Fun in Motion Toys Licenses Nickelodeon Properties for Hit Shashibo Toys

Fun In Motion Toys, maker of the award-winning interactive toy sensation Shashibo, is thrilled to announce a new licensing partnership with Paramount Consumer Products to make products showcasing hit Nickelodeon franchises. The collaboration will introduce three exciting new series’ of Shashibo, featuring beloved characters from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Avatar: The Last Airbender.

Jazwares Creates Exclusive Squishmallows as Special Gift for Make-A-Wish

Jazwares, a leading global toy company, announced that it has created an exclusive Squishmallows for Make-A-Wish as a special gift for children with critical illnesses, and their siblings. “Star,” a limited edition huggable blue bear adorned with silver and yellow stars, is described as a galaxy adventurer who stays optimistic and hopeful no matter what each daily mission brings. More than 10,000 “Star” Squishmallows will be donated to Make-A-Wish chapters across the United States and Canada beginning this fall. “Our hope is that ‘Star’ will make the Make-A-Wish journey even more meaningful for wish kids, and their siblings,” said Laura Zebersky, President of Jazwares and Board Chair of Make-A-Wish Southern Florida. “‘Star’ is just like the thousands of Make-A-Wish families who remain optimistic and hopeful in the most challenging circumstances.”

ZAG Signs Global Licensing Deal with SAI Group’s KANDIZ for Child-Friendly Snacks for Miraculous

ZAG, a global independent animation studio, has teamed up with Turkey’s SAI Group, a renowned producer of licensed children’s snacks and confectionary products, ranking among the top 10 worldwide. The collaboration is set to create a diverse line of KANDIZ snacks, cereals, and candy for the highly successful global brand, Miraculous. The SAI Group collaboration announcement was conveyed by Carlotta Caracciolo, ZAG Vice President of Licensing & Retail for the Middle East, Turkey, Greece, Africa & India. The new innovative and appealing product lines are rolling out this fall, with select SKU’s available by the end of this year in the USA, Canada, Middle East, UK, Europe, Turkey, North Africa, CIS countries, LATAM, and Australia.

Jada Toys Expands Collaboration with Disney

Jada Toys, a leader in delivering innovation to the wheels category, has announced an expansion to their long-term collaboration with The Walt Disney Company. The forthcoming Disney Princess Remote Control Carriage combines Disney’s imaginative and dynamic storytelling with Jada Toys’ unmatched and detailed product creation resulting in a unique must-have toy for Disney fans of all ages. Joining the extensive list of over 20 product offerings in this collaboration, fans across the globe will soon be able to enjoy this dazzling Disney toy. Perfect for ages 3+, the highly-detailed Disney Princess Remote Control Carriage stands 12.5” tall and comes fully equipped with a variety of lights and sounds activated by the remote control accessory to create the ultimate entrance. The vehicle has full mobility and has room for two standard 11.5” fashion dolls, allowing Disney fans to take their favorite Disney Princess character dolls on a royal ride. The Disney Princess Remote Control Carriage launches this Fall 2023 in stores and online at Walmart ahead of the holiday season. 

Jada Toys Unveils New Product Based on Hit Fred Rogers Productions Series ‘Donkey Hodie’

Jada Toys, one of the world’s leading toy and collectible companies, has announced a new licensing partnership with Fred Rogers Productions, the iconic children’s media company behind multiple well-loved, Emmy-winning PBS KIDS series, to create and distribute consumer products based on its hit preschool series, Donkey Hodie. This will be the first time Donkey Hodie inspired toys will be available for retail purchase. The initial Donkey Hodie toys to be available for young viewers and their families starting in fall of 2023 on Amazon include a 14-inch Donkey Hodie plush and 16-inch Purple Panda plush. These first two plushies will be followed by four more items set to launch through 2023 into 2024. Among the additional products in the new lineup are figures, vehicles, and finger puppets.

Pudgy Penguins Debuts Toyline in Major Retail Stores Across US

 Pudgy Penguins, the IP and brand development company behind the series of globally recognized characters, has announced that its line of Pudgy Toys is available in 2,000 Walmart stores nationwide. Pudgy Toys plushies and collectibles are now sold alongside legacy consumer brands, a testament to both the growing popularity of the character brand and its unique approach of developing community-driven and owned IP that leverages social media and blockchain technology. With this milestone collaboration, Pudgy Penguins, a brand that has already achieved $400M in digital collectible sales, is set to disrupt retail standards. This signals a transformative shift in IP development, as the industry moves to leverage a mix of community engagement, social media influence, and innovative blockchain-backed experiences. Since its launch, Pudgy Penguins has forged a unique path, blending traditional digital platforms with the new age of blockchain to offer consumers tailored interactive experiences. 

Moose Toys Appoints Jeff Hurst SVP North American Sales

Moose Toys, a leading innovator in the toy industry, today announced industry veteran Jeff Hurst joins the company as senior vice president, North American sales. He will be based out of the company’s U.S. operation in El Segundo, Calif., beginning in October. In this leadership position, Hurst is responsible for defining, leading and driving the execution of the North American strategic sales plan and annual goals for emerging and established markets. “I found this opportunity with Moose irresistible. My team and I are not just selling toys, we are selling Moose innovation and that is what ultimately attracted me to the company and this role,” said Hurst. “With their wildly creative original brands and impressive licensing portfolio, the stage is set for Moose’s next level growth. I look forward to expanding Moose’s already world-class sales team and contributing to the company’s continued success.”

Fun In Motion Toys Elevates Excitement at New York Toy Fair 2023

Experience a whirlwind of creativity and innovation as Fun In Motion Toys propels you to soaring heights at the highly-anticipated New York Toy Fair 2023, taking place from September 30 to October 3. Prepare for an exceptional showcase of ingenuity and entertainment as Fun In Motion Toys crafts an unforgettable experience at Toy Fair. At booth #1857, creativity and excitement converge, with surprises taking flight through mesmerizing aerial performances. Fun In Motion Toys is excited to unveil three highly anticipated licenses under the Shashibo brand which will be sure to surprise and delight kids and kidults alike and will be unveiled at their booth. They are eager to present THREE new products including TECTI, HyperTiles and Nockles emerging from visionary inventor partnerships, which underscore their dedication to immersive play through groundbreaking product lines.

Toy Industry Vets, Educators and Mentors Join the People of Play Young Inventor Challenge Advisory Board

People of Play (POP), host of the preeminent toy and game industry events that occur during Chicago Toy & Game Week, is honored to announce the formation of an advisory board for the Young Inventor Challenge (YIC), a toy and game design and pitch competition for children ages 6 to 18 that is held during the Chicago Toy & Game Fair. “2023 marks the 17th year of the Young Inventor Challenge and has grown so much recently that we knew it was time to put an advisory board together,” said Mary Couzin, founder and president of People of Play. “Recent partnerships with ASTRA (American Specialty Toy Retailing Association) and Happy Camper Live (a company that brings the fun of summer camp to kids 365 days a year) have brought our program to thousands more young inventors! Expansion also means we need more mentors, judges and sponsors. Please reach out to us if you are interested!”