The Toy Universe Magazine — Edition 4

2023 TOY HOBBY & LICENSING FAIR FROM THE EDITOR

Welcome to the fourth edition of The Toy Universe Magazine. The Toy Universe debuted at the Toy Hobby & Licensing Fair Digital in March last year as a digital-only edition. It is an involved process when launching a new publication and it takes some time to get things in place and developing a readership base.

Now that things are slowly moving back towards a more normal way of life after the last few years, it is great that physical magazines can again be distributed at trade events where there is a targeted audience. We would like to thank all the companies who have been a part of the launch of The Toy Universe and featured in one or more of our magazines or on our website.

From Edition1 featuring Spin Master, to Edition 2 featuring Headstart and Edition 3 featuring Moose, there has been plenty happening across the industry. We have seen a definite shift towards sustainability and there are many examples of great work being done in this space including Headstart's Resoftables and Recyclings products and Mizzie The Kangaroo turning rubber toys into roads.

As the Official Media Partner for the 2023 Toy Hobby & Licensing Fair, I was recently speaking to the Executive Director at the Australian Toy Association, Alice Sanderson, about her recent trip to the Nuremberg Toy Fair in February. It is nice to see that things are starting to get back to a little more normality and it looked like a very positive showing from Australian Toy Industry at the show.

Alice was kind enough to provide some photos from the fair and a comment for this edition of The Toy Universe!

"The Nuremberg Fair is the largest trade fair in the world and a great way for many members to meet their suppliers, source new product and build distribution networks. It was great to be onsite at a trade fair again and to see many members travelling the halls or exhibiting. I hope it was a success not only for Moose, EDX and Headstart who exhibit in the Australian pavilion, but for all members who attended."

As always, thanks for reading The Toy Universe Magazine and we hope you enjoy the Toy Hobby & Licensing Fair this year and all the events and products on show.

Managing Director — Tony Bugg

Editor & Designer — Matthew Bugg

ZURU Toys is one of the largest toy companies in the world, known for its innovation, creativity and disruption through automation.

Inspired by kids and imaginative play, ZURU Toys distributes to all major retailers in over 120 countries and has delighted millions of families all over the world with brands such as Bunch O Balloons™, X-Shot™, Rainbocorns™, Robo Alive™, Smashers™, 5 Surprise™ and Pets Alive™ and partnerships with entertainment properties, including Nickelodeon, Disney, Universal Studios and DreamWorks.

SMASHERS DINO ISLAND

Uncover the 30 hidden surprises inside this action-packed skull! Search through cotton candy foam and super stretchy slime for your dino pieces! Along the way, look out for a pesky pirate figurine and 5 epic smashers mini eggs that hold exclusive characters!

Construct your dino parts and place the Giant Skull eye in your dino’s mouth to listen to it ROAR. There are two prehistoric beasts and over 20 mini characters to Smash and collect!

Photographer: Sacha Stejko

ZURU Toys is one of the largest toy companies in the world, known for its innovation, creativity and disruption through automation.

COCO FANTASY

Pop them out the cone and find a hidden surprise baby hiding inside! There are 13 Coco Babies to collect including the rare golden unicorn!

COCO SURPRISE

Adopt your own adorable pet with Coco cones plush in a cone! These 12 cuddly cuties come nestled in their cone, just waiting to be taken home. Mix and match to make your perfect pet collection.

COCO NEON

Coco Surprise Neon are the brightest and most cuddly plush pets, ready to be adopted! Scoop these cuties up, they’re hard to miss in bright bold neon cones, perfect for gifting or grabbing yourself a treat.

COCO SQUISHIES

Squish, squeeze, cuddle and play with the cutest family of Coco Squishies! There are 6 softest and cuddliest puppies to collect: Bingo the Dal mation, Hypa the Husky, Mochi the Corgi, Mishmosh the Poo dle, Buzzy the Pug and Bongo the Bull Terrier. These adorable puppies are perfect for cuddling or even using as a pillow! Every Coco Squishy has its own distinct look and a unique personality

INSTAGRAM zuru.toys

TIKTOK: @zurutoys

EMAIL salessupport@allbrandstoys.com

WEBSITE: allbrandstoys.com

WE CHAT TO BEN SAGE, GENERAL MANAGER AUSTRALIA AT MOOSE TOYS

Ben — it has been an exciting year for Moose — tell us what we can expect to see from the team at Melbourne Toy Fair this year?

