Trend Enterprises’ Pickleball Collection is Dill-lightful

Pickleball is all the rage, and Trend Enterprises is getting its head in the game.

Trend Enterprises made a name for itself through educational products and the recent relaunch of its iconic Scratch ‘n Sniff Stinky Stickers. Over the last year, the brand released new smelly stickers, skyrocketing the brand back to pop culture with playful schoolhouse nostalgia. Trend Enterprises’ latest line of impulse items and stickers expands this philosophy by combining retro-‘80s flair with a modern-day trend that’s sweeping the nation: pickleball.

Make every game a Pickleball game with these playing cards. | Source: Trend Enterprises

Some of these stickers even smell like pickles. | Source: Trend Enterprises

These vinyl stickers are perfect to show off your love for the game. | Source: Trend Enterprises

The Pickleball Collection includes vinyl stickers, illustrated sticker sheets, and playing cards sporting sporty pickles on the Pickleball court. From the fun cartoon designs to the pickle scratch ‘n sniff scents, this line recalls the nostalgic joy of getting a good grade on an assignment or playing cards with friends on the playground. 

These stickers and playing cards are the perfect stocking stuffer for every dink-er. The colorful, whimsical designs make any surface a Pickleball court. The large vinyl stickers are waterproof, so players can cover their water bottles and gym bags with their love for the game. When they aren’t on the court, players can still show off their Pickleball skills with the Pickleball Playing Cards. With adorably athletic pickles, every card game can become a Pickleball match. With classic ‘80s inspiration, the collection captures the silliness and glee of a Pickleball game with friends.

Trend Enterprises’ Pickleball collection is a big dill! Visit its website to stock your pantry and gym bag with pickle goodness.

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Gen X Nostalgia: Punkies Playhouse, Surreal Entertainment Ink Licensing Deal for Beloved ‘80s Properties

The new-stalgia explosion continues.

Punkies Playhouse, a company dedicated to reviving classic IP, inked a multiyear, non-exclusive licensing agreement with Ohio-based Surreal Entertainment. Under the new deal, Surreal will create and market a variety of collectibles, housewares, and other products based on Fluppy Dogs, Snorks Odyssey, Hugga Bunch World, ESLEEP, Sea Wees, and Nosy Bears.
Source: Surreal Entertainment

“I look forward to attending Toy Fair next year with these guys. I intend to bring these recognizable brands back to unlock core childhood memories in Gen X consumers and return to them a piece of their childhood to share with their kids and grandkids,” says Spring Hickman, Founder, Punkies Playhouse.

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The new products from Surreal Entertainment are the start of a planned, multi-pronged relaunch for the brands within the Punkies Playhouse portfolio. Hickman seeks partners for additional categories and intends to secure master toy licensees for select brands.

“I love my generation! I am a single mom to an amazing autistic teenage son who calls me ‘bro,’ not a corporate executive seeking a quick money grab,” she adds. “Every product we create will be done with purpose and design in mind. I’m always saying, ‘Get in where you fit in,’ which is exactly what I plan to do!”

Interested partners can contact Spring Hickman via LinkedIn to set up a meeting.

Swerve PR Rebrands as Swerve Strategic Marketing

Swerve PR is now Swerve Strategic.

The company is offering a broader range of services to clients and cites its growth as a reason for the rebrand.

Swerve Strategic Marketing plans to offer digital marketing, earned and paid public relations, influencer and affiliate marketing, and events and activations as part of its expanded services and integrative strategy. 

“The communications landscape has been evolving rapidly,” said Andrew Wagar, President and CEO of Swerve Strategic. “We’ve recognized that the lines between PR, influencer marketing, affiliate marketing, events, and advertising are merging, creating exciting opportunities for brands. Today, companies want marketing partners who can guide their audiences through the entire sales journey — from awareness to purchase — in an authentic, personal way.”

Swerve Strategic has over 15 years of experience promoting and driving sales for family lifestyle brands, including Cloud b and Little Big Friends. The company has adapted its suite of services to anticipate industry trends.

“Our shift to Swerve Strategic is a reflection of our ongoing investment in the future of marketing and communications,” said Wagar. “We are fully vested in our clients’ brands and will continue to innovate and grow alongside them as their needs and the market evolve.”

To learn more about Swerve Strategic, visit the company’s relaunched website, swervestrategic.com.

