Adora Dolls Unveils New Look, Products

Adora is launching an “all new” Adora this year.  Adora has infused its brand with a new identity, packaging, website, and an assortment of products and price points for children of all ages.

The new brand extensions include 200 products with 70 new dolls and accessories, including 12-inch FabFairies, FlutterBabies, SnuggleTime Babies, and BathTime Babies. Adora’s current collections (PlayTime, GiggleTime, NurseryTime, and Adora Friends) have all been updated and refreshed with new features and a new look.

The new dolls debuted this week at the American International Toy Fair in New York.

Thomas the Tank Engine Ice Sculpture and Toys “R” Us Enjoy a Playdate

Sir Topham Hatt poses with the Thomas the Tank Engine Ice Sculpture in Times Square and reads a Thomas & Friends story to the kids at Toys “R” Us Times Square on Friday, February 8 to celebrate the launch of the Thomas Wooden Railway Line and the 110th American International Toy Fair.

LEGO Systems Unveils 250 New Building Sets

LEGO Systems Inc., makers of the world’s leading construction toys, unveiled its largest collection of build-and-play toys ever–250 new products–at the American International Toy Fair. With new products launching throughout the year, children of all ages and interests will find a LEGO building set or theme to spark their building creativity, inspire storytelling and role play, or keep them engaged in imaginative play for hours. New items were on display in Booth 1351 in Hall 3B of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center from February 10 to 13.

Products were added to the LEGO Duplo, Classic LEGO, LEGO Mindstorms, LEGO City, LEGO Friends, and Legends of Chima lines to name a few.

For more information, visit www.lego.com.

Zeptolab Reveals Expanded Licensing Program at Toy Fair

ZeptoLab, the entertainment and gaming company behind the global mobile phenomenon Cut the Rope, is bringing even more ways for fans to interact with the lovable monster, Om Nom. Debuting at this year’s American International Toy Fair is Om Nom: Candy Flick, a new augmented reality game.

Om Nom: Candy Flick, available on Apple’s App Store, is unlocked via a special tag that can be found on a variety of Om Nom plush toys from toy partner, Round 5. Once downloaded, fans can bring Om Nom to life by positioning their smartphone or tablet’s camera on the tags and watch as he virtually pops out of the tag ready to devour his favorite treat: candy. [Read more...]

Popular Comedic Brands Dominate New Licensed Products from All Things Equal

All Things Equal, maker of the popular Loaded Questions and Awkward Family Photos board games, has introduced several new licensed products at the American International Toy Fair this week, including an Awkward Family Photos Picture Frame Kit and a party game based on the Twitter page of comedian Rob Delaney. With more than 750,000 followers, Delaney has been called “The Funniest Person on Twitter” by Comedy Central, The Huffington Post, and others. [Read more...]

PHOTO: The Toy Book Previews TMNT Line from Playmates Toys

Jackie Breyer and Laurie Schacht have some fun at Playmates ToysTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Toy Fair Preview in New York last week. Aside from the fun role-play lineup, we also love the Mutagen Ooze Action Figures, and the Pop-Up Pizza Playset Anchovy Alley. The pizza box pops open into a subway scene that stands 18-inches tall. Ninja action features in the play set include a portable pizza oven that flings fresh pizzas, floor traps, a tricky sewer cover that throws the bad guys for a loop, and an abandoned subway tunnel. 

Mezco Reveals New Items in Time for Toy Fair

Mezco Toyz hosted an exclusive preview of the new items to be revealed at the American International Toy Fair next week.

The Universal Monster line continues with a 9-inch-tall stylized Creature from the Black Lagoon and Mummy. A Dracula figure also joins the Living Dead Dolls. The Mez-Itz line of designer vinyl figures grows with the addition of Superman, as seen in the upcoming Man of Steel film.

For additional products and more information, visit http://www.mezcotoyz.com/mezco-2013-toy-fair-catalog.

What Do Bloggers Want? Part I

By Julie Livingston, Senior Director, Client Development, CarrotNewYork

The number of bloggers attending Toy Fair has dramatically increased over the past five years. However, from the numerous conversations I’ve had with industry colleagues and bloggers alike, there is significant confusion about the most effective means of working together.

To clarify these misconceptions, I interviewed Debbie Bookstaber, a leading parent blogger and the publisher of Mamanista, who was recently named one of the “25 Parent Bloggers Who Are Changing The World” by Babble.com. A thought leader in the social space, Bookstaber has spoken at many blogger conferences, including SXSW, BlogHer, Type-A Parent, Springboard, and Affiliate Summit. She has worked extensively in the toy industry with associations, toy companies and brands. Connect with Debbie on Twitter at @buzzmommy. [Read more...]

Calling Young Portal Masters: Celebrate New York Toy Fair with Skylanders Giants

Months before the Skylanders Giants character Ninjini hits retail shelves, kids and their families are invited to Toys “R” Us to get their hands on the character, while supplies last. To celebrate the American International Toy Fair taking place in New York City this month, Activision Publishing Inc. and Toys “R” Us are partnering to host a special event at Toys “R” Us Times Square, the company’s international flagship store, on February 5 at 4 p.m. The first fans to line up along Broadway for the event will have an opportunity to receive a complimentary Ninjini figure before it is officially available for purchase in North America.

Also at the event, kids will have the opportunity to meet their favorite Skylanders characters, experience the year’s most popular game at in-store game kiosks, and receive other fun Skylanders Giants giveaways.

Warner Bros. Consumer Products Debuts Worldwide Man of Steel Toy Program

Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) zooms into this year’s American International Toy Fair season with a roster of global licensees ready to support the studio’s portfolio, led by this summer’s tentpole film release Man of Steel, which will be supported by DC Comics master toy licensee Mattel, as well as many other toy partners.  [Read more...]