Month: February 2022

Tyco Toy Company debuted during the New York International Toy Fair, with their first ethnic doll line, “Kenya.” She fast became the talk of Toy Fair, with press publications in Newsday (“She’s Black Like Me”), Ebony, Essence, NY Times, Jet and other publications. Would she succeed? How would doll buyers react? Time would tell. Oct. 1, 1992, 250,000 dolls hit store shelves. She came in 3 different shades of brown skin tone, and 3 different hair colors. Tyco ran a full advertising TV campaign during Prime Time shows that kids watched, making it historically, the first time a toy was advertised to the African American audience. By Black Friday in November, the doll had sold out! Tyco had underestimated the consumer. At last there was a doll that showed representation mattered for millions of girls who previously had owned Caucasian dolls molded in brown plastic. Kenya was not only beautiful, she had African American facial features, and incredible natural curls that could be relaxed with her magic lotion, making it easier for girls to braid and bead her hair. Wash her hair in warm water, and her lovely curls returned. She captured the true life style of African American girls. Tyco continued to manufacture Kenya over the next five years with television ad campaigns until Mattel acquired the company. She then was licensed to Uneeda Doll Company and today, is licensed to Smart-Zone Ltd. She is available at fine retail stores in the USA.

Comfort Research, the creator of Big Joe, has acquired Spin Master’s Outdoor manufacturing operations in Tarboro, North Carolina, and specific product lines from Spin Master’s Outdoor portfolio. The acquisition closed on Feb. 7, 2022.

Sesame Workshop and MetLife Foundation announced a new phase of their seven-year partnership. “Dream, Save, Do: Financial Empowerment for Underserved Populations in Brazil and Mexico” expands on previous work and aims to build the knowledge, skills, and behaviors that will help families build financial health. The initiative will launch this month with a focus on historically disadvantaged groups, such as rural communities and indigenous people in Mexico and people of African descent in Brazil, particularly women and girls.

One foot in front of the other could be a metaphor for childhood exploration. It’s also the simple way to play with the six-piece Stepping Stones set from Bunny Hopkins, winner of the 2021 ASTRA Best Active Toy Award. These vibrant, 100% Made in USA wooden circles are handcrafted by local craftsmen in its Atlanta, Georgia workshop. Each 10” large circle entices preschoolers and older kids to jump, spin or joyfully step as they imagine an obstacle course that gives a full body stretch!