When it comes to harnessing the power of “new-stalgia,” Basic Fun! is leading the charge with a robust lineup of awesome toys that retailers should have on their radar to delight consumers.

This spring, it’s all about Littlest Pet Shop as Basic Fun!, in collaboration with Hasbro, relaunches the popular brand with a range of products geared toward new fans and experienced collectors. In the action aisle, TONKA rolls out a new range of Crank & Haul vehicles, while those looking to get creative can check out Lite-Brite’s HD upgrade, now with Pokémon and Mattel’s Barbie in the mix!

And, the red-hot plush category glows even brighter with the addition of Hello Kitty x Care Bears mashups, a fresh wave of Misfittens, and a new addition to the Curlimals lineup. Check out the new toys below!



LITTLEST PET SHOP PET SURPRISE 18 PETS COLLECTOR SET

Introducing Littlest Pet Shop Generation 7! Kids can kickstart their collection with the 18 Pets Collector Set. This CDU display contains 18 Pet Surprise boxes, plus a pet on display! Each surprise box includes 1 unique bobblin' head pet, 1 cute accessory, 1 collector’s card, 1 virtual code, and 1 collector’s guide. Contains Pets No.…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $69.99
  • Age:
  • 4+

LITE-BRITE SUPER BRIGHT HD POKEMON AND BARBIE EDITIONS

Light up creativity with the all-new Lite-Brite Super Brite HD Pokémon and Barbie Editions! Kids to kidults can now unleash their inner Pokemon Trainer or Barbie sparkle with double the LEDs, snap-on high- definition grid for and 1,000 colorful mini-pegs. Use the six HD templates included in each set or create masterpieces with light.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $24.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

TONKA CRANK & HAUL VEHICLES

Experience epic adventures in the neighborhood with Tonka Crank and Haul Trucks! Kids can transport materials, collect debris, and embark on exciting rescue missions, fueling their imaginations. These trucks, part of the Crank and Haul collection, feature interchangeable cabs for customization. Collect all three to create a fleet of construction vehicles, sparking endless play opportunities.

Product Facts

  • Age:
  • 3+

CARE BEARS GOOD VIBES 14-INCH PLUSH BEAR

The Care Bears, ambassadors of kindness, advocate for environmental responsibility with the 14-inch Good Vibes Bear plushie. Crafted from recycled materials, this eco-friendly bear embodies the message of "cleaner and greener is the way to grow!" Combining sustainability with snuggly softness, Good Vibes Bear promotes a stylish, earth-conscious lifestyle.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $14.99
  • Age:
  • 4+

Buy Now


HELLO KITTY LOVES CHEER BEAR COLLECTIBLE CARE BEARS PLUSH 2-PACK

Hello Kitty and Cheer Bear team up for adventures, embodying friendship and optimism. Hello Kitty, the iconic feline, joins forces with Cheer Bear, a caring companion from Care Bears. Their bond is so strong that they even dress as each other. Together, they spread joy and positivity on exciting journeys.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $24.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

HELLO KITTY AND FRIENDS x CARE BEARS 9-INCH FUN-SIZE PLUSH

Hello Kitty, Badtz-Maru, and Cinnamoroll join forces with Cheer Bear, Grumpy Bear, and Love-A-Lot Bear to spread caring vibes worldwide. These Fun Size plushies, standing 9 inches tall, are dressed as their beary besties, crafted from super soft, huggable material. Perfect for collectability and on-the-go play, they're ideal companions for any adventure.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $9.99
  • Age:
  • 6+

CURLIMALS BELLA THE BUNNY

Introducing Curlimals: charming plush companions ready for endless adventures and cuddles. Bella the Bunny is a perfect cuddly friend that kids can take with them as they embark on exciting adventures. Bella features more than 50 different sounds and reactions.

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $19.99
  • Age:
  • 3+

Buy Now


MISFITTENS RAINBOW CATS

Embrace the humor of the #ifitsisits trend with Misfittens — a hilarious group of cats obsessed with snug spaces. The all-new Rainbow Cats series features vibrant felines with super soft rainbow tails that come in fun styles and colors. Will your cat have a stylish bow, rainbow glasses, or a unicorn horn? Join the adventure…

Product Facts

  • MSRP:
  • $9.99-19.99
  • Age:
  • 4+

Buy Now


This story is a digital companion to the 2024 edition of The BIG Toy Book. Click here to read the full issue. Want a copy in print? Click here for back issues and subscription options.

The Toy Book Magazine, Volume 40, No. 1 — February 2024

About the author

James Zahn

James Zahn

James Zahn, AKA The Rock Father, is Editor-in-Chief of The Toy Book, a Senior Editor at The Toy Insider and The Pop Insider, and Editor of The Toy Report, The Toy Book‘s weekly industry newsletter. As a pop culture and toy industry expert, Zahn has appeared as a panelist and guest at events including Comic-Con International: San Diego (SDCC) Wizard World Chicago, and the ASTRA Marketplace & Academy. Zahn has more than 30 years of experience in the entertainment, retail, and publishing industries, and is frequently called upon to offer expert commentary for publications such as Forbes, Marketwatch, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, USA Today, Reuters, the Washington Post, and more. James has appeared on History Channel’s Modern Marvels, was interviewed by Larry King and Anderson Cooper, and has been seen on Yahoo! Finance, CNN, CNBC, FOX Business, NBC, ABC, CBS, WGN, The CW, and more. Zahn joined the Adventure Media & Events family in 2016, initially serving as a member of the Parent Advisory Board after penning articles for the Netflix Stream Team, Fandango Family, PBS KIDS, Sprout Parents (now Universal Kids), PopSugar, and Chicago Parent. He eventually joined the company full time as a Senior Editor and moved up the ranks to Deputy Editor and Editor-in-Chief.

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