Feature - Character Licensed Merchandise

On the brand wagon

As licensed consumer products continued to make up a significant proportion of the wider kids and family market, the category is being driven by a combination of popular new properties and evergreen classics. Over the following pages, we look at the latest products featuring top licences to hit the shelves.

Hasbro0208 569 1234   |   www.hasbro.co.uk

Peppa’s Muddy Puddles Party is an interactive electronic toy that will talk, play, sing and dance with pre-schoolers to spark imagination and get them moving and grooving. The 12” tall Peppa comes with more than 55 sounds, phrases and reactions to offer many ways for kids to play with the character. Kids can easily switch between two play modes by placing Peppa’s iconic yellow boots on to activate her Muddy Puddles game mode or removing them to activate Party-themed sounds and phrases.

Young children can also jump into a celebration with Peppa’s 2-in-1 Party Bus. The iconic London double decker bus transforms into a multilevel party-themed play set with which kids can travel to new destinations and explore unique locations. The interactive 3-story bus features 13 party accessories and three figures: Peppa Pig, Danny Dog and Candy Cat can dance on the twirling platforms, spin on the roundabout toy and ride down the bus’s slide.

The Peppa Pig Dress-Up Celebration figure allows kids to dress up a 6” (15 cm) Peppa Pig party fashion doll using six easy-on accessories for imaginary parties and celebrations. Children can mix and match the pieces to make different combos, and add even more mix-and-match options with more dress-up dolls based on favourite Peppa Pig friends (each sold separately, subject to availability).

Fans can also experience the epic origins of legendary Transformers robots with the Power Flip Optimus Prime (Orion Pax) action figure. Inspired by the heroic journey of Optimus Prime depicted in the Transformers One movie, this toy converts between four different modes: Orion Pax, Cybertronian Truck toy, Optimus Prime figure and Ultimate Optimus Prime.  During the process of conversion, Power Flip Optimus Prime grows in height from 8” to 10”. Users can hold the toy’s arms and flip the figure for an epic finale to finish the conversion to Ultimate Optimus Prime. Lights, sounds and phrases activate at the push of a button or by converting between modes.

Bruder(353) 67 63800   |   www.bruder.de

Bruder is bringing the MB Sprinter municipal garbage vehicle into children's rooms based on the all-around model of Mercedes Benz.

The modern yet realistic 1:16 scale model features a highly functional design. Thanks to a newly developed mechanism, the garbage bins are emptied through the large top-mounted rear hatch. Two bins are included in the set and can be replaced by an additional garbage container. For trash bags and forgotten rubbish, there are two side flaps. The vehicle is emptied by unlocking and opening the tailgate and tilting the vehicle's body. As is typical with Bruder, the cabin doors can be opened, allowing space for the municipal worker figure, available separately.

The MB Sprinter municipal garbage vehicle is recommended for children aged 4+. The Bruder commercial vehicle range also includes a large collection of garbage trucks with rear or side loaders that are true to origin. The numerous functions allow children to learn about the world of recycling and sustainability through play.

Bruder toys are made from high-quality recyclable plastics. In addition, a large range of spare parts ensures that the toys have a long service life and therefore a high level of sustainability.

Spin Master01628 535 000   |   www.spinmastertoys.co.uk

Spin Master is home to an abundance of properties, including Batman, Unicorn Academy, Paw Patrol, Rubble & Crew and Gabby’s Dollhouse. Perfect for children of any age, these toys will provide endless fun with beloved characters from their favourite shows and movies.

The Giant Series Batman action figures enable fans to step into Gotham like never before. Whether it’s the Dark Knight himself or the formidable Killer Croc, these figures are perfect for young fans with big imaginations. Boasting a larger build than the standard 30cm figures, the Giant series is great for creative play and storytelling fun.

Unicorn Academy’s Fashion Dolls include Sophia, Ava and Isabel. Beautifully detailed from head to toe, each girl’s personality shines through in their brushable highlighted hair (styling accessory included) and their signature unicorn rider outfits from the show. The magical bonds between Unicorn Academy students and their unicorns will spark endless imaginative storytelling.

Children can embark on rescue missions with the action-packed Paw Patroller team vehicle. This set includes Ryder and his ATV, featuring transforming doors, dual vehicle launchers and sound effects for an immersive experience. With space for six Paw Patrol figures and vehicles, the Paw Patroller is ready for any mission.

Rubble’s Bark Yard Crane Tower features a rotatable crane toy with an additional claw attachment that kids can use to hoist objects up and down. The tower also includes a Kinetic Build-It compound moulding system that lets users load two of the double-sided moulds. Once the blocks are ready, users can place Rubble in the lift and raise him to the top of the tower and into the crane control pod. Kids can also push the giant red button at the front of the tower to activate the lights and hear popular sounds and phrases from the show.

The Gabby’s Celebration Doll’s House is a 60-centimetre-tall rainbow-themed toy. Kids can unleash their creativity with the 8.8cm Gabby Girl figure, dollhouse furniture and 10 accessories, including a kitty-themed toilet, a piano/DJ table and much more. The Celebration Doll’s House also features a DJ table and a Cat-A-Vator providing access to six rooms and the rooftop play area.

Bladez Toyz02392 658 255  |   www.bladeztoyz.co.uk   |   sales@bladeztoyz.co.uk

Bladez Toyz is bringing to market the My First RC BAM as part of its extended DC range. My First RC BAM introduces children to the thrill of the new pre-school programme Batwheel. This friendly RC car helps with development and fine motor skills; created with large buttons for small hands and a robust durable design, the RC BAM can withstand any bumps and scrapes.

New to the range this year is the 1:18 Batman Monster Truck. Displaying the iconic black and yellow design, this rugged RC Monster Truck comes with jumbo rubber tyres and an easy-to-use controller to tackle the toughest of terrains. Also bringing Gotham City to life is the Batman 1:20 Armoured Racer. With a dark and sleek design, this RC racer is perfect for fans of the caped crusader and features speeds up to 12km/h.

Early next year, Bladez Toyz will introduce the quick and easy-to-make Minecraft Make Your Own Chibi Character Kitz. This activity set includes everything needed to bring popular Minecraft characters to life. Made with simple fold and lock parts, these kits do not require the use of scissors and glue, making them perfect for independent play. Once built, the character kits can be displayed or traded with friends. There are 16 to collect and more to follow.

Following the successful launch of Harry Potter Maker Kitz Make Your Own Characters, Bladez Toyz is bringing all new characters in 2025, including Hogwarts Groundskeeper Rubeus Hagrid and Harry Potter. Standing over 20cm tall and made from sustainable slide-together parts, these kits can be built without scissors and glue and are fully recyclable. They are a perfect accompaniment to the Magical Creatures set and MYO Dobby, which launches later this year.

PMI Kids’ Worldwww.pmi.co.il   |   omer@pmi.co.il

PMI Kids' World, a global leader in bringing licensed characters to life, is once again expanding its lineup with new offerings.

In a world dominated by screens, PMI Kids' World introduces a refreshing and innovative way to engage children through its patented and trademarked Booksy collectible toy line. This new line is in-house developed  and combines toys with the imaginative power of books, offering a unique experience that fosters both play and reading. Each Booksy figure houses a tiny book, inviting children into a tactile and imaginative journey.

The Booksy line will debut with PMI’s original Monster Tales, followed by an expansion featuring licensed characters from beloved franchises like Paw Patrol and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Designed to nurture literacy, these collectible figures offer a perfect blend of storytelling and play, encouraging young readers to build and display their growing mini-book collections.

Both the Booksy toy line and the Monster Tales brand are original creations of PMI. This innovative line features the creative input of Christian Tremblay, a branding specialist with over 30 years of experience in the family entertainment industry, ensuring that Booksy is as educational as it is entertaining.

The characters from the hit game Stumble Guys are making their way back into the real world with a new toy line from PMI Kids' World. After the huge success of the first series, which sold millions of units, this new collection introduces even more beloved characters from Scopely's award-winning game.

