Toys & Family Entertainment, February 2014

PROOF WE’RE AWESOME “25 Greatest Animated Series Ever” – Entertainment Weekly

“Mike Hale’s Favorite TV Show” – New York Times

“Best Kid’s Show of the Year” – New York Magazine

“The 25 Best TV Shows” – Slant Magazine

“Best Kids Shows” - iTunes

FANS LIKE US... A LOT #1 Show with boys 6–11 and boys 9–14* Primetime Emmy Award Winner (2013) 62 million fans tune in every quarter** 11 Million+ Facebook fans Attracting kids, tweens, young adults... pretty much everyone

TM & © 2014 CN.

*Cartoon Network Research based on Nielsen Media Research Data. Based on Live Plus Same Day data. Movies, specials and programs with less than 5 telecasts or 15 minutes in length were excluded.

Period: Total Year 2013 (12/31/12-12/29/13), Monday Nights 7P-9P. Cartoon Network vs. all competitive kids cable networks (Disney, Nickelodeon/Nick-at-Nite, Nicktoons, Disney XD, Nick Jr., Teen Nick, The Hub and Disney Jr.).

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**AYAKM Research based on Nielsen Media Research Npower data.

All data is Live+7 with a one minute qualifier. Period: Average of two quarters - (12/31/12 – 3/31/13) & (4/1/13 – 6/30/13).

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February 2014 Volume 9, No. 2

features 32 40 Years and Counting: The Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair Remains as Dynamic as Ever

by Christopher Byrne

34 TIA Addresses the Future of Fall Toy Preview. . . and the Industry Responds

by Nancy Lombardi

36 State of the Specialty Industry

by Nancy Lombardi

44 Tough Competition in the Doll Category

by Christine Sullivan

46 Product Presentation: Dolls

by Christine Sullivan

48 Toy Fair 2014 Product Preview

by Nancy Lombardi and Jennifer Lynch

108 Specialty Emporium: Alex Brands

by Jennifer Lynch

departments 8

Observations & Opinions

10 Trending

12 The Ticker

18 Entertainment Marketplace: Activision’s Skylanders

22 Industry Forum: TIA

24 Industry Forum: ASTRA 26 Industry Forum: Design Edge

28 Industry Forum:

Gameplan Europe

30 Merchandise Makers: Cartwheel Kids

110 You’re Hired

114 Calendar of Events

on the cover

This year’s Toy Fair poster and magazine cover were created by Design Edge.

on this page

From the top left: K’NEX’s Plants vs. Zombies; Cloud b’s Twinkling Firefly Frog; The Bridge Direct/Basic Fun’s Lite Brite; TCG’s Grumpy Cat plush; TOMY’s Battroborg Warriors; Cartwheels Kids’ Hopping Peter; Ceaco/Gamewright’s Sushi Go!; Sanrio’s Hello Kitty; LEGO Mixels Flain character

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OBSERVATIONS & OPINIONS

WWW.ANBMEDIA.COM

Classic Play Is Still Top Choice BY

BOB GLASER

he team at TimetoPlayMag.com reviews thousands of toys every year. We

T

look at everything from basic blocks and puzzles to the most sophisticated tablets, apps, and video games targeting kids. Our team knows what con-

sumers are searching for, watching, and ultimately, purchasing using our price-comparison tool. As you will see from the chart below, consumers

still favor the classic characters and classic play patterns. Minnie Mouse-, Thomas & Friends-, and Play-Doh-related toys were each viewed more than 500,000 times in 2013.

Little Mommy Bubbly Bathtime from Mattel, had more than 6 million views at the end

of 2013. It shows that classic roleplay still wins for little girls and the mothers, aunts, and grandmothers who make the purchasing decisions. In December, in particular, it was Doc

McStuffins Get Better Check Up Center from Just Play, Spin Master’s Boom Boom

Balloon, and Shimmer ’n Sparkle Cra-Z-Loom Bracelet Maker from Cra-Z-Art that were stand-outs for video views as well as top sellers at retail.

We all know that today’s digital native kids should be comfortable using tablets and

associated apps; they are amazing learning tools. However, for those who keep predicting the demise of traditional play, the TimetoPlayMag.com audience shows that a balanced toy box is what most families strive for. Our team will keep that in mind as we walk the aisles of Toy Fair in New York City this month.

In addition to Toy Fair, another great place to see toys on display is

TimetoPlayMag.com’s Spring Media Showcase. This one-day media event will feature all the latest in outdoor toys and summer movies. Scheduled for May 1 in New York City’s

Altman Building, toy companies will have a chance to present all their latest and greatest offerings to the media. For information on how to participate, see our ad on page 65

TOP 10 VIDEOS IN 2013 AS PRODUCED BY TIMETOPLAYMAG.COM

The team at TimetoPlayMag.com produced countless videos in 2013. Those videos live on

TimetoPlayMag.com, TimetoPlayMag.com’s YouTube channel, and are shared across its social media channels as well as the websites and social media channels of numerous toy companies.

Here is a list of the Top 10 videos in 2013 as produced by TimetoPlayMag.com.

(Please note: Video view numbers were recorded in late 2013 and have increased since that time.)

