We all agree that play is fun, but as we know, through successful licensing partnerships, it’s even more fun when you play with a friend. In honor of Licensing Expo taking place in Las Vegas, get in the game by seeing how many of these friendly play dates you can name.

The Toy Book

Stay on the Pulse of Play!

A version of this feature first appeared in The Toy Book‘s 2026 Licensing & Entertainment Issue, featuring The Licensing Book. Read the full issue here!

Want The Toy Book delivered straight to your desk? Subscribe today and get seven big issues a year — packed with the stories, trends, and insights that keep you on the #pulseofplay.

About the author

Wendy Smolen

Wendy Smolen

Wendy Smolen has spent 25 years playing in the toy industry as an editor, writer, and storyteller. She co-founded Sandbox Summit, an idea forum focused on the intersection of play, learning, and technology. Currently, she works with publications, companies, and organizations to create playful perspectives that engage kids and families in innovative and impactful ways.

archivearrow-chevron-downarrow-chevron-left-greyarrow-chevron-leftarrow-chevron-rightarrow-fatarrow-left-blackarrow-left-whitearrow-right-blackarrow-rightarrow-roundedbookscalendarcaret-downclose-whiteclosedocumenteditorial-archiveeyefacebook-squarefacebookfilesgifthamburgerheadinghearthomeinstagram-squareinstagramlatestlinkedin-squarelinkedinmailmedia-inquiresmessagenewsopen-boxpagination-leftpagination-rightpauseplayprintproduct-archiverecent-productssearchsharesort-filterspotifysunteamtiktoktime_purpletimetrendingtvtwitter-squaretwitterxyoutube