Production on the next issue of The Toy Book is underway!
The toy industry is fueled by innovation, and in our 2023 Innovation & STEAM Issue (out Dec. 15), The Toy Book team unpacks the trends and outlook for multiple categories, including STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Sustainable/Eco-Friendly toys, MESH (Mental, Emotional, Social Health), and more.
Select highlights include:
- A spotlight on the innovators that are changing the game.
- Farm & Ranch Update: The latest news and data from this growing retail channel plus a look at the newest farm and ranch-themed toys.
- Action Packed! What’s new in the action figures and collectibles aisles.
- Vehicles & R/C: What new products are speeding into toy departments.
- Forward-looking predictions and data for 2024.
We are now accepting product submissions for the following curated showcases:
- Action Figures & Collectibles: Traditional action figures and playsets for kids and collectors plus playsets and accessories. This category also features products ranging from kid-focused micro figures that come in waves to high-end action figures, licensed pop culture merch, and beyond.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): Toys that tap into the evolving world of AI.
- Farm & Ranch Toys: Down-home fun with a rural flair, including horses, tractors, barns, and more. If it involves farming or agriculture, this is the place to show it off.
- MESH (Mental, Emotional, Social Health): Products across multiple categories that fit into the growing MESH movement.
- STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics): Educational and learning toys that fit within the STEAM space.
- Sustainable/Eco-Friendly Toys & Games: Products that are produced using sustainable means or that teach kids about green energy, recycling, etc.
- Vehicles & R/C : Die-cast vehicles, radio-controlled vehicles, action figure-compatible vehicles, pull-back cars, construction vehicles, slot racing sets, train sets, and more. If it has wheels, treads, flies, or floats, this is the spot.
Submission Guidelines & Instructions:
There is no fee to submit for editorial consideration, but submissions that do not follow the guidelines will be rejected.
If you have products that you want retailers and the rest of the industry to see, we’d love to share them.* Due to the large number of submissions that we receive, we request that you read and adhere to the submission requirements below. Only products that are NEW FOR 2023 or 2024 will be accepted and preference will be given to 2024 releases.
Please send your product descriptions in a Word document attachment to James Zahn, james@toybook.com. Only one company should be included in each document, and all correspondence should be kept to one email thread per company. NOTE: If you are an agency, you MUST submit one email thread per company. Do not put multiple companies in an email and do not send us links to folders.
You may submit using the following format:
PRODUCT NAME | AGE GRADE | MSRP $USD | AVAILABILITY DATE
(Street date, month, or season, i.e. Spring 2024, Holiday 2024, etc.)
Short description of your product.
Prioritize your submissions in each category, listing your most important items at the top of each category list, and your most important category first. Please only include top-line talking points in the product description. Our space is limited, but we will try to cover as many of your products as possible.
Please include high-resolution 300 dpi images with transparent/no background as email attachments. If possible, include an image of every item for each category, and name your images so that it is clear which item it is.
Please do not send PDFs or PowerPoint presentations, and do not embed images within documents.
*Please note that due to the large number of submissions that we receive, inclusion in The Toy Book is not guaranteed. The Toy Book editorial team, at its sole discretion, may approve or reject a submission for any reason. We reserve the right to categorize products, edit product descriptions for length, clarity, and adherence to AP and house style, and may limit the total number of products showcased for this no-cost editorial opportunity. We do not, for any reason, include legal symbols in editorial coverage.
DO NOT Checklist:
- Do not send PDFs or PowerPoint presentations
- Do not embed images within documents.
- Do not send links to folders
- Do not send Wetransfer links that include subfolders within Zip files (they often do not unzip properly)
- Do not submit products missing key information
- Do not submit multiple companies in a single doc
- Do not submit multiple companies in a single email
- Do not submit mass retailer exclusives
The deadline for submissions is October 13.
For questions related to editorial coverage and submissions, please reach out to James Zahn: james@toybook.com
ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES:
This issue of The Toy Book will be distributed through a multitude of touchpoints, reaching thousands of retailers throughout North America. We are offering the following options to expand visibility for your new products and get your toys onto more retail shelves this year:
- Print and digital magazine advertising
- Toy Report and toybook.com digital ad placement
- Sponsored E-blasts (limited quantity available)
- Combination print/digital/editorial packages
For ad rates and marketing opportunities, please contact:
- Jackie Breyer, Vice President & Group Publisher: jackie@toybook.com
- James Devin, Executive Director of Sales & Marketing: jd@toybook.com
- Stephanie Infantino, Sales Executive: stephanie@toybook.com
- Thomas Stephen Jr.: thomas@toybook.com
FUTURE ISSUES
Want to get in on the action with future issues of The Toy Book? Check out our editorial calendar for details on what we’re cooking up for the year ahead.
