Event Focus

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Inset: Toy Fair 2023 sold out four months ahead of the show’s opening date.

GAINS

Having sold out four months ahead of the show opening, the UK’s preschool trade will be making their way to London’s Olympia for Toy Fair 2023 from 2426 January. PPS chats to some of the exhibitors to find out what they will be showing in the preschool space.

The fact that Toy Fair 2023 had sold out all of its exhibition space by September 2022 says everything you need to know about where the show sits in the affections of the UK business. Simply put, it’s the very definition of a ‘must attend’ event.

“For the toy industry, being able to work together in one collaborative space is super important,” explains Liz Ireland, director at Bigjigs Toys. “We are delighted to get the opportunity to meet face to face with our customers again. It makes a huge difference and gives us chance to continue building lasting relationships.”

Right: The new 16-piece Magicube set will launch in spring 2023. Below: Casdon has expanded its licence with De’Longhi and is looking to take role-play to ‘the next level’ with its new launch. Below right: Juratoys will be unveiling Janod’s new Dino collection at Toy Fair.

Bigjigs will be making the most of the platform by showcasing 45 new products including its first ever FSC Certified train set, crafted with a woodland theme, and its first dress-up range which will include scientist, firefighter, doctor, police and princess sets. Other new lines will include the Montessori-style Animal Playbox activity sets (in dinosaur and farmyard themes); pull-along toys including the FSC Pull Along Bunny & Baby (made from sustainably harvested FSC Certified wood); and the FSC Baby Walker.

Notably, Liz is predicting that planet friendly toys will be a growing trend across playrooms in 2023. “Parents today are more ecoconscious than ever, so we expect that families - where possible - will favour products that are kinder to the environment. Bigjigs Toys has been creating eco-friendly toys for more than 30 years, but sustainability will be an even bigger focus for us in 2023.”

For Juratoys, Toy Fair is a great way to showcase the 200+ new products that it launches every year. For 2023, it will be taking a step back in time with Janod’s new Dino collection which includes six new Push Along Dinos, a set of three wooden Dino Surprise Eggs and a Diplodocus-themed wooden garage. There is also a Dino Activity Table (designed with eight activities) and the wooden Portosaurus Ride On Dinosaur.

“Toy Fair has always been very important to us as the first opportunity to showcase our collections,” comments Neil Montgomery, UK commercial director at Juratoys, pointing out that the company will also be showing new lines from Kaloo and Lilliputiens. “The timing of the show is always so positive, celebrating newness in the New

Year - and this year we have a lot to celebrate so we are especially excited. It is a chance to meet retailers old and new and further nurture relations and it’s also such a great platform to showcase all our brands in one space.” Geomagworld’s UK country manager, Clive Wooster, highlights the importance of Toy

Fair for being able to meet major

buyers and independent customers in an efficient time period. The company will have updates and new products in the Magicube line, which Clive says is “going from strength to strength”. Spring 2023 will see the introduction of a 16-piece set including 10 magnetic blocks and six doublesided cards providing 12 activities. Just as importantly, the company will be launching its new POS support system which includes new FSDUs and demonstration tools.

“We’ll also be shouting about the huge successes we have had, and continue to have, across our sustainability programme,” says Clive. “Geomag is incredibly proud to be working in a complete circular economy in regards to sustainability. Our commitment to the environment and sustainability is unwavering and is the heart of our strategic direction.”

MILESTONES MARKED

This year will be the 68th year at London Toy Fair for Casdon. Last year provided the company with the perfect platform to launch its new branding, as well as a number of product launches including new licence, Joseph Joseph. 2023 will see Casdon follow this theme, expanding its range through the existing portfolio as well as introducing a number of colour refreshes.

“We have five new products to unveil at Toy Fair for 2023,” begins md Phil Cassidy. “We have expanded our licence with De’Longhi and are taking role-play to a new level with the innovative De’Longhi La Specialista Barista Coffee Machine. We are also adding two new play-sets to our Joseph Joseph range - the Joseph Joseph Salad Set and Joseph Joseph Wash & Scrub. Building on our range of hair play toys which appeared on ITV’s This Morning in 2022, we will be showcasing the new Ultimate Styling Case.

