Blog - Page 7 of 1502 - The Toy Book

The Toy Book Top 10: The Hottest Stories of November 2024

It’s December, and that means it’s time to hit the rewind button and look back at the hottest stories of November 2024, as chosen by you, the readers.

The Toy Book’s 2025 Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards issue — created in collaboration with The Toy Foundation and The Toy Association — continued the tradition of outpacing previous installments, signaling industry excitement for honoring the best new products. Similarly, the buzz for The Toy Book’s inaugural Pulse of Play Awards continues to grow as we prepare to reveal the finalists later this month. Two older posts made a notable return to the technical* Top 10 last month, with the September reveal of this holiday season’s hottest toys by our sister publication, The Toy Insider, and the October reveal of Target’s Bullseye’s Top Toy List picking up major steam.

*As always, only new content published within a given month qualifies for an official spot on the list.

Check out last month’s Top 10 and some hot products below, and stay on the #pulseofplay!

The Toy Book Top 10:

The Top 10 most-read articles.

The Toy Book Top 10 Stock This! New Product Showcases:

The Top 10 most-searched-for toys and games.

More Hot Products:

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 earlier this year drew notable reader attention.

Manufacturers: Click here to learn about Stock This! product showcase options.

Click here for the full archives of previous Toy Book Top 10 features.

Want more toy industry news in your feed? Follow the Toy Book on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, Threads, and Facebook.

Subscribe today and celebrate 40 years of The Toy Book with a six-issue subscription to North America’s leading trade publication serving the toy industry for just $40.

Funko Grows Big in Japan, Planning Third Year at Tokyo Comic Con

Funko has a fast-growing fanbase in Japan, and the brand is leaning into it.

Funko will return to this year’s Tokyo Comic Convention (Tokyo Comic Con) for the third year. It will have a booth quadruple the size of last year’s.

Funko plans to provide an elite experience for con-goers. The purveyors of pop culture will have collectibles available from the Funko Pop! range, Bitty Pop!, and the apparel line Loungefly.

There will be Funko Pop! figures exclusive to Tokyo Comic Con. | Source: Funko

“Japan’s deep passion for character-driven storytelling aligns seamlessly with Funko’s approach. Over the past few years, we’ve seen steady growth both in sales as well as our fan communities as we have expanded our product offer that resonates with our fans’ love for these unique collectibles. The Tokyo Comic Con is a perfect event for us to celebrate with this vibrant community,” says Andy Clempson, Funko’s VP of Sales for APAC.

Fans can expect 17 Funko Pop! Figures exclusive to Tokyo Comic Con, more than 100 Funko collectibles, a giant Spider-Man-themed Funko Pop! photo booth, and additional Funko Pop! figures from their licenses with Warner Bros. and Netflix.

Funko and Disney have been licensing partners since 2011, so Funko’s booth will be strategically located directly in front of Disney’s booth.

Tokyo Comic Con will take place on Dec. 6-8. For more information on Tokyo Comic Con and to get tickets, visit tokyocomiccon.jp/en/. For more information on Funko Pop! visit funko.com.

‘Bluey’ Xylophone Brings Magic to Walmart

Admirers of Bluey can bring the show’s magic xylophone into their homes for games of freeze or musical exploration, as Bluey’s Magic Xylophone is on shelves at Walmart joining the Kidz Toyz line of Bluey musical toys, including guitars, keyboards, and drums. The instrument is for kids ages 3 and up.

In the Bluey episode, “Magic Xylophone,” Bluey and Bingo take turns freezing their dad with a “magic” xylophone. The siblings struggle but eventually learn to share the toy and the fun. The battery-free Magic Xylophone is small and portable and includes a child-safe mallet on a string, making the accessory hard to lose. The instrument has four keys and closely resembles the animated instrument.

“The magic xylophone is iconic to Bluey, and we wanted kids to have the opportunity to embrace Bluey, Bingo, and music all together. Music enhances play for kids and allows them to be creative, invent new play patterns, and become part of the Heeler Family through sound and imagination,” says Ken Lewis of Kidz Toyz.

