PlayMonster Group LLC, a leading international toy and game company, has announced the launch of the Magnatab Minis line, which has been named as part of the 2023 Toy Association trends report. The new product line will be available for consumer purchase in April 2023 at Barnes & Noble and aims to bring all the satisfying fidget fun of Magnatab to a tween and kidult audience.
The Peninsula, whose global portfolio of luxurious hotels has drawn discerning travellers for nearly a century, is delighted to announce an exclusive partnership with The World of Peter Rabbit in a licensed agreement with Penguin Ventures on behalf of brand owner Frederick Warne & Co. (now part of Penguin Random House Children’s). More than 120 years after his creation by renowned British author and illustrator Beatrix Potter, and during the Year of the Rabbit, the iconic Peter Rabbit will arrive in time for Easter at The Peninsula – in the form of special themed Afternoon Tea menus, stay packages, and gifts – to ensure a memorable experience for guests and their families through the end of the year.
The Toy Foundation (TTF) announced the appointment of Andy Quartin, CEO of Thames & Kosmos, LLC, as Chair of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees and Kathleen Campisano, global chief marketing officer & general manager of Beacon Media Group, as Vice Chair. Together, Quartin and Campisano will lead TTF in its new strategic action plan to unite the toy industry behind the shared commitment to create a world where every child has the opportunity to experience comfort, joy, and the extraordinary physical, emotional, and educational benefits of play.
Sesame Workshop announced that Elmo, Cookie Monster, and friends are coming to televisions across Ukraine through a new partnership with 1+1 media group and its broadcaster PLUSPLUS, the country’s leading animation channel for children and families. The 140 animated 5-minute video segments are designed to bring playful early learning to children, with particular attention to the unique needs and experiences of those affected by crises. These engaging and entertaining videos promote math, science, and social-emotional skills, as well as health and safety lessons—all tailored for children ages 3-8. In addition to being broadcast on PLUSPLUS beginning March 27, this new Sesame Street content will also be available for streaming on demand on the Kyivstar TV platform.
TTPM, the leader in video product reviews for toys, baby, and pet gear, is excited to announce their Spring 2023 Most Wanted List. The Spring list highlights toys they believe will be fan-favorites across three categories: Imaginative Play, Collectibles, and Creative Play. “Innovation in creative and imaginative toys are at an all-time high. We’re seeing an increase in on-screen characters coming off-screen and encouraging play in new ways,” said Jim Silver, CEO of TTPM. “Spring is the perfect time to put down the screens and play. This list will help guide parents and gift givers to find the toys that are right for their kids. It’s the ultimate spring shopping list for kids of all ages.”
Fanhome, the leader in subscription-based collections and models, under license from global branded entertainment leader Hasbro, brings the action-packed world of Transformers home to fans across North America this summer with the launch of the Transformers Optimus Prime subscription. This is the ultimate screen accurate replica of the iconic Autobot leader as he appeared in the 2007’s Transformers that kicked off the live action film franchise. Standing nearly 2 feet tall and composed of meticulously detailed metal and ABS plastic parts, Optimus Prime will be the centerpiece of a collection with features such as light-up effects and full articulation for maximum posability. A fresh shipment from Fanhome brings the Optimus Prime figure to life each month with components for a specific part of the build, along with step-by-step instructions and all the necessary tools for assembly. (Note: This Autobot figure does not transform.)
NBC gets the show on the road with a series order of Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge, an epic car makeover competition series based on one of the world’s most popular toys. Hosted by Rutledge Wood (“Top Gear US,” “Floor Is Lava”), who will also serve as one of the show’s judges, the 10-episode series will give Hot Wheels superfans the opportunity of a lifetime – turning a nostalgic car from their past into the life-sized Hot Wheels of their dreams. The season-finale winning creation will spin its wheels by launching as an official Hot Wheels die-cast car.
One of the biggest action figure phenomena of all-time returns this summer with a new look and new attitude for the new millennium. Following the world premiere of a teaser preview for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, Playmates Toys has revealed a sampling of its Ninja Turtles action figures, vehicles, and role play toys based on the late summer 2023 film. Playmates Toys has the ultimate line of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures, vehicles, and iconic role play weapons based on the upcoming film. Toys will be available for purchase in stores and online on June 25.
Kingsmen Creatives Limited (“Kingsmen”), a leading creator of experiences, announced that Kingsmen Xperience, Inc (“Kingsmen Xperience”), its United States location-based entertainment focused subsidiary, and Good Vibrations Holding Co, LLC (“Good Vibrations”), an operator of family oriented destination attractions headed by Robin Turner, one of the co-founders of the highly successful WonderWorks chain of tourism driven attractions, have formed a strategic partnership for branded location based entertainment in North America.