The 16th Annual Toy & Game International Excellence Awards (TAGIES) to Debut at New Venue

People of Play, the organization known for championing toy and game innovators around the world, will honor outstanding achievements at the 16th Annual Toy & Game International Excellence Awards (The TAGIEs) on November 3, 2023. With the theme “Heroes of Play” and sponsored by Disney, Oxford Games, Mattel, The Michael Kohner Corporation, Hasbro, The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA), Longshore and Nextoy, the evening’s festivities, which kick-off at 6:00pm with a preview of the PlayCHIC toy inspired looks that will be on the runway the next day at the Chicago Toy & Game Fair. In a year of Barbie everything and everywhere, this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award will go to two people that changed the trajectory of Barbie to new heights years ago: Jill Barad, Consultant and former CEO and Chairman of Mattel, and Rouben Terzian, Founder of Terzian Enterprises and Co-Founder of BMT – Big Monster Toy.

TOTY Finalist Miniland Partners with National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) in Honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Month

To celebrate their continued commitment to representation and inclusion, Miniland is once again partnering with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) in honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Month this October. The brand previously supported NDSS through a fundraiser with independent retailers, sponsorship of NDSS’ annual NYC Buddy Walk in Central Park in 2022, and donations through the now defunct AmazonSmiles program. Throughout October, Miniland is sharing content and resources from the NDSS including information on the benefits of sensory and doll play among young children with Down syndrome, hosting giveaways, and encouraging consumers to learn more about Down syndrome. They are also spotlighting a child with Down syndrome every week on their Instagram page @MinilandUSA, sharing personal stories and motivational messages from these children’s families.

Kids for Culture Reveals Its Top 5 Baby Gifts to Pick Something Positive for the Tots on the List

Kids will quickly discover that everyone is a little different so why not gift them books and toys that help them grow into a well-rounded child? This holiday season, parents and grandparents can take a walk down the toy aisle at Walmart or click on Amazon.com and discover the Kids For Culture collection. Their Top 5 Gift Picks are priced at $12.99 and under! Each of the beautifully designed books and toys is sprinkled with a touch of diversity and self-awareness for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Instead of once upon a time, parents can read aloud M is for Mind.

Carrera Revell of Americas Unveils Exciting New Licenses for 2024 at Toy Fair New York

Carrera Revell of Americas, the world market leader in the slot car segment and a leading brand for authentic model kits and 3D puzzles, is thrilled to announce an exceptional array of new licenses set to captivate enthusiasts and collectors in 2024. These new additions reflect the company’s commitment to delivering innovative and high-quality products to its ever-growing audience. In celebration of its 60-year anniversary, Carrera will also showcase a full slot car display in partnership with Slot Mods at Toy Fair New York, where the exciting details of these new licenses will be unveiled.

Carrera Revell of Americas Announces Landmark Partnership with NASCAR

Carrera Revell of Americas, the world market leader in the slot car segment, is thrilled to announce a monumental collaboration with NASCAR, the Number 1 motorsport in the United States. Commencing in 2024, Carrera Revell of Americas will proudly hold the NASCAR license, introducing an exceptional lineup of slot car sets and individual car models that pay homage to the Hendrick Motorsports Team and their esteemed drivers. This partnership marks a new era of excitement and innovation for racing enthusiasts and collectors alike.  Revving Up the Racing Experience: Hendrick Motorsports Slot Car Sets and Models Under the banner of Carrera GO!!!, Carrera Evolution, and Carrera Digital132, racing aficionados will have the opportunity to dive into the world of NASCAR like never before. Carrera Revell of Americas is dedicated to crafting meticulously detailed slot car sets and individual car models that capture the spirit and power of the Hendrick Motorsports Team. This collaboration celebrates the legacy of one of the most successful and iconic teams in the history of NASCAR. 

Rainbow High Partners with Celebrity Momfluencer Haylie Duff to Launch the Dream & Design Studio Playset

Rainbow High, the leading fashion doll brand from one of the largest and fastest growing privately held toy and entertainment companies in the world, MGA Entertainment,  announced its partnership with actor and director Haylie Duff. Best known for her roles in various film and television projects, Haylie Duff is also the founder of a children’s fashion line and a devoted mom who values quality time with her daughters, sharing special moments with her community of parents across her social channels. Her endorsement of the all-new Rainbow High Dream & Design Studio Playset, as well other key Fall launches from the brand, like Fantastic Fashions and Color & Create dolls, speaks to the influence of the popular Rainbow High brand across homes worldwide. It also points to brand’s continued commitment to offering unique touchpoints for moms and guardians everywhere to connect with their kids through entertainment and creativity.

Disney Lorcana TCG Coming to New Countries in 2024

Ravensburger, the acclaimed publisher of award-winning board games and high-quality toys and puzzles, announced that the Disney Lorcana Trading Card Game (TCG) will be available in 10 new countries in 2024. Illumineers in Spain, Portugal, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, and Mexico will be able to answer the call starting with the release of the third set in early 2024. These territories effectively double the global availability of Disney Lorcana TCG, which originally launched in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Italy, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, The Netherlands, and Luxembourg earlier this year.

Hasbro Announces Girl Innovators of Play

Hasbro, Inc (NASDAQ: HAS), a leading toy and game company, announced Hasbro Girl Innovators of Play at the Girls Leading Change event. In partnership with Girl Up, a girl-centered leadership development initiative of the United Nations Foundation, the program will launch in early 2024 and build on the recent Hasbro Women Innovators of Play, a Challenge that calls for the next great women-led mass-market toy or game. Girl Innovators of Play will include a robust STEM-based bootcamp and invitation to girls between the ages of 13-24 to submit a social impact project idea focused on a cause they are passionate about and receive up to $1,000 in funding to transform that vision into reality.

Spin Master to Acquire Melissa & Doug for $950 million

Spin Master Corporation, a leading children’s entertainment company, today announced it has reached a definitive agreement to acquire U.S.-based Melissa & Doug, a well-recognized and trusted brand in early childhood play, for $950 million in cash. The acquisition will bolster Spin Master’s position as a leader in the children’s entertainment industry and will bring complementary capabilities in early childhood toys by adding Melissa & Doug’s high-quality offerings of open-ended, creative, and developmental wooden toys. With a mission to ignite imagination and a sense of wonder in children, Melissa & Doug has developed into a beloved brand of high-quality, sustainable, and learning-enriched play that is sought after and trusted by parents and children alike. The addition of Melissa & Doug will strengthen Spin Master’s offering by adding complementary early childhood products and further diversify its portfolio across new channels and formats.