Universal Branding & Media brokered the deal between BBC Studios and Kidz Toyz to create Bluey-inspired musical instruments. The Toy Book featured an early look at the line in last year’s Toy Fair issue.

Learn more about Bluey’s Magic Xylophone at kidztoyz.com.

BLUEY’S MAGIC XYLOPHONE

Source: Kidz Toyz

Source: Kidz Toyz

Source: Kidz Toyz

Source: Kidz Toyz

Source: Kidz Toyz

Inspired by Bluey’s Magic Xylophone in the animated series Bluey, this toy symbolizes the power of imagination and boundless possibilities. When Bluey, a 6-year-old Blue Heeler puppy, plays the xylophone, extraordinary adventures unfold — and now kids can pretend to do the same.

Product Facts

MSRP:
$12.99

Age:
3+

Manufacturer:
KIDZ TOYZ

Buy Now

The Toy Book participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.

Walmart

Diverse Marketing Names Dan Huter as Director of Specialty Toy Sales

Diverse Marketing has appointed industry veteran Dan Huter as its new Director of Specialty Toy Sales ahead of the holiday season.

Huter has held various positions across the industry throughout his career, but he considers this position a homecoming to what he loves most: Specialty Toys. Having worked with Diverse Marketing on the vendor side during his time at Fat Brain Toys and Le Toy Van, Huter brings a unique perspective and industry expertise to the company’s ever-growing team of sales representatives and contractors.

Having worked alongside Dan for the past six years across from the vendor side, I've seen firsthand his passion and expertise… He'll make an incredible impact as we strengthen our rep army throughout the United States."

— Chelsea Bogue, Director of Specialty Toy Operations, Diverse Marketing

With a mantra of “Do what is right, and the rest will follow,” Huter plans to lead a team that values trust, collaboration, and understanding in every project they pursue. As the company continues to create and promote new, innovative ideas, this mutual collaboration is necessary to fuel an environment of experimentation and creativity.

“This is an opportunity to collaborate with a talented group of sales professionals and help drive success in a space I deeply care about,” Huter says.

Star Wars Gift the Galaxy Week 3 Heads to the Clone Wars

It is now week three of Disney’s Star Wars Gift the Galaxy Campaign, and this week’s theme takes fans back to the Galactic Republic during the Clone Wars era.

This week, Hasbro Pulse debuts the Star Wars: The Black Series Obi-Wan Kenobi & Clone Trooper (212th) pack. This pack comes with two standalone figures.

The set includes Obi-Wan Kenobi & Clone Trooper (212th).

Obi-Wan Kenobi comes with his lightsaber, and the Clone Trooper comes with his rifle.

The product is available for preorder starting today on Hasbro Pulse and participating retailers for $44.99 and will arrive in Disney stores at a later unannounced date.

STAR WARS THE BLACK SERIES OBI-WAN KENOBI & CLONE TROOPER (212TH)

The two action figures come in a pack decked out with their uniforms and weapons. They take us back to the Galactic Republic during the Clone Wars era and are ready to join the collection.

Product Facts

MSRP:
$44.99

Age:
4+

Manufacturer:
HASBRO PULSE

Buy Now

The Toy Book participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.

Hasbro Pulse

Toy Industry Partners Sought to Provide Gifts for Operation Snowball

The Philly Specials — Jason Kelce, Lane Johnson, and Jordan Mailata — could use an assist from members of the toy and game industries.

This trio of gridiron greats just released its third and final holiday album, A Philly Special Christmas Party, with all proceeds benefiting Philadelphia charities, including Children’s Crisis Treatment Center’s Holiday Toy Drive, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Snowflake Station, and The Fund For The School District of Philadelphia for Operation Snowball.

