Welcome to Your Weekly News Brief!
Another (Not so) Happy Bloomin' Friday!
The dire tariff situation in the US has put all of us in detention. Here we are in limbo, forced to think about what our next moves will be. We all bring different angles and different company perspectives, but what we have in common now may be our biggest source of strength in figuring a way forward.
Led by the U.S. Toy Association, the vast majority of global toy associations have come together to advocate for 0% reciprocal tariffs around the world, to ensure that safe, affordable, and high-quality toys remain accessible to all children. #KeepToysTariffFree.
Please share this message broadly — like and repost to help spread the word!
View the global statement and signatories here.
Thank you for reading the Bloom Report here or on the Bloom Report 24/7 News Feed! Please support our work by advertising and/or setting up a POP profile.
Mary and the POP Team
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Honoring Mike Wood: Tributes to the LeapFrog Founder and Toy Industry Visionary
Scott Traylor reached out to me following Mike’s passing this week. I asked if he would consider putting together a tribute in Mike’s honor. He graciously and immediately agreed. The outpouring of reflections Scott gathered in just a few days is a powerful testament to the impact Mike Wood had on so many of us in the toy industry. Thank you, Scott!. If you knew Mike and would like to be part of the tribute, send me your reflections. -Mary
Scott: Mike Wood transformed how children learn to read through his vision and dedication to education. As founder of LeapFrog and later SmartyAnts, Mike saw opportunities where others saw challenges. When his young son struggled with reading, Mike didn't just help him personally, he created learning solutions that would eventually help millions of children worldwide.
With his background as a Stanford graduate and successful attorney, Mike could have continued his legal career. Instead, he followed his passion for education, bringing together talented teams and building companies that revolutionized educational technology. What Joan Ganz Cooney was to children's literacy through television with Sesame Street, Mike Wood became through interactive educational toys through LeapFrog.
Fun TV Spots Celebrating National Board Game Day!
TA in NY & POP in Milwaukee! Maddie & Peggy Rocked It!
POP Classifieds - Free and Easy
We are rerunning this service again this week since so many people visited the page...
"I kept an eye on People of Play's Classifieds and now I work at TOMY!" -Jeff Hersheway, Digital Content Manager at TOMY International
Either post your job openings yourself (so easy!) to our POP Classifieds or send them to us to post for you. We all have colleagues looking now that would benefit.
You can also post IP and more to sell. We just posted a listing for US Utility Patent & Trademark: MOGO.
If you are looking for someone with particular skills and expertise, use POP's Advanced Search to fine that person or company you need!
If you are not in the POP Directory, the largest searchable directory by skill, expertise and more, sign up!
Cartoon Lovers, Lexophiles & People in Need of a Smile!
Cartoon of the Week: Thank you to Boaz Coster for the cartoon this week!
Memorable Quotes: "We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately."
- Benjamin Franklin, at the signing of the Declaration of Independence
Toy Industry Word of Day: If you can think of a toy/game industry word not in our POPDictionary, add it and we will connect it to you POP profile, feature it here in an upcoming week and on POP's homepage!
Have a cartoon, quote or a joke to share? Send it to me! Mary
Happiest of Birthdays to colleagues celebrating birthdays this past week!
Financial and Legal
Learning Resources and hand2mind filed a lawsuit challenging the President’s asserted authority to impose tariffs on imports under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (“IEEPA”). These tariffs have had a devastating effect on our companies and threaten our ability to serve our customers and help children learn and grow.
We Are Suing the President. We are joining a lawsuit that will challenge the unchecked authority of the executive branch to impose tariffs. We will not stand idly by while our livelihoods–and the livelihoods of thousands of small business owners and contractors in the US, along with the customers whose pursuit of happiness we hold dear–are treated like pawns in a political game.
Chinese factories seek to expand their business outside the US following Trump Tariffs. One third of clients for Lau’s Kam Pin Industrial are from the U.S. One U.S. client said they would keep buying materials from Lau for an ongoing project because they couldn’t find another supplier, but they will need to reconsider whether to source from him for the next project.
Indian toy exporters see golden opportunity as US hikes tariff on China. According to GMI Research, the United States' toy market size touched USD 42.8 billion in 2024 and is estimated to reach USD 56.9 billion in 2032
*** The above osted after tBR circulated April 18th ***
GREATER THAN GAMES A VICTIM OF TARIFFS. Flat River Group subsidiary Greater than Games has suspended work on all new projects and reduced staff, effective April 17, 2025.
US small businesses tethered to China sell off inventory, cut jobs amid escalating trade war. “In two months, I’ll probably shut down and sell off my inventory if nothing changes,” said Sari Wiaz, owner of Illinois-based Baby Paper, which makes its popular sensory toys in China.
Toy store owners share their thoughts on Trump’s steep tariffs on China. Their job is to sell pre-packaged fun, but they say these past few days have been anything but. It’s all because of where the product is coming from. President Trump clarified Thursday that the tariffs on China are now 145%, not 125. Retailers tell our Adam Duxter that they can’t afford to play with prices like these.
A group of five small U.S. businesses on Monday sued President Donald Trump, seeking to block new tariffs that he has imposed on foreign imports in recent weeks. The lawsuit in the U.S. Court of International Trade alleges that Trump has illegally usurped Congress' power to levy tariffs by claiming that trade deficits with other countries constitute an emergency.
Worth Thousands on the Black Market, Lego Kits Are Now a Target of Thieves. Lego kits and minifigures, figurines that are a little over 1.5 inches tall, are commanding high prices on the secondary market, with some, like the LEGO San Diego Comic-Con 2013 Spider-Man, valued as high as $16,846.
Merchants Cove and Coloma publisher Final Frontier Games is shutting down with three crowdfunding projects worth nearly $1.4m still unfulfilled – and claims that CMON failing to pay for an agreed Chinese localisation of one title was the “final nail” in its coffin.
China’s Xi urges solidarity in Vietnam meetings against US ‘unilateral bullying’. China and Vietnam need to work together to “fight unilateral bullying”, President Xi Jinping said in Hanoi on the first stop of his Southeast Asia tour, which aims to stabilise neighbourhood ties amid the disruptions.
Cradle to Cradle and ESCP Partner to Advance Ethical, Circular Supply Chains. The partnership will aid companies striving to meet Social Fairness requirements, focusing on working conditions in the supply chain.
Bankruptcy Court Approves Diamond Sale, Price, Terms. As was foreshadowed in a filing late Thursday (see “Filing Indicates”), the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maryland has approved the sale of assets and ongoing business of Diamond Comic Distributors.
Maryland Set to Become Sixth State with EPR Law. The state of Maryland is poised to join a growing number of states implementing extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws, following the passage of SB 901 by both chambers of the state legislature on April 8.
California Takes Trump to Court Over ‘Chaotic’ Tariffs. Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday (April 16) that the state — the fifth largest economy in the world — would file suit against the president over the new levies.
