Toys n Playthings January 2019

toysnplaythings.co.uk

Helping everyone sell more

9 ry 201 Janua No. 4 8 Vol. 3

© 2019 MARVEL. ©Disney. ©Disney/Pixar.

Independently audited ABC circulation of 5,1āĂ 1 July 201Ĉ to 30 June 201ĉ

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CONTENTS 19 ry 20 Janua No.4 8 Vol. 3

TEAM TnP Group Editor Mirella Cestaro mirella@lemapublishing.co.uk

Editor Mairead Wilmot mairead@lemapublishing.co.uk

Writer Georgie Dobie georgie@lemapublishing.co.uk

Regular

P35

7

Leader – with Mirella Anstey

8

Media Solutions Manager

News – the latest toy industry headlines

12

Ryan Horwood ryan@lemapublishing.co.uk

Media Charts – the latest kids’ TV viewing figures and TV advertising spend

14

Media News – the multimedia rundown

16

Movie News – big screen update

22

Retail News – the latest from across the retail landscape

28

Talking Retail - retailers let us know what is selling well

34

Trade Talk – the latest from some of the leading voices in the industry

184

What’s New – new products that you need to get your hands on

187

Spotlight on…Flair – Teenie Tiny Toes range of dolls

208

Don’t Miss – unmissable products for all buyers and retailers

202

Licensing News – the latest on licensed products

Publisher Mark Naish mark@lemapublishing.co.uk

Production Director Paul Naish paul@lemapublishing.co.uk

Design and Production Marian McNamara marian@lemapublishing.co.uk

Managing Director Malcolm Naish malcolm@lemapublishing.co.uk

P24

Circulation Manager Robert Thomas robert@lemapublishing.co.uk

P19

Lema Publishing Ltd

PUBLISHING

1 Churchgates, The Wilderness, Berkhamsted, Herts, HP4 2UB Telephone: 01442 289930

At the heart of retail A member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation

Independently audited

P44

ABC circulation of 5,112

1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018

toysnplaythings.co.uk

Helping everyone sell more

CONTENTS 19 ry 20 Janua No.4 8 Vol. 3

TEAM TnP Group Editor Mirella Anstey mirella@lemapublishing.co.uk

Editor

P20

Features 35

London Toy Fair 2019 – we preview the UK’s premier toy industry event – plan your show diary now with in-depth exhibitor guide

188

Spring Fair 2019 – looking ahead to the UK’s number one home and gift show for the retail industry

204

Bring on the Big Apple - Marian Bossard of The Toy Association chats to TnP about what makes the North American Toy Fair so special for everyone who attends

Mairead Wilmot mairead@lemapublishing.co.uk

Writer Georgie Dobie georgie@lemapublishing.co.uk

Special Report 19

Media Solutions Manager

Cover Story – MV Sports’ Sales & Marketing Director Phil Ratcliffe tells TnP about new brand U-move, as well as its Disney collection

20

Ryan Horwood ryan@lemapublishing.co.uk

Force for Good – TnP learns more about the Fence Club and its exclusive members’ club

24

Retail interview - Helen Attwood of Selfridges sits down with TnP to talk all things toys

Publisher

32

K’Nex’s year of transformation - Paul Fogarty of K’nex tells TnP about the company’s dynamic future and exciting products for 2019

180

Look Back on 2018 – TnP MD Malcolm Naish looks back at the past year in toy trading

186

TnP Ambassadors – we share our tiny toy testers’ verdicts from 2018

Mark Naish mark@lemapublishing.co.uk

Production Director Paul Naish paul@lemapublishing.co.uk

Design and Production Marian McNamara marian@lemapublishing.co.uk

Managing Director

Columnists 18

Media Analysis - Generation Media’s column

26

The Indie - Our favourite columnist’s love-hate relationship with toy fair season

30

Retailer Opinion - John Ryan column

206

Gaining some Insight - Kids’ Insights’ CEO Nick Richardson column

Malcolm Naish malcolm@lemapublishing.co.uk

Circulation Manager Robert Thomas robert@lemapublishing.co.uk

P74

P188

P118

Flip Cover Special!

Turn over your copy of TnP for our in-depth guide to Nuremberg Toy Fair 2019, Europe’s biggest toy trade event

Lema Publishing Ltd

PUBLISHING

1 Churchgates, The Wilderness, Berkhamsted, Herts, HP4 2UB Telephone: 01442 289930

At the heart of retail A member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation

Flip it for Nuremberg!

Leader - with Mirella Anstey Cover Story – TnP has found out everything there is to know about what Mattel has planned for 2019, as Barbie turns 60!

Nuremberg Preview – Our guide to the best of the Spielwarenmesse 2019

Independently audited ABC circulation of 5,112

1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018

toysnplaythings.co.uk 4

toysnplaythings.co.uk Helping everyone sell more

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Featuring: Schleich, Mookie Learning Resources, re:creation Ltd, Alpha Group and many more‌

FIRST CL

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GATE: TO: FROM:

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2019

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A member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation

Independently audited ABC circulation of 5,112 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018

PUBLISHING

At the heart of retail Also by Lema Publishing

magazine

TableWare INTERNATIONAL

J i

Mirella

ello and a happy new year to you all.

Cestaro Welcome to 2019, another year and TNP.MEDIA is the powerful digital solution to amplify your story another edition of TnP’s signature January issue.

The grapevine is unreliable, so guarantee cut-through with our precision data-play Some folks I’ve caught up with recently at various previews and functions have been Discover what we are about: somewhat surprised to see me! All I can say hello@tnp.media is reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated.

As an ex-gossip reporter, my mantra was: 'know your source, check your source and check it again'. So hearing rumours, unfounded, false and very poorly researched I must add, that I’d disappeared was news to me. In my eyes, little rumblings like this always say more about the rumour mill than the subject. Still, never let the truth get in the way of a good story (or in this Toys ‘n’ Playthings is your print companion - now case piece of idle chit-chat), right? here’s the game changer To be honest, it did make me laugh. I’ve never been one for being obsessed by my competition, even when they were the biggest TNP.MEDIA media outlets in the world. Keep an eye on them? Of course. But anything to provide our readers with a different beyond strikes me as more way of consuming our much-applauded than a little strange. I know Whether there are those who have you prefer glossy content. Malcolm and I, along with the company directors Mark and Paul Naish, made a career out of rumourmags or knew that the best way to do this was to mongering, and a few who hashtags, we partner with an expert in the field. still do. I’ve made mine out of Which is how we came to enter a working hard to understand have you, your wonderfully exciting partnership with the needs and wants of the products and David Ross of The Media Team. Some readers and the clients, and your business of you may know David from his Dad’s responding to that by creating covered Choice Awards, or his time filming with great content. us each year at Toy Fair for TnP TV, while That hasn’t changed in the others may know him from his portfolio nearly 25 years I’ve been a of hugely successful online titles such as HEXUS. journalist. net and SickChirpse, a site that’s not for the faintContent is king – and that content is valuable hearted but well worth a look. only when you have an audience to consume it.

What this gives us is expertise and dedicated Which brings me onto our new venture. As most teams for both our magazine and shiny new of you will know, Lema Publishing has been website, combining our inimitable prowess in creating 12 issues of Toys ‘n’ Playthings a year print with the latest data-led digital platform. for more than 37 years – phenomenal I am sure Whether you prefer glossy mags or hashtags, you will all agree. And while TnP has offered we have you, your products and your business an online news service for nearly a decade covered. No one else in the toy trade can do that. now, the reality is buyers, suppliers and their And so with that it’s with great pleasure that expectations have changed – haven’t you?

I can finally reveal TNP.MEDIA, your new online There’s no denying that scrolling through destination for daily toy trade news from around feeds is the de facto way many of us now the world and the fully featured companion to catch up on the what’s going on in the world, TnP’s market-leading monthly print title. flitting between Brexit, toy trade news and that David and I are joined by TnP’s former editor delicious-looking Tasty gif with just a swipe of and long-time writer Rhys, and we’ll be working the thumb. Sound familiar? hard to make this a must-read every day.

So with that in mind, Lema’s owner Malcolm I can’t wait to share more with you all in the Naish – who many of you know from his 60-plus coming days, weeks and, of course, at Toy Fair. years in the industry and as the first recipient Let the games begin. ever of the Golden Teddy – knew that TnP needs We deliver top quality content to a highly engaged, focused and targeted global audience.

The business of driving your brand, propelling it to the next level, is our business too.

“

”

If you would like to subscribe to any of our other market leading titles please call Robert Thomas on 01442 289930 or email your request to robert@lemapublishing.co.uk

NEWS

L.O.L. Surprise! scoops top spot The L.O.L. Surprise! Doll assortment topped the list of best sellers in the last sales data released before Christmas.

The news came as the NPD Group unveiled information for the week ending 8 Decembeer, with L.O.L. also nabbing third and fourth place.

‘’If they just look up at the night sky, all children can be inspired to be creative with a toy that has been loved by so many young people for generations.’’

Image of Helen Sharman Helen Sharman from National Waterfront Museum Swansea

Space pioneer teams up with Spirograph First-ever British astronaut, Helen Sharman, is collaborating with Flair in the search for the Spirograph Artist of 2019. The campaign came about when the space pioneer spoke at a BTHA open day mentioning how, as a child, Spirograph was her favourite toy.

From January until March, Flair is hosting a competition for children to create a Night Sky or Space picture using the shapes and patterns created with Spirograph. The shortlisted entrants will be invited to a London presentation where the winner will be announced by Helen Sharman.

8

In second place was Hasbro’s Nerf Laser Ops Pro Alpha Point 2 Pack.

Also featuring in the top 10 were Harry Potter’s Great Hall from LEGO, interactive robots Boxer and Cozmo, a VTech digital camera for pre-schoolers, and Poopsie the Magical Unicorn.

Toy State team launches Nikko Toys A former team from Toy State has established a new venture, Nikko Toys Limited.

It will focus on creating innovative and high-quality toy vehicles under the Nikko, Road Rippers, and Machine Maker brands for autumn/winter 2019.

With their expertise and deep knowledge of the toy trade, Philip Redmond (CEO), John Arndt (SVP of Product Development), Stephen Skoutas (SVP of Global Sales), and Laibond Cheng (President) will be presenting their new range at the Toy Fair in Hong Kong this month.

“We have the energy and the drive to really capture the imagination of customers and consumers alike.”

Philip Redmond, CEO, NikkoToys

Playmobil rolls out fun at shopping centres Fact!

Playmobil fun Intu and Playmobil buggies have have previously been made worked together on available to Christmas Grotto and shoppers at five play zone experiences Intu centres.

The buggies and Playmobil is the appeared at Intu official sponsor of Trafford Centre, Intu’s new family club.

Intu Lakeside, Intu Metrocentre, Intu Merry Hill and Intu Braehead as part of the sponsorship deal to bring the toy brand to life for children.

Children can choose between a police or fire car in which to cruise the malls as their parents shop.

Goliath move for Vivid ‘’We are particularly Vivid is targeting the excited about UK games market with Sequence, a its re-launched Goliath huge success in Games Division.

America, along with Following its recent acquisition by Goliath children’s games Group, and backed by such as Gator Golf Goliath’s innovation and Lucky Ducks.” programme, Vivid’s Nick Thomas, Nick Thomas says the Commercial Director move is “a natural at Vivid Toy Group. step for the company to demonstrate our commitment to growing the Games Market in the UK’’.

Vivid’s new Goliath Games Division will launch 20 new games across preschool, kids’ action, family and party games.

toysnplaythings.co.uk

TNP.MEDIA is the powerful digital solution to amplify your story The grapevine is unreliable, so guarantee cut-through with our precision data-play

Discover what we are about: hello@tnp.media

Toys ‘n’ Playthings is your print companion - now here’s the game changer

TNP.MEDIA

We deliver top quality content to a highly engaged, focused and targeted global audience.

The business of driving your brand, propelling it to the next level, is our business too.

NEWS Golden opportunity for stores

Celebs support Mattel’s Lil’ Gleemerz Mattel brought on board a number of celebrity parents to debut its new hot toy – Lil’ Gleemerz – before Christmas.

Singer and TV personality Peter Andre, singer Una Healy, CBB winner Ryan Thomas, I’m a Celeb star Becky Vardy and CBB and The Apprentice star Luisa Zissman, all debuted the toys, with rainbow-coloured light-up fluffy tails, that respond to touch and sound.

Marketing support also included an extensive TV campaign launching on Boxing Day, plus kid influencer content and digital activations to follow in the new year.

Jumbo names new manager Bedtime for Posh Paws Mind Candy has signed Posh Paws International as official global plush partner for the Moshi Twilight bedtime app.

Over three million kids across the globe have listened to the app’s sleeptime audio stories in the past 12 months, with parents reporting that kids fall asleep approximately 22 minutes faster when listening to the app at bedtime.

The Posh Paws collection will focus on the four ‘Sleepies’ from the world of Moshi Twilight – Yawnsy the Sleepwalking Otter, Nodkins the Bedtime Bunny, Professor Feathersnooze the Owl of Nod and Sleepy Paws the Snoozy Koala.

Fact!

The Posh Paws Moshi Twilight collection will be available for pre-order soon and will hit retail 2 shelves from July.

Jumbo Games has appointed a new National Account Manager.

Carianne Wylie joins the team with over 10 years’ experience in sales and retail management.

Steve Washbourne, Sales Director, said: “Carianne brings boundless enthusiasm, coupled with a wealth of experience from not only the toy and game industry but also fashion and cosmetics.”

Carianne will be looking after a wide variety of key accounts, such as online platforms, toy specialists, high street retailers and garden centres and will be at London Toy Fair and Birmingham Spring Fair.

Character Options’ Mighty Beanz launched in early December and already has kids raring to collect the cool beanshaped characters that can be flipped, rolled, raced and battled.

Blind bag laden sampling kits will be distributed through 150 stores in February, and 60 Golden Beanstalks full of Mighty Beanz Golden Slam Packs will appear at stores during the half term break.

“Where the Golden Beanstalks will grow is a closely guarded secret,’’ said Brand Manager Kathryn Ludlam. “But on the day they sprout we will ensure that fans will be the first to know with a live online map detailing where they are available. The Golden Slam Packs will be highly collectable.”

Guess what...

Golden Beanstalk locations will be announced to fans on a dedicate webpage on launch day.

The final piece of the jigsaw The AIS Toy & Gift Show comes to Cranmore Park near Birmingham once again this spring.

The show runs from Monday 29 – Tuesday 30 April, and features more than 80 exhibitors, including the likes of LEGO, Hasbro and Mattel, alongside trend success stories such as MGA and Character Options.

For 2019 the theme is ‘Puzzles and Jigsaws’, and Gibsons, which is celebrating its centenary, is the café sponsor. Visitors can register at www.independenttoyandgift.co.uk/register-now.

toysnplaythings.co.uk

MEDIA

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35000 30000 25000

The year in review

20000 15000 10000 5000

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ur Media Report this month will cover January to November 2018, reporting on All Children and Girls and Boys 4-9years.

Overall, the All Children’s viewing is down by 22.4 per cent, when compared to the same period in 2017.

Biggest falls in viewing comes from DisneyXD, which Housewives with Children is down by 42.6 per cent. The biggest increase comes Jan-Nov 17 vs Jan-Nov 18 from Cartoonito which is up by a massive 58.9 per cent. Most of the others are down.

60000 Looking at the viewing levels for Girls 4-9 years, the overall market is down by 18.5 per cent, with the 50000 biggest fall coming from Nickelodeon Junior which 40000 is down 40.2 per cent.

Cartoonito is 30000 showing the biggest STING E R E T increase with 108.5 IT IS IN UPS AND 20000 per cent, a massive THE G 10000 increase. We see that TO SEES IN VIEWIN Disney Junior is down 0 DOWN E FIRST by 33.7 per cent, a H T huge fall for a station FOR N MONTHS that was valued so ELEVE high in 2017, as was Nickelodeon Junior.

For the boys, it’s a Boys 4-9 TVRs similar picture - they are down by 19.4 per cent across Jan-Nov 17 vs Jan-Nov 18 this 11-month period. The biggest loss comes from Boomerang with a shortfall of 49.6 per cent, followed 60000

by Disney and Disney Junior.

50000 Some good news from Channel 5's Milkshake which is up by 52.5 per cent, followed by Cartoonito.

40000 The Top Ten companies reported expenditure for January – November is down on 2017 by 20.5 per cent, 30000 however when we look at the chart we can see that 20000 all the major companies are there. The big change is to see Hasbro had a reported expenditure in 2017 of 10000 £19.6m for 2018 this is down to £8.8m, Mattel in 2017 spent £9m but for 2018 spent £5.4m, so you can see 0 why 2018 is 20.5 per cent down. All it takes is for these major companies to reduce their expenditure to make a big difference to the overall total.

It is interesting to see the ups and downs in viewing for the first 11 months of this year. The biggest drop comes from Disney, their all Children’s TVRs are down Girls 4-9 TVRs by 51.7 per cent, the girls are down by 40.5 per cent Jan-Nov 17 vs Jan-Nov 18 and the boys 64.4 per cent, these are massive changes in viewing.

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Jan-Nov '17 vs Jan-Nov '18 Toy Company TV Expenditure

Jan - Nov 2017

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Jan-Nov 2017 Jan - Nov 2018

Jan-Nov '17 vs Jan-Nov '18 Toy Company TV Expenditure

Company Name

TV Expenditure Company Name

TV Expenditure

Playmobil UK Ltd LEGO UK Ltd VTech Electronics Ltd MGA Entertainment John Adams Leisure Ltd Character Options Ltd Mattel UK Ltd Flair Leisure Products Ltd Spin Master Toys Ltd Hasbro (UK) Ltd

4,184,114 4,685,151 5,386,896 5,747,364 6,730,778 7,362,703 9,026,609 11,119,985 11,268,163 19,601,581

4,286,585 4,496,296 5,452,631 5,833,231 5,404,358 7,817,267 8,424,046 8,846,448 8,806,047 11,295,521

VTech Electronics Ltd Vivid Imaginations Ltd John Adams Leisure Ltd Playmobil UK Ltd Mattel UK Ltd MGA Entertainment Flair Leisure Products Ltd Character Options Ltd Hasbro (UK) Ltd Spin Master Toys Ltd

For more information on viewing levels please contact Mike Penfold. mike@globalmedia.me.uk Tel: 07774 713182.

1

All graphs and information supplied by Global Media Services

toysnplaythings.co.uk

MEDIA

NEWS

First glimpse of Playmobil film

Did you know?

Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe voices dashing and charismatic secret agent Rex Dasher.

A teaser trailer for the first feature film to be inspired by Playmobil toys has now been released.

The film, which is due for a summer release in cinemas, follows the story of Marla, whose younger brother Charlie disappears into the magical, animated universe of Playmobil.

Marla must bring him home, and as she sets off on a fantastic journey across stunning new worlds, Marla teams up with some unlikely and heroic new friends. The movie features the voice talents of Daniel Radcliffe, Meghan Trainor and Gabriel Bateman.

14

Pre-school title Thomas & Friends magazine has Thomas & Friends jusy celebrated its 30th birthday. magazine sells The magazine, which one copy every sells one copy every minute in the UK. minute in the UK, is produced by Egmont Publishing with licensing partner Mattel.

The latest ABC results shows the Thomas & Friends magazine – the oldest single character magazine in the UK market – is still delivering sales growth.

Kiran Vara, Publisher of the magazine at Egmont, said: “Thomas & Friends magazine is a joy to work on. The introduction of new characters and locations keeps our young readers engaged and devoted to the magazine.’’

Fact!

New faces for Bing team

Cookie-ing up a treat

Sesame Street’s Cookie Monster is cooking up a treat on a new five-minute show on Tiny Pop. Cookie Monster’s Foodie Truck offers a new way for kids to learn where their favourite foods come from.

Cookie Monster is joined by his pal Gonger as they receive a video call from a child who orders a favourite dish.

Licensing opportunities for Cookie Monster’s Foodie Truck and Sesame Street are overseen by Bulldog Licensing, which was named Sesame Workshop’s agent for the UK and Ireland in July.

30 years of Thomas

Horrid Henry invades Netflix There was good news for Horrid Henry fans just before Christmas, as the first episodes from the new fifth season of Horrid Henry were made available on Netflix in the UK.

Acamar Films, the company behind the hit CBeebies show Bing, has added to its senior management team. With more than 300 million views of Bing content on YouTube alone, Acamar is looking to strengthen further its position as a global broadcaster across both traditional linear and digital channels.

Jodie Morris joins as Executive Director, Content and is charged with leading the global expansion of Bing across digital and social platforms. Morris was previously Director of Digital Content at Beano Studios. Alister Morgan joins as Director of Strategy following a previous role as Head of Social Media, BBC Television/BBC iPlayer. Kirsty Southgate joins as Director of Promotions and Partnerships. She worked at 20th Century Fox as Director of Brand Management and Promotions EMEA.

toysnplaythings.co.uk

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MOVIE

NEWS

It’s a festival for Peppa!

The final Hiccup Due for a February release, the third instalment in the How To Train Your Dragon franchise is also set to be the last one.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, director Dean DeBlois said: “We thought about it for a long time and came up with what we think is a bittersweet way to say goodbye to these characters, but the right way.”

The trailer shows Hiccup set to fulfil his destiny to find the hidden world that is home to the dragons.

The film also introduces a female version of Toothless.

The first film, How to Train Your Dragon, came out in 2010, and its sequel in 2014, so it’s been a long wait for fans of the trilogy, based on the books by Cressida Cowell.

Celebrating 15 years of everyone’s favourite porcine family, Peppa Pig: Festival of Fun comes to UK cinemas in April.

This is Peppa’s biggest celebration yet, which will see the muddiest-ever festival come to cinema screens.

Join the party with Peppa and George as they dance in the mud at a children’s festival, celebrate Grandpa Pig’s birthday at a restaurant, and take a trip to the cinema to see Super Potato’s big movie feature.

The newest release from Peppa Pig: My First Cinema Experience offers a whole hour of snorts and giggles, with songs to singalong to and games to join in with - perfect for pre-schoolers.

Harrison Ford is a real pet The Secret Life of Pets 2, slated for a May release, is the very first animated film to feature the voice of Harrison Ford.

The film, sequel to the 2016 release from Illumination Entertainment and Universal, bagged more than $875 million at the worldwide box office.

The sequel sees the return of Max the Jack Russell and the rest of his furry and feathered friends.

The story is not yet known, but the recent trailer shows Max making a visit to the vets.

16

Pinocchio gets real Onward for Disney Disney has announced the release of its newest original Pixar flick. Onward will star Guardians of the Galaxy’s Chris Pratt and will be directed by Dan Scalon of Monsters University fame.

The film is slated for released in March 2020 and Disney described the film as being “set in a suburban fantasy world”.

Disney has been busy making live-action versions of some of its classics with The Lion King and Dumbo already getting the real-world treatment this year.

And it doesn’t look like that’s the end as the entertainment giant turns its focus to the story of the puppet who would be a boy – Pinocchio.

Paddington’s Paul King has already been hired as director, and now Disney apparently has its sights on Tom Hanks to take a leading role.

toysnplaythings.co.uk

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MEDIA

ANALYSIS

One for the mums!

We all talk about kids spending time online, but what about their mums?

Generation Media’s Kate Moncur takes a closer look at what makes mums tick online

I

f you were to tell anyone that Kids are spending more time online than ever before in 2018, it would come as no surprise. Further to that, if we told you that mums are spending an average of two hours and 12 minutes on social media online a day, it’s not a surprising statistic to hear. Although we’re unable to measure children’s online media habits, we can make educated guesses as to where they spend their time.

With the aid of Giraffe Insight’s exceptional research piece ‘Kids and the Screen’, which measures children between the ages of two to nine, and their daily media habits, we know the importance YouTube plays as a go-to for consuming video content online.

Websites such as Netmums, BabyCentre But, is this the same for parents too? As reported by and Mumsnet are all popular... the latest wave of TGI Insights, you’d be surprised to hear that only 22 per cent of all parents/guardians did GSQ is a unique efficiency measurement of sites not visit YouTube last month, compared relative to the rest of the other top 20. to 54 per cent who didn’t visit Facebook.

Websites are still traditionally judged on their Over 70 But, when they’re on YouTube, what are number of unique users, however our view is that per cent of they watching most? To answer this, measurement should be based on engagement as we’ve ranked the top four most engaging mums agree it will add further dimensions to the traction of a YouTube channels in the parenting website and offer a more accurate representation. that they sphere: Jady A with 15.4million views, Our GSQ takes into account the Total Unique are open to Darci Isabella with 2.8million views, The Visitors (all individuals visiting the site at least Parenting Junkie with 1.5million views receiving once a month) Unique Users, Time Spent per UV, and The Mellow Mama with 603.3k views. and Pages Viewed metrics to quantify a GSQ parenting Outside of visiting YouTube for some score, determining how effective a particular site well-deserved ‘me-time’, mums' second advice from is at encouraging users to visit and engage with top reason for watching YouTube is for its content over that period. The larger the GSQ, brands and/ advice. Seven in ten mums use YouTube or companies the stickier, more engaging and more interactive for parenting tips and guidance. the site is likely to be. Mumsnet, BabyCentre and themselves Further to this, over 70 per cent Netmums are consistently the websites that top of mums agree that they are open to the charts when it comes to our GSQ. Dwell times receiving parenting advice from brands on Mumsnet and BabyCentre of three to 12 minutes and/or companies themselves. are some of the most engaging we see in the online Lastly, the third highest ranked answer for why parenting sphere. It’s no wonder that Mumsnet is one mums are using children, is of course to connect with of the UK’s most trusted platform when their 5.4m their kids. Co-watching content is great way for unique active users outperforms that of any other parents to bond with their little ones with parenting site. With the breadth of impressions that on-demand content whilst ensuring that they are able to offer on a monthly basis, Mumsnet they can actively monitor what their child provides a great platform for brands to engage with consumes. Outside of online streaming, mums in the most contextually relevant place where parenting sites such as Mumsnet and they spend a great deal of time.

BabyCentre still gain massive traction from new and experienced parents seeking advice. A great way to view how these online sites perform is Seven in ten mums use YouTube for through Generation Media’s own parenting tips and guidance.

‘Generation Stickiness Quotient’. Our

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Did you know?

Generation Media is the UK and Ireland’s largest independent media buyer of toys and games advertising. Visit generationmedia.co.uk or call 0207 307 7900 to learn more.

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COVER FEATURE

MV SPORTS

MoVing on up M.V. Sports has an exciting 2019 lined-up, Sales & Marketing Director Phil Ratcliffe tells TnP about new brand U-move, as well as it’s Disney collection

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t’s been a busy year for M.V. Sports, not only did they scoop a prestigious award from retailer Halfords when they were named ‘Cycles Range Development Supplier of the Year’, they’ve developed a new premium scooter range called U-move, as well as working with their close partner Disney on an exciting product line-up for 2019.

Aimed at all demographics, because says M.V. Sport’s Sales & Marketing Director Phil Ratcliffe, “we don’t think that high specification should be the preserve of a select few”, U-move has been developed to offer a top-quality product without the hefty price tag.

“U-move was customer driven to some extent,” Phil tells us. “We had major retailers asking us to develop such a range. We already have several items in the market and it is performing very well.

We intend to broaden the range for 2019.”

Depending on the model, M.V. anticipate the price point to be between £30 and £100.

Speaking about the new retail-friendly

“

We have really focused on breadth of range, iconic design, bespoke elements and superior specification to make this the best UK range of Disney wheeled toys to date Phil Ratcliffe, M.V. Sports

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range, Phil adds it is a “misconception” that scooters take up floor space.

In fact, he says: “Scooters pack down into very small boxes. Most scooters take up less space than a large playset, large doll, or a doll’s house.”

Disney for days Along with the exciting developments with U-move, M.V. Sports has lots to showcase at London Toy Fair, with a dynamic range of Disney products, think Toy Story, Frozen, Lion King,

Spider-man, The Avengers and more.

“We are launching a complete range of Disney bikes, trikes, scooters, skates, skateboards, foot to floor and battery-operated vehicles at Toy Fair,” Phil tells us.

Excitingly, he reveals that there will be “a few surprises” in the range, which will be unveiled at Toy Fair.

“But we have really focused on breadth of range, iconic design, bespoke elements and superior specification to make this the best UK range of Disney wheeled toys to date.”

To learn more, make sure to visit M.V. at London Toy Fair, you’ll find them on stand B30.

Did you know?

Fact!

M.V. Sports’ range of Disney wheeled toys doesn’t stop at the major movie releases.

Evergreen properties, such as Disney Princess, Minnie and Avengers ranges have also been completely refreshed for 2019.

M.V. Sports will be showcasing new brand U-move at London Toy Fair this year.

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SPECIAL

FENCE CLUB

Fence Club Fence Club members enjoy one of 2018’s events

A force for good The Fence Club is synonymous with a few things – being an exclusive members club, representing the toy trade, hosting a great party and… charity. TnP finds out more A registered charity for many years, its 45 members and 38 ‘wall’ members (you become a ‘wall’ member once you hit the ripe old age of 65) – task themselves with being a positive influence on the industry each year.

In fact, the Fence Club supports between 30 to 40 children’s charities each year and has raised more than £2 million since it dedicated itself to being more than just a dining club.

Supporting the club “You have to work at supporting the

Did you know?

Character Option coordinates the Fence Club’s toy drive each year, and incredibly, their staff give their time free-of-charge.

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It’s an honour to be asked to join the club

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s one of the industry’s bestloved and most popular institutions, it would be easy for the Fence Club to rest on its laurels.

After all, it’s been around for nearly 70 years, it’s got a loyal membership base, it doesn’t have to prove anything to anyone – and yet, it does, time and time again.

For something which began life in 1950 as a mere dinner between a few old friends, The Fence Club has developed into a remarkable force for good within the industry.

Clive Jones, Secretary

Fence Club,” says Secretary Clive Jones. “It’s an honour to be asked to join the club.”

Once-upon-a-time it may have been a bit of a boys’ club, but Clive, and Assistant Secretary Steve Wells, stress that the Fence Club has worked hard to shed that image.

And credit where it is due, they’ve succeeded.

Now, the Fence Club dedicates itself to its charitable endeavours, and sure, they might have a laugh or two at one of the club’s six official functions, but that’s a happy coincidence

Team Character Options do a sterling job each year sorting out gifts from the industry for needy children

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Four new members were welcomed in 2018 - (l-r) GP Flair’s Commercial Director Nicola Bergot, Melissa & Doug’s European MD Jacqueline Taylor-Foo, Tomy UK’s General Manager Mary Wood and Shop Direct’s Senior Toy Buyer Andrea Gornall

The Christmas Ball took place in December and raised a great deal of funds when a group of industry professionals, who genuinely have the betterment of the toy trade at heart, get together.

This year, they celebrated the introduction of four new members, who just happened to be female – 2018 was a time for change for the Fence Club, but it was roundly welcomed by everyone inside and outside the club.

Shop Direct’s Senior Toy Buyer Andrea Gornall joined Tomy UK’s General Manager Mary Wood, Melissa & Doug’s European MD Jacqueline Taylor-Foo and GP Flair’s Commercial Director Nicola Bergot.

The new members have thrown themselves into the club with gusto, embracing all it stands for.

One of the club’s most important charitable drives comes in time for Christmas.

“Every year for the past 30 years we’ve been donating toys to children’s charities each November,” Steve tells TnP. In the region of 55 charities benefit from toys worth over £55,000, and they are sent to hospitals, hospices and homes – in short, they go to the children who need them the most.

“The trade is very generous to us,” agrees Clive.

In fact, one company stands head and shoulders above the rest –

the amount The Fence Club has raised for charity.

“

Support for the Fence Club seems to be consistent, despite what happens in the industry… but we can only give what we get Steve Wells, Assistant Secretary

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Totally toys

£2million...

Guess what…

The Fence Club became a registered charity in December 1998.

JANUARY 2019

Character Options. Spearheaded by Charity Secretary Joe Kissane and Assistant Charity Secretary David Bramford, each year Character Options coordinates the sorting and wrapping of gifts from the entire industry for the Fence Club’s toy drive. It is a monumental task, but one that the Character staff do voluntarily. The scale of the operation, Clive and Steve admit, “is huge”.

Supporting those who need it Aside from the delivery of toys to charities up and down the country – the Fence Club also gives monetary donations to charities for kids up to 14 years old. This year, in the region of 30 different charities will benefit from £86,000 raised by The Fence Club and its members.

“We like to give smaller amounts to lots of different charities so that lots of children benefit,” explains Steve.

The Fence Club’s committee meets four times a year and they go through the myriad of applications from charities from all over the UK. “We then decide who we would like to support,” adds Clive. “We choose about 30 or 40 charities per year.”

In fact, since the Fence Club became a registered charity itself in December of 1998, it has raised more than £2 million. That’s not a number to be sniffed at!

So, how does the Fence Club actually raise its funds? Well, the Hong Kong

football game – a favourite with the industry and organised by Character’s David Bramford every other year – brings in a huge amount. The last event saw £43,000 raised.

The Fence Club’s Golf Day is another earner with nearly £180,000 raised over the last eight years alone, while the auction and raffle at the Christmas Ball also brings in a healthy amount of cash.

“We have a very generous industry,” agree Clive and Steve, adding: “Support for the Fence Club seems to be consistent, despite what happens in the industry… but we can only give what we get.”

As the industry recovers from a challenging 2018, while wondering what 2019 will bring, the Fence Club will remain a constant for us all.

They will continue to bring friends together over food, they will continue to give back to those who need it most – in fact, they will give all they have to the people who keep our industry going - children. And most of all, they remind us that the toy industry is a community, built on the spirit of giving.

Fact!

The Fence Club began life in 1950 as a dining club.

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RETAIL

NEWS

Retail awards finalists revealed The British Toy & Hobby Association (BTHA) has announced the finalists for the Toy Retailer of the Year Awards 2018.

Toy retailers were able to nominate themselves, but nominations also came from BTHA members’ sales directors, toy agents and national account directors.

The winners of the prestigious Toy Retailer Awards will be announced at the Toy Industry Awards at Olympia, London on Tuesday 22 January. The Toy and Supplier Awards 2018 will be announced on the same evening.

The shortlist is:

The Entertainer buys Poly chain The Entertainer has acquired Poly, a chain of 57 toy shops in Spain.

Poly was acquired through a competitive bid managed by an administrator, which will result in all 57 of its stores remaining open and the saving of more than 350 jobs.

Poly stores sell a range of toys and games and operate in shopping centres and high streets across Spain, making it an excellent fit for The Entertainer’s business model.

Gary Grant, Founder and Executive Chairman of The Entertainer, said: “This year has understandably been incredibly turbulent for the Poly team as they faced so much uncertainty, and we look forward to welcoming them to The Entertainer family.”

“Our immediate focus is to work with our suppliers to ensure that all 57 stores are stocked for the remainder of the festive trading period.

This will include the introduction of the full range of products from our sister company Addo, which will offer Spanish consumers excellent quality at affordable prices.”

Independent Toy Retailer of the Year (single store) ■ ■ ■

Banba Toymaster, Dublin, Ireland Thomas Moore Toymaster, Exeter, Devon T & G Allan Ltd, Morpeth, Northumberland

Specialist Multiple Toy Retailer of the Year (2 - 29 stores): ■ ■ ■

Toytown Toy Barnhaus East Midland Toy Company

Specialist Multiple Toy Retailer of the Year (30 stores or more): ■ ■

The Entertainer Smyths

General Multiple Toy Retailer of the Year: ■ ■ ■

Asda Tesco Sainsbury’s Argos

Department Store Toy Retailer of the Year: ■ ■ ■

Morleys Stores W J Daniel & Co, Windsor Boswell & Co, Oxford

Online Toy Retailer of the Year: ■ ■ ■

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Smyths The Entertainer Shop Direct

Fraudsters target toy shop Manchester House of Fraser is now saved The jobs of 568 staff at Manchester’s House of Fraser have been saved after renewed negotiations between the landlord and new owners, Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct.

New terms were agreed for the Kendals store after Manchester City Council intervened.

“Today’s announcement is fantastic news for the city and I am proud that the council has been able to play a constructive role in saving a real Manchester icon and hundreds of jobs,” Manchester City Council leader Sir Richard Leese was quoted as saying by Retail Gazette. “This demonstrates that when landlords, local authorities and retailers work together the outcomes can be outstanding. When working together we can make a real difference to the high street.”

A Norfolk was hit by fraudsters peddling fake £50 notes.

Puff’s Toy Shop, a family-run shop in Wymondham, was targeted by thieves who pressured owner Richard Harding’s 17-year-old stepson into handing more than £200 worth of toys in exchange for dodgy £50 notes.

Local residents rallied round and a Go Fund Me page was set-up to recoup the losses for the Harding family – who opened Puff’s in 2013.

The initiative raised £255, with the toy shop taking to Facebook to thank everyone who helped them saying:

“Thank you so much for everyone’s kindness and support.

We are so touched. We are lucky to be part of such a great community! You have put a smile back on our face.”

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Hamleys pulls into Waterloo Station Hamleys unveiled a new store in London’s Waterloo Station a couple of weeks before Christmas.

The store, located on the firstfloor balcony, stocks more than 2,000 toys and games, including brands such as L.O.L Dolls, Harry Potter, Disney Princess, NERF, LEGO, TY, Peppa Pig, Sylvanian Families, Paddington, Playmobil, Fingerlings and Hamleys’ famous collection of cuddly teddy bears.

To celebrate the opening, Hamley Bear and some of Father Christmas’ cheeriest elves entertained shoppers and commuters, offering exclusive giveaways, discount vouchers and free goodies for the kids. The new store, the 28th UK store and the 152nd worldwide, has helped to create 10 jobs.

10

T he number of jobs created

by Hamleys new Waterloo Station shop

Breyer trots into Hamleys Hamleys and Breyer Model Horses recently teamed up to create a purpose-built display to show customers the wide choice of model horses on offer. The stand was specially built for Hamleys. “We are delighted to work with Hamleys to show customers the quality and wide range that Breyer has to offer,” said David Allan, Breyer Sales and Marketing Director. DKL will be supporting Hamleys with promotions, visits and social media activity.

Buying Disney magic Online shoppers had some added festive cheer from the Disney Store’s Gift Magic Christmas campaign.

In a first for the company, consumers were offered a special digital gift when they made an online purchase at www.shopdisney.co.uk before Christmas – they were able to unlock Disney, Pixar, Marvel or Star Wars digital games, soundboards and experiences.

The Gift Magic Christmas campaign continued in store, with a range of festive activities for families, including the opportunity for children to write a letter to Santa and post it in Disney’s special Christmas post box.

JANUARY 2019

Did you know?

The Disney Store also donated 20,000 soft toys to charities across the UK and EMEA. To celebrate his 90th anniversary, Mickey Mouse was the 2018 gift. More than 180,000 soft toys have been donated as Christmas gifts over the past 10 years.

Harry Potter lands at Gatwick Airport The Harry Potter Shop has landed at Gatwick airport. Opened in the North Terminal, the 614 sq.ft store offers licensed merchandise from gifts to clothing, souvenirs to collectables. Wizarding World fans can bag a personalised Hogwarts acceptance letter, mystery flying Snitch or their favourite character’s wand - the ultimate must-have for any aspiring wizard or witch.

Shoppers will also be able to browse and shop a wide selection of the collectables, apparel, accessories, gifts, novelties and souvenirs from the Platform 3/4 shop at King’s Cross Station in London.

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RETAIL

SELFRIDGES

Sell it like

Selfridges Fresh from the launch of the iconic FAO Schwartz’s pop-up at Selfridges, Helen Attwood, Kids Buying Manager sat down with TnP to talk all things toys. We find out all about the collaboration with FAO Schwartz and which categories are selling well…. and organisation skills when maintaining their collection.

Helen, tell us about the FAO Schwarz pop-up? How did that come about, and how has that been performing for you?

We are thrilled to have partnered exclusively with FAO Schwarz just in time for Christmas - as the American retailer appears in the UK for the first time ever alongside the re-opening of the store stateside in New York. You can find the residence in the central atrium on fourth floor of Selfridges London, as well as online.

The brand brings over 65 toy sensations from across the pond, such as the BigPiano, made famous by the film ‘Big’ 30 years ago.

The Unicorn Top toys include the Ride Poopsie On Roadster, Plush Pup, complete with Motorised Train Set and the glitter slime and Jumbo Teddy which stands at over two metres tall! accessories - has FAO Schwarz has also been a sell out for introduced three new lines to us already its offering: a retro bumper car set, bluetooth connected vintage musical microphone and a rollercoaster building set.

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Did you know?

Monopoly Cheaters Edition has been a top seller for Selfridges.

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What are your top three selling toys so far this year?

With everyone still frenzied over unicorns, it’s no surprise that these magical creatures

Which categories have really performed well for you recently?

Collectables have been huge for us this season, with L.O.L. Dolls being a huge highlightchildren love the surprise factor involved. Collectables can also help develop skills, such as social skills when trading with friends,

are the top of most kids’ Christmas wish lists.

The Unicorn Poopsie complete with glitter slime and accessories - has been a sell-out for us already.

Monopoly Cheaters edition has also been a top seller.

Christmas wouldn’t be the same without games the

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Fact!

Selfridges partnered exclusively with FAO Schwarz just in time for Christmas. The American retailer appears in the UK for the first time ever alongside the re-opening of its store in New York.

Guess what...

L.O.L. Dolls have been a huge hit for Selfridges

Have there been some toys that have been more popular than anticipated?

Overall, slime has been extremely popular, with customers purchasing all year. In addition to the original slime sets, we’ve

65 JANUARY 2019

introduced newness though products such as the Unicorn Poopsie.

Looking towards 2019, are there any ranges in particular that you are excited about?

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There’s lots of newness coming from TY and LEGO which we are excited about!

There’s lots of newness coming from TY and LEGO which we are excited about! They will be involved in the in-store activations we have lined up for 2019, so keep your eyes peeled!

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whole family can enjoy and this classic has a fun twist as cheating is actively encouraged!

The Fingerling mania has carried through to 2018 and it’s the TREX Fingerlings that are top sellers this year. At £17 they are the perfect stocking fillers.

Is it important to have a variety of price points in the shop?

It is important for us to cater to all tastes and price points. This Christmas customers were treated to all of the key trending toys and more, from lower priced stocking fillers, to must have toys that really spoil someone!

T he number of toys FAO Schwartz brought to Selfridges 23

THE INDEPENDENT

OPINION

It’s Toy Fair time Our favourite columnist has a love-hate relationship with toy fair season, but he’s not shirking away from it…

Best sellers VOLUME: 1) L.O.L. Glam Glitter Tots – MGA 2) L.O.L. Glitter Dolls – MGA 3) L.O.L. Under Wraps – MGA VALUE: 4) L.O.L. Glam Glitter Tots – MGA 5) L.O.L. Glitter Dolls – MGA 6) L.O.L. Under Wraps – MGA

detect a note of sarcasm? Good.

I am regularly asked how important the fairs are to me and my business, and my standard answer to whoever has asked is: “The best bit of these fairs is booking later appointments on stands which give me beer”, it’s a trick of the trade I learned years ago. It helps because you know there is something good coming at the end of the day, which I’ve been told increases productivity – or, at least, that’s what I tell my boss.

I do enjoy the fairs, but my staff always give me such a hard time because when I get back from all of them, in my haggard state, they say it’s only because I have drank too much and partied too hard. Little do they realise how important these dates really are.

As I close out 2018 and look ahead to the early part of 2019, I am left feeling very confident about my business.

Sure, 2018 has been tough.

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I make sure I waste as little time as possible in getting the fresh stock on shelf for my customers, and in recent years my Q1 business has increased steadily

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am sitting in an airport departure lounge waiting for my return flight after an all-day business meeting and it has just been announced that the plane is delayed due to a technical error (i.e. a drunk pilot). With me being such a motivated individual (on a Friday night in cold December), I thought I would make the most of my time now to reflect on the major trips that are coming up in the next few weeks.

These would be my annual trips to London Toy Fair and Spring Fair. Oh, I can hardly contain my excitement. Did you

As I write, we still have a few days left before we can calculate how things really went, but I am extremely happy with what we’ve achieved this year.

It is getting more and more difficult to buy the right products, in the right quantity and at the right time, with margins decreasing all the time and very little wiggle room for marking products down and getting them off the shelves.

I will say that in the main, I was able to back the right things, turn on product promotions that worked,

THE SECRET SUPPLIER

Sell: Toy Fair is what makes the toy industry tick, says our Secret Supplier, so make sure you support it…

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his month our favourite retailer highlights the excitement of London Toy Fair which marks the start of yet another toy year.

It is truly an exciting time for suppliers as we present our new ranges

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What makes the life of a supplier exciting is the fact that a bad year can be followed by a brilliant year… if you have some great new product

for critical retail inspection.

And this is probably for the second time, earlier previews will have taken on board retail comments regarding price and presentation.

What makes the life of a supplier exciting is the fact that a bad year can be followed by a brilliant year… if you have some great new product.

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Fair play

For everyone, Toy Fair is an expensive and time-consuming time, but despite this it is an essential requirement for both supplier and retailer. Mr Indie is looking for another L.O.L and is, at the same time, organising his spring business which is of increasing importance to his retail outlets.

Some suppliers pull out of Toy Fair and this is usually a sign they either have no new

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price-match where I was always going to be in trouble and satisfy most of my customers’ demands.

However, no matter how good a job we did, as soon as you wake on 1 January, another year begins, with a whole new set of figures, and targets, and issues to deal with.

We have always tried to run with the same process at the start of each year - we tidy up, section-out each store with the ranges we want to get rid of, stock take, sort out staff bonuses, and then the fairs.

I struggle to put into words my feelings about the fairs. They are amazing and horrible at the same time.

One of my pet hates is repeating the same thing over and over to different people, but to the same extent it is something that has to be done as, I like to think, the people asking the questions genuinely care about the answers. So, I have roughly 12 meetings each day, and therefore repeat the same answers to the same questions 36 times during London and, thankfully, slightly less during Spring Fair. No matter how many beers, or laughs, or great product I see, that is still tough going and usually by the third appointment on the first day, it starts to grate on me - but that is my issue to deal with.

products to show or they are in financial difficulty, or both!

