Blog - Page 19 of 1502 - The Toy Book

The LEGO Group Unveils Botanical Garden Set

The LEGO Group’s kidult collection features a wide array of plants and flowers. Now, the lineup includes a Botanical Garden from the LEGO Ideas collection.

With more than 3,700 pieces, the LEGO Ideas Botanical Garden set features three atriums and more than 35 species of plants. The main atrium has a spiral staircase leading to an observation deck and two large, exotic trees. The smaller atriums feature an arid garden filled with cacti and a café area. The outside of the Botanical Garden is surrounded with peonies and other plants. The set also includes 12 minifigures, including four staff members and visitors along with an assortment of animal figures.

The LEGO Ideas Botanical Garden features more than 3,700 pieces. | Source: The LEGO Group

The LEGO Ideas Botanical Garden features more than 3,700 pieces. | Source: The LEGO Group

The set was designed by Valentina Bima, a LEGO fan from Italy. The set earned 10,000 votes on the LEGO Ideas website before The LEGO Group selected it to be made into a real set.

“I’ve been a fan of LEGO building since I was a child, and wanted to create a design that combined my love for botanical gardens and my favorite element — all transparent elements,” Bima says. “The elements of this color allow you to break down the external-internal border; the transparent elements allow you to build buildings, vehicles, spaceships, or anything you can imagine with a pleasant and captivating external shape allowing you to see the internal details and the LEGO Minifigures.”

The LEGO Ideas Botanical Garden will be available starting Nov. 1 at lego.com for LEGO Insiders and Nov. 4 for the general public for $329.99. All LEGO Insiders who buy the set from Nov. 1-7 will also get a LEGO Botanicals Entrance Gate as a free gift.

Miraculous Corp Welcomes Roz Nowicki as Global Head of Consumer Products

The newly formed Miraculous Corp has appointed industry legend Roz Nowicki as Global Head of Consumer Products for its hit Miraculous franchise.

Miraculous Corp, the joint venture between premier European studios Mediawan and ZAG, consolidates the various facets of the Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir franchise, such as the original television series, animated feature films, and its thriving merchandising program to streamline and accelerate the brand’s worldwide growth. With Roz Nowicki steering Miraculous Corp’s consumer products and promotional strategies, the franchise is poised to experience exponential growth ahead of its 10th anniversary in 2025.

"Miraculous is a rare gem that has captivated boys and girls worldwide with its action-packed stories, thrilling adventures, and an inspiring coming-of-age journey that highlights the power of self-belief—reminding us that behind every mask lies a superhero. As the brand approaches its 10th anniversary next year, I’m honored to join the team in shaping its future. Our goal is to ensure the brand continues to flourish over the next decade, working closely with strategic partners to develop innovative products and services that seamlessly blend creativity with the brand's origins, delivering fresh, compelling experiences for fans old and new."

— Roz Nowicki, Global Head of Consumer Products, Miraculous Corp.

Nowicki brings more than three decades of executive leadership in global licensing to the Miraculous Corp family. Beginning her career in licensing at The Walt Disney Company, Nowicki’s experience spans multiple companies, including Mattel, Universal Studios, GUESS, and 20th Century Fox. Before joining Miraculous Corp, Nowicki served as Head of Global Consumer Products and Franchise Marketing at Mattel. In this position, Nowicki grew the multi-category products division and created a global team to drive innovation in marketing and licensing. Propelled by this experience, Nowicki plans to take Miraculous Corp to new heights with strategic partnerships and creative products and services that will bring fresh experiences to both current Miraculous lovers and new fans.

Roz brings a wealth of experience leading global licensing and merchandising strategy for some of the most successful IPs in the world. Known for her strategic thinking, product innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit in business, operations, and people management, she will be instrumental as we adapt brand strategies to connect with consumers regionally and globally as we accelerate the growth of the Miraculous universe to become the most-watched and most-loved superhero IP for the next generation.”