With over 50m monthly players and nearly 700m downloads, Stumble Guys has recently expanded to all major consoles, including Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch, further boosting its popularity. PMI Kids' World is introducing a range of new collectibles, mini action figures, action figures, keychains, clip-on plush, plushies, plush buddies, huggables and feature plush toys.

The collection also includes Stumbling Block play sets that replicate the game’s iconic obstacles, letting fans bring the action of Stumble Guys into their own playtime adventures. Additionally, the Epic Collection is inspired by the game’s reward box and packed with all the characters from the game; fan-favourites such as Robot Guy, Dusk Dragon, Golden Sensei and many more provide diverse ways for fans to immerse themselves in the Stumble Guys universe.

Brainstorm Toys01200 445 113   |   www.brainstormltd.co.uk

Brainstorm Toys has expanded its successful Paw Patrol licensed range for 2024 with the addition of the Paw Patrol Room Projector & Nightlight, which projects 24 exciting, colourful images of the Paw Patrol pups up to one metre wide onto walls and ceilings. At the touch of a button, it also becomes a comforting Paw Patrol nightlight.

Kids can decorate their rooms and accessorise their most precious belongings with glow-in-dark Paw Patrol stickers. The Paw Patrol Glow Shapes & Chase set is ideal for any fan’s bedroom. Expose the stickers to a light source for a few minutes, and they will glow when the lights are off. The set includes 30 plastic Paw Patrol shapes as well as eight colourful Chase and friends glow cards.

The Paw Patrol Chase Head Torch has recently been joined by the Paw Patrol Skye Head Torch. Skye’s head lights the way; kids simply press once for a light and again to hear a fun helicopter sound. Both head torches feature an adjustable head strap and have two angles - straight for outdoor adventures such as walking or camping, and tilted for catching up on the latest Paw Patrol books and comics.

The Paw Patrol Torch & Projector includes three discs that are used to project 24 fun character-themed images up to one metre wide onto walls and ceilings. It also doubles as a handy torch designed for little hands. The exciting Paw Patrol Drawing Projector continues for 2025. The cute projector allows pre-schoolers to trace and then project drawings of their favourite characters.

Tonieswww.tonies.com   |   sales@tonies.com

Tonies is launching Hey Duggee and Pip & Posy Tonies for the pre-school market this November. Licensed by Penguin Random House, Hey Duggee is based on the hit CBeebies show for 2–5-year-olds and features the big loveable dog Dugee, who runs the Squirrel Club, where children can earn badges for learning new skills and facts. Voiced by Hey Duggee’s original narrator Alexander Armstrong, the Tonie includes 12 tracks with a runtime of 78 minutes. Kids will enjoy familiar stories and favourite songs from the series such as The Toothbrushing Song, which teaches kids how to brush their teeth, and The Stick Song, a catchy dance tune. This Tonie helps young children discover new facts while also teaching them about the benefits of friendship, community and teamwork in a fun and entertaining screen-free format.

The second release expected to be a big hit with the pre-school market is Pip, based on Axel Scheffler’s bestselling Pip & Posy books and TV show. Narrated by actress, author and podcast host Giovanna Fletcher, this Tonie has a runtime of 60 minutes and includes a collection of six stories plus a bonus music quiz packed with warmth and humour. Rabbit and mouse best friends Pip & Posy’s lives revolve around a world of play. This Tonie is a celebration of the fun, laughter, games and emotional ups and downs of childhood friendships, encapsulated in a collection of relatable stories for young listeners.

Zuruwww.zurutoys.com   |   sales@zuru.com

Zuru’s portfolio of licensed ranges includes partnerships with some of the world’s most popular properties. A pioneer in making brands mini, the company’s Mini Brands series includes globally renowned household brands having evolved to make everything Mini, with ranges including the award-winning Mini Brands Disney Store and sell-out Mini Brands Books, Mini Brands Home and Mini Brands Netflix.

As a top property in Miscellaneous Toys in value sales, Mini Brands is also the most-liked collectible brand on TikTok. The Mini Brands TikTok channel has over 2.2m followers and 50m likes, with the latest ranges tapping into current trends such as #booktok and #hometok. Zuru’s Global Licensing team will continue to drive innovative extensions and licence collaborations, injecting fresh energy into the brand.

New Mini Brands Netflix includes over 30+ Minis of top-ranking TV shows from the global streaming network. Including five Mystery Minis and one Collectors Guide in each capsule, collectors can discover Minis from Stranger Things, Bridgerton, Emily in Paris and Squid Game. Collectors are also encouraged to find the epic ultra-rare Gold and scented minis from Squid Game and The Witcher.

Mini Brands Disney Store is now in its third series, appealing to all age demographics including children, adult fans, teens and an avid collector fan base. There are over 50+ miniatures of favourite Disney brands to collect in Series 3. From Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars, Mickey Mouse & Friends and Disney Princesses, fans can reveal Minis of the best-loved characters including Woody, Iron Man and Moana, while searching for the rare epic movie moment Minis.

Appealing to children, kidult, and nostalgia collectors, Zuru’s themed, surprise collectible brand, 5 Surprise, comprises key themes as an evergreen staple within the business portfolio.  Part of this lineup includes the successful 5 Surprise NBA Ballers which combines one of the world’s most popular sports leagues with miniature versions of its most elite players, including rare figures that are frozen in game-time celebrations. With over 30 players to collect, such as LeBron and Steph Curry, each figure comes complete with a miniature player poster, basketball and two surprises, plus a piece of a basketball court puzzle, encouraging collectability and repeat purchase options to complete the full court.

Zuru’s progressive licensed plush brand, Snackles, is a range of cute, collectible characters combined with some of the world’s hottest licensed snack brands. Tapping into the expanding plush trend, Snackles are available in small blind capsules or larger-sized 8” and 14” versions. The property is now in its second series, with Series 2 including 10 new character and snack combinations such as Heidi the Mentos Hedgehog, Abbie the Krispy Kreme Axolotl and Sandy the Sloth, complete with his very own Dole Tropical Gold Pineapple Chunks.

Rainbow Designs01329 227 300   |   www.rainbowdesigns.co.uk

Rainbow Design’s playful and engaging soft toys cater to children of all ages and focus on some of the most prestigious and high-profile licensed brands, including Peter Rabbit, Paddington and Disney’s Winnie the Pooh, alongside the new Disney Baby Lion King and Harry Potter Wizarding World collections.

With the eagerly awaited new movie, Paddington in Peru arriving in cinemas on 8th November, the popularity of Paddington is set to soar. Rainbow’s best-selling Classic Paddington collection of high-quality plush toys inspired by Peggy Fortnum illustrations, alongside The Adventures of Paddington pre-school range, are continuously in high demand. The Adventures of Paddington range includes the award-winning Adventures of Paddington Tea Set as well as the best-selling Talking Paddington Soft Toy, Dress Me Paddington and Bessie Campervan play set. New Mini Playsets, Paddington’s Kitchen Adventures and Letters to Aunt Lucy will join the range this autumn.

The Wizarding World collection of nursery toys features Harry Potter, Hedwig and Dobby, in plush formats that include My First Soft Toys, Rattles, Comforters and Activity Toys. There are further range additions planned for 2025.

Rainbow’s new Disney Baby Lion King range, launched in celebration of the 30th Anniversary of Disney’s The Lion King, features the super cuddly My First Simba Activity Soft Toy, Comfort Blanket and Ring Rattle, as well as the stimulating Simba Sensory Play Mat, with a peek-a-boo flap and a baby-safe mirror.

Beatrix Potter’s mischievous bunny, Peter Rabbit is exceptionally popular with Rainbow’s customers, and the extensive collection features both infant plush toys and quality wooden toys, including the best-selling My First Peter Rabbit and Flopsy Bunny soft toys and developmental plush toys for the youngest fans, as well as the universal Playtime Peter Rabbit and Flopsy Bunny soft toys that are suitable for all ages. The range also includes the beautifully illustrated Picture Dominoes, and Wooden Shape Sorter, featuring Peter and his friends, as well as Wooden Picture Blocks and the Peter Rabbit and Flopsy Bunny Pull-Along.