1. Little Mommy Bubbly Bathtime from Mattel

2. Minnie Mouse Bow-tique Minnie’s Pet Salon from Fisher-Price

3. Play-Doh Sweet Shoppe Frosting Fun Bakery from Hasbro

4. Thomas & Friends Bath Buddies from Fisher-Price

5. Imaginext Monsters University Scare Floor from Fisher-Price

6. Minnie Mouse Bow-tique Minnie Beach Pack from Fisher-Price

7. Disney Baby Amazing Animals Finding Nemo Rollin’ Round Ramp from Fisher-Price

8. Minnie Mouse Birthday Bow-tique from Fisher-Price

9. Doc McStuffins Magnetic Activity Fun Kit from Tara Toy

10. Play-Doh Rapunzel Hair Designs from Hasbro

8 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2014

6,248,334 views

1,735,525 views 995,902 views

858,776 views

629,501 views

588,744 views

498,726 views 411,760 views

390,933 views

388,870 views

February 2014 • Volume 9, Number 2 PUBLISHER BOB GLASER BOB@ANBMEDIA.COM ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER ANDY KRINNER ANDY@ANBMEDIA.COM ADVERTISING DIRECTOR DONNA MOORE DONNA@ANBMEDIA.COM CONTROLLER MARY GROGAN MARY@ANBMEDIA.COM EDITOR IN CHIEF JIM SILVER JIM@ANBMEDIA.COM EDITORIAL DIRECTOR NANCY LOMBARDI NANCY@ANBMEDIA.COM EDITOR AT LARGE CHRISTOPHER BYRNE CHRISB@ANBMEDIA.COM EDITOR LAURIE LEAHEY LAURIE@ANBMEDIA.COM ASSISTANT EDITOR JENNIFER LYNCH JENNIFER@ANBMEDIA.COM WEB MASTER ERIK KIECKHAFER ERIK@ANBMEDIA.COM WEB CONTENT MANAGER BRENDAN SANABRIA BRENDAN@ANBMEDIA.COM CONTRIBUTORS ANDREW DOBBIE; KATHLEEN MCHUGH; MATT NUCCIO; CHRISTINE SULLIVAN PUBLIC RELATIONS REPRESENTATIVE JOSSLYNNE WELCH LITZKY PUBLIC RELATIONS, 320 SINATRA DRIVE, HOBOKEN, N.J. 07030 (201) 222–9118 EXT. 13 • JWELCH@LITZKYPR.COM INTERESTED IN A SUBSCRIPTION? CONTACT SUBSCRIPTIONS@ANBMEDIA.COM ANB MEDIA, INC. 229 WEST 28TH STREET, SUITE 401, NEW YORK, N.Y. 10001 PHONE: (646) 763–8710 • FAX: (646) 763–8727 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT is published four times per year by aNb Media.

Copyright 2014 aNb Media. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher. Printed in the U.S.A. TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT and SPECIALTY EMPORIUM are registered trademarks of aNb Media.

Opinions and comments expressed in this publication by editors, contributing writers, or solicited or unsolicited documents are not necessarily those of management.

TRENDING

Trending: What Consumers Are Interested In This trending list is taken from aNb Media’s consumer website, TimetoPlayMag.com. The site’s Trending Review is a list of the most popular items on the site, as determined by consumers. It’s generated by the number of page views for that item in the previous 30 days, updated every 24 hours. Here is the list, in trending order, on January 26.

Furby Boom

Air Hogs AtmoSphere

Despicable Me 2 Minion Dave

MONOPOLY EMPIRE Hasbro

SHIMMER ’N SPARKLE CRA-Z-LOOM BRACELET MAKER Cra-Z-Art

HEDBANZ FOR ADULTS Spin Master

MONSTER HIGH FRIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! VIPERINE GORGON Mattel

ANGRY BIRDS GO! JENGA PIRATE ATTACK GAME Hasbro

PROSCAN 7-INCH INTERNET TABLET Proscan FLUTTERBYE FAIRY Spin Master

FURBY PARTY ROCKERS Hasbro

FURREAL FRIENDS CUDDLES MY GIGGLY MONKEY Hasbro WATER DANCING SPEAKERS Leading Edge Novelty ROBO FISH Zuru

GRAND THEFT AUTO Rockstar Games

10 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2014

DESPICABLE ME 2 MINION DAVE Thinkway Toys

CANDY CRUSH SAGA King

ANGRY BIRDS APPTIVITY Mattel FURBY BOOM Hasbro

MARVEL SUPER HERO MASHERS CAPTAIN AMERICA Hasbro DISNEY FROZEN CASTLE & ICE PALACE PLAYSET Mattel SEW COOL SEWING STUDIO Spin Master AIR HOGS ATMOSPHERE Spin Master

THE TICKER

A Recap of Industry Headlines • For More News, Visit www.aNbMedia.com • Sign up to Receive FREE Weekly News Alerts

WWE L AUNCHES FIRST 24/7 STREAMING NETWORK

WWE Network, the first-ever 24/7 streaming network, will launch live in the U.S. on Monday, February 24, featuring all 12 WWE live pay-per-view events—including WrestleMania—valued at more than $600 per year for $9.99 per month with a six-month commitment. WWE Network will also include original programming, reality shows, documentaries, classic matches, and more than 1,500 hours of video on demand at launch.

Fans can subscribe to WWE Network beginning at 9 A.M. EST on Monday, February 24 at WWE.com. A limited-time free one week trial will also be offered to fans. WWE Network, the first 24/7 network delivered directly to fans through digital distribution, will be available on desktops and laptops via WWE.com. WWE Network will also be available through the WWE App on Amazon’s Kindle Fire devices; Android devices such as Samsung Galaxy; iOS devices such as Apple iPad and iPhone; Roku streaming devices; Sony PlayStation 3 and Sony PlayStation 4; and Xbox 360. Availability on additional devices, including Xbox One and select smart TVs, will follow this summer.

WWE Network will also offer fans a second screen experience for all original programming and live events via the WWE App, similar to the interactive fan experience currently available for flagship TV programs Raw and SmackDown.

WWE is collaborating with MLB Advanced Media (MLBAM) to deliver the 24/7 WWE content. MLBAM will provide its technology services, including video streaming infrastructure, application development, and operational support for reliable cross-platform distribution. WWE Network is expected to launch in the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the Nordics by the end of 2014/early 2015.

CARDINAL INDUSTRIES CELEBRATES 70TH ANNIVERSARY

Cardinal Industries is celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2014. The family-run business was launched by Les Berger in 1944 on the corner of Keap and Hope Streets in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, N.Y. Berger began the business with very little capital but with knowledge of the burgeoning plastics business. He began manufacturing dominoes, poker chip racks, and MahJongg sets. Many of these classics are the cornerstone of Cardinal’s business today.

The company now makes more than 400 items including traditional games such as dominoes, checkers, poker sets, as well as lenticular, wood, and basic puzzles. Cardinal also has an extensive line of licensed games working with Disney, Nickelodeon, Sanrio, Twentieth Century Fox, NBC, Warner Bros., Sesame Workshop, Mattel/HIT Entertainment, and Hasbro among many others. Cardinal’s products are sold across North America, Europe, and Australia.

Three generations of the Berger family now run Cardinal Industries. Founder Les Berger, his wife Sylvia, son Joel, daughter Bonnie Canner, and grandson Justin. While Les and Sylvia, have passed the reins to Joel and Bonnie, they remain active in the business.

12 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2014

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#UNAPOLOGETIC

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CARTOON NETWORK AND LEGO CREATE MIXELS

Cartoon Network and The LEGO Group announced in summer 2013 that they will jointly produce a new global entertainment franchise. Launching this spring, Mixels will feature animated content (primarily shorts), a digital gaming experience, a collectible building toy concept, and more.