When I first came to Philadelphia, it was apparent how much pride and joy, the sense of community and family this city exudes. It’s the City of Brotherly Love, and this city has supported this initiative over the past two years. We’ve done two Christmas albums, and because of your support, we’ve raised over $4 million and given to over 50 charitable organizations. And this year, we are trying to go even bigger; we’re trying to give a gift to every kid in the Philly public schools this holiday season. If that’s not the holiday spirit, I don’t know what is. That’s the Philadelphia spirit that I’ve come to know, love, and appreciate.”

— Jason Kelce

Getting a gift into the hands of every kid in the Philadelphia school system is where The Toy Book’s readership comes in. The Philly Specials and Vera Y Records have already secured support from toymakers, including Just Play. Still, they could use some additional “elves” to donate new toys and games to help Operation Snowball, well, snowball.

Toy and game manufacturers interested in donating products can email Ali Mierzejewski for details: ali@toybook.com

Source: Vera Y Records

“Operation Snowball is the culmination of the last three years and our goal to bring joy to families during the holidays,” says Vera Y Records Partner and Executive Producer, Connor Barwin. “Jason, Lane, and Jordan had this ambitious goal to use the record to bring the city together, and it’s been so fun to see other Philly athletes and celebrities want to get involved. We are over halfway there and excited to see people continue buying the record or donating to the fund to help us make this winter dream come true.”

Source: Vera Y Records

The Toy Book’s consumer-facing sister publication, The Toy Insider, is helping raise funds through a special Black Friday promo discount code valid for purchases of the album on vinyl or CD. Simply hit this link or enter code TOYINSIDER for 20% off at checkout to score a touchdown of a deal on great holiday tunes that support some great causes.

“Operation Snowball is an incredible undertaking that reminds us all who matters most in our fight for, and investments in, public education: our children,” says Kathryn Epps, President and CEO of The Fund For the School District of Philadelphia. “As the only nonprofit organization charged with aligning philanthropic dollars with district priorities that help spur student achievement, The Fund is proud to partner on this opportunity to celebrate our children and reward them for their hard work and dedication this school year. We thank The Philly Specials and former Eagle and album executive producer, Connor Barwin, for their generous support of our students.”

Will you support the cause? Grab a CD, vinyl, or a special bundle pack today and help Operation Snowball complete its mission. And if holiday music isn’t your bag, that’s OK! Click here to donate directly to The Fund for The School District of Philadelphia.

Game On: Wonderland Amusements Looks to Bring Real Mechanical Pinball to the Masses

The next wave of home arcade excitement is coming next year.

Amid rumblings that a number of new players will soon enter a category dominated by names like Arcade1Up and AtGames comes the official launch of Wonderland Amusements.

The new company, which debuted at this year’s Pinball Expo in Chicago, says it’s on a mission “to bring the joy of real mechanical pinball machines to home arcades with a new line of compact, affordable tables.”

Alice Goes to Wonderland is the first machine in development, and today the team shared a new video from a recent trip to its overseas manufacturing partner. Wonderland Amusements plans to offer the real pinball experience by selling tables for under $1,000. See the early prototype below.

Source: Wonderland Amusements

When the arcade resurgence and home arcade movement began in 2018, video game cabinets were followed by virtual pinball machines that replaced the mechanical playfield with a digital screen paired with haptic feedback effects. Currently, most full size mechanical machines — including the home versions offered at retailers such as Costco — start around $5,000, thus pricing out the average consumer. Wonderland says its tables are around 80% scale.

The team behind Wonderland Amusements includes Jerry Cummings, Gary Monaco, Andres Quiros, Peter Gould, and Adwood Tang — industry veterans with experience spanning Arcade1Up, New Wave Toys, ThinkUp, Hasbro, Mattel, and others.

Carlos Mendoza III, formerly of Spirit Halloween, is developing the artwork for Alice Goes to Wonderland.

Additional updates will be shared at wonderlandamusements.com.

From NERF to Javelin: Mark Rappaport’s New Toy Rethinks Outdoor Play

Grip, launch, glide.

Mark Rappaport, the inventor of the beloved NERF Bow ‘N’ Arrow, and his son Ethan have launched a new yard toy just in time for family gatherings this season.

