Blog - Page 42 of 1503 - The Toy Book

McDonald’s Launches Collector’s Meal with Collectible Cups

McDonald’s has had a number of iconic Happy Meal toys over the years, alongside other collectibles, including cups and Boo Buckets. Now, collectors can celebrate their love of these iconic collectibles with a line of six glass cups that are available in the new Collector’s Meal.

Each cup features a different theme representing iconic McDonald’s toys throughout the years, including Barbie and Hot Wheels, Beanie Babies, Coca-Cola, Hello Kitty and Peanuts, movies like Shrek and Jurassic Park, and McDonald’s classics like Funny Fry Friends, Boo Buckets, and the Grimace Glass. Fans can get more information on their glasses by scanning the cups on Snapchat or by visiting McDonald’s Snapchat profile.

Source: McDonald’s

On Aug. 17 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. PT at Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles, fans can show up with one of the six cups to get access to the Collector’s Club Poolside Paradise, which will feature limited-edition drinks inspired by the new cups. Fans can reserve a spot for general admission or a poolside cabana through Eventbrite starting today, Aug. 7. In New York, fans can bring their Collector’s Meal cups to Coney Island on Aug. 17 starting at noon ET to unlock a free ride on the Phoenix Roller Coaster in Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park.

The Collector’s Meal is available all day long starting Aug. 13. In the morning, fans can pick up a cup with a Sausage McMuffin with Egg sandwich, hash brown, and hot coffee. For the rest of the day, the cup comes with a purchase of a 10-piece Chicken McNuggets or Big Mac meal.

Panini America to Launch The Rolling Stones Trading Card Set

Collectibles company Panini America has revealed its partnership with rock band The Rolling Stones. The company will launch Prizm The Rolling Stones, which is the first fully licensed, career-spanning trading card set featuring the band. The collection will include a 100-card base set with more than 15 color parallels.

Collectors can add trading cards of Mick Jagger to their rock collection. | Source: Panini America

Each band member will be included in the card collection. | Source: Panini America

Album covers are also featured in the collection. | Source: Panini America

The card set follows the band’s Hackney Diamonds 2024 North American Tour and aims to celebrate more than 60 years of the band’s music, tours, and more. The collection will be headlined by Panini’s Color Blast, which features band members Mick Jagger, Charlie Watts, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood in front of the Tongue and Lips logo. Collectors can find this in the hobby and retail cases.

“The Rolling Stones are an iconic brand, are integral to the history of music, and have millions of dedicated fans across the globe,” Mark Warsop, CEO of Panini America, says. “We are proud to be partnering with them and to share our products celebrating their legacy and so many of their memorable moments. We think that fans will be very excited.”

The company will also release special die-cut cards, including albums, that feature the band’s discography and Prizm’s unique card styles. Additionally, the die-cuts will include Hot Lips, the band members in front of the Tongue logo die-cut at the top; International Lips, more than 20 different Tongue and Lips featuring regional flags and colors; and Stubs, which covers the large range of The Rolling Stones tours.

“We’re thrilled to be working with Panini on this career-spanning collection that celebrates the history, success and continued global appeal of The Rolling Stones. Panini’s focus on premium design and collectability make this a perfect partnership for Rolling Stones fans all around the world and we can’t wait for them to see what is planned,” Matt Young, Bravado President, says.

Collectors can find a second group of inserts that include The Original Stadium Show, which covers the band’s many stage designs; Behind the Scenes, backstage and in-studio, Singles, the cover art of chart-topping hits; and Poster Perfection, original concert and tour documentary posters.

Future collections featuring The Rolling Stones will be announced throughout the partnership.

EXG Pro Launches New Peely Controller and Phone Holder

EXG Pro has a new phone and controller holder featuring battle royale video game Fortnite.

Fortnite has seen success since its release, attracting players eager to battle and build until only one remains. The game includes a variety of unlockable outfits, such as the Epic rarity Peely skin. Now, the popular skin is getting its own Cable Guys controller holder from EXG Pro.

The new Peely Cable Guys figure can hold phones and controllers. | Source: EXG Pro

The Fortnite: Peely Cable Guys Original Controller and Phone Holder is a little over 8 inches tall and features a yellow Peely with a smiling face and arms outstretched. Peely’s arms can hold most mobile phones, as well as Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch controllers. Peely can also handle remotes and a number of other household items.