Animated content will air on Cartoon Network and on cartoonnetwork.com featuring the Mixels creatures that can mix and combine with one another in creative and unpredictable storylines. A collectible portfolio of low-priced mini building sets will launch in three waves throughout 2014. An app-powered gaming experience will also be introduced.

Cartoon Network Studios will drive all narrative, animation, and digital content. Cartoon Network Enterprises will handle Mixels non-toy licensed merchandise. The LEGO Group will focus on Mixels toy design, manufacturing, and distribution as well as licensed LEGO Mixels publishing to support the property. Mixels was developed through a collaboration between Cartoon Network and The LEGO Group. The property was developed by a multinational team of designers and animators from the U.S. and Denmark.

LEGO Volectro

FEBRUARY 2014 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT 17

ENTERTAINMENT MARKETPLACE

Activision’ s Skylanders

BY

NANCY LOMBARDI

NEED

a scene from Skylanders Swap Force

hen Activision launched Skylanders Spryo’s Adventure in October 2011, the company revolutionized the toy and video game worlds by fusing both for a new style of gameplay. Now, nearly three years, and a few versions later, Activision says the Skylanders franchise—Spyro’s Adventure, Giants, and Swap Force—has generated, life-to-date, more than $1.5 billion in worldwide retail sales.

The original game, Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure, allows players to control more than 30 different characters by using the Portal of Power, which is the very piece that unites the toy and video game worlds. Place the character on the Portal of Power and watch as it is brought into the game. Players can join forces with friends and drop in and out of each level with as many different figures as they choose. Different strategies come into play as gamers select which character is best to fight off enemies and obstacles.

Skylanders Giants, the follow-up to the original game, was released in October 2012.

More than twice the size of the original Skylanders figures, 16 new Giants characters were introduced. In this series, the characters use their size and powers to battle enemies, solve puzzles, and interact in the game like never before. Activision says that all of the characters from the original Spyro’s Adventure are completely compatible with Skylanders Giants, with each of their abilities and upgrades intact.

In October 2013, the brand evolved once more with Skylanders Swap Force. In this version of the game, players can transform 16 figures into more than 250 characters by switching the top and bottom halves of the toys. Gamers can also play Swap Force with their entire collection of 100-plus characters from the two previous games.

Activision is also growing an extensive licensing program to reach gamers in diverse ways. Licensees include Penguin, Topps, Rubie’s Costume Company, MEGA Brands, American Greetings, MZ Berger, PowerA, and many more.

“Deeper integration at retail is a key element of our expansion plans,” said Ashley Maidy, vice-president of global licensing and partnerships for Activision in a statement.

“Licensing has allowed us to secure space outside of the video game aisle, providing our fans with multiple touch points for consumer interactions.”

W

18 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2014

TO

KNOW

Activision’s Skylanders franchise—Spyro’s Adventure, Giants, and Swap Force—has generated, life-to-date, more than $1.5 billion in worldwide retail sales.

The Portal of Power is what melds the toy and video game worlds together.

Place a character on the base, and it appears in the game.

An extensive licensing program for the brand currently includes Penguin, Topps, Rubie’s Costume Company, MEGA Brands, American Greetings, MZ Berger, PowerA, and many more.

All characters from each version of Skylanders are compatible with other versions.

PowerA

Skylanders Swap Force FunPlay HideAway Flynn’s Ship is a Toys “R” Us exclusive with storage for up to 20 Skylanders figures. It features real working oars, a spinning propeller, and viewports to the figure-storage area.

Topps

Skylanders Qubi is a patented, collectible toy that combines a transparent cube with images of kids’ favorite Skylanders characters along with their image or catch phrase in a rubber stamp.

There are 38 different Skylanders Qubis to collect including characters Trigger Happy, Stealth Elf, Hot Dog, Spyro, Chop Chop, and many more. Each Skylander Qubi comes in a blind-purchase foil bag and includes a checklist of all 38 Qubi in the line.

USAopoly

The Skylanders Monopoly board game combines the classic risk-taking and dealmaking of Monopoly gameplay with key elements of the Skylanders world as players vie for control of the most coveted real estate in Skylands. Players buy, sell, and trade the likes of Stealth Elf’s Ninja Dojo, Trigger Happy’s Bank Vault, and Spyro’s Chompy Diner while steering clear of Auric’s Traveling Store Taxes and Persephone’s Gem Shop Tax as they battle for Thumpback’s Thundering Tide Pool and Zap’s Lightning Race Track. These are prime properties traditionally occupied by Boardwalk and Park Place.

MEGA Brands

Build Sharpfin’s Jet Boat with spinning jet engines, a working launcher, and secret compartments. Create fun scenarios with the Blast Zone figure, which can be mixed and matched with other figures to create a new character. There are two Greeble figures and accessories. The set is compatible with other MEGA Bloks Skylanders Swap Force playsets.

Pressman Toy

With Block ’n Blast Action Game, it’s the same Skylanders game where one player is Kaos and his Minions are trying to protect themselves. The other player uses a specially designed blaster that has different abilities based on the Skylander that’s being used.

When the blaster knocks down a Minion, the blasting player scores a point. Knock out Kaos and score 10 points. All players take turns playing Kaos and Skylanders and the player with the highest score wins.

SDI Electronics

Eruptor, Wrecking Ball, Pop Fizz, and Stealth Elf rechargeable character speakers have character styling and quality sound. Use the supplied cable to charge your speaker and connect to any audio source. Collect and connect by daisy-chaining the speakers together using the line-in jack to create even more powerful sound.

FEBRUARY 2014 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT 19

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INDUSTRY FORUM

TIA Introduces ShopToyFair365 App; Creates 24/7 Global Toy Marketplace BY

TOY INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

or more than a century, New York’s American International Toy Fair has brought together toy buyers, toy sellers, and many other industry stakeholders for face-to-face business transactions. Yet now, in an e-connected, app-enabled, iPoweredage, there’s a brand new way to do business.

The Toy Industry Association (TIA) has partnered with Balluun, a business-to-business technology company to create a yearround electronic marketplace called ShopToyFair365 that extends Toy Fair’s connectivity from show to show. Read on to learn more from Marian Bossard, TIA’s vice-president of meetings and events.

F

Toy Industry Association: Why is the ShopToyFair365 app significant for the toy industry?