Netflix aims for US$1-trillion valuation. The streaming behemoth has set its sights on a US$1-trillion market capitalization and annual revenue of US$80 billion (roughly double last year’s US$39 billion) by 2030.
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Financial Reporting, Tariffs
On TikTok, Chinese Manufacturers Open a New Line in the Trade War. Videos on the social media app, filmed at factories in China, urge viewers to buy luxury goods directly, as tariffs drive up prices. Americans are receptive.
Trump's continued steep tariffs on China to impact small businesses, consumers in Chicago. Local business owners are speaking out about how much that will cost both the companies and consumers.
Learning Resource's Rick Woldenberg shares his thoughts on tariffs in this NBC news segment. Concerns rise over economy after Jerome Powell remarks in Chicago. The stock market reacted to comments made by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell in Chicago amid tariffs from the Trump administration.
Grant Lyon shares how the tariffs affect the board game business.
Tariffs against China threaten the booming board game industry. “People are losing their jobs, publishers are already closing,” said Sam Bryant of Runaway Parade Games. “Containers full of games that were bound for the U.S. market are now sitting in warehouses in China.”
Part of the Learning Resources group, which includes Educational Insights, Hand2Mind's Elana Ruffman talks about the tariffs and how they are affecting her family's business in a Tik Tok series.
Christmas is in the crosshairs as toy industry faces brunt of China tariffs. Toy industry officials are warning U.S. consumers to expect higher prices and fewer choices this year — including for the holidays — because of Trump’s tariffs.
*** The above posted after tBR circulated April 18th ***
Toy Association CEO: "Christmas is at risk" due to tariffs. -Greg Ahearn, President of the Toy Association
Toy maker giant Isaac Larian discusses the effect of tariffs on his doll business
Small businesses Sue Trump Admin Over Tariffs. ABC News’ Linsey Davis spoke with Sari Wiaz the founder of small business toy manufacturer, Baby Paper, to unpack the potential negative impacts President Trump’s tariffs have on small businesses
Corus Q2 revenue is down by 10% from last year. The Canadian mediaco has reported a US$39-million loss this quarter, but total streaming hours across all platforms are up by 18%.
How tariffs are destroying small businesses! -Mia Galison, President of the eeboo
Trump Boosts Tariffs on Low-Value Packages Again After China Retaliates. President Donald Trump increased the previously announced tariffs on low-value packages from China after that country retaliated.
Report: ‘Ships Are Filling Up’ Following Trump’s Tariff Pause. Freight orders are reportedly surging despite ongoing tariff-related uncertainty.
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy: Consumers Likely to Pay Cost of Tariffs. Amazon’s third-party sellers are likely to try to pass the cost of tariffs on to consumers, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy said.
Amazon and Walmart Overhaul Supply Chains as China Tariffs Bite. When Walmart abruptly withdrew its first-quarter operating income guidance last week, the message was unmistakable.
Two-Thirds of Small Business Owners Say Tariffs Will Hurt Their Company. Small businesses are reportedly likely to suffer the biggest impact from new U.S. tariffs.
WGN Radio: Tariff Impact - Sari Wiaz, creator, Baby Paper, joins John to talk about her Chicago-area business making sensory toys for babies, how she came up with the idea for the business, the amount of product they sell, and the many ways tariffs have impacted their business.
Consumers Haven’t Been This Gloomy Since the Pandemic and the Great Recession. You’d have to go back to the last few seismic shocks to the U.S. economy to find this level of economic gloom among consumers.
China raises tariffs on US imports to 125%. The increase took effect Saturday, April 12, and the country's Ministry of Finance signaled it won’t retaliate further if Trump hikes duties again.
Unemployment fears hit worst levels since Covid as tariffs fuel inflation outlook, Fed survey shows. Consumer worries grew over inflation, and the stock market as the global trade war heated up in March.
Trump excludes smartphones, computers, chips from higher tariffs. The Trump administration has excluded “smartphones, computers, and other electronics,” even those imported from China, from tariffs.
Trump’s Tariff Exemption for Tech Products Could Be Short-Lived. President Donald Trump has exempted electronics from his “reciprocal” tariffs, at least for now.
Consumer Spending Grows Shakier Amid Wave of Tariffs. If consumer spending forms the foundation of the American economy, tariffs could represent an earthquake.
Businesses Begin Tacking On Fees in Response to Tariffs. In some cases, the report said, these businesses are adding flat fees, while others are charging customers a percentage of the subtotal.
Tariffs, trade war inflation impact to be 'pretty ugly' by summer, economists say. Tariffs will take a few months to filter through to consumer prices, economists said.
Trump tariffs mean higher prices, big losses for Amazon sellers that source from China. Trump's tariffs are poised to raise prices and devastate small businesses that source products from China.
Trump's triple-digit tariff essentially cuts off most trade with China, says economist. President Trump's tariff increase on imports from China would basically end most trade between that country and the U.S..
Retail sales increased 1.4% in March, greater than expected. Consumer spending was stronger than expected in March as demand remained high despite sentiment, the Commerce Department reported.
The European Union braces for more U.S. tariffs despite talks. It's been an intense back-and-forth, with Trump accusing the EU of being among the worst culprits in its trade treatment of the U.S.
Global trade outlook has 'deteriorated sharply' amid Trump tariff uncertainty, WTO warns. The World Trade Organization has warned that the outlook for global trade has "deteriorated sharply".
Trump's iPhone olive branch is a significant trade war retreat. Exempting electronics from US tariffs is a stunning about-turn by the Trump administration after 10 days of chaos.
Trade war set to impact electronics, other discretionary products hardest. Small and medium-sized brands are poised to bear the negative brunt of increased tariffs on imports to the U.S..
How shippers are trying to keep up with Trump’s trade war. One of the ways to sort out the chaos of this moment is by talking to the people behind the software that actually runs our global trade systems.
Temu slashes U.S. ad spending, plummets in App Store rankings after Trump China tariffs. Trump's tariffs have upended Temu's business model and its advertising strategy.
Nick Mowbray says Trump's tariffs would cost Zuru toys $3 billion. Zuru Toys co-founder Nick Mowbray describes the United States import taxes as '"irrational policy".
Chinese manufacturers flood TikTok with videos urging Americans to buy direct after Trump’s tariffs. Videos are likely an effort by counterfeit manufacturers to take advantage of confusion over tariffs.
Op-Ed: Save the U.S. Toy Industry — An Open Letter to the White House on Devastating Tariffs. I was born in Laguna Beach, CA, and raised in Laguna Niguel, CA. My parents are working class, my grandparents, too.
Trends, Lists, Market Research, and State of the Industry
The Best Board Games - Wirecutter's List
*** The above posted after April 18th when tBR circulated ***
Toy trends specialist Jennifer Lynch breaks down this year's most happening toys for Easter baskets.
Rachel Griffin, Toy trend expert shares fun filled creative Easter baskets for kids
Chrris Byrne - A Matter of Influence. Walking the aisles of China Toy & Hobby last week, there was one constant feature–live streamers selling products from booths.
