Companies, Brands . . .

Step2’s Pretend Grills Are Sizzlin’, Smokin’, and Sweet Fun for Kids this Summer. July is National Grilling Month, and what better way to celebrate than by letting kids host their own BBQ bash? Families can roll out some role-play fun with Step2’s outdoor grill sets that mini Masterchefs-in-the-making can use to grill up the fun.

Little Tikes Introduces the Pelican Explore & Fit Cycle. MGA Entertainment‘s Little Tikes division is getting into the at-home fitness craze. Over the past 18 months, sales of cycles, bikes, and other home training equipment have been booming as parents looked for ways to get active and stay fit while gyms around the world were closed. Now kids can get in on the action with the Little Tikes Pelican Explore & Fit Cycle

The entertainment division of Hasbro is gearing up for a special delivery. eOne, alongside Creative Conspiracy and Frogbox, has been working on Ninja Express, a new animated series from creator Kim Claeys. The series about a special delivery service run by super-powered ninjas has been in development for nearly eight years, originally as 3 Little Ninjas Delivery Service.

Hasbro and Universal unveil Transformers X Jurassic Park collaboration. The first Transformers X Jurassic Park product line to be revealed from the new collaboration is Tyrannocon Rex and Autobot JP93.  The new Transformers X Jurassic Park figure and vehicle pack celebrates the groundbreaking, ultimate thrill ride, Jurassic Park, which brought audiences to an island theme park populated by dinosaurs...

England promised bespoke Uno packs if the team wins Euro 2020. Following England's defeat of Germany, the team has been offered an added incentive to progress to the final of the Euro 2020 tournament. The fast-paced card game has become a firm favourite among the England players, who have become addicted to the game as they while away the hours between preparation sessions for their tournamnet matches.

American Girl’s Virtual Funfest Brings Dance Parties and Doll Yoga Home. Each day will start out with a 35th birthday dance tutorial at 1 p.m. ET to get kids moving and grooving, followed by a doll-friendly yoga session. Kids will be able to chat with Connie Porter (author of the Addy series), along with Julia Lester, Marley Dias, Iris Zahn, and more in special panels throughout the event. Team USA athletes will also be...

Care Bears Premiere Care-A-Lot Club YouTube Series. Cloudco Entertainment, which owns the brand, premiered a new “Youtube-first” live-action mini series, Care-A-Lot Club, and will release new episodes every Tuesday at 9 a.m. EST. through July. Care-A-Lot Club‘s six episodes star the bears in original music videos and pop songs that complement another show from the property, the 2D animated TV series Care Bears...

Spin Master will release its Aerobie Sonic Fin on August 22, a new toy football that can travel up to 100 yards.  To help launch the new Sonic Fin Football, the company teamed up with NFL quarterback Russell Wilson, who stars in an ad for the product. In the video — set to air on television and YouTube — Wilson goes up against 13-year-old football star Maxwell ‘Bunchie’ Young, as the two take turns making throws...

Nickelodeon unveils its new family wearable device NickWatch at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. ViacomCBS and Nickelodeon have unveiled the firm’s first connected smart watch, a family-centric wearable device that promotes physical activity, helps kids explore the world around them, and features a cast of popular Nickelodeon characters. NickWatch features new technology developed with VCNI’s...

Character Options unveils new fashion doll line, Glo-Up Girls. The new Glo-Up Girls range will go on sale in August backed by a live action YouTube series and social media campaign. Kathryn Ludlum, brand manager at Character Options, said: “Glo-Up Girls is such an exciting expansion for the InstaGlam brand and the response from UK retailers has been incredible.”

Tomy launches Maché Magic as it expands arts & crafts range for 2021. New fun and easy-to-use kit will be supported with a dedicated influencer programme and TV advertising later this summer. Mary Wood, general manager for UK & Ireland at Tomy, said: “There’s been a growing trend for homemade gifting and Maché Magic perfectly taps into this, allowing kids to explore their creativity and artistic flair. 

Disneyland & Disney California Adventure Reintroduce Single Rider Lines For Select Attractions. The reintroduction of single rider lines comes as health and safety protocols have eased at Disney’s Anaheim parks—particularly, following California’s June 15 reopening. The single rider option is said to be available for select attractions at Disneyland, including Space Mountain, Indiana Jones Adventure, Millennium Falcon...

