2020_ASTRA_CalendarNEW.indd 1 11/22/19 3:41 PM
2020 Calendar from the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association
2020_ASTRA_CalendarNEW.indd 2
My First Castle Panic from Fireside Games is a cooperative game that teaches preschoolers to work together to save the castle. Cooperation teaches kids to be helpful, thoughtful and respectful to others – a skill that is important for adulthood. firesidegames.com 512-815-3473
11/22/19 3:41 PM
2020_ASTRA_CalendarNEW.indd 3
Start the year off by launching a book club or game night in your store. Invite fellow local businesses and industry peers to join in on the fun and conversation. (Don’t forget about the snacks and drinks!)
Sunday
Monday
29
Tuesday
30
Wednesday
31
January 2020 Thursday
1
Friday
Saturday
2
3
4
9
10
11
New Year’s Day
5
6
7
8
Hong Kong Toy & Games Fair Consumer Electronics Show Dallas Gift Show
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
20
21
22
23
24
25
28
29
30
31
1
Dallas Gift Show
19
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
26
27
Las Vegas Gift Show
Minneapolis Gift Show
11/22/19 3:41 PM
Spielwarenmesse: Walking Tour of Nuremberg – Jan. 31; ASTRA Member Dinner – Jan. 31
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Piccoli Plush Horses are classic stuffed animals that encourage pretend play and imagination. When kids engage in pretend play, they can work on social/ emotional skills like empathy and compassion to help them understand and relate to others. piccolihorses.com 606-485-8010
11/22/19 3:41 PM
2020_ASTRA_CalendarNEW.indd 5
February 2020 Sunday
Monday
26
Tuesday
27
28
Bring back the art of writing a letter. Pick a pal – industry peer, favorite client, neighboring business owner – and write them a hand-written note (or two) this month and drop it in the mail. Surprises like this light up our brains and give us a boost of dopamine!
Wednesday
Thursday
29
Friday
30
Saturday
31
1
Minneapolis Gift Show Spielwarenmesse
2
Groundhog Day
3
4
5
6
7
8
11
12
13
14
15
21
22
Minneapolis Gift Show Spielwarenmesse
9
10
Valentine’s Day
16
17
18
19
20
Toy Fair New York
Presidents’ Day
23
11/22/19 3:41 PM
ASTRA’s Night in New York
24 Share the Fair
25
26
27
28
29
2020_ASTRA_CalendarNEW.indd 6
Do-A-Dot markers are perfect for fostering the joy of creativity and opening a world of original thought and exploration. They also support fine motor skills like whole hand grasp and hand-eye coordination which are essential to developing muscles to help young children accomplish everyday tasks. dotart.com 11/22/19 3:41 PM
800-436-8278
2020_ASTRA_CalendarNEW.indd 7
March 2020 Sunday
Monday
Encourage right-brain activity! Roll out butcher paper, tape up poster board or get out some notebooks for doodling and coloring. Pick an inspirational word of the month for your staff to decorate and hang it in your staff area!
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
18
19
20
21
Toy Fest West GAMA Trade Show
15
16
17
St. Patrick’s Day
22
23
Minneapolis Gift Show
24
25
26
27
28
2
3
4
Dallas Gift Show Minneapolis Gift Show
29
30
31
1
11/22/19 3:41 PM
2020_ASTRA_CalendarNEW.indd 8
Baby dolls have an infinite amount of playtime and developmental possibilities! La Newborn Boutique baby dolls from JC Toys encourage social/emotional skills like nurturing and responsibility. Pretend play allows kids to practice these skills while understanding others’ feelings. jctoys.com 800-422-2244
11/22/19 3:41 PM
2020_ASTRA_CalendarNEW.indd 9
April Sunday
2020 Monday
Focus this month on reducing stress and sharing the love by giving out high fives, hugs or fist bumps. Better yet, create a team handshake that you do each time you want to celebrate one of your staffers. It’s guaranteed to reduce stress and inspire smiles!
