Cra-Z-Art is fueling a new stage of growth with a strategic acquisition.

On the heels of its 100th anniversary celebration last year, the company is extending its reach beyond the toy, activity, and school supply categories it’s most known for with the acquisition of Chicago-based Top Secret Toys.

For nearly a decade, Top Secret Toys has grown its portfolio to include novelties, STEM-based activity kits, and games that live alongside brands including Dissect-It, Giga Pets, and Spin Pops.

This acquisition aligns perfectly with our vision of becoming a global leader in creative and educational play. Top Secret Toy’s commitment to innovation and quality is a perfect fit with Cra-Z-Art’s values, and together we will continue to push the boundaries of creativity in the toy industry."
— Lawrence Rosen, Chairman of Cra-Z-Art


Cra-Z-Art says the acquisition will diversify the company’s product portfolio as Top Secret Toys retains the “unique identity and heritage” of its lines while tapping into Cra-Z-Art’s supply chain and marketing power.

Products from Top Secret Toys join a robust range including brands such as RoseArt, Shimmer ‘n Sparkle, Cra-Z-Slimy, and Softee Dough. Amid the continued success of classic toys including Magna Doodle and the Snoopy Sno Cone Machine, Cra-Z-Art has a new hit on its hands this season with the launch of Disney Crystal Surprise.

About the author

James Zahn

James Zahn

James Zahn, AKA The Rock Father, is Editor-in-Chief of The Toy Book, a Senior Editor at The Toy Insider and The Pop Insider, and Editor of The Toy Report, The Toy Book‘s weekly industry newsletter. As a pop culture and toy industry expert, Zahn has appeared as a panelist and guest at events including Comic-Con International: San Diego (SDCC) Wizard World Chicago, and the ASTRA Marketplace & Academy. Zahn has more than 30 years of experience in the entertainment, retail, and publishing industries, and is frequently called upon to offer expert commentary for publications such as Forbes, Marketwatch, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, USA Today, Reuters, the Washington Post, and more. James has appeared on History Channel’s Modern Marvels, was interviewed by Larry King and Anderson Cooper, and has been seen on Yahoo! Finance, CNN, CNBC, FOX Business, NBC, ABC, CBS, WGN, The CW, and more. Zahn joined the Adventure Media & Events family in 2016, initially serving as a member of the Parent Advisory Board after penning articles for the Netflix Stream Team, Fandango Family, PBS KIDS, Sprout Parents (now Universal Kids), PopSugar, and Chicago Parent. He eventually joined the company full time as a Senior Editor and moved up the ranks to Deputy Editor and Editor-in-Chief.

archivearrow-chevron-downarrow-chevron-left-greyarrow-chevron-leftarrow-chevron-rightarrow-fatarrow-left-blackarrow-left-whitearrow-right-blackarrow-rightarrow-roundedbookscalendarcaret-downclose-whiteclosedocumenteditorial-archiveeyefacebook-squarefacebookfilesgifthamburgerheadinghearthomeinstagram-squareinstagramlatestlinkedin-squarelinkedinmailmedia-inquiresmessagenewsopen-boxpagination-leftpagination-rightpauseplayprintproduct-archiverecent-productssearchsharesort-filterspotifysunteamtiktoktime_purpletimetrendingtvtwitter-squaretwitterxyoutube