“For pretend play experiences that mimic activities outside of the home, we are also unveiling a new refresh to our range of ‘retail’ products. Helping children with communication, mathematics and social skills through fun role-play experiences, the Casdon Shopping collection includes an updated Supermarket Till, Play Food and Shopping Trolley.”

Phil concludes: “Toy Fair is such a great opportunity to support the industry and to be able to showcase our 2023 range face to face with new and existing partners.”

Another company with some major new launch plans at the show is Orchard Toys, which is adding 10 new games to its line-up. “‘Learning Made Fun’ sits at the heart of each new game – and all are teacher tested,” says Simon Prest, sales director at Orchard Toys. “There will be a special show offer for retailers, featuring a free stock pack, which can be discussed with the Orchard Toys sales team. The Kayes sales team will also be there for independent retailers.”

Launch highlights will be hero game, Dinosaur Dig – which aims to help children aged 4+ develop colouring matching, memory and dexterity skills – and Nutty Numbers, a fun and educational counting game. Fellow new games include Farmyard Families, a first matching and posting game for 2+; Bug Hunters, where players 3+ race to build one of four large bugs; and Unicorn Fun, a selection of three unicorn-themed games in one box.

When it comes to what he would most like to achieve from Toy Fair 2023, Simon is clear: “Seeing as many customers as possible and getting a positive reaction across the board for our new lines.”

And there is a similar response to that question from PPS’ other contributors, too. “Great meetings with all our customers and a bulging order book,” says Geomagworld’s Clive; “We just can’t wait to share all of the fantastic new products we have spent months designing and building. It’ll be a great chance to catch up with our current customers and hopefully connect with new ones, too,” offers Bigjigs’ Liz; “We would like to reconnect with some customers we met in 2022 and to gain some momentum across garden centres, department stores and key accounts,” says Juratoys’ Neil; and Casdon’s Phil concludes, “we have some very exciting products to unveil, and we just can’t wait to share these with our customers. Bring on Toy Fair 2023!”

Top left and right: Dinosaur Dig and Nutty Numbers will headline Orchard Toys’ new educational games. Above: Bigjigs Toys will be showcasing 45 new products.

THE IMPORTANCE OF TOY FAIR

“Toy Fair is a special event for the Bigjigs Toys family - we look forward to it every year,” offers Liz. “Beyond the thrill and anticipation of unveiling our new products, it also gives us a chance to discover emerging trends and connect with our current and potential future customers. We always leave feeling incredibly inspired.”

Juratoys’ Neil says that the show is a “true milestone” and kick starts every new business year “in style”. He comments: “The time away has certainly emphasised how important it is to properly connect to our customers and Toy Fair providers the perfect space for this. We love to engage and excite our buyers with the new products and collections we have on offer for the coming year.”

Geomagworld’s Clive also highlights the importance of finding new business at Toy Fair, commenting “we rarely leave the show without having captured new customers”.

TOY FAIR 2023

HALILIT

Halilit is launching the Taf Toys Urban Garden Collection at the 2023 Toy Fair and Spring Fair trade shows. The range consists of ten new and exciting developmental baby toys that are inspired by the community gardens, giving all babies the opportunity to embrace nature through the bright and blooming collection. With a spinning tummy-time book, gym, rattles and more, there is something for every price point.

Tel: 01254 872454 www.halilit.co.uk Stand E16

KAYES OF CARDIFF

Kayes of Cardiff will be at Toy Fair 2023 with Orchard Toys. It’ll be showcasing all the new introductions for 2023 building on the successful range of the very popular educational and play products. Kayes is servicing a vast number of independent retailers throughout the UK with branded and pocket money toys through its sales network of company representatives and agents, along with its sales team based at its Cardiff HQ.

Tel: 029 20363678 www.kayes.co.uk Stand E10 ORANGE TREE TOYS

The team at Orange Tree Toys are very excited to show off the new products for 2023 at London Toy Fair and Spring Fair. It’s launching a beautiful Woodland Animal range in lovely autumnal colours, as well as new additions to its London collection, and some brand-new Scotland lines. There is also a great selection of pocket money toys being introduced across its ranges. There will be additions to its licensed collections, including some new lines to its Disney Winnie the Pooh range, and a small brand-new range of Peter Rabbit TV products.