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Good Friday
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
Easter Sunday
11/22/19 3:41 PM
Minneapolis Gift Show
2020_ASTRA_CalendarNEW.indd 10
“Purrfectly” suited for splashing around or hanging out poolside! Kids can expand imaginative pool play with the Toysmith exclusive Bobbin’ Buddies Mer Kitty inflatable. Gross motor skills including balance, weight shifting and core strength can be encouraged as kids get on and off the inflatable. toysmith.com 253-863-0896
11/22/19 3:41 PM
2020_ASTRA_CalendarNEW.indd 11
Taste test time! Pick a food category like uniquely-flavored chips or different types of sodas. Invite staff to contribute their own snacks to the challenge and host your own blind taste test to match the food to the flavor as you embark on a multisensory experience.
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
May 2020 Friday
Saturday
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Screen Free Week
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Mother’s Day
11/22/19 3:41 PM
31
Memorial Day
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With the foam Glider Plane from The Original Toy Company, kids can practice delayed gratification and perseverance as they assemble the plane and make it soar through the air. When it lands, kids can launch it again or rebuild if it has a crash, which teaches them to try again for success. theoriginaltoycompany.com 800-899-4258
11/22/19 3:41 PM
2020_ASTRA_CalendarNEW.indd 13
June 2020 Sunday
Monday
Stop – it’s Hammer time! Blast a tune each day this month at the same time. When the music comes on, its time for everyone to bust a move. Boost memory and increase confidence while you show off your dancing skills.
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
16
17
18
19
20
23
24
25
26
27
3
4
ASTRA Marketplace & Academy
14
15
Minneapolis Gift Show
21
22
Father’s Day
Dallas Gift Show
28
29
30
1
2
11/22/19 3:41 PM
2020_ASTRA_CalendarNEW.indd 14
SOS Dino from IELLO is a cooperative game that teaches kids about working together towards a common goal through teamwork. The contents of the game allow for open-ended play as kids use the dino figures, mountains and volcanoes to imagine and create beyond game play. iellousa.com/products/sos-dino 702-818-1789
11/22/19 3:41 PM
2020_ASTRA_CalendarNEW.indd 15
Set up quick games for ongoing play – tic tac toe, hangman, dots, puzzles. Encourage staff to make their moves when they pass by. Continued playful interactions give the brain a full-body workout.
Sunday
Monday
28
Tuesday
29
Wednesday
30
Thursday
1
July 2020 Friday
2
Saturday
3
4
Independence Day
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
11/22/19 3:41 PM
Las Vegas Gift Show
2020_ASTRA_CalendarNEW.indd 16
The Musical Lili Llama activity toy from Manhattan Toy encourages musical exploration while fostering motor skill development. Lili Llama becomes beautiful dĂŠcor in any playroom. 11/22/19 3:41 PM
manhattantoy.com 800-541-1345
2020_ASTRA_CalendarNEW.indd 17
Which letter is the coolest? Iced T. Lighten the mood and relieve stress by creating a “Haha Hideout� where your team can post funny jokes, pictures, articles and more. Add poetry magnets and letter magnets to the board for added fun!
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
August 2020
Thursday
26
27
28
29
2
3
4
5
Friday
Saturday
30
31
1
6
7
8
Minneapolis Gift Show
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
Minneapolis Gift Show
11/22/19 3:41 PM
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
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The Ultimate Putty Challenge game from Crazy Aaron’s helps children develop the small muscles in their fingers and hands while improving strength and dexterity. Fine motor skills developed from pinching, rolling, squishing and squeezing putty are critical for writing, drawing, eating and more. crazyaarons.com 866-578-2845 x301
11/22/19 3:41 PM
2020_ASTRA_CalendarNEW.indd 19
September 2020 Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Incorporate a monthly event for the remainder of the year “Wine” Down Friday, Workout Wednesday, Aloha Friday, Trivia Tuesday. Make fun, personalized company t-shirts and wear them out in public to show off your camaraderie and team spirit.
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Labor Day
Dallas Gift Show
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
11/22/19 3:41 PM
2020_ASTRA_CalendarNEW.indd 20
Game play gives kids the opportunity for social interaction while they practice good sportsmanship, patience, negotiation and strategy. These skills take mental muscle which stimulate brain activity and support interpersonal relationships. We’re Doomed! board game from Breaking Games breakinggames.com 11/22/19 3:41 PM
973-448-1766
2020_ASTRA_CalendarNEW.indd 21
Say the word! Post a “Word of the Day� for staff to incorporate into their conversations for the month. Keep a tally to designate the victor of vernacular. Our brains crave new and novel things. Learning a new word helps regenerate brain cells!
