Get a Whiff of Bunch O Balloons Rotten Eggs!
ZURU’s new Bunch O Balloons Rotten Eggs Surprise! Stink Balloons! stinks up the water balloon warfare as the follow-up to its award-winning water balloons.
ChizComm, Beacon Media Hire Kathleen Campisano, Dean Shoukas
ChizComm and Beacon Media Group named Kathleen Campisano to global chief marketing officer of ChizComm and general manager of Beacon Media Group, along with Dean Shoukas as vice-president of digital marketing.
KidSource’s Beau James is Dead, Honored with ASTRA Lifetime Achievement Award
Beau James, a 40-year veteran of the toy industry, has died. He received the 2019 ASTRA Lifetime Achievement Award shortly before his passing.
Polly Pocket Brand Ambassador Sky Brown Proves Tiny is Mighty
Top pint-sized skateboarder Sky Brown is a new global brand ambassador for Mattel’s Polly Pocket. Embodying the brand’s message that Tiny is Mighty, the 10-year-old skateboarder is one of the youngest girls to compete and medal at a professional skateboarding competition. Sky Brown challenges the status quo and encourages other young girls to do the same—just like Polly Pocket. Last year, Mattel re-introduced Polly Pocket in its original…
Crawford the Cat Gets Activity Book
In the Sports Zone created the first Crawford the Cat Activity & Coloring Book. Through a deal inked with the children’s educational brand, In the Sports Zone developed an activity book targeted for kids ages 4-7. The activity book includes 48 full-color pages of content including educational games, puzzles, drawing, coloring, and more. The paperback activity book retails for $12.99 and is sold on Amazon. “In the…
MasterPieces Acquires FANPANS, Fandom Bakeware Specialists
MasterPieces expands its sports-related product line into housewares with the acquisition of FANPANS, the line of silicone, sports team-themed culinary pans and molds.
Moose Toys Hires James Knight as GM, Design
Moose Toys announced the appointment of James Knight to the role of general manager, design (boys, youth electronics, licensed and preschool). A 20-year toy veteran, Knight has held senior positions throughout the toy industry, including LEGO, Spin Master, Mattel, and Hasbro. His development experience extends to top brands including Hot Wheels, Matchbox, Tech Deck, and Bakugan. Most recently, he led development at Hasbro on DreamWorks Trolls 2 product, in addition…
Ethical Toy Program, Save the Children Partner to Advance Child Rights
The Ethical Toy Program and Save the Children partner to broaden well-being programs that support migrant parent workers.
Voting Now Open for ASTRA’s 2019 Best Toys for Kids
ASTRA’s 2019 Best Toys for Kids Award finalists were narrowed down from hundreds of nominations to 92 specialty toys in 17 categories. From this group of finalists, ASTRA member retailers will vote online to select the winning toys that will become “the year’s top picks from America’s play experts” for the 2019 holiday season. “Best Toys for Kids is the only annual toy list that is compiled by…