Marian Bossard: Buyers and sellers want new ways to stay up-to-date on product selections and pricing, and empowered with the ability to place bulk orders at any time of the day or night. TIA heard what its members and Toy Fair attendees were telling us. We found an excellent vendor in Balluun, which has been providing an innovative e-commerce platform for the fashion industry, and worked with them to develop ShopToyFair365. This is a free, use anywhere, anytime tool that lets toy buyers do business with our Toy Fair exhibitors even when they aren’t physically connected at the February show.

TIA: How will the ShopToyFair365 app work for exhibitors?

22 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2014

M.B.: The first step is to be an officially registered Toy Fair exhibitor or showroom.

Using their Toy Fair registration credentials, exhibitors can log on to create customized company profiles and build virtual showrooms within ShopToyFair365 that include product images, item descriptions, prices, and availability.

Access to the showrooms is limited to qualified and credentialed Toy Fair retail buyers, each of whom goes through a rigorous qualification process. The Toy Fair database includes thousands of toy and youth product retailers from around the globe, all of whom are in search of new and innovative products, brands, and companies. But ShopToyFair365 offers multiple layers of privacy for each brand, giving the exhibitor complete control of access to their showroom. The virtual doors can be opened for any interested retailer, restricted for only those retailers who have requested a connection, or limited to “invitation only” access. Sellers cannot view each other’s showrooms.

Participation is free (technically, it’s included in the price of each exhibitor’s booth fees). In the future, there will be a minor transaction fee applied to any sale that is made using the tool (3 percent for TIA members; 4 percent for non-members); those fees are waived through the end of 2014. After they go live, exhibitor profiles will remain active through the end of the year. Any exhibitor that has confirmed its participation in Toy Fair 2015 by that date will be able to keep their online showroom open and active without interruption.

TIA: How will the ShopToyFair365 app work for buyers?

M.B.: Similar to the exhibitors, the first step for a retailer is to officially register their buyers as Toy Fair attendees. Access to ShopToyFair365 is completely free, but Toy Fair credentials are required.

Once logged in, buyers can browse a full directory of brands or search for specific companies or product categories. Once they’ve found and accessed an exhibitor’s virtual showroom, the buyer can identify products that pique their interest, “like” products, “follow” companies, communicate directly with company contacts, and even write orders. Creating these ‘play books’ in advance will really help buyers navigate the halls of future shows.

ShopToyFair365 is akin to online dating.

Exhibitors post profiles and images of their products. Retailers scroll through the listings and decide which companies and products are of interest. The romance blossoms as buyers and sellers continue to connect throughout the year.

The ShopToyFair365 app is powered by Balluun. Buyers and exhibitors can sign up for the app at ShopToyFair365.com; additional information can also be found under the Show Info tab at ToyFairNY.com or by contacting TIA’s senior director of trade show and event marketing, Kimberly Carcone (kcarcone@toyassociation.org).

Technical questions related to the platform can be directed to stf365support@toyassociation.org.

INDUSTRY FORUM

Happy Employees Create Happy Shoppers BY

KATHLEEN MCHUGH, ASTRA

atisfied customers are the lifeblood of every independent toy store. What can small retailers such as members of the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) do to keep their customers happy?

Start with the premise that nearly every customer service interaction, from creating a friendly in-store environment to helping shoppers find just the right toy to fixing a customer complaint, will involve person-toperson contact between your employees and your customers. Your front line staff is your most important customer-satisfaction tool.

If those employees are not happy, your customers are probably not happy either.

S

ASTRA member Phil Wrzesinski, owner of the Toy House & Baby Too in Jackson, Mich., points out that aside from product inventory, staff can be a store’s largest expense. “There are two management approaches you can take toward your

24 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2014

staff,” says Wrzesinski. “Either they are one of your largest expenses or one of your largest assets.”

If you see your staff as your biggest asset, you will see them as part of a team to be coached to achieve their full potential rather than employees to be micromanaged.

They will become part of the growth strategy for your business because they will take on more and more of the operations while you, the owner, deploy your time on larger strategic issues, such brand management, marketing, and effective positioning against the competition. If you see your staff as a cost to be minimized, you are limiting not only their potential, but also yours.

Here are a few ways to build a happy staff: • HIRE CAREFULLY. Customers expect a lot from you, so you need to expect a lot from your employees. Your customers are smart and committed to top-quality products. You want employees who value the same things, and who put the same priority on customer service as you do. If you are going to be picky, picky, picky about anything in your business, make it about hiring the absolute best people you can find.

• SHOW EMPLOYEES THEY ARE VALUED. If employees know they are important to the success of the store, they are more likely to model that same “you are important” behavior to customers. Include employees in decision making, keep them in the loop when you are making changes, celebrate birthdays and hire-date anniversaries, and hold regular staff meetings so everyone feels like part of the team.

• GIVE EMPLOYEES THE OPPORTUNITY TO USE A RANGE OF SKILLS. Many retail employees come to their jobs with many talents beyond operating a cash register.

College students and well-educated women who are interested in a job with flexible hours so they can pursue classes or raise children are often great hires. These employees may have artistic ability, strong writing skills, or knowledge about social media and digital marketing. They may be top-notch organizers and multi-taskers. Give them a chance to show you what they can do.

• DON’T TAKE ANYONE FOR GRANTED. When someone has been with you for a long time, it’s easy to forget that he or she might not always be there. Do something special at least once a month for each of your most valued employees, just to let them know how much you appreciate their contribution to your store’s success.

Hiring and top-notch customer service go hand-in-hand. A great place to get more ideas about how to maximize the assets your employees represent is during ASTRA’s annual Marketplace & Academy, which will be held June 8–11, 2014, in Phoenix, Ariz. Visit www.astramarketplace.org for more information.

And in the meantime, what are you going to do this week to show your employees how much they are valued?

Kathleen McHugh is president of The American Specialty Retailing Association (ASTRA). For more information, visit astratoy.org. ASTRA Marketplace & Academy is June 8–11 in Phoeniz, Ariz.

Regular Show

TM

KILLER BRANDS

Email us at Licensinginfo@cartoonnetwork.com TM & Š 2014 CN.

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INDUSTRY FORUM

UNLOCKING THE POTENTIAL IN 3-D P RINTING BY

MATT NUCCIO, DESIGN EDGE

his month I am revisiting a subject that I wrote about previously, which is 3-D printing. I am returning to this topic because it is one that will deeply impact the toy industry. And that impact is happening faster than I expected. It’s affecting how we approach the design, marketing, and manufacturing of products. And, as with any new technology, there are complex issues to resolve. Knowing the pros and cons as we embark on this new road will work to everyone’s advantage.

