Jazwares, a leading global toy company, announced that the wildly successful Squishmallows plush brand secured the coveted License of the Year Award and the 16-inch Squishmallows nabbed Plush Toy of the Year at The Toy Foundation’s 2022 Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards ceremony, held on September 20, 2022.
After two years of celebrating virtually, hundreds from the toy community reunited in Dallas, TX for the much-anticipated 2022 Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards & Celebration, where the top toys and games of the year were named. Hosted by The Toy Foundation (TTF), the awards program recognizes the industry’s creativity and collective philanthropy, with more than $500,000 raised in support of TTF’s mission to bring the benefits of play to children in need.
Moose Toys, an innovative leader in the toy industry, announced that it won Creative Toy of the Year for Magic Mixies Magical Crystal Ball at The Toy Foundation’s Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards. The TOTY Award winners were announced this evening at an awards ceremony at the Dallas Market Center, opening day of The Toy Association’s 2023 Preview & 2022 Holiday Market. “Earning back-to-back Creative Toy of the Year awards is true testament to the innovation of the Magic Mixies brand and the entire Moose team. We set the bar last year with Magic Mixies Magic Cauldron and raised it even higher with Magic Mixies Magical Crystal Ball,” said Paul Solomon, co-owner, Moose Toys. “We’re incredibly grateful to receive this honor from our peers in the industry as well as consumers. It is especially gratifying given that voting took place before Magic Mixies Magical Crystal Ball was on shelves. Given this accolade, we’re predicting that it will work its magic to become the top toy this holiday season.”
hand2mind, the award-winning educational resource company, announced it is partnering with the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) as they attempt a Guinness World Records title for the world’s largest pattern blocks mosaic (pattern). The attempt will take place during the second day of the NCTM Annual Meeting & Exposition (September 29, 2022) at the Los Angeles Convention Center at 9 am PST.
For the first time in Milan Fashion Week history, iconic and globally acclaimed MGA fashion doll lines, L.O.L. Surprise! and Rainbow High, will inspire the latest fashions set to hit the catwalk during an exclusive show scheduled for the evening of September 23, 2022 at the Spazio Antologico. The famous doll brands produced by MGA Entertainment (MGA), the biggest and fastest growing privately held toy company in the world and a global leader in the fashion doll segment known for its innovative designs, will be the stars of a haute fashion show event at the international showcase in Milan. The show promises amazing and elevated looks inspired by the most glam fashions in the toybox, as well as unexpected production elements and immersive music.
TTPM, the leader in video product reviews for toys, baby, and pet gear, has released their Holiday Most Wanted 2022 List. The list features the items they believe will be in highest demand this season across three categories: Activities & Active Play, Entertainment, and Imaginative Play & Roleplay. “Our team reviews toys throughout the year, testing and playing with them to determine which ones deserve to appear on our coveted Most Wanted list,” said Jim Silver, CEO, TTPM. “The final items that we chose are those that stood out to us for a variety of reasons including creativity, innovation, hot licenses, popular brands, play value, and most importantly, fun. It’s the ultimate holiday shopping list for kids of all ages.”
Making its debut at Dallas Toy Fair, the re-launch of My Fairy Garden from PlayMonster makes a bold statement with new style, added play value and a focus on planting and nurturing with each of the unique fairies and their homes! Located at Booth #12-1001 on the Dallas Market Center’s show floor, visitors will get a first look into this enchanting fairy world from September 20th to September 22nd!
PetSafe brand, a global leader in pet product solutions, has announced the names of nine new communities receiving a 2022 Bark for Your Park grant award. PetSafe will award prizes totaling $125,000 to build or enhance an off-leash dog park in winning communities. Since 2011, PetSafe has awarded more than $1.65 million to support more than 80 off-leash dog parks in the United States.
Earlier this year, The Western Toy and Hobby Representatives Association (WTHRA) announced the return of ToyFest to The Expo at World Market Center Las Vegas, February 27 – March 3, 2023. The Board of Directors and Slate of Officers have spent the summer making plans and exciting changes for the 2023 show. ToyFest 2022 was the most well attended ToyFest show in the past two decades. Buyers came from all over the United States and beyond. And the response was phenomenal. ToyFest has always exuded old-school Toy Industry tradition with a gala night that is free to buyers and celebrates independent toy store owners, iconic manufacturers, and top-notch sales reps by inducting them into the Hall of Fame. This event is always packed with old friends reconnecting with industry pals they haven’t seen since the last gathering.