New Mattel research shows that kids aren’t playing enough. REPORT: The toyco's latest study has found that feeling busy, lonely and unsafe cuts down on play time drastically, but daily micro-moments can help mitigate these feelings.
“I wanted to elevate board gaming to the same level as cinema, literature, theatre”: Senet editor Dan Jolin celebrates five years of publishing board gaming’s most beautiful magazine.
Exclusive: April’s Circana insights. Emilie Erktan, senior account manager, Toys UK, Circana, gave a look into what categories are currently boosting the overall toy market and how it might continue to grow.
Rolling for Initiative: More Tariff Reactions: RPGs May Not Be Exempt, Cost Comparisons, Lines Pulling Out?. More reactions to the new tariffs imposed on imports from China and other countries.
Why India could be the next global toy hub amid US-China tariff war. As the US-China tariff war escalates, industry experts say India is staring at a "golden opportunity" to establish itself as a global hub for toy exports.
The Hottest Toys of Spring on ABC 7 San Francisco. Toy Insider Media Correspondent Deborah Stallings Stumm joined ABC 7 in San Francisco to show off the hottest toys of the spring and summer.
20 Eco-Friendly & Nature-Themed Toys for Earth Day. This Earth Day, families can fill their toy box with games, gifts, and products made from eco-friendly and sustainable materials. From plush and playsets to digital pets and magnetic tiles, little ones can learn about going green.
Toy Drones Market to Witness Remarkable Growth. HTF MI just released the Global Toy Drones Market Study, a comprehensive analysis of the market that spans more than 143+ pages.
From designer toys to AI creations, Chinese toymakers go global with innovation, originality. Paris' Louvre Museum has become a hotspot for toy collectors of Chinese pop culture brand POP MART.
Survey - How Tariffs Will Impact Board Game Publishers and Designer
New whitepaper offers a snapshot of Spain’s animation and VFX industry. Spanning more than 300 companies, this sector has seen a slight increase in its animated TV and film output in recent years.
MARCH 2025 CIRCANA BOOKSCAN - TOP 20 ADULT GRAPHIC NOVELS
MARCH 2025 CIRCANA BOOKSCAN - TOP 20 AUTHOR, MANGA, SUPERHERO GRAPHIC NOVELS
Stories, Comments, and Advice
New York City’s Hottest Hangout Is a 500-Person Board Game Night. At Richard Ye’s enormous monthly gatherings, where people play Exploding Kittens, Hues and Cues, and mahjong, New Yorkers find real-life connections and a little free fun.
Over 900 People Play Monopoly Together, Set World Record In Tribute To Dead GirlAlegra Vasiliou, a six-year-old who died from brain cancer in 2017, loved playing Monopoly with her parents.
*** The above posted after April 18th when tBR circulated ***
John Baulch, Toy World - Challenges and opportunities…. it’s the Easter Blog!. After a week with very few fresh developments in the tariff wars, the repercussions are starting to be felt across the toy community. Obviously many US suppliers and retailers are caught firmly in the crosshairs of Trump’s policy.
What does it mean to raise a child in the age of AI? One father is finding out through play. In South Korea, an AI education boom is pushing for children to learn about the tech early to avoid being left behind. For one family, it has become a fun playtime activity that inspires learning.
In their living room in South Korea, a father is using generative artificial intelligence (genAI) to turn his son's drawings into video clips...
Not Just for Kids: Why Playfulness Helps Adults Tackle Adversity. CU clinical psychologist Cindy Morris discusses how incorporating some fun into daily life makes a difference. It’s widely accepted that play is an important part of childhood development. But what about adults? Researchers are learning more about the role of playfulness in adulthood and what it means for mental and physical health.
“Every decision we make is to do something a little out of the ordinary”: CMYK’s Alex Hague on the backlash to Quacks’ redesigned art, and trying to ‘break board gaming’s monoculture’. Few board game artistic redesigns of recent years have drawn as much polarising opinion as publisher CMYK’s recently announced reworking of Quacks of Quedlinburg...
Costco CEO Breaks Down How a Kirkland Product Gets Made. Costco’s CEO Ron Vachris sat down with The Wall Street Journal to discuss how its $86 billion Kirkland Signature brand runs and why it allows Costco leverage over many big brands.
Discover How Marine Toys for Tots Expands Its Mission. For over 77 years, Toys for Tots has been spreading joy to countless children in need during the holidays. Yet, their mission goes beyond just Christmas. Recognizing that kids face struggles year-round, they have introduced various programs to offer ongoing support.
Literacy and play. Dr. Kervin is recognized for her research excellence in early childhood and digital literacies. The professor in education at the University of Wollongong (UOW) in Australia is the founding chief investigator in the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child and co-leads the country’ Educated Child Program of Research, focusing on young children’s literacy, play, intergenerational interactions and digital technologies.
The Tyke behind early Little Tikes designs seeks recognition. The namesake and designer behind an iconic toy company says he's been wiped from history.
‘Our stores have become an orphan channel’: The Children’s Place. The children’s apparel retailer said that over the past several years the company has had no significant capital expenditure toward its brick-and-mortar fleet, aside from minor maintenance.
How retailers can make every shopping experience memorable. The key to standing out is not just in what you sell, but how you make people feel, whether they are browsing your website or walking through your store doors.
How retailers are connecting with younger shoppers. While retailers have a vested interest in understanding all of their shopper demographics, the industry’s youngest customers are always a source of fascination, even before they fully come into their spending power.
How Costco’s Founder Built a $400B Retail Behemoth. Costco’s co-founder Jim Sinegal discussed how he built the $86 billion Kirkland Signature private label, why he was so reluctant to get into the gasoline business and what made him leave FedMart and The Price Club after nearly three decades.
The Power of Play: Strengthening Family Bonds With DIRFloortime®s. DIR® stands for Developmental, Individual-differences, Relationship-based model. While originally developed by Stanley Greenspan and Serena Wieder to support children with autism and other neurodevelopmental differences, its power lies in something universal.
History and Nostalgia
How a 1980s toy robot arm inspired modern robotics. The tasks taken on by the Armatron aren’t so different from the ones AI is tackling today.
As a child of an electronic engineer, I spent a lot of time in our local Radio Shack as a kid. While my dad was locating capacitors and resistors, I was in the toy section. It was there, in 1984, that I discovered the best toy of my childhood: the Armatron robotic arm.
The First “Looney Tunes” was Released on April 19, 1930. There were no falling anvils or wise-cracking rabbits, but the very first Looney Tunes cartoon did have at least one trademark that will be familiar to today’s viewers: It concluded with the phrase “That’s all, folks!”
Vintage Game Demonstration: Scrabble for Juniors from Selchow & Righter (1964). Watch Dave from Lucky Penny Shop demonstrate how to play the Scrabble for Juniors game published by Selchow & Righter.
Skyro from Amsco. Released in 1975, Skyro’s design took advantage of several aerodynamic principles. Shaped like a circle, the toy rotated like an airplane propeller, developed vertical lift like a helicopter rotor, and maintained its spin like a windmill.
