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Catching Up With Susan McLain, General Manager of The Baby Einstein Company

In 1996, mother Julie Aigner-Clark shot the first Baby Einstein video in her basement in Georgia. She did this for one simple reason—she wanted to share her love of the arts with her baby. Clark then began producing and selling the videos. By the end of the decade, a line of videos/DVDs, books, and CDs were available at retail. In addition, an online store was launched, which was still a relatively new concept at that time. In 2001, Disney acquired The Baby Einstein Company. Since then the brand has grown by leaps and bounds through licensing. It is now considered one of the must-haves for new parents. However, the brand is evolving to address the needs of a new generation of parents. Once known primarily for its DVDs, Baby Einstein will now be sold as a kit, which will include a DVD, CD, and either a board book or cards (depending on the kit).

Toys & Family Entertainment, February 2011

Where Play Gets Serious: Upbeat Mood Characterizes 37th Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair by Christopher Byrne
Target Heats Up Its Destination Strategy by Christopher Byrne
FunGoPlay: Active Play Is Rewarded Online by Nancy Lombardi
Introducing Power Rangers Samurai by Chris Adams
Disney Consumer Products’ Cars 2 by Laurie Leahey
WBCP’s Green Lantern by Laurie Leahey
Marvel Studios’ Captain America by Laurie Leahey
Blue Planet Software & Tetris Holdings’ Tetris by Paul Narula
A Look at the State of Specialty Toy Retail by Chris Adams
Toy Fair 2011 compiled by Laurie Leahey and Paul Narula
Specialty Emporium: Folkmanis by Paul Narula

It Takes a Village to Raise an Industry

For the past several years I’ve been attending the TAGIE Awards (The Toy & Game Inventor Awards). Held during CHITAG, the Chicago Toy & Game Fair, I’ve watched the event grow tremendously. This year’s event, held at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry, was completely sold out. It was hosted by Tim Walsh (inventor of Tribond and Blurt and now filmmaker for the movie Toyland) who has a great comedic style. Hasbro inventor relations’ main man, Mike Hirtle, gave the keynote address. For me, there were two highlights during the evening. The first was the lifetime achievement award presented to Eddie Goldfarb. He has created more popular toys than can be named here. However, some of his highlights include Yakity Yak Chattering Teeth, Ker Plunk, and Battling Tops. The second highlight was watching Kate Daniels win the Young Inventor Award. It was presented by Seth Calvin, the 2009 winner, and John Ratzenberger (of Cheers and Toy Story fame. He’s the voice of Hamm the piggy bank). I also enjoyed the open bar. . . perhaps a little too much.

Outside, Inside, On The Water: Innovation in Sports Toys

With today’s concerns about childhood obesity and unhealthy lifestyles, parents are eager to get their children outside to play. Few categories help them do that in the way that sports toys can. With the innovative steps manufacturers are taking, parents may not have to push their children too hard to go out and play.