October 2016, Vol. 11, No. 3
Fall Toy Preview
2017 Moose Toys Cracks the Collectibles Code pg. 24
ABC KIDS EXPO Plus: State of the Industry Q&A
STEM Trends: Parents Turn to STEM Toys to Teach
Arts & Crafts: Building the Future
Brand Licensing Europe pg. 75
contents | 10/16 Volume 11, No. 3
Features
Departments
26 Arts & Crafts: Building the Future
8 Observations & Opinions
by Nancy Lombardi
30 Product Presentation:
10 Trending
12 Industry News
Arts & Crafts/Activities by Nancy Lombardi
32 Parents Turn to STEM Toys to Teach
14 Industry Forum: Toy Industry Association
16 Industry Forum: ASTRA
by Jennifer Lynch
34 Product Presentation:
18 Industry Forum: Design Edge
Science & Exploration by Jennifer Lynch
20 Industry Forum: JWB&A Business Consultants
36 State of the Industry 2016
22 Brand Profile: PJ Masks
by Nancy Lombardi
24 Company Profile: Moose Toys
40 Toy Preview 2017
by Nancy Lombardi
82 Calendar of Events
64 ABC Kids Expo
by Nancy Lombardi
80 Specialty Emporium: Elenco
by Jennifer Lynch
On this Page
On the Cover page 75
eOne’s PJ Masks; S’More Maker from Blip Toys; Real Cooking Ultimate
Baking Starter Set from Skyrocket
Toys; Uncle Milton’s Virtual Explorer
LICENSING
76 Brand Licensing Europe by Jennifer Lynch
BabyBjörn’s newest baby carrier, the Baby Carrier One Outdoors, is designed for hiking. It is made of water-repellent, dirt-repellent, and moisture-wicking materials. It also includes functional details such as a waist belt pocket and loops. TFE cover designed by Jennifer Lynch TFE Licensing cover designed by Jennifer Lynch
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Observations & Opinions aNbMedia.com
Toy Sales Are Soaring
A by
Bob Glaser
ccording to multiple reports, the toy industry had its best year—compared with the past few years—in terms of overall sales in 2015. Various reports used seven percent as a number for the increase over 2014. Stars Wars-related items deserve credit for most of this increase. In a recent report by the NPD Group, the industry could see another seven percent increase in 2016. Juli Lennett, senior vice-president and industry analyst, toys for NPD, commented in a recent statement that, “I expect to see continued growth for the U.S. toy industry for the remainder of 2016, and if it reaches seven percent for the year-end that would be the fastest growth of the U.S. toy market since 1999.” That is certainly very good news, especially if that seven percent number is achieved. Star Wars can also take some credit for the 2016 increase as product continues to perform very well at retail. Rouge One: A Star Wars Story product is on shelf now so the Star Wars success should continue into this upcoming holiday season. It goes without saying that licensed products have played an important role in overall toy sales for many years now. Moving into 2017, this trend will continue; but at what cost? There are more than 20 feature films to be released next year that have a licensing program, some of which include toys. Is there enough retail space to support so many products? Are there enough consumer dollars available to make all of these releases successful in terms of retail sales? This past summer, there were a few feature films with licensed products that performed well at the box office but didn’t translate into retail success for toys. Time will tell what next summer will bring. The industry is now gathering in Dallas for Fall Toy Preview to show some of these products to the attending retailers. (A sampling of the items are on page 40.) Even more will be showcased in the Toy Fair issue. Some of the aNb Media team will also be in Las Vegas this month for the ABC Kids Expo. Our team looks forward to previewing some of the new and innovative products for the baby/juvenile market. (A sampling of that is on page 64.) Other members of the aNb Media team were in Los Angeles to view products from West Coast-based manufacturers that don’t exhibit in Dallas. This is certainly a busy time of the year, but it is also an exciting time as aNb Media looks forward to showing you all the most innovative toys the industry has to offer. These toys are sure to make kids happy and we can hope that means another big sales boost in 2017.
October 2016 • Volume 11, No. 3 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; Steve Pasierb 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 trade markss 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.
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WE’RE A MOVEMENT Untitled-1 1
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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 September 12.
3
1
2
Disney Cars to the Rescue Mater
Num Noms Lip Gloss Truck (2)
Mattel
MGA Entertainment
Cloud Q Infant Car Seat and Base
Proto-X Nanodrone
Cybex Platinum
Estes
Lil’ Critters Musical Glow Gym
Elena of Avalor and Skylar
VTech
Hasbro
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Hot Diggity Dancing Mickey
Sqand Mermaid Castle Set
Just Play
Cra-Z-Art
Surprizamals Stuffed Animals (1)
LEGO Friends Horse Vet Trailer
Beverly Hills Teddy Bear Company
LEGO
LEGO Technic Porsche 911 GT3 RS
The Powerpuff Girls Flip into Action Playset
LEGO
Spin Master
Jumbo Art Easel (3)
Viaro Quick-Fold Travel System
Step2
Chicco
LEGO City Service Station
Risk Star Trek 50th Anniversary Edition
LEGO
USAopoly
Lil’ Vanilla Bean Cub
Go! Go! Smart Friends Princess Clara
Build-A-Bear Workshop
VTech
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AND OUR FANS MAKE US. Email us at licensinginfo@cartoonnetwork.com
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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
ChiTAG, Lekotek Partner for Special Needs Families
The Chicago Toy and Game Fair (ChiTAG) announced a partnership with The National Lekotek Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting play for children of all abilities. This year, ChiTAG will open its doors one hour early for the Lekotek Super Power Sensory Hour. Lekotek families will be admitted to the fair for free, and will have the unique opportunity to touch, feel, and experience products on display before the fair opens to the general public. Celebrating its 14th year, ChiTAG takes place November 19 and 20, 2016, (the weekend before Thanksgiving) at Navy Pier in Chicago. ChiTAG is the largest toy and game fair in the U.S. that is open to the public. The annual fall event brings together consumers, families, inventors, manufacturers, retailers, educators, hobbyists, bloggers, and the media to play, celebrate, discover, support, and promote the creation of toys and games.
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SAVVi Debuts Brainy Baby Line
SAVVi announced a licensing agreement with Brainy Baby to sell a complete line of preschool learning products. Initial products include books, flashcards and growth charts, featuring new Brainy Baby characters and fresh designs. Products, with new characters and designs, will be on display at various industry trade shows throughout Q4 2016.
Disney Signs Folkmanis for Product Line
Folkmanis is exhibiting at this year’s Fall Toy Preview for the first time to debut a line of Disney puppets. Folkmanis will introduce four classic Disney character puppets—Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Pluto in a recent licensing agreement with Disney. Folkmanis will also debut new styles to its already expansive line of animal puppets. Standing Bear, Capybara, White Dove, Brown Hen, Black Poodle, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and Toad puppets join the new lineup of full body hand puppets.
American Girl Announces Exclusive Partnership with TRU
American Girl, a subsidiary of Mattel, announced a multi-year partnership with Toys “R” Us. The collaboration will make Toys “R” Us the first and only U.S.-based retailer to feature American Girl shop-in-shops in select stores, and the exclusive retail partner to carry American Girl’s Truly Me line of contemporary 18-inch dolls and accessories. Ranging in size up to 700 square feet, the shop-in-shops will debut in 97 select locations across the country later this month. The move marks the first time that American Girl has extended such a broad assortment of its doll product outside of its existing channels. Additional Toys “R” Us locations will open shop-in-shops in 2017.
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Industry Forum
On a Mission to Protect & Promote the Toy Community
I by
Steve Pasierb, Toy Industry Association
’ve been known to shorten the Toy Industry Association’s (TIA) eloquent and lengthy mission statement to simply: “protect and promote the toy industry.” The fact is, those two actions are the essence of the TIA’s commitment to manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers, and inventors who are the lifeblood of the toy community. We recognize that our collective strength comes from the wide range of innovative businesses and creative individuals that make up our wonderful industry, and as such, we exist to serve all with great seriousness in meeting their individual needs. Protecting the industry means we are passionate about advocating on behalf of our members on Capitol Hill and in state houses and local legislatures across the country. We also operate globally—from Brussels to Beijing—shaping policy, addressing onerous regulations, and working to help companies find success selling into new markets. Our external affairs team has grown in recent years to tackle a growing number of legislative hurdles and regulatory issues while also ensuring that lawmakers fully understand our industry’s deep commitment to product safety. This spring, we realized the fruits of years of hard work when legislation reform the outdated Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) was signed into law, representing a major victory for the entire toy community. We celebrated another victory this summer after leading advocacy on reducing unnecessary third-party testing costs: the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) determined that four plastics do not contain any phthalates that have been banned in toys, which will ultimately result in reduced
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testing costs for all toy companies. Together with our members, we are focused on product safety and helping families keep children safe while they play 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. As the holidays approach, we are especially aggressive in setting the record straight as NGO groups release annual toy lists filled with misleading and/or plain wrong information about the safety of our members’ products. Hand-in-hand with these efforts, we are committed to promoting the developmental benefits and joy associated with childhood play through our Genius of Play initiative. Thanks to a strong presence on social media and a fun, informative website, TheGeniusofPlay. org, this movement has been hugely successful in bringing more play into kids’ lives by encouraging parents and caregivers to engage in daily play activities with their children. The bottom line is that toys are safe and play is crucial—and we want the world to know it. We all need to be loud and proud on this point. TIA’s trade events—this month’s Fall Toy Preview in Dallas and the 2017 North American International Toy Fair in New York City—represent more opportunities to help promote our members’ inspiring new playthings in front of both influential buyers and the world’s media. Yes, Fall Toy Preview is alive and well, and continues to be very important to our midsize and smaller member companies. We are working hard to find the right timing after L.A. previews for the fall show so that it remains a vital additional connection between members and buyers as well as a critical stop on the long-lead buying circuit. In just a few short months it will be Toy Fair season once again. TIA’s perpetually sold-out Toy Fair continues to attract a growing num-
ber of first-time and veteran exhibitors, as well as buyers from the global toy community who flock to New York City to spot innovative toys and games that aren’t shown at any other trade event in the world. As Toy Fair continues to grow and evolve, we are looking forward to the expansion of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, which will mean good things for the toy community in 2021 and beyond. We have many things to look forward to as TIA enters its second century. We’re putting the final touches on a new, four-year strategic plan and we are deeply committed to strengthening collaborative relationships with like-minded organizations such as the Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association, American Specialty Toy Retailing Association, and Women in Toys, among others. In addition, our wildly successful 2016 business-to-consumer show known as Play Fair will be back occupying double the floor space inside the main Javits Center in November 2017, with a new member and media holiday preview event the night before the show opening its doors to the general public. Every member of the TIA team remains relentlessly committed to our members and we proudly strive day-in and day-out to help toy companies adapt and thrive in an ever-evolving marketplace. We are a unifying force for members’ creativity, responsibility, and global success, advocating for their needs and championing the benefits of play. Steve Pasierb is president and CEO of the Toy Industry Association. For more information, visit ToyAssociation.org. Toy Fair 2017 is Saturday, February 18 through Tuesday, February 21 in New York City’s Javits Center.
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Industry Forum
ASTRA’s Professional Education Programs:
Supporting the Future of the Specialty Toy Industry
O by
Kimberly Mosley, American Specialty Toy Retailing Association
ne role of the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) is to address the interests of the specialty toy industry as a whole—and to help members prepare for changes that might impact their businesses.
Stabilizing the Number of Brick and Mortar Stores Take specialty toy stores, for example. Added to the accelerating pace of change caused by e-commerce competition, technology advances, and parental priorities, another big trend is looming: the impending retirement of many ASTRA store owners. ASTRA’s leadership recognizes that the specialty toy industry needs a thriving retail presence to sell both innovative new toys and ageless iconic toys produced by manufacturers. We understand that parents and grandparents need to have exposure to specialty toys—including a place to see, touch, feel, and play with them—to embrace their quality and play value. In the interest of stabilizing and increasing the number of brick and mortar stores over the next few years—as opposed to seeing them close— ASTRA leaders are asking these questions: • How do we help toy stores change hands instead of close? How do we help today’s store owners pass their businesses and their expertise on to the next generation? • What does the toy store of the future look like?
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• How do we attract a new generation of retailers to see the toy industry as viable and attractive? The View from Young Entrepreneurs When emerging young toy professionals were asked why they are attracted to the toy business and what ASTRA can do to support their careers, they offered the following insights: • What attracts you to the toy industry? Topping the list was a passion for toys and play and the importance of play for children. Other reasons included mentoring, family connections in the industry, the desire to be creative, and embracing an entrepreneurial opportunity. “Toys found me,” says one participant. “My father was the accountant for a specialty toy store and was working with the owners on their retirement plans. He brought me into the conversation. I started working there to learn the business from top to bottom and decided to figure out a way to buy it.” • How
can
ASTRA
help re-
tailers transition their store to
a new owner? Young professionals say they need
both tools (how to valuate a business, a system for connecting sellers and buyers, case studies of successful transactions and transitions) and support from experienced retailers (mentoring, overlap with owners during the transition, include a buyers/sellers roundtable session at ASTRA Marketplace & Academy). “I thought I could do it all by myself when I made the transition to owning a toy store,” said a new-generation toy store owner who left a
lucrative career in another industry. “I plowed through on my own. In hindsight, some sort of mentor with specific knowledge of the toy retailing would have taken off some of the stress.” • What
can
ASTRA do
to support the new
generation of toy store owners?
Just like the generation before them, emerging toy industry leaders—whether manufacturers, sales representatives, or retailers—say they need reliable data, relationships, and fresh ideas. They suggest that ASTRA continue and deepen its role in building awareness of the specialty toy industry, making data available, facilitating relationship building, encouraging mentoring, and disseminating information about proven programs and strategies. “In our age group, we expect to collaborate and share information,” said one participant. “For example, statistics and projections—which categories are up, which are weak this year—are important to share so we can all succeed. The competitive threat seems to be more about not having the information than about sharing with others.” ASTRA’s commitment to supporting a strong specialty toy industry includes developing young leadership through education programs on play expertise, business best practices, and succession planning. We are helping entrepreneurs of all ages grow and validate their expertise through ASTRA’s new Certified Play Expert (CPE) and Certified Master Retailer (CMR) credentials. Kimberly Mosley is president of the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA). Visit https://academy.astratoy.org/catalog for more ASTRA resources.
An essential ingredient to every toybox, every childhood, every generation. See a world of puppets at www.folkmanis.com 0r call 1-800-654-8922 for a free catalog.
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Industry Forum
Moving From One Trade Show to Another
I by
Matt Nuccio, Design Edge
am writing this column in the early morning of Monday, September 5, which is Labor Day. For the past few years this has been the day before the insanity begins at Design Edge. The phone rings off the hook and the staff’s inboxes fill up fast. This is the day that much of the toy industry gets back from summer vacation and realizes, “Oh $h#*! The Dallas show is just around the corner and we need to get cranking!” Years ago, January 2 was that day of panic. That was the day when everyone returned from their holiday break and realized, “Oh $h#*! New York Toy Fair is right around the corner!” The pressure was far more intense back then; New York Toy Fair was a make-or-break show in those days. Everything had to be perfect and precise because New York Toy Fair was the only trade show that counted. Back then, it felt as if we had months to prepare for the one great show. Now there are a series of shows each benchmarking the progress of a product. It’s these shows that guide a product all the way to the retail shelf. Arguably the majority of the toy industry kicks off “the new year” with the Fall Toy Preview in Dallas. Dallas is the starting point where, behind closed doors, package front panels and rough prototypes first make their way in front of buyers. Once all the input is gathered from
the Dallas meetings, it’s time to amp things up and start planning for the Hong Kong show. What was once package fronts and rough prototypes in a Dallas showroom now must now be turned into proper prototypes with well-defined packaging in a Hong Kong showroom. In the three short months between Dallas and Hong Kong, concepts are cleaned up, flushed out, rethought, fine-tuned, refined, and sometimes even discarded completely. From there it’s off to more open-show formats. Some companies (depending on their market focus) are off to Nuremberg, while others turn their sights to Toy Fair in New York. Some companies even go to both. These shows are generally open formats with countless aisles of new products. Buyers can walk in unannounced. The media can snap pictures and post a blog on the spot. These are the shows where many toys are first debuted to the industry and the public at large. After all these shows, buyers make their decisions, orders are written, and production is started. Then the ball really starts rolling. After New York Toy Fair, a lot of time is devoted to crossing the T’s and dotting the I’s to assure the final design and production is prefect. By the time that’s all buttoned up, the ASTRA show is happening. A wonderful show with a great vibe, ASTRA is all about the speciality retailer and the companies that cater to them. You won’t find Walmart walking those aisles, and the toys tend to put individuality first. You generally don’t see mass market product here. At the ASTRA show it is no longer a question of, “Will this toy be made?” but “When will it be ready to ship?”. So ends the cycle of shows, leaving many companies some R&D downtime, and some summer vacation, before ramping up for Dallas all over again. And so, as you read this, here we are in Dallas again. The big question is, “Will there be a need for trade shows 10 years from now?” Some feel that it is important to gather the toy industry together. It allows for camaraderie and commiseration. Let’s face it, it is a great way to find out who is having what success and who is being screwed by whom. Others find it to be an antiquated way to conduct business. Many say that in the age of the internet with email and video chat so easily accessible, retailers and manufactures should be able to connect more often and far easier then ever before. The future is, of course, unwritten so we’ll have to see what happens. For now, I say let’s enjoy our time and raise a glass to the trade shows that bring us together as an industry. Design Edge is a New York-based graphic design and research development studio. Contact Matt Nuccio at (516) 377–0500 or matt@designedge.net.