3-D printing has been around for many years even though the average consumer is just starting to hear about it. In 1984 Chuck Hull patented the process of stereolithography also known as 3-D printing. When the patent ran out, a competitive market for desktop 3-D printers opened up, driving prices down. As prices went down, demand went up. While 10 years ago a 3-D printer would have cost upwards of $20,000, that same printer today probably costs a few hundred dollars.

Currently there are an estimated 300,000 consumer-grade desktop 3-D printers in homes, according to the 3-D printing website 3DaGoGo.com. Considering all the hype about 3-D printers it may seem like a surprisingly low number. The number remains low because the technology is not very user friendly. Plus, there are not many available yet for consumers to print out at home. This will likely change in the coming years as different industries develop products meant for at-home 3-D printing. So, for now, the majority of 3-D printers are owned by engineers with a high skill set for 3-D modeling. 3-D modeling programs can be extremely complicated and time consuming to learn. While there are free programs available, the popular ones tend to be expensive. Even with a strong knowledge of the programs, 3-D printing can be a frustrating process. The average 3-D printer, if used properly, has a high failure rate. While that might not seem like a big deal, it can be, if you consider that the process of actually printing something can take upwards of five hours. Two hours into the printing, do you really want to discover that it’s a bust? At this point in time, there are many reasons why the printing fails. It may be a software issue, it may be a file issue, or it may be the printer itself. But as time goes on these issues will be resolved. And when that happens, consumer products companies will be able to offer products that utilize in-home 3-D printing. It is estimated that by the end 2016, there may be 1.3 million 3-D printers in people’s homes, according to 3DaGoGo.com. While today’s 3-D modeling programs are fairly complicated it is only a short time before simple, friendly programs become go-to staples of the design challenged.

The toy industry needs to educate itself on this new technology. It is a technique we currently use at Design Edge for prototyping. There is so much information online about the history of 3-D printing, current techniques, current and future capabilities of 3-D printing, and simply how to get started. I encourage you to investigate the possibilities because they are endless.

T

Design Edge is a New York-based graphic design and research development studio. Matt Nuccio can be reached at (516) 377–0500 or at matt@designedge.net.

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INDUSTRY FORUM

INVENTORS: THE BACKBONE BY

ANDREW DOBBIE, GAMEPLAN EUROPE

B

OF THE

TOY INDUSTRY

efore any toy can garner holi-

paper saying, “transformable marbles.” At

employees dedicated to inventor relations.

extension

the team at Spin Master had the vision to

turn their invention into high-volume sales.

day media attention, become a

hot seller, or be given a line into

subsequent

years, it begins as a simple

idea. What those outside the toy industry

don’t realize is that many ideas come from the

inventor community. Inventors are the backbone of the toy industry. They oftentimes ride

a roller coaster feast-or-famine existence and once a year in November, they are acknowledged at The Toy & Game Inventor Awards (TAGIE Awards) in Chicago.

Almost all toy manufacturers have product

development departments—of course, their

size and scope varies greatly by manufacturer.

Yet, nearly all companies also work with outside professional toy and game inventors.

Oftentimes companies can get caught up in their own internal bubble. They can lose sight

of what is happening in the marketplace, or they simply need fresh perspective on prod-

ucts. Inventors fill this void perfectly because creativity flourishes best once it’s removed

from a corporate structure. An in-house design and development team usually works on furthering established brands. The completely

new and innovative products usually come

from independent professional inventors.

While being a professional inventor can be an

extremely rewarding career, it also carries great risk. At the November Toy & Game

Innovation Conference organized by Mary

Couzin in Chicago each year, delegates are

reminded that even for professional inventors

the success rate can be stacked against you.

But when someone hits it big, it can be

really big. For example, the original idea for

Bakugan was merely a note on a scrap of

28 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2014

that stage, the inventor had no idea how the

transformation would take place. Nonetheless

imagine what it could be, and, against any skepticism or doubts from colleagues, people believed in the idea and helped to turn it into a property that generated tremendous sales.

For every professional inventor who hits it

big with a “Bakugan” or other such money-

maker, there are countless others who won’t make it. We all see them at every trade show

and it makes one wonder why so many continue to bother. We see this especially in the

board game sector. Sadly, some people invest

their life savings in developing prototypes destined to end up in the trash. Inventing—and

especially creating a compelling board game—is not as easy as it looks. There is a reason why Scrabble, Monopoly, Uno, and

other such classics have stood the test of time.

Yet it’s the dream of success that keeps

everyone taking yet another chance. Some

professional inventors can make a fair amount of money from licensing fees. Typically the

licensing fee is five percent of the wholesale

value of the toy sales. If sales to the trade are $20 million, the inventor will receive $1 mil-

lion. While everyone dreams of making that million, what many don’t see are the start-ups

costs involved, the development, and travel costs—just to name a few.

Inventors can also make money from

options, whereby a manufacturer might pay

$30,000 to have an option for one month to say, “Yes,” or, “No,” to an invention, without the fear that a competitor will take it.

To get the best out of the inventor commu-

nity, a manufacturer must have a strategy and

Clearly, inventors are interested in spending

their time with prospective licensees that can While Mattel or Hasbro are the most likely

prospects to achieve high-volume sales, the

chance of getting a product made with either

company are much lower than working with a smaller or mid-size company.

Spin Master is one company that has

worked to nurture relationships with the

inventor community and many of its success-

ful items have come from inventors. Spin Master meets with the community at all

major toy shows globally and they host oneon-one meetings with inventors for weeks leading up to New York Toy Fair.

There is a great risk for the inventor yet

there is great risk for the manufacturer as well.

It takes a lot of guts to agree to a concept with

no guarantee of its success. Smaller companies with just a few employees may be better equipped to handle this risk.

During the Toy & Game Innovation

Conference in November 2013, TAGIE Awards were handed out. It is during an

evening like this that one can gain insight into the extraordinary creativity of toy inventors. Their creativity spills over into

other talents as well. Many of them are also skilled magicians, composers, and musi-

cians. In my opinion, toy invention is the

most exciting part of the toy industry. It can be a very rewarding career—if you have the stomach for the roller coaster ride.

Andrew Dobbie, founder and managing direc-

tor of Gameplan Europe, can be reached at andrew@gameplaneurope.com

LK_TMNT trade ad REV_Layout 1 1/28/14 2:45 PM Page 1

at Javit s Booth 2

537

For more information email us at info@littlekidsinc.com or call us at 800-545-5437

www.littlekidsinc.com Š 2014 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved. Nickelodeon, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc. Š 2014 Little Kids, Inc. 1015 Newman Avenue, Seekonk, MA 02771 All Rights Reserved.

