Play Continues, Even When the Project is Complete PlayMonster grows the classic latch hook crafting fun of Latchkits with the brand new Latchkits Yarnimals. Yarnimals expand on the creativity of a classic Latchkits rug by allowing kids to make their very own 3D plush animal. “In designing Yarnimals, we wanted to bring classic rugmaking techniques to a new level,” explains Product Designer Mary Winkler. “There’s no sewing, no stuffing – just loop the yarn, snap it together, and you’ve got the cutest plush friend! “It’s such a fun follow-up to LatchKits, and it continues teaching latch hook techniques,” she adds. “Kids can practice their latching with the little heart that they can then place inside their plush to fill their animals with love. Once they finish looping the rest of the 3D toy form, they just snap it together and now have an adorable friend. In most craft kits, the fun is over once the kit is finished, but kids can play with their Yarnimals once they do the project.” Yarn crafting is very popular these days, with trends like #Latchhook (1.8M) and #Yarncraft (61.4M) garnering millions of views on TikTok. According to a PlayMonster survey of 8,000 adults,
“arts and crafts activity” was the #1 toy category for gift purchases by adults. Latchkits Yarnimals have the dual benefit of being something a child can create and something they can enjoy once they’ve finished, making them the perfect gifting choice. This fun, electronic-free activity keeps kids busy while they are designing and is an adorable toy and companion for kids once they complete it. “The 3D form makes creating a sweet little friend incredibly easy, and kids can keep their hands busy looping away on a rainy afternoon. It’s a really cozy craft through and through,” Winkler explains. Latchkits Yarnimals are for ages eight and up with an MSRP of $19.99 for each of the Yarnimals friends: Panda, Koala, and Penguin. Each kit comes with everything you need to create your Yarnimals. This activity is perfect for any season and a fun, non-screen way to keep kids busy. Kids can collect and craft all three kits or pick a favorite animal friend to make.
April 2022 — edplay.com 3
