Mattel

MATTEL, MOVIES AND MONSTERS!

JON SPALDING

This week marks six months since I joined Mattel, and what an incredibly exciting six months it’s been.

First, we had the announcement of the return of Monster High with a live action movie and TV series. Then came the news that Mattel was heading even further into the movie business with a jaw-dropping 15 live action movies to come, partnering with world class film studios from Warner Brothers to Netflix.

Kicking the movie slate off in summer 2023 will be the first ever live action ‘Barbie’ movie. Starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, the Barbie movie will undoubtably be the pop-culture moment of 2023. Hot on the heels of ‘Barbie’ will be a Hot Wheels live action movie produced by JJ Abrams, followed by Masters of the Universe, Polly Pocket and a Matchbox movie produced by the studio that just released Top Gun: Maverick.

During my first six months with the company, I’ve learned about Mattel’s transformation to a franchise-first business: its significant investment into consumer products, retail, toys, publishing, live events, marketing, gaming, style guides, digital and TV content - such as the new Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go and Fireman Sam content. The list goes on.

Sprinkling this magic over such evergreen and popular brands means we’re entering unchartered territory at Mattel. It really is an exciting place to be and an exciting time to work here. We’re in growth mode and have big ambitions for the coming years.

I’m honoured and humbled to work in the licensing industry and with the fantastic team at Mattel. Licensing is a truly unique industry filled with diverse and talented people, companies and brands. No day is the same and BLE is a moment where we can celebrate this together.

As we move into 2023 and prepare for Mattel’s biggest year to-date, the team and I are delighted to give you a taste of things to come. Please enjoy - and do come to say hello at BLE.

Barbie inspires the limitless potential in every girl and is a reflection of culture, a pop icon and a fashion muse.

Since 1959, as the original girl empowerment brand, Barbie has shown girls they can be anything. By providing purposeful play with over 200 careers, highlighting global role models, showcasing diversity and inclusion, and leading the mission to close the Dream Gap, Barbie continuously strives to help kids reach their limitless potential.

The world’s #1 global toy property for the past 2 years, the Barbie brand continues to be reflective of the world children see around them, adding diversity and inclusion and introducing more than 175 new looks, with dolls featuring a variety of skin tones, eye colours, hair colours and textures, disabilities, body types and more. This year the brand introduced a Barbie with behind-the-ear hearing aids, as well as a Ken doll with vitiligo to continue expanding an inclusive view of beauty

Today, Barbie continues to be at the centre of pop culture, reflecting the times and inspiring conversation. As a powerhouse franchise spanning all core product categories, Barbie develops amazing products for both kids and adult fans alike.

Barbie is everywhere kids are, with 99% brand awareness. Barbie generates conversation like no other toy as the #1 toy brand in social conversation. Barbie is across platforms with 10m+ subscribers on Youtube, over 4m combined Instagram followers on @Barbie and @BarbieStyle and 420K fans on TikTok.

THE BARBIE MOVIE

The much-anticipated live-action adventure about the iconic doll, played by Margot Robbie with a star-studded supporting cast, was announced as hitting screens on 21st July 2023 at this year’s Warner Bros. presentation at Las Vegas’ CinemaCon.

Directed by Oscar nominated Greta Gerwig (director of Ladybird and Little Women), who co-wrote the script with her partner the Oscar nominated director and writer Noah Baumbach, production is currently underway on the Mattel Films and WB project.

The movie stars Oscar nominated Margot Robbie and Oscar nominated Ryan Gosling in the lead roles, while Kate McKinnon, Alexandra Shipp, America Ferrera, Simu Liu, Issa Rae, Ncuti Gatwa, Nicola Coughlan, Michael Cera, Emma Mackey, Hari Nef and Will Ferrell all co-star in the reimagining of Barbie’s world.

Producers on “Barbie” also include Robbie via LuckyChap with Tom Ackerley; Mattel’s Robbie Brenner; and David Heyman for Heyday Films. LuckyChap’s Josey McNamara and Mattel’s Ynon Kreiz are executive producers.

EXPLORING THE BENEFITS OF DOLL PLAY

Cardiff University, in a multi-year research partnership with Barbie, conducted the first neuroimaging study to deliver notable results about the effect of doll play on the brain. In Fall 2020, Cardiff University and Barbie unveiled results of the study, Exploring the Benefits of Doll Play through Neuroscience.

The study explored the impact doll play has on children, bringing to light new evidence that doll play activates brain regions that allow children to develop empathy and social information processing skills, even when playing by themselves.