Squishmallows to benefit from animated YouTube series. New episodes featuring Squishmallows will be released every Saturday between now and the end of October.  “The launch of Squishville speaks volumes to the growth in popularity Squishmallows has had over the last year,” Jazwares president Laura Zebersky said in a statement. 

Crowdfunding Smash: Donut Media Launches Toy Performance Car Line Called Stocky. First up, the Acura Integra Type R, at $325K and climbing. Car-focused Donut Media is best known for their YouTube channel, but they're now venturing into toy design—and already have a smash hit on their hands. Like British industrial designer Julian Meagher, the folks over at Donut bet that car enthusiasts would happily pay for a miniature version of a recognizable and beloved automobile model, one that's been distorted into fun, cartoonish dimensions.

(the above posted after June 25th)

Litzky Public Relations Launches the LOVE, Litzky Grant to Support Small Businesses that Improve the Lives of Kids & Families. Inaugural Grant Recipient PunkinFutz Recognized for Inclusivity, Making Play Possible for Every Child. "Throughout 2020 we helped our clients pivot into important, relevant conversations, and asked ourselves where we as an agency could fit in as well," said Josslynne Welch, president, LPR. “As we thought about opportunities to ‘pay it forward’ in a meaningful way, we recognized the importance of inclusivity on many different levels...

Lily Collins to play Polly in live-action Polly Pocket Movie from Mattel Films, MGM. She may be small (micro-sized, to be exact), but Polly Pocket is heading to the big screen. Mattel Films‘ latest project is a Polly Pocket live-action movie, inspired by the micro-doll line of the same name. The company will work with Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM), Lena Dunham’s production company Good Thing Going, and Lily Collins...

The Lego Group has shared a glimpse into the future of experiential retail as it opens its doors on a new store in NYC. The 7,175 sq ft, two story store on Fifth Avenue is the first Lego flagship store to feature an innovative new retail format, elements of which will be introduced to more than 100 stores worldwide in the coming year. The format is designed to create an immersive world of Lego bricks by blending unique 

Mattel is adding a brand new title to its lineup of classic games. Crossed Signals is a fast-paced active electronic game for up to four players ages 8 and up that Mattel says is “simple to learn but challenging to master.” The game features a pair of light sticks that players will follow via light and voice commands, moving them up, down, or shaking them around. Players will need to get on their feet as the speed...

Spin Master’s Gund brand is joining forces with Bluetooth tracking device Chipolo to help parents and children keep tabs on their plush toys. Now, for a limited time, when shoppers make a purchase of $50 or more from Gund.com, they will receive a free Chipolo Plus Bluetooth tracker to attach to their child’s favorite plush. If the toy goes missing, parents ring the tracker in the Chipolo app and listen for the tone to...

The LEGO Group Creates First LEGO Brick Prototype Made from Recycled Plastic. LEGO just took a big step in its efforts to make its products more sustainable. The company unveiled a new LEGO brick made entirely out of recycled plastic. This new prototype is the first brick made out of PET plastic from discarded bottles and the first to meet the company’s strict quality and safety standards.

Zuru Toys reveals plans to make all Five Surprise products from recycled plastics Zuru Toys has revealed plans to make its two largest global brands under the Five Surprise banner – Mini Brands and Mini Toys – 100 per cent virgin plastic free. Its latest stride in the company’s ongoing mission for better sustainability measures and a reduction of its own carbon footprint on the planet, the global...

WowWee Debuts Got2Glow Fairy Finder. Today, on International Fairy Day, WowWee launched its newest toy: the Got2Glow Fairy Finder. With the magical tech toy, kids can discover and collect more than 100 fairies. There are three different Got2Glow Fairy Finder jars to choose from — pink, blue, and an exclusive fuchsia glow-in-the-dark — and each comes with more than 30 fairies inside to discover.

