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Basic Fun! Launches New Tonka Campaign with Brand Spokesperson Shaquille O’Neal

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Basic Fun!, the Florida-based toy company behind several iconic playthings including Tonka, has kicked off their fall campaign with Tonka spokesperson, superstar Shaquille O’Neal. The new humorous TV commercial features a nostalgic Shaquille reminiscing about his childhood days on the playground with Tonka trucks and highlights the core message of the campaign, which encourages kids to engage in active, creative play.

“We want kids to take a break from their devices and get back to playing with real toys. We want to help kids be kids again,” said Shaquille O’Neal. “I’ve been a Tonka guy since ’76, and they’ve always been tough, durable and fun.”

“Now more than ever, it’s so important for kids to have play experiences that get them thinking and moving, and we’re passionate about inspiring the most epic adventures with indestructible and rugged Tonka toys,” said Jay Foreman, CEO for Basic Fun! “Shaquille O’Neal is the perfect collaborator to bring the ‘Let’s Go Play!’ message to life – his playful, fun-loving spirit has made him an inspiration and role-model for so many.”

Licensed by global play and entertainment company Hasbro, Inc., Basic Fun!’s new Tonka products continue the brand’s seventy-year legacy as the standard for high-quality toy trucks. Available now at major toy retailers, the fall 2020 collection includes a wide range of rough and tough vehicles in a variety of sizes and prices.

“Over the past several months, as families have been homebound due to the global pandemic, parents and gift-givers have been increasingly purchasing classic toys since they are brands they know and trust,” said Adrienne Appell, senior director of strategic communications for The Toy Association. “As one of TIME® Magazine’s Top-All Time 100 Greatest Toys and an inductee into the National Toy Hall of Fame, Tonka trucks certainly have that nostalgic factor. They invoke fond childhood memories of old-school, screen-free playtime that caregivers want to share with their kids and grandkids.”

In addition to the new TV commercial, Basic Fun! and Shaquille will continue to share Tonka’s ‘Let’s Go Play!’ campaign message through digital marketing and influencer activations. Basic Fun! will also be contributing a ‘truckload’ of Tonka vehicles and other classic toys to the annual Shaq-A-Claus Christmas program that delivers holiday gifts and cheer to underprivileged children around the country.