Now in its second year, Exploring the Benefits of Doll Play through Neuroscience investigated the importance of what kids say while they play and found an increased use of language used by children about others thoughts and emotions during doll play. When compared to tablet play, this form of pretend play when playing alone showed more signs of internal state language (ISL), meaning that when children create imaginary worlds and role play with dolls, they communicated more about others’ thoughts, emotions, and perspectives - putting themselves in the shoes of others.

IT TAKES TWO

An all-new content series Barbie: It Takes Two launched on POP earlier this year, before moving onto Netflix this autumn joining Barbie’s beloved heritage titles. A brand new fairytale movie Barbie: Mermaid Power launches this October, and the brand will continue to debut exciting new kids content in 2023. Not forgetting the much-anticipated ‘Barbie’ live action film coming in July 2023 starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, and directed by Greta Gerwig, sure to be the pop culture moment of 2023.

THE FUTURE OF PINK IS GREEN

Barbie is committed to protecting the planet by raising awareness about environmental challenges and inspiring kids to take positive action.

Most recently, Barbie, in partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute introduced a Dr. Jane Goodall doll, in the likeness of the renowned British conservationist.

The brand has spotlighted more careers in sustainability with the 2022 Barbie Career of The Year Eco-Leadership Team, which includes a Chief Sustainability Officer, Conservation Scientist, Renewable Energy Engineer and Environmental Advocate.

The Inspiring Women doll and career doll set are certified CarbonNeutral and made from recycled ocean-bound plastic.

step into the world of Barbie with our amazing partners

BARBIE CP EXPLOSION

2023 is shaping up to be the year of Barbie and Mattel are ramping up plans to deliver the biggest year in Barbies history. With a full cross-category offering across toys, stationery, publishing, lifestyle, FMCG and hardlines – Barbie will be everywhere across retailers. As well as strategic partners such as Just Play, Mondo, Ravensburger, Bioworld and Kokomo, there will be new partnerships announced very shortly

KOKOMO & BARBIE COLLABORATE ON BEAUTY COLLECTION AT PRIMARK

Barbie expanded its health and beauty offering with the awardwinning licensed toiletry specialist Kokomo. The brands have collaborated on a dynamic, inclusive, and inspiring collection for consumers that celebrate diverse dolls, iconic Barbie logos and graphics across a collection of 17 products. Launched exclusively at Primark in over 300 stores across accessories, skincare and cosmetics, the range has been designed to provide a one-stop-shop for adult Barbie fans.

BARBIE X TUTU DU MONDE COLLABORATE ON WHIMSICAL NEW COLLECTION

Barbie and Tutu du Monde, maker of high-end fashions for children have collaborated on a playful collection of tutu dresses, day wear and accessories, available globally this year. An all-new collection of designs inspired by the iconic Barbie, Tutu du Monde’s intricate and unique designs have been reimagined in a Barbie palette of power pastels and rainbow touches, complete with Barbie motif’s to create a fun and fresh collection for children, stocked at Harrods, Selfridges, Liberty, Bloomingdales, Saks, Harvey Nichols, OUNASS and more. Celebrating the imaginations of little (and big) girls the world over, each Tutu Du Monde piece is truly unique— just like its wearer— and is perfect for all occasions, from playing dress-ups to being a flower girl. Barbie’s purpose, to empower the limitless potential in every girl, made the doll brand a natural fit for Tutu du Monde, whose craftmanship is designed to celebrate and nurture the whimsy of childhood. With a shared desire to celebrate little girls’ imaginations, each piece has been carefully designed to allow little ones the opportunity to dance, play and explore joyfully.

SCHOOL IS BACK IN SESSION

Monster High is returning in 2022 reimagined with a new set of fangtastic characters that embrace what makes them unique and rally people everywhere to be yourself, be unique and be a monster. First introduced in 2010 with a global fanbase embracing its message of inclusivity, Monster High went on to sell 150+ million dolls and become $2B franchise as one of the most successful and beloved kids’ properties of all time.

Reimagining the Monster High as a purpose-driven brand in 2022 allows the brand to reach a multi-generational fanbase that includes both kids who are new to the fangdom and young adults who grew up with the original monsters. By reimagining the brand with new content and dolls, Monster High can better connect with, and make a greater impact on, issues that are core to the brand purpose: inclusion, diversity, and community. Our commitment to representation translates to lead BIPOC and LGBTQ+ core doll characters in content, and the brand will create authentic stories focused on under-represented groups such as non-traditional families and neurodiversity.

The incredible content plans - MOVIE in 2023, TV series...

Mattel TV teamed up with Nickelodeon to produce a spooktacular series of global content to unite the fangdom with ghoul-orious content airing this autumn with the first ever live-action, movie musical, Monster High: The Movie!

