deadmau5 Drops Toy Line Of Collectable Keychains with TOYMAK3RS to Celebrate 25th Anniversary ‘retro5pective’ Shows

The Horde can delve into the world of deadmau5 like never before with the launch of his toy line with TOYMAK3RS, set to debut at retro5pective—an homage to 25 years of his musical legacy. This ultra-limited, exclusive collectable keychain collection features six unique clip-on plush toys, each granting access to digital VIP experiences using cutting-edge technology that transcends traditional music memorabilia. The toys are available exclusively at deadmau5’ ‘retrospective’ shows in Los Angeles now, May 2 & 3 in New York City, and online while supplies last at www.mau5hop.com.

The Toy Association – How Play Supports Pediatric Patient’s Mental and Behavioral Health

Children and youth are facing mental and behavioral health conditions at staggering rates (1), and play is a powerful tool clinically proven to help manage and improve children’s mental and behavioral health. Studies (2) have shown play therapy in a hospital setting reduces anxiety and negative emotions, as well as well as helps children express and communicate their feelings and emotions through toys. In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month in May, The Toy Foundation (TTF) facilitated an interview between VTech Electronics, a partner of TTF’s Children’s Hospital Play Grants program, and MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach (Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital), a 2024 play grants recipient, to discuss how play is a vital tool for medical teams to provide pediatric patients with developmentally-appropriate mental and behavioral health support while undergoing treatment.

Heathside Signs License Renewal Agreement with SEGA to Produce Sonic the Hedgehog Products

Heathside Ltd has renewed an existing established agreement with SEGA and has added additional products into the foray for Sonic the Hedgehog. The agreement was brokered by Kirsty Guthrie (KJG Ltd) for Heathside Ltd. The additional Sonic licensed lines will launch Q4 2024 through selected retail partners and will include a variety of toys, collectables, and gifts. Darren Epstein from Heathside commented, ’‘We are over the moon to be continuing our relationship and license with SEGA and Sonic. We have long experience working on the brand and we are so happy to continue and expand the categories we have!”

Schleich Expands ‘Share Your Stories’ Initiative While Preparing to Open 100th Flagship Retail Location in NA

Schleich, the world’s leading manufacturer of animal characters and playsets, is amplifying its Share Your Stories initiative. Since 2022, the brand that lets imaginations run wild and shapes storytellers for life has surprised and delighted thousands of kids who have shared story videos inspired by playing with schleich toys. As schleich continues to encourage kids of all ages to capture their creativity, the brand is making it easier than ever to share their stories with the brand community. This year, kids and their parents can easily record and share their #schleichstories videos directly on the schleich website, with additional opportunities to share in-person at participating flagship retail locations across North America.

Steiff Expands Brand Presence with New Visual Language

Margarete Steiff GmbH is launching a new visual language with the aim of further developing the company’s brand presence following the logo update last year. The new visual language includes both an overarching umbrella brand representation and specific campaigns for the individual product lines “Friends,” “Originals,” and “Editions.” The umbrella brand campaign celebrates the 140-year heritage of Steiff’s iconic Teddy bears in a journey through time, while the campaigns for the “Friends,” “Originals,” and “Editions” product lines emphasize their unique features and positioning. The “Friends” campaign humorously presents the plush animals in a monochrome environment, while the “Originals” campaign showcases them in the natural habitat of their real-life counterparts. The “Editions” campaign highlights the high-quality collector’s items as works of art. All campaigns are characterized by a common visual code and unified branding.

Elf Labs Launches with Hundreds of Trademarked Iconic Fairytale Characters to Redefine Modern Storytelling and Entertainment

Elf Labs, a cutting-edge transmedia company, has launched to pioneer immersive storytelling and IP distribution. Combining dynamic storylines featuring iconic characters reimagined, state-of-the-art compression, and AI-powered production and distribution technology, Elf Labs is set to transform the media industry with high-growth franchises targeting all demographics—toddlers to teens and YA to adults. To support these efforts, Elf Labs has secured top-tier talent and strategic partners, including Dreamworks alumnus Mike De Seve, branding industry titan Bernt Ullmann, and leading global technology company Cosmic Wire.

WildBrain CPLG Expands Global Licensing Program for Playmobil

WildBrain CPLG, a trusted licensing partner for leading brands worldwide, is expanding the licensing program for beloved brand Playmobil, with new cross-category partnerships across the globe. As master licensee for Playmobil, WildBrain CPLG handles worldwide rights across the brand’s core and franchise programs for the Horst Brandstätter Group. As Playmobil celebrates its milestone 50th anniversary this year, new global collaborations signed by WildBrain CPLG include apparel and accessories lines from Zara for a new Playmobil collection that features a t-shirt and sweatshirt, while lifestyle retailer Spreadshirt has launched branded items across apparel, accessories, paper products, kitchen accessories and home accessories.

ZURU Unveils Mini Brands KFC!: A Finger-Lickin’ Addition to the Mini Brands Collection

ZURU is thrilled to announce the launch of its latest addition to the Mini Brands collection – Mini Brands KFC! KFC, one of the most recognized and beloved restaurant brands globally, has joined forces with ZURU to bring the finger-lickin’ goodness of their worldfamous menu to the palm of your hand. As the stand-alone brand in its range, it was created with true fans in mind, guaranteeing five KFC miniature limited edition collectables in every capsule. There are 20 perfect replicas of KFC’s secret recipe staples, including fried chicken and irresistible sides. Hidden in the mix are rare gold, scented and frozen moment miniatures for a lucky few to find.