Basic Fun!, a leading global producer of toy and consumer products and master toy licensee for TONKA, is launching a year-long celebration for the beloved brand’s 75th Anniversary. Superstar Shaquille O’Neal will kick-off the “Together, We Tonka” campaign with a photo contest, followed by a call-to-action to take a screen-free summer “Tonka Playcation.” The introduction of an exciting collection of new yet nostalgic TONKA vehicles will also honor the brand’s legacy. Licensed by global play and entertainment company, Hasbro, Inc., TONKA has been the standard for high-quality, imagination-powered toy vehicles since 1947 and a rite-of-passage for generations.
“We’re excited to celebrate 75 years of TONKA Tough! with a full line-up of vehicles inspiring imaginative, active experiences that families want to share together,” said Maureen Dilger, Basic Fun! senior director of global brand marketing.
“TONKA has been a favorite all over the world selling over 300 million trucks since 1947. We’re thrilled to partner with Basic Fun! to celebrate such a major milestone,” said Jess Richardson, VP Global Toys & Games Licensing at Hasbro.
In March, Shaquille O’Neal invites consumers to share their favorite TONKA photos from the ’40’s to today. The top 75 photos will be shared as a part of the 75th Anniversary celebration, and winners will each receive $75 worth of TONKA merchandise. Consumers can enter the TONKA Photo Contest throughout March at https://woobox.com/nftibs.
This summer, families will be inspired to take a TONKA Playcation and put down their screens and play together again with Tonka. Shaquille and 75 micro-influencer families will be posting ideas, inspirations, and prizes throughout summer into Fall.
Basic Fun’s 2022 TONKA vehicles will roll out to major retailers nationwide, some exclusively:
Honoring the PAST:
Retro Tonka Steel Classic Bulldozer (available now): Made with cold-rolled steel, this sturdy 12.5″ long Bulldozer can move dirt and gravel with the articulated blade. Designed to last, it features working treads for realistic construction play.
Commemorative 1968 Tonka Mighty Dump Truck (available this Summer): Part of a limited series inspired by the earlier years, this special edition celebrates the 1968 Mighty Dump Truck and features a fire red cab, articulated golden dump bed made of cold-rolled steel, original markings, and the commemorative 75th Anniversary badge.
Playing in the PRESENT:
Tonka Steel Classics Mighty Dump Truck (available now): At the heart of TONKA, is the iconic 17″ long Mighty Dump Truck that generations grew up with – built TONKA Tough! with cold-rolled steel and ready for hauling even the toughest jobs. Move the bed up and down to trigger its unloading action.
Tonka Monster Metal Movers – New for 2022 (available now): Reigning 3″ tall, these 1:64 scale vehicles feature soft, super grip tires – great for indoor/outdoor play. Kids can collect the whole fleet, including a Monster Dump Truck, Front Loader, Cement Mixer, and more.
Building the FUTURE:
Tonka Mighty Monster RC, Steel Dump Truck (available this Fall): The first-ever Tonka RC made with steel will be the must-have holiday gift. Featuring 4-in-1 monster action: haul, dump, plow, and perform 360-degree stunts, the Mighty Monster RC can clear obstacles big and small, then dominate any jobsite or game room with its high torque tank steering, 4-wheel drive, and monster lightweight foam tires.