‘Monster High: The Movie!’ follows Clawdeen Wolf, who was born half human and half werewolf, after she arrives at her new school, Monster High. She quickly makes friends with her classmates Frankie Stein and Draculaura, and for the first time in her life, Clawdeen feels like she has finally found a place where she fits in and can truly be herself, despite keeping her human half a secret. When a devious plan to destroy Monster High threatens to reveal her real identity, Clawdeen must learn to embrace her true monster heart and find a way to save the day.

Following the movie, animated series, Monster High: The Series will premiere on Nickelodeon later this autumn. The animated series will dive deeper into the lore, character identities, and brand purpose in creative and exciting ways for fans.

Fans new and old will get to know the reimagined set of fangtastic characters through their stories told in content. While they take on new identities, looks and backgrounds, these characters will continue to embrace what makes them unique and rally people everywhere to be yourself, be unique and be a monster.

CONSUMER PRODUCT SUCCESS!

Monster High was a monstrous success in Consumer products during it’s first run – delivering over a $220m+ in revenue and delivering a true cross-category franchise statement.

With fans covering Students and Alumni, our CP programs will begin in 2023 with a significant launch across Hardlines, Softlines, Publishing and FMCG categories. Launching across core categories including Toys, Dress-Up, Arts & Crafts, Collectibles, Puzzles and Stationery, our Monster High program will also delve into Lifestyle categories such as apparel, home and Health + Beauty. A full publishing program is also in the works.

Monster High will be a global consumer product focus for Mattel.

HOT WHEELS A GLOBAL BRAND POWERHOUSE

Hot Wheels diecast car is the #1 selling toy in the world, having sold 7 billion cars since 1968, with 10 million cars made per week – selling 16.5 cars per second and more than eight billion cars to date. In 2021, Hot Wheels surpassed $1 billion in sales for the first time, which was the company’s fourth-consecutive year of global growth. For over three generations, Hot Wheels has provided exhilarating vehicle play that challenges kids to develop new skills, while having fun with the most outrageous and innovative cars and track systems. Hot Wheels ethos ‘Challenge Accepted’ ignites and nurtures the challenger spirit that lives within every kid and is at the heart of the new Hot Wheels City range. More than just a toy, the brand has evolved into a franchise and multi-channel play experience with segments in gaming, digital, automobile parts to licensed apparel, merchandise and live events.

LEGENDS TOUR RETURNS!

Hot Wheels has increased its position in the custom car builder community by creating the world’s largest annual international custom car show tour, Hot Wheels Legends Tour, which now spans 13 countries, 5 continents and sees thousands of global Hot Wheels fans compete each year to have their custom car builds immortalized as the next 1:64-scale piece of Hot Wheels history.

2021 was a big year for the UK Hot Wheels Legends Tour as in October 2021, the second UK Hot Wheels Legends Tour event took place and in November the UK Hot Wheels entry was crowned the winner of the 2021 Hot Wheels Legends Tour in the global grand finale that took play at Jay Leno’s Garage. The Volvo P1800 “Ain’t No Saint” Gasser has now been made into a 1:64 Hot Wheels die-cast toy!

The hunt is on for this year’s entrants as Hot Wheels Legends Tour invites car enthusiasts to put forward their life-size vehicle for the chance to become part of the Hot Wheels line-up and the search for the next classic, modified or race car to transform into a scaled reproduction die-cast toy is on – with two being chosen for the honour this year!

AN ALL-NEW HOT WHEELS MONSTER TRUCKS LIVE EXPERIENCE WILL LIGHT UP THE UK IN 2023 WITH THE LAUNCH OF THE GLOW PARTY.

Live Nation and Raycom-Legacy Content Company, in partnership with Mattel, are bringing Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live back to the UK following hugely successful sell-out shows in 2020 and 2022.

As the #1 Monster Tuck Die-cast toy brand in the world, the Monster Trucks tour has given the brand a great start to 2022 as an immersive experience that brings audiences the only opportunity to see real-life versions of the famous Hot Wheels monster truck toys.

After hosting some of our most successful shows earlier this year in the UK, the tour will be returning in 2023 with an incredible, new twist. Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party will bring a whole new level of fun and excitement to arenas across the UK and will ignite the challenger spirit in all who attend.

The ‘Glow Party’ theme tour which will kick off its international tour with new trucks in an upcoming 9 stop tour across Europe. Fuelled by popular demand, the family entertainment tour will visit European arenas starting 2nd January in Glasgow, UK, at The SSE Hydro and will run through 16th April in Birmingham UK, at the Resort Worlds Arena.

CP FOCUS FOR 2023

This year Munchy Play launched the Hot Wheels Car Plate – the first of its kind to feature a built-in racetrack. Kids can race their cars around the signature orange Hot Wheels track, dodging obstacles along the way, before taking a pit stop to ‘refuel’. The plate features a 4cm track around its perimeter, which fits all Hot Wheels diecast cars.

