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.

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. 

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.

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.

Top Toy Trends From ASTRA 2023 Marketplace & Academy Revealed

The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) just wrapped up their 2023 Marketplace & Academy show in Columbus, OH, where thousands of new toys were featured, from plush to science kits to puzzles to toys you didn’t know your kids needed, but now can’t live without!  The ASTRA team, composed of ASTRA staff, small retailers and Certified Play Experts, scoured the floor and spoke with members to discover the top trends in the industry.

American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) Announces 2023 ASTRA Play Award Winners

The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA), has officially announced the winners of its coveted ASTRA Play Awards at their annual Marketplace & Academy event in Columbus, OH. The renowned program is the only one of its kind where independent and neighborhood specialty toy retailers vote to select the products that promote happy and healthy play in childhood and beyond! This year, 14 winners were chosen across a wide range of categories.

Konami Cross Media NY Awards Latest Yu-Gi-Oh! Toy and Gaming Licenses

Konami Cross Media NY, Inc, which manages the Yu-Gi-Oh! licensing rights outside of Asia, announced partnership agreements with TOMY International, Inc, Heathside Trading, Ltd, and Trade Invaders. The agreements will bring new Yu-Gi-Oh! product lines in the toy and game licensing categories, extending the brand’s visibility and availability throughout Europe. The announcement was made at Licensing Expo ‘23 by Jennifer Coleman, Vice President of Licensing and Marketing, Konami Cross Media NY.

Glo Pals Kick Off ASTRA Marketplace & Academy with New Products

Glo, the company behind the award-winning sensory water toys, Glo Pals, is refreshing their water-activated light-up toys and expanding their product offerings this summer. The Glo Pal characters, Alex, Blair, Lumi, Pippa and Sammy have evolved, with new designs and personalities. Additionally, two new innovative sensory products, Pick Up Pals and Sensory Jar, are joining the line-up to expand play patterns beyond bath time.