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Preshow Noël Toys & Games Returns to France

The Preshow Noël Toys & Games show is returning to Deauville, France, a city around 120 miles away from Paris. At the show, companies from around the world will showcase their products for the upcoming year. 

The show will feature exhibitors from more than 15 countries, including Germany (Schleich), Australia (Connetix Tiles, Moose Toys), Italy (Liscianogiochi), Spain (Educa Borras, Grupo Erik Editores, Molto y Cia), the U.K. (Just Play, YuMe Toys), Turkey (Dolu), and the U.S. (JAKKS Pacific). The show features a variety of new exhibitors, including Alpha Group, Goki, Kids 2 Europe, Noukie’s, Playmobil, Toi Toys, Trade Invaders, Trefl, Wecool Toys, and more.
Preshow Noël will feature toy previews for the upcoming year. | Source: Preshow Noël

The newest addition to the show is Fan Zone by Preshow, an area dedicated to the kidult, fan, and collector markets. Companies including CLD Distribution, Exquisite Gaming, Innelec, Paladone, Barrado, Blackrock Games, Rubies, YuMe Toys, and WTT will be displaying products aimed at these groups. 

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Preshow Noël Toys & Games will be hosted at the Hotel Barrière Le Royal, the Centre International de Deauville, and the Villa Le Cercle from Nov. 18-22.

Pedal to the Medal: Hot Wheels Legends Tour Reveals Top 10 Finalists

The Hot Wheels Legends Tour is zooming towards the finish line! After 13 different countries, more than 20 in-person events, and countless years of participants’ elbow grease, Mattel’s Hot Wheels has selected 10 tricked-out custom cars from around the world to compete for the ultimate crown: to have their car immortalized as a 1:64-scale Hot Wheels vehicle. 

This car from Chile is based on a Ford Falcon. | Source: Hot Wheels Legends Tour

This Dallas car is bringing back retro. | Source: Hot Wheels Legends Tour

This car from El Segundo, CA was found as a dump truck and given a better life. | Source: Hot Wheels Legends Tour

This custom build from France is based on the iconic Back to the Future Delorean. | Source: Hot Wheels Legends Tour

This custom Porsche from Germany is riding in style. | Source: Hot Wheels Legends Tour

This Lancia Beta from Italy will have you riding low and slow. | Source: Hot Wheels Legends Tour

This mini "Bentley" from the UK is full of old-school charm. | Source: Hot Wheels Legends Tour

Don't hit a speed bump in this Chevrolet Apache from Phoenix, AZ! | Source: Hot Wheels Legends Tour

This custom Volkswagen Beetle from UAE adds modern flair to the classic design. | Source: Hot Wheels Legends Tour

During the Global Grand Finale on Nov. 16, each finalist’s hot-rod will be evaluated by an esteemed panel of judges, including TV host Jay Leno, actor and comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias, NASCAR driver Toni Breidinger, members of the Hot Wheels Design Team, and other renowned automotive designers and photographers from around the world. Each project will be judged on its authenticity, creativity, and overall garage spirit to determine which car will receive the legendary Hot Wheels makeover. 

The Hot Wheels Legends Tour is celebrating its seventh year as the world’s largest traveling car show, and it shows no sign of stopping. Since the tour kicked off in May, the event sported 5,000 global vehicle entrants and nearly 100,000 attendees, breaking its previous all-time attendance records. By partnering with Mobil 1 and Walmart for the events, the tour creates an innovative place for car enthusiasts everywhere to show off their hard work on a global stage. 

The Hot Wheels Legends Tour Global Finale will stream on Nov. 16 on Hot Wheels’ YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook pages. 

Keep scrolling for the complete list of finalists and a description of their unique builds.