There are many more much-loved classic characters and high-profile brand ranges to be found at Rainbow Designs, including Guess How Much I Love You, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Elmer, Spot the Dog, Maisy, Bagpuss, Giraffes Can’t Dance and The Snowman and The Snowdog.

Posh Paws01268 567 317   www.poshpawsinternational.co.uk sales@poshpawsinternational.co.uk

With the announcement that Jurassic World Rebirth will be released in cinemas in July 2025, Posh Paws has an extensive range of plush toys that are available to order now and will be developing new products for 2025. The company’s Jurassic World plush continues to be a favourite among children following the success of the Netflix Camp Cretaceous and Chaos Theory animated series, including its popular 10” Raptor, T-Rex, Brachiosaurus and Bumpy plush, the XL Chunky 18” T-Rex and Raptor, collectible plush Dino Egg assortments and 7” T-Rex and raptor plush assortment.

Posh Paws Gabby’s Dollhouse range continues to delight fans of the Netflix show with its high-quality and beautifully detailed collection of plush 10” and 7” cats. The best-selling characters in the range are Cakey Cat, Pandy Paws, Baby Box Cat and Mercat, and the company’s 14” Cakey Cat also remains a favourite. For January, Posh Paws will be releasing a plush dollhouse play set which children can open to reveal six different bedroom themes and two mini squishy cat plushies. The plush dollhouse is perfect to be carried everywhere, and children can also integrate other Gabby’s plush toys from Posh Paws.

Batwheels is the newest pre-school-licensed property which Posh Paws launched last month. Demand has been strong for the range of 10” and 7” plush toys that bring to life key characters from the hit animation; Bam the Batmobile, Redbird and Batman are all available in both 10” and 7” sizes. With the release of the new Joker: Folie à Deux movie this month, older fans of the classic DC Batman animations will enjoy the brand-new 10” classic Joker, Harley Quinn and Batman plush toys available now.

Harry Potter fans can now enjoy cuddling up to Harry, Ron, Hermione and Hedwig the Owl in trending anime-inspired plush designs, offering something new to the market.

Posh Paws licensed pop-culture and anime offers retailers the perfect plush for kidult selections, and its Wednesday, One Piece, Chainsaw Man, Fairy Tail and Assassination Classroom licences are highly sought after and very collectible.

University Games 020 7254 0100     www.university-games.co.uk

University Games offers retailers a large selection of games and puzzles featuring licensed characters and brands from within the classic pre-school book category. From Paddington, Where’s Wally and Harry Potter to The Tiger Who Came to Tea, Mog, and The Very Hungry Caterpillar, these best-selling games and puzzles make perfect line additions for toy retailers, as well as gift and book outlets.

University Games’ Children’s range includes game and puzzle collections for The World of David Walliams, Roald Dahl, Horrible Histories and Tom Gates, as well as Paddington. Set to be a favourite this festive season, with the third movie - Paddington in Peru - scheduled to hit cinemas on 8th November, University Games’ range of children’s games includes the Paddington Find it Fast challenge game and Paddington Sight Seeing Adventures board game.

This winter is also set to be a busy time for Dave Pilkey’s Dog Man, with the thirteenth book arriving in December ahead of the global theatrical release of the animated Dog Man movie in January 2025. University Games’ Dog Man range includes the best-selling Dog Man: Attack of the Fleas board game as well as the new 2024 release Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea game. Additionally, there are the Dog Man Flip-O-Rama, Hot Dog Card Game and 250-piece puzzles to choose from, all of which make fun gifts for any young Dog Man fan.

Recent new additions to University Games’ extensive and ever-popular licensed 3D Model range include Darth Vader, Spiderman and Deadpool, alongside Chibi versions of Wizarding World favourites Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley.

University Games’ licensed range of games and puzzles for pre-schoolers also features some of the most popular evergreen characters from children’s storybooks. The range includes iconic brands such as We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, The Tiger Who Came to Tea, Dinosaur Roar and The Very Hungry Caterpillar. This best-selling collection includes the popular Let’s Feed the Very Hungry Caterpillar board game as well as the colourful new Rainbow Picnic board game, Double Sided Rainbow Floor Puzzle and ABC Game in a Tin. Mog the Forgetful Cat also joined the pre-school portfolio this year with a double-the-fun, double-sided Mog and the Big Bad Dog Board Game, as well as the Mog the Forgetful Cat matching card game.

Steamforged Gamestoby@steamforged.com

In 2024, Steamforged Games has continued to expand its range with new character licensed titles, offering a diverse portfolio of games to retailers and partners which will appeal to both established fanbases and new audiences.

Among the standout titles for this year is Sea of Thieves: Voyage of Legends; the RuneScape Kingdoms: Shadow of Elvarg Board Game; RuneScape Kingdoms: The Roleplaying Game and the Resident Evil board game franchise.

Sea of Thieves: Voyage of Legends captures the adventurous spirit of the beloved videogame, taking its freeform high seas excitement and making it an accessible and richly imagined tabletop experience. The board game allows players to immerse themselves in a world of pirates, treasure hunting and naval battles. It’s ideal for existing fans of the video game and for newcomers looking for competitive gameplay.

Steamforged has also expanded the record-breaking MMORPG universe of RuneScape with two tabletop experiences - the RuneScape Kingdoms: Shadow of Elvarg board game RuneScape Kingdoms: The Roleplaying Game. These titles bring the legendary world of Gielinor to the tabletop, including iconic characters and locations that will appeal to RuneScape’s sizable and dedicated fanbase.

The RuneScape Kingdoms board game delivers an adventure-filled cooperative play experience, while the role-playing game invites players to create their own characters and embark on quests, exploring the immersive world of the classic MMORPG.

Completing the trilogy alongside the best-selling Resident Evil 2 and 3 board games, Resident Evil: The Board Game takes players back to Spencer Mansion in a survival horror nightmare. Together, players must navigate spine-tingling scenarios filled with horrifying surprises and fiendish puzzles, making difficult choices and managing dwindling resources. Players can also play each scenario as a standalone experience.

The 2024 range of licensed titles are strong additions to Steamforged’s portfolio of triple-AAA adaptations, building momentum for even bigger projects in 2025. These four titles round out an already solid lineup of high-quality, immersive tabletop experiences that translate beloved franchises into unforgettable in-person memories with family and friends.

John Leisure01616 526 661   |   (49) 8654 630 820   johna@john-toys.com

John Leisure continues to be a leader in character-licensed merchandise and is a European specialist in balls and outdoor toys. The company's key strength lies in its long-standing partnerships with major licensors in the industry, such as Hello Kitty, Mattel, Hasbro, Universal, Paramount and Disney. Next year, John Leisure will celebrate 50 years as a Disney licensee. The company is constantly seeking new licensing partners and is set to announce its latest agreements very soon.

Leading John Leisure’s collection are the 5" and 9” licensed play balls. These brightly coloured, durable balls are perfect for outdoor play and are available in multiple licences, including (but not limited to) Spidey & Friends, Stitch, Gabby’s Dollhouse, Paw Patrol, Peppa Pig, Hot Wheels and Barbie.

Another integral part of John Leisure’s line-up is the 2.5" licensed high-bounce ball, crafted from high-quality polyurethane (PU). These balls are designed to deliver an exceptional bounce, making them ideal for energetic games and spontaneous fun. The high-bounce balls feature licences such as Paw Patrol, Peppa Pig, Disney and Marvel, and are available in either a PDQ or on a clip strip, offering an incremental high-volume opportunity.

Garnering a lot of attention ahead of their release next year are the cuddly licensed Puffling balls. The brand-new Puffling balls provide the perfect combination of squeeze and squish and are covered with wobbly plush spines that add a tactile sensation to playtime. The Puffling balls also feature top licences of beloved characters such as Spidey and Stitch. Kids are drawn to their unique texture and comforting feel, making them a hit for both playtime and for a cuddle when winding down.

