The Toy Foundation has joined forces with The University of Richmond to offer the Richard Gottlieb Toy Entrepreneurship Grant, honoring the late toy industry titan.
The new grant will support University of Richmond students who are part of The Toy Foundation’s Talent Pipeline program, which aims to increase awareness of toy industry careers as well as facilitate connections to internships and entry-level positions within toy companies.
Having witnessed Richard’s passion for the toy industry, it’s easy to understand why so many considered him part of the heart and soul of the toy and play community."
Pamela Mastrota, Executive Director of The Toy Foundation
Through the grant, four students and one faculty member will attend The Toy Foundation’s Education and Recruitment Program at Toy Fair. “Toy Fair was one of Richard’s favorite events where he came together with all ‘his people’ from all over the world who shared his wonder and love of the world of toys and play,” says Gottlieb’s family.
University of Richmond students will also get the chance to engage in co-curricular activities that hope to enhance classroom learning, introduce them to the toy industry, and facilitate networking.
In place of condolences, Gottlieb’s family requests that friends and family consider contributing to the Richard Gottlieb Toy Entrepreneurship Grant through The Toy Foundation’s website (indicate Richard Gottlieb in the tribute section).
“The world of toys and play was Richard Gottlieb’s passion. As a family, we have decided to purposefully celebrate his life’s work to perpetuate its importance and joy by starting a grant in his beloved field at his beloved alma mater, the University of Richmond,” says Gottlieb’s family.
Music festival season is upon us, and we’re getting in the groove with toys that fit any festival display. Fat Brain Toys Ukeleles and the Fotorama card game Hitster are the opening acts to a stacked lineup of toys and collectibles perfect for independent specialty retailers to display during the festival season.
Pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter recently finished opening for Taylor Swift’s iconic Eras Tour, and played Coachella this spring, creating an extensive demand for beaded friendship bracelets like Cool Maker bracelet kits, and Taylor-inspired costumes, like an Eras-inspired dress from Great Pretenders.
From Mukikim’s roll-up instruments to Squishable’s snack-themed plushes, we’re covering a range of products ready to rock for the music festival season. Check out the toys below!
Jam out with this wooden 21-inch ukelele! Little maestros can pluck and tune nylon strings, improve fine motor skills, and explore an early interest in music-making.
Listen to hits from more than 100 years, arrange them in chronological order on your music timeline and take a journey through time! Simply scan a card with the free Hitster app and the music will automatically play in Spotify. With more than 300 songs, Hitster sparks laughter, singing, dancing and sharing memories.
Collect your favorite rockstars, hip-hop artists, and legendary musicians with ReAction Figures from Super7! Assemble your miniature music festival dream lineup with these 3.75-inch figures. Jam with OutKast, KRS-ONE, ODB, Jimi Hendrix, Cliff Burton, and members of Thin Lizzy, Twisted Sister, The Beastie Boys, The Clash, Ramones, Motley Crue, My Chemical Romance, and many more.
Rock out with Loog's 3-string Strat! It's like a classic Stratocaster guitar, but smaller and sassier. With just 3-strings, one pickup, and one knob, it's the perfect starter for mini rockstars. Developed in cahoots with Fender, it's the ultimate ticket for kids to rock, learn, and groove from day one.
Legendary musicians in Funko Pop!? Yes please. From iconic bands to solo stars, each figure captures the essence of beloved artists, making them perfect for music enthusiasts and collectors alike. Choose from Rosalía, Lionel Richie, Freddie Mercury, and more.
Thanks to Taylor Swift’s ERAS tour, friendship bracelets are hotter than ever! Kids can design and create fashion friendship bracelets in bold and bright colors. The ultimate bestie wristwear for kids to wear and share! Show off unique styles by mixing and matching all the chic accessories. Kids can personalize bracelets with sayings using the…
Hold onto your hi-hats! The Rock And Roll It Drum Kit comes wrapped up in one portable package. With 7 drum styles, 12 demos, and more, the beat never stops! Power it up with batteries or USB and connect to favorite tunes for endless drumming fun.
Kids can unleash their inner maestro anywhere with the Rock and Roll It Piano! Winner of top awards, conveniently portable, and featuring a variety of keyboard tones and demo songs, this instrument can turn any playtime into band rehearsal.
Choose one of six pop, hip-hop, or nursery tunes to sing along to or use the silly voice-changer. Kids can record their performance or connect the microphone to a device with the Bluetooth feature. Features built-in volume controls.