The fact is, the main purpose of London Toy Fair is to showcase new products which are the life blood of our industry. Products like MGA’s L.O.L have shown the importance of creativity and innovation in kickstarting children’s crazes which have taken nearly a quarter of all retail sales. In fact, possibly the success of L.O.L has highlighted the lack of strong product competition and may point to the lack of winning products from major suppliers.

As a supplier, I am also surprised that some retailers decide not to attend the fair.

How can you hope to follow in

JANUARY 2019

On the other hand, it is simply brilliant, and vital, to my business to see so many products in such a short space of time. I used to get totally overwhelmed with the information and ranges, to the point that I felt like I was drowning in toys. But over the years I’ve used my experience to simply enjoy being shown around the products and taking proper notes on the things that I see that really look worthwhile.

I make sure I waste as little time as possible in getting the fresh stock on shelf for my customers, and in recent years

“

my Q1 business has increased steadily, this has set me up I do look for better trading years as I start with one foot ahead, so forward to to speak. seeing what I do look forward to seeing happens with what happens with L.O.L. in the coming months. I absolutely L.O.L. in the my hat off to MGA for coming months. take creating such an amazing I absolutely take product range that has set new heights for what defines a my hat off to craze, and for keeping it going MGA for for almost two years to date, creating such an with no real sign of slowing. amazing product But, I also look forward to the next thing that will enrapture range the kids and be the thing that retailers are going mad for.

I have been lucky enough to visit most of my major suppliers’ showrooms in the last couple of months, so that not everything is a surprise when I get to London, and there are a few ranges that I really like, and think could do really well, but I do believe being a buyer now is one of the most difficult jobs around.

To be in tune with what kids are into, when the gap between adults and kids has probably never been so big (I mean, selfies, really?!) is a minefield, but one that I would be lying if I said I did not relish.

”

The Independent’s steps if you don’t attend the most important event in the toy calendar?

There are so many great product opportunities to be sought out which could have a huge impact on retail The sales. And if you can fact is, the keep up with The main purpose of Independent then you can always reward London Toy Fair is yourself with a beer! to showcase new So, anyone who products which is serious about their business has are the life blood to be at Toy Fair as of our industry it provides all the strategic pointers for the coming year. For

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suppliers it is a hugely anxious time as they await the verdict of their buyers but thankfully the final arbiter of a product’s success is in the hands of a young child and no one can accurately forecast which way they will react - except, perhaps, Mr Isaac Larian.

27

RETAIL

OPINION Bill Deakin, Owner, Silly Billy’s Toy Shop, Hebden Bridge, W. Yorks

Vicky Brown,

Owner, Just Williams Toys, Beckenham and Dulwich

"We have seen Wilton Bradley’s new ranges and have placed orders for most of our summer items."

Talking retail

Vicky will just be going to London Toy Fair.

‘We are always looking for new products as it is important to keep our shelves fresh and enticing for our customers. We have a lot of regular customers and they don’t want to see the same products week-in, week-out.

'I go religiously to Toy Fair every year as it is a great platform to see your current suppliers, new products and look for any exciting items to stock. We are always on the lookout for new, reasonably priced educational and sensory items and arts and crafts - as these are areas we are increasingly asked for.

‘Although we are a toy shop, we are aware that children nowadays have so much and they seem to grow up so much quicker that we need to find items that are aimed at children which may not necessarily be toys that we can stock. This could be anything from novelty stationery items, to hair glitter, to funky shower caps, to novelty lunch bags.

‘Some of our favourite products are Dobble – a great game for all ages that you can take with you anywhere – the book Parrots Don’t Live in the City, as it is beautifully illustrated and cleverly written, such a delight to read – and Superfly Thinking Putty as I just can’t put it down!

‘As for 2019, we have seen Wilton Bradley’s new ranges and have placed orders for most of our summer items.

The two new ranges which stand out for me are their new Paint Your Own range and their Little Roots garden range.

I think they have the packaging and the price point spot-on for their Paint Your Own range and with the addition of glitter they are on a winning formulae!’

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Bill Deakin is hoping to see plenty of new ranges from his suppliers – ‘we’ve "I’m always always got to ring the happy to changes,’ he says. But walk through he’s not sure just what the doors of he will be looking for this year. ‘Last year it Olympia." was baby stuff and we went for Fisher Price and Lamaze, but I’m not quite sure what I’ll be looking for this year.’ There are three things he does look for though: ‘quality, packaging and price – both price for the customer (especially in these challenging times) and price to me because it’s got to make me some money.’

‘I’m always happy to walk through the doors of Olympia as it means I’m there for another year.

But it’s not about making vast amounts of money any more.’

It's toy fair season! So will our retailers be heading to London or Birmingham? And what are they looking for?

Paul Wohl, Head of international logistics and tea boy since 1987! Argosy Toys, Westcliff on Sea, Essex drop in boys’ Paul is looking has The toy sales is so forward to Toy "All the money d noticeable that Paul Fair and Spring gone on L.O.L an e will be changing his Fair, but is m so ff o d it’s kille buying strategy for keeping an open ls’ of the other gir next year. ‘My little mind on what boy is eight and will be available. collectables. ’t n o any money he gets ‘When I go d ys o b d n A goes on Fortnite to Spring Fair, seem to play V-Bucks.’

I’ve seen a lot of anything other So Paul will the toys already, concentrate but we do get than Fortnite." his buying on to see different pre-school and girls' suppliers,’ he says. collectables, and cut back on the ‘I always look forward to going older age boys' toys. round the LEGO stand and seeing He says it is adults that are what’s coming out in the future as buying the more difficult level of that is a good seller for us. Micro LEGO sets, and serious collectors Scooter does well in the shop too, buying Stars Wars figures. so I always like to keep up with Paul had hoped that there what is coming up. would be Fortnite-themed ‘Jellycat is another big range for us, so I’ll definitely visit their stand.’ merchandise available before Christmas, as he has had This year, says Paul, ‘all the plenty of grandparents coming money has gone on L.O.L and it’s in asking for it – so that is killed off some of the other girls’ something he will definitely be collectables. looking at when he visits And boys don’t seem to play London Toy Fair. anything other than Fortnite.’

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Wendy Hamilton

Amada Alexander Owner, GiddyGoat Toys, Didsbury, Manchester Amanda goes to Spring Fair to look for new ideas for her real-world shop and online business.

‘I like to go just to see stock ‘’in the flesh’’ at least once a year and to touch base with suppliers. I will also be checking out potential new suppliers but there’s nothing I am actively searching for – it’s just nice to see "I’ll be listening out for what’s available. crazes such as putty ‘My colleague Ruth also comes – she is and squishies as they our card and gift wrap have been good for us buyer but has also this year." sourced a few new suppliers over the years – she’s actually better than me for finding new things. I get a bit distracted chatting to current suppliers. I pretend I’m networking, but if I’m honest, it’s just chatting!

‘I do like to stock the shop back up in February as we do our stocktake at the end of January then we have a sale, so I like to put a few orders in at Spring Fair, especially if suppliers have offers or discounts on.

Talking of January, how is 2019 looking for Giddy Goat Toys?

‘Well, I’m feeling reasonably positive, we are up this year against last year and have a lovely base of loyal customers who like and appreciate what we do, so hopefully more of the same,’ says Amanda. ‘I’ll be listening out for crazes such as putty and squishies as they have been good for us this year. We got them in on the recommendation of one of the agents who comes to see me – thank you Mike! – so we’ll be listening for new trends.

However, a lot of what we do is the evergreen toys that are popular month in, month out and year in, year out.’

"I am a bit apprehensive about 2019, with all the doom and gloom of Brexit. Most of my toys come from Europe so I will have to wait and see how that affects me."

JANUARY 2019

Owner, Grasshopper Toys, Helensburgh, Scotland Wendy is always on the lookout for science and tech toys for the company’s science website, and will be heading to both Spring Fair and London Toy Fair.

‘It’s the first year we’ve been able to attend in a few years due to clashes with my kids birthdays, so we’re pretty excited!’ she said.

‘We are always looking for new suppliers and innovative new ranges.

We’ve been in business for eight years now and have relationships with most of the big names, but we’d love to meet new suppliers, especially in the science and technology field as we’re always looking for new lines for our science website curiousminds.co.uk.

'When we go to Toy Fair we’ll be looking for much ‘’We have built the same as with Spring Fair.

We have most of the basics up great relations covered, but there is always over the years and something new and exciting it’s always fun to coming onto the market. meet the people We’re also looking forward to meeting our suppliers face to behind the emails face, we have built up great and phone calls!’’ relations over the years and it’s always fun to meet the people behind the emails and phone calls! I'm looking forward to meeting with Fiesta, Interplay, Skip Hop and Moulin Roty in particular.'

And how is the next year looking for Grasshopper Toys?

‘2019 is looking exciting! But then every year looks exciting.

We’ve been in touch with a couple of new science kit suppliers and we’re very excited about stocking their ranges.’

Jayne Rees Owner, Eve’s Toyshop, Llandeilo, Camarthenshire With a mostly local clientele, Jayne needs to keep her shop looking fresh, so is always hoping that she can find new products at both Spring Fair and London Toy Fair. 'I’m always looking for new product and new suppliers,’ she says.

‘The likes of Le Toy Van and Schliech always come up with the goods.’

Apart from the usual names, she doesn’t know anything about any ranges that will be on show, but says: ‘it’s always a nice surprise when we go.’

Something she will be looking for is things for boys aged six and upwards.

‘When boys are three and four they love cars and tractors but as they get older a lot of the craft stuff is very much for girls. Clockwork Soldier and Learning Resources are good for crafts and science things for

boys. Djeco has some good things for girls and boys too, but they do need parents to sit and help them with them – and everyone is so busy.’

And what about looking into next year – ‘I am a bit apprehensive about 2019, with all the doom and gloom of Brexit. Most of my toys come from Europe so I will have to wait and see how that affects me too. I do try to stay positive. Christmas is great but the rest of the year can be a struggle.’

‘You can’t just open the doors and hope everyone just comes to you,’ she says. The shop has a number of events throughout the year, including a summer party, a LEGO day and some late nights in October for early Christmas shopping.

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RETAIL

OPINION

Destination play With iconic toy shops such as FAO Schwarz and Hamleys creating destinations where kids want to be, John Ryan wonders if all retailers can take a leaf out of their books…

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rides, interaction and pushing buttons is a fine one. here have been three pretty major store openings in Two questions therefore. Does adding theme park-style a few weeks, one in New York and two in Japan, in entertainment mean additional retail sales if you are a toy Fukuoka and Yokohama. The New York store is FAO shop proprietor, and equally, is a toy retailer likely to detract Schwarz, back from the dead after the closure of its flagship from its reputation as a seller of things to play with by store on Fifth Avenue (along with the rest of the company) following this route? The first thing to note is that in the two in 2015.

Japanese stores there are around 6,000 toys on display. By If nothing else, it will have a brief honeymoon period owing any standards this qualifies them to have the title toy shop to the howls that came from those who rarely shopped the hung above the entrance, if required. store in its previous avatar but have since coated its memory There is a sense that perhaps the best toy stores, and in nostalgia. here FAO Schwarz joins the party, are just about having fun, And yes, the giant piano on which you can dance (star which in turn means more than just rack upon rack of things of the ‘80s film Big, which gave Tom Hanks his route into that kids can play with - was there ever an experience to the mainstream) is in the window. There are demonstrators be had at Toys R US?. Or put another way, FAO Schwarz aplenty and lots of out-of-work actors dressed up as anything can just as readily be viewed as theme from a teddy bear to a toy soldier. This, in park material – there are people in fantasy short, is a toy shop as you might wish a toy costumes and they are there to entertain. shop to be, the kind of thing that children In order to Rather than theme park or toy shop then, used to regard as a treat when visiting and make its mark in a maybe the question that should be asked which parents tolerated, even allowing for new market, is whether what is on offer is a destination, the inevitable pester factor. somewhere that will exercise a magnetic pull It’s good to see a name that had Hamleys has on those in search of a particular category? been consigned to retailing’s annals and teamed up with Adopt this view and quite a lot falls in to apparently running like a well-oiled model Bandai Namco place, it’s just a matter of degree and where railway engine. you decide the line should be drawn – it’s all Now cross to the other side of the world, and at the beginning of December, Hamleys made Japanese entertainment of one form or another.

More to the point, smaller toy retailers should perhaps landfall with a pair of shops that straddle the brightlytake note of the big guns’ modus operandi. Theme parks coloured area that lies between a toy shop and a theme are places you go to because you want to, not because park. The reason for this is simple. In order to make its mark you have to. This may not be the case with in a new market, Hamleys has teamed up with toy shops in a number of instances. It might be worth Bandai Namco Amusement. asking yourself whether people come to your store just The latter is an outfit that is in touch with both theme park to buy toys. If the answer is yes, then perhaps you might novelty and retail ‘experience’. This is not to say that FAO consider whether this is a good thing. If it’s a simple Schwarz does not offer an experience, it does, but matter of provision, then that’s not enough in an age when rather that the line between a place where you almost anything you can think of will be available online. go to buy stuff and a location that is about Equally, do you stand behind a counter, or some such, and wait for the business to come to you or are you out there on the floor mixing with your customers? Again, a theme park mentality should be the order of the day.

You are there to entertain just as much as any of the resting thespians in Hamleys or FAO. The positive news is that you’re still around, but you do need to take steps to ensure that this remains the case. Don’t expect all to be well in 2019 if you don’t at least do something to avoid the ‘good oldfashioned toyshop’ tag. Good old-fashioned toyshops have been going out of business because in today’s world they are a bit dull.

Do more than you do at the moment. It will pay.

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John Ryan is Stores Editor at Retail Week. He has worked for the magazine for more than a decade covering store design, visual merchandising and what makes things sell in-store. In a previous life he was a buyer.

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INTERVIEW BASIC FUN

“It’s been a year of

transformation” After being acquired by Basic Fun! in early 2018, the K’Nex team – led by Paul Fogarty – has a lot to talk about. Boasting some brilliant new ranges and a fresh outlook, Paul sat down with TnP to learn more about the company’s dynamic future… just construction toys. Basic Fun!’s multifaceted portfolio has made us even more relevant to all our customers, which benefits not just the new brand launches but also the existing K’NEX portfolio. For independent retailers, it will make it much easier to keep K’NEX in-store all year round.

Paul, it is fair to say 2018 has been a year of change for K’NEX – can you tell us what’s been happening?

So in lay man’s terms – what does this new relationship between K’NEX and Basic Fun mean for retailers on the ground?

For the K’NEX brand, it means an immediate investment in product development, which has resulted in a more innovative and exciting product line. Since new development happened fairly quickly, we’re in a great position for 2019.

It’s also allowed K’NEX in the UK to become a multi-category toy company, covering much more than

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As much as we love K’NEX and are proud of what we have achieved in the UK in just a few short years, we are all thrilled with the news

This surely can be seen as a real platform for growth for the UK team – how was the news met internally?

As much as we love K’NEX and are proud of what we have achieved in the UK in just a few short years, we are all thrilled with the news. It not only provides a real opportunity to move into new categories but also fundamentally strengthens the company.

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It’s been a year of transformation. Aside from being acquired by Basic Fun! at the beginning of the year, we’ve reshaped the K’NEX line and have many new opportunities now that we are part of a portfolio company.

Retro pre-school toys will also be a focus for Basic Fun!

So, we will see an evolved K’NEX for 2019 then?

Absolutely! Think of it as an evolution rather than revolution. We will of course stay true to the things that make K’NEX unique – creativity, scale, motorised movement and multiple builds. The enhancements made strengthen the line visually and drive authentic builds and

The heritage of Basic Fun! The company started as The Bridge Direct in 2009 and grew organically for a period of time. Good Stuff, an amusement plush company, was the first acquisition in 2013.

From there, the company set itself on a course for large-scale growth buying the science and STEM company Uncle Milton, merging with Tech4Kids, re-branding as Basic Fun! and then purchasing the assets of K’NEX. Playhut is the most recent addition and they expect to welcome more companies into the family in 2019.

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Little Lucky Lunchbox will also be launched on UK shores from the Basic Fun! team

Cutetitoes are collectable plush animals, blind-packed in a burrito style wrapper

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We asked…

What will the impact be on K’NEX products?

even more post-build play.

You’ll also see us showcasing numerous categories including play tents, retro pre-school, science/STEM toys and girls’ brands. It’s exciting to have such a broad portfolio of products to sell.

Now down to basics – what does this mean product wise?

Basic Fun! is not only growing through acquisition, it’s also developing its own proprietary brands. Cutetitos is one of the newest additions. These collectable plush animals are blind-packed in a burrito style wrapper. Each of the plush animals is rolled in its own cute burrito blanket. The inspiration came from the viral trend of people rolling their pets in blankets like burritos and posting them on social media.

JANUARY 2019

How has it been met Stateside?

The pre-holiday set at Walmart, Target, Amazon and an array of other retailers has gone phenomenally well.

We have to ask – is there room for another girl’s collectable in the market?

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Think of it as an evolution rather than revolution

Since we’re a plush collectable, it helps to differentiate us. Plush toys are usually placed outside of the collectable aisle, so while the category is cluttered, plush stands out. Basic Fun!’s history in the plush business, married with being experts in collectables, has helped to make a premium toy that kids want to collect.

Introductions of ultrarare Cutetitos with special fabrics will be Cutetitoes have been a huge hit Stateside and are about to be launching soon and unwrapped in the UK multiple waves of characters have already been developed.

Tell us about some other products set to launch from you?

Another new proprietary brand we’re launching is Little Lucky Lunchbox, and yes, it’s also a collectable. We’re playing off a timeless trend that spans across all generations: kids love unpacking their launch and trading

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The line has a completely refreshed look. Investment in new parts allows us to build in different ways and make the finished builds more authentic. New items include the Beginners 40 model set, targeted at kids 5+. We have introduced some easy build parts to help younger kids experience the ‘wow’ of building in 3D. This really bridges the gap between our Kid K’NEX line and our core building line.

We’re also using more realistic colour palettes and denser builds to make our older build models really look like the finished article. Two great examples of this are our new road racer Motorcycle and 4WD Off-Road SUV. In addition, we’ll see enhanced theming in our Roller Coaster range with Dragon Quest, which adds in even more post-build play and aligning with the themes that kids see in real theme parks. We will be supporting this line with a very strong

snacks with their friends. Unlike other convoluted concepts that need explaining, Little Lucky Lunchbox is easy to get! The food collectables, stickers, drink and snack packs all come blind-packed and housed in a collectable lunchbox tin.

Finally, are you excited about the year ahead?

Yes! Although there are challenges for the

industry, play is still at the essence of childhood and I believe the industry will bounce back. With the developments we have from both a K’NEX and Basic Fun!, we are set to have a great year. I’m positive that more opportunities will spring to light in 2019 leading to continued growth into 2020 and beyond!

PAUL SAYS… “For the K’NEX brand, it means an immediate investment in product development, which has resulted in a more innovative and exciting product line.”

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TRADE

OPINION

Trade talk This month, Team TnP checks in with some of the industry’s key players to check out their thoughts on Toy of the Year and their star retailer...

TnP loves to hear your views. This month we speak to key wholesalers and suppliers to learn what’s on their minds.

We explore the hottest topics

STEVEN RUSSELL,

KERRY TARRANT,

UK Marketing Manager, Jumbo Games

Marketing Manager, Alpha Toy Group Who do you think will win/ who would you like to win Toy of the Year?

L.O.L. Surprise! has certainly monopolised the market this year with their innovation and huge brand awareness, however as they won last year, it would be nice to see another brand/ product win!

What’s your favourite toy from your newest ranges and why?

I love High Flying Jett, which is new for SS 19. It is a great price point and kids will have endless fun launching Jett into the air, with a simple pull of the cord.

What about other manufacturers – who do you think has hit on a winner? As a huge Harry Potter fan, I think the LEGO range is fantastic! The Hogwarts Express Train and Great Hall are my two personal favourites. The resurgence of the Harry Potter licence without a new film or book has been truly phenomenal.

Who has been a star retailer for you to work with, and why?

We have a great relationship with all of our retail partners. However, for me this year, The Entertainer have done a fantastic job with the quality and content of their Squad Videos.

They have produced “I love High Flying Jett, two from our brand portfolio, Jett’s Takeoff which is new for SS19. Tower and Massive It is a great price point Monster Mayhem, and kids will have both of which are very different but look fab! endless fun launching

Who do you think will win/ who would you like to win Toy of the Year?

As a massive Marvel fan, it’s got to be the Marvel Legends Series Infinity Gauntlet Articulated Electronic Fist

by Hasbro. I really want one!

“It’s hard to pick What’s your favourite toy from your newest ranges and why? just one, but the The How to Rob A Bank top three retailers Strategy Board Game for me would be we launched this game in September last year - it’s fun, Hobbycraft, Notcutts entertaining and has been and Amazon” very popular with board gamers young and old. It’s been great working on a new range of board games!

Who has been a star retailer for you to work with, and why?

It’s hard to pick just one, but the top three retailers for me would be Hobbycraft, Notcutts and Amazon. We had a fantastic 2018 with all three, seeing double-digit growth across our adult jigsaw puzzles and accessories.

We’ve been working very closely with them throughout the year and already have strong plans in place for 2019!

Jett into the air”

RICHARD WELLS, Managing Director, Paul Lamond Games Who do you think will win/ who would you like to win Toy of the Year?

I really like the look of Ravensburger’s Gravitrax, I have no idea how well it is doing but it looks like a really great line! I would also like to think our new quick-fire game, Tip of the Tongue, is in with a shout, it works really well as a fun, family trivia game.

What’s your favourite toy from your newest ranges and why?

That has to be our new ‘Are you Dumber than a Box of Rocks?’ trivia game. It is one of the most unique games I have played in years as well as one of the funniest! On average, I only manage to beat the rocks two out of five times which presumably is why I am not on the judging panel!

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“All of our retailers have been stars this year, especially our independent retailers, who we have continued to build strong relationships with”

Who has been a star retailer for you to work with, and why?

All of our retailers have been stars this year, especially our independent retailers, who we have continued to build strong relationships with.

When it comes to the majors, Sainsburys have done a great job and have seen fantastic sales with the exclusive lines we have created for them.

toysnplaythings.co.uk

LONDPREV ON T IEW OY FA IR

IETW FAIR V Y E O R P NDON

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Showcasing pure imagination Show stats

London Toy Fair is a specialist trade event built on decades of history and a wealth of business brand know-how, and 2019 is shaping up to be perhaps the best show ever, as Sarah Welsh discovers…

A

n iconic Roald Dahl character once sang; ‘Come with me and you’ll be in a world of pure imagination…’

Well Willy Wonka aside, could any lyrical phrase better sum up the charm and magic of London Toy Fair – the UK’s largest specialist toy, game and hobby trade show? This year it takes place at London’s Olympia from 22 to 24 January.

As actor Gene Wilder said; ‘Hold your breath, make a wish, count to three…’ and get ready to immerse yourself in the biggest and best toy fair around, where annually more than 250 companies of all shapes and sizes gather together to celebrate everything that’s innovative, creative, new and exciting in toy design.

What: London Toy Fair 2019 Where: London Olympia, Kensington, W14 8UX When: 22-24 January Web: www.toyfair.co.uk

This year marks 65 years since Jack Watkins MBE organised the first ever Toy Fair, then held in Brighton, and 2019's event will feature exhibiting companies from a wealth of countries, including: Denmark, Australia, Spain, Sweden, Slovakia, Iran, Italy, Germany and Turkey.

This is where anyone and everyone with an interest in the toy business comes to look and buy in the Grand and West Halls of Kensington’s Olympia.

Majen Immink, Director of Fairs and Special Events at the BTHA (British Toy and Hobby This year we’ve Association), knows introduced the exactly how amazing Toy Fair is. This year will brand-new Content her fifth year running Creation Zone, available be the event. to vloggers and video “Toy Fair is a vital event for the toy teams at Toy Fair industry in the UK and Majen Immink, Toy Fair beyond,” Majen tells TnP.

“With more than 250 exhibiting companies and many visitors from different sectors including retail and licensing, there’s no better place to do business. There’s always someone new to meet,

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Did you know?

The first ever Toy Fair was held between 22-26 February, 1954, in Brighton. It was organised by Jack Watkins MBE for the British Toy Manufacturers Association.

which is why so many of our exhibiting companies return every year for new opportunities and networking."

Come one, come all “Another crucial part of Toy Fair is getting a sneak peek at the launches for the year ahead. Toys at the show have often gone on to be the best-sellers and musthave crazes of the year. As the very first Toy Fair was held all the way back in 1954, we’ve been providing the industry with this invaluable insight for more than 60 years.

“As a one-stop shop for the latest toy launches, there is always an extensive media presence at Toy Fair. From national newspapers and TV stations, to bloggers and YouTube stars, the show offers exhibitors a great way to get their products in front of a wider audience.”

Majen says what sets Toy Fair apart from other specialist sector trade fairs is that businesses of all kinds are represented there – from huge names such as VTech and Bandai, to start-up companies housed in the show’s Greenhouse Area.

JANUARY 2019

“I would highly recommend that visitors to the show check out the Toy Fair’s Hero Toys showcase – located outside the press office on the Upper Gallery.

“These prestigious awards were launched last year and highlight the most exciting and innovative toys at the show. It’s a great spot to get your bearings on the show’s top trends before heading out Toy Fair gifts us a onto the floor. chance to meet with our “This year we’ve also introduced independent customers the brand-new and enables us to Content Creation showcase all our key Zone, available to vloggers ranges for the full year and video teams ahead at Toy Fair. In this Nic Aldridge, Bandai dedicated space,

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influencers can get hands-on with some of the most sought-after toys, interview their creators, and film other content for

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their channels. Exhibiting companies can book slots on behalf of influencers they’re working with, but we’d recommend you book sooner rather than later!

Contact the Bastion PR team at toyfair@bastion.co.uk for more information.”

And in terms of key players – what exhibitors always stand out for Majen? “There are simply too many to choose,” she says. “However, I’m delighted that LEGO, Wow! Stuff and Flying Gadgets are joining us again this year – after time away from the dhow.

“There are also those exhibitors like Gibsons and Cartamundi who return annually with fantastic offerings. This year we’ll host 38 new exhibiting companies too and I’m very much looking forward to welcoming them to the Toy Fair family.”

New, new, new!

Rebecca Lazarus, Marketing Manager for VTech, says Toy Fair is hugely important to the company because it presents a wonderful opportunity to show visitors and

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IETW FAIR V Y E O R P NDON

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Fact!

Toy Fair is put together by the British Toy and Hobby Association – a team of seven, headed up by Director General, Ronald Earl.

Guess what… to our customers,” says Marketing Coordinator, Julian Marsh. “For 2019, the stand layout has changed as we focus on the growth within our existing product ranges.

“Toy Fair is our launchpad for all of our new toy ranges for the season, and this year we have a large collection of exciting new products for retailers, including developments to our Mi-Mic, The X Factor, Monster Smash Ups and Xootz brands.”

This year’s show will feature exhibitors from Sweden, Germany, Turkey, Italy and Australia – to name just a few countries.

major focal point of Toy Fair will be the showcasing of our full year Robozuna range, which launches in March. Plus Bandai UK will also be expanding its games offering with a mix of new arcade games and our first foray into electronic board games. buyers what they have planned “We’ll also be showcasing for the year ahead – both for the some exciting Bandai IP such VTech and LeapFrog brands. as Pretty Pixels and Dragonball “All of the products on our stand as well as our ever-expanding All change! will be brand new or a refreshed Collector Range.

Things are also changing version of previous ranges, and “For us London Toy Fair up for Bandai in 2019, as we have more than 80 new items is vitally important as it this year marks the first Toy being showcased at Toy Fair this provides the first opportunity Fair where Power Rangers year,” Rebecca says. to reconvene with retailers doesn’t form part of the “By dedicating our show stand and licensors following Hong business. to only new products, we maximise Kong, allowing us to finalise “Instead we have exposure of those ranges to all our plans with customers for lots of exciting new customers.” spring and summer, and brands to present, as Wilton Bradley is a company so discuss all the new brands well as extensions to committed to exhibiting at Toy being introduced for our existing successful Fair that it has occupied the same autumn winter. brands such as Pomsies stand position at Olympia for the Toy Fair is simply “It’s also a chance to and Smooshy,” explains past decade. the best place to meet meet with our independent Managing Director, “It shows our commitment to customers and enables us to Nic Aldridge. “For us a both the industry and consistency with new customers – showcase all our key ranges from single store for the full year ahead.”

Nic explains that a lot of owners through to thought goes into Bandai’s major names In 1954, the year Toy Fair launched, Sooty stand layout, allowing all the company’s different became a Chad Valley hand puppet and Paul Fogarty, K'Nex brands to ‘shine in their Matchbox cars and Scrabble were hit presents own right.’ at Christmas.

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Did you know?

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toysnplaythings.co.uk

IETW FAIR V Y E O R P NDON

Guess what…

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In the 1980s My Little Pony became one of the most successful girl toy brands ever – along with Care Bears and Sylvanian Families.

Fact!

Last year more than 260 “In terms of our “It’s essential show stand, K’Nex that the stand is companies exhibited at Toy Fair is a very visual welcoming for – from start-ups to industry icons. product and our customers, the movement to have a relaxed we create brings it to life. So it’s yet professional environment for vital that the stand is as open as it them to get in close contact with possibly can be. our ranges. We have a new stand “This year, outside of a new and provider and a different layout this rejuvenated K’Nex line, we also be year so please do come and check showcasing the latest from Basic it out!

Fun! We also expect Cutetitos to be “It has been a tough year for the a real star of the show following a toy sector but we’ve reacted well fantastic launch in the US. to the changing climate.

We have “Our latest food craze, Little We opened lots of new Lucky Lunchbox, will also be on accounts in 2018 and have more than 80 show and we will have some hot more retailers coming on new items being licensed science items with Frozen board in 2019. and The Avengers, along with Dr “Despite the toy industry showcased at which is a line of museum climate and impact of the Toy Fair this year Steve, quality excavation kits with loss of Toys R Us, we’ve fantastic innovation. managed to achieve good Rebecca Lazarus, “For us Toy Fair offers a great growth over the past year VTech opportunity to get real feedback and are anticipating strong from all customers. The best growth in the 12 months outcome for me is to take this, be to come after entering five it positive, neutral or negative, and new product categories use it to create stronger and better and we’re also launching a executed plans that will drive number of new brands later our business forward.” this year.”

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Customer focused Paul Fogarty, Vice President of K’Nex Europe, says Toy Fair is simply the best place to meet with new customers – from single store owners through to major names.

“For us it’s also the one chance we get to really showcase the scale and movement of our product line and to emphasise how this can be merchandised to drive sales,” Paul expands.

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our toys and playsets.

“We have four product launches coming up in 2019 – SuperZings Series 3 and 4 and MojiPops Series 1 and 2, and we are looking to double our sales year-on-year.

“2018 in general has been a tough year for the industry with some very unexpected changes, but I think the general mood is one of caution but also optimism. Collectibles seems to be one area that hasn’t been affected too much by changes so we’ve been lucky in that regard.

“At Toy Fair we’re excited to be showcasing SuperZings Series 3, which brings articulation, innovation and bit of tech to collectables, and also our brand new IP, MojiPops – our ‘emotions’ based collectable which is stunning.

“We are currently creating story lines, TV webisodes and a ‘Universe’ for our franchises along with toys and playsets to spark the imagination and creative play. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone at Toy Fair.”

A key show This year marks the first time that Magic Box Toys will be exhibiting at Toy Fair, and Commercial Director Julia Cake, says having recently joined the company she knows how important it is for the brand to showcase its toys and playsets at the prestigious trade event.

“Toy Fair is one of the key trading shows of the year and one where we need to have a presence in order to expand distribution into the toy arena,” Julia says. “The main aim is to emphasise how serious we are about

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fighting fakes online

Oxford Diecast Ltd

The Elf on TFTV Demo Zone the Shelf

Thought Machine

Wow! Stuff

Kids@Play Ltd

Toy Trust Coffee Lounge

178 Chaperone Lounge

Press Office & Toy Fair's Hero Toys

IETW FAIR V Y E O R P NDON UPPER WEST

GRAND GALLERY

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DGL GROUP ROLLPLAY

re:creation Ltd

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Keycraft Global Ltd

F44

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DKL Marketing Ltd

Asmodee UK

Spin Master

TKC Sales

Wilton Bradley

Brainstorm Ltd

Jumbo Games

Casdon Ltd

Spin Master

IMC Toys (UK) Ltd

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Make Time 2 Play Café

B130

Epoch Making toys

B121

B125 Legler OHG small foot company

C45 West Design Products Ltd

Battlefront Miniatures

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Alpha Group UK JURATOYS

Flying Gadgets

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Tonies

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A.B.Gee of Ripley

B70 B75

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B60 B65 Pockos

B56 Tasma Products Ltd

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Zimpli Theo Klein Kids Ltd. Ltd

Micro Scooters

Jonathan's Toys Ltd B80

B90 B95

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B115

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E9

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The Sales Partnership Ltd

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Ginger Fox

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Paul Lamond Games

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The Happy Puzzle Company

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House of Marbles F40

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John GmbH / Toys & Sporting Goods

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3Style Scooters GH6 8th Wonder G110 A.B.Gee of Ripley B40 Aardvark Swift Recruitment Limited GH10 Accentuate Games Ltd G65 Albion Hobbies GH3 Allsorted Ltd GH21 Alpha Group UK B90 Alphabet Pie GH59 Amerang Upper Level 215 Asmodee UK E109 Aurora World Ltd D35 Bandai UK Ltd Upper Level 600 Battlefront Miniatures D98 Big Potato H46 Bigjigs Toys Limited H39 BinaryBots Upper Level 505 Bladez Toyz Upper Level 123 Bliss Distribution F100 Brainstorm Ltd E79 BTHA Exhibiting Members Lounge Upper Level 205 Bubblegum Stuff Upper Level 162 Bureau Veritas Consumer Products Services GH36 Canal Toys UK G125 Cartamundi H1

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GRAND GROUND

Casdon Ltd E30 Character Options E119 Cheatwell Games E20 Clarendon Games GH17 Clementoni Upper Level 140 Click Distribution (UK) Ltd. Upper Level 120 Cloud b Upper Level 310 Cloudberries GH44 COBI B22 Coiledspring Games E35 Deco-Pak Upper Level 325 Depesche UK Ltd. H50 DGL GROUP G135 DKL Marketing Ltd E66 Dolu Toy Factory G101 EasyRead Time Teacher GH5 EDUK8 Worldwide Ltd F1 The Elf on The Shelf Upper Level 155 Ephemeris Upper Level 320 Epoch Making toys B130 Eurofins GH23 Fiesta Crafts D2 Five Stars H.K. Ltd GH50 Flair Leisure Products PlcE39 Flying Gadgets B95 FOCO UK GH13 Freod Games GH39 Funko UK E130

Funrise G90 Galt Toys E9 Games Workshop D109 Geomag Upper Level 501 Getretro.co.uk GH62 Gibsons E40 Ginger Fox/Milly&Flynn B115 Golden Bear E69 Great Gizmos Limited G20 Great Inflate Upper Level 147 Green Bean Collection GH18 The Green Board Game Company Ltd E15 Green Elephant TradingGH42 H Grossman Ltd E49 Halilit E90 Hasbro UK Ltd Gallery Suites heo B75 Hippychick upper Level 305 Hornby Hobbies B20 HORNIT Upper Level 122 House of Marbles F40 idance Upper Level 420 iimo Upper Level 315 IMC Toys (UK) Ltd E129 Indigo jamm H40 Insect Lore G30 Interplay UK G10 Intertek G66

J Perkins Upper Level 312 Jazwares B100 John Adams Leisure Limited G100 John GmbH / Toys & Sporting Goods F110 Jonathan’s Toys Ltd B80 Jumbo Games E46 jumini GH26 JURATOYS B121 JWS F101 K-Play International Ltd F16 K’NEX UK a Division of Basic Fun Upper Level 510 KAPLA Upper Level 143 Keel Toys B60 Keycraft Global Ltd F46 Kidicraft Ltd H30 Kids@Play Ltd Upper Level 180 KidsOut Upper Level 306 Theo Klein Ltd. B25 KRASATOYS GH55 Lanka Kade (UK) Ltd H36 LaQ GH67 Larsen Jigsaw Puzzles GH30 Laser Beam Eyes Ltd Upper Level 126 Le Toy Van E10 Learning Resources D36

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STC Testing, Inspection and Certification

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Press Office & Toy Fair's Hero Toys

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E151 E150 Spin Master

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Mookie

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ROLLPLAY

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Tactic Games

E119

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Legler OHG small foot company

D109

E89

Wilton Bradley

E79

Brainstorm Ltd

D90

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Games Workshop

Posh Paws

Ginger Fox

Jazwares

B121

B115

Alpha Group UK

B90

B95

Flying Gadgets

B85

Tonies

B82

Room Copenhagen A/S

Marvin's Magic

G65

Bigjigs Toys Limited

TOBAR Group Trading Ltd

Skip Hop

GH08

Keycraft Global Ltd

F66

F44

GH10

GH34

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STAIRS TO/FROM GALLERY

E70

DKL Marketing Ltd

Jumbo Games

E46

E69

E40

Flair Leisure Products Plc

C45 West Design Products Ltd

Keel Toys

heo

Marbel

C42

B75

B50

B60

B65 Pockos

B56 Tasma Products Ltd

B49 UL VS LTD

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Smart Toys & Games F25

Casdon Ltd

B40

K-Play International University Games Ltd

Plum

F20

F1

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Le Toy Van

Cheatwell Games

Padgett bros AtoZ ltd

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The Sales Partnership Ltd

Learning Resources

Melissa & Doug

D36

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Hornby Hobbies

Zimpli Theo Klein Kids Ltd. Ltd

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E1

Galt Toys

D35

Aurora World Ltd

LEGO

Olympia Room OLYMPIA ROOM

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A.B.Gee of Ripley

Micro Scooters

B70

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Technology Will Save Us

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Golden Bear

Vivid

H1

Interplay UK

G10

The Happy Puzzle Company

GREENH

Wild Card Games

F15 Thames and Kosmos

E49

H Grossman Ltd

H20

Great Gizmos Limited

RED ROBIN TOYS

F36

Star-Images

Paul Lamond Games

E50

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Kidicraft Ltd

G20

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House of Marbles

F40

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Insect Lore

G30

Accentuate Games Ltd

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JURATOYS

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Winning Moves

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Bliss Distribution

E120

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Rainbow Designs

GH54 GH45

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John GmbH / Toys & Sporting Goods

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Character Options

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GH20

GH03GH02

Lanka Kade (UK) Ltd

H36

Cartamundi

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8th Wonder

GH26 GH21

Indigo jamm

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EDUK8 Worldwide Ltd

GH46

Battlefront Miniatures

E135

GH74 GH78

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ToyNews

Siso Toys UK

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Ravensburger Ltd

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Trends UK Ltd

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John Adams Leisure Limited

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The Green Board Game Company Ltd

G125 Canal Toys UK

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Tonies B85 Toy World GH37 ToyNews E2 Toys ‘n’ Playthings E1 Trends UK Ltd H42 Turner Media Innovations Lounge Upper Level 130 TUV Rheinland Upper Level 218 Ty UK Ltd Upper Level 119 UGears Mechanical Models GH41 UL VS LTD B49 University Games F10 VAP games GH15 Vivid B70 VR Distribution UK Upper Level 145 VTech/LeapFrog Upper Level 500 West Design Products C45 Wicked Vision Ltd E100 Wild Card Games H20 Wilton Bradley E89 Wind Designs Ltd H52 Winning Moves E115 Wow! Stuff Upper Level 190 WOW Toys GH11 Xiamen Chituo Imp. & Exp. Co.,Ltd. GH65 Zimpli Kids Ltd B35 Coiledspring Games

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Seatzac Upper Level 650 SES Creative B.V. Upper Level 102 Siso Toys UK E135 Skip Hop F66 Smart Toys & Games F25 SnapDragon: fighting fakes online Upper Level 200 The Source Wholesale Limited GH32 Spin Master E131 Star-Images F44 STC - Testing, Inspection and Certification Upper Level 165 Strictly Briks GH45 Stora Enso Biocomposites GH46 SWAG Distribution GH1 RED ROBIN TOYS G25 Tactic Games F90 Tasma Products Ltd B56 Technology Will Save Us F36 Thames and Kosmos F15 The Happy Puzzle Company G22 GRAND GROUND The Toy Project GH20 The Toymaster Members Lounge London Room THINKGEEK Upper Level 202 Thought Machine Upper Level 175 TKC Sales E99 TOBAR Group Trading Ltd F50 TOMY Upper Level 520

Gibsons

West Hall Lounge

Oxford Diecast Ltd Upper Level 195 Padgett bros AtoZ ltd E16 Papo UK Upper Level 128 Paul Lamond Games E50 Petron Upper Level 308 Piqipi Limited GH58 Playmobil (UK) Ltd. Upper Level 210 Plum F20 Pockos B65 PopJam GH74 Posh Paws D90 Progressive Pre-School Magazine GH31 RACHEL LOWE GH16 Rainbow Designs E120 Rainbow Eco Products Ltd GH8 Ravensburger Ltd E140 Rawk Haven Games GH24 re:creation Ltd E125 Red Knight Toy Group Upper Level 148 Revell GmbH Upper Level 110 Risk & Rewards Board Games GH49 ROLLPLAY G115 Roma Upper Level 144 Room Copenhagen A/S B82 The Sales Partnership Ltd E21 Sambro International LTD Upper Level 400 Schaefer Toy Company GmbH GH79 Schleich Upper Level 100

Skyrocket

Legler OHG small foot company B125 LEGO Olympia Room lexibook B18 Lionstrike Footballs GH2 Magformers UK Limited Upper Level 540 Magic Box GH54 Manobesaz Upper Level 316 Marbel B50 Marvin’s Magic H65 Melissa & Doug, LLCD11 & D20 Merlin Games GH71 Micro Scooters B45 Miss Nella GH72 Mojo-Nation GH48 Mookie E149 MTW Toys SA Upper Level 105 MURO GH28 MV Sports & Leisure Ltd B30 My Little World LimitedGH69 N Smith Packaging & Display Upper Level 124 Naranja Minimalista GH34 WEST GROUND Natmark Distribution Ltd Upper Level 150 Norman Global Logistics Ltd GH78 The Northern Testhouse Leicester Ltd Upper Level 149 The NPD Group Upper Level 146 Orchard toys B12 OTL Technologies GH70

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UPPER WEST

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p r u s f o l l Fu R E T C A R A H C 800 .com 633 9 ter-online 1 6 1 0 ac .char www

Character Options is presenting a mass of powerhouse brands on the company’s largest-ever Toy Fair Stand. More space means more to see, including: Little Live Pets, Treasure X and the creepy crawlies of new Swarm Squad.

The Little Live brand continues to grow and there’s no surprise that line extensions are planned for Wrapples in 2019. Already an instant success, Wrapples has seen kids across the globe wear their pets with pride, as the cutest furry friend they have ever connected with. In spring, two new characters – Bonnie (a cute bunny) and Shylo (a sweet mouse) – will join the range. Then for autumn/winter further stylish characters, with new fabrics and additional features, will be added. Autumn also sees the introduction of a mega-sized Wrapples Party; a supersized fluffy character with a 20-inch long, slap-band tail and even more electronic features to discover!

Wrapples Party has interactive movement sensors, musical & talkback features, light up eyes, plus more… it’s a

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portable party pet!

Not to be missed from Little Live Pets is who is perfect for bedtime. With an amazing new plush additional offerings planned, Little toy, which needs tender New Boxy Live Pets is set for an impressive loving care. Following the Girls have performance in 2019. classic vet play-pattern more than Treasure X is the ultimate and packed full of care 100 different surprise-reveal collectable with a accessories (such as accessories multi-layered reveal process, cool stethoscope, thermometer fi gures, and the chance to find and fashion and cast), this pet brings REAL gold-dipped treasure!

In items to out children’s nurturing spring the search continues with collect. qualities and provides the Season 2 Treasure X Dragons hours of imaginative play.

Gold Hunters Packs with 24 new Also new for the Little characters to collect; and the new Dragons!

Live brand is an adorable, X marks the spot for a hunt like no other, interactive, sleepy bear, with 10 levels of adventure! with a blanket and Once unwrapped, kids must use the pacifier,

Guess what…

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dragon’s tooth to reveal the secrets on the map, then uncover the Dragon X tool to help them to dig and chip the rock to discover bones and weapon.

Build your incredible Dragon then find the dragon’s heart and pour out the ooze to discover the treasure within.

Will you find real gold-dipped treasure?

There are eight Dragons to collect plus all-new treasures to discover. Will you find the rare crystal dragon or super rare glow-in-the-dark dragon?

Autumn will bring even more treasure for kids and retail alike as the development continues with an awesome new theme.

Get ready to collect, prank, battle and race your way to the next insect-themed collectable craze – Swarm Squad. These hypercool bugs with realistic movements have the size and a speed that matches the real thing. Cockroaches, Long Horn, Trilobite and Stag Beetles are available both in single and double packs, together with a prank and battle game card, which adds to the collectable and competitive appeal.

Each bug has its own characteristics such as; speed, strength and decorative

finish, to add to the collectability.

Kids will love collecting them or playing pranks on their friends.

The challenge will be to race and battle their bugs to build the biggest swarm. With the 10ft-long Ricochet Raceway, allowing four bugs to race at one time, there’s plenty of opportunity to win!

Mighty Beanz are back, bigger than ever with a new bean design and allnew ways to play. Driving the range for Season 1 and also mid-spring’s Season 2 is the Mighty Beanz Slam Pack – unwrap the packaging, slam the top and watch as the Bean pod expands and eight Beanz burst out!

Once revealed, these Beanz are ready to flip, roll and race their way to becoming one of the hottest crazes of spring, with more than 140 individual hyperillustrated characters to collect across Series 1, including Rare, Ultra Rare, Super Rare, Mighty Rare Beanz and even a Limited Edition Golden Hero Mighty

Fact!

Bean to find.

