In a deal brokered by IMG, Boyhood, a Danish design company, is joining forces with Rovio to create a collection of signature wooden collectibles for the 15th anniversary of Angry Birds.
“The astonishing craftsmanship that is brought to our beloved characters is truly remarkable,” says Katri Chacona, Head of Brand Licensing at Rovio. “The finished products are a testament to Boyhood’s skill and dedication, and we couldn’t be more excited to share these high-quality wooden collectibles with Angry Birds fans everywhere.”
The Boyhood x Rovio launch features wooden figures of Red, Chuck, and Bomb. | Source: Boyhood
The lineup features Red, Chuck, and Bomb created with FSC-certified wood, including white oak, smoke-stained oak, and beech wood.
“I am ecstatic and incredibly proud to have successfully forged this partnership with Angry Birds,” says Jakob Burgsø, Designer and Founder of Boyhood. “I have always admired Red and his friends. An opportunity like this is rare, and I am honored to design a selection of wooden collectibles of some of the world’s most beloved game characters. The result is phenomenal, and I believe we have once again created an icon that will endure for generations.”
MGA Entertainment’s Little Tikes has released a new collection of play food kits called Creative Chefs. The line includes eight kits with different food themes, and the company has partnered with content creator and food artist Beau Coffron, known online as Lunchbox Dad, to promote the line.
The pizza kit includes a play pizza oven with a working light. | Source: Little Tikes
The waffle kit features play eggs, a waffle maker, spoons, strawberries, and more. | Source: Little Tikes
Kids can refine their fine motor skills while using the included ice cream scoop. | Source: Little Tikes
The baker's kit focuses on creating play cupcakes. | Source: Little Tikes
Play black beans, sour cream, and more are included in the nacho kit. | Source: Little Tikes
The cookie kit features a rolling pin to create play sugar cookies. | Source: Little Tikes
Kids can practice their food preperation skills with the PB&J kit. | Source: Little Tikes
The pie kit includes play cherries, whipped cream, and more. | Source: Little Tikes
The play food kits include Make-It Mix Play Sand, between 10-22 accessories, visual recipe cards, and molds. The packaging also converts into a play table so kids can practice their tableside manners. Families can choose between the pizza, waffle, ice cream, nacho, cookie, pie, peanut butter and jelly, and baker (cupcakes) kit. Everything included in the kit resembles items kids will see when they start practicing their cooking skills with real food.
Creative Chefs by Little Tikes is a delightful way for little chefs to let their imaginations soar, which is especially important given how vital roleplay is to their development. The new kits spark creativity through bright colors, satisfying textures, and hands-on play. They are a fun, interactive way to safely introduce toddlers to the basics of cooking before they are ready to take on the real thing!”
— Isaac Larian, Founder and CEO of MGA Entertainment
Kids can scoop peanut butter and jelly-colored sand onto bread, use cookie cutters to make play sand cookies, and more. The kits encourage creativity, help little ones develop their fine motor skills, and can establish a love for cooking — as well as an understanding of cooking basics.
#ad What toppings do your kids enjoy on their pizza? We just found this new Creative Chefs by Little Tikes pizza set so no matter what pizza your kids like, they can make their own! My kids loved the @Little Tikes Cozy Coupe when they were little and this new toy line is Dad-approved as well. In fact, we thought it would be fun to have our own family pizza party. So my son went to work at the table creating his play pizza (his favorite thing was the Make-It! Mix™ dough), and I started building our dinner in the kitchen. Pretty soon he was popping his play pizza into the Creative Chefs oven and I was baking ours on the counter top. The mix of play and real food was the perfect combination for a fun and filling night! Make sure to check out the Creative Chefs by Little Tikes line exclusively at Walmart! You can use my link in bio to make it easy. #LittleTikes#LTCreativeChefs#pizza#pizzaparty
The Lunchbox Dad account includes fun videos, recipes, and more. | Source: Lunchbox Dad
Coffron, or Lunchbox Dad, creates fun dishes inspired by the lunches he packs for his kids and provides tips, recipes, and more to other parents. Now, through an Instagram and TikTok series, families can watch and be creative alongside Coffron as he plays with the Creative Chefs kits.
I’m a huge fan of Little Tikes and I’m thrilled to be working alongside the brand to inspire parents and kids to let their imaginations run free in everyday activities, like cooking. I wish these kits were around when my three kids were younger, but I’m excited to bring my experience as a dad and foodie to families with young kids to experience the magic of Little Tikes together. Playing with your food has never been this fun!”
“Beau’s unmatched creativity and playful food content makes him the perfect partner for the new Creative Chefs line,” Chris Schick, Vice President of Marketing, Little Tikes, says. “His social content has garnered hundreds of thousands of followers who love watching him make playful lunch creations, inspiring parents, families, and anyone who just likes to play with their food.”