EXG Pro’s Cable Guys series features favorite characters from various franchises as phone and controller holders. Other popular brands with their own Cable Guys include Marvel, Disney, DC Comics, One Piece, Fall Guys, and many more. With everything from a Stormtrooper to Hatsune Miku, there’s a Cable Guys collectible from a favorite movie, series, or video game for most fans.

The new Peely Cable Guys figure is available now on EXG Pro’s official shop for $29.99.

Build-A-Bear Accelerates Classic, Sanrio Halloween Offerings Due to Viral Product Leak

Due to an unauthorized leak of licensed products on social media platforms, Build-A-Bear has fast-tracked its output of Halloween products.

Users on platforms like TikTok revealed a Build-a-Bear collaboration featuring Sanrio characters designed with autumnal Halloween theming; the collection is out today and includes Hello Kitty and Friends Characters Kuromi, Cinnamoroll, and Pompompurin with zombie, candy corn, and witchy details.

Gift sets featuring spooky clothes are also available. | Source: Build-A-Bear

Candy corn, bats, and zombie details give the Sanrio characters a seasonal design. | Source: Build-A-Bear

The Sanrio collection comes in the latter end of Hello Kitty's 50th anniversary. | Source: Build-A-Bear

Other products also expedited due to high consumer demand include Pumpkin Kitty, an orange and green plush that emerged from the Build-A-Bear Vault last year and quickly sold out. According to Build-A-Bear the waitlist for Pumpkin Kitty this year was 25,000 strong.

A giant version of Pumpkin Kitty is expected to arrive later within fall. | Source: Build-A-Bear

Pumpkin Kitty is currently available in the Mini Beans and make-your-own styles. | Source: Build-A-Bear

“For both kids and kids at heart, Build-A-Bear takes pride in being a place to celebrate holidays and special events in a truly memorable way,” says President and CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop Sharon Price John. “Halloween has traditionally been a highlight at our Workshops for families to create magical moments together and collectors to enjoy exclusive seasonal offerings. We believe the brand’s continued, and growing, popularity during this festive time reflects our commitment to providing joyful experiences and cherished moments for all ages.”

Halloween interest and spending amongst consumers is on the rise overall. Statista reports that participation in Halloween in 2023 was even higher than pre-pandemic levels.

To view Build-A-Bear’s viral Sanrio Halloween collection and its other early seasonal offerings, visit the company website.

The Toy Association & People of Play Reveal Merger; Mary Couzin to Join Association Leadership

The Toy Association is merging with People of Play (POP).

Under the new deal, POP’s founder, Mary Couzin, joins the Association’s senior leadership team. Couzin will oversee the future growth and integration of POP’s assets and events into the Association, effective immediately.

This merger includes the Chicago Toy and Game (CHITAG) Fair, The Toy & Game Innovation Excellence Awards (The TAGIEs), the Bloom Report, Young Inventor Challenge, Toy & Game Inventor Pitch & Innovation Conference, Play in Education and POP Platforms, and the People of Play Holiday Guide. These will join The Toy Association’s events such as Toy Fair New York, LA Fall Preview, and The Toy Foundation’s Toy of the Year Awards.

Who knew that over 20 years ago, when I started Chicago Toy & Game Group, now People of Play, and hosted our first big event, the Chicago Toy & Game Fair, to promote play, we would add so many events and initiatives as well as have such an amazing, long-lasting effect on the industry. By joining The Toy Association with their additional resources and new vision, we can strengthen our brands for generations to come. I’m thrilled that People of Play will continue to grow and flourish and want to thank everyone who has been a part of our initiatives. As we have shown, everything is possible when people of play collaborate.”

— Mary Couzin, Founder, People of Play

The Toy Association says that its merger with People of Play enhances its strategy of creating impactful experiences that connect the toy industry with consumers. This partnership will foster a stronger relationship with the inventor and design community, emphasizing creativity and innovation.

“We saw the opportunity to be a catalyst for creativity and innovation by aligning with Mary Couzin and People of Play and utilizing our assets and experiences to help People of Play and its events grow,” says Greg Ahearn, President & CEO at The Toy Association. “Mary, a toy industry Hall of Famer, has built an amazing community with some of the most unique events, consumer engagement moments, compelling content, and industry resources and we are excited to have her and People of Play as part of The Toy Association. With People of Play and The Toy Association working together, the possibilities are endless.”

