Untitled-1 1
5/20/2016 8:38:06 AM
June 2016, Vol. 11, No. 2
ASTRA
2016 Celebrating 40 Years of Creativity for Kids pg. 80
Trends in Dolls: Something for Everyone Plus: Madame Alexander Profile
CONSTRUCTION TOYS Games: All the Right Moves pg. 63
contents | 06/16 Volume 11, No. 2
Features
Departments
24 Construction Toys: Building for the Future
6 Observations & Opinions
by Nancy Lombardi
26 Construction: Product Presentation
by Nancy Lombardi
28 Games: All the Right Moves
by Jennifer Lynch
30 Games: Product Presentation
by Jennifer Lynch
32 Dolls: Something for Everyone
by Nancy Lombardi
Superhero Dolls Are Latest Trend by Nancy Lombardi
36 Diversity in Dolls
10 Industry News 14 Industry Forum: Toy Industry Association 16 Industry Forum: ASTRA 18 Industry Forum: Design Edge 20 Brand Profile: Project MC2 22 Company Profile: Madame Alexander Doll Co.
34 Girls to the Rescue:
8 Trending
82 Calendar of Events
On this Page
by Nancy Lombardi
42 ASTRA Marketplace & Academy 2016
From the top left: Mattel’s DC Super Hero Girls Action Doll Assortment; Imperial’s Finding Dory Bubble Machine; Craftivity Trendy Tank from Creativity for Kids; The Bridge Direct’s Retro Strawberry Shortcake and Huckleberry Pie with pets; Zing’s Wet Head; K’NEX’s Mighty Makers World Travels
80 Specialty Emporium:
On the Cover
38 Dolls: Product Presentation
by Nancy Lombardi
40 Bubbles: Product Presentation
by Jennifer Lynch
by Nancy Lombardi
Creativity for Kids by Nancy Lombardi
Celebrating 40 Years!
page 63
LICENSING
64 Licensing Show 2016 compiled by Jennifer Lynch
TFE cover: Toys “R” Us exclusive Madame Alexander Middleton Doll Adoption Baby Carrier Cover by Jennifer Lynch TFE Licensing cover: An assortment of licensed products from The World of Eric Carle, which is represented by The Joester Loria Group. Cover by Jennifer Lynch
tfe
Observations & Opinions aNbMedia.com
Classic Play Is Trending by
Bob Glaser
T
his issue of TFE showcases many of the industry’s most classic categories. There’s games, bubbles, dolls, construction, a 40th anniversary profile of Creativity for Kids, a look at the Madame Alexander Doll Company as well as coverage of the ASTRA Marketplace & Academy. These categories are some of the oldest in the industry and some of the most basic play patterns, dating back to the early foundation of play. Yet these are also some of the hottest categories in toys today. How is it that in today’s tech-savvy world, the classics are what’s trending? There may be a host of answers to that question. Many say we are in the midst of a tech backlash. Parents know that tech literacy is extremely important for success in today’s world and in the workplace of tomorrow. But parents are also keenly aware that monitoring their child’s screen time is equally important. The message is everything in moderation. Others says that parents—dads in particular—are spending more time playing with their kids. Naturally, adults gravitate toward favorites from their own childhood to share with their kids—LEGO fits this bill, for example. Combine the above with the Toy Industry Association’s Genius of Play initiative. Adults are learning just how important all types of play are to a child’s development. They are recognizing that a toy purchase is an investment in fun, learning, and quality time well spent with family. Mix all of these factors together and the classics continue to thrive. But the most important factor is the kids. No one is forcing them to blow bubbles, play with Lincoln Logs, or sit down for some arts and crafts or a board game with grandparents. Kids know it’s fun and, unbeknownst to them, learning just happens to be mixed in along the way. These principals will certainly be on display at the ASTRA Marketplace & Academy this month. TFE’s coverage of the show starts on page 42. We look forward to seeing you at the show. Thank you to those who participated in a successful TTPM Spring Showcase on April 28. To see pictures of this year’s event, turn to page 10. The TTPM Holiday Showcase is scheduled for Thursday, October 6 in New York City. Email me at bob@ttpm.com for more information on how to reach the top media this holiday season by exhibiting.
6 tfe June 2016
June 2016 • Volume 11, No. 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 Kimberly Mosley, Matt Nuccio, Justin Smulison Public Relations Representative Josslynne Welch Litzky Public Relations, 320 Sinatra Drive, Hoboken, NJ 07030 (201) 222–9118 ext. 13 • jwelch@litzkypr.com Interested in a Subscription? Contact Mary Grogan at Mary@TTPM.com aNb Media, Inc. 229 West 28th Street, Suite 401, New York, NY 10001 Phone: (646) 763–8710 • Fax: (646) 763–8727
Toys & Family Entertainment (TFE) is published three times per year by aNb Media. Copyright 2016 aNb Media. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photography, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher. Printed in the U.S.A. TFE, TFE Licensing, and Specialty Emporium are registered trademarks of aNb Media. Opinions and comments expressed in this publication by editors, contributing writers, or solicited or unsolicited documents are not necessarily those of management.
WE’RE NOT JUST A BRAND Untitled-1 1
5/19/2016 9:42:26 AM
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 seven days, updated every
24 hours. Here is the list, in trending order, on May 19.
3 1 Marvel Captain America: Civil War Hot Wheels Character Car Five-Pack
2
Hyper Toss (2)
4
Moose Toys
Mattel
BuggaLoop (3) MEGA Bloks Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Out of the Shadows Battle Truck
Ravensburger
MEGA Bloks
Porsche 911 Carrera S Body Shop (1) Playmobil
Quadrone Omega Quadrones
The Amazing Spider-Man Mega Blaster Web Shooter Hasbro
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Out of the Shadows City Sewer Lair Playset
Finding Dory Coffee Pot Playset
Playmates Toys
Zuru
My Little Pony Fluttershy Friendship Charm Wings
LEGO The Angry Birds Piggy Plane Attack
Hasbro
LEGO
Ghostbusters Patty Tolan Action Figure
Star Wars: The Force Awakens Big Figs Rey (4)
Mattel
Jakks Pacific
Finding Dory Swimming Dory
4-in-1 Step ‘n Play Piano
The Disney Store
Fisher-Price
Ghostbusters Slimer
Disney Frozen Olaf’s in Trouble Game
Mattel
Hasbro
8 tfe June 2016
WE’RE A MOVEMENT Untitled-1 1
5/19/2016 9:43:40 AM
tfe
Industry News
Here’s a Recap of Industry Headlines
• For More News, Visit aNbMedia.com • Sign up to Receive FREE News Alerts on aNbMedia.com
Exhibitor Photos from TTPM’s Spring Media Showcase
TTPM.com (that’s us!) hosted its annual TTPM Spring Showcase in New York City on April 28. The crowded one-day press event highlighted the top trends and innovations for spring and summer play. With the event falling on Bring Your Child to Work Day, this year’s guest list include more than 100 kids who spent the day playing. This year’s event also included pet product manufacturers. Visit TTPM.com for the list of Most Wanted hot toys that fall under the following categories: Summer Flicks in the Toy Aisle, Toys for the Outdoors, Hot Brands for Summer Fun, and Summer Play for Pets. Shown here, and on page 12, are just a few exhibitor tables before the event began. TTPM’s Holiday Showcase is set for Thursday, October 6 in New York City. For more information about participating in the event to reach key media, contact Bob Glaser at bob@ttpm.com or Donna Moore at donna@ttpm.com.
Little Kids
Bandai
Blip Toys
Corolle
Uncle Milton
Haywire Group
Nickelodeon
10 tfe June 2016
Hasbro
TOMY
AND OUR FANS MAKE US. COME SEE US IN BOOTH #D170 AT LICENSING EXPO JUNE 21-23, 2016 AND LET’S GET STARTED.
Untitled-1 1
5/19/2016 9:44:54 AM
tfe
Industry News
Here’s a Recap of Industry Headlines
• TTPM’s Spring Media Showcase—Exhibitor Tables Before the Event Opened
Moose Toys
Insect Lore
Jakks Pacific
Jazwares
Just Play
LEGO
Mattel’s Hot Wheels in back and LeapFrog in front
Playmates Toys
Spin Master
Zing Toys
TPF Toys
Super Impulse Toys
12 tfe June 2016
tfe
Industry Forum
TIA’s Steve Pasierb Talks Licensing by Justin
Steve Pasierb
Smulison, Toy Industry Association acters, the gang from Bikini Bottom, and those Angry Birds were staring me down at each trade show—everything from plush to collectible figures, sippy cups, games, and building sets.
The Toy Industry Association’s (TIA) Justin Smulison recently spoke with Steve Pasierb, president of the TIA, for an update on the licensing industry. Here are some excerpted responses. How is licensing shaping the toy industry? Licensed products are a vital and positive force in the toy industry. Here in the U.S., licensing accounts for nearly 30 percent of all toy sales. Growth will continue and likely accelerate as new and classic characters, entertainment properties, and brands resonate with audiences and spur the creation of innovative toys and games. Licenses draw from all corners of American culture, as well as world cultures, and therefore have tremendous global influence. The most successful properties seamlessly cross multiple platforms so fans can continually engage with their favorite characters and stories while they play. A great recent example is Angry Birds. It was one of the most popular mobile games of all time—with more than a billion downloads—and inspired lines of toys, gifts, home products, and its own movie. There have been other movies based on video games before, but it takes a special type of property to start as an app-based game, transition to toy, adapt to film screen, and back again. I attended the major international trade shows this past year and Minions, Frozen char-
14 tfe June 2016
What are some top-selling licensed categories and areas of the past year? Action figures and dolls experienced the highest dollar growth in the first quarter of this year according to NPD, and big-screen adaptations—particularly those based on comic books and major movie franchises—are drivers in those categories. There’s a healthy competition between the film studios now that influences how comic book properties take shape in the form of new toys. Action figures have improved articulation points and costumes that make collecting fun, while the larger accessories like shape-changing shields and voice-modulating masks also provide fantastic opportunities for roleplay. Now that there’s an established continuity within comics’ film universes, it will enable manufacturers to collaborate on a long-term basis and ultimately drive the sales of their products. A similar theme continues with Star Wars, which has again proven its longevity. It has been a big seller every year and thanks to the success of The Force Awakens, the stage is set for more wonderful stories to be told through films, toys, and games to a new generation of fans. When exciting properties hit the screen one after another like they will this summer, it’s fuel for toymakers to keep producing exciting new toys that encourage play. With so many new properties coming to market, how can brands maintain their relevance?
Characters’ and brands’ popularity can be cyclical. We’re seeing the return of some old favorites impacting the market. Licensors and licensees are realizing they can be innovative while remaining true enough to the original characters and brands to attract audiences. This will ensure that returning fans, like parents and grandparents, will introduce them to the children in their lives. The saying that “what’s old shall become new again” certainly applies to the toy industry. Stretch Armstrong won a best “New” Toy of the Year Award at the London Toy Fair. That’s a 40-year-old product reemerging with a slight redesign reflecting its 1970s beginnings. I’ve met lots of adults who see the character and say, “I remember Stretch, my kid would love him!” Now a whole new generation of kids can see how far they can stretch him and how many knots they can tie. A new Stretch Armstrong TV show in development will also expand the brand, no pun intended. The licensing world is exciting. LIMA president Charles Riotto and his team really have their fingers on the pulse of what’s driving this sector. We at TIA share many members who look forward to LIMA’s Licensing Expo each June, where we can see what other properties—both the new and the familiar—could be hot in the future. I love the idea of TIA and LIMA doing more together in the future and learning from our individual expertise. (Editor’s note: Licensing Expo will move from its usual spot in June to May in 2017. The dates are May 23–25, 2017.) Visit toyassociation.org and licensingexpo.com for more information. Justin Smulison is content developer/communications specialist for TIA.
tfe
Industry Forum
Where The Ideas Are: Tapping ASTRA’s Network to Grow Your Business
T by
Kimberly Mosley, ASTRA
he eighth annual Flea Market is prominently featured on the events schedule of The Learning Tree stores—and on the calendars of dozens of families in the Kansas City, Mo. area. Neighborhood kids round up their gently used toys and “buy” a Flea Market booth, where they price, merchandise, and sell those outgrown toys. The event is marketed all over town. Kids get Learning Tree gift certificates equal to their booth “rental” fee that they can spend in the store after the Flea Market. The Learning Tree collects all the unsold toys and donates all items of quality to organizations that distribute them to kids in need. It’s a fun and media-friendly Saturday morning traffic-building concept that leaves Learning Tree customers feeling great. “It is wonderful to think about the tons of toys we have helped find new homes over the years,” says Jonny Girson, owner of The Learning Tree. “Parents love that we encourage their kids to sort through toys they no longer play with and also learn a little bit about the value of money.”
ASTRA: Source of Ideas You Can Use While moms and dads are appreciating The Learning Tree, Girson is appreciating his colleagues in the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA). He got the Flea Market idea from a fellow retailer during a round table networking session at an ASTRA Marketplace & Academy. One of the most valuable resources an association gives its members can be access to
16 tfe June 2016
other members—experienced professionals who can help each other solve business challenges. Year after year, when ASTRA asks its members which membership benefits they value over all others, it is the networking opportunities that are ranked at the top of the list. This should be no surprise. ASTRA works hard to attract the most successful, most creative, and most promising independent toy retailers in the business. Ways to Get Ideas from ASTRA Colleagues How can you access the expertise, collegiality, and enduring friendships that are a hallmark of effective ASTRA networking? There are several ways to jump into the conversation: • ASTRA’s Marketplace & Academy is the year’s largest gathering of the specialty toy industry. Translation: ideas galore. “At Marketplace & Academy, there’s a rich resource of retail information at every table, in every chair, at every booth,” says Mary Sisson, owner of Kazoodles in Vancouver, Wash. “It’s a matter of striking up conversations and keeping my listening ears open.” • Toy Fair is another venue for sharing expertise about the retail business and about specific products. ASTRA facilitates networking at Toy Fair through our “Share the Fair” event, which gives retailers a quick way to learn from each other about promising new products. • ASTRA Connect, our new online community, includes discussion groups as a forum for gaining insights on how to handle tough business challenges and for sharing information about products and manufacturers. • ASTRA’s Member Directory is a valuable business tool that gives members access to each
other through telephone or email. Sisson says she finds ASTRA Connect useful for general business discussions and frequently emails, Kimberly Mosley texts, or calls ASTRA colleagues—especially those in her region—with specific questions. Girson says he frequently reaches out directly to trusted ASTRA friends and also makes the most of his time at Marketplace & Academy to connect and share. ASTRA Friends: Supportive and Priceless One of Sisson’s favorite ASTRA “steals” came from the 2007 ASTRA Marketplace & Academy. “Every year we invite our customers to come in and pose for pictures with their favorite toy,” she says. “With parent permission on a photo release, we use the photos in our marketing throughout the year.” Voilá: high customer engagement, affordable but adorable photography of children with developmentally appropriate products in various categories, and another way to build a community of customers. Sisson says every aspect of her store has been impacted by ideas from ASTRA colleagues. “This is the most supportive group of people you could ever hope to find in business,” says Sisson. Girson agrees. “Collectively the best idea(s) by far that I’ve taken from networking are the thousands of product suggestions which have helped shape our stores,” he says. “I cannot imagine where I would be today without my ASTRA connections. Then to that you have to add the friendships I’ve made. Priceless.” Kimberly Mosley is president of the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA).
Untitled-1 1
5/18/2016 11:49:23 AM
tfe
Industry Forum
I
Conveying Your Brand’s Message by
Matt Nuccio, Design Edge
f Shakespeare’s Juliet believed that, “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet,” I wouldn’t hire her to design a logo. Since the dawn of civilization, mankind has used a variety of symbols to identify ownership. Throughout the world, coins donning insignias, detailed crests, and instantly identifiable flags have come to symbolize centuries of country pride, family heritage, religious affiliations, and political power. From these traditions evolved today’s grandest symbol of recognition, the company logo. Today, logos have come to define modern culture. Mammoth corporations such as AT&T, Coca-Cola, IBM, Apple, Nike, and Walmart all have instantly recognizable logos that are synonymous with their respective company’s products and services. We, as a society, have come to incorporate logos into culture. Among the most successful of these logos are those that can identify a company without so much as one letter of the company’s name. How does a corporation achieve such a strong iden-
Have extra inventory?
Donate it to K.I.D.S.
Your excess product can put smiles on faces!
Donating your excess apparel, shoes, toys, books and juvenile products can provide your company with a generous tax deduction and and replace despair with dignity. Fill out the donation form online at www.KIDSdonations.org or call 1-800-266-3314.
tity? Let’s take the classic Nike “Swoosh” for example. That “Swoosh” is such a successful a symbol that it stands on its own. Why? Because that “Swoosh” denotes speed and swiftness. It instantly conveys the brand’s story. Logos, like people, can be attractive or ugly. And, finding that perfect way to express the meaning of a product or corporation can be an extremely treacherous journey. One way to start is to write your name on paper or type it out to get a feel for its visual form. Look at how the letters flow. The shapes and weights of a typeface are very important. The same word written in several different typefaces can visually denote a variety of attitudes from calm to aggressive. It is important to study the shape of each letter to see if there are any ways to exploit the natural shape of the letters to better convey their message. Can any of those letters be molded into shapes? Perhaps if you manufacture tires and you have an “O” in your name, an obvious design choice would be to turn that “O” into a wheel or it could subtly understate the motion of a wheel into that “O” shape. A proper logo needs to convey a personality for a company. Adding literal meaning like a wheel into a logo is not the only way to define a personality. Encapsulating typography within a shape or color that echoes the beliefs of an industry is a very effective method. If you’re designing within the aerospace industry, for example, you may want harder lines and sharp angles to convey a sense of power, cutting-edge ideas, forward-thinking, and advancing technology. Compare that with a design for a doll company’s logo where light lines and soft shapes will tell the story of caring, love, and kindness. Whether designing a logo for a Fortune 500 corporation, the latest brand of dog biscuits, or for a software start-up in your garage, the bottom line is simple: a good logo needs to have as much true personality as possible. It’s the designer’s job to create a lasting mark that can represent the client properly. Make sure to keep the product or marketplace in mind and design within or directly on its boundaries. A good logo stands the test of time, sometimes outliving the very company it was created for. So make sure it fits well, because if, “A rose by any other name” happens to look like a skull it might be time to fire Juliet from your design team. Design Edge is a New York-based graphic design and research development studio. Matt Nuccio can be reached at (516) 377–0500 or matt@designedge.net.
18 tfe June 2016
Explore, discover and play... one pirouette at a time!
where imagination is limitless!
Pacific Play Tents, Inc. | 2801 E. 12th Street, Los Angeles CA 90023 | pacificplaytents.com Toll Free 877.722.0083 | Main Line 323.269.0431 Untitled-1 1
5/17/2016 2:37:05 PM
tfe
Brand Profile
MGA Entertainment’s Project MC2
G by
Nancy Lombardi
irls are learning that Smart Is the New Cool with MGA Entertainment’s Project MC2. The liveaction Netflix series, produced by DreamWorks’ AwesomenessTV and MGA, launched in August 2015. It promotes STEAM learning in a fun way that engages girls. Netflix announced in April that the series was renewed for two additional seasons. The second season will launch on August 12 with the third season planned for later this fall. In the interim, new content appears weekly on youtube.com/projectmc2. In the series, McKeyla, Adrienne, Bryden, and Camryn are four super smart and science-skilled girls recruited to join the spy organization, NOV8 (pronounced “innovate”). MGA released a doll line in fall 2015 with deluxe versions paired with a science experiment for the girls to work on. MGA also introduced science kits such as Circuit Beats (shown on opposite page), the Lie Detector, and Atomic Mixer, where kids can make their own fizzy candy. MGA currently has licensees for the brand with more coming on board later this year. Shown on the opposite page are some of the current licensed products as well as MGA’s proprietary products. Current licensees not featured on the opposite page include Evy of California for fashion apparel and sportswear. There are T-shirts currently available at Walmart and expanding to other retailers later this year. Hybrid Apparel has the license for fashion tops. The company created T-shirts and tanks that are currently exclusive to Target. The upcoming slate includes Komar Kids, which will launch pajamas at Kohl’s stores nationwide and on kohls.com this fall. ACCO Brands is the back to school/stationery licensee. The company is in development on its product line, which will debut for the 2017 season. Some of the items in development include notebooks/memo books, portfolios/folders, composition books, binders, pencil pouches, book covers/sleeves, and more. Canal Toys will be launching activity portfolios in the U.S. and Canada this holiday season. Berkshire Fashion has the license for hats and other cold weather accessories. Elan Polo International will create footwear. Sakar International has the rights for electronics. Accessory Innovations has the rights to create bags, backpacks, and lunch totes. This fall the company is launching backpacks at Toys “R” Us.
