Chicago Toy and Game Fair 2022 CHITAG
Events News
The 20th Annual Chicago Toy & Game Fair ‘CHITAG’ Resumes In-Person Event on December 10 & 11, 2022

On December 10th and 11th the 2022 Holiday Chicago Toy & Gift Fair (CHITAG), North America’s largest toy & game fair open to the public, will be resuming their annual in-person event after a 2-year hiatus due to COVID. This marks the 20th year for CHITAG, which will take place at a new venue this year: the Donald J. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont (5555 N River Rd Rosemont, IL 60018).    As one of the only toy and game fairs open to the public, thousands of families expected to attend will experience immersive events, interactive exhibits and activities for all ages. This year’s highlights include a Gel Blaster Activation, craft and build at the Spaghetteez booth, fan favorite the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, Giant Jenga games, the Beer and Board Game Garden is back, plus magicians and characters including Greg Heffley from Diary of a Wimpy Kid, sports mascots, and booths with the hottest holiday toys and games from industry leading companies. 

ASTRA Toy Boat
Events News
National Media and Influencers Join American Specialty Toy Retailing Association for First-Ever ‘Toy Boat’ Industry Networking Event

In February 2023, the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) will be hosting the first-ever Toy Boat industry networking event on a four-day cruise. With the goal of expanding awareness and building relationships, ASTRA welcomes national media and influencers to attend and see the hottest toys firsthand.

Hape Unwrap the Potential Holiday Campaign
News
Hape Launches New Campaign for Holiday 2022

Hape, the leading manufacturer of affordable, high quality toys, inspires the next generation of play, with its newest upbeat holiday campaign ‘Unwrap Their Potential.’ The global commercial launch demonstrates that the holidays are more than about receiving toys, but about uncovering the endless possibilities and potential for children as they discover new ways to play and develop fundamental skills needed to grow.

Bratz MGA Mowalola
Licensing News
Bratz and Trailblazing Fashion Brand Mowalola Collab on New Premium, Limited-Edition Dolls

MGA Entertainment (MGA), one of the world’s largest and fastest growing privately held toy and entertainment companies, has announced a collaboration between its popular fashion doll brand, Bratz and the London-based, new-gen fashion brand, Mowalola, on a haute fashion doll collection. Mowalola and MGA have reimagined two distinct Bratz Collector dolls featuring fan favorite characters Jade and Felicia who wear unique pieces designed exclusively for this collab. The limited-edition dolls perfectly capture the youthful, experimental, and fashion-forward spirit of both brands. Building on the success of several collaborations tied to the Bratz 21st birthday earlier this year, MGA’s partnership with Mowalola demonstrates Bratz continued expansion into the fashion space and beyond.

Kitoons Cry Babies IMC
Entertainment News
IMC Toys Expands to Make Kitoons a 360° Entertainment Experience

Kids now have a whole new way to enjoy content from IMC Toys’ entertainment property, Kitoons, as the brand expands into audio offerings! Fans are able to join the popular Cry Babies Magic Tears characters on their adventures through a series of songs and audiobooks for never‐ending fun! Cry Babies Magic Tears are the cute little babies with big personalities. They live in an imaginative world where tears are magical and carry special powers that are used to overcome challenging situations. The series, which is designed for children aged three to six, uses the challenges in each episode to instill positive values in an interesting and engaging way.

Disney Playmobil
Licensing News
PLAYMOBIL & Disney Form New partnership & First License for the PLAYMOBIL Toddler Portfolio

Iconic Disney characters will be coming soon thanks to the formation of a brand new licensing agreement between Disney and PLAYMOBIL for their toddler product range. Six playsets inspired by Disney’s Mickey and Minnie Mouse as well as Winnie the Pooh, Tigger and Piglet will be launched summer 2023 for fans of all ages. Each of the Disney playsets includes multiple educational features based on three connected learning stages, that support a child’s individual development. Thus, parents can easily choose the right toy to help improve their toddler’s skills.

Ivan Reitman Ghostbusters Sony
Licensing News
Sony Pictures Consumer Products Announces Auction of One-of-a-Kind Hasbro ‘Ghostbusters’ Action Figure

Sony Pictures Consumer Products has announced the auction of a limited-edition action figure in the likeness of Ghostbusters legend Ivan Reitman. The auction will be live from 9am PST to 9pm PST on December 12; fans can participate in the virtual event by tuning in to the website. All proceeds will benefit Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

Legends of Learning Rube Goldberg
Licensing News
Legends of Learning Launches Educational Games with Rube Goldberg

Two legends, Rube Goldberg and Legends of Learning have come together to create a collection of engaging learning games based on the educational principles of Rube Goldberg Machines. Brokered by Brand Central, Rube Goldberg’s exclusive licensing agency, Legends of Learning and Rube Goldberg have partnered to create games that will help students learn about STEM, kinetic energy, and simple machines in a new and engaging way. With thousands of fun, curriculum-aligned math and science games, the Legends of Learning educational platform helps teachers make the classroom a fun and productive learning environment through research driven curriculum-based games.