Warning: It's not a real boba beverage! This bag brings disappointment if sipped, but joy when flaunted with its magenta fuzz and adjustable strap. Opt for a little more convenient accessorizing over awkward sips. It's a quenchable case for go-to festival essentials.
Snuggle up to sweetness with this mini-sized version of the Squishable Cotton Candy Plush! Everyone's favorite sugar-spun festival treat can be squished and kept at a miniature size. And, look at that cute little face…who can resist?
Light up the night with this assorted glow stick set! With 75 assorted necklaces, bracelets, this budget-friendly is essential for any party or festival. Made with high-quality plastic and break-away closures, they're safe for kids ages three and up. Snap, shake, and shine for a glowingly good time.
Do you hear that? Listen to the sounds of musical instruments with this Musical Instruments Sound Puzzle! This eight-piece puzzle features light sensors, high-quality recording sounds, and kid-friendly illustrations. Perfect for screen-free play for aspiring little musicians.
Howdy! Play up your wild wild west scenes with this structured tan hat. Perfect for playing dress-up, parties, festivals, and any kid who dreams of being a cowboy or cowgirl.
Shake it off and enter the Eras Tour spotlight with this enchanting Taylor Swift-inspired dress! With a constellation of stars, it's perfect for playdates or living room concerts. Dress-up dreams do come true.
Product Facts
MSRP:
$49.99
Age:
5+
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Meowie! This kid-friendly camera features a 3-inch touchscreen, built-in filters and frames, and a shock-proof silicone covering. It comes with a preinstalled 16GB memory card and a lanyard that doubles as a USB and a charging cord, so it's guaranteed to get the purr-fect shot.
Kids can choose from 170 beads, place them on the elastics, and pop the top to reveal a custom bracelet. They can make and remake up to 10 bracelets by swapping out the beads any time — no knots, clasps, or cuts required.
Kids can grow their jewelry-making collection with this glitter and gem expansion pack. The pack features 50 beads in various styles, including diamond, silver, and glitter gems. Kids can use their PopStyle Bracelet Maker to change out their beads whenever they want.
Shake what your momma gave you…literally. This Tambourine and Maracas Gift Set from Fisher-Price is keeping us on beat! With soft pom-poms, colorful rattle beads in the Rattle ‘n Rock Maracas, and an expressive mirror and clacking sounds on the Shake ‘n Beats Tambourine, little ones will love to jam out like they're at their…
The Star Wars Slime Jars ($8.99) are each inspired by iconic characters from the franchise including the Mandalorian, Grogu, Darth Vader, and Stormtroopers. Designed for kids ages 6 and up, each slime comes with collectible fact cards that kids can use to learn about slime compounds while enjoying sensory play.
The Star Wars Slime Jars come with collectible fact cards about slime compounds. | Source: Horizon Group USA
The Star Wars Lightsaber Themed Engineering Kits ($14.99) show kids how to make their own lightsabers using LEDs and circuits. The model kit builds two lightsabers: Darth Vader’s and Obi-Wan Kenobi’s lightsabers from Star Wars: A New Hope. Designed for kids ages 6 and up, this kit explores the science behind light, matter, crystals, and energy sources.
Kids can create kyber crystals to power their lightsabers using the Grow & Glow Kyber Crystal Kit. | Source: Horizon Group USA
Finally, kids can grow their own kyber crystals using the Grow & Glow Kyber Crystal Kit ($19.99-22.99), which has everything they need to grow crystals in a variety of colors. The set also comes with a light-up case to display the crystals in.
“STEM-based activities have played a strong part in the expansion of Horizon Group’s portfolio since the beginning, driven by our CEO, Roshan Wijerama, and his passion for supporting children’s education,” says Evan Buzzerio, Chief Commercial Officer and Partner at Horizon Group USA. “Applying Horizon Group’s innovative approach to the Star Wars brand backed by the educational content developed by research scientists, Drs. Balint and Lita Kacsoh, has enabled us to make science subjects even more accessible to fans of all ages.”
“There are few franchises more beloved than Star Wars, and our debut collection strengthens Horizon Group’s powerful lineup on creative activities and STEM kits, empowering kids to learn alongside their favorite characters,” says Laura Pfeffer, Vice President of Licensing & Specialty Sales at Horizon Group USA.
Jazwares is honoring its second year being part of the Berkshire Hathaway portfolio with Squishmallows of Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger.
Warren Buffet is a well-known financial guru and the chairperson of Berkshire Hathaway, an investment firm. Charlie Munger was Vice Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway until his death last year. The Squishmallows debuted at the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting, and will be sold exclusively on-site at the Berkshire Hathaway Festival.