— Andy Yeatman, CEO, Miraculous Corp

Earlier in her career, Nowicki was named EVP of Global Consumer Products at 4Kids Entertainment, where she drove Yu-Gi-Oh! into becoming one of the most popular and recognizable characters of all time. Nowicki also served as Executive Vice President of Peanuts Worldwide, a franchise that has experienced massive expansion in the last decade. Nowicki propelled the brand’s growth through breakthrough partnerships with high-profile retail, licensing, and promotional partners. In addition to Miraculous Corp, Nowicki continues to be a member of the Board of Advisors of Fabacus, a UK-based data management SaaS company. She also serves as Co-Chair of the Fundraising Committee for the Board of Licensing International and joined the Licensing International Foundation Board earlier this year.

Nowicki is an exciting addition to the Miraculous Corp family that will bring fresh, innovative ideas to the franchise as it gears up for its 10th anniversary in 2025.

RMS International Plots Major U.S. Relaunch

Sixteen years ago, RMS International planted its flag in the U.S. Now, it’s eyeing awareness and expansion.

The 42-year-old company behind brands including Weird Science, Style My Way, Go Play!, Block Tech, Grafix, and Dig Team maintains licensing partnerships with Hasbro, Paramount, Warner Bros. and others. Still, despite having products stocked by mass and value retailers including Target, Walmart, Aldi, and Five Below, RMS remains unfamiliar to many consumers and retail buyers.

Source: RMS International

According to Zack Farber, CEO of RMS International (USA), the combined firepower of Diverse Insights and KidStuff Public Relations offers a compelling chance to pull the trigger on ramping up the company’s first brand-building campaign across the toy and gift spaces.

In a deal struck during last month’s LA Fall Toy Previews, RMS tapped the agencies to build awareness for its products alongside its in-house product design and development capabilities.

“Though much has changed since its founding over 40 years ago, RMS’ core focus on design, immense value, and retail relationships has never wavered,” Farber says. “RMS offices and showrooms now span four continents, with locations in Holland (1997), Shanghai (2003), Hong Kong (2007), USA (2008), and Australia (2017) in addition to the original UK office still led by my father, the founder and group CEO, Tyrone Farber. Our design and product development teams work tirelessly to develop new products across all our brands ensuring we are always ahead with new trends and market developments.”

RMS is showcasing its new products to U.S. buyers in showrooms on both coasts and will usher in a new era when its first-ever booth at Toy Fair New York opens on March 1.

“Starting with trade and next year expanding to consumer work, our teams are enthusiastic to help this powerhouse achieve the recognition it deserves,” adds Wes Hardin, owner of Diverse Insights and KidStuff PR.

Submit Your Products: The BIG Toy Book 2025 Edition

A toy industry tradition continues as The Toy Book, Vol. 41, No. 1 launches March 1, 2025 at Toy Fair New York.

The BIG Toy Book is hailed as an industry “Bible” that key decision makers hold onto and reference throughout the year while collectors and toy historians cherish them as yearly time capsules. This issue is packed with robust content, including exclusive features, State of the Industry insights, actionable data, and more. Additionally, our legendary showcases highlight the best new products hitting retail across 20 planned categories.

With that in mind, the call for submissions is officially open and the clock is ticking to get in on the action. The deadline for this free editorial opportunity is December 16, 2024.

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR PRODUCTS

You may submit up to three (3) key items in the following category:

Special Showcase:

STOCK THIS! Our Premium (paid) new product showcase. Space is limited, so contact your sales rep for details!

You may submit one (1) key item in each of the following categories:

Category Showcases (“A Toy Department in Print”)