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2024 Hot Wheels Legends Tour Finalists
  • Houston, Texas: Mikey Brown’s 1957 BMW Isetta started its journey as a scrap pile before being transformed into a miniature RV. Brown designed, engineered, fabricated, painted, upholstered, and assembled the vehicle himself—all within just 80 days. With a Walmart crate motor, the tiny BMW is now fully functional as a usable camper for weekend adventures with his children.
  • Dallas, Texas: Regan McLaughlin’s 1988 Ford Mustang “Timefox” is a tribute to the 1980s and 1990s with a retro white and teal paint job, including hand-painted pink and purple scribbles. McLaughlin swapped the original engine for a Barra 4.0-liter straight six developed by Ford for the Australian market, which is seldom seen in the United States, and then added a PSR turbocharger. The front bumper is a modified BMW M3 bumper, the rear wing was taken from a Mitsubishi EVO, and the widebody fenders were designed by hand. Continuing the retro theme inside, the Timefox has custom aftermarket blue plaid seats, a car phone, and a Gameboy modified to act as the speedometer.  
  • Phoenix, AZ: Beginning with his love for unique and obscure cars, Arizona native Robert Zoller transformed his 1960 Chevrolet Apache into a home-built hot-rod. Every panel of the car has been modified throughout the six-year build process including a custom hood that hides a 6.0-liter LS motor, and a shortened front and rear end pair with air-ride suspension to give it the low-rider look. Adorned in a unique paint mix, “Odd Grey,” Zoller built this car by hand to inspire others and bring joy to those he passes.
  • El Segundo, CA: Scott Roberson’s fully custom 1934 Ford Pickup, nicknamed FordTruss, was victorious at the final United States tour stop held at Mattel’s headquarters. Robertson always wanted to build a hot-rod from the ground up and his dream came true when he found the old Ford Pickup in a bamboo grove, where it had previously been a dump truck. FordTruss took inspiration from aerospace engineering, utilizing water-jet cut aircraft-grade aluminum panels to help create a custom bed frame, hood, and grill insert – leaving a cohesive but rugged-looking hot-rod. The build also repurposes scrap parts, including airplane brake calipers for an instrument panel or recycled Italian leather office chairs to create the seats. Under the immaculate design is a 6.2-liter Chevrolet LS3 E-Rod producing 430 horsepower and mated to massive drag radial rear tires and custom wheels.
  • UAE: Sameh Helal’s 2016 Volkswagen Beetle R-Line custom Beetle features an exclusive widebody kit, designed by Sameh himself, with an aerodynamic rear spoiler that enhances both style and performance. The retrofitted headlights and taillights add a modern touch to its classic look. Under the aggressively styled exterior is a finely tuned stage two engine, pushing close to 400 horsepower, thanks to the IS38 turbo upgrade. Inside, luxury meets performance with full Alcantara upholstery and Recaro racing seats, offering both comfort and control.
  • France: The iconic Back to the Future 1981 Delorean was always the dream of French drifter Alexandre Claudin, and in 2018, his dream came true. He imported two Deloreans to France, selling one to finance his custom-build – the other underwent a three-year transformation. Claudin replaced almost every piece of the car outside of the body panels and upholstery, including a 500-horsepower Corvette engine, new wheels and tires, and a unique livery.
  • Germany: As a lifelong car enthusiast, Benjamin Pflug jumped on the opportunity to buy and build a 1987 Porsche 944. Pflug and his father spent countless hours in their driveway with only a toolbox, a jack, and determination to develop this unique Porsche. The 944 features custom OZ wheels, an updated leather interior, and an air-ride suspension system. Additional improvements include the custom paint job and designing the bespoke rear spoiler. 
  • United Kingdom: Dominic Whittle and two friends, united by their love for older cars, turned a 1983 Austin Mini into the “Mentley.” Their goal was to combine a unique, retro design with raw power. Initially created as a weekend track toy, the build eventually became a tribute to a 1920s Bentley Speed 8, including the British Racing Green livery. The Mentley is powered by a 4.0-liter Rover V8 paired with a Range Rover 5-speed manual transmission – pushing the car from 0-60 in 3 seconds and running the quarter mile in 11.2 seconds. The vehicle also features a coilover suspension and modern four-piston brakes.
  • Chile: Created by the Cars & Coffee (C&C) Chile team and owned by Giuseppe Casagrande, the Chilean Stig and C&C Co-Founder, the 1968 Ford Falcon “La Liebre” is the Chilean tour stop winner. Casagrande and his friends began the C&C Chile in 2013 as a nonprofit organization to promote car culture in Chile – La Liebre is an extension of that goal. Starting with a Chilean-produced Ford Falcon, the team added a 500-horsepower Chevrolet 350. The sub-2,000-pound chassis has been heavily modified, featuring a custom tube frame and roll-cage. The car also sports a custom fiberglass body for maximum aerodynamics, Michelin racing tires, and an NRG carbon racing seat in the cockpit. It blends vintage style and modern performance, designed for pure speed.
  • Italy: Growing up near Monza, Francesco Besana and his custom 1976 Lancia Beta HPE HF Turbo will represent Italy at this year’s Global Finale. The Lancia infuses Italian flair with Japanese influence, featuring a minimalistic interior design and a raw, rat-race exterior. Custom wheels, patina, and an exposed oil radiator complete the aggressive look. The car is powered by a 300 horsepower 1.6L Lancia Delta HF Turbo engine, modified for fuel injection, with custom parts like an oversized Garrett T4 turbine. The air ride suspension and camber-adjustable setup allow for complete control over fitment, and the brakes have been modified to include a hydraulic handbrake setup.