The plush will be exclusively for sale on-site. | Source: Jazwares
The Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger Squishmallows will be among the rarest Jazwares has produced. Each features the likeness of the Berkshire Hathaway executives with Munger holding a little Deja Donut Squishmallows and Buffett holding Ronnie the Cow.
The Warren Buffett tag includes a 2024 forecast that predicts record-setting ice cream consumption, increased investments in fast-food cheeseburgers, and continued success at Berkshire Hathaway. Each plush will come in a 10- or 14-inch size for $14.99 and $24.99, respectively.
For more information on Berkshire Hathaway and its portfolio of companies like Jazwares, visit its website.
In celebration of Star Wars Day on May 4, Hasbro has released six Star Wars-themed collectibles. Star Wars: The Vintage Collection X-Wing Pilot 4-Pack, Star Wars: The Black Series Darth Sidious, Super Battle Droid, Yoda & Clone Commander Gree, The Phantom Menace 3-Pack, and the Retro Collection Episode II & Episode III Multipack will be available for preorder tomorrow at 1 p.m. ET through various retailers.
There are four X-wing pilot figures included. | Source: Hasbro
The packaging resembles vintage Kenner designs. | Source: Hasbro
The 3.75-inch scale The Vintage Collection X-Wing Pilot 4-Pack ($54.99) includes four figures and 10 accessories — including removable helmets and three sets of small and medium-sized blasters — inspired by X-wing pilots featured in Ahsoka. The figures and packaging are inspired by the original Kenner line. It will be available for preorder tomorrow at 1 p.m. ET at Hasbro Pulse and 7 p.m. ET at Amazon and other retailers. This set will also be available later this year online at disneystore.com.
The Darth Sidious figure comes with three accessories. | Source: Hasbro
The Super Battle Droid figure comes with a red blast FX accessory. | Source: Hasbro
Hasbro also released five additions to the The Black Series, such as The Black Series Darth Sidious ($24.99). This includes a 6-inch figure of Darth Sidious, inspired by the character’s appearance in Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith. The fully articulated figure also comes with three accessories such as the red-bladed Lightsaber and two alternate lightning FX hands.
Another new offering from the series, The Black Series Super Battle Droid ($24.99), includes a 6-inch figure of the Super Battle Droid as featured in Star Wars: Attack of the Clones. The fully articulated figure also comes with a red blast FX accessory. Both sets will be available to preorder tomorrow at Hasbro Pulse, Amazon, Big Bad Toy Store, and other select retailers.
The Captain Enoch and Night Trooper figures are fully articulated. | Source: Hasbro
The Yoda and Clone Commander Gree set comes with Yoda's council chair. | Source: Hasbro
The Black Series Captain Enoch & Night Trooper ($49.99) includes 6-inch figures of Captain Enoch and Night Trooper, inspired by the character’s appearance in Ahoska. Both figures are fully articulated and come with blasters. Collectors can preorder the set tomorrow exclusively at Walmart.
The Black Series Yoda & Clone Commander Gree ($49.99) includes fully articulated 6-inch figures inspired by Yoda and Clone Commander Gree’s appearances in Star Wars: The Clone Wars. The set also includes seven accessories such as an alternative Yoda head, a green Lightsaber and unlit hilt, Yoda’s council chair and walking stick, and two blaster accessories. The set will be available to preorder tomorrow at Hasbro Pulse and will be available at disneystore.com and in Disney Parks later this year as part of the Clones of the Republic program.
The Phantom Menace 3-Pack includes figures based on Qui-Gon Jinn, Darth Maul, and Obi-Wan Kenobi. | Source: Hasbro
The Star Wars: Retro Collection Episode II & Episode III Multipack include figures based on Jango Fett, Anakin Skywalker, and more. | Source: Hasbro
The final addition to The Black Series is The Phantom Menace 3-Pack ($74.99). This set includes three fully articulated, 6-inch figures of Qui-Gon Jinn, Darth Maul, and Obi-Wan Kenobi, inspired by the character’s design in the “Duel of Fates” scene in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. The pack also includes each character’s signature Lightsaber. Collectors can preorder the three-pack at GameStop.
Hasbro’s final product offering in celebration of May the 4th is the Star Wars: Retro Collection Episode II & Episode III Mulitpack ($59.99). This multipack, inspired by the original 1970s Kenner line, includes six 3.75-inch scale figures. Three figures are based on Padmé Amidala, Jango Fett, and Mace Windu as they appear in Star Wars: Attack of the Clones. The other three figures are based on Anakin Skywalker, a clone trooper, and General Grevious as they appear in Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith. The figures feature Kenner branding, and the packaging sports a weathered look. Ten accessories are included as well. This set is available to preorder tomorrow at Hasbro Pulse and will be available at disneystore.com and Disney Parks later this year.