Untitled-1 1

Turtle-rific Bubble & Water Toys!

Tune in Sundays at 11AM for new episodes on Nick

1/28/2014 3:32:33 PM

MERCHANDISE MAKERS

CARTWHEEL KIDS: TURNING INDUSTRY UPSIDE DOWN

BY JENNIFER LYNCH

hen you think of a cartwheel, you think of a swift motion, hands in the grass, and the world suddenly inverted. It’s this inversion and pure joy that’s providing the fresh perspective and aim of Cartwheel Kids.

Founded by industry veterans including Vince Klaseus (former chief executive, Disney Consumer Products’ global toy division), and Daniel Setton (co-founder and CEO, Xcessory International), Cartwheel Kids is using its combined experiences to deliver a new approach to the business of toys—bringing together the best of large and small toy companies. “As a landscape, there are a lot of amazing toy companies, and having worked at Disney, I’ve worked with many of them,” says Klaseus. “But there are pros and cons to every company and every situation.” While large companies may have the expertise and experience in branding and product development, they are often challenged when it comes to a product’s speed to market and margins. On the flip side, small companies are more equipped to offer retailers great margins but can often lack the expertise to build longevity for some properties.

Using Xcessory International, which specialized in dress-up, as a springboard, Cartwheel Kids leveraged its entrepreneurial approach and mixed in its big business expertise. But like a cartwheel, crafting the perfect strategy is still a balancing act.

“Anyone can probably build a Cadillac if you spend enough money,” Klaseus says.

W

30 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2014

THE

“The trick is always trying to deliver the essence of a brand, be innovative, deliver quality, and keep a sharp price.”

And Cartwheel Kids isn’t playing it safe in its goal to hit each of these points. One of the first master toy licenses the company signed last fall was for Nickelodeon’s new CG-animated TV series Peter Rabbit. And like the TV show, Cartwheel Kids is introducing preschool toys that maintain the traditional quality of the property while infusing it with innovations for a new generation.

Cartwheel Kids is showcasing its Peter Rabbit Hopping Peter feature plush at Toy Fair this month, which plays up the show’s adventure and simple learning components.

Squeeze Peter’s hand and Peter prompts kids to take “Three hops for my friend, Benjamin!” and hops around.

“We tried to look at what is traditional preschool play but infuse it with open-ended, interactive play,” says Klaseus. “And given the hyper competitive nature of preschool and its consumers, we want to make sure it’s at a price point that’s reasonable and brings consumers into the property.”

Cartwheel Kids is taking a similar approach to another main category—roleplay. And one of its core strengths for success in this space will be its design and development team, with includes CCO Len Mazzacco (former DCP senior vice-president of creative) and vice-president Natasha Berling (former DCP design director).

“More and more, kids are taking on roleplay as a category for play,” Klaseus says.

“And whether it’s the properties influencing that or the products, we saw it as an oppor-

tunity to step in but also play a role in elevating the quality and attention to detail in what we do.” Cartwheel Kids is digging into each IP’s DNA, finding what resonates most with consumers, and translating that into product.

For fall 2014, Cartwheel is focusing on roleplay for Hello Kitty, Ever After High, and My Little Pony. “The positioning for each is very different. We’re not taking a cookiecutter approach,” says Klaseus. Cartwheel Kids has invested heavily in unique tooling to ensure there will be no label-slapping. The Ever After High Mirror for example, dives into the property’s Royal vs. Rebel theme.

Staying true to the property’s ornate styling, it features a high-gloss aesthetic layered with play that speaks to the older girl.

While preschool, plush, and roleplay will be the focus for 2014, looking forward Cartwheel Kids plans to expand strategically through other categories and licenses, as well as launching its own brands for 2015. But ultimately the success of its products will come down to price, which is why delivering value has been such a central component to its business. “We’re set on delivering real play value while not short-changing the consumer or retailer for that matter,” Klaseus says. “We have a mission we’re trying to be true to and I think it’s going to be what helps set us apart.”

40 YEARS AND COUNTING: THE HONG KONG TOYS & GAMES FAIR REMAINS AS DYNAMIC AS EVER C B BY

HRISTOPHER

YRNE

ong Kong remains one of the most fascinating cities Combining high quality animation with pedagogically sound learning and on the planet. The most advanced technology and toys that interact with tablets (iOS and Android), the system has both home world-class architecture exists cheek by jowl with and school applications. The products are slated for a U.S. introduction at street markets that have remained virtually the same the end of the second quarter, according to CEO David Roberts. for decades. Architectural While radio control remains a crowded categowonders rise in the midst of neighborhoods that ry—and there were hundreds of products on display retain some of their older features. It’s part of at the show—Waltersons Industry, Ltd. introduced a what gives Hong Kong its distinctive character, watertight diving submarine about four inches long and it’s also an apt metaphor for the Hong that is fully controllable with diving and directional Kong Toys & Games Fair, which celebrated its functions. The company has yet to find a U.S. dis40th anniversary in January of this year. tributor but reports strong orders from many counOne of the characteristics of the fair is that tries. Plush, puzzles, and games at the lower techsome of the most advanced and innovative prodend of spectrum also attracted a lot of attention. ucts imaginable share the stage with classic toys While licenses remained dominant in certain catethat have remained unchanged over the years, all gories, specialty retailers were drawn to companies The Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair celebrated its of it speaking to the diversity of the global toy like Moulin Roty, which offers high design and con40th anniversary in January of this year. industry—and the many ways that children temporary takes on classic plush toys. The line is express themselves through play wherever they are. distributed in the U.S. by Magicforest in Portsmouth, N.H. For buyers looking for innovation and novelty—and with lower The Toys & Games Fair is about more than just product, however. The inventories going into this year than in previous years, based on more show mounts a robust seminar program covering a range of topics. Among conservative buying in 2013—finding products in these many cate- these were sessions on doing business in Mainland China and navigating gories was a high priority as the 40th annual Hong Kong Toys & Games the emerging markets of Eastern Europe, as well as forward-looking sesFair kicked off on January 6. Run simultaneously with the Baby sions on the future of play and changes in financing. One of the most wellProducts Fair, Stationery Show, and Licensing Show, the convention attended sessions is the annual update on global safety. Featuring leading center was, as always, packed with nearly 2,900 visitors and attracted industry figures from around the world, the session provided practical more than 106,000 buyers from around the world. Overall, attendance information on new and planned regulations and ways in which they will at the combined shows increased by five percent compared to 2013, affect the industry in 2014 and beyond. according to the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).

