Welcome to Your Weekly News Brief!

Happy Bloomin' Friday!

It is Labor Day weekend and while most of us think of it as the unofficial end of summer, at its heart it's a celebration of the people behind the work. That seems especially fitting for this week's Bloom Report.

Our two feature interviews introduce you to people at different points in their toy industry journeys. Anthony Elder, founder of Stimeez, entered our industry after his nephews' autism diagnoses opened his eyes to the world of sensory play. He said he didn't have all the answers, so he found people who did—and built something better because of them. Anthony begins his interview wondering when he officially gets to say he's “in” the toy industry. Well, Anthony registered today to exhibit at our Chicago Toy & Game Fair, so we'd say it's official. Welcome to the toy industry!

And then there's Liam O'Malley, one of the people behind the Bloom Report you are reading right now. This week marks one year since Liam took over its weekly production—taking the many links and stories we collect and turning them into the Bloom Report that lands in your inbox. His favorite project? The Bloom Report, which he calls “this massive pillar of history for the industry.” His mantra is “If you stop learning, you stop living,” which feels right at home in an industry built on curiosity, creativity and new ideas.

Two different stories, but the same reminder: nothing worthwhile gets built alone. Behind every toy, every event—and yes, every Bloom Report—are people bringing their talents, curiosity and hard work to make it happen.

Thank you to all the people behind the play!

Mary

Bloom Report Subscribers Say...

  • "I’ve been reading the Bloom Report faithfully since the Phillip days and can’t be more impressed that Mary has carried on the tradition. It is the highlight of my Fridays. Not just for the comprehensive recap of all things in the industry, but for the little personal touches – the quotes, the cartoon, the birthdays and obituaries, the Person of the Week interview – these bring the out the heart and soul of our industry every week." -Alan Dorfman, Super Impulse
  • "Love your report - keep up the great work!" -Rick Stringer, SVP, Crayola
  • "The Bloom Report is always a Friday treat!" - Dana Cohler Moncrief, Moose Toy
  • "Thank you Mary!  My workday can now begin. Fridays always start out, at my desk, with a large iced coffee, SportsCenter in the background and The Bloom Report."  -Tom Rushton, Revenew Sales
  • "If you know, you know: the Bloom Report is the New York Times of the toy business." - Lev Nelson, Sky Castle Toys
  • "I read the Bloom Report religiously." - Josh Staph, Duncan Toys Company
  • "Mary, I'm building a wholesale distribution business in Australia. Another wholesaler told me about you and said it would be invaluable to get the Bloom Report."- Scott McCall, mishmashed
  • "I go to work 6 days a week and magic happens! On day 7 I read the Bloom Report." 😁 - Rick Derr, Learning Express
  • "Tell me you're in the toy industry w/o telling me you're in the toy industry: Friday Morning = a cup-a-Joe & Bloom Report!" -Tim Walsh, The Playmakers
  • "I don't know anyone in the industry that doesn't read the Bloom Report." -Ken Lewis, 4Kidz, Inc.
  • "I am a long-time reader and champion of the Bloom Report. The quantity of quality articles on so many different aspects of our industry  is unmatched and  I regularly share and discuss them with my management team as an important business tool."  - Jim Engle, Little Kids Inc.

The Bloom Report has over 26,000 subscribers with a 50%+ open rate.
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Anthony Elder Talks Building Stimeez, The Design Process, and Making Toys That Address Kids' Needs

Hi Anthony, thank you for exhibiting at the Chicago Toy & Game Fair this year and taking time to share your story with us. What do you do in our industry?
I’m still wondering at what point I officially get to say I’m “in” the toy industry. Does somebody send me a badge?

Until then, I’m the founder and creative director of Stimeez, a character-driven inclusive play universe shaped by neurodivergent needs. I spend my days somewhere between character design, product development, packaging, manufacturing, marketing, fundraising, sales, and asking people with much more toy experience than me an exhausting number of questions.