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Industry Forum
Changes to Juvenile Products Industry Set the Stage for Growth by John
Brady, JWB&A Business Consultants
n late July, The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) and Family Media, LLC announced that they will co-host and co-produce a series of events targeting the juvenile products industry. The Baby Show Series kicks off May 9–12, 2017, at the Anaheim Convention Center with JPMA’s conference and trade event, the JPMA Baby Show, a JPMA and Family Media Event. The Anaheim Baby Show consumer event will be held in conjunction with the JPMA Baby Show on Saturday, May 13. Additional regional consumer events produced under The Baby Show Series umbrella include three, two-day consumer events: the New York Baby Show, the Chicago Baby Show, and the L.A. Baby Show. As a member of the industry, I applaud this move. I’ve been a consultant for toy and juvenile products (JP) companies for about four years. Prior to that, I spent decades working on every aspect of the corporate side of toy and JP companies. This has given me a unique perspective on the JP industry. This new show along with increased innovation from both established companies and entrepreneurs and new access to industry data from NPD Group will usher in a new era of prosperity.
The JPMA Baby Show
It’s about time the JPMA Show returned. I’ve participated in the ABC Kids Expo as an attendee and as an exhibitor. It has served its purpose. However, there’s so much more to an industry than just hosting a trade show. A manufacturers’ association is an advocate for its members. They advocate on many levels—in Washington, within the individual states, and in the court of public opinion. JPMA must help member companies do things they can’t do on their own, ei-
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ther because the task is too big or the issues are the past three seasons. This was rare just five universal. There needs to be a collective voice. years ago. Now, I’ve seen a hunger for innovaJP is an industry offering products in 25 catego- tion and a change in manufacturers’ attitudes. ries, each with its own distinct regulations. And, Good product ideas are being welcomed, no with the safety of children at stake, matter the source. there is no margin for error. Thanks to a low barrier of entry; Add to that other industry needs, a constant influx of new consumers such as more authoritative interaction every year; and the desire from milwith the consumer. We need more exlennial moms for products featurposure through broadcast and social ing safety, comfort, and ease of use, media. We also need a broader scope new entrepreneurs enter the marof events to meet the specific needs ketplace with their one great idea of a very diverse group of stakeholdand a burning desire to do it themers, not just the manufacturers, but selves. Sure, some fail. However, sales representatives, suppliers, testa number succeed, and they don’t ing labs, and, yes, even consultants. stop with just one concept. Once The JPMA Baby Show makes a lot of the creative spark catches fire, these this happen. It also funds a large upstarts build product lines. This portion of what’s mentioned keeps the industry fresh. Some JWB&A Business Consultants works with start-up here—but not all. We still need of the hottest products in recent Yoee Baby. The company is sponsors, dues-paying memyears have come from entreprelaunching its first product bers, and events that help create neurs, not major brands. at ABC Kids Expo this year. multiple revenue streams.
A New Wave of Innovation
We can all agree that the economy has been soft over the past few seasons. The good news is sales in the toy industry are on the upswing. Yet, some specialty stores are still suffering, and the direct competition between online and brickand-mortar retail has only just begun. But lucky for us, this is an industry that provides a consistent flow of new consumers every year. These consumers want the tried and true, but they also want choice. They want a variety of price points from modest to luxury, and they want innovation. Alongside consulting assignments, my partners and I work with inventors. I am happy to say, I’ve seen a much more vibrant interplay between good ideas and good companies over
Big Data
Another major development that will aid in growth is NPD Group’s decision to track juvenile product POS and make that information available to subscribers of its service. These real numbers will allow companies to more efficiently plan every aspect of business. As members of the JPMA, everyone involved benefits from the gross industry numbers and the trend data. All of these factors prime the industry for real growth. I look forward to being part of these new developments and to working with those who continue to innovate for today’s consumer. John Brady is managing partner of JWB&A Business Consultants. He can be reached at john@jwbradyassociates.com.
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Brand Profile
PJ Masks by
Nancy Lombardi Just the Facts. . . • PJ Masks is a preschool TV series based on Les Pyjamasques book series from French author Romuald Racioppo. • PJ Masks airs on Disney Junior and is produced by eOne, Frog Box, and TeamTO. It is distributed by Entertainment One Family. • The tagline is: “Bedtime is the right time to fight crime!”
I
t’s no secret that kids don’t like to go to bed. But in the Disney Junior TV series, PJ Masks, this group of kids—shown above from left to right: Connor, Amaya, and Greg—knows that, “Bedtime is the right time to fight crime.” PJ Masks follows three 6-year-old friends who have normal lives by day and fight crime at night. At night, they activate their bracelets, which link to their superhero-style pajamas, turning each child into a crime-fighting superhero. As they transform into a superhero, each child turns into an energy beam and flies toward Superhero Headquarters. This is where their vehicles are housed and they gather all they need before heading out on a mission. PJ Masks is a preschool TV series based on Les Pyjamasques book series from French author Romuald Racioppo, which launched in 2008. There are currently 21 books in the series. PJ Masks began airing on Disney Channel and Disney Junior in September 2015. It launched in late 2015 on France 5 in France and earlier this year on Disney Junior Canada. It’s been renewed for a second season. It also currently airs on Disney Junior UK, Italy, India, Spain, and Germany. The series is produced by Entertainment One (eOne), Frog Box, and TeamTO. It is distributed by Entertainment One Family. Just Play is the master toy licensee and Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing is the master publishing licensee under its Simon Spotlight Imprint. Products are rolling out at retail now.
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• By day, PJ Masks is a group of 6-year-old friends. By night, they are fighting crime. They transform into their crime-fighting pajamas and launch their missions from Headquarters, which is depicted as a playset from Just Play (master toy licensee) on the opposite page. • Connor becomes Catboy and he serves as the leader of the group. He transforms into a blue costume with cat ears and a thin feline tail. He has super hearing and can leap and sprint. His vehicle is a Cat Car, located in the middle level of the PJ Masks Headquarters. • Amaya transforms into Owlette, wearing a red costume with a cape and wings. She is able to see in the dark and fly. Her vehicle is the Owl Glider, which resides on the top level of the PJ Masks Headquarters. • Greg transforms into Gekko, and he is depicted in a green costume with the attributes of a gekko. His Gekko mobile, which works on land and in water is housed on the bottom level of the PJ Masks Headquarters.
Master toy licensee Just Play debuts the PJ Masks Headquarters Playset this fall for ages 3 and up. This expansive two-foot-tall play environment features three character-themed levels. Each is filled with kid-powered features, including the light and sound PJ Picture Player, where kids can choose their mission and then recreate the action from the series with the zip line, working elevator, hanging cat rings, trap doors, and pop-out hatches. The playset comes with a three-inch Catboy/Connor figure and Cat-Car. This is just part of an extensive line of products from Just Play that will include action figures, vehicles, plush, and more. • PJ Masks Panorama Puzzle Tin from Cardinal (a division of Spin Master) includes a three-pack of puzzles featuring the PJ Masks trio that can be assembled into one large puzzle measuring 33.7 inches by 15 inches. This is part of a full lineup of PJ Masks puzzles and games for ages 3 and up. • Master publishing partner Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing is releasing four PJ Masks titles, including To the Cat-Car! by Daphne Pendergrass, under its Simon Spotlight imprint. This title, like the others, engages preschoolers with a crime-fighting adventure in the form of a board book shaped like Catboy’s Cat-Car with wheels that move. This is for ages 2 and up. • PJ Masks Giant Coloring Pages from Crayola, for ages 3 and up, feature 18, 12.75-inch by 19.5-inch coloring pages depicting different action scenes from the Disney Junior TV series. • In PJ Masks Night Sight Game from Wonder Forge, players must work together as the PJ Masks to stop the mischievous Romeo from stealing the city’s toys. Players use memory and teamwork in this cooperative play game that promotes imagination and creativity. It is for two to three players, ages 3 and up. • PJ Masks Mold N’ Play 3D Figure Maker from Cra-Z-Art is part of a comprehensive range of PJ Masks toys, stationery, and arts and crafts products for ages 3 and up. The Maker features character molds, Softee Dough soft modeling compound, and more.
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Company Profile
Moose Cracks the Code on Collectibles
I by
Nancy Lombardi
t is often said that the toy business is extra challenging because manufacturers must cater to the whims of children. Who could possibly predict what kids want to play with from one minute to next, much less 18 months in advance, and on a global scale? Well it seems that Moose Toys has cracked the code. The Melbourne, Australia-based company, with an L.A. office since 2013, has managed to orchestrate many of the industry’s hottest crazes, most notably Shopkins. Moose has also seen success with Trash Pack, Beados, and Glitzi Globes, just to name a few. Now the company is in the midst of launching the next collectible crazes with Grossery Gang and Twozies. In addition, Moose acquired the rights to Betty Spaghetty, which was popular in the 1990s, from Ohio Art. Moose is now debuting an extensive product line for the mix-and-match doll. “The craze-level success of Moose Toys’ biggest brands is truly a testament to the creative product innovation, trend research, consumer strategy, and marketing teams at Moose,” says Paul Solomon, co-CEO of Moose Toys. “For the past 31 years, the Moose team has been closely working together to consistently generate fresh ideas and then bring those ideas to life. It is the creativity and passion of Moose minds that have been the force behind the most popular brands in Moose’s history. We also work with a small circle of inventors who contribute out-of-the-box thinking with the latest technology and innovation in the toy industry.” Moose managed to stumble upon that perfect mix of gross, humorous, and irreverent collectibles for boys with Trash Pack and this year’s launch of Grossery Gang. While for the girls, it’s all about the “awww” factor with
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Kids love collecting and Moose Toys has managed to crack the code on what makes a perfect collector item for kids. Boys love gross and humorous—Grossery Gang assortment shown above. For girls, there is no such thing as too cute—Twozies assortment shown below.
powerhouse brand Shopkins and the recent introduction of Twozies. Girls love the cute characters, fine details, and collectible elements of both brands. Grossery Gang and Twosies are debuting now with standard, rare, and ultrarare characters.
Grossery Gang
Each package of Grossery Gang has been designed to look like basic snacks with not-so-fresh finds inside. There are more than 150 pint-sized characters such as Putrid Pizza and Fungus Fries.
Twozies
Twozies are a line of miniature toys that combine the themes of babies, pets, and friendship into collectibles. Each pack contains an assortment of a baby and a pet. Kids can also display their characters in a DIY-trend-influenced shadow box, which comes supplied in
each Twozies Surprise Pack.
Shopkins
Meanwhile, the success of Shopkins at retail led to a licensing program that launched in 2015 through The Licensing Shop. It has surpassed $100 million of product sold at retail through 55 licensees. In addition, Shopkins has been featured in a McDonald’s Happy Meal promotion. The Shopkins product line launched in 2014 and now more than 240 million characters have been sold, says the company. Moose utilized social media and wedisodes as key drivers in reaching girls. A new entertainment platform is expected to launch for Shopkins in 2017. Moose certainly hopes that Shopkins’ success can be replicated in Grossery Gang and Twozies. It seems that Moose is poised to continue its winning streak delighting kids with collections that mix the fun, silly, cute, and gross.
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Arts & Crafts: Building the Future
A by
Nancy Lombardi
number of trends weaved their way through the toy industry in 2016 and continue to do so as we approach the end of the year. There is the back-to-basics approach to toys, mixed with the continuing growth of the Maker Movement. That is juxtaposed with the dichotomy of relentlessly pushing STEM concepts to prep kids for the yet-to-be created tech jobs of the future. Then there’s the reality of the tech backlash from the very same parents who have trouble putting down their own smartphones. Now, as we look at arts & crafts and activities these same trends continue. These two categories are blending and shifting in ways in which they haven’t before. “We have seen this category explode in the last couple of years,” says Jamie Gallagher, CEO of Faber-Castell USA. Its Creativity for Kids brand is in the midst of a 40th anniversary celebration. The reason for the growth cited by Gallagher, and others interviewed, stems from “parents becoming more and more aware of the importance of creativity and how necessary it is for their children to develop 21st century skills: creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration,” he says. Apparently over the past few generations, these common sense traits, which turn into key skills in the workforce, got lost along the way. Whether that assessment is real or imagined is impossible to quantify. But today’s toymakers are now at the forefront of “resurrecting” these so-called lost traits. “A child’s fine motor skills are engaged and heightened as they color, cut, glue, fold, shape, and design their works of art,” says Meredith
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Sinclair, parenting expert, author, consultant, and play ambassador to the Toy Industry Association’s Genius of Play campaign. “Arts & crafts projects require kids to use both of their hands in sync, in what’s called bilateral coordination between the left and right brain. This helps boost brain development and cognitive flexibility. Projects often involve patience, self-
My First Crayola is a toddler’s first engagement with the brand. A key product for holiday 2016 is My First Crayola Mess-Free Sand Scribbler. Designed for 24 months and up, the portable board and attached pen let kids draw in the “sand” minus any mess.
control, perseverance, and regulating one’s frustration level, which are all important skills for future academic, and lifelong, success.” Brand Building Not only do children benefit developmentally from this category but toymakers benefit as kids form a bond with a brand at an early age through play. Two companies making strides on that front are Crayola and Colorforms. While it
may seem that these two brands are synonymous with childhood and the brand recognition is instant with parents, it needs to be built with kids. My First Crayola is a toddler’s first engagement with the brand. This segment includes products that are specifically designed for early childhood development. Certain products call out physical or language attributes that help the child grow creatively, according to Crayola. A key product for holiday 2016 is My First Crayola Mess-Free Sand Scribbler. Designed for ages 2 and up, the portable board and attached pen let kids draw in the “sand” minus any mess. Klutz is launching Klutz Jr., a new line of book and craft kits, which are developmentally appropriate for preschool kids, ages 4 and up, with four titles in spring 2017. “We will release four more titles in the Klutz Jr. line in fall 2017 and continue to build the line in 2018,” says Stacy Lellos, senior vice-president of Klutz. “We created this line with a team of early learning educators, safety experts, and kid testers. Each Klutz Jr. kit comes with a handle perfect for little hands to tote, a full-color idea book for inspiration, and quality content and components.” Colorforms is embarking on a multi-pronged approach for the relaunch of its brand. To entice the younger generation, the company has developed a free app, is working with top kids’ licenses on products, modernized its packaging, and will launch a product line for toddlers in 2017. Colorforms, which is for ages 3 and up, will take on a chunkier form with larger pieces in 2017, targeting ages 18 months to about 3 or 4. Separately, Colorforms knows these sets are a huge nostalgia factor for parents and grandparents. The brand is working with select retailers to relaunch kits from the 1970s. Cracker
Barrel and Vermont Country Store are each introducing select 1970s Peanuts sets. ThinkGeek is introducing a Star Trek set from the 1970s as part of the 50th anniversary of Star Trek. Hallmark stores will feature 1970s Barbie and Holly Hobbie sets. “We are being very careful with how many pieces we produce,” says George Vorkas, president of Colorforms. “We are making these exclusive to those specific partners. We want to keep this as special as buying the actual retro set on eBay.” Consumer Outreach Today’s digital natives use online tools to augment just about everything in their lives. If they plan to do a craft, chances are they’re watching videos on YouTube for tips on how to make it look the best it can be. Those interviewed have YouTube channels (as well as additional social media channels) showing kids how to get the most out of their item. “Kids love showing off their completed crafts on Instagram and get excited when we like or comment on their posts,” says Stephanie Carver, who handles marketing for The Orb Factory/Curiosity Kits. “They are also really into making review and how-to videos on our products. It’s such a great way to understand how our products are being used and enjoyed by the end-user— and they’re just so creative.” Crayola is a classic brand that focuses most of its outreach on moms as well as kids co-viewing online with mom. Like those interviewed, Crayola says that it reaches today’s families in a variety of ways. There’s TV ads, in-store shopper promotions, partnerships, and digital and social outreach.