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
October 2020
Thursday
27
28
29
30
4
5
6
Friday
Saturday
1
2
3
7
8
9
10
14
15
16
17
Toy Fair Dallas
11
12
13 ABC Kids Expo
Columbus Day
Minneapolis Gift Show
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
11/22/19 3:41 PM
Halloween
2020_ASTRA_CalendarNEW.indd 22
Give the gift of imagination with Melissa & Doug’s wooden activity center where kids can role play doctor visits! Pediatricians recommend toys that inspire creative thinking and promote language and social skills. Encourage children to be the patient, the doctor, the receptionist, and the nurse as they fill that prescription for play. MelissaAndDoug.com 800-284-3948
11/22/19 3:41 PM
2020_ASTRA_CalendarNEW.indd 23
Take a moment to inspire wonder during the busy holiday season. Snap a photo every day of something new before you come into work and share it with the team to encourage conversation and spark delight. Studies suggest that people are happier when they take time to appreciate meaningful things – all the more reason to take a moment to pause and reflect.
Sunday
Monday
1
Tuesday
2
Wednesday
November 2020 Thursday
3
4
10
11
Friday
Saturday
5
6
7
12
13
14
WeConnect School Supply Conference
8
9
, 2020
14 November
Veterans Day
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
CHICAGO TOY & GAME WEEK
Inventor & Innovation Conferences: Nov. 19-20 and 19-22 Toy & Game Innovation Awards: Nov. 20 • Young Inventor Challenge: Nov. 21 Play in Education (PIE) Conference: Nov. 21 • Design Student Showcase: Nov. 22
22
23
24
25
26
27
Small Business Saturday
Thanksgiving Day
29
30
1
2
28
3
4
5
11/22/19 3:41 PM
2020_ASTRA_CalendarNEW.indd 24
Thank You
for all you do to inspire play in your communities! Wishing you all of the best in the new year.
11/22/19 3:42 PM
2020_ASTRA_CalendarNEW.indd 25
Increase happiness as you power through the end of the year! Gather the team and try out laughter yoga. This yoga consists of breathing, clapping and – you guessed it – laughter. Laughter yoga can change your mood in minutes, thanks to the release of endorphins, the “feel good” brain chemical.
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
December 2020 Thursday
29
30
1
2
6
7
8
9
Friday
Saturday
3
4
5
10
11
12
Hanukkah begins
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
Christmas Day
27
28
29
30
31
Kwanzaa begins
1
2
11/22/19 3:42 PM
2020_ASTRA_CalendarNEW.indd 26
2 0 1 9
S
January M
T
W
T
February F
S
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
M
T
3 4 5 10 11 12 17 18 19 24 25 26
M
T
W
7
1 8
2 9
3 4 5 6 10 11 12 13
T
F
S
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
S
5
M
T
W
7
1 8
2 9
3 4 5 6 10 11 12 13
T
F
S
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
6
S
4
M
S
S
M
T
T
W
T
F
7
1 8
2 9
3 4 10 11
5
T
T
6
S
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
S
M
T
T
F
S
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
S
S
2
M
3
T
4
W
5
T
6
F
S
7
1 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
September
W
T
F
S
S
M
T
7
1 8
2 9
3 10
1 8
2 9
3 4 5 6 7 10 11 12 13 14
W
T
W
T
F
S
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
December
November F
W
June
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
October W
F
1 2 6 7 8 9 13 14 15 16 20 21 22 23 27 28
August
M
T
T
12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
July
S
M
W
May
April
S
S
S
March
F
S
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
S
M
T
W
T
F
S
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
11/22/19 3:42 PM
2 0 2 1
S
January M
T
W
T
February F
S
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
S
4
4
5
T
T
6
T
F
S
7
1 8
2 9
3 10
S
M
5
T
6
T
F
S
T
4
W
5
6
F
S
7
1 8
3
10 11 12 13 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 31
M
T
F
S
S
M
T
7
1 8
2 9
3 10
1 8
2 9
3 4 5 6 7 10 11 12 13 14
S
S
T
F
S
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
S
M
T
W
F
S
6
M
T
W
T
7
1 8
2 9
3 4 5 10 11 12
T
F
S
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
S
5
M
6
T
W
T
F
7
1 8
2 9
3 4 10 11
S
12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
November F
T
September
T
T
W
W
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
August
W
W
S
June T
2
October M
T
9 16 23 30
July M
W
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
May
W
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
S
M
April M
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
S
S
March
December F
S
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
S
M
T
W
T
F
S