John’s innovative range of character-licensed merchandise offers high-quality and affordable products which provide hours of entertainment for both parents and children, encouraging physical activity and imaginative play.

Hornby (Scalextric)01843 233 500   |   www.uk.scalextric.com   |   sales@hornby.com

Scalextric has launched a new range of licensed products, expanding its already impressive portfolio with a mix of modern and classic licences. Among the standout additions is the Warner Brothers Batman collection which spans decades of the Dark Knight’s iconic vehicles, from the legendary 1966 Batmobile to the vibrant and playful cars from the newly released Batwheels cartoon series. This extensive Batman range captures the evolution of the Caped Crusader’s vehicles, appealing to both long-time fans and younger audiences alike.

In addition to Batman, Scalextric has revisited the world of James Bond, celebrating 60 years of 007 with some of the most iconic cars from the franchise. The ever-popular Aston Martin DB5 from Goldfinger is joined by the AMC Hornet from The Man with the Golden Gun, reimagined in a gold finish to mark this special anniversary. These meticulously crafted models bring a touch of cinematic history to the slot car world.

Scalextric also introduces family-friendly favourites such as Shaun the Sheep and Harry Potter to its range. These new licences add a playful, whimsical element to the collection, broadening its appeal beyond traditional motorsport fans. The inclusion of such diverse licences showcases Scalextric’s commitment to offering something for every generation, interest and collector.

With over 10 new cars from these licences alone, Scalextric has demonstrated that non-motorsport licensed products are just as coveted by slot car enthusiasts. Whether it’s the nostalgia of classic movie cars or the fun of modern animation, the 2024 lineup highlights Scalextric’s ability to blend timeless appeal with contemporary pop culture.

Available now via Scalextric’s official site and retailers across the nation, this new range is set to captivate collectors and racing fans by delivering iconic vehicles for all ages.

Craft Buddy020 3417 6565   |   trade@craftbuddyltd.co.uk

Craft Buddy boasts an impressive licensing roster which includes Disney, Marvel, DC, Star Wars, Warner Bros, LOL! Surprise, Paddington Bear, Peter Rabbit and Me To You. The company delivers a wide range of character-licensed products year-round that have been designed to inspire creativity and delight crafting enthusiasts of all ages.

The Crystal Art Mega Activity Set is a new launch for autumn/winter. Suitable for children aged 6+, these showcase three popular licensed characters including Stitch & Angel, Spider-Man and Harry Potter. These activity sets offer great value and are perfect for crafters or as an ideal Christmas gift. They provide an interactive bundle of multiple projects, such as stickers, bookmarks, phone stands, pictures with easel and mini friends sets.

Launched in September, the Crystal Art Buddies Series 4 introduces a further 21 characters, with fan-favourites from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, DC Super Heroes, Disney and LOL! Surprise.  Series 4 includes characters from this summer’s movie blockbusters Inside Out 2 and Deadpool & Wolverine, as well as upcoming winter releases Mufasa: The Lion King and Moana 2. The Series 4 range was a winner at The Big Christmas Press Show’s Wishlist Awards last month in the Affordable Gift category and makes a great stocking filler for younger Crystal Art crafters.

Movie fans will also enjoy two of this season’s new Crystal Art Bag Charms which feature both Wolverine and Deadpool from this summer’s blockbuster along with other evergreen favourites such as Jack Skellington, Harry Potter Platform 9 3⁄4 and Grogu. Always popular for school bags, backpacks or luggage personalisation, these 11 new licensed characters from Disney, Star Wars, Marvel, DC and Harry Potter bag charms are quick and easy to make.

New in the stationery category is a 200-page A5 Planner and the ultimate all-in-one-planner-diary-notebook-journal-doodle pad. Each planner showcases a Crystal Art front cover which features either the Harry Potter Hogwarts Crest or Batman Forever.

Craft Buddy’s Crystal Art card collection continues to grow across a wide range of licences. This year’s Christmas Card collection offers sparkling designs that feature Harry Potter, Friends and Me To You as individual cards and box sets.

The unique Paint by Numb3rs Buddies continues to inspire, with the opportunity to create cut-out 23cm character standees using the evergreen painting by numbers technique. The collection features six fan-favourite movie characters: Harry Potter, Groot, Spiderman, Winnie the Pooh and Genie from Aladdin.

For more information on Craft Buddy’s new lines for the autumn and festive season, please contact the company directly.

Just Playwww.justplayproducts.com     uksales@justplayproducts.com

Just Play has something for fans of all character brands, with toys inspired by Disney Junior Ariel, Sesame Street, Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse, Star Wars and other popular Disney franchises.

Disney Doorables was one of the fastest-growing licensed collectibles last year, and Just Play continues to build the brand with new experiences. The latest theme, Micro Motions, promises a surprise behind every door, with 15 unique Disney figures to discover – each with movement.  Dumbo and Stitch have waving ears, whilst Ariel has a flicking mermaid’s tail. Plus, there’s the Inside Out 2 Collector Peek, as well as the Squishalots Capsule Surprise Machine that offers a new way to unbox Doorables. Users can insert the coin and turn the knob to reveal a surprise. Just Play is also celebrating 25 years of Star Wars with a line of Star Wars Doorables.

New launch Disney Munchlings combines treats with beloved Disney characters. Munchlings characters have already amassed millions of views on TikTok and, as a key collaborator with Disney for Munchlings, Just Play has served up a generous helping of collectible feature plushies and water-activated colour reveal mini-figures to UK-based fans.

Just Play’s Disney Junior Ariel toy range is inspired by the series and captures the underwater world and the show’s Caribbean flare. The Splash and Glow Doll has a mesmerising rainbow water skirt feature that illuminates and dances to Ariel's signature song. The Bubbles Fun Doll creates a cascade of bubbles, whilst the Pop Tails Doll & Case is ideal for imaginative play, with its customisation options.

An evergreen performer for Just Play, the Disney Minnie Mouse portfolio welcomes the new Minnie Mouse Bowdazzling Yacht, with lights and sound effects, which promises hours of fun.

Sesame Street Tickle Me Elmo plush toy has returned, bringing joy and laughter with its features. Users can press Elmo's belly or squeeze either foot to hear Elmo giggle and laugh, while he wiggles with excitement at being tickled.

Character Options0161 633 9800   |   sales@charactergroup.plc.uk

Character Options continues to bring UK & Irish fans the latest additions to Playmates’ Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Master Toy line. Split across three branded segments, the range includes an all-new toy line based on the TV series that launched this August, as well as Classic Turtles and Mutant Mayhem movie-inspired toys.

Following the success of Seth Rogen’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem movie, the Turtles now have their own Paramount Plus sequel show set in the same universe as the movie: Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Fans can enjoy a toy offering inspired by the series. At the heart of the line-up is a core range of animation-inspired action figures. The Mix ‘N Match Mutations figures offer kids a whole new way to collect TNMT figures. Designed after the characters from the animated series, the mix-and-match pieces that can be used to create custom mutants, providing endless hours of imaginative play.

The Tales of the TMNT Mutation Station Mutant Maker Playset is tipped to be the hottest play set line of the season, following the success of last year’s TMNT Mutant Mayhem PizzaFire Van, which secured a 2023 Top Toys spot on ITV This Morning. With the Mutant Maker Playset kids can create, customise and mutate their own micro figures – users can simply load the chamber with individual legs, bodies and heads, twist to create their unique combination then press down to combine and release their own unique figure. The set is shaped like a van and can be packed up and wheeled into action once mutants are complete.

Other vehicles include the Twist N Mutate vehicles, which flip from vehicle to Ninja Turtle, and the eye-catching Purple Dragon Cycle, which comes with an exclusive Raphael figure. Plus, fans can still enjoy toys inspired by 2024’s Mutant Mayhem film. The Mutant Mayhem Chopper Cycle with Rocksteady is a low-riding Chopper Cycle that comes with an exclusive, removable, helmet-wearing Rocksteady action figure. As opponents approach, kids can press the fin on the side of Rocksteady’s Chopper Cycle to launch twin missiles.