Why and how did you get into the toy and game industry?
I’m a designer and creative director by trade. I’ve spent my career building brand worlds for others across agency settings, in-house, and with my own independent practice.
 READ MORE

Liam O'Malley Talks Working on the Bloom Report, Collecting Toys, and Innovation in the Toy Industry

Hey Liam, hard to believe it’s been a year you became part of the Bloom Report team!  For starters, why don’t you share what you do in our industry?
I currently work as the Content & Digital Communications Specialist at the Toy Association. That means I handle setting up emails, web designs/updates and a variety of other tasks on the backend that help move things along. The work many of our readers will know me from is handling production on the Bloom Report, which I have been honored to work on for over a year now. 

Why and how did you get into the toy and game industry?
I believe the best way to describe it is a hobby turned passion, and a stroke of luck. 

When I was in my late 20s I was helping care for my grandma and so I stayed close to home and watched a lot of comics, manga, anime, video games. I got interested in trying to get some figures from those series and was blown away by how far the industry had come. READ MORE

Cartoon Lovers, Lexophiles & People in Need of a Smile!

Cartoon of the Week: Another wonderful cartoon submitted this week!

Do you have a cartoon, quote or a joke to share? Send it to Mary.

Memorable Quotes: “Empathy is the most radical of human emotions.” — GLORIA STEINEM

Toy Industry Word of Day:  If you can think of a toy/game industry word not in our POPDictionary, add it and we will connect it to you POP profile, feature it here in an upcoming week and on POP's homepage!

Happiest of Birthdays to our colleagues celebrating birthdays the past week

Michael Kristula
Dougal Grimes
Azhelle Wade
Race Paul
Caroline Hartley
Bill Celeste
Rick Goren
Steve Rad
Reyn Guyer
Barbara Jane Frenger
Mike Wood
Gwen Austin
Ron Stuart

 

Financial, Legal and Tariffs

Asmodee buys flip and write pioneer Welcome To… from Blue Cocker to continue acquisition spree -

The deal hands the board game publishing and distribution giant control of a flip-and-write series which has sold hundreds of thousands of copies since Benoit Turpin's breakout design Welcome To Your Perfect Home was released in 2018.

PlayStation Faces $7.85 Million Lawsuit for Allegedly Establishing Digital Game Monopoly on PlayStation

Sony could be eligible to pay settlement money to PlayStation users due to anti-competitive conduct, as the company has allegedly attempted to create a monopoly on digital PlayStation games.

Build-A-Bear Cuts Revenue View, Fires Exec After Summer Line Flop

The company said it now expects $500 million to $525 million in annual sales, down from its previous guidance of $530 million to $550 million.

India eyes a global play after changing China's toy story at home

Higher import duties, tougher safety standards and government support have helped Indian manufacturers claw back a share of India’s toy market, where cheap imports, particularly from China, once held a dominant position.

Hasbro breach exposes employees’ addresses, IDs, and financial information

The financial impact from the incident is estimated at $25 million.

FTC and 22 States Sue Amazon Over Advertising Practices

Regulators say the e-commerce giant forced more than a million advertisers to pay more than they should have. The company denies the claims.

Five Below Raises Outlook as Sales Gain on Trendy Products

The discount retailer says it now expects sales of $5.63 billion to $5.71 billion for the year, up from its forecast from June for $5.4 billion to $5.48 billion.

Stories, Comments, and Advice

For the love of toys … it’s the Friday Blog!

The September issue of Toy World landed on desks over last weekend and the early part of this week (unlike some other titles, we prefer not to put the issue online a week or two before anyone will see the print edition, because that would be cheating...).

From the Editor: Flying High Again

From LA to London, the industry packs its bags for a fall season loaded with previews, partnerships, and plenty of face time.

Most Fun States in America (2026)

Everyone defines “fun” a little differently, and ideally the place we live should match our personal interests and favorite ways to spend free time.

The Policy of Play

Inside The Toy Association's work in Washington, where advocacy, education, and industry engagement are helping shape what comes next for toys.

The Disruption Report: AI in Customer Service

"I’ve been intrigued lately with conversations I’ve been having with people dealing with AI in customer service. It’s a challenge. My virtual ears perked up particularly when I read that New Orleans, Seattle, and Atlanta, to name three, are using AI to answer 911 calls."