20 tfe June 2016
Fast Facts Project MC2 is the live-action series airing on Netflix. Created to promote STEAM education that’s fun, it is centered around a fictional organization called NOV8 (pronounced “innovate”), which is a highly secretive group of female operatives. The main characters, shown counterclockwise in doll form above from MGA, include: • McKeyla McAlister—the lead girl and an agent of NOV8 • Adrienne Attoms—the culinary chemist • Camryn Coyle—the engineer with a high IQ • Bryden Bandweth—the tech junkie Isaac Larian, CEO of MGA Entertainment, graduated from California State University in Los Angeles in the 1970s with a degree in civil engineering. He has said that there were very few women in his graduating class. The goal of this brand is to pique girls’ interests in STEAM fields. The Project MC2 brand is growing in the following ways: • New video content is posted weekly to youtube.com/projectmc2. These original two to three minute videos serve as a lead up to the premiere of season 2 on Netflix on August 12. • MGA’s social campaign video “Nerds are Cool” #NAC was released on Pi Day (3/14). • The brand expanded into Barnes & Noble with an endcap earlier this spring. • Project MC2 rolls out to new international markets this year.
In addition to a robust lineup of licensees, MGA is also creating a line of products for Project MC2. There is a Doll with Experiment line as well as separate science experiment kits. Shown here is Circuit Beats. Complete an electrical circuit to turn bananas into a piano. Select five different sound options—piano, drums, guitar, cat sounds, or record your own. Wear the cat’s ears speaker headband to broadcast your beats. Rather than using bananas for this experiment, kids can also substitute a flower, glass of water, scoop of ice cream, or try just about anything else. • There are seven kits in Alex Brands’ Scientific Explorer line featuring Project MC2. The four newest kits include Grow Crystal Chemistry set (shown), Circuit Board Room Light, Way to Glow Science, and We Heart Chemistry. Girls can develop their STEAM skills through these hands-on, interactive experiments. • Shown on the top right is MGA’s line of dolls. • Accessory Innovations offers this 16-inch nylon backpack. It features a large main compartment and front pockets. There are adjustable straps and cool graphics. • Macmillan Publishing launched Smart Is the New Cool at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and Toys “R” Us this spring. Based on the Netflix series, the book features the key characters and includes science experiments. • Horizon Group’s Lip Balm Lab allows girls to learn the science behind making lip balm. Follow the instructions to create, mix, and stack five lip balms.
June 2016 tfe 21
tfe
Company Profile
: Love Is in the Details
T by Jennifer
Lynch
he Madame Alexander Doll Company is a self-described 93-years young brand in the toy indusMadame Beatrice Alexander try. And when you look back at the brand’s history and where it’s at today, it’s an accurate assessment. Its current offerings and brand strategy are a mix of old and new, combining the time-honored details of its doll lines with new treatments to appeal to today’s kids and their millennial moms. While many in the doll aisle typically associate the brand with its high-end and coveted Kids can expand the play of Middleton Dolls with online birth collectible dolls—which are still an announcements and a baby registry for their dolls. important piece of the business—in 2015 the company refreshed and rebranded to bringing it forward to a new generation of moms create a more cohesive look across its lines: at a better price-point that also casts a wider Baby, Play, and Collector. net,” says Cygielman. This August, these typi“Today we’re thought of as a collectible cally high-end, weighted baby dolls will launch brand but when the company launched it was in a new TRU-exclusive collection at an opening focused on being a play brand,” says Jamie Cy- price-point of MSRP $39.99, featuring various gielman, general manager/executive vice-presi- skin tones, eye colors, and ethnicities. (This is in dent of Madame Alexander. “So we went back contrast with the Middleton Newborn Nursery to that and a couple of other key things Madame dolls that retail in specialty for $100). said, such as ‘Love is in the details.’ And it’s This new addition also harkens back to Masomething we very much take to heart.” dame’s commonly held belief that dolls should For Madame Alexander, this all starts with be played with and loved. “We specifically its Baby line, which it views as a child’s first engineered the products to delight without dihandshake with its dolls and classic nurturing luting,” says Cygielman. This new line seeks baby doll play. The overall packaging for this to bring the best features of its high-end Midline now carries over the classic teal-and-pink dleton dolls to the masses, while maintaining polka dot color scheme seen in Madame’s Col- its quality. This includes the Middleton sculpt, lector line. But perhaps the most notable change weighted bottom/real-baby feel, and modern comes through in its Middleton Doll collection. layette fashions. The collection will launch “We took this heritage doll line and we are with its Adoption Baby as well as an Adoption
22 tfe June 2016
Essentials line, which includes a carrier and fashion and play packs. Madame Alexander has always put the consumer at the center of the play experience. But the way consumers engage and interact with a brand’s content has changed, and Madame is evolving with that to stay connected. Licensing plays a key role in this strategy. Licensing has always contributed to Madame Alexander’s success from the beginning. In the 1930s, it was the first doll company to introduce dolls based on licensed characters, and Madame herself signed a deal with Walt Disney to serve as one of Disney’s first licensees for Snow White. Today, the company continues to serve as a premium licensee for brands such as Disney and DC Comics, but now it’s looking at new ways to reimagine these brands as well as seeking out emerging properties. This year, the company reimagined DC Comics super villains, such as Harley Quinn, the Joker, and the Penguin, as runway-ready fashion models with its DC Fashion Squad. The company will also unveil at Licensing Show its newest partnership to serve as master toy and doll licensee for an allnew tween-targeted girls property, which will launch digitally. Taking a page from its history of always being tapped into what’s happening in entertainment, the company is now migrating to where consumers are consuming that content today, which is digitally. “Madame Alexander has stood the test of time and now we’re focused on bringing our message and our quality to a larger audience and igniting that passion for a new set of consumers,” says Cygielman.
“Dolls are made to be played with and loved.”
Construction Toys: Building for the Future
O by
Nancy Lombardi
ne of the hottest categories in the toy industry continues to be construction. A number of societal trends are intersecting, putting this seemingly simple category in the spotlight. There is the continued focus on STEM/STEAM education, which ties into the importance of attracting girls into the category. Yet, at the same time, there is a tech backlash as parents realize their kids need balanced activities away from the screen. That notion has fueled the Maker Movement, which is popular with both kids and adults. All of these components are coming together in the form of great new products in the construction aisle.
difference from other construction sets is the mix-and-match play, says Dan Meyer, marketing manager for the C3 Construction line. He says that girls can build out the Shopkins playsets and characters any way they choose—even creating Shopkins mashups. Mattel’s American Girl division is teaming up with its MEGA Bloks division for a line of products for girls, ages 8 and up. The building sets and fully articulated mini figures are based on American Girl’s Girl of the Year characters, including past favorites Grace, Isabelle, Saige, McKenna, and Nicki. The line is currently exclusive to Toys “R” Us in the U.S. and Canada and will be widely available at retail on July 1.
Girls Just Wanna Build
Career Development for Kids
LEGO Friends, which was introduced in 2012, has been the catalyst for change across this category. At that time, LEGO addressed the lack of options for girls in the category and acknowledged that boys made up 90 percent of its users. Prior to the LEGO Friends launch, LEGO tried other products for girls over the decades. But those introductions were not as comprehensive or as well thought out as LEGO Friends. The success of that line has lead to the addition of other girl-focused products such as LEGO Elves, which was introduced in March 2015. Since the success of LEGO Friends, other manufacturers now have products targeting girls. K’NEX has the Mighty Makers, which is a line of products developed internally by a team of women. With this line, girls learn STEM concepts as they build sets and follow the adventures of the included figure. There are seven, ethnically diverse characters to choose from. The Bridge Direct licensed Shopkins for its C3 Construction line. The company’s point of
24 tfe June 2016
This new focus on girls entering the construction category and STEM fields has spawned the launch of companies with innovative products. These companies are hybrids of construction play and electronics. The first was Goldie Blox, whose mission is to get girls building. Then there’s Roominate, acquired by PlayMonster (formerly Patch Products) in January, which is a customizable line of wired building systems for girls. “We bring together a lot of different ways that girls like to play,” says Alice Brooks, cofounder of Roominate. “There is construction, crafts, and doll play.” Goldie Blox and Roominate are companies that were launched by women with the aim of guiding a young girl’s interest in STEM concepts. LightUp and littleBits have the same goal but their products are gender neutral. LightUp, profiled in the February issue of TFE, offers the Edison and Tesla kits, which teach coding. In a similar vein is littleBits, which is an easyto-use platform of electronic building blocks. It
is at the intersection of construction, electronics, and maker products, according to Nitin Bhargava, director of channel sales for littleBits. He explains that while the company was founded by a female engineer, they know there are not enough engineers out there—male or female. The company hopes that its products will spark an interest in kids. “It’s important to reduce the intimidation layers in technology,” says Bhargava. “We have to make it really easy for everyone to participate in the technology that is around them. The world is moving fast. Everyone is surrounded by phones, tablets, and computers and it is important to understand how these things work. It is important to do this at the school and home level especially now as we train kids for the careers of tomorrow.”
Revisiting the Classics
The purpose of incorporating STEM concepts in toys is to prepare kids for the high-tech workforce of tomorrow. While there certainly are a lot of amazing, new high-tech toys that focus on STEM, some of the best STEM toys have been here all along—the industry’s classics. There’s LEGO, MEGA Bloks, and K’NEX. Lincoln Logs and Tinkertoys are two of the oldest and most basic choices for play. K’NEX, which licenses both brands from Hasbro, is celebrating the 100th anniversary of Lincoln Logs this year. Tinkertoys is 102 years old. Meccano, now part of Spin Master, is more than 110 years old and, of course, basic wooden blocks are even older than that. This type of basic building play offers the chance for a “digital detox” that so many parents are seeking for their kids, according to LEGO’s Mike Moynihan, vicepresident of marketing.
The Maker Movement
With so much of the focus on coding and engineering, an interesting combination blending old and new activities is the Maker Movement. It continues to attract families and doesn’t show any sign of slowing down. “The interest is kid-driven,” says Andres Garza, staff designer for Spin Master’s Meccano and core designer for Meccanoid. “Kids want something that is uniquely their own and special.” Garza says Spin Master is seeing evidence of this in schools, in after-school programs, and in community events. Spin Master participates in the Maker Faires in New York and Los Angeles with its Meccano brand, which is building with real tools, nuts, and bolts. The Maker Movement was started by Maker Media, which publishes Make: magazine. The company launched Maker Faire in 2006 in the Bay Area. The company describes it as “part science fair, part county fair, and part something entirely new. It is an all-ages gathering of tech enthusiasts, crafters, educators, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, science clubs, authors, artists, students, and commercial exhibitors.” Currently, there are Faires of various sizes globally. (Visit makerfaire.com for more information.)
Rising Price Points
It may seem that consumers these days shop based solely on price, especially when they can so easily comparison shop online. But the fact is consumers do spend more money on a quality toy with quality play experience—especially in this category. “One of the lessons from The Great Recession that lingers is that people want to buy quality that lasts,” says Michael Araten, president and CEO of K’NEX. “That plays well for the building toy category.” LEGO’s Moynihan agrees. “Parents are not
necessarily focused on price as they are on the quality of the play experience.” He says that LEGO has always had strong growth in its higher priced sets and that was true during the Great Recession and remains steady now. Alex Brands’ Zoob has had the same experience. The company is experiencing success with its Zoobatron (MSRP $200) and Builderz Deluxe Set (MSRP $100).
Content Is King
Part of that play experience focuses on content. Immersive entertainment experiences are offering kids richer relationships with properties. It is a given that a property now has a website, social media outreach, a YouTube channel, apps, and much more. This keeps the property in front of kids yet it is done on their terms as they choose the outlet and amount of time they spend with the property. This helps fuel sales across many categories in the industry. With Shopkins, for example, “there is a ton of content so girls can keep returning and understanding who the characters are, the story, and the whole world of Shopkins,” says The Bridge Direct’s Meyer. “It’s a huge complementary piece to it.” But perhaps what’s more important than content generated by the licensor is content generated by fans. “People get particularly passionate about the construction category,” says Meyer. “So you see a lot of YouTubers or brand influencers on Instagram showing what they can build and all the different ways to customize. It’s great for us.” In addition to Shopkins, The Bridge Direct also has the license for WWE and the NBA for its C3 Construction line. Meyer explains that this user-generated content is great not just for The Bridge, but for the category and industry overall. It’s user-generated so it builds an organic,
valid awareness and endorsement of brands, products, and play patterns. LEGO’s Moynihan agrees. “YouTube is a space where many of our biggest fans have become really big advocates and it has helped us.” Today’s construction category offers the perfect mix of digital detox while preparing kids for the 21st century workforce. There are products specifically for boys and others specifically for girls. And there are countless products that are gender neutral. It’s online and offline play. These dichotomies sum up how today’s trends are culminating to make this a successful category.
Playmobil and the NHL
In June 2015, Playmobil partnered with the National Hockey League (NHL) to produce a line of NHL toys. The first NHL playsets launched in October 2015 for the start of the season. The initial Playmobil NHL figures focused on the Original Six franchises–Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, and Toronto Maple Leafs. There’s a player and goalie figure for each respective team. At this year’s Toy Fair, Playmobil announced that the line is expanding to include the Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota Wild, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, Ottawa Senators, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Vancouver Canucks, Washington Capitals, and Winnipeg Jets. The line, which launched in April, includes both player and goalie figures. Additional sets featuring NHL rivalry packs, Stanley Cup Presentation, Score Clock with Referees, and an NHL Advent Calendar will be available this fall.
June 2016 tfe 25
Construction Mixing Digital Detox, STEM-Focused Toys, and Girl Power by
Nancy Lombardi
This classic category continues to perform well as parents look for products that offer their kids a bit of digital detox with STEM learning built in. In addition, products targeting girls are growing by leaps and bounds.
Magformers partnered with Nickelodeon for a line of magnetic building kits for preschoolers inspired by Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Once the structure is built, the magnets stick together forming 3-D structures from a 2-D design. The line features three sets at varying price points: 18 pieces with four Turtle cards; 38 pieces with eight Turtle cards; and 60 pieces with 12 Turtle cards. • Playmobil added 12 more teams to its NHL-licensed product line, which launched last fall with the Original Six NHL teams. In the line for this fall are NHL Rivalry Packs, Stanley Cup Presentation Set, Score Clock with Referees, and an NHL Holiday Advent Calendar. Shown here is the New York Rangers from the Original Six release. • Jakks Pacific’s Real Construction Deluxe Workshop is a foam set that looks like real wood for kids to build eight projects. The set includes tools, material, fasteners, nails, screws, and a project book. • K’NEX’s Mighty Makers line is designed for girls. The Mighty Makers World Travels Building Set features story-based building instructions that teach geography concepts. This is a multi-model set that features ideas for more than 13 builds with more than 417 pieces, including a buildable Ava figure and red panda named Bamboo. Models are to be built one at a time. • Alex Brands’ Zoob Builderz Deluxe S.T.E.M. Challenge has 300 pieces and 35 challenges with multiple solutions.
26 tfe June 2016
LEGO Elves Fire Dragon’s Lava Cave is part of the extensive LEGO Elves theme targeting girls. There is a product line, online videos, and an app. • Meccano Micronoid from Spin Master takes the programming and personality of Meccanoid to a more accessible level in both price and building. Available this fall, it features directional control, learned-intelligent movement programming, beat detection, dancing mode, and responds to yes/no questions. When Micronoids are placed together, they can communicate with each other. • littleBits’ STEAM Student Set is designed for classroom or other group use because it can serve one to four students. There are eight challenges and additional companion lessons. It comes with a Student Invention Guide and Teacher’s Guide. It’s designed in partnership with educators to incorporate NGSS and Common Core in curriculum. • The Bridge Direct’s C3 Shopkins Kinstruction line allows kids to extend the play of this collectible craze. Shown here is the Food Truck. A Flower Stand, Burger Bistro, and Food Court all featuring Shopkins are also available. • PlayMonster’s Roominate brand is a customizable line of wired building systems. Shown here is Cotton Candy Carnival. Build and decorate the set then bring it to life with circuits and motors.
June 2016 tfe 27
Games Show Off All the Right Moves
W by Jennifer
Lynch
hen Goliath Games’ president and co-founder David Norman sat down at dinner one night and whipped out his phone to check emails, he found himself getting scolded by his teenage son’s girlfriend about screen time. Hang up and hang out, she told him. “She’s 19, and she’s giving me a lecture to unplug,” says Norman with a laugh. “But the point of the story is there’s become a backlash of technology.” Games are just one of the toy categories offering a solution through a classic form of play. The games aisle is truly a space that has something for everyone. And it’s not just a certain genre of games that’s flourishing but multiple sub-genres. Whereas in previous years, preschool games perhaps offered the most growth potential, a willingness from retailers to expand offerings in the aisle and an eagerness from consumers to invest has led to more opportunity for all game makers to grab a piece of the pie. From games with a retro influence to brain boosters to even those driven by technology, games is growing from all ends. “It’s not just one thing that’s happening,” says ThinkFun’s president and co-founder Bill Ritchie. “But these different trends are all indicative of consumers who are looking for something particular.”
GAMES WITH AN EDGE
Take one look at Amazon’s Best Seller list in the Toys and Games space, and you are sure to find Cards Against Humanity (CAH) atop the list. It’s a game that’s grown steady in popularity since it first rolled out as a Kickstarter campaign in 2011 (when Kickstarter, itself, was in its infancy). The self-proclaimed party game
28 tfe June 2016
for horrible people, it has paved the way for the trend many within the space are now referring to as games with an edge, or simply games that toe the line of what’s considered socially acceptable. CAH printer AdMagic has since secured publishing and distribution deals with other edgy games gaining popularity such as Suddenly Drunk (under its Breaking Games label) and Exploding Kittens. PlayMonster has also served up edgier versions of its games with The Game of Nasty Things and 5 Second Rule Uncensored. But as Lisa Wuennemann, PlayMonster’s Master Marketing Monster, says “it’s important that these games have a fun and quality game engine, and aren’t just dirty for the sake of being dirty.” Later this year, Hasbro plans to launch adult versions of its party game brands Taboo, Trivial Pursuit, and Cranium for consumers 18 and up, says Jonathan Berkowitz, senior vice-president of marketing for Hasbro Gaming. This sub-category of games also plays into the opportunities to reach the millennial tabletop gamer, which have shown to invest their money more in experiences they can share with friends and family. Again, in response to that backlash from the screen, this breed of tabletop gamers is uniquely positioned as both the first generation of digital natives and young parents who influence the game purchases of their own game-playing children today.