Each Star Wars-inspired product is designed for kids ages 4 and up. The figures will be available in the fall.
In addition to the new products, Hasbro and Walmart are running an online promotion: Customers can upload their receipt for any preordered Hasbro Star Wars item until May 13 to receive a free, limited-edition, Walmart-exclusive Star Wars pin.
For more information, visit hasbro.com or watch the 2024 Hasbro Pulse | Star Wars May the 4th Be With You Fanstream below.
The fanstream details Hasbro’s May the 4th offerings. | Source: Hasbro Pulse
Projected U.S. total spending on video game hardware, content, and accessories gained 4% in March 2024 when compared to a year ago, reaching $4.9 billion. Mobile content spending grew 15% compared to March 2023, which more than offset a 32% drop in video game hardware spending. Mobile accounted for 89% of the total year-on-year growth in video game content spending during the month.
March video game hardware spending fell 32% when compared to a year ago, to $391 million. All current console hardware platforms fell a minimum of 30% year-on-year. Hardware spending finished the first quarter down 24% versus the first quarter of 2023.
PlayStation 5 led the hardware market in unit and dollar sales during both March and the first quarter. Nintendo Switch once again finished second in unit sales, while Xbox Series ranked second in dollars across both time periods.
March spending on Accessories increased 9% when compared to a year ago to $242 million, helped by 8% growth in headset/headphone spending. The PlayStation Dual Sense Edge was the best-selling accessory in dollar sales during both March and the first quarter.
Dragon’s Dogma II debuted as the best-selling premium game of March and the third best-selling game of 2024 year-to- date. Launch month dollar sales of Dragon’s Dogma II were more than 11 times those of the original Dragon’s Dogma, initially released in the U.S. market in the May 2012 tracking period. With just one month in market, Dragon’s Dogma II has already surpassed the life-to-date dollar sales of Dragon’s Dogma and Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen combined.
Helldivers II remains the best-selling premium game of 2024 year-to-date after placing second in March. Helldivers II currently ranks seventh in lifetime U.S. dollar sales for Sony published titles after just two months in market.
Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth remained the fourth best-selling game of 2024 year-to-date, despite falling five spots in the monthly rankings to seventh in March, after placing second in February. Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth currently ranks 14th across all Final Fantasy releases in lifetime dollar sales in the U.S. market. Final Fantasy XV is first, followed by Final Fantasy VII: Remake and the original Final Fantasy VII.
TOP 10 GAMES FOR MARCH 2024
Dragon’s Dogma II (Capcom USA)
Helldivers II (Sony Corp.)
MLB: The Show 24 (multiple manufacturers)
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2023) (Activision Blizzard Corp.)
In Mobile content, Sensor Tower reports the top 10 games by U.S. consumer spending in March as Monopoly Go!, Royal Match, Roblox, Candy Crush Saga, Coin Master, Whiteout Survival, Last War: Survival, Pokémon Go, Township, and Clash of Clans.
“The highlight this month is Last War: Survival, which grew 40% to overtake Pokémon GO, Township, and Clash of Clans,” says Samuel Aune of Sensor Tower. “If this rate of growth keeps up, Last War: Survival could overtake Whiteout Survival and even Coin Master in the next few months. Also of note is the fact that three of the top 10 (including No. 1) are 2023 launches. The top four games remain unchanged and continue to maintain a significant gap from the rest of the field, with Monopoly Go! still holding a commanding lead over second place Royal Match.”
Mattel’s long-awaited Masters of the Universe (MOTU) movie finally has a release date. According to reports from The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, and other Hollywood trade publications, Amazon MGM listed the movie’s worldwide theatrical release as June 5, 2026.
Travis Knight, President and CEO of Laika, the animation studio behind Coraline and Kubo and the Two Strings, and director of the 2017 toy-inspired film Bumblebee, is directing the movie. The movie is based on a script by Chris Butler, who wrote and directed Laika’s ParaNorman and Missing Link.
Mattel Films’ Robbie Brenner and Escape Artists’ Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, and Steve Tisch are producing.
The MOTU movie has been in production for years, bouncing from Sony to Netflix to Amazon MGM, with several filmmakers attached throughout the process.
According to the film’s synopsis, the movie will follow 10-year-old Prince Adam, who has crashed on Earth in a spaceship and is separated from the Power Sword. After finding the sword almost 20 years later, Prince Adam returns to his home planet to protect it from Skeletor. Before that, however, he must uncover the mysteries of his past and claim the title of He-Man.