Tel: 01242 244500 www.orangetreetoys.com Stand F65 IMC TOYS

Best-selling nurture doll brand, Cry Babies introduces Cry Babies Loving Care, which transitions the brand journey from Tiny Cuddles to core Cry Babies dolls. Suitable for 18 months and over, the new Loving Care Fantasy Jenna and Hannah both include removeable pyjamas, matching dummy, and personalised accessories, as well as painted hair and eyes, and fully articulated bodies. As with all Cry Babies, the Loving Care dolls cry real tears, which magically stop once their dummies are placed in their mouths.

Tel: 01904 720908 www.imctoys.com Stand E94

GEOMAG

The Original Magicube system now allows kids to learn to build with shapes with the addition of the blocks and card sets. These sets provide progressive play activities which will guide children on how to build shapes, and to combine different shapes and colours, developing creativity and space vision skills. The Blocks & Cards Set allows for more educational content thanks to the six cards with 1:1 scale matching with the blocks real size, making it a perfect preschool STEM toy. A simple, magical system, just like all its magnetic constructions at Geomag.

Tel: 07577 371545 www.geomagworld.com Stand D34

TOY FAIR 2023

KALOO

Experts in the most charming soft toys, Kaloo is delighted to launch the perfect keepsake gift for any new arrival, birthday or special occasion. Introducing the truly adorable Carré Douceur soft comforters. Available in a range of six charming colours, the extra special comforters are sure to become any little one’s favourite companion, whilst also protecting the world they are inheriting by being made entirely from recycled materials.

Tel: 0208 8782133 www.kaloo.com Stand N2

TONIES

Tonies is delighted to be exhibiting at Toy Fair. As the UK’s fastest growing preschool toy brand in 2022, it’s thrilled to be introducing its 2023 Tonies and new accessories. It’ll be unveiling an amazing Sleepy Friends range – the first ever tonies licensed brand of Tonies to support families during bedtime.

Tel: 0203 1921492 www.tonies.com Stand C42

GOLDEN BEAR TOYS

Golden Bear Toys will be debuting new family games, Squirty Gertie and Farty Freddie. Smart Ball Soccer Bot, a new indoor football trainer will also be introduced, alongside Little Long Legs, extendable 5ft friends that walk talk and produce magical poops! Additions will be unveiled to award-winning ranges Curlimals and Windy Bums and expanding on its licensed collection, new offerings from Bing, Hey Duggee and In the Night Garden will also be welcomed.

Tel: 01952 608308 www.goldenbeartoys.com Stand E69 SMART TOYS AND GAMES

Smart Toys and Games will be returning to Toy Fair celebrating its 30th anniversary, and also showcasing more than ten new products. One of the new releases is its new game for preschoolers. SmartGames ‘Safari Park Jr’, is suitable for ages three plus. This puzzle game allows younger children to safely play with the figurines and use the toy as a shape sorter and path finder. It’s a 2-in-1 learning game for toddlers - puzzle or play and let their imagination go wild!

Tel: 01903 885669 www.smarttoysandgames.co.uk Stand F42

TRENDS UK

Trends UK’s new Minds Alive range is packed with learning activities and games. Hands-on learning is a proven, engaging and effective way for children to really learn. The electronic learning toys introduce colours, shapes, the phonic alphabet, spelling, counting, music, movement and more, whilst playing. This can make learning less stressful when faced with these tasks in nursery or Key Stage One at school.