At the pocket money end of the scale is the Mighty Beanz 2 pack, while playsets such as the Mighty Beanz Slammer Time Race Track is the ultimate race challenge. Slam your fist down onto the bellows and shoot your Beanz up the chamber and onto the racetrack. Dodge the Slammin’ Hammers or become a battered bean!

Alternatively, the Flip Track is the tool to show off your Mighty Beanz balance and skills. Flip and trick your Mighty Beanz down the track. Each Flip Track has a unique challenge to master and when not in use folds it up and clips to your belt so you are always ready for action.

Mighty Beanz is launching with a spectacular marketing campaign across all platforms, while at retail, sampling boxes will be swiftly followed by an inventive Golden Beanstalk campaign.

Pokémon is one of the biggest franchises in history and underpins four core brand pillars - Video Games, Trading Cards, TV Animation and Apps.

2019 is set to be a landmark year for the brand with the Detective Pikachu Movie in May and continual app developments throughout the year. In line with this, Character’s master toy range will move into a new phase and be even bigger for 2019. New waves of figures will be released across all sizes and price points and will include some very special vinyl collectable figures. While the plush collection will see even more

2019 is set to be a landmark year for Pokémon with the Detective Pikachu Movie in May.

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Pokémon to collect, including the colourful, Nomi loves everything with must-have, feature-packed, Power sparkles and bling, Riley is really into Action Charmander to join the already music and Willa is the girl that loves the successful Power Action Pikachu beach and boho fashion! plush. This new soft toy will react in The Boxy Girls come with four speciallyresponse to movement and impact designed carton boxes filled with makewith realistic sound effects and a tail up, shoes, bags, and more. The Fashion and mouth that light up.

Packs will add to their wardrobes as they Through its collection of familiar include a further six secret boxes with a figures and colourful connectable host of surprise posh and luxury fashion playsets, Disney Doorables empowers items inside. With more than 100 different kids to become storytellers by uniting accessories and fashion items to collect, favourite Disney characters in one there’s always something new to land, where surprise and delight wear. hide behind every door. Launched in summer 2018, the Disney Doorables collection has melted the hearts of children who will be delighted to find more to discover in Spring 2019. New characters from key Disney licences will feature as part of the new Spring range as well as a new assortment of mini stack playsets. Toy Swarm Squad are new Fair will also be the place insect-themed to see the coming Season collectables.

3, where even more Disney Doorables delights will be unveiled.

When it comes to fresh new fashion dolls, Character Options also has it Launched in all boxed up with a new collection December, Boxy called Boxy Girls. The four Boxy Girls will already be Girls characters just love shopping making waves come online and collect posh and high-end Toy Fair, but this will be the clothes, make-up, shoes and lots of place you can see what will come accessories. Each girl is special in their next in the range. First in line will be own way; Brooklyn loves snapping the Boxy Girls Mini Dolls series. These pics of her favourite food and anything pocket-money packs are perfect for

collectors, with each including one of six Mini Boxy Girls Dolls plus three mini accessory boxes inside.

Ensuring the packages come in all sizes, don’t miss out on the ultimate Boxy Girls gift - the Jumbo Crate. Echoing the kits created for YouTubers, this mega packing box is laden with goodies. There are two exclusive Boxy Girls dolls plus 28 shipping boxes, with around 33 surprises inside, for your Boxy Girls Doll to wear with style.

Did you know?

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Stand: B40

Toy Fair is always a time when A.B.Gee debuts new and exciting lines, and this year is no exception.

New for 2019, and launched at the it Real, TellTails, Cheatwell, Learning show is a range of premium, woven Resources and Trefl puzzles. plush animals, each design being A.B.Gee has a large open stand with beautifully crafted and exclusive to dedicated display areas filled with A.B.Gee. The Patch Works collection great-value toys for all ages, including includes Mr Fox, standing 40cm tall, early years, boys, girls, plush, wooden, with natural woven soft fabric, blue and craft, role play, puzzles, games, outdoor, white stripy clothes, cute embroidered remote control and face and a very dapper cravat! Mr Fox is die-cast. The team just one of the new woven and soft toy at A.B.Gee are sure collections; they perfectly capture the that their extensive current trend for natural, soft, traditional range enables them designer toys, comparing favourably to offer an unrivalled against any competitor, yet are supplied collection of quality at extremely competitive price points, products direct giving retailers highly attractive POR. from one A.B.Gee will again be representing supplier, many of the big names, in enabling some cases retailers to exclusively. maximize sales So it may and profit going be your only into 2019 and chance to beyond. They e l view (to name really are the b b m bu p u o i l but a few) the ‘One stop shop’, c m u e Pr urer D 38. t c new lines from supplying a f n 19 manu Mattel, MGA wholesalers, ded i n u o f Entertainment large high street was (including outlets, online Little Tikes and stores and independent retailers alike.

Zapf), Make Another highlight on the stand is premium bubble manufacturer Duclop, founded in 1938 – the only bubble manufacturer in the world to obtain the highest EC TYPE Certificate, covering the whole range of soap bubbles and bubble toys.

Duclop is renowned for quality, with a superb range,

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including popular licences from Barbie, Peppa Pig, Hot Wheels, Shimmer & Shine, Paw Patrol and many more.

With the pre-school market flying high, A.B.Gee will also show a fantastic new range called Chuckles – 16 classically designed preschool toys packed with functions that will have little ones playing for hours. The range includes: Build and Play, Bath Time, Peg Basher, Musical and Pull along toys, that are designed to develop a child’s dexterity, problem solving and concentration while encouraging creative and imaginative play.

And its not all about new toys and games – they will have all your favourite names including Play-doh, My Little Pony, Barbie, Disney Princess, Baby Annabel, WWE, Marvel Avengers, Peppa Pig, FisherPrice, Little Tikes, Thomas & Friends, Num Noms, Nerf, Hot Wheels, Remote Control, Wooden and many more on display.

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ALPHA ANIMATION 01293804599 SalesSupport@alpha-animation.com

Alpha Animation is set to make its debut at the London Toy Fair with a line of products linked to hit TV shows and much-loved family classics.

Alpha Animation’s stand will be bursting with adventures and action.

From the ultimate musthave hero products and kids’ TV favourites to brand new innovations in outrageous play and the hilarity of SpongeBob SquarePants.

A new range of products for the massively successful animation Super Wings, will be

revealed – coinciding with the upcoming third season of the show that’s ready to take off. Fans will love the new elements of the series, introducing ‘Missions Teams’ for each main character, incorporated into all new products for 2019.

Feature products for Super Wings include the fans’ favourite character, High Flying Jett. The new product will allow children to ‘launch’ Jett into the sky, adding a new dimension and hands-on play to the existing range.

Get ready to experience the new transforming vehicles and Transforma-bot formats. Build-it Buddies include a three-in-one transforming

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Key lines from A.B.Gee

Pre-School Wooden Plush Outdoor

Giving & Living Jan 13-16th

Toyfair Jan 22-24th

Spring Fair Feb 3-7th

Pre-School

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vehicle called Remi, who is part of Donnie’s build-it team.

The product contains a crane, cement mixer, dump truck and a big construction claw with room for Donnie’s other team members, which fans will love as they can act out popular missions from the show.

Join in with SpongeBob’s 20th anniversary ‘Shellabrations’ with an exclusive new range aimed towards all age groups. SpongeBob is one of the most celebrated characters of all time, known for his comic and childish personality which is represented perfectly through the new range, featuring slime-tastic adventures, fascinating squeazies and the perfect ribtickling gift for the ultimate meme lover.

There is set to be mayhem of a monstrous size at Alpha Animation’s first toy fair!

Bringing it in with Massive Monster Mayhem, the TV show that is set to create

absolute chaos with all-new supersized inflatable play from the extreme actionpacked massive monster toy range. Alpha is presenting the never-seen-before ‘smacktion’ figures, and motion-activated foam power punchers as well as a range of oversized and wacky epic roleplay toys for larger-than-life play formats everyone is sure to love. New innovations keep coming through from Alpha Animation with the all-new must-have RC toy, Grrrumball.

This frightening beast is ready to make his first appearance with super-speedy spin attacks, terrifying light-up eyes and ultimate arm smash from the SFX controller.

Did you know?

He might not look it, but SpongeBob is 20 years old.

Join the ‘Shellabrations’ with an exclusive new range aimed towards all age groups.

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THE GOOD TOY super creative | super eco-friendly The world’s first junk modelling system is here.

Now it’s easy to make household junk into awesome working toys... ( made in england from recycled plastic )

Come visit us at Toy Fair on the Gallery - Stand 126

planetjunko.com sayhello@laserbeameyes.com

JUNKO is a Laser Beam Eyes Ltd creation.

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EPOCH MAKING TOYS

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08435 574 062 www.sylvanianfamilies.net

Babies are big for Sylvanian Families, the flagship brand for EPOCH making toys.

Sylvanian Families will be launching 19 new product ranges including exciting items in its refreshed Nursery series, which has just had a successful launch in A/W. Hero products include the Baby Ferris Wheel and Baby Airplane Ride, which will be launching in Spring 2019.

The new theme park rides fit alongside the previously launched baby Nursery sets including the popular Baby Castle Nursery.

Each set in the Nursery series comes with a baby Sylvanian character, a key USP for the range, allowing fans to play with the toys straight away. This feature, as well as the lower price point of the products, makes them a great introduction to the brand.

For Autumn 2019 there will be a new Red Roofed Houses collection, including a full model revamp of Beechwood Hall, which is now called the Red Roof Country Home. The new model has three working lights and options for

multiple floor layouts, meaning even more opportunity for young imaginations to run wild.

There has also been a remodelling of the best-selling Cosy Cottage Starter Home.

Now named Red Roof Cosy Cottage, the new set has a balcony and customisable windows that open and shut.

A completely new addition to the new Red Roofed Houses collection is the Sweet Raspberry Home This starter set comes with a Chocolate Rabbit baby figure and furniture, making it perfect for new collectors.

The brand will also be launching the second Baby Collectables collection with a set of never-seen-before characters such as a Koala Baby, Deer Baby and Elephant Baby.

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Elephan t join Sylv s and polar bea anian Fa r milies. s There are nine characters to collect, each one with their own accessory to play with.

These toys are the most affordable Sylvanian Families products, making them a perfect entry point for pocket-money customers. 2019 also sees the launch of new three-member families for

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Sylvanian Families including Elephant and Polar Bear families alongside traditional Alpaca and Otter four-member families.

The Sylvanian Town range, which was launched at last year’s fair to critical acclaim, has gained an additional seven play sets including the Elegant Town House and Blooming Flower Shop.

EPOCH making toys will also showcase its arts and craft brand Aquabeads. Ten new products include the Aquabeads 3D products; the Crystal Carriage set, the Merry-Go-Round set and the Picture Frame set, which enable fans of the arts and crafts brand to bring their creations to life.

The brand’s bestselling Beginners Studio set has had a major revamp with a new flip tray feature, allowing crafters to create more designs at the same time. There are more beads than ever before in the Starter Pack, making this a great value product.

Aquabeads will be unveiling a whole range of new pastel beads in their SS19 refills collection too, in-keeping with predicted summer colour trends set to hit the fashion and lifestyle industries.

The new Box of Fun Safari Set comes with more than 3,000 beads, offering hours of playtime for crafters and great value for money. The set comes with its own play mat showcasing a savannah scene, opening a world of imaginative play for Aquabeads fans while they create animals from the collection including lions, parrots and zebras. The whole collection can then be kept in its own large storage box.

Aquabeads will also be unveiling its firstever Aquabeads festive Advent Calendar for Christmas 2019. Licensed products come from two huge new movie releases – Frozen 2 and Toy Story 4.

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22, 23, 24 January 2019 Stand 520 Come and meet new and old friends alike, explore over 30 games from our new partner Drumond Park and discover exciting new launches Please contact TOMY Sales and Marketing to book an appointment

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Asmodee UK returns to Toy Fair in 2019 with some exciting new additions to its already-extensive line-up of games, collectables and toys.

One of the highlights of the Asmodee stand will be the introduction of a dedicated Party Games range. This new roster of hilarious, casual games, with simple and accessible rules that are perfect for larger groups, is guaranteed to get friends and families laughing together.

Headlining the Party Games collection is the allnew Telestrations.

Players must sketch out a word from a secret card, then pass their drawing to their neighbour who writes down what they think the word was, before that word is passed along again for another drawing and so on.

Watching a word get distorted round by round – or unexpectedly making it all the way without any mistakes – is a sure-fire way to get the whole table in stitches.

Telestrations is joined by the creative word-association game Just One, plus the clues and mimes of Time’s Up (in a fresh new edition focused on the UK market) and riotous dexterity-based fun of Crazy Eggz and Maki Stack.

There will be a big presence from the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) at the Asmodee stand, as befits the continuing success of this powerhouse collectable.

Excitement around the brand is sure to skyrocket in 2019 with the upcoming release of its first-ever live-action movie, Pokémon: Detective Pikachu, after the film’s first trailer was met with high praise in November.

The TCG itself will be attracting attention with a brand-new Tag Team mechanic, which for the first time ever pairs up two

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iconic Pokémon on one card! Having joined forces, these pairs of monsters boast some of the most powerful attacks ever seen in the Pokémon TCG but must be protected at all costs to avoid severe penalties, making them a fresh challenge to master for both new and veteran players alike.

Toy Fair also offers the chance to try out Dice Academy, a new entry into Asmodee’s successful range of Fun Fast Games.

This highly portable game of speedy association sees players roll dice that show both a category (such as a singer or item of clothing) and a letter, and then compete to name things of those categories that start with the designated letters. This instantly accessible, brain-teasing game is a natural fit with Fun Fast Games, a range which comprises the best of Asmodee’s quick-playing, demonstration-friendly titles. Dobble is a key part of the Fun Fast Games collection and the game of matching symbols is expanding its range after a stellar year. A signature product for Asmodee, Dobble sold its millionth copy in the UK in 2018 and stands as the year’s single biggest-selling game. Visitors to the Asmodee stand will be able to preview multiple new versions of the game.

Also included in Fun Fast Games are the likes of Rory’s Story Cubes, Who Did It?, Cobra Paw and the ever-popular Bananagrams, which has enjoyed a strong first year under the Asmodee UK umbrella. The hit game of using letter tiles to build connected grids of words is gearing up for a relaunched version of its successful partnership with schools.

More than 1,600 schools currently take part in the Bananagrams Challenge – that’s more than 40,000 students playing the game and having fun while developing their vocabulary and problem-solving skills.

Asmodee will also be displaying the Modern Classics collection, which highlights bigger-box board games that have played a huge part in the extraordinary growth of the tabletop gaming market in recent years.

Great for getting families sitting around a table together, these titles offer a variety of gameplay styles that hint at the incredible range of products available in modern board gaming, while all being accessible for anyone. The Modern Classics range includes Catan, the millions-selling game of trading and expansion on a fertile island, plus the railway-building Ticket to Ride and the medieval tile-laying of Carcassonne.

Also featured are the creative interpretation game Dixit, the clever gem-trading action of Splendor and Pandemic, the pioneering co-operative game that sees all players working together to fight the spread of deadly diseases.

Fact!

Dobble sold its millionth copy in the UK in 2018 and is the year’s single biggest-selling game.

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K'NEX (BASIC FUN) 07917 186 540 tives@knex.com Basic Fun is bringing new additions to its portfolio for Toy Fair, including K’NEX and Cutetitos, as well as unveiling brand new collectable, Little Lucky Lunchbox at the show.

The new 2019 K’NEX ranges have a focus on new colours, new innovative parts, new motors, new exciting action play features and more impactful on-shelf pack designs.

The Kid K’NEX range of pre-school building sets sees the launch of the Dino Dudes Building Set, which inspires young dinosaur fans to build with easy-to-assemble parts and exciting movement.

The new Beginner 40 Model Building Set features a new unique K’NEX connector piece, which simplifies building in 3D, making this

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item great for builders aged five and older.

Exciting new designs in the classic range include a Motorbike, Jeep Wrangler, and working Construction Crane.

New motor designs bring excitement to the Tabletop Thrills Amusement Park, powering three rides at once. The Dragon Quest Roller Coaster Building Set features a moving dragon battling to catch the coaster car looping around the castlethemed thrill ride.

Finishing off the construction portfolio, the new Bendy and The Ink Machine and Exploding Kitten ranges cater for collectors of the hottest new licences with impulse playsets.

Guess what…

A new K’NEX connector piece simplifies building in 3D for younger builders.

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Hasbro will be showcasing its latest selection of products across its portfolio of beloved brands, including Nerf, Hasbro Gaming, PlayDoh and Transformers.

Players aged eight and up can load and fire fast with Nerf N-Strike Elite Rukkus ICS-8 blaster! This blaster features an 8-dart clip that automatically indexes to the next dart. The clip stays attached to the blaster, making it fast and easy to reload, so that players can insert more darts without removing the clip.

With less time needed to reload, there’s more time to play, so users can blast into action and raise a ruckus on the field. This blaster includes eight Elite darts designed for distance.

Hasbro Gaming continues to bring fun, excitement and newness to the gaming market in 2019. In the Monopoly Cash Grab

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Did you know?

The Toilet Trouble game returns, but now two players can take the plunge!

game, it’s a mad dash to get the cash! To play, users load the Monopoly Money into the Money Blaster (aka the Bank) and spin the spinner to blast loads of cash and Chance cards into the air.

Rush to grab as much cash as you can to win the game – but don’t stop there.

Collect Chance cards to add more strategy to the game, such as swapping money stacks with another player, taking half of any one player’s money stack, or making all players pass their money stack to the left.

Once the blaster is empty, the player with the most cash wins.

The hilarious Toilet Trouble game is back, but this time, two players will take the plunge.

In the Toilet Trouble Flushdown game, players go head-to-head in a fast-paced race to avoid the spray. Players must race to spin their rolls of toilet paper the fastest to avoid getting sprayed by the plastic throne! The player who causes the toilet to spray their opponent with the splash of water, wins.

In the CONNECT 4 Shots Game, players will compete in a rapid-fire race to get four shots in a row. A fast-paced twist on the classic CONNECT 4 game, players must simultaneously bounce the lightweight, colourful balls off the table and into the grid.

Whoever gets four in a row of their colour, wins. When the game is over, users can fold the grid into a handy storage case and get ready for the next competition.

Aspiring bakers can let their imagination go crazy with the new Kitchen Creations Sprinkle Cookie Surprise Play Food Set. Pre-schoolers

can use this Play-Doh cookie set to create and decorate with silly sprinkles made of different little charm shapes. From classic circles and stars to crazy cookies with silly emoji faces, users can make pretend cookies in more than 15 different ways with the cookie cutters, rolling stamper and moulds.

Hasbro will also be showcasing its new collectible segment, Transformers BotBots.

Not long ago, a flowing mist of Energon came down from the sky and covered a shopping mall. The objects inside were brought to life as little Transformers robots! These bots can hide in plain sight as everyday objects, meaning no one knows what’s a bot and what’s not! Mischievous, funny, and super

silly, these are… BotBots! Hidden BotBots characters are little mystery figures with big personalities! Collectable BotBots toys are around 1-inch tall and change from totally normal stuff to adventurous little robots in 3 to 5 easy steps. Transformers BotBots Series 1 features 61 characters across 3 assortments.

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TOBAR is excited to announce a range of Angry Birds lines that are coming soon.

Due to launch ahead of the movie later this year, we’ll have a fantastic selection of top trending products including putty, squishy toys and more.

Come and find us at

NLOCEATWION London Toy Fair

22-24 January 2019, Stand F50, Olympia, Kensington, London

A World of Fun!

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Stand: E21 Bruder will be sending three models out on the road this month.

The model of the MAN TGS crane truck with three glass containers in 1:16 scale is well equipped. The two-coloured cab features opening doors, and the crane can load and unload the three supplied containers. To increase learning and play value, colour-matched bottles are also included. The side walls of the platform of this versatile vehicle can fold down on three sides and it also has a lockable, tilting mechanism.

The Mercedes Benz Arocs Truck also features a roll-off-container and Schaeff mini excavator.

The cab has opening doors and the roll-off container has two hinged wing doors and can be removed from the gripper arm to the rear. If the container is standing on the ground and

the doors are open, a small Bruder vehicle can even be driven into the container and then transported by the container truck. The popular Schaeff mini excavator is included in this great combination. The excavator arm is fully functional and the bucket is removable and the dozer blade adjustable.

Finally, ideal for the young farmer is the Schaeffer Compact loader 2630 with bale gripper and one round bale. For maximum

manoeuvrability, the vehicle has working articulated steering and the loading arm and bucket also function as they do in the big model. The new ball grabber is very useful for the transport and distribution of straw and hay, including the supplied round bales. The gripper also opens and closes by simply turning the top wheel.

Fact!

The Mercedes Benz Arocs Truck also features a roll-off-container and Schaeff mini excavator.

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Expect new licensed product, extensions to Bandai’s hottest brands and some exciting new distribution ranges at London Toy Fair.

Look out for further series’ of the hugely successful Smooshy Mushy – the squishy, scented surprise collectable brand adored by kids aged six to 12.

Throughout 2019, kids can get their hands on new themes, new ‘Besties’ and new innovation to ensure

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Pretty Pixels Maker Pretty Pixels Eraser Maker is a craft activity that lets users make their own beautifully designed erasers from pixel templates.

Smooshy Mushy fever continues!

Bananas are the latest collectable craze to hit the market – unique and silly characters are hidden inside each piece of tropical fruit.

Series 2 launches for SS19 and sees the introduction of new Bananas and new fruits with all-new characters to collect.

Moving into Autumn, Series 3 will include chocolatedipped bananas, even more fruits and fun playsets.

The popular Rescue Runts brand is expanding with the introduction of Rescue Runts Babies, an assortment of 16 different 12.5cm plush creatures to rescue, love and care for. The existing four Rescue Runts are joined by new puppies in AW19. Designed to nurture a child’s love of animals and show them how caring for a pet can result in great things, each Rescue Runt needs love and care before it transforms into a perfect pet.

Pomsies are lovable, fashionable, interactive plush pets you can take anywhere. Simply wrap the long fuzzy tail around your wrist, hair or backpack and let the adventure begin.

2019 will see the introduction of new Pomsies such as a Koala, Unicorn and new Puppy. Pomsies Lumies are sure to be on every wishlist for Christmas 2019 – soft, colour-changing, chatty lovable characters with three play functions: Colour Matching

toysnplaythings.co.uk

Did you know?

Pomsies Lumies are soft, colourchanging, chatty lovable characters with three play functions.

Mode with over 128K colours; Nurturing Mode where children can pamper their Lumies by giving it the correct colour to tend to its needs, and Music Maker Mode, where each colour unlocks a different beat to create your own tune.

Pretty Pixels Eraser Maker is a craft activity that lets users make their own beautifully designed erasers from pixel templates. Offering lots of opportunity for creativity across various price points and themes such as the Animal Deluxe Set, which makes 16 erasers, the Fairy or ‘Cool’ themed starter sets, and the ‘Cute’ Mini set, Pretty Pixels is sure to provide hours and hours of fun.

Kids have been captivated with Slurpees Snot Suckers – the new toys on the block that combine the collectable and slime crazes into one and unleash hysterical laughter like never before.

Wave 2, launching in spring, will see

JANUARY 2019

more snotty characters join the mix, and for AW19 the Slurpees go big with Mega Mites, and microscopic with Micro Mites.

Following the October TV release of hotly-tipped new ITV series Robozuna, Bandai will follow the SS19 toy launch with phase 2 for AW19 including role play and articulated figures. The Robozuna range will be supported by heavyweight marketing including TV and a digital campaign featuring the stars of the show, Ali A and Ethan Gamer.

Taking the arcade home in 2019, classics such as Mole King and Hammer King are brought to fingersized format. Adding to the game portfolio for AW19 is Zanzoon Games with titles including Magic Jinn, Froggy Party and Fan Zone.

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Cited in 2018’s Disrupt 100 list of companies with industry-changing potential, SnapDragon is an online brand monitoring service with a difference, using its pioneering search-driven software to empower SMEs to protect their brands online from counterfeits and copies.

The market in counterfeit goods makes up 2.5 per cent of all Spot global trade and is the increasing by 25%

risk of being targeted by counterfeiters due, in the main, to the assumption that small businesses rarely have the expertise, or resources, to fight back.

SnapDragon is changing this: delivering affordable, accessible brand protection for SMEs, and others.

The case of the violated SME is a story with which SnapDragon’s founder and CEO, Rachel Jones, identifies. As the creator

difference!

It’s not easy to recognise counterfeit goods...

yearly, having a devastating and dangerous impact on businesses and consumers alike.

SMEs tend to be at high

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brands, and the BTHA, to protect them globally, online.

Using its pioneering, proprietary software, SnapDragon empowers every business, large or small, to protect itself from counterfeits and copies on the world’s busiest online platforms.

Born out of personal experience, defending the kitchen-table-originating and then global-award-winning-baby product online, SnapDragon delivers a flexible set of online monitoring packages to suit all budgets, and requirements.

Clients can choose either a selfservice plan, or SnapDragon’s premium managed service.

For free hints and tips on online brand protection, or a no-obligation, free online brand check, pop along to Stand 200 on the Upper Level, opposite the BTHA. They may be fierce online but offline, they’re super friendly!

“We were unaware of the true scale of counterfeits affecting our brands. SnapDragon was able to demonstrate this and quickly removed a huge number of listings across multiple marketplaces. The team now keeps on top of new listings, removing those that infringe our IP, and keeping a record of illicit sellers. All this helps to ensure we can continue to supply genuine, awardwinning products to our customers around the world," a BTHA member and global toy brand said.

of an award-winning nursery product, she discovered copies online after a fake was recognised and seized by the customs team at Southampton.

Horrified, particularly with regard to potential safety implications, Rachel developed the expertise to fight back, successfully, keeping customers safe and the brand unsullied. Learning how difficult it was for SMEs to find an affordable, effective partner in this online battle, Rachel established The market in counterfeit goods makes SnapDragon to fight fakes up 2.5 per cent of all global trade and is online. Subsequently, increasing by 25% yearly.

SnapDragon’s team of highly skilled linguists now work with a host of iconic

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Wonder world FUNRISE 01908 555 640 www.funrise.com

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Funrise International will be bringing its largest selection of ranges to London Toy Fair this year with a host of new own IP collections as well as licensed additions to its portfolio. New for spring is the master toy range for Paramount’s Easter movie launch, Wonder Park. Funrise has created a collection of playsets, figures and plush featuring characters from the movie that will truly bring the toys to life. At the heart of the range are the movie’s Wonder Chimps, which will be available in blind bag collectables, wind-up and scented plush forms. With more than 5,200 cute chimps featured in the film, they’re sure to capture the hearts and imagination of movie fans.

From Wonder Park to wonder farts!

Introducing Fart Ninjas, Funrise’s latest development of interactive farting Ninjas. Cheeky kids will love collecting the different characters to create a symphony of fart noises perfect for pranking friends and family.

Be careful, if you walk past a Fart Ninja the motion sensor will be activated! Included in the initial range will be four smaller collectable figures, as well as a Deluxe Fart Ninja, which not only creates noises but

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Did you know?

records and plays them back too for added pranking.

The film Wonder Park will feature more than For outdoor fun, Gazillion 5,200 cute chimps.

Bubbles has led the charge in creating premium bubble products for over a decade! The Gazillion range will be expanding for 2019 with innovative bubble blasters and machines.

The star of the show will be the new Gazillion Bubble Rush machine.

With its revolutionary design, this highpowered bubble machine blows the most bubbles ever. This next-generation bubble machine has a three-sectioned, no-spill modular design including a removable washable top, solution recycling tray, and batteries and motor sealed inside the base.

Simply pour solution into the reservoir and push the button for a bubble explosion in seconds – it’s designed to create hours of fun for kids, but be easy clean for parents.

The Funrise team’s drive to corner the vehicle market continues with Herodrive, an innovative, one-of-a-kind collection that combines kids’ favourite entertainment characters with fun and original play features to deliver the coolest vehicles for pre-schoolers. DC Super Friends

launched at the end of 2018 and this year will extend into the world of Marvel. The mighty trucks from Tonka will also have a large presence on the Funrise stand with the classic Steel range, innovative Power Movers collection and Tonka Tinys creating a plethora of choices for vehicle play.

Finally, visitors can experience the master toy collection for Rainbow Bunny Unicorn Kitty, which has been developed

by Funrise to complement the exciting, animated TV series set to air in 2019.

With both the toy line and the TV show being created and produced by Funrise, this is a licensed range that will have synergy in all areas.

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Revell GmbH - 01296 660 291 / ukbranch@revell.de / © 2019 Revell GmbH / Trade Enquiries Welcome

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product in China – that’s before you add the delivery costs, lead times and MOQs required when buying from China.

TnP’s Malcolm Naish talks to The drop in exchange rates for the Pound has enabled his customers to buy at the Dolu as they come to London same costs as in January. This has resulted Toy Fair for the first time... in a huge increase in repeat orders over "I was delighted to welcome the past six weeks on all of their products Steve Richardson to our offices to find out delivered into the UK. more about Dolu’s plans for 2019. Steve has To cope with their continued expansion, represented this Turkish company for eight a 55,000sq m factory, showroom and years now. When he first began offering warehouse is being built on the outskirts of Dolu’s products to UK buyers, all of their Istanbul. It will be fully operational by 2020. products were supplied in plastic poly bags 2019 will see a product range on offer at with nothing boxed. Move on eight years their showroom in the Hong Kong Regal and all of Dolu’s items now arrive in picture Hotel of 90sq m instead of the 30sq m they boxes or poster boxes and his daughter Ria – had this year, plus a stand at the Hong Kong who joined the business just over a year ago toy fair.

– gives even more support in increasing the Dolu has a stand at the London Toy Fair business and customer support. at Olympia for the first time and a huge Turkey might not be the first country increase in size for their Nuremberg Toy Fair you would consider for manufacturing toys stand, up from 39sq m to 160sq m in Hall 5. but, as Steve explained, the quality is EU Dolu’s offering will quality, and a big plus for increase to more UK buyers is that Dolu can than 180 items for offer landed prices into the 2019 – including UK on many items for less Girls have their own ranges building bricks, play than you can buy similar for the first time, with around houses, sit ‘n’ rides, 20 different products. trikes, pedal cars,

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kitchens, 12 assorted trucks and much more.

As I write this, the pound is at 1.25 against the dollar and Steve advises that although there are some increases for next year, many items will be price held and Dolu will be able to hold their prices quoted at Toy Fairs until the end of the year, that is of course subject to any further drastic changes in the UK economy.

Over the past three years Dolu worldwide sales have increased by 40% and in the UK nearer 50%, with 2018 showing a 19% increase.

Steve is confident that with a greatly increased offering for 2019, sales will increase even more.

Dolu has also revamped a number of existing products. The girls have their own ranges for the first time, with around 20 different products. Unicorns will again be big news and Dolu has 15 different products featuring the mythical creatures, with many items also offered in unisex colours. This will allow consumers to have in their gardens matching Unicorn Playhouses, slides, picnic tables, trikes, sit n rides, tractors – there’s even a Unicorn Rocker that has wheels so it can also be used as a ride-on – and many in unisex colours.

Steve is keen to point out that rather than decals being added, many Dolu products include IML, not just decals.

The new products keep on coming, with a further 12 new items including basketball goals and two new slides plus a range of building bricks in unisex colours and with Unicorn designs – these will be compatible with the leading brand in the UK. With all these new products awaiting visitors at the forthcoming shows, Steve Richardson is confident that sales for 2019 will be the best yet by far."

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Brands go bigger DKL MARKETING Stand: E66

01604 678 780 www.dkl.co.uk

DKL Marketing enters 2019 continuing its distribution and marketing of established high-profile brands and the acquisition of new products.

Hama Beads sees many new products introduced for 2019, having been advertised on TV during 2018 – further encouraging creativity and imagination, and highlighting Hama’s endless possibilities. A major change for 2019 is the packaging, keeping up with the modern styles and trends as well as showing the opportunities that are available with Hama. Brand new products to the Hama portfolio will be showcased at Toy Fair – new sets include 3D Rabbit and Fox Gift Box, alongside four new Hanging Boxes, which include Princess and Circus.

One of the fastest-selling ranges from DKL Marketing in 2018 has been the new Plus-Plus range. These building bricks are simple shapes with endless possibilities. Children can create amazing models that are only limited by their imagination. Since its launch in 2016, Plus-Plus tubes has seen growth that has exceeded expectations (in the US more than one million tubes have been sold) and the range will expand further this year. New tubes include an exciting new space range with glow-in-the-dark Since its launch in features.

2016, more than one Breyer Model Horses has been million Plus-Plus synonymous with providing tubes have been sold quality equestrian models in the US.

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and play accessories. Stablemates is the entry point range of horses, sets and accessories at competitive pricing. The brand has exceeded 2018 growth plans and the Classic Play Horses, Unicorns and Painting Set have been hugely popular. Keeping up with the popular Unicorn and Fantasy Horse theme, the stunning Aurora and Cupcake from the Classic Horses range will be unveiled during the show. The brand will also be expanding its Traditional Collectables and Arts & Craft range.

Bloco is the ultimate realistic construction toy, which consists of high-density foam pieces and uniquely designed connectors which interlink, stack and rotate at any angle to create the most amazing animals. Sets include popular themes such as Dinosaurs, Animals, Sea Creatures, Unicorns, and other loveable and captivating characters that can be played with or displayed as decorative items.

Scented Stationery goes from strength to strength and the Scentco range offers a wide range with scents that last two years! Scentco’s range of eco-friendly scented stationery offers Smencils, Smens, Smarkers, Smencil Buddies and more! Each colourful product features its own delicious scent.

PlayMais can be used to make beautiful creations just by adding water. This all-natural crafting toy,

which is 100% biodegradable, makes it easy for small hands to create imaginative 2D mosaic creations and 3D models.

Bath time can be made fun for babies with the Escabbo range of Bath Toys. This range is full of colour and includes so many great items such as various Squirters, Fish Scoop, Bath Book, Bath Mats, Kissing Turtles, Cubes, Letters, Numbers and more.

DKL will be supporting all of its ranges with high-profile marketing campaigns to include in-store activations, experiential activities, dedicated planograms, and extensive social media and PR activity.

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Flair/Just Play 020 8643 0320 sales@flairplc.co.uk Flair/Just Play will once again bring a raft of new ranges to Toy Fair while building on key properties with new spring and autumn launches.

Proving that families are better when they are packed together, a new Shopkins series will combine Mini Packs. There are 150 new characters to collect, with each group consisting of mum, dad, sister, brother plus a surprise baby to find.

Inspiration comes from the supermarket shelves, with families such as Bakers, Cookies and DandyCandies to collect! How to collect? There’s plenty of choice; single Shopkins packs at pocket money prices, 16-piece Shopper Packs, plus a mega Fun Pack with 22 items including at least one full and exclusive family unit!

Proving that with big hair you don’t care, Just Play’s Hairdorables has created waves in the toy market since their launch in autumn, with fans embracing the characters, their

stories and of course, the peel and reveal element of the highly collectable dolls.

Season 2 is eagerly awaited and will be available from February with new dolls and exciting new surprise features!

With a tremendous launch behind it, Flair will extend Just Play’s Spirit Riding Free range with the introduction of exciting new products at key price points. The Mini Horse collectables will see blind box stables containing one of eight different steeds from the show. An 18cm Classic Sounds & Action Horse assortment is also new for fans to discover. Each has rooted hair that can be groomed and realistic facial features that move, plus realistic horse sounds. Also included are themed accessories to add to the play value.

The love affair with Pikmi Pops is set to continue with a huge amount of development in the pipeline. Pikmi Pops Bubble Drops will be first in line in February. Packaged in a gumball inspired CDU, there are 24 Bubble Drops characters to collect, including a limited-edition unicorn. Each contains a squeezable Pikmi

Pops plush and surprise message; give them a squeeze and watch them blow a squishy glitter filled bubble.

In April, the core collection’s Season 4 will be released introducing new, freshly baked donut shaped Pikmi plush! These super cute “DoughMis” smell so delicious with scents like Cinnamon, Chocolate Glaze and Strawberry Jelly - mmm, yummy! There are over 40 sweet scented DoughMis to collect and patterns on the donut shaped packs make them even more collectable.

Rise up with the all-new Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles collection offering not just the chance to play with your favourite heroes but a chance to become them too, with a collection of fun role-play accessories added to new and existing figures and vehicles. Incredibly popular in autumn were Mikey and Leo’s Shell Hogs, and not to be left out, Raph and Donnie will have also their own two wheelers for spring.

Role play gives fans the opportunity to collect all of the signature training weapons in the Turtles’ arsenal and channel their powers! Choose from Leonardo’s Ninja set which includes his odachi sword and bandana, Donatello’s set includes his BoTech staff and purple do-rag mask, Michelangelo’s includes his kusarifundo weapon and a bandana and Raphael’s includes his tonfa baton and red do-rag mask – each set also comes with throwing stars!

The new Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Role-Play Masks will launch in spring and have four different sculpts to echo the four brothers as they are seen in the ‘Rise

Did you know?

There are 150 new Shopkins characters to collect with Mini Packs.

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Guess what…

Pikmi Pops Bubble Drops will arrive in February.

of’ TV series. Available in an assortment of four, the masks promise to be a favourite with fans, whether they are loyal to just one of the characters or want to collect all of them.

As an alternative, and perfect for soft play or when on the go, the new Inflatable Weapons will create accessories that are to up to 38-inches long! Incredibly realistic, you can be sure that harmless play can be had every time; no matter how energetic the battle becomes!

Spring 2019 will see all new packaging and style-guide for Flair’s Ben 10 collection.

This will be rolled out will the new lines including the next wave of action figures that will introduce new characters such as Humungasaurus, Ben 10 Glitch and the Omni Enhanced XLR8. Also, to look forward to are the Alien Creation Figure packs; each with two characters with mix and match parts that can be played with on their own or will work perfectly with the Alien Creation Chamber.

The Basic Omnitrix, the essential role play item for fans, will also be back with its 40+ light and sounds features.

Meet the Gloopers, the crazy, icky, and slimy new collectable that are new this spring! Available as single and double Slime Pots, each comes with either one or two Glooper characters with his own pot of icky slime. The Gloopers love to suck snot… simply squeeze him so he exhales, hover him over the slime and whoosh… up it sucks; beware the harder he sucks the faster he will spit! Adding to the possibilities are Gloopers Potion Kits which come with an exclusive Glooper plus three different coloured pots of slime which can be mixed and match to make all sorts of noxious potions. Or for mega Glooper fun, look no further than the awesome fire slime breathing Dragon!

It’s heroic play on the go with the new PJ Masks Fold N Go Headquarters Mini Playset.

This nifty storage case doubles up as a miniature 3-storey HQ playset for the topselling blind bag collectable figures.

The playset features a fur ball catapult, a ladder to access all 3 levels, a collapsible floor, five accessories, two mini figures, and is the perfect place to store the PJ Masks mini figure collection. The blind bag collectables will also be refreshed for spring with 24 new figures, including 4 rare and one ultra-rare character amongst them.

Following the success of the vehicle and figure range, spring 2019 will see the introduction of the new PJ Masks Power Racer Vehicle Assortment for even more choice. Each Dynamic set comes with a 7.5cm articulated figure dressed and ready to go in a racer outfit, along with a vehicle that has a sleek design, chunky wheels and go-faster

Fact!

The new Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles RolePlay Masks will launch in spring.

JANUARY 2019

styling that is ready to kick it into high gear!

The Super Moon Adventure themed segment also continues to grow with the new Super Moon Adventure Fortress Playset. Packed with interactive features, hero and villain figures can battle it out in Zero Gravity, but beware of the crystal trap beneath the mountain which will snap shut when the loser falls in.

The playset comes with two articulated figures: Cat Boy in his space outfit and Luna Girl, ready for battle to commence.

In autumn fans will be able to go on a musical tour with Vampirina and her friends in the Rock N’Jam Touring Van. With its Ghoul Glow Roof top stage, and transforming sofa, not to mention light and sound effect these are the wheels for the super cool kids to be seen in.

Finally, not to be missed is Trulli Tales; a new master toy collection based on the animated TV Series that tells the story of the adventures of 4 young and talented Wizard Chefs – Ring, Zip, Stella and Sun - who attend cooking classes at the famous school of Magic and Cooking in Trulliland. Children will now be able to enjoy the characters in the range of figures, playsets and role play accessories that will be unveiled at Toy Fair. A favourite will be the Trulli Bakery Playset that opens up to reveal different settings and includes a magic wand that activates amazing magical features.

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Guess what…

More Funko Fortnite products will appear Best known for its appealing and highly throughout 2019. sought-after Pop! Vinyl figures, Funko will be showcasing some of the hottest new licences and showing some of its other popular figural collectables – including Funko will be exhibiting the newest Mystery Mini, Pint Size Heroes, Pocket Pop! licences in its Gifting & Homewares Keychains and the new 5 Star line. collection, in addition to the latest products Funko will showcase its newest Pop! Vinyl from Loungefly – the bag, wallet and products, covering 2019’s biggest licences accessory brand. from Captain Marvel to Fortnite, Aquaman Captain Marvel is expected to take the and Rick & Morty, as well as some exciting licensing world by storm with its cinematic unannounced ranges to be unveiled first at release closing in for March 2019. The the show. female-fronted origins story of Carol Danvers Fortnite took over the EMEA toy market has an abundance of exciting products – in 2018 and Funko was the first toy licensor including Pop! Vinyl, Pocket Pop! Keychains with official licensed products on shelves; and Pop! Rides – of the leading heroine in the Pop! Vinyl line features popular skins various outfits, giving fans a glimpse of what such as Skull Trooper, Omega, Raptor, Brite to expect from the hotly-anticipated movie.

Bomber and Merry Marauder. Further Pop! Captain Marvel is a refreshing addition to Vinyl have since hit the market, as well as the superhero market, and with the release Fortnite products from other popular lines of Avengers 4 following shortly after, Marvel including Pint Size Heroes 2-packs, 5 Star, fever is well and truly alive with Funko.

Vynl and Pocket Pop! Keychains – and Funko’s Gifting & Homewares collection plenty more Funko Fortnite products will be is continuing to expand for 2019; last year joining them throughout 2019 as the license saw success around the Disney Retro range continues to grow. celebrating Mickey’s 90th Anniversary

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as well as the quirky Rick & Morty line – completely different from other homewares on the market with its combination of practicality and absurdity, matching the mood of the show itself.

In 2019 there are ranges to come for Toy Story, The Little Mermaid’s Pearl Anniversary, a Genie-centric Aladdin collection, new additions to The Nightmare Before Christmas line and more. From mugs, to egg cups, bottle openers to aprons, there are plenty of functional and fun products.

Finally, Loungefly continues to be a priority brand for Funko this year. The recently acquired bag, wallet, accessory and apparel brand already has a host of sought-after licences under its belt, including Disney, Star Wars, Marvel and Overwatch – with many more on their way in the coming year. From distinctive all-over prints to simple statement mini backpacks with character detailing such as ears for Mickey Mouse, or wings for Overwatch’s Mercy, the line offers plenty of eye-catching and premium quality items for pop culture lovers.

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Sport SVR

RIDE-ON CATEGORY

DASHBOARD CONTROLS

HEADLIGHTS

ANTI-TIP

RETRACTABLE FOOTREST

REALISTIC DETAILING

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Stand: G20

Great Gizmos has lots of new products launching at Toy Fair 2019, with exciting additions to 4M, Avenir and Barney and Buddy, and the introduction of new brand Monkey Business, a range of outdoor toys, including rockets, flame throwers, pocket shots and more. There is also a fantastic range of super-cute plush backpacks, ride-ons and much more.

2019 is another exciting year for 4M, with lots of innovation and development into new product categories. The popular craft and science categories are ever-evolving, with new and unique introductions that combine the elements of STREAM, encouraging learning while having fun.

In a completely new direction for 4M, kids can discover how fun and easy it is to code with ground-breaking Code A Maze. Children from the age of three can intuitively learn coding skills by choosing a challenge and navigating their robots around the board using the arrow cards on the ‘snap-to-code’ patented technology. The child must work out where the robot needs to move to and arrange the arrow cards in the correct sequence and then tap them onto the scanner, and watch as the robot moves to its final destination. The kit includes 30 carefully

designed challenges on several themed maze mats, together with obstacles that provide different levels of complexity, variation and fun.

Unicorn Mini Tile Art is sure to be a big hit for 2019 and will sit well alongside Mould & Paint Unicorn, which is still flying! Decorate the mini tiles with the lovely unicornthemed stencils and paints and turn into magnets.

The hands-on craft range, KidzMaker, is expanding with six new titles.

Flamingo Room Light will be extremely popular with kids as it is so simple to make and looks great.

The kit includes the lamp body, two patterned interchangeable backgrounds and one blank sheet that can be decorated at home. Sew your own cuddly pillow with My Lovely Unicorn Pillow. This fun kit teaches the basics of sewing, while having fun.

Make Your Own String Art is a fab kit that allows kids to make stunning pieces of art using colourful strings and super-safe plastic pins.

The popular Kidz Labs range has some new additions for 2019. Space Air Engine is a fantastic kit that is packed full of interesting experiments Children as young as three can intuitively learn that teach about Bernoulli’s coding using Code A Maze. airflow principle. Kids will

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watch in amazement as the glow foam ball floats as if it is defying gravity! Build your own robotic arm and learn about hydraulic technology with the Hydraulic Robot Arm kit. The realistic gripper can lift, move and grab objects without using electricity.

Logiblocs is the electronic building discovery system that enables kids to learn electronics, coding and logic in a fun and simple way and fits into the curriculum teaching STEAM. Inside each Logibloc is a printed circuit board; every block is colour coded for the function it performs.There are five kits in the range; two smaller kits and three large ones that are jam-packed with different projects. The Green Science range is expanding with some new ‘hybrid titles’ that can be operated using solar panels or battery.

Build and watch the Aqua Robot swim along in water. Have fun building the Rover Robot and it will roam around on any surface. Watch the planets move around the sun with the Solar System kit.

The popular Barney and Buddy range is expanding with some new craft kits. Make Your Own Unicorn contains everything you need to make your very own plush character. Get creative by decorating pebbles with Neon Pebble Painting, which includes everything needed to create bright designs. Glow in the Dark Rock Painting puts a new spin on traditional rock painting.