Sammy the White House Mouse Game from Parker Brothers (1977). The board game was based on the children’s book of the same name, written by Elizabeth St. John and published in 1976. The book follows the adventures of a mouse named Sammy who lives in the White House with his parents.
Tickle Me Elmo: The Toy That Had All of Australia Giggling in the Aisles!. Tickle Me Elmo is a cultural 90s icon. Parents queued outside stores before they even opened, replicating the hysteria that followed the launch of the toy in the US.
Licensing and Entertainment
Tim Allen talks about Toy Story 5, says ’its a lot about Jessie’ and "Tom Hanks and I do -- Woody and I do realign. And there's an unbelievable opening scene with Buzz Lightyears. I can give you that, but I can't give you much more."
*** The above posted after tBR circulated April 18th ***
The Property Brothers New Kids' Show Is 'Action-Packed, Silly, and Genuinely Fun to Watch'. The Property Brothers are a familiar name to any adult who enjoys reality TV about flipping houses. Starring Drew and Jonathan Scott, the show revolves around helping families buy a house; the pair then renovates it, taking it from a fixer-upper to the house of the family’s dreams. And now, they're ready to debut...
Hasbro and Legendary's Magic: The Gathering Movie Gets an Exciting Update. According to Deadline, Hasbro Entertainment and Legendary Entertainment are reportedly eyeing Canadian director and actor Matt Johnson to helm the first film in the Magic: The Gathering franchise. However, the outlet notes that discussions are still in the early stages, and Johnson hasn't been offered the film yet.
Fox News Host Unveils Absolutely Bonkers (But Brilliant) New Game Show. “Greg Gutfeld’s What Did I Miss?” will bring four contestants out of isolation and catch them up on Trump’s first 90 days in a novel way.
In another universe, Steve Martin voiced Goofy in A Goofy Movie. It’s hard to imagine the beloved blockbuster disappointment A Goofy Movie without the distinct voice Disney fans have associated with him since Pinto Colvig originated the character in 1932.
A Minecraft Movie Has Blazed Past $500 Million And Is Now On Track For $1 Billion. After setting the record for the single biggest Opening Day for a video game adaptation, then crossing over $300 million in its first weekend, the Jack Black-led movie is now on track for another box office milestone.
CMYK, the US publisher of Quacks of Quedlinberg and Wavelength, is making the jump to television with the launch of a game show on CBS based on another Wolfgang Warsch design. The Perfect Line is inspired by Warsch’s 2018 design Illusion – which CMYK is re-releasing as Figment this year – and will challenge contestants to test their pop culture knowledge by placing items in a precise lineup to win cash prizes.
C is for…COLLECTIBLE! kidrobot Sesame Street – Kaiju Anatomy Cookie Monster 8″ Flocked Vinyl Art Figure. Uh-oh! Looks like someone’s been eating more than just cookies! This kaiju-inspired Anatomy Cookie Monster Art Figure is eating anything and everything he can get his hands on.
#Mattel and #WWE ® Renew Global Licensing Partnership. Multi-year extension comes at a time of major international expansion for WWE and solidifies Mattel’s continued creation of WWE action figures, playsets, and more.
Roboforce: The Animated Series Premieres On Tubi. The six episode animated series, produced by Dwayne Johnson, Brian Volk-Weiss, and Dany Garcia, tells the story of a team of robots, rendered obsolete by the superior Utopia Aegis 101s, who must save humanity when their nemesis gets hacked.
Nigerian Fantasy Comes to Life in ‘Iyanu’. A young girl’s destiny hangs in the balance in Iyanu, a vibrant new animated series inspired by Nigerian culture and mythology. The series premiered April 5 on Cartoon Network and is streaming on Max.
Disguise Cops North American Rights for More PAW Patrol Costumes. Disguise, the costume division of JAKKS Pacific, has obtained the North American rights to design, develop, manufacture, and distribute an extended range of PAW Patrol costumes and accessories.
Fox Chapel Publishing Goes Off-Road With Jeep Licensing Deal. This fall, Fox Chapel Publishing and the Jeep brand are collaborating on a collection of books for readers of all ages, from board and activity books to cookbooks and journals.
Disguise, Inc. Soars Into a Multi-Year Sole Licensing Deal with Sonic the Hedgehog. Disguise, Inc., the costume division of JAKKS Pacific, has secured a multi-year agreement with SEGA of America, granting the company the exclusive rights to create Sonic the Hedgehog costumes.
Flying Bark joins Sony on Netflix’s Ghostbusters toon. The Australian animation studio has issued an open call for local talent to work on this series project, which is based on the legacy paranormal IP from the '80s.
Rakuten TV signs Mattel partnership. Rakuten TV, the European streaming platforms, has announced a new agreement with Mattel, the toy manufacturing and entertainment company. This partnership will bring a lineup of Mattel’s iconic children’s content across Europe.
DreamWorks Animation Reveals New Film ‘Forgotten Island,’ Sets Fall 2026 Release. The Universal-owned animation studio announced a new original movie on Tuesday that’s titled Forgotten Island. It will open in theaters on Sept. 25, 2026.
Kedoo Entertainment Launches Super Toons App, Strikes FAST Channel Deals & Buys Kids Series ‘Gormiti’. The producer and distributor has launched a Super Toons app, struck more FAST channels agreements, and acquired animated action series Gormiti Seasons 1 and 2 from DeAPlaneta.
Abby Trott On Playing Nezuko In Demon Slayer, Momo In Dandadan, And More. Voice actors face all kinds of challenges when they step into the booth, but Abby Trott’s role in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is just as tough on a physical level as it is on a mental one.
Mighty Jaxx welcomes five iconic Japanese IPs amidst global anime boom. Japanese IPs are dominating global pop culture, with anime-inspired fashion, gaming crossovers and streaming platforms driving demand for collectibles beyond traditional fandoms.
New ‘For Dummies’ Book Demystifies Licensing Industry. Brand Licensing For Dummies, the newest addition to the iconic For Dummies series, is available for pre-order. It offers an accessible, expert-driven guide to navigating the $356 billion global licensing industry.
‘Fantastic Four’ Trailer Teases a Pregnancy and Julia Garner’s Silver Surfer. Ahead of its theatrical release July 25, the Marvel Studios title released the trailer online Thursday after it debuted earlier this month during Disney’s CinemaCon presentation.
SKIDOS to Launch Smurfs-Themed Learning Games. SKIDOS, a digital platform for gamified learning, has entered an exclusive IP partnership with The Peyo Company, global licensor of The Smurfs, to develop a series of educational mini-games.
'My Little Pony' Trading Card Game Launches Globally with Debut in China. Hasbro and Kayou have launched the “My Little Pony” Trading Card Game (TCG), marking the global debut of the franchise’s first global trading card game.
Barbie Joins Kiddopia in New Educational Mini Game. Mattel and Nazara Technologies have launched “Chef Barbie,” a new mini-game within the Kiddopia app that lets young users cook alongside Barbie, preparing dishes like sushi, tacos, ramen and waffles.
