Toy Association Pediatric Health
News
The Toy Association – How Play Supports Pediatric Patient’s Mental and Behavioral Health

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.

Kristi Yamaguchi Barbie
News
Barbie Honors Olympic Figure Skater Kristi Yamaguchi with New Inspiring Women Series Doll

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.

Pikachu's First Friends monpoké
News
Pokémon Debuts monpoké, A Brand New Expression for Kids and Babies

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.

Toikido Piñata smashlings crane
News
UNIS and Toikido Launch Thrilling New Toy Piñata Smashlings Crane

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.

goliath lucky duck
News
Goliath Announces Acquisition of Lucky Duck Games!

Goliath proudly announces the acquisition of Lucky Duck Games, best known for its industry-leading Digital Hybrid board games such as Chronicles of Crime and Destinies. Goliath, a global leader in kids & family games with multi-generational hits like Triominos, Rummikub, Sequence & Pop the Pig, has been building success in the Adult Games category, published under Endless Games. Notable releases include the nation’s #1 crime game, Unsolved Case Files, and the international hit Party Game Sh*t Happens, with more kidult games slated for release under its global distribution deal with Funko Games announced last month.

POP MART TikTok
News
POP MART Aims to Broaden US Reach Through TikTok Live Streaming

TikTok live streaming is all the rage, and no one is doing it like POP MART! The renowned designer toy and entertainment brand from Asia currently expanding its US presence is at the forefront of retail innovation, leveraging TikTok live streaming to connect with shoppers in a fun and interactive way. The live streams aren’t just about selling products; they’re about inspiring excitement! The dedicated TikTok hosts engage with viewers to share sneak peeks of upcoming launches and also perform live unboxings, where customers can have the host personally select their product and open it live during the stream! This unique “live unboxing” approach replicates the blind box experience POP MART is known for, allowing viewers that sense of anticipation, surprise, and delight.

Nex Hasbro
News
Nex and Hasbro Expand Collaboration to Transform Beloved Family Board Games Into Active Play Experiences

Nex, the leading active entertainment company, and Hasbro, a leading toy and game company, are expanding their collaboration to launch a new suite of interactive family games exclusively for the award-winning Nex Playground console starting now. Building on the success of the Peppa Pig: Jump & Giggle game launch on Nex Playground last year, Nex and Hasbro are deepening their relationship to transform some of the most popular family board games of all time – Hungry Hungry Hippos, Connect 4 and Candyland. Hungry Hungry Hippos: Move N’ Munch is the first in the suite of Hasbro games to launch, available on Nex Playground starting today. Using proprietary AI motion tracking technology developed by Nex, players use their whole bodies to jump, squat and wave their arms to help the Hippos chomp the fruit they love! Up to four participants can play simultaneously.

BoxLunch Hello Kitty
Licensing News
BoxLunch Embraces Flower Power with an All-new Hello Kitty and Friends Floral Collection

In celebration of Hello Kitty’s 50th anniversary year, fandom-forward retailer BoxLunch launched a new, exclusive Hello Kitty and Friends Floral Collection, now available for fans to enjoy. Whether lounging amidst the flower beds or joyfully frolicking in poppy fields, this assortment of apparel and accessories promises to infuse fun, freshness, and a sense of joy into the wardrobes of all kawaii couture aficionados.

Beacon Media Group Logo communications Leadership Exec Appointments Report Media Mix Matters 2024
News
Beacon Media Group’s 2024 Media Mix Matters Report Reveals Key Trends in Kids’ and Family Media Consumption

Beacon Media Group, the media and marketing agency subsidiary of Kartoon Studios, Inc (NYSE American: TOON) specializing in kids and family, releases its latest annual landscape outlook, “Media Mix Matters 2024: Emphasizing Audience Consumption,” which addresses the changes shaping kids, parent and family media habits over the last year and offers valuable media mix spend analysis, tailored to the latest viewing behavior across platforms and services.