HOT FOR ’25: New products coming summer/fall/holiday 2025. This should be a hero item/key driver for the year!
THE ACTION AISLE: Action Figures, Compatible Vehicles, Playsets, and Accessories
ADORABLE, FASHIONABLE, & ADVENTUROUS: Dolls, including Baby Dolls, Fashion Dolls, 18-inch dolls, Equestrian, etc.
BUILDING & EXPLORING: Building Sets, Construction Sets, Magnetic Building Sets, Model Kits
CREATIVE CORNER: Arts, Crafts, Activities, Puzzles
CUTE, CUDDLY, & COLLECTIBLE: Plush, including stuffed animals, soft dolls, plush characters, plush objects, etc.
DIGITAL PLAYGROUND: Games, Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented reality (AR), AI, Video Games, and New Technologies
IMAGINATION STATION: Costumes, Dress-Up, and Role-Play
IMPULSE & NOVELTY: Impulse and novelty items, rack toys, and pocket money toys
THE LEARNING LAB: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), Engineering (non-construction) Sets, MESH (mental, emotional, social health)
LET’S PLAY OUTSIDE!: Outdoor & Active Toys, including Sports Toys, Blasters, Water Toys, Pool Toys, Sand & Water Tables, Swingsets, Playhouses, Trampolines, etc.
OH BABY!: Infant and Toddler Toys, Games, and Gear for kids ages 0-2.
PLAYFUL PRESCHOOL: Toys and games geared toward kids ages 3-4.
PETS: Licensed toy products for pets — real pets (dogs, cats, etc.)
RIDE, SCOOT, SKATE, & DRIVE: Ride-ons & Wheels, including battery-powered vehicles, scooters, skateboards, drift trikes, kid-powered ride-ons, big wheels, etc.
SHARED ADVENTURES & HEATED BATTLES: Games, including Board Games, Tabletop Games, Strategy Games, Card Games, etc.
THE TRANSPORTATION HUB: Vehicles & R/C, including Die-Cast, Radio-Controlled/Remote Controlled, Airplanes, Train Sets (non-preschool), Drones, Tanks, and Boats
TOY ADJACENT: Products carried in a toy store, gift shop, or hobby shop that may complement an existing toy and game assortment while not being a “toy,” specifically.
YOU’RE NEVER TOO OLD TO PLAY: Products designed for the adult collector “kidult” audience ages 15+

If you have any questions about the new issue, please email james@toybook.com

For marketing opportunities and print ads, please contact Jackie Breyer, James “JD” Devin, Thomas Stephen, or Stephanie Infantino to reserve your space!

MGA Entertainment adds Paramount, Dreamworks IP to Little Tikes Story Dream Machine Portfolio

MGA Entertainment has released new Little Tikes Story Dream Machine books featuring characters from Paramount, Dreamworks, The Jim Henson Co., and The Pinkfong Co.

There are 10 new tales for the fall and holiday season, showcasing Paramount’s PAW Patrol franchise, Dreamworks’ How to Train Your Dragon brand, The Pinkfong Company’s Baby Shark, and The Jim Henson Company’s Fraggle Rock.

Kids (or parents) can choose a story that features their favorite character, insert it into the retro-style projector, and follow along as the story progresses. Little ones can listen along, read the pages, and watch the light effects. The machine also doubles as a white noise nightlight.

“With new stories from some of the biggest names in children’s entertainment, we predict Story Dream Machine’s expanded story packs will take over Christmas stockings and top wishlists this year,” Isaac Larian, Founder and CEO of MGA Entertainment, says. “Featured on the U.S. Walmart 2024 Top Toys List, the Little Tikes Story Dream Machine is loved by both parents and kids for its multi-faceted features, unique educational experience and portability. We see this toy as a timeless classic in the making that families will introduce to their kids for generations to come.”

Toothless will help tell a story. | Source: MGA Entertainment

Kids can continue listening to Baby Shark. | Source: MGA Entertainment

Jim Henson's characters are taking a new form. | Source: MGA Entertainment

A Chase figure comes with the PAW Patrol collection. | Source: MGA Entertainment

Families can add “How to Start a Dragon Academy,” “How to Pick Your Dragon,” and “How to Raise Three Dragons,” along with a Toothless figure. Baby Shark’s music can continue at bedtime with the PingFong Baby Shark Family Collection, which includes stories and songs like “Home Sweet Home,” “Family Bath Time,” and “Shipwreck Scare.”