Penguin Ventures Appoints WildBrain CPLG to Represent The World of Peter Rabbit in the U.S. and Canada. Penguin Ventures has appointed WildBrain CPLG as its licensing agent for The World of Peter Rabbit in the U.S. and Canada.
MINSO Debuts World-First ‘Stitch’ Pop-Up Experience in U.S.. MINISO has announced that a pop-up celebrating Disney’s “Stitch” has come to the U.S. for the first time. From April through June, pop-up stores will appear at two locations across the country.
BBC Studios Digital Brands Lands ‘Bluey Book Reads’ Digital Series. BBC Studios Digital Brands, together with BBC Studios Kids & Family and Ludo Studio, have revealed that the second digital series of “Bluey Book Reads” has launched, with a celebrity-stacked calendar of reads.
Toys"R"Us to Launch in South America Through Strategic Partnership with Ripley. Toys"R"Us has announced it will enter the Chilean and Peruvian markets through a strategic partnership with Ripley. The brand will begin operations in the last quarter of 2025.
Sesame Street Shines Brighter Than Ever in Australia. In this special feature, explore how the beloved children’s brand continues to captivate kids and adult fans, blending iconic appeal with fresh, innovative concepts.
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People of Play
Leslie Scott, the inventor of Jenga, is featured in the New York Times Flashback Puzzle this week! Can you place 8 notable events in chronological order?
How Mattel Turned Decades-Old Toys Into Gold. Lisa McKnight, Mattel’s chief brand officer, has been at the forefront of reintroducing the iconic Barbie. Now the famous toy brand has launched itself beyond store shelves and onto the silver screen.
Jay Foreman’s Blog: Just Make The Deal! 34 percent, 54 percent, 104 percent, 145 percent or 165 percent!!! Why not make it a billion percent? My last post was about “passing it on” when tariffs were 10 percent and 20 percent. Mr. Trump made that a moot point since there is no way but to pass on the tariffs, if you could even risk bringing in product at these rates. Well after a hellacious ride since “Liberation Day” last week...
#Funko Appoints Cliff Engle as Senior Vice President of Distribution, Logistics, and Operations. In this role, Engle will oversee the Company’s global distribution and logistics operations, which include distribution centers in Arizona and the UK.
The Playground Podcast: Josh Carman of Popdarts. Looking for an uplifting, classic toy story in these, shall we say, unsettled times? Listen in as Chris talks to Josh Carman creator of Popdarts and his journey from the kitchen table to creating a brand new sport…and a best-selling product.
Tim Mulhall announces departure from Rubies Masquerade. During his tenure at Rubies, Tim successfully stabilised the business, identified acquisition opportunities and laid down the strategy the company is following to maintain its market leading position.
Born To Play Promotes Catherine de Montille to Chief Operating Officer. Born to Play, the next-generation toy company, excitedly announces its new Chief Operating Officer. Accepting her promotion, Catherine de Montille will continue to serve and uphold the company’s missions and ideals.
Jeremy Packer Named Studio Art Director at Stern Pinball, Inc.. Stern Pinball, Inc. has appointed award-winning illustrator Jeremy Packer as its Studio Art Director. Cementing himself as a top-tier talent, the pinball company is excited to see his artistic abilities in upcoming projects.
Joe Lawson Joins Calm to Bring Mindfulness to Merchandising. Lawson joins the company with more than 20 years of experience, having worked with Rovio Entertainment, DreamWorks Animation, 20th Century Fox, and Netflix.
Ex-Netflix director Amy Takahara launches a kids & family content consultancy. Former Netflix and Nickelodeon director Amy Takahara has set up a new LA-based consulting firm and is looking to share her 20-plus years of experience in development and acquisitions.
Toy and Media Maker Spin Master Hires Warner Bros. Veteran Maryellen Zarakas as Head of Franchise, Consumer Products. Spin Master, the toy company and media operation behind brands like Unicorn Academy and the iconic Rubik’s Cube, has named a new franchise and products lead.
Steve Jackson Games CEO Meredith Placko resigns after two years in role. Meredith Placko, the CEO of veteran tabletop game publisher Steve Jackson Games, has resigned from the company two years after taking over the role.
Companies and Brands
Amazon launched Buy for Me, an agentic AI feature that lets customers purchase items from third-party sites from within the Amazon Shopping app. The feature is live on Android and iOS systems for a subset of U.S. users.
Nation's third-largest board game company is in Lino Lakes, MN. Asmodee is just behind Hasbro and Mattel when it comes to the number of board games sold in the U.S.
Nvidia to mass produce AI supercomputers in Texas as part of $500 billion U.S. push. Nvidia, the chipmaker that powers much of today’s artificial intelligence boom, on Monday announced a push to produce NVIDIA AI supercomputers entirely in the U.S. for the first time.
Amazon pilots AI app feature that can buy items from third-party sites. The goal is to help customers find more products and make their shopping process more seamless, an Amazon spokesperson told CX Dive.
A new series of Moj Moj returns to UK shelves. Since its first launch in 2018, Moj Moj has appealed to collectors, fidget fans and sensory play lovers. Known for its irresistibly soft textures, cute characters and surprise reveals, Moj Moj is all about fun, stress relief and collectability.
Teddy Mountain UK Partners with Care Bears to Launch DIY Plush Experience. After the exclusive Make-A-Care Bear experience, families will bring home a hand-stuffed and customized friend from Care-a-Lot.
‘Unicorn Academy’ Brings Kids Creativity-Inducing Kits with Make It Real. Kid-focused craft and stationery company Make it Real has partnered with Spin Master to make Unicorn Academy products to bring the magical world to life through creativity.
Marblelous Rolls Out Tech-Smart Marble Run Set on Kickstarter. There’s a new marble run kit on the block, and kids are losing their marbles over it! Unlike other track-building playsets, Marblelous has some epic tech-savvy tricks up its sleeve.
Bust a Move with Bluey to ‘Burger Dog’ on Limited-Edition Vinyl. Demon Records is dropping an extended version of the catchy tune on vinyl so families can hit repeat long after their phone battery “dies.”
Cast Your Vote in the Annual Sanrio Character Ranking. With 90 unique Kawaii characters featured, families who love Sanrio can learn more about the returning ones and meet the new ones during this contest.
How J.C. Penney’s new brand positioning is subverting consumer expectations. Out-of-home ads that don’t feature labels want consumers asking “It’s from where?” as the retailer pushes to modernize while promoting value.
Chinese toymaker Pop Mart’s shares jump as global expansion plans take shape. Investors cheered Hong Kong-listed toymaker Pop Mart International Group’s moves to revamp its management and accelerate overseas expansion.
Disney Store Launches May the 4th Be With You 2025 Collection. DisneyStore.com is launching the May the 4th Be With You 2025 Collection with apparel and accessories highlighting fan favorite characters, including R2-D2, C3PO, and Darth Vader.
