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.

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Inspiredplay gives specialty toy retailers the stories behind today’s innovative and creative products for children. In this issue, traditional display ads combine with insightful narratives to provide valuable nuggets you can use today to sell products and promote play.

Inspiredplay stories

3Play Continues, Even When the

Project is Complete

by Playmonster 6 MindWare: Putting a Spin on

Traditional Puzzle Play 9 The Fast-Growing Kids’ Tech

Segment is Transforming

Playtime Engagement

by Miko 10 Creating Family Fun Game

Nights: One Game at a Time

by Dolphin Hat Games 15 The Mission is Mutual by Crazy Aaron’s 17 Have It Your Way by The Original Toy Company 18 30 Years of 3D Puzzles by WREBBIT 19 Kick Down the Door, Fight the

Monsters, Grab the Treasure,

And Win!

by Steve Jackson Games 20 The Ukulele for Everyone! by Kala 22 The Proven Solution for Impulse by Toysmith 24 Let’s Be Honest, Kids Aren’t the

Only Ones Who Love Making

Forts!

by Airfort 27 Banana Panda’s Bright Ideas for

Curious Minds!

28 Toysmith Welcomes Yoobi

to its Portfolio

30 Don’t Trivialize Arts & Crafts by Wikki Stix 31 Ukidz: The Story Starts in Ukraine 35 Get to Know Amahi Ukuleles

39 Brain Games for the Entire Family by Fat Brain Toys

Features

5Wordplay

Classical Gas by Kevin Fahy 12 Empowering Kids Through Play

Theresa Duncan of Villa Villakulla

Toy Store 26 Play: The Perfect Getaway

Toys That Take You Away From Stress 38 Time to Reset and Move Ahead

Seven Questions Business Owners

Should Ask Themselves This Year

Departments

32 New & True 36 Index of Advertisers edplay welcomes 5 new advertisers!