ZURU has opened its new office and showroom in Bentonville, Arkansas. The office, located specifically to serve as a hub for ZURU’s Toys and Edge FMCG teams, solidifies the company’s commitment to retail innovation and delivering high-quality products to consumers. ZURU has more than 30 offices globally.
The Bentonville office — at more than 15,000 square feet — will serve as a workspace for ZURU’s sales teams, with a specific focus on Walmart and Sam’s Club. The new office features a 12,000-square-foot product showroom with more than 250 TV screens, immersive feature displays, and modular product sets. The showroom will transform how ZURU presents localized plans and offerings as it provides an immersive and interactive experience for Sam’s Club, Walmart, and other partners.
“This new space embodies our dedication to fostering innovation, collaboration, and excellence in serving our partners at Walmart and Sam’s Club,” says Nick Mowbray, ZURU Co-Founder. “We purchased the building in December 2023 so it’s amazing to see us occupy it and get ready for Spring ’25 previews in record time.”
The Halloween & Costume Association (HCA) is hosting its inaugural Spooky Awards, a costume and decor contest recognizing exceptional designs across the industry. Each entry will be judged by a panel of industry representatives using the criteria of Innovation, Marketability, Trendsetting Potential, Appeal, and Usefulness.
The awards include a Costumes category with the following subcategories:
Other categories include Accessories (Wigs, Shoes, Hats, etc.); Decor (Electronic, Inflatable, Lawn, etc.); Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (Best Application of Environmental Social Governance); Masks; Most Innovative (Open to all categories); Packaging; and Sustainability. There is also a Makeup category with subgroups for Character, 3D, and Scary/Horror.
The HCA is an organization dedicated to showcasing all things Halloween, representing businesses that manufacture, import, or distribute Halloween products such as costumes and decor.
Those interested in entering the running for a Spooky Award will need to complete the official entry form online by July 1. HCA members get a first submission for free, with subsequent entries at $50 each. Non-members can also enter for a fee of $100 per entry. Finalists will be announced in October, with winners revealed in January during the Halloween & Party Expo.
With just over a month until Inside Out 2 hits theaters, Just Play is unveiling its collection of toys featuring the new emotions in Riley’s head: Anxiety, Embarrassment, Envy, and Ennui.
Shaking with Anxiety Feature Plush | Source: Just Play
It's Okay to Feel… Embarrassment Comfort Plush | Source: Just Play
Talk it Out Small Talking Plush | Source: Just Play
Flip-A-Mood Reversible Plush | Source: Just Play
There are four kinds of plush in this collection: the Shaking with Anxiety Feature Plush ($24.99), which kids can articulate into different fidgety positions, shakes and says phrases when kids twist her hair; the It’s Okay to Feel … Embarrassment Comfort Plush ($19.99), a 2-pound weighted plush that features a cozy purple hoodie and red sneakers; the Talk it Out Small Talking Plush ($9.99 each), a collection of plush featuring Anxiety, Joy, and Sadness — each of which says phrases from the movie; and the Flip-A-Mood Reversible Plush ($12.99), plush that flip inside out to reveal different emotions, including Joy and Sadness or Fear and Anxiety.
Inside Out 2 Express Yourself Figures | Source: Just Play
Inside Out 2 Collectible Mini Figures | Source: Just Play
Just Play also has a lineup of collectible figures that are just as fun. The Express Yourself Figures ($7.99 each) are 3-inch figures, including Joy, Sadness, and Anxiety, and each comes with a memory orb and has tactile features that are soothing for kids. Joy and Sadness both have a spinner that changes their facial expressions, Joy has dangly legs that kids can fidget with, Sadness’ body is made from squishy foam, and Anxiety’s eyes jiggle inside two floating spheres and kids can twist and manipulate her arms. They can also round up the Collectible Mini Figures ($4.99 each), which are surprise toys that include one of 12 characters from Inside Out 2, including the emotions from the first movie, Embarrassment, Anxiety, Ennui, Envy, Bloofy, Lance, or the rare, glow-in-the-dark Deep Dark Secret.
Inside Out 2 All the Feels Figure Set | Source: Just Play
Inside Out 2 Collectible Figure Set | Source: Just Play
There are two figure multipacks in the collection. The All the Feels Figure Set ($14.99) features Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust as figures that range from 1-2.3 inches tall. The Inside Out 2 Collectible Figure Set ($19.99), which comes out next month, includes the five original emotions, but also comes with Anxiety, Envy, Ennui, and Embarrassment.