The 22nd annual Chicago Toy and Game Fair, North America’s largest consumer toy and game fair, will be held on November 9 and 10 in Rosemont, IL, offering interactive exhibits and activities for all ages. The 17th annual TAGIEs will take place on November 8 at Joe’s Live in Rosemont, IL.

Basic Fun! Scores $50 Million DIP Facility from Great Rock Capital

The restructuring at Basic Fun! continues as the company inked a deal with Great Rock Capital to support its ongoing business operations.

Under the deal, Great Rock Capital provided $50 million debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing to allow Basic Fun! ample liquidity as it continues to shore up its business for and plan for future success. On June 28, Basic Fun! sought court approval for the DIP deal as part of its restructuring package.

We are thrilled to have the backing of Great Rock Capital, which strongly positions Basic Fun! for continued advancement and innovation. This milestone is a testament to our resilience and strategic vision.”

— Jay Foreman, Founder & CEO, Basic Fun!

Basic Fun! designs, markets, and distributes a wide array of toys from classic brands, including Hasbro’s Littlest Pet Shop, Lite-Brite, and Tonka, in addition to Care Bears, K’NEX, and Lincoln Logs. Last month, the company showed off its new and upcoming products at The Toy Insider’s Sweet Suite event in New York City [The Toy Insider is a sister publication to The Toy Book].

Basic Fun!’s retro, ’90s-themed photo op, pre-show ahead of Sweet Suite 2024 | Source: The Toy Insider

“Basic Fun! is an international industry leader, and we look forward to working with the company as they simplify their capital structure, enabling them to aggressively pursue future growth opportunities,” says Stuart Armstrong, CEO of Great Rock Capital. “Their innovative designs and unmatched leadership, along with this new capital, will allow them to reach new levels of success.”

Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. served as the exclusive financial advisor for the transaction.

Chill B Games Unveils Wu-Tang Clan Board Game

Chill B Games latest game — Shaolin: A Wu-Tang Inspired Board Game — is bringing the world of hip hop to game night.

“The Wu-Tang Clan has often been described as the Rolling Stones or Beatles of hip-hop,” says Tiffany Campolongo, Co-founder of Chill B Games and designer of Shaolin. “While there are board games themed around these classic rock groups, no board games explored the legacy of a hip-hop group until now.”

Shaolin combines Wu-Tang Clan Trivia with battle mechanics. Throughout the game, players take on the role of students training in the 35 chambers of the Shaolin Temple, aiming to create the 36th chamber. The game is inspired by The 36th Chamber of Shaolin, a source of inspiration for the Wu-Tang Clan.

Shaolin: A Wu-Tang Inspired Board Game combines trivia and battle mechanics. | Source: Chill B Games

Players can earn cream — coins that can be exchanged for fighting styles — by answering Wu-Tang trivia questions. They can also win fighting styles through duels as they battle their ay through the temple. The game includes easy, medium, and hard trivia modes that players can mix and match to make the game accessible to all players.

“By bringing this game to market, we hope to establish board games as a medium for telling the stories of hip-hop artists, helping to preserve the legacy of hip-hop as it journeys through its next 50 years,” Campolongo says.

Shaolin is available now for $125 at chillbgames.com.

Hasbro Puts a Spin on Star Wars and Marvel with New Beyblade Sets

Since 1999, Beyblades have been spinning their way onto wish lists for both kids and collectors. Hasbro’s latest launch of Marvel and Star Wars Beyblades is sure to be one of Beyblade fans’ most anticipated launches.

Each set in this new launch features a face-off between two Beyblades based on iconic Marvel and Star Wars characters. Fans can recreate the ending of Avengers: Endgame with the Beyblade X Marvel Iron Man 4-80B vs. Thanos 4-60B Multipack Set. Spider-Man faces off against one of his most iconic enemies with the Beyblade X Marvel Spider-Man 3-60F vs. Venom 3-80N Multipack set.