It has! Magic Mixies continues to deliver globally, and we are super excited to share what is next for the brand at Toy Fair. Of course, I can’t give too much away but it is definitely a fantastic range lay out for second half.

Working closely with BBC studios, we also have some exciting news from everyone’s favourite heeler pup Bluey! Fans of the show will be thrilled with the new line up which includes a Hammerbarn Playset, Beach Cabin Playset, Beach Toys Range and Bluey’s Escape Convertible!

What is a key trend you think we will be seeing in 2023 within the Toy Industry?

It’s all about the experience, specifically the reveal! Across the board we are seeing more and more innovative and creative ways to add genuine play value to products which the consumer now expects.

A great example of this is Mama Surprise from Little Live Pets. Following its success, this year Little Live Pets is offering My Puppy’s Home where kids can build their puppy dream home, close the door, and wait for it to magically appear; plus, we have an exciting new plush innovation called Cookeez Makery — a true baking experience that turns a dough creation into a warm, scented, soft plush friend.

What is driving Moose’s success?

We have a goal to be the most innovative toy company in the world. Having this as a purpose gives us the ability to focus on driving innovation, both in house and with our partners around the globe, and we are seeing the results, most recently winning the Most Innovative Toy for Mama Surprise at London Toy Fair.

We have worked hard to diversify the categories in which we operate in. Over the past few years we have seen huge success in new categories including Action Figures with Treasure X and Goo Jitzu, Youth Electronics with Magic Mixes and of course Pre School with Bluey.

And finally, our culture is incredible! Our team continues to deliver the magic that Moose is known for and last year we were a certified Great Place to Work in all regions including Australia, something that we are all really proud of.

THE RIGHT TOYS MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT

Providing the right ingredients for healthy development from the start promotes better outcomes than trying to fix problems later says the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University.

Harvard’s researchers found that, ‘although developmental windows remain open for many years, trying to change behaviour or build new skills on a foundation of brain circuits that weren’t wired properly from the beginning requires more effort — both for individuals and society.’

Their research reveals that, ‘one skill begets another as children's brain develops from the bottom up. In essence, the development of gross and fine motor skills, coupled with basic cognitive skills, progressively pave the way for acquiring higher-level skills like the ability to focus and sustain attention, set goals, follow rules, solve problems, and control impulse.’

Artiwood’s Managing Director, Andrew McGregor, believes these findings highlight the importance of childhood play, and the toys that stimulate it. He says, “The right toys, introduced at the right time, incrementally promote, and reinforce developmental pathways. Equally, the right toys always make this progression as effortless and motivational as possible.”

Artiwood has been sourcing and supplying eco-friendly educational toys since 1999. It distributes premium brands like Bigjigs, New Classic Toys, Indigo Jamm, and I’m Toy. In the last five years it’s tripled in size and won multiple awards. Andrew attributes much of this success to an unrelenting focus on educational toys with a multifunctional design.

“For us multi-functional features are a no-brainer. They result in better play value, incremental learning opportunities and a longer active lifespan.”

He highlights the Kinderfeets Pikler Triple Climber Triangle as a classic example. “The Triangle, built from sturdy German beechwood, has three climbing surfaces: a rope net, foot pegs and rungs. Each offers an increasingly challenging play option. That is, each promotes one skill that begats the development of another — just as Harvard’s researchers have noted.”

Andrew says HEADU’s educational activity kits are another great example. “These beautifully illustrated, academically developed kits include plenty of Montessori inspired learning activities, puzzles, and games for stimulating curiosity from a young age.”

“Take the popular ‘Learn to Draw’. This kit includes ten puzzles. The illustration on each puzzle teaches a child to draw an animal. An enclosed drawing board and erasable marker then lets them practice drawing these animals. A single kit delivers more than 20 learning activities, while promoting increasingly advanced cognitive skills.”

Andrew concludes by acknowledging that Artiwood’s search for motivational toys is unrelenting. He says; “We travel the world every year seeking brands and products that reflect our philosophy. That is, quality toys, with enduring educational features, that are built to last. Most manufacturers never make the cut. However, those that do are always worth the effort.”

Let's Construct a New World

Little did Frank Hornby know in 1902, when his first “Mechanics Made Easy” set first sold, he would be creating something that would inspire children all over the world for generations to come.

