Douglas is ready to take you on a safari hunt for cuteness. The plush toy company and lifestyle gift creator is introducing four new Jungle friends to its collection. Jessie the Giraffe is a member of Douglas’ Softs’ Collection. Jessie stands 10” tall, she’s extra floppy and cuddly soft. She looks very much like a true to life giraffe with all the proper marking of golden brown and cream. She will make the best addition to your child’s jungle themed nursery.
Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WiT), a global nonprofit organization and the industry’s preeminent voice for the advancement of women, is pleased to announce the appointment of Cristina Liquori to its board of directors as Treasurer for a three-year term, which began on January…
YuMe Toys, a division of the Maxx Group, is launching a new series of DZNR collectibles of premium quality designer plush for 2023. The 7” collectible features the heritage and artistry of an iconic character condensed into a stylized art plush that consumers can identify and enjoy with appeals to kids, kidults, fans and collectors alike. Marketed to consumers as limited-edition collections, new lines will be unveiled throughout the year to ensure excitement. The DZNR series for 2023 features characters from Stranger Things, Jujutsu Kaisen, Marvel, Spider-man, and other IPs that are yet to be announced.
Miraculous Ladybug and Cat Noir, the globally popular heroes of ZAG Heroez Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir animated TV series, make their film debut this year in the US$100+ million animated movie, Ladybug and Cat Noir: The Movie. To celebrate, the movie doll line from ZAG’s global master toy partner, Playmates Toys, will be available at major retailers in fall 2023. The announcement was made today by Jeremy Zag, Founder and CEO, ZAG, and Georgia Manolas Walker, VP of Marketing, Girls Brands, Playmates.
March is National Reading Month, and the Toys for Tots Literacy Program continues its commitment to helping children “Unplug and March into Reading” by placing books into the hands of less fortunate children and encouraging families to unplug from their screens and electronic devices and enjoy a book together! The Toys for Tots Literacy Program was established in 2008 as a year-round effort to offer our Nation’s most economically disadvantaged children the ability to compete academically and to succeed in life by providing them direct access to books and educational resources that enhance their ability to read and communicate effectively.
BIP, the global IP licensing marketplace, has announced the launch of its innovative web-based marketplace, with Jazwares, a global leader in toys and licensing, and Metaverse gaming sensations Brookhaven, Jailbreak, and more have signed on to utilize BIP’s newly-formed global IP licensing marketplace. The BIP online ecosystem bridges the gap between licensors and licensees worldwide allowing for greater connectivity within the licensing industry with a deep focus on transparency. The BIP licensing hub features several tools aiding in the deal making process, including real-time tracking enabling all users to easily track deal memo progress, virtual chat room communication, and post-deal management services. Co-Founded by Ari Zebersky, BIP serves as an expansive centralized hub streamlining the licensing marketplace providing brands opportunities to field potential collaborations, expand territory, and provide a wider range of product categories.
Sky Castle Toys, in partnership with UK-based toy manufacturer and distributor Character Options, is collaborating with Marvel to introduce Spider-Man, Hulk and Captain America to its award-winning line of DoodleJamz squishy sensory drawing pads. DoodleJamz is a new line of squish n’ shape drawing pads from Sky Castle Toys that delivers a totally new take on doodling. Kids can move and shape the squishy beads over pictures that are inserted into the boards on backer cards, using either their finger or an easy-to-use stylist. The cards are removable – and customizable — delivering variety and hours of play. Known for their squishy texture and sensory fidget sensation, DoodleJamz drawing pads have become a popular “oddly satisfying sensation” on social media with close to 150M views on TikTok alone.
When a child reaches for their favorite stuffy, their world just feels better. But some children (and kidults), perhaps dealing with neurodivergent attributes (anxiety, ADHD or autism or sensory processing disorders) need a bit more heft to their toy. Say hello to FluffyWeight weighted Cat, Dog and FluffyWeight Puppy. Parents who gave a fluff reported fewer child meltdowns, smoother bedtimes and overall wellbeing in the house and on the run in a scientific study coast to coast!
Trade Show Ventures, run by Christine and Alan Blumberg, have partnered with industry veteran, Lea Culliton, former president of HABA and Chairman of the ABC Kids Expo, to create the North East Toy Show (NETS), designed to bring manufacturers, retailers, buyers and key accounts together in February, where there is a void in Northeast trade shows. NETS will run from February 11-February 13, 2024 in Springfield, Massachusetts.