Grown-Ups Have Fun Too: LEGO Debuts New Adult Sets

Adults like to play, too!

In recent years, LEGO has paid particular attention to adults who find joy in building block toy sets. While LEGO has always focused significantly on children’s play, the gap between its adult and children’s products constantly diminishes.

This week, the company is debuting multiple new LEGO sets made specifically for adult builders. 

LEGO is expanding its Botanical Garden collection with four new additions to the popular line: the Botanicals Pretty Pink Flower Bouquet ($59.99), the Botanicals Mini Orchid ($29.99), the Botanicals Lucky Bamboo ($29.99), and the Botanicals Flower Arrangement ($109.99). These sets will release on January 1, 2025. 

LEGO Botanical will soon add to the lineup. | Source: LEGO

The flowers can be collected and arranged with other sets from the line, to make unique boquets. | Source: LEGO

The house plant that never has to be watered. | Source: LEGO

The floral and botanical LEGO sets are made with an aesthetic and designability that makes them able to be staples in a home or office. These LEGO sets are detailed and accurate to the plants and flowers they are based on. The company says LEGO Botanicals will now become its own theme with its own logo, as the line has brought LEGO lovers and plant lovers together, proving successful. 

LEGO is also paying homage to iconic art with the release of the LEGO Art Love set ($79.99). Upon completion, the set will be a great centerpiece for those who love Robert Indiana’s famously iconic piece of pop art, the LOVE sculpture. This art piece is known worldwide and can now, thanks to this set, be found in homes around the world, too. This set will be released on January 1, 2025. 

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Last but not least, LEGO is debuting The Icons of the Endurance set ($269.99), which consists of 3,011 pieces. LEGO lovers who are history fans will be able to recreate historically accurate Sir Ernest Shackleton’s iconic ship in deep detail. The set includes minifigures of historical characters who were actually at this historic site. This set will be available later this month. 

For more information about these debuts and to stay up-to-date with LEGO toys intended for builders ages 18 and up, visit LEGO.com.

LEGO ART LOVE BUILDING SET

This LEGO set, based on Robert Indiana’s LOVE sculpture, consists of 791 vibrant pieces. With this 18+ set, LEGO and art fans can have this iconic art in their own homes.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $79.99
  • Age:
  • 18+

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LEGO

Deck the Halls with Pink: Barbie Stars in Verizon’s 2024 Holiday Campaign

This holiday season, Barbie is taking over the internet — literally! Mattel is partnering with Verizon for a pretty-in-pink marketing campaign featuring Barbie and all her friends. 

In addition to playful advertising content across billboards, digital media, and television, the famous Barbie DreamHouse is getting a digital makeover. Dubbed the Barbie StreamHouse, this life-size replica of the DreamHouse in New York City will be the center of Verizon’s holiday activations. From Dec 12-15, Barbie fans of all ages can visit the StreamHouse to tour the house with a virtual Barbie, score exclusive merch, take holiday family photos, play interactive games, and make holiday memories that will last a lifetime.
When Verizon tapped Barbie to bring her signature star power and cultural cachet to their holiday campaign, we both saw the perfect opportunity to create something extraordinary for our fans that spans generations. Bringing this landmark partnership to life through compelling content and a life-size Barbie StreamHouse, inviting fans to step into the collaborative world of Barbie and Verizon, represents our shared passion for engaging our audiences in unexpected ways.”
— Lisa McKnight, Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer, Mattel

In the spirit of the season, Mattel and Verizon are giving back and empowering young girls to reach their full potential. Through a partnership between the Barbie Dream Gap Project and Girls, Inc., the Barbie StreamHouse will host 100 students for a unique holiday experience. In addition to enjoying all the StreamHouse has to offer, students will get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the Verizon technology that powers the house and receive Barbie holiday play kits. 