Avenir is growing with lots of new products.

The Scratch Art range has four new designs; Magic Animals, Magic Birds, Magic Dragon and Magic Unicorn.

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FSDU AVAILABLE SUPPORTING POS

X FACTOR MINI MIC

KARAOKE SPEAKER WITH DISCO BALL

MICROPHONE SPEAKER

XF1 MICROPHONE SPEAKER

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Green Board Games is limbering up for a London Toy Fair to remember, with three new ranges prepped to take pride of place and more than 40 new products to add to an already vast and varied offering.

Expect new introductions from the awardwinning, robust-selling BrainBox range. These titles will include six new licensed Disney and Roald Dahl BrainBox games, as well as two other BrainBox titles: World Traveller and Time Traveller.

Pre-school buyers can see new lines available from the award-winning Fat Brain Toys range, as well as GBG’s two new preschool ranges. Foot Steps (for children up to three years of age) and Leaps & Bounds

Fact!

Mad Moose is a new range of fun family games.

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(for children aged three years plus) have been carefully designed to promote fun learning and early development.

In the Foot Steps range, Stacking Cubes offers five ways to stack and learn.

In the Leaps and Bounds range, GBG will be presenting four new games, including Miximals, the hilarious game that encourages children to mix and match head, body and tail animal pieces and Mucky Pups, the great game that gets children to pick their pup and race to clean them up.

GBG will be also be showcasing an exciting selection of titles from its new range of fun family games, Mad Moose. These will include Alpha Chase, the winning game from 2017’s Young Games Inventor competition, and the highly-entertaining, animal-themed titles, Monkey Mischief and Noah’s Ark.

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UK’S LEADING INFLATABLE COMPANY

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With products such as toys, which are aimed at baby, toddler and our youth, safety is of the upmost importance. Testing your products for things such as choking hazards, impact hazards, fibre hazards, projectile hazards and chemical hazards aren’t just for protection, they are mandatory to sell toy products in the UK and Europe.

At Bureau Veritas the team is dedicated to working with toy manufacturers, distributors and retailers to ensure that the products sold in the UK and Europe are of the highest standards, meet the strictest of safety regulations and cause no harm to the children they are intended for.

Meet the Bureau Veritas Toy Team – with more than 70 years’ combined experience, they are one of, if not the most experienced toy testing

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team in the UK. Not only are they experienced in testing, they offer a vast range of services, including research and development, advice on bringing new products to market, and training seminars on toy safety in Europe.

Malcolm Horner – Technical Consultant: Malcolm has more than 40 years’ experience in the toy and consumer product testing industry.

He sits on the BSI Toy Safety Committee and on some of the European CEN Working Groups for toys. Malcolm also runs the Bureau Veritas toy seminars in the UK and across Europe.

Simon Stokes – Technical Consultant: Simon has more than 20 years’ experience in toys and juvenile products, as well as being a member of several BSI committees responsible for juvenile product safety standards. Simon is the hands-on Technical Consultant based in the Bureau Veritas UK lab, and works with clients to make sure their products are of the highest standards.

Claire Francis – Toy Department Manager: Claire has 20 years’ experience in consumer product testing. Since leaving education she has always worked in a laboratory environment and has an abundance of hands-on experience,

which enables her to provide invaluable advice to Bureau Veritas clients. Claire runs the Toy Department for the Bureau Veritas UK laboratory and always strives to provide the very best level of service to clients.

The Bureau Veritas toy team is based in the UK laboratory in Warrington, Cheshire, which is a UKAS accredited lab. The UK lab is part of a global network of laboratories specialising in Consumer Product testing, so if you have products that are manufactured anywhere around the globe, Bureau Veritas has a solution that can help you bring your products to market.

This year, Bureau Veritas has created a Rubik’s branded cube, showing the products they test within the UK lab and they want to give one to everyone who attends their stand. It’s simple, come along, try to solve the mixed-up cube, leave your details (maybe have a photo taken for the Bureau Veritas social channel?) and take your very own cube away with you.

The Toy Team will be on hand to answer any questions, give advice on new products and just be there to say hello!

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THUMB ACCELERATOR CONTROL

ON/OFF SWITCH & CHRGE PORT

LED WHEELS

REAR BRAKE

ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT HANDLEBARS

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Fiesta has re-imagined some of its most popular Hand Puppets to match its best-selling Girl and Boy Hand Puppets. Now you can get Knight, Fairy, Pirate, and Princess in this new style, with moving mouths and new detailing. Children love animating puppets, and the moving mouth style allows them to do that even more. Fiesta have also added some exciting new Finger Puppets, introducing Goldilocks, Princess and the Pea, and two ninjas – Blue and Red. Branching out into more licensing, Fiesta has joined forces with Oi!, the top-selling and awardwinning range of children’s books, to make a range of magnetic learning activities. Children will be able to improve their literacy skills with Oi! Magnetic Rhymes, Oi! Magnetic Phonics, and Oi! Creative Writing. All sets come with a board, pen, magnetic pieces, and suggested activities for parents to help their children develop their

writing skills.

Fiesta has also added to its popular range of Wooden preschool toys Magnetic Mix & Match: Mix and match eight different animals and their professions with this fun and creative toy. Each character is split in to three chunky wooden magnetic pieces – displaying a head, torso, and legs. Children will love how the pieces connect magnetically and let them create their own mis-matched character with a unique outfit. The 3D pieces can stand on their own, or can be held, letting children create their own stories with these characters in any way they want. With more than 100 combinations to put together this magnetic mix and match set will keep them entertained for hours!

Circular Domino: Embrace the curve with these circular dominoes. Featuring a delightful

Did you know?

nature-based theme, children will enjoy matching either the pictures, the numbers, or both. The aim of the game is to complete the circle, and use up all your pieces. With images of insects, plants and leaves, this challenging game can be adapted to suit different abilities. Players must play a tile that matches either the number or the image to the previously played tile. Make the game harder by only allowing perfect matches – number and image – or make it simpler by allowing any sort of match. If players can’t make a match they miss a turn and have to pick up a new tile. The perfect game for 2-4 players!

Magnetic Activity Box – Patterns: This Magnetic Activity Box contains 220 magnetic wooden pieces that children can turn into amazing patterns and pictures. Let their imaginations run wild as they place all the colourful pieces together in any way they want – the pieces can also be tessellated. There are even pattern example cards for inspiration.

Children can use the magnetic, double-sided lid to create their masterpieces, choosing either the chalkboard on one side or the whiteboard on the other. Additionally, everything can be stored and easily transported in the box itself, which sports a useful carrying handle.

Fiesta has joined forces with Oi! children’s books to make magnetic learning activities.

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IMC Toys is planning to grow in 2019 through a combination of new product launches, increased retail distribution and a strong portfolio of licence brands, including Disney Frozen and Toy Story toy lines. This year will see new launches across the entire IMC portfolio, which is based on five core pillars: dolls, collectibles, feature plush, games and licences.

IMC’s top-selling doll brand, Cry Babies, are lovable dolls that cry real tears. The brand has enjoyed huge success since its launch, securing a leading position in the special feature nurturing doll category. 2019 will see the release of new dolls and the introduction of a new fantasy doll range: Cry Baby Dreamy the Unicorn and Cry Baby Bruny the Dragon.

Cry Babies extended its popularity with the successful launch of Cry Babies Magic Tears targeting girls aged three to six. These surprise collectables are miniature versions of the dolls; they cry real tears and come with numerous accessories. The range has been supported with a new animated series on You Tube, Amazon Prime, Ketchup TV and via the dedicated new website www. magictears.toys.

IMC will be launching a second series of the dolls and a new segment of collectibles, Cry Babies Magic Tears Pets.

Bloopies launched with phenomenal sales, quickly becoming a topselling bath

toy. This year, Bloopies will strengthen with the introduction of the Bloopies Mermaids.

As well as the standard features such as squirting water out of their mouth and blowing bubbles, when you submerge them in warm water the pattern on their tail will magically change colour. IMC will also be launching brand new Bloopies content in May 2019. Six webisodes will showcase the Bloopies’ stories and take this brand to the next level.

For feature plush, IMC has revealed plans for some exciting new additions to its interactive Club Petz range.

Puffy the magical Unicorn, the hilarious Funny Llama and Snotsy the festive Reindeer will join the successful launches from AW 2018, including Bowie, Your Real Kissing Pup and Mystery Mao.

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IMC’s top-selling doll brand, Cry Babies, are lovable dolls that cry real tears. The brand has enjoyed huge success since its launch, securing a leading position in the special feature nurturing doll category. 2019 will see the release of new dolls and the introduction of a new fantasy doll range: Cry Baby Dreamy the Unicorn and Cry Baby Bruny the Dragon.

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WOODEN LIMBO

WOODEN RING TOSS

WOODEN GIANT STACK ‘N’ FALL

WOODEN SKITTLES

WOODEN CROQUET

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There’s a new look for Juratoys UK this year. Look out for the new and improved stand design that will really show off the 200 new products on offer for 2019.

The company’s design teams in France have put together a completely new range for 2019 across both Janod and Kaloo.

While the distinct French design shows through, new trends and colours for 2019 have also been take into account.

Kaloo brings you into tropical lands with this new fun and colourful activity range. Discover Alban the sweet toucan

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and Sam the adorable monkey on each of the 13 references. This activity range stands out with its sweet and exotic characters, fresh colours and textures, and a wide range of activities.

Each product is designed for child development, whether it is to strengthen little teeth, help develop senses or enhance cognitive skill building. Children will love to play and develop their senses.

Within Janod there are many new ranges in the 2019 collection including Pure – a gorgeous new collection of wooden toys suitable for babies age 12 months plus – inspired by a Scandinavian trend using pastel colours, natural wood and a gender neutral theme.

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‘‘The Great British Sewing Bee will return to BBC Two for a 5th Series with a new host, award-winning British comedian Joe Lycett”

SEWING STATION

PILLOW KIT

BLANKET KIT

TOTE BAG KIT

APRON KIT

PHONE/TABLET KIT

WRAP SKIRT KIT

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Posh plush POSH PAWS 01268 567317 www.poshpawsinternational.co.uk

Posh Paws has some of its most exciting plush ranges yet, with a whole host of new properties and plenty of new additions to some of the hottest licences of the year.

Posh Paws is bringing a plethora of Disney properties to life in plush form. Aladdin, Dumbo, The Lion King and Toy Story 4 are all among new collections launching in early 2019. With all four properties set for 2019 movie releases, the Posh Paws collections are perfectly timed for new and existing fans to collect their favourite Disney friends.

With the premier of Toy Story 4 in June, retail is already gearing up to be overtaken

by Toy Story mania! As official plush partner,

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Posh Paws is the official plush partner for the film How to Train your Dragon: The Hidden World.

Posh Paws is also readying itself for the launch of Toy Story 4 soft toys, which will be on display for the first time at London Toy Fair with new, never-seen-before characters under wraps in Andy’s toy box. The range consists of old favourites alongside some of the new characters from the movie, in multiple sizes so fans can go to infinity and beyond with their collecting! Posh Paws also has an exciting Lion King Collection, which will be launching to complement the 25th anniversary of the original Lion King movie, and the new live-action film release in July. With the initial release of the new movie’s trailer confirmed as the most-watched Disney trailer ever within the

first 24 hours, Posh Paws’ collection already looks to be set for major popularity. Included in the range will be various sizes of all of the key characters including Simba, Mufasa, Timon and Rafiki – there will even be a feature plush version of Pumba. Posh Paws is the official plush partner across EMEA for the 2019 release of How to Train your Dragon: The Hidden World.

With product available now, the range includes small, medium and large versions of the key Dragons from the franchise, and as an added extra the medium and large plush comes with glow in the dark features to really bring each dragon to life.

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Colourful cuddlies Keel Toys 01233 506 363 www.keeltoys.com

Keel toys have included the latest colour schemes and fabric trends in their new soft toys. The trend of rose gold and soft neons has been incorporated into Animotsu with the new Elephant, Unicorn, Bear and Chihuahua in both 15cm and 25cm. New for 2019 are the Glittermotsu ranges, finished in iridescent sequins.

Simply stroke the sequins on the Penguin, Unicorn, Dinosaur, Bear, Elephant and Monkey to reveal the contrasting colour.

The new Confetti range of

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Stand: B60 eclectic animals including Llama, Unicorn, Cat, Mouse, Polar Bear and Hedgehog, come in pastel pink and rose gold finishes and each wears a pink tutu and princess crown.

Who can resist a puppy – especially those with adorable puppy eyes? The Signature Cuddle Puppies feature eyes bespoke to the breed of dog in size and colour including blue, green and brown variations. They also have

Look out for... the new mini version of Hugg ‘ems, with their long arms that can hang off your finger or pencil.

weighted paws and a floppy body, and simply love to be hugged.

Pippins are lovable fun-sized pets that have been updated with new characters and a fresh look. New floor and counter displays incorporating Prussian Blue and Mustard hues are a nod to the trend of 1970s palettes seen in the gift world for 2019.

Look out for the new mini version of Hugg‘ems, with their long arms that can hang off your finger or pencil. There are eight characters in the Mini Hugg’ems range, available in a counter display or in the new floor stand that incorporates all three sizes of Hugg’ems.

Christmas 2019 will feature irridescent sequins in Glittermotsu festive characters. Pugsley the beloved pug will once again dress for the season in some new outfits, plus some great promotion ranges including an all new Gingerbread Man.

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Galt is known for its iconic Playnest line and 2019 sees the introduction of a new licensed Playnest – The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

This bright addition to the range includes a variety of features for babies and young children to explore including a crinkle leaf, furry patches on the caterpillar and a mirror.

There is also a new Activity Ball in the First Years category for ages six months plus. This is a very attractive fabric covered inflatable ball decorated with butterflies, flowers and bees, ideal for days out and fully machine washable. The popular Follow Me Ball for ages from six months is being relaunched with an easy-to-use external switch. In the science arena, Explore and Discover, and Horrible Science have benefited from the resurgence of interest in STEM products. There are eight new science products including a new compact boxed range of Explore and Discover – Bubble Lab, Dino Lab, Kitchen Lab and Slimy Lab – all packed with experiments and including a full-colour 16-page lab booklet. A unique selling point is that they combine proper science for the very young age of five plus.

All of the kits encourage scientific thinking and are compatible with the national curriculum. Horrible Science has new exciting products such as Perilous Planes with a glider launch, parachute tests and a helicopter rotor, and the Chaotic

Kitchen Experiments - power a clock with a potato and fish for frozen cockroaches!

Ambi Toys, the exciting and retro primarycoloured range of pre-school plastic toys, includes the introduction of Tick Tock Clock, a friendly clock for early years.

For many years Activity Packs have been the entry-level price point for the Galt craft and activity categories. For ages from five plus there are Clay Cars, which makes two fun animal cars using colourful air-drying clay, and Cute Lockets, which makes keepsake lockets with animal sequins and charms. For ages six plus, there is a makeup kit with everything from eyeshadow to stick-on gems. One of Galt’s heritage range is marble construction. In 2019 there’s an exciting new construction set using the ever-popular Galt Marble Run. Marble Run Reaction is an 80-piece set with a whole suite of reaction-causing effects including a starter top, vortex, ramp, rope swing and drum base as a well as a domino track for

large, easy-to-handle pieces in thick board with a wipe-clean surface for durability. It includes eight template pieces in the shape of rides and attractions. There is also a new four puzzles in a box – Jungle – with brightly coloured images of elephants, lions and giraffe. Play and learn is the category at the heart of Galt. New for 2019 is the Cosmic Coding game. This fun board game is designed to introduce children to coding and has been designed to fit in with Key Stage 1 of the National Curriculum.

It features plastic rocket pieces and movement, mission and star cards. Jungle Floor dominos, meanwhile, has 28 doublesided dominos with jungle animals on one side and spots on the other. This game for two to four players develops picture recognition and encourages matching and counting. Galt is delighted to be introducing a new Magnetic Letters set of 80 brightly coloured letters for use on any magnetic surface such as a fridge. Each Galt Magnetic letter has been designed following the correct lettering used to teach early handwriting skills.

Stationery is being strengthened Cosmic Coding with a range of reusable sticker books is a fun board for ages three plus. The books – game designed to Animals, Dinosaurs and Farm – create introduce children to scenes using more than 150 reusable coding. stickers within a 12-page book. There is a new Water Magic title, Unicorns for ages three plus, while Young Art has hours of fun. additions including Non-Spill Pots and Giant Galt is renowned Chalks. Galt is all about doing and creativity for its puzzles. Look and the Creative Cases range sees four out for the new Giant new additions – French Knitting, Animal Floor Puzzle for ages Pottery, Hair Studios and Sparkle Body Art three to six years. The – comprehensive kits with easy-to-use tools puzzle is made from and clear guides.

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Jumbo is kicking off the New Year with more than 70 new adult jigsaw puzzles for the spring/summer season.

January will see Jumbo Games expanding range of Disney Classic Collection puzzles, its number one adult puzzle brand in the UK, targeted at both teens and adults, with new Wasgij, by releasing six new puzzles across the additions in 2019. There are 1,000-piece popular Original, Destiny and Mystery puzzle puzzles for both Aladdin and Dumbo titles, concepts. The releases will include the Wasgij to celebrate the release of their new liveOriginal 31: Safari Surprise!, Wasgij Destiny action movies, although the puzzles will 19: The Puzzlers Arms! and Wasgij Mystery feature classic artwork from the original 16: Birthday Surprise!, all across 1,000-piece cartoons. Looking ahead to the autumn/winter formats. Jumbo will also be re-releasing the movie releases, Jumbo will also be releasing third instalments in 1,000-piece Movie Poster Puzzles the Wasgij Retro for both Disney’s The Lion range, with the King and The Little Mermaid, titles Original 3: later in the year, in the same Full Monty Fever!, style as the existing Snow Destiny 3: The White and Bambi Movie Sands of Time! and Poster Puzzles.

Mystery 3: Drama Adding to the hugely at the Opera! in popular own-brand comic 1,000-piece formats. style puzzles, Jan van New puzzle Haasteren, Jumbo is releasing releases to Jumbo’s six new puzzles for Spring; nostalgic-inspired including the 500XL-piece Falcon de luxe The Kitchen, the 1,000-piece range will include Camping in the Forest, 20 new puzzles – 10 Acrobat Circus and National in January and a Puzzle Championship, as well further 10 for April. as a 1,500-piece Highland These new puzzles Games puzzle. cover the traditional Having seen some great Falcon themes of initial reactions to its new Nostalgia, Scenery, range of Strategy Game Cottages, Animals and titles; How To Rob A Bank, Forbidden Transport, across varying piece counts from City, Okavango and Isidore, Jumbo will be 500XL to 1,500-pieces. Puzzles to look out for adding two brand new tabletop games to in January include; A Summer Evening at the the range. Caper is a strategic two-player Pub 2x500-piece, A Day on the River, Farmer’s card game with a colourful, quirky design.

Market and The Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage Players need to strategically draft their 1,000-piece and A Beautiful Summer’s Day team of Thieves and arrange their Gear to 2x1000-piece box set. As if this wasn’t enough for spring/summer, Jumbo will be releasing a further 20+ Falcon puzzles for autumn/ winter and you will be able to see a Jumbo is launching two tabletop selection of these new releases at games – card game Caper and this month’s shows.

Jumbo will be expanding its

collect sets and make card combinations – all the while trying to win the steal from the three locations that the game is centred around.

Overbooked is a passenger-planning, seatshifting, interactive strategy puzzle game for one to four airline planners. Players have been thrust into the world of airline booking and are tasked with managing competing airlines.

The aim is to satisfy each passenger’s different needs to score prestige for your airline.

Jumbo will be unveiling key pre-school and children’s puzzles and games at the London Toy Fair, including a new range of Disney Toy Story 4 and Frozen II products, and the next big thing – Moon & Me puzzles.

To accompany these new children’s ranges, Jumbo is also launching a range of puzzles for the Disney Muppet Babies and Fancy Nancy properties. Lastly, Jumbo is introducing a new, Eco-Games range to its children’s games portfolio, focusing on 100% environmentallyfriendly games, using recycled materials. The four Eco-Games are Catch the Mouse, Colour Chameleon, Honey Yummy and Peek-a-Boo. All four of these games are made from 100% recycled materials and suitable for ages threeplus. Also expect 12 new wooden products from Jumbo’s Goula range, featuring puzzles and games that are great for helping young children take their first steps into learning through play.

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strategy puzzle game Overbooked.

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Meet Artie 3000 LEARNING RESOURCES 01553 819 380 www.learningresources.co.uk Learning Resources will be building on the enormous success of Botley The Coding Robot in 2018, with the 2019 introduction of Artie 3000, the new coding and drawing robot that puts children in control.

Artie has a built-in wi-fi server so can be used anywhere without requiring an internet connection. The easy-to-use drag-and-drop programming can be used on a Mac, PC or tablet and offers four modes of play; preprogrammed shapes, games, art for colouring and freeform coding. With 360-degree movement, you can tell Artie to turn right or left, forward or backward or spin in any direction!

Having had such a great year in 2018, including being awarded London Toy Fair Hero, Botley The Coding Robot is back. Unlike most coding robots aimed at older kids, Botley is entirely screen-free: no tablets or smartphones required.

New for 2019 is the Botley The Coding Robot Action Challenge Accessory Set, an interactive, 40-piece accessory set that includes everything a young coder needs to set up STEM-inspired challenges to programme Botley through!

Stems is an exciting, incredibly flexible new construction toy, that stimulates STEM learning through creative construction. Stems’ intriguingly organic-looking pieces join together along their bobbly spine to create surprising models from bouncing balls to DNA strands.

Incredibly tactile and brightly coloured, Stems’ possibilities are as unlimited as a child’s ingenuity

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Guess what..

Botley is back! The Action Challenge Accessory Set allows young coders to set up challenges for the robot.

or imagination. The unique feature of Stems is that there is just one component, which is exactly the same shape. Playfoam Pals Fantasy Friends combine creative play with discovery because all Playfoam Pals are hidden inside Playfoam; the super-squishy, child-friendly, sculpting material that encourages creativity and imagination while developing sensory and fine motor skills.

Children will love opening the colourful Playfoam Pals Fantasy Friends pods to reveal their magical surprise collectable. Heads and bodies can be mixed and matched for endless character combinations. Each surprise pod includes Playfoam, a mystery Pal and collection checklist. There are 12 pals to collect with a super-rare wizard named Hank to find too!

Beaker Creatures are an exciting range of science-themed collectables that combine the thrill of collecting with hands-on science experiments, building skills and sparking curiosity! 2019 sees a number of super-fun range additions, including more than 30 new characters from five new planets in a completely new series. Children dissolve their reactor pods to reveal creatures using the Beaker Creatures Lab Set or using the new for 2019, Beaker Creatures Whirling Wave Reactor or Volcano set.

For educational fun outdoors don’t miss the 5-in-1 Outdoor Measure-Mate. Whether configured as a Vertical Measure, Callipers, Trundle Wheel, Spirit Level or Measuring Stick, this versatile tool is the perfect way to introduce measurement to young learners in an outdoor setting. Its robust build means that it will cope with vigorous use in in rough terrain and its bright colouring ensures the components will all be returned to its handy mesh bag. Perfect for non-standard measuring or the introduction of standard units, the primary aim of the Measure Mate is for young learners to have fun exploring (and measuring) the natural landscape. This fun will be enhanced by the ‘bird footprints’ that the trundle wheel leaves and deciding where to place the whimsical stickers that will customise the Measure-Mate.

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£1

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RRP FOIL BAG RANGE

VIEWS!

YouTube campaign back in October 2015, little did we know that our views would exceed 6 Billion views by late 2019! most visited website by children worldwide. Our Gelli Baff, Slime Baff, SnoBall Range and Slime Blaster clocked up more than 2 Billion views in 2018 from independent reviewers worldwide.

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TRADE SHOW DATES 2019 Dont miss out on booking a meeting with us at the 2019 Tradeshows!

To book an appointment, please send an email to Sales@ZimpliKids.com or call us on +44 (0) 8454 591 818 Hong Kong 2019 - January 7th - January 11th London Toy Fair 2019 - January 22nd - January 24th Nuremberg Toy Fair 2019 - January 30th - February 2nd

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John Adams Leisure continues to build on its successful heritage within the creative play range, with more than 20 new and refreshed product lines for 2019.

Colouring just got more creative with ColourMazing– the new patented way to colour the world. Use the magic pens and watch the ink spread without going out of the lines.

The hugely successful BLOPENS range, one of the market leaders in colouring kits, is extended to feature new products at all key price points including a Toy Story 4 Easel, Creative Eggs, a special Rainbow Set and BLOPENS Squeezy – a great starter kit for tiny hands. eZee Beads has added exciting Surprise Bags at pocket-money prices. Get ready to collect and create cute designs with six adorable characters in each series. Make your own adorable erasers with mouldable magic clay using the Eraser Studio range.

Go dotty with Pixelo. Create vibrant, colourful artwork with incredible dotted effects. Now includes Pixelo Cuties – full of cute and quirky character sheets to colour in with pretty pastel dots. PAW Patrol fans will love the new GLOWPAD, featuring their favourite firefighting pups. Get ready to explore My Little Pony in a whole glitter universe with the new Glitterizz set. Personalise your pony pictures with colourful glitter to make them sparkle and shine.

Pre-schoolers can bring their little imaginations to life with the Play Stuff range.

The range of dough kits all come with foldout play areas, which are wipe-clean and have beautifully illustrated play scenes on.

Science in Wonderland is a fun new way to explore science in a magical fairy garden. Make flowers bloom in seconds, create a kaleidoscope in a tree stump, use solar energy to make a ladybird’s wings fly and get your fairy to dance.

Following the enormous success of brands such as Soggy Doggy and Mr Pop, John Adams’ range of Ideal games grows again: Lose those extra Christmas pounds with the

JANUARY 2019

Fans of the world’s most perplexing puzzle can take on a new challenge with the Rubik’s Edge. The 3x3x1 Cube is a single layer puzzle with nine cubes in a square – but it’s harder than it looks! Love the classic 3x3 Cube? Rubik’s Blocks is a twisted version of the classic 3x3; twist and turn this crazy cube in the same way as a 3x3. Get ready to take the brainteaser puzzle to another planetary level!. In Rubik’s Orbit you solve all 6 sides of the 360 rings to have matching colours all the way around.

Rubik’s Cage is a fun and strategic game of Tic Tac Toe for up to four players. It may seem easy to get three in a row but you can twist and turn the Cube to re-shuffle the game and deter your opponent.

In Rubik’s Match, players race to build the pattern on the challenge cards, using their own set of Cubie Cards. The first person to complete the pattern wins the round. Finally, The Strictly Come Dancing range has been extended with a hilarious family card game inspired by the hit show and a brand new Glitter Ball Challenge game. All key new launches will benefit from TV, VOD and digital advertising as well as full PR and social media plans.

super shaking, funny family game Shake Off where the more you shake, the more you score!

The hilarious ‘hoot if you toot’ family challenge game Whoopee Doo is sure to get the whole family giggling. Sit on the large inflatable whoopee cushion and quickly complete challenges before the time runs out, otherwise you’ll blow off in front of everybody!

There’s plenty of fun for kids of all ages with whacky new action game Shark Chase. Escape the shark to be the winner…swim too slow and you’ll be his dinner.

Can you beat the clock in a fast-paced game of Clock It!? Say, draw or mime… it’s a race against time. With Tetris celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2019, the collection has been extended to include new single and multiplayer games all based around the iconic Tetrimino shapes. Tetris Quake is the stacking, shaking, strategy game Tetris celebrates its 35th where your anniversary in 2019. stacking skills and nerves are put to their limits. Prove you’ve got the quickest reactions in the card game Tetris Speed and put your grey matter to the test by trying to re-build a 3D 16-piece Tetrimino puzzle.

With 43 quintillion combinations and its unique turning and twisting action, the Rubik’s Cube has boggled minds since the 80s and is still the ultimate when it comes brainteasers.

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TOMY will be focusing specifically on the nursery sector as it moves into 2019.

The nursery and pre-school brands prioritise playtime between parents and children, while also creating products that make lives easier for busy parents.

Lamaze’s promise of ‘The Right Toy at The Right Time’ as baby reaches each developmental milestone continues to be at the heart of all new products.

Boon also continues to keep busy, stylish parents in mind as its simple products help make parents' lives easier when feeding or bathing baby.

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TOMY is still focused on celebrating fun through play. TOMY Toomies generates its highest velocity in bath toys, with unique characters behind their role-play toys. Other pre-school brands Johnny Tractor and Aquadoodle continue to help stimulate hand-eye co-ordination, motor and thinking skills through their popular role-play toys, and their 2019 releases will be just the same.

Following the successful launch of KiiPix in 2018, TOMY will be building upon its popular brands and looking ahead to new launches in 2019.

2019 will see exciting things from

popular games brand TOMY Games as its classic and quirky games create hours of family fun, maintaining their high position in traditional games despite the increasing popularity of high-tech games.

Europe’s oldest specialist in agricultural toys and collectables, Britains, looks to maintain its leading position in the farm role-play and replica models sector.

TOMY will also be launching licensed brand Ricky Zoom, alongside the new children’s programme that will air on Entertainment One. Other brand lines include a fun collectable range for girls and a new collection from Toomies.

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Re:creation is looking forward to its biggest Toy Fair yet, as the company adds a raft of stand-out new brands to its portfolio – alongside evergreen power brands Razor and LEGO Lights and 2018 strong performers Magic Tracks, Dream Tents and KickerBall, the company will reveal new additions including ENGINO, Drone Slayer, LARVA, Aqua Gelz and more.

Razor once again brings high-octane action to Olympia. Among the new rides on show will be the Drift Rider electric drift cycle, which combines ultimate drifting action with moto-inspired cornering. This is joined by the E Punk micro electric bike. Small in size but huge on fun, this mini electric bike is set for a summer launch but visitors to Toy Fair can get a first look at this pint-sized power ride along with new additions to the Razor’s Hovertrax and Crazy Cart lines as a new incarnation of this thrilling ride is set to be unveiled.

Drone Slayer takes blaster play to incredible new heights. Due for an autumn launch, it invites children to join the battle against invading evil drones. A series of

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three blaster product sets will each include drones that explosively react on impact from blaster darts. Exciting, immersive content will support this launch in 2019.

Leading the plush charge for Re:creation is major YouTube property LARVA. With more than four million followers on YouTube and content streaming on Netflix, LARVA showcases the daily misadventures of two worms. Re:creation will launch a collection of character plush, enabling the show’s many fans to enjoy LARVA adventures at home.

With interest in interactive pets showing no signs of abating, 4-Eyed Friendzies are set to be unleashed. These four cute and quirky plush friends respond to their owner’s touch with movement and sound, while their appealing ‘try-me’ packaging is set to offer stand out at retail.

Also joining Re:creation’s plush line-up, Floofie Surprise is a cute and very collectable range of giggly, wiggly pets. As children pull the Floofie Surprise rainbow fluffy, powderpuff tail, the character will give a fun reaction.

With 12 to collect and a fun try-me feature on the blind packaging, this collectable plush is one to watch for the coming year.

The Unicornies too bring a new take to the unstoppable unicorn trend. A range of ‘geekchic’ unicorns with unique personalities and fun accessories will capture hearts while the funky Punkymals are a range of rock ‘n’ roll plush pooches with a passion for music.

Globally-respected in the STEM world, the Engino construction brand is set for a full

UK launch in 2019 with a range of exclusive licensed JCB building sets. Also look out for a wide range of STEM Heroes Engino sets, which come complete with activity booklets packed with further learning and challenges. A range of licensed Oxford University Engino sets enable students to get hands-on with key scientific concepts such as Biochemistry and Mechanical Engineering.

Getting creative with water is the order of the day with Aqua Gelz. This innovative entry to the creative category enables children to design and make their own squishy characters using gels and see them magically transform when submerged in a unique water solution mixture.

A hit at last year’s Toy Fair is welcoming new additions for 2019. Floof lighter-thanair compound introduces Floof Ice Cream Dreams set. A spring launch, this set includes everything needed for children to mould their own ice creams. Further new introductions will come from this fun compound brand in the second half of the year.

With The LEGO Movie 2 on its way, Re:creation’s LEGO Lights range welcomes new additions to key lights and torch collections. These join a range of ever-popular Classic, DC Super Heroes and LEGO Star Wars offerings.

Guess What..

Kids can make their own squishy characters using Aqua Gelz.

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PUZZLES & GAMES FOR ALL THE FAMILY

VISIT US AT THE LONDON TOY FAIR, ON STAND E46 AND VISIT US AT SPRING FAIR, HALL 5 STAND K64 -80%2 7R\V Q SOD\WKLQJV -DQ LQGG

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Magic Box Toys, the collectable toy specialists behind Star Monsters, Zomlings and SuperZings, is excited to announce plans for a third series of SuperZings, plus the launch of a brand new emotionsbased collectable IP in 2019: MojiPops.

Hitting shelves on 8 February 2019 following a successful Series 2 launch in September, the brand continues to evolve for Series 3 with new additions to the line-up.

SuperZings Series 3 maintains the popular ‘hero vs villain’ format of the previous two series using everyday objects and food as collectable characters. Hideouts have been given a premium overhaul for Series 3 in the form of Kaboom Blasters, which make SuperHero or Villainous sound effects. SuperZings Super Slider vehicles also get an upgrade for Series 3 and for the first time will include a pull-

back motor for added play value. Also new for this series are eight futuristic, articulated robot characters and starter and blister packs to encourage collectability.

MojiPops Series 1 is made up of everyday objects brought to life as fun-loving characters with an array of colourful emotions based on popular emoticons. From an ice cream to a cactus, a television to a pillow, each blind-bagged character has a removable double-sided face: flip it over to switch between emoticonbased expressions depicting a huge variety of sentiments, or even swap faces completely with another character in the collection. Children can switch their character’s mood from sleepy to happy, sad to cool – there are six different-

coloured face pieces, each with two distinct emotions to alternate between.

There are 90 characters to collect, from the worlds of pets, home, nature, travel, music, food and sport, including six ultrarare Glitter Moji Pops.

These new characters truly love living life to the full, inhabiting a world of sheer enjoyment, and the accompanying accessories and toy range aims to bring this world to life, offering hours of role-playing potential for young Moji Pops collectors.

Guess what..

There are 90 Mojipops characters to collect, and each has a double-sided face showing different emotions.

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With Janod

Come and visit us at Toy Fair 32 High Park Road, Kew Gardens, Richmond TW9 4BH • United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)20 8878 2133

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01869 363 800 www.ravensburger.com The GraviTrax Starter set is tipped to be Ravensburger’s biggest-selling item of 2019. Many customers say it is the best-selling of all STEM products, and appeals to older boys and girls. GraviTrax is developing into a standalone category and there will be eight new items launched in AW19.

2018 saw Ravensburger’s seventh consecutive year of growth, and Ravensburger plans to grow again in 2019 thanks to plans including increased marketing spend, digital campaigns and TV advertising.

There will be almost 200 products to discover at Toy Fair, including Children’s Puzzles. The multi-award winning Peppa Pig range has been hugely successful, with more exciting products set for AW19. There are also new designs for Thomas & Friends, PJ Masks, Bing Bunny and Disney, plus exciting movie products – How to Train your Dragon 3, Secret Life of Pets 2, Toy Story 4 and the much-anticipated Frozen 2. Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts, Spirit, Rusty Rivets, That’s Not My,

Enchantimals, Top Wing and School of Roars have also been added to Ravensburger’s collection of the 2018 saw UK’s most popular licences.

Ravensburger’s Adult puzzles show growth seventh of 19% YTD, reflecting the company’s continued consecutive commitment to UK specific year of development and its selection growth, and of the best international images.

Ravensburger There are 80 new titles for 2019, reflecting British consumer tastes plans to grow and, importantly, delivering fresh again in 2019 ideas and themes to attract thanks to new consumers into the puzzle plans including market.

3D Puzzle remains an increased important category, and marketing Ravensburger will drive growth spend, digital with new TV spots and digital campaigns and content. Key products are vehicles (Porsche 911, TV advertising. and Harry Potter Night Bus), iconic landmarks with lights, stylish storage sneakers and licensed balls in various formats and licences, including Frozen 2 and Harry Potter designs.

Games have enjoyed a positive year, with over 29% growth and similar growth planned for 2019, supported by a heavyweight TV-focused media spend. Disney Villainous, Harry Potter Labyrinth, Harry Potter Pictopia, and Break Free are amongst key items available now, and we have more major launches planned for AW19.

Ravensburger is looking forward to increased sales for ThinkFun, the multi-awardwinning range. There is huge retail opportunity for this fun, original, STEM-based games range, and the Rush Hour family will be supported with TV advertising.

Finally, BRIO has had another great year of growth and 15 new products will be launched for SS19, with more new additions arriving in AW19. A major consumer marketing campaign for this heritage brand, is also in the pipeline.

Guess what…

The GraviTrax Starter set is tipped to be Ravensburger’s biggest-selling item of 2019!

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The riders from Schleich’s Horse Club, the animals from Farm World and Wild Life, the mythical beasts of bayala and Eldrador Creatures will have plenty of new additions in their ranks at this year’s Toy Fair 2019.

Schleich’s Horse Club has become a favourite with collectors, thanks to its combination of stunning equine figures, characters with their own personalities, and plenty of stunning playsets, with which to build a whole world based around horses and eventing. Spring 2019 will bring with it a Tournament Season, with new mares and stallions that have highly detailed manes and tails, plus matching accessories to ensure that they will be best in show. Once the tournament is finished, Hannah’s Guest Horses, complete with Ruby the Dog, will add even more choice to the already impressive line-up, while the eagerly awaited Rider Café will be available from July

and provide just the place to stop, rest and relax after a hard day’s eventing! All of this can centre on the grand Horse Club House and Stable Playset, which was successfully launched in 2018 and will continue into 2019.

For the youngest of collectors, the Farm World is a staple in the toybox; new animals from the pasture and pets that you would find in the farmyard will join the line up. Not to be missed in the pet’s arena, the new Puppy Pen Playset is a super cute 12-piece set, with three puppies, their pen and all the accessories they need; including a really cute Teddy Bear. The traditional farm horses also have new breeds to discover, plus a bright, new Pony Agility Training Set to put them through their paces.

This comes with everything you need to train and have fun with your ponies. There’s paddock fencing, small jump obstacles that can be adjusted, a see-saw and more; an articulated child figure is included to help lead the way for the horses.

In the world of Wild Life, some exotic new species are added to the line-up. The Komodo Dragon from Indonesia and the Quokka, a lesser known marsupial from Australia, join the Ring-Tailed Lemur in the 2019 range which also includes the Okapi, the animal that was voted for by Schleich’s fans. Plus, perfect for playing, learning and discovering are the Schleich Wild Life Flash Cards. This combination of doublesided flash cards and intricate figurine add even more possibilities to playtime!

Exciting new dinosaurs will take over one of the most popular collections. The spiny backed Animatarx, and the “winged” Dimorphodon will be unmissable for dino collectors and will join the relaunch of some top-selling classics, such as Giganotosaurus, a truly huge and highly detailed beast from a far gone era.

Monsters of a mythical kind will also be top of the agenda, as the fight for the Superweapon of Eldrador Creatures continues. Each of the lands, Lava, Ice, Stone and Water, will have a new figure join the battle, including the Fire Bull and Ice Spider!

The magical world of bayala gained new fans in 2018, as followers of all things unicorn discovered the highly decorated Unicorns in the collection. In 2019, the proud Moon Unicorn of bayala will enter the stage, not to mention the incredibly beautiful unicorn foal that is set to charm this enchanted world.

See these and more, and discover the extent of the support offered to retailers by the Schleich team at Toy Fair.

Fact!

Schleich offers exceptional detail with their new additions to Horse Club, Farm World, Wild Life, Dinosaurs, Elrador and bayala!

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Even little ones can get in on the RC action thanks to new pre-school RC brand Revellino, which combines Revell’s technical know-how with renowned soft-toy producer Heunec to offer true entry-level plush radio control for ages 2+.

And they won’t miss out on model-making either – the Revell plastic model kit range is structured into five different skill levels from pre-school through to enthusiast, featuring leading licences including Cars 3, Star Wars, Super Wings, Porsche, and more. The Revell Control brand is firmly established across all age groups with radio-controlled vehicles, helicopters, drones and boats. Advent Calendars in both kit and RC formats offer an alternative twist to this ever-popular perennial.

The award-winning Revell Junior Kit range continues to expand further additions to the leading Disney-Pixar children’s licence Cars 3, plus characters from pre-school TV show Super Wings! These easy-to-assemble toys for ages four-plus bring favourite characters to life with the option to change character expressions, some even featuring light and sounds. The standard Junior Kit range of vehicles grows with a new farmyard range and even Playset buildings with included accessories, vehicles and articulated figures. For all Junior Kit models and playsets, parts are simply connected by large plastic screws and a child-friendly screwdriver. Once completed, all become durable, fully-functioning toys.

Requiring no glue or paint to complete, Build

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Did you know?

Revell has a new pre-school range called Revellino. & Play models for ages 6+ include popular cars, aircraft and even Star Wars subjects with included lights and sounds. For static modellers of 10+ (or those just interested in the subject matter), the Easy-Click range require no glue or paint to complete, include self-adhesive stickers and waterslide decals, enabling the builder to decide on the complexity of their finished display piece.

Renowned for its quality, heritage and value for money, and featuring informative, colourcoordinated packaging and colour manuals, the Revell plastic model kits brand continues to offer an amazing variety of new releases for modellers and newcomers to the hobby, plus the glues, paints and other accessories to complete them. The Revell Technik range for more experienced modellers continues to grow, combining classic Revell kit releases (including licensed product) with state-of-the-art electronics, including working lights and sound.

The complete model kit packages for occasional modellers, the Model Set range

combines popular Revell plastic kits with the necessary glue (where required), paintbrush and selected Aqua water-based acrylic paints to complete. This format also extends to Revell’s range of limited edition commemorative Gift Sets, including First Moon Landing 50th Anniversary, Leonardo da Vinci 500th Anniversary, plus exciting licensed vehicles from AC/DC, KISS, Iron Maiden and the Rolling Stones! With Revell Control, you can extend your flying fun with the Marathon long-flight drone and fly into the night with the Streak glow-in-the-dark helicopter! From ages six and above, stunt vehicles that spin, flip, drift and even drive on water dominate the ground. Revell Control Technik lets you first build the vehicle you’ll finally drive or fly, while the new Junior Kit Control line-up offers easybuild RC versions of firm Junior Kit favourites for ages four and above!

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SISO TOYS UK 01620 674 778 sales@sisotoysuk.com Siso Toys UK will be making its debut at Toy Fair this year, as it unveils its 2019 line-up to the trade.

Standout range will be the RC line-up from Toy Story 4. The range includes 1:24 scale RC of key characters from the movie as well as 1:18 scale RC. The toys launch in April 2019 and Toy Story will have its own private showroom at Toy Fair. Siso Toys UK will be investing in a full 360 marketing plan, including TV investment.

An array of action figures, vehicles and underwater robot suits from CBBC’s The Deep will also be on display ahead of the show’s third series. The range will be supported by an all-encompassing marketing plan. TV lines will be action figures and the popular underwater robots, known as Knights. Next up for Siso is Trollhunters - Tales of Arcadia, a Netflix original which launched in December 2016 and has been hugely successful ratings-wise on Netflix and since September on POP also. The range will include detailed figures, playsets and roleplay that will bring the world of Trollhunters to life for kids aged between six and nine. Boys and kidult collectors will love Siso Toys UK Majorette range of die-cast vehicles and playsets. The Majorette range is highly detailed, with

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Siso Toys UK will also be unveiling its premium doll range Corolle. The French doll brand celebrates its 40th aniversary in 2019. The heart of the range are the dolls, with cute, realistic faces that express an emotion, the proportions of a real baby, and an adorable vanilla scent. die-cast cars boasting opening doors, suspension, transparent frontlights and interiors. Die-cast are in 1:64 scale and boast a roster of strong and deep licensing portfolio of cars including Mercedes, Lamborghini, Audi, and Porsche.

From January 2019, Siso Toys UK will take over distribution and marketing of Masha & The Bear and will support the range in 2019 with full 360 marketing support including heavyweight TV, YouTube, social media, digital and PR. The range will feature 12cm dolls, 23cm soft body doll, plush bear in various sizes from 25cm to 50cm as well as the ever popular playsets. A hero item that will continue into 2019 will be

the Big Bear House playset, which has lights and sounds features and 2 floors of interactive play. A new Masha playhouse, including 12cm Masha doll, will also be introduced.

Wissper, the adorable show on Milkshake premiered its second season in late 2018, and Siso Toys UK will be supporting the show with a cute range of dolls, figurines and playsets that fans of Wissper will enjoy. Also on display will be a range of plush and styling heads based on Mattel’s Enchantimals brand.

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For any queries please contact us via email at inquiriesuk@funko.com Follow us for more exciting product updates!

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Whether you are settling down for an afternoon of play or hopping on a train, the Smart Toys and Games’ portfolio of award-winning products has entertainment covered. The brand’s popular collection of logic games boast multi-level challenges, ranging from super easy, to really tricky; they certainly keep the interest of children and adults alike and, with new games launching in 2019, the range is only going to get better!

One game that is set to be a big hit is the all-new Smart Games’ Smart Farmer, for 5+. Enjoy an interactive trip to the farm next spring, as players of this fun game take on the farmer’s role. With the animals in chaos, players are challenged to put some order in place! The pigs, sheep, horses and cows are making a big mess and need to be separated, but the player will need to give this some thought, as there are only three simple fences to divide the field into separate meadows. Help by

Did you know?

Smart Toys and Games’ collection of logic games offer multi-level challenges, ranging from easy to tricky, adept at holding the interest of children and adults alike.

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placing the fences so the animals each get their own space and don’t forget about their water, as they each need their own supply.

For those off on an adventure, Smart Games has the all-new Down The Rabbit Hole magnetic travel game. The game takes place underground, where Mr. Fox, Mr. Badger and the Rabbit family are looking for new homes. Players need to make sure each animal has its own burrow, with its own exit. The fun magnetic book has 48 multilevel challenges and is the ideal travel companion for little ones aged 5+.

