The Power of Scent in Toys The Power of Scent in Toys: Why Scented Natural Polymer Adds Value to Play and Marketing In an ever-evolving toy industry where engaging multiple senses enhances the play experience, the addition of fragrance has emerged as an innovative way to boost appeal. Auracell™, a scented natural polymer, offers a unique solution to this trend, adding scent to toys in a way that amplifies the sensory experience and aligns with marketing goals. With research showing how smell impacts memory, mood, and behavior, integrating fragrance into toys and their branding can create lasting, positive impressions for both children and parents. The Sensory Advantage of Auracell™ Scented Polymer Auracell™ is a natural polymer specifically designed to release fragrance in toys slowly over time. Its composition allows for the safe integration of scents, creating a subtle, long-lasting fragrance experience that can be enjoyed throughout the toy’s lifespan. Here’s why this is a game-changer: Enhanced Play ExperienceBy engaging the sense of smell, toys can offer a richer, more immersive playtime. Scents can evoke powerful emotions and memories, adding depth to imaginative play. For instance, a beach-themed toy that releases a light coconut or sea breeze scent transports children to a tropical getaway, while forest-themed toys could carry hints of pine or fresh grass, amplifying the storyline. Strong Memory AssociationScent is one of the strongest triggers for memory. By incorporating familiar, pleasant fragrances, toys become more memorable, and children may associate them with happy playtimes. The scent becomes a part of the toy’s identity, making it a comforting or exciting feature that kids look forward to each time they play. Mood EnhancementCertain fragrances have been shown to influence mood and behavior. For example, vanilla is known for its calming effects, while citrus scents can be energizing. Including these scents in toys can improve children’s moods, creating a positive, uplifting play experience. For sensory-sensitive children, this can be especially beneficial, as the right scent might help them feel more relaxed or engaged. Eco-Friendly and SafeAs a natural polymer, Auracell™ is made with the utmost care for environmental impact and safety, meeting stringent regulations for toy safety. This means parents and caregivers can trust that the scent-enhanced toys are non-toxic and safe, while the toy industry can feel confident in offering a sustainably-produced, market-competitive product. The Marketing Potential of Fragrance The influence of scent extends beyond playtime and opens up new avenues in toy marketing as well. Here’s how scent can make a difference in branding and marketing strategy: Creating a Signature Brand ScentScent branding is a powerful tool for brand recall and recognition. Adding a signature scent to a product line can create a lasting connection between the fragrance and the brand itself. When kids (and their parents) smell that particular fragrance, it will evoke memories of the toys, increasing brand loyalty. Standing Out in RetailIn retail settings, toys featuring Auracell™-infused scents can stand out from the rest of the shelf. The fragrance can attract children and their parents as they walk by, drawing attention to the product. This sensory feature can be an effective way to drive impulse purchases and differentiate a brand in a crowded toy aisle. Multi-Sensory Marketing CampaignsIncorporating scent into marketing campaigns can create memorable unboxing experiences. Packaging and promotional materials that include scent elements—either through scented inserts, scratch’n sniff stickers, or interactive displays—help create a full sensory experience that lingers in the mind. Customers are more likely to remember and return to a brand that offers an experience beyond just sight and touch. Enhanced Product Perception and ValueToys that provide a multi-sensory experience are often perceived as higher quality. Scent makes the toy more engaging, often justifying a higher price point by delivering an experience that standard toys cannot. The added value of a fragrance that delights and transports children elevates the toy’s appeal and its place in a child’s favorite collection. Looking Forward: Fragrance in the Future of Toy Innovation Auracell™ Scented Natural Polymer isn’t just about making toys smell good; it’s about creating deeper, lasting connections between children and their toys, as well as between brands and their customers. As the toy industry continues to evolve toward more immersive, interactive play experiences, scent stands as a relatively untapped sensory avenue, and one that brings powerful benefits to playtime, brand loyalty, and the retail environment. By investing in fragrance as a tool for engagement and innovation, the toy industry can enhance its products, attract attention, and create unforgettable memories for the children who play with them. As fragrance science progresses, we’re likely to see even more inventive ways to bring scents into toys, adding new dimensions to play and enriching the childhood experience. With Auracell™, toy companies have a partner in this evolution, providing the perfect foundation for toys that delight all the senses.

