Blog - Page 7 of 1549 - The Toy Book

LEGO Masters Academy Builds Buzz at LEGO House

This fall, Denmark’s LEGO House will introduce the LEGO Masters Academy.

LEGO Masters Academy will debut this fall at the LEGO House. | Source: The LEGO Group

This concept includes a playful LEGO adventure where builders of all ages can discover and learn new building techniques together.

“We’re eager to fuse the worlds of entertainment and learning together in this new LEGO Masters Academy,” says Kathrine Kirk Muff, Managing Director of LEGO House.

The LEGO Masters Academy is a collaborative effort between the LEGO House team and the LEGO Entertainment team behind the television series LEGO Masters.

“The final experience is something totally unique that stands in a league of its own. Primarily focused on helping LEGO lovers of all ages learn new techniques and honing existing skills, it’s meticulously crafted to inspire the builders of tomorrow to be creative, think differently, and build beyond their wildest dreams,” says Kirk Muff.

The hands-on experience will open Sep. 17. It will include guided lessons and four progressive levels: Level 1: Family Fun for families and casual builders; Level 2: Foundation Skills for structured learners; Level 3: Advanced Building for confident builders; and Level 4: Mastery Level for aspiring LEGO Masters.

For more information, visit legohouse.com.

Big Lots! Makes Its Return Under New Ownership

Variety Wholesalers, the discount retailer that recently acquired Big Lots!, is opening six locations in the first of four waves of openings. The locations will be in Mount Sterling, Kentucky; Metairie, Louisiana; Pearl, Mississippi; Asheboro, North Carolina; Clarksville, Gallatin, and Dickson, Tennessee; and Roanoke, Virginia. Variety Wholesalers will open the first wave of stores beginning April 10, with 55 additional locations in the second wave opening on May 1 and later waves continuing into June. By this fall, a special event will be held at all stores to celebrate the brand’s return.

Lisa Seigies, president and CEO of Variety Wholesalers, shares her thoughts on Big Lots’ reopening: “We’re excited to bring the Big Lots! brand back to life by offering more deals than ever, lots of famous brands and a new apparel department for the entire family. We’re opening stores quickly so we can serve the community. We know the stores won’t be perfect to start, but each week we’ll add more new products as we build towards the grand opening celebration in the fall. Every time a customer visits Big Lots! we want them to find something new and exciting!”

For years, Big Lots was a toy industry partner across the closeouts and value channels. Prior to its bankruptcy last year, Big Lots acquired inventory valued at approximately $22 million from the liquidation of Hearthsong Toys. Other companies in Variety Wholesalers’ portfolio include Roses Discount Stores, Roses Express, and Maxway.

FAO Schwarz Welcomes ‘Unicorn Academy’ Fans to Magical Experience

Beloved children’s series Unicorn Academy is taking over New York City.

The magic of the animated Spin Master show has come to life at the iconic toy store FAO Schwarz.

During weekends in April, families can enjoy exciting in-store activities. They can experience a variety of Unicorn Academy-themed activities and shop for new products inspired by the series.

There is a dedicated section within the shop where shoppers can find all Unicorn Academy merchandise, including toys, crafts, activity sets, books, apparel, home goods, and more.

Pulse of Play Awards winner FAO Schwarz is the host of the 'Unicorn Academy' takeover. | Source: Spin Master

Families can join the fun at FAO Schwarz x 'Unicorn Academy' throughout weekends in April. | Source: Spin Master

This NYC takeover celebrates the premiere of an all-new one-hour special episode of Unicorn Academy, which will debut on April 9 on Netflix.

Below is the full schedule of activities at FAO Schwarz to celebrate Unicorn Academy.

Sat. April 5 to Sun. April 6, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. – Unicorn Beauty Transformations: Get glammed with face gems and colored hair extensions.
Sat. April 12 to Sun. April 13, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. – BFF Friendship Bracelets: Create Unicorn Academy friendship bracelets.
Sat. April 19 to Sun. April 20, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. – Unicorn Headbands: Receive a unicorn headband.
Sat. April 26to Sun. April 27, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. – Unicorn Academy Karaoke & Dance Party: Sing and dance to Unicorn Academy beats!