MILLENNIALS SIGNAL TRENDS
Young millennials parents, specifically, are a key piece to unlocking game trends. They are nostalgic for the games they grew up with but also have a keen understanding of the role technology plays in their own children’s future. Here is where both the trend of STEM-based games
and resurgence of classic games emerge in the aisle. In seeking to play a more active role in their children’s development, these parents are looking for games that offer educational value while also getting kids up and moving. STEM is an overall trend across categories and it’s one that has also made its way into the games aisle. “There’s a lot of alignment in the world of parents, teachers, and even kids that playing games can be fun for learning,” says ThinkFun’s COO and co-founder Andrea Barthello. “It’s more in the lexicon of what people are talking about. ” When ThinkFun first launched Laser Maze (a game that uses science principles with lasers and beam splitters to solve puzzles) in 2013, it was viewed as too risky for mass retailers. The buzz for STEM was building but hadn’t quite gained the traction we see today. But, through the mechanism of social media, the game gained legs, sold out within its first season in specialty and on Amazon, and now sits at a higher price point. This year the company is launching its follow-up with Circuit Maze. Similiarly, millennials have also signaled a resurgence of strategy games that’s now trickling down to family games with light strategy. Consumer games shows such as PAX in the U.S. and the annual German consumer games show, Spiel (Essen), are evidence of this. Ravensburger’s CEO Thomas Kaeppeler says less than a decade ago when he’d mention Essen to anyone in the U.S. they would look at him as if he had three heads. But today, mass buyers from retailers such as Target, Amazon, and Walmart aren’t just familiar with the show, they are attending to get first-hand impressions of what strategy games are being previewed and what consumers are reacting to. “It’s a huge trend when you look
at retail interests and consumer interests,” he says. “People in their 20s and 30s are interested in sitting down with their friends and reconnecting with them face-to-face rather than through Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat.”
THE LICENSING GAME
Licensing played a big role in the overall growth of the toy industry in 2015, with power-house properties like Star Wars leading the pack. But what’s further fueled the success of such games is an overall improved strategy to licensed games. Game makers are becoming increasingly thoughtful in taking a license and creating innovative play experiences. They recognize that a license can only take a game so far and consumers are doing their research. Wonder Forge was an early adopter of this strategy and it’s one that helped the company see growth even in years when the overall industry was down. It’s essential that “we bring these licenses to life (characters, stories, themes) through toyetic gameplay and game components that allow children to immerse themselves in the universe of their favorite characters and shows,” says Kimberley Pierce, head of marketing for Wonder Forge. Pressman also did extensive research to ensure that it captured the essence of the popular Shopkins brand in its new games. “We talked to fans, watched videos, stood in stores and watched people shop, played with the toys, worked with the licensor, and play-tested our games over and over again,” says Jeff Pinsker, president of Pressman. “If there had been adult Shopkins pajamas on the market when we invented our games, we would have worn them while we worked.” Shopkins games incorporate collectibility with exclusive characters.
SOCIALLY ACCEPTABLE
Despite the move off screens for game time, social media still has a significant impact on a game’s success at retail. “Packaging has to tell the story but we have to have told that story already before consumers get to the shelf,” says Goliath’s Norman. Word-of-mouth marketing has long played a role in the games aisle and, in a sense, social media has simply amplified its impact. Consumers are willing to spend money on games but not until they’ve done their research. “Consumers can now go to Amazon, they can go to Kickstarter, they can go to BoardgameGeek, they can go to YouTube, they can go to all these different places to get recommendations and do their research,” says ThinkFun’s Ritchie. “It’s opened up the idea of games and game playing to a community of consumers who may not ordinarily go to the toy store.” This strategy works especially well for skilland-action games where there is typically that extra component to make it more interesting and share-worthy for players. Perhaps some of the best examples of this are the recent successes of Hasbro’s Pie Face and Zing’s first segue into games, Wet Head. “The rise in popularity of games of this type can be attributed to a change in the way children—and really, adults as well—digest content and interact with one another,” says Josh Loerzel, vice-president of sales, Zing. “A game that is visually demonstrable, such as Wet Head, makes it great for sharing via video on YouTube and other social platforms. Contrast that to a traditional board game; a video of people rolling dice and swapping cards won’t be nearly as fun to watch.” Social media has also allowed the consumer to play a bigger role in the production process. Nowhere is this idea more visible than through fund-
ing platforms such as Kickstarter. Whereas when CAH originally launched on Kickstarter in 2011 funded with just $15,570 with 758 backers, a new game by its co-founder Max Temkin called Secret Hitler recently received $1.4 million in funding from more than 8,000 backers. (Secret Hitler is described as a social deduction card game for 5-10 players about finding and stopping a Secret Hitler.) Games is currently the most funded category on Kickstarter. Here, consumers can essentially give a game their stamp of approval (or disapproval), and ensure they get the quality they pay for. Sometimes this comes down to game pieces being made of wood instead of chipboard, but other times it can be how the game plays. Some publishers are even using this avenue to get just enough backing to fund a short production run to test a game’s reception and/or gain feedback from its backers to further improve a game. This is what Breaking Games, the game publishing and promotion division of game printer AdMagic Games, did for the game Circular Reasoning. “Consumers have so much more say in the development of a game,” says Shari Spiro, president of Breaking Games and AdMagic. “We had a consumer come back to us with some rule suggestions that we then implemented. Shortly thereafter, coincidence or not, it won a Mensa Award.” Of course, as Spiro and others point out these approaches to publishing are great for the market and the consumer—so long as the game is good. What defines a good game is up to the consumer. And today with a varied amount of interests, the games aisle is flush with opportunity. Social media and technology may help drive a game in ways that were previously impossible, but nothing beats classic game play done right.
June 2016 tfe 29
Games Board Games, Card Games, Skill & Action Games, & More by Jennifer
Lynch
With gains up 10.8 percent in the games/puzzles category in 2015, games is a growing area of opportunity for toy makers. Game publishers are tuning into trends to offer up more easy-to-learn strategy games, STEM-focused games, skill-and-action games, and games that appeal to the young adult consumer. Below is just a sampling of what’s new and hot in this space. Zing’s Wet Head is a game of water roulette. Fill the Wet Head helmet with water, strap it to your head, and give it a spin. Players have the option to play with the included spinner or to download the free Wet Head Challenge mobile app, available on iOS and Android. The app includes an array of trivia questions and a special recording feature. Answer the question correctly and it’s the next person’s turn. If not, give the hat a spin and pull a pin; you may get soaked. ThinkFun’s Escape the Room: Mystery at the Stargazer’s Manor turns the popular Escape the Room events, in which participants must uncover hidden objects and decipher clues to escape a locked room, into a play-at-home edition. Mystery at the Stargazer’s Manor, for ages 10 and up, tasks players to solve the mystery of the town’s well-respected astronomer and escape the room–without actually locking a door. In this timed party game, players use scene cards, sealed envelopes, and a solution wheel to solve puzzles and unlock clues before time runs outs. A second edition will launch later this year for ages 13 and up. Goliath Games’ Who Tooted? is a rip-roaring game of gassy fun, in which each player gets a whoopee cushion-shaped controller to control the flatulence. When the controllers light up, only one person can push the button to make one of 10 “toot” sound effects–the other players have to guess who did it. Can you keep a straight face? Or will your friends know that you “tooted.” This is a three to four player game for ages 6 and up.
In WonderForge’s Disney Junior The Lion Guard Boulder Burst Game, the Pride Lands are in danger of flooding and the boulder dam could burst at any time. Players must work together to add “water” balls and build the wall higher—but make sure it doesn’t come tumbling down. The game is available this fall. This is for two to four players, ages 4 and up.
30 tfe June 2016
Hasbro’s Magic: The Gathering Arena of the Planeswalkers Battle for Zendikar board game expansion pack is the first expanssion pack for the tactical board game. The game features two additional Planeswalkers: Kiora and Ob Nixilis and introduces new creatures, spell cards, and the first hero creature: the world-eating Eldrazi Ruiner. It includes a special battlefield scenario for showdowns in which players can team up against the single player controlling the Eldrazi Ruiner. Pressman’s No Freakin! Way is for the 13-and-up crowd in which players discover just how well they know their friends and relatives. Players must decide how much money—or how little—it would take for them to perform a challenge. How much would it take for you to eat gum from the bottom of a table? $1, $1 million, or No Freakin! Way? This is a two-plus player game.
Breaking Games’ Circular Reasoning is a two-to-four-player game in which players race each other to get all their tokens to the center of a circular board. The board alters itself as the game presses on, impacting how players interact with each other and how they intend to win. It is for ages 12 and up.
Qubosity from PlayMonster is the think-fast party game. Roll the big cubes to get your nine categories, such as Reasons You Call in Sick, Buffet Foods, Hotties, or Colors, and then press the timer to get a letter. Take turns naming things in a category that start with that letter. Grab the cube when you name something, but if the random timer stops on your turn, you lose the round. The game features 54 categories and 24 lettersso it’s different each time you play. It’s for two to four players ages 14 and up.
Ravensburger’s Broom Service is a card-based strategy game that combines luck, skill, and balances timely bluffing with clever hand management. A remake of Witch’s Brew, it features three roles: witches, druids, and gatherers. Drizzelda, the weather fairy, helps chase away the bad weather. Collect the most victory points after all seven rounds to win the game. This is a two to five player game for ages 10 and up. It also includes a two-player version.
June 2016 tfe 31
Dolls: Something for Everyone
T by
Nancy Lombardi
he doll category has always been uber competitive and very diverse. TFE has broken down the category into separate pieces to address all that is currently happening. Yet as these diverse themes unfold over the next few pages, a few common threads do weave the category together. • Content Is King: The integration of content into a doll line is a must. Content must be ready to reach kids in the form of apps, a website, YouTube, social media, streaming networks, and more. Girls love imaginative, offline play but they also want rich experiences with a brand online. • Diversity: Just about everyone interviewed applauded Mattel for the changes to the Barbie Fashionistas line. Announced in late January, the
MGA’S Project MC2 MGA Entertainment’s CEO Isaac Larian graduated from California State University in Los Angeles in the 1970s with a degree in civil engineering. Larian said there were two women in his graduating class. “Fast forward to 2016 and there are still very few women in engineering,” he says. MGA’s Project MC2 hopes to change that. A live-action series on Netflix produced by AwesomenessTV launched in August 2015. Netflix announced in April that the series was renewed for two additional seasons. The doll line quickly followed in fall 2015 with the deluxe versions paired with a science experiment for the girls to work on. For a full look at Project MC2, turn to page 20.
32 tfe June 2016
line now has more body types and skin tones. Those interviewed said they expected to see Barbie’s sales rise as a result of the change. But, more importantly, everyone acknowledged that it’s about time girls play with dolls that reflects today’s diverse culture. • Action Dolls: Action figure/fashion doll hybrids appeal to today’s girls. It’s no longer just about fashion. • Price Points: Consumers are spending more for something they feel has value. This seems to be happening across a number of toy industry categories. Yet, value means different things to different people. To some, it’s the latest tech features while for others it is the chance to share a retro play experience with their child. • Wholesome Looks: A wholesome look for dolls is cool. Today’s dolls are fashion-forward as are today’s kids, but in age-appropriate way. Here is a snapshot of what’s happening in the doll category. Disney Princess and Disney’s Frozen Disney Princess and Disney’s Frozen franchises continue to dominate at retail. In fall 2014, Hasbro announced a new strategic merchandising relationship with Disney Consumer Products for the Disney Princess and Frozen properties. The agreement gave Hasbro global rights (excluding Japan) to develop dolls based on Disney Princess stories and characters as well as Frozen beginning in 2016. Previously, Mattel held the license. Hasbro’s line is now making its way into stores. “Our new line really celebrates the individual stories and unique characteristics of all 11 Disney Princesses as well as Anna and Elsa from Disney’s Frozen, and offers innovative new play experiences,” says Samantha Lomow, se-
nior vice-president, Hasbro Brands. “Across the collection, the new Hasbro Disney Princess and Frozen doll lines offer fully customizable play experiences and include new unique sculpts that were created for each doll to accentuate each princess’s distinct characteristics, from full silhouette and facial features to costume detailing authentic to the original films.” She adds that beyond fashion dolls, Hasbro’s Little Kingdom small doll line offers additional smaller, stylized dolls featuring Disney Princess and Frozen characters. “The system encourages collection of not only the dolls, but also various snap-in accessories and outfits so each princess can wear different fashions throughout her stories,” she says. Jakks Pacific Jakks has seen tremendous success with Disney’s Frozen over the past few years. There was Snow Glow Elsa in 2014 and Sing-A-Long Elsa in 2015. This fall there is a new iteration of Elsa based on new content from Disney, which cannot yet be announced, according to Lisa Whitaker, senior vice-president of marketing for Disney for Jakks Pacific. She says the doll promises to be one of Jakks’ most innovative yet. In addition, Jakks is expecting success with its Ariel and Cinderella Disney Princess dolls this fall. Just Play Sofia the First is a big initiative for Just Play. There are two key dolls in the line this year. Available now is Mermaid Magic Princess Sofia. For this fall, there’s the Sofia The First Magic Dancing Sofia. Girls wave the included wand to control the doll’s dance moves. Sofia will also talk and sing.
Retro and Relevant Parents want to share play experiences from their childhood with their children. Today’s toymakers continue to tap into that nostalgia while keeping items fresh for kids. The Bridge Direct The Bridge Direct found success with a retro release of Strawberry Shortcake last year and will now build upon that strategy. This year, girls can expect to see additional characters, pets, and playsets from the 35-year-old brand. Strawberry Shortcake, which was acquired by Iconix in February 2015, is just the latest addition to The Bridge’s overall retro strategy. The company also offers View Master, Fisher-Price classic toys, and Lite Brite. “There is so much nostalgia for the original Strawberry Shortcake so it really stands out in the category,” says Jennifer England, director of marketing for The Bridge Direct. “It looks different from anything else in the aisle and that’s what draws people in.” Just Play It is the 25th anniversary of Waterbabies, which are dolls that you fill with warm water for a realistic feel. Just Play’s line offers dolls in a variety of price points. There’s the Wee Waterbabies for $7.99, which is the only version that comes pre-filled with water. There’s Waterbabies Bathtime Fun, which comes with a hooded towel and toy for $17.99. Just Play will have an ad campaign for the 25th anniversary as well as retail exclusives. Moose Toys Ohio Art debuted Betty Spaghetty in the late 1990s with the tagline, “Have you heard about
Betty?” Now Moose Toys is bringing back the mix-and-match doll line for a new generation. Betty Spaghetty marries doll play, hair play, fashion play, and a bit of construction into a doll. Moose Toys licensed Betty Spaghetty from Ohio Art. Moose will create a fresh, innovative look for the relaunch of the brand and is in development on a long-term product line, according to Paul Solomon, co-CEO of Moose Toys. Moose will promote Betty Spaghetty in a multi-faceted way. There will be a TV campaign, social media presence on Facebook and Instagram, along with YouTube content. Some of the YouTube content will consist of hair braiding tutorials and ways to build unique dolls. Wicked Cool Toys The ultimate retro doll may be the Cabbage Patch Kids (CPK). However, Wicked Cool is moving past the retro moniker to connect with today’s girls. The company’s goal is to “move CPK into a contemporary program that is well positioned so it is not just parents and grandparents picking it up off the shelf,” says Jeremy Padawer, co-president and partner, Wicked Cool Toys. The company is doing just that by offering CPK in variety of price points ranging from $9.99 up to its key driver for this year, which is CPK Baby So Real for $99. CPK Baby So Real has color LCD-animated and expressive eyes; an accelerometer; sensors in the forehead, back, diaper area, and feet for play and response; vibration for feedback; all relevant baby sounds; Bluetooth capabilities, and more. In addition, the Baby So Real app also allows kids to nurture and care for the baby in the virtual world. With a simple touch, kids can interact with their baby in the virtual nursery with the Food, Play, Sleep, Health, and Change icons. Also included
are Hungry, Play, Sleep, and Offline modes. The offline mode allows kids to play with their dolls without using the app. Earn ‘Mommy Points’ to open new features of the app; mini games, and more. The 14-inch doll is for ages 3 and up. For more on this category, turn to the next few pages.
Corolle Corolle expanded its line of BabiCorolle items to include more options for newborns, including Babiswaddle Pink Cotton Flower, and added two new interactive dolls to the Mon Premier and Mon Classique collections: Bébé Bisou and Interactive Lia. Babiswaddle incorporates a soft bodied doll with a swaddle around it for babies to swaddle it up, just like they were swaddled as babies. It comes with a two-in-one pacifier. There’s a pacifier on one side for the doll, and a teether on the other for the child. “Bébé Bisou is the very first Corolle interactive doll to enter the Mon Premier collection,” says Allison Stocker, Corolle North America sales and marketing manager. “It’s for children ages 18 months and up and says ‘Mama’, gives a kiss (bisou!) and says ‘Papa’, to the delight of our reps, retailers, and fans. It was very important for us to highlight the vital role a father figure has in a child’s life, and emphasize how both girls and boys play with our dolls.” Mon Classique’s Interactive Lia is a nostalgic favorite that Corolle brought back out of retirement, says Stocker. The doll speaks phrases in four languages: French, English, Italian, and Spanish, just by switching the languages’ specific bracelet on the wrist.
June 2016 tfe 33
Girls to the Rescue: Superhero Action Dolls Are Latest Trend
D by
Nancy Lombardi
oll play is no longer just about pretty hair and fabulous the Flying Ladybug, where girls pull the cord and watch the doll fly into fashions for today’s girls. It’s now action doll play as the air as the show’s theme song plays. Jump & Fly Ladybug features a superheroes emerge as a key trend in the doll category retractable string that helps the figure jump and swing. A Cat Noir version this year. DC Super Hero Girls is a franchise created is also available. Be Marinette & Ladybug is a dress-up and roleplay set. by Warner Bros. with Mattel as the master toy licensee, There will also be a line of 10.5-inch fashion dolls featuring key characters which launched in late 2015. The premise of the story is and a Ladybug & Cat Noir fashion doll two-pack. that DC Super Heroes attend Super Hero High School That brings us to the Powerpuff Girls. Sure there’s and, as they deal with the normal stresses of growing Wonder Woman, Supergirl, and Batgirl. But it’s Bubup, they have the added stress of navigating their superbles, Blossom, and Buttercup that many credit with crehero powers. Some of the classic DC Comics characating this action doll segment nearly 20 years ago. The ters featured include Wonder Woman, Supergirl, Harley Powerpuff Girls originally debuted in 1998 and experiQuinn, Batgirl, and Poison Ivy, along with many others. enced much success at the time. Now Cartoon Network Animated shorts began airing on YouTube in October and Spin Master are relaunching these superheroes 2015 with new content releasing often. There is also a who save the world before bedtime. As the opening serich website and an app. quence of the original series explained, “The Powerpuff Mattel introduced an action doll line that features each Girls were created by Professor Utonium in an attempt character in her respective outfit with matching accessoto create the perfect little girls using a mixture of sugar, ries. These 12-inch dolls promote girl empowerment and spice, and everything nice. However, he accidentally Spin Master and Cartoon they look good while doing it. These are action dolls because spilled a mysterious substance called Chemical X into the Network relaunch they feature multiple points of articulation, allowing girls to mixture granting all three superpowers.” The all-new TV the Powerpuff Girls. play out scenes or pose the character in a display. It’s also a series launched on Cartoon Network on April 4. fashion doll because of the outfit and hair, which can be styled. Spin Master’s toy line will focus on action play with three segments, Similarly, Bandai is the master toy partner for Miraculous: Tales of La- according to Shannon Sackett, director of marketing for girls at Spin Masdybug & Cat Noir. Set in Paris, this tells the story of two teens who trans- ter. There’s the Deluxe Flip to Action Playset that can easily switch beform into superheroes. There’s Ladybug (ninth grader, Marinette Dupain- tween superhero lab and bedroom. This comes with a Professor Utonium Cheng) and Cat Noir (classmate Adrien Agreste) who work and two-inch Bubbles figure. The Aura Powerpods with two-inch doll astogether to protect the city from villains. In school, she sortment features a translucent pull-back vehicle with a corresponding has a crush on him, yet when it is time to transform character. Bubbles sits inside a bunny. Buttercup sits inside a cannon. they are oblivious to each other’s true identity. Blossom sits inside a stapler. The Vectron Flying Powerpuff Girls allows The series debuted in South Korea in Septem- each character to fly. ber 2015, in France in October 2015, and in the The doll category is in the midst of change these past few years. ToyU.S. on Nickelodeon in December 2015. It is makers are realizing that girls wants more options for play and this year’s rolling out globally to 120-plus markets this offerings are starting to reflect that. Fashion and hair play are fun but there year. The animated series is produced by Zag- is a lot more to being a girl than looking pretty. toon and Method Animation. “We are all carving out a new space with Super Hero Girls, MiracuBandai’s line consists of action toys such as lous, and The Powerpuff Girls,” says Liz Grampp, senior director of brand management, Bandai America. “Girls are getting more well-deserved atBandai is the master toy licensee for tention with different play patterns and toys. Content providers are finally Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir. catching up to where girls have been for a long time.” The series airs on Nickelodeon in the U.S.