Spin Master agrees. “We continue to leverage TV advertising as our main vehicle to drive awareness; however, over the past few years we have made dramatic shifts in both digital and instore marketing,” says Arlene Biran, vice-president of marketing, GBU lead, activities & furniture, Spin Master. “We use digital advertising to drive awareness with our consumers where they are looking, and it’s increasingly providing additional ways to further engage kids with entertainment, how-to content, and extended ways to play with the toy. As marketers, converting the purchase at retail has become a priority; TV can get the parents and kids to the store, but we need to close the deal at point of purchase to truly be successful.” Reaching Boys and Girls Play-Doh celebrates its 60th anniversary this year with the relaunch of its classic Play-Doh Doctor Drill ‘N Fill. It celebrates the cross-generational and gender-neutral appeal of the brand. Meanwhile, the Play-Doh Town line, which launched in January, has given kids a fun new way to play with the iconic brand. With scenes and themes that kids are familiar with, such as a Town Center, Pet Shop, Ice Cream Truck, and Firehouse, and figures such as a police officer and a hairdresser, kids can use their imaginations. Crayola’s new products for holiday 2016 are also gender neutral, focusing on ages 6 and up. There’s the Air Marker Sprayer, Emoji Maker, Color Spin Out, and Crayon Factory. Targeted Price Points For all the goodwill that is packed into this category, the reality is that most parents will still expect to pay less than $20 for an arts & crafts
or activity toy. Those interviewed said that $9.99 remains the sweet spot.
TPF Toys’ Cut It Out
TPF Toys Enters the Category
TPF Toys jumps into the activity/arts & crafts category with two key launches. First, there’s Cut It Out (shown above), an inventor item that has three confirmed patents with three more patents pending. The Cut It Out markers cut the paper simultaneously as kids draw shapes. It launched in the U.S. in August. This product allows kids to color, cut, and create, says Giles Musker, managing director of TPF Toys. The next item, debuting now, is Bling It On. This girl-targeted compound will be used to make room décor and accessories. The compound hardens so the items can be used for play and display. TPF Toys is a 30-year-old Australian company that entered the U.S. market about 18 months ago.
October 2016 tfe 27
Arts & Crafts/Activity Toys “We’ve noticed consumer expectations changing for what the product delivers at a given price point. This category is generally lowpriced, however the demand for features and innovation has increased, so we are continually challenged to offer competitive price points and excellent value,” says Spin Master’s Biran. “If you have a great item, it will sell. If you want to sustain the business, you need a variety of price points to keep the consumer engaged. There is an educational, feel-good element of activity/arts & crafts toys so they are a great birthday gift. Hitting the right price point is extremely important for purchase consideration over the full calendar year versus the holiday period exclusively.” Many agree with this assessment, noting that keeping price points low rings up year-round sales. The new Klutz Jr. line, launching in 2017,
Real Cooking with Skyrocket Toys
Following the success of Chocolate Pen, Skyrocket Toys is introducing a complete line of baking kits called Real Cooking. These kits feature kid-friendly, realworking kitchen tools. Simply add your own natural, household ingredients to the portioned mixes and pop them into your home’s oven. Kids can decorate the completed treats. The line features cupcakes, cookies, cake pops, and mini donuts. It’s for ages 6 and up. Shown on this page is the Real Cooking Ultimate Baking Starter Set. This includes real tools and two perfectly proportioned mixes to make 16 cupcakes, complete with edible toppings and decorations.
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will be in the $12.99 to $14.99 range. Blip Toys says it has focused its Yummy Nummie food line in the $9.99 range. Food items, in particular, take Blip beyond just fourth quarter sales, offering an everyday
Real Cooking Ultimate Baking Starter Set from Skyrocket Toys
impulse purchase. At one time, food-toy products didn’t even exist. The Easy Bake Oven introduced in 1963, was, for many years, the only “food toy” on the market. But over the past few years, kids have grown increasingly interested in food and cooking just as their parents have. Toymakers took notice. There’s the Girl Scout Cookie Oven from Wicked Cool Toys, Chocolate Pen from Skyrocket Toys, and the Cra-Z-Art Cra-Z-Cookin’ line featuring the classic Snoopy Sno-Cone Machine along with the company’s own ice cream maker and cotton candy machine. These lines will continue to grow. Benefitting Kids No one can predict the jobs of the future. No one can predict how long this trend in STEMfocused products will last or what meaningful
This Just In. . .
Blip Toys will enter the science category in fall 2017. “This will be fun first and science second,” says Rick Mershon, vice-president of sales and marketing. “We have an angle that we think is fantastic in chemistry.” Blip will introduce the line at Fall Toy Preview in Dallas. impact it will have. But one thing is for sure, arts & crafts/activity toys benefit children on many levels. Whether it makes them smarter, bridges the generation gap, or strengthens self-esteem, it is a win all around. Let’s not forget, it’s also fun. “Children who have the opportunity to participate in arts & crafts activities gain a sense of resilience and are able to overcome challenges of all kinds,” says Dia Carter Webb, senior program director of Arts for Learning Miami, the largest organization in South Florida solely dedicated to connecting professional visual and performing artists to children and educators. “Craft activities allows young people to confront a task (simple or complicated) with interest and enthusiasm, knowing there is the reward of an amazing result after all their efforts. We all can remember at least one or two projects that we worked tirelessly to complete as children. Feeling anticipation to start and create, viewing your materials, following the directions, seeing the results materialize right before your eyes. Then, there is having that moment of frustration and checking the directions for assurance, and continuing full steam ahead to the finish product and sharing the results with someone we love for affirmation or a simple ‘isn’t that wonderful.’” That’s the essence of this category—it’s learning, fun, and satisfaction on so many levels.
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Arts & Crafts Arts & Crafts/Activities: Building the Future by
Nancy Lombardi
Arts & Crafts and Activities continue to be popular. Parents and grandparents like these categories because it offers both a taste of the familiar and a dose of digital detox during playtime. Kids like it because it’s fun. There are sets for kids to play solo, with a friend or sibling, or with an adult. This year, toymakers are offerings a mix of the classics as well as many innovative new options.
With the Crayola Emoji Maker, kids can create custom color emoji stampers. Mix, measure, and stamp as this set comes with everything needed to make 16 custom color markers for creating and sharing emoji messages. It comes with a measuring tube and base, 16 marker components and labels, three bottles of UC ink (blue, red, and yellow), a coloring mixing chart and instruction sheet, and two marker storage boxes to hold eight markers per box. For ages 6 and up. • Play-Doh Doctor Drill ’N Fill is a classic coming back to Hasbro’s Play-Doh line. The playset lets kids pretend to be a dentist and includes patient head, electronic drill, tooth mold, tweezers, toothbrush, dentist tools, and five cans of Play-Doh. For ages 3 and up. • Super Strings Lantern is part of Creativity for Kids’ Craftivity line. With this set, girls can use classic string art skills to craft three lanterns with tassels. For ages 12 and up. • The Orb Factory’s Curiosity Kits is re-releasing the All-Terrain Rover. This mix-and-match vehicle can climb over all types of terrain. For ages 8 and up.
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Blip Toys’ Yummy Nummies playsets include the S’more Maker (shown), Soda Shoppe Maker, and Sundae Maker. Individual food kits in the Yummy Nummies line come in themes such as Diner Delights, Bakery Treats, and Candy Shop. All are simple mixes for kids to do on their own. The S’more Maker includes graham cracker, chocolate, and marshmallow mixes, as well as a microwavable tray, measuring scoop, spoon, campfire spatula, and instructions. None of the food requires an oven, stovetop, or open heat source. Some require a few seconds in the microwave. The sets are mix, make, and enjoy. • Spin Master’s Pottery Cool features a patented core system that helps kids create pottery upside down, automatically forming the center core and sides. Spin Master says this allows kids to work with gravity instead of against it, using the different cores to create shapes. • Alex Brands’ Lil Lockitz is a new initiative that launched at retail this fall, which lets girls create custom lockets. Girls can add various gems, charms, sequins, backgrounds, and even their own selfies to customize their lockets. • Colorforms introduces Dress Up Sets featuring Disney Junior Minnie (shown), Disney’s Frozen with Elsa and Anna, and Disney Princess with Belle and Beast. Each playset includes a large, vinyl two-sided background with two posed characters, and more than 48 Colorforms pieces to dress and accessories. It is packaged in a clear, plastic storage box and is for ages 3 and up. • Spin & Sparkle Pet Maker allows girls to make and decorate a pet. Simply add water to the Magic Cast Powder mix and pour the mixture into the pet mold, then spin the kid-powered handle for two minutes. After 20 minutes, open the mold and decorate it. The set includes molds, powder packs, water-based paints, glitter glaze, gems, eyes, and more. From Mattel’s RoseArt division, for ages 6 and up.
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Parents Turn to STEM Toys to Teach
S
by Jennifer
Lynch
TEM entered the national dialog a few years ago as a buzzword for the bridging of the building blocks categories of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. According to the most recent 2014 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities in the sciences are expected to increase by more than nine million jobs from 2012 to 2022, with some fields, such as technology, projected to grow at a faster rate than others. Yet while this buzzword certainly makes for a click-worthy article and has set into motion many STEM-geared educational initiatives, the U.S. education system as it currently stands is ill-equipped to produce enough qualified candidates to meet the growing demand for this rising percentage of STEM jobs. It is estimated that by 2020, there will be 1.4 million computer science jobs available but only enough university graduates to fill 29 percent of those jobs, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. This is where toymakers come into play. Recognizing the challenges facing today’s kids, many parents are taking extra steps to aid in their children’s STEM education through play, and extend learning in these areas outside the classroom. “Parents are getting more in tune with their child’s play activities, and what their child gets out of any given play experience,” says Tony Norman, CEO and president of Hexbug. “It is this shift of parent involvement coupled with the increase in STEM toy offerings that has led parents and educators to gravitate toward toys that deliver more than just a fun play experience, but also include a little bit of learning in the play process.” If anything, the buzz about STEM has made
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Fisher-Price produced a companion app to its Think & Learn Code-a-pillar, which is pictured above.
the public more aware of toys as tried and tested learning tools. “As more parents are looking for STEM items, we are finding retailers are putting them front and center in stores and online,” says Nancy Balter, Educational Insights Product Manager and creator of Nancy B’s Science Club. “We’re also getting requests from customers for more products in this arena.”
STEM FROM THE START
Part of this parental involvement has led to STEM toys aging down to offer an earlier introduction to STEM topics. “To instill a life-long appreciation for reading in children, parents are encouraged to read books with them before they’re old enough to understand words or even see pictures,” says Lili DeSisto, marketing coordinator, Thames & Kosmos (T&K). “It makes you wonder: can’t the same be said for science?” Last year, T&K introduced what it refers to as
its “pre-science” line of STEM kits for preschoolers called Kids First. The kits introduce kids in its Level 1 Series to general science topics, such as engineering, through pretend play and storybook style manuals for ages 3–5. “As technology continues to become an increasingly important part of today’s world, people are starting to understand just how important STEM skills are,” says DeSisto. “So why not start introducing these skills and concepts to kids at a young age? Children who are exposed to science as preschoolers may not go on to become scientists or engineers—although they might—but maybe they’ll be less intimidated by it when they get into the more complicated aspects of this field.”
LEARNING THE CODE
One area of STEM that toy companies are focused on is coding. But while the days of Mavis Beacon typing lessons in schools are long gone, lesson plans filled with the fundamentals of computer science haven’t become mainstream
curriculum yet. “We recognized the need for products to help build scientific thinking at an early age and performed research that showed most schools don’t begin coding opportunities until second grade,” says Ellen Metrick, educational marketing manager, Learning Resources. “There was a void for kindergarten and first grade. To help fill that need, we created products to support how kindergartners learn best while introducing them to concepts that will be expanded upon in the following years.” Coding at any age can be overwhelming, which is why tangible, hands-on learning toys and activities that instill coding basics are proving to be the most sought out. The idea was introduced when ThinkFun teamed with the most-backed KickStarter board game to date, Robot Turtles, which taught preschoolers coding basics through game play. Since then, other companies have followed suit with additional code-driven products. Analog game play is one path to introduce coding. Learning Resources introduced the Code & Go Robot Mouse Activity Set earlier this year. “It is screen-free, enabling young children to learn underlying coding concepts before moving into the digital space,” says Metrick. “This appeals to schools as well as families, who are looking for digital-down family time.” Beyond games, hands-on building and tactile experiences are proving to be particularly useful at helping kids retain coding concepts. This past summer, Fisher-Price unveiled Codea-pillar, part of its Think & Learn line, which introduces the coding basics of sequencing and problem solving through tactile play. “When they’re physically rearranging the Code-a-pillar segments to cause a different outcome, they’re making the connections that spark ‘a-ha’ mo-
ments,” says Lisa Mancuso, senior vice-president of marketing, Fisher-Price. With the goal to prepare today’s preschoolers with 21st century skills, Fisher-Price consulted multiple early childhood education organizations, such as the Center for Childhood Creativity, Cal-Poly, P21, and more. “By sharing their knowledge and insights, reviewing our concepts, and testing our toys, they helped shape our framework and curriculum for the Think & Learn line,” says Mancuso. One could argue that Code-a-pillar also serves as the most basic of robotic toys. While the play patterns it promotes remain timeless, it also reflects our tech-driven culture. And robotics is playing a bigger role in that world.
PROGRAMMED TO WORK
As with learning any second language, the earlier you learn it, the better you retain it. But most schools currently do not have the resources to make programming dedicated parts of curriculum at any grade, well beyond preschool. At the very least, these programs, when offered, are elected enrichment courses or after-school programs. But toymakers are offering some solutions. Toymakers are using robotics as a means to tap into programming with older kids and segue them into more advanced concepts. Some enrichment programs even rely on these toymakers’ products and lesson plans to teach, such as LEGO Education’s MindStorm EV3 and Hexbug’s VEX Robotics. Last year, Spin Master introduced its buildable, programmable personal robot Meccano Meccanoid. This year, the company followed up with a smaller model called Micronoid, which fits in the palm of your hand. Hexbug also con-
AR/VR STEM EXPERIENCES
Uncle Milton is bringing STEM concepts to life with its new Virtual Explorer line. “We understand that there’s a certain magical element for kids when they play with a ‘real’ toy and that playtime is very important in a child’s emotional and physical development,” says Ken Malouf, vice-president of marketing and product management, Uncle Milton. “But in this day and age, there is also a magic to technology with kids as young as 18 months using hi-tech gadgets and app based games regularly.” The line connects classic handson toys with 360-degree VR experiences and 3-D AR models to bring the worlds of space, dinosaurs, and ants to life.
tinues to build on its extensive line of robotics toys. Hexbug’s parent company Innovation First has long held stakes in annual robotics competitions as well as the TV series BattleBots, which launched in early 2000 and returned on ABC last year. Several VEX Robotics parts, from motor controllers to joysticks, can be found in the robots featured in the show, says Hexbug’s Norman. This fall, the company launched a new line of toys based on the series. Intimidation has played a big role in the low number of STEM-related job candidates, and furthermore the underrepresentation of women and minorities in the field. That said, recognizing these factors has also led to a lot of focused and innovative toys to offer solutions. From additional lines that specifically target girls to those that blur the lines between STEM and the arts, to the early-learning and coding toys addressed here, it’s evident STEM isn’t a trend that’s fading.
October 2016 tfe 33
Science & Exploration STEM Toys Continue to Trend by Jennifer
Lynch
A few years ago, STEM became a buzzword that pushed the importance of science and math skills to the forefront of American minds. Since then toymakers have seized on the opportunity to encourage STEM skill development through play. In 2016, toymakers homed in on robotics, electronics, and coding, with an emphasis on STEM toys for younger kids. Below is a sampling of just some of the latest toys hitting the market. 2
Create three lightup robots with SmartLab’s Sew Science: GloBots activity kit. Sew up each robot then place their hands together to create a circuit and make them glow. For ages 8 and up, $19.99.
The World of Wonder Scope is part of the My First Lab microscope series from C&A Scientific. Featuring 20x magnification and laboratory-grade optics, young scientists can examine just about anything. For ages 7 and up, $70.
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(1) WowWee introduced Coji a coding robot that teaches kids to program through the language of emojis. Ages 8 and up, $59.99. (2) Thames & Kosmos’ Happy Atoms is a modern chemistry set that teaches molecular modeling through a coordinating app. Ages 8 and up, $160. (3) With Meccano Micronoids from Spin Master, kids can build and program a personal robot that fits in the palm of their hand. Ages 8 and up, $39.99. (4) Use coding cards to create a step-by-step path for Colby, the Programmable Robot Mouse to help him reach the cheese with Learning Resources’ Robot Mouse. (5) For ages 5 and up, $49.99. littleBit’s Steam Student Set is an expansive set that offers eight challenges to integrate STEM learning in the classroom. For ages 8 and up, $299.95.