Kids can also use the Story Dream Machine to read “The Fraggle Countdown,” “What’s a Fraggle?,” and “Wembley Fraggle’s Big, Bigger, Biggest.” For those who frequently watch PAW Patrol, stories like “All-Star Pups,” “Save the School Bus,” and “Puppy Dance Party” could be a great fit. Both sets of stories come with a character figure, such as Gobo Fraggle or Chase.

The collections are available now. While these stories are new for the fall and holiday seasons, kids can still choose between collections featuring iconic Little Golden Books characters, friends from Sesame Street, and more.

TOMY International To Launch ‘Karters’ Toy Line

DeAPlaneta Entertainment, Mediawan Kids & Family, and TOMY International have inked a licensing agreement to create a line of toys inspired by the animated series, Karters.

“We believe that TOMY will bring innovation, delivering unique and engaging toys that embody and enhance the core values of the brand,” says Gianluca Ferrara, Head of DeAPlaneta Italy and International Head of Toys. “Our shared passion for creativity and quality is what makes this collaboration so inspiring, and we can’t wait to see the smiles on children’s faces. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in our mission to drive growth and create lasting impact in our industry.”

Karters features a group of three girls and one boy who explore Unicornia in their go karts, rescuing magical unipets and saving the kingdom along the way.

I would call this love at first sight. We were instantly captivated by the uniqueness of the IP, the wonderful and colorful world our heroes live in, its toyetic nature, and the strong values of empowerment, friendship, and equity, echoing TOMY’s everyday core values. We often talk about ‘TOMY Magic,’ and we cannot wait for kids to get their hands on Karters’ toys and experience that same magic embedded at the heart of this IP.

Morgan Weyl, Managing Director of Licensing and Global Development for TOMY International

“We are excited to see the world of Karters come to life through this first toy line,” says Erick Rouillé, Senior Vice President of Global Distribution and Consumer Products at Mediawan Kids & Family. “We strongly believe in this series and its vibrant, high-potential universe, which we are convinced will captivate and amaze children all around the world. Our ambition has always been to create stories that inspire and entertain, and this collaboration allows us to extend that magic far beyond the screen.”

The upcoming toy collection will include figures, vehicles, playsets, plush, and more.

Submit Your Products: The Toy Book’s International Innovation Issue is Coming Soon!

Over the past few years, The Toy Book has honored innovative products and emerging technologies in its STEM & Innovation Issue. Now, we’re going even bigger with The Toy Book, Vol. 40, No. 7 — The International Innovation Issue!

Set for release in December with bonus print distribution at Spielwarenmesse in Nuremberg, Germany, this issue — cover-dated “January 2025” — will shine the spotlight on innovative products across multiple categories, including STEM, MESH, digital/phygital play, sustainability, and more.

With that in mind, the call for submissions is officially open and the clock is ticking to get in on the action! This free editorial opportunity has a firm deadline for consideration: November 7, 2024. Please note that no extensions will be granted for this issue.

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR PRODUCTS

You may submit up to three (3) key items in each of the following categories:

Special Showcases:

STOCK THIS! Our Premium (paid) new product showcase. Space is limited, so contact your sales rep for details!
NEW FOR ’25: New products coming to retail in 2025.

You may submit one (1) key item in each of the following categories:

Category Showcases (“A Toy Department in Print”)

THE MOST INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS: Do you think you have a truly innovative product that was released this year or will debut in 2025? Let us know.
DIGITAL PLAYGROUND: Games, Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented reality (AR), AI, Video Games, and New Technologies
THE LEARNING LAB: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), Engineering (non-construction) Sets, MESH (mental, emotional, social health)
SUSTAINABLE & ECO-FRIENDLY TOYS & GAMES: Is it truly sustainable or eco-friendly?

This issue includes the formal print debut of Toy Book Canada; Stat Shot Updates on the State of the Industry across North America and beyond; and insights from contributors in markets around the world.

If you have any questions about the new issue, please email james@toybook.com

For marketing opportunities and print ads, please get in touch with Jackie Breyer, James “JD” Devin, Thomas Stephen, or Stephanie Infantino to book your space!