This innovative approach will continue with strategic partnerships across Hardlines, softlines and publishing. In Vehicles, Mondo’s expansive RC product line and Carerra’s new offering on Hot Wheels Slot-racing, join Bladez Hot Wheels Maker Kitz as key products to watch. Whilst a focus in Sotflines & FMCG will drive significant growth.

HOT WHEELS CONNECTS WITH BOYS ON EVERY LEVEL, TO IGNITE AND NURTURE THE CHALLENGER SPIRIT WITHIN EVERYONE!

Hot Wheels continues to expand its presence in categories where kids are, with success in digital gaming across mobile, console and PD platforms. Hot Wheels continues to partner with best in-class gaming franchises with the brand launching Hot Wheels Open World in 2020 as the first standalone game with Roblox, the #1 racing game platform for kids, as well as highly successfully partnerships with Forza Horizons franchise, the popular mobile game Age of Tanks, and others. Hot Wheels is doubling down on its owned digital content as well, releasing games including Hot Wheels Infinite Loop in 2020 and console game Hot Wheels Unleashed which launched in 2021.

To celebrate Gucci’s 100th anniversary, Hot Wheels partnered with the fashion house to immortalize the 1982 Gucci Cadillac Seville. This Hot Wheels x Gucci Cadillac Seville is the first high fashion collaboration for Hot Wheels and first official collectible from Gucci. Gucci added Italian flair to the V8-powered sedan, and we went all out with this 1:64 collectible. This super limited-edition, Hot Wheels is outfitted with an allmetal die-cast body and chassis as well as Real Riders tires.

Every exquisite detail, including the GG pattern and gold piping on the seats, is authentic to the full scale “Seville by Gucci” and sure to make this collectible a showstopper!

HELPING TO SAVE THE DAY FOR OVER 30 YEARS

With over 30 years’ experience of entertaining preschool children, Fireman Sam and the Rescue Team in Pontypandy know a thing or two about safety.

Set in the fictional village of Pontypandy, the series educates preschool children on the importance of safety in a fun and engaging way, with a lesson delivered in each episode.

Although the Firefighters are the main heroes, the rescue team has expanded in recent years to include Mountain, Ocean, Police, Animal and Air Rescue - whatever the rescue, wherever the emergency, the Rescue Team of Pontypandy will always be there to save the day!

The Fireman Sam brand is a fun, purposeful and trusted 360-franchise property with toy, consumer products, live events, publishing and content.

The Fireman Sam series has aired in over 100 countries and the popular YouTube channels have a combined 11 billion total views 1 .

Season 13 launched in October 2021 and is now being rolled out globally and we are excited to announce that Season 14 is on the way!

FIREMAN SAM LEADS THE WAY ON CARTOONITO

The Fireman Sam series continues to go from strength to strength as the #1 ratings contributor to Cartoonito 2 .

The rescue team have returned with more heroes, emergencies and adventures. Marine Biologist, Jodie Phillips, voiced by Ayesha Antoine (Dr Who, Skins) joined the team and has a passion about all things Oceanic and drives the eco-education focus of the new episodes.

Jodie is intelligent, fearless and a natural athlete using her custom prosthetic leg on land and sea – a positive, vibrant role model for Pontypandy. When she isn’t collecting data on marine life in the Welsh seas, she is aboard the new Hovercraft helping Ocean Rescue!

Preschoolers are encouraged to think about sustainable living and protecting marine life and the environment as well as educating them on how to be safe on the beach and at sea.

There are thrilling animal rescues supported by new Pontypandy Police recruits – Police Dog Shadow and Police Horse Kilo. Police Dog Shadow is an expert search and rescue dog, loyal and energetic, ready for every emergency with a snazzy selection of uniforms and accessories. While Police Horse Kilo, calm, proud and strong with a penchant for carrots, will do all he can for his rider and care giver, Police SGT. Rose Ravani. SGT. Ravani is kitted out with a brand-new high-tech Amphibious Helicopter that can tackle the most challenging predicaments with a high-powered search light, on-board heat-seeking technology, tactical navigation and more.

Fireman Sam Season 13 is packed with a host of nail-biting situations, from investigating the Beast of Pontypandy to fighting fire on the water. There are blazing hot air balloons, riptide rescues and we discover the ghost of Pontypandy Pete on the haunted hayride.

LOOK OUT FOR SEASON 14 WITH A NEW PLANE AND AIRPORT PLUS NEW FRIENDS TO HELP!

Launching later this year, Season 14 will see the Pontypandy Rescue Team back to save the day on land, at sea and in the air with a shiny new eco-plane, an airport to fly it from and wonderful new friends to help!