Hornby (Airfix)sales@hornby.com

Airfix has announced the addition of the 1:24 scale Supermarine Spitfire Mk.VIII to its 2024 range, marking the first time this iconic variant has been released on this scale. Building on the success of the Spitfire Mk.IXc variant, which debuted in 2022, the new A17002 Supermarine Spitfire Mk.VIII comes with revised parts and enhancements, offering a detailed and authentic model-building experience.

The kit boasts an impressive 452 parts, resulting in a model with a length of 402mm and a wingspan of 469mm once assembled. The product showcases a range of new features, including a retractable tail wheel section, short-span ailerons, an updated instrument panel and newly designed upper and lower wings complete with a downward recognition light. These new elements ensure that the Mk.VIII's unique differences from its predecessor are faithfully represented.

Model builders can choose from three distinct paint schemes, including the famous Grey Nurse of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) No. 457 Squadron. The Grey Nurse scheme is particularly notable for its shark-mouth design, which was emblazoned on the aircraft of Squadron Leader Bruce Watson DFC as it engaged in ground attack missions against Japanese forces during WWII.

What sets the Spitfire Mk.VIII apart is its adaptability and advancement over earlier Spitfire models. Designed from the outset as a next-generation fighter, the Mk.VIII featured significant improvements such as a strengthened fuselage, new broad-chord rudder and Merlin engine variants optimised for high, medium and low-altitude performance. This variant saw service primarily in the Mediterranean, Middle East and the Southwest Pacific with the RAF and RAAF, where it earned a reputation as one of the finest flying versions of the Spitfire.

Basic Fun!0118 925 3270   |   www.basicfun.com     bfuk@basicfun.com

There’s plenty to discover across Basic Fun! UK’s portfolio of licensed character brands this season, with new Care Bears BFFs and licensed Lite-Brite lines.

There’s been a thirst for all things nostalgic this year and Care Bears is one of the most iconic heritage brands that came out of the 80s. The second half of this year sees the launch of the hotly anticipated Universal Monsters and Care Bears collaboration with five of the most iconic characters having a Monster Mash-Up. The Care Bear Icons Grumpy as Frankenstein, Cheer as Bride of Frankenstein, Tenderheart as Dracula, Good Luck as The Creature from the Black Lagoon and Bedtime as The Mummy are all out now. Other new BFFs include Good Wishes Bear, whose fur is a vibrant swirl of blues, greens and purples. There’s also True Friend Bear, with multi-coloured accents and script wording around his belly, as well as the eye-catching, fuchsia Be Me Bear.

With macro to micro trending alongside the resurgence of nostalgia, new IP Micro Teenies takes big iconic characters – including some of the best-loved Care Bears BFFs – and shrinks them to a micro-size, offering fans a host of cute, novelty collectibles to celebrate their fandom. Each teeny, tiny character is presented in a miniature box.

Continuing with the nostalgic theme, Basic Fun! has extended its Lite-Brite collection this year with the addition of new licensed lines. Some of the highest-grossing media franchises are now part of the mix for this collection, with Barbie fans able to light up creative play with Barbie Lite-Brite Super Brite HD. Plus, there’s a Mini version to collect too.

Learning Resourceswww.learningresources.co.uk  sales@learning-resources.co.uk

Learning Resources is in the fourth year of its partnership with Numberblocks creator Blue Zoo Animation Studios. With the new Numberblocks Five’s Magical Superstar Stage, Five puts on a musical show with lights, sounds, 10 interchangeable backdrops and even a spinning dance floor.

This deluxe play set is packed with fun interactive features and details at every turn and is ready for lots of imaginative play. Accessories and a Numberblock Five figure are included and children can also add other Numberblock Friends figure sets, which are sold separately.

Numberblock Five’s Magical Superstar Stage is the latest addition to Learning Resources’ expanding range of Numberblocks toys. Developed in close collaboration with the show’s creators, the range brings the on-screen magic of this popular CBeebies TV series to life in the hands and imaginations of young children.

The play set joins the best-selling Numberblocks Step Squad Mission Headquarters and the Numberblocks Rainbow Counting Bus, which is also one of this year’s London Toy Fair Award winners. Other new Numberblocks toys are coming soon in 2025.

To grow brand awareness, Learning Resources has invested in an ongoing integrated marketing campaign which includes digital advertising, social media content and influencer collaborations, PR and more.

The company’s friendly Numberblock Three costume character has also been visiting stores around the country and is available to trade customers to use when arranging their own in-store activations. Learning Resources invites its stockists to get in touch to learn more.

This year, fans will recognise the Numberblocks toys as they go on a musical-themed adventure in Numberland. This content is available exclusively on the official Numberblocks YouTube channel.

Bandai0208 324 6160   |   www.bandai.co.uk    sales@bandai.co.uk

Bandai UK presents some of the most popular character-led licensed ranges across its toy, collector and hobby portfolios.

Series 2 of the Littlest Pet Shop brand comprises over 70 cute characters to collect, including exclusive, never-before-seen pets, each featuring the classic bobbling head. Packs and sets include themed pets, accessories, collector cards, leaflets and a redeem code for use within the Littlest Pet Show Roblox game.

Bandai’s Pip and Posy soft toy range includes Talking Plush, Plush Friends and Clip-On Plush lines. Hero line, the Pip and Posy Talking Plush brings 32cm versions of Pip and Posy, made from soft, high-quality velboa. Twin Figure Packs and a five-figure Gift Pack include 10cm versions of Pip, Posy and their friends, and will be available later in the year

Bandai’s Miraculous collection includes the popular Fashion Doll lines and the number one Miraculous item in the market with the Kwami Surprise collectibles. New fashion dolls, play sets and talking plush have been unveiled for autumn-winter 2024.

The Miraball collectible expanding plush character surprise capsules reveal squishy plushies once opened. The range includes Miraculous, Paw Patrol, Peppa Pig, My Little Pony, SpongeBob, Emoji and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, with plans for other licences to follow.

The Sanrio range includes character keychains and figures, and Moonlights. A Hello Kitty Tamagotchi Nano has been introduced to celebrate the character’s 50th anniversary, featuring exclusive themed games and animated clips.

Celebrating the 85th Anniversary of DC Comic’s Batman, Bandai’s McFarlane range of 5”, 6” and 7” action figures features various iterations of the iconic hero from comics, cartoons and movies. McFarlane’s DC comics range includes Superman, Wonder Woman and The Flash, while other franchises include Marvel Comics and Beetlejuice.

Bandai’s One Piece-themed collectible figures span its Anime Heroes, Banpresto and Minix ranges to offer a collection of action figures, miniatures and flagship quality collector display figures.

Gashapon Blind Bags feature miniature capsule collectibles from iconic IPs such as Demon Slayer, Kirby and Dragon Ball, while the Shokugan ranges bring characters from anime and gaming to life in miniature collectible form, such as the Kirby Friends and Animal Crossing flocked character figures.

Nanoblock and Nanoblock Mininano provide buildable collectible miniatures of licences including Pokémon, Sanrio and Hello Kitty, Kirby, Dragon Ball and Godzilla. Popular with fans of all ages, the Nanoblock constructions offer a superior building experience to create highly detailed 3D models.

Bandai’s licensed portfolio also includes collections for Dragon Ball, Sonic Prime, Pudgy Penguins, Spy X Family, National Geographic and Chibi Masters, Minix and DZMR collector ranges.

Paladone

01273 230 037   |   info@paladone.com   |   www.paladone.com

Paladone's Backpack Buddies are the ultimate collectible for pop culture fans. These clip-on keyrings feature mini figurines, blending iconic brands and accessories so fans can carry their favourite characters with them wherever they go. Each Backpack Buddy comes in a blind bag, adding an element of surprise, with multiple characters to collect across several branded series. First launched in 2018, Paladone’s Backpack Buddies are now available across a range of popular licences, from Harry Potter to Hello Kitty, Minecraft to PlayStation, a horror character collection and more.