‘It’s therapy by stealth’: the adult fans helping Lego build its billions in sales

A growing number of people are rediscovering their love of plastic bricks in later life and boosting the Danish company’s bottom line.

The PR Questions Every Founder Is Asking, Answered by a VC

A Q&A with First Round Capital's Arielle Jackson on the "founders-as-content-creators" trend, if press attracts investors, and why "AI-powered" isn't a brand position.

The leaders who are shaping early childhood education need more professional preparation

Something essential has been missing from the national conversation about what it will take to improve and sustain early childhood education.

The Case for Prioritizing Play in Kindergarten

Laura Bornfreund on how schools, families and policymakers can transform kindergarten to better support young children.

Game Review: Peekimo

Calling all Tamagotchi parents! The days of small, wearable, digital pets are back. Meet Peekimo, an adorable interactive, digital pet that responds to both voice and touch with more than 100 different reactions.

Game Review: Yahtzee

While the origins of Yahtzee and its inspirations date back to at least 1938 with the dice game Yacht, the present-day and commercial version of Yahtzee was patented by Edwin Lowe in 1956.

Geppetto’s toy store turns 50: How its San Diego owner picks bestsellers and why he said no to 90210

The San Diego toy store chain supplies San Diego’s children — and schools and charities — with trending and classic toys and games.

New York Times Games Introduces Bonus Puzzles

New York Times Games is excited to introduce bonus puzzles, an exciting new offering available to Games and All Access subscribers.

History and Nostalgia

51 Years Later, A Treasure Trove of Sci-Fi History is Going Up for Sale

Clarity Estate Liquidation recently listed a massive fire sale as Phil Tippett was closing his animation studio in Berkeley.

Relive Nintendo's wild Donkey Kong court case from 1983

If you're a gaming history buff, then you likely know all about the landmark 1983 Universal case in which Nintendo had to defend the right to keep using Donkey Kong.

You’ve Got the Touch: ‘The Transformers: The Movie’ at 40

"The Transformers: The Movie" shocked kids in 1986. Forty years later, its characters, soundtrack, and emotional legacy power a broad new anniversary push.

Headache from Kohner

Released by Kohner in 1968, Headache featured the company’s signature Pop-O-Matic bubble in a game that emphasized direct pursuit rather than a traditional race to the finish.

Batmobile Red Wheels 60th Anniversary Edition from Corgi

Corgi celebrates 60 years of Batman with a 1:50-scale Red Wheels Batmobile, recreating one of the company’s rarest die-cast releases.

Licensing and Entertainment

Mattel Expands ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Toy Line This Week With New Figures Mattel is launching its KPop Demon Hunters action figure line this week as the film maintains big streaming numbers on Netflix worldwide.
Funko Expands Its ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Line With Bitty Pops! Stages

Funko is launching new Bitty Pop! Stages for the hit Netflix animated movie musical, *KPop Demon Hunters*, featuring HUNTR/X singers Rumi, Mira and Zoey.

Pokemon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d & Pichu teaser trailer

The official Pokemon channel has released the first teaser trailer for the intriguing new series, which is a collaboration between The Pokemon Company and Aardman

Pokemon Trading Card Game gets its own movie Pokemon: Wild Card

The Pokemon Company has unveiled a new movie which is based on the popular Pokemon Trading Card Game which is titled, Pokemon: Wild Card.

Burger King Is Getting A 'Dragon Ball' Crossover

In celebration of one of the most beloved anime franchises, Burger King is launching a limited-time Dragon Ball Super menu packed with bold flavors and immersive packaging designed to delight guests of all ages.

New Transformers Film with Peter Cullen's Final Performance Announced

Hasbro and Fathom Entertainment are bringing back The Transformers: The Movie for the animated film's 40th anniversary this month, which arrives at a bittersweet time for Transformers fans.

Gotta Collect Fast: Panini Reveals ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ Trading Cards

Panini brings speed and nostalgia through a collection of trading cards inspired by SEGA’s Sonic the Hedgehog.

BOTI Brings Minto’s Viral Character Crew to the Toy Aisle

Usagyuuun!, Piyomaru, SugarCubs, and Betakkuma will anchor a new toy and consumer products program across North America and EMEA beginning in 2027.