Blokees Wows at China Toy Expo

Blokees unveiled several new items at the 2024 China Toy Expo last week to the delight of attendees. The company is dedicated to model figures and collectibles for all age groups and has obtained licenses for over 30 properties. New buildable figures for Transformers, Marvel’s Infinity Saga, and Spider-Man were among the latest items debuted last week.

In addition to international licensing, Blokees has a slate of self-developed products that are popular with consumers, proving to the market that there is strong potential for items related to Chinese culture — and self-developed IPs.

The company announced a globalization strategy last spring with plans to create products that will appeal to consumers globally. It has since obtained licenses for Ultraman, Transformers, Naruto, and Minions, among many other brands.

The China Toy Expo is held at the Shanghai New International Expo Center and attracts both domestic and international buyers. This year, more than 2,500 exhibitors participated. It anticipated 100,000 attendees.

For more information about Blokees, visit blokees.com.

NYCC: The Empire Strikes Track with Lionel x Star Wars Collaboration Revealed for 2025

There’s been a disturbance in the Force… as if kids of all ages started rattling their lightsabers with excitement.

Fans attending Lionel Trains — 125 Years of Memories at New York Comic Con (NYCC) this past weekend were treated to the big news that Lionel Trains and Lucasfilm have teamed up for a series of Star Wars products.

Under a newly inked licensing deal, the inaugural Lionel x Star Wars collection launches in January, featuring a variety of products across 14 SKUS representing the light and dark sides of the Force, the famous Death Star Trench Run, and more.

Source: Zach Williams via YouTube

While more details will be revealed in the months ahead, Lionel hints that additional announcements could take place around May 4, 2025, otherwise known as International Star Wars Day.

Although Star Wars is new to Lionel on the train side of its business, the company produced the Power Passers Star Wars Duel at Death Star Racing Set in 1978. At the time, Lionel was a sister company to Kenner under Fundimensions, a General Mills Fun Group division.

The “slotless” racing set was one of many Star Wars-inspired products of the era that loosely borrowed from George Lucas’ space opera in the early days of the fandom.

Hess Toy Truck Lights Up the Holidays With 60th Anniversary Edition

As the jingle says, “The Hess Toy Truck is back and better than ever” for its 60th anniversary.

This year’s edition features an action-packed emergency response trio: a Fire Truck, Fire Chief car, and a Rescue Motorcycle, each loaded with lights, sounds, motors, and more, all powered by included Energizer batteries.

Source: Hess Corp.

The classic red, cab-forward aerial ladder Fire Truck comes with white side striping, gleaming chrome details, and an emergency light bar that dazzles with 43 red, white, and blue lights. A switch under the chassis toggles between steady and flashing light modes. Four cab-top buttons control unique sounds like a truck horn, European emergency siren, and more, each synced with animated lights.

The triple-tier ladder extends over 15 inches and rotates 360 degrees, flanked by two rotating searchlights for maximum visibility. The Fire Truck also houses a Fire Chief car and a motorcycle, with button-release ramps and sound effects for easy deployment.

The Fire Chief car, decked out with white racing stripes, tinted windows, chrome accessories, and a rear spoiler, comes with 37 lights that flash in steady mode. Its pull-back motor ensures quick responses to any emergency.

Source: Hess Corp.

Rounding out the team is the rescue-style motorcycle. A rider in a chrome-accented safety suit operates this rev-and-release bike, which zooms into action in wheelie position with steady-on headlights and taillights.

Source: Hess Corp.

A special commemorative “60” insignia on the front grille celebrates six decades of the Hess Toy Truck, a holiday tradition started by Leon Hess in 1964. This year, the Hess Toy Truck — not always just a truck — was honored as one of the classic toys with big anniversaries celebrated on the cover of The Toy Book’s February 2024 issue, aka The BIG Toy Book. Additionally, the Hess Toy Truck is a finalist for induction into The National Toy Hall of Fame at The Strong.

The 2024 60th Anniversary Hess Fire Truck with Car and Motorcycle is sold exclusively at HessToyTruck.com, while supplies last.

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