For the third year in a row, the show also included a special area called Buyers we spoke to in the hall from South America, Central Europe, and the Small Order Zone, a showcase of manufacturers and products that is a the U.S. all noted that they were shopping for multiple categories of fixture at many HKTDC fairs and that drew nearly 7,000 buyers. This speproduct, adding that construction and arts and crafts had done well in cial areas connects buyers with manufacturers offering comparatively low 2013, and they saw these products continuing strong into the new year. minimum order quantity. Moreover, the HKTDC offers an app that allows Products generating significant buzz at the fair included TuTu, a plush buyers and companies to connect using QR codes on products, which rabbit that works with the iPad and iPhone from Roam & Wander, Ltd. The according to buyers creates a highly efficient way of doing business. product, currently available in the U.S. through Amazon, won a Best of As the Toys and Games Fair turned 40, there were also special display Fair award, as well. When the iOS device is placed into the rabbit, it cre- areas dedicated to Hong Kong toys over the past four decades and a showates a face and the various accessories activate features such as feeding case of toys created by the newest designers trying to enter the business— and tooth brushing. Calm Island, a Korean-based app company, introduced all of which celebrate not merely the business of toys but the commitment Badanamu, an English-learning system designed for kids ages 2–8. to progress and innovation that is the hallmark of this event.

H

32 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2014

TIA ADDRESSES BY

THE

FUTURE

OF

NANCY LOMBARDI

TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT recently spoke with Marian Bossard, vice-president of meetings and events at the Toy Industry Association (TIA), about Fall Toy Preview (FTP). Here are edited excerpts discussing the future of the show.

TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT: The 2014 Fall Toy Preview will take place in Dallas, October 7–9. Has the show been secured in Dallas beyond 2014?

MARIAN BOSSARD: The toy industry evolves so rapidly that we typically will not lock down the details for Fall Toy Preview (FTP) more than one year in advance. TIA staff works with members of our Trade Show Committee to carefully consider all the feedback we receive in post-show surveys.

After the Toy Center closed, TIA and its Trade Show Committee developed an extensive set of criteria and visited locations across the country before settling on Dallas as the host city. At the same time, some companies were creating stand-alone showrooms that could draw the undivided attention of buyers during private appointments. To a certain degree, this was seen as a positive for smaller companies because they would not be competing for a buyer’s time at the larger marketplace event in Dallas.

Mass retail buyers agreed, telling us that FTP is valuable because it gives them an opportunity to see a large number of exhibitors in a short amount of time.

TFE: It seems that some companies left the show in recent years. What is TIA doing to stop that from happening in 2014?

M.B.: There was a record high of 348 companies attending FTP in 2012, and we maintained that with 345 companies in 2013. TIA’s goal is to host an event that has true value for the industry, one that is successful and beneficial for all who participate. One of the ways we accomplish this is by refreshing our offerings, based on feedback. Recent feedback led to the following: • TIA offered “Walk-ins Welcome” signs for each booth, which manufacturers reported was good for business.

• TIA enhanced its marketing of the show to other countries. In 2013, big-name retailers from nearly three dozen countries attended; 28 percent of the buyers present were international.

• TIA is enhancing the 2014 show by adding safety and trend programming, both of which were requested by attendees.

TIA’s job is to keep Fall Toy Preview relevant for mass market buyers.

34 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2014

FALL TOY PREVIEW

We do this by showcasing a diverse and engaging assortment of innovative brands. For the exhibiting companies, we focus on providing a forum that is held at the right time, in the right location, and at the best possible price.

TFE: Manufacturers reported packed schedules with retail appointments at the 2013 show. Yet the perception this year is that traffic was down significantly. Licensors, in particular, seemed to be absent from the show.

What feedback have you received from buyers about Fall Toy Preview?

M.B.: From all reports, Fall Toy Preview 2013 was a success. The event was filled with business meetings, order-writing, innovative product launches, and networking events. We continue to hear from members of the international toy industry that this show is their first stop on the annual global toy buying circuit. As for licensor presence in Dallas, we were actually quite pleased with the turnout. To name just a few, Cartoon Network, DreamWorks, Lucasfilm, NBC, Nickelodeon, Saban Brands, Sesame Workshop, Sanrio, Sony, WWE, Warner Bros., Walt Disney, and Twentieth Century Fox were all there. We do know that the 2014 Brand Licensing Expo is scheduled to take place at the same time as Fall Toy Preview. We hope that this doesn’t significantly impact licensor presence at our show, and that their show dates do not overlap with ours in the years to come.

TFE: A number of companies exhibit in office space during “L.A. Toy Fair.” (Of course, many of those companies are based in L.A.) Will Fall Toy Preview move to Los Angeles? Or is another city a better option?

Will the timing of the show change?

M.B.: No decision has been made to move the show out of Dallas or to change the timing of the event. TIA takes very seriously its responsibility to create marketplaces that serve the needs of all of our members. Our Trade Show Committee is conducting an in-depth look at the overall needs of the industry and, specifically, of the companies that rely on Fall Toy Preview to meet with the majors. We will then determine whether the industry is better served with or without a move. Regardless of location and timing, the retail community has already told us that they see value in visiting separately with the companies that exhibit at Fall Toy Preview because the event fills a critical void in their buying cycle.

FTP is one of those events that will likely be in a constant state of evolution—making it an ongoing topic of conversation within the industry.

E

...

RESPONDS

very October in Dallas during the

mixed. Regardless of show’s location, the most

participating in FTP in 2014.

the future of the trade show. With

also said that FTP gave them a chance to meet

of marketing and licensing for TCG.

Fall Toy Preview (FTP), the topic of conversation inevitably falls to each passing year, the perception is

that the show is less crowded and that fewer buy-

ers are attending. But it’s important to separate perception from reality. The Toy Industry Association

(TIA) has addressed many of the rumors surrounding the show such as buyer participation, licensor

participation, as well as the rumored move to Los Angeles. (See opposite page.)

Now, TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT offers

manufacturers the chance to voice their opinions about the show. On the whole, those interviewed

were happy with the show. They agreed that

Dallas is a convenient city to host the show. The hotels are centrally located from the venue. The

venue itself is conducive for business. But the

most important thing about Dallas is the location

of the city itself. Dallas is a quick flight for just about everyone in the country.