For more STEM news, turn to page 80 for a profile of Elenco. 34 tfe October 2016
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State of the Industry Nancy Lombardi
T by
he NPD Group reported that the U.S. toy industry grew 7.5 percent in the first half of 2016, outpacing last year’s mid-year and annual growth rates. NPD estimates that the industry will grow approximately seven percent, or $1.4 billion, for fullyear 2016. The top 10 U.S. toy properties based on dollars from January through June 2016 are Star Wars, Nerf, Shopkins, Pokémon, Barbie, LEGO Star Wars, Little Tikes, Disney Frozen, Hot Wheels, and Minecraft. There is no doubt that the success of these properties will continue with a lot more excitement on tap for this fall. Now, the industry gathers in Dallas to look ahead to 2017 and beyond. Here TFE spoke to key players in the industry to get their take on new products, the upcoming U.S. presidential election, domestic manufacturing, trends in STEM toys, and so much more. Here is what the industry is talking about as we close out 2016.
The Bridge Direct, Jay Foreman, President and CEO The Bridge Direct plans to launch a new activity line later this year. Are you able to discuss the product? Why move in this direction? We have been active in the craft and activity category since our inception via our Inkoos line of doodle-on and wash toys and expanded it to include Strand Bands. This year, we have developed some great new product that we will debut at Fall Toy Preview and that we feel will interest and excite the trade. This is a growing
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category as girls, in particular, are spending less time as they get older with traditional toys, such as dolls and plush, and more time with collectibles and craft activities. Parents, for sure, want to find ways to keep kids busy, creative, and off of social media. We hope to offer them some great new ideas. Do you think the upcoming U.S. presidential election is having an impact on consumer spending? Or are there other forces that are impacting spending instead? I think the constant negative rhetoric from the right overstating the condition of our economy is definitely affecting consumer sentiment. We have a stock market in record-high territory, low unemployment, no inflation, and the lowest energy costs we’ve seen in decades, yet people think the country is moving in the wrong direction. It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. In addition, there is still a legitimate hangover from the financial crisis and people are using less credit and lowering their discretionary spending. People seem to have come to the conclusion that they just don’t need so much new “stuff” and that includes toys, electronics, clothes and other basics. If consumers, kids and adults, are spending more and more time online on social media and social gaming, that’s going to be a factor as well. This all means we all need to work harder to make the type of products and properties that are going to drive consumers to retail to buy toys—more Shopkins and Star Wars.
Hexbug/Innovation First, Tony Norman President and CEO
Has your product line been receiving increased attention now that STEM is such a buzzword with consumers? Robotics and STEM are key attributes that our parent company was founded upon. We were excited to bring a consumer version of Vex Robotics—our educational STEM robotics line—to retail in 2015. This enabled us to show the industry that our capabilities expand beyond Hexbug Micro Robotic Creatures. It is truly inspiring to give people a glimpse into our core competencies. The difference between our products and others in the marketplace is that once you build ours, they all do something. Nothing is stagnant. So children are engaged in STEM learning while having fun while playing. We were excited to receive the TIA Educational Toy of the Year Award in February. Then in April, the global Vex Robotics World Championship received a Guinness World Record for the largest robotics competition on Earth, and premiered on ESPN2 this July. The line has been a tremendous success and we are keen to continue to expand it in the coming years with products that engage kids in fun, imaginative STEM playtime. Hexbug now reaches toddlers through teens— and even cats—with various products lines. What new products can we expect to see in 2017? We are not at liberty to share most of our new 2017 products just yet, but we can give you a sneak peek into the fact that we will have new additions to our pet toy line, new additions to our Hexbug BattleBots line, and new additions to our Aquabot line.
What role do bloggers play in promoting your products? We love working with bloggers to help spread word-of-mouth buzz about our new product launches. When they can get their kids involved in the review process, that is even better in our opinion. Their feedback is valued and we pass it on to our engineering and development teams.
Jazwares Laura Zebersky, Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer Jazwares recently acquired First Act. What opportunities does this offer Jazwares? This new partnership with First Act, a leader in the growing children’s musical instruments category, gives Jazwares the ability to offer children products that provide an opportunity to develop a new skill set and engage in an activity that will have a life-long impact. Earlier this year, Jazwares launched Tube Heroes University. What is the goal of this initiative and what is it offering? Building upon the successful line of Tube Heroes toys, which place real-life authentic and relatable YouTube stars as action heroes, Tube Heroes University’s goal is to teach kids about the digital world by providing tips and advice on what it takes to succeed in the DigitalVerse. Tube Heroes University started in early 2016 with sponsors such as CaptainSparklez and DanTDM. This fall, the program expands with a series of video content that teaches kids in a fun way how to create a video, from storyboarding
to lighting and camera effects, unboxing, and more. The video content debuted last month on the Tube Heroes YouTube Channel. Explain the JazWings platform. What new opportunities does it bring to the company? JazWings is an online idea incubation platform that allows individuals, from all walks of life and from all over the globe, to upload ideas for an opportunity to partner with Jazwares to make them a reality. JazWings is a community of creators, innovators, inventors, and fans who want to be a part of supporting creativity and the next big thing. JazWings is the bridge between the individual creator and Jazwares. Through JazWings, Jazwares has the opportunity to identify and build exciting new properties.
K’NEX Limited Partnership Group/Smart Brands International Michael Araten, President and CEO In any election, politicians promise to create jobs. In the upcoming U.S. presidential election, there has been a lot of talk about bringing manufacturing back to the U.S. K’NEX does manufacture its products in the U.S. Is this feasible for other American toy companies? What needs to be done to make it feasible? Yes, manufacturing in the U.S. is feasible for companies across every industry—not just the toy industry. However, it requires a commitment from the owners or senior management to what I call “patriotic capitalism”. That means one of your core values is that you will do all you can while running the company to
make your products in the U.S.—and do so profitably. It means reviewing the entire supply chain, including the design of your products and a willingness to alter those designs to take advantage of American expertise in automation, speed to market, and logistics. This may mean that only some of your product line is conducive to Made in the USA. I think as long as every CEO in America is doing as much as they can that we will vastly increase the percentage of toys made in America. K’NEX is relaunching its brand in 2017. What does that mean internally for the company? What will it mean for the trade? What will it mean for consumers? Are you able to share a sneak peek of some K’NEX plans? As 2017 is our 25th anniversary, it is a very exciting time to relaunch our entire brand. Internally, the relaunch impacts every part of K’NEX. We have made sure we started by distilling the essence of the K’NEX brand promise: Connecting Curiosity & Creation. We’re focused on creating fun-powered “wow” creations that inspire imaginations all over the world. Our product innovation pipeline revolves around our brand promise, and our marketing team is developing content to support our STEAMagination expertise. K’NEX sits uniquely at the intersection of STEM/STEAM learning and play and we will be actively communicating that message to our retail partners as well as kids, parents, grandparents, and educators.
PlayMonster, Scott Flynn, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing October 2016 tfe 37
State of the Industry PlayMonster has been operating under a new identity for almost one year. What changes have occurred internally that have strengthened the company? How are these changes benefitting retail customers and consumers? We were already “PlayMonster” in terms of our culture and mission, but changing our name and rebranding made it public. Basically, we were finally able to change our “outside” to reflect who we are on the “inside,” and we are thrilled that it’s been well-received by our community. Our new name has meaning, and it’s resonating with consumers and retailers. As the year goes on, we have more and more opportunities to build our brand. In the fourth quarter, we have multiple TV ads airing that feature our new name and logo with some playful animation that will definitely gain recognition. Do you think the upcoming U.S. presidential election is having an impact on consumer spending? Or are there other forces that are impacting spending instead? In our opinion, the upcoming election really has no impact on consumer spending, in relation to toys. If people cut back, they usually do so in other areas rather than denying their children toys. There will always be Christmas and Hanukkah, plus the categories we’re in are seeing growth all around due to the emphasis on family time and the need to step away from our screens and have more interaction with each other. We’re looking forward to a robust year.
Skyrocket Toys, Jared Wolfson, Senior VicePresident of Skyrocket Media Division 38 tfe October 2016
Skyrocket recently announced the launch of a media division. What type of content is in development? When and where will it air? Children’s and family entertainment in various formats is in development. This includes, but is not limited to, animated series, digital series, TV specials, digital shorts, app-based content, and live-action TV series. Our vision remains squarely focused on the development and production of high-quality content with strongly relevant themes and engaging play patterns. Co-production partners, broadcast partners, and launch dates will be announced at a later time. Will Skyrocket produce all of the related toys or do you plan to license out to other companies? Skyrocket plans to be the master toy partner for all entertainment franchises that are launched out of this group. How will this new strategy benefit Skyrocket? This is a long-term intellectual property creation and franchise development/management strategy to balance out Skyrocket Toys’ portfolio of toy programs. With success in the entertainment content creation and production space, Skyrocket plans to build and nurture sustainable long-term integrated franchises that spawn toys in addition to various ancillary categories of business.
Toy Industry Association, Steve Pasierb, President and CEO In any election, politicians promise to create
jobs. In the upcoming U.S. presidential election, there has been a lot of talk about bringing manufacturing back to the U.S. There are U.S. toy companies that do manufacture all or part of their product in the U.S. Is this feasible for most American toy companies? What needs to be done to make it feasible? Current estimates are that 61 cents of each toy production dollar stays in the U.S. as does 80 cents of every retail dollar. Bringing all manufacturing back to the U.S. would actually result in fewer jobs for the toy industry. It’s simply too expensive for companies to produce all their products stateside. If they did, they’d have to significantly raise the prices of their playthings, rendering many largely unaffordable for the American family who expects to pay, on average, about $10 for a new toy. This, in turn, would result in a decline in toy sales and the loss of U.S. jobs. Manufacturing partners in China and surrounding countries have gained unique expertise built over many decades. What’s more, American companies are seeking to expand sales in developing nations—especially in Southeast Asia—so it’s logistically quite practical to have factories in that part of the world. Of course, there are great companies that manufacture all or parts of their products in the U.S., which is positive for jobs and the local economy. But even with the bulk of our industry’s manufacturing taking place outside of the country, the toy industry has an annual total economic impact in the U.S. of just over $77 billion, supporting nearly half a million fulltime jobs and generating more than $24 billion in wages for American workers.
2017 Toy Preview The Toy Industry Association (TIA) officially dubbed September 2016 as Toy Preview Month. Those in the toy industry had a jam-packed schedule of product preview meetings, which took place throughout the month and across the nation. It is now culminating with TIA’s Fall Toy Preview September 27–29 in Dallas. The companies shown on these pages are exhibiting in Dallas and participated in preview meetings and events throughout the month showcasing 2017 product. —Compiled by Nancy Lombardi
Endless Games
Endless Games is following up Name 5 game with the Name 5 Pop Culture Edition. In addition, Family Feud is getting two new upgrades in 2017 with Deluxe and Sixth editions, bringing the TV game show to America’s living room. Rounding out the Party Game category, Endless Games will introduce Title Fight at Fall Toy Preview. This is a game of code-cracking. Players decipher popular book, movie, and song titles via connected clues.
Watchitude
Watchitude is a mix of a retro slap-on bracelet and a kidfriendly analog watch. These slap-on watches come in a variety of styles with a slide-on face for customization. Kids can even design their own and enter it into contests online.
Rovio Entertainment
Rovio’s The Angry Birds Movie will be featured at Fall Toy Preview from World Tech Toys and Commonwealth. World Tech Toys has built colorful drones based on the film’s main characters. Commonwealth will introduce new plush based on the movie’s characters.
Maple Landmark
Maple Landmark’s Castle Building Block Set is a 21-piece set that has 11 castle blocks featuring towers and archways as well as blocks depicting Merlin, the court jester, the king, the queen, and three knights. Other pieces within the set are a sword in the stone and a rock hurling catapult. Crafted in Middlebury, Vt., each piece is cut from locally harvested hardwood maple, then sanded smooth. Durable, bright graphics are printed on only one side of each block. All of the pieces measure one-inch thick for building, stacking, and playing. The set, for ages 18 months and up, comes in a reuseable box for storage.
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Castle Building Block Set
2017 Toy Preview
Haywire Group
In Box of Rocks, it’s you vs. the rocks. You and the box of rocks are asked a series of trivia questions that have a correct answer of either zero, one, or two. Give your answer, shake the box of rocks, open it, and see the rock’s answer. In the end, you and your friends will be able to answer the pressing question: Are you dumber than a Box of Rocks? This is for two or more players, ages 12 and up. Haywire Group’s Pizza Party Supreme is now available in a four-player version. Players draw a “pizza slice” card and quickly roll their pizza topping dice, trying to match the toppings from the dice to the toppings on their cards. The first player to complete a full pizza pie (six slices) wins. This is for ages 6 and up.
Magformers
PL-UG Build Your Own Fort
PlaSmart
Messmatz Ultimate Creativity Mat is a non-toxic, food-grade silicone creativity mat that protects surfaces while confining kids’ messes, spills, crayons, and small items such as beads. The generously sized 24- by 18-inch Messmatz not only protects surfaces, it holds up to 32 ounces of spills. Messmatz provide just the right amount of firmness for writing, or drawing, even when using a single sheet of paper. The mat’s flexible raised edges are soft on arms and elbows and, unlike hard trays, don’t slip and slide on hard surfaces. Messmatz clean easily, roll up for storage, and are handy for crafters of all ages. It will be available in blue, green, and pink in early 2017. PL-UG Build Your Own Fort kits attach to almost anything— walls, furniture, windows, patio doors, even trees—to start building. Build Your Own Fort kits are available in three versions: the introductory Fort Kit, mid-range Canopy Kit, and Ultimate kit.
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Build with Magformers and eight Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles-related character cards. Create structures and attach Leo, Donnie, Mikey, Raph, Splinter, Shredder, Bebop, Rock Steady, and Foot Clan soldiers. Build by laying Magformers squares and triangles flat onto two playmats and inserting the character cards. Use the magnetic power to pull the shapes up into 3-D structures. Match the characters to their color shapes. Place the character cards into square inserts and see what you can build. Interchange the characters to tell you own story and build Magformers Magic Ball, Turtle Tower, House, Rocket, Castles, and more. In addition, Magformers will introduce sets based on Nickelodeon’s Shimmer and Shine and Blaze and the Monster Machines. Each is a 22-piece set featuring key characters and components from both series. Each geometric shape contains magnets that never reject, so you’ll always hear the Magformers click, according to the company. All Magformers are interchangeable and, when playtime is over, use the magnetic power to simply stack and store. This set is compatible with all Magformers sets.
2017 Toy Preview
Trick Shot Sports Micro Missile Target Set
Tucker Toys
Tucker Toys will present a host of new items at this year’s Fall Toy Preview. The key item on display is Trick Shot Sports. It’s a line of sports figure characters with snap-action performance that lets players perform table-top action and freestyle play in Trick Shot combinations. The tricks are only limited to a player’s own imagination, and Tucker wants to see the best shots. A website and video channel have been established to allow the best shots to be shared online. Collect all five Trick Shot Sports team figures. In addition, Tucker Toys’ existing line will be on display including E-Z Grip (Play Ball, Junior, Football, and Soccer Ball), Phlat Ball, Crush-It! Bat, Zoingo Boingo Pogo, and ZB Freestyle Board.
Schleich
Continue the roleplay fun in Schleich’s Farm World with spring 2017’s Dog Kennel Playset. This six-piece set comes complete with figurines and accessories. Wild Life Starter Playset and Farm World Starter Playset each comes with four iconic hand-painted animal figurines. Add to Schleich’s newest franchise, Horse Club, with new playsets and figurines in spring 2017, including the Rider with Icelandic Ponies and Stablehand with Shetland Ponies playsets. Each set comes with figures, hand-painted figurines, and accessories so children can make their own adventure. New to the Dinosaurs franchise for spring 2017 is the Feathered Raptors Playset. This hand-painted, three-piece set is perfect for the dinosaur fans and includes three feathered raptor dinosaurs—Utahraptor, Microraptor, and Deinonychus.
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Feathered Raptors Playset
Diggin
Diggin will expand its Slimeball line, which brings active slime fun with no mess. Kids can test their aim with the Slimeball Flinger Darts. The flinger balls shoot more than 30 feet, says Diggin. Slimeball Flingers have a built-in launch mechanism making the Slimeballs easy to shoot. Kids can use the included launcher or fling right from their fingertips. The Slimeballs stick to the target but won’t leave marks. Slimeball Flinger Darts includes two Flingers, four Slimeballs, and a sticky dartboard. The Slimeball Flinger five-pack includes one Flinger and five Slimeballs. Additional Slimeball products will be unveiled at Fall Toy Preview. With Diggin’s new Micro Missiles line, kids can launch missiles right from their fingertips. Stretch the launcher between your thumb and index finger, slide the launcher through the groove in the Micro Missile, pull back, and watch it fly more than 75 feet, says Diggin. The suction cup missiles will stick to the target and most smooth surfaces. The Micro Missiles Target Set comes with 12 Micro Missiles, two launchers, and a hanging dartboard. A Micro Missiles six-pack is also available. The Black Max Light Up Football features a smart LED system that knows when you catch and when you throw. The weighted spiral ring causes tighter spirals and longer throws. The Black Max Light Up Football has the performance of the original Black Max.