FAO Schwarz won the title of Specialty Retailer of the Year in The Toy Book’s inaugural Pulse of Play Awards earlier this year.

Below is the trailer for the upcoming episode before its release! Those not in the tri-state area who still want to check out the new products can check out the link below. For more information, visit faoschwarz.com and spinmaster.com.

Check out the official trailer of Unicorn Academy’s hour-long special here! Source: Unicorn Academy Official Channel

UNICORN ACADEMY OFFICIAL WILDSTAR UNICORN PLUSH

Let Unicorn Academy come to life with this magical unicorn plush. Wildstar is Sophia's light-creating unicorn and is here to bring all the friendship magic.

Product Facts

MSRP:
$29.99

Age:
1+

Manufacturer:
SPIN MASTER

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Amazon FAO Schwarz

Disguise, BBC Expand ‘Bluey’ Costume Line with Fresh Styles for Fall

JAKKS Pacific’s costume division, Disguise, and BBC will continue their licensing partnership for North America’s popular Bluey costume line.

With this licensing extension, Disguise is preparing for the upcoming fall season with fresh styles and expanded distribution for high-quality Bluey costumes and accessories.

“Bluey consistently ranks among our most in-demand costume lines,” says Tara Cortner, President and General Manager of Disguise. “We’ve witnessed incredible enthusiasm from both kids and parents and with the addition of adult costume offerings, Bluey has evolved into an exciting family-wide dress-up experience. We are thrilled to extend our collaboration with BBC Studios and continue growing this beloved line.”

Disguise will continue its licensing partnership with BBC for Bluey. | Source: JAKKS Pacific

This development is not surprising, as Bluey was the most-watched show on a streaming service last year.

“Disguise has been a great partner and instrumental in bringing our beloved Bluey characters to life through costumes and accessories,” says Suzy Raia, SVP Global Consumer Products, BBC Studios. “The new offerings capture the personalities of the characters and enable fans – kiddos and grown-ups – to more fully immerse themselves in Bluey’s world and create their own fun-filled adventures.”

The costume line has seen great success in both retail and online sales, so it is expected to remain a fan favorite. The costumes are currently available at major retailers, specialty stores, and online, with new additions expected for the upcoming fall season.

For more information, visit disguise.com.

Mattel Debuts Hot Wheels Ferrari Collection

The Hot Wheels Ferrari collection is here. Mattel debuted nine 1:64 die-cast models in its first collection in more than a decade.

A boxed set of two limited-edition die-cast cars is available for pre-order through Mattel Creations. The set features a Ferrari 312 P and a Ferrari 499P Modificata. The Ferrari 312 P is a tribute to the first-ever Hot Wheels Ferrari model, released in 1970. The Ferrari 499P Modificata is the brand’s 24 Hours of Le Mans-winning racer.

The heritage set is an authentic re-creation of the Ferrari 312P and Ferrari 499P Modificata. | Source: Mattel

The collection includes a reimagined Ferrari SF90 Stradale, Assetto Fiorano, one of Ferrari’s newest vehicles. The 1:64 RC car is compatible with Hot Wheels track sets and has full-function controls. It will be available in June. The other vehicles in the collection include LaFerrari, available in September; Ferrari F50, a street-legal roadster with Formula-1-inspired technology, available in November; Ferrari 250 GTO and Fiat 642 RN2 Bartoletti Transporter, sold together and available in October; Ferrari F40 Competizione, available in July; and Ferrari 365 GTB4 Competizione, available in August.

“This collection was developed with all Hot Wheels fans in mind, from true Ferrari connoisseurs to budding automotive enthusiasts, thanks to the attention to detail by our design team,” says Roberto Stanichi, Executive Vice President of Hot Wheels and Head of Vehicles & Building Sets at Mattel. “From our core die-cast available at retail worldwide to our most premium limited-edition models on Mattel Creations, fans of all ages can now bring a piece of Ferrari home.”