Exploding Kittens Launches New Game, Exploding Minions. Marking the Company’s First Licensed Game, Illumination’s Global Phenomenon, Minions, Enter the Exploding Kittens Universe with New Illustrations by The Oatmeal. “We’re excited to combine one of the biggest card games with Illumination’s global pop-culture phenomenon, the Minions, to create a new family game night essential,” said Elan Lee, Co-Creator/CEO...

IMC Toys Combines Content & E-Commerce With New OTT Service. IMC Toys announced the upcoming launch of its Kitoons Over-The-Top (OTT) platform later this month, to combine content and e-commerce. While watching content from IMC Toys brands, viewers can see suggestions for related products and parents can place orders via purchase links.

Spin Master Prepares to Release More Than 30 New PAW Patrol: The Movie Toys. The PAW Patrol crew is heading to the big screen on Aug. 20 in Spin Master Entertainment’s PAW Patrol: The Movie, and Spin Master revealed there's even more puppy goodness coming fans' way with a new toy collection, available just in time to bring the canine stars right into viewers' homes.

Schleich’s Horse Club line has branched out into video games with the release of the new Horse Club Adventures game. Developed by Wild River Games and published by Merge in North America, the game brings players to the Lakeside Riding Stable from the Horse Club universe, where they interact with characters Hannah, Sarah, Lisa, Sofia, and their horses. The game offers over 40 quests, as well as side quests....

Character Options' Little Live Pets set for success this autumn/winter  As one of Character's leading brands, Little Live Pets will benefit from significant investment this year.   The range grew substantially last year, and is now firmly established as one of the leading Youth Electronics brands in the UK.

IETP's Sarah Ng on the most trusted responsible sourcing programme for toys. In this exclusive piece, Sarah Ng, the organisation’s communications manager, tells Toy World readers why the ICTI Ethical Toy Program remains as vital as it ever was. How effective and applicable is your responsible supply chain programme? Did you know that 75% of supply chain organisations say they have responsible or ethical...

L.O.L. Suprise! characters will hit the stage in a hologram concert tour coming to 44 U.S. cities this fall. L.O.L. Surprise! Live — Calling All B.B.’s, starring Lady Diva, Royal Bee, Neonlicious, and Swag, kicks off September 30 at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center in Thousand Oaks, California. The tour will stop at venues in major cities across the country — including the Rosemont Theatre in Chicago...

Hot Wheels unleashed preview: nostalgia-fueled kart racing. When I was a kid, I didn’t just play on my Gameboy Color and PlayStation 2. I also played with Hot Wheels. I had a huge collection of the small plastic (and older metal) cars, and I loved racing them around in my childhood backyard. Hot Wheels Unleashed takes that childhood experience and cranks it up to 11, combining the old toy cars I know with high-speed ...

University Games readies for UK expansion with new offices in Hertfordshire. This week will see University Games bid farewell to the building that has been the ‘home and heart’ of the Paul Lamond Games business for more than 25 years, as the firm opens the doors on a new chapter, and a new UK headquarters in Royston, Hertfordshire. The new, more modern, office will allow for further expansion as part...

dv Giochi announces 'Wonder Book'. dv Giochi announced Wonder Book, a new pop-up board game, for release in Q4.In Wonder Book, players are teleported to the fantasy realm of Oniria through a new board game formatted similar to a pop-up book. They assume the roles of one of four teenagers who explore the 3D environment. This game features beautiful 3D artwork, and comes with highly-detailed miniatures to use...

Feed a giant pop-up 'Pancake Monster'. Blue Orange Games will release Pancake Monster, a new family game, into retail stores this summer. In Pancake Monster, plaThe monster randomly pops up to two feet tall and tries to eat players who use too many toppings.yers must feed the giant Pancake Monster his favorite food. They deal out Pancake cards to each player, then they take turns placing the cards into the monster's mouth. 

Wizkids unveils a new 'Pathfinder Battles' miniatures set. WizKids revealed Pathfinder Battles: Return of the Runelords, a new miniatures set, for release in October. This set features the runelords of ancient Thassilon from the Pathfinder’s Lost Omens setting. Each runelord comes with their own magical runewell representing a deadly sin. This set includes a total of 14 all-new miniatures. 