Tel: 01702 208175 www.trendsuk.com Stand H42

IT’S SHOW TIME! WE PROUDLY INTRODUCE “DAISY” & “REG” AND OTHER TOYS IT’S SHOW TIME! WE PROUDLY INTRODUCE “DAISY” & “REG” AND OTHER TOYSIT’S SHOW TIME! IT’S SHOW TIME! WE PROUDLY INTRODUCE “DAISY” & “REG” AND OTHER TOYS IT’S SHOW TIME! WE PROUDLY INTRODUCE “DAISY” & “REG” AND OTHER TOYS THAT PLAY MINI MOVIES/CARTOONS & MORE - WITHOUT BATTERIES!THAT PLAY MINI MOVIES/CARTOONS & MORE - WITHOUT BATTERIES!THAT PLAY MINI MOVIES/CARTOONS & MORE - WITHOUT BATTERIES!WE PROUDLY INTRODUCE “DAISY” & “REG” AND OTHER TOYS THAT PLAY MINI MOVIES/CARTOONS & MORE - WITHOUT BATTERIES!THAT PLAY MINI MOVIES/CARTOONS & MORE - WITHOUT BATTERIES! COME AND SEE THE WIDE SCOPE OF THIS NEW INNOVATION COME AND SEE THE WIDE SCOPE OF THIS NEW INNOVATION COME AND SEE THE WIDE SCOPE OF THIS NEW INNOVATION COME AND SEE THE WIDE SCOPE OF THIS NEW INNOVATION

AT LONDON TOY FAIR 2023 - STAND GH4 COME AND SEE THE WIDE SCOPE OF THIS NEW INNOVATION

PLEASE CONTACT : MOVIESINCTOYS@GMAIL.COM AT LONDON TOY FAIR 2023 - STAND GH4AT LONDON TOY FAIR 2023 - STAND GH4AT LONDON TOY FAIR 2023 - STAND GH4

PLEASE CONTACT : MOVIESINCTOYS@GMAIL.COM PLEASE CONTACT : MOVIESINCTOYS@GMAIL.COM PLEASE CONTACT : MOVIESINCTOYS@GMAIL.COM

TOY FAIR 2023

PLAYMOBIL

Some of the most popular Disney characters will be coming soon with the very first license for Playmobil 1.2.3. Six playsets inspired by Disney’s Mickey and Minnie Mouse as well as Winnie the Pooh, Tigger and Piglet will be launched summer 2023 for fans of all ages. Each of the Disney playsets includes multiple educational features based on three connected learning stages, that support a child’s individual development. Thus, parents can easily choose the right toy to help improve their toddler’s skills.

Tel: 01206 548111 www.playmobil.co.uk Stand UL206

HAPPY LITTLE DOERS

Happy Little Doers is a multi-awardwinning children’s toy brand that designs and makes educational activity flashcards, games and prints for kids. Its products are designed to inspire children to reach their full potential by helping them discover their favourite way of learning through play. Each product encourages both mental and physical development, learning of essential skills and are designed to bring out confidence and happiness in every child.

Tel: 07884 186804 www.happylittledoers.com Stand GH15 RAINBOW DESIGNS

New exciting 2023 lines for The Adventures of Paddington toy range include a new ten-piece tea set, a fun-packed Paddington Dress Me Up soft toy and a fun Paddington Bike and Sidecar play set. Plus, to celebrate Disney’s 100 Years of Wonder, there will be the adorable new Mickey Memories and Mickey and Friends collections as well as the UK launch and distribution of the exciting Animal Adventure soft toy collection.

Tel: 01329 227300 www.rainbowdesigns.co.uk Stand B21 WILTON BRADLEY

The Xootz Bumper Car Electric Ride-On allows little ones to spin a full 360 degrees with its simple joystick or remote controls. With its simplified joystick controls they can zoom around of speeds up to 0.75mph. There is no assembly required, parents can simply connect the battery wire and it’s ready to go straight out of the box.

Tel: 01626 835400 www.wiltonbradley.co.uk Stand E89 & E98

MOVIES INC

Movies Inc. is the brand for toys that deliver little ‘movies’. Each toy contains a very simple mechanism that displays individual pictures - when rotating, these pictures give a repeating cartoon. This innovation marks a big shift in early years’ toys, never before have the optical-illusion curiosities of yesteryear been combined with modern playthings.

Tel: 07958 123696 moviesinctoys@gmail.com Stand GH4

PRESENTS DAISY AND REG!