McDonald’s Makes Waves with SpongeBob X One Piece Happy Meal Toys

Bikini Bottom and the Grand Line are officially on a collision course at McDonald’s with a mash-up series of Happy Meal toys.

The Toy Book’s Fall Toy & Licensing Preview Issue is Here!

The toy industry’s fall travel season is about to kick into high gear, and The Toy Book’s latest issue is packed for the trip.

Harry Potter and the Magical Milestone

25 years of magic brings spellbinding partnerships and licensed merchandise.

Hank Green, Leslie Morgan Launch STEAM Content Platform ClockwiseTV

YouTuber Hank Green is launching a new content platform, ClockwiseTV. The platform features ad-free, curated videos from STEAM creators.

‘Gargoyles’ Live-Action Series Not Moving Forward at Disney+

It was announced in 2023 that the streamer was working with writer Gary Dauberman and James Wan’s Atomic Monster to develop a live-action version of the beloved Disney animated series, which aired from 1994 to 1997.

‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ Adds Noah Jupe to Cast

Noah Jupe will be the latest actor to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with the “Hamnet” and “A Quiet Place” star tapped to play a top-secret role in “Avengers: Secret Wars.”

He Was a Washed-Up Pop Star. Now He’s Selling Out Stadiums Hosting Baby Raves.

A former boy-band member has turned his remixes of classic nursery rhymes into a global touring sensation.

Peppa Pig and Sesame Street Team Up for the First Time for an Epic Puddle-Jumping Dance Remix and Music Video

The high-energy tune and video remixes Elmo’s ‘Jumping in Puddles’ and Peppa Pig’s ‘Jumping in Muddy Puddles’.

Fender’s Godzilla guitars celebrate 70 years of Japan’s atomic icon

Central to this celebration of Godzilla's unparalleled seven-decade legacy is a trio of remarkable instruments that capture the ferocity, power, and undeniable cool factor of Japan's most famous cinematic symbol.

Heritage on Display: Why Museum Licensing Has Never Mattered More

Something has shifted in the licensing industry. What was once a decorative, niche category is now one of the sector's most closely watched growth stories, expanding steadily in size, reputation and importance.

Boti Global announces master toy deal with Minto Co.

Boti Global and Minto's master toy deal encompasses digital character brands Usagyuuun!, Piyomaru, SugarCubs and Betakkuma.

Outfit7 and Amazon Kids+ expand Talking Tom Heroes: Suddenly Super

Launched on 1st September, Talking Tom Heroes: Suddenly Super has made its US debut across streaming, toys and gaming.

Wow! Stuff unveils new Kotomi collectibles range

The Kotomi collectibles range launches with popular properties, with each bear featuring an authentic cosplay design and premium glass eyes.

Zatu Distribution signs Final Titan in exclusive UK partnership

Final Titan hits UK tabletops this Q4, featuring characters inspired by movies, video games and comic book franchises.

Disney Darlings arrive in the UK

From Jakks Pacific, Disney Darlings encourage nurturing play whilst bringing fan-favourite Disney characters to life.

WildBrain Serves Up a New Strawberry Shortcake Series

'Strawberry Shortcake's Bake Shop’ premieres Oct. 16 on YouTube.

FunMax x Disney: The Mouse As a Masterpiece

A lifetime in the making, Mickey's silhouette serves as the foundation for a new line of premium vinyl collectibles.

Sonic the Hedgehog Speeds into Disguise’s 2026 Halloween Costume Lineup

Disguise is racing full speed ahead into Halloween with a new lineup of licensed costumes, led Sonic the Hedgehog.

A Quarter-Century At a Time: Fast & Furious at 25

Fast & Furious is turning 25, and Universal Products & Experiences is celebrating like a true Toretto: by going the extra mile.

Lego Just Created Its First-Ever 'Batman Returns' Batmobile

The new set is part of a series of Batman releases celebrating the 20th anniversary of Lego Batman sets.

People of Play

Mattel Adds Three Executives to Push Brands Beyond the Toy Aisle

Samantha Juneman, Gerardo Leon, and Rahul Lakhwani join the company as Mattel builds out the team supporting its brand-driven growth strategy.

