Arushi Garg Crowned First-Ever Winner of ‘Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge’

Arushi Garg, 38-year-old social media creator and mom from Houston, was named the champion of Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge Season 1! Garg takes home an extra $50,000 and her design is now a die-cast toy exclusively available for purchase on Mattel Creations, Mattel’s collector and direct-to-consumer platform. Fans can buy this made-to-order die-cast during the pre-sale window from Aug. 8-Sept. 4. In the two-part finale, Garg was given the iconic 1996 Nissan Skyline to transform into a life-size Hot Wheels showstopper. The car, dubbed “Rally Resilience” by Arushi, is a bright red creation with 24-inch wheels, extended fenders and beaming light bars representing power, bravery, kindness and courage. Adding to its uniqueness is the affirmation “never quit,” which is transcribed on the car and can be seen under UV light.

Dr Seuss Enterprises Prepares for Brand Licensing Europe

Dr Seuss Enterprises celebrates its 30th anniversary this year as a leading global children’s entertainment company, focusing on promoting literacy, education, self-confidence, and the wonderful possibilities of a child’s imagination through the works of Dr Seuss. The creative, whimsical world of Dr Seuss and its characters have inspired generations of readers and continues to be a true pop culture and entertainment phenomenon, with major successes both on the page, in theaters, on stage, on screen and in many other outlets. At the 2023 Brand Licensing Europe, Dr Seuss Enterprises will showcase a range of new initiatives including the roll out of new consumer product lines, breakthrough marketing programs, and initiatives, new entertainment projects, as well as the growth of their longstanding portfolio partners. Dr Seuss Enterprises continues to grow, expanding within several categories including entertainment, food and toys, infant and toddler, and digital products.

Toy Association’s “Back to School” Shopping List Features 25 STEAM Toys for Kids

The Toy Association has unveiled its “Back to School STEAM Toy Shopping List,” which includes 25 officially accredited STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) toys that will enrich kids’ learning during the academic year. Families can now shop the list of toys (below), choosing from a variety of hands-on building sets as well as activities that gamify mathematical concepts and invite kids to explore outer space, natural sciences, and much more. Each featured product has passed a rigorous evaluation process to earn an official “STEAM Stamp of Approval,” and meets the strict criteria established in The Toy Association’s STEAM Toy Assessment Framework, developed in partnership with The Good Play Guide. The toys were first tested by children under professional observation, before being evaluated by The Good Play Guide, which uses a scientifically proven toy evaluation method backed by Dr. Amanda Gummer, who has a PhD in neuropsychology and more than 20 years of experience working with kids and families.

Just Play Appoints Joel Berger and Jess Richardson to Business Development Team

Just Play, a leading global toy company, is announcing the addition of two key executives to the company’s business development team who will bolster growth across various categories. The recent hires at Just Play include Joel Berger as Senior Vice President (SVP) of New Business Development, and Jess Richardson as SVP of Global Licensing & Business Development. Geoffrey Greenberg, Just Play’s Co-President stated: “I am very excited to welcome Joel and Jess to our leadership team. They are both respected figures in the toy industry with years of experience which will amplify Just Play’s global growth. Jess is a dynamic and creative executive who will lead our global licensing partnerships and search for additional business opportunities. Joel will lead Just Play’s emerging channel and international product development efforts.

Moose Toys Signs Agreement With Paramount for Sought-After Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Property

Moose Toys, a leading innovator in the toy industry, has acquired a license for Paramount’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Under the new licensing agreement, the toymaker’s popular action-packed Akedo brand will be the first Moose Toys line of products to get the Ninja Turtle treatment. Akedo game pieces will feature the classic characters from the classic animated series and are on shelves now, ahead of the upcoming film, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, in theatres August 2, 2023. The agreement also allows for cross-collaboration with additional original brands from Moose Toys. Plans include the “Heroes in a Half Shell” debuting as characters in an upcoming line for Heroes of Goo Jit Zu in 2024.

Glo Pals Unveils New Toys and Refreshed Friendly Faces

Glo, the company behind the award-winning sensory water toys, Glo Pals, is refreshing their water-activated light-up toys this summer. The Glo Pal characters, Alex, Blair, Lumi, Pippa and Sammy have evolved, with new “facial” designs and personalities, adding even more fun to the bath time and water play. Light up cubes are also now made of 100% recycled plastic. “Our mission is to create products that engage children in sensory play and brighten their worlds,” said Anna Barker,Chief Creative Officer of Glo Pals. “Glo Pals have done an amazing job with that for water play. The refresh now adds unique personalities to each pal that celebrate the things that make each of us one-of-a-kind. Our new products move sensory play out of the water and expand everywhere from the backyard to the car.”

Incredible Group Unveils Jelly Belly Licensed Toys to Bring Iconic Jelly Bean Flavors to Life this Fall

Incredible Group is unveiling its long-awaited lineup of Jelly Belly licensed toys and collectibles in a collaboration that is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. The collection is set to launch for Fall 2023 and includes a range of squishy Jelly Belly jelly beans of various sizes – all of which are scented to replicate original Jelly Belly bean flavors. Incredible Group has made its mark manufacturing and distributing licensed and original toys across North America. Its partnership with Jelly Belly builds on a longstanding commitment to discovering, creating and sharing the best toys and games in its market. The collection will feature squishy, scented & collectible jelly bean toys with classic Jelly Belly bean shapes and scent! Available in two different collectible sizes and a variety of packs for purchase, this new launch is a must-have for kids and adults alike! 

Horizon Group USA Unveils Barbie Collection Ahead of Summer Movie

This summer, everyone is living in a Barbie World! Building on the excitement of the upcoming Barbie movie premiere, Horizon Group USA has a magnificent collection of Barbie toys and crafts that will ignite the inner Barbie of children everywhere, allowing them to sparkle and shine as bright as Barbie herself!

PlanToys Cheese and Charcuterie Board Wins 2023 ASTRA Play Awards for the Eco Category

ASTRA, the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association, announced at ASTRA Marketplace & Academy in Columbus, OH, that PlanToys, the global leader in sustainable toy manufacturing, has won the Eco category for the ASTRA Play Awards with their Cheese & Charcuterie Board set. The award program is one of the few award programs in the industry that has toy retailers do all the voting to select its winners based on criteria including toy newness, uniqueness, availability, and significance to the industry.