People Of Play

Connecting the Toy & Game Community Worldwide

Happening Now in the POP Community

Can you guess which is the lie?

Jim is a Bell Labs Fellow.

Jim has 2 hole in ones in his golfing career.

Jim has 14 TVs in his basement for watching sports.

Jim's daughter Jordan is named after Michael Jordan.

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MEME OF THE DAY

2027 Toy of the Year® Finalists Unveiled

122 Standout Toys & Games to Inspire Wishlists this Holiday Season Chicago, IL | November 7, 2026 – Buildable solar flowers, a plush tiger cub that grows, and satisfying sensory toys are among the 122 innovative finalists for the prestigious 2027 Toy of the Year® (TOTY®) Awards, announced today by The Toy Foundation™ at the Chicago Toy & Game Fair (CHITAG) in Rosemont, IL. The reveal comes as CHITAG kicks off its annual Wishlist Weekend (Nov. 7-8), giving families plenty of inspiration for their holiday shopping lists. The TOTY Awards celebrate the year’s top toys and games while serving as a fundraiser for The Toy Foundation. All proceeds from the TOTY Awards benefit The Toy Foundation’s Play Fund and Toy Chest programs, which bring the comfort, joy, and healing power of play to children in need around the world. “Behind every great toy is the opportunity to spark joy, inspire imagination, and make a child’s day brighter,” said Pamela Mastrota, executive director of The Toy Foundation. “This year’s TOTY finalists showcase the incredible creativity and innovation of our industry, while reminding us of the powerful impact play can have on a child’s life. Through the TOTY Awards, we celebrate the very best in toys and games while raising critical funds to bring play to children who need it most.” Fans of all ages can visit ToyAwards.org to check out the hottest toys of the holiday season, cast their vote for the People’s Choice Award (now through January 6, 2027), and learn more about The Toy Foundation. The winners in each category, as well as the overall Toy of the Year and People’s Choice Award honorees, will be announced in February 2027. 2027 TOTY FINALISTSDetails on each finalist – including product images and links to shop – are available at ToyAwards.org ACTION FIGURE OF THE YEAR Toys that represent a person or fictional character intended for active, imaginative, and narrative-based play. Disney and Pixar Toy Story 5 Ultimate Action Figures by Mattel, Inc. Dungeons & Dragons Questers by Basic Fun! LEGO Spider-Man Hero Figure by LEGO Systems, Inc. Power-Charge Spider-Man by Hasbro, Inc. Primal Hatch Megalodon Shark by Spin Master Ltd. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x G.I. Joe Action Figures by Playmates Toys, Inc. Super Mario Yum Yum Yoshi! by JAKKS Pacific COLLECTIBLE OF THE YEAR Toys designed for multiple single-item purchases as part of a set or series to collect, such as minis, blind packs, fidget toys, trading cards, impulse/novelty playthings, licensed collectibles, and more. Clickeez Series 3: Bubble Pops by Goliath North America Happy Haul by Just Play LLC LEGO Minifigures Shrek Series by LEGO Systems, Inc. Magic Jellykins by Spin Master Ltd. Mini Brands Fill The Fridge Playset by ZURU, Inc. NeeDoh by Schylling Toys Pokémon Trading Card Game: 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box by The Pokémon Company International, Inc. CONSTRUCTION TOY OF THE YEAR Toys that encourage hands-on building or assembly as the primary play pattern with pieces that interconnect to create models, scenes, or mechanisms that perform an action or tell a story. Air Toobz EVO by Fat Brain Toy Co. Jelly Blox Princess Castle by Goliath North America LEGO One Piece The Going Merry Pirate Ship by LEGO Systems, Inc. LEGO Editions FIFA World Cup Official Trophy by LEGO Systems, Inc. MAGNA-TILES Undersea Adventure 58-Piece Set by MAGNA-TILES MEGA BLOKS Build & Chomp Dinosaur by Mattel, Inc. V8 Race Car by Thames & Kosmos LLC CREATIVE TOY OF THE YEAR Toys that inspire self-expression, storytelling, and imaginative and artistic play, including products that let kids create, decorate, and dress up, such as arts & crafts kits, compounds, role-play/dress-up items, and more. Blooms by Play-Doh Meadow Bouquet Set by Hasbro, Inc. Clixo Mega Pack by Toyish Labs, Inc. Graphic Novel Kit by Educational Insights Gui Gui Mega Slime Haul by Moose Toys LLC Stickerbox by Spin Master Ltd. The Ultimate Maker Box by Makedo VTech Kidi Star DJ Mixer Pro by VTech Electronics North America LLC DOLL OF THE YEAR Toys