Trailblazing podcast studio, Wondery, and award-winning makers of premium STEM toys, Thames & Kosmos, announced a first-of-its-kind collaboration. The companies will debut an all-new line of STEM toys and science kits inspired by the #1 science podcast for kids and their grown-ups, Wow in the World. Launching at retail in Fall 2024, the Wondery Kids Wow in the World toy line is expertly designed by Thames & Kosmos and combines classic science learning toys and engaging audio content to offer kids and families a brand-new way to play. The toy line further builds on Wondery’s vision, giving fans new ways to engage with their favorite podcast shows.
Developed for kids ages 4+ (those who love science, and even those who think they don’t!) and their grown-ups, the Wondery Kids Wow in the World toy line invites kids to tap into their curiosity and connect to the world around them. Ranging in price from $14.95 to $29.95, the toy line offers a strong value proposition with incredibly well-made products designed for replayability. Launching with the release of seven unique products—from a timeless volcano experiment kit with a twist to a high-flying air rocket that has a delightfully surprising “WOW!” factor—each toy incorporates durable, high-quality materials and open-ended play patterns and includes a classic science tool that can be used beyond the scope of the toy itself. Each toy also features exclusive companion audio content from Wow in the World hosts Guy Raz and Mindy Thomas, and a complimentary 3-month subscription to Wondery+ for grown-ups to explore Wondery’s full catalogue. Available Fall 2024, the toy line will introduce kids to a range of STEM subjects including physics, geology, biology, and the natural world.
Created by Tinkercast and hosted by renowned podcast pioneers and New York Times- bestselling children’s book authors Guy Raz and Mindy Thomas, Wow in the World is a beloved part of family routines everywhere, and is forging ahead as the first kids and family podcast to deliver a full 360° lifestyle franchise. The podcast’s expansion into STEM toys is the next step in bringing fans screen-free experiences that connect laughter to learning and children to their world. The toy line joins a New York Times-bestselling book series published by HarperCollins, a sold-out live tour that meets fans across the country, and TinkerClass, the first-of-its-kind “podject” (podcasts & projects)-based learning that invites students in grades K-5 to listen, wonder, tinker and make. Additional Consumer Product partners will be announced in the coming months.
Nicole Blake, Head of Franchise Development, Wondery, said, “Podcasts are the perfect complement to families’ existing routines, whether it’s their daily school commute, bedtime, and even playtime. As the leading innovators in STEM toys, Thames & Kosmos was the ideal partner to level up playtime by bringing together premium audio content with physical toys for the first time to offer a truly unique play experience. We feel confident that these are toys kids will want and that adults will feel good about giving – and that will have everyone saying WOW.”
“As a toy company rooted in sparking curiosity, imagination, and a genuine love of learning, we are thrilled to work with Wondery to develop a toy line based on Wow in the World,” said Andrew Quartin, CEO, Thames & Kosmos. “Wondery is a true innovator in developing podcast IP beyond audio content into lifestyle franchises and they share our commitment to making STEM learning fun and relatable. The partnership makes so much sense and we are incredibly proud of what we’ve created together.”
Ted McGuire, President, Thames & Kosmos, added, “At Thames & Kosmos, we pride ourselves on pushing the boundaries of STEM learning through play and wanted to take this opportunity to level up classic products and play patterns in a whole new way with toys that kids will learn something new from every time they play with them. We really feel like we’ve achieved that with these new products and can’t wait for kids’ reactions this Fall.”
“It has been incredible watching how Wow in the World inspires today’s generation of kids to follow their curiosity and we are thrilled to see our mission extending into the world of physical play through this new collaboration,” said Meredith Halpern-Ranzer, CEO, Tinkercast. “Thames & Kosmos has brought the spirit of Wow in the World to toys in such a unique way and we’re looking forward to seeing how they ignite the imaginations of the next generation of thinkers and tinkerers.”
Listen every Monday as Guy and Mindy share stories about the latest news in science, technology, and innovation that tickle our funny bones and make us all say “WOW”! The Wondery Kids Wow in the World toy line from Thames & Kosmos will make its retail debut just in time for the 2024 holiday season.