34 tfe June 2016
The world of juvenile products— all in one place.
ABC Kids Expo October 18-21, 2016
Las Vegas Convention Center
EXPLORE the benefits of attending the 2016 ABC Kids Expo®, the world’s premier juvenile products trade show, as we return to Las Vegas for our 14th annual trade show. EXHIBIT among the industry elite, with virtually every significant manufacturer or distributor of products for infants and children presenting their newest, most innovative products and services. Engage with international buyers, media and fellow suppliers, when over 1,000 exhibitors and over 12,000 attendees are expected to converge at this private trade event.
Experience the best this industry has to offer, including dazzling networking events and more.
3 themed pavilions international pavilions
12,874 attendees
1 specialty showcase
79 countries 3,259 booths Over 1,000,000 sq. ft.
REGISTER TODAY!
Phone: 210.691.4848 E-mail: info@theabcshow.com www.theabcshow.com
*2015 final atttendance figures.
Untitled-1 1
5/13/2016 9:58:06 AM
Diversity in Dolls
I by
Nancy Lombardi
n late January, Mattel announced a major change to its Barbie Fashionistas line. The Fashionistas added three new body types—tall, curvy, and petite—and a variety of skin tones, hairstyles, and outfits to its line, which is now available at retail. “For more than 55 years, Barbie has been a global, cultural icon and a source of inspiration and imagination to millions of girls around the world,” said Richard Dickson, president and COO of Mattel, in a statement. “Barbie reflects the world girls see around them. Her ability to evolve and grow with the times, while staying true to her spirit, is central to why Barbie is the No. 1 fashion doll in the world.” The new 2016 Barbie Fashionistas doll line includes four body types (the original and three new bodies), seven skin tones, 22 eye colors, 24 hairstyles, and countless on-trend fashions and accessories. “Adding more diversity into the line continues the journey that Barbie started in 2015 when the brand added 23 dolls with new skin tones, hair colors and, most notably, a flat foot,” according to the Mattel announcement. “We are excited to literally be changing the face of the brand—these new dolls represent a line that is more reflective of the world girls see around them—the variety in body type, skin tones, and style allows girls to find a doll that speaks to them,” said Evelyn Mazzocco, senior vice-president and global general manager, Barbie, in a statement. This is not simply an update to a doll line. This is acknowledgement that the world is made up of a variety of people and little girls should be free to choose a doll that speaks to them. Needless to say, this announcement was big global news. Part of the reason could be there has never been much diversity in the
36 tfe June 2016
doll aisle. For many years, there were simply varying skin tones placed on a Caucasian face sculpt. But that is changing not just with Mattel’s announcement but most notably with The One World Doll Project’s products line. The company offers Prettie Girls, Prettie Girls Tween Scene, Prettie Girls NYC, and Prettie Girls Dream Babies. These lines of dolls feature African American, African, Latina, and Asian face sculpts, skin tones, and hairstyles. The company launched with Prettie Girls. The Prettie Girls Tween Scene features younger versions of the four original Prettie Girls. There’s Lena (African-American), Valencia (Hispanic), Dhara (South Asian), and Kimani (African). New to the Tween Scene line are Hana (Asian) and Alexie (Caucasian), which were available through Walmart last fall. These dolls are 16-inches tall, offering more play value to younger girls. At Toy Fair this year, the company introduced the Prettie Girls NYC and Prettie Girls Dream Babies. The NYC dolls feature five best friends who are committed to academic achievement while finding fun and adventure in the city. These are diverse, stylish 15-inch fashion dolls. The multicultural Dream Babies are 15-inch cuddly baby dolls with a smooth, vinyl head and limbs. Each doll comes with a baby bottle, pacifier, diaper bag, and birth certificate. One World says it has spent the time and the money to make sure these are high-quality dolls with realistic face sculpts, according to Trent T. Daniel, co-founder of The One World Doll Project. (The company merged with Tonner Doll Company in late 2015, creating Tonner One World.) That goal has been achieved through the direction of co-founder and designer, Stacey McBride-Irby.
The One World Doll Project launches Prettie Girls Dream Babies. Shown here is an African-American baby doll. Latina and Asian Dream Babies are also available.
“Little girls want dolls that look like them and that represent who they are,” says McBrideIrby. Not only is she a designer but she is mom and said she sees this in her own daughter’s multicultural classroom. Whether it is Mattel, One World, or any other toy manufacturer, Daniel points out that product lines such as these cannot succeed without consumer support. He calls it, “consumer responsibility.” “Families need to buy these dolls and show the stores that black dolls are important, Asian dolls are important, Latina dolls are important,” says Daniel. “Retail buyers make their decisions based on what consumers spend. Consumers need to support the products and the concept of a better, more diverse display on shelf.” Judging from this year’s products, that vision may finally be a reality.
Dolls
There’s a Doll for Every Girl by
Nancy Lombardi
The doll category continues to be very competitive yet very diverse in its offerings. Disney’s Princess and Frozen brands still perform well at retail. Retro brands appeal to today’s kids through modern updates. Mattel’s recent changes to Barbie Fashionistas have shaken things up as Mattel and other manufacturers focus on America’s cultural diversity. Superheroes emerge in the category mixing doll play with empowerment.
Moose Toys licensed the rights to Betty Spaghetty from Ohio Art earlier this year. Moose will relaunch an extensive product line later this year and into 2017. Shown here is one of the single-pack dolls Chef Betty/Cupcake Betty. It comes with 21 pieces and a doll stand. • Mon Classique Interactive Lia rejoins Corolle’s line this year. The doll speaks phrases in four different languages: French, English, Italian, and Spanish by switching the languages’ specific bracelet on the wrist. The doll comes with accessories. • Strawberry Shortcake Retro Doll & Pet Gift Sets feature Strawberry Shortcake and her cat Custard and Huckleberry Pie and his pet Pupcake. These retro two-packs, from The Bridge Direct, offer pairings of the classic Strawberry Shortcake characters and pets in authentic 1980s outfits. • Hasbro’s Disney Princess Royal Shimmer Fashion Doll assortment features all 11 Princesses each dressed in her signature colored gown embellished with a glitter pattern. Each doll comes with an outfit and pair of removable shoes. • Spin Master’s Powerpuff Girls Deluxe Flip to Action Playset transforms from the girls’ bedroom to their superhero lab. The set comes with a two-inch Bubbles figure and a Professor Utonium figure. Spin Master’s extensive line of Powerpuff Girls products focuses on action play for girls.
38 tfe June 2016
Waterbabies is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Joining Just Play’s fall collection is the Bathtime Fun Waterbabies. Each nine-inch waterfilled doll is dressed in an animal-hooded towel and comes with a bath-time accessory. • Wicked Cool Toys modernizes the Cabbage Patch Kids brand with CPK Baby So Real. Designed for ages 3 and up, it merges digital and traditional play patterns. The doll has color LCD-animated eyes; an accelerometer; sensors in the forehead, back, diaper area, and feet for play and response; vibration for feedback; all relevant baby sounds; Bluetooth capabilities, and more. The 14-inch doll also has a free app that offers Tamagotchi-like play. • Adora’s PlayTime Baby Floral Romper Doll is 13-inches long and has a weighted bottom. This Asian doll features Adora’s light baby powder scent, Gentle Touch vinyl, and romper outfit with pink bow. • With Jakks Pacific’s Disney Princess Magical Wand Cinderella, girls can transform Cinderella’s look with a short wave of the wand. Wave the wand longer and girls can create a colorful light show on the dress and have her sing “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo” or “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes.” Cinderella also says more than 20 different phrases. • Bandai is the master toy partner for Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir. The line features fashion dolls in keeping with the Nickelodeon series’ superhero theme. Shown here is the teenage character Marinette who transforms into the secret superhero persona Ladybug. The line includes roleplay, fashion dolls, and action toys. • One World Doll Project launched Prettie Girls Dream Babies this year in a variety of ethnicities. Shown here is a Latina doll, which comes with accessories.
June 2016 tfe 39
Bubbles Bubble Toys to Inspire Outdoor Play Compiled by Jennifer Lynch While bubble toys remain classic staples of the outdoor toys aisle, innovation is inspiring new play with these toys. From bubbles you can eat to bubbles you can toss, below is a small sampling of new products in the space.
Funrise’s Gazillion Premium Bubbles Triple Bubble Blaster is a battery-powered bubble blower that sends bubbles flying in three directions at once. Pour Gazillion Bubbles solution into the specially designed tray and dip each of the three wands into the solution. Holding the blaster upright, press the button to launch the bubbles. TPF Toys debuted a new bubble game this year called Paddle Bubbles. With bubbles blown and Paddle Bubble in hand, players loft bubbles back and forth as they vie not to be the player to let the bubbles pop. Little Kids is now offering bubbles you can eat. Press the button on the Candylicious Bubble Machine to make the bubbles soar out the Bubble Ninja’s mouth. It comes with two packets of flavored solution in cherry and grape. Toys “R” Us’ proprietary brand Sizzlin’ Cool serves up a new bubble assortment for 2016, which includes the Sizzlin’ Cool Bubble Chain Saw. Pour the included bubble solution into the play saw and rev the handle to see the chain spin and bubbles fly. Just in time for the new Disney Pixar movie Finding Dory, Imperial is rolling out a Finding Dory Bubble Machine. The motorized bubble machine features eight rotating wands, comes with a four-ounce bottle of bubble solution, and features wiggling Nemo and Dory characters.
40 tfe June 2016
September 27-29, 2016 Dallas Market Center Mass, long-lead and specialty buyers looking to preview products for Q4 2017 look to Fall Toy Preview!
2016 www.falltoypreview.org Untitled-1 1
5/17/2016 12:29:24 PM
ASTRA 2016 This year’s ASTRA Marketplace & Academy will feature a host of new toys. But be on the lookout for manufacturers selling products for the brickand-mortar specialty store only. An increasing number of manufacturers are offering products that won’t be sold at mass retailers—and won’t be sold online. The goal is to differentiate your store from the zillions of websites selling product based only on price. In addition, ASTRA is working with its members to help them stand out in the crowd. Visit astratoy.org for more information on the organization’s Exclusives Program for members. Shown on the next few pages are what’s expected to be highlighted at the show from a variety of toy companies.
—Compiled by Nancy Lombardi
InRoad Toys
InRoad Toys introduces Hot Wheels PlayTape. Kids can unroll, stick, and race, with this Hot Wheelsinspired track set version of classic PlayTape. It’s directly compatible with and designed to scale for 1:64-scale die-cast Hot Wheels cars and track. Hot Wheels PlayTape Curves, sold separately, complement the straight track and even include the classic flanges for simulating banked turns. Hot Wheels PlayTape comes in both classic Hot Wheels Orange and Blue and in 15-inch and 30-inch lengths.
Hot Wheels Play Tape
Folkmanis
The Folkmanis Monarch Life Cycle puppet transforms from caterpillar to chrysalis to adult monarch butterfly. Utilize the zippers to tuck and reveal one stage to the next. Once the transformation is complete, insert your hands into the monarch wings to make them flutter.
Monarch Life Cycle Puppet
My First Bananagrams
42 tfe June 2016
Bananagrams
My First Bananagrams is a new title for younger players, ages 5 and up. The iconic Bananagrams pouch is now a less-ripe green and contains colorful lowercase letter tiles and a collection of games to cater to a wide range of reading skills and abilities. There are 10 curriculum-based mini games for early learners and word game challenges, which grow in difficulty as the child’s skill level advances. This all culminates in a simplified version of Bananagrams, introducing children to the classic game where they race to complete their own word grids. Unique to this version of the game, it now includes new double-tiles of vowel-teams, word families, and digraphs, making it a perfect companion for children as they learn to read and spell. My First Bananagrams will launch in fall 2016.
Untitled-1 1
5/17/2016 10:06:22 AM
ASTRA 2016 Corolle
Mon Premier Bébé Bath Sail Away is a Corolle doll designed just for bath-time play. The doll floats in water and dries quickly for play time out of the tub. This 12inch cuddly baby doll, for ages 18 months and up, features sleeping eyes and vinyl skin that’s delicately scented with vanilla—a Corolle signature. Mon Premier Bébé Bath Sail Away comes dressed in a striped sailor’s cap and shirt, complete with red scarf and printed shorts. The doll also comes with a rubber duck.
Mon Premier Bébé Bath Sail Away
Lassig
4Kids Little Monster Collection from Lassig features characters Mad Mabel and Bouncing Bob whose teeth and eyes glow in the dark. This colorfully striped range includes various children’s bags, bibs, and dishware. Mad Mabel features a creepy look in shades of dark blue, pink, and red, while Bouncing Bob comes in a combination of colors consisting of turquoise, yellow, green, white, and dark blue.
Bouncing Bob
Douglas Company
Aragon Navy Dragon
Douglas Company is introducing three new plush dragons. There’s Aragon the navy dragon, Faust the silver dragon, and Elgar the copper dragon. In addition, there are four new plush Princess Horses including Rainbow Princess White Horse, Flower Princess Tan Horse, Tribal Princess Appaloosa Horse, and Warrior Princess Black and White Horse.
Laser Pegs
Pull Back Motor Laser Pegs expands with the Light Up Pull Back Motor, which is included with the all-new Rally Cars Pull Back Runner Kit. Just pull the model back, let it go, and watch as it zooms across the room. The eight-in-one Rally Cars Kit allows builders to create a Dune Buggy, Rally Car, Sand Racer, and many more models. Use the exclusive Light-Up Pullback Motor and watch the creations speed away. Laser Pegs’ exclusive Zippy Do Power Base, 58 Tinted Construction Bricks, and Light-Up Pullback Motor allows the toy to be played with in a dark room or at night.
44 tfe June 2016
Rally Car
Untitled-1 1
5/13/2016 10:09:34 AM
ASTRA 2016 Aeromax
Rocket Scientist Lab Coat
46 tfe June 2016
Aeromax expands its line of dress-up and roleplay items for 2016. There’s the Flight Jacket available for ages 5-12 and in adult sizes too. The jacket is fully lined and is the perfect addition to all things space. Colorful, sewn-on patches, pencil pockets, an American flag, and a sturdy zipper give it an authentic NASA look. The Robotic Engineer Shirt fits most kids ages 3–6. This lightweight top is easy for little ones to put on by themselves and features a hook-and-loop closure in front. Print out the child’s name and place it in the clear pocket for a personalized touch. There are vivid graphics on front, back, and sleeves. The Robot Helmet fits most kids ages 3–10 and complements the robotic engineer shirt. It features a moving visor and colorful graphics. The Rocket Scientist Lab Coat is available in sizes 4/6, 6/8, 8/10. This NASA-inspired white lab coat is made of a poly/cotton blend. The words “Rocket Scientist” are embroidered in all caps above the pocket on the left chest. The colorful NASA patch is stitched over the right chest. STEM Lab Coat in sizes 2/3 to adult is a white lab coat that features a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math logo on the chest. Three roomy pockets complete the look.
Smart Toys & Games
Smart Toys & Games introduces a full lineup of products at ASTRA Marketplace & Academy. Most of the products are designed for play at home. However, there are a few designed for onthe-go play. There’s Magnetic Travel: Deducktion for ages 5 and up. This magnetic game offers 48 challenges using deduction to find the position of each mallard. The challenge is simple but the solution is not: place the three duck families so all the ducklings follow their mother but the moms don’t stand next to each other. Parking Puzzler, for ages 7 and up, is a game of deduction where every car needs the right spot, including yours. Place all pieces on the board but make sure the cars are in position correctly—not in the driving lane or taking up two parallel spots. This game features 60 challenges. Penguin Pool Party, for ages 5 and up, is a compact game that holds 60 challenges. Place the penguins on the board game as shown in the challenge and then place the pieces with ice around them. This is a simple and clear concept using only four puzzle pieces, but it’s not as easy as it looks.
Penguin Pool Party
June 2016 tfe 47
ASTRA 2016 Thoughtfull Toys
Thoughtfull Toys introduces the DIY Muscle Car Delux Single, which allows kids to construct the classic muscle car using this blank canvas. Once built, decorate your own creation then mix and match components with your other cars for unlimited looks. The S2 Muscle Car Delux is a classic muscle car paired with the timeless roadster hood and fender. This kit will produce four complete cars plus six unique designs. These are compatible with existing models. This line also includes carry cases and multipack options. These sets are for ages 6 and up. Thoughtfull Toys also introduces the Enduro brand for kids ages 3 and up this year. With this line, preschoolers enjoy vehicle play while learning about sustainability in the included booklet.
Les Coquettes
Magicforest/Moulin Roty
Magicforest is an American toy importer and the exclusive distributor of seven European brands including Moulin Roty, which is its flagship brand. This year, Moulin Roty’s Les Coquettes doll collection (shown) features a refreshed wardrobe with brightly colored clothes and wild hair. The collection continues with two baby dolls—Camille and Margotte— which wear soft colors and little bonnets.
S2 Muscle Car Delux
PlayMonster
PlayMonster (formerly Patch Products) announced the introduction of Lauri Action-Stackers. New connectors allow children to build in all directions and wheels allow movement. ActionStackers debut with two separate sets. One set includes 40 Tall-Stacker pegs, four wheels, two hexagon connectors, 15 square connectors, and a crepe rubber pegboard. The other set has even more with 75 Tall-Stacker pegs, six wheels, five hexagon connectors, 30 square connectors, seven crepe rubber tower mats, and a large crepe rubber pegboard. Both sets include an activity guide for tips and suggestions, but it is not required for use. These sets are open-ended and these new pieces work with existing Lauri product. PlayMonster is the exclusive specialty distributor of the Perplexus line of 3-D maze games, which are for ages 8 and up. This year’s introductions include the smaller line of Perplexus brain My Fairy Garden teasers called Perplexus Micro. There’s the Q-Bot, which is a 3.5-inch by four-inch cube with an inner, funky robot that makes up the shifting, tricky maze. Drakko’s 4.5-inch by four-inch egg shape contains a mystic, slithery dragon as its maze. My Fairy Garden is a toy that’s also a live garden. Children plant the quick-germinating seeds, and care for their garden, all while setting up and playing with the characters and accessories. My Fairy Garden includes three versions for children, ages 4 and up. There’s Willow’s Tree Hollow, Calla’s Lilly Pond, and Freya’s Magical Cottage. All sets include potting soil and quick-germinating seeds to get the garden started. Kids can add other flowers or plants to the set if they want.
48 tfe June 2016
STEM Robot Mouse Coding Activity Set
Learning Resources
For 2016, Learning Resources introduces new products to explore the world of STEM. The STEM Robot Mouse Coding Activity Set, for ages 5 and up, lets kids build a maze and then use the coding cards to create a step-by-step path for the programmable robot mouse. Program the sequence of steps, and then watch the mouse race to find the cheese. This includes 30 double-sided coding cards, 10 double-sided activity cards, cheese wedge, and activity guide to provide a hands-on introduction to coding concepts. Create endless maze path possibilities with 16 maze grids, 22 maze walls, and three tunnels. The mouse lights up, makes sounds, and features two speeds. Mental Blox 360° 3-D Building Game is a brain-boosting game that challenges players, ages 5 and up, to build 3-D puzzles from different visual perspectives. Forty double-sided cards feature the puzzle on the front and the solution on the back. Three levels of play sharpen spatial visualization, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. This includes 15 colorful blocks and activity guide. Learning Resources added five new items to its New Sprouts line for ages 2 and up. These colorful, easy-to-grip products feature a reallife look and were developed especially for toddler play. New Sprouts Puppy Play can help teach children about the responsibilities associated with caring for pets. This set includes a plush puppy, dog bed, dog bowl, bone, brush, and can of dog food. New Sprouts Grow It features gardening essentials including a watering can, shovel, and three pots. This includes two flowers and two vegetables (carrot and radish). Colorful mix-and-match flowers and veggies encourage roleplay. A to Z Alphabet Groceries, for ages 3 and up, are colorful, realistic groceries that provide a fun way to introduce early language skills and inspire hours of imaginative play. Each of the 26 groceries is labeled with a letter, word, and colorful picture.