that include baby, toddler, and fashion dolls. Bizzikins by Aleni Brands LLC Disney Jr. Sofia the First Swirl & Sing Doll by Just Play LLC Disney Princess Magical Light & Style Rapunzel by JAKKS Pacific Groovy Girls Soft Doll Collection by Sassy Baby, Inc. KPop Demon Hunters HUNTR/X Singing Dolls by Mattel, Inc. Mirror Mi by MGA Entertainment My Mini Baby Series 2 by ZURU – Bundles of Joy by ZURU, Inc. EDUCATIONAL TOY OF THE YEAR While all toys have learning benefits, this category recognizes toys and games specifically designed to meet an educational purpose, such as building a specific skill or teaching a particular subject area, including STEM, literacy, or social-emotional learning. CloudiKids by BTL USA CORP CONNETIX 47-Piece Ball Run Launcher by CONNETIX LEGO Technic NASA Artemis Space Launch System Rocket by LEGO Systems, Inc. National Geographic Virtual Reality Extinction by Abacus Brands, Inc Slam Dunk Sums by Learning Resources, Inc. Smartivity Solar System by Smartivity Labs SolarFlowers by Thames & Kosmos LLC GAME OF THE YEAR Family and children’s games made for players ages 0-14, including board, card, electronic, and other physical game formats, exclusive of games specifically for players ages 14 to adult (strategy, party, or mature-themed as examples), video games, and app games. CATAN - On the Road by Asmodee North America, Inc. Foosbots Rivals Cup by Fat Brain Toy Co. Kanoodle Party by Educational Insights Rubik's Rush by Spin Master Ltd. Rump Race by PlayMonster Group LLC Sanibel by Hasbro, Inc. Tonieplay Monopoly Real Estate Rush Game by tonies USA INFANT/TODDLER TOY OF THE YEAR Toys specifically developed for babies and toddlers up to age 3. (0-18 months (infant) and 18 months-3 years (toddler), does not include ages 3+.) Fisher-Price Moves with You Turtle Walker by Mattel, Inc. LEGO DUPLO 3 in 1 Construction Vehicles by LEGO Systems, Inc. Lil’ Jellies Jelly Stacker by Goliath North America Little People My Mario Mario's Adventure Playset by Mattel, Inc. On the Airplane Mini Kit by Lovevery, Inc. SortAgain by Fat Brain Toy Co. Sesame Street Tickle Me Elmo Giggle Max by Just Play LLC Toniebox Lite by tonies USA KIDULT TOY OF THE YEAR Toys and games developed primarily for consumers ages 14 to adults, including party, strategy, and board games; collector items; craft & model kits; construction sets; and more. These toys are sometimes based on and/or fueled by fandoms, social media, and mature humor. Disney Princess Mahjong Collector's Set by The Noble Collection Dungeons & Dragons Stranger Things: Welcome to the Hellfire Club by Hasbro, Inc. LEGO Super Mario Donkey Kong Arcade by LEGO Systems, Inc. Mattel Brick Shop Hot Wheels Lamborghini Miura by Mattel, Inc. MGA's Miniverse Real Music Record Player by MGA Entertainment SmartGames IQ Puzzler Deluxe by Smart Toys and Games, Inc. Star Wars: Ultimate Grogu by Hasbro, Inc. LICENSE OF THE YEAR An entertainment, celebrity, lifestyle, or social media-driven brand that has achieved notable success through licensed toy lines and brand extensions; or a toy-based IP that has successfully expanded beyond the toy aisle through strategic licensing. Bluey by BBC Studios Americas KPop Demon Hunters by Netflix Pokémon by The Pokémon Company International, Inc. Spider-Man by The Walt Disney Company The Super Mario Galaxy Movie by NBCUniversal Toy Story by The Walt Disney Company Transformers by Hasbro, Inc. OUTDOOR TOY OF THE YEAR Toys specifically designed for outdoor play, including outdoor-only ride-ons, such as motorized vehicles, bicycles, scooters, wagons; bubble toys; and sports toys. Tractor Supply Bubble Backpack Leaf Blower by Flybar, Inc. Disney Mickey Mouse x F1 Battery Ride-On Car by HUFFY EzyRoller Spinner Pro X by EzyRoller LLC Fast & Furious Dodge Charger 12V Kids Ride-On Car by Hyper Toy Company, Inc. Giant KerPlunk Game by EastPoint Sports Hyper Drive Sky Twister Rocket by Thin Air Brands LLC Micro Balance Bike Ultra LED Neochrome by Micro Kickboard SwimWays Monster Jam Wild Whippin’ Sprinkler by Spin Master Ltd. PLAYSET OF THE YEAR A themed play environment with characters, accessories, and/or interactive features that support storytelling, role play, or action-based play, such as dollhouses, battle arenas, racetracks, settings for action figures, and more. Exclusive of construction-based playsets covered by their own category. Barbie DreamHouse by Mattel, Inc. Bluey’s Light & Surprise Heeler House by Moose Toys LLC Crayola Goo Deluxe Dissection Playset by Crayola