ANIMATING SPINNERS (ON HIGHCHAIRS, PRAMS ETC) ANIMATING PUSH/PULL TOY FOR SEATED & WALKING CHILDREN (HANDLE DETACHES)

TOY FAIR 2023

HUFFY

Huffy has brought the magic of Disney, Marvel and Lucasfilm to the UK with its new ranges of bikes, electric scooters and ride-ons. The collection covers all properties and wheel sizes, ranging from balance bikes to 16” wheels, scooters and battery powered ride-on toys and includes family favourites from Disney Princess, Frozen, Spider-Man, Cars, Lightyear, Star Wars and Minnie Mouse.

Tel: 0330 9127543 www.huffy.co.uk Stand B80

JAZWARES

Jazwares is delighted to introduce new product launches from much-loved preschool brands CoComelon, Spidey and His Amazing Friends, Blippi and Dino Ranch at Toy Fair 2023. Highlights to the CoComelon range include the new ten inch, CoComelon HugMees plush, new style figures, vehicles, playsets and bath toys, plus the Peek a Boo JJ Doll and Dancing JJ Doll.

Tel: 0203 5980270 www.jazwares.com Stand N8 LEARNING RESOURCES

Count on Learning Resources for 2023’s best educational toys and games that help children learn through play. Visit Numberland on its stand and discover all the new ways children can play and learn with the friendly Numberblocks from the award-winning TV series. Visitors can see its new educational puzzles and Numberblocks Memory Match Game that help young children build early years maths skills.

Tel: 01553 762276 www.learning-resources.co.uk Stand D36 CREATIVE KIDS

Babies are treated to a feast of the senses every time they pull something out of the Sense & Grow Tissue Box. It’s loaded with 15 coloured scarves with a range of textures to feel and sounds to explore. Pulling and grabbing the scarves also helps develop fine motor co-ordination.

Tel: 07827 880159 www.creativekids.com Stand UN62

JANOD

The 2 in 1 Tricycle from Janod provides little ones two options for active fun. It can be used as a rocker to build balance and confidence, and when little ones are ready, converts into a super cute, no pedal trike.

Tel: 0208 8782133 www.juratoys.co.uk Stand N2

TOY FAIR 2023

ONE FOR FUN

The Animigos World of Nature range from One for Fun has won acclaim and awards for the lifelike depiction in plush of the world’s animals. This year even more exotic beasts join the family along with some more familiar friends. The Okapi, Arctic Fox, Malayan Tapir, Snow Leopard and Capybara are some of the more unusual additions whilst a Pointer puppy, grey fluffy cat, seal pup, dolphin, hamster and a bat are more well known and loved.

Tel: 0141 6132525 www.oneforfun.com Stand E49

FABULA TOYS

Driven by a mission to balance screen-time with active play, fabula helps young children continue to enjoy their most viewed digital content – nursery rhymes – by bringing them alive through traditional play. Designed around the Early Years Learning Goals fabula products are available online, in shops across the UK and more recently, the Middle East.

Tel: 07494 649522 www.fabulatoys.com Stand GH10 MV SPORTS

MV Sports is bringing to life the magical movie Encanto through an exciting array of scooters, playhouse tents and bikes. With vibrant colour-ways and beautifully floral graphics, the distinctive Encanto artwork will shout loudly off-shelf or off-page. The folding inline scooter is perfect for any Encanto fan featuring its’ bold floral designs on neck and stem; a ‘uniquely me’ Mirabel on the anti-slip grip tape and easy-fold mechanism for simple transportation and storage.

Tel: 0121 7488000 www.mvsports.co.uk Stand E75 VIVID GOLIATH

Vivid Goliath is excited to take its first steps into the infant sector with Modimi, a future focused range of Infant toys that grows with baby to toddlers. The range is made from durable, recycled materials and offers a wide variety of sensory and cognitive play experiences without compromising on the fun. The range encourages the development of fine motor skills, colour recognition and hand strength whilst allowing toddlers to enjoy building and creating.

Tel: 0333 2072041 www.vividtoysandgames.co.uk Stand B70

BANDAI

Bandai is launching the first ever Milo toy range. The range will include an initial launch of plush Milo and Friends, feature dress up, Milo plush with sound and phrases, mini vehicles, bath play, figurines and a hero playlet for Q4. Partnering with DeAPlaneta Entertainment, Bandai is the master toy license holder for the animated series.

Tel: 0208 3246160 www.bandai.co.uk Stand N17