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2017 Toy Preview
4Kidz, Inc.
4Kidz, Inc., introduces KingString, a handheld toy that generates improvisational shapes and images in rainbows of flashy neon colors created by an integrated black light. KingString climbs up walls, walks across floors, and more.
King String
eKids
eKids, a division of iHome, offers headphones, speakers, and more featuring the latest kids’ properties. Shown here is the Despicable Me Minion Bluetooth Speaker. Wirelessly stream music from a computer, tablet, smartphone, MP3 player, or other Bluetoothenabled device. Or use the auxline in jack to play audio from devices equipped with a 3.5mm headphone jack. There’s a built-in rechargeable battery, a supplied cable for charging speakers and connecting to audio source, and a power and charging LED indicator.
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MasterPieces
MasterPieces introduces a variety of puzzles designed for teens and adults. There’s Puzzle Escapes Coloring Puzzles Owl Coloring Puzzle. The Puzzle Escapes line of coloring puzzles challenges jigsaw puzzlers of all ages to assemble their image in black and white, then get creative and color it. Each puzzle has a non-coated surface so inks saturate and colors stay bright. Choose from four different designs, and try different color effects with prism or jewel tone sets of six markers. MasterPieces’ 1,000-piece Hershey’s Mayhem Puzzle depicts images of a variety of Hershey’s chocolates. To reduce its impact on the environment, the chipboard used in this puzzle is made of recycled material. The 1,000-piece Puzzle of the World features a customcrafted, detailed map showing historic places, popular attractions, indigenous wildlife, mountain ranges, and more. These puzzles are made on recycled blueboard and packaged in matte-finish display boxes.
Douglas Company
Douglas Company, in the midst of a 60th anniversary celebration this year, announces the newest Christine Clarke Fashion Collection for ages 9 and up. The Dream Feather Collection of bags features four styles. The Dream Feathers Crossbody is seveninches wide and has an adjustable strap that takes it from the shoulder to the crossover-body style. The halfcircle-shape has a front-flap closure with Dream Feathers Sak Pak a magnetic snap for easy access. The Dream Feathers Wristlet is 7.5-inches wide and has a single wrist swing carry strap. The Dream Feathers Sak Pak (shown) is a drawstring bag at 12-inches tall and 10-inches wide. It has a drawstring closure and a double strap backpack-type carry. It also has an outside zippered pocket. The Dream Feathers Sassy Sak is seven-inches wide and holds a tan pony inside. It is a fully lined tote-style bag with a double handle.
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2017 Toy Preview
Goliath Games
Catch the Fox is the newest addition to Goliath’s skilland-action game line. Kids take turns putting chickens into the Fox’s pants pocket and pushing his head. But watch out for fowl play. When his pants disappear, race to grab the chickens and put them back into their coops. Catch the Fox is for two to four players, ages 4 and up. Goliath’s latest addition to its sporting goods line is Zoomball. Each player grabs a pair of Zoomball handles and pulls them apart to start Zooming. Need to cool off? Zoomball has a special version of Zoomball that holds water balloons. Players never know when the balloons will pop and send water splashing everywhere.
Prime Time Toys
Prime Time Toys’ Dart Zone offers new introductions for 2017. The Enforcer Motorized Belt Blaster, for ages 8 and up and exclusive to Walmart, is fully automatic with a motorized belt. The motorized belt holds up to 40 darts extending battle play even longer. It requires six AA batteries, which are not included. Magnum Superdrum Blaster, for ages 8 and up and exclusive to Target, features a rotating super-drum with two different firing options— trigger or slamfire. It holds up to 40 darts for extended play and sends darts flying up to 80 feet, says Prime Time Toys. Legendfire Powershot Blaster, available at both Target and Walmart for ages 8 and up, is the only long barrel in this year’s fleet. This selfadvancing blaster comes with two ammo cartridges for a quick changeout throughout the battle. The Legend Fire features 18 Super Darts for maximum shooting distance.
Magnum Superdrum Blaster
Faber-Castell
Faber-Castell’s Premium Children’s Art Products include a few of the following. There’s the Paint by Number Unicorn Foil Fun. Add color to the unicorn with Faber-Castell Watercolor Pencils. It’s a sturdy weight illustration board with a unicorn design that has the sparkling effect of holographic foil to bring shimmer to your artwork. When the painting is complete, mount the piece on the included foam mat and display. The set includes seven watercolor pencils, illustration board with holographic foil and unicorn design, numbered color guide, foam mounting board, sticky tabs, and hanger. Faber-Castell’s gel crayons are now available as Neon and Metallic Gel Crayons. Choose from six neon or sparkling metallic colors, each housed in a sturdy, plastic carrying case. The translucent Neon colors glide on smooth and blend easily, while the Metallic colors dazzle on dark papers. Based upon Munch’s The Scream, the Deluxe Paint by Number Museum Series is a paint-by-number set that also includes oil pastels for a mixed-media experience. It offers a larger canvas, seven paints, two brushes, and five oil pastels as well as a color-mixing guide and online tutorial.
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2017 Toy Preview Bears for Humanity
From farm to fulfillment, Bears for Humanity are made using only 100-percent GOTScertified organic materials and global Fair Trade practices, while employing at-risk women from Welfare-toWork programs in the U.S. With every purchase made, the company donates a bear to a child in need. The bears are for ages 2 and up. Play Tent Shop
Haba
DuneCraft
DuneCraft introduces the newest additions to its extensive offerings of themed terrariums, habitats, science kits, and more. Extending the Self-Watering Planter line is the new Spectacular Sedum style while the Flytrap theme adds to the Glass Terrarium line. Fairy Seed Stones will be added to the Seed Stone line, and the new mini tubs are being introduced for the most popular polymer items. Also joining the Mini Dome line comes the Money Plant, Winter Wonderland, and the Mosquito Beater Mini Domes, which is a combination of plants that DuneCraft says positively repels mosquitoes. In addition to the line extensions, DuneCraft is introducing a brand new line, the Triple Bubble. The Triple Bubble has three openings and opens in the middle to function as a decorative item, a learning experience, and an air cleaning apparatus. The four styles include: Carnivorous Wonders, Fairy Wonderland, Hawaii Rain Forest, and Simply Flowers.
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Haba’s latest assortment includes the Clutching Toy Ice Cream, a new silicone baby teether that features three different textured parts that come together to look like two scoops and a waffle cone. This includes a removable strap and clip, to attach to the car seat or a piece of clothing. The Color Splodge Clutching Toy is a solid beechwood rattle. Each shape rotates individually and is secured with a sturdy cord. Help Kiki Cuckoo build a nest for her eggs, but be careful. As soon as a few stable twigs are on the nest, you must gently rest a cuckoo egg on top. The fragile eggs may tumble down a half-built nest. It takes finesse and a little luck to be the first to place all of your wooden eggs safely in the nest. The winner will be the one who can then securely place the wooden Kiki Cuckoo bird on top of the nest of twigs. The Play Tent Shop (shown) is where young kids can roleplay running a store. They can display their wares and negotiate prices with customers. This features an awning, a roll-up door, and two windows—one with curtains. Plastic rods with connectors facilitate easy and fast assembly. This does not include an inside floor.
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2017 Toy Preview Learning Resources
Here is a sampling of items that will be introduced in 2017 from Learning Resources. All items listed are for ages 3 and up. Start depositing, withdrawing, and saving your money (real or pretend) with the Pretend & Play Teaching ATM Bank. This electronic ATM bank featuring coin recognition and a bill feeder is a way to keep track of savings and learn money skills. All money is safe in this bank, which uses a fingerprint button for activation (on and off). The set includes pretend money and an ATM card, which kids can personalize with their own four-digit pin. The ATM screen keeps track of your savings. Latch & Learn School House is an interactive set that also includes five figures (one teacher and four students). Count and build color, number, and shape recognition while strengthening fine motor skills. It features two ways to play (upright or flat) and a handle for take-along play. Puzzle Globe is designed to teach preschoolers about geography. Each removable continent features a different, shaped post that fits only one area on the globe, allowing for ease of use and simple self-correction. Continents also include colorful animals and famous landmarks for extended learning. It includes a base (with oceans labeled), rotatable globe, continent puzzle pieces, plastic continent labels, and blank label stickers. With 1-2-3 Build It!, kids can build three vehicles. Teach young learners how things move, early engineering, and design with this set. Easyto-assemble, mix-and-match pieces create a car, airplane, and boat. Use the screwdriver to tighten up each project. Build each vehicle separately.
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Super Impulse
Puzzle Globe
Super Impulse adds to its World’s Smallest and World’s Coolest Lines. The World’s Smallest toys are designed with the same working functions as the original, classic toys but in the smallest sizes ever created. New for 2017 are six classic toys: Barbie, Hot Wheels, Gumby, Thomas & Friends, Silly Putty, and PEZ. Barbie is featured in two of her most iconic looks, the 1959 signature black and white swimsuit and the 1971 Malibu Barbie with tan and sunglasses. Less than three-inches tall, each doll has limbs that move. The Hot Wheels are small enough to fit onto a quarter and are available as the classics Bone Crusher, Twin Mill, and Roger Dodger. In the World’s Coolest line, there’s a Tiny Turntable featuring a moving tone arm, spinning platter, and light-up strobe. It even includes a faux vinyl record. Mattel’s Electronic Handheld line features the classic football, baseball, and basketball. Each includes a keychain and really works. Super Impulse brings back Wiz-z-zer, which was originally introduced in 1970. It will be available in two styles, Rounder and Wedge with eight new graphics. Kids can play for speed or battle against each other as these offer balance and stability thanks to its unique internal gyro. Also available in this line is Wizz-zer Wheelz-z-z, which are jacked-ups cars that go into wild spins when they make contact. Race, battle, stack, and crash them. These will be sold in a singlepack or two-pack. A battle arena will also be available.
Sakar International
Sakar International is showcasing a number of new licensed products at this year’s Fall Toy Preview. Sakar signed a licensing agreement with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, on behalf of DC Entertainment, for a line of DC Super Hero Girls karaoke machines, adventure kits, walkie talkies, headphones, and more. The line of youth electronics will be available domestically this holiday season at mass retailers. Within the EMEA region, products will begin to roll out in 2017. Sakar signed a deal with Cartoon Network for The Powerpuff Girls, with product set to launch in spring 2017. Items will include walkie-talkies, CD+G and sing-along karaoke machines, flashlights, glow pads, microphones, kid-safe headphones, and bluetooth speakers, all featuring Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup. In addition, Sakar signed an agreement with ZAG/Zagtoon for a line of youth electronics set to launch in 2017, based on the comedy/action animated TV series, Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir. The series currently airs in the U.S. on Nickelodeon and has global TV coverage reaching over 80 countries worldwide. A wide range of products will hit retail shelves including CD+G karaoke machines, night action and molded walkie talkies, glow pads, kid-safe headphones, and bluetooth speakers.
Playmobil
Playmobil is introducing the following products in January 2017. The Camping Lodge, for ages 4 and up, includes one adult figure, three child figures, camp fire, kitchen supplies, table, benches, archery target, bow and arrows, violin, soccer ball, food, and other accessories. The Ice Cream Truck, for ages 4 and up, includes one adult figure, three child 1.2.3.My Take Along Farm figures, ice cream truck, table, ice cream, cones, dishes, ice cream scoop, beverages, and other accessories. 1.2.3. My Take Along Farm, for ages 18 months and up, includes one figure, cow, pig, dog, car, bird, and other accessories. This is a bright and colorful set with large rounded pieces for toddlers. When playtime is over, store all the pieces inside the farm, close it up, and grab the carrying handle to take it on the go. The Porsche 911 Targa 4S set includes a Porsche, two figures, showroom wall, seating area, car jack, tools, Lechuza planter, and many other accessories. Three AAA batteries are required for this set for ages 4 and up.
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2017 Toy Preview Creativity for Kids
Hot Air Balloon Lantern lets kids, ages 7 and up, decorate, layer, and collage to create a light-up hot air balloon lantern. Use the completed craft as a nightlight or as a way to brighten up décor. This complete kit includes one fabric lantern with LED light, four sheets of printed tracing paper, two sticker sheets, basket, glue, paintbrush, string, mini flag stickers, scissors, and one black mini marker. Combine glittery string, bright LED lights, and glow-in-the-dark cord, the String Art Star Light craft to make an accent for a bedroom or playroom. It includes string art glaze, inflatable star, crafting gloves, metallic and glow string, a 20-LED light string, and batteries. It is for ages 9 and up.
Educational Insights
Educational Insights offers a host of new toys launching in early 2017. The Peekaboo Barn Game is based on the preschool app Peekaboo Barn. Players take turns with the barnyard spinner to see which sleepy animal needs your help to hit the hay. Make the animal sound out loud and move your animal to the barn for bedtime. But, if a player spins the rooster, the sleepy animals might wake up. Help all of the animals to bed to win. Designed for ages 2 and up, this includes an illustrated 3-D barn with a spinner, eight farm animals, and easy-to-learn instructions. Peekaboo Barn Game The solar-powered and kid-controlled GeoSafari STEM Solar Rover is ready to pique a child’s interest in the science of solar energy. No chargers, no batteries, no assembly required, simply harness the power of the sun and shadows cast by your hands to turn and move the Rover. Alternating sunlight and shadows onto the pivoting solar cells power the rear Rover wheels, and turn the vehicle left or right. Block the sun fully to stop. Master these maneuvers and take the show on the road with the activity guide and three training course cones to create a custom Rover challenge course—all controlled by a child, age 8 and up. With Word on the Street Junior edition, draw a category card and set the timer to think of the best possible word to fit the selected category. Move the letters in your chosen word to your side of the street before time runs out. The first player to move a letter all the way off the street keeps the tile. The first team to move eight tiles across the street wins. This word game helps to develop vocabulary skills, creative thinking skills, and encourages team work. This is designed for two to eight players, ages 10 and up. The Playfoam Shape & Learn Numbers Set, for ages 3 and up, lets little ones practice making letters, numbers, and more with two all-new Playfoam sets. Each set includes four different-colored Playfoam bricks and 13 double-sided cards. Preschoolers place their Playfoam on top of the letter or number card to practice making these shapes themselves. This provides tactile and sensory stimulation, helps develop fine motor skills, and sparks creativity and self-expression. The GeoSafari Jr. Critter Habitat is designed for ages 3 and up. Collect and observe bugs, frogs, fish, rocks, leaves, flowers, and more. The container is critter-friendly, including air holes for dry and wet habitats. Plus, the exclusive rotating feeder makes feeding a snap, with no risk of animal escape.
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Winning Moves Games
Winning Moves’ lineup will be available in early 2017. In the Game of the States, kids learn all about the United States by racing their trucks across the country and buying and selling goods along the way. This newly updated version contains STEM-focused facts about each state. Players will become familiar with the 50 states, their locations, capital cities, top products, and more. It comes with the game board, deck of 50 state cards, four plastic truck movers, pad of play money, 16 wood packages, spinner, and instructions. This is for two to four players, ages 8 and up. Cranium Cadoo gets kids thinking and creating as they try to get four tokens in a row to win. The game contains a game board, two decks of challenge cards in card boxes, one custom die, 40 plastic scoring tokens, special red decoder mask, Cranium modeling clay in plastic zip bag, sand timer, sketch pad, and illustrated instructions. This is for two or more players, ages 7 and up. Rubik’s Triamid is similar to Rubik’s Cube in that the objective is to manipulate the puzzle until all the sides are uniform in color. There are some key differences—the Triamid forms a triangular pyramid and has four sides. This puzzle is comprised of 10 individual pieces and four joining sections. It is for ages 8 and up.
Alex Brands
Alex Brands introduces more than 120 new products at Fall Toy Preview covering multiple categories of play, including active play, DIY, crafts, early learning, plush, and more. Here are some of the highlights of the 2017 product line. Alex’s Lil Lockitz—with the tagline Just Fill It, Lock It, Wear It—expands with the Lil Lockitz Mini Mystery Lockets blind bags. Girls will want to collect all Mini Mystery blind bags in hopes of finding the rare metallic locket. Lil Lockitz allow girls to create their own lockets filled with charms, gems, and even a selfie. The tween category offers new trends in DIY jewelry products with the Alex Weave & Wear Metallic Cuffs. Colorful and metallic threads loomed onto unique metal designs allow even the first-time weaver to create handmade jewelry for cuff-style bracelets. Alex Paint & Wear Enamel Pins lets crafters adorn hats, bags, and other accessories with custom-painted pins. The trendy metal designs are easy to embellish with quick-dry paint, gems, and glitter. The Shrinky Dinks line continues to expand with 3D Heart Jewelry. Three-dimensional Shrinky Dinks hearts can be linked together to create bracelets and necklaces. A special mold allows the precut strips of plastic to be colored and shrunk in the shape of hearts. Favorite characters from Universal’s Secret Life of Pets come to life in Knot-A-Pillow crafts. Nickelodeon’s Shimmer and Shine is featured in several new crafts, including Decorate-A-Purse. Buzz Bee Toys’ Ultra-Tek collection features a new pop-up light scope on the Ultra-Tek Night Tek. This more compact blaster boasts long distance blasts of up to 72 feet, and the pop-up night vision scope allows for night play. It includes six darts and is for ages 6 and up. Kaloo and Janod continue to offer contemporary design elements and high-quality illustration and materials. Kaloo expands on the Rouge Collection with Rouge Kaloo Prestige, featuring smooth fur and exceptionally large sizes. The Janod 2017 collection will include more than 100 new products in many categories, such as roleplay, games, arts and craft, construction, and preschool.