Mondo lands at retailers in the UK. Funko, a leading pop culture lifestyle brand, has announced that Mondo, an art-driven brand for collectors, has launched in the UK; bringing premium and detailed collectibles from Masters of the Universe, Batman, M3gan, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and more.
B&M to open 45 new stores in 2025. Despite recording weaker sales across its UK business, B&M says that recent new store openings have had a positive effect and that further openings will continue.
Mattel collaborates with Google Cloud to enhance customer data. Through this collaboration, Google Cloud has helped transform Mattel’s customer insights, driving product enhancements and faster decision-making.
Hand2Mind Multiplies Educational Toys on Walmart Shelves. The toy line is based on an award-winning animated children’s series of the same name. It helps kids, usually ages 2 to 6, visualize numbers and math work through exciting, interesting characters and hands-on activities.
Lego celebrates Star Wars Day with brand-new sets. The Lego Group has announced a new wave of nine Lego Star Wars building sets, just in time for fans to Power the Force for the annual Star Wars Day celebration on May the 4th.
Sunny Days Entertainment, Mattel To Bring Brighter Days with Expanded Partnership. Sunny Days Entertainment expands its partnership with Mattel to create a range of new Fisher-Price products.
The two toy companies will focus on bath toys and products for late 2025 and sports items for 2026.
Toho to spend US$830 million on global growth. Tokyo-based producer/distributor Toho has earmarked roughly US$830 million to spend over the next three years on new content and strategic initiatives. The company says that 2026 to 2028 will be a phase of ongoing transformation to drive global success.
Mattel launches Little People collections for Jacksonville Jaguars, other NFL teams. Mattel is launching its NFL Little People Collector™ Series, which has a set of four Little People dressed as NFL players and super fans for all 32 NFL teams.
Hasbro Brings Cobra's Monkeywrench to the G.I. Joe Classified Series. Hasbro is back with a brand new set of G.I. Joe Classified Series figures, expanding the Joe fight with Cobra. Speaking of Cobra, a new operative as Monkeywrench, the violent and explosive-loving member of the Dreadnoks, has arrived.
Hasbro Delays Decision on Possible Headquarters Move. A decision by Hasbro Inc. on a planned headquarters relocation has been pushed back until this summer after an earlier expectation of news in late winter, reported the Boston Business Journal.
Michaels ups balloons, party supplies as Party City, Joann disappear. The crafts retailer came close to swallowing Party City’s share whole: Michaels was listed as the backup bidder at Party City’s bankruptcy auction in February.
MGA Entertainment releases new music video titled MGA Presents: EGG$$$$$. MGA Entertainment (MGA) is defying traditional Easter gifting norms with MGA Presents: EGG$$$$$. The music video features top TikTok talent and a Billboard Music Award-nominated production team.
Mattel Announces First Quarter 2025 Financial Results and Conference Call Date. Mattel, Inc. announced that it plans to release its first quarter 2025 financial results on Monday, May 5, 2025. Following this, Mattel will host a webcast conference call at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Sesame Street Expands Its Footprint with Educational Play Centres. Designed with the vision of "playful learning," Sesame Street Learn & Play EPCs are inspiring a new era of family entertainment by combining engaging, curriculum-driven play experiences with the fun of the Sesame Street universe.
New 'Pokemon TCG' Premium Collection Heads to Retail. The new Premium Collection features Ogerpon ex, a Pokemon that can change masks to battle opponents with either fire or water powers. It will retail for $49.99.
Gaming: Digital, Video, Hardware, and Development
Toys For Bob is interested in bringing back Banjo-Kazooie. Toys For Bob has since become their own independent studio, but they are widely credited for bringing back Spyro and Crash Bandicoot during the studio’s time at Microsoft.
Bloomberg: Nintendo seemingly stockpiling millions of Switch 2 consoles from Vietnam for US launch. Bloomberg has shed a little more light on the manufacturing process for their upcoming behemoth, the Nintendo Switch 2.
Video game consoles not included in tech tariff exemptions. The United States’ tariff circus continued over the weekend, with the U.S. government announcing, via the Customs and Border Protection agency, tariff exclusions for the technology sector that cover devices such as computers and smartphones.
Switch 2 will end two decades of Nintendo’s awkward voice chat attempts. One of the big new features that Nintendo touted at last week’s Switch 2 reveal was GameChat, a built-in communication system that will let players communicate via voice and video chat, and share gameplay with each other.
Leaked images suggest Oblivion remaster coming soon. An Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered announcement seems imminent. Images from the game were found in the website files of the developer Virtuous before being removed.
Kill your crewmates in 3D when Among Us 3D launches in May. The game was originally planned to be a VR-exclusive before the development crew at Innersloth and Schell Games pivoted to making this version of the game accessible to those without the expensive hardware too.
Dune: Awakening will slumber for just a bit longer. Funcom, developers of the MMORPG based on Frank Herbert’s Dune sci-fi series, announced the news saying the game will be pushed back from its May release date to June 10th.
How Balatro publisher Playstack delivered a marketing masterclass. It's easy to think of Balatro, the ludicrously popular deck-builder that recently topped 5 million sales and carved through awards season like a hot knife through butter, as your classic overnight success story.
Niantic is laying off 68 employees after selling its game business for $3.5 billion. The company said the deal would allow it to refocus on the geospatial AI business with the formation of a new company called Niantic Spatial Inc.
Final Frontier Games shuts down with three unfulfilled crowdfunding projects worth almost $1.4m, says CMON failing to pay for localisation was “final nail”. Merchants Cove and Coloma publisher Final Frontier Games is shutting down with three crowdfunding projects worth nearly $1.4m still unfulfilled.
‘It’s allowed me to see through his eyes’: Super Mario, my dad and me. When his mum found their old family NES covered in dust and rust, Thomas Hobbs cleaned it up, got it working and reconnected with his childhood and late father.
Nintendo provides a look at Switch Online games app on Nintendo Switch 2. Nintendo has provided fans with a few screenshots of how the Nintendo Switch Online Nintendo Classics collections look on the Nintendo Switch 2.
Analytical firm Niko Partners expects Switch 2 price to stay at $450 at launch. Pricing for the Nintendo Switch 2 and its software has been a huge controversy ever since the Switch 2 Direct took place over a week ago.
Former PlayStation boss reacts to Switch 2 game price increases. Not only have fans reacted to the news that has been ongoing since the Switch 2 Direct, but familiar faces that used to work at Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony have been doing the same.
Rumour: Most GameStop stores expecting less than 100 Switch 2 consoles at launch. A rumour is currently doing the rounds online courtesy of Nintendeal that the majority of GameStop stores in North America are expecting less than 100 Nintendo Switch 2 consoles at each store when the system releases.
Nintendo Switch has been Devolver Digital’s most popular console for software sales. The Nintendo Switch has proven popular with both consumers and developers and one developer which has noticed and supported the platform is Devolver Digital.
Billbil-kun says Canadian retailers indicate Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders start 23rd April. The reliable leaker Billbil-kun has taken to Bluesky to inform social media followers that Canadian pre-orders for the long-awaited Nintendo Switch 2 appear to be starting from 23rd April.
