Editorial Calendar

The Toy Book’s Editorial Calendar is an ever-evolving work in progress. Certain features and dates may be subject to change.

The toy industry is fueled by innovation, and in this issue, The Toy Book team unpacks the trends and outlook for multiple categories, including What’s New, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Sustainable/Eco-Friendly toys, MESH (Mental, Emotional, Social Health), and more.

Highlights include:

Select Toy Book departments (see below) plus exclusive features covering all aspects of the industry, including retail, the state of freight, hot trends, packaging, invention, marketing and public relations, and much, much more.

Click here to read 2022’s Innovation & STEM Issue

The legend returns! While Toy Fair may have moved to September, The BIG Toy Book tradition continues in February 2023. The Toy Book‘s 39th Volume kicks off with nearly 300 must-read pages packed with the content that readers have come to expect from the toy industry’s No. 1 trade publication.

Highlights include:

• Comprehensive 2023 product coverage for all categories, including Action Figures, Arts, Crafts & Activities, Construction, Collectibles, Costumes & Roleplay, Dolls, Games & Puzzles, Impulse & Novelties, Infant & Toddler, Outdoor & Active, Pets, Plush, Preschool, STEM, Trading Cards, Vehicles & R/C, and the new Toy Adjacent category packed with items sold in a toy store that aren’t necessarily toys and games.

• State of the Toy Industry: Q&A with industry leaders, retailers, and manufacturers about toy trends and hot topics in the toy industry; 2023 forecast; insight from The NPD Group; and full-year 2022 statistics.

• Toy Book departments (see below) plus exclusive features covering all aspects of the industry, including retail, the state of freight, hot trends, packaging, invention, marketing and public relations, and much, much more.

Click here to read 2023’s BIG Toy Book

The Toy Book’s 2023 Classics & Specialty issue shines a spotlight on classic, open-ended play categories, including Arts, Crafts, & Activities, Construction, Dolls, Games & Puzzles, Plush, Vehicles & R/C, alongside products Made in the USA and the best in Specialty Toys & Gifts launches for 2023. This includes products carried by independent specialty toy stores, gift shops, hobby shops, comic shops, and more.

Additional Highlights include:

• Our annual specialty Industry Q&A in which retailers, manufacturers, and others in the space discuss the latest trends, industry happenings, and how business strategies are evolving across the specialty toy market.

• Select Toy Book departments (see below) plus exclusive features covering all aspects of the industry, including retail, the state of freight, hot trends, packaging, invention, marketing and public relations, and much, much more.

Click here to read the 2023 Classics & Specialty Issue

Inspired by the spirit of The Licensing Book, The Toy Book celebrates the robust world of licensed toys, games, and products for kids and kidults alike. Additionally, we’ll take a look at the toyetic entertainment properties that are shaping the industry in 2023 and beyond.

Highlights include:

•What’s New: Licensed kids’ product showcase across all categories.

•Property Profiles: A look at the big licensed properties that are extending the fun beyond the toy department or coming into the toy department from beyond.

• Select Toy Book departments (see below) plus exclusive features covering all aspects of the industry, including retail, the state of freight, hot trends, packaging, invention, marketing and public relations, and much, much more.

Click here to read the 2023 Licensing & Entertainment Issue!

The Toy Foundation’s Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards settles into its September timeslot this year alongside Toy Fair in New York. The Toy Book continues its tradition of honoring all the nominees and Toy Hall of Fame Inductees in this collectible special issue.

Highlights include:

• TOTY Nominee Showcase highlighting every nominee in every category, including ACTION FIGURE OF THE YEAR, COLLECTIBLE OF THE YEAR, CONSTRUCTION TOY OF THE YEAR, CREATIVE TOY OF THE YEAR, DOLL OF THE YEAR, GAME OF THE YEAR, GROWN-UP TOY OF THE YEAR, INFANT/TODDLER TOY OF THE YEAR, LICENSE OF THE YEAR, OUTDOOR TOY OF THE YEAR, PLAYSET OF THE YEAR, PLUSH TOY OF THE YEAR, PRESCHOOL TOY OF THE YEAR, RIDE-ON TOY OF THE YEAR, SPECIALTY TOY OF THE YEAR, STEAM TOY OF THE YEAR, and VEHICLE OF THE YEAR.