June 2016 tfe 49
ASTRA 2016 Playmobil
Here Playmobil highlights three items from its extensive line of products. Playmobil Adventure Tree House includes two figures, a tree house with grass platform, bears, geese, foxes, owl, bald eagle, bird with nest, rock caves, fish, fishing pole, snake, walkie talkie, computer, supply boxes, and numerous additional accessories. Playmobil Furnished Children’s Hospital includes three adult figures, one child figure, one baby figure, rolling beds, reclining exam table, respirator, defibrillator, bandages, stethoscopes, medical charts and tools, baby doll, teddy bear, a working elevator, and many other accessories. Playmobil Space Rocket with Launch Site is outfitted with working lights and sounds. The set includes two figures, rocket, launch structure, satellite, repair robot, mechanical tools, computer, and accessories.
Green Toys
The Farm Playset includes a barn, pick-up truck, farmers depicted as cow characters, sheep, pigs, fences, and a shed for open-ended, imaginative play. The pieces fit inside the barn, which has a built-in handle, so clean-up and storage is easy. The Fire Station Playset features a fire station, fire engine, firefighter cat characters, rotating water cannon, command center, and stackable bunk beds. All the pieces fit inside the station. Both sets will be available this summer and are made in the U.S. from 100 percent recycled plastic with no BPA, phthalates, or PVC. They are packaged with recycled and recyclable materials printed with soy inks. They are dishwasher safe. Green Toys is extending its brand to print with The Green Toys Storybook series. Children will see their toys embark on adventures throughout the pages of the books, sparking imaginative play after story time is over. In Train Off the Rails with Kody and Dot, Kody and Dot drive a delivery train around the same loop, every day. Then one day, their train jumps the tracks, and they discover a whole new way of looking at their jobs. Join the two bears as they discover just how big the Green Toys world is. In Boats Built for Speed with Davey and Pearl, Davey and Pearl deliver boxes across the lake. But business is booming, and they need to move the boxes faster and faster. Come along as the two ducks discover that sometimes you have to slow down and make a plan if speed is what you need. In Mixed-Up Trucks with Baxter, Rosie, and Gus, Baxter, Rosie, and Gus were born to drive trucks. But soon they learn that the only way to get things done is to work together, or what a mess they will have. Join the three dogs as they discover just how fun cooperation can be.
50 tfe June 2016
Babiators Sunglasses
Babiators
Peaceable Kingdom
Friends and Neighbors: The Helping Game is a social emotional game that helps kids, ages 3 and up, develop empathy and compassion. Can players help a little girl who’s sad because she’s standing out in the rain or a boy who’s afraid of the dark? Reach into the Helping Bag and pull out a token—can it help someone on the game board? If so, it’s a match. In playing the game and reading about the feelings and needs of the characters, parents can help their children recognize feelings in others, which is the first step to building empathy. The Memory Palace: The Storytelling Game that Builds Memory and Imagination is a cooperative game, where players explore their imaginations and test their memories while creating silly stories about 27 different animal tokens. Players share wacky stories as they place their tokens face down in a room. Be careful, there are Memory Monsters lurking in the palace trying to confuse players. Successfully remember where each animal is on the board without turning over a Memory Monster and everyone wins. It is for ages 5 and up. Summer Camp Journal helps kids get ready for their summertime adventure. This journal has tabbed sections to write about cabin and daily camp life, fun and games, quotes, and postcards to send home. My Complete Summer Camp Journal is a place to record all of the unforgettable summer camp adventures.
Babiators offers accessories for babies and kids. The company’s collection includes its signature Original and Polarized Babiators Aviator Sunglasses for ages birth–7, Aces Aviator and Navigator Shades for kids ages 7–14, and Submariners Swim Goggles. The company says its products are guaranteed against loss or breakage during the first year. If the product is lost or broken during that time, it replaces it free of charge.
Little Friends Horse Stable
HABA
It takes finesse and a little luck to be the first to place all of your wooden eggs safely in the nest with Go Cuckoo. The winner will be the one who can then securely place the wooden Kiki Cuckoo bird on top of the nest of twigs in this wobbly, nest-building game. The Play Tent Shop features an awning, a roll-up door, and two windows. One of the windows features curtains. The plastic rods with connectors facilitate easy assembly, says HABA. This is ideal for roleplay for a few children. Little Friends is an extensive collection that’s compatible with all HABA dollhouses, furniture, and accessories. Each item is sold separately. The Little Friends Horse Stable features horses Pippa, Leopold, and Kasper. Each has its own stall in this wooden stable and there is extra space for riding equipment and feed. The front stable wall and doors can be opened and the roof is removable. The Little Friends Bendy Dolls in this set include Vanessa, Lisbeth, Mika, Lilli, Imke, and Milla. Each is four-inches tall and is made from flexible soft plastic, with metal wires inside allowing them to be posable.
June 2016 tfe 51
ASTRA 2016 Winning Moves
Winning Moves is launching two new products exclusively at this year’s ASTRA Marketplace & Academy. Rubik’s Junior Bear, for ages 4 and up, is an easy-to-grip and easierto-solver bear version of the original Rubik’s Cube. The Original Rubik’s Cube is now available in its original packaging exclusively for the brick-and-mortar specialty market. Winning Moves says this version will not be sold online. It comes complete with original stickers, original logos, and the original instruction booklet. It’s designed for ages 8 and up.
Diggin
Diggin’s Black Max Light Up Football has the performance of the original now in a light-up version. It features a Smart LED System that knows when you catch and when you throw. The weighted spiral ring causes tighter spirals and longer throws, according to Diggin. Throw a six-foot rocket more than 100 feet with the Mega Rocket. Mega Rocket inflates to its full six feet in seconds. It’s ideal for the pool, the backyard, or the beach. The fins are weighted for aerodynamic performance, making it easy to throw and easy to catch even over extreme distances, says Diggin. Diggin expands its Slimeball line, which brings active slime fun with no mess. Launch Slimeballs up to 30 feet with the Slimeball Flingers. Kids can use the included launcher or fling it right from their fingertips. The soft and safe Slimeballs are made for flinging, dodging, and throwing. Slimeballs are squishy and look like slime but don’t make a mess or leave any marks, says Diggin. The Slimeball Flinger Five Pack will be unveiled at ASTRA Marketplace & Academy.
Pacific Playtents
Slimeball Flingers
Pacific Playtents’ Food Truck comes fully equipped with mesh windows, inside pockets, and an order counter with a roll-up window. This playset is large enough for a group of kids to roleplay. The new Interchangeable Multi-Panel Poly-Cotton Canvas Teepee features four interchangeable panels so kids can choose a graphic or solid color. Each panel is attached by buttons and can be changed by kids. There are four wooden poles and the poly-cotton fabric makes it sturdy and durable, according to the company. The silver lantern makes for a fun addition to a play tent and can also be played with on its own. There’s a handle so the lantern can be hung in a tent or held in a child’s hand. The ABC Mat is an ideal mat for a child’s room. Each letter has a coordinating image to make learning fun. It’s colorful, lightweight, and easy to store.
52 tfe June 2016
ThinkFun
With ThinkFun’s Circuit Maze, kids can ignite their logic and sequential reasoning skills. Designed for ages 8 and up, the goal is to arrange the tokens to create a real circuit that lights up the different colored beacons. Its circuit-building puzzles offer an introduction to electrical engineering. There are 60 challenges ranging in difficulty from beginner to expert. Balance Beans is a logic game and math game all in one. Set up the Red Beans according to the Challenge Card. Then, carefully place the colorful beans on the seesaw to keep it from teetering. When you balance the seesaw, you are actually balancing an equation, As the challenges get harder, kids 5 and up, will rely less on trial and error and more on math and reasoning skills. This bean-filled logic game introduces young learners to elementary algebra. Learn the basics of programming without a computer. In Code Master, the playset avatar travels to an exotic world in search of power crystals. Along the way, use programming logic to navigate the map. Think carefully, in each level, only one specific sequence of actions will lead to success. To win, collect all the crystals and land at the portal. Playing Code Master teaches the principles behind programming but it also helps build planning, sequential reasoning, and problem-solving skills for ages 8 and up, says ThinkFun.
Magformers
Zing Toys
Get ready for take-off with Zing’s Firetek Zoom Rocketz. Set the launch angle for high-arching flights and slam your foot down to launch the Zoom Rocketz. The harder you stomp, the higher they go, says Zing. The Firetek air-powered light-up Rocketz are made of soft foam and will fly up to 95 feet in the air, says Zing. This is designed for ages 8 and up. ZoomBoom Rocketz are designed for an easy throw and a loud landing. With the 250 Zap Cap and sleek design, kids can swing faster and throw higher for an ultimate bang. The ZoomBoom Rocketz come with one rocket and one 250 Zap Cap. This is designed for ages 6 and up. Both items are available this month.
Magformers signed a licensing agreement with Nickelodeon to create a line of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) Half-Shell Heroes magnetic building kits. With these sets, preschoolers can build with Magformers squares and triangles to create Turtle Towers by either matching the characters to their colors and/or interchanging them to tell their own story. Once the structure is built, the magnets will stick together, forming 3-D structures from a 2-D design for play featuring Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo. The product line will feature three sets at varying price points. There’s the 18-piece set with four turtle cards, the 38-piece set with eight turtle cards, and the 60-piece set with 12 turtle cards. The TMNT sets are compatible with all Magformers.
June 2016 tfe 53
ASTRA 2016 Identity Games
In every version of the Find It game, there are brightly colored pellets plus 40 or so small items that follow a specific theme. The items are listed on top of the game for easy reference. Some are easy to find; others are harder. Twist, spin, shake, or tap the filled container to spot the hidden items. It is a challenge for any age and there are many ways to play. It can be done in alphabetical order, smallest to largest, fastest to slowest, etc. In the Eww Gross version, the focus is on everyday items that spark a reaction of disgust. Look for words such as scab, smelly armpits, earwax, dandruff, eyeballs, and more.
Fashion Angels
Neat-Oh
Neat-Oh introduces a line of games designed to help kids read social cues. Designed for ages 3 and up, the Magnutto line is packed with sample questions for roleplay and exploring emotions. With each kit, kids can build a person, dinosaur, or pet expressing a variety of moods and emotions. There’s Magnutto Make A Mood, which features 133 thick magnets of head-to-chin characteristics of a person. There’s Magnutto Make A Dino with 122 large magnets that create a full body design from horns to tails with expressions. Magnutto Make A Pet allows kids to make facial expressions with floppy ears, black noses, and expressive eyes. A list of emotions and examples of animal pet expressions is included. All three sets come in a sturdy easel box to use and reuse.
The new collection of school supplies from Style.Lab by Fashion Angels include the following items. There’s the Dream Desk Starter Set, which includes two highlighters, two pens, two sparkle gel pens, two pencils, and four rolls of Tapeffiti decorative tape. The Un-Mistakables is a set of eight markers, which are erasable. Smelly Jellies are scented highlighter sets. Kids can choose from pastel colors that smell like favorite sweet treats, or neon colors that smell like favorite carnival foods. Draw Something is a set of 18 colored pencils that include an assortment of bright, sparkle, and pastel colors for kids sketching and coloring needs. The Style.Lab by Fashion Angels line also includes a variety of pencil cases, backpacks, and notebooks. The entire collection will be on display at the ASTRA Marketplace & Academy. In addition, Fashion Angels recently announced the launch of Znapeez. It is a hybrid of a construction, design, and activity toy. Each kit in the line builds a specific project that can then be deconstructed and rebuilt into other projects. Each kit is made up of geometric shaped tiles and “Znap” closures that, when snapped together, create functional objects such as doll clothes, apparel, fashion accessories, room décor, and toys. The tiles come in mega or mini sizes. Mega tiles are used for larger projects such as pillows, curtains, and lampshades. The mini tiles work best to achieve more intricate designs such as doll clothing and handbags. The instructions also include two additional project ideas that provide builders with inspiration for more designs of their own creation. The 22 kits in the inaugural line will be available at retailers nationwide this fall.
54 tfe June 2016
Bears for Humanity
Wooky Entertainment
With Woven Watch Friendship Watch Kit, kids can add their friendship bracelets to a watch with i-loom’s Woven Watch crafting set by Style Me Up! Create a custom watch band using six spools of colored string, four locks, and six i-Patterns available to unlock on the iloom app. The set comes with one watch, six patterns, instructions, and additional components to complete the project. Draw, paint, and decorate with Style Me Up! Disney’s Descendants Mal Watercolor Sketchbook. Kids can discover watercolor techniques using paint and pencils to create a Mal-inspired fashion collection. Learn how to create a gradient effect, shadows, and add highlights with pastel pencils for shape and texture. The set comes with 15 watercolor line drawings, 130-plus masking stickers, 85-plus stickers, a 16-page watercolor guide including inspiration pages, five watercolor paints, four watercolor pencils, and one paintbrush. Just Bead It Jewelry Kit comes with nine different containers of beads, colored threads, two necklaces, seven bracelets, an elastic cord, plus an easyto-use bead stringer.
Bears for Humanity adds 14 new animals to its 16-inch plush collection this year. Made in the U.S. through welfare-to-work employment and certified organic, Bears for Humanity’s new line includes a turtle, giraffe, penguin, monkey, panda, shark, and many others. As part of the company’s mission, when one of its plush is purchased, Bears for Humanity donates an organic seven-inch Baby Bear, which has an MSRP of $19.99, to a child in need through one of its partner organizations. Partner organizations include Toys for Tots, Save the Children, Semper Fi Fund, and others.
Uncle Milton
Uncle Milton celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Ant Farm with the 60th ANTiversary Ant Farm Special Edition. This set, designed exclusively for the specialty market, will be available this fall, for ages 6 and up. Kids can see the behavior of live ants in a whole new way with the 60th anniversary version of the classic Ant Farm. It features a sleek design with a translucent green frame and a 3-D futuristic farm lenticular scene. Watch ants dig tunnels and move mountains in the unique, escape-proof design. It includes Antports with Antway connector tubes that can be used to connect the ants to other Ant Farm habitats. Light-up any celebration with Blo ‘n Glo for ages 4 and up. This features vibrant, colorchanging LED lights with seven brilliant colors, turning balloons into a colorful light show. It includes a one-way blow tube for inflation that also works as a handle for a balloon light show. It even has an on/off switch for long-lasting use. It works as a decoration, party favor, or novelty toy. There are two themes to choose from—Original and Birthday. All themes come in single-packs or party five-packs. With Disney Princess My Sign, kids ages 5 and up, can highlight their name in lights next to their favorite Disney Princess. Make a light-up nameplate or sign, featuring four of the Disney Princess characters—Ariel, Belle, Rapunzel, and Cinderella. Customize it with decorative shapes and stickers for each princess. Display it on the wall and watch as a soft, multi-colored light show creates a soothing room light. This is batteryoperated and easy to display on the wall. 60th ANTiversary Ant Farm Special Edition
June 2016 tfe 55
ASTRA 2016 Educational Insights
Once Upon a Craft is a line of eight storybook craft sets each containing a fairy tale book and two craft activities to bring the tale to life. Designed for ages 4 and up, the line includes Once Upon a Craft The Gingerbread Man, Once Upon a Craft The Frog Prince, Once Upon a Craft The Elves and the Shoemaker, Once Upon a Craft The Princess and the Pea, Once Upon a Craft Rapunzel, Once Upon a Craft The 12 Dancing Princesses, Once Upon a Craft Jack and the Beanstalk, and Once Upon a Craft The Ugly Duckling. Each is sold separately. Nancy B’s Science Club line expands with Nancy B’s Science Club Garbage to Gardens Compost Kit & Decomposition Book for ages 8 and up. This kit introduces life cycles and composting and promotes environmentalism. The Compost Kit comes with a clear compost container with two compartments, a removable divider, two 3x magnifiers, two write-on/wipeoff boards, and a lid with air holes. There are also journaling activities in the 22-page activity book. The Design & Drill Power Play Vehicles adds three new build-and-play vehicles to the line: Race Car, Helicopter, and Monster Truck. Each is sold separately. With the Design & Drill Power Play Vehicles Race Car, kids can build a colorful race car by snapping the pieces together, using the motorized mini-drill to add clear bolts. Next, customize it with colorful stickers. The set includes the race car body, seven snap-on parts, 15 clear bolts, a motorized, kid-friendly mini-drill with socket bit, stickers, and instructional guide. This is for ages 3 and up.
56 tfe June 2016
Jax Games
Jax Games introduces Bingo the Puppy, where players unleash this pup and watch as it bounces, tumbles, and rolls over. Players must match the spots to a space on their game board and place a chip there. The first player with three chips in a row wins. This is for two to six players, ages 3 and up. In Counting Campers, players move their pegs along the path by drawing a plus or minus card. Follow the winding trail through the swamp, across the pond, over a bridge, and more to return to the campsite. The first camper to return to the site wins. This game is ideal for up to four players, ages 4–8. No reading is required.
Manhattan Toy
Mio is Manhattan Toy’s newest collection providing open-ended play to inspire any builder’s imagination, ages 3 and up. The Mio Playing Set: Eating • Sleeping • Working My Pal Truman + 2 People is a 41-piece wooden set and the largest in the Mio collection. It includes one large room, one “grassy” patio, two rooms, a loft, two blocks, one hopscotch plank, one natural plank, two step pieces, four reversible tree/garden blocks, four pillars, one room divider plank, one graphic block, 15 cubes, one blanket, one pillow, two Mio beanbag people, and a drawstring storage bag. The pieces store inside the large room/storage box with built-in handle cut-outs and a fitted cover. Additional pieces and sets of various sizes are sold separately. Beep! The Robot, for ages 3 and up, comes complete with 18 block pieces. This is a colorful robot stacker that features magnetized blocks. The blocks can be interchanged to create a variety of different shapes, structures, and vehicles. The Playful Pony, for ages 1 and up, features multiple play surfaces. There are loads of bead runs, peg mazes, and more. My Pal Truman, for ages 1 and up, is a playful turtle that is packed with activities such as a shape sorter and spinning gears. The rubber-trimmed wheels easily roll along on any flat surface, according to Manhattan Toy. The pull-along activity toy doubles as a multi-play, activity toy.
SET Enterprises
SET Enterprises offers a sampling of what will be on display at ASTRA Marketplace & Academy. SET Mini Round, for ages 6 and up, is a quicker, easier version of the original game that comes in a tin. Each round card has three features: color, shape, and number. There are no turns and no luck in this speed game. It’s for on-the-go play because any surface becomes your board. The first to see a set, calls out “Set” and picks up the three cards that make the set. Race to find as many sets as fast as you can. To win, be the one who has the most sets when the cards are gone. Karma Mini Round is a grab-and-go version of the original game that comes in a tin. The goal is to get rid of all your cards. Karma, for ages 8 and up, is an elimination game in which everyone wins, except for the last player holding cards. With each turn, play a card of equal or higher value to avoid picking up the entire discard pile. Move through your cards faster by playing doubles. There are four different Karma Cards in the deck. Karma Cards can get you out of a jam, but be careful because in this game it’s all about karma. The Crowns and Quiddler are also available in mini versions, packaged in a tin.
Schleich
Large Farm with Animals and Accessories
Large Farm with Animals and Accessories (shown) is a farm playset that comes with everything needed for a day on the farm. The colorful barn features a detachable roof for easy access and workable parts, such as the winch, to transport feed. Accessories include a cow and calf, pig, drinking trough, ladder, fencing, hay bales, feed, and more. Big Adventure at the Watering Hole is a set containing three modular pieces. There’s a waterfall, river, and watering hole. It comes with more than 20 accessories. The lion, lion cub, and zebra are available exclusively in this set. Additional features include modular and connectable plant pieces and a tree that unfolds for the animals to climb across. Additional items in Schleich’s line this year include the Riding Center with Rider and Horses and the Pick-Up with Horse Trailer.