So, whether you want to put some order in place down on the farm, or get the underground animals settled, Smart Games’ spring launches will not disappoint.

Not forgetting the brand’s fast-growing SmartMax range, the magnetic construction toy has proved a hit with little ones aged 18 months+, especially the My First range that will continue to expand in 2019. Promising to bring little ones’ imaginations to life, the My First Totem from SmartMax is a colourful set of eight building blocks, with different sounds, styles and textures, and with countless ways to build the character, the youngest members of the family will remain excited for hours! With the My First Totem set, SmartMax offers a new and creative approach to learning the basics of magnetism, so kids can safely discover the magic of it.

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Come and meet us on Stand D36, London Toy Fair

NEW Stems® is the incredibly flexible ‘maker’ toy that stimulates STEM learning through creative construction. The unique feature about Stems® is that there is just one component which is exactly the same shape.

They are so bendy that you only need this one shape to make pretty much anything you can imagine!

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LSP 8594-UK 60 Piece Set LSP 8593-UK 20 Piece Set The Flexible 3D Maker Toy

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Happy hatch day TOBAR 01603 397 105 www.tobar.co.uk

Stand: F50

It’s going to be a Happy Hatch Day at London Toy Fair when Tobar unveil their new Angry Birds range. It’s a great time to get cracking as the Angry Birds 2 movie is scheduled for release in August 2019.

Built around Red and five other major characters, the Tobar range will include pocketmoney items such as slime and light-up gadgets such as lava lamps and night lights. Six characters will appear in the already popular Jellyball range, large squishy stress toys perfect to calm down anyone who ‘sees Red’! One of the pocket-money stars is bound to be the Squishy Buddies – this cute blind bag collection comprises squishy versions of the Angry Birds characters designed to sit on your phone, desk or computer.

Tobar already have a great relationship with Bburago and Maisto, and 2019 will see the Angry Birds licence extend across these brands to include a new line of products with differing price points from pocket-money prices upwards. Other hot items include radio control and a range of construction toys again packaged in blind bags to entice the consumer to collect them all. There will also be a fast and fabulous Slot Car Racing Set.

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The popularity of squishies and slow-release foam has been an influence on stress-release fun products for 2019. Brand new Jellyballs make their debut appearance, a mixture of the popular existing fruit line combined with animals. Push a Pine Ape Elle!

Talking of fruit, Zuru Oosh Cotton Candy Cuties will be a zesty winner. Open the lollipop-shaped container to find a generous handful of sweet-smelling putty that stretches into web-like strands. Buried in the middle of the putty is a cute and collectable squishy toy – expect a unicorn, kitty, cupcake, strawberry, orange and a pudding. Then you can store your collection in the lollipop. Highly collectable, competitively priced, they will be the focus of a major

TV ad campaign supported by mainstream PR. The focus is on pocket-money toys with loads of imaginative takes on mythical beasts being the order of the day. Llamacorns are the perfect fusion – a combination of llama and unicorn, the two favourite creatures of the moment are combined in a great new pocket-money range. This standout range comprises the Llamacorn balloon ball, magic putty, a night light and a money bank. Not forgetting that magical Llamacorn magic poo!

The existing popular Animigos line is extended to feature the New Born Animigos. These are babyanimal versions of the existing animated plush. The top-quality packaging adds value to this new line. Choose from Pug, Kitten, Bunny or Guinea pig, all sold in their own home with a carry handle. Each New Born Animigo also comes with a baby bottle so that you can feed and nurture your new pet.

A mention must also go to... the best-selling and award-winning Zuru Robo Alive range, a new addition takes the form of a Dragon! In the Zuru Pets Alive range there are two new items – a dancing Llama called Boppi, and an amazing interactive Unicorn.

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Wilton Bradley will bring a large range of exciting new products to London Toy Fair, including developments to their Mi-Mic, The X Factor, Monster Smash Ups and Xootz brands.

The running theme for 2019’s new product ranges has been to evolve products within existing brands at more competitive price points and targeting a younger age group while also progressing ranges that have been a success in the current market.

The new Mi-Mic and The X Factor range includes a new Mi-Mic Mini and The X Factor XF1S, which have the same fun features of the best-selling

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Mi-Mic range but at a more compact size, so all members of the family can join in the fun.

The innovative RC brand Monster Smash Ups also sees a new range of all-exploding trucks, with two smaller models, at lower price points for those younger smash enthusiasts.

After the success of the Xootz Viper Go Kart, 2019 brings the release of the Typhoon Drift Trike and the Typhoon Power Drift Trike.

This new ride-on collection evolves the signature and stylish design of the Viper and brings more action-packed fun to the range.

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It’s in the bag ZIMPLI KIDS 01254 460 006 www.zimplikids.com

This will be Zimpli Kids third year at London Toy Fair and they are confident that this is the most exciting year to date. Not only do Zimpli Kids have a brand new stand, they have some new products that are guaranteed to have you amazed.

Zimpli Kids will be announcing the launch of its £1 Foil Bags. These include a range of products and colours, all with great play value and at a phenomenal retail price point. The perfect impulse-buy. Ideal for clip-strips, counter till points, promotions and discount stores. The range will

consist of Gelli Play and Slime Play – to turn water into up to 4 litres of colourful goo or Slime. SnoBall Play – just add water to create more than 15 realistic snowballs.

Crackle Baff – makes bath water crackle and pop, and Baff Bombz. The products are all 100% safe, stain free and drain safe.

These ‘just add water’ lines open up a whole new market for Zimpli Kids.

Also new for 2019, is the Baff Bombz range, consisting of six different styles including Unicorns, Poops and even the Zimpli Slime monster ‘Slimon’.

Zimpli Foil Bags The range includes:

Guess what…

The SnoBall Play Foil Bag will make 15 realistic snowballs!

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Gelli Play Slime Play SnoBall Play Crackle Baff Baff Bombz

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Tel: 01483 449944 www.vividtoysandgames.co.uk © 2019 Vivid Toy Group Ltd.

See this and more at Toy Fair Stand B70

© 2019 RTR Production, LLC, RFR Entertainment, Inc. and Remka, Inc., and PocketWatch, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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Spin Master will be showcasing a whole host of new lines for SS 2019, as well as offering a preview of this year’s Christmas blockbusters!

Spin Master is set for yet another exciting start to the new year, as the company with its ever-increasing portfolio of awardwinning brands - continues to snap up sought after licenses for hot new toy lines, launch disruptive new products and build on its evergreen brands with fresh thinking.

A name now synonymous with innovative technology and must-have toys, Spin Master’s 2019 line-up will not disappoint!

Launched on Boxing Day, Spin Master’s latest fashion inspired collectable line brings innovation to the girls’ market.

The new Off the Hook doll range features fun fashions and styles so little fashionistas can play dress up with their Best Fashion Friends!

Children can mix and match the doll’s style, snap together fab outfits and discover surprise accessories with the

new Style Girl, Style BFF and Style Studio, all with ultimate customisation options.

The extensive marketing and PR launch campaign ensured Off the Hook found its way into the Christmas stockings of target aged kids of some of the top parent influencers in the UK, coupled with a Boxing Day Instagram campaign to mark its in-store debut. A heavyweight marketing campaign for spring includes TV advertising and fashion themed influencer endorsement, kicking off in time for London Fashion Week in February, to support this exciting new addition for Spin Master this year.

There’s more EGGcitement to come from collectable phenomenon Hatchimals with the hatching of Hatchimals CollEGGtables Season 5 – Mermal Magic in February!

The enchanted line includes new seashell eggs, more character detailing and a variety of water transformations.

Children will experience the underwater world with the new one pack, two pack and four pack, as well as the six pack Seashell carton. Not to mention unique play sets including

Flower Shower and Water Slide with real water features, and the Coral Castle Playset. Fans will be wowed by the magical creatures in this new range and will want to collect them all!

AW 2019 will see yet more new introductions from Hatchimals, as Spin Master continues to build on this

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evergreen brand with fresh thinking that embraces current social trends.

February also sees the release of the third film in the highly successful DreamWorks Dragons franchise, How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, and Spin Master introduces its master toy line featuring characters directly from the world of Dragons.

Backed by a heavyweight launch campaign, fans can relive all the magic and epic adventures of Dragons, flying into battle with this hot new toy range!

They can let their imaginations soar and recreate exciting scenes with the new Dragon and Viking figure sets and Deluxe Dragons featuring cool lights and sounds, and a special action feature for more interactive play.

The ultimate dragon, Toothless, with 22-inch, pull-open wings, fire breathing and plasma blast action also joins the line.

More innovation in the Dragons range will come through for autumn, as Spin Master expands its action-packed offering.

Spin Master’s ten-year global partnership with Monster Jam, the kid-friendly, actionpacked live event, kicks off this month with the launch of the awesome Monster Jam toy line. Featuring cool trucks with authentic detailing and features of the originals, each vehicle comes with real working wheels for fans to create their favourite Monster Jam crashes!

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From die-cast and Rev and Roar vehicles to stunt play sets and Kinetic Dirt Starter and Deluxe sets, fans can build their very own tracks to experience the freestyle excitement, as well as collect them all! The adrenaline-fuelled line also includes the only RC products that let kids and fans of all ages feel like they are behind the wheel of Monster Jam trucks. Look out for Monster Mutt Dalmatian, Megaladon and Grave Digger and more, as well as more hit items set to launch in autumn!

Interactive toys featuring innovative robotics continue to be part of the Spin Master portfolio with a brand-new addition to shout about in spring. Not just any new collectable, Spin Master is set to disrupt this market by introducing a truly innovative new line of interactive collectable pets!

Lollipets are fun, new, interactive collectable pets with a big personality and a sweet tooth! Children can make these little cuties move by showing them their favourite treat! They can speed them up, slow them down, or guide them with the bright colour candy as they hug, chase, skip, scamper, and explore. Lollipets come in a one pack and a two pack for fans to collect these candy-loving cuties!

Since the acquisition of GUND last year, Spin Master is excited for the line-up of plush toys in 2019, as the company enters the gift business. Established in 1898,

GUND is one of the world’s leading plush manufacturers, connecting effortlessly with multiple generations of people who have shared special moments of their lives with these beloved cuddly companions.

GUND brings a collection of plush categories including baby, licensed, featuring Pusheen and Boo, core and animated items. Flappy the Elephant, an adorable singing animated plush, will be the hero product in the UK for 2019.

With two different play modes, Flappy sings songs as its ears move, providing an interactive and musical experience for any little one. Made from high-quality, huggable plush material that is surfacewashable, Flappy is perfect for children aged 0+.

There’s more in-store this spring, as the hugely popular pre-school property PAW Patrol keeps its fans up-to-speed with a brand-new range of toys. The toy line includes the TV promoted PAW Patrol Ultimate Rescue Construction Truck. This fully equipped dump truck has all the action-packed features kids need to create their own rescue missions with Rubble.

It’s also an exciting year for PAW Patrol content, with new releases set for both spring and autumn promising strong retail opportunities throughout 2019.

With a host of new autumn/winter products now well into development, visitors to Toy Fair should not miss the chance to see not only these spring highlights, but also its Christmas blockbusters!

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Following the launch of the hugely anticipated Fortnite toys range in December 2018, Jazwares will reveal exciting new developments throughout the year, which include true-to-game figures, Domez, loot chests, building sets, plush and game-replica weapons, all supported by a multi-channel marketing campaign.

Expect to see further refreshes and new themes for Roblox the largest social platform for play, including all new characters, vehicles and play sets.

Fingerlings (WowWee) will enjoy further expansion with amazing new characters and innovative tech features to refresh

the hugely successful line. Untamed by Fingerlings, a Dream Toys 2018 winner, will have exciting refreshes with the introduction of new creatures and playsets, unveiling a mustsee extension and launching the imaginative collectible line, Untamed Mad Lab Minis. WowWee also has an array of incredibly exciting new brands including S.W.A.K -Sealed With A Kiss, a collectable lips keyring line complete with KissTech technology, supported by TV advertising. Plus, more to announce!

Toy Fair also sees new extensions to the Feisty Pets brand, including new characters and new expressions, with vehicles introduced in Autumn 2019.

Also look out for the new Feisty Pets pocket-money blind collectables, Mini Misfits and 4in plastic characters.

New refreshes of the hugely popular range of NERF gear will be revealed on the stand, including targets, vests and more.

Launching at Toy Fair is a new girls collectable that features a world of tiny houses and characters each with their unique storyline and place, marrying the physical world with the virtual world through AR to

complement play.

There’s also a new Russ plush launch including Petooties plush collectables and Li’l Peepers.

New for 2019 is Ztringz, a rainbowcoloured cat’s cradle-inspired playground craze toy. Supported by a TV and digital marketing campaign and The Ztringz Academy YouTube channel with tutorials and 45+ Ztringz figures to learn and make.

Jazwares will also showcase a new range of Angry Birds toys in time for the premiere of The Angry Birds Movie 2. The new, action-packed toy line brings the Angry Birds to life with splat balls, blinds, figures, playsets and plush

by Russ.

Jazwares’ global licensed toy range for Go Away Unicorn – which airs on the Disney Channel in the UK from January 2019 – will be featured on the stand, including a variety of figure packs and plush toys by RussT.

Guess what…

Ztringz, a rainbow-coloured cat’s cradle-inspired toy, is set to be a playground craze.

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Vivid is tapping into the squishies trend further in 2019 with the launch of Splishies – a super-soft range of animals with squishy, splishy insides.

Available in two sizes – Splishies and the larger Super Splishies – there are seven different characters to collect.

Shake, splish and squish them to see the glitter and charms swirl inside their extraordinary splishy bellies! Give them a squeeze to see what’s inside.

Supported by an integrated TV, PR and Digital campaign from launch, Series 1 launches in early 2019 with further range intros planned throughout the year. With a range of low RRPs to maximize all-year-round sales from impulse/pocket money purchases.

Introducing a new arrival under the hugely successful Animagic interactive plush brand, meanwhile, the My First Puppy collectable range features four pups looking for a new home. Unwrap each to reveal a little surprise puppy complete with nine hidden accessories and contained within a dog carrier that doubles as a

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cosy pup basket.

There’s cuddles from the supersoft, slow-rise foam, cute and cuddly Squeezamals, with new Wave 2 characters due in early 2019. Collectable and sweet-smelling new clip-ons, medium and large versions will launch from early 2019 alongside a new Squeezamals Dessert-themed range including clip-on and medium-sized cup cake, ice cream, doughnut and more yummy treat-styled versions of the hit squishy range.

New characters are being introduced to the dazzling sequinned Shimmeez Wave 2 versions in 2019 with clip-on, 8in and 14in versions of the transforming, customisable plush. Look out for elephant, sloth and unicorn.

Harry Potter fans will look forward to

collecting new Harry Potter Character Collectbles. There are 36 to collect including limited-edition golden Harry Potter and Furry Hedwig versions, single figure blind bags, 7-figure blister packs and a mixture of both common and rare characters to collect.

Encouraging STEM-linked learning via educational and fun-packed science-based kits for children aged 8+ and introductory sets for ages 4+, Science4You is the perfect range to encourage children to discover the wonders of the world around them.

New for 2019 are New Yucky Science, Manicure Factory, Bath Bombs and the Science of Crystals – each packed with multiple experiments to challenge even the most budding scientist.

Crayola will launch two new playsets

Fact!

There are 36 Harry Potter Character Collectibles, including limited-edition golden Harry Potter and Furry Hedwig.

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into their Washimals range in AW19.

With the Vet Clinic Playset and Beauty Salon Playsets, kids can play with their cute Washimals pets at home or on the go. The included Crayola markers let kids bring their Washimals to life with their own beautiful designs, before cleaning them off to play again.

Launching July 2019, Goliath Games’ Gator Golf is the fun golfing game for children that is sure to deliver giggles time after time. Use the flamingoshaped putter to tap the coloured balls into the gator’s mouth and watch as it returns the balls. Each ball you putt scores one point. Score four points to win the game.

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Boomtrix is the new extreme marble track system consisting of towers, trampolines, stunts and a goal. Use your imagination to create the craziest track set-ups using all the components plus you can design a different track every time and share online. Choose from three different starter sets as well as trampoline packs, available from July 2019.

Having recently been appointed as lead toy in the UK for Ryan’s World, Vivid will be launching a range inspired by the hugely successful YouTuber in early 2019. Already a huge hit in the US, the Ryan’s World range will include blind bags, squishies, plush,

action figures and more. With a variety of content on his channel, Ryan Toys Review, including toy reviews, animation and family vlogs, seven-year-old Ryan has created fun, engaging characters that have their own videos, such as Gus the Gummy Gator and Combo Panda.

These and other characters – including Ryan’s superhero alter-ego the Red Titan and Peck the Penguin – will also be featured within the toy line-up.

Finally, for outdoor play, award-winning Phlat Ball and recently introduced extension to the successful inflatable Wubble line, Super Wubble, will continue to feature as focus items for S/S 2019 within Vivid’s Outdoor range.

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Clean up with the Build Your Own Vacuum Cleaner!

AWARD WINNING Count with Peppa

Blast the SpyX Drone Strike out of the sky!

Expect so much more!

Peppa Pig © Astley Baker Davies Ltd/Entertainment One UK Ltd 2003. © 2019 TrendsUK Ltd. SCIENCE MAD is the Registered Trade Mark of Trends UK Limited.

Trends UK (National Accounts)

Wind Designs (Independents)

Email: salesadmin@trendsuk.co.uk www.trendsuk.co.uk

Email: sales@wind-designs.com www.wind-designs.com

Tel: +44 (0)1295 768078

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Tel: +44 (0)1353 724140

For media enquiries, please contact:

Ane Olesen: ane@wirepr.eu

11/12/2018 10:39

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Guess what…

There is 10% off Toy Fair orders for 1st to Worst.

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Now approaching £6 million in retail sales in the UK, family H games specialist Wild Card Games continues to add to its range of award-winning games.

Top sellers Who Knows Where?, Ski Run, Globe Runner, Mapominoes, Frenzi and Backpacker and award-winners Arithmanix and Astronauts are joined by exciting new family quiz games Guessed List and 1st to Worst.

With 10% off orders placed at Toy Fair, Guessed List is a fun fast party game for all where you choose a List Title and then shout out as many answers as you can in 30 seconds to try to guess a specific name on the List and win the card. List Titles cover popular trivia topics from TV chefs to chocolate bars, from singers with one name to sports personality winners. Can you get

your name on the Guessed List and enter the Winners Club?

A great fun, rapid-fire, quick-thinking quiz game, for two or more players or teams.

There is also 10% off Toy Fair orders for 1st to Worst – the party game of preference.

A great fun party game for families and friends, based on classic conversations about preferences, the aim is to correctly guess another player’s order of preference from three choices. Choose from a wide range of topics to suit all ages and interests, including food, drink, activities, brand preferences, TV shows, films, favourite actors, sports people, singers and more.

The first choice party game that gets everyone talking and thinking – “Which would you choose?” For 3-10 players.

Ski Run is a classic family race game that is popular with all ages and sells

strongly from September through till the end of the ski season in April. The lead changes constantly in this dynamic game of fluctuating fortunes, where you race across a piste map and try to use the right cards at the right time to stay one step ahead of your opponents.

Award-winning Who Knows Where? is the global location guessing game where players locate famous places on the world map. With more than 1,000 locations to guess in five categories, it’s a fun way to learn about our world. Everyone guesses every question and you can copy opponents’ guesses, in this quick, simple and inclusive game for all that has many five-star reviews. Popular year-round sellers Backpacker & Mapominoes have both sold well over 100,000 games in the UK and continue to win more fans.

50th birthday party Rainbow Designs 01329 227 300 www.rainbowdesigns.co.uk

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The Very Hungry Caterpillar looks set to take centre stage at this year’s Toy Fair thanks to the classic character’s 50th anniversary and an exciting new nursery toy range from Rainbow Designs. New from the Home of Classic Characters is the Tiny and Very Hungry Caterpillar Collection, based on Eric Carle’s books. This new collection features a beautiful selection of products crafted specifically for the newborn to 18 months age range. To mark the 50th anniversary of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Rainbow Designs will also be launching a colourful and super cuddly, Made With Love Very Hungry Caterpillar, created from knit fabric with beautifully embroidered detail to give a stylish homespun feel. Retailers can join Rainbow in celebrating the momentous anniversary of this evergreen brand and the launch of the new Tiny and Very Hungry

Caterpillar range with a party on Rainbow’s stand. Another spring arrival is the adorable new Dumbo range, created to coincide with the eagerly-anticipated launch of Disney’s Dumbo movie in March. Rainbow’s new collection starring Disney’s most famous elephant features soft and cuddly plush Dumbo toys, available in three sizes, as well as a baby soft Dumbo Ring Rattle and Comfort Blanket. Retailers can also look forward to the exciting arrival of a new My First Thomas & Friends range, which will launch later this year.

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DISCOVER Exciting NEW GAMES for AW2019 “Okay GOOGLE, Let’s play a game!”

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Fact!

VTech has seven of the top 10 items in the Electronic Entertainment ex Tablets category (NPD Sterling Data Jan – Oct 2019).

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Already flying to success in Autumn Winter 2018 was Myla the Magical Make Up Unicorn. Use Myla’s magic make-up brush, select any colour from the make-up palette and apply it magically to Myla’s horn, eyes, and wings and watch in amazement as they magically light up in that colour. Then sing songs together using the magic microphone.

VTech has seven of the top 10 items in the Electronic Entertainment ex Tablets category (NPD Sterling Data Jan – Oct 2019), and with the new release planned in AW2019, the company expects to make that eight.

2019 will see product refreshes that will ensure toys mimic the look and feel of the adult equivalents, but at a toy price point making them desirable to children and parents alike. VTech continually identifies trends in adult consumer electronics and transfers the technology into children’s toy categories, ensuring they are not only fun to play with but have

the durability required. With superior performance, they boast new technology and contain on trend features often seen in the adult sector.

Also new for SS19 are the PetSqueaks.

These cute, pocket-sized, my first robotic pets, have three sensors that interact when one of the sensors is triggered.

Pet the head sensor or tickle the tummy sensor to make PetSqueaks giggle and respond with sounds, phrases and motion.

Hold the PetSqueaks in the palm of your hand to trigger the bottom sensor and see it stand up. Watch the PetSqueaks move and scurry around on flat surfaces, just like a real pet or, see their cheeks light up in delight as they eat!

They even make funny and embarrassing noises!

The PetSqueaks will be advertised on TV from January.

There will be more than 80 new products launching at Toy Fair and available to see on the VTech stand.

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MV Sports is the one-stop-shop for licensed wheels in 2019 with all major classic and hot properties covered.

The recent expansion of the Disney portfolio now includes for the first time, their entire roster of forthcoming entertainment releases such as, Toy Story, Lion King, Spider-man, and Frozen.

Evergreen properties, Batman, Peppa, Disney Princess and Paw Patrol will be customer favourites, with Disney Princess and Paw Patrol both refreshed for 2019.

Paw Patrol has brighter colours and more action-packed graphics, while Disney Princess gets a bolder look with a colour pallet makeover, new bespoke plaques and stylised graphics. Toy Story has been reimagined to feature all the favourite characters in bright and bold colours. Go to infinity and beyond with the Buzz range with Buzz 6v Spaceship ride-on, alien-shaped hopper and a range of Buzz-detailed scooters. Also watch this space for new Toy Story 4 products due to launch before the film release in June 2019. MV has also sprinkled some Frozen magic over a new range of bikes, scooters, skates and accessories.

The cool colour palette and snowflake pattern has a more striking and distinguished look for 2019.

Frozen 2 is due out in cinemas in November 2019 and MV will have a range to support this movie,– so watch this space!

Hot property L.O.L. Surprise! is going from strength to strength, with many customers underestimating demand in 2018. MV’s range of scooters, skates, tepees and bikes is embellished 136

with glittery wheels on the fixed inline scooter, a super-sparkly sock and wheels on the inline skates, and glitterati accents on the 14in and 16in bike.

In 2019, Barbie will be celebrating her 60th anniversary, and MV will be celebrating with a new range of bikes, scooters, and protective gear.Batman has been one of MV’s best and most consistent performers due to the enduring strength of the character and iconic design.

New for 2019, the new Spider-man range takes its cue from a powerful webpatterned design that creates a distinct impression of Spider-man’s suit and spider motif, making it instantly recognisable as the friendly neighbourhood hero. Other older boys’ properties not to be missed are Bumblebee to support the highly acclaimed new movie, and Avengers, featuring iconic characters from the franchise. MV’s own-brand categories are also expanding, with a new range of premium scooters and ride-on’s. The new UMove range features products that grow with the child. UMove is lightweight, high quality, and affordable with many items having the option of light-up wheels – premiumspecification wheeled toys but without MV Sports has the

premium price tag. MV’s older boy brand Stunted has been strengthened with new professional-grade clamps plus three new models including an entry-level stunt scooter and two top-specification stunt scooters, one with a cool, all-over print finish; the other with a neo-chrome deck. The sports and technology driven brand Wired has been completely refreshed to include a brand new range of hoverboards, electric scooters and performance-based wheels.

Hedstrom continues to hold strong in the outdoor arena with an array of outdoor play equipment including slides, swings, trampolines and multi-play products such as the Atlas, which consists of a slide, swings, climbing frame, dual swinger and basketball set, the perfect all-in-one outdoor play adventure. Look out for the new 3 in 1 Swing, which offers greater flexibility and functionality as the child grows.

Kickmaster is still scoring repeatedly at retail with a comprehensive and core range of balls, goals and football sets. The 2019 range now also includes the Ultra HD goal range, a highly durable, chunky metal goal, designed to withstand heavy use and play.

The innovative Soccer Arcade is the ultimate goal for practising chipping and target skills whilst incorporating a regular sized goal at the rear. The innovative new Soccer Box is a multi-faceted training a new aid incorporating a mini range called UMove – football goal, rebounder, chipping trainer, target premium-specification shot and additional goal. wheeled toys but without The Soccer Box can be the premium price tag. folded for easy storage.

Guess what…

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Realistic role play Casdon 01253 608248 www.casdon.co.uk

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Casdon will showcase a world of imagination and role play at London Toy Fair.

Whether children are Little Helpers, Little Cooks or even Little Shoppers, there’s something in the Casdon collection for retailers across multiple territories.

Everyone likes a proper tea party and the new Tetley Tea Set will appeal to kids with the famous ‘tea folk’ while adults will love its durability and nostalgic charm. Children will enjoy endless role-play fun with this traditional styled set that contains a tin teapot, tray, cups, saucers and plates, all housed within its own carry-case for easy portability. For springtime, kids can help mum and dad have that garden looking shipshape with the Flymo Turbo Lite Lawnmower; another exciting replica from Casdon Toys. The Flymo features a foldable handle for easy storage and a mechanical click when the mower is on the move. It also features

the iconic orange base.

Continuing into 2019 is the collection of Dyson replica vacuums. The toy replica of the famous Dyson Cord-free Vacuum makes pretend play so much more realistic. The working suction picks up small bits and there’s a debris compartment to empty it all out. The simulated cyclone action has moving colourful balls in a clear cylinder, so it looks and sounds like the grown-ups’ Dyson!

There are also different ways to play: short nozzle or long-handled ‘twist & turn’ cleaning - and the attachments have an easy-release removal system. This fantastic role-play toy may look just like the real thing, but it’s also perfect for Little Helpers’ hands as well as developing essential life skills.

Did you know?

Casdon’s replica Dyson Cordfree Vacuum really sucks up small bits of dust and dirt.

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Marbel 0845 6000 286 www.marbel.co.uk Marbel will have a fantastic selection of cultivated brands and the latest product releases, including new arrivals Nebulous Stars and Eureka Kids.

Hape are back. They will be extending existing ranges such as Infant Toys, which focus on a baby’s early needs of training, playing, selfdiscovery and movement. Products include the Garden Friends Play Arch, Bumblebee Pram Chain, Rattle and more. Hape will also be unveiling totally new concepts such as the Junior Inventor range, with experiments based on a process of trial, error and creation. Products include Hape’s Deluxe Scientific Workbench or the compact Science Experiment Toolbox.

Watch out, Relevant Play’s Mad Mattr super soft modelling compound will be expanding! The Collectable Meteor Monster offers all the fun of this modelling compound with the additional novelty of collecting the Meteor Monster figurines.

Press it, mould it, knead it, squeeze it and sculpt it with the Quantum Builder Pack, offering 10oz of this rather magical compound, plus an ultimate brick maker to make more than 50 bricks, available in a selection of six bright colours; teal, pink, blue, purple, red and green. What is it to be? A robot, tortoise or a llama, the choice is yours!

Eureka Kids is one of Marbel’s latest additions for 2019, offering an extensive selection of educational toys for the toy box from baby age and older. The Scratch Art Kits give children the opportunity to scratch away at each card to discover what is hidden underneath the mystical template.

Choose from two designs each offering four scratch cards based on the wonderful world of either unicorns or dinosaurs, look out for the colourful illustrations which are hidden behind each card. The Evolutionary Puzzle sets offer four puzzles in one, including a 6-,9-,12- and 16-piece puzzle; it’s a toy that grows along with the child. As their skills continue to develop they can advance to the bigger puzzle. Themes include; fireman, veterinary and ballerina, all beautifully illustrated.

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(Wind Designs )

Learn to count with Peppa Trends UK 01295 768078 www.trendsuk.co.uk

Wind Designs

Stand: H42

(Trends

UK)

01353 724140 www.wind-designs.com Peppa Pig celebrates her 15-year anniversary in 2019 with lots of new TV content, a cinema event, live shows and lots more. The best-selling, multi award-winning and 5-star rated Count with Peppa being the star of the Trends UK Trends UK Science Electronic Learning Toys range, enabling Mad Chemistry children to have fun with the 10 colourful Set won gold play coins and to learn about numbers and awards from colours. The Mr Tumble Learning Pad is MadeForMums and an ideal toy for any fan of the Something Creative Play.

Special programme because it combines recognising colours, letters, numbers and musical instruments. While the Learn with Thomas Alphaphonics is an easy-to-handle toy featuring seven different play modes.

New science kits for 2019 include: the Science Mad Build Your Own Robotic Vacuum Cleaner. The Science Mad Circuit Lab has more than 50 experiments on electricity, electrical components and circuits. An interactive Science Mad Pop Globe features AR technology with an app that scans the geo-political globe to reveal fascinating facts and pictures. Trends UK is also refreshing its popular science toy range as Discovery Adventures, with a new look and packaging designed to appeal to adventure-seeking families. If you’re feeling adventurous, the new SpyX Drone Strike will put would-be agents through aerial spy training. Also made from soft foam are Velcro Brand BLOCKS the play system for pre-schoolers. Lightweight, soft foam blocks attach together with clever Velcro Brand Fasteners, allowing for infinite creativity. Look out for Velcro Brand BLOCKS T-Rex, a 33-piece set creating a great-looking dinosaur with movable arms and legs, and Jumbo Robot, which builds a cool, industrial-style robot with hands that grip. Finally, new to the awardwinning no-mess Paint Sticks range is Paint Sticks Art Station. With six classic Paint Sticks, Chalk Sticks, paper and a duster, it is ready for action straight out of the box.

Fact!

toysnplaythings.co.uk

New toys dropping in 2019!

For sales contact: UKsales@jazwares.com

@Jazwares #Jazwares

Fortnite.Jazwares.com

Copyright Š 2018 Jazwares, LLC. All rights reserved. Š 2018 Epic Games, Inc. Fortnite and its logo are registered trademarks of Epic Games, Inc. in the USA (Reg. U.S. Pat. & Tm. Off.) and elsewhere. All rights reserved.

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Movie mayhem PLAYMOBIL www.playmobil.co.uk 01268 548 111 From playsets to licensed ranges, Playmobil will be showcasing a whole host of new products at Toy Fair 2019.

Attendees will gain a sneak preview of Playmobil: The Movie as well as the exciting new toy range which accompanies the film.

There will also be the new licensed Ghostbusters products and a range of playsets featuring beloved characters from the hugely successful Netflix series, DreamWorks Spirit Riding Free.

The new DreamWorks Dragons playsets, which will be released to coincide with the launch of the third film in the incredibly successful How to Train Your Dragon franchise, are also on display.

Also look out for pocket-money favourites Playmo-Friends. New characters join its hugely popular cast while fans of Playmobil Fi?ures surprise bags will be able to take their pick from 24 fresh designs. Meanwhile, 12 new collectables are available as part of the Special PLUS range. Step into a magical fairy world, tending to your very own unicorn with the Sun Fairy

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with Unicorn Foal. Or energise playtime with the Motocross Rider, complete with full rider’s gear and motocross bike. New additions to the Playmobil universe include the Playmobil City Life Tiny Paws Pet Hotel, furnished with everything your miniature pets could possibly need to ensure a cosy break.

For aspiring astronauts, endless galactic adventures are guaranteed during each voyage on the Playmobil Mission to Mars Space Station. Small

world play lovers can create the perfect holiday, time and again, with the Playmobil Family Fun Summer Villa.

A life-sized Playmobil figure will also feature on the stand, with a range of costume characters taking part in the character parade.

Did you know? A lifesized Playmobil figure will take part in the character parade!

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info@thehornit.com www.thehornit.com

Did you know?

The Mini Hornit has more than 25 sounds, including police car and F1 racing car.

Mini Hornit is the hottest kids’ bike and scooter accessory brand on the market. With a brand ethos for creating fun and innovative products to keep children safe but looking cool, they’re the ultimate accessories for kids who love their wheels.

The Mini Hornit is the leading light and sound effect accessory. Loaded with more than 25 sounds, with white and green lights, kids’ imaginations will run wild. The next F1 driver? A budding police officer? The Mini Hornit offers it all. The range is available in four colours; yellow and blue, red and blue, pink and purple, and black. The wing clips fit

on all bikes and scooters and the remote trigger means kids don’t need to take their hands off the handlebars.

Always pushing for safety, style and fun, Mini Hornit LIDS are certainly cooler than most other kids’ bike helmets.

Expertly designed, they are fully adjustable, comfortable, lightweight and come in eight different designs; Pugs, Shark, Commander, Stealth, Wayfarer, Aviator, Polkas and Head Candy.

Kids will love wearing them!

There is also the added safety feature of an integrated LED light on the back.

Mini Hornit will be launching more designs for the LIDS range in 2019 and are always expanding the product offering.

Magic made easy MARVIN’S MAGIC 01582 849000

www.marvinsmagic.com

Marvin’s Magic is recognised as the brand leader and number one for magic worldwide. It is proud to have won many accolades, has the best-selling magic sets and largest following of young magicians anywhere!

Magic is normally based on dexterity, skill and many years of practice, but with Marvin’s Magic, budding magicians can perform similar sensational effects in no time.

It’s professional magic made easy.

Marvin Berglas, internationally acclaimed magician and creator of Marvin’s Magic, is passionate about the brand and proud to inspire and encourage the next generation of magicians through excellence in magic. His dedication has been recognised in both the toy and 144

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magic industries through numerous awards, and he was recently reelected Vice President of the Magic Circle.

Marvin’s Magic is always ahead of the game which is reflected in the innovative and fun magic sets. In addition to all the tricks and props included, new sets such as the great The special value Marvin’s Amazing edition Deluxe 300 Magic Tricks include Box of Tricks unbelievable augmented is limited to reality tricks, a mini Marvin performing tricks in 3D, 3,000 copies to bonus online content celebrate Marvin’s and easy-to-follow video Magic’s 30th instructions, perfect for anniversary youngsters who prefer visual explanations.

Guess what…

Catering for all price points and ages, Marvin’s Magic has created a unique special edition Deluxe Box of Tricks. This hand-picked selection of Marvin’s favourite professionalquality effects is strictly limited to just 3,000 copies worldwide in celebration of the 30th anniversary of Marvin’s Magic.

If you can keep a secret, make sure you visit Marvin’s Magic at Toy Fair to see what other surprises they have up their sleeves for 2019!

It’s not just magic… it’s Marvin’s Magic

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Our contact in UK: Stephen Richardson, SJR Associates Phone number: +44 7850 779 797 E-mail: sales@sjr-associates.co.uk

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Big Potato 07472 824 526. www.bigpotato.com

Fact!

There are 400 different challenges in the game 20 Second Showdown

The Big Potato gang are returning to London Toy Fair, armed with their brightly coloured stand and a bundle of brand new party games. Included in next year’s line-up is the fast-and-frantic party game 20 Second Showdown and the family betting game What Came First.

20 Second Showdown is an absolute rollercoaster of a family game, with two teams racing to complete a series of ridiculous challenges. Pick a player to start in the hot seat and read out a Challenge Card, then flip the massive timer and try to complete whatever crazy task the game throws at you.

There are 400 different challenges in the game – from saying ‘hello’ in three different foreign languages to swapping shoes with a team member. The first team to run out of time loses and must reset the timer, while the winners parade around the room like the champions that they are.

In What Came First, we’ll put two icons up against each other – like Cher or Tupperware, Bruce Lee or KFC – and you’ll have to figure out which came first. Make your bet by placing your chips on either side of the board, which includes a ‘guess-the-year’ section for anyone who’s feeling extra lucky.

Pick the right side and you could double your bet. Pick the right year and you could quadruple it.

The more you win, the quicker you’ll get to the finish line but watch out – get it wrong on a big bet and you’ll be heading backwards in a hurry.

Finally, Big Potato will also be announcing two new licensed games for 2019. It’s so top secret that we can’t breathe a word of it here – but find out at the Big Potato stand.

Driving quality Rollplay

07986 971 902 www.rollplay.net

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Rollplay has been a manufacturer of e-vehicles for children and licensee of well-known car brands such as Porsche, BMW, Volkswagen, Mercedes and Audi for the past 20 years. The products combine high-quality standards and innovation with realistic designs and a fun driving experience. There are more than 50 products from the lines Toddler and Pre-School, Battery-Powered Vehicles and High Performance – including OEM products and original designs for children between the ages of two and 12. Highlights for Toy Fair include the award-winning Nighthawk, new and refreshed licensed vehicles from the BMW and VW range, as well as new vehicles in the high performance and electric ride-on categories, which will be revealed at the show.

The Nighthawk is a sit, slide and glide ride for pre-teens. With its leadingedge design creating a new sub-segment of ride-on toys, kids can glide through exhilarating curves and feel the sensational control of the Rollplay Nighthawk as they learn how to master the unique riding action.

Riders steer the Nighthawk by leaning into the curve, while gas and brake pedals allow variable speed control. Handlebars placed either side of the seat protect hands and offer complete control, and there’s a rear flag for safety.

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It takes five Orchard Toys 01953 859525 www.orchardtoys.com Orchard Toys has introduced five new products to its educational range, including: a new sound-matching game with supporting app, a magic literacy game, a three-dimensional counting and addition board game, a number puzzle for toddlers and a fun dinosaur lotto, perfect for pre-schoolers.

Sound Detective is the first Orchard Toys product that can be used in conjunction with the new, free Orchard Toys app. In the detective-themed game, players listen to the sound clues within the app and match them to their picture cards to build a path and catch the thief.

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The game of chance encourages the development of children’s observational skills through both sight and sound, while offering simple and fun gameplay to engage a wide variety of ages.

Magic Spelling is a literacy-based counterpart product to Magic Maths, which has been a huge success since its launch 18 months ago. Players race against the timer to discover hidden letters to spell words, before using the magical rub-and-reveal cards to check that they have spelt the words correctly.

If they have, players get to collect the yucky ingredients listed in their magic spell book to win the game. Perfect for school children aged five to seven to support literacy skills in line with the national curriculum.

Counting Mountain is a fun counting and addition game, featuring a 3D board and a plethora of mountain animals. Players take turns to turn over two cards at a time, add them together and move that number of spaces along the board as they

race to reach the top of the mountain.

However, players must watch out for yetis who live on the mountain as they can send them backwards or, even chase all players off the mountain and back to the start! Dirty Dinos is a fun traditional lotto game, with simple gameplay and quirky engaging characters. Players match and collect dirty dinosaurs to fill their bath tub in this fun colour, counting and observation game with three ways to play. But, it’s the player with the most bubbles at the end that wins the game!

Number Street is the latest addition to Orchard Toys’ jigsaw range. The 20-piece floor puzzle helps children learn their numbers from 1-10.

The fun character jigsaw features large, chunky pieces which are perfect for little hands to hold, helping to develop manual dexterity.

Number Street also includes a giant pull-out poster.

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Fact!

Trefl’s offering has increased by 25 per cent for 2019!

Trefl, based in Poland, is one of the biggest manufacturers of puzzles and games in Europe.

The brand has a vast offering of licensed products – both puzzles and games.

For 2019, their range has been increased by 25 per cent and they now offer over 600 items.

In 2019, there will be a strong focus in the UK on their Mistakos stacking chair game for up to four players, which has sold over 480,000 pieces worldwide in just three years.

New for 2019 is the 1000 piece

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Crazy Element Puzzles. What makes them crazy is that they do not have a square edge, so they really challenge the puzzler - no more getting the outside frame completed first!

As in previous years, A.B. Gee are Trefl’s distributors. Visitors to London Toy Fair will be able to view Trefl’s comprehensive range on A.B.Gee of Ripley’s stand in January.

Please do not hesitate to contact Trefl to arrange an appointment at London Toy Fair - your time will not be wasted!

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Leaps & Bounds 2019 Show Details London Toy Fair: 22nd – 24th Jan 2019 Grand Hall, Stand E15 Nuremberg Toy Fair: 30th Jan – 3rd Feb 2019 Hall 12, Stand B-03-01 Spring Fair: 3rd – 7th Feb 2019 Hall 5, Stand 36-J37

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MOOKIE TOYS 01525 722722 www.mookie.co.uk

Stand : E149

Mookie Toys is proud to be the exclusive UK distributor for YULU, the global toys and family entertainment company. This will open up a whole host of new, exciting products in a variety of categories, such as collectables, games and outdoor toys. YULU have already had amazing success with products like the award-winning Watermelon Smash.

As well as YULU games, Mookie will be launching Flip Finz, YULU Sports, Stik & Stuffs and Pop Pops. The YULU Sports range includes Double Juggle, using unique bounce technology. With Double Juggle you can play solo or with two players by splitting the product in half and utilising both handles.

Bounce it and show off your tricks, Double Juggle can be played anywhere!

Flip Finz is the next generation of fun skill and action fidget toys that will be a musthave in 2019. It has a unique shape and each fin contains a bright LED light that pulses with each move, so you can play all day and night. Pop Pops will be a new launch for YULU and Mookie next year, beginning Mookie’s entry into the collectables and slime markets. Inspired by the addictiveness of bubble wrap popping, both ranges capture the biggest trends in toys: unboxing, collectable and slime crazes combining all of these themes into one ultimate, slimy, gross collectable, fun, pop-able product.

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Arts and Crafts will continue to be a major focus for Mookie in 2019.

Tybo is a unique, mess-free tie-dye experience that children can use with great results every time. Next year, Mookie will be launching new sets aimed at allowing children to accessorise their creations after using the Tybo orb to tie-dye them. These new sets will include a Tybo Print Studio, enabling children to screen print various designs onto their tiedyed t-shirts using fun stencils and special dye. Also available will be new glitter and neon dyes to personalise the creation.

RainboElla’s are the creatable collectables using a gel that can be cured and hardened, making it the perfect product to accessorise and decorate each character. Each RainboElla has their own backstory and character traits; dress them up in different outfits for different occasions and even style their hair. For the past two years, Mookie has been the official UK partner for Silverlit. For 2019, Silverlit have invested in lower-priced, innovative tech toys, such as Chimpy, a fun-loving, dancing robot ape. Pinch one of his ears and he’ll walk, or pinch both ears and watch Chimpy go wild with funny noises. Robo Chameleon has enjoyed a whirlwind of success this year after winning the Spielwarenmesse Toy Award at the start of the year. Following on from this success, Mookie are

launching Gloopies, a cute collection of reptile creatures with a cool twist. Each one lights up, changes colour and makes fun noises. There are three to collect including a chameleon, lizard and frog.

Mookie Toys will be showcasing Silverlit at London Toy Fair, with a focus on new and unconventional robots.

Also at Toy Fair will be Mookie’s outdoor toy lines, including TP Toys, building on their success in 2018 with some fresh new

products. Following on from the success of their mud kitchen range, which performed extremely well in 2018, TP Toys has designed a mud kitchen accessory that attaches to the side of the TP playhouses, adding lots of extra fun. TP are jumping to new heights in 2019, with a completely unique, revolutionary trampoline. The new trampoline will also feature the groundbreaking new TP ‘Elevate’ system, which will revolutionise the way we look after our trampolines.

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Stand : Galler y 500

LEAPFROG 01895 202 840 www.leapfrog.co.uk

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Leapfrog is introducing a new innovation to the ever-popular LeapStart range that will help children go from ‘learning to read’ to ‘reading to learn’.

It’s part of a release of 31 new products that can be seen at the show.

Look out for some new LeapStart books that will feature popular characters from movies that are set to be released in 2019.

2018 saw the launch of the LeapStart 3D which has proved to be a success – reaching number one in the Preschool Electronic Learning subclass.

The LeapStart 3D will get kids excited about learning, with holographic animations that magically bring the activities to life. Perfect for visual or auditory learners, the touch and talk activities enhance learning with interactive animations to help kids build maths,

reading, problem-solving skills and more. For ages 2-7 years.

The LeapStart library of 25+ books (each sold separately) features children’s favourite characters such as PAW Patrol, Peppa Pig, PJ Masks, Disney Princesses and more. The library covers a variety of pre-school through to primary school subjects for 2-7 year olds with more than 30 activities in every book. Many replayable activities have two levels with 50+ key skills per level, so kids can play and learn at the level and move up when they’re ready.

2019 will also see two brand new role-play items for Autumn/ Winter 2019 that are sure to get customers ‘sizzling’ and that will ‘clean up’ at the awards, while also teaching numbers, colours, shapes and more! In Autumn/ Winter, LeapFrog will also be launching a handheld device that will build on crazes from gaming, and the playground, while also incorporating learning.

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The Home of Classic Characters

120 : Toy Fair, E t a n o i Collect pring Fair, Hall 5, Stand H21 9 1 0 2 e t e l See our comp 2&S Nuremberg Toy Fair, Hall 1, Stand E2 www.rainbowdesigns.co.uk

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RACHEL LOWE rachel@rachellowe.co.uk www.rachellowe.co.uk

Guess what…

Call the Midwife is now a board game!