The collection is currently available exclusively at Walmart. It ranges from $9.84-24.86.
The LEGO Group and music artist Pharrell Williams have partnered again, this time for a fresh set inspired by Williams’ love of space.
Williams is not new to the LEGO scene. Earlier this year, The LEGO Group revealed plans for the release of Piece by Piece, a LEGO-animated biopic following Williams’ story. The movie will hit screens this Oct. 11, but before that, Williams’ new LEGO set will launch. The LEGO Icons Over the Moon with Pharrell Williams set is available for preorder now and will ship starting Sept. 20.
The new Pharrell Williams LEGO set features a space shuttle. | Source: LEGO
The Over the Moon set is an adult LEGO set featuring a buildable space shuttle with a golden canopy and rainbow jet stream. The set also includes two minifigures and the widest range of minifigure skin tones featured in a LEGO product thus far, with more than 51 different minifigure heads to choose from. Pushing further LEGO boundaries, the set also has new color-piece combos, such as the custom-made windscreen canopy in a drum-lacquered gold color.
Our values for over 90 years have been rooted in creativity, curiosity and imagination. Pharrell is unique in his ability to draw on those qualities to influence his art.
Julia Goldin, Chief Marketing and Product Officer from the LEGO Group
Williams’ work with LEGO extends beyond both his upcoming movie and the new set. The company will also collaborate with Williams’ nonprofit Yellow, launching a new LEGO Build the Change global challenge.
Williams and The LEGO Group hope to see the new set and other releases encourage creativity in fans. “Growing up, I was obsessed with space and the infinite possibilities it represents,” says Williams. “This partnership aims to inspire creativity and inclusivity. With my LEGO Over the Moon set I want everyone to feel seen and empowered to imagine their own stories.”
This LEGO set is inspired by music artist Pharrell Williams' love of space. The 966-piece set is designed for adults and includes 51 LEGO minifigure head choices, two minifigures, and everything needed to build a display-ready rocket.
Spielwarenmesse eG, known for its namesake trade fair, reports a fully booked and fully satisfied World of Toys Pavilion at this year’s Tokyo Toy Show, running from Aug. 29-Sept. 1.
32 exhibitors from seven countries booked with the World of Toys Pavilion, a large shared stand offering companies the chance to tap into new markets with the support of Spielwarenmesse eG. Exhibitors received basic equipment, marketing services, and more, and generally reported positive experiences following this year’s show.
The World of Toys Pavilion at the Tokyo Toy Show welcomed a number of visitors. | Source: Spielwarenmesse eG
An impressive total of 84,411 visitors came to the Tokyo Big Sight exhibition center over the course of the Tokyo Toy Show’s four days. “Our expectations from participating in the fair were met in every respect,” says Patrick Monaco-Sorge, Co-Founder and CEO of Crafthub. “We made important contacts at the Tokyo Toy Show and gained valuable insights into the Japanese market.”
“The broad-ranging communication and support before and during the fair made preparation a lot easier for us and ensured that our attendance went smoothly,” says Sami Viljanen, Export Sales Manager at Tactic Games Oy.
The World of Toys Pavilion now looks toward its next trade show stops, with plans for next year including both the Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair running Jan. 6-9 (register here) and New York’s Toy Fair running March 1-4 (register here). Registration to join the pavilion at both events is now open for exhibitors seeking extra support from an organization experienced in trade shows.
Mattel and Warner Bros. Discovery have released new details concerning the animated TV show Barney’s World. The new Max series, which marks the character’s return to screens after 14 years, will debut on Oct. 14.
The preschool show will feature new characters, old friends, and updated takes on classic Barney scenarios — it’ll also include original music. In addition to the series premiere on Max and the following Cartoon Network U.S. launch on Oct. 18, certain episodes will be on YouTube.
The series includes 52, 11-minute episodes in which Barney (voiced by Jonathan Langdon) helps his friends work through challenges in a kind, caring way. Families can expect to see Baby Bop, an opinionated dinosaur who advocates for all feelings, and Billy, an energetic dinosaur that encourages viewers to express their true selves.
Join Barney, Baby Bop, Billy, and more in different animated adventures. | Source: Mattel
Viewers will also interact with David, an empathetic kid who loves hugs and laughing with his family; Mel, an active, multilingual, multiracial girl from Korean and Mexican heritage; and Vivie, a creative, artistic kid who lives with her Nonna and loves to share Italian traditions.
The goal of Mattel Television Studios is to develop and distribute episodic and long-form content that expands Mattel’s characters and storylines across linear and streaming platforms worldwide. Barney nurtures the power of love in all of us, and we are thrilled to bring him back to fans all around the world. We hope this modern revival leaves an impression on young audiences, imparting lessons that will positively influence them as they grow up.”