Hornby started this, but now Construct It is taking things to a whole new level. Construct It is able to bring a whole new line of construction sets to children all over the world, where they can use real tools and real metal pieces to bring all kinds of exciting things to life.

No matter if it is a fighter jet, train or truck! Children will be inspired to create, inspired to learn and have a fantastic time while doing so.

Construct It sets are here to inspire and challenge the creative minds of the future!

OUR VISION

Our goal is to provide high-quality products that children want to create, build and play with. We are committed to developing products that inspire creative thinking and encourage children to be curious & creative, and see the world around them with limitless potential and opportunities.

OUR BEGINNINGS

Construct It Toys was developed and launched with four models in 2017 and now extends to over 170 kits with 6 different sub brands, targeting children from 3+ with our Build-ables through to adults with our larger original’s kits and Platinum X Ranges.

DEVELOPING A SOLID ALTERNATIVE

When it comes to construction toys, a company starting with "L" comes to mind. We are a long way off becoming a super brand like this however we believe through our point of difference, with use of real tools and engineering skills through various ranges, we have something totally different to offer to this space.

KEY FEATURES

Construct It is all about the principles of STEM learning and each set includes real metal pieces and real tools!

OUR RANGES

✅ Build-ables suitable for 3 +. Fun interactive build and play fun for parents and children.

✅ Flexibles suitable for 5+. Educational focus. Colour and shape recognition, flexible pieces.

✅ Miniature Collectables 6+. Smaller piece count a great intro level to the more advance original and platinum ranges.

✅ Originals Suitable for 8+. Where it all started, with real tools and metal pieces, also includes our Mega Sets.

✅ Platinum X Pro range. Made from stainless steel pieces. Intricate models, remote control coming 2023.

OUR FUTURE

With over 800,000 kits sold, we continue to develop new offerings and will be extending further in licensed offerings and further special projects, like our recent success with the 3801 steam train offering in conjunction with Transport Heritage NSW. With 30 kits in development for 2023 we hope to extend our offering to over 200 kits by 2024.

LOOKING TO THE PAST TO BUILD THE FUTURE: THE STORY OF CONSTRUCT IT TOYS!

T he Rise of Play in T he Home

The pandemic has seen an increase in work and financial pressures while simultaneously pushing us to realign our values and bring the focus back to homes and families. Now more than ever, parents are seeking ways to connect with their children, while searching for solutions that promote both play and learning within the home. Products like Connetix are proving to be the perfect solution.

Research surrounding the importance of play is becoming increasingly recognised globally. Parents are seeking to nurture their children’s development by providing quality toys and activities. As a STEAM certified toy, Connetix engages children of all ages in play-based learning. Simply by playing with Connetix, children experience STEAM learning whilst developing their imaginations and creativity. The benefits aren’t just for children either.

As an open-ended toy, Connetix transcends ability barriers, adapting to the needs and interests of the user. Meaning adults can enjoy playing together with their children… or even on their own #adultswhoconnetix! Whether constructing buildings, experimenting with colour, designing mandalas or creating ball runs, Connetix offers something for all ages.

Launching in 2019, the Australian magnetic tile brand has quickly become a global leader, with over 800 retailers in 62 countries. And it’s not surprising to discover why. Family friends and parents, Brea and Dave, are a dynamic business duo with shared passion for quality open-ended toys that promote STEAM learning. Combining their expertise as a masters qualified educator and entrepreneur they brought to market Connetix — a high-quality product that appeals to BOTH children and adults alike!

With a unique design that is yet to be matched in terms of aesthetics and functionality, Connetix include exclusive features that extend the appeal of magnetic tile play. The signature bevel design and strong magnets offer a more durable, lighter, clearer magnetic tile that is free from bracing. This allows for bigger builds PLUS greater play possibilities — check out #connetixtiles on Instagram to see the limitless play and learning Connetix inspires!

The trending rise of play in the home isn’t just about children. Adults are also rediscovering play as a form of self-care. Offering an additional aesthetic advantage, Connetix is the perfect toy to provide adults with a creative outlet helping to improve mindfulness, skill development alongside mental stimulation. The best part — parents can access these benefits while experiencing quality time with their children.

This surging interest from adults has increased demand for toys that are high-quality, ethical, sustainable and longlasting. Connetix are internationally safety approved, made using non-toxic materials, and include additional features such as ultrasonic welding and metal rivets to make magnetic tile play safer for little hands.