Rachel Lowe Games & Puzzles have created a board game based on the hit TV drama, Call The Midwife. The series is the most watched show on TV with the Christmas Special being the most watched programme on Christmas Day, with around ten million viewers.

In the board game, women all over Poplar are going into labour! The Midwives of Nonnatus House have never been so busy, delivering babies in all sorts of locations! Midwives must avoid getting a bicycle puncture and try not to forget their delivery pack, as they might be delivering twins or even triplets! It is a race to get back to Nonnatus House to find out where their

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next delivery will be. The Midwife to deliver the most babies wins the game! It is a fun, family game, so you can still enjoy playing it, even if you have not seen the show.

The board game is one of three products in the range, which also includes a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle and a set of playing cards.

The announcement of the new release, on the Call The Midwife official Facebook page, created so much international interest that rights were extended to include worldwide shipping from Rachel’s site and deliveries were made to all four corners of the globe.

Rachel has been creating games for over 16 years and is well-known for the Destination brand of board games, for which she created licensed games for Disney Pixar, Harry Potter, The London 2012

Olympic Games and Downton Abbey.

Her new licensing company creates games and puzzles for film and television; her new range includes products for Call The Midwife, Hotel Transylvania and Jumanji.

She has also recently signed global rights for Laurel and Hardy with Larry Harmon Pictures Corporation.

The Hotel Transylvania Board Game features Drac and Mavis embarking on a cruise ship adventure with the gang. The aim of the game is to complete cruise ship activities and collect must-have accessories. The winner must also find their Zing!

Rachel’s new range of products will be showcased at London Toy Fair on her stand.

toysnplaythings.co.uk

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A FIRST CODING KIT FOR YOUNG MINDS

Discover how fun and easy it is to code! With Code-A-Maze kids can take the first steps into the fantastic world of coding, using special cards to create programmes that help the robots navigate a maze and avoid obstacles along the way.

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LASER BEAM EYES 0203 1953 831 sayhello@laserbeameyes.com

Guess what…

Laser Beam Eyes is celebrating its first year at London Toy Fair!

This is Laser Beam Eyes’ first Toy Fair and they’re showcasing their newly launched, super-creative, eco-friendly JUNKO range.

JUNKO is the world’s first junk modelling system; a STEAM toy designed to help kids develop creative, construction and craft skills, as they learn to upcycle junk, like boxes, bottles and cartons into working toys.

JUNKO is one of the most eco-friendly toys - ever! It’s fully reusable, made in the UK from recycled plastic, and it reuses household junk to make working toys, like a jeep for your doll, a boat for your model figures, or a monster-filled double decker bus. It’s junk modelling but super-charged to give kids even more power to make whatever they can imagine. Of course, JUNKO is packaged without the use of plastic in super-cool, chunky cardboard tubes.

There are three kits: the Zoomer!

Kit for making vehicles of all shapes and sizes, the Water! Kit, which is an addon kit to the Zoomer! to make it whizz on water, and the Build! Kit, for making

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constructions like houses, castle etc. The kits feature innovations, like a pull-back-and-let-go rubber band drive and our J-FIX clips, which attach card and junk together without using tape and glue.

Laser Beam Eyes has developed an accompanying original comic, featuring the J-Heroes - peaceful, fun-loving environmental warriors from another planet, who must out-think their evil nemesis, L’Fill, as he tries to trash the earth. Comics and posters come free with the kits.

Laser Beam Eyes is new to market and hungry to do their bit to encourage kids to be more creative and make the planet happier. For them, eco-friendliness isn’t a bolt on, or a change we’re trying to make.

It’s what they’re all about from the get-go.

toysnplaythings.co.uk

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www.greenboardgames.com

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DCUK LTD 01422 383555 www.cloudb.com

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Fact!

The Cloud b Advisory Board researches and tests new methods for comforting and calming children.

Cloud b is the original sound and light product range designed to create soothing and calming effects, which establish consistent sleep routines for babies and children. These award-winning products are backed by paediatricians, parents, child/ family psychologists and sleep experts.

We all know that a good night’s sleep means a healthier, happier family and Cloud b prides itself on making quality products that deliver quality sleep.

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The folk at Cloud b are sleep specialists.

Behind the scenes, the Cloud b Advisory Board, a sleep-centric squad of paediatricians and parents, is constantly researching and testing new methods for comforting and calming children. They take all that expertise (and then some) and pack it into every toy that joins the range.

Soothing the senses is key. So Cloud b focused on creating tranquil sights and sounds, and a cosy softness that little fingers will reach for. Plush toys are for more than just snuggling and snoozing; little ones will want their Cloud b friends around for playtime, too. The Cloud b range of plush pals are like one of the family – providing a smiling, supportive face when it’s tummy time, and a soft, reassuring hug when their day isn’t going to plan.

The company began as Cloud ‘Baby’, with a focus on creating products and resources that helped babies sleep. As they learned more about the complexities of sleep and creating a sleep routine, they realised there was a need to bring comfort to the whole family.

Now, the name is a play on Cloud 9, where every child sleeps peacefully and parents find peace of mind. Good sleep improves quality of life for everyone!

Cloud b’s range of soothing, sensory toys is now available in the UK and the team will be exhibiting at London Toy Fair.

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Did you know?

The Top Trumps Pikmi Pops is packed full of fun stats and surprise messages from your favourite characters!

Top Trumps meets Pikmi Pops for the first time ever. Discover your favourite Pikimi Pops characters in this educational card game and find out who really is the cutest of them all!

The Top Trumps Pikmi Pops is packed full of fun stats and surprise messages from your favourite characters.

Find out how rare Pips the chick is compared to Fuwa the fox, and who has the highest Top Trumps rating! You can even find one surprise character card from Jelly Dreams - who will you get?

The Crazy Cube Game gets the cutest makeover yet, in this new edition of LOL Surprise Top Trumps Match! Be the first to match five cute LOL Surprise characters to win this game. But wait, the game’s not over yet, can your opponent super Top Trump you in the final moment? If they match their Top Trump card with the winning character, they can snatch the match! Fantastic for memory development, it’s jam-packed with adorable characters from The Glitterati Club. LOL Surprise Match is the perfect travel companion and can be played anywhere with its all-inone carry case design!

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Coming soon - get ready for a happily-ever after! Discover the magic with Disney LexGo! Use special tiles based on your favourite Disney characters to add an element of surprise to the game, or use the Disney tile to get exactly what you need to win. It’s the fast and fun word game, with an added touch of Disney magic!

Cause havoc with our new Harry Potter Lex-Go! Use the game-changing spell tiles to increase your chances of winning with our superfast frantic word game playable in only ten minutes!

Come and play our new Harry Potter LexGo! at London Toy Fair. Take advantage of our show offer – 5 per cent off £500 orders and 10 per cent off £1000, plus a free Lex-Go! with every order placed at the show! One-drop delivery. Terms and conditions apply.

Winning Moves International Ltd is an independently owned, London-based games company which owns and/or distributes a range of classic game brands such as Top Trumps, Regional Monopoly, Waddington’s Number One Playing Cards, Lexicon Go and Pass the Pigs. Winning Moves is also the exclusive licensee in Europe, Middle East, Australia and Africa for limited editions of Hasbro games including Monopoly, Cluedo, Risk, Guess Who and Trivial Pursuit.

toysnplaythings.co.uk

22 – 24 Jan 2019

30 Jan – 3 Feb 2019

LONDON

NUREMBERG

Toy Fair

Toy Fair

BOOTH G-101

HALL 5 BOOTH B-76

For further information contact Steve on 07850 779797 or Ria on 07877 443733 | Email: sales@sjr-associates.co.uk

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Baby you can drive my car CLEMENTONI SUtand: p 020 3206 1101 www.clementoni.com

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Clementoni will be highlighting the Infant market with Baby Clementoni as well The licensed puzzle range as the Education and from Clementoni continues to Development category be a strong foundation of the with exciting new business and new launches for scientific launches. children are tied into popular New in the line-up is licences including the 2019 Turbo Track – the first cinematic releases of Frozen 2 interactive and talking and Toy Story 4. race track designed for babies. Two interactive cars are included, and with fun features such as lap counts, pit stop and overtaking under the bridge, little ones from 10 months will love watching the race.

Also new for 2019 is Baby Clementoni Llama, an adorable plush pal for babies from six months.

This lovable creature will entertain little ones with lots of sound and light effects and helps development by teaching babies letters, numbers and colours.

The Interactive Hippo, meanwhile, is a brilliant pal for babies aged nine months plus. Hippo dances, sings and claps his hands and is packed with interactive features for heaps of fun.

New in the science

Did you know…

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category is pet bits – interactive coding pets that each have their own personality and voice.

There are four animals to collect – bunny bit, panda bit, cat bit and dog bit – who all interact when brought together as well as offering great solo play including interactive functions such as hand clap reaction and voice recording and playback.

For slightly older children, there’s Science Museum Action & Reaction.

With this truly unique scientific kit, finding out about the wonders of physics becomes easy and great fun. It’s a science lab packed with special pieces and accessories offering lots of playing options where kids can experiment with gravity, forces and levers.

The licensed puzzle range from Clementoni continues to be a strong foundation of the business and new launches for children are tied into popular licences including the 2019 cinematic releases of Frozen 2 and Toy Story 4.

The Interactive Hippo, meanwhile, is a brilliant pal for babies aged nine months plus. Hippo dances, sings and claps his hands and is packed with interactive features for heaps of fun.

toysnplaythings.co.uk

Big names

for Little Helpers!

NEW

See us at: Hong Kong Toy Fair: Mon 7th Jan - Thurs 10th Jan (Booth 1A–F32).

UK Toy Fair: Tues 22nd Jan - Thurs 24th Jan (Stand E30).

Nurnberg Toy Fair: Weds 30th Jan - Sun 3rd Feb (Hall 12, Stand C-04).

Spring Fair: Sun 3rd Feb - Thurs 7th Feb (Hall 5, Stand 5L76).

New York Toy Fair: Sat 16th Feb - Tues 19th Feb (Booth 6062).

ASTRA: Mon 10th June - Weds 12th June (Booth 223).

Real life toys for fun & play Casdon Ltd., Cornford Road, Blackpool, Lancs FY4 4QW Tel: +44 (0)1253 766411 Fax: +44 (0)1253 691486 Email: toys@casdon.co.uk www.casdon.com

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“This fun game educates children in very simple terms how to act with kindness always, and we think it will have massive appeal.”

Christine Lawson, MD, Eduk8 Worldwide

Eduk8 Worldwide

:

01434 672336 www.eduk8worldwide.com

Say hello to a great range of games from Chalk & Chuckles, where the instructions are few, the possibilities endless – and you don’t need a single battery for it.

Eduk8 Worldwide is the exclusive UK distributor for the brand.

Every year it seems more of a more of a challenge to find toys that don’t require a whole pack of AA batteries and an engineering degree to operate. Most parents are keen to find alternatives to computerised play with some regular old imaginative fun that’s educational too.

That’s where Chalk n Chuckles comes in. Spearheading the range is Caring Cats, a game that makes caring fun and encourages children to be kind, thoughtful and considerate. Take turns to roll the dice and move around the town. Whether at a school, park, zoo or street, leave a trail of smiles as you walk the mile by playing any one of the five Caring Cats, each with their unique care style. Collect charms by making something kind, being thoughtful or cheering up someone with your words. But be careful of rolling the Mean Mouse or being bugged out on the Mean Hill. Be a kind winner by collecting five charms first. A great game for children and families alike.

Christine Lawson, MD at Eduk8 Worldwide said: “We loved Caring Cats as soon as we saw it. Encouraging kindness and thoughtfulness is one of the best ways to help children understand and can assist in the prevention of bullying. Acting with kindness improves our physical health, mental health and wellbeing in general. This fun game educates children in very simple terms how to act with kindness always, and we think it will have massive appeal. “

March of the Magiki Penguins

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0845 365 3030 www.blissdistribution.co.uk Bliss Distribution Limited is the exclusive toy distributor for Magiki and an official distributor for the Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game. Offering competitive prices and same-day dispatch before 5pm, Monday to Friday, they’ll be showcasing a large range of trading cards, collectables, toys and games from some of the world’s leading manufacturers. Magiki is known for keeping on trend and following the success of Magiki Unicorns, will be releasing Magiki Penguins on 16 January. The release will be supported with a large TV advertising campaign.

There are 12 adorable penguins to collect, each with a unique pose and coming in a range of vibrant colours. Three include a special glow-in-the-dark feature, while the other nine change colour depending on the temperature.

With a successful 2018 under its belt, which has seen the Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game go from

Fact!

Yu-Gi-Oh! was first introduced in 1999. It has sold more than 25 billion units worldwide.

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strength to strength, Konami has announced its upcoming Speed Duel Starter Decks that are set to release on 24 January.

The decks follow on from the successful Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links Mobile Game and bring with them a new way to play the physical card game. Each Speed Duel Starter Deck includes three ready-to-play decks, themed around popular characters from the Yu-Gi-Oh! Anime series. Speed Duelling is designed to provide the perfect gateway into the world of Yu-Gi-Oh! giving new players an easy entry into the game, while still appealing to experienced players with compelling new gameplay options. Head to the Bliss stand to see Speed Duelling Demonstrations performed by expert Duellists, then have a go at Yu-Gi-Oh! Yourself. Yu-Gi-Oh! is a popular Trading Card Game that was first introduced in 1999, named top-selling Trading Card Game in the world by 2009, and has sold more than25 billion units worldwide.

Now, with the introduction of the Speed Dueling set to allure a large influx of new players, on top of the thriving and dedicated player base, it is the perfect time to get involved.

This is all backed up with consistently popular releases and supported tournament organisation.

toysnplaythings.co.uk

New

Modern Classics

Pre-school wooden activity toys

Over 30 new toys for 2019

®

Tel: 020 8804 0563 - sales@fiestacrafts.co.uk Fiesta Crafts Ltd - 121 Brooker Road, Waltham Abbey. EN9 1JH See us at the shows: www.fiestacrafts.co.uk 2019 ads.indd 7

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Golden Bear has an exciting year ahead with its 40th anniversary coinciding with the launch of its new toy range for Bing.

The Bing collection will launch in AW19 across UK, Ireland, EMEA and Australia, and visitors to London Toy Fair will get a sneak peek. Look out for super-soft plush with lots of features including talking, lights and sounds across an array of sizes: figurines and playsets, role-play items, bath toys and wooden peg puzzles.

Golden Bear’s Bush Baby World collection will be expanding in 2019, with the introduction of the new plastics collection – the first time Bush Babies have been miniaturised.

There are 24 cute new Bush Baby World Mini Collectibles launching in January – unwrap the 10cm Pod and slide open the leaf door to reveal a mini figurine, two accessories, bracelet, surprise jewellery charm and sticker sheet.

Each super-cute figurine comes with funky hair or moving eyes.

Children aged 4+ will have fun dressing their character with the themed accessories. The pod can be decorated with stickers and charm accessory... then find the perfect spot to hang it up! The charm accessory can be clipped to the bracelet to start building your jewellery collection; there are also Rare and Ultra-Rare Mini Collectibles.

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Paint-Sation, the no-spill paint kit range, is going from strength to strength, with themed sets including a Unicorn set and a Wizard set as well as new neon and pearlised colours.

In The Night Garden continues to be a favourite. Golden Bear is introducing new plastic and plush lines. Storytime Igglepiggle has lots of fun stories read by the narrator,

perfect to relax and entertain little ones.

Igglepiggle loves to dance and the new Dancing Igglepiggle soft toy will move and dance in time to music.

The CBeebies hit show Waffle the Wonder Dog went on air in February and Golden Bear has had huge success with its soft toy Waffle with sounds in the run-up to Christmas.

Coming for 2019 is Everybody’s Best Friend Waffle the Wonder Dog, with movement, songs and phrases. Also for little ones is the new Music Duggee Soft Toy.

Duggee’s ears flap and move in time with upbeat music and songs from the show – guaranteed to entertain and delight both little ones and their parents. For added fun there are also flashing lights under Duggee’s iconic badges.

Made from super-soft fabrics, your new best friend is perfectly sized for little hands. There are six cute Pups in Surprise Cups styles to choose from.

Twist to transform each colourful cup and saucer into fun accessories for your puppy, including a puppy bed, a bowl and a collar. Each set comes with surprise accessory – brush, dog bone, comb, dog toy, clip or dog biscuits.

There are more surprises to be had from FunLockets Secret Jewellery Boxes. Each includes 18 surprises. Unwrap the heart key and try the different drawers to find the one it unlocks! Find the key charm to open the next drawer and discover a necklace or bracelet to attach your charms to. There’s also a secret heart drawer inside and a mirror.

Available in a choice of pink and purple, each Jewellery Box may contain a rare, glitter or scented charm.

toysnplaythings.co.uk

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Science adventures Stan d E50

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Thames and Kosmos

Paul Lamond Games

01580 212 000 www.thamesandkosmos.com

020 7254 0100 www.paul–lamond.com

Returning to London Toy Fair for the eighth year, Thames & Kosmos will unveil its strengthened STEM toys and games portfolio.

Two new sets have been added to its successful STEM range, Pepper Mint. The sets centre around engineeringand design-led activities that follow the adventures of Pepper Mint, a curious, capable and creative girl.

Launching in Spring 2019 are The Space Adventure and The Secret Island Adventure.

Thames & Kosmos will also be showcasing a number of new tabletop games. Featuring original art from Anna Llenas’ best-selling book series of the same name, The Colour monster is a children’s game based on a confused monster who’s unable to understand his own emotions until he’s helped by his friend, a little girl. The Colour Monster game is designed to encourage children to talk about and understand their own feelings. Players must first find different colours representing various feelings such as calm, anger, fear, sadness etc. As play progresses, they also have to find an object that can hold the feeling they’ve found, before they move on to talk about a time when they experienced that feeling themselves.

After a phenomenal year of sales for the Exit The Game series, Thames & Kosmos is adding another two adventures to the range: The Catacombs of Horror, which features a slightly longer, expanded gameplay, plus The Rollercoaster of Horror which has original riddles for beginners. Players must use their team spirit, creativity and powers of deduction to crack codes, solve puzzles, collect objects and earn their freedom bit by bit. With luck, tactics, high-quality playing materials and colourful festive atmospheres, the games are exciting until the very end!

Paul Lamond Games will be asking the question: Are you Dumber than a Box of Rocks? The new, quick-play trivia game is easy to learn and is perfect for parties as any number of players can play – come to the stand at Toy Fair and take the challenge!

The games and puzzles specialist will also be launching a series of fantastic games for all the family including Tip of the Tongue. This easy-tolearn and fast-paced game will have the family in stitches as players have just two seconds to attempt to answer the quick-fire trivia questions. You know the answer, it’s on the tip of your tongue, so think fast and spit it out!

Also new to the family games portfolio is Shaboom! From kids to grandparents and everyone in between, Shaboom! brings the whole family together. Use the colourful components in your tray to stack, roll, bounce, and spell your way to victory.

For younger players, the new Gangsta Granny Stash the Swag board game is just what all fans of The World of David Walliams have been waiting for.

“They had until tea time to plan the greatest jewel theft in history!” but can Granny and Ben avoid the Queen and collect and stash all the ‘jewels’ and be the first to spell out the word Gangsta? A fantastic, easy-play family board game that encourages strategic thinking.

Flickin’ Chicken really is as crazy as it sounds – a hilarious game of insane chicken throwing. The chickens bounce and they roll but can you hit the target? Flickin’ Chicken is the go-anywhere game that is perfect for the garden, the park, the beach and holidays.

Paul Lamond also welcomes I Spy Eagle Eye to its family games portfolio.

It’s a race to ring the bell as players use their eagle eyes to spot an item on their card that’s also on their game board. Also available is a pre-school version in which players match riddles with pictures; interlocking pairs ensure only the correct matches are possible.

Other new 2019 releases include a colourful pre-school series of 35-piece puzzles and a Memory Game in an embossed tin, starring the renowned Oi Frog! Oi Cat! and Oi Dog! characters from the award-winning, funny, rhyming storybooks.

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Cute culture Magformers 08000 385195 www.magformers.co.uk

Stan Upp d: e Lev r el 540 Inspired by the ‘kawaii’ cute pop culture phenomenon, Magformers is introducing two new ‘My First’ animal-themed sets, alongside four new play world sets.

The adorable Animal Jumble 40-piece and 60-piece sets offer three different ways for younger children to make models as they develop – progressing from simple 2D shape-making, to stacking and then mastering more advanced 3D model-making.

These special sets feature heads and body parts that clip into a Magformers square. Once a square is attached, the parts can easily be assembled with other pieces to make super cute creatures such as Trunky (the elephant), Lofty (the giraffe) and MooMoo (the cow).

With soft, curved lines and neutral colours, the animal designs are characterised by oversized heads and tiny eyes – the epitome of the kuwaii ‘cute’ culture – and also draw influence from stickers created for the messaging app Line by South Korean artist Kang Byeongmok (Magformers global HQ is

also based in Korea).

Magformers will also unveil four special play world sets. All these new lines include Magformers’ magnetic geometric pieces and a range of add-on, non-magnetic pieces and character figures, which significantly increase the creativity and play value of every set.

Depending on the set, children make up to 50 different models from one box of pieces, with mini-figure characters including a police officer, firefighter and construction workers bringing fun and roleplay to the fore.

The Amazing Police & Rescue Set makes 30 different police and firethemed models and is joined by three larger 50-in-1 sets – the Amazing Construction Set, Amazing Police Set and Amazing Rescue Set. For each set, special dual-purpose accessories have been developed that transform: there’s an emergency light block that opens out and turns into a spinning propeller; a grille that can be

used as window bars or vehicle bumpers; and an angled, extendable arm that becomes a ladder.

The new vehicle line-up is completed by the 30-in-1 Amazing Transform Wheels Set, featuring special adjustable in-line wheels that can be ‘folded’ to make robot arms. The wheel position can also be altered, depending on the vehicle being built, to suit a buggy, low-profile racer or monster truck. In all, kids can make 30 cars, bikes, SUVs and trucks from the set.

All the sets stay strong to Magformers’ guiding principles of being educational too. Every set contains magnetic triangles, squares, rectangles, super rectangles or isosceles triangles, so children can make 2D nets and 3D structures, learning about geometry and using mathematical language as they play.

Fact!

Kawaii means cute in Japanese.

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Gosh! Designs/ PMS International 01268 50 50 50 www.pmsinternational.com

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Gosh! Designs will be exhibiting alongside PMS International at The Toy Fair in January 2019, located in the Grand Hall Gallery, Upper West, Stand 654. Gosh! Designs is the home of an extensive collection of must-have branded products brought to market by PMS International.

Gosh Designs! will be exhibiting a full range of comic classics, pop-cult favourites, the latest movie blockbusters and in-house developed brands focusing on the latest trends.

PMS will also be showcasing its hugely popular and well established Elves Behavin’ Badly range of products at Toy Fair and new lines for 2019, which will include talking elves and story books.

Also watch out for the extra large Elves Behavin’ Badly, who will be creating mischief and mayhem, as well as featuring in the grand parade.

toysnplaythings.co.uk

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If you you'd like to see us at London Toy Fair, get in touch y ch with emily@bigpotato.co.uk emily@big mily@bigpo @bigpotato.co. .co..uk .uk or to t check che chec eck k out out all our games head over to bigpotato.com b to.com

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Find us at The Toy Fair on Upper Level Stand 310 to discover our full range of soothing & calming, sound & light products For further details please visit www.cloudb.com or call us on 01422 383555 or email dbowes@dcukltd.com

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This year is especially important for Gibsons as it is their centenary year of trading as a British, family business. They are looking forward to celebrating this occasion and thanking customers for working with them over the past century.

Gibsons will be hosting drinks on their stand from 5pm on Tuesday 22 January, so make sure you come along and raise a glass.

London Toy Fair will be an opportunity to view Gibsons’ revamped explosive word game, Pass the Bomb. For about 30 nailbiting minutes, players’ nerves are tested to the limit by the threat of the ticking bomb. In turn, players must shout out a word that contains the letters on the card and pass the bomb before it ‘explodes’. Pass the Bomb has been one of Gibsons’ best-selling board games over the past two decades, and the revamped packaging has a contemporary feel, paving the way for an exciting new direction for board games.

Gibsons are excited to be launching their new fast and frantic dice game – Zonkers – at London Toy Fair.

The aim of the game is to match your dice with the dice graphics on the cards. When the cards are filled with dice or when a player places their last die, the round ends and

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the player with the most dice on a card wins. Unused dice are worthless and when the deck of cards runs out, the player who has collected the most Gibsons is cards is the winner! celebrating its 100th Gibsons will be holding year of business in a Zonkers competition 2019 – join them for on stand for the d a drink on their stan duration of the show, so to celebrate! make sure you swing by to be in with the chance of winning a discount on your next order.

Guess what…

toysnplaythings.co.uk

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Listen up!

Tonies sales@tonies.com www.tonies.com Toniebox combines playing and interactive listening to change the way children listen to stories and music.

Children’s imaginations can run free with the Toniebox and Tonies, which offer endless interactive listening and playing fun.

Tonies first appeared at Nuremburg Toy Fair in 2016, and the response was overwhelming.

Two years later and more than 400,000 Tonieboxes and more than five million Tonies have been sold. The intuitive design and combination of figurines, known as Tonies, and an audio

Fab products Interplay 01628 488 944

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player, known as a Toniebox, makes it a unique interactive audio system that children can operate with ease. Available in several stylish colours, the eyecatching cube allows children to take control of how and where they listen to things – place a chosen Tonie on top of the Toniebox and the audio content will start playing; remove the Tonie and it will stop. Playful ears on top of the Toniebox can be used to turn the volume up and down. If you haven’t heard or seen of the Tonies before, head to their London Toy Fair stand to find out more.

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www.interplayuk.com Interplay is presenting Magical My Fairy Garden launches, innovative Face Paintoos, new Fuzzikins craft & play sets, on trend FabLab Tie Dye Luxury launch and much more at Toy Fair 2019.

For 2019, Interplay is introducing beautiful new products into the best-selling My Fairy Garden range. The evergreen brand will be supported by an enhanced marketing programme designed to build awareness, loyalty and depth of purchase, TV advertising, year-long PR activity and strong retail presence.

The new Fairy Kitchen Garden is the first fairy home with pea shoots you can grow, harvest and eat. Featuring a beautiful fairy, complete with a cottage and picket fence, the window sill set takes children on the magical journey of food from seed to delicious grown greens.

For AW, Interplay is introducing the Fairy Nature Garden. Designed to supports children’s learning about nature, the stunning fairy plant pot house comes with two fairies, a frog, a butterfly and two ladybirds, a bug house, water butt and wind spinner. Interplay is introducing a fabulous new concept that will make children’s parties and sleepovers even more magical.

Face Paintoos transform the magic of ‘face painting’ into a fun and easy activity for children and parents. With Face Paintoos, it is simple to achieve perfect, long- lasting results every time.

Super fun and quick, everyone can apply and remove the cute face tattoos with ease.

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FabLab is all about learning, experimenting and having fun with style.

Designed for children and created with top quality ingredients that are fully tested, the FabLab range reflect Interplays wholesome values, combined with new, fresh and innovative launches. Introducing the new Tie Dye Luxury Kit with seven fashionable colours, FabLab continues to be on trend. Tie Dye is the hottest new look coming of the catwalks and with the FabLab Tie Dye Luxury set, you can experiment to create your own fashion masterpieces on clothes, hats, bags and shoes!

The multi-award winning Fuzzikins sets are ideal for creative kids.

With extremely positive blogger, social media and customer reviews, Fuzzikins are adorable fuzzy animals to colour and play. The craft sets offer hours of fun customising the Fuzzikins and their world! Wash them and you can colour them again with a new look!

Fuzzikins is a rapidly growing brand. With over 100% brand increase in 2018 alone, Interplay has exciting new launches with new animals for 2019, introducing everyday low price point items and higher price play set items.

toysnplaythings.co.uk

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Visit us at Gallery 500

* NPD Jan - Nov 2018, Value

LOOK BACK 2018 WITH MALCOLM NAISH

That was the year t

a look back at 2 0 TnP’s Founder Malcolm Naish takes a look at some of the events that caught his eye during what was a tough year for the UK toy industry...

FEBRUARY JANUARY The 53rd Toy of the Year awards saw MGA make it a hat-trick of wins with its L.O.L. Surprise, not only winning Toy of the Year, but also Craze and Creative Toy of the Year for its Fizz Maker.

Spin Master was crowned Supplier of the Year with Toytown triumphing as Overall Toy Retailer of the Year.

Toyboy Colin Rossiter of the Character Group received his Golden Teddy award from Phil Ratcliffe. Well deserved after a lifetime of slog in the toy trade! The show marked Colin’s retirement from the industry.

NPD’s global toy analyst Frederique Tutt confirms that despite UK toy sales declining by 2.8 per cent, it was still the top European country for toy sales.

So sod Brexit, it doesn’t seem to affect our buying habits, as far as kids are concerned!

Can you believe that Jumbo celebrated its 165th year in business at Toy Fair? That’s some milestone.

Toys R Us continues to make the headlines in January with all sorts of rumours floating about. The sort of cash required to resuscitate this retail giant makes a recovery plan impossible to comprehend.

The Fence Club welcomed its latest new member Andrew Carley of Entertainment One. Andrew told us: “I’m delighted to be invited to join the Fence Club and be part of their fund-raising efforts.”

Not only does Toys R Us close its doors, but also Maplin, who was a big seller of radio control product and STEM toy based products. Maplin had 217 stores employing 2,335 staff with a turnover of £235.8m.

Hasbro is named global master toy licensee for Saban’s Power Rangers and this will take effect from 1 April 2019.

Alpha Group LLC has said it will continue to support the launch of Screechers Wild, and says it will not be deterred by Spin Master’s allegations of patent infringement.

It has retained the services of a specialised international law firm to defend its rights.

K’Nex has new American owners in the Boca Raton toy and novelty company Basic Fun! “We are very pleased to be adding this incredible iconic toy brand into our platform,” said Jay Foreman, CEO of the company.

I am delighted to meet veteran toy man Ralph Ehrmann, an industry legend who, along with fellow directors, from the 1940s onwards, built Airfix into a top UK business.

Their famous plastic kits were the equivalent of today’s tablets for all young boys.

Ralph’s daughter Alexandra’s company History Heroes was showing at Toy Fair.

Ralph is pictured with his wife Inge, Alexandra and myself.

MARCH Isaac Larian CEO of MGA believes that Toys R Us could be saved if a number of like-minded investors could be found to raise around $600 million. He is running a crowdfunding campaign to try to save this US giant of retail. Is it pie in the sky? Well, of course, we all know now that sadly not enough like-minded investors were interested.

Dave Martin leaves Posh Paws. A surprise to many and a short statement from Phil Setter, the owner of

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Posh Paws simply tells us that they are looking for a suitable replacement. Meanwhile, Asmodee acquires Coiledspring Games with immediate effect. Asmodee plans to keep Coiledspring as a totally separate entity from the UK company.

With a large portfolio of games, puzzles and soft toys, it looks to be a great addition to the group.

Spin Master tops the TV spend charts for February with a spend of £946,671 at rate card, followed by Character Options on £938,430.

The Entertainer saw profits soar by 37 per cent with sales rising 6.8 per cent in the 12 months between 1 February 2017 and 27 January 2018. It also relaunched its Westfield, London store. At this time, the number of stores stood at 145.

Harrods plan to open its new toy department in mid-May following much research. The new opening will be basing its product selection on three essential pillars: educate, entertain and engage.

APRIL Sainsbury’s and Asda announce a merger. One major supplier told me that this is bound to adversely affect margins. Time will tell!

Bandai’s MD Clive Smith is standing down with Nic Aldridge taking over the role. Clive will stay on for a few months to ensure a smooth handover.

Hasbro promote long-serving Foye Pascoe to the role of President of European Sales and Marketing.

Plenty of news to report this month as another industry stalwart sells his company, Martin Grossman sells to Tobar for an undisclosed sum. It seems like a good fit. Martin had this to say: “I want the business to continue, allowing my staff to carry on and my customers to also benefit from the continuity. I have no family who want to run the business, hence my decision to sell once again.”

Alan Smith is announced as MD of Posh Paws.

Former John Crane MD Jonathan Thorpe launches his own company to distribute the very popular Battat brands. To be known as Jonathan’s Toys Ltd, the range includes Our Generation Dolls, B Toy, Baby B, Bristle Blocks, Drive and Woodzies.

Yet another popular toy personality announces their own company. Industry marketeer Vicki Marler-Hausen launches Elmer Marketing to support companies with their trade launches, show planning and media campaigns.

JANUARY 2019

MAY Glasgow-based A1 toys feature in the issue with their area manager James Neil answering the questions. Toys of the moment include Crazy Aaron’s Putty and Learning Resources’ Playfoam.

I was interested to read that A1, who could not get enough stock from MGA for L.O.L. product managed to find a supplier in South Africa who was able to supply them.

How’s that for forward thinking?

The Toymaster show in Harrogate delivers once again with busy stands and plenty of orders placed.

We help Epoch celebrate its 60th birthday along with Neil Bandtock and Global CEO Michihiro Maeda. With Sylvanian Families as popular today as it was when first launched, roll on the next 60 years!

We were delighted to play our part in publicising and contributing to the fund to help bring toyman David Stephan back to the UK from America.

David needed a helping hand with the managing of the appeal led by his long-time mate Robert Hookway. Along with Wilf Shorrocks, and a huge amount of goodwill from the industry, the money was raised to bring David home.

We announce a new European smash hit with Dusseldorf-based Boxine and its audio system aimed at changing the way children listen to stories and music. Gary Wilmot (pictured above) heads-up the UK launch of Tonies, a most novel concept.

Hasbro leads the April TV spend with a spend of £1,467,578, followed by Flair on £1,164,422.

Orchard Toys got a big thumbs up from consumers when its free parts and replacement service took social media by storm.

Its social media activity has seen a 50 per cent increase in Facebook followers and a phenomenal response in comments, likes and shares.

Tesco announces the closure of Tesco Direct following a review.

With World Cup fever mounting our independent contributor finds that the Panini World Cup Stickers distributed by Click are giving his tills a merry ring. I’m sure as we progressed through the tournament these must have been flying out.

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LOOK BACK 2018 WITH MALCOLM NAISH

AUGUST JUNE With our progress in the World Cup, NPD tell us that £11m of toys and stickers have been sold since the year began.

Argos unwraps its Top Toys for Christmas with Fingerlings having three products highlighted: Untamed T-Rex, Untamed Dino Cage and Fingerlings Hugs. Also interesting that two unicorn items are included, My Lovely Unicorn Electric Ride-on and Poopsie Unicorn Surprise, thus confirming how popular this mystical creature still is in the toy trade.

PMS International is having great success with Elves Behavin’ Badly.

These mischievous creatures are now to be part of a national campaign.

Having sold over two million of them in 2017, PMS is confident that they will exceed this figure for 2018.

I am very sad to report the passing of Maralyn Redfern, co-founder of leading licensed stationery company Blueprint Collections. Along with husband Mike they were a formidable partnership, with Maralyn involved in all aspects of the business.

It looks like Disney’s offer to buy 21st Century Fox will be successful, despite a rival offer of $65bn all cash offer from Comcast. Disney countered with a bid of $71.3bn. Wow! We report that a survey has shown that two-thirds of children under the age of two are allowed to use tablets and a third can open apps and turn the device on themselves. How depressing is that – or is it?

The Entertainer is expanding into Egypt with a partnership with the country’s leading toy retail – Arabic Triangle. I wonder if they will open on Sundays? Another retailer expanding is Toy Barnhaus, which opens a store in Staines, bringing their number of stores to eight.

JULY David Stephen arrives back from the States where he had languished for some time without receiving David Stephen is safely back in the UK the medical treatment he so desperately needed. As we highlighted earlier in the year Robert Hookway organised everything, and along with generous donations from industry colleagues, David is back, proving what a great industry we work in.

Posting profits that most business leaders can only dream about, Amazon’s profits for the second quarter were $2.5bn. Revenues grew 38 per cent year-on-year, giving them a whopping 1,286 per cent increase over the same period in 2017. They further announced that half of all units sold through Amazon are from third-party sellers using the company’s fulfilment services.

VTech’s Julian Page (pictured below) completed a charity skydive earlier in the summer raising over £2,000 for a local hospice.

Toymaster announces an increase in sales for its first half of the year of 4.4 per cent and bring in former Toys R Us and ELC veteran Brian McLauchlin to assist members in making the most of their membership. Top TV spend for last month was Spin Master with £623,418. Tesco is looking to claw back a chunk of the market that Aldi and Lidl have eaten into with the launch of a new chain of discount stores aptly named after its founder Sir Jack Cohen – hence the name Jack’s.

We are gutted to learn that Toy State has ceased trading. Even more so as it had our August front cover! More important was the suddenness of the news. There had been no real rumours and I can only hope that in the not-too-distant future they will be able to rise again as they had such brilliant products.

UK Manager Michael Angel works quickly with customers to discuss the problems this has caused.

Graham Hurrell retires and is handed a Golden Teddy at the BTHA golf day. Well done Graham, and richly deserved.

Bandai heads TV spend for July with a £565,707 spend. Interesting to compare with the same month for 2017 where Hasbro was spending £1,561,776.

House of Fraser is saved by the intervention of retail magnet Mike Ashley with a £90m acquisition.

He plans to keep 80 per cent of the 59 stores open and intends to make them the Harrods of the High Street by attracting luxury brands.

Toymaster welcomes a new member with Edinburgh-based toy retailer Toys Galore.

SEPTEMBER Fun Learning is our retail interview for this month.

Based in Kingston upon Thames, MD Glea Ewing opened the shop in 1993 selling computer software, books and educational toys.

They have two stores and an online shop. When the Early Learning Centre closed, it responded to customer demand and began stocking products for younger children. Its top suppliers include Green Board Games, Jura Toys, and Learning Resources.

NPD’s best-selling collectable toys in the UK from January to August were L.O.L. Surprise, FIFA World Soccer, Pokemon, Hatchimals, Shopkins.

The Fence Club welcomes four new lady members. They are as our picture shows Nicola Bergot, Jacqueline Taylor-Foo, Mary Wood and Andrea Gornall.

Four great new additions to aid the Fence Club’s charity work.

It’s a welcome back to Rubies as UK Managing Director for

toysnplaythings.co.uk

Holly Oldham after a three-year stint at Hasbro.

Character Options top the TV spend for the month of August with a spend of £719,422. Irish toy retailer Smyths post record sales of £475m in 2017 with UK sales up by 11 per cent. No doubt helped by 12 new store openings. Much of the success is down to the sales of LEGO and Shopkins.

Amazon has become the second publicly-traded company to have a market value of more than $1 trillion.

OCTOBER We interview Gary Grant of The Entertainer.

What a fantastic story, from one store in 1981 to an estimated 160 by the end of 2018, it really is a great success story. The fact that I started in the same year with Toys ‘n’ Playthings as a monthly toy magazine isn’t quite the same!

I loved Gary’s ‘RIG’: Reputation, Integrity and Generosity. Long may he prosper.

The Character Group acquire a 55 per cent equity shareholding in the Danish toy distributor Proxy. Character believes that this will allow it to extend its European reach while also potentially enabling frictionless access to EU markets post-Brexit.

Hasbro’s third quarter revenues fell by 12 per cent to $1.57b, reflecting lost Toys R Us revenues globally, with Europe particularly hard hit.

Another toy man retires after a life-time working within the industry.

Ronnie Berg was best known for his many years with toy wholesaler and distributor Robenau. When that company was sold to Kevin Jones’ FEVA, Ronnie joined Mookie Toys, staying with them for 21 years.

Smyths lists its top board games for this Christmas.

Interesting to see that seven of them belong to Hasbro.

Top TV spend for September is Character Options with £861,673. Interestingly, for the same month 2017, Hasbro was spending £3,058,460.

Hamley’s year-end make for depressing reading, posting a loss after tax of £8,642,000.

NOVEMBER

into effect on the 16th of the month.

Tomy has teamed up with Drumond Park with a long-term distribution arrangement. This will begin from 1 January 2019 and will cover the UK and Ireland. Drumond Park games will be on the Tomy stand at Olympia.

Philip Morris will be adding a new company to his group as BS Toys joins Bertoy under Philip’s management Spin Master tops the October TV spend with a juicy £2,029,778m spend while Character Group is second on £1,439,191.

DECEMBER With the growing importance of garden centres to the toy business, we feature an interview with Frosts Garden Centre. They sell a wide variety of product with LEGO Advent Calendars and Blizzard Bubbles, plus anything with a unicorn on it their top sellers. Also Charlie Bears are a great all-round seller at Frosts.

Our Independent gives his three top Christmas bestsellers for volume; L.O.L. Glitter Surprise, Hot Wheels singles and Harry Potter Minifigures from LEGO. Former Toy State senior management launch Nikko Toys. This was the headline to announce that the company was back in business having secured long-term rights to Nikko Road Rippers and Machine Maker brands. They will be showing this range in Hong Kong at the Royal Garden Hotel in January.

A great story appeared in the Daily Mail online featuring Jonathan’s Toys ‘Our Generation’ Playset. Apparently, this item - with a retail price of £145 - keeps selling out and as soon as fresh supplies arrive they are gone within minutes.

One desperate buyer actually paid over £400 on eBay to secure one. With 92 pieces that include a chalk board, alarm bell and a functioning clock, this is great news for Jonathan Thorpe and even better... all free publicity! We feature an interview with Rob Trup from Fiesta Crafts on a new game it has developed called ‘Discover the World’. Quite a departure for this craft company, but this is truly an educational game as kids can discover many facts about the various countries as they move around the board. Toy Fair will be a great opportunity for buyers to view this new item.

We interview eBay’s category manager for Toys and Games, Alice Winter. Evidently there are 16 million toys and games for sale on eBay globally with 76,000 sells in just the UK alone. LEGO is eBay’s most searched-for brand all year round.

Games specialist Goliath has acquired Vivid Toy Group from Privet Capital for an undisclosed sum. Meanwhile, Moose Toys has acquired Worlds Apart. This will considerably strengthen Moose’s position in the UK and help it to expand across Europe. CEO Paul Solomon had this to say: “There is a strong values alignment between both companies and synergies in how we design and create. We were impressed with their commitment to developing high quality products that kids love.” All Worlds Apart assets and brand will be included in the deal which came

JANUARY 2019

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WHAT’S N Brand spanking new launches from top toy companies to help you sell more!

New game on the block FIESTA CRAFTS 020 8804 0563 www.fiestacrafts.co.uk

Fiesta Crafts has launched a new board game, developed in-house and hitting retail in February.

In Discover the World players race around the world with this fun family game, as they compete to be the first player to reach their destinations and collect the most Destination Cards. This geographical board game will keep players on their toes as they pick up Arrival or Journey Cards designed to help or hinder their travels. Plus, with every Destination Card they can learn interesting and useful facts about that country. This exciting and educational game will encourage all players to learn about countries, cultures and continents as they play.

Collect ‘em all MAGIC BOX TOYS 01403 251 286 www.magicboxint.com Magic Box Toys is to launch a new emotions-based collectable IP in 2019 called Moji Pops.

Hitting UK shelves in March 2019, Moji Pops Series 1 is made up of everyday objects brought to life as unique, fun-loving characters with an array of colourful emotions based on popular emoticons. From an ice cream to a cactus, a television to a pillow, each 90p blind-bagged character has a removeable double-sided face. There are six differentcoloured face pieces, each with two distinct emotions to alternate between. There are 12 There are 90 different boxed ‘Story’ sets including two Moji different characters Pops and a mini stage for them to act out a to collect, from scene, along with six different ‘Photo Pop’ the worlds of pets, blister packs. You’ll also find Blister Glitter home, nature, travel, Surprise - a blister 8-pack which comes music, food and packed with six Moji Pops plus two surprise sport, and six ultraultra-rare Glitter Moji Pops and there are four rare Glitter Moji Pops. different ‘I Like…’ playsets: I Like Ice Cream, I Like Pets, I Like Party and I Like Movies.

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Guess what...

Discover the World’s sturdy fold-out game board and the beautiful solid box packaging will ensure it remains a family favourite for years.

Pick of the pops MOOKIE TOYS 01525 722722 www.mookie.co.uk Pop Pops is inspired by the addictiveness of bubble wrap popping, with both ranges capturing the biggest trends in toys: unboxing, collectable and slime crazes combining all of these themes into one ultimate slimey gross collectable fun pop-able product.

Pop Pops includes a boys and girls offering, Pop Pops Snotz and Pop Pops Pets. In each range there are 60 to collect with a variety of collectability ranging from common to special edition glow in the dark characters.

Pop Pops Snotz Play Set not only has the bubbles to pop but also a hammer to slam them with as well as slime and character storage. Whereas, the Pop Pops Pets Play Set includes a carousel to display all of the collected characters and play with them.

toysnplaythings.co.uk

NEW Revell in Revellino REVELL 01296 660 291 www.revell.de/en

Guess what…

Revellino combines Revell’s RC technology with German soft-toy producer Heunec’s machine washable plush.

Launching this March, Revell has combined radio control with wonderfully soft quality plush to create the My First RC range of vehicles under the new Revellino preschool brand. Created in collaboration with renowned German soft-toy producer Heunec, Revellino combines Revell’s proven radio control technology with a machine washable Heunec plush vehicle character to create a working soft toy that will delight young minds.

2019 releases will include My First RC Tractor, My First RC Racing Car and My First RC Flower Car. With toddler-friendly steering wheel controllers, low speed operation and a button activated horn, My First RC from Revellino will quickly become every child’s favourite cuddly toy!

Focus on Fortnite FUNKO 020 3376 3223 www.funko.com Fortnite continues to be a big licensing focus for Funko for 2019, with their product range expanding from Pop! Vinyl into Vynl, Pocket Pop! Keychains, Pint Size Heroes and one of their newest figural additions – 5 Star.