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
2020_ASTRA_CalendarNEW.indd 27
Pledge Play TO
_____________________________________________________________________________________ [Company Name]
is committed to delivering the magic of play to ______________________________________________________________________________________ [Neighborhood/Town/City]
by ___________________________________________________________________________________ , [Describe an Action]
_____________________________________________________________________________________ , [Describe an Action]
and__________________________________________________________________________________ . [Describe an Action]
Signed, _______________________________________________________________________________ [Names of Team Members] 11/22/19 3:42 PM
11/22/19 3:42 PM
Piccoli Plush Horses are classic stuffed animals that encourage pretend play and imagination. When kids engage in pretend play, they can work on social/ emotional skills like empathy and compassion to help them understand and relate to others. piccolihorses.com 606-485-8010
Baby dolls have an infinite amount of playtime and developmental possibilities! La Newborn Boutique baby dolls from JC Toys encourage social/emotional skills like nurturing and responsibility. Pretend play allows kids to practice these skills while understanding others’ feelings.
My First Castle Panic from Fireside Games is a cooperative game that teaches preschoolers to work together to save the castle. Cooperation teaches kids to be helpful, thoughtful and respectful to others – a skill that is important for adulthood.
jctoys.com 800-422-2244
firesidegames.com 512-815-3473
Do-A-Dot markers are perfect for fostering the joy of creativity and opening a world of original thought and exploration. They also support fine motor skills like whole hand grasp and hand-eye coordination which are essential to developing muscles to help young children accomplish everyday tasks. dotart.com 800-436-8278
January 2020
February 2020
March 2020
April 2020
“Purrfectly” suited for splashing around or hanging out poolside! Kids can expand imaginative pool play with the Toysmith exclusive Bobbin’ Buddies Mer Kitty inflatable. Gross motor skills including balance, weight shifting and core strength can be encouraged as kids get on and off the inflatable. toysmith.com 253-863-0896
SOS Dino from IELLO is a cooperative game that teaches kids about working together towards a common goal through teamwork. The contents of the game allow for open-ended play as kids use the dino figures, mountains and volcanoes to imagine and create beyond game play. iellousa.com/products/sos-dino 702-818-1789 With the foam Glider Plane from The Original Toy Company, kids can practice delayed gratification and perseverance as they assemble the plane and make it soar through the air. When it lands, kids can launch it again or rebuild if it has a crash, which teaches them to try again for success.
The Musical Lili Llama activity toy from Manhattan Toy encourages musical exploration while fostering motor skill development. Lili Llama becomes beautiful décor in any playroom.
theoriginaltoycompany.com 800-899-4258
manhattantoy.com 800-541-1345
May 2020
June 2020
July 2020
August 2020
Give the gift of imagination with Melissa & Doug’s wooden activity center where kids can role play doctor visits! Pediatricians recommend toys that inspire creative thinking and promote language and social skills. Encourage children to be the patient, the doctor, the receptionist, and the nurse as they fill that prescription for play.
The Ultimate Putty Challenge game from Crazy Aaron’s helps children develop the small muscles in their fingers and hands while improving strength and dexterity. Fine motor skills developed from pinching, rolling, squishing and squeezing putty are critical for writing, drawing, eating and more.
MelissaAndDoug.com 800-284-3948
crazyaarons.com 866-578-2845 x301
Thank You
for all you do to inspire play in your communities! Wishing you all of the best in the new year.
We’re Doomed! board game from Breaking Games breakinggames.com 973-448-1766
September 2020
October 2020
November 2020
Produced by Fahy-Williams Publishing, Inc.
December 2020
2020_ASTRA_CalendarNEW.indd 28
Game play gives kids the opportunity for social interaction while they practice good sportsmanship, patience, negotiation and strategy. These skills take mental muscle which stimulate brain activity and support interpersonal relationships.