The Toy Book Top 10: From Innovation to Uncertainty

The toy industry doesn’t slow down for summer, and neither do the headlines.

August delivered a mix of fresh reveals, exclusive drops, and behind-the-scenes moves. From powerhouse partnerships to category-bending crossovers, this month’s Toy Book Top 10 captures the pulse of play as brands push boundaries and tap into culture in unexpected ways.

Jazwares‘ Squishmallows brand collided with beauty in a retail surprise, while fashion-forward collectibles took the spotlight in designer doll form. Legacy players like Mattel and Playmobil made waves with bold plans that stretch well into next year, and digital innovation stayed in focus with a new spin on a classic game. On the business side, industry shakeups and growth reports showed both challenges and optimism heading into the holiday season.

Here’s a look at the stories you clicked, shared, and kept buzzing about in August.

The Toy Book Top 10

  1. Combining Plush and Blush: Ulta Beauty Introduces Squishmallows Makeup Collection
  2. EXCLUSIVE: Mattel Creations Unveils Designer Disney Princess Dolls
  3. Playmobil, Mattel Partnership Reveals Barbie Toy Line for 2026
  4. Everest Toys Faces Uncertain Future
  5. Mattel Expands Digital Portfolio with Launch of ‘UNO Wonder’
  6. Tamagotchi Paradise Brings Virtual Pet Play to a New Level
  7. 30 New Toys & Games to Stock in 2025 [Returning from January]
  8. U.S. Toy Industry is Back in Growth Mode, Circana Says
  9. Mattel, Warner Bros., Add Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride to the Monster High Skullector Doll Line
  10. EXCLUSIVE: Outside the Box: Re-Igniting Power Rangers [Returning from June]

Outside of the top 10, our 2025 Action & Adventure Issue and the hub for the 2026 Pulse of Play Awards dominated screens alongside the biggest buzzword of the year: Tariffs.

Top 10 Stock This! New Product Showcases:

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

  1. MONSTER HIGH SKULLECTOR CORPSE BRIDE DOLL (Mattel)
  2. LABABIES (Yoonique)
  3. LITTLEST PET SHOP SWEET & STYLISH ASSORTMENT (Basic Fun!)
  4. NARUTO INFINITE TSUKUYOMI CAPSULE (PMI Kids’ World)
  5. LITTLEST PET SHOP PET SURPRISE SINGLES SERIES 4 (Basic Fun!)
  6. YES & KNOW — THE ORIGINAL INVISIBLE INK QUIZ BOOKS (Tree Town Toys)
  7. MATTEL BRICK SHOP HOT WHEELS CUSTOM ’62 CHEVY PICKUP (Mattel)
  8. NINJOMBIE PRIME SLIME DRAGON VEHICLE (MGA Entertainment)
  9. THE SIMS BOARD GAME (Goliath)
  10. DIY PAPER AIRPLANES ACTIVITY KIT (OOLY)

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

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About the author

James Zahn

James Zahn

James Zahn, AKA The Rock Father, is Editor-in-Chief of The Toy Book and Co-President of The International Toy Magazines Association (ITMA). He is also 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), New York Comic Con, 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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