Pint Size Heroes are sold in colourful 2-packs, moving away from their traditional blind bag mystery and allowing collectors to choose from a selection of their favourite skins such as Rex and Tricera Ops, Cuddle Team Leader and Love Ranger, Skull Trooper and Ghoul Trooper, and many more.

5 Star is one of Funko’s newest figural lines, featuring articulated figures with a selection of accessories to add to the individual characters’ narrative.

5 Star is one of Funko’s These bright, stylised newest lines, featuring figures are a must-have articulated figures for collectors; choose with a selection of

Fact!

accessories to add to the individual characters’ narrative.

from characters such as Zoey, Omega, Love Ranger, Moonwalker and Tomatohead. Finally, their Pocket Pop! and T-shirt bundles will be hitting the EMEA market for 2019, with a range of exciting licenses and designs on offer.

Beautiful butterfly LEAPFROG

01235 555 545 trade_sales@vtech.com leapfrog.co.uk

5

the number of colourful number buttons which play a variety of songs to teach colours and numbers.

Enjoy a flutter of colour with the Butterfly Counting Friend plush learning toy. Five colourful number buttons play a variety of songs to teach colours and numbers.

A kaleidoscope of colour, Butterfly’s light-up wing shows the colours of the rainbow. She also helps your baby fall asleep with soft, classical melodies.

Each segment of this on-the-go toy features a dangling toy that rattles, squeaks, turns or crinkles to help develop fine motor skills. Learn at home or on the go by using the included straps to secure the butterfly to infant carriers and push chairs.

JANUARY 2019

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S R O D A S S A B AM

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Did you know?

In Bulgaria, nodding means ‘no’ and shaking the head means ‘yes’.

e g n e l l a h c

Our TnP testers were the first children to play Fiesta Crafts’ boardgame Discover the World. Poppy and Herbie’s mum Claire explains what they discovered!

: s y a s Mum

N HILDRE C E H T "I LOVED TING C really like us to play boardgames Players move around the COLLE NTRY U as a family – it keeps the children board from country to THE CO AND I away from screens and is a lovely country, on the roll of a dice.

– way to spend family time – away They must take an arrival card CARDS HAT from the TV too! that will let them know if they OVED T RE L E But having children aged seven and can stay there or must THEY W G nine, it’s not always hand their destination NIN easy to find a card to another player. LEAR game we can all E THEY Challenge cards pit E PLAlaY L I M H A W G yers play. Herbie is players against each o to six p ch your 1. For tw a WERE !" re sometimes a bit other as they play a to t rs fi e th e G B .

2 too young for the challenge with their on PLAYIN destinati st

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games we might country cards. For ct the mo 3. Colle play with Poppy but instance, they might cards n o ti a in Dest more adult games have to compare can sometimes be populations – the one with the a bit too long and highest population takes both cards. complicated for smaller people – by the time we’ve worked out the rules, they have lost interest and wandered off to do something else!

So we were all really excited to get the chance to be the first people to try out Fiesta Crafts’ Discover the World, which is aimed at ages seven and above and designed for the whole family to play.

The children both enjoy the geography they do at school, but it can be hard to put everything in context – to know where the countries are in comparison to each other – and to remember all the facts about each place.

The cards that come with the game include a fun fact about the country – for instance, Canadians eat more macaroni and cheese than any other nationality! It tells you how to say hello in the language, plus information about national animals, famous foods and sports associated with the country.

Even the adults learned a few facts – all those population numbers and highest peak facts will be useful ammunition when we play the pub quiz!

Poppy, nine, had a great time playing the game with her family.

She told us: "I really enjoyed being able to play a board game with the whole family. My mummy and daddy played too and it was fun to challenge them – and I felt like I was really finding out lots of interesting facts about the world as we played.

"I liked it so much I’m going to take it to Board Game Club at school so that my friends can have a go at playing. I think they’ll love it too!"

Did you know?

In Spain, the tooth fai ry doesn’t visit, instead a mouse called Ratoncito Perez visits children.

Herbie says:

ed "We all play nd – mummy a daddy too – and I have of learned lots s’ the countrie flags."

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Kuwait introdu ce sport o f camel d the ra with re mote-c cing ontrolle robot jo d ckeys.

CONTACT Fiesta Crafts 020 8804 0563 www.fiestacrafts.co.uk

toysnplaythings.co.uk

Spotlight on... Flair Fresh from GP Flair is the adorable Teenie Tiny Toes range of dolls. Teenie Tiny Toes are the smallest - and definitely the cutest - interactive dolls on the market.

Sure to be real favourites with girls everywhere!

Each doll from e s o o h C includes sev te, en three cuive s e n s o r s interact Toes reacts to and tou iny motion and li ch, Teenie T ls. ght. dol

The Teenie Tiny Toes sing, giggle and play games.

Tiny enough to fit into the palm of your hand!

The TV advertising schedule begins fro m February.

Kids’ press and influencer marketing will make an impact.

Contact Flair: 020 8643 0320, www.flairplc.co.uk

Toys at Spring Fair

Bursting with toy inspiration

It might not be a specialist trade event but smart toy suppliers and retailers miss Spring Fair at their peril! Sarah Welsh spoke to the show’s resident expert and industry insiders to find out more…

What: Spring Fair 2019 When: 3-7 February 2018 Where: NEC, Birmingham Web: www.springfair.com

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ead to Birmingham’s NEC this February and you’ll find a veritable wealth of toy inspiration, from handcrafted wooden pieces to train sets.

From 3 to 7 February, Spring Fair throws open its doors and 15 show sectors to an amazing 56,000 trade professionals and 2,500 exhibitors – and this year’s event promises to have a bigger toy offering than ever before.

Hall 5, Children’s Gifts and Toys, will play host to some 200 exhibitors. “There’s definitely a bigger toy offering at Spring Fair this year,” Robin Hayes, Key Account Director for Children’s Gifts and Toys, tells TnP. “And with new features, such as Toy and Nursery First, it’s an area we’re only

looking to grow.”

And as for the brands heading to Birmingham to exhibit their latest ranges at Spring Fair – many say this show attracts buyers from right across the spectrum, from independents to big chains.

“While we find that Toy Fair and Nuremberg are more of a showcase of new products for the new year, at Spring Fair our experience is that buyers are ready to commit and build ranges after seeing the new collections,” says Michelle Probert, Sales and Marketing Manager for Jura Toys.

“This year we have over 150 new Janod products, including three new ranges.”

Green Board Robin Hayes, Games is a company that relishes the opportunity to exhibit at a number of different shows.

“As an established brand with household names, including BrainBox and Qwirkle, we feel that Spring Fair gifts us the opportunity to meet with many of our independent retailers,” says Head of Sales, Sarah Winter. “As a progressive manufacturer and designer of games

“At Spring Fair our experience is that buyers are ready to commit and build ranges after seeing the new collections” Michelle Probert, Jura Toys

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it’s imperative that we stay ahead of what our audiences are demanding.

Spring Fair provides a great platform for spotting upcoming trends and getting to the heart of what our retailers are looking for.”

Steve Cox, UK Sales Director for Keel Toys, says part of Spring Fair’s attraction is having access to customers from many Spring Fair market sectors, including both gift and toy retailers, plus experience-based customers including museums and zoos.

“It’s important for us to be at the show to work with our existing customers, explore other opportunities and most importantly launch new ranges,” he explains. Sarah Dayus, Sales and Brand Manager at Great Gizmos, is on the same page when it comes to the broad appeal of Spring Fair. “We always open new accounts at the show which is fantastic,” she says. “It’s important for us to have a presence in Birmingham to showcase our range and all of our new products too.”

“Spring Fair marks the culmination of the show season, and as a toy buyer you can only be confident you’ve seen everything once you’ve attended here”

CHILDREN’S DRESSING UP COSTUMES AND ACCESSORIES FOR EDUCATIONAL PLAY High quality selec on of designs igns for 6 months month hs to 11 years. y yea No minimums.

10% off any order placed at the show just show us this advert to get your discount

ll 5 Ha nd Sta 1 K0

Ha Sta ll 8 n B1 d 5

Go to www.pretendtobee.com to register for more details.

Tel: +44 115 921 5690 Email: support@pretendtobee.com

Toys at Spring Fair Funko 0203 957 7018 www.funko.com

Hall 6

Stand J32

Licensed gifts Funko is back at Spring Fair this year; not only are they showcasing their iconic Pop! Vinyl and other figural lines, but they’re also bringing to the show a host of exciting new Gifting and Homewares products, as well as bags, wallets and accessories from their Loungefly brand.

The Gifting and Homewares collection features the hottest licenses, with plenty of products to suit all tastes.

Their Disney Retro line will be on display, as well as their outlandish Rick and Morty range.

The Rick and Morty line is the perfect pop culture showpiece for the kitchen - with plenty of humorous references from the hit TV phenomenon that fans will love, including the Pickle Rick Bottle Opener, Pickle Rick Banana Guard, Mr. Meeseeks mug and Rick and Morty Egg Cups. With plenty more key licenses joining the range for 2019, including The Little Mermaid Pearl Anniversary collection, Toy Story, Aladdin’s Genie collection, in addition to a second wave of their Nightmare Before Christmas products, the Gifting and Homewares line is going from strength to strength.

Loungefly, Funko’s premium collection of bags, wallets and accessories will continue to be a big focus for the brand in 2019.

Existing licenses, such as Disney, Marvel, Star Wars and Overwatch will be joined by exciting new collections and licenses perfect for fashionable Funko fans. Loungefly’s distinctive and eye-catching designs and prints are already proving to be a hit in the EMEA market, and the high-quality materials and intricate details make these the perfect gifts for fans who want a subtle look to their pop culture interests.

Fact!

Loungefly gifts, which include wallets, handbags, accessories and more, are perfect for fans who want a subtle look reflecting their pop culture interests.

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Juratoys 0208 878 2133 www.juratoys.co.uk

Hall 5 Stand G64

New Year – new look!

This year at Spring Fair, you will see a completely new look from Juratoys UK. Juratoys has worked for months on a new and improved stand design to really show off the 200 new products they have to offer for the new year.

Their design teams in France have put together a completely new range for 2019, across both Janod and Kaloo, which Juratoys is really excited about.

Whilst the distinct French design shows through, they have taken into account new trends and colours for 2019 and they are really proud of the new product they have to offer this year.

Kaloo brings you into tropical lands with this fun, new and colourful activity range. Discover Alban the sweet toucan and Sam the adorable monkey on each of the 13 references. This activity range stands out with its cute and exotic characters, fresh colours and textures, and wide range of activities.

Each product was designed to promote child development, whether it was to strengthen little ones’ teeth, enhance cognitive abilities, or support with sensory development.

Children will love to play and develop their senses!

Within Janod, Juratoys is adding many new ranges to the 2019 collection, including a gorgeous new collection of wooden toys suitable for babies aged 12 months plus, called Pure. This is a collection inspired by a Scandinavian trend using pastel colours, natural wood and a gender-neutral theme, which they know to be important to the consumer.

Did you know…

Pure, the new collection of wooden toys for babies aged 12 months plus, was inspired by a Scandinavian trend. It uses pastel colours, natural wood and a gender-neutral theme.

ToysandPlaythings amscan SF ad.pdf

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Toys at Spring Fair

Great Gizmos 01293 543221 www.ggtrade.co.uk

Fully coded!

Hall 5 Stand F30-G31

Great Gizmos will be showcasing loads of new products at Spring Fair, with exciting additions to 4M, Avenir, Barney and Buddy, and the introduction of new brands, Monkey Business and Tower Kids.

In a completely new direction for 4M, kids can discover how fun and easy it is to code with the groundbreaking Code A Maze. Children from the age of three can intuitively learn coding skills by choosing a challenge and navigating their robots around the board using the arrow cards on the ‘snap-to-code’ patented technology.

The incredibly popular Mould and Paint range has a new addition; Mould and Paint Zoo Animals. Kids can mould six different zoo animals and decorate them with the paints included. The cute characters can then be turned into magnets or badges!

The science category is evolving, with new introductions that combine the elements of STREAM, encouraging fun learning. Deluxe Kitchen Science allows kids to discover the fun and excitement of science in everyday life.

The kit includes over 30 interesting experiments, such as a fruit-powered clock! Deluxe Magnet Exploration contains over 40 components for fun experiments and games, including a super magnet racer.

The Avenir range is also expanding. Perfect for children aged 5+, these craft boxes make the perfect gifts. Ocean World Shrinky has everything you need to make cute shrinky designs that can be turned into jewellery and more. Make cute fuzzy animals with the Pom Pom Children can intuitively learn Animals kit and create colourful animals with Wild Animals Scratch. coding skills from the age of three New to the Barney and Buddy range is a selection of craft kits, with Code A Maze, Great Gizmos’ including the Make Your Own Unicorn kit, which contains everything you need to make your very own plush character! new revolution, which uses ‘snap

Did you know…

to code’ patented technology to navigate robots!

Ravensburger 01869 363 800 www.ravensburger.com

Hall 5 Stand H32

On Trax for success The GraviTrax Starter set is tipped to be Ravensburger’s best selling item of 2019. GraviTrax is developing into a standalone category; there will be eight new items launched in AW 2019.

2018 saw Ravensburger’s seventh consecutive year of growth, and they plan to grow again in 2019, with increased marketing spend, digital campaigns and TV advertising.

There will be almost 200 products to discover at Toy Fair, including children’s puzzles. The multi-award winning Peppa Pig range has been hugely successful, with more exciting products set for AW 2019. There are also new designs for Thomas and Friends, PJ Masks, Bing Bunny and Disney, plus exciting movie products – How to Train your Dragon 3, Secret Life of Pets 2, Toy Story 4, Frozen 2. Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts, Spirit, Rusty Rivets, That’s Not My…, Enchantimals,

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Guess what…

The GraviTrax Starter set is tipped to be Ravensburger’s best-selling item of 2019.

Top Wing and School of Roars have also been added to Ravensburger’s collection of the UK’s most popular licences.

Adult puzzles show growth of 19 per cent YTD, reflecting the company’s continued commitment to UK specific development and its selection of the best international images. The 80 new titles for 2019 reflect British consumer tastes and deliver fresh ideas to attract new consumers to the puzzle market.

3D Puzzle remains an important category, and will be supported by new TV spots and digital content. Key products are vehicles (Porsche 911; Harry Potter Night Bus), iconic landmarks with lights, stylish storage sneakers and licensed balls in various formats and licences, including Frozen 2 and Harry Potter designs.

Games have enjoyed a positive year, with over 29 per cent growth and similar growth planned for 2019, supported by a TV-focused media spend. Disney Villainous, Harry Potter Labyrinth, Harry Potter Pictopia, and Break Free are amongst key items available now, with launches planned for AW 2019.

Finally, BRIO has had another great year of growth and 15 new products will be launched for SS 2019, with more new additions for AW 2019.

Other gifting licenses include Toy Story, Aladdin and many more…

COME AND VISIT US! STAND 6J32 THE LARGEST LICENSE IN THE INDUSTRY!

For any queries please contact us via email at inquiriesuk@funko.com Follow us for more exciting product updates!

FunkoEurope

Funko_Europe

Funko_Europe

Toys at Spring Fair Hall 5 Stand K10-L11, L10

Premier Halloween 020 8624 5555 www.premierdec.com

Hall 5 Stand E112-F113

Bringing the X Factor Wilton Bradley 01626 835400 www.wiltonbradley.com Wilton Bradley returns to Spring Fair with an everexpanding range of new products and brands for retailers to see.

The focus for 2019’s range has been to evolve products within existing brands at more competitive price points and targeting a younger age group, whilst also further developing categories that have been a success in the current market.

The new Mi-Mic and The X Factor range introduces new Mi-Mic Mini and The X Factor XF1S models which have the same fun features as the best-selling Mi-Mic range but in a more compact size, so family members of all ages can join in the fun.

The RC brand Monster Smash Ups also presents two smaller all-exploding trucks to the range, at more competitive price points for those younger smash enthusiasts.

Following the success of the Xootz Viper Go Kart, Wilton Bradley’s focus 2019 brings the release of the for 2019 has been to Typhoon Power Drift Trike. evolve products within This new design evolves the existing brands at stylish look of the Viper and more competitive price brings more action-packed points and targeting fun to the range.

Wilton Bradley will also be a younger age group, showcasing their beach stand whilst also further this year with their Yello, UB developing successful and Osprey brands and their categories. new VW licensed range.

The Osprey range includes a brand-new range of wetsuits called the Zero - a higher spec wetsuit, with a new, stylish design. This range includes the brand new 6mm wetsuit, the first affordable suit of its kind. Then the Official VW Licensed range brings iconic Volkswagen Retro Campervan and Beatle styling to Wilton Bradley’s most popular beach, festival and camping products.

Finally, a selection of the Lay-Z-Spa range will be at Spring Fair. The entry-level Miami, the brand-new Helsinki and top of the range Maldives HydroJet Pro will all be on display.

These products from Wilton Bradley can be seen at Spring Fair or by making an appointment at their UK showroom.

Fact!

Seriously spooky Premier Decorations Limited is delighted to launch its 2019 Halloween Collection, which is packed with a selection of exciting new products.

In response to customer feedback, they have expanded their family friendly ranges and reintroduced some of their spookier collection. With close to a 1000 products, there is plenty within the 2019 range to cover a wide variety of tastes and markets.

As reported in trade press, Halloween 2018 was a one of the most successful years, where retailers reported an unexpected increase in demand, leading to many lines being sold out entirely. It is without doubt that the Halloween Festival is becoming an increasingly popular event. The visual impact of merchandising and the dramatic effect of in-store Halloween displays fuel customer excitement to participate in the festival. Be sure to check out Premier’s merchandising solutions, which include gondolas, stands and pre-merchandised FSDUs. Be sure to visit Premier’s stand to view the entire range in its full glory. Alternatively, showrooms visits are also welcomed in Ruislip or Wrexham.

Fact!

Halloween is becoming an increasingly popular event. Halloween 2018 was a one of the most successful years to date, leading to many lines selling out.

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PLAY DIFFERENT…..

With Janod

32 High Park Road, Kew Gardens, Richmond TW9 4BH • United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)20 8878 2133

Come and visit us at Spring Fair Stand 5G64

Toys at Spring Fair Amscan International 01908 288500 www.amscan.co.uk

Hall 5 Stand J110-K111

Party people For retailers looking for exciting, on-trend party, balloon and costume ranges, head to the Amscan stand in Hall 5. The leading supplier will be showcasing an array of new ensembles for 2019, including generic designs and new licensed options. Together with the launch of new product ranges, Amscan will also be displaying their refreshed company branding.

Joining their party offering are over 20 new ranges, including a stylish collection of Rose Gold Blush decorations, ideal for celebrations, such as birthdays and baby showers.

Items include a personalisable pennant banner to add any message for the special occasion. Nerf fans will not want to miss Amscan’s new licensed party collection, containing everything required for an action-packed celebration.

Amscan also has some stunning new balloons joining the collection for 2019.

New licenses include L.O.L. Surprise!,

Nickelodeon’s Rusty Rivets, Enchantimals and Disney’s Vampirina to name but a few.

With Llamas and Flamingos both still a popular trend, look out for the fabulous new AirWalker balloons that make a wonderful party statement! Don’t miss the mesmerising new Ombre Orbz balloons, which are available in seven eye-catching colourways. These are sure to be a hugely popular addition at celebrations everywhere.

That’s not all; the costume collection has also been expanded to include exciting new licenses such as Dr. Seuss, featuring The Cat in the Hat, The Grinch and Thing 1 and Thing 2, all perfect for World Book Day in March. Amscan’s collection of Ride On costumes make great gifts and can keep Joining the party children entertained for hours. for Amscan in Recent additions include a llama, 2019 are over 20 peacock, pink dragon and digger, new ranges! ready to order now.

Fact:

Keel Toys

Ahh factor!

There have been some great new emerging colour schemes and fabric trends, which will grow further in 2019. The trend of rose gold and soft fluorescents has been incorporated into Animotsu, with a new assorted selection of Elephant, Unicorn, Bear and Chihuahua in 15cm and 25cm.

New for 2019 are the Glittermotsu ranges, finished in iridescent sequins in three product mixes, with characters including Penguin, Unicorn, Dinosaur, Bear, Elephant and Monkey. Stroke the sequins to reveal the contrasting colour.

The ranges will add glitter to your sales. New puppy eyes in Keel Toys Cuddle Puppies make them a breed apart. Each eye is bespoke to the breed of dog in size and colour including blue, green and brown variations. With weighted paws and a floppy body, Keel Toys have ensured the play value and ‘ahh’ factor. There are 12 designs in the 25cm size presented in a floor display, which also feature collars, which are purchased separately. Larger versions are available in 32cm, 37cm, and 47cm sizes. To complete the Cuddle Puppies there are 12 Standing Puppies

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01233 506363 www.keeltoys.com

Hall 5 Stand E40-F41

with lead. Pugsley the cutest pug of them all has some great new outfits for 2019 including a rainbow unicorn and leopard onesie. Keel Toys’ love the pastel pink and rose gold finish that is featured in the new Confetti range of eclectic animals including Llama, Unicorn, Cat, Mouse, Polar and Hedgehog, each featuring a pink tutu and princess crown. Pippins, the loveable fun-sized pets, have been updated with new characters and a fresh look.

New floor and counter displays, incorporating Prussian blue and mustard hues, are a nod to the trend of 1970’s palettes seen in the gift world for 2019. For Hugg’ems, launched in 2018, Keel Toys have developed a new mini version. In eight characters, the Mini Hugg’ems are available in a counter display or in the new floor stand that incorporates all three sizes of Hugg’ems. Christmas 2019 will feature iridescent sequins in Glittermotsu festive characters. Pugsley the beloved pug will once again dress for the season in some new outfits.

RAV_TnP_HalfPage_Jan2019_FINAL.pdf

DISCOVER

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Iconic nic shaped 3D Puzzles

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12524 Buckingham Palace 3D Puzzle® Night Edition

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Toy Fair E140

12528 Porsche 911 3D Puzzle®

Tel: 01869 363800 sales@ravensburger.com

Spring Fair 5H42

Toys at Spring Fair Hall 5 Stand K100

Use your head Pretend to Bee 0115 921 5690 www.pretendtobee.com Pretend to Bee will extend their dress up ranges in 2019 with the addition of new headband accessory sets, which will be launched exclusively at Spring Fair.

The brand new Pet Headbands are made from highquality fabrics and allow children to choose their favourite pet to pretend to be. The impulse price point is a great way for retailers to incorporate dress up! The new ranges can be viewed in full at the show.

There will also be updates to existing lines next year and the best-selling Postie and Policeman costumes have been revamped with new details added.

Pretend to Bee successfully added the baby and toddler costumes to their Natural History Museum range in AW 2018; marketing activity throughout 2019 will support this range. Thunderbirds are Go! also continues to be one of the company’s most popular collections and new programming will ensure the ranges popularity through 2019 and beyond.

Did you know…

Pretend to Bee are launching Pet Headbands that will allow children to pretend to be their favourite pet.

Hall 5 Stand 5F88-G89

Sweet selection Posh Paws 01268 567317 www.poshpawsinternational.co.uk Posh Paws is preparing to fill its stand at Spring Fair with some of its most exciting plush ranges yet. New to the Posh Paws portfolio will be a new Love Hearts range of plush.

The Posh Paws Winnie the Pooh offering is extensive and has something for fans of all ages. The Christopher Robin official movie plush range includes Pooh, Eeyore, Piglet and Tigger in a range of sizes, each styled as per the characters on the big screen.

6

Hall 5 Stand H21

Classic characters

Rainbow Designs 01329 227300 www.rainbowdesigns.co.uk Rainbow Designs will be adding more than 30 adorable new lines to its classic character portfolio in 2019. On show at Spring Fair are some gorgeous additions to the Classic Winnie-the-Pooh Hundred Acre Wood collection. New for 2019 is a Jiggle Winnie-the-Pooh, baby soft Booties in a gift box, and a Gift Set featuring a tactile Comfort Blanket and Ring Rattle presented in a beautifully illustrated box. For 2019, Rainbow Designs is also introducing some beautiful new Gift Sets into both the Peter Rabbit and Guess How Much I Love You collections.

Hall 5 Stand J90-K91

A* for Asmodee!

Asmodee UK 01420 593593 www.asmodee.co.uk Asmodee UK are set to bring a can’t-miss selection of the best games on the market to Spring Fair 2019.

One of the highlights of their stand will be the introduction of a dedicated Party Games range. This brand new roster of hilarious, casual games that excel with larger groups is guaranteed to get friends and families laughing together with simple and accessible rules.

Headlining the Party Games collection is Telestrations, which is a new addition to the Asmodee catalogue for 2019! Players must sketch out a word from a secret card, then pass their drawing to their neighbour who writes down what they think the word was, before that word is passed along again for another drawing and so on. Watching a word become gradually distorted – or unexpectedly making it all the way around without any mistakes – is a sure-fire way to get the whole table in stitches.

Telestrations is joined in the range by the creative word-association game Just One, the clues and mimes of Time’s Up (in a fresh new edition focused on the UK market) and riotous dexterity-based fun of Crazy Eggz and Maki Stack.

Spring Fair attendees will also be able to check out a prototype version of a new TV-licensed game based on Tenable, the hit ITV game show! Players will be challenged to complete ‘top ten’ lists from various trivia categories.

With presence at the show from their Fun Fast Games and Modern Classics ranges as well, the Asmodee stand promises to offer something for everyone.

Must see...

Asmodee’s brand new Party Games range comprises a roster of hilarious, casual games that excel with larger groups. Games in the range are guaranteed to get friends and families laughing together.

Halloween_240x315mm_toys_n_playthings_ad_co_PRINT.pdf

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Toys at Spring Fair HALL 5 STAND H36-J37

Lots of new product The Green Board Game Co.

Hall 5 Stand 5J67

Walk on the wild side Schleich

01494 538999 www.greenboardgames.com

01279 870000 www.schleich-s.co.uk

Green Board Games will be showcasing a plethora of new and improved product this year at Spring Fair! Be sure to visit the stand to see the fresh and contemporary new look for our family favourite Flights of Fancy range. Last year, the popular Flights of Fancy nature and creative kits were all redesigned. GBG will also be showcasing a number of new additions to the award-winning, robust-selling BrainBox range. These titles will include six new licensed Disney and Roald Dahl BrainBox games, as well as two other BrainBox titles: ‘World Traveller’ and ‘Time Traveller’.

Pre-school buyers will be well catered for, with a bigger selection of products from the award-winning Fat Brain Toys range! GBG will also be presenting their two new pre-school ranges, which have been carefully designed to promote fun learning. Foot Steps (for children up to 3 years of age) and Leaps & Bounds (for children aged 3 years plus) not only offer trend-setting designs and styling for new parents and gifters, but also tick the box for encouraging imaginative play and fostering the development of motor skills, memory, hand-eye coordination and more!

Hand-painted animals from Farm World and Wild Life, horses and riders from Horse Club, and the ranges of Dinosaurs and Unicorns make Schleich a must-have brand for gift buyers. The world of Wild Life is perfect for zoos and wildlife attractions and has some exotic new species added to the line-up. The Komodo Dragon from Indonesia and Australia’s Quokka join the Ring-Tailed Lemur in the 2019 range, which also includes the Okapi, the animal that was voted for by Schleich’s fans. Plus, for added play appeal the Schleich Wild Life Flash Cards are a combination of intricate figurine and double-sided flash cards for a simple game of find and match.

HALL 5 STAND L53

Plenty to play with...

Playmobil

01268 54811 www.playmobil.co.uk Playmobil will launch a wide range of exciting and innovative new toys at Spring Fair, with new additions promised to its figures, playsets and licensed ranges.

Pocket-money favourites Playmo-Friends will see new characters join its hugely popular cast while fans of Playmobil Fi?ures surprise bags will be able to take their pick from 24 fresh designs. New additions to the Playmobil universe include the Playmobil City Life Tiny Paws Pet Hotel. For aspiring astronauts, endless galactic adventures are guaranteed during each voyage on the Playmobil Mission to Mars Space Station. Small world play lovers can create the perfect holiday, time and again, with the Playmobil Family Fun Summer Villa.

The ultimate small world play gift, Playmobil allows children to discover the universe in miniature.

To add to the excitement, life-sized Playmobil figures will be making a debut on the stand!

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HALL 5 STAND H50

Lots to see Marbel

0845 6000 marbel.co.uk

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Attending Spring Fair? Then visit Marbel for a closer look at a fantastic selection of new product launches from brands, such as Hape, Relevant Play, Nanoblock and Kathe Kruse, as well as new arrivals, Nebulous Stars and Eureka Kids.

As one of Marbel’s latest additions for 2019, Nebulous Stars offers youngsters, aged 7 years plus, the opportunity to get involved in a unique experience that combines matters of wellbeing and positive values.

HALL 5 STAND 5H28 – J29

Big screen birds Tobar

01603 397 105 www.tobar.co.uk Bird watchers will have a field day at Spring Fair when Tobar unveils its new Angry Birds range well in time for the new movie launch in summer 2019.

The Tobar range will include pocketmoney items such as slime, and light-up gadgets such as lava lamps and night lights. Six characters will appear in the already popular Jellyball range, large squishy stress toys perfect to calm down anyone who ‘sees Red!’ Brand new Jellyballs make their debut appearance, a mixture of the popular existing squishy stress ball fruit line combined with animals! The existing popular Animigos line is extended to feature the New Born Animigos. These are baby animal versions of the existing animated plush, each with their own baby bottle.

TO B Y IRM SP BE ST IN RIN A AN G G C D H F H : A A ST 5K M IR A 1 N N 0 E D – C :5 L : L1 11 0 &

UK’S LEADING INFLATABLE COMPANY

Learn More / Request a Catalogue • Tel: 01626 835400 www.wiltonbradley.co.uk • Email: sales@wiltonbradley.co.uk

LICENSING

NEWS

Hasbro unveils

marvel-lous range

Hasbro has unveiled its Captain Marvel line-up ahead of the release of the upcoming Captain Marvel movie, which hits cinema screens on 8 March.

Think dolls, roleplay items, and more, all inspired by the film which is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe that includes Avengers: Infinity War! Aimed at ages six and upwards, Hasbro is introducing the Captain Marvel Movie Cosmic Captain Marvel Doll from spring. Also look out for the Captain Marvel Movie Photon Power FX Glove – just press the star button to activate effects and imagine blasting down villains like Captain Marvel! And not forgetting the Captain Marvel Doll and Marvel’s Goose.

Hasbro is also bringing a host of Marvel Legends Figures to retail too.

Fact!

The Captain Marvel movie is released on 8 March.

Barbie teams with Puma Barbie has partnered with Puma on a new collection.

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Suede, Puma created a special shoe, apparel and accessory collection inspired

by Barbie, complete with a Puma Barbie doll sporting ‘90s inspired athleisure wear looks.

The collection features an exclusive sneaker pack, which includes the PUMA Barbie doll.

Not one, but two Barbie dolls are available, and they rock their very own Suede sneakers.

They are styled in the PUMA x Barbie racerback crop top, oversized PUMA x Barbie T7 fleece hoodie and PUMA x Barbie T7 leggings with their favourite Suede x Barbie kicks.

The Suede x Barbie sneaker pack with the Puma Barbie doll hit retail in December.

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“We are delighted that In the Night Garden continues to captivate the young pre-schooler over a decade after it launched. As the only show to feature every day, 52 weeks a year in the bedtime slot on the UK’s biggest pre-school channel, its position as the bedtime show for little ones is unsurpassed.

In October, it once again rated number one for average TVRs and reach in households with kids 0-3.

We are thrilled our latest toy range has once again tapped into the unique position the show holds with UK and Ireland households and look forward to the range remaining a top 5 pre-school property for many more years to come.”

Barry Hughes, Managing Director at Golden Bear speaking about the company’s In the Night Garden toy range, which jumped up into the top five preschool licenses according to NPD figures. Following the success of its Playtime, Bathtime, Bedtime range, which launched in July, In the Night Garden was the fifth largest pre-school licence in NPD (YTD October 2018) across all toys, and has remained within the top seven consistently since Golden Bear became master toy partner in 2013.

Dig for treasure Bulldog Licensing has signed an agreement to represent Treasure X – the latest collectable sensation from Moose Toys.

Treasure X has sparked a playground craze and brought a new level of innovation to the collectable category through a hyper unboxing process.

“We are incredibly excited about representing Treasure X,” says Bulldog Licensing Director Vicky Hill. “Coming from Moose Toys it obviously has immense pedigree, as they have shown through brands such as Shopkins and Pikmi Pops that they’re masters of the collectable and I’m sure Treasure X will be just as popular! The brand has massive licensing potential and we will be announcing initial deals very soon.”

toysnplaythings.co.uk

BRAND NEW ASSETS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

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TOY LAUNCH FROM MARCH 2019!

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Classic characters Smiffys are bringing classic children’s TV series to the masses with news that they will produce a range of licensed Danger Mouse, Wind in the Willows and Rainbow costumes.

RH Smith and Sons, owners of the Smiffys and Fever brands, signed a deal with Boat Rocker Rights and Dominique Peckett, Director at RH Smith, says: “We are thrilled to be collaborating with Boat Rocker Rights on these nostalgic licensed properties and cannot wait to bring a host of colourful new characters to life through these exciting dress-up ranges, which will be a welcome addition to our award-winning collection.”

Fact!

The new lines will include dress-up for children and adults, including costumes, masks and associated accessories.

Guess . whayto..2020

Olympic Shaun!

k The ToGames will ic ic p Olym first Olymp an p e a h J t be ion in 1998 it t e p com Nagano since pic Winter Olym ames.

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Shaun the Sheep is set to become Team GB’s official supporter after Aardman partnered with the British Olympic Association.

The licensing initiative will include a brand-new style guide featuring Shaun and the flock in their very own Team GB kit.

The partnership will see Shaun the Sheep and his flock become official supporters of the team with a merchandise programme for UK partners across sports and character merchandising.

Pip-tastic taste

More Molang for Tomy TOMY has signed a three-year extension as master toy partner for Molang in a deal that covers EMEA and Australia.

The renewal follows the successful launch of Molang on Tiny Pop, the free-to-air UK television channel for children. Ratings for the 15-minute show have been well above the channel average, positioning the show within the top 10 on Tiny Pop. Ian Wickham, director of Licensing Link Europe, which manages licensing for the Molang brand in the UK on behalf of worldwide licensor Millimages, said: “We are delighted that TOMY has come back for a further Molang first came to the three years as our master toy world’s attention on the partner, just as we see Molang personal blog of Korean taking off on free to air TV illustrator Hye-Ji Yoon, quickly here in the UK with strong becoming popular through audience numbers.”

Guess what...

instant messaging apps.

JANUARY 2019

Get ready for a new range of licensed Pip Ahoy! nightwear, swimwear and underwear.

Aimed at pre-schoolers across the UK, CHF Pip! Pip Ahoy! is plc and Branded Clothing broadcast twice International (BCI) recently daily on ITVBe after announced plans to extend the the channel bought apparel licence for Pip Ahoy! all three seasons of The news follows the show. hot on the heels of a renewed toy partnership with John Adams in October and with a brand new third series of Pip Ahoy! currently airing each weekday on ITVBe’s littleBe, the company is planning a big roll-out of fresh Pip Ahoy! merchandise in 2019. The Pip Ahoy! apparel range with BCI at retail from summer 2019 onwards.

Did you know?

PREVIEW NEW YORK

Bring on the Big Apple!

Essentials

What: North American International Toy Fair When: Saturday, 16 February to Tuesday, 19 February Where: Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York City

The North American Toy Fair is one-of-a-kind! Marian Bossard, Executive Vice President of Global Market Events at The Toy Association chats to TnP about what makes it so special for everyone who attends…

What’s new at the North American Toy Fair?

We are really excited to unveil the expansion of the Creative Factor educational series thanks to its new advisory board – Brett Klisch (Creative Director at Peru Meridian Studios and Co-Founder of Creative Factor), Robin Raskin (Founder of Living in Digital Times), Billy Langsworthy (Co-Founder of Mojo Nation), Matt Nuccio (Owner of Design Edge), and Warren Tuttle (President of the United Inventors Association) – whose input has raised the bar on this exciting programming.

95 204

“

Our international audience has been growing significantly

”

Toy Fair registrants are welcome to participate in a full schedule of free pitch sessions, roundtables, presentations, workshops, and panels focused on the interests and goals of inventors, designers, and others in the creative community. These sessions will be presented by experts who will share actionable tips on topics such as out of the box distribution options, how to build your brand’s narrative, dos and don’ts of IP licensing, 3D and virtual reality modelling for toy design, emerging tech shaping toys and games of the future, and much more.

Are you attracting an increasing number of international visitors each year?

T he number of different countries represented at the fair in 2018

Toy Fair New York continues to be a must-stop destination for global play professionals who

consider Toy Fair the place to find the most cutting-edge toys, games, and youth entertainment products coming to market.

Our international audience has been growing significantly.

Last year, Toy Fair drew notable increases in attendees from 95 different countries. The top five countries represented at the show, not including the US and Canada, were China, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Mexico, and Japan. We expect to surpass these numbers for the 2019 show.

The UK has one of the strongest toy industries in the globe so are you always on the lookout for more exhibitors from the UK? The US and UK toy markets are closely linked and share many similarities. We’d be especially happy to welcome more exhibitors from the UK at Toy Fair.

toysnplaythings.co.uk3

What are the potential stumbling blocks for exhibitors and visitors from the UK, and how can the Toy Association work to assist those who might want to export/import to and from North America but who may be concerned it will be challenge?

“

We’d be especially happy to welcome more exhibitors from the UK at Toy Fair

Breaking into an established toy market such as the US may be difficult for a new or international brand but we encourage everyone to attend Toy Fair New York.

Thousands of influential buyers will be scouting unique and innovative toys and games and looking to make deals.

The show also offers a deep line-up of educational sessions under its Knowledge Network programme.

Sessions taking place throughout the show will cover international toy and US safety standards, global market research, licensing, specialty retail, toy invention, entrepreneurship, and much more.

”

Each year The Toy Association host a trends briefing – would you say these are universal trends or specifically for the North American market?

The Toy Association’s Trend Tracking Team works year-round meeting with toy companies and exploring parallel marketplaces to identify emerging and continuing themes in the marketplace and these trends typically extend throughout the global industry. We encourage everyone at Toy Fair to attend The Toy Association’s Toy Trends Briefing, taking place on Sunday,

Did you know?

The Toy Association is launching the inaugural CF@TF Inventor Day, an opportunity for a select number of inventors to pitch their ideas to influential toy and youth entertainment professionals and manufacturing partners.

CF@TF Inventor Day is being held Friday, 15 February, the day before Toy Fair opens, at the Javits Center.

JANUARY 2019

February 17 at 4pm on Level 1, Hall 1E, Room 1E09.

The Association’s trend experts will share an exclusive first look at the top toy trends in toys and games for 2019, using product examples from the show floor.

It is always an impactful session for buyers looking to hone in on new products and trends that will attract toy consumers to their stores.

New York is such a great place to host a toy fair – why does the city lend itself so well to hosting the North American event?

New York City offers a cultural and entertainment mecca for international visitors.

New York City-area airports are globally accessible.

The extensive mass transit system, taxi and ride-sharing services, and walkability to destinations allow professionals to successfully conduct business both on and off site. We want everyone to make the most of their time inside the Javits Center, but we are also thrilled to offer attendees a destination where they can take in a Broadway show, eat at one of many excellent restaurants, and spend time seeing some of the most iconic attractions in the world.

And finally, what are your highlights for the fair – what are the ‘must-sees’ for visitors?

To keep tabs on all there is to see and do at Toy Fair, I encourage everyone to check out Toy Fair’s social media channels and the Toy Fair mobile app. For the first time ever, Toy Fair will be partnering with a number of exhibiting companies to feature their buzzworthy brands and products on our social media channels. For up-to-the-minute happenings at the show, be sure to follow us on Facebook (facebook. com/TheToyAssociation); on Instagram (toyfair_ny); and on Twitter (@toyfairny).

Eyes on

Brexit

It might be all we speak about in the UK, but is Brexit something our American counterparts are keeping a watching eye on?

We asked Steve Pasierb, President and CEO of The Toy Association

“The Toy Association is continually focused on the health and growth of the global toy industry.

Brexit is an important issue to our Association and our member companies as well as within our responsibilities as secretariat to both the International Toy Industry CEO Roundtable and International Council of Toy Industries (ICTI). We continual monitor developments and have recruited legal experts from the UK to speak at Roundtable meetings. Importantly, our association enjoys a strong and mutually supportive relationship with the British Toy & Hobby Association (BTHA) and we look to their communications and their ongoing work as together we share many of the major toymakers as members.”

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CONSUMER

INSIGHT

Down with the real kids Guess what…

Having surveyed more than 30,000 children over the past 18 months, Kids Insights know a thing or two about what it is they want – CEO Nick Richardson tells us more

O

ver the past 18 months Kids Insights has surveyed more than 30,000 children from across the UK. One area of data which we collect is children aged 4-12 favourite toy categories, and our graphs give a snapshot of what categories are currently favourite with UK children.

However, one of the really exciting things about Kids Insights is that we make all of our data available to our clients via our award-winning portal.

We have been delighted to work with some of the toy industries leading brands, including Disney, Hasbro, Keycraft Global, Sambro, Vivid and Warner Bros.

The following are some specific examples of the insights we can make available to our clients, to help them maximise their ROI across their business, by informing their advertising, content, licensing, marketing, product and sales strategies and activities.

Barbie fans Our latest data shows that girls aged 4-12, who say Barbie is their favourite toy, are 34 per cent more likely than the average child to say their favourite place to eat at is McDonald’s and they are also 72

To celebrate Toy Fair, Kids Insights is giving away a free trial of their data portal to readers of Toys ‘n’ Playthings at kidsinsights.co.uk/toysnplaythings. per cent more likely than the average kid to say that Fruit Shoots are their favourite drink.

Looking at hobbies, girls who say Barbie is their favourite toy are 70 per cent more likely than the average young girl to report that dancing is their favourite hobby, showing how our data can be used to spot opportunities for new product development in the category.

The favourite brands of Barbie fans, excluding Barbie itself, include Disney, Cadbury, Nike, LEGO and Hello Kitty. When we explore what they are talking about with their friends in the playground at the moment, L.O.L. dolls, school life, holidays and slime are all hot topics of conversation.

And what do Barbie fans think will be the next big popular thing? Squishies, slime, unicorns and Tamagotchi.

Adidas and Apple are favourite brands.

We can see the main thing LEGO fans are currently talking about with their friends are football, Minecraft, Fortnite and Pokémon.

When we ask LEGO fans what else they think will be the next really popular thing; slime, Minecraft, robots, Squishies, clay and virtual reality are all mentioned, showing a significant skew towards not only arts & crafts, but also tech.

LEGO fans are also more likely than the average child to read, including paperbacks, hardbacks and comics.

LEGO fans This will come as no surprise but LEGO is the favourite toy of boys and girls aged 4-6 alike. Looking deeper into the data, using our portal to cross-reference the data, we can see that children who say LEGO is their favourite toy Looking at hobbies, girls who say are, as expected, three-times Barbie is their favourite toy are as likely to say the company 70 per cent more likely than the is their favourite brand. But they are also more likely than average young girl to report that the average child to say Nike, dancing is their favourite hobby.

Did you know?

Kids Insights is the most comprehensive and dynamic market intelligence resource on all things kids, tweens and teens in the UK. We survey 400 kids aged four to 18 every single week, which is more than 20,000 every year. Our award-winning data portal makes everything you need to know about what is going on in kids’ ecosystem today, available in real-time, with expert insights into the flash and global trends provided every quarter.

Your essential digital news and features site for the licensing industry Build genuine, provable brand awareness Get in touch hello@ltw.media

LTW.MEDIA

We deliver top quality content to a highly engaged, focused and targeted global audience.

The business of driving your brand, propelling it to a new phase of its licensing life, is our business too.

DON’T MISS… We bring to the fore a selection of the hottest and newest products that will help you sell more. Buyers and retailers, get in touch with your sales contact now!

Product: Plus-Plus Knights Castle Company: DKL Marketing Tel: 01604 678 780 Web: www.dkl.co.uk

Product: Bush Baby World Mini Collectibles Company: Golden Bear Tel: 01952 608 308 Web: www.goldenbeartoys.com

Product: Porsche 3D Puzzle Company: Ravensburger Tel: 01869 363 800 Web: www.ravensburger.com

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Product: High Flying Jett Company: Alpha Animation Tel: 01293 804 599 Email: SalesSupport@alpha-animation.com

Product: Monopoly Cash Grab Company: Hasbro Tel: 02085 691 234 Web: www.hasbro.com

Product: Made With Love Very Hungry Caterpillar Company: Rainbow Designs Tel: 01329 227 300 Web: www.rainbowdesigns.co.uk

Product: Tetley Tin Tea Set Company: Casdon Tel: 01253 608 248 Web: www.casdon.co.uk

Product: Wasgij Original 31 ‘Safari Surprise!’ 1,000-piece Puzzle Company: Jumbo Games Tel: 01707 289 289 Email: uk.saleshotline@jumbo.eu

Product: Toniebox Company: tonies® Email: sales@tonies.com Web: www.tonies.com

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Helping everyone sell more

Independently audited ABC circulation of 5,112

1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018

Š2018 Mattel. All Rights Reserved.

9 ry 201 a u n a J 4 8 No. Vol. 3

19 ry 20 Janua No.4 8 Vol. 3

Group Editor Mirella Anstey mirella@lemapublishing.co.uk

Editor Mairead Wilmot mairead@lemapublishing.co.uk

Writer Georgie Dobie georgie@lemapublishing.co.uk

CONTENTS

4

Leader – with Mirella Anstey

8

Cover Story – 2019 promises to be an exciting year for Mattel as the toy giant plans to celebrate Barbie’s 60th birthday! From partnerships and events, to ambassadors and new Barbie lines, TnP has found out everything there is to know about what the next 12 months have in store for Mattel.

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Nuremberg Toy Fair 2019 – It’s that time of year once again!

Everyone who is anyone in the toy industry is finalising their plans for the world’s biggest toy fair.

Given the fair’s landmark status, and its unquestionable importance in the industry’s annual calendar, TnP has gathered information from key suppliers and created a must-read show guide that will see you through Nuremberg 2019!

