Retailers and specialty toy buyers are taking a road trip to St. Louis in June for ASTRA’s Marketplace & Academy. They call it a “big toy family reunion” featuring the best and brightest in products, ideas and connections. One connection not to miss is the Rehkemper family business, Top Secret Toys, at Booth 2927. As inventors, the Rehkempers’ firm created GigaPets back in the 90’s and is excited to unveil the newest addition to the modern collection with the most advanced GigaPet yet, Bit Bunnies. This remarkable GigaPet is just one of the many Top Secret Toys to be unveiled at Marketplace.

Miniland, award-winning creator of educational toys and games, has officially launched its latest initiative to promote its position as innovators in inclusive toys: Innovators in Inclusion. This campaign aims to promote Miniland’s role in paving the way for inclusivity in toys, encouraging tolerance, diversity, positive self-esteem, respect and kindness.

When it comes to prehistoric times, magic and fantastical creatures Douglas Company has all the charm. The plush toy maker and lifestyle gift creator establishes the future from the past in their latest Softs inductees. Four new dinos from prehistoric times, a mystical dragon and, everybody’s favorite, three new unicorns will join the Softs line-up.

KidStuff Public Relations continues to pop the champagne corks as its 30th Anniversary year has more good news to share. Four toymakers have signed with the storied PR agency headed by Lisa Orman, named twice as a Wonder Woman by Women In Toys (WIT) as one of the industry’s top thought leaders on kids’ stuff. As of April 2024, KidStuff PR is the Agency of Record for Fun In Motion Toys, Top Secret Toys, MEAVIA and Purpose Toys. Each toy company adds something truly special to the Toy Aisle. Childhood and young adulthood is all about play and these four toymakers make sure all ages, all ethnicities and all abilities are seen and included.

Elenco’s award-winning Snap Circuits line, a STEAM toy staple for over 20 years, is powering up family game night with its latest innovation: Snap 2 It! Get ready to outsmart, outmaneuver, and outplay your family and friends in the ultimate STEAM-fused battle where brainpower lights up fun! “Snap 2 It isn’t just about winning; it’s about having fun with friends and family while also developing a passion for learning,” said Tim Conlin, Vice President Marketing & Innovation at Elenco Electronics. “Players embark on a quest to outmaneuver their opponents and illuminate their light first, all while delving into the world of circuits and electricity.”

BBC Studios has promoted Murilo Hinojosa to Vice President, Consumer Products & Commercial Partnerships, Latin America, effective immediately. Hinojosa will continue to oversee and provide strategic licensing planning for the global phenomenon Bluey in Latin America, as well as world-famous brands Doctor Who, Top Gear, Hey Duggee and BBC Studios’ factual umbrella brand BBC Earth, the home of internet-breaking shows such as Blue Planet II, Frozen Planet II and upcoming Blue Planet III.