailers and toy lovers to share secrets, laughs, hilarious game-playing, and cups of coffee.

THE YEAR’S BIGGEST

GATHERING OF THE

SPECIALTY

TOY

INDUSTRY JUNE 7-10, 2015

CHARLOTTE

NORTH CAROLINA

REGISTER

American Specialty Toy Retailing Association

NOW.

Register at www.astramarketplace.org or 1-800-591-0490 SHOW-ONLY DISCOUNTS! Untitled-1 1

4TH QUARTER BUYING!

GROW YOUR BUSINESS! 1/20/2015 1:00:19 PM

YOU’RE HIRED

LIMA HALL OF FAME

CHERYL STOEBENAU, PRESIDENT, CAS MARKETING

The International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA) named Cheryl Stoebenau, president of CAS Marketing, to the Licensing Hall of Fame. This year’s induction will take place on Tuesday, June 9, at the LIMA Licensing Awards Ceremony during Licensing Expo in Las Vegas.

Stoebenau began her licensing career in 1972 with Hallmark. She then moved to Coleco as executive director of licensing working on Cabbage Patch Kids before forming her own agency in 1986. She served on the LIMA board of directors for two terms.

As a member of the licensing community, LIMA says that Stoebenau’s legacy is tremendous and her work for LIMA’s charity committee unparalleled. Her incredible energy, unwavering dedication, and consistent “can-do” attitude has been the driving force in raising $5 million for Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation, according to LIMA. The organization says she coordinates all activities for the team of volunteers and personally brings in contributions from companies across the industry.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF PLAY

BRUCE RAIFFE, BOARD OF TRUSTEES

The Strong (National Museum of Play) announced the election of Bruce Raiffe to its board of trustees. Raiffe, president of Gund, Inc., a subsidiary of Enesco LLC, has nearly 40 years of experience in the toy industry.

“Being on the board is a great honor,” says Raiffe. “It allows me to share my passion for the soft toy industry, while spreading awareness of the excellent research and academics coming from The Strong. My life’s work has been about learning new ways to make soft toys and imaginative play a positive contribution to every child’s life.”

112 tfe FEBRUARY 2015

MATTEL

EXECUTIVE CHANGES

Mattel, Inc., announced in late January that Bryan Stockton resigned as Mattel’s chairman and CEO and also resigned from the board of directors. Christopher Sinclair was named the company’s chairman and interim CEO, effective immediately. Sinclair, who has served as a member of Mattel’s board of directors since 1996 and as independent lead director since 2011, has extensive experience in leading global, multi-brand, consumer-focused companies, says Mattel.

In addition, earlier in January, Mattel announced key changes to the company’s executive leadership team. Richard Dickson was named president, chief brands officer. Tim Kilpin was named president, chief commercial officer.

Dickson will continue to oversee worldwide brand, design, development, and marketing strategies for the Mattel and FisherPrice portfolio of core brands, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, and Thomas & Friends. Dickson will assume additional responsibility for the company’s global consumer insights, marketing communications, innovation, and digital initiatives groups. Dickson was appointed chief brands officer in 2014, having previously served as president and CEO of branded businesses at The Jones Group. Prior to The Jones Group, Dickson held key leadership positions at Mattel.

Kilpin will now direct the company’s sales and marketing operations globally. He will continue to be responsible for further strengthening Mattel’s presence in developed and emerging markets throughout Europe, Latin America, and Asia. He will also assume additional responsibility for the North American division, with oversight of all sales and marketing activity in the United States and Canada. Kilpin was appointed executive vice-president, international in 2014. He has held a variety of leadership positions with Mattel and The Walt Disney Company over the course of his career, having first joined Mattel in 1984.

Untitled-1 1

1/20/2015 12:58:59 PM

EVENTS OF

CALENDAR

Industry-Related Trade Shows

FEB

MARCH 2–4

3–6

8–11

19–22

30–4/2

APRIL 1–2

13–16

14–16

Playworld Middle East

Australian Toy, Hobby, & Nursery Fair

ToyFest West

Halloween & Attractions Show Bologna Children’s Book Fair Kazachok Licensing Forum

MIPTV

London Book Fair

27–30

Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair

30

TTPM SPRING SHOWCASE

29–5/1 29–5/1

MAY 17–19

17–20 19–21 27–29

JUNE 7–10 9–11

16–18

JULY 9–12

PlayCon

SURTEX

5–8

8–11

forumlicence.kazachok.com

Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre

South Point Hotel America’s Center

Bologna Fair Centre

La Halle Freyssinet

mipworld.com

Palais des Festivals

toyassociation.org

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa

londonbookfair.co.uk

hkgiftspremiumfair.com

Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3)

New York NOW TTPM HOLIDAY SHOWCASE MIPJunior

MIPCOM

New York Comic Con

114 tfe FEBRUARY 2015

Bologna Paris

Cannes

Las Vegas

Hong Kong Scottsdale

ANBMEDIA.COM/SHOWCASES

THE ALTMAN BUILDING

NEW YORK CITY

surtex.com

Jacob Javtis Convention Center

New York City

bookexpoamerica.com

Jacob Javits Convention Center

Comic-Con International

Licensing International Expo

St. Louis

Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino

astramarketplace.org

BookExpo America

Melbourne

Las Vegas

London

Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre

ASTRA Marketplace

Sweets & Snacks Expo

Dubai

Earls Court

nationalstationeryshow.com Jacob Javits Convention Center

OCTOBER 3–4

haashow.com

bookfair.bolognafiere.it

Dubai Int’l Convention & Exhibition Centre

National Stationery Show

SEPTEMBER 29

austoy.com.au

toyfestwest.com

All Baby & Child Educational Conference allbabyandchildsec.com

AUGUST 15–19

playworldme.com

sweetsandsnacks.com

New York City

McCormick Place

Chicago

e3expo.com

Charlotte Convention Center

Los Angeles Convention Center

Charlotte

comic-con.org

San Diego Convention Center

San Diego

nynow.com

Jacob Javits Convention Center

New York City

ANBMEDIA.COM/SHOWCASES

METROPOLITIAN PAVILION

NEW YORK CITY

mipworld.com

Palais des Festivals

Cannes

licensingexpo.com

mipworld.com

newyorkcomiccon.com

Mandalay Bay Convention Center

Palais des Festivals

Jacob Javits Convention Center

New York City

Las Vegas

Los Angeles

Cannes

New York City

TM

TM

TM

AS SEEN ON:

Š Copyright 2015 Morphmallow. LLC. All rights reserved. All images and logos are registered Trademarks of Morphmallow, LLC. PATENT PENDING

Untitled-1 1

1/20/2015 1:04:43 PM

Jennifer Coleman • jcoleman@4kmedia.com • +1.212.590.2120

www.yugioh.com

Untitled-1 1

1/21/2015 3:49:54 PM

©1996 Kazuki Takahashi ©2014 NAS • TV TOKYO

©1996 Kazuki Takahashi ©2011 NAS • TV TOKYO

©1996 Kazuki Takahashi ©2008 NAS • TV TOKYO

©1996 Kazuki Takahashi ©2004 NAS • TV TOKYO

©1996 Kazuki Takahashi