The Bad Rap Javelin is the latest take on throw-and-catch outdoor toys. Its design is innovative yet classic and easy to understand.

The Javelin has a unique design from other throw-and-catch toys. | Source: Bad Rap

The premise is that players grip it in the back, throw it in the air, and watch it glide. The Javelin is as if a Frisbee were a stick, but even easier to master.

The father-son duo spent the past few years perfecting this design, and now it’s hitting the market just in time for the holidays. Bad Rap is a division of Marky Sparky Toys and the Javelin is available online at thebadrap.com and local specialty toy stores at a suggested retail price of $29.99.

BAD RAP JAVELIN

The latest take on a classic throw-and-catch toy. The Javelin is ready to soar through the sky and keep players of all ages endlessly entertained.

Product Facts

MSRP:
$29.99

Age:
10 +

Manufacturer:
BAD RAP

Buy Now

The Toy Book participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.

The Bad Rap

Spielwarenmesse eG Names ToyCocktail of 2025

The 2025 Spielwarenmesse ToyCocktail — called Ruby — comes from the bar Gelbes Haus. The competition to decide which cocktail would be served at Spielwarenmesse’s special events and at participating bars took place at the Herrengedeck in Nuremberg, the winner of last years competition.

The Ruby cocktail features a mix of wild cranberry syrup, reserve port, vanilla liqueur, Fernet, and sparkling wine. There is also an alcohol-free version of the drink with wild cranberry syrup, verjus, and Seven Up.

Six bartenders competed to design the official 2025 ToyCocktail of Spielwarenmesse. | Source: Spielwarenmesse

“Every year I’m astonished all over again by the creativity and wealth of imagination in the bars that take part,” says Christian Ulrich, Spokesperson of the Executive Board of Spielwarenmesse eG. “At the same time, I’m already looking forward to raising a glass of our new drink with our guests at the fair.”

Ruby will be served from Jan. 28-Feb. 1 at special events and participating bars, including die rote Bar, Gelbes Haus, Herrengedeck, Levi Bar in the Leonardo Royal Hotel, Public in the Scandic Nürnberg Central, and TREFF in the Arvena Park Hotel.

My Scene Barbie Dolls Return After 15 Years

Mattel is rereleasing its collection of My Scene dolls from the 2000s for a new era of play.

The My Scene dolls first hit the scene in 2002 with iconic Y2K styles and a matching webpage that featured the stories of the dolls that kids would grow obsessed with until the line was discontinued in 2009. Now, a new generation of parents can introduce their kids to the early 2000s with these iconic dolls.

Each new My Scene doll features a look inspired by her first appearance in 2002. | Source: Mattel

Each new My Scene doll features a look inspired by her first appearance in 2002. | Source: Mattel

Each new My Scene doll features a look inspired by her first appearance in 2002. | Source: Mattel

There are three dolls in the lineup. The My Scene Barbie doll features a reimagined look based on her original outfit, complete with a red moto jacket, a newsboy cap, red-tinted sunglasses, a saddlebag, and red block heels. My Scene Madison is decked in blue, with cargo jeans, a blue butterfly crop top on top of a mesh T-shirt, blue sunglasses, a denim bag, chunky platforms. Finally, My Scene Chelsea is pretty in pink, with a faux fur coat with a pink lining, a pink halter top, a denim skirt, and 2000s accessories like butterfly clips, hoop earrings, and knee-high boots.

The My Scene Barbie dolls are available now at mattelcreations.com and other major retailers.

The Toy Book Top 10:

RELATED

The Toy Book Top 10 Stock This! New Product Showcases:

More Hot Products:

RELATED

RELATED

RELATED

BLUEY’S MAGIC XYLOPHONE

Product Facts

Buy Now

RELATED

RELATED

STAR WARS THE BLACK SERIES OBI-WAN KENOBI & CLONE TROOPER (212TH)

Product Facts

Buy Now

RELATED

RELATED

RELATED

BAD RAP JAVELIN

Product Facts

Buy Now

RELATED

RELATED