Buff Monster Minions
Licensing News
Illumination’s Minions Collaborate with Buff Monster on Limited-edition Apparel Drop

Illumination’s Minions have tapped renowned street artist, Buff Monster, to collaborate on a limited-edition apparel drop, the Minions x Buff Monster capsule collection– available now in limited quantities, exclusively at Universal UNIVRS – a first-of-its-kind retail destination located at Universal CityWalk Hollywood and inside Universal Studios Florida at Universal Orlando Resort. Bright yellow and instantly unforgettable, the Minions have become icons of self-expression in pop culture across the globe. Worlds collide as Buff Monster, known for the pops of color and signature monster characters featured in his artwork, puts his own creative twist on the collaboration design by seamlessly integrating his artistic style with the iconic Minions characters. This will be the second collaboration between Buff Monster and the Minions, after the launch of a popular beach-themed apparel line in 2016.

BRIO London
Licensing News
Transport for London and BRIO Partner to Launch London Underground Toy Train

Transport for London (TfL) has partnered with popular toy brand BRIO to launch a London Underground-inspired toy train, in a deal facilitated by TfL’s global licensing agency IMG. A part of BRIO’s Trains of the World series, the toys replicate the London Underground’s iconic red, white and blue design bringing the authentic British experience to children’s playrooms. The push locomotive plays sounds and lights up as it travels through the red tube tunnel, creating a realistic playing activity that helps little train fans further explore the world of transport. The toy set includes a three-part push train, a ‘Tube’ tunnel, two play figures and a London Underground sign.

NAVC VetFolio
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New Program From NAVC VetFolio Focuses on Business and Leadership Skills for Veterinary Practice Leaders

The North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) and Uncharted Veterinary Conference (UVC), founded by practice management speaker, writer, and consultant Dr. Andy Roark, have partnered together to develop and launch the Uncharted Leadership Essentials Certificate, a new certificate series developed for veterinary practice leaders and managers. The program is available through VetFolio, the NAVC’s industry-leading digital platform which provides online virtual learning and engagement for veterinary professionals.

Barbie Atlantis
Licensing News
Mattel Partners with Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas to Offer Barbie Bahamas Beach Vacation: Where Atlantis Dreams Come True

Mattel, Inc has revealed a celebratory partnership with Atlantis Paradise Island to develop Barbie Bahamas Beach Vacation: Where Atlantis Dreams Come True, an immersive, Barbie-themed experience for all guests to enjoy in honor of Barbie’s 65th anniversary on March 9. Debuting Memorial Day weekend and lasting through the summer, Barbie Bahamas Beach Vacation: Where Atlantis Dreams Come True will offer a host of Barbie-themed experiences. From tailor-made Barbie-themed guest rooms and suites to activations, bespoke retail, and more, the partnership brings Mattel’s Barbie to the Caribbean and the Bahamas for the first time in history.

Toy Association Logo Toy Fair 2023 Clamour Holiday 2022 trends Good Play Guide Blue Plate Trends 2024 Board Tips
News You're Hired
The Toy Association Announces 2024 Board of Directors & New Executive Committee During Annual General Meeting

The Toy Association has announced the 2024 election of seven new members and two term renewals to its Board of Directors, including the election of Sharon Price John, president & CEO of Build-ABear Workshop, as chairperson. The announcement was made during The Toy Association’s Annual General Meeting, which was open to all toy industry stakeholders. The meeting included updates on the ways in which the organization is listening to, engaging with, and bringing together the industry; the Association’s fight against harmful legislation and other obstacles threatening the toy and play community’s ability to get toys effectively and safely into consumers’ hands; and details about the upcoming LA Fall Preview and Toy Fair 2025 events.

King Features Carla Silva
News You're Hired
Carla Silva Promoted to Senior VP, GM, and Head of Global Licensing at King Features

King Features Syndicate, a unit of Hearst and home to some of the world’s most popular entertainment characters, has promoted Carla Silva to Senior Vice President, General Manager, and Head of Global Licensing. Silva, a seasoned veteran in the consumer products licensing industry and an expert in brand development, brings over two decades of invaluable experience and expertise into her expanded role.

Toy Foundation Pediatric
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The Toy Foundation Funds Play Therapy Projects to Improve Pediatric Care in Children’s Hospitals

The Toy Foundation, the philanthropic arm of The Toy Association, is proud to announce $380,000 has been awarded to 20 children’s hospitals and health systems that serve under-resourced communities, as part of its 2024 Childrens Hospital Play Grants program. More than 240,000 children in need will benefit from this initiative, which funds innovative play therapy projects proven to significantly improve care, wellbeing, and treatment outcomes of hospitalized children.

Squishmallows Stranger Things
Licensing News
Jazwares Enters the Upside Down with Squishmallows X Stranger Things Global Collaboration

Squishier things are coming! Jazwares, one of the world’s leading toy companies, has announced a Squishmallows x Stranger Things collaboration based on the original series blockbuster from Netflix. Announced as part of Jazwares’ Squishmallows Day celebrations, the collection is set to begin rolling out globally in summer 2024. Leveraging Squishmallows’ signature soft and vibrant styles, the Squishmallows x Stranger Things squad will build on each brand’s pop culture appeal for the ultimate sci-fi collaboration. Ranging from 3.5 inches to 10 inches in size, beloved characters from the show will soon be available as ultra-soft Squishmallows. The anticipated squad will be released in celebration of the final season of Stranger Things.

Sesame Workshop Reading
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Sesame Workshop Launches New Resources During National Reading Month

In celebration of National Reading Month, Sesame Workshop, the global impact nonprofit behind Sesame Street, released new resources to help foster children’s love of reading and their connection with the parents and caregivers who read to, and with, them. These resources are made possible with generous support from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation (DGLF) which works to enhance literacy and education across the country.