— Josh Silverman, Chief Franchise Officer, Mattel
Families can watch Barney and friends dance at the park, take deep Barney breaths, and explore their imagination. Viewers can also follow Baby Bop as they rollerskate and play along as Billy kicks the soccer ball.
“We are thrilled to partner with Mattel to bring a fresh, imaginative new take on Barney that resonates with today’s preschoolers and their families around the world,” Vanessa Brookman, General Manager Kids, Global Streaming and International Networks, Warner Bros. Discovery, says. “This new animated series aims to blend nostalgia with modern storytelling, ensuring that the world’s beloved purple dinosaur continues to inspire, educate, and delight young audiences.”
The show will also be available for audiences in the EMEA and APAC on Cartoonito, and for audiences in LATAM can watch on Discovery Kids. The first episode will debut on YouTube on Oct. 11 in certain countries.
The first-ever “Toys Down Under” showcase is underway for this year’s LA Fall Toy Previews, displaying the collaborative efforts of five Australian companies. CONNETIX is joining forces with Jellystone Designs, My Creative Box, Good Idea Global, and BMS Brands for the showcase after obtaining a ground-floor spot in the heart of the growing El Segundo Toy District. Wanting to display the supportive qualities of the Australian toy industry, CONNETIX chose to share the space with the other companies to share their newest innovations.
At ‘Toys Down Under,’ we’re not just showcasing products; we’re sharing the essence of the Australian toy industry. This unison of five fantastic Aussie brands reflects our shared passion for innovation, creativity, quality, and community. Together, we look forward to welcoming visitors and sharing the joy of Australian creativity and play."
— Brea Brand, CEO of CONNETIX
Each company is bringing unique products for the showcase. CONNETIX will have its magnetic tile building sets, Jellystone Design will have its assortment of sensory toys, My Creative Box will have its assortment of activity box sets, and BMS brands will provide an assortment of toys ranging from science kits, crafts, construction kits, outdoor toys, and puzzles. Debuting for the first time at this showcase, Good Idea Global will feature its educational kits and craft sets for kids and adults.
Maria Dueñas Jacobs had no shortage of beautiful baubles at home when she worked as an accessories editor for fashion magazines Glamour and ELLE. During her tenure she was surrounded by finery, a fact of which Dueñas Jacobs’ young daughter was not ignorant. “The spark for Super Smalls came from my daughter Luna who was 5 back then, and was all too interested in wearing (and sometimes misplacing) my real jewelry and accessories,” she tells the Toy Book. “I offered to buy her kid’s play jewelry of her own, but she insisted that these were subpar.”
Dueñas Jacobs’ designs are inspired by her three daughters. | source: Super Smalls
And what made these adornments obviously subpar, even to a five-year-old? Thinking of the accessories of the last few decades conjures up images of the peeling silver paint on cheap plastic tiaras, rings that look like they’re out of a cartoon rather than anything a real woman would wear, and, even more dubiously, technicolor kids’ makeup of murky chemical composition.
This is what was on the market when Dueñas Jacobs made her daughter the offer.
Though it takes inspiration from adult and luxury-minded trends, Super Smalls’ jewelry maintains a childlike appeal. | Source: Super Smalls
“As editors we are trained to always find the extraordinary thing, not to stop or cut corners, and so I took on the challenge of trying to make her something myself– something with that same ‘wow’ factor but appropriate for her. Something thoughtful, fun, ultra sparkly that could withstand hours of play,” she says. “I guess you can say that was the gap in the market — the ‘wow’ for kids.”
Super Smalls’ accessories range from glasses to playshoes. | Source: Super Smalls
Super Smalls divides its product offerings into categories like Jewelry, Play, Gifts, Beauty, and more, with dozens of beautifully designed necklaces, clip-on earrings, and bracelets largely coming in at under $50. It also peddles cosmetics in atypical and kid-friendly ways, like its face gems, nail stickers, and days of the week lip balm necklace. And thanks to Dueñas Jacobs’ editorial background, all of its products, from goggles to a DIY tiara kit, have a decidedly luxury undercurrent.
The signature yellow packaging is a cornerstone of the company’s brand identity. | Source: Super Smalls
The brand’s products all seem to strike the balance between unquestionably chic and completely joyous: They’re what kids want to wear, crafted with enough polish to emulate mom’s jewelry (and incite her envy). Dueñas Jacobs designs all the accessories with her team. Together, they look to trends and actively investigate what isn’t yet available on the kids’ accessories market when looking for inspiration.
It can be a tricky spot to design mom-inspired jewelry and beauty products for little girls without playing into the tendency to age them up, which the industry sometimes encourages. Super Smalls combats this by putting the on on individuality and expression: “We are so focused on this distinction,” she says. “We encourage pretend play and ensure that our products and messaging celebrates the joy of being a kid.” She adds: “As a mom of three growing girls, I understand the challenge of balancing kids’ desires for makeup and accessories with my own desire to protect their childhood and keep their experiences age-appropriate… These let kids have fun experimenting with beauty and fashion, without the physical transformation.”