For more information about the collection, visit hotwheels.com/ferrari.

HOT WHEELS FOR FERRARI HERITAGE SET

The heritage set is an authentic re-creation of the Ferrari 312P and Ferrari 499P Modificata. | Source: Mattel

The Hot Wheels Ferrari collection launches today. | Source: Mattel

The heritage set is an authentic re-creation of the Ferrari 312P and Ferrari 499P Modificata.

Product Facts

MSRP:
$100

Age:
18+

Manufacturer:
MATTEL

Buy Now

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MATTEL CREATIONS

Hess Toy Truck Reveals its First-Ever Farm Truck Plush

Continuing its annual tradition, Hess Toy Truck reveals its 2025 pick for the My Plush Hess Trucks line. My Plush Hess Truck: 2025 Farm Tractor has farm-themed features and is designed for daytime and nighttime activities.

Hess Toy Truck reveals its first-ever farm tractor. | Source: Hess Toy Truck

This plush features lights, sing-along songs, and more. | Source: Hess Toy Truck

Consumers squeeze the roof lights to activate nightlight mode. | Source: Hess Toy Truck

Like others in the My Plush Hess Truck line, this collectible plush comes with lights and sing-along features. Kids and consumers alike can experience squeeze-activated LED lights and songs like “Old MacDonald,” “The Farmer in the Dell,” and the Hess Toy Truck original, “I’m Your Tractor.”This plush also has a silent mode for quieter play featuring lights-only activations.

During bedtime routines, parents can put kids to bed with help from this farm tractor’s built-in nightlight mode. Consumers gently squeeze the roof lights to activate a soft glow that automatically shuts off after 15 minutes.

The My Plush Hess Truck 2025 Farm Tractor and more collectibles from the My Plush Hess Trucks line are available now exclusively online at hesstoytruck.com.

PMI Kids’ World Marks 30 Years of Toy Innovation and Growth

PMI Kids’ World just hit a big milestone.

The growing maker of licensed toys and collectibles inspired by Sonic the Hedgehog, Fuggler, Creature Cases, Naruto, the UFC, and more is celebrating three decades in the toy industry.

Founded by Boaz Dekel in a small office in Tel Aviv, Israel, in 1995, PMI (initially signifying “pocket money and impulse” toys) launched with collectible trading cards before expanding into licensed toys. The company built its domestic business over its first 19 years, first setting up shop at Spielwarenmesse in Nuremberg, Germany, in 2014 and setting its sights on international expansion.

As PMI celebrates its 30th anniversary, the company is now the third-largest maker of video game-inspired toys and collectibles and was the fastest-growing company in the Action Figures & Collectibles category in the U.S. in 2024, according to Circana. Last year, Boaz Dekel stepped into a Chairperson role as his son, Omer Dekel, took the helm as CEO to lead PMI Kids’ World into the future.

Reaching this 30-year milestone is a testament to the passion, dedication, and hard work of our team, partners, and loyal customers around the world. PMI has always been about more than just toys, we create experiences, encourage imagination, and bring the hottest toys to millions. But more than that, PMI is a family, and every stakeholder—our employees, partners, and customers are a part of it. We treat our entire network with the same care, respect, and commitment that have driven our success.”

— Omer Dekel, PMI Kids' World

With products now sold in more than 130 countries, PMI Kids’ World is looking forward to even more growth on the horizon. The company is focused on brand partnerships, new products, and strengthening its global presence. For more information on PMI Kids’ World, visit www.pmitoys.com.

Ultra Pro Adds Pokémon Charms to Its One-Touch Edge Collection

Fans and collectors of the popular Pokémon Trading Card Game can protect their belongings with Ultra Pro’s latest addition to its One-Touch Edge line. The Poké Ball One-Touch Edge card holder protects and displays all types of Pokémon cards.

These holders are designed to protect and display cards. | Source: Ultra Pro

This holder features magnetic hinge enclosures, UV-blocking additives, and non-PVC materials. | Source: Ultra Pro

This holder features a Poké Ball design. | Source: Ultra Pro

Featuring a Poké Ball design, these card holders keep collectors’ prized possessions safe with slide-in, hinge magnetic enclosures. Consumers can display their keepsakes and protect them with the holders’ UV-blocking additives and non-PVC materials for acid-free protection.