Students from a neighboring Verizon Innovative Learning school can also join the Barbie holiday cheer. With nearly 8 million students across the United States, this free initiative empowers students to reach their full potential by offering free tech-infused learning, internet access, and teacher support. Students from the school are invited to explore the StreamHouse to merge learning with their play.
Source: Mattel

The adorable Barbie StreamHouse in NYC’s SoHo will only be open Dec. 12-15 at 214 Lafayette Street, New York. As the holidays continue, be sure to look for new Barbie and Mattel holiday content from Verizon.

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PM&J Unveils Squishmallows Bean Bag Chairs

PM&J is dipping its toes into the realm of licensed goods with a collaboration with Jazwares for Squishmallows bean bag chairs. 

The bean bag chairs are designed based on three of kids’ favorite Squishmallows designs: Archie the Axolotl, Bubba the Cow, and Cam the Cat. These bean bags are 30 inches wide and are perfect additions to playrooms or as a designated kid’s seat in the living room. They are also filled with lightweight beans, so it is easy for kids to move them around to get the perfect seat in the house. 

PM&J is launching its first-ever licensed products with Squishmallows. | Source: PM&J

PM&J is launching its first-ever licensed products with Squishmallows. | Source: PM&J

PM&J is launching its first-ever licensed products with Squishmallows. | Source: PM&J

“After 17 years of designing, developing, and manufacturing products under private labels, we’re honored to collaborate with Jazwares and Walmart to bring these delightful Squishmallows bean bag chairs to market,” says Peter Fritz, President of PM&J. “This launch represents a significant milestone as we expand our expertise into licensed retail products.”

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The Squishmallows bean bag chairs are available now at Walmart. 

Exclusive: ‘A Toy Store Near You’ Returns for Season 7

Gobble, gobble! Nacelle is serving up a fresh helping of toyetic entertainment, just in time for Thanksgiving.

The company behind The Toys That Made Us, Icons Unearthed, and the relaunch of classic toy brands, including RoboForce and Biker Mice From Mars, is putting the finishing touches on a new season of A Toy Store Near You.

The seventh season of the unscripted look at the people behind independent toy stores and collectibles shops returns for Season 7 on Monday, November 26, 2024. This season features an inside look at five retailers across the U.S. and Japan. The Toy Book has your first look at the trailer below.
This show is truly a joy to make. The passion that these toy store owners have is unmatched, and just listening to them tell their stories, engage with their customers, and seeing their individual collections is something I could do for another 70 seasons if I could!”
— Brian Volk-Weiss, Founder & CEO, Nacelle

A celebration of independent toy stores around the world, A Toy Store Near You highlights brick and mortar businesses that foster community among toy collectors by stocking a mix of new and vintage toys and collectibles. With each season, Nacelle donates the majority of its profits from the series to the stores that are featured.

A Toy Store Near You Season 7 features the following stores:

The season also features interviews with Pixel Dan, Andre Meadows, ToyShiz, Ed’s Retro Geek Out, Collection DX, Mega Jay Retro, and more.

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A Toy Store Near You Season 7 is directed by Matt Kravistky, who also serves as Executive Producer alongside Brian Volk-Weiss, Cisco Henson, and Savannah Goss.

Catch it streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, and more.

Former Hasbro Exec Joins The Toy Association as Chief Policy Officer

The Toy Association is making changes to its leadership roles. 

Kathrin Belliveau joins the Association as Chief Policy Officer later this month.

In this newly created role, Belliveau, who most recently served as Executive Vice President and Chief Purpose Officer of Hasbro, will manage global regulatory affairs and representation, toy safety and ethics initiatives, marketing and strategic communications, and consumer outreach. She will also oversee the Global Government & Regulatory Affairs and Strategic Communications departments.
As the industry continues to face new challenges and an evolving landscape Kathrin’s executive-level leadership, extensive expertise, and the depth of her network across the industry will be an invaluable resource and benefit to our members and toy companies around the globe.”
—Greg Ahearn, President & CEO of The Toy Association


Ed Desmond, The Toy Association’s Executive Vice President of Global Government and Regulatory Affairs, is leaving his role to pursue other opportunities.

“We are incredibly grateful to Ed for his dedication to the global toy community and his leadership at the Association,” Ahearn says. “Ed has been a tremendous resource for our members and the industry at large. He will continue to work with us through the end of the year to ensure a seamless leadership transition prior to starting his new consulting business.”

To stay up-to-date with other changes at The Toy Association, visit toyassociation.org.

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