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2017 Toy Preview Ravensburger
Ravensburger is offering a sneak peek at some of its newest products. With the 3D Sneaker, puzzlers, ages 8 and up, can create a classic high-top sneaker using 108 sturdy, plastic puzzle pieces so the finished product can be used as room décor or as a container for pencils, pens, and more. Or combine puzzling with construction to create a 3D Disney Castle featuring the Disney Princesses. Discover Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, Rapunzel, Snow White, Jasmine, Pocahontas, Tiana, Aurora, and Merida in colored detail. Ravensburger’s Easyclick technology enables puzzlers to assemble the plastic puzzle pieces that also provide stability. No gluing is required, according to the company. This puzzle has 216 numbered pieces and 75 construction parts. Ravensburger offers the ultimate in challenging puzzles with the 40k Disney Puzzle, which features 40,000 piece. Ravensburger says this is the World’s Largest Jigsaw Puzzle. It depicts some of Disney’s most iconic films, including Snow White, Fantasia, Dumbo, Bambi, Cinderella, Peter Pan, The Jungle Book, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and The Lion King. The fully assembled puzzle measures more than 22-feet long and over six-feet tall.
Blue Orange Games
Blue Orange Games has a host of new offerings for Fall Toy Preview. The games listed here will be available at retail in February 2017. In Go Go Gelato, players must fill their customer’s orders before their competition. Pass the scoops back and forth between the cones, but be careful to not touch or drop them. Make sure to fulfill the order exactly as it looks on the card, or lose the race, and the customer. The fastest and most successful gelato mixer will be the winner. This is for two to four players, ages 7 and up, In Tricky Trunks, use your handheld elephant trunk to capture the fruit balls following the pattern on the challenge card. Go as fast as you can, but don’t be too greedy or you’ll spill the fruit balls before they get eaten. This is for one to four players, ages 6 and up. Help the flightless kiwi birds go undercover so they can go on vacation. Launch them into the crate using your ramp, making sure they hitch a ride with their best friends along the way. Line up four of your colors in a row or in a square to win. Flying Kiwis is for two to four players, ages 6 and up. Less is more in the subtle card game Zero. Group the cards in your hand by number and color to try canceling out their point values. Trade cards while keeping a careful watch on your opponents as you all reach for the goal of achieving the ultimate combo: Zero. In this game, Zero is a hand that contains five cards of one color and five cards with one number (with one of the nine cards belonging to both). This is for two to four players, ages 8 and up. Help Dr. Microbe complete her research. Sort the microbes into your petri dish using your tweezers, and a bit of logic. Work fast to figure out the missing microbes and superbugs, and snatch them up before your opponents do. Be the fastest scientist in the lab to win. Dr. Microbe is for two to four players, ages 7 and up.
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Brio
Brio Village is a new theme within the Brio World concept. The Village encourages social roleplay and invites children to play together by telling stories from their everyday life. The Village theme consists of several modular toys with familiar settings to kids. All pieces of the Village theme are scaled to fit with the rest of the Brio World and can easily be connected and expanded with other themes within Brio World. Some of the sets in the line include: Family Home Playset, Singing Stage, Ice Cream Shop, Firefighter Set, Central Fire Station, and Firefighter Helicopter.
The Bridge Direct
The Thomas & Friends Engine Tool Kit is a set of 35-plus pieces that lets kids, ages 3 and up, roleplay as an engineer on the island of Sodor. With tools such as a hammer, wrench, and screwdriver, plus supplies including an oil can and whistle, this set has everything needed to work on the trains from Thomas & Friends. The set also includes a pretend walkie-talkie, compass, and watch so little engineers can get all the engines where they need to go. A tool belt with Velcro closure keeps everything organized. Thomas & Friends Sodor Steamworks Work Bench let kids, ages 3 and up, roleplay repairing all their favorite engines. It contains three bays with lights and sounds—one to check water levels, one to check coal supply, and one with a crossing gate to park engines for repairs. Use Cranky the Crane to lift and move engines. This set is compatible with wooden, die-cast, and plastic engines.
Thomas & Friends Sodor Steamworks Work Bench
Green Toys
Green Toys House Playset features an expansive, multi-level house, yellow convertible, two mouse characters, staircase, bathtub, bed, table, and two chairs. The movable stairs can be placed anywhere along the second level. The fully open back and balconies on the house make arranging and rearranging all the accessories easy. All pieces fit inside the house for easy cleanup and storage. This set, like all Green Toys products, is made from recycled plastic with no BPA, phthalates, or PVC. It is dishwasher safe. The playset is packaged with recycled and recyclable materials printed with soy inks. It is scheduled to be available at retail in summer 2017.
Green Toys House Playset
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2017 Toy Preview
Neat-Oh
Neat-Oh’s Everyday Princess doll line introduces the Julia Doll & Accessories. The doll comes dressed in a teal top with poufy skirt with a scarf worn around its neck. The accessories include an easel, stickers, paint palette, and apron in keeping with Julia’s artist theme. Julia joins the line, which currently includes Emma, Sophie, and Haley. Additional pets are also available for the Everyday Princess line. Neat-Oh’s ZipBin line continues to expand with themed sets for the Everyday Princess dolls including the 40-Doll Dollhouse Backpack with One Doll, the ZipBin Everyday Princess 50 Doll Mini Mansion with One Doll, the ZipBin Everyday Princess 40-Pony Playset with One Pony, and the ZipBin Everyday Princess 40-Pony Rainbow Park with One Pony.
ThinkFun
Hedstrom
Hedstrom offers an assortment of basic outdoor toys for ages 3 and up. There’s the Grip ‘n Rip line of volleyballs, soccer balls, and footballs, which are available in a non-licensed classic style or featuring the key characters from Finding Dory. There’s a 20inch and 36-inch Duraball for outdoor play. These are large enough for kids to sit on.
Duraball
Ignite your logic and sequential reasoning skills with ThinkFun’s Circuit Maze, the electronic current logic game, for ages 8 and up. The goal is to arrange the tokens to create a real circuit that lights up the different colored beacons. These clever circuit-building puzzles provide a boost of brainpower and an introduction to electrical engineering. With 60 challenges ranging in difficulty from beginner to expert, this is a single-player logic game for engineers of all levels. 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. As kids balance the seesaw, they are actually balancing an equation. As the challenges get harder, kids will rely less on trial and error and more on math and reasoning skills. This bean-filled, singleplayer logic game is a way to introduce young learners, ages 5 and up, to elementary algebra. To play Yoga Spinner, you’ll need a little luck and teamwork, and a bit more flexibility and balance. Give the spinner a whirl and let the fun begin. This is for two or more players, ages 5 and up. With Code Master, learn programming basics without a computer. Your avatar travels to an exotic world in search of power crystals. Along the way, use programming logic to navigate the map. With only one specific sequence of actions, think carefully. Collect all the crystals and land at the portal to win. Code Master teaches programming, as well as builds planning, sequential reasoning, and problem-solving skills. This single-player game is for ages 8 and up.
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Audley Toys
Audley Toys will introduce new products for Super Wings and Regal Academy. There will be 15 new items introduced for Super Wings in 2017 including new character additions to the Transforming Characters line, Transform-a-bots, new transforming vehicles, and playsets. Season two of Super Wings will begin airing on NBC Sprout in early 2017. In mid-2017 Audley will debut a fashion-scale doll line for Regal Academy, which currently airs on Nickelodeon. This marks Audley’s entry into the doll category, which will target girls ages 5 and up. As North American master toy licensee, Audley’s current line spans 14 SKUs across seven assortments, with a range of retail prices.
Wonder Forge
In Peppa Pig Surprise Slides, hurry along the colorful path with Peppa Pig and her friends, but don’t be late for school. You’ll never know when the shortcut slides will mix and flip—some will zip you ahead, while others will send you backward. It’s a different game board every time you play. In PJ Masks Night Sight Game, kids work together as the PJ Masks to stop the mischievous Romeo from stealing the city’s toys. You’ll flip between daytime and nighttime, gathering and uncovering clues. But get ready, once the sun goes down, put on your masks and discover Romeo’s plans. Use memory and teamwork to save the day.
Crayola
Crayola is showcasing some of its newest items including the Crayola Air Marker Sprayer, which turns Crayola markers into spray art. The electric-powered Air Marker Sprayer allows kids to airbrush just like a professional artist, without the mess of paint. Simply plug in the unit, secure a Crayola broad line marker into the twist n’ load nozzle, and then release the trigger to spray. The sprayer works with most Crayola broad line markers, and has a compact design for everyday use. This is for ages 8 and up. The Crayola Emoji Maker allows kids, ages 6 and up, to create custom emoji stampers. Mix, measure, and click as the maker comes with everything needed to make 16 custom color markers for creating and sharing emoji messages with friends. With the Crayola Jewel Maker, girls can create custom gel jewelry, charms, key chains, room décor, and more. Simply pick a mold, mix the gel, and add glitter, confetti, or pictures to the mix. Custom creations, for ages 8 and up, are ready to wear or share in 30 minutes. Additional items include Crayola Color Spin Out and Crayola Crayon Factory.
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2017 Toy Preview K’NEX
K’NEX Education Maker Kit: Large is for four to six students and features 800-plus parts, 100 building ideas, and a storage bin with dividers. K’NEX Education STEM Explorations: Vehicles features five experiments and seven vehicle models with different power sources. Both of these kits will be available in spring 2017. For fall 2017, K’NEX introduces the following kits. K’NEX Thrills: Lunar Launch Roller Coaster Building Set has 515 parts and pieces with a stomp rocket-launching mechanism, rocket ship coaster car, and instructions to build a second coaster on knex.com. K’NEX Thrills: 25th Anniversary Classic Roller Coaster Building Set is K’NEX’s original and first K’NEX coaster. It features 2,362 classic parts and pieces and a motorized chain lift. K-FORCE Build and Blast: Hammerhead can be built and rebuilt into five models. K’NEX Flying: Quad Copter 3-in-1 Building Set lets kids build three R/C models—quad copter, hovercraft, and car. It can be fully controlled and has four-way flight. Mighty Makers: Amazing Amusements has 530 parts and pieces including motor, roller coaster car, chairs, graphics, and more. It includes two Mighty Maker figures, Jess and Devon. Additional building ideas are available on knex.com.
Playmates Toys
With more than eight points of articulation, the figures in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Basic Figure line are the most highly detailed and articulated Turtle figures ever made says Playmates Toys. Each figure ranges in size from 4.25 inches to 5.25 inches to capture the individual personalities of the characters from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles TV series. In spring 2017, season five of the Nickelodeon TV show kicks off with all-new themes and new characters. The themes and action come to life in the basic action figure assortment, which includes the following characters for spring: Super Ninja Leonardo, Super Ninja Donatello, Super Ninja Michelangelo, Super Ninja Raphael, Super Shredder, Crimson Leader, Bebop in 1980s Gear, Rocksteady in 1980s Gear, Leonardo in 1980s Gear, Ninja Strike Donatello, Ninja Kick Michelangelo, Knockout Ninja Leonardo, and Muckman. For fall 2017, the line includes Monster Hunter Leonardo, Monster Hunter Raphael, Mummy Leonardo, Frankenstein Donatello, Wolfman Michelangelo, and Vampire Raphael. Also debuting in fall 2017 is the Build ’n Battle roleplay line that gives kids a new way to play with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle signature weapons. Each set comes with the Turtle’s signature weapon, bandana, and extra accessories so kids can customize and build their own ultimate ninja weapon. For even more Ninja power, mix, match, and customize parts across all four roleplay sets to create unique Ninja Turtles weapons. This line includes Leonardo’s Katana Sword Set, Donatello’s Bo Staff Set, Michelangelo Nunchuk Set, and Raphael’s Twin Sai Set. Also set to debut next year is the TMNT Micro Mutant line, which contains everything from 1.15-inch, fully articulated figures with accessories to Turtles-themed vehicles and playsets. There’s the Half Shell Heroes Safari line, enabling kids as young as 3 to experience TMNT play. In 2017, the Half-Shell Heroes Safari line includes articulated safari-style Turtles and a sidekick animal. The vehicle assortment include the signature turtle and animals that they can ride. Micro Mutant Playsets
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4K Media
4K Media is highlighting two of its Yu-Gi-Oh! licensees: USAopoly and Aquarius. From USAopoly comes Monopoly: Yu-Gi-Oh! Edition for two to six players, ages 8 and up. Players can use Millennium tokens and travel around the board collecting and trading Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters. To defeat opponents, you’ll need to have the strongest monsters like the Dark Magician, Exodia the Forbidden One, and the BlueEyes Ultimate Dragon. Upgrade with custom Game Shops and Duel Arenas to make yourself invincible. Yu-Gi-Oh! Collector’s Puzzle is a 550-piece collector’s puzzle featuring Yami Yugi, Seto Kaiba, and Joey Wheeler with some powerful Duel Monsters in the background. The finished puzzles measures 18 by 24 inches. The Yu-Gi-Oh! Millennium Puzzle Collector’s Coin Bank is for ages 8 and up. From licensee Aquarius comes a 52-card set of playing cards, a 500-piece adult puzzle, tin lunch box to store small toys, and Funky Chunky Die-Cut Wood Magnets.
Party Animal
Party Animal’s Mad Lids is a new line of mini collectible sports caps for ages 4 and up. Each Mad Lids cap features the official colors and logo of a professional sports team—just like a standardsized cap. Officially licensed NFL Mad Lids caps come in all 32 NFL teams plus four rare chaser caps. Two caps are included in every blind bag along with two-inch tall buildable and connectible display stands. Party Animal says additional sports league-licensed caps are expected soon.
Klutz
Klutz expands in 2017 with a product line for younger kids, ages 4 and up, called Klutz Jr. Currently the Klutz line targets kids ages 6 and up. The new Klutz Jr. line will consist of four sets. My Clay Critters is a book and craft kit for 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 simple step-by-step instructions to create their own underwater adventures. My Egg Carton Animals lets kids transform egg cartons into six barnyard animals. The specially made egg cartons, which are included in the kit, tear apart and glue easily. Kids paint and add googly eyes, cotton balls, and pre-cut accessories to make their own farm animal friends. This comes with a book with animal facts. My Twinkly Tiaras contains three sparkling crowns to decorate. With more than 100 gems and punch-out pieces to choose from, kids can decorate tiaras any way they like. There are four extra mini crowns to cut out and customize for dolls and stuffed animals. My Hand Art promotes fine motor skills as 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.
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2017 Toy Preview Lionel
Lionel is offering a variety of holiday sets featuring Disney’s Mickey Mouse. The Mickey Mouse Christmas Express Ready-to-Play Set features Mickey, Minnie, Donald Duck, and Goofy. The set includes a battery-powered general-style locomotive with working headlight and train sounds driven by Mickey, present-filled tender with Donald Duck, boxcar, center-cupola caboose, 24 curved and eight straight plastic track pieces to create a 48-inch by 76-inch oval track, and an R/C remote control. Also available from Lionel is the O-Gauge Mickey’s Holiday to Remember Disney Christmas Set as well as additional pieces to grow the set, which are sold separately.
DGL Group
The DGL Group, working with artist Michele Goren, is introducing Knolly Nibbles. She is a little mouse born with heart-shaped ears and without a tail, and she longs to be just like everyone else. Knolly Nibbles embarks on imaginary adventures where she gets to try on many different tails. With the help of her parents, she realizes she never needed the tail after all and is special just the way she is. A fully animated storybook app launches this fall in conjunction with online promotions. The product line will be available exclusively on Amazon this fall. There’s a soft launch at Toys “R” Us in spring 2017, a TV-promoted product line in fall 2017, and a global launch kicking off in fall 2017. DGL’s product line will consist of a 14-inch feature plush of Knolly with five super soft plush tails for kids to attach for roleplaying the storyline. There will be three versions of R/C vehicles with lights and sounds with a simple steering wheel controller. The line will also include an articulated vinyl doll, two-inch figures and playsets, a roleplay tea set, and more.
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Step2
Step2’s Turbo Coupe, for ages 18 months and up, features realistic sports car styling with working doors that open and close, a shade canopy top with built-in handle for parents to push, and molded-in cup holders. It features a front castor wheel providing 360-degree turning capabilities so both parents and kids can maneuver it with ease. There’s a removable floor board that lets kids use foot-to-floor movement once they are tall enough to reach the ground.