New to the European market, Paladone’s Bobbin’ Backpack Buddies add a dynamic twist to the original concept. These keyrings suspend beloved characters, including Harry Potter and Minecraft mobs, in liquid creating a fun floating effect. Whether dangling from a backpack zipper or attached to a set of keys, Bobbin' Backpack Buddies showcase popular characters in a playful, eye-catching way.

Looking ahead to 2025, Paladone is set to continue expanding the Backpack Buddies lineup with new brands, characters and the introduction of scented Backpack Buddies. This upcoming product launch adds another layer to the collectible keychains.

Paladone's commitment to creating licensed products continues to drive its innovation. Readers can look out for Paladone’s latest Backpack Buddies alongside a huge catalogue of innovative licensed home, lifestyle and toy products at all major trade shows including Spring Fair, Spielwarenmesse and New York Toy Fair.

Curious Universe01225 614 310   |   www.curiousuniverse.co.uk     sales@curiousuniverse.co.uk

Curious Universe, a leader in the arts & crafts category, has built an impressive portfolio featuring beloved franchises such as Squishmallows, Paw Patrol, My Little Pony, CoComelon and Magic Mixies. With its innovative designs and engaging products, Curious Universe is carving out a prominent space in the world of character-driven arts & crafts, keeping the spirit of play and creativity at the heart of its offerings.

The partnership between Curious Universe and Squishmallows continues to thrive, integrating the brand’s best-selling formats with this ever-popular licence. Standout products include the Kaleidoscope Colouring Kits, comprising colouring pages, stickers and pens in a sustainable portable folder, and Colour and Carry Kits ,which store colouring pens, books and stickers while also allowing kids to colour directly on the case. The company’s Squishmallows designs also include Crystal Creations, offering an adhesive canvas for diamond painting. Alongside traditional sticker books and more, this diverse range provides children with a creative, hands-on experience featuring beloved Squishmallows characters.

Q4 sees the addition of some new licensed products to Curious Universe's portfolio, further enhancing its character-based offerings. New offerings include Puffy Sticker Scented Books, which feature scented stickers, interactive Scratch Art Doodle Pads that allow kids to etch vibrant designs, and Bath Book Colour Magic, where adding water reveals colourful images for bathtime fun. These formats are designed to ignite children's creativity and deepen their connection with beloved characters, making them ideal for holiday gifts and year-round enjoyment.

Curious Universe continues to collaborate with popular franchises and its ongoing success underscores the company’s dedication to remaining at the forefront of the character merchandise market. By continually expanding its portfolio and offering unique creative experiences, Curious Universe remains a driving force in the industry of arts, crafts and character-based play.

Epoch0208 049 1377   |   www.epochmakingtoys.com   sales@epochmakingtoys.com

Epoch is adding Minions and Jurassic World to its portfolio of games in 2024.

Five action-packed Jurassic World games are available for Q4. Bringing the thrill of the iconic films to life, each game comes with either a selection of dinosaur cards or detailed, collectible dinosaur figures. Players must stop the volcano from erupting in Jurassic World Shaky Volcano; free the much-loved Blue in Jurassic World Cage Breaker; escape the jaws of the T-Rex in Jurassic World T-Rex Panic and balance dinosaurs on the wobbly platform in two balancing games, Jurassic World Volcano Quake and Island Quake, both available at entry price points. All games are suitable for ages 5+ and require no batteries.

In Minions U-Turn Bowling, players pull back the lever for the Minion to bowl, navigating the tricky bend and knocking down as many pins as possible. In Minions Hammer POP, players face off against each other, pressing a button to control their Minions' hammer and shield to see who can hit their opponent’s Minion first. Suitable for 1-2 players aged 4+, both games require no batteries. Three additional games that tie in with the box office smash hit, Despicable Me 4, are AVL Maze Mission, AVL Blast Training and Hover Strike Battle.

Epoch continues to see success with its wide range of licensed Aquabeads sets. The original stick-with-water arts and crafts brand offers an array of properties including Disney Princess, Super Mario and Minions and, for Q4, welcomes its first-ever Harry Potter licensed sets.

The Harry Potter Creations Kit includes 1,200 beads to create keychains of Hermione, Ron and Harry along with Hedwig, a hippogriff and the golden snitch. There’s a bonus template sheet to make the emblems for each of the Houses of Hogwarts. The Harry Potter Keychain Craft Kit comes with 855 beads and everything needed to make keychains inspired by favourite characters, along with a bonus template sheet to make Luna Lovegood.

Lego01753 495 000   |   www.lego.com

This year, the Lego Group has a new range of licensed sets featuring Elphaba & Glinda from the hit musical Wicked, beloved Disney characters such as The Lion King’s Simba and Stitch from of Lilo & Stitch, as well as Peely Bones from Fortnite, offering something for all ages and interests. These sets celebrate some of the most iconic figures in popular culture, bringing beloved characters to life in brick form.

The Lego Wicked Elphaba & Glinda Figures set allows builders to escape to the Emerald City to meet the Wizard, all from the comfort of their own homes. Aligned with the release of the new motion picture from Universal Pictures coming to theatres in November, this brand-new Lego theme has everything a Wicked fan could dream of, from Elphaba and Glinda’s dorm room to the Emerald City itself. Children can take Elphaba for a makeover at Wizomania, cycle through Shiz University with Glinda, or learn about magical history with Nessarose.

Lego fans can also celebrate their love of The Lion King with the Young Simba set. This 1,445-piece set, designed for adults, celebrates The Lion King's 30th anniversary and features a Simba figure with a movable head, allowing the model to be displayed in different poses. This nostalgic gift employs advanced building techniques and fosters a sense of creative joy.

Lego also introduces a Stitch figure based on the iconic children’s film Lilo & Stitch. Complete with an ice cream cone and a hibiscus flower in his hair, this set transports builders to the shores of Hawaii. This incorrigible extraterrestrial, dressed in a Hawaiian shirt, features a movable head and ears, while online interactives truly bring Stitch to life.

Moose Toys01637 882 200   |   www.moosetoys.com     tradeenquiries@moosetoys.com

Tile Town action-adventure magnetic tile play sets are designed to spark kids’ imaginations and encourage story building around favourite licensed properties. With Tile Town, kids build out new worlds through the magic of colourful magnets. Bringing the world within each of the play sets to life are special action tiles that add movement and further inspire story-building. Each play set also includes one or more magnetic figures that, when placed on an action tile, engage in activities such as opening doors, dancing, sliding down a fire pole, escaping dinosaurs and more, depending on the play set theme.

Now available in the UK, the Tile Town play sets, for ages 3-6, feature licensed properties such as Bluey and Jurassic World. The Bluey Heeler Family Home play set includes 42 tiles, two action tiles, a Bluey figure and a Bingo figure. This range features a moving swing set and an oversized tile of Bluey’s iconic kiwi rug that gets the Bluey and up to four other figures dancing when they are placed on it.

The Jurassic World Dino Rescue play set includes 18 tiles, two action tiles and two figures: Owen Grady and Blue the Velociraptor. This range features a buildable rescue truck and a dino trap. Meanwhile, the Jurassic World Gate Escape features 64 tiles, two action tiles, and four figures: Dr. Alan Grant and Dr. Ellie Sattler plus two dinosaurs, Dilophosaurus and Tyrannosaurus Rex. This play set also features a working elevator and opening gates.

Jumbo Galt UK01614 289 111   |   www.galttoys.com    consumer.mail@jumboplay.com

New for Jumbo Galt UK’s spring/summer 2024 collection was the Natural History Museum Let’s Learn collection. There are three kits to discover: The BTHA Hero Toy, Dinosaurs, as well as Tiny Creatures and Animals.

Every set encourages early STEAM learning with six projects to inspire a love of the natural world and help develop vital skills for future scientists. From building a model Tyrannosaurus Rex to learning about the world’s animals, there’s so much to learn and discover in these beautiful kits.

The eye-catching boxes, created from FSC-certified materials, will stand out on shelves, giving parents confidence in their kit’s ability to deliver on its educational promise.