Beyblade X Marvel Spider-Man 3-60F vs. Venom 3-80N Multipack Set | Source: Hasbro

Beyblade X Marvel Iron Man 4-80B vs. Thanos 4-60B Multipack Set | Source: Hasbro

Beyblade X Star Wars Luke Skywalker 4-80B vs. Darth Vader 4-60B Multipack Set | Source: Hasbro

Beyblade X Star Wars The Mandalorian 3-60F vs. Moff Gideon 3-80N Multipack Set | Source: Hasbro

Din Djarin and Moff Gideon have a rematch over Grogu with the Beyblade X Star Wars The Mandalorian 3-60F vs. Moff Gideon 3-80N Multipack Set. Finally, Hasbro is turning one of the most memorable one-on-one battles of all time into a Beyblade X set with the Beyblade X Star Wars Luke Skywalker 4-80B vs. Darth Vader 4-60B Multipack Set.

For a complete set, collectors must also grab a Beystadium (not included). Fans can collect their Beyblade X tops in the Beylocker on the Beyblade X app for another layer of fun. All four of these sets will be available this fall for $24.99.

Spiel Board Game Fair Slated for Big Return to Essen

Spiel Essen, the world’s largest board game fair, arrives Oct. 3 in Germany.

The event will take place at the venue Messe Essen near Düsseldorf. For the first time in the fair’s history, all six exhibition halls designated for the event have been booked, as over 850 exhibitors from more than 50 countries will showcase their titles to prospective buyers.

Early bird one-day tickets start at 22 euros. | Source: Spiel Essen

Season and day tickets are available now, with an early bird price in effect until Aug. 31. Spiel Essen’s programming schedule includes a Golden Demon painting competition, which is the world’s largest Warhammer painting contest, and promotions by Saltatio Mortis, a German medieval metal music group.

The game fair celebrated its 40th anniversary last October. Friedhelm Merz Verlag, the event organizer, is a subsidiary of Spielwarenmesse eG. It anticipates 200,000 board game fans will attend the show this year.

The show runs from Oct. 3 to 6. Get tickets or learn more about the board game fair on the Spiel Essen website.

Exclusive: Republic Records: Kids & Family Joins Forces with DreamWorks for ‘Gabby’s Dollhouse’ Music Releases

You could say that Republic Records: Kids & Family and DreamWorks Animation are “better together.”

The companies forged a partnership under which they’ll release new music from the kids’ series Gabby’s Dollhouse. The news comes alongside today’s Season 10 premiere on Netflix.

The DreamWorks team is world-class, and I couldn’t be more excited to be announcing this new partnership. The music in ‘Gabby’s Dollhouse’ is the epitome of fun, and we have a lot in store for the little fans in coming months.”

— Bree Bowles, Senior Vice President, Republic Records: Kids & Family

A new single, entitled “Better Together,” hit major streaming services this morning. As title character “Gabby,” Laila Lockhart Kraner and co-star Logan Bailey, who voices Pandy Paws, bring out the best in each other as they celebrate the power of friendship.

Official Synopsis: In Season 10 of Gabby’s Dollhouse, Gabby and Pandy are excited to get tiny and give a cat-tastic Dollhouse welcome to their newest kitty friend, Marty the Party Cat! Marty and his a-meow-zing new home in the Dollhouse, the Party Room, are filled with endless surprises and with a wave of his magical “party tail” the Party Room can transform into any celebration you could imagine! A visit from wise Grandma CatRat, a magical wishing well and Gabby’s birthday party lead to sprinkle-riffic adventures and whoopsies along the way in Gabby’s Dollhouse – where there’s always a reason to celebrate!

“At DreamWorks Animation, our motto is ‘no kids music, just great music,’ and from the beginning our series songwriter/composer PT Walkley has delivered on that promise with infectious hooks for Gabby’s fans of all ages,” says Alexandra Nickson, Senior Vice President of TV Music, DreamWorks.

'Gabby’s Dollhouse' has been an absolute dream gig! I am constantly inspired by the creative superpowers that are series creators Jennifer Twomey and Traci Paige Johnson. Alex Nickson and the DreamWorks music team has been super supportive, and I am grateful that they nudged the music direction toward a more pop radio sound from the start. I hadn’t worked much in that genre before, and a major vein was tapped. The songs keep flowing, and I am thrilled that we are teaming up with Republic Records: Kids & Family to find our way into as many ears as we can.”

— PT Walkley, Songwriter/Composer, 'Gabby's Dollhouse'

Gabby’s Dollhouse was an immediate hit upon its Netflix debut. In recent years, the series has fueled an extensive consumer products program, anchored by a toy line from Spin Master. Global sales of the Gabby’s Purrfect Dollhouse have eclipsed 2 million worldwide, and new toys are set to hit retail this fall.

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