Hot Wheels Taps Maluma, Supercar Blondie, Lewandowski for First ‘Class of Legends’

The new Challenge Accepted campaign pairs three global personalities with co-designed 1:64-scale vehicles and a monthlong slate of fan programming.

Mattel’s Ynon Kreiz Joins Paley Summit to Discuss Global Franchises

The Mattel Chairman and CEO will take the stage with Kevin Mayer for a conversation about Hollywood’s evolving franchise business.

Hans Osinga Reflects on The Impact of Counterfeiting

The reality is that once a brand becomes successful, people try to knock it off. Counterfeiters steal our products and brands, often using unsafe, untested materials.

Burger King's President Took 86,000 Phone Calls.

The Companies That Win in a Crisis Are the Ones That Were Already Focused on CX

Steve Rehkemper Reflects on Patents and Inventors

While great toys can be sold forever, providing revenue for those that make and sell it, the patent expires, so the originator of the revenue stream, the inventor, does not get paid.

Craig Inglis to join Teal Group executive leadership team

Craig will join as Group Chief Customer Officer from 7th September, bringing extensive experience of leading customer, marketing and brand transformation.

Companies and Brands

Hasbro’s CEO Just Took Direct Control of Magic and D&D

Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks has taken direct oversight of Wizards of the Coast, the company behind Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons, following the departure of Wizards president John Hight.

Yoon Ahn Reimagines #Barbie for the Future – Available September 4 on @MattelCreations

Mattel Creations has partnered with creative visionary and fashion force, Yoon Ahn, to debut a bespoke Barbie X Yoon Ambush Doll, available exclusively at MattelCreations.com beginning September 4.

Toys”R”Us Asia Leads the Return to Play Amid Worldwide Social Media Restrictions for Teens

From next year, children should spend more time living their lives, not scrolling through other people’s.

Baby born celebrates 35 years with UK campaign

Baby born is celebrating more than three decades with a TotFest partnership and the first-ever Baby born Join-In Cinema experience.

Build-A-Bear Gives Lloromannic a Full-Size Plush Debut for Halloween

Berry and Cherry headline a new Sanrio collection as Build-A-Bear digs deeper into characters with collector appeal.

Stack Deals Storytelling into Trading Cards with Untamed

The October launch blends wildlife photography, fantasy fiction, chase cards, and binder-based collecting into a graphic novel-style TCG format.

Hamleys Dresses Teddy Bears in Savile Row Style for 266th Birthday

The London toy retailer teamed with Cad & The Dandy to create 10 hand-tailored bears, as new shopper research points to the lasting pull of plush.

Michaels Gets Crafty with ‘Hobbyween’ for Halloween

The retailer is leaning into analog hobbies, spooky stitching, mystery crafts, and group projects as consumers stretch Halloween well beyond October.

Mattel Debuts First-Ever Monster High X American Girl Doll

Shocking news from Mattel — for the first time ever, Monster High and American Girl are teaming up for a creepy-cute crossover doll.

25 Years of Brattitude: Bratz Celebrates a Major Milestone

MGA Entertainment shook up the doll aisle in 2001.

The Design Shop: McHale Design Reflects on 40 Years of Building Toy Brands

Shaping The Consumer Experience From Physical Shelf to Digital Cart

New In Town:  Nankuru — Work Smart, Not Fast

Inventday's logic-based puzzles invite a moment of peace in a world of distractions.

Brave Toys Reveals CONNETIX PRO Build It 4 Ways Packs

Brave Toys debuts CONNETIX Pro Build It 4 Ways packs, offering more challenging builds for older kids and advanced builders.

The Entertainer makes toy shopping personal

How The Entertainer partnered with Mastercard to bring a personal touch to online toy shopping.

Beyond the Toy Aisle: Gremlins Taps the Growing Market for Experiential Collectibles

Grab the popcorn and prepare for chaos! In partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products, Gemmy is excited to announce that a new batch of animatronic Gremlins have been unleashed at The Home Depot. Available in two notorious styles.

Melissa & Doug just launched the most unique dollhouse I've ever seen

Melissa & Doug's new Cheery Lane collection combines portable play sets, figures and vehicles designed to encourage storytelling.

