The BIG Toy Book — 2026 Edition

The Toy Book‘s 42nd volume begins with the 2026 edition of The BIG Toy Book!

A toy industry tradition continues with the annual “Bible,” an issue that key decision-makers hold onto and reference throughout the year, cherished by collectors and toy historians as a time capsule.

Today’s launch, coinciding with the opening of Toy Fair at the Javits Center in New York City, comes 41 years after our first issue debuted at the 1985 North American International Toy Fair.

On our outer cover, Moose Toys welcomes the debut of CrunchLabs from Mark Rober, while our inner cover features the return of artist Kenny Kiernan with another hand-drawn epic celebrating this year’s big brand anniversaries and toyetic entertainment moments.

Highlights Include:

  • From the Editor: No Sleep ‘Til Javits
  • State of the Industry: Leaders from 27 companies discuss the year that was and the road ahead.
  • The 2026 Pulse of Play Awards: Honoring Excellence in the Business of Play
  • American Girl at 40: A Big Year for an Iconic Doll Brand
  • Inside the Innovation Engine: Under the Hood with Spin Master
  • Where Play Meets Purpose: Jasey’s Toy Chest
  • A New Era for Entertainment Earth: The Retail and Distribution Pioneer Levels Up
  • Built to Last: The Classics Never Die
  • Digital Hits, Physical Play: Bonkers Toys Bets Big on New Preschool Brands
  • From Pitch to Playroom: Soccer Toys are All the Rage
  • Talkin’ Toys with CONNETIX, Hape, and Schylling
  • and more…
The Licensing Book, which originally ran in print from 1983-2018, is back as a section within The Toy Book.

The Licensing Book:

  • Welcome Back: The Licensing Book returns to print inside The Toy Book.
  • Classic Toys, Iconic Licenses: Playmates Toys Celebrates 60 Years
  • Playing with Patriotism: The America 250 Licensing Program
  • What’s Hot in Licensed Toys & Games: New Products to Stock Now

That’s only the beginning. This issue debuts new departments, including The Design Shop, focused on the creatives behind the toys, and The Hobby, featuring extensive coverage of the growing trading cards space.

We also have insights from The Toy Association, Astra, Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment, Circana, and the Ethical Supply Chain Program. Plus Outside the Box with Ted Mininni, Raising the Bar with Stephanie Pottick, Pop Quiz with Wendy Smolen, and much more.

 Click here to read the issue now!

Not a subscriber yet? Subscribe today and get seven issues a year delivered straight to your mailbox — and don’t miss what’s next!!

  • The Licensing & Entertainment Issue (May)
  • The Specialty Toys & Gifts Issue (June)
  • The Action, Adventure, & Mystery Issue (August)
  • The LA Fall Toy Preview Issue (September)
  • The Celebrations Awards Issue (November)
  • The 2027 International Issue (January ‘27)

We’d love your feedback! Please share your thoughts by emailing me or messaging me on LinkedIn. Remember to follow us on X, Instagram, and LinkedIn to stay on the #pulseofplay year-round.

About the author

Toy Book Newsroom

Toy Book Newsroom

Staff contributors provide breaking news and daily updates from The Toy Book Newsroom. The Toy Book has been on the #pulseofplay serving the North American toy industry since 1984.

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