Yoto launches two new albums from Monkey Music to encourage language and motor skills development. The children’s audio platform, Yoto has launched two albums from the award-winning Monkey Music classis, Sing and Learn and Copy Me, produced to encourage babies and toddlers to develop their language and motor skills through singing, clapping, and dancing. 

Round 2 refreshes AMT, MPC Star Wars model kit range with new ships, retro reissues. This August, Round 2 will begin to unleash a fleet of familiar starships from a galaxy far, far away. The owners of the AMT and MPC model kit brands are adding a collection of Star Wars model kits to the lineup, including retro reissues and an all-new kit inspired by the Disney+ hit, The Mandalorian. 

Take command of the railyard in 'Ticket to Ride: Track Switcher'. Days of Wonder will release Ticket to Ride: Track Switcher, a new Ticket to Ride solo adventure, this October. The early 1900s were the Age of the Locomotive and railways connected every major city in the country.  Trains were more popular than ever as people could travel greater distances in a matter of a few days.  

New 'Dune' boardgame from Gale Force Nine. Gale Force Nine has released details about its upcoming boardgame Dune:  A Game of Conquest and Diplomacy, which is being produced under license from Legendary Entertainment and set to launch in September. Dune:  A Game of Conquest and Diplomacy is based on the 1979 Avalon Hill classic, which Gale Force Nine updated in 2019.  

'Summer Time' proves who is the coolest in the crew. WizKids revealed Summer Time, a card game inspired by the song of the same name by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, for release this July. DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince invite players to hang with them in the hottest spots in Philly.  Players will cruise, groove, and unwind across town to prove they are the coolest in the crew.  Players will have to make tricky decisions as they try to outwit one another by playing Action, Energy, and Boost cards to gain enough Energy to claim a Spot. 

Ludonaute's 'SOS Titanic' returns to print. TGG Games will release SOS Titanic, a deluxe reprint of Ludonaute's original board game, by the end of 2021. SOS Titanic is cooperative solitaire-style game that was nominated for a 2014 Origins Award. In the game, players need to arrange passenger cards on the decks and place them in lifeboats in a certain order. The goal is to save the remaining passengers before the boat sinks...

'Nebula Hero Pack' for 'Marvel Champions: The Card Game'. Fantasy Flight Games will release Marvel Champions: Nebula Hero Pack, a new character pack, later this year. The Nebula Hero Pack adds the sometimes-friend, sometimes-enemy of the Guardians of the Galaxy to the roster of playable characters in Marvel Champions: The Card Game.  Featuring 15 signature cards for Nebula, the pre-built Justice deck brings ...

Tamagotchi virtual pets returning with voice wake-up control. The Tamagotchi virtual pet is returning as a smartwatch with voice commands. Bandai Namco is reissuing Tamagotchi as the Tamagotchi Smart, a voice AI-enabled smartwatch, 25 years after their initial debut as the most high-tech toy around. Tamagotchi s were the hottest toy around when they came out in 1996. 

McFarlane Toys gives closer look at 1966 Batman and Robin figures. The dynamic duo is back as Adam West and Burt Ward dons their costumes once again from the adventures of Batman from 1966. A while back, McFarlane Toys reveals a quick glimpse at their upcoming wave of figures giving a retro take to their DC Multiverse line. Today we get a closer look at some of these figures with an official reveal of the wave ...

Bonkers Toys launches Ryan’s World Lost City line. New Ryan’s World Lost City Adventures toys from Bonkers Toys will hit shelves at Target and Target.com next week. The line-up consists of blind bags with new themed mystery figures; an Adventure Backpack containing an off-road vehicle, binoculars, water bottle, flashlight, mystery figures, and more adventure gear; and the Mega Adventure Chest offering unboxing play...

Playmobil has an epic Star Trek USS Enterprise playset coming soon: report. You're gonna need a bigger toy box to welcome this epic new Playmobil U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701 playset that was just revealed in all its geeky glory this week. Playmobil is one of the oldest and most iconic toy brands in the world, and here they've pulled out all the stops to offer their first ever "Star Trek" model bound for our galaxy later this year. This bold $499 release of the iconic sci-fi starship is easily the biggest and most deluxe Playmobil playset produced in the history of the company.

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