LLC Hot Wheels City Ultimate T-Rex Garage by Mattel, Inc. Little Tikes Sweet Spaces Modular Kitchen Oven by MGA Entertainment Melissa & Doug Cheery Lane House Play Set by Spin Master Ltd. Multi-Level Railway City Set by Hape PLUSH TOY OF THE YEAR Toys that are made of fabric and stuffed with soft filling, including plush playthings with interactive or electronic features. Disney Lilo & Stitch Cuddle Tonie by tonies USA Disney and Pixar Toy Story 5 Bullseye Weighted Plush by Mattel, Inc. furReal Gabby the Glow & Roar Tiger by Just Play LLC GUND Forever Friends Promise by Spin Master Ltd. LeapFrog My Best Pal Scout by VTech Electronics North America LLC Pikachu 30th Celebration Plush by The Pokémon Company International, Inc. ScruffaLuvs Mom & Baby by Moose Toys LLC PRESCHOOL TOY OF THE YEAR Toys specifically developed for kids ages 3-5. Disney Darlings Magical Birthday Surprises Winnie the Pooh Doll by JAKKS Pacific Imaginext Toy Story Transforming Buzz Lightyear Ship by Mattel, Inc. LeapFrog Scoop & Learn Ice Cream Parlor by VTech Electronics North America LLC MAGNA-TILES microMAGS Spring Garden 24-Piece Travel Set by MAGNA-TILES Melissa & Doug Swirl & Serve Ice Cream Play Set by Spin Master Ltd. Scoot 2 Scooter by The Radio Flyer Company Thomas & Friends Exploring Tidmouth Sheds Train Set by Mattel, Inc. SPECIALTY TOY OF THE YEAR Toys promoted and sold almost exclusively through independent retailers (neighborhood toy stores, museum shops, vacation destinations, and similar venues) or in limited quantities online. Voted on exclusively by specialty retailers through Astra. American Girl 40th Anniversary Historical Character Bundles by Mattel, Inc. Light-Up Library — Sammy's Search & Rescue with Tilly The Tugboat by Glo Pals Neo City Knockdown by Mag Rush Orbital Maze by Thames & Kosmos LLC Scooops by Plus-Plus USA SpinAnimator Studio by Tree Town Toys Wigglitz Build Your Bundle by ZB Designs TECH TOY OF THE YEAR Toys that integrate technology - such as interactive electronics, app connectivity, augmented or virtual reality, or programmable elements - to create immersive, dynamic, and meaningful play experiences. Bitzee Aquarium by Spin Master Ltd. Boppo Tablet by Boppo LeapFrog LeapMove by VTech Electronics North America LLC LEGO Pokémon SMART Play: Training House with Pikachu by LEGO Systems, Inc. Loops Lab by Loops Pop, Inc. Pokémon Pikachu Puppetronic by RealFX by Jazwares Qubitunes by QUBS Thames & Kosmos Digital Microscope by Thames & Kosmos LLC VEHICLE OF THE YEAR Toy cars, trucks, trains, and other vehicles in all scales, including R/C vehicles and ride-ons made exclusively for indoor use. BRIO World Space Deluxe Set by Ravensburger North America, Inc. Disney and Pixar Toy Story 5 Flying RC Hi-Tech Edition Buzz Lightyear Action Figure by Mattel, Inc. Flat 2 Fast Supercar by Luki Lab Monster Jam Chomping Megalodon by Spin Master Ltd. PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie Megasaurus Dino Vehicle by Spin Master Ltd. Remote-Control Robotics by Thames & Kosmos LLC Slime Riders by ArtSkills, Inc. Click here for more information about the TOTY Awards voting and selection process. The TOTY Awards gala, taking place Friday, February 19, 2027 in New York City, is open exclusively to toy industry professionals. All TOTY proceeds are donated to The Toy Foundation, which partners with generous toy companies throughout the year to bring brand-new toys to children who are sick, at-risk, in foster care, impoverished, or otherwise in need. The TOTY celebration will kick off Toy Fair® 2027 (February 20 to 23) and include the induction of industry trailblazers into the esteemed Toy Industry Hall of Fame. About The Toy Foundation™ toyfoundation.orgThe Toy Foundation™ is a 501(c)(3) children’s charity and philanthropic arm of The Toy Association™. The uniting force for the collective philanthropy of the toy industry, The Toy Foundation is dedicated to creating a world where every child experiences the comfort, joy, and extraordinary benefits of play. The Toy Foundation works toward this vision through two program areas, Toy Chest, a toy distribution initiative, and Play Fund, a grant distribution initiative. By working together with the toy community, The Toy Foundation has delivered the power of play to 38 million children in need worldwide. To learn more about The Toy Foundation, visit toyfoundation.org. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Erin WrightThe Toy Foundation646.520.4851ewright@toyfoundation.org