Pat Avenue01604 678 780   |   www.patavenue.co.uk    enquiries@patavenue.co.uk

Pat Avenue has a growing range of licensed character lines across its ranges, including the Hama bead and Cutie Stix collections.

As the exclusive UK&IE distributor of the Hama arts &crafts bead brand, Pat Avenue offers a creative challenge for fans of many character brands, including Peppa Pig, Paw Patrol, Disney’s Frozen and DreamWorks’s Gabby’s Dollhouse. The Gabby's Dollhouse Large Hama Set comes with 4,000 beads to create Gabby and kitty designs. Fans can also string beads to make a kitty headband. For a more affordable activity, there’s the Gabby’s Dollhouse 2,000-bead Hama Giftbox, and for younger children, the Gabby’s Dollhouse Hama Maxi Tub comes with 900 Maxi Beads – bigger beads that are ideal for children who are still refining their fine motor skills.

This season also sees Pat Avenue take on the exclusive distribution of Cutie Stix, with the addition of a new licensed segment of Monster High Kits. Cutie Stix is a proven seller in the arts & crafts aisle, offering a fun way to make bracelets, necklaces and more from patterned rubber shapes.

MV Sports01217 488 000   |   www.mvsports.com   info@mvsports.com

MV Sports is introducing a vibrant new collection inspired by the fearless spirit of Moana, as part of its MoVe range.

The Light Up Folding Inline Scooter features Moana graphics set against a backdrop of ocean waves, capturing the essence of Moana's adventurous spirit. Its fully printed anti-slip footplate ensures a safe ride, while the soft-touch grips provide comfort. The motion-activated durable light-up wheels add an engaging element to the product while the folding mechanism makes it easy to store and transport, perfect for on-the-go adventuring.

The 2-in-1 Training Bike offers a way for children to learn to ride, featuring captivating Moana graphics. With its versatile design, it easily transitions from a pedal bike with stabilisers to a balance bike as children gain confidence and coordination. The wide EVA moulded wheels provide extra stability and a comfortable ride, while the adjustable soft saddle and handlebars grow with the rider.

The Moana Play Tent is the perfect hideaway for imaginative play. Designed with beautiful Moana graphics, it provides a cosy space for kids to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of Moana. Easy to assemble and lightweight, it can be set up both indoors and outdoors.

The Light Up Tilt N Turn Scooter is a brand-new addition to MV Sports’ range. This scooter includes light-up features. The light-up stem comes with three different variations, casting a beautiful glow during play. The tilt-and-turn steering system helps develop balance and coordination, while the light-up wheels ensure a stylish and smooth ride.

Wow! Stuff07817 273 766   |   www.wowstuff.com     tony.white@wowstuff.com

Wow! Stuff is experiencing unprecedented success for its Real FX Disney Stitch Edition. The trailblazing toy creator has created a new Puppetronics sub-category with the high-tech animatronic interactive puppet, which is captivating fans and collectors alike with its lifelike features and engaging play experience.

Timed perfectly to coincide with this year’s International Stitch Day at the end of June, the launch marked a significant milestone in toy retail with the weekend reported as the best performing of the year to date by some independent retailers and the product going straight in at the No.1 spot.

Offering fans the chance to bring the much-loved character from Disney’s Lilo & Stitch into homes and to life like never before, the Real FX The Disney Stitch Edition’s dual play technology blends animatronics with puppetry, resulting in a soft and cuddly character with hand-controlled actions to capture his playful personality and character traits.

Presented in an alien capsule-inspired display case, the Real FX Disney Stitch Edition stands at 45cm/18” tall and includes over 100 action and sound combinations, creating lifelike interactions. He comes with blinking and squinting eyes, a moving mouth and touch sensors on his head, nose and mouth. Highly detailed and true-to-character, the sell-out toy is voiced by the animated movie’s original artist, Chris Sanders, for a real-life Stitch showpiece.

Red Robin Design(32) 0487 559 498   |   (33) 0671 565 620     anouk.pauwels@redrobindesign.be   hocine.yenneck@redrobindesign.be

Red Robin Design is introducing exclusive Minecraft Gaming Deskmats and 10-Inch Storage Boxes.

Fans can elevate their gaming experience with Minecraft-themed deskmats. Measuring a generous size, these deskmats are designed to provide a smooth, comfortable surface for a keyboard and mouse, while showcasing vibrant, high-quality prints of popular Minecraft scenes. Whether fans are building epic castles or exploring dangerous dungeons, Red Robin Design’s deskmats set the perfect stage for the next adventure. With designs featuring iconic elements, users will feel like they’ve stepped right into the game every time they sit at their desks.

Crafted with precision and durability in mind, these deskmats are made from premium materials that offer a non-slip base and smooth, responsive surface – ideal for both casual gamers and competitive players. Easy to clean and built to last, they’re perfect for any Minecraft enthusiast looking to personalise their gaming space.

Users can also keep their gaming area tidy and true to theme with Red Robin Design’s Minecraft 10-Inch Storage Boxes. These sturdy, spacious boxes can neatly store everything from controllers and games to toys and collectibles. With bold, colourful designs featuring familiar blocks and characters, these storage solutions are as practical as they are stylish. The Minecraft 10-Inch Storage Boxes can be stacked, stored, or simply used as a decorative piece. They’re also easy to assemble and feature a durable construction.

Red Robin Design’s gaming deskmats and storage boxes are suitable for fans of all ages.

YuMe Toyswww.yumetoys.com   |   emeasales@yumetoys.com

The highly anticipated Netflix Gift Box curated by YuMe Toys in partnership with Netflix has officially launched and is delivering a new concept of seasonal calendars set to appeal to all the family.

The Netflix Gift Box includes a range of exclusive items that pay tribute to the entertainment company’s most beloved shows and films. Retailing at £99.99, it is already proving to be a must-have item for the 2024 holiday season, appealing to Netflix fans and offering enjoyment for all. This is a cross-brand product intended to entertain and resonate across generations.

Designed to be a stunning showpiece which can be displayed in the home, the box has a sleek black exterior embossed with the iconic red Netflix logo. On every opening of the box, the signature Netflix ‘Tudum’ melody sets the stage for revealing the contents behind the rows of compartments. The box is protected by a transparent acetate sleeve and secured with a satin ribbon, making it an elegant coffee table centrepiece or storage solution.

Inside, there are 24 numbered compartments, each a gateway to one of seven popular Netflix titles. Carefully curated, these compartments hold exclusive, premium products that reflect the essence of each show or film. Titles featured in the calendar include Bridgerton, Squid Game, The Witcher, Stranger Things, Rebel Moon, Outer Banks and One Piece.

Imagine8www.imagine8.com   |   sales@imagine8.com

Imagine8 creates accessories for world-leading children’s brands. Its partnership with industry giants such as the BBC, Hasbro and Paramount has refined its ability to deliver quality products and exceed retailer expectations. From plush toys that spark imagination to innovative hair and jewellery accessories, Imagine8’s collections are meticulously designed to cater for the evolving tastes of children and parents alike.

Launching in 2025, Imagine8’s new Bluey and Bingo plush backpacks enable children to carry their favourite characters with them wherever they go. The charming designs ensure that Bluey and Bingo, the lovable Australian Heelers, become constant companions for young children whether they're heading to school, on a playdate, or enjoying a family outing. Available in a range of sizes, the backpack boasts adjustable straps to ensure a comfortable fit as children grow, a large storage pocket for essential items and soft-touch, snuggly plush fabric. The plush material is designed to be both cosy and durable, perfect for the rough and tumble of pre-school life.

The 6” plush Bluey and Bingo bag clips are made from soft-touch fabric with charming, embroidered details and are designed to add a touch of personality to any backpack, school bag or book bag. Ideal for young fans eager to showcase their favourite characters, these bag clips bring a comforting and playful element to everyday routines.

Funko020 3376 3223   |   www.funkoeurope.com    newtradeenquiries.emea@funko.com

Funko has expanded its fan-favourite Bitty Pop! range with Bittyverse. An exciting and refreshing extension of the core Bitty Pop! line, Bittyverse focuses on enhancing the playability of the miniature Funko products by inviting fans to mix and match with new, IP-driven Rides, Towns and Displays.