Hi David! Thank you for taking time to answer a few questions. Let’s start with talking about what you do in our industry. It seems to me you haven’t retired! David: In fairness, I never said I was retiring this time. I just wanted to start a new business. As one of the more seasoned people starting something new, I’m inspired by legends in our business that I have worked with first hand like Bob Moog, Manny Stul, Michael Kohner, Gerry Crown, Adi Golad, and Jim Pressman—people who have proven that experience mixed with passion can be a competitive advantage.     So what’s behind the name Stormin’ Studios? David: The idea started as a nod to my nickname, Stormin’ Norman. The problem is that when you say “Stormin’ Norman,” people often think of General Schwarzkopf or Storming the Normandy beaches—not exactly the vibe I wanted for a toy company. As we worked through the ideation, Stormin’ Studios really clicked. It captured the energy we want in our products, and the word “Studios” signals that these aren’t just games and toys—they’re brands with real marketing and storytelling behind them. It also supports our long-term vision of building multiple studios under one umbrella.   What’s the thinking behind the logo? David: When I think of “stormin’,” I think of a thundercloud. Making it orange with a blue lightning bolt was very intentional—it’s meant to signal that we’re going to do things in unexpected ways. Besides, a black cloud with a yellow lightning bolt just isn’t nearly as fun.   That’s electric—and a great segue into your first acquisition. David: Late last year, Stormin Studios acquired the assets of TCG, and it’s been incredibly exciting. It came with some fantastic products and, more importantly, great people. We have a team of nine, led by Managing Director Jessica Gavin, and a portfolio of hundreds of items, including the well-known Megamats.   What was the most challenging part of acquiring TCG? David: There were a lot of stakeholders—employees, factories, licensors, inventors, warehouses, sales reps, and customers—who all needed to understand the vision and determine if restarting relations with Stormin’ Studios made sense given how things previously ended. I’m proud to say we were able to bring everyone back on board, but it took a lot of conversations and alignment to make sure the reset worked for all parties.   What can we expect on the new-product front? David: We’ve been extremely fortunate to acquire exclusive distribution rights for Orchard Toys in the U.S., and we’ll be unveiling a new Orchard line in April 2026 at our El Segundo showroom. Orchard is incredibly well known in the UK and Australia, and we fully expect it to gain that same recognition in the U.S. very quickly.   In addition, we’ve added the explosive Gassy Gus to the lineup. The inventing community has been amazing to us—we’ve signed six new games and one new toy program since November. We will begin showing them to the market at the Spring show. I’m especially excited that one of the games we signed will be hitting shelves in about two months.   Can we expect to see more than new games from Stormin Studios in the seasons to come or will that be a primary focus?David: There’s no doubt that games is an area that I have great confidence in growing successfully in the short term. It’s a category that I know deeply, and I really enjoy working with the inventor community for awesome new concepts. On the other hand, I think it’s fair to say that with a name like ours, you can expect the unexpected. We have a very on-trend collectible range in the works that is super cool and we are always looking at what’s up & coming, topical, and unique. We will be focused with what we bring to market, but I am pretty sure that what you will see from Stormin Studios in the seasons to come will be surprising and inventive. That’s really why we’re here, to re-imagine not only the product itself but the stories they tell. Stay tuned, we think people are going to be pretty engaged by what we’re doing and we are excited to really get to tell that story in LA this spring.  