Yet the rumor that continues to crop up every

year is centered around the show moving to Los

Angeles. The reason for this, of course, has to do with Mattel. Typically the week after FTP, many

in the industry venture out to L.A. for a week of “Toy Fair.” Mattel hosts its own large-scale Toy

Fair in its El Segundo headquarters. Each year more and more toy manufacturers set up their

own showrooms for meetings during Mattel’s timeframe

AND THE INDUSTRY

such

as

Moose

Toys,

MGA

Entertainment, Playmates, Spin Master, and

Jakks Pacific, just to name a few. Of course, these companies have permanent office space in

the Los Angeles area so that makes participating

in this “Toy Fair” just a bit easier.

But does it make sense to move the entire trade

show to Los Angeles? Responses to this idea were

important message from those interviewed is that

FTP is an important and successful show. Many with retailers that don’t usually go to Hong Kong

such as Kohl’s, Aldi, Amazon.com, Meijer, Walgreens, and CVS to name a few.

“The show may be short but the time is pro-

ductive,” says Jim Gunderson vice-president of

sales for Aeromax. “We get the chance to review products that are in place or about to take place as well as what’s coming.”

While no one seemed overwhelmingly

opposed to a move to a different venue or different city, all agreed that having a trade show at a

completely different time and place from Mattel’s “Toy Fair,” benefits the rest of the industry.

“Having this separate show away from

Mattel helps companies of our size,” says Rick Mershon, vice-president of sales for Blip Toys.

“We find that people are not overly rushed or stressed out during FTP. We are getting 30–60

minute appointments with buyers whereas in the past, we were offered 10 minutes.”

Mershon explains that FTP is actually a pre-

view and it’s a time for Blip Toys to slow down

and tell the story of the next product line so buyers can understand Blip’s vision.

Others agreed with Mershon and many fear

that a move to L.A. would pull too few buyers in

too many directions. The bulk of the attention

would go to Mattel and to other L.A.-based toy

companies and those participating at a trade show

venue could be overlooked.

BETTER OFF IN L.A.?

However, for some the show is not delivering

on all that has been promised. TCG is one manu-

facturer who says they have not yet committed to

“It will depend on how many of our customers

plan to return,” says Jessica Gavin, vice-president Gavin says that TCG is in multiple product

categories so “we see a buyer from one category but not from another.” Many of the buyers that TCG works with know that they will see the com-

pany during one of its many road shows so they don’t always take the time to meet in Dallas.

She says a move to L.A. could make more

sense if the buyers and licensors are there anyway seeing Mattel and others. Then, she says, the question becomes, “do we fight with others for

time in L.A. or will it become a two-week show?

We wouldn’t know [the answer] until we go through one cycle,” she says.

Insect Lore agreed saying the company is not

sure it will attend FTP in 2014. Insect Lore’s president, John White, says that a move to L.A. would be better for his company.

Although the show is working well for B kids

and it plans to return in 2014, according to the

company’s U.S. president, Cliff Seto, “from what I understand, there are less buyers than

before. A few buyers told me they will not be in Dallas in 2014,” he says.

The show is a success for The Bridge Direct.

“Buyer participation is generally good across the

board,” says Jay Foreman, CEO of The Bridge

Direct. “The key is getting broader support from buyers at Target and Walmart. If we can get sup-

port across the board from those key buyer teams,

the show would be a huge success for all every

year. Generally, the other retailers, anchored by Toys ‘R’ Us, consistently attend in mass.”

Of course, it’s impossible to please everyone,

but the TIA seems poised to address these concerns—most notably buyer attendance.

FEBRUARY 2014 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT 35

A

STATE BY

OF THE

NANCY LOMBARDI

s we embark on yet another Toy Fair, TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT is once again taking stock of the industry.

Those interviewed offered insight into what is happening at retail, trends in the industry, and what we can expect to see in their booths at this year’s Toy Fair. Respondents also looked overall at how American consumers are spending and what challenges remain for shoppers. The companies features here, both large and small, represent a range of product categories. Here are their edited responses, listed alphabetically by manufacturer.

4D CITYSCAPE, SHAUN SAKDINAN, FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT

TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT: How does a smaller company such as yours get the attention of retail buyers? How do you gain the attention of families who may not be in the habit of working on puzzles?

SHAUN SAKDINAN: We have garnered a lot of attention through word of mouth and public relations. When you create an amazing product that people enjoy very much, the word can spread very quickly, so this has helped to open doors for us. With 4D’s patented three-layer-puzzle design, we definitely have a very unique puzzle, so that catches the attention of retailers. The fact that our puzzles feature cities from across America and across the globe also adds interest for retailers in specific regions. Our sales team has done an amazing job building relationships with retail buyers, and this is of utmost importance. With the growing success 4D Cityscape is having at retail,

SPECIALTY TOY INDUSTRY these relationships are only getting stronger.

Putting our puzzles together is a great family activity. A 4D puzzle is unlike any other puzzle available, and not only are they educational and challenging, they’re fun. It’s a mini project that a family can work on together. Everyone learns about each city while building it to completion— whether it’s your own city or a notable city of interest to you—it is a gratifying experience.

T&FE: What has signing the Game of Thrones license done for your company? Why did you target that property? Do you plan to do additional licensing?

S.S.: The Game of Thrones license has brought a great amount of excitement to our company, and with it we were able to reach an entirely new demographic of consumers and distributors. Working with HBO has also brought major credibility and attention to our company.

We choose to work with this property because our vision for the design of the product fit with the license perfectly both in terms of product design and demographics. It was a winwin situation between both HBO and 4D Cityscape, and the puzzle has been a great success. We are now working on signing more major licenses that will expand our audience ever further. We’re excited to be announcing these new licensing partnerships very soon.

DIGGIN ACTIVE, NATHAN KEKER, CO-FOUNDER AND CEO

T&FE: The U.S. government recommends that kids get 60 minutes of exercise per day. What out-

36 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2014

reach do you do to retailers and consumers to promote your toys for this use? Are your products sold to schools, day care, or aftercare centers for this use?

NATHAN KEKER: Diggin Active constantly promotes active play through our products, packaging, marketing, and advertising. Kids need to occasionally put down the game controller or remote and get some fun exercise. Our products make this easy to do. Parents want their kids to build coordination and motor skills, but most kids don’t think that way. They simply want to succeed and have fun at whatever they are doing. We give them a football, for example, that makes it easier to throw spirals over longer distances. That sense of accomplishment gives a child something he will come back to day after day. Yes, the products have all the benