Wimpy Kid, Inc have unveiled a new licensing program with fresh partners, including Go! Toys and Games, USAOPOLY and Trevco. On the heels of animated movies on Disney+ and the recent publication of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Diper Överlöde, the partnerships expand the property into licensed categories, including apparel, and co-branded games and puzzles, with the first product expected to debut at retail in fall 2022.
LuvBug Learning proudly announces the launch of their Social Emotional gaming platform, empowering children 4 to 11 to face both the virtual and actual world. Over 70% of parents are concerned about the impact of technology on children. Moreover, parents are looking for answers to safely introduce children to technology. “LuvBug uses social-emotional learning, to disarm the digital revolution, promoting happy, healthy, playful learning,” said Dr. Jodi Gold, pediatric psychiatrist at The Gold Centre in New York City. “LuvBug’s mission is to be thoughtful about kids’ needs and cultivate true social and emotional learning. This is a real game-changer.”
People of Play, the organization known for championing toy and game innovators around the world, will honor outstanding achievements at the 15th Annual Toy & Game International Excellence Awards (The TAGIEs) on November 19, 2022. Under the theme “The Great Reconnect” and sponsored by Disney, Oxford Games, Mattel, The Michael Kohner Corporation, Hasbro, TOMY, Longshore and Nextoy, the evening’s festivities, which kick-off at 6:00pm, will take place for the first time at the Epiphany Center for the Arts in Chicago. The 1800’s historic building which was once a church has become a cultural hub for art, entertainment and events. The after-party will begin immediately after the TAGIEs inside The Catacombs beneath the hall.
“A living nuclear weapon destined to walk the Earth forever; indestructible.” (Godzilla, 1985) Toho International, the Japanese studio’s U.S.- based subsidiary that has brought global sensation Godzilla to life, announced its plans for Godzilla Day 2022 with a slate of monster-sized experiences and offerings for fans to enjoy. Honoring the King of the Monsters on November 3, fans of all things Godzilla will have access to special first-time screenings, themed contests, and exclusive gaming and food partnerships happening across the nation.
Holiday Hill Farm, home of beloved holiday icon Spookley the Square Pumpkin has announced that it has entered a multi-year plush licensing agreement with GUND, a leading plush toy creator owned by Spin Master, a leading global children’s entertainment company. GUND will create and distribute premium plush in all sizes based on the Holiday Hill Farm characters, including fan favorite Spookley the Square Pumpkin and his holiday friends Mistletoe and the Christmas Kittens, Lyla the Love Bug, JellyBean the Easter Chick and Beacon the Firefly. Products are expected to hit retailers by fall 2023.
The Toy Foundation (TTF), the charitable organization for the North American toy industry and Children’s Hospital Association, which represents over 200 children’s hospitals in the nation, announced the Children’s Hospital Play Grants program will fund more than $385,000 in play therapy projects and activities at 19 children’s hospitals in the United States. The projects selected are designed to improve pediatric care through the healing power of play at hospitals that serve communities of the greatest need. For the second year, The Toy Foundation is partnering with Children’s Hospital Association to carry out the program.
Robosen Robotics, a leading innovator in the field of robotics, have announced that they have once again collaborated with Hasbro to create an awe-inspiring, interactive Transformers robot – the new Elite Optimus Prime. Fans of the original cartoon and blockbuster movies can now enjoy bringing to life the leader of the Autobots with this collectible robot featuring advanced programmable capabilities, voice-activated interactions and state-of-the-art auto-converting technology. The Elite Optimus Prime is available for purchase at Robosen.com and retails for $699.00 USD.
FAO Schwarz, New York City’s most iconic toy store and the oldest toy store in the U.S., celebrated 160 years of toys and inspiring awe and discovery in October, and everyone was invited! At their flagship store at Rockefeller Center, FAO Schwarz hosted a free, family-friendly event on Saturday, October 8 to celebrate FAO Schwarz Day with the most epic birthday party. The celebration took over Rockefeller Plaza and included live performances, sweet treats and a host of fun-filled activities!
MGA Entertainment (MGA), one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing privately held toy and entertainment companies, celebrates the 21st birthday of the worldwide phenomenon Bratz with new product launches and partnerships across categories this October. Since its debut in 2001, Bratz has taken the global toy and fashion industries by storm with their unyielding commitment to inclusivity, self-expression, and, of course, a passion for fashion. Today, the brand is as popular as ever, maintaining cultural relevance and celebrating their community of fans who grew up loving the inclusive dolls and who have found inspiration in their beloved “it” girl attitudes over the decades.