Funko’s Bittyverse takes mini collectibles to a whole new level with licensor partners including DC Comics, Star Wars and Harry Potter. Many more are still to come, from Disney and Marvel all the way through to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Lord of The Rings and beyond. This depth and breadth of range means all fans can expect to see their favourite Pop! collectible in miniature form in the Bittyverse.

Bitty Pop! Rides let fans take new Bittys on the open road with IP-specific new additions. Fans can also utilise Rides to drive into Bitty Pop! Towns, which offer a variety of iconic IP-inspired buildings and locations. Each Town comes with a related Bitty Pop! and a case that can be placed within the Town.

Funko has also unveiled Bitty Pop! Displays, allowing collectors to showcase their Bitty Pop! characters and accessories. The displays come with two unique Bitty collectibles exclusive to the IP-based display. All forms of the Bittyverse, including Bitty Pop! Rides and Towns, can fit into all the Displays.

Fans can keep their eyes on @funko_europe and funkoeurope.com for future Bittyverse updates and to stay up to date on all things Funko as more exciting announcements are made. Funko’s Bittyverse is available in the UK now. For business enquires, contact New Trade Enquiries EMEA on the email above.

The Carat Shop01279 442 528   |   www.trade.thecaratshop.co.uk   info@thecaratshop.co.uk

The Carat Shop is launching the new Harry Potter Trunk Box Advent Calendar for 2024. This advent calendar features a vintage trunk box design with functioning metal fixings, catches and detailing. It is made entirely of antique-effect wood and is vinyl-wrapped with the Harry Potter and Hogwarts logo on the top. The exterior design aims to encapsulate a well-loved suitcase, used for many years at Hogwarts.

Once inside, users are greeted with a gold foiled Harry Potter logo, a set of keys to lock the case when not in use, and their very own Hogwarts Letter. On day one, an actual flying key awaits the opener, flying out of the letter to provide a magical start to the festive period.

There are two layers of boxes to explore every day during the run-up to Christmas Eve, all featuring products inspired by items fans would expect to find in Harry’s suitcase at Hogwarts; this includes the Golden Snitch as a Christmas decoration, a Christmas ornament of Harry’s Jumper, Harry’s wand pen and a Monster Book of Monsters keyring. In total, this calendar includes 10 new items, never-seen-before in the Carat Shop’s collections.

After every day has been opened and Christmas has arrived, the calendar can be locked to keep anything users decide to put inside safe.

The Carat Shop’s 2024 Trunk Box Advent Calendar is available to order now on The Carat Shop’s website.

Hachette07424 900 264     www.hachetteboardgames.co.uk

Hachette Boardgames UK has announced the upcoming release of Wednesday: Creatures and Outcasts, a new card game from MKNY Entertainment inspired by the hit Netflix series Wednesday.

Set to launch in the UK in September 2024, the game promises to immerse players in a world of mystery, strategy and supernatural intrigue. Designed by René Groen, a renowned game designer known for his work on licensed board games such as Peaky Blinders, Jurassic World and Candy Crush, Groen’s signature skill is to evoke a hit licence through gameplay – a talent he has applied to Wednesday: Creatures and Outcasts.

In Wednesday: Creatures and Outcasts, 2-6 players engage in a battle of wits, playing cards on a stack where each card must be higher than the previous one. Each player’s goal is to outsmart their opponents and be the first to get rid of all their cards. Any cards left in their hand at the end of a round count as penalty points.

The big twist is that there is a second stack of cards comprised of well-known characters from the Wednesday series. As they are brought into play, they will introduce unexpected changes to the game and radically alter the rules, keeping everyone on their toes. After five rounds, the player with the best score emerges victorious.

With season 2 of Wednesday scheduled for 2025, Wednesday: Creatures and Outcasts is the perfect way for fans to bide their time before its release. The game is available now.

The Noble Collection020 7580 4442   |   wholesale.noblecollection.co.uk. gdavies@noblecollection.com   aelliott@noblecollection.com

The Noble Collection has announced the expansion of its partnership with Universal Products & Experiences. In addition to new products based on some of NBCUniversal’s iconic characters and stories, The Noble Collection will launch a new range of products from this holiday season’s highly anticipated theatrical release of Wicked on 22nd November.

The Noble Collection’s assortment of children’s role-play toys, toyllectibles and adult-targeted collectibles are all inspired by the upcoming cinematic event. Role-play toys including Glinda’s Bubble Wand, Glinda’s Bubble Crown, Elphaba’s Hat and Elphaba’s Broom offer young Wicked fans the role-play accessories they need to be just like the beloved characters from the movie. Plush toyllectibles including the Cowardly Lion Cub and Chistery the Flying Monkey will allow Wicked fans to discover uniquely styled soft new friends. Wicked role-play Toys and toyllectibles will be available from 1st October at retailers around the world. The first wave of prop replicas and adult-targeted collectibles will be available in time for this holiday season.

The Noble Collection pays homage to the most recognisable films and properties with a collection of intricately detailed products for the ultimate fans. Since 1991, the company has garnered an international reputation, providing an array of products to collectors and everyday consumers of all ages. The company works with the industry’s leading artisans who spend hundreds of hours thoughtfully creating quality products that have earned the respect of collectors, casual consumers and devoted fans of some of the world’s most iconic properties.

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The team behind Cyanide and Happiness’ game Joking Hazard has signed a deal with Marc Sach, creator of Fuzzballs, to release board and card games branded with the loveable Fuzzballs characters. 

Joking Hazard began its foray into tabletop gaming with the launch of a successful crowdfunding campaign to create its flagship game of the same name. This endeavour garnered support from over 63,000 backers, raising an impressive $3.2m in funding. The brand’s expanding portfolio includes best-selling party games such as Trial By Trolley and Master Dater, and, most recently, it has entered the family-friendly realm with the sausage-themed strategy game, Sosig. The company will continue releasing family-friendly games under a new division, Scrungo Games, the same division that will be running the Lay Waste brand. 

Starting as a simple webcomic in 2013, Fuzzballs became a series of merchandise in 2015. Since then, there have been over 300 different Fuzzballs branded products created (ranging from apparel to home goods and more) and 20,000 products shipped to fans worldwide.

A new addition to the Fuzzballs universe is Pizza Thief. This upcoming game, which is in the final stages of development and artworking, is set to be released in early 2025. Pizza Thief invites players to a whimsical pizza party with the Fuzzballs, where the objective is to enjoy the ultimate pizza experience. Players will need to balance perfecting their own slices while cleverly sabotaging their friends’ orders in a playful food fight. With innovative gameplay and Fuzzballs’ charm, Pizza Thief promises endless fun.

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Simba Smoby UK is the official UK licensee of Disney Plush and offers a selection of beloved characters. Moana 2 is coming to the big screen at the end of the year, and so too is the new Moana plush lineup. There are three new super-soft plush pals to collect: Moana, Heihei the rooster and Pua the pig.

Other new additions to the Disney plush range include the nostalgic 30th-anniversary line for The Lion King. 2024 marks 30 years since the film’s debut, and with a new movie coming this December - Mufasa: The Lion King – the four 25cm Lion King characters will be at the top of kids’ Christmas wish lists. Simba, Mufasa, Timon and Pumba are all available, each with a distinctive anniversary hangtag.

Simba’s plush collection also features many other Disney properties, including Disney Stitch, Star Wars, Dumbo, Classics and more.

With the promise of a second series of Wednesday, this season’s big launch is the 18cm Jada Wednesday RC Thing. Using the controller for speed and direction, this disembodied hand can be brought to life, crawling across surfaces. It’s instantly recognisable with its realistic design and creepy stitched detailing, making it a fun prop to play pranks and film Wednesday content with.

There are also creative collectibles inspired by the series; the Wednesday 2.5-inch Coffin Deluxe Blind Boxes from Jada Toys are already proving a hit. Each comes with a stylised 100% die cast figurine and two surprise accessories.