When it comes to investing in a quality toy, parents take comfort in knowing that through Connetix play they are providing the gift of connection whilst fostering enriched learning experiences. Able to grow and adapt with children, Connetix bring families together, becoming a treasured toy to be enjoyed for generations. As the saying goes — “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing”.

(08) 9330 5151

wholesale@conntetixtiles.com

www.connetixtiles.com

THE LAST FEW YEARS HAVE BEEN TRANSFORMATIVE FOR TYPICAL FAMILY ROUTINES AROUND THE WORLD

SUSTAINABLE TOYS FOR ALL AGES

www.geomagworld.com

THE BENEFITS OF GEOMAGWORLD'S SUSTAINABLE TOYS AND HOW THEY ARE HELPING THE ENVIRONMENT.

Geomagworld has been creating magnetic toys since 1998. All their toys are made in Switzerland. Geomag produces fun, safe and sustainable toys for kids of all ages. Their goal is to reduce the amount of plastic waste in the environment by using certified sustainable materials in their production process. They also strive to create educational toys that teach children about sustainability and environmental protection. Geomagworld's toys are made from recycled and recyclable materials, giving them a unique appeal that stands out from other eco-friendly toys on the market. With its commitment to sustainability and innovation, Geomagworld has become a global leader in green toy production

HOW GEOMAGWORLD’S SUSTAINABLE TOYS ARE HELPING OUR ENVIRONMENT

From using green materials for production to being made with recycled plastic, these products are helping to reduce the impact on our planet. Not only do these toys provide hours of entertainment for children, but they also help educate them about the importance of sustainability and environmental protection. We are living in a time where the need for sustainability and environmental awareness is greater than ever. The transition from a linear to a circular economy is one of the ways we are trying to create a greener and more sustainable future. It involves reusing and recycling materials to reduce our dependence on finite resources, as well as minimising waste production. This shift in approach will not only benefit the environment but also help create new opportunities for economic growth in the long run. Today, the shift to hydroelectric electricity has enabled us to achieve 100% of our electricity consumption from Swiss power plants. This change has been instrumental in reducing air pollution and carbon emissions and improving the overall environmental impact of our energy sources.

Geomag have focused on delivering a successful sustainability effort they have already made numerous positive impacts on the planet, including:

• a 9% reduction CO2 emissions

• using 19% less water

• a 70% reduction in non-renewable resources

• a 32% reduction on the impact on eco systems

SUSTAINABLE TOYS FOR ALL AGES

Choosing a sustainable toy for your child can be a challenge, but with Geomagworld’s eco-friendly Magicube building blocks, you can be sure that you are making the best decision for children aged 1+, made from 100% recycled plastic and non-toxic materials they are geomagnetic, which means they will stick together on all sides when put near one another. These toys also promote creative play and help to develop problem-solving skills while being fun at the same time. For children 5+ Geomag Classic has rods that connect on each end, non-magnetic steel spheres, and vibrant panels, allowing children to make unique and inspiring constructions. With Glitter and Glow options guaranteed to add a little sparkle to constructions. Geomag Mechanics 7+ brings together the power of magnetism and mechanical construction, inspiring creativity and invention. It is a great tool for those who are looking to design, build and develop custom projects. With an easy combo system, multiple sets can be connected. With Mechanics, users can create anything from intricate models to simple mechanisms. The possibilities are endless! By combining magnetic forces with a variety of mechanical parts, users can unleash their creativity with this revolutionary building system. Mechanics make it easier than ever before to bring ideas to life through the power of magnetism

INVEST IN QUALITY

Investing in high-quality, sustainable toys like Geomag’s brings a lot of benefits to a child's development and they will benefit from the educational STEM.org-certified toys and creative play. They will also learn to appreciate the environment. Geomag toys are made from non-toxic materials and are designed to be durable and long-lasting, which means you can be sure that your children will have hours of fun for years to come. Geomag's commitment to sustainability means that their toys will help reduce waste and ensure future generations have something to play with too. Investing in quality Geomag sustainability toys is an investment in your children's future.

TOY FAIR STAND NUMBER J17

T he Future Belongs to the Curious

In a child’s mind, the natural world contains endless mysteries. Science-based STEM toys (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) encourage curiosity and understanding. Challenging young minds to find answers to questions is fundamental to STEM development. Whether based in earth science, robotics, renewable energy sources, construction or looking out into the vast reaches of outer space, scientific learning starts early and lasts a lifetime.