TOMY
TOMY is focusing on its infant line of products at this year’s ASTRA Marketplace & Academy. Lamaze Mix & Match Caterpillar is part of the Lamaze Creative Learning collection. It features eight different stuffed plush segments that can be rearranged in any order or arranged in the correct order, by matching Velcro color. Each segment has a different sound and texture including chime ball, squeaker, rattle, and crinkle to engage babies, ages 6 months and up. Sort ‘n Pop Spinning Top, for ages 10 months and up, is for color- and shape-matching. Push down to make the top spin. As it spins, the shapes pop out. Match the color and shape to watch it spin and pop again. TOMY Toddler Toys Paddling Puppy helps teach little ones water confidence. Wind it up and place it in water to make Paddling Puppy the puppy paddle around. Batteries are required for this toy, which is for babies 10 months and up. TOMY Toddler Toys Mix & Match Motorboat has four boat sections to create different configurations. Each section has a different water play feature: pour, squirt, sprinkle, and spin. Designed for ages 10 months and up, wind the boat to make it cruise along. TOMY Toddler Toys 3-in-1 Road Rescue is for ages 1 and up. Wind up the truck with driver that works as a wrench and press the button to zoom off. Wind up the car, set it on the truck bed, and lock the tailgate. Press the button and the truck zooms off.
June 2016 tfe 57
ASTRA 2016 Haywire Group
Jukem Soccer, for ages 8 and up, is a game in which kids put together passes and headers to get close enough to the goal to take a shot while the opponent attempts to block the play with the goalkeeper card. Jukem Football and Jukem Basketball versions are also available. Each version is for ages 8 and up. Action Princesses is a cooperative game for two to four players, ages 5 and up. Players perform silly actions in order to make their way down the stone path to the castle. They may find themselves quacking like a duck, kicking like a ninja, and somersaulting—all on their way to defeating the dragon.
The Orb Factory
With Fuzzeez Spotted Dog, kids place colorful fluff inside the Fuzzeez form and spray with warm soapy water. Fill the form to the top, snap it shut, and put it through the washer and dryer. Once complete, pop open the form to reveal a Fuzzeez friend. These kits were inspired by the classic craft concept, felting. It is for ages 6 and up. Use the stylus to punch fabric pieces into the form of the Plush Craft Puppy Pack. Kids, ages 5 and up, can use the illustrated instructions to decorate all three puppies with colorful fabric pieces and glittering eyes. Make three puppy pals with this kit. No sewing is required.
SmartNoggin
NogginSeek Cognitive Rattle features a candy-striped tube that slides into the clear sphere when the rattle is tilted down. It pops back up when tilted up. NogginRings Reaching and Grasping Rings is the newest addition to the SmartNoggin Milestone Makers line. Originally introduced in the 1980s, this toy is designed to encourage baby’s early milestones. The updated version offers baby opportunities to practice developing skills through play. It features flexible rings for batting, reaching, grasping, and transferring from one hand to the other. There are contrasting colors and rattle sounds. The NogginStik Developmental Light-Up Rattle is easy for baby to grasp, hold, and chew. It lights up and features a simple, silly face on the rounded top of the rattle. Each item comes with a parent guide and each is designed for birth and up.
58 tfe June 2016
Thames & Kosmos
With Robot Engineer, follow the story of two inquisitive kids, Ty and Karlie, as they build robots. Kids, ages 3 and up, can build 10 of the robots in the story with this kit. This 53-piece science kit combined with the illustrated storybook provides an engaging way to teach simple engineering concepts to preschool-age kids. Geckobot, the wall-climbing robot, has a motorized air suction system that enables it to walk vertically up and down on smooth surfaces such as glass, plastic, whiteboards, and glossy laminates. The batterypowered motor drives a gear system that produces a rotating motion making the legs move back and forth and up and down. It mimicks a real gecko so two of the feet are touching the wall while the other two feet are lifted off of the wall, in an alternating motion. When the Geckobot’s tongue hits an object in front of it, it triggers the motor to go in reverse, thus causing the model to walk back down the wall. While the model walks, its head and tail move from side to side, resulting in a lifelike model. Build six other models and conduct experiments with suction to learn about air pressure and the mechanical physics of this device. Build models of an industrial robotic arm with vacuum suction cup grippers, a car with suction cup wheels, an octopus with suction cup arms, a crawling insect, a window cleaning robot, and a vacuum holder device. A 24-page manual guides kids, ages 8 and up, through model building with step-by-step illustrated instructions and provides scientific information and explanations.
Endless Games
Endless Games introduces an adult party game, for ages 18 and up, called #HashTagIt! Each round begins with a ridiculous photo. Choose the best #HashTagIt! caption from the cards in your hand. Players vote on the best hashtag and that player wins the photo. Designed for three or more players, it includes 140 outrageous photo cards and 330 occasionally offensive hashtag cards. As Endless Games says on the package, “This Ain’t a Game for the Kiddies.”
Party Animal
Party Animal is expanding its TeenyMates brand. The TeenyMates Big Sip now features additional NFL teams with 3-D character cups now available in 28 NFL team uniforms. Each holds 16 ounces of any cold beverage, is BPA free, and the straw and stop-cap are included. MLB TeenyMates Blind Bags are a line of one-inch collectible figures. The figures are available in blind bags that include two random MLB catcher figures, a collector sheet, and two double-sided puzzle pieces. Once complete, the puzzle features a mini poster on one side and a baseball field playset on the other. Instantly build a TeenyMates collection with the MLB Series 3 TeenyMates Collector Tin. Each collector tin includes four blind bags of the recently released MLB TeenyMates catcher figures, an exclusive glow-in-the-dark umpire figure, and a standing stadium display.
June 2016 tfe 59
ASTRA 2016 Creativity for Kids
Creativity for Kids Create Your World, for ages 7 and up, includes a spinning globe on a base, die-cut preprinted shapes and letters, metallic stickers, glow-inthe-dark stickers, craft and glitter glue, a paint brush, and marker. Kids can personalize a globe with this 200-plus piece set.
The Young Scientists Club
The Young Scientists Club expands on its Magic School Bus line in conjunction with Scholastic. Both kits are designed for ages 5 and up. The Magic School Bus Human Body Lab is a complete lab that gets kids building a 17-inch plastic human skeleton, exploring touch receptors, learning about tooth enamel, and making a ball-and-socket joint. Inside The Magic School Bus Space Lab is an astronomical device called the Star Pilot that locates constellations both on the star ball and in the night sky. Experiments and activities include learning about the life cycle of a star, creating a planet poster, a 16-page booklet debunking constellation myths around the world, and a data notebook, among other components.
60 tfe June 2016
Klutz
Earlier this spring, Klutz announced plans to launch Klutz Jr., a book and craft kit product line for kids ages 4 and up, in 2017. (Its current product line is for ages 8 and up.) Four kits will launch in January with four more planned for fall 2017. Four kits are planned per year thereafter. Klutz will also celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2017. Here are the 2017 launch items for Klutz Jr. My Clay Critters allows kids to make 10 ocean critters. With six colors of air-dry clay, a shaping tool, and colorful pre-cut and custom pieces, kids can follow step-by-step instructions to create their own underwater adventures. My Egg Carton Animals lets kids transform egg cartons into six barnyard animals. These specially made egg cartons tear apart and glue easily. There are animal facts throughout the included book. The set includes paint, googly eyes, cotton balls, and pre-cut accessories to make farm animals. My Twinkly Tiaras contains three sparkling tiaras for decorating. There are more than 100 gems and punch-out pieces to choose from so kids can decorate the tiaras any way they like. There are even four extra mini crowns to cut out and customize for a stuffed animal. My Hand Art helps kids learn to draw 20 hand art designs—including a car, cat, sea monster, and more—by tracing their own hands. Pom-poms, googly eyes, glue, and crayons are all included. The fall 2016 introductions for Klutz include: Design Your Dream Room, Draw It 3D, Glitter Face Painting, Grow Your Own Crystal Jewelry, Make Your Own Mini Erasers, Nail Charms, Neon Chalk Lettering, Make Paper Lantern Animals, Watercolor Crush, and Coloring Cute.
BIG
things are happening at Scholastic!
Visit us at Booth M204
FOR LICENSING AND PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES CONTACT: Licensing@scholastic.com or 212-389-3934 ™ & © Scholastic Inc. SCHOLASTIC is a trademark of Scholastic Inc. CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG is a trademark of Norman Bridwell. All rights reserved.
Untitled-1 1
5/24/2016 7:43:29 AM
Untitled-1 1 Sony_aNb_tfe.indd 1
5/17/2016 9:50:31 AMPM 5/13/16 3:56
Licensing Show 2016: Highlights
tfe Licensing Show 2016 LICENSING
Compiled by Jennifer Lynch
Content was a key factor in the toy industry’s successful 2015 sales year. Contributing to a nearly 7 percent sales boost, properties such as Star Wars, Marvel Avengers, Shopkins, and more drove sales up across aisles, and 2016 is shaping up to see the same impact. This year’s Licensing Show anticipates more than 1,800 brands and 30 licensing agencies to be on display, representing the hottest properties across every medium. The companies listed as follows represent just a sampling of what will be on display this year in Las Vegas.
Beanstalk
Beanstalk has expanded its on-the-ground presence across the German-speaking region through a strategic partnership with merchandising and licensing agency, g.l.a.m. Headquartered in Munich, g.l.a.m. will work with Beanstalk on exploring local opportunities, while further expanding the reach of Beanstalk’s existing clients across a range of sectors including digital entertainment, hard goods, and food and beverage. The collaboration adds to Beanstalk’s growing geographic presence and continued focus to service its clients in key regions of the world.
Entertainment One
PJ Masks
Entertainment One (eOne) will showcase its lineup of properties. Peppa Pig is one of the top performing preschool properties worldwide and the brand generated more than $1 billion in worldwide retail sales in 2015. With more than 700 licensees supplying products globally, Peppa Pig now has a strong retail presence in Australia, New Zealand, Spain, France, Greece, the U.S., Latin America, Russia, and Southeast Asia. The brand boasts a lineup of best-in-class partners, a globally touring live stage show, two permanent theme park attractions, and a new series of 52 episodes currently in production. eOne’s new CGI-animated superhero TV property, PJ Masks, makes its Licensing Show debut. The series launched to strong audience figures when it premiered on Disney Junior in the U.S. in September 2015, and now PJ Masks rolls out globally this year on the Disney Junior network. Just Play serves as master global toy partner and a full licensing program will launch in the U.S. this fall, followed by an international consumer products rollout in 2017. Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom, which hails from the creators of Peppa Pig, is finding new audiences worldwide as broadcast launches on-air in new markets this year. Licensing is gaining momentum in countries where the show’s fan base has been building, including the U.S., Russia, Italy, and Spain. eOne has pan-European licensing rights to the new movie adaptation of Roald Dahl’s The BFG and a growing roster of licensees have been signed across categories, including apparel, games, and stationery, and a full range of merchandise is poised to launch at retail across Europe this month. Fans of the British TV sitcom The Office are counting down the days to the big screen release of David Brent: Life on the Road, which follows iconic anti-hero David Brent as he chases his dream of rock stardom by self-financing a UK tour with his band, Foregone Conclusion. eOne has global licensing rights to the movie and will use Licensing Show as a platform to sign new partners.
64 tfe June 2016
tfe Licensing Show 2016 LICENSING
NBCUniversal Brand Development
Among the properties NBCUniversal Brand Development will showcase at Licensing Show will be The Secret Life of Pets, from the creators of the Despicable Me franchise. Timed to the film’s release comes additional product from its master toy licensee Spin Master, including the Best Friend Max Feature Plush (shown). Bring home all the action and personality of Max, the star of The Secret Life of Pets. Max features a detachable leash, lifelike walking action, and 20 different sounds and phrases from the movie. When Max’s leash is attached, he’s a happy companion. When it’s detached, hear his “secret” personality. It’s for ages 4 and up.
4K Media
4K Media will showcase its iconic Japanese manga and anime brand, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and girls’ fashion brand, Rebecca Bonbon. Yu-Gi-Oh! features 15 years of brand awareness, five successful TV series, a feature film set to release in 2017, and a robust licensing program that 4K Media looks to expand. It will also announce a few notable licensees on board for fall launches. Rebecca Bonbon is the adorable French bulldog character drawn by Yuko Shimizu, the original creator of Hello Kitty. 4K Media is relaunching the brand into the marketplace with a fresh licensing program, including such product categories as apparel, accessories, cosmetics, home décor, plush, and pet products.
Synchronicity
Tootsie Roll Candy Brands (Tootsie Roll, Tootsie Pop, Sugar Daddy, Sugar Babies, Dots, Junior Mints, Blow Pops, Charms, Charleston Chew, Andes Mints, Fluffy Stuff, Cellas, and Mr. Owl) celebrates the second season of Tootsie Roll Candy Brands Hot Chocolate and the introductory season of Tootsie Coffee K-Cups by Two Rivers. The Tootsie Roll, Fisher-Price Thomas & Friends Junior Mints, and Sugar Babies K-cups launched in 1,600 Walmart stores this year, and will Tootsie Brands assorted vehicles expand to 2,300 stores next year. This spring, the Tootsie Brands were introduced as a theme to Fisher-Price’s Thomas the Tank Engine Mini blind packs with Thomas as a box of Dots, among other characters. Other highlights include Tootsie sock assortments by Planet Sox (Macy’s and JC Penney), Rasta Imposta Tootsie Roll Halloween bunting (Walmart) and Tootsie Roll girls’ costumes (Chasing Fireflies), vintage tin canisters by Big Mouth Toys, and Tootsie Christmas ornaments and decorations by Christmas Central. For Wham-O toy brands, Nowstalgic’s line of Wham-O impulse toys includes Super Elastic Bubble Plastic, Springy Thingy, Electro Putty Glow in the Dark Putty, Super Balloon, SuperBall Factory, and Zapback. Precious Tails began shipping its Wham-O Pets line this spring, which features dog-friendly Frisbees as well as rope and ball toys. Innovative Concepts In Entertainment (ICE) introduced its Wham-O SuperDuperBall coin-operated redemption amusement machine this year. And, Lucky Brands will feature surf brands Morey Boogie and Boogie Board apparel at all its locations starting in fall. Additional licensed properties include: Sean Danconia’s SupaPop and Super-Pulp, which recently joined with Al Kahn to bring the properties to animation, gaming, manga, and merchandise; New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway; Holly Ross Art brand and the Erhard Retro Holiday Collection (a Mid-Century Modern art brand).
66 tfe June 2016
Striker Entertainment
Striker Entertainment will feature several new properties at this year’s Licensing Show including Five Nights at Freddy’s, the video game franchise from Scottgames. Striker’s television roster includes the upcoming Preacher series from Sony Television based on the DC/Vertigo Comics; AMC’s The Walking Dead, the critically acclaimed, highly rated television series which returns this fall for its seventh season; Fear the Walking Dead, the companion show; Ash vs. Evil Dead, which returns to Starz for its second season this fall; Teen Wolf, which enters its sixth season; The Shannara Chronicles from MTV; Orphan Black from Temple Street Productions; Powers from Sony Television; House of Cards, the Netflix Original Series from MRC; and several other upcoming shows to be announced at Licensing Show. Additional theatrical properties that Striker is handling include the summer 2017 live-action feature film Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets from Luc Besson; Ghost in the Shell, from Paramount Pictures and Amblin Partners, starring Scarlett Johansson; and this summer’s The BFG, the Steven Spielberg-directed adaptation of Roald Dahl’s children’s novel, helmed by Steven Spielberg and distributed by Disney. Striker continues to represent mobile/tablet games Candy Crush Saga from King and upcoming mobile game Creature Quest from VC Mobile Entertainment, among others.
The Kratt Brothers Company
New partners have been secured for the live-action and animated series, Wild Kratts, produced by The Kratt Brothers Company and 9 Story Media Group, which is now in its fifth season and airs daily on PBS Kids. Whole Foods Market and AME are among the newest partners. The partnership with Whole Foods opens up a new distribution channel for Wild Kratts. Starting this August, the grocer will offer series-inspired Creature Crackers packaged cookies, children’s vitamins, as well as lunch totes, body washes, and bubble bath for children. AME will design an extensive range of children’s sleepwear, including pajama sets; sleep shirts, tanks, and gowns; sleep pants and shorts; robes; blanket sleepers; wraps; ponchos; boys’ boxers, boxer briefs, and briefs; and thermal underwear and sleepwear. AME is the latest apparel partner to join the Wild Kratts team. Earlier this year, The Kratt Brothers Company partnered with apparel manufacturer Isaac Morris Limited, which launched a selection of printed T-shirts, hoodies, and bottoms that debuted at Kmart and Fred Meyer stores in spring. Additional partners with new introductions this year include master toy licensee Wicked Cool Toys and Pressman Toy for games and puzzles, Random House Children’s Books for books, PBS Distribution for DVDs, PBS Kids for apps, and InCharacter for costumes.
June 2016 tfe 67
tfe Licensing Show 2016 LICENSING
Saban Brands
In January, Saban’s Power Rangers Dino Super Charge premiered on Nickelodeon in the U.S., marking the 23rd season for the superhero franchise. It also currently airs on key broadcasters around the world, including Network GO! in Australia, Nickelodeon and Teletoon in Canada, and Gulli in France, with others rolling out later this year. Saban Brands continues its longtime partnership with Nickelodeon to serve as the official broadcaster for the Power Rangers in the U.S. through 2018. Power Rangers Ninja Steel will be the title for the 24th season of the series, premiering on Nickelodeon in 2017. Saban Brands and BOOM! Studios partnered to create a new series of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers comic books based on the iconic first iteration of the Power Rangers television series. More issues Glitter Force are set to be released throughout 2016, including a new spin-off miniseries dedicated to the Pink Power Ranger. The Lionsgate and Saban Brands production on the Power Rangers feature film began in February. Popples, a Netflix Original Series for kids, is a high-energy comedy series based on the popular 1980s toy line and television series. In March, season two premiered on Netflix, which featured YouTube star Megan Nicole as the voice of Popples pop star Squeaky Pop in the episode “Fallen Pop Idol.” Nicole also recorded the new Popples original song, “Together with My Friends,” now available on iTunes and Amazon. A full consumer products program accompanies the Popples series, with Spin Master serving as global master toy licensee. Popples plush is now available in the U.S. on Walmart.com and in Walmart stores, and Spin Master will debut additional plush, figures, and playsets this fall. Additional products coming this year include girls’ pajamas from Komar; girls’ bedding, bath, and beach goods from Jay Franco; and girls’ room décor from Idea Nuova; with other licensing partners in the pipeline. An international product rollout across multiple categories and channels will begin this fall. Paul Frank has gone back to its roots with the launch of the elevated brand tier, Paul Frank Industries. In September 2015, during New York Fashion Week, Paul Frank Industries debuted a new spring/summer 2016 collection with an experiential runway show. In February, Saban Brands announced the appointment of artist, designer, and original founder Paul Frank as director of creative development for the company. Frank will serve as a key player for the Paul Frank brand, while also working on new character development and content for additional properties in the Saban Brands portfolio. Glitter Force, a Netflix Original Series for kids, premiered in December 2015, based on Japan’s longest-running and successful girl franchise, Pretty Cure. The series follows five preteen girls who learn that they are a legendary superhero squad that must defend Earth from evil fairytale villains. As a part of the Glitter Force, the friends transform from ordinary school girls into super-powered cool girls.
Colorforms
Building on the success of its fall 2015 launch, Colorforms is adding several licenses to its product line, including The Secret Life of Pets, Peppa Pig, and Little Charmers. The Secret Life of Pets Colorforms sets hit store shelves in advance of the movie’s release on July 8. Products will include Colorforms Fun Packs, On-the-Go, Take Along, Create-A-Story, and Big Wall Playsets based on the movie. Fall will also see the inclusion of eOne’s Peppa Pig and Nickelodeon series Little Charmers from Nelvana in the Colorforms lineup with Fun Packs, On-the-Go, Take Along, and Create-A-Story sets. 2016 marks Colorforms 65th anniversary, with more than one billion sets sold through the years. Colorforms are for ages 3 and up, available exclusively at Toys “R” Us.
