Day: April 26, 2024

Children and youth are facing mental and behavioral health conditions at staggering rates (1), and play is a powerful tool clinically proven to help manage and improve children’s mental and behavioral health. Studies (2) have shown play therapy in a hospital setting reduces anxiety and negative emotions, as well as well as helps children express and communicate their feelings and emotions through toys. In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month in May, The Toy Foundation (TTF) facilitated an interview between VTech Electronics, a partner of TTF’s Children’s Hospital Play Grants program, and MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach (Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital), a 2024 play grants recipient, to discuss how play is a vital tool for medical teams to provide pediatric patients with developmentally-appropriate mental and behavioral health support while undergoing treatment.

In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) Heritage Month in May, Barbie is thrilled to honor US figure skating champion and Olympic gold medalist, Kristi Yamaguchi, with an Inspiring Women doll. As the first Asian American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in figure skating, a best-selling author and children’s literacy advocate, Yamaguchi is a trailblazer on and off the ice. She is a source of inspiration for young girls across the globe to relentlessly pursue their passions.

The Pokémon Company International has unveiled that monpoké, a delightful expression from the Pokémon brand featuring curated, Pokémon-branded baby and toddler offerings, has released in additional markets around the world. Previously exclusive to Asia, the popular monpoké expression has expanded its footprint to reach the littlest Pokémon Trainers with engaging content, licensed merchandise and adorable books highlighting fan-favorite Pokémon like Pikachu, Dedenne, Smeargle and more.

UNIS Technology Ltd, a leading manufacturer of amusement and arcade games, has joined forces with acclaimed London based toy and entertainment company, Toikido, to unveil the Piñata Smashlings crane. This innovative collaboration brings the wildly popular Roblox game, Piñata Smashlings, to life in the physical world, offering fans a truly immersive experience.