Sky Zone Cracked the Code on Marketing to Kids and Their Parents

The company launched “Birthday Like a Boss” in June, a music-video-led push built for Gen Alpha, the audience that asks for the party but does not pay for it. 

Could Wizz Be the Toy Aisle’s Next Breakout Character?

The North American arrival of Do Not Watch This Show is another strong example of how successful children’s publishing IP can evolve into a much larger entertainment franchise.

PepsiCo shifts global media to Publicis in a blow to Omnicom

PepsiCo is shifting its $1.7 billion global media account to Publicis Groupe, moving one of the industry’s most coveted accounts and dealing a massive blow to incumbent Omnicom.

CONNETIX Launches New PRO Build It 4 Ways Packs Inspiring Older Builders through Advanced Play

CONNETIX, the Australian brand of premium magnetic tiles at the heart of open-ended STEAM construction play, is expanding its innovative PRO range with the introduction of the new CONNETIX PRO Build It 4 Ways packs.

Playmobil expands Knights range with Lion Knights and Dragon Knights playsets

New additions to the Playmobil Knights range build on the enduring appeal of the collection, bringing the classic Lion Knights versus Dragon Knights story to life.

Gaming: Digital, Video, Hardware, and Development

Grand Theft Auto VI Has a New Trailer and Grand Ambitions

Of course you can steal cars in this Bonnie and Clyde story. In the series's first game in 13 years, you can do almost anything else, too.

Level-5 is having a showcase this month

Acclaimed Japanese developer Level-5 has announced a special showcase event will be happening on 10th September and will feature about an hour of updates across multiple titles.

Final Fantasy 7 Revelation’s Long-Awaited Release Date Officially Confirmed

But that's not all that Square Enix had to reveal about the final chapter in the Final Fantasy 7 remake project.

Safety and Regulatory

Federal Court Rules Oregon’s EPR Law is Constitutional

On August 27, a federal judge upheld Oregon’s Recycling Modernization Act (RMA), ruling that the state’s extended producer responsibility (EPR) law does not violate the U.S. Constitution.

AI Companion Chatbot Bills Advance in New York & California

As previously reported in March and June, state legislation addressing AI companion chatbots in toys continues to move forward in New York and California, with several bills nearing final action.

Associations, Foundations, Shows, Awards, Events, and Festivals

Join the 2026 Young Inventor Challenge® as a Judge

With more kids than ever eager to showcase their original ideas, judges are needed to review submissions, provide feedback, and help inspire the next generation of creators.

Golf, Give & Bid to Support Children in Need During LA Fall Previews

The toy industry is taking over Los Angeles during The Toy Association’s LA Fall Preview Market Weeks, taking place September 14 to 25.

Canadian Toy Association Names 2026 Hall of Fame Inductee & Lifetime Achievement Recipients

The Canadian Toy Association (CTA) will induct toy industry veteran Jeff Hurst into the CTA Hall of Fame and honor Bob Curran, Frank Gorrie, and John Murphy as the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award recipients.

Spielwarenmesse sees success in Tokyo with World of Toys

The World of Toys Pavilion by Spielwarenmesse Group received a positive response following the Tokyo Toy Show.

NYCC Unveils 2026 Professional Programming Schedule

NYCC 2026 is once again making room for the professional side of pop culture with an expanded slate of programming for industry insiders.

NASCAR Speedstars Hit the Track at Daytona Amid Walmart Launch

Far Out Toys debuted its new character-driven pullback racers during the Coke Zero Sugar 400 weekend ahead of a Walmart rollout.

Disney Consumer Products Went Bigger at Fan Expo Canada

The expanded booth spotlighted Toy Story 5, Star Wars, and Marvel with photo ops and products from major retail and licensing partners.

Pudgy Penguins and OpenSea Bring Collector Park to New York City

Pudgy Penguins and OpenSea bring Collector Park to New York, a one-day street festival centered around collecting culture.

BRANDmania, Licensing International Germany Bring Licensing Awards Back to Munich

The 2026 program will honor standout products, brands, retail programs, and collaborations across nine categories this November.