Trump tariffs could mean 25% fewer board game publishers. Less than two weeks after the Trump administration’s announcement of historically high tariffs on virtually all goods imported into the United States, the board game industry appears set for an unexpected reckoning.
Xbox will soon let you purchase games in its mobile app. Xbox is finally rolling out the ability to purchase games and DLC, as well as sign up for Game Pass directly from its mobile app. But there’s a catch: you’ll no longer be able to access remote play within the Xbox app.
Discord is verifying some users’ age with ID and facial scans. The new age verification process is described as an “experiment” by Discord, and is being trialed in the United Kingdom and Australia in response to local laws.
Nintendo shows off Mario Kart World’s new courses, items, and open world features. Nintendo is possibly hoping to steer the narrative regarding the Switch 2 back in a positive direction by showing off its most exciting game, Mario Kart World.
Panic has paid out over $1 million to Playdate developers on Catalog. Panic shared the news in an email and explained precisely 289,305 titles have been sold via the curated digital marketplace in that time. Those sales have netted developers exactly $1,043,186 in payouts.
Legendary Composer Grant Kirkhope On Returning To 3D Platformers For Yooka-Replaylee. When Kirkhope sat down at the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco last month, he noted that 2025 marks his 30th year working in the games industry.
Nintendo has updated Switch 2’s backwards compatibility list. When the Switch 2 was officially revealed by Nintendo in January, they had confirmed that the console would be digitally and physically backwards compatible with Switch 1 games.
Trump tariffs may stop Gloomhaven from reaching retail stores in the US. Now the revised version of that game, Gloomhaven: Second Edition, is effectively trapped overseas due to the Trump administration’s new tariffs on China.
2025 was supposed to be a big year for gaming. Tariffs could derail that.. The gaming industry was supposed to get a boost in 2025 thanks to the Nintendo's Switch 2 console and Take-Two Interactive's "Grand Theft Auto VI," but the Trump administration's trade war could put those hopes in jeopardy.
Highlighted Press Releases
TYTAN MAGNETIC TILES BRING IN DISNEY CHARACTERS KNOWN THE WORLD-OVER. Stitch and Mickey are Just Two Examples From This Crowd-Pleasing Collection. Marshfield, MA (April 22, 2025) – Some toys are so well made and designed, they just ‘click!’ No toy exemplifies this better than Tytan Toys. Constructed for durability and function, Tytan Magnetic Tiles allow kids to create anything they can imagine with a satisfying click as each magnetic tile sticks firmly together. Tytan Magnetic Tiles set themselves apart from the competition with their super sturdy construction. Magnets are unbelievably fun, educational and mesmerizing toys for youngsters...
ALPHA TOYS UNVEILS NEW SUPER WINGS TOYS DUE TO THE SHOW’S EVER-SOARING POPULARITY The World Aircraft Robot and Dizzy Rescue Helicopter Introduces Playsets to Super Wings Playtime in 2025! Fontana, CA (April 18, 2025) – “Things are looking up!” Jett, Dizzy and the rest of the Super Wings crew are staying busy in the midst of their exciting 8th season, now playing on YouTube, Amazon Prime and LG TV. With bigger adventures and more challenging deliveries than ever before, Alpha Toys is keeping the fun going with all new offerings from the Super Wings toy line, including new characters for their 5-inch transforming figure line, playsets, and a combination playset and transforming figure...
*** The above posted after tBR circulated on April 18th ***
PAUSE WITH PANDA TEAMS UP WITH SOCAL HONDA AND LOST STUFFY PROJECT FOR MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH IN MAY
The MESH-Accredited Toy Company Highlights Urgent Needs—and a Playful, Science-Backed Solution. Bernardsville, NJ (April 17, 2025) – This Mental Health Awareness Month, Pause with Panda is bringing attention to the childhood mental health crisis—while delivering real tools to support healing, regulation, and resilience. More than five years after the pandemic disrupted daily life, the effects are still unfolding. A recent Gallup study found 42% of parents report that their child’s mental health has been negatively affected, with 21% saying the impact still persists.
‘BABA BLAST’ PLANS SUMMER TOUR AFTER SUCCESSFUL EVENT IN ARIZONA. Starting on Mental Health Awareness Month in May, ‘Baba Blast’ is Coming to New York City and California in Summer 2025! Scottsdale, AZ (April 15, 2025) – The magic of the Baba Blast YouTube channel has officially manifested in reality! Parents and children in Scottsdale, AZ were treated to a meet and greet with the one and only Baba Blast at the Exclusively Little Expo on March 15th. With a huge turnout and highly receptive attendees, Baba Blast creator Kyle Kittleson sets his sights to the US coasts for more meet-and-greets. The Baba Blast Summer Tour is now underway, with plans for events in New York City....
MASTER TOYS DEBUTS AT ASTRA 2025 ON THEIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY. Master Toys’ Primary Focus at Astra Booth #248 Will Cover Smoko, World’s Tiniest, and Gummiez, included within their full multi-catalog offerings! Vernon, CA (April 14, 2025) – Astra is coming to sunny San Antonio and what better way to beat the heat than checking out the cool new offerings on display over at Master Toys/Smoko, which can be found at Booth #248. The longtime toy experts will be showing off brand new offerings from three key brands: Smoko, World’s Tiniest, and Gummiez. Each of the three brands have a highly appealing spread of SKUs that are sure to fit right in with specialty retailers...
Safety and Counterfeiting
Fisher-Price Recalls More Than 250,000 Toys Over Major Safety Hazard. The item in question is an infant stroller toy called “Brunch & Go Stroller Toys,” which features a plush piece of toast with avocado slices on it, along with a dangling mirror tomato, egg teether and crinkly piece of bacon.
Associations, Foundations, Shows, Awards, Events, and Festivals
Celebrate International Day of Play with The Toy Foundation™. This International Day of Play, join The Toy Foundation™ (TTF) to bring play to children in need by donating product, launching a cause marketing campaign, or coordinating an employee giving campaign.
This April bringis a new look for ITRA, the Call for Participation for our 10th World Conference, and Call for Nominations for the ITRA Prize for Outstanding Toy Research - all of which you'll find, along with other interesting articles, book reviews and member news in the attached Spring issue of the ITRA newsletter.
Calling All Competitive Girlies: It's National Board Game Day. Sorry, tech will *never* replace the magic of an IRL game night. And with National Board Game Day on April 11 and spring in the air, there's no better time to dust off some of your old faves—and discover some new ones. But you don't have to take our word for it: Read on for so many reasons to celebrate the day, as well as tips for making your game night...
Harry Potter charms Chicago: Take a look inside the new store. The nearly 10,000-square foot Harry Potter store opens Thursday in Chicago and features themed areas, an interactive Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans spinning wheel, Chicago-exclusive merchandise inspired by the books and movies.
Zuru recognised with two prestigious Supplier of the Year awards by Walmart. Zuru has received two Supplier of the Year awards at the Walmart Supplier Growth Forum, highlighting the exceptional partnership between the two companies.