Explore the skies above Pontypandy with newcomer Pilot Krystyna as she navigates her shiny new plane through thrilling rescues! See the freshly built airport hangar and check out the dashing new uniforms for the entire Firefighting team. The modernised uniforms glow in the dark for daring night time rescues and the new helmet design brings the team firmly up-to-date. Marine biologist Jodie also returns, leading ocean conservation projects, and continues to teach the cadets about ocean stewardship.

Season 14 will introduce our first ever double episode Christmas Special which sees Sarah Jones and Chief Elf Norman Price bring Pontypandy Wonderland to life. With gingerbread firefighters, candy canes, Christmas trees and snowmen, what could possibly go wrong in Pontypandy?

FISHER-PRICE PARTNERS WITH FAMILY ACTION TO PLAY-LAB

As the #1 infant & preschool brand in the world and sold in 150 countries Fisher-Price continues to amplify the power of childhood.

This year to launch the Fisher-Price Play Lab, Fisher-Price joined forces with UK Charity Family Action to launch a charitable partnership and programme of parent and child-focused activities to help alleviate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on 0 to 5-year-olds’ early years learning and development.

The year-long initiative will comprise a range of activities and resources focused on supporting young children and their parents and carers with early childhood development (ECD) and reaching key milestones that may have been impacted during the pandemic. It will focus on how caregivers can incorporate simple techniques through play in the home environment to help support children’s learning. Family Action will also roll this learning out as a special programme at some of their centres.

The initiative will harness the 60-years’ experience within Fisher-Price Play Lab, the state-of-the-art toy research, design and testing facility where ECD Experts and tiny testers from new-born to five years old help create, evaluate and improve Fisher-Price toys. The Play Lab will provide resources, funding and Early Childhood Development-focused toys developed by the Fisher-Price Play Lab that ar e proven to help with social, language, motor skills and numeracy.

Funding provided by Fisher-Price to Family Action as part of the initiative will also allow some of the country’s most vulnerable families to be given further early years support through new programmes delivered by Family Action across the UK. Fisher-Price will also donate a significant number of toys that have all been designed and created to help with ECD, including social, language, motor skills and numeracy, which will be distributed throughout the UK.

FISHER-PRICE JOINS IN MATTEL PLAYBACK!

This year, Mattel announced the expansion of its Mattel PlayBack program to now include Fisher-Price toys. Fisher-Price joins Barbie, MEGA, and Matchbox brands in the toy takeback initiative, which enables families to extend the life of their Mattel toys once they are finished playing with them.

The new programme is designed to recover and reuse materials from old Mattel toys in future Mattel products, keep materials out of landfills, and supports the company’s goal to achieve 100% recycled, recyclable, or bio-based plastic materials in its products and packaging by 2030.

The Mattel PlayBack programme supports Mattel’s product stewardship and circular design principles, and the expansion of the programme adds to a growing list of product launches and corporate initiatives that ladder up to Mattel’s ESG strategy and goals and support the company’s aim to contribute to a more diverse, equitable, inclusive and sustainable future.

CP FOCUS FOR 2023

As an evergreen property, Fisher-Price is a focus for Mattel. Alongside world-class existing partnerships across all categories, a new style guide approach for 2023 allows for growth in new categories. In particular noticeable partnerships across 8th Wonder, Eldohm, Sports Power, Dolu, Poetic Gem and on publishing Bonnier, amongst others.

THOMAS & FRIENDS THE BIGGEST FRIENDS OF ALL!

In 2021, the Thomas & Friends brand launched new content with a 2D animation look, this style update is for the next generation of fans, and retains core characters and themes as well as the well-loved locations on the Island of Sodor to make it easily recognisable. The animation style allows for super expressive facial expressions and body language, plus lends itself to the physical humour that our young preschool audience enjoys. Now that the core engine characters are kids in the show, they are also voiced by child actors – making these characters even more authentic and relatable for our pre-school audience.

The refresh of the content ensures that the show remains relevant with pre-schoolers and parents, as they relate to the journeys that Thomas embarks on.

The new content ‘Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go’ is a huge ratings success and is continuing into 2023!

INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP DAY!

To mark International Friendship Day on Saturday 30th July 2022, Thomas & Friends, proudly announced the winners of the inaugural ‘Thomas & Friends International Friendship Day Awards’.

From hundreds of entrants across the UK, five young winners aged between 4 and 8 years old were selected by the judging panel and each presented with their award by musician and celebrity Dad, Aston Merrygold at a special awards ceremony. Each winner has shown an outstanding example of friendship, which has demonstrated putting others first, kindness, and going above and beyond to help a friend.