These holders are the perfect size for Pokémon trading cards. The model holds standard-sized TCG cards up to 35pt in thickness and features diamond corners to keep collectibles in mint condition.

“With this release, we wanted to create a timeless look that celebrates the Pokémon universe,” said Ultra Pro Vice President of Brand Strategy Enrique Ruvalcaba. “This holder features all of the great benefits you can expect from the One-Touch Edge card protector plus the immediately recognizable Poké Ball design for collectors to show off their coolest Pokémon cards in major style.”

Ultra Pro’s Poké Ball One-Touch Edge card holders are now available online at ultrapro.com and local card shops.

POKÉ BALL ONE-TOUCH EDGE CARD HOLDER

This card holder keeps possessions safe with slide-in, hinge magnetic enclosures, UV-blocking additives, and non-PVC materials for acid-free protection. The product has a Poké Ball design, holds standard-sized TCG cards up to 35pt in thickness, and features diamond corners to keep collectibles in mint condition.

Product Facts

MSRP:
$5.99

Manufacturer:
ULTRA PRO

Buy Now

The Toy Book participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.

ULTRA PRO

WiT Announces Wonder Women Awards Gala

Women in Toys Licensing and Entertainment (WiT) has announced the details for its annual Wonder Women Awards Gala.

The gala will be held in Los Angeles at The Beverly Hilton on Sept. 11.

Last year’s gala honored women in almost 20 categories, some of which were tied. The honor seeks to “shine a spotlight on the women whose vision, leadership, and commitment to excellence and innovation are making a lasting impact.” Nominees are encouraged to attend the ceremony.

WiT has added Team Awards this year. The Team Awards recognize the collaborative efforts in the industry. They join awards in franchise development/management, human resources, non-profits, sales strategy and growth, retail buyers, designers, creative directors, research and development, invention, innovation, marketing, user experience, storytelling, leadership, mentorship, public relations, licensing, and brand building.

Nominations are open; for more information about WiT, visit womenintoys.com.

CardVault by Tom Brady Expands with New Flagship Location

CardVault by Tom Brady is opening a new flagship store. Located in New Jersey’s American Dream Mall, the store will offer a premium experience for buyers and collectors.

The new store is the first location outside the Boston area; other locations are TD Garden, Gillette Stadium, and Foxwoods Resort Casino. It is the first fully-branded location since Brady purchased a 50% ownership stake in February.

“We’re just getting started,” says Tom Brady. “I’m beyond excited to officially be in the hobby — not just as a collector, but as a store owner. CardVault isn’t just about buying and selling cards; it’s about bringing the passion of collecting to as many people as possible. Collecting is about more than just the cards — it’s about the memories, nostalgia, and the connection to the game. I’ve lived it firsthand, and I know how powerful that feeling is. We’re bringing that excitement to a whole new generation of fans.”

CardVault by Tom Brady is an authorized retailer of Topps, Panini, Upper Deck, Fanatics Authentic, and other trading card game manufacturers. The 1,200 square-foot store will offer rare and premium trading cards, authentication services, and a VIP trading experience. The store is operated by a team of experts and will provide a welcome environment for its patrons.

“Bringing CardVault by Tom Brady to American Dream…is a significant milestone for us,” says Ed Kane, Co-Founder of CardVault by Tom Brady. “With Tom’s vision and American Dream’s unmatched energy, we’re creating a premier hub for fans and the entire sports collecting community.”

The American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey offers consumers more than 3 million square feet of retail experience. Attractions include DreamWorks Water Park, Nickelodeon Universe, the New Jersey Hall of Fame, and Dream Wheel. It is less than a mile from MetLife Stadium, home to the New York Giants, New York Jets, and 2026 Fifa World Cup.

The store is located in Court A, Level 1 and will host a grand opening celebration Friday, April 11. For more information, visit cardvaultbytombrady.com.

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