Virtual Explorer
Uncle Milton
In 2017, Uncle Milton will expand its Virtual Explorer line of products. The entire line, which features space, dinosaur, and ant themes, is part of a STEMbased educational program. This interactive four-in-one experience combines virtual and augmented reality technologies with hands-on activities and STEM learning. The 2017 line will offer expansion packs that will allow kids to build their own mini space, dinosaur, and ant models as well as encounter several new virtual and augmented reality experiences such as under the sea.
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ABC Kids Expo This year’s ABC Kids Expo in Las Vegas will be packed with new products from a host of manufacturers. Shown on the next few pages is just a sampling of what will be available at this year’s show from first-time entrepreneurs to well-established brands. Attendees can expect products that are innovative, on-trend, fun, and functional.
Compiled by Nancy Lombardi
FunBites
As seen on Shark Tank, FunBites turns kid’s food into bite-sized shapes kids can’t resist. Each set comes with a curved blade cutter to cut through any kid-friendly food and a matching popper top to pop-out the bite-sized fun. Use it on pancakes, fruit, sandwiches, brownies, and more. It was originally available in squares, triangles, and hearts. Now it has added the PAW Patrol license to its lineup.
Baby Carrier One Outdoors
BabyBjörn
BabyBjörn’s newest baby carrier, the Baby Carrier One Outdoors, is designed for hiking. It is made of water-repellent, dirt-repellent, and moisture-wicking materials. It also includes functional details such as a waist belt pocket and loops, which are ideal for carrying a phone, water bottle, or your little one’s toy. It’s available in black or turquoise and is exclusive to Right Start and Giggle. It is for use with newborns (minimum eight pounds) up to 3 years old with a maximum weight of 33 pounds and 39 inches. BabyBjörn says that all fabrics in this product are approved in accordance with Oeko-Tex Standard 100, Class 1 for baby products. This means that Baby Carrier One Outdoors is completely free from harmful and allergenic substances. The entire carrier is machine washable. In addition, BabyBjörn says that the International Hip Dysplasia Institute has tested Baby Carrier One Outdoors and acknowledges it to be a “hip-healthy baby carrier” encouraging good hip development, which is important during the child’s first months.
Green Toys
The Green Toys Story Book series extends the Green Toys brand into print for ages 2 and up. These stories reinforce the company’s commitment to creative play, building out the Green Toys world and bringing the characters to life. Kids will see their toys embark on adventures in the pages of the books, sparking imaginative play once storytime is over. In Train Off the Rails, Kody and Dot drive a delivery train around the same loop, every single 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, the duck characters deliver boxes across the lake. But business is booming, and they need to move the boxes faster and faster. Come along as these 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, the dog characters 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.
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ABC Kids Expo Just Born
Just Born launched a new fashion assortment called the Sparkle Collection featuring bedding, bath, sleepwear, and a layette line made with high-end fabrics in mint, pale pink, baby blue, and gender-neutral hues. All are beautifully appointed with stylish silver and gold stars, hearts, and dots. The new collection is available at Buy Buy Baby stores and online.
Sparkle Collection
Bittylab
Bare Air-Free Baby Bottles by Bittylab are baby bottles that deliver air-free milk upon suction, to effectively minimize air ingestion that causes gas, fuss, colic, and reflux symptoms. An air-plug seal allows the user to expel the air out of the bottle, like a syringe. When feeding the baby, the air-plug moves automatically to deliver milk without air. This consists of two separate lines of products. There’s the Bare Air-Free with Perfe-Latch Nipple for breastfed babies and Bare Air-Free with Easy-Latch Nipple for bottle-fed babies. Both nipples feature Flow-Control Technology. The different-size orifices on the tip open and close to dispense different flow rates controlled by the baby’s sucking strength. Bare says it is the only bottle that feeds in a 100-percent upright position with air-free milk that lets the baby control the flow and pace of feeding. It is available at Babies “R” Us and online at bittylab.com.
Back Buddy
Mom’s Essentials
Back Buddy is a maternity and feeding support pillow, designed by a nursing mother and her chiropractor husband. It alleviates common back pain during and after pregnancy, provides comfort and support while holding or feeding baby, and encourages the proper position for breastfeeding. Back Buddy provides lumbar support, lateral (side) support, upper back support, and arm support, to eliminate the need to stack bulky pillows and allow a comfortable position during pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. Back Buddy is available in a variety of plush fabrics and designs.
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ABC Kids Expo Pearhead
Charli Chair
Pearhead offers an assortment of chalkboards and stickers to mark milestones in a child’s life. The reusable All About Baby Chalkboard lets parents customize and capture baby’s monthly highlights. Fill in baby’s name, stats, likes and dislikes with included colorful chalk. Prop up the board next to baby, and take photos to share on social media. The chalkboard surface is easy to erase and clean so you can use it for each month of your baby’s first year.
The Charli Chair is a tall bathing stool/ seat for use in a flat-surfaced shower. It features a nonslip seat surface and rubber feet, corrosion-protected legs, and a fivepoint adjustable safety harness. There won’t be any water build-up because the seat drains and cleans with ease, according to the company. It has a two-position reclining seat, and threelevel height adjustment eliminating the need to bend over while bathing baby. It’s suitable for newborns and babies up to 24 months or up to twofeet tall and 37 pounds. The Charli Chair is quick and easy to assemble. Both the frames and the seat have a built-in clicking mechanism. The chair’s frame is made of zinc-treated steel, making it waterproof and rust-resistant.
All About Baby Chalkboard
KidKusion
KidKusion introduces the High Chair Splat Mat. Place this plastic mat on the floor underneath the high chair to catch spills. It wipes clean and folds away for storage. The mat measure 36 inches by 48 inches. It is available in a pink or blue owl design.
KidKusion High Chair Splash Mat
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Charli Chair
Oogiebear
Oogiebear is the first mucus removal tool that safely and gently removes both sticky and dried mucus from a child’s nostrils. Oogiebear was developed with comfort in mind, offering two ends to remove mucus effectively to help children breathe easier and soothe them at a time of discomfort. It features two sides, a loop end for sticky mucus and a scoop end for safely removing dried mucus. This tool is made of soft rubber that’s easy for a parent to hold and gentle enough for baby. The bear-head design is both fun and safe, preventing it from going too far into baby’s nose or ear.
Oliver B & Company
The airbOX Cordless Air Circulator transforms how air circulates within the nursery. It’s sleek, patent-pending design allows the air circulator to plug directly into a wall outlet and disappear into the surroundings. This not only keeps the fan off the ground and other table top surfaces, but also eliminates the electrical cord and all the dangers associated with cords. It is available in multiple colors and styles.
Bottom Bumpers
Bottom Bumpers is a one-size-fits-all cloth diaper for babies, eight to 40 pounds. It has an internal color-coded snap-rise system to adjust to baby’s size. It is made of a Waterproof PUL outer material with an absorbent organic cotton inner layer and a five-layer organic cotton soaker topped with plush bamboo blend velour. The soaker has two snap placements and includes a two-layer snap-in doubler. Additional Bottom Bumpers are available in different sizes from seven–18 pounds and from 14–30-plus pounds. Also available from Bottom Bumpers are organic cotton cloth diaper wipes, wet/dry bags, and diaper pail liners.
The airbOX Cordless Air Circulator is shown here plugged into the wall outlet.
Ubbi
The Ubbi Diaper Pail is made of powder-coated steel designed for maximum odor control. It is equipped with rubber seals that are strategically designed to lock in odors as well as a sliding lid that minimizes air disruption, keeping the smell inside the pail. This offers the convenience and value of utilizing any standard trash bag or reusable cloth liner. This feature makes it the easiest disposal system to load, use, empty, and clean. Offering a modern and sophisticated twist to a once very industrial product, the sleek Ubbi diaper pail includes a child-proof lock and is available in an array of colors and patterns. The Ubbi Diaper Caddy provides parents with convenience, durability, and accessibility by organizing all the diapering supplies in one portable unit. Made of sturdy plastic, the Ubbi Diaper Caddy has two main compartments for diapers and wipes, with a drawer for smaller items and a fitted space that includes an easy-to-clean changing mat. The caddy also has an integrated handle and non-skid rubber feet allowing it to be carried around or stay safely in one place. It features a window so parents know when they are running low on wipes. The Ubbi 3-in-1 Potty combines functionality and design providing parents with the convenience of a single product throughout all the phases of potty training and beyond. There’s the potty, toilet trainer, and step stool. The potty has a built-in splashguard and a deep inner bowl that is easy to clean and remove. Ergonomically designed for comfort, the toilet trainer has integrated handles for an added sense of stability and security with a non-skid edge that is contoured to safely hold the child in place when on the potty or on the toilet. The potty rests on a colorful and contemporary bottom that keeps it firmly on the floor without sliding around, converting into a practical stand-alone step stool. Ubbi Diaper Pail
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ABC Kids Expo Snuza Hero
LÍLLÉbaby Essentials Carrier
Snuza
The Snuza Hero is a portable and easy-to-use movement monitor, which clips onto baby’s diaper to ensure that normal movement is maintained. The company says it detects even the slightest abdominal movement and will alert you if your baby’s movements are very weak or are less than eight movements per minute. If no abdominal movement is detected for a period of 15 seconds, Snuza Hero will gently vibrate. Often this vibration is enough to rouse the baby, and Hero will revert to monitoring mode. After three vibration/ rouse incidents, the Rouse Warning will alert you when your baby’s abdominal movements have stopped for 15 seconds on three occasions. If no further movement is detected for another five seconds, an alarm will sound to alert the caregiver.
LÍLLÉbaby
LÍLLÉbaby Essentials Carrier is a classically constructed four-position carrier, made of soft, durable 100-percent cotton. It holds a baby 15–45 pounds. It has an attached mesh hood, adjusters for custom strap length, and two-way adjustable shoulder straps. It is machine washable. It features a zip-down panel to reveal soft, durable mesh for maximum cooling air flow on warm days.
Baby K’tan
Baby K’tan Original Baby Carrier
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Baby K’tan Original Baby Carrier (shown) is a wrap-style carrier without all of the wrapping. The patented double-loop design is an innovative blend of a sling, wrap, and carrier all in one, providing the positions and benefits of all three. Individually sized to fit either mom or dad, the Baby K’tan Baby Carrier slips on like a T-shirt to comfortably carry baby from newborn to toddlerhood (birth–35 pounds). It is lightweight and compact like a sling, yet supportive like a structured carrier. It is made of 100-percent soft natural cotton and also offers privacy for mom while nursing. Available in multiple fabrics and colors, it is machine washable, dryer safe, and comes with a matching sash that converts to a carrying bag. The Baby K’tan Active Baby Carrier is similar to the original version but it’s made of a breathable high-tech performance fabric that wicks away moisture and sweat, blocks over 90 percent of the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays, and provides a unique temperature control for parent and baby. Baby K’tan Breeze Baby Carrier is made of a unique cotton-mesh construction that provides added breathability and versatility for both baby and caregiver.
Britax’s
Britax’s 2017 B-Ready has 12 seating options, making it adaptable to virtually any parenting scenario. The stroller features a modern look with an elegant slick frame and tires, and the large basket is sized to fit all of life’s essentials. Along with its versatility, the B-Ready has an easy one-step fold, even with two seats attached. With the Click & Go System, the stroller is compatible with any Britax infant car seat with no additional adapters necessary. The B-Ready Travel System’s 12 seating options include the curious newborn (Britax infant seats & other select infant car when using the Britax universal adaptor), the sleeping baby (bassinet), the new addition (lower infant car seat adapter), and the growing family (lower second seat). Some of the accessories mentioned are sold separately.
B-Ready
3 Sprouts
The 3 Sprouts Backseat Organizer keeps all your little one’s travel essentials—bottles, wipes, toys, books, and more—within reach and off the car floor. With six pockets, there’s a place for everything. Made of nylon, the backseat organizer easily wipes clean. Its universal design fits most cars protecting the back of the seat from little shoes, keeping it scuff free. It is shown here in bulldog but it is also available in elephant, hedgehog, and whale.
Syki
Syki is introducing a host of new items at this year’s ABC Kids Expo, a few of which are highlighted here. Gerry the Giraffe is part of the Sleepybobo line of products. The worldwide patent-pending Sleepybobo attaches to most existing car seats, swinging cribs, baby bouncers, and baby rockers. It rocks and bounces baby to sleep for a maximum of 30 minutes. Lulla Doll provides comfort for baby and safety and peace of mind to new parents. The Lulla Doll imitates the closeness of a caregiver at rest with its soothing sounds and soft touch. The aim of the Lulla Doll is to help babies sleep longer, feel better, and be safer. Genderless and raceless, Lulla is perfect for any child. A push on Lulla’s heart plays back eight hours of gentle breathing and the resting heart rate of a yogi in meditation, allowing baby to feel safe, secure, and close to a parent. The doll can pick up the scent of a parent for added comfort. To ensure safety, the doll has a hidden Velcro strap to attach to a crib rail so it is out of the crib and safe for baby. The Syki Baby Bath Support is adapted for a newborn baby up to six months old with a maximum weight of 17 pounds and 28-inches tall. The ergonomic design softly maintains baby’s body and head while allowing free movements of both arms and legs. It features a soft and supple hygienic material, which is easy to clean with a wet sponge. It also easily drains water through its small holes and dries quickly.
3 Sprouts Backseat Organizer
Gerry the Giraffe
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ABC Kids Expo Bebe au Lait
Perry Mackin
Bebe au Lait is introducing a number of new products as well as prints at this year’s ABC Kids Expo such as the Santa Fe Nursing Cover, shown. Additional new products include Premium Muslin Crib Sheets and Changing Pad Covers, a Shopping Cart Cover, and Bandana Bibs. New ontrend prints being added to the collection include prints in the 2016 Pantone Color of the Year, Rose Quartz and Serenity. These new prints will be available for most of the products in the line, also available in muslin, including the new Crib Sheets, Changing Pad Cover, Swaddle, and more.
The Perry Mackin Mom and Baby Matching Backpack Set is a patterned diaper bag backpack for caregivers and an additional matching mini version of the baby harness backpack. Each product in this set is sold separately.
People Toy Company
Santa Fe Nursing Cover
BooginHead
BooginHead’s Monster Bibs are 100 percent polyester with a quick-dry fabric, an adjustable Velcro closure, and a zipper pouch for onthe-go storage. The zipper pouch can be used as a travel case for utensils and snacks. The Monster PaciPal allows baby to be soothed by any pacifier and this soft plush pal at the same time. The universal pacifier loop allows parents to attach baby’s favorite pacifier while a small teether can also be attached for teething babies. Soft fabrics appeal to a baby’s sense of touch and the legs, toes, and hair are perfect for little hands to grab.
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Monster Bibs
The People Toy Company is launching two new product series—Brain Builders and Mochi. Both were developed and designed in Japan with more than a dozen years of research and development behind them. The Brain Builders series are toys that are specifically tailored to unlock an infant’s cognitive skills within the first year of life through interactive and connected play. By breaking down the product line by month, compared to the usual generic age groupings, the line focuses on specific skill sets. The line includes the Never Drop Baby Chew; the Like It Pacifier, which is shaped like a hand to satisfy a baby’s developing oral fixations; and the Educational Eddie Rattle, which is packed with textures and hinged parts. The Mochi series was developed with Japanese rice-plastic technology, using 51 percent rice in the product’s construction. The series is crafted in Japan with nontoxic paints or adhesives giving parents the peace of mind knowing the first toy your infant puts in their mouth is 100 percent green. The Mochi series prides itself on earth-tohome craftsmanship. It’s the perfect combination of stiffness and chew to soothe sore baby gums. Shown here is the Mochi Blocks Premium Set. Mochi Blocks Premium Set
Kangaroo Trading Company
The Kangaroo Trading Company introduces a kids’ sectional set in Daisy Doodle with Passion Pink (shown). This set has three movable pieces that can be used as a corner group or placed along a wall with the ottoman in front. It is constructed with a mixed hardwood frame that is generously padded. The two seat pieces are then upholstered on the inner backrests and seat cushions with a bright pink polyester microsuede fabric with an all-over floral pattern in shades of white, yellow, lavender, pink, and green. The outer backrests, sides, and bottom seat fronts are covered with matching solid pink polyester microsuede. The ottoman with two round plastic cupholders recessed on the top is upholstered with the solid pink. Bottoms are covered with black upholstery fabric. There are round plastic feet that attach to each bottom corner by simply twisting into the pre-drilled holes on the bottom corners. Also included are four, matching pink 11.5-inch square pillows for added appeal.