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The Toy Association

Anthony Elder PRODUCT

Stimeez Emotion Explorers

Meet the Stimeez™ Emotion Explorers! A colorful collection of six expressive, tactile characters designed to help kids recognize, regulate, and talk about big feelings through play. Developed in collaboration with a pediatric occupational therapist and an autistic researcher, Emotion Explorers combines thoughtful sensory features with imaginative, open-ended play. Designed with neurodivergent kids in mind and made for everyone! Key Features: • Six unique characters: Each with its own expressive personality, tactile surface, and colorful design. • Emotional exploration: Encourages kids to recognize, express, and discuss feelings through play, without right or wrong answers. • Durable and kid-friendly: Made from solid, dishwasher-safe vinyl that's BPA- and phthalate-free. • Digital Play Guide included: Developed to help caregivers, educators, and clinicians discover different ways to play, connect, and explore emotions together.

Anthony Elder

Stimeez Emotion Explorers

The Bloom Report CLASSIFIED

Disney Parks - Merchandising Manager

Job Requirements The Manager, Merchandising will independently set and execute the merchandise strategy and vision for key Hardlines categories end-to-end. This role delivers consumer-centric, trend-right, high-quality product assortments across all owned and operated channels — translating franchise priorities and guest insights into category-defining product lines that balance play pattern innovation, collectability, core offerings, and gifting. Distinct from the Senior Manager, who translates category-level execution across a broader scope, the Manager independently sets category strategy and owns execution end-to-end. This position will report to the Senior Manager, Merchandising and is based in Kissimmee, FL. You Will / Responsibilities: Execute the daily implementation of the product strategy for key Hardlines categories, with full decision authority within the category Develop targeted strategies for various consumer segments. Monitor the global competitive landscape and consumer zeitgeist to capture opportunity. Champion products developed in collaboration with the design teams to capitalize on trends, anticipate consumer demand, and drive product innovation in category. Develop product strategies that define play pattern intent — articulating how the consumer will interact with and derive ongoing value from the product — and establishes deliberate packaging intent across formats. Consolidate product needs from all regions and channels into one product brief, ensuring the needs of all businesses are met. Partner with Product Design and Sourcing to deliver seasonal product lines for vertical and wholesale business models that meet KPI business objectives, including sustainability goals. Lead merchant-initiated product development independent of the formal Product Design structure — authoring product briefs, identifying category gaps, and driving concept through commercialization in direct partnership with sourcing and manufacturing vendors. Execute open-market and licensed line buying to supplement the vertical product development pipeline within the category, evaluating vendor terms, exclusivity, and brand fit. Lead the ideation, negotiation, and delivery of brand collaborations and co-branded product programs within the category, with final approval authority. Lead product-focused events and activations that amplify the category offering, partnering with marketing, operations, and creative teams. Lead self-sourcing initiatives by identifying, evaluating, and onboarding new supplier partners for the category. Own the end-to-end product lifecycle for the category, from concept through commercialization, ensuring product development and sampling deliver against financial targets, innovation, sustainability, and regulatory requirements. Serve as the category ambassador across cross-functional teams. Manage direct report(s), if applicable, with immediate feedback on performance, weekly touch bases, and regular development and coaching. Actively participate in conversations with sourcing to cost the line and run financial scenarios. Actively participate in conversations with design across all product-line activities and key milestone meetings. You Will Have / Required Qualifications: 5–7 years of progressive experience in Hardlines Merchandising. Demonstrated hands-on Hardlines merchandising and product development experience across 3D categories, including familiarity with distinct manufacturing, regulatory, and quality-control requirements. Experience independently building an omni-channel product line for a category or categories of business. Experience developing play pattern briefs and packaging intent strategies across Hardlines categories, with fluency in how packaging format decisions directly impact consumer perception, purchase behavior, and collecting engagement. Ability to independently drive execution against a financial plan. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to influence a diverse audience, including experience working with external partners and business owners. Ability to build and foster collaborative partnerships across functions and departments. Required Education: Bachelor's Degree, or equivalent combination of education. Benefits Additional Information: Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits

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Sculpting a Galaxy: Bringing Ralph McQuarrie’s Star Wars Vision to Life | People of Play

Inside the creative process of transforming Star Wars concept art into action figures (By Brian Parrish, Design Manager (Action Brands), Hasbro) One of the most memorable experiences of my career began with a trip to Berkeley, California, to mee...