• TOTY 2003 Flashback

• TOTY Feature

• Welcome Page

• Toy Hall of Fame Inductees

• And more!

Click here to read the 2023 TOTY Awards Special issue

The Toy Book celebrates Toy Fair’s big move to fall with an issue packed with new toys, games, and kids’ products across every category. This forward-looking issue will include predictions for the year ahead along with a bonus showcase highlighting late holiday drivers that retailers will want to keep on their radar to refill shelves during the fourth quarter.

Highlights include:

• What’s in store for ’24: A preview of some hot new toys and games that will be heading to retail throughout 2024.

• 2023 Late Holiday Launches:

• Select Toy Book departments (see below) plus exclusive features covering all aspects of the industry, including retail, the state of freight, hot trends, packaging, invention, marketing and public relations, and much, much more.

Click here to read February 2022’s Fall Preview issue

Select departments are featured in every issue of the Toy Book. Department topics are chosen by the editorial staff. If you are interested in being featured or writing a department, please reach out to James Zahn: james@toybook.com

ASTRA’s Insights
The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) offers the Toy Book’s readers an update on the latest happenings in the organization. Topics include how to make the most of Neighborhood Toy Store Day, being media-ready for the holidays, and more.

Backstory
Throwback! Did you know that some of the greatest toys of all time were created by accident? Backstories profile the history of an iconic property that is relevant to the toy and entertainment industries.

Changing the Game
From the latest in next-gen consoles to software sales and consumer gaming habits, these features offer the latest in the video game industry.

Compliance & Regulations
This department focuses on topics such as safeguarding and improving ethical and sustainability standards in the global toy industry supply chain, written by watchdog organization ICTI Ethical Toy Program.

Flashback
Twenty years ago, Britney Spears dolls were selling like crazy and Amazon.com just launched a toy section. This page is a fun look back on news, sales trends, and new products from the previous decades. 

Giving Back
These features highlight players in the toy industry that offer a charitable component to their business models.

Industry Insights
These features share the latest perspectives with fresh data.

Industry Update
The latest and most important news briefs to keep the industry updated.

Marketing Memo
Take advantage of these tips for manufacturers and retailers on best practices for all things marketing, such as how to effectively use social media to enhance your brand, where and how to advertise your products, how to get consumers to learn about your store, and more.

Media Mashup
This showcase features the latest in kids’ entertainment, including books, video games, music, movies, and more. 

New in Town
Hello, are you new here? This feature profiles a new player in the industry making big waves, from start-ups to indie manufacturers.

Outside the Box
The way toy companies present their products to consumers really, really matters. This department analyzes product packaging, brand-building, product placement, and more to determine how the little details make all the difference.

Property Profile
A spotlight on a hot property in the toy or entertainment industries accompanied by a toy-specific product showcase.

Raising the Bar
This department offers legal advice and analysis of topics manufacturers and retailers should be aware of, such as the importance of trademarking your brand, how to combat counterfeit toys, and more.

Retail Rundown
From mass retailers to hometown shops, this feature highlights retailers making a mark in the toy industry. 

Spotlight On
This profile is about individuals making moves in the toy industry, from inventors to designers and more.

Stat Shot
The latest stats in the toy industry, covering top properties, sales trends, and more!

Talkin’ Toys
A Q&A with a manufacturer, retailer, or industry expert on new initiatives, new product lines, plans for the year, and other relevant topics.

Toy Association Perspectives
The Toy Association offers its view on the latest happenings in the industry, such as trending topics, its own reports, the latest on tariff regulations, and more. 

Toy Association Update
The Toy Association updates our readers on what the organization is up to, including upcoming events, seminars, and more.

WIT Stories Women in Toys, Licensing, & Entertainment contributes to The Toy Book each issue with features covering topics like how to bring a product to market, making the most out of networking events, and more.