Tokido Mascot UEFA EURO2024
Licensing News
Toikido and UEFA Unveil EURO2024 Mascot, with Program Underway to Name the Character

Toikido, the London-based creative studio with a mission to put “toy” into the heart of games, has created the EURO2024 mascot for the Union of European Football Associations (UFEA). The announcement of the new mascot was made with UFEA and Fanatics, UEFA Euro 2024 master licensee. During the build-up to the tournament, the mascot will encourage Generation Alphas [those born from 2010] to be more active and health-conscious through its #MakeMoves campaign. The life-size teddy bear mascot pays homage to the popular children’s toy said to have originated from Germany in the early 20th century. Over the next two weeks, children in UEFA’s Football in Schools program will contribute to a poll to name the mascot, which all stem from the German word for bear, “Bär”. These are Albärt, Bärnardo, Bärnheart, Bärtram, and Herzi von Bär. The mascot will be the subject of an extensive merchandise program.

Furby Hasbro
News
Furby Is Back! Hasbro Announces The Toy’s Iconic Return With A Fresh New Look

The wait is over… the furb-nomenon that took over the world has returned. Hasbro, Inc, a global leader in play, announced that the next era of the cute, cool, and weird Furby interactive toys hits shelves just in time for summer. A new generation of kids can discover their own curious little creature and kindred spirit, that’s sure to be their next BFF. With a history of disrupting pop culture and the toy aisle, Furby reminds kids that they can be their hilarious, wacky, perfectly imperfect selves, because that is what makes them – and the world – a little more special. Furby is available now in two new colors, Purple and Coral, on Amazon and will be at all major retailers starting July 15.

Mattel Play it Forward
Events News
City Officials Declare June 19 – 23 Mattel Play It Forward Global Volunteer Week

Mattel, Inc, together with officials from The City of El Segundo and partners from Save The Children, UCLA Health, The Los Angeles Library Foundation, LA’s Best,  Girls Inc. of Los Angeles, and The Boys & Girls Clubs of Carson, today declared the week of June 19 – 23 Mattel’s Play It Forward Global Volunteer Week. Mattel’s Play It Forward Global Volunteer Week enables its iconic brands to give back to communities who need it most. Play It Forward is a designated period each year where Mattel’s global offices host a week of opportunities for employees to share their time and talents to support local nonprofits serving children and their families. With participation from over 30 global offices impacting thousands of children and benefiting hundreds of nonprofits worldwide, the occasion celebrates Mattel’s volunteer and philanthropic efforts all over the world. Mattel’s purpose is to empower the next generation to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential, and it’s Play It Forward Global Volunteer Week gives employees a chance to further immerse themselves in that purpose in collaboration with their colleagues.

Detective Pikachu Returns
Gaming News
The Pokémon Company and Nintendo Drop Details on Detective Pikachu Returns and Scarlet and Violet DLC

During a Nintendo Direct on June 21,2023, The Pokémon Company International and Nintendo announced that Detective Pikachu Returns is scheduled to release exclusively for Nintendo Switch on October 6, 2023. More details were also shared for The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, the upcoming downloadable content for the Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet video games.

Playmates Miraculous Volkswagen e-Beetle
Licensing News
New Miraculous Movie Volkswagen e-Beetle from Playmates Toys Launches Summer 2023

Miraculous Ladybug fashion dolls and a vehicle inspired by the highly anticipated animated feature Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir, The Movie, will debut this summer from Playmates Toys and ZAG. The product rollout is timed to coincide with the film’s release on Netflix on July 28, 2023, and theatrically in France, Germany, China, Belgium, Switzerland, Poland and the Eastern Europe region, Russia, Greece, Turkey, and Israël.  Playmates Toys and ZAG continue their mission to deliver quality and engaging Miraculous toys and dolls. The line includes the Ladybug and Cat Noir fashion dolls; a limited-edition Marinette Grand Ball collector doll; and Marinette’s brand-new Volkswagen e-Beetle, inspired by her electric concept car which will be making its first appearance in the movie, alongside other vehicles in the Volkswagen ID. family!

TOTY Wyclef Jean
Events News
Toy Fair Will Kick Off with the TOTY Awards, a Night of Philanthropy & Entertainment Featuring Artist Wyclef Jean

Hips – and toys – don’t lie, the excitement is growing for the Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards, hosted by The Toy Foundation (TTF). Taking place Friday, September 29 at Cipriani’s 42nd Street to kickoff Toy Fair, the TOTY Awards will roll out the best of the best as it’s a night to celebrate the very best in the toy industry. Featuring an exclusive performance by three-time Grammy Award winner and “Hips Don’t Lie” songwriter, Wyclef Jean, the TOTY celebration will also name the top toys, people, and campaigns in the toy industry, pay tribute to industry icons, and feature a one-of-a-kind auction. The best part, the night is the ultimate fundraiser that supports TTF’s work to deliver the extraordinary benefits of play to children in need. 

Rise of the Beasts transformers Disguise Hasbro
Licensing News
Disguise Announces New Global Rights for Hasbro’s Transformers: Rise of the Beasts

Disguise, Inc, world-leading costume design and manufacturer, has announced worldwide rights to design, market, manufacture and distribute costumes, costume accessories, inflatables, adaptive costumes and trunk-or-treat kits for Hasbro’s Transformers: Rise of the Beasts. The latest installment in the Transformers movie series from Hasbro, a toy and game company, premiered globally on June 9th, 2023. Disguise is thrilled to introduce their new lineup for the movie featuring classic Transformers characters Optimus Prime and Bumblebee, as well as newcomers Rhinox, Optimus Primal, and Cheetor. The Transformers franchise has been a significant contributor to Disguise’s retail success and, after years of collaboration and development with Hasbro, they are confident that this new line will be a huge hit.

Legends of Learning Rovio
Licensing News
Legends of Learning Launches Angry Birds-Themed Educational Games with Rovio Entertainment

Angry Birds’ parent company Rovio Entertainment has partnered with award-winning educational gaming platform Legends of Learning to bring the globally-loved media franchise into the world of education. The partnership, which was facilitated by Angry Birds’ global licensing agency IMG, will result in a series of educational games that leverage the iconic characters and settings of the Angry Birds franchise. Using player-focused gaming experiences, interactive gameplay and hands-on problem-solving, the games are designed to help students learn important STEM concepts, ranging from collisions and forces to angle measurement.

Douglas Cookie Plush
News
Douglas Company Rings in the Holidays Early with Scented Holiday Cookies

Plush toy maker and lifestyle gift creator, Douglas Company, has taken the baking tradition to another level with the introduction of Scented Holiday Sugar Cookies that look good enough to eat! Mmm’ Mmmm’ Goooood! Cut-out decorated cookies with no mess! These micro-fiber plush cookies have just the right amount of rise and golden-brown edges. The frosted look is delicious and not at all sticky, but boy do they smell yummy. There are four in this initial assortment.