STEM toys help kids associate science with fun, freedom and discovery. Whether it’s building complex, intricate structures or engineering a gadget from the ground up, STEM-focused play helps children connect learning and problem-solving with enjoyment and pride, whilst developing a child’s independence, creativity and ability to overcome challenges.

What sets STEM toys apart is their potential for encouraging creativity and critical thinking, open-ended and childdriven play.

5 KEY BENEFITS OF STEM & EDUCATIONAL TOYS:

1. Makes learning fun

2. Teaches problem-solving skills

3. Encourages critical thinking and creativity

4. Improves coordination and motor skills

5. Teaches analytical reasoning

If you’d like to offer your customers toys that provide all those benefits and are looking for a comprehensive range of STEM and educational toys for your store, make sure you come and visit Johnco Toys. With our large range of good quality, educational and STEM toys, we are able to offer you the leading range of STEM and educational toys.

Johnco Toys collaborate with the world’s most engaging, curiosity-building toy brands and pride themselves on their friendly, helpful customer service and care in their partnerships with local retailers.

Our award-winning brands include 4M, Plus-Plus, Johnco, Engino, Jaq Jaq Bird, Avenir, YBIKE and others.

We distribute everything from complex build-and-play robotics kits to science kits to creative, open-ended-play construction blocks. A child’s independence and ability to overcome challenges are intrinsic to their future growth and our comprehensive range of good quality STEM & educational toys encourage them to enjoy learning while they are having fun.

We believe the future belongs to the curious, so we are advocates for developing this engaged and inquisitive trait in children of all ages. For over 30 years we have proudly connected the world’s most engaging educational toy brands with Australia’s favourite toy retailers.

With our retail partners, we take this same hands-on approach to understanding the needs of their businesses and how we can engage, educate and develop more curious kids, together.

(02) 9452 5819

info@johncoproductions.com

www.johncoproductions.com

TOY TRENDS TO NURTURE CURIOSITY

LIVING NATURE IS KEYCRAFT’S PREMIUM RANGE OF ANIMAL SOFT TOYS

Created in 1974, we take inspiration from animals all over the world to bring these realistic and lovable characters to life. Made with soft-touch fabrics and beautiful craftsmanship, they stand the test of time with their enduring quality and appeal. They’ve become treasured friends and memories for many families, charming children and adults throughout generations.

We’re proud that Living Nature helps children and adults alike learn more about the many wondrous animal species we share our planet with, igniting imaginations. Each plush toy in the primary range features a colourful hang tag with educational fun facts about the animal, such as its behaviour, food and habitat.

However to protect the animals we love, we also need to protect where they live, so we’re making our toys more sustainable by using recycled plastic fillings wherever we can. This comes from used plastic drinks bottles and food containers that might otherwise end up in a landfill or our oceans, meaning our choice of materials has a positive impact on our planet. Look out for the Naturli green leaf-shaped tag on your soft toy to see how many recycled plastic bottles we’ve used to make it and feel happy knowing you’ve gone with an ethical, sustainable and fun choice.

www.keycraftau.com.au

THERE’S LOTS IN STORE FOR 2023!

www.ugames.com.au

T here's Lots in Store for 2023!

U. GAMES AUSTRALIA WELCOMES NEW GAMES, PUZZLES, TOYS, CURRENT TREND LICENSES AND ASSORTED OTHER PRODUCTS TO ENTICE CUSTOMERS

It’s a winning strategy with Forbidden Games!

In 2022 University Games acquired Forbidden Games and entered the exploding strategy games category. Forbidden Games brings a bevy of award-winning games including Raccoon Tycoon and Mosaic: A Story of Civilization

The portfolio includes elegant tabletop strategy games with a vintage approach to art. Game play has just the right amount of “next step” complexity to engage both casual players and committed gamers. Raccoon Tycoon is considered by Dice Tower to be one of the top 100 board games of all time and Mosaic is following a similar path, joining numerous prestigious Top 10 lists.

We’re very Hape (pronounced hah-pay) to introduce you to our 2023 range!

Hape guides children in their early years so they can lead a more healthy and enriched life. Founded with the intention of not only providing toys that allow children to be excited about play, but also to help every parent learn to communicate with their children and be involved in their learning.