Claudia Caron, Marketing Manager, Mattel, said: “It is very special and such an honour for Thomas & Friends brand to be able to recognise these outstanding acts of friendship by young children from all around the UK. The first ever Thomas & Friends International Friendship Day Awards have truly shown how incredible and remarkable children are, with hundreds of entries all demonstrating such kindness, putting others first and going above and beyond for their friends.”

Bladez Toyz

02392 658 255 | www.bladeztoyz.co.uk | sales@bladeztoyz.co.ukThe success of the Barbie Make Your Own Dreamhouse has inspired the Bladez Toyz design team to create the lower-priced Barbie Pop-Up Boutique and Pop-Up Café. Both use the same assembly system and sustainable card material. Kids can make the easy-to-assemble boutique, complete with display unit and sales counter, then add re-positionable stickers to customise and decorate it ready for the big launch.

The Pop-Up Café’s accessories include a chilled cabinet which can be stocked with food stickers to create an eye-catching display, plus table and chair with a sunshade ready for the first customers. Both are perfect for use with Barbie dolls and are available to order now.

Incorporating STEM principles has expanded the popular Maker Kitz range. Barbie can now get scientific with new science-themed Maker Kitz. Options include the new Barbie Crystal Ballgown Science Set, which encourages children to learn the basics of science with their favourite doll brand by growing a sparkly gown made of crystals. The Make Your Own Bath Fizzers set, meanwhile, comes with all the ingredients needed to create Barbie bath fizzers which turn the water pink.

The introduction of the new, collectible, pocket-money-priced Monster Trucks Mini Maker Kitz combines the Maker Kitz snap-fit construction and pull-back motor format with stickers used to create an unstoppable mini Monster Truck. With three different styles to collect, and hundreds of possible combinations thanks to switchable stickers and wheel colours, this low-price range beefs up the Bladez Monster Trucks offering for spring 2023.

Character Options

0161 633 9800 | www.character-online.com sales@charactergroup.plc.uk

The Fireman Sam brand is one of Character Options’ leading pre-school brands, and the collection will be at its peak in the final quarter. Ideal for festive gifting, the collection taps into all core play patterns, with play sets, figures and vehicles all available within the range, allowing little ones to recreate their favourite scenes and dream up new rescue missions of their own.

Central to the range is the Fireman Sam Electronic Spray and Play Jupiter Fire Engine: a vehicle full of fun features, including flashing lights and siren sounds. Kids can help Sam speed to his emergency destination, playing phrases from the show along the way. Once at the scene they can douse the make-believe fires using the pump action water cannon. Just like Sam’s Jupiter fire engine – and those in real life - the Electronic Spray and Play Jupiter features an extendable rescue ladder platform, as well as opening panels and doors. It comes with an articulated Fireman Sam figure.

An array of fully articulated figures and freewheeling vehicles with moving features can extend imaginative play, as well as the Fireman Sam Fire Rescue Centre, which opens up to reveal a feature-packed firefighters’ HQ. This twostorey play set has a working zip wire, platform with pulley and training dolly, control centre unit and more. There is also a wide selection of Fireman Sam dress-up items to explore, allowing kids to really get into role and play the hero. Children can also strike up a conversation with Talking Fireman Sam, and step into Character’s wooden world of Fireman Sam.

Rubies

08453 070 707 | www.rubiesuk.com

For generations, children around the world have been enamored of the empowering and ambitious Barbie dolls, and now they can truly embody the fun and inspiring spirit of the brand with Rubies’ new dress-up range. Available across EMEA, and featuring popular styles based on fan-favourite dolls, the collection includes Astronaut, Ballerina and Princess costumes. Both the Ballerina and Princess designs feature reversible sequins on the bodice, perfect for creating two looks in one, whilst the Astronaut option is a jumpsuit with metallic finishes and attached boot tops. Other new, highly anticipated Barbie ranges in development include accessory sets, costumes and more. Rubies has also announced the continuation of its successful Fireman Sam licence. The children’s costumes offer everything kids require to become the hero of children’s television for over 30 years, including a mask, hat, tabard and toy axe.

With He-Man making a return to Netflix in not one but two animated series - Masters of the Universe: Revelation, and He-Man: Masters of the Universe - Rubies is bringing the characters to life for new and older generations of fans alike. Rubies’ range of Masters of the Universe costumes includes a classic and deluxe He-Man and Skeletor, as well as an EVA Sword accessory. He-Man’s costume has a padded muscle chest and the Skeletor costume features additional 3D details such as detachable tendrils and a hooded mask.

He-Man: Revelation is aimed at adults. The officially licensed Rubies costumes include a deluxe edition He-Man and Skeletor as well as a He-Man accessory kit, containing everything fans need to become the character.