  CHICAGO, IL | February 10, 2026 – People of Play™ (POP), a division of The Toy Association™, will host its 26th annual Toy Fair® POP Pub Party on Monday, February 16, at Connolly’s Pub (121 W 45th St.) beginning at 6 p.m., bringing together the toy and game industry for an evening of networking, celebration, and philanthropy.   This year’s POP Pub Party proudly merges with “Inventor Night NY,” a longtime Toy Fair tradition that brings together the industry’s creative community, all in support of POP’s Young Inventor Challenge® (YIC). Every $20 ticket sold directly benefits the YIC, helping nurture the ideas, confidence, and creativity of young inventors around the world. The evening is sponsored by Eastar Game Manufacturing.   “The POP Pub Party has always been where the toy and game community comes together to connect, celebrate, and spark ideas,” said Mary Couzin, senior vice president and founder/leader of People of Play at The Toy Association™. “In 2026, we’re proud to turn that collective energy into meaningful support for young inventors so the next generation of creators has the encouragement and opportunity to bring their ideas to life.”   Tickets are available for $20 each. Those unable to attend POP Pub during Toy Fair can still support the Young Inventor Challenge by making a donation and helping ensure more kids have the opportunity to develop their toy and game projects and gain valuable industry experience.   The Young Inventor Challenge, held annually in November as part of POP Week, provides kids ages 6 to 18 with a platform to help develop and pitch their original toy and game ideas to industry professionals. Through mentorship and feedback, the program nurtures creativity, confidence, and real-world product development skills.   For more than 50 years, Inventor Night NY — founded by Mark Setteducati and co-hosted with Mark Mitton and Robert and Alex Fuhrer — has brought together inventors, puzzlers, artists, and magicians during Toy Fair week. This year, that tradition finds a new home with the POP Pub Party, adding to the creative energy of the evening while maintaining POP Pub as the industry’s central Monday night destination.   All industry professionals are invited to join the POP community for a memorable night of connection and celebration at the POP Pub event. Click here for more information, to secure your ticket, or to donate.     About People of Play™ peopleofplay.com  People of Play (POP), a division of The Toy Association™, leads the global toy and game industry in promoting innovation, creativity, and connectivity. A one-stop source of community for industry professionals, aspiring inventors, and people of all ages who love to play, People of Play hosts a play platform packed with resources and connection points as well as a wide range of events including the Chicago Toy & Game (CHITAG) Fair, the Toy & Game International Excellence (TAGIEs) Awards, the Young Inventor Challenge, the Toy & Game Inventor Pitch and Innovation Conference, Thought Leaders Summit, Toy Takedown and more.   About The Toy Association™ toyassociation.org / toyfoundation.org / peopleofplay.com / thegeniusofplay.org / playsafe.orgFounded in 1916, The Toy Association™, Inc. is the business trade association representing all businesses involved in creating and delivering toys and youth entertainment products for kids of all ages. The Toy Association leads the health and growth of the U.S. toy industry, which has an annual U.S. economic impact of $155.7 billion, and its roughly 800+ members drive the annual $45.6 billion U.S. domestic toy market. The Toy Association serves as the industry's voice on the developmental benefits of play and promotes play's positive impact on childhood development. The organization has a long history of leadership in toy safety, having helped develop the first comprehensive toy safety standard more than 40 years ago, and remains committed to working with medical experts, governments, consumers, and the industry on ongoing programs to ensure safe and fun play.    As a global leader, The Toy Association produces the world-renowned Toy Fair™ in New York City; hosts marketplace activities in Los Angeles; engages in state, federal, and international advocacy on behalf of its members; supports the inventor and design community through People of Play™ and its numerous assets and events, including the consumer-facing Chicago Toy & Game Fair; sustains the Canadian Toy Association; acts as secretariat for the International Council of Toy Industries and International Toy Industry CEO Roundtable; and chairs the committee that reviews and revises America's widely emulated ASTM F963 toy safety standard. The Toy Association's philanthropic arm is The Toy Foundation™, a 501 (c)(3) children's charity that acts as the uniting force for the collective philanthropy of the toy industry. To date, The Toy Foundation has delivered the joy of play to 33 million children in need worldwide.   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Emily AuriemmaPeople of Play PR856-723-3055emilya@carvecomms.com 

MetaShot : Wireless Cricket Bat Gaming Console    Brand was recently featured on the Shark Tank India Season 4   MetaShot, the innovative cricket gaming product that has gained immense popularity in India, today announced its launch in the United States. MetaShot combines a smart, motion-sensing cricket bat with a connected gaming experience on mobile, tablet, laptop, and TV, offering a unique and immersive way for cricket enthusiasts of all ages to engage with the sport. Spak4 has picked up the offline distribution for the brand in North America.   Developed in India, MetaShot has quickly become a viral sensation, praised for its realistic batting experience and ability to bring the excitement of cricket into the living room. The smart bat uses advanced sensors to track the player's movements, replicating their shots within the MetaShot game. This allows for 360-degree shot play and provides haptic feedback, making the gameplay feel incredibly lifelike.   With over 40k bats sold in just over a year, MetaShot is available for purchase starting today in the United States. For enquiries, contact Kinjal Shah at +1 847 338 9449