From infant to toddler toys, bath and sand toys, music and food items and STEAM activities, Hape has something for every stage of learning in the early years. Multi-awardwinning and designed with sustainability in mind, these high quality toys are a must have. In 2023 Hape makes sustainability accessible, child-friendly and fun with the new Green Planet Explorers sets — teaching children how to care about the environment through play.

We’re dead serious about our Murder Mystery Party games & puzzles.

In 2023 we are investing further in the Murder Mystery Party portfolio. The past few years has seen a significant surge in interest of detective and investigative games. Our mystery range offers both single-player and multi-player experiences with a selection of over 25 products to choose from.

New for 2023 is The Night Hunter. The game includes over 100 unique components and players are immersed in true crime forensics not seen in other games. The companion website features audio and video evidence where players listen to witness testimonies, check the accuracy of answers, and receive chilling messages from The Night Hunter himself!

We work hard, and we play hard — new Hard Quiz and local product developments.

U. Games Australia supports local and we are offering products that are made for Australians, bringing play to local trends and themes. In 2023 you will see the new Hard Quiz: Fast Game, a portable, compact version of the toprating TV quiz show. Following the success of the larger format board game this latest edition will excite existing customers and create new fans.

Also joining the range is First XI Cricket, developed by young inventor Ollie Hely and popularised by TV show The Project Even Australian Cricket Captain Pat Cummins congratulated Ollie on the game!

And don’t forget our high-quality wooden games range Roo Games, with titles like Koala Walla Bing Bang, and comprehensive science kits from Australian Geographic

There’s more in store than ever before. Request

SPREAD OUT FOR PLAY, EASY PACK AWAY WITH PLAY POUCH!

Save the day with PAW Patrol Play Pouch!

Spread the Play Pouch out for play. When it is time to pack away, pull on the ropes and pups and vehicles are stored away for another day's play!

Aqua Pouch - a summer essential.

The Surf Life Saving Australia Aqua Pouch is the ultimate beach carry-all and waterproof mat With an adjustable shoulder strap, Aqua Pouch is ideal for days at the beach, pool or park

Double sided toy mats with play scenes on the inner - fun and functional toy storage.

2023 & TM Spin Master Ltd

www.vrdistribution.com.au

THE AUSTRALIAN TOY ASSOCIATION

BY ALICE SANDERSON — EXECUTIVE MANAGER www.austoy.com.au

Australian Toy Association

WELCOME TO THE 2023 AUSTRALIAN TOY HOBBY AND LICENSING FAIR!

It’s so good to be back to physical events and this years’ sold-out Fair is surely not going to disappoint.

We have over 160 exhibitors ready and waiting to show the industry’s buyers what is hot and new for the coming 12 months. You will see loads of toys, educational products, magic items and much much more.

Over the four days we will be holding many events and presentations, starting off with the Industry night of nights at Crown Palladium. The Gala Dinner will be held on Sunday 5th March and celebrates the products, licenses and people that make this industry thrive. Sponsored this year by Showtime Attractions, the night will kick off at 7pm so get your best frock ready for a night of networking and dancing.

New awards have been added to this years’ list including the Environmental and Sustainability award which recognises manufacturers working towards a circular economy. Also, for the first time in over two years, we will be inducting another industry stalwart into the prestigious Hall of Fame. Chosen from a long list of deserved recipients and chosen by a subcommittee of previous Hall of Fame inductees, this award is the most prestigious acknowledgement for outstanding dedication to our industry here in Australia.

The Fair will also see a host of presentations being made at the ATA Learning Hub. There will be topics by Mumpower, The NPD Group, Equilibrium/ASGA and The Retail Doctor as well as a special presentation from Fred Gaffney and Grahame Grassby on the history of Australia’s very own B1&B2. So make sure you head on up to N41 and check out these informative sessions.

For information on dates and times, you can view a complete agenda in the online portal and the Fair Directory onsite.

One event I am personally excited about is the Women in Toys, Licensing and Entertainment event which will be held on Tuesday afternoon from 3.30pm. Sponsored by LEGO Australia, this event will see some amazing ladies in this industry tell their own unique stories including what drives them and the hurdles they have overcome to achieve where they are now.

We have over 160 exhibitors ready and waiting to show the industry’s buyers what is hot and new for the coming 12 months. You will see loads of toys, educational products, magic items and much much more.