LA Card Show Swings Big at Dodger Stadium This September

The LA Card Show (LACS) is heading back to Dodger Stadium Sept. 12, and it’s really stepping up to the plate. 

Chuck E. Cheese Launches Fundraiser Supporting American Society for Deaf Children

Chuck E. Cheese's fundraiser supports the American Society for Deaf Children. Throughout September, guests can donate at any U.S. location.

P.F. Chang’s Taps the Power of Plush to Support Children’s Hospitals

The partnership between P.F. Chang’s and Starlight Children’s Foundation is a strong example of how toys can become the centerpiece of a broader cause-marketing campaign.

Spielwarenmesse Invitation for game authors: Registration until 15 December 2026

Dear Game Inventors, We are delighted to invite you to the 5th International Game Inventors Convention which will take place live in Nuremberg as part of Spielwarenmesse 2027.

SPIEL Essen: New record for exhibition space and a full programme

The world’s largest consumer fair for board games continues to grow: with the addition of Hall 8, SPIEL Essen will showcase across the entire exhibition centre for the first time, setting a new record for exhibition space for the fourth year in a row.

Spiel Essen launches B2B matchmaking system to help industry professionals find potential business partners -

The new system arrives as Spiel prepares for its biggest-ever event from October 22 to 25 this year - with an expansion into all eight main halls at the Messe Essen exhibition centre for the first time expected to see the event challenge its record 220,000 attendance set last year.

Starlight and Zoggs partner to bring the power of play to children facing healthcare challenges

Zoggs has donated 900 sensory play items to support children receiving treatment in hospitals across the UK.

Modified 1972 Volkswagen Beetle crowned UK’s Hot Wheels Legends Tour winner

Judges Richard Hammond, Dwayne Vance and Nicola Hume Vance crowned the modified Volkswagen Beetle as the seventh winner of Hot Wheels’ Legends Tour UK at CarFest Silverstone.

Baby Safety Alliance Launches Annual Campaign for Baby Safety Month

The Baby Safety Alliance honors Baby Safety Month with an annual campaign. This year's campaign theme is Before You Try, Verify.

'Yu-Gi-Oh!' World Champions Crowned

At the Tokyo Garden Theater in Japan

RIP - Rest in Play - Remembering Those that have Passed

Remembering Peter Cullen

Peter’s award-winning career spanned six decades of work in animation, film and broadcast. He gave Optimus Prime his voice and he shaped how millions of people first came to understand courage, sacrifice, and leadership.

Will Murray

Squirrel Girl Co-Creator and Prolific Pulp Writer Who Went from Fan to Pro

Carla Jeffery

Carla Jeffery, who played Bree in the Disney Channel's 2018 movie "Zombies" and several spin-offs, died Sept. 1. She was 33.

Worldwide Magazines Weekly Top Stories

Some stories added Friday afternoon. Check Back for Complete Lists.

Toy Trade Monthly & Special Issues​​​​​​​​​​​​​

 

Adventure Media & Events (US)​

Toyworld (UK)

 


 
Licensing.biz Powered by Toyworld

 


 
ICv2: The Business of Geek Culture (US) 

- Wizards of the Coast Announces 'Reality Fracture' Play Booster Shortages
- Wizards of the Coast Declares 'Magic: The Gathering' 'The Zeta Set' Sale a 'Disaster'
- 'Dungeons & Dragons: Castle Ravenloft' Board Game' Returns
- 'Magic: The Gathering' 'Zeta Set' Sale Experiences Technical Difficulties
- Wizards of the Coast Unveils 'A Perfectly Normal Superdrop' for 'Magic: The Gathering'
- New 'Pokemon TCG: 30th Celebration' Products Announced
- 'Magic: The Gathering' 'Secret Lair' Director Reviews the Tale of the Tape
- New 'Captain America & The Avengers' Character Pack Incoming
- Ize Press Announces 'Solo Leveling: The Board Game'
- GAMA Offers Up More Information on Game Store Day 2026

 

Global Toy News​​​ 

 


 
The Bugg Report (Australia)​


 

The Toy Universe (Australia)


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hobbyDB

 

Video of the Week

18 Things 1970s Cool Kids Had!

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