68 tfe June 2016
Finding Dory Big Wall Playset
CBS Consumer Products
CBS Consumer Products manages worldwide licensing and merchandising for a diverse slate of television brands and series from CBS Television Studios and CBS Television Distribution, as well as from the company’s library of titles including I Love Lucy, The Brady Bunch, and Cheers in addition to Showtime and CBS Films. 2016 marks the 50th anniversary of the Star Trek franchise. This milestone will include global activations featuring speakers series, exhibitions, screenings, and a full line of specially licensed merchandise to pay tribute to the brand. In addition to Star Trek, the focus at Licensing Show will be on Hawaii 5-0, MacGyver, The Twilight Zone, Showtime series’ Billions, and CBS’ late night shows The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and The Late Late Show with James Corden.
Dr. Seuss Enterprises
Dr. Seuss Enterprises manages the classic literary-based children’s property consisting of 45 titles. More than 650 million Dr. Seuss books have been sold worldwide in more than 95 countries and 17 languages. In 2015 Dr. Seuss Enterprises released What Pet Should I Get?, a brand new Dr. Seuss book that lay undiscovered for more than 25 years. The book broke sales records and became an instant best-seller. Dr. Seuss Enterprises also manages The Cat in the Hat Learning Library book series, which has been made into a television show, The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That!, airing on PBS. Dr. Seuss Enterprises partnered with Carnival Cruise Lines on a “Seuss at Sea” program and continues to build upon its Grinchmas and Seuss Landing success with Universal Studios theme parks. Dr. Seuss Enterprises has also teamed up again with Illumination Entertainment and Universal Pictures (Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax, 2012) to release a 3-D CGI full-length animated film, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! due in theaters in November 2017. Dr. Seuss Enterprises partnered with Ellen DeGeneres and her production team, along with Warner Home Video, to create an animated television series based on the best-selling Dr. Seuss book Green Eggs & Ham, set to release on Netflix in 2018.
Art Brand Studios
Art Brand Studios publishes the work of Marjolein Bastin, Thomas Kinkade, and Thomas Kinkade Studios with distribution of the art and related collectibles through a global network of corporate and independently owned galleries, direct response television, theme parks, cruise ships, and specialty retailers. The company’s primary products are canvas and paper reproductions that feature peaceful and inspiring themes. Kinkade’s well-known images depict gardens, cottages, estates, cityscapes, en plein air, holiday scenery, and commemorative American landmarks. Thomas Kinkade Studio continues in the path that Kinkade started and developed. Thomas Kinkade Studio Artists paint in the Thomas Kinkade style. Bastin’s work is currently enjoyed worldwide. Drawing inspiration from nature, her artwork portrays large and small miracles found in the natural world around us. Through her art and Marjolein Bastin’ artwork words, Bastin offers collectors a simple reminder to pause and enjoy nature and allow it to be a source of serenity, energy, and healing. Art Brand Studios’ expansion plans include partnerships with artist talent while leveraging its roster of licensees and network of art galleries. Art Brand Studios is interested in expanding its licensing portfolio of home décor, gift, seasonal, collectible, garden and accessory products for new artists as well as Bastin and Thomas Kinkade brands.
June 2016 tfe 69
tfe Licensing Show 2016 LICENSING
Word Party
The Jim Henson Company
The Jim Henson Company (JHC) will present a trio of new properties debuting this year, including Word Party, Dot., and Splash and Bubbles, together with a continuing licensing program for Dinosaur Train, now in its fourth season on PBS Kids in the U.S. JHC will also focus on Labyrinth, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, and Fraggle Rock. Dinosaur Train, now in more than 200 territories worldwide, gathers steam with new master toy partner Jazwares on board to debut new products at retail this fall in the U.S. and select international markets. Licensees currently on board include Buy Seasons for party goods in the U.S., California Costumes for Halloween costumes in the U.S., and new international partners Papstar for party goods (Germany), Geda Labels for mealtime products (Germany), Evrika LLC with chocolate eggs (Russia), and Warm Up Industry for costume character live appearances (Italy). Currently representing Dinosaur Train around the world are Bulldog Licensing (UK), Biplano (France), LizenzWerft (Germany), CPL (Latin America), Megalicense (Russia), Jantar Projekt (Poland), and Distefano Licensing (Italy). The vocabulary-building show Word Party, which debuts in July on Netflix, invites the youngest viewers to help teach four baby animals new words, learn new words, and celebrate these achievements with a “Word Party!” Word Party is produced using the Henson Digital Puppetry Studio, a proprietary CG-animation technology from Jim Henson’s Creature Shop that allows puppeteers to perform digitally animated characters in real-time, enabling the animation to be more lifelike and spontaneous. Based on tech expert and author Randi Zuckerberg’s debut picture book of the same name, Dot. is a new animated series targeted for girls ages 4–7. The series follows the tech-savvy Dot, who embarks on hilarious adventures to satisfy her imagination, curiosity, and latest passion. Dot. will debut in the U.S. on Sprout in September. Each episode ends with Dot giving the viewers a call to action to get inspired and explore. Splash and Bubbles is an all-new animated series that will debut this fall on PBS Kids in the U.S. and other platforms worldwide. Utilizing CG-animation technology from Henson Digital Puppetry Studio, each of the 40 episodes introduces kids ages 4–7 to the adventures of its title characters Splash, a yellow fusilier fish, and Bubbles, a mandarin dragonet. Splash and Bubbles is co-produced with Herschend Enterprises.
DHX Brands
Teletubbies Teletubbies has been seen by more than a billion children worldwide and the original episodes aired in more than 120 territories, in 45 languages. With DHX’s new Teletubbies series already airing on Family Jr. in Canada, and set to debut later this year on Nick Jr. in the U.S., Teletubbies has already garnered numerous licensees, including Spin Master (North American master toy), Accessory Innovations (bags, backpacks, hats), SG Company (footwear), Franco Manufacturing (juvenile bedding), Betesh (toddler bedding), and VTech (ELAs). Launched in the UK in November 2015, the new series features the same characters and styling as the original but has been visually enhanced. Sixty-five licensees are onboard worldwide. Twirlywoos encourages young audiences to gain confidence in their perceptions of the world through laughter. Producer Anne Wood devises the series with input from early-years expert Professor Cathy Nutbrown. Twenty-five new episodes will be produced for CBeebies. The series is produced in association with DHX Media, which also handles global distribution, merchandising, brand management, and marketing. Golden Bear serves as master toy partner in the UK, which recently launched at retail. In the Night Garden is a preschool series, represented by DHX Brands and produced by Ragdoll Productions. In the Night Garden is one of the fastest-selling preschool brands in the UK, boosted through new branding, a new website, an integrated social media and marketing plan, events, and brand new style guide. Internationally, notably in China, brand awareness is also very strong. A dedicated In the Night Garden baby product range, will hit retail in spring 2017, which also marks its 10th anniversary.
70 tfe June 2016
IMG
IMG, a global leader in sports, events, media, and fashion unveiled the Football Greats Alliance (FGA), a first-of-its-kind agency created to manage the collective marketing and licensing rights of retired players. Operated by IMG, the FGA creates, develops, and manages the strategic execution of rights for more than 22,000 retired NFL players, offering a one-stop shop for marketing rights, approvals, contracting, and financing for a group that includes 160-plus Hall of Famers, 50-plus Heisman winners, 225-plus broadcasters, and 35 NFL MVPs. Through relationships with authentic sponsors, partners, and licensees, the FGA will help solidify and preserve the legacy of former NFL players. The NFL will play an integral role in supporting the FGA, providing access to NFL sponsors, club marketing personnel, and hospitality space for events including the 2017 Super Bowl and Pro Bowl. The NFL is underway on projects to sell retired players’ jerseys online in tandem with nflshop.com licensees, and to cross-promote the FGA on NFL digital platforms. In March 2013, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced the settlement of the NFL’s image/likeness lawsuit with retired NFL players. As a part of the $50 million resolution of the case, the Pro Football Retired Players Association (PFRPA) was created to administer the terms of several new ventures. The two major initiatives born out of the PFRPA are the FGA and The Greater Good Fund, a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation. The formation of the FGA coincides with the establishment of the Greater Good Fund (GGF), designed to support health and welfare programs for the retired players. Established with the initial funding from the NFL, 25 percent of all proceeds from FGA partnerships will go to the GGF. Initial programs include the development of the first-ever dental insurance program for retired players.
Discovery Consumer Products
Discovery Consumer Products (DCP), the global licensing arm of Discovery Communications, features a retail footprint in more than 50 countries. Discovery Kids has redefined its merchandising program with a wide range of new licensing deals and expansion of existing partnerships in North America. The new products, including science kits, arts and crafts, publishing, and toys, will debut on retail shelves this year from licensees including Horizon Group, Merchsource, Sakar, Journey North, Parragon, and The Bridge Direct, among others. For apparel, Discovery Kids will launch a unique collection at a mass retailer later this year. The line will embody the brand essence of real world exploration and adventure using various designs ranging from space to animal themes. Discovery Kids is looking for new licensing partners to deliver interactive products that meet its standard of fun, enriching, and interactive product, while encouraging exploration of the world. Animal Planet Kids is part of one of the top global animal brands. A 15-year partnership with Toys “R” Us in North America drives a robust Animal Planet toy line featured across a 20-foot space at Toys “R” Us stores, including its future flagship store in New Jersey. The line includes a full range of toys including Big Foot, Yeti, and Animal Transport Helicopter. Discovery At Sea, with Princess Cruises, launched in 2015 and offers vacation experiences with themed tours, science activities, hands-on programs, and games based on hit Discovery Network programming. Cruisers can experience the new Stargazing experience; activities featuring Discovery hit shows and television events such as MythBusters, Deadliest Catch, and Shark Week; plus Discovery and Animal Planet shore excursions. Founded in 2015, Discovery Destinations is a partnership between Discovery Consumer Products and Scottford Hospitality, a multiple-service hospitality firm. The collection has continued growing as new resorts are continually added in the U.S., Latin America, and Asia. Recent additions include The Goldmoor Inn in Illinois, Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill in Kentucky, Nantahala Outdoor Center in North Carolina, House on Metolius in Oregon, Terra Paradise in Costa Rica, and Andaman Resort in Moganshan, China.
June 2016 tfe 71
tfe Licensing Show 2016 LICENSING
The Joester Loria Group
The global consumer products program for The World of Eric Carle has experienced exceptional growth in more than 35,000 doors in better retail channels in 15-plus countries. With more than 135 licensees and promotional partners, the brand extends into all major categories. 2015 was a year of global licensing success for the property. Highlights included the launch of global distribution of Very Hungry Caterpillar apps, which topped iTunes charts in Japan, Germany, Australia, the UK, and U.S.; the launch of infant apparel and sleepwear in more than 600 Gymboree stores; the introduction of nine cereal and six juice box SKUs at Whole Foods; and more. In international markets, highlights include a collaboration with Hello Kitty in Sanrio Puroland and all Sanrio stores in Japan and continued growth of the Very Hungry Caterpillar Live show. Dynamic multi-platform marketing supports the consumer products program worldwide, with social media and blogger campaigns engaging moms, as well as traditional PR and media. Kellogg’s kicked off 2016 with new products celebrating the company’s iconic brands, unique heritage, and classic characters. Peter Alexander, Australian specialty retailer, introduced the first of two collections of Kellogg’s sleepwear and loungewear in March. The second collection will launch in November in time for holiday, and will be heavily supported with social media and in-store promotions. Both collections will be available in all 84 Peter Alexander locations in Australia and New Zealand and in Peter Alexander shop-in-shops in Myer department stores. Uniqlo also celebrated the history of Kellogg’s with tees this spring in its new collection “100 Years of Iconic Brands.” Also new for Kellogg’s this year, food storage and on-the-go-products from Jokari, a year-round collection of Rice Krispies Treat Making Kits from Brandcastle available nationwide in mass and club channels, and ceramic and glass tableware from RSquared, launching at specialty stores and online accounts. Additional brands available for licensing include food and beverage brands Entenmann’s and Pepsi; fashion brands Amy Coe, Aimee Song/ Song of Style, and Happi by Dena, and corporate brands Mountain Dew, Mountain Dew x Green Label, Aquafina, Waste Management, Car and Driver, and the Constellation Brands beer portfolio, which includes Corona Extra, Corona Light, and Modelo Especial.
The Licensing Shop
Shoppies
72 tfe June 2016
The new doll line Shoppies, derived from Moose Toys’ Shopkins, will launch its own licensing program separate from the Shopkins merchandise program. Both brands are represented by The Licensing Shop. New Shoppies licensees include The Bridge Direct (construction) and Disguise (Halloween costumes). Shoppies dolls launched in October 2015 and sold out almost immediately. The doll line expanded in Q1 2016 and now includes the following characters: Jessicake, Popette, Bubbleisha, and Peppa-Mint. Shoppies are TV promoted and featured in webisodes. Additional entertainment for the brand will be announced shortly. Separately, the Shopkins U.S. licensing program is on track to reach $250 million in retail sales for 2016. New licensees on board include: KOBA (live entertainment), Kurt S. Adler (holiday ornaments, décor), Pangea Brands (small electric appliances, cook/bake ware), and Wonder Forge (games).
The Fred Rogers Company
The licensing program for Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood from The Fred Rogers Company, based on the PBS Kids series, continues to grow with five new licensing partners that will further expand the consumer products program led by Out of the Blue Enterprises, the brand’s licensing agent. Newly onboard are Happy Threads (apparel), Komar (sleepwear), Berkshire (outerwear and hosiery), Smilemakers (stickers), and FAB Starpoint (bags). The full range of new Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood products will be showcased at Licensing Show. Happy Threads will produce a range of fashions for children ages 0–7, including tees, fashion tops, hoodies, and more, while Komar will offer a line of sleepwear. Berkshire is designing an extensive fashion collection, including headwear, cold weather accessories, and rain gear. Smilemakers is developing an assortment of stickers and temporary tattoos, and FAB Starpoint is creating a broad range of bags, including backpacks and sportsbags as well as luggage and travel accessories.
Finlayson Kesäkuu pattern
Knockout Licensing
Helsinki-based 5th Wave Brands, the global licensing agent for Finlayson, has appointed Knockout Licensing to launch and manage licensing for the popular Scandinavian design and fabric brand across the U.S. and Canada. Established in 1820 in Finland, Finlayson is a pioneer in the Scandinavian fabric design movement and is widely known for its interior textiles such as bedding, bath, and kitchen fabrics. Finlayson’s extensive design collection includes more than 100,000 different designs with a carefully curated and ever-growing selection already available in digital format for licensing. In 1951, Finlayson was in the first wave of Scandinavian fabric design to sweep the world with its original, minimalist, colorful, and fresh approach. Today, it remains a leader among Finnish and other design houses driving the latest Scandinavian design trends in bedding, fashion, housewares, and more. Knockout will license the brand into a wide range of products including home furnishings and home décor, housewares, fashion accessories, gifts, paper products, and fabrics.
C3 Entertainment
C3 Entertainment will showcase The Three Stooges brand at Licensing Show. A new series of Three Stooges Comic Books from American Mythology Productions launched in April at the Three Stooges Convention in Philadelphia. C3 says it also represents several classic brands for licensing and brand management, but The Three Stooges remains at the core. The company was started in 1959 by The Three Stooges themselves: Moe Howard, Larry Fine, and Curly Joe DeRita.
June 2016 tfe 73
tfe Licensing Show 2016 LICENSING
Animaccord/Masha and The Bear
Masha and The Bear is a globally expanding brand that speaks to families worldwide. Based on the animated series, produced by Animaccord in 2009, it has more than 12 billion views on YouTube with just 55 episodes released. Today the brand’s growing popularity is supported by strong players such as Spin Master, Sony Music, Netflix, NBC Universal, Toys “R” Us, Hamleys, Ferrero, Hachette, Egmont, Panini, Simba Dickie Group, Clementoni, and others. The property is represented by the rights-holder Animaccord Ltd., which is responsible for production and licensing globally.
FremantleMedia
FremantleMedia Kids & Family (FMK) comes to this year’s Licensing Show representing a host of brands. Danger Mouse blasted back onto TV screens in the UK last September, becoming CBBC’s highest rated new series launch since 2012. New global broadcast partners include ABC in Australia, TV Four in New Zealand, and Netflix in the Americas, Nordics, Benelux, and Japan, with other territories launching soon. This spring, Jazwares launched a toy line in the UK. This will be followed by a range of other core categories including publishing, magazine, and DVD this summer, with apparel and housewares in fall/winter. The international toy rollout will begin in the U.S. and Australia later this year followed by other territories in 2017. The original 1980s Danger Mouse TV series made its debut on Netflix in June 2015 and FMK’s licensing team has already capitalized on it by signing a number of key licenses for a parallel consumer products program aimed at adults. Kate & Mim-Mim is a preschool series that follows the special friendship between Kate, a little girl with a big imagination, and her toy bunny Mim-Mim. Season two launched on Disney Junior U.S. in early 2016 and a number of seasonal specials will air on the channel throughout the year. The series has been sold to more than 100 territories worldwide. In the U.S., consumer products activity continues apace with the recent launch of DVDs by SkipRope. This summer, Just Play will launch its toy line followed by a Penguin Random House range of books and apparel this month. Additional U.S. licensees will be announced. Just Play has appointed The Giochi Preziosi Group (GP) as the toy distributor for the series in EMEA with initial launches in Spain and Italy. In the UK, Flair will distribute Just Play’s toy range this summer. Tree Fu Tom is a hit preschool property about a mini but mighty superhero that premiered on CBeebies in the UK in 2012 and now airs in 123 territories across the globe. Master toy licensee Jazwares’ toys and Roadshow’s DVDs launched in Australia last year. In the UK, Tom will meet children across the country, taking part in a national 60-date tour at Haven holiday parks. FremantleMedia North America (FMNA) and STARZ are currently in production on American Gods, an adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s contemporary fantasy novel. The plot posits a war brewing between old and new gods: the traditional gods of mythological roots from around the world steadily losing believers to an upstart pantheon of gods reflecting society’s modern love of money, technology, media, celebrity, and drugs. Airing since 1976, Family Feud is the TV game show in which two families compete for cash and prizes as they try to guess the most popular answers to questions posed to 100 people surveyed. The game translates to a host of at-home interactive experiences. FMNA will feature a variety of new products surrounding the Family Feud brand including a boxed calendar (Calendar Holdings), an electronic handheld game (The Bridge Direct), a trivia box card game (Cardinal Games), as well as a board game from Endless Games. Celebrity Name Game heads into its third season with 40 percent gains in the key 25–54 demographic from its prior season. The syndicated, half-hour weekday strip is hosted by Craig Ferguson. Celebrity Name Game airs in more than 93 percent of the country, including the top 50 U.S. markets. The party game by PlayMonster (formerly Patch Products) will launch this fall based on the TV show. Teams collaborate to improvise clues to actors, singers, athletes, pop culture icons, etc. in time-based challenges.
74 tfe June 2016
Sony Pictures Consumer Products With a wide array of products in more than 100 countries worldwide, Sony Pictures Consumer Products (SPCP) enters Licensing Show with a focus on its new Ghostbusters movie. Thirty years after the original 1984 franchise, the film hits theaters nationwide on July 15. Its licensing program features more than 45 partners from around the world and across categories including digital and gaming, toys, apparel, fashion accessories, publishing, collectibles, and more. Licensees include Mattel for action figures, die-cast vehicles, playsets, and roleplay toys; LEGO for construction sets; Funko for pop vinyl figures; Underground Toys for plush, computer accessories, and housewares; Activision for console and mobile games, handheld electronic games, mobile, PC, and video games; IGT for slot machines; Simon & Schuster children’s Ghostbusters 2016 movie publishing for print and e-books editions of junior novels, readers, and a handbook; Hybrid for mens’, juniors’, girls’, boys’, and infant/toddler apparel; FAB Starpoint for backpacks, totes, messengers, lunch bags, and more; New Era for lifestyle headwear; and Concept One for headwear, cold weather accessories, swimwear, and seasonal footwear. The movie program is also supported by the Ghostbusters classic consumer products program. On the horizon for SPCP is Dark Tower, based on Stephen King’s book franchise; the fully computer-animated Smurfs: The Lost Village; and the new (untitled) Emoji movie, hitting theaters in summer 2017. Other Sony Pictures’ releases include Underworld: Blood Wars, and a new animated television series based on the successful Hotel Transylvania franchise. Rounding it out is the classic portfolio featuring Ghostbusters Classics, The Fifth Element, Easy Rider, and Talladega Nights, among others.