All Barbie and Fireman Sam costumes are available to order now from Rubies’ official website, whilst the He-Man and Masters of the Universe costumes are launching soon.

Sinco Creations

07793 121 778 | Daniel@sincocreations.com

Late autumn 2022 will see a raft of role-play products designed with Barbie fans in mind added to the Sinco Creations portfolio. This collection of innovative and contemporary toys and on-trend themes will help kids create make-believe Barbie scenarios.

Kids can enjoy a feast in the great outdoors with the Barbie Glamping Playset. This onthe-go BBQ has enough cups, plates and utensils for two, plus play food and condiments all wrapped up in a stylish carry case. There is also a seat for the guest of honour: a favourite Barbie doll.

Glamour of a different kind is taken care of with the Deluxe Wellness and Beauty Playset. This carrycase comes complete with facemasks and headbands for both the child and their Barbie, perfect for relaxation. Kids can also pamper themselves with a pedicure or manicure.

With the Barbie Smoothie Station, kids can sit Barbie in their chair and take her order before making a blended fruit drink. This set comes with everything needed for pretend café play such as weighing scales, a blender, pretend fruit and a till to cash up at the end.

For more information about the Barbie Roleplay Portfolio from Sinco, contact Daniel Smith on the details above.

Klein Toys

(49) 6345 408 0 | www.klein-toys.de

The pretty Barbie Toaster and its accessories provide kids with everything they need to whip up a delicious pretend breakfast. An appetizing meal can be prepared with the two slices of toast, butter, jam, milk and the fried egg. The pink toaster and all its accessories/ ingredients are made of high-quality wood and are therefore robust and environmentally friendly. As kids role-play, they can enhance their motor skills and imagination at the same time.

Little bakers can prepare imaginative delicacies with the Barbie food mixer. They simply add fantasy ingredients to the mixing bowl and turn the crank: the beater starts to rotate and the ingredients are mixed. The machine is made of wood, a renewable resource that comes from sustainably managed and certified forests, and is ideal for imitation and role-play.

The Vlogger Vanity Studio is perfect for Barbie fans who like to go online to share cosmetic and styling tips. Kids place the brush and mirror on the table, prepare the makeup and lipstick, and then ‘turn on’ the microphone and camera. Everything is imaginary, meaning little stylists are only connected to the big wide world via their imagination. Kids can roleplay being an influencer or content creator as they show their followers how they do their makeup or nails. When finished, the accessories can be put away in the drawer or storage compartment of the sturdy makeup table.

Sambro Toys

08458 739 380 | www.sambro.co.uk | sales@sambro.com

Sambro first launched its Barbie range in 2020 and since then has continued to design and develop exclusive ranges for the UK and EMEA markets. Focusing on Fashion, Crafting and MYO Jewellery, Sambro has worked closely with the Mattel team to deliver a range of products that are closely aligned with Barbie’s core DNA.

Best-sellers include the Barbie Fashion Screen printer, shaped like the iconic Barbie DreamHouse and packed with everything a budding fashionista needs to customise clothing and bags with all things Barbie. The Barbie Fashion Wardrobe is packed with patterns, fabric and more; this set lets kids design a new collection of outfits for Barbie which can then be displayed in the wardrobe.

Sambro’s hero line is the Sew and Style Machine. This fully functional sewing machine play set helps kids discover their inner fashion designer as they personalise a Barbie doll (included) with a variety of outfits and accessories using the fabric, needle and threader.

The Sambro Barbie 2023 range includes extended formats focusing on jewellery, fashion crafting and wellness. It also includes the Barbie Campervan Bead Creation set, which features Barbie’s iconic campervan styling. The set features a collection of beads, three surprise charms and elastic string kids can use to create cute bracelets that children can share with friends or wear themselves.

Other new launches include the Barbie Nail Stamper set, Scrunchie Maker and the Barbie and Me Pedi Spa. Sambro’s Mattel licensed Barbie collection is available to buy across major retailers in the UK and Europe.

MV Sports

01217 488 000 | www.mvsports.co.uk

MV Sports’ inspirational range of Barbie wheeled and outdoor toys features bright colour pops, diverse character graphics and, of course, the iconic Barbie pink.

The Barbie Deluxe Tri-Scooter has a fully printed, anti-slip footplate with smooth sides, protective fork covers, a colourful clamp cover and rear wheel axle caps for additional safety and stunning aesthetics. The puncture-proof tyres have a deep tread, ensuring a smooth ride and extra stability, whilst the moulded handlebar grips provide comfort for little hands. The adjustable handlebars grow with kids while the stylish character graphics, inspiring slogans and shaped plaque make this scooter stand-out.