Masterpieces
This gift set of two wood rattles featuring the Chicago Cubs is designed for infants. Knobs, handles, and rings offer various shapes for baby to explore. Baby can discover cause and effect of movement while making sounds with either rattle. Both of these rattles are made with real wood, non-toxic colors and finishes, and free of BPA, Phthalates, and Formaldehyde. The Denver Broncos Push & Pull Toy features the official team colors. Baby can pull this toy using the 24-inch cotton string and the wood wheels roll smoothly as the toy follows baby. This is made of real wood, non-toxic colors and finishes, and is free of BPA, Phthalates, and Formaldehyde.
Moby
Moby, the brand behind the Moby Wrap, will be unveiling three new products at this year’s ABC Kids Expo. The first is a full new line of Mei Tai and Half Buckle baby carriers from BabyHawk by Moby. BabyHawk joined the Moby family in June. The latest collection of comfortable and reversible Mei Tai carriers will be on-hand along with the soft structured Half Buckle carriers. The second new product is the Lullabell Pregnancy Chime Necklace. Chime necklaces have been traditionally worn across many cultures with the belief that the soothing sound brings harmony to both baby and mother. At 20 weeks gestation baby begins to hear and will become familiar with the soft lullaby of the bell on the outside of mama’s belly. When baby is born, the Lullabell’s cord can be shortened so that baby can continue to be lulled by the melody of the chime.
Mei Tai Baby Carrier in Wanderlust
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There’s No Other City Like New York and No Other Show Like
•More than 1,000 exhibitors •150,000+ products including 7,000 world debuts •4 days, 1 location – in the heart of New York City
Saturday-Tuesday, February 18–21, 2017 Untitled-1 1
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LICENSING rand
Licensing Europe
Brand Licensing Europe 2016 Compiled by Jennifer Lynch As a follow-up to last year’s successful show, this year’s Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) will shake things up with a new layout to accommodate visitors and exhibitors alike. Taking place October 11–13 at London’s Olympia, BLE 2016 is expected to host more than 150 exhibitors offering a wide array of licensing opportunities across categories. The show will feature three distinct brand zones, from the Character and Entertainment zone on the ground floor leading up to the Art, Design & Illustration and Brands & Lifestyle areas on the upper level. Below is a small sampling of just some of the companies, brands, and properties that will be on display.
DreamWorks Animation
DreamWorks Animation (DWA) readies its portfolio of new and classic properties for film, television, and digital platforms, spearheaded by a largely UK-based international team with in-market support in China, France, and Australia. Highlighting the roster is the upcoming feature film Trolls, which DWA describes as its biggest and most expansive consumer products effort to date. On the television side, Noddy continues to celebrate the success of the all-new original series, Noddy Toyland Detective, while Voltron returns to the small screen with the new series Voltron: Legendary Defender. The How to Train Your Dragon franchise furthers its efforts with the television series Dragons: Race to the Edge. Boys have embraced the original series Dinotrux both on screen and at retail, and the upcoming girl-targeted series Spirit Riding Free will rollout soon. In the digital space, AwesomenessTV, the multi-platform media company, continues to captivate its audiences with short- and long-form content, led by an ever-expanding roster of talent of more than 90,000 content creators.
ACAMAR Films
Bing
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Based on the book series by award-winning author and illustrator Ted Dewan, Bing has been adapted for television. It is produced by Acamar Films and Dublin-based partners Brown Bag Films. In 2016, the series won the Kids Preschool International Emmy Award, a Writer’s Guild Award, and a BAFTA nomination for Best Preschool Series. It currently airs on CBeebies in the UK and on ABC in Australia. Episodes have topped the UK’s iTunes store and the series has had more than 102 million views since launching on the BBC’s iPlayer. The first two Bing DVDs sold 324,000 units since launching in May 2015. A Bing app, produced by Acamar Films and co-developed with the digital team at Aardman, recently launched. Bing Baking is a gaming app designed and animated by Aardman’s digital team to encourage tactile creativity, chemistry, alchemy, and art through play.
4K Media
4K Media celebrates Yu-Gi-Oh!’s 15th anniversary in the U.S. and globally outside of Asia. 2017 marks the card game’s next theatrical release, Yu-Gi-Oh! The Dark Side of Dimensions. Beyond Yu-GiOh!, 4K Media is also actively expanding its licensing and production slate to incorporate other brands. This includes the recently announced representation of Rebecca Bonbon.
CJ E&M Licensing
CJ E&M Licensing brings three of its children’s TV properties to BLE, including Super Wings, a 3-D CGI-animated preschool series that follows a plane named Jett that travels the world delivering packages to children. The show focuses on issues of creative problem solving and cultural diversity as 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 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 world.
The Jim Henson Company
The Jim Henson Company (JHC) will debut three new children’s programs to the international licensing marketplace. The vocabulary building show Word Party follows four baby animals as they sing, dance, and play. The series, which debuted in July on Netflix in the U.S. and worldwide in 19 languages invites young viewers to help teach the baby animals new words, learn new words themselves, and celebrate these achievements with a Word Party. Season two is scheduled to premiere on October 21. The series 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. Based on the picture book by The New York Times bestselling author Randi Zuckerberg Splash and Bubbles and produced by Industrial Brothers in association with Henson and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Dot. is a new original series that premiered on Sprout this fall. The series follows the tech-savvy Dot, who embarks on adventures to satisfy her imagination, curiosity, and latest passion. Splash and Bubbles is an all-new animated series that debuted this fall on PBS Kids in the U.S. and other platforms worldwide. Created with the Henson Digital Puppetry Studio, the 40-episode series introduces kids, ages 4–7, to the adventures of its title characters Splash, a yellowback fusilier fish, and his friend Bubbles, a Mandarin dragonet. Residing in Reeftown, Splash and Bubbles explore the world’s ocean, meet diverse marine animals, and discover otherworldly undersea habitats with their friends Dunk (a pufferfish) and Ripple (a sea dragon). Splash and Bubbles is co-produced with Herschend Enterprises and funded in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
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LICENSING rand
Licensing Europe
Beanstalk
Beanstalk will present a variety of brands available for licensing at this year’s BLE. Clients include candy brand Chupa Chups, hard goods clients Dewalt and Stanley, as well as adult beverage brands Diageo, Guinness, and Baileys. Earlier this year, Beanstalk’s dedicated digital division, Tinderbox, was also appointed global licensing agent by Rare, a British video game developer and subsidiary of Microsoft Studios, for its new game Sea of Thieves. Beanstalk has also expanded with two new divisions: Icon Representation and Studio B for creative services. Icon Representation has already added a host of clients to its roster, including peace leader Mahatma Gandhi, American soul singer Isaac Hayes, and actor Humphrey Bogart. Studio B’s integrated design service will offer clients creative and strategic thinking that delivers differentiation in the marketplace.
Warner Bros. Consumer Products
Rubie’s Harley Quinn costume and accessories
DHX Brands
Suicide Squad, which hit theaters August 5, 2016, marked the theatrical debut of some of the bad guys in the DC Universe, including Deadshot, Harley Quinn, Killer Croc, Katana, and Enchantress, as well as the return of The Joker. Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) teamed up with licensees worldwide for a global licensing and merchandising program in support of the film. Suicide Squad fans can show off their fandom in a variety of Suicide Squad-inspired apparel and accessories collections by Hot Topic and Bioworld Merchandising; fashion tops and T-shirts from Junk Food Clothing and Trevco; athletic wear by Under Armour; a high-end leather assortment by Matchless London; footwear from Converse; and timepieces from Accutime Watch Corp. Fans can also become their favorite character with roleplay outfits and accessories from Rubie’s Costume Co. and Party City.
Teletubbies launched on CBeebies in the UK in November 2015, season one currently airs on global broadcasters including Nick Jr. (U.S.), Family Jr. (Canada), and ABC Kids (Australia). Season two is currently in production and will feature new elements including The Hidey Hup and Tubby Car. More than 75 partners are already on board. Character Options serves as master toy partner, with distribution in North America and Northern Europe by Spin Master, Southern Europe by Giochi Preziozi. Additional licensees include Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (DVD and digital) and book publishers Egmont (global rights excluding North America and China) and Simon & Schuster (North America). Recent UK licenses brokered by CPLG include Alligator (car travel accessories) and more. In 2017, the property celebrates its 20th anniversary. Twirlywoos encourage young audiences, ages 2–5, to gain confidence in their perceptions of the world through laughter and slapstick humor. DHX and show creator Ragdoll Productions announced an additional 25 episodes of the preschool series will be produced for CBeebies. The new season will air later this fall. Twirlywoos is produced in association with DHX Media, which also handles global distribution, merchandising, brand management, and marketing. Twirlywoos licensees include master toy partner Golden Bear, which launched in Australia this summer. Twirlywoos performed its first live event with its new 20-minute show at The Big Festival in Australia in August. In the Night Garden is a preschool series represented by DHX Brands and produced by Ragdoll Productions. In the past year, In the Night Garden introduced new branding, a new website, an integrated social media and marketing plan, high-profile events, and a new style guide. This summer, the In the Night Garden Live stage show entered its seventh consecutive year. DHX announced the launch of a dedicated In the Night Garden baby product range to hit retail in spring 2017, which will extend the brand into the baby market. The property celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2017 with a multi-touch point campaign under the tagline, 10 Years of Magical Journeys.
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Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products
Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products’ (FCP) new TV content includes the animated series Bob’s Burgers and the comedy Son of Zorn, which mixes live action and animation, plus reboots of Prison Break and 24: Legacy. Family Guy and The Simpsons are two franchises that continue to evolve. Attendees will see firsthand how The Simpsons brand is positioned to capitalize upon the trend of gender-neutral properties with demand among teen girls and young women for design-led products across all categories. FCP will showcase Ice Age as well as upcoming movies for 2017 including Ferdinand, a new Blue Sky Studios animation; War for the Planet of the Apes; Alien: Covenant; plus The Greatest Showman. New for 2018 comes Alita: Battle Angel and the first of four Avatar sequels, which is planned for release later that year. Blue Sky’s new family animation Pigeon Impossible is scheduled for 2019. In addition FCP will highlight the studio’s archive including Hollywood classics such as Fox’s Marilyn Monroe movies Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and How to Marry a Millionaire, plus titles ranging from Titanic and Romeo & Juliet to Edward Scissorhands, Home Alone, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Rovio
Following the success of the app-based film, a multitude of Rovio’s The Angry Birds Movie licensed products will be on hand at BLE. LEGO and Spin Master produced several Angry Birds collections, action figures, playsets, and games based on the film. The new LEGO building sets bring the movie’s story to life with a unique digital integration with the 3-D pinball-inspired Angry Birds Action! Game, unlocking rewards via Birdcodes found on the packaging.
Rainbow
Rainbow presents three new properties at BLE: Regal Academy, Maggie & Bianca Fashion Friends, and World of Winx. Regal Academy is a new animation that takes traditional fairytales and gives them a makeover. The series centers on the adventures of young Rose Cinderella who discovers that the famous fairytale Cinderella is her grandmother. Cinderella, along with a host of other fairytale characters, also runs the Regal Academy that Rose attends. Rose’s new classmates include Hawk SnowWhite, Travis Beast, Joy LeFrog, Astoria Rapunzel, and LingLing Iron Fan—all part of famous fairytale dynasties. Rainbow’s first, full live-action production Maggie & Bianca Fashion Friends is a tale of two cultures coming together with an American girl named Maggie and the Italian “princess” Bianca. The story follows Maggie as she begins her scholarship at the Milan Fashion Academy. Here, she meets Bianca and together they embark on a friendship that leads to secrets that change their lives forever. The new show has three key themes: music, fashion, and the power of friendship. Licensing deals were signed for both new shows. Simba serves as master toy partner for Maggie & Bianca Fashion Friends, while Giochi Preziosi signed a pan-European master toy deal for Regal Academy and will produce fashion dolls, accessories, playsets, and roleplay. World of Winx (WOW) is a new property based on the popular girls’ brand Winx Club. In this new series, the Winx fairies travel to Earth in search of talented kids for the WOW talent show. But, they also uncover the heinous activities of the Talent Thief—a mysterious villain who captures gifted children. The Winx go undercover and hide their fairy identities to outfox the Talent Thief and protect the children of Earth.
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Specialty Emporium Profile
Elenco Makes Science a Snap by Jennifer
Lynch
W
hile engineering may have put the “E” in STEM for today’s parents and educators, Elenco has been honing its mission of teaching engineering concepts to kids for more than 40 years. From its beginnings, Elenco has offered up a healthy assortment of products that tap into some of today’s hottest areas of STEM: electronic circuitry, robotics, solar power, astronomy, and more. But at the center of its mission is its Snap Circuits line, the bread and butter of Elenco’s business. Introducing kids to the basics of electricity and circuitry, each kit comes fully loaded with circuits, switches, and wires for kids to make their very own circuit boards—no soldering required. “Snap Circuits were ‘STEM’ before there was a STEM,” says Jane Stephens-Smith, national sales manager, East. Today, the company continues to expand the line in new ways to meet the interests of today’s kids, while staying true to its core concept of hands-on learning through design. Over the years, Elenco has
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incorporated elements of motion, sound, light, solar power, and even the use of MP3 devices to control Snap Circuit creations. Most recently, Elenco launched its Snap Circuits 3D Illumination kit at retail, which is the first Snap Circuit kit that allows users to build circuits vertically to create three-dimensional electronic structures as opposed to its classic flat circuit board format. “Elenco actively monitors market trends and remains vigilant in its pursuit—both internally and externally—to bring interesting and innovative new products into our line,” says Stephens-Smith. “As we review potential products and ideas, the question always remains, ‘Does it inspire, motivate, and challenge?’” The company is also focusing more on the digital space for product distribution and consumer engagement. Take one look at online stores such as Amazon or Target, and you’ll find Elenco’s Snap Circuit kits consistently topping the charts and recommended STEM toy lists. Additionally, Stephens-Smith says the company recognizes the importance of social media in targeting its market and customer base. “We are making concentrated efforts and looking for broader exposure and meaningful ways to communicate through these message boards, exchange feedback, and gain ideas from consumers,” she says. Social media, such as Twitter and Facebook, has created new opportunities for Elenco to engage with its audience as well. The national STEM boom and consumer demand has certainly meant more, and sometimes stiffer, competition in the space, but overall Elenco views it as a positive for the company and industry as a whole. “The STEM initiative has pushed our kind of product front and center, now reaching beyond the traditional educational toy
category,” says Stephens-Smith. This transition in the eyes of consumers and retailers has paved the way for new products and new ideas. Elenco is currently finalizing a packaging redesign that will more strongly align with its long-held gender-neutral approach to Snap Circuits, while in 2015 the push for more pre-science toys for kids made the timing right for its launch of Snap Circuits Beginner. This kit aged the line (for ages 8 and up) down for younger kids, 5 and up, to learn basic engineering and circuitry through a pictorial, non-verbal step-by-step guide explained by the Snap Circuit’s “Snappy” characters. “We are seeing a stronger focus and exposure to events, awards, special programs, requests, media, not to mention new channels of distribution,” Stephens-Smith says of the STEM space. “It’s a bandwagon we are happy to be part of.”
Fast Facts
• Elenco was founded in 1972 by electronic engineers Gil Cecchin and Art Seymour. • Elenco is derived from the first letters of the words Electronic Engineering Company. • Elenco’s Snap Circuits Jr. and Engino Newton’s Law kits were both 2016 ASTRA finalists in the classic play and scientific play categories respectively.
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Calendar of Events
November 17–18
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
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
March
NY Now
American Int’l Toy Fair
nynow.com
toyfairny.com
5–7
ToyFest West
toyfestwest.com
14–16
London Book Fair
londonbookfair.co.uk
3–6
MIPTV
miptv.com
19–20
Kazachok Licensing Forum
5–8
23–26
April 3–6
27–30 28
Jacob Javits Center New York City Jacob Javits Center New York City
South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa Las Vegas
Australian Toy, Hobby & Licensing Fair austoy.com.au
Melbourne Convention Centre Melbourne
Halloween & Attractions Show
America’s Center St. Louis
Bologna Children’s Book Fair
haashow.com
bookfair.bolognafiere.it
forumlicence.kazachok.com
Hong Kong Gifts & Premier Fair hkgiftpremiumfair.com
London Olympia London
Palais des Festivals Cannes
Bologna Fair Centre
Bologna
Paris Event Center Paris
Hong Kong Convention Centre Hong Kong
TTPM Spring Showcase
anbmedia.com/showcases
1–3
All Baby & Child Conference
allbabyandchildsec.com
Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center San Antonio
21–24
National Stationery Show
nationalstationeryshow.com
Jacob Javits Center New York City
May 21–23 23–25
SURTEX
Sweets & Snacks Expo
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surtex.com
sweetsandsnacks.com
TBD New York City
Jacob Javits Center New York City McCormick Place Chicago
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TM&©CROWN CREATIVE CO., LTD.
©1996 Kazuki Takahashi
TIME FOR ACTION & ATTITUDE!
Jennifer Coleman • jcoleman@4kmedia.com • +1.212.590.2120 yugioh.com • iloverebeccabonbon.com
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