Media Solutions Manager Ryan Horwood ryan@lemapublishing.co.uk

Publisher Mark Naish mark@lemapublishing.co.uk

Production Director Paul Naish paul@lemapublishing.co.uk

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Design and Production Marian McNamara marian@lemapublishing.co.uk

Managing Director Malcolm Naish malcolm@lemapublishing.co.uk

Circulation Manager Robert Thomas robert@lemapublishing.co.uk

Lema Publishing Ltd

PUBLISHING

1 Churchgates, The Wilderness, Berkhamsted, Herts, HP4 2UB Telephone: 01442 289930

At the heart of retail A member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation

Independently audited

P10

ABC circulation of 5,112

1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018

toysnplaythings.co.uk

Helping everyone sell more

Š2018 Mattel. All Rights Reserved.

LEADER Mirella Cestaro

A member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation

Independently audited ABC circulation of 5,112 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018

PUBLISHING

At the heart of retail Also by Lema Publishing

magazine

TableWare INTERNATIONAL

T

As you make your way around the 170,000 square he shows are upon us once more, and there metres, you’ll get the chance to see what 3,000 are some big birthdays coming up – fashion exhibitors from 68 countries have on offer for 2019. doll Barbie hits the big 60, Peppa Pig is a And you’ll be in good company – as one of more 15-year-old teenager and even SpongeBob than 70,000 visitors who travel to SquarePants is a the show from 130 countries. surprising 20 years If that’s not enough to convince old. Not to be left The attraction of you – just think about how many out, Nuremberg Spielwarenmesse is that it products are on show – around one Toy Fair – more million in all. properly called offers visitors the chance to If electronic toys are on your Spielwarenmesse – meet with the biggest names shopping list, be sure to head celebrates its 70th in the toy world, and still along to Hall 4A, where they will anniversary. catch up with niche and be gathered together for the first When the show time and be sure to stop at the began, the Second small companies that offer TrendGallery, where you’ll see Toy World War was still something no one else does Awards nominees and winners. a fresh memory, Exhibitors also see Nuremberg and Germany had as a must-do: “Nuremberg is a just been divided. key event for us as it’s the first Now, in 2019, we are opportunity where we can present finished product looking at a different division in Europe and are being on our key lines, as well as updating the trade on promised ‘dynamic’ changes to the fair’s hall layouts any mid-season launches,” Kelly Philp, UK Marketing and some special events and areas.

Lead for Mattel, told TnP. With the spectre of Brexit Whatever the changes, Nuremberg is still the still looming, it appears that being at the show will be world’s largest Toy Fair, and a must-see event in the even more important for many companies: Florian diary of anyone who is involved in buying toys and Loh, Area Sales Manager for Bruder, says: “Making children’s products. business with the UK as a key European heavyweight In recognition of its importance in the toy industry’s market will certainly be top of our agenda.” calendar, we have once again created our signature Of course, with so many retailers, manufacture TnP flip cover so that you can keep track of the and distributors gathered together, it’s the ideal companies and products that you want to see place to network. Nuremberg is famed for its relaxed in Nuremberg and keep them separate from the and friendly atmosphere, so make the most of any information for the London Toy Fair. opportunities to catch up for dinner after the show, or The attraction of Spielwarenmesse is that it offers grab a drink at one of the city’s pubs. visitors the chance to meet with the biggest names in And finally, don’t forget to flip over this magazine to the toy world, and still catch up with niche and small catch up with everything on offer at London Toy Fair! companies that offer something no one else does.

“

”

J i

If you would like to subscribe to any of our other market leading titles please call Robert Thomas on 01442 289930 or email your request to robert@lemapublishing.co.uk

Š2018 Mattel. All Rights Reserved.

COVER FEATURE MATTEL

INSPIRE! As Barbie turns 60, TnP learns about Mattel’s plans for this truely inspirational character...

18

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Š2018 Mattel. All Rights Reserved.

COVER FEATURE MATTEL

Living the d Mattel’s Barbie is set to make waves as she hits 60. TnP talks to Barbie’s Senior Brand Manager Julie Jackson about how the iconic doll is empowering girls It is impossible to get away from Barbie this year – how is Mattel celebrating her 60th anniversary?

We have a huge year planned for Barbie’s 60th and we are really celebrating Ruth Handler’s original vision: “My whole philosophy of Barbie was that through the doll, the little girl could be anything she wanted to be.

Barbie always represented the fact that a woman has choices.” This is going to be through many different touchpoints but the key one for us will be our mission to close the Dream Gap. At the end of 2018 we identified the Dream Gap as the age between five and seven when girls start to lose belief in themselves, and in 2019 we are working

8

to help close this gap for girls.

This will be through partnerships, events and ambassadors that will all really help to empower a new generation of girls.

And, of course, we have an amazing product line – we are bringing back some of Barbie’s most-loved careers such as astronaut and firefighter – we have celebration dolls, we have incredible diversity throughout the line, and exciting new dolls and playsets girls will love.

How are you communicating Barbie’s new message to people who remember her as a blue-eyed wearer of pink?

Barbie has always reflected the world around us, but what a lot of people aren’t aware of is Barbie’s history of careers; Barbie has had more than 200 different careers since her inception in 1959, and even ran for President before a woman did, and went to the moon before a man did! As a brand, we’ve been on a journey over the past few years to

“

We will also be working with key retailers to bring our ‘You Can Be Anything’ experiential tour nationwide Julie Jackson, Barbie Senior Brand Manager

”

recommit to our purpose and connect with mums, we started with the launch of ‘Imagine the Possibilities’ – an awardwinning creative that brought to life the brand message ‘You Can be Anything’ for a new generation of mums and girls.

Since then, we’ve introduced new body shapes including curvy, tall and petite, created more than 100 distinctly diverse looks for Barbie Fashionistas, and are funding research, creating resources and launching a series of activations to close the ‘Dream Gap’. One of the ways to help girls continue to believe they are brilliant is through role modelling – by showing them women from diverse backgrounds and fields who are breaking boundaries.

Since 2015, the Barbie brand has committed to showing girls more role models, or Sheroes, as we call them, to help girls imagine what they can become in the future. Some of the amazing women that Barbie has honoured as part of the Shero programme include UK Olympian boxer Nicola Adams, US Olympian fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad, body activist and model Ashley Graham, the first African-American Principal Ballerina in American ballet Misty Copeland, and the director of the film Selma, Ava DuVernay. Barbie represents a broader view of society for the next

toysnplaythings.co.uk

Guess what?

Barbie has honoured UK Olympian boxer Nicola Adams, US Olympian fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad, body activist and model Ashley Graham, amongst others as part of its Shero programme.

dream generation of girls by showcasing careers typically underrepresented by women, and highlighting role models and Sheroes.

What sort of partnerships is Mattel entering into with retailers – independents and majors – to celebrate Barbie’s 60th?

We have some exciting retail partnerships next year, including a doll inspired by Barbie’s first-ever outfit, the iconic black and white bathing suit. Our buyers are really excited by the momentum of the brand and the opportunities Barbie’s 60th brings, and we’re going into 2019 with strong executions across independent and major retailers

and across online, showcase and impulse. We will also be working with key retailers to bring our ‘You Can Be Anything’ experiential tour nationwide, which provides an empowering experience for kids to try different careers and brings the Dream Gap pledge directly to mums!

We know Mattel is working hard to change perceptions of Barbie among mums and young girls – is it working?

Our strategy of offering mums a purposeful brand, and girls an exciting and open-ended way to play, is working; we are enjoying amazing momentum with sales in the UK in strong double-digit growth and we are proud to be the number-one

in the fashion doll category, and a number-six total property in the UK YTD (NPD Nov 18), and indeed the number-one doll in the world!

Would you say these campaigns have a positive impact on sales?

Yes, we can absolutely see sales traction correlating to our meaningful brand campaigns.

Talk to us about some of the products you will be showcasing this year?

What is Mattel particularly excited about?

We are introducing expanded opportunities for imaginative storytelling with a new Barbie

Helicopter, a fantastic Barbie Mermaid Feature doll with a light-up swishing tail, a diverse roster of careers, more diversity than ever before in Fashionistas as well as diversity throughout the Dreamtopia, Careers and Chelsea dolls ranges – and so much more!

Julie tells us about the ‘dream gap’...

“Research has identified that starting at age five many girls are less likely than boys to view their own gender as smart and begin to lose confidence in their own competence. Cultural stereotypes, implicit biases and representation in media work together to further this issue. Barbie is dedicated to helping to close the Dream Gap and will be focused on raising awareness through impactful content developed to provide adults with resources on how they can support the girls in their lives available at Barbie.co.uk.”

JANUARY 2019

9

PREVIEW

NUREMBERG TOY FAIR

The spirit of play Essentials

What: Nuremberg Toy Fair/ Spielwarenmesse When: 30 Jan – 3 Feb, 2019, 9am to 6pm Where: Nuremberg Exhibition Centre Visit: www.spielwarenmesse.de

Nuremberg Toy Fair is seen by many as the most international of all specialised trade events in the industry – but January’s anniversary edition promises to offer up even more excitement. Sarah Welsh spoke to a range of toy experts to find out what all the buzz is about…

W

130 countries. year’s Nuremberg Toy Fair According to opens its doors at the “Spielwarenmesse recent research by city’s exhibition centre represents a the Association on 30 January, running unique platform for of the German to 3 February, it will be Trade Fair Industry celebrating a milestone both national and 84 per cent occasion as the show international buyers (AUMA), of exhibitors say marks its 70th anniversary to get in contact that trade fairs are with some ‘dynamic’ hugely important changes to its hall layouts with Bruder’s to their marketing and a series of special motivated team” mix. And with events and areas. an unparalleled The vast hall space of Florian Loh, Bruder global reach, the 170,000 square metres Spielwarenmesse will play host to some provides networking heaven for the 3,000 exhibitors from 68 countries with toy manufacturers, designers, suppliers access to more than 70,000 visitors who travel to the show from an amazing and distributors, retailers, visual merchandisers, licensors, licensees and licensing agents who gather there.

This anniversary edition of the toy fair sees electronic toys – including RC toys, robots, electronic educational toys and virtual play – debut in Hall 4A, following Around 75 per cent of exhibitors who showcase their toy on from the establishment of the products at Nuremberg travel to the show from abroad.

Tech2Play activity area back in 2017.

hen we think of Nuremberg images of medieval architecture, gingerbread and arguably Germany’s most famous Christmas market spring to mind. But this Northern Bavarian beauty is also famous for toys - seven decades of them to be precise.

Back in 1949 following the end of World War II and the division of Germany, toy manufacturers of the time no longer had a suitable event at which to showcase their products. So a number of innovative entrepreneurs with a reputation for risk-taking decided to set up a trade fair in the city exclusively for toys – and so the Spielwarenmesse was born.

Fast forward to 2019, and when this

Did you know?

10

toysnplaythings.co.uk

PREVIEW

NUREMBERG TOY FAIR

The model railway and model construction toy product groups are this year merging in Hall 7A, and building on their huge popularity in previous years, festival articles, carnival and fireworks will extend across Halls 8 and 9.

Also new is the exciting ShowTime area, gifting exhibitors the opportunity to put products in the spotlight, and the ‘Toys meets Books’ area will be back for a second outing following a successful debut at last year’s show. Plus visitors can also brush-up on their industry knowledge at the “I think the mood Toy Business Forum in will be realistic Hall 3A with a diverse series of presentations (at Nuremberg). by international We know there speakers. are challenges but In addition, visitors can also check out the as an industry we show’s TrendGallery are always good in Hall 3A, where the at adapting and nominees and winners “In terms of buying of this year’s ToyAwards evolving” mood this year, on will also be on display.

Kelly Philp, Mattel one hand business But what personally procedures at the draws industry leaders show should be well to what many consider established as in past outings, but to be the most important event in the the challenging part is BREXIT and its global toy calendar? respective operational implications.

Florian Loh, Area Sales Manager for Making business with the UK as a key Bruder, says for their brand Nuremberg European heavyweight market will excels on three fronts. “It’s a key show for certainly be top of our agenda.” us due to an attractive triple combination Bruder will be showcasing their of strengthening existing partnerships, increasingly popular bworld series at the opportunity to personally get in touch Nuremberg. Designed to inspire big and sit down with key account decision and little toy fans alike, each bworld makers and the chance to establish new scenery piece makes countless new play customers through introducing them possibilities accessible, for example, to our exciting Bruder product range,” in the form of a police station, health he said. “Spielwarenmesse represents a station, motorcycle service and even a unique platform for both national and horse barn. international buyers to get in contact with “The bworld series of new products our motivated team.

is hugely important for Bruder for 2019 and we’ll be officially unveiling them at the show,” Florian reveals. “For all fans of forestry we will also be introducing two fantastically playable tractortrailer combinations – the Massey Ferguson 7480 with frontloader and timber transport trailer, and the John Deere 7930 with forestry trailer and four trunks.

“The agricultural play world will see the release of a long-anticipated accessory item, the functional bale gripper including one round bale. Plus we also have ready equipped a version of the Schaffer compact loader 2630 with the bale gripper.

“Finally in the construction play sector we have a Cat skid steer loader that has undergone a facelift, and an MB Arocs truck with a roll-off container and Schaeff HR16 mini-excavator – an attractive truck-construction machine set with a lot of playing value.”

Mayur Pattni, Head of Marketing & Licensing at Simba Smoby Toys, says the brand is looking forward to meeting with all major retailers and buyers – both national and international – at Nuremberg.

“2019 is set to be a massive year for Siso Toys UK as we officially launch our ranges onto the UK market,” he outlines.

“We will have our full 2019 UK collection on display at the show, including the much anticipated Toy Story RC collection, as well as our new Masha and The Bear range.

“Also on show will be our new boys’ ranges for CBBC’s The Deep and Trollhunters – which is broadcast on

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Pop and of course Netflix.

And in addition we will showcase our Corolle range, the iconic French doll brand that celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2019.”

“Nuremberg is a key event for us as it’s the first opportunity where we can present finished product on our key lines, as well as updating the trade on any mid-season launches,” Kelly Philp, UK Marketing Lead for Mattel, tells TnP.

JANUARY 2019

“We expect to see buyers from a variety of retail channels, with the majority of our meetings taking place with toy specialists and independent retailers. I think buyers are always excited to come to toy fairs as it’s such a great opportunity to see all toy companies at one event – and who doesn’t love to see new toys?

“I think the mood will be realistic.

We know there are challenges but as an industry we are always good at adapting and evolving.”

In terms of the product Mattel will be showcasing, Kelly says there is an amazing breadth of ranges right across the company’s brand portfolio.

“Barbie celebrates her 60th birthday in 2019 with product including the 60th Career Dolls, designed to inspire the limitless potential in every girl,” Kelly says.

“New launches from Hot Wheels will include Monster Trucks, and FisherPrice is continuing to support parents with innovative launches across its Babygear, Newborn, Infant and Preschool ranges.

“Plus Thomas & Friends continues to evolve as a brand with content-inspired products including the TrackMaster Dragon Escape Set, based on an episode where Thomas travels to China.

“Other exciting product launches for us include a Disney Pixar Toy Story 4 range, a 101 Dalmatian Street collection, plus Lil Gleemerz, Break Out Beasts and new games within our own portfolio.”

The social side Ask exhibitors how, and where, they unwind after a day at Nuremberg’s Toy Fair, and they all have a different answer, as TnP found out...

“Usually we at Simba Smoby go to the Irish bar and catch up with our German counterparts,” reveals Mayur Pattni, Head of Marketing and Licensing. “The Golden Poodle is a new favourite of ours!”

But for Bruder’s Florian Loh, kicking back is all about enjoying an informal dinner with friends.

“Usually there are individual business dinners arranged after the show hours within an informal and even more personal atmosphere in order to finish the business day in professional fashion,” he says.

Mattel’s Kelly Philp likes to chat with colleagues and buyers alike: “We tend to go for dinner after the show as it’s a great opportunity to catch up,” she says.

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Look cool, stay safe MINI HORNIT

Hall 7 Stand E48

info@thehornit.com www.thehornit.com

25

The number of sounds kids can choose from using the Mini Hornit light and sound effect accessory.

It’s Baff time!

ZIMPLI KIDS

01254 460006 www.zimplikids.com

Always pushing for safety, style and fun, Mini Hornit LIDS are cooler than most kids’ bike helmets! Expertly designed, they are fully adjustable, comfortable, lightweight and come in eight different designs; Pugs, Shark, Commander, Stealth, Wayfarer, Aviator, Polkas and Head Candy. Kids will love wearing them!

There is also the added safety feature of an integrated LED light on the back.

Mini Hornit will be launching more designs for the LIDS range in 2019 and are always expanding the product offering.

Mini Hornit is the hottest kids’ bike and scooter accessory brand on the market. With a brand ethos for creating fun and innovative products to keep children safe but looking cool, they’re the ultimate accessories for kids who love their wheels.

The Mini Hornit is the leading light and sound effect accessory. Loaded with more than 25 unique sounds, with white and green lights, kids’ imaginations can run wild.

Whether they want to sound like an F1 driver or a budding police offer, the Mini Hornit offers it all! The range comes in: yellow and blue, red and blue, pink and purple, and black. The wing clips fit on all bikes and scooters and the remote trigger means kids don’t need to take their hands off the handlebars.

Hall 6 Stand C03-C 09

“This will be our first ‘tween’ product launched which is very exciting to say the least. It is such a unique product incorporating our bestselling Gelli powder that we think kids are going to love!”

In early 2017, Europe’s largest toy distributor, Simba Toys, became a major shareholder of Zimpli Kids. This year, Zimpli will be exhibiting at Nuremburg Toy Fair on the Simba Stand!

2019 is all about the Gelli! The Eejay Enyi, Sales Director, Zimpli Kids unique texture of Zimpli Kids Gelli Baff has inspired an array of new products; Gelli Spa, Gelli Worlds and even a new licenced range!

Zimpli Kids will be showcasing their new ‘tween’ product for 2019; Gelli Spa! Gelli Spa creates the ultimate spa experience at home! Soften your feet in the relaxing Gelli, add a drop of oil for a sweet scent, then treat your feet with the mini pedicure set!

Each five-use box includes an Inflatable foot spa, 5 x Bags of pink Gelli Baff, 1 x bottle of minty essential oil, 1 x mini pedicure set and a bag of massaging marbles. The perfect for pamper parties and sleepovers! To book an appointment at Nuremburg Toy Fair, email sales@ zimplikids.com.

4

Wonderful wild life

Hall 6 Stand C21

SCHLEICH 01279 870000 www.schleich-s.co.uk Whether it’s the mythical beasts of Eldrador Creatures, the girlfriends from Schleich Horse Club or the animals of Farm World and Wild Life, Schleich’s entire portfolio can be seen in all its glory.

The Horse Club is a major focus for the year, and 2019 will see the Tournament Season begin with new mares and stallions that have highly detailed manes and tails plus matching accessories to ensure they will be best in show. The eagerly-awaited Rider Café will launch in summer and create the perfect meeting place for the Horse Club Friends.

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NEWCOMER LICENSE 2018 Strong ratings continue to increase, number 1 animated program on CBBC and is constantly a top ten viewed property on the channel.

Simba product line offering attractive profit margins and price points.

Intensive 360° marketing support.

LIGHT JET All-in-one POS solution

GRABBING FUNCTION

OPEN COCKPIT

White Knight 109391005

© 2018 Technicolor Creative Services USA, Inc.

sales@sisotoysuk.com

SISO Toys UK 80739_AZ_ToysWorld_TheDeep240x315_RZ.indd 1

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Top of the Pop!

Hall 1 2, U.S Pavili on B08-1

FUNKO

It’s a kind of magic MARVIN’S MAGIC 01582 849000 www.marvinsmagic.com

Hall 12.0 Stand B04-3

www.funko.com Funko is bringing along a collection of their most exciting ranges – from Pop! Vinyl and figural lines, to the Gifting & Homewares range as well as Loungefly brand of bags, wallets and accessories.

Look out for the newest Pop! Vinyl ranges, from Captain Marvel to Fortnite, Aquaman, Harry Potter, How to Train Your Dragon 3 and Rick & Morty, in addition to some of their other iconic products, such as pocket money purchases including Mystery Mini, Pocket Pop! Keychains and Pint Size Heroes, and newer lines such as the articulated 5 Star figures. Funko will have plenty on offer for pop culture lovers of all ages!

Fortnite has taken the EMEA market by storm, and Funko is at the forefront of the toy market, with the first wave of the Pop! Vinyl line including popular skins such as Skull Trooper, Cuddle Team Leader and Brite Bomber already hitting stores in Q4 of 2018. They’re continuing to provide consumers with a variety of Fortnite licensed products, with additional waves of Pop! joining the fold in 2019 alongside Pint Size Heroes 2-packs, Pocket Pop! Keychains, 5 Star and Vynl.

Funko will also be exhibiting a selection of Gifting & Homewares products – from popular lines such as Disney Retro and Rick & Morty (who wouldn’t want a Pickle Rick Bottle Opener?) to some of the brand-new collections launching in 2019 including The Little Mermaid Pearl Anniversary Collection, the Geniethemed Aladdin line, a second wave of The Nightmare Before Christmas collection and Toy Story.

Loungefly continues to be a top priority for the brand – the fashion-centric bags, wallets and accessory lines include hot licences such as Marvel, Disney, Overwatch and Star Wars – with plenty more coming for 2019 and beyond.

Guess what…

Funko has Fortnite wrapped up with Pop! Vinyl lines including Skull Trooper, Cuddle Team Leader and Brite Bomber.

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Marvin’s Magic, a very special edition Deluxe Box of Tricks has been introduced. Featuring a hand-picked selection of Marvin’s favourite professional-quality effects, production has been limited to only 3,000 copies worldwide.

Marvin’s Magic is recognised as the brand leader and number one for magic worldwide. It is proud to have won many accolades, has the best-selling magic sets and largest following of young magicians anywhere. Marvin Berglas, internationally acclaimed magician and creator of Marvin’s Magic, is passionate about the brand and proud to inspire and encourage the next generation of magicians through excellence in magic.

Magicians require dexterity, skill and many years of practice to perfect their craft, but with Marvin’s Magic, budding magicians can perform similar sensational effects in no time. It’s professional magic made easy.

Giant-size game Hall EDUK8 WORLDWIDE Hall 4 Stand A55

Listen and play TONIES sales@tonies.com www.tonies.com When you put listening and playing together, something magical happens. The Toniebox and Tonies offer endless interactive listening and playing fun. The intuitive design and combination of figurines Tonies – and an audio player, known as a Toniebox, makes it a unique interactive audio system that children can operate with ease.

Available in several stylish colours.

12 Stand C01-0 2

01434 672336 www.eduk8worldwide.com

There’s something especially charming about traditional toys, and the range being launched by Eduk8 Worldwide at Nuremberg is a celebration of classics that refuse to date, ideal for parents who are keen to find alternatives to computerised play.

At Nuremberg the company will be relaunching the award-winning Giant Snakes and Ladders game with new compact packaging for this giant-sized product.

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Hall 1 2.

Stand 2 P15

Birthday Barbie MATTEL 01628 500000 www.mattel.com It’s a busy year for Mattel as Barbie celebrates her 60th anniversary and there are exciting brand campaigns and innovative toys launching across Fisher-Price, Thomas & Friends, Hot Wheels and more.

Since 1959, Barbie has inspired girls to be anything. Sixty years later, with more than 200 careers and counting, she continues to inspire. In 2019 Barbie will be spotlighting the ‘Dream Gap’ - the critical time between the ages of five and seven when girls start to believe they are less brilliant than boys.

To combat this, Barbie is launching a campaign dedicated to research and resources for parents on how to help girls transcend this ‘Dream Gap’. Barbie will present a broader view of society for the next generation of girls by showcasing careers typically underrepresented by women through the 60th Career Dolls, highlighting role models and Sheroes, and 18

by introducing the most diverse and empowering dolls on the market.

In 2019 Hot Wheels celebrates how Hot Wheels ignites and nurtures the challenger spirit that lives within every kid. Bringing to life the brand ethos ‘Challenge Accepted’, Hot Wheels will excite through marketing campaigns that engage boys through digital and real-life experiences.

New for 2019 are Hot Wheels Monster Trucks, incorporating the iconic diecast kids love, with bigger wheels, smashing action and a whole new way to play.

Making a return is Polly Pocket.

Launched in AW18, this retro icon is reimagined for a new generation introducing new product, new content,

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Did you know?

The ‘dream gap’ is the critical time between the ages of five and seven when girls start to believe they are less brilliant than boys. and a new ethos that ‘Tiny is Mighty!’.

Polly Pocket will inspire kids to be adventurous, courageous, and tenacious, just like her. Each compact has a different theme, secret reveals, accessories and a micro figure for kids to discover.

Enchantimals celebrates caring and compassion towards all living things.

Look out for new character and product launches including an all-new world with Petal Park, and new adventures airing on Tiny Pop. Mattel offers a dynamic portfolio of own brands such as Scrabble, Uno, Break Out Beasts and Lil’ Gleemerz, and partner brands inccluding Disney Pixar’s Toy Story 4, 101 Dalmatian Street, Disney Pixar’s Cars, DC’S Shazam, DC’s Batman, Jurassic World, WWE and Shimmer & Shine.

Fisher-Price continues to support parents in 2019, with products suited for

JANUARY 2019

200+

The number of careers Barbie has had over the past 60 years.

all ages and stages, plus help and advice to support mum on her parental journey.

Expect new products across the portfolio, from items suited to support baby at birth, to toys designed to entertain toddlers. New in Babygear is the Sit-Me-Up Floor Seat in a modern windmill pattern, while the Rainforest range continues to remain a key focus. Newborn introduces the new Hug & Play Tummy Wedge, plus the Coffee Cup Teether helping little ones mimic what their parents do.

New for Infant is the Sit-to-Crawl Learning Fox, which supports movement development, while the Silly Sounds Piano introduces musical learning fun and the Busy Learning Tool Bench teaches colours, numbers and more. New from Preschool is the Little People Helpful Neighbour’s Garage, which engages kids in imaginative play.

Following a noisy year for Thomas &

Friends in 2018 with the evolution of the content, 2019 will see more exciting content narratives, characters and UN partnership to maintain conversation and reinforce the changes and values of Thomas & Friends.

The overarching theme sees Thomas as a trusted friend for adventure and discovery, while introducing kids to the bigger world around them through the wonder and awe of trains.

This will be supported with a strong product range across the Trackmaster, MINIS, Wood and My First ranges.

Key products link to the exciting new TV series, including the TrackMaster Dragon Escape Set, which is based on a special episode where Thomas travels to China. While new TrackMaster engines include Monkey Mission Thomas, Animal Adventure Percy, and a new female engine – Rebecca - joining the Steam Team.

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Toy Story time SISO TOYS sales@sisotoysuk.com 01620 674 778

Hall 6 Stand C03-C 09

Star of the show for Siso Toys UK will be the eagerly-awaited RC line-up from Toy Story 4. The range includes 1:24 scale RC of key characters from the movie as well as 1:18 scale RC. The toys launch in April 2019 and the full range will be on display on the Simba Dickie Group stand.

Joining the Toy Story characters will be the White Knight Nekbot and yellow Mag Knight Nekbot from CBBC series The Deep. A third season of the show is due in 2019, so there should be plenty of interest in the action figures, vehicles and underwater robot suits that will be on show at Nuremburg. The range will be supported by an all-encompassing marketing plan comprise of TV, cinema, YouTube and social media.

Another TV success is Trollhunters – Tales of Arcadia, a Netflix original,

Spot the new range RAINBOW DESIGNS 01329 227300 www.rainbowdesigns.co.uk

which has garnered huge success. Siso will be bringing a range of detailed figures, playsets and roleplay that will bring the world of Trollhunters to life for boys aged between six and nine. Various sets of figures include 3in non-posable multipack figures and 6in deluxe figures with light and sound features.

Young fans can become Trollhunters with role-playing articles such lead character Jim’s sword, and the amulet, which gives Jim his magic powers. The Trollhunters launch in Easter will be supported with an Easter TV campaign.

From January 2019, Siso Toys UK will also distribute and market Masha & The Bear. The range will benefit from full 360 marketing support comprising heavyweight TV, YouTube, social media, digital and PR as well as bespoke retail pieces to drive sell through. The range will include current best selling lines such as the 12cm dolls, 23cm soft body doll, plush bear in various sizes from 25cm to 50cm as well as the everpopular playsets. A hero item that will continue into 2019 will be the Big Bear House playset, which has lights and sounds features and two floors of interactive play.

Making music Hall 1 Stand E22

Rainbow Designs is launching two exciting new licensed nursery toy ranges.

Joining Rainbow’s toy portfolio in 2019 is the Spot collection, launching just ahead of Spot’s 40th anniversary in 2020. Also launching in 2019 is the new That’s Not My… range of nursery toys. The Guess How Much I Love You nursery collection, featuring Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare, features a host of adorable gifts and toys. Elmer turns 30 in 2019 and Rainbow’s toy range starring the colourful patchwork elephant features bright and tactile rattles, a soft toy, the ‘Trumpeting Elmer’ and soft plush comfort blanket.

CHICCO

Hall 1 2.2 Stand P-04

020 8953 6627 www.chicco.co.uk Expanding on its range of educational toys that encourage learning through play, Chicco recently launched its new Happy Music range, featuring Piano DJ Mixi and Songy the Singer.

Piano DJ Mixi features two different settings – fun mode and play mode while Songy the Singer comes with its own disco-effect lights.

Little Tikes hit 50 LITTLE TIKES

0845 0533 333 www.littletikes.co.uk 2019 is a big year for Little Tikes, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary with a series of new Hall 1 product launches and developments.

2 Stand .2 New product launches for Spring 2019 will lead the P08 offering, and a number of new ranges promise to shake up the preschool sector and enhance playtime, including Fantastic Firsts, Fun Zone and YouDrive.

The Fantastic Firsts range encourages little tikes to take their first steps and develop all-important skills. Highlights include the Sleepy Stacker, Singing Sorter, Peeky Pals and the 3-in-1 Activity Walker.

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Stay in control

Hall 1 2.

Stand 2 P13

REVELL 0845 459 0747 www.revell.de/en Revell returns to the Nuremburg Toy Fair, presenting new ranges within Pre-school, Toy, Hobby, RC and Advent Calendar.

New pre-school RC brand Revellino combines Revell’s technical know-how with renowned soft-toy producer Heunec to offer true entry-level plush radio control for ages 2+. The Revell model kit range is structured from pre-school through to enthusiast, featuring leading licences including Cars 3, Star Wars, Super Wings, Porsche, and so on. The Revell Control brand covers all age groups with radiocontrolled vehicles, helicopters, drones and boats. Advent Calendars in both kit and RC formats offer an alternative twist.

The Revell Junior Kit range grows with additions to leading Disney-Pixar license Cars 3, plus characters from pre-school TV show Super Wings. These easy-to-assemble toys for ages 4+ bring favourite characters to life. The standard Junior Kit range of vehicles expands with a new farmyard range, plus playset buildings with included accessories, vehicles and figures.

For modellers of 10+ the Easy-Click range requires no glue or paint to complete, and includes self-adhesive stickers and waterslide

decals. Revell plastic model kits continue to offer an amazing variety of new releases for modellers and newcomers to the hobby alike, plus the accessories to complete them. The Revell Technik range for experienced modellers combines classic Revell kits with working lights and sound. Model Set and limited edition Gift Set ranges combine popular Revell plastic kits with the necessary glue, paintbrush and acrylic paints to complete.

Themes include First Moon Landing 50th Anniversary, Leonardo da Vinci 500th Anniversary, plus exciting licensed vehicles from AC/DC, KISS, Iron Maiden and the Rolling Stones. Revell Control presents the Marathon long-flight drone and glow-in-the-dark Streak helicopter, while stunt vehicles that spin, flip, drift and even drive on water dominate the ground.

Revell Control Technik lets you build the vehicle you’ll drive or fly, while the new Junior Kit Control line-up offers easy-build RC vehicles.

COME AND VISIT US! HALL 12 STAND B-08-1 THE LARGEST LICENSE IN THE INDUSTRY!

For any queries please contact us via email at inquiriesuk@funko.com Follow us for more exciting product updates!

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Spray and play HASBRO 0208 569 1234 www.hasbro.com

Hasbro Gaming continues to bring fun, excitement and newness to the gaming market in 2019. The hilarious Toilet Trouble game is back, but this time, two players will take the plunge. In the Toilet Trouble Flushdown game, players will go head-to-head in a fast-paced race to avoid the spray. Players must race to spin their rolls of toilet paper the fastest to avoid getting sprayed by the plastic throne. The player who causes the toilet to spray their opponent with the splash of water, wins!

In the Monopoly Cash Grab game, it’s a mad dash to get the cash. Load the Monopoly Money into the Money Blaster (aka the Bank) and spin the spinner to blast loads of cash and Chance cards into the air.

Rush to grab as much cash as you can to win the game – but don’t stop there.

Collect Chance cards to add more strategy to the game – such as swapping money stacks with

22

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another player, taking half of any one player’s money stack, or making all players pass their money stack to the left. Once the blaster is empty, the player with the most cash wins.

Nerf continues to entertain players – load and fire fast with Nerf N-Strike Elite Rukkus ICS-8 blaster, which features an eight-dart clip that automatically indexes to the next dart. The clip stays attached to the blaster, making it fast and easy to reload, so that players can insert more darts without removing the clip. With less time needed to reload, there’s more time to play, so users can blast into action and raise a ruckus on the field. This blaster includes eight Elite darts designed for distance.

In the CONNECT 4 Shots Game, players will compete in a rapid-fire race to get four shots in a row. A fast-paced twist on the classic CONNECT 4 game, players must simultaneously bounce the lightweight, colourful balls off the

Did you know?

BotBots can hide in plain sight as everyday objects – so no one knows what’s a bot and what’s not!

table and into the grid. Whoever gets four in a row of their colour, wins. When the game is over, users can fold the grid into a handy storage case and get ready for the next competition.

Aspiring bakers can let their imagination go crazy with the new Kitchen Creations Sprinkle Cookie Surprise Play Food Set. Preschoolers can use this Play-Doh cookie set to create and decorate with silly sprinkles made of different little charm shapes. From classic circles and stars to crazy cookies with silly emoji faces, users can make pretend cookies in more than 15 different ways with the cookie cutters, rolling stamper and moulds. Hasbro will also be showcasing its new collectible segment, Transformers BotBots. Not long ago, a flowing mist of Energon came down from the sky and covered a shopping mall. The objects inside were brought to life as little Transformers robots. These bots can hide in plain sight as everyday objects, meaning no one knows what’s a bot and what’s not! Mischievous, funny, and super silly, these are… BotBots!

Hidden BotBots characters are little mystery figures with big personalities.

Collectable BotBots toys are around 1-inch tall and change from totally normal stuff to adventurous little robots in three to five easy steps. Transformers BotBots Series 1 features 61 characters across three assortments.

toysnplaythings.co.uk

Llama drama

Ha Stan ll 4 d F9 5

TOBAR 01603 397 105 www.tobar.co.uk

Puzzles for all

Hall 12 Stan .0 A04 d -3

GIBSONS

Tobar will be unveiling some exciting new lines including Llamacorns – they’re the perfect fusion, a combination of Llama and Unicorn, the two favourite beasts of the moment combined in a new pocketmoney range. Also on show will be the Jellyball fruit animals to squish and squash – feeling stressed? Press a Pine Ape Elle!

Also appealing to the ‘aw’ factor are the New Born Animigos. These are baby additions to the existing best-selling Animigos range. A great range of animated plush in quality packaging, each animal comes with a baby bottle so that you can feed and care for your newborn pet.

If you’re starting to flag while walking through the halls in Nuremberg, Tobar have the answer for those who feel they need a power boost - sample the new protein and energy bars from Bear Grylls.

020 8661 8866 www.gibsonsgames.co.uk Gibsons have a vast range of new jigsaw puzzles and games for January 2019 and Nuremberg will be one of the first places customers can see them.

Gibsons’ new children’s range, Little Gibsons, will be ready just in time for the fair.

The range includes fun and colourful jigsaw puzzles and board games that have been tailormade for inquisitive pre-schoolers. Every puzzle and game in the range has been designed by a British artist and is presented in an innovative box to make traditional play fun for all ages. Gibsons are also releasing an exciting collection of design-led jigsaw puzzles especially for adults. Available in six quirky designs that have been specifically selected to appeal to adults, the puzzles will be presented in a smaller box, and shrink wrap will be lost to avoid excess plastic waste.

NEW FOR 2019!

ORDER TODAY!

2019 Show Details

JANUARY 2019

London Toy Fair:

Grand Hall, E15

01494 538999

Nuremberg Toy Fair:

Hall 12, B-03-01

sales@greenboardgames.com

Spring Fair:

Hall 5, 36-J37

www.greenboardgames.com

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Game for anything Delivering a world of

learning opportunities NEW for 2019

Glow, Stack & Build Texture Tower

TTS is a leading manufacturer and supplier of educational resources for kindergartens and primary schools in the UK and across the world

• Award winning engaging resources • Loved by children around the world • Helping you grow your business

Come and see us at

Nuremberg

Toy Fair

30th January through to 3rd February 2019 Hall 12, Stand A-04-1 Tel: +44 (0)1623 887068 Email: distributor@tts-group.co.uk

www.tts-distributor.co.uk TTS is proud to be part of

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Hall 1 Stan 2 B03 d -01

GREEN BOARD GAMES 01494 538 999 www.greenboardgames.com Green Board Games is promising a stand packed full of new products. Pre-school buyers will be well supported with new, beautifully illustrated ranges to promote fun learning and early development. Foot Steps has been created for children up to three and Leaps & Bounds for children aged three and over.

New to the Foot Steps range, Stacking Cubes offers five ways to stack and learn. The Leaps and Bounds range includes four new games, including Miximals, the hilarious game that encourages children to mix and match head, body and tail animal pieces, and Mucky Pups, the great game that gets children to pick their pup and race to clean them up.

Mad Moose is the new range of family games. New titles in the range will include Alpha Chase, the winning game from 2017’s Young Games Inventor competition, as well as the brilliantly fun, animal-themed titles, Monkey Mischief and Noah’s Ark. Also expect new introductions from the award-winning, robustselling BrainBox range. These titles will include World Traveller and Time Traveller, as well as six new licensed Disney and Roald Dahl BrainBox games, which will be available to purchase in the UK.

Peppa’s Surprise CHARACTER OPTIONS 01616 339 800 www.character-online.com

Hall Stan 5 B54 d -C51

Character Options’ Peppa Pig line-up has a secret surprise in store this year both for domestic and international markets.

Peppa’s Secret Surprise is set to bring the unboxing phenomenon to the pre-school world.

Unwrap and reveal the cube-shaped present and discover the six hidden drawers in which five secret blind bagged toys, plus a fun sticker sheet can be found. This is the surprise present that just keeps on giving as the child discovers a glittery deluxe figure, accessories and more, each time a Peppa’s Secret Surprise is unboxed.

Series 1 with its yellow surprise box and a Party theme launched in December in the UK followed by other territories in 2019. Blue Surprise Packs will then be added for the Series 2 Holiday Collection. Series 3 is also already in the pipeline and will introduce a new pink surprise that holds Peppa’s Pals and Pets.

Each new series will be displayed at retail in eye-catching counter top trays of 12 pieces; just ready to be picked up and enjoyed. TV advertising started in December, added to by influencer campaigns that harness the power of the global Peppa Pig YouTube channel.

Other activity will include mum’s reviews, pre-school press and more.

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Ricky Zooms onto TV TOMY 01392 281 928 www.tomy.com

Hall 12.2 Stan d P11

Visitors to Nuremberg Toy Fair can expect a ‘firstlook’ preview of exciting new brands. Tomy will be showcasing its highly-anticipated licensed brand Ricky Zoom, which launches alongside the new children’s programme. Other new brands include a new collection from Toomies and a wheeled collectable range for girls. Looking to pre-school brands, Tomy Toomies prioritises playtime between parents and children and generates its highest velocity in bath toys. Pre-school brand Johnny Tractor encourages little ones to grow up green and its role-play toys help stimulate hand-eye coordination, motor and thinking skills.

Aquadoodle will bring fun to early learning in 2019 with a focus on mess-free activities while Britains, looks to maintain its leading position in farm role-play and replica models sector.

Learn the easy way

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TTS 01623 887 068 www.tts-distributor.co.uk TTS Group will bring a range of innovative teaching resources to Nuremburg – with more than 95 new resources for 2019. All products are designed to engage young minds and inspire teachers worldwide.

TTS aims to develop learning opportunities for all, through the development of inspirational educational resources, including: The new and improved robotics range – friendly faces such as Bee-Bot and Blue-Bot have exciting new features designed to enhance and inspire computational thinking.

New Blue-Bot and Bee-Bot accessories to add new challenges to the classroom.

MP3 microphone, Easi-Speak, has an improved look and features designed to encourage reluctant speakers and support EAL students.

Glow and Marvellous Metallic ranges –Early Years resources designed to engage and align young children’s interests.

TTS has a range of well-researched and educationally appropriate resources available to suit all ages and stages of the curriculum.

I Introducing our

Celebrate this amazing mythical creature with this exclusive collection of toys and gifts designed by us.

Come and find us at

Nuremberg International Toy Fair 30 Jan - 3 Feb 2019, Hall 4, Stand F95, Nuremberg, Germany JANUARY 2019

A World of Fun! 25

PREVIEW

NUREMBERG TOY FAIR

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One for the boys HTI

01253 775544 www.htigroup.co.uk HTI will set out shop for the year ahead at Nuremburg, with a huge new product launch being publicly previewed for the first time.

Expectations are high for the new product, which comes under the Teamsterz brand and promises to unwrap the boy’s collectable market. A huge consumer launch in the UK will follow.

The investment into Teamsterz doesn’t stop with this new launch – 2019 will see product innovation with new line Mighty Movers, a range of vehicles that feature movement, light and sound including JCBs, fire trucks, police cars and more.

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Guess what…

HTI is introducing a new dualbranded Teamsterz and JCB construction range.

Its core line of vehicles and garages will have an increased presence thanks to new additions and range extensions with exciting new vehicles, tracksets and transporters along with a new dualbranded Teamsterz and JCB construction range. It’s not just vehicles though – HTI also has additions to the ever-popular battery-operated ride-ons under Teamsterz and EVO brands.

Prams and pushchairs will be a huge focus for the business with new launches for Baby Born, Baby Annabell and Joie, including a new six-in-one evolve system, which creates endless role-play opportunities for child and doll.

toysnplaythings.co.uk

Puppy love

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KEEL TOYS 01233 506363 www.keeltoys.com Puppy eyes are adorable and heart melting – you can’t help but love them.

New adorable puppy eyes in Keel Toys Signature Cuddle Puppies make them a breed apart.

With bespoke eyes including blue, green and brown variations, weighted paws and a floppy body, they simply loved to be hugged.

There are 12 designs in the 25cm size presented in a floor display that also features fabulous collars, which can be purchased separately. The breeds include old favourites such as the Labrador and Husky and new introductions including the French Bulldog, Labradoodle and Wheaten Terrier.

Larger versions are available in 32cm, 37cm, and 47cm sizes. To complete the Signature Cuddle Puppies there are 12 Standing Puppies with Lead.

There have been some great new emerging colour schemes and fabric trends, and rose gold and soft neons have been incorporated into Animotsu with four new creatures – Elephant, Unicorn, Bear and Chihuahua in both 15cm and 25cm. New for 2019 are the Glittermotsu ranges, finished in iridescent sequins with characters including Penguin, Unicorn, Dinosaur, Bear, Elephant and Monkey. Simply stroke the sequins to reveal the contrasting colour.

Pugsley, the cutest Pug of them all, has some great new outfits for 2019 including a Rainbow Unicorn and Leopard Onesie.

Look out for the pastel pink and rose gold finish featured in the new Confetti range of eclectic animals including Llama, Unicorn, Cat, Mouse, Polar and Hedgehog, each dressed in a pink tutu and princess crown.

Pippins, our lovable, fun-sized pets have been updated with new characters and a fresh look.

The new floor and counter displays incorporating Prussian Blue and Mustard hues are a nod to the trend of 1970s palettes seen in the gift world for 2019.

New for Hugg’ems is a mini version - with their long arms they can hang off your finger or a pencil. Eight Mini Hugg’ems are available in a counter display or in the new floor stand.

Finally, Christmas 2019 will feature iridescent sequins in Glittermotsu festive characters.

Pugsley the beloved pug will once again dress for the season in some new outfits, plus there will be some great promotion ranges including an all-new Gingerbread Man.

JANUARY 2019

Stem sells for Galt

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GALT TOYS 01614 289111 www.galttoys.com

Science is an area of growth for Galt, with both science categories, Explore and Discover and Horrible Science benefiting from the resurgence of interest in Stem products.

There are eight new science products including a new compact boxed range of Explore and Discover – Bubble Lab, Dino Lab, Kitchen Lab and Slimy Lab – all packed with experiments and including a full-colour 16-page lab booklet. A unique selling point is that they combine proper science for the very young age of five plus. All of the kits encourage scientific thinking and are compatible with the national curriculum.

Bubbles and chimps FUNRISE 01908 555640 www.funrise.com

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It’s Bubbles galore for Funrise this show season, while a trip to the Wonder Park will open up new filmbased opportunities for retailers.

Gazillion Bubbles has an extensive array of premium bubble solution, bubble toys and machines. And for 2019 the Gazillion range will be expanding with innovative bubble blasters and machine ranges. Also new for 2019 is a master toy range based around Paramount’s Easter movie launch, Wonder Park.

Funrise’s collection of playsets, figures and plush featuring characters from the movie will bring the toys to life.

Real life made fun

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MARBEL 0845 6000 286 www.marbel.co.uk Marbel’s stand will feature toys from the traditional wooden, educational, collectable, plush and gifting sectors. All from brands such as Hape, Relevant Play, Nanoblock and Kathe Kruse, as well as new arrivals Nebulous Stars and Eureka Kids. By extending their original and much-loved Kitchen and Food range, Hape aim to capture a child’s love of food and cooking, satisfying the desire to imitate - look out for the Smoothie Blender!

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