The Barbie Pop-Up Dream Camper is a cool campervan shaped pop-up tent, fully printed with favourite Barbie characters. Designed for both indoor and outdoor use with its integrated floor, closed top and tie-back doors, the tent is the perfect open play space or hideaway for young kids. The handy carry bag means the Pop-Up Dream Camper is perfect for transportation and compact storage.

The newly launched Barbie Shimmer In-Line Scooter has a beautiful detachable mermaid tail doll carrier and an ombre shimmer stem wrap. Bright colour pops and dazzling mermaid graphics will turn heads while moulded grips provide extra comfort. The reactive rear footbrake and fully printed anti-slip footplate provide additional safety.

The revitalised Thomas & Friends range features the iconic blue, yellow and red colour palette with fresh character graphics showing Thomas, Percy, Kana and Nia. The Switch-it Tri-Scooter features four interchangeable character plaques, the Deluxe Pop-Up Tent is shaped just like Thomas for promoting imaginative play, and the Engine Ride-On is perfect for kids just finding their feet.

Just Play

www.justplayproducts.com | uksales@justplayproducts.com

Barbie Pets Blind Bags are perfect for animal lovers everywhere. Each foil pouch contains a surprise pet figurine; there are 13 to find including a pug, deer, fox and bear cub, with each soft flocked figure standing approximately 1.5” tall.

Barbie’s Pets can travel in style with the Barbie Pet Camper Playset. This stylish RV, which can cater to two Barbie Pets, features three floors and accessories including a removable tent and telescope. The main cabin features a luxe pet bed, while upstairs there’s a swinging hammock and an attachable slide. Kids can open the transforming roof hatch, pitch a tent and imagine exploring the night sky with the telescope.

The 8-piece Barbie Pets Spa Day Playset features an expandable salon and includes three pet figures and four accessories. Kids can wash and trim their pet with the trimmer, then finish styling their figures with the brush. Each accessory can be stored in the grooming cart, and there is even a lounge chair for the pets to relax in while they are pampered.

All Barbie Pets figures and play sets are compatible with one another for extended play adventures.

Just Play also offers a great range of Barbie styling heads. The Mini Styling Head is great for on-the-go play, while the Deluxe Styling Heads feature a number of accessories including an innovative spinner that creates tie die effects with ribbon. The exceptional quality of the hair promises a realistic play experience as kids brush and style Barbie’s hair. Complementing the Styling Heads is a 28” Barbie with fully articulated arms to pose and style.

Eldohm

(31) 689 930 046 | wanda@eldohm.com

Fisher-Price toys allow children to discover the world in a safe way as they develop through interactive play. Kids can make their own music with Eldohm’s Fisher-Price line, which comprises a wide range of toy instruments to choose from. The cute animal designs and bright colours invite children to experiment with toys and discover all the different sounds and songs available. With these musical toys, children can take their first steps towards playing a real instrument later in life.

Shaking the Animal Maracas creates sound and rhythm, while kids can also discover the sounds of different instruments and animals by pressing the different buttons on the animal pianos. The instruments allow kids to make their own songs or play along with existing ones. In addition to developing their creativity and sense of rhythm, children also develop their motor skills when playing the piano, or when pressing the tabs of the guitar and turning its wheel as if they were playing strings just like a real instrument.

For more information, call or email Wanda Lieuwen on the details above.

Carrera Revell UK

01296 660 291 | carrera-toys.com | office.uk@carrera-revell.com

Hot Wheels cars can now be seen on Carrera Go!!! 1:43 slot racetracks, for racing through and over the various stunt elements.

Featuring Hot Wheels fan favourites Night Shifter, in signature metalflake dark blue, and the HW50 Concept drag racer with V10 engine and sidepipes in vibrant racing red, there’s a choice of three officially licensed sets of differing length and complexity.

Starting with the 4.3 metre battery-operated set for ages five plus, there are bridge risers, Hot Wheels’ branded barriers and the all-important jump section with Hot Wheels fire ring - a key stunt feature of all three sets. The use of dry-cell batteries (not included) means the set can be taken pretty much anywhere. The mains-operated, 4.9 metre set for ages six plus adds more stunt elements; a narrow chicane element, a bright-orange looping section, a Challenge Accepted tunnel and a jump section with Hot Wheels fire ring. Turbo controllers with power-boost button maximise the potential of this layout. The mains-operated 6.4 metre set for ages six and over adds longer straights, a crossover section and high-banked curve for the ultimate race layout.

Night Shifter and HW50 Concept are also available separately in different colour variants. Being compatible with the wider Carrera Go!!! slot racing system, all sets can be modified using additional track sections and accessories to really push creativity with different layouts, and hone driving skills.