Firefly Brand Management
Firefly Brand Management has signed with New York Times best-selling author, chef, and TV personality Cristina Ferrare (Hallmark Channel’s Home & Family) to represent her new line and signature series The CF Collection in all key product categories. Firefly will pursue key licensing partnerships specifically for home, family, and everyday products, including beauty, cooking, home décor, entertaining, nutrition, and women’s health.
DreamWorks Animation
Continuing its evolution into a global branded entertainment company, DreamWorks Animation will showcase its vast franchise portfolio of new and classic properties for film, television, and digital platforms. Highlighting the roster is Trolls, the upcoming feature film poised to be DreamWorks Animation’s biggest and most expansive consumer products effort to date. Additional highlighted theatrical releases are 2017’s The Boss Baby and Captain Underpants. On the television side, DreamWorks Animation will continue to support its slate at retail for Dinotrux, as well as two upcoming series, Voltron and Trollhunters. DreamWorks’ How to Train Your Dragon franchise also continues with the hit television series Dragons: Race to the Edge. DreamWorks Classics will also be highlighted, led by global favorite Noddy. In the digital space, AwesomenessTV, the multi-platform media company, continues to captivate an enormous audience with short and long form content, led by an ever-expanding roster of talent. NBCUniversal, a division of Comcast Corp., recently acquired DreamWorks Animation.
June 2016 tfe 75
tfe Licensing Show 2016 LICENSING
Brandgenuity
Boppy Sleep & Play
The Baby Collection by Boppy offers a combination of comfort and style that brings the Boppy Pillow to a multi-piece collection of baby clothing, toys, and plush blankets. The licensed collection is designed with the bold patterns and playful characters inspired by the prints found on the iconic Boppy Pillows. Dress baby from head to toe with Boppy Layettes, a multi-piece collection that includes reversible jackets, bodysuits, buntings, full outfit sets, and sleepers. The Boppy Sleep & Play is a soft, comfortable cotton garment with an innovative two-way zipper that makes for quick and easy changes. The extensive toy collection includes rattles, bean bag plushies, musical toys, and finger puppets that are feature-rich for baby’s developmental stages and feature soft, dot textured fabric and friendly, colorful faces. Boppy plush blankets are made of super soft fabric. The collection is in stores at Babies “R” Us, Buy Buy Baby, Fred Meyer, Kroger, and online at Kohls.com, Target.com and Stage.com. Licensing agency Brandgenuity represented Boppy in the license agreement with Rashti & Rashti, the baby products manufacturer that has developed the line.
Genius Brands International
Genius Brands International (GBI) seeks key licensing partners worldwide for SpacePOP and Llama Llama. SpacePOP targets tween girls, age 8–12, offering a colorful blend of music, fashion, beauty, friendship, and intergalactic adventures resulting in an engaging lifestyle brand. SpacePOP will be digitally distributed via the SpacePOP channel on YouTube and other digital platforms. The first six videos will debut this summer with two new videos released weekly thereafter. Music will be woven through a narrative story detailing how the evil Empress Geela takes over the Planets of The Pentangle ridding the galaxy of music, fashion, and beauty, five teenage princesses disguise themselves as musicians and form a band called SpacePOP. The debut of the SpacePOP videos will coincide with a new book series from Macmillan’s Imprint launching with the first title, SpacePOP Not Your Average Princesses, an original middle grade novel with graphic novel inserts written by author Erin Downing and illustrated by Jen Bartel. The launch of the SpacePOP brand will be supported by GBI’s music-based apps, web series, linear TV exposure, potential live tour, and consumer product launches at retail nationwide this fall. New licensees on board for the brand, include master publishing partner Imprint, part of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group; TASTE Beauty (beauty and bath products and accessories); Jaya Apparel (apparel); Mad Dog (loungewear and sleepwear); H.E.R. Accessories (accessories); FAB Starpoint (bags, accessories, stationery); Berkshire (hosiery, headwear, cold weather accessories, umbrellas); Franco Manufacturing (bedding, room décor, accessories); Yowie (chocolate surprise eggs with blind collectible toys); Flix Candy (confections and novelty candy); KidDesign (youth electronics and tech accessories); Canal Toys (craft and activity kits); and Bare Tree Media (virtual branded goods). Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the home entertainment partner for SpacePOP throughout North America. GBI has also partnered with Llama Llama author Anna Dewdney and publisher Penguin Young Readers to develop animated content and a comprehensive line of licensed products based on the bestselling books, including toys, games, apparel, accessories, bedding, and healthy snacks and meals, which are scheduled to launch this fall. GBI signed Kids Preferred as the toy licensing partner (plush toys, puppets, and jack-in-theboxes) and entertainment content will launch digitally this year. New licensees include Hybrid (toddler apparel), which joins Intimo (sleepwear) on soft lines for fall. With 9.4 million units in print, Llama Llama books are New York Times bestsellers with translations in eight languages.
76 tfe June 2016
Precious Moments
Precious Moments, Inc., a top-selling inspirational brand for nearly 40 years, is carrying forward the strength of its heritage while reinvigorating the brand to appeal to today’s consumer through an aggressive global product development and licensing initiative. New markets and an increase in product categories are the hallmarks of this growth strategy, putting the essence of Precious Moments and its iconic characters front and center in Hong Kong, South Korea, and soon in other parts of the globe. These markets join current licensees marketing Precious Moments products throughout the U.S., Latin America, Mexico, and more. New licensed product includes Precious Moments plush, based on popular characters such as Charlie Bear and Raffie Giraffe, by worldwide licensee Aurora World. Each style in the line has an “inspiration tag” that communicates both the character’s name and a special message. There are more than 30 styles across three collections: Everyday Plush, Precious Baby, and Precious Girl. MonCheri Baby is bringing to U.S. retail Precious Moments baby products including, layettes, blankets, and clothing. Looking forward to holiday, an expanded holiday mass market retail program will launch from Kiu Hung Industries Limited to include Precious Moments-branded Christmas ornaments, trim, gift, and décor.
Rovio Animation
Rovio Entertainment’s The Angry Birds Movie arrived in theaters May 20, and is supported by a roster of top licensees across multiple categories, including toys, games, electronics, sporting goods, costumes, apparel, accessories, publishing, and more. Global partners include LEGO, whose collection of six building sets bring the movie to life with unique digital integration in the Angry Birds Action! Game; Spin Master with collectible figures, playsets, and games; H&M with an exclusive line of children’s apparel; and Amscan with party supplies and children’s costumes in several territories.
American Greetings Entertainment
American Greetings Entertainment’s franchise Care Bears celebrates its 35th anniversary in 2017 with nostalgic lifestyle products from a host of licensing partners. On board are Land of Nod with a direct-to-retail program with artist-designed bedding and plush; Nordstrom for a plush, apparel, and accessory program for infant girls to tweens; and collaboration partners Boy Meets Girl, Wildfox, Freshly Picked, and online retailer Ironfist for Dolls Kill. Rounding out the program will be a collaboration with Instagram star California Donuts, which will create an exclusive Care Bears donut that will be available at its flagship Koreatown location in Los Angeles. More announcements are coming soon. Since its appearance on greeting cards in 1982, followed by a massive toy launch in 1983, this evergreen property has become an important part of pop culture. Care Bears & Cousins now airs on Netflix. The Care Bears consumer products program boasts more than 200 global licensees with an estimated $5 billion in retail sales around the world. Additional properties that will be showcased include Madballs, ready to gross out a new generation with more wacky fun, and Netflix original series Buddy Thunderstruck, a modern day action-comedy stop-motion series that follows the adventures of a semi-truck-driving dog named Buddy and his ferret mechanic Darnell.
June 2016 tfe 77
tfe Licensing Show 2016 LICENSING
Spiffy Pictures
Spiffy Pictures, creators of the new animated PBS Kids series Nature Cat, is showcasing a host of licensing opportunities for kid-friendly products based on the educational series. Its premiere reached nearly 3.7 million people, including 1.7 million kids ages 2–11. And there have been more than 73 million video streams across all PBS Kids digital platforms since the series debuted. With HiHat Media handling brand licensing for the U.S. and 9 Story Media Group running international distribution and consumer products rights outside of the U.S., the brand will be supported by comprehensive consumer product Nature Cat platforms that inspire children to develop connections with the natural world. Nature Cat was created by the Emmy Award-winning creative team at Spiffy Pictures and is co-produced by Spiffy Pictures and WTTW Chicago. Episodes of Nature Cat feature two 11-minute stories, as well as interstitials. The show airs twice every weekday on PBS stations nationwide. In each episode, Nature Cat can’t wait to get outside for a day of nature excursions and bravery, but there’s one problem: he’s a house cat with no instincts for nature. With the help of his animal friends, Nature Cat embarks on action-packed adventures that include exciting missions full of investigation, “aha” discovery moments and humor, all while inspiring children to go outside and play.
Jewel Branding
Airheads celebrates its 30th anniversary this year with the launch of new candy products, new retail and licensing partnerships, events nationwide celebrating the brand’s birthday, and a major advertising campaign. New licensing partnerships are slated to launch later in the year, including a collection of scented beauty and body products (Bag NY) and fashion tops (Trau & Loevner). Products in development for 2017 include scented stationery, apparel, and digital stickers. It’Sugar kicks off its shop-in-shop launch of Airheads candy, apparel, and novelty products this month. 7-Eleven has also partnered with Airheads to debut an Airheads Slurpee nationwide supported by an extensive promotional and social media campaign. Hang Ten is the original surf and California lifestyle brand founded in 1960 with the widely recognized “feet” mark. A $1 billion brand globally, Hang Ten has a strong heritage of authenticity, quality, and living an active lifestyle. The brand spans a wide age demographic from millennials that shop for Hang Ten at Urban Outfitters and Pac Sun to baby boomers nostalgic for the brand from their youth. Hang Ten is currently licensed in categories that include apparel, swimwear, sunglasses, footwear, and outdoor recreational products. Jewel seeks partners in home categories to further build the brand. Antik Batik, the fashion label created by designer Gabriella Cortese, is now available for licensing in North America. Cortese launched Antik Batik following a journey to Bali in 1992 and since then, the brand has evolved into an eclectic melting pot of European and Indonesian influences with ready-to-wear and handbags available at Bergdorf Goodman, Barney’s, Neiman Marcus, Net-a-Porter, Fred Segal, and Shopbop. Licensing partners have been signed for hosiery, bedding, rugs, bath, and kitchen textiles. Categories available include footwear, jewelry, fragrance, children’s apparel, home furnishings, and tabletop. Fox + Arrow by Jeff Foxworthy is a lifestyle brand that embodies a love for casual living inspired by his Georgia roots and genial personality. Fox + Arrow is a lifestyle brand for families seeking fashionable and affordable products. The brand will launch in bedding later this year.
78 tfe June 2016
The Licensing Group Ltd.
The Licensing Group Ltd. (TLG) introduces its newest property at Licensing Show, The Magical Toothfairies, an animated children’s show, which recently premiered on YIP TV, based on the universally popular tooth fairy. The Toothfairies travel the world to celebrate the transition from babyhood to childhood by rewarding children for the baby teeth they lose—and teaching dental hygiene along the way. As they fulfill their mission, the Toothfairies encounter many adventures. TLG is the exclusive North American licensing agency for the property. TLG continues as the exclusive worldwide agent for SPD Brands’ Heart Girl, Flight Patterns, and Malibu Life. Heart Girl is a children’s character that nourishes little girls’ love of hearts with stories, its own Heartland world, and YouTube animated episodes. Flight Patterns is a collection of original travel-inspired designs based on the three-letter airport designation codes unique to each airport worldwide. Malibu Life is a brand that embodies the aspirational lifestyle of the legendary California beachfront community. TLG will also premiere two new SPD Brands at Licensing Expo: Tiny Headed Kingdom, a children’s plush concept featuring sweet and strong animals with tiny heads and big hearts, and XOUSA, a unique social expression brand targeted to U.S. and international visitors of top American destinations. TLG will feature The Andrea Alvin Portfolio of photorealism and The American Collection, an original interpretation of government and military-themed symbols and marks. Also on display will be Car Culture, a collection of more than 200,000 images documenting America’s love affair with the automobile photographed by preeminent car photographer Lucinda Lewis. Artist Kevin a. Short is best known as the painter of Southern California’s beach life and surfing subculture as well as for his paintings of the Southwest. His work has been collected around the world and is exhibited in American and international museums. His Art of the Surf collection is available for licensing.
CJ E&M Licensing
CJ E&M Licensing will highlight three of its children’s TV properties at Licensing Show, including Super Wings, a 3-D CGI-animated preschool series that follows a plane named Jett that travels the world delivering packages to children. On every delivery, Jett encounters a new problem that he and his friends must work together to solve. The show focuses on issues of creative problem solving and cultural diversity, and the characters visit 52 cities in 45 countries over the course of the series. Categories of focus include event promotion and location-based entertainment (mall shows, theme parks, and ticketed shows). Rainbow Ruby is 3-D CGI-animated preschool series that follows a 6-year-old girl named Ruby as she transports to Rainbow Village where her toys come alive. Throughout the series Ruby experiences different professions, introducing preschool girls to the concept of a dream job and letting them imagine how their jobs can improve their lives in the future. Targeted for ages 4–7, Robot Trains is a 3-D CGI-animated series that revolves around Train World fighting evil to save their village. As a coming-of-age story, the main character displays courage and an adventurous streak toward a new, exciting world. CJ E&M is a leading Asian content and media company headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. It has five main business units: broadcast, film (CJ Entertainment), music, live entertainment, and animation.
June 2016 tfe 79
Specialty Emporium Profile
T
Celebrating 40 Years of Creativity for Kids by
Nancy Lombardi
he seeds for Creativity for Kids were planted in the mid-1970s by two moms who put their careers on hold to focus on their children. Phyllis Brody (a psychiatric social worker) and Evelyn Greenwald (an attorney) spent a lot of time helping out in their children’s classrooms with art projects. “We would go into the classroom and work with the kids,” says Brody, co-founder of Creativity for Kids. “Each time we saw this amazing transformation take place when we gave them simple, open-ended materials to work with. It was counterintuitive to what was happening in the classroom at the time, which was very stereotyped activities that were presented as art.” As their children progressed through school, both women were contemplating whether to return to their previous careers or embark on a new path. They soon realized that their passion for art and working with children could be turned into a business. Brody says that they did a lot of detective work before getting started selling art kits. They went to hardware stores, lumber yards, and even cut up feather dusters to provide the very basics for an art kit. They set up shop in their homes and enlisted the help of family, friends, and neighbors to assemble the kits for sale under the company name Creative Art Activities, Inc. Brody says their early customer base was located in cities where family and friends lived. It was 1976, long before the launch of Etsy, Pinterest, Kickstarter, Shark Tank, and other such outlets for entrepreneurs. The women exhibited their product at Toy Fair 1978 under the name Creativity for Kids. Brody says that attending Toy Fair was a major milestone and it catapulted them forward. Their
80 tfe June 2016
first product was a burlap bag filled with simple art materials and very little instruction. Instead, ideas and thoughts were written to parents about why creativity is important and what they could do to encourage their children’s creativity. It was a revolutionary concept at the time. Meanwhile, the toy industry was in the midst of change. At that time, toys were sold primarily in department stores. Toys “R” Us was on the rise along with the independent specialty market, which was the perfect outlet for the company’s new product concepts. Creativity for Kids and the specialty market grew together. Fast forward 40 years and consumers everywhere are in the midst of what’s now called The Maker Movement. It’s one of those everythingold-is-new-again trends as people rediscover activities that their grandparents, and perhaps great grandparents, took part in such as making a gift for someone. Knitting, crocheting, jewelry making, and gardening are just a few examples of what young, tech-savvy kids are now obsessed with. Many attribute The Maker Movement to a tech backlash. Yet, these seemingly old-fashioned, creative pastimes will actually help today’s kids thrive in tomorrow’s high-tech job market. “We have no idea what the jobs of the future will be,” says Brody. “We have to educate our children to be creative so they have the ability to adapt, be problem solvers, and think creatively whatever the future opportunities may be.” Two key introductions, Craftivity and Spark!Lab Smithsonian, are central to that mission and on trend with both The Maker Movement and the continued interest in STEAM toys. Craftivity, which debuted in May, is a line for the sophisticated tween girl, ages 12 and up. The line features jewelry, room décor, apparel,
Phyllis Brody (left) and Evelyn Greenwald, shown here in 1976, revolutionized the arts & crafts category with their Creative Art Bag. Creativity for Kids is in the midst of a 40th anniversary celebration.
and more. These are items girls will create and really use. The Spark!Lab Smithsonian product line is inspired by the Spark!Lab center at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., where children learn the skills real inventors use. The licensed line is sold at retail and at the Smithsonian. “Spark!Lab Smithsonian activities help kids develop their critical thinking and problem solving skills in a fun, open-ended way,” says Jamie Gallagher, CEO of Faber-Castell USA. “In each activity, kids can experiment, test, troubleshoot, and create while learning 21st century skills, which prepare them for the future.” The kits encourage kids to build a toy, bridge, game, super shoes, a flying machine, and more. Looking to the Future, Celebrating the Past In 1999 Faber-Castell acquired Creativity for Kids. Greenwald retired three years after the acquisition. The synergies of the two companies have made for a successful partnership for nearly 20 years. Creativity for Kids celebrates its 40th anniversary honoring consumers, retailers, and employees. “We absolutely believe in the power of creativity,” says Gallagher. “We’ll continue to focus on quality and continue to focus on a diverse range or products all of which bring out the natural creativity in kids.”
Untitled-1 1
5/19/2016 3:47:42 PM
tfe
Calendar of Events
July 17–19
PROJECT New York
magiconline.com
Jacob Javits Convention Center New York City
MAGIC Vegas
magiconline.com
Mandalay Bay Convention Center Las Vegas
PAX West
west.paxsite.com
Washington State Convention Center Seattle
6
TTPM Holiday Showcase
anbmedia.com/showcases
Metropolitan West New York City
6–9
New York Comic-Con
newyorkcomiccon.com
Jacob Javits Convention Center New York City
15–16
MIPCOM Junior
mipjunior.com
Grand Hyatt Cannes Hôtel Martinez Cannes
21–24
August 15–17 20–24
Comic-Con International
New York NOW
September 2–5
27–29
October 11
17–20 18–21
Fall Toy Preview
Brand Licensing Europe MIPCOM
ABC Kids Expo
November 17–18
nynow.com
toyassociation.org
brandlicensing.eu mipcom.com
theabcshow.com
San Diego Convention Center San Diego
Jacob Javits Convention Center New York City
Dallas Market Center Dallas
Olympia London London Palais des Festivals Cannes
Las Vegas Convention Center Las Vegas
tandgcon.com
Navy Pier Chicago
Grand Strand Gift Show
grandstrandgiftshow.com
Myrtle Beach Convention Center Myrtle Beach
5–8
International CES
ces.tech
Las Vegas Convention Center Las Vegas
24–26
The Toy Fair
toyfair.co.uk
Olympia London London
18–22
Toy & Game Conference
comic-con.org
Chicago Toy & Game Fair
December 4–7 5–8
January 9–12
February
Int’l Halloween Show
Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair
chitag.com
hiaonline.org
hktdc.com
Navy Pier Chicago
The Halloween Tower New York City
Hong Kong Convention Centre Hong Kong
1–6
Spielwarenmesse Int’l Toy Fair
toyfair.de
Nuremberg Exhibition Center Nurermberg
13–16
Kidscreen Summit
summit.kidscreen.com
InterContinental Miami Miami
4–8
18–21
82 tfe June 2016
NY Now
American Int’l Toy Fair
nynow.com
toyfairny.com
Jacob Javits Center New York City Jacob Javits Center New York City