The Bloom Report

https://peopleofplay.com/blog/sculpting-a-galaxy-bringing-ralph-mcquarries-star-wars-vision-to-life

The Bloom Report CLASSIFIED

Hasbro - VP, Global Brands- Board Games

Boston, Massachusetts, United States We take play seriously. We’re looking for curious adventurers ready to find their party, fueled by imagination and drive to build what’s never been built before. At Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast, you’ll collaborate with passionate teams to reimagine our iconic brands and create experiences that spark joy, connection, and community through the magic of play. This is your chance to shape legendary play that lasts a lifetime. The Global Brand Team: We run Hasbro's brands as six distinct businesses, each with a leader, an objective and the authority to pursue it. We decide what gets made, how it's promoted, where it gets sold and what gets dropped, and we answer for the result. We are builders and operators in equal measure. The work spans the consumer insight that inspires the product line, the cost and price decisions that shape its margin, and the commercial execution that puts it in the hands of a fan. The job is to make the brands grow. About the role: We are seeking a Vice President, Board Games to own the global P&L, a portfolio that includes Monopoly, Jenga, Connect 4, The Game of Life, Operation, Clue and Twister. You will lead a team of twelve and report to the SVP, Global Brands. This role owns Hasbro's physical board game portfolio, working with the teams who apply those brands in digital and other formats. It is based in Boston, Massachusetts, and onsite three days a week, Tuesday through Thursday. Expect to travel approximately 25% of the time. This is a general management role. You own the revenue, the margin and the operating profit, and you hold the authority to allocate the investment behind them. The brand team reports to you directly, while other functions partner with you. In your first year we expect you to land a credible multi-year plan for the portfolio, make explicit calls on which brands to grow and which to run for profit, and show measurable progress on both the top line and the margin. A day in the life: Turn what you learn about players and shoppers into specific product, pricing, channel and new business opportunities. Build the innovation pipeline. Define the handful of big bets that set the tone for the line, and the smaller, faster tests that de-risk them. Set the consumer price point each item is designed for, and the cost structure that supports it. Allocate the investment across A&P, tooling and retail activation. Partner with Commercial on demand planning and forecast accuracy, and with Supply Chain on the productivity and inventory discipline that protects margin after the product is made. Read the global landscape and adjust the plan for it, including macroeconomic conditions, trade and tariff policy, input costs, retail consolidation and shifts in consumer spending across regions. Build and lead the team. Set direction people can act on, give candid feedback close to the moment, develop talent at every level, and create the conditions for people to do their best work. Represent the business to senior leadership and, when called on, to the Hasbro Board of Directors, with an honest read on performance and the plan. What you'll bring: Direct ownership of a P&L at scale, including accountability for operating profit. 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in consumer products, toys and games, or a comparably branded and retail-driven business. A track record of setting multi-year portfolio strategy and choosing where not to invest. A history of reinventing established brands and building new ones, with innovation that moved a number. Demonstrated success turning consumer insight into products that reached market. Strong commercial judgment with major retailers, paired with enough command of product development, cost structure, supply chain and forecasting to challenge a plan. Substantial people leadership experience: building, developing and retaining teams at multiple levels. Preferred Experience: Experience in board games, tabletop or hobby, or in brands that live at the intersection of retail, fandom and culture. Experience communicating a plan at the most senior levels, including to a board. The pay transparency range for this role is listed below. The hiring range will vary based on factors such as experience, skills, location and market conditions. Additionally, employees may be eligible for annual and long-term incentives as part of their overall compensation package. Pay Range $282,200 - $451,400 USD Employees may be eligible for annual and long-term incentives as part of their overall compensation package, depending on role, location, and eligibility. Benefits and programs may include: Health & Wellness Time Off to Recharge Financial Well-being Life & Family Support Volunteer and Community Initiatives Learning & Development Exclusive Perks Please review our Applicant Privacy Notice to learn how we collect, use, and protect your personal information in connection with the application process.

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