Licensing International announces 2025 Excellence Awards finalists. Licensing International is proud to announce the full list of finalists for the prestigious Excellence Awards, dedicated to recognising outstanding achievements and innovation in the global brand licensing industry.
Toy and game brands: secure your place at The Big Christmas Press Show 2025. The Big Christmas Press Show, billed as the ultimate platform for journalists and brands to connect, collaborate and ignite the spark for a successful golden quarter in retail, is back for 2025.
Master Toys Celebrate 50th Anniversary at ASTRA 2025. To celebrate its 50th anniversary, Master Toys plans to debut new offerings from three key brands at ASTRA. Attendees can visit the Master Toys booth (No. 248) to view new products for Smoko, World’s Tiniest, and Gummiez.
Disney and Netflix land on Peabody’s kids shortlist. Live-action film Out of My Mind and CG-animated series Spirit Rangers are this year's horses in the running.
Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue Cutting-Edge Fan Event To Debut This Summer. Celebrating A Minecraft Movie and Minecraft fans worldwide, Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue will debut in Canada this summer. It will highlight the game’s adventurous spirit.
New Sci Fi Comic and Toy Fair comes to Chester in June. This new event takes place at Craxton Wood Macdonald Hotel on Sunday 22nd June, and exhibitor spaces are available to book now here, either with a table, or whether you are bringing your own.
Deadline Extended: Get Your Products in Front of Top Influencers by April 18. The deadline for toy and game companies to have their products seen and voted on by top influencers for a chance to be on the official “Best of Spring & Summer 2025 Influencer Choice List” has been extended to Friday, April 18.
RIP - Rest in Play - Remembering Those that have Passed
If you know of a colleague's passing, please send us information so we may share with our readers. Archives can be found HERE
Mike Wood, founder of Leapfrog and Smarty Ants to Achieve 3000. After selling his businesses, Mike went back to Oakland, CA schools to teach children how to read, three or four days a week. His passion and dedication to helping kids read is a great loss for our community. Read tributes from colleagues here.
Wink Martindale, 91, a rock ‘n’ roll disc jockey and good friend of Elvis Presley who gained fame as the host of such TV game shows as Tic-Tac-Dough, Gambit and High Rollers, died Tuesday in Rancho Mirage, a publicist announced.
Jay North, who starred as the towheaded mischief maker on TV’s “Dennis the Menace” for four seasons starting in 1959, has died. He was 73.
North died Sunday at his home in Lake Butler, Florida, after battling colon cancer, said Laurie Jacobson, a longtime friend, and Bonnie Vent, who was his booking agent. “He had a heart as big as a mountain, loved his friends deeply. He called us frequently and ended every conversation with ‘I love you with all my heart,’” Jacobson wrote in a tribute on Facebook.
Bill Petras, Blizzard veteran and Overwatch art director has passed away. The news was shared by former colleagues on social media, prompting an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, friends, and players.
Robert Trebor, who portrayed the serial killer known as the Son of Sam in a CBS telefilm and the scheming merchant Salmoneus on Hercules: The Legendary Journeys and its sister series, Xena: Warrior Princess, has died. He was 71.
Robert McGinnis, Painter and illustrator who created sexy posters for the James Bond franchise as well as numerous other films, magazine illustrations and book covers, died March 10 in Old Greenwich, Conn.
Worldwide Magazines Weekly Top Stories
Some Added Friday Morning Chicago Time. Check Back for Complete Lists.
Toy Trade Monthly Issues
Adventure Media & Events (US)
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50 Fun Easter Toys for Kids’ Easter Baskets (The Toy Insider)
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EXCLUSIVE: Super7 Returns to the Big City with New Sesame Street ReAction Figures (The Pop Insider)
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Tariffs and the Toy Industry on NBC 4 New York (The Toy Insider)
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Canceling Christmas?: Gemmy Industries Urges President Trump to Reconsider Tariffs (The Toy Book)
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Sugar-Free Easter Basket Toys on The Hub Today (The Toy Insider)
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South America, Meet Geoffrey: Toys ‘R’ Us Joins Forces with Ripley (The Toy Book)
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Sunny Days Entertainment, Mattel To Bring Brighter Days with Expanded Partnership (The Toy Book)
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Funko Pops Into the Philippines with New Licensed Store (The Toy Book)
Toyworld (UK)
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Toy and game brands: secure your place at The Big Christmas Press Show 2025
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MGA Entertainment releases new music video titled MGA Presents: EGG$$$$$
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Cradle to Cradle Certified welcomes ESCP as approved Social Fairness partner
Licensing.biz Powered by Toyworld
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Mighty Jaxx welcomes five iconic Japanese IPs amidst global anime boom
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BBC Studios lands brand-new celebrity-packed digital series of Bluey Book Reads
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Licensing International announces 2025 Excellence Awards finalists
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Toikido and Panini America launch Bad Egg Co. digital trading cards
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Minecraft’s new interactive adventure makes its Canadian debut this summer
ICv2: The Business of Geek Culture (US)
- New 'Pokemon TCG' Premium Collection Heads to Retail
- $1.2 Million in Cephalofair Games Stranded in China; Other Publishers Warn of Price Increases
- Bankruptcy Court Approves Diamond Sale, Price, Terms
- Ultra PRO Unleashes Hell with New 'DOOM' TCG Accessories
- Filing Indicates Diamond Will Be Sold to Alliance Entertainment
- 'Starfinder 2E: GM Core' Incoming
- Rolling for Initiative: More Tariff Reactions: RPGs May Not Be Exempt, Cost Comparisons, Lines Pulling Out?
- Atomic Mass Games Announced Two 'Marvel Crisis Protocol' Packs
- Fewer Board Games, Higher Prices, Smaller Print Runs, Delays, More
- New 'Warmachine' Boxed Set Incoming
Nación Juguetes (Mexico, Peru, Argentina, Chile & Spain)
Global Toy News
The Bugg Report (Australia)
The Toy Universe (Australia)
hobbyDB
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America’s answer to the Spiel des Jahres, the American Tabletop Awards, unveils 2025 winners
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“Every decision we make is to do something a little out of the ordinary”: CMYK’s Alex Hague on the backlash to Quacks’ redesigned art, and trying to ‘break board gaming’s monoculture’
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Quacks publisher CMYK is launching a TV game show based on another Wolfgang Warsch game this year
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Steve Jackson Games CEO Meredith Placko resigns after two years in role
Toy Store (Italy)
Video of the Week!
The Fantastic Four: First Steps | Official Trailer |
Only in Theaters July 25
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Founding Editor and Publisher (1998-2020, Retired): Philip Bloom
We are honored to carry on Phil's 22 year legacy and continue the Bloom Report. Phil has been a mensch
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If you would like to reach Phil: [email protected]
Publisher: Mary Couzin, Chicago Toy & Game Group, Inc.
Managing Editor: Graeme Thomson
Assistant Editor: Evan Kale
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