Alice Sanderson

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all who have made this 2023 event such a huge success including our official media partners The Bugg Report and The Toy Universe as well as our sponsors and supporters BBC Studios, Hasbro Pacific, Just Kidding, LEGO Australia, Moonbug Entertainment, Mumpower, Showtime Attractions, The Retail Doctor, The Walt Disney Company, Total Licensing, Tradeshow Training, Melbourne Convention Bureau, Visit Melbourne, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Women in Toys Licensing and Entertainment. And of course, to our exhibitors who have done an amazing job showcasing their products to the industry.

On behalf of the Australian Toy Association Board and Staff, I hope you all have a fantastic Toy Fair that proves successful for you and your business.

BY GRAHAME GRASSBY

GRANNIES

Stories from GG's Toy Box

KNITTING GRANNIES

The problem of counterfeit Bananas in Pyjamas products first arose when the ABC’s t-shirt licensee Acme Trading reported that knock-off Bananas in Pyjamas t-shirts were starting to turn up in markets around the country, then we began receiving reports of unlicensed costumes being rented out in fancy dress stores, then it was cakes and cake toppers in cake shops, and finally it was knitted Banana in Pyjamas toys appearing for sale in toy stores — the piracy of Bananas in Pyjamas in Australia was starting to become a problem and ABC Licensing was tasked to put a stop to it.

As the head of ABC Licensing at the time, I asked for help from the ABC legal department and between us we devised a 3-step plan to try to combat the infringement of the ABC’s copyright in Bananas in Pyjamas in order to protect both the brand and also the rights of the companies licensed by the ABC to create, manufacture and sell official Bananas in Pyjamas merchandise.

The first step was to identify any parties breaching the ABC’s copyright by the selling of unlicensed products and these people were sent a polite cease & desist letter which gave offending parties 30 days to stop their pirating activities and to sign an undertaking not to breach the ABC’s copyright in the future.

This letter was generally pretty successful in stopping trade mark offenders but in those instances where this failed to stop persons selling unlicensed Bananas in Pyjamas products, they were sent a follow-up not so polite cease and desist letter which advised that the ABC would be considering taking appropriate legal action against the offending party if they continued to sell unlicensed products.

And the third and final step was initiated for any party still selling unlicensed Bananas in Pyjamas products after two warnings which was to provide the details of the offending parties to the police and let the police do what they do — charge them, arrest them, take them to court and fine them for their illegal activities.

And this is when we came across, in my opinion, the most-evil doers of them all — the knitting grannies.

Quietly hidden away behind closed doors, the knitting grannies would be knitting, day and night, soft toy after soft toy, feeding the insatiable black market for Bananas in Pyjamas knitted toys.

These knitting grannies were salting away a small fortune in ill-gotten gains all the while pretending to be innocent sweet old ladies.

Rather than help my noble cause against these pirates, the ABC made the problem worse when ABC TV Publicity in its wisdom provided an actual knitting pattern for a Banana in Pyjamas knitted toy to Australia’s largest selling magazine, The Australian Women’s Weekly, to help promote the launch of the second Bananas in Pyjamas TV series.

And this was then compounded when ABC Books published the ABC for Kids Book of Knitted Toys which contained a pattern to knit a Banana in Pyjamas soft toy and of course this turned out to be a best seller.

It went from bad to worse for me when finally, horror of horrors, ABC Radio one morning at their Ultimo studios in Sydney conducted the first “ABC knit-in” during Margaret Throsby’s radio program whereby hundreds of knitting grannies were invited down to the ABC to ply their evil trade live on radio.

I appealed to the ABC’s Head of Legal that the knitting grannies must be stopped but she patiently explained to me that the ABC didn’t prosecute grandmothers knitting toys for their grandchildren and that the police were unlikely to be seen to be carting grannies off to jail any time soon just for knitting soft toys.

I became obsessed with putting a stop to the knitting grannies — it was a war of me versus the knitting grannie army but, other than having my trusty assistant Fatin at my side, I was very much alone in my fight to stop them.

Every time I tried to emphasize the seriousness of the scourge of the knitting grannies, I was howled down by my colleagues telling me to leave the nice old ladies alone and to let them knit their toys in peace.

I was beaten — the knitting grannies had won — I’d managed to stop the t-shirt pirates, the cake makers, the costume hirers but I couldn’t do anything to stop the knitting grannies.

So knit on Grannies, knit on and may you knit in hell.

— Grahame Grassby

ALLEGED KNITTING GRANNIES

Collectable Lanterns

Infinity Lighting

Animated Toys

Creator TM and © 2023 Sesame Workshop.

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