Bead kits are one of Super Smalls’ product lines that encapsulates this philosophy. The company now sells 12 different kits, and just this summer released a Super Entrepreneur Bead Kit, featuring not only a fortune of beads and beading equipment, but also materials to introduce kids to marketing and business concepts.
Disney x Super Smalls products available include headbands, necklaces, and bows. | Source: Super Smalls
The brand incorporates the subtle fandom trend into children's accessories. | Source: Super Smalls
Inspiring messages accompany many of Super Smalls' products. | Source: Super Smalls
Super Smalls’ Disney collaborations are another notable sector of its jewelry portfolio.
“It started with Disney100, featuring jewelry sets inspired by beloved characters, each with interactive elements like glow-in-the-dark stones and spinning pendants.” This next-level design process continued for the ensuing Disney collaboration. “The reception was incredible, and it inspired our Inner Strength Collection with Cameo Locket Necklaces that open to reveal affirmations like ‘I Am Brave’ for Moana and ‘I Am Unique’ for Elsa, and on the other side of the affirmation there is a mirror so kids can see themselves and build confidence,” she says.
Dueñas Jacobs says the the Super Entrepreneur Bead Kit is intended as a modern-day lemonade stand. | Source: Super Smalls
Five years in and Super Smalls has been highlighted by publications such as Women’s Wear Daily, Forbes, Vogue, and New York Magazine, while its goods are sold at retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue and on Amazon. This success, thanks in no small part to its product marketing, photography, and of course, its signature yellow packaging, is all helping Super Smalls become the must-have kids’ accessories. “I wanted kids to see yellow boxes and understand that that section in a store is for them. I wanted it to be their Cartier red, their Tiffany blue,” she says.
Yet, those tastes are often passed down from Mom or a caregiver, and Dueñas Jacobs creates accordingly. “Our commitment to design and packaging is integral because, like everything we create, it is designed [for] two audiences; aiming to delight and wow both kids and adults.”
The LEGO Group has added two new products to its LEGO Icons Botanical Collection: the Poinsettia and the Wreath sets. Made for ages 18 and up, these sets are meant to offer adults the opportunity to have a relaxing seasonal project to work on, either on their own or with friends and family.
The LEGO Icons Poinsettia replica is made to look like a ‘Grande Italia’ variety of the plant and includes 608 pieces to build green leaves, five clusters of red leaves, and a woven basket pot. This set is meant to be displayed in the home, providing a pop of color to most spaces.
The LEGO Icons Wreath includes 1194 pieces and four hanging loops, which enable the set to be displayed as a circular wreath or an elongated garland. It also comes with different colored berry clusters for more customization options.
Both sets are currently available to preorder on the LEGO Store website and select retailers and will ship on Oct. 1.
Disguise, JAKKS Pacific’s costume division, is showing no signs of slowing down as it adds to its growing portfolio of licensed costumes, this time with two Netflix series. New Stranger Things and Bridgerton costume collections are coming this fall.
The Stranger Things costume collection will add to Disguise‘s existing array of costumes inspired by the series and will include offerings for both kids and adults. The new costumes will feature characters such as Eleven, Robin and Steve from Scoops Ahoy, Eddie Munson as Hellfire Club captain, and Chrissy as a Hawkins cheerleader. The collection will also feature the existing Demogorgon costume in new infant and toddler sizing.
The success of our Stranger Things costumes has been tremendous, and we are excited to bring that same passion and attention to detail to our Bridgerton line for fans.
Tara Cortner, President and GM of Disguise
Disguise’s Bridgerton costumes are inspired by the romantic leads of season 3: Penelope and Colin. The Shondaland series is in part known for its dramatic costuming, and Disguise aims to capture the detail and design found in the show itself.
Disguise already has an impressive collection of costumes based on popular brands, including other Netflix hits such as Squid Game and Money Heist. Beyond Netflix, Disguise has costumes inspired by adult live-action series such as The Office, children’s animated entertainment such as PAW Patrol, popular video games such as Minecraft, and many more.
It’s September, and that means it’s time to hit the rewind button and look back at the hottest stories of August 2024, as chosen by you, the readers.
The Toy Book‘s first-ever Action & Adventure Issue came charging out of the gate with fresh features leading into a huge news month. Spin Master’s Ms. Rachel dominated the clicks while interest in Poppy Playtime reached new heights. Meanwhile, growing interest in the hobby sector fueled a big debut for our recent slot car feature, Racing Into Fall.
Check out last month’s Top 10 and some hot products below and stay on the #pulseofplay!
The toy industry and the consumers it serves are looking for fresh, new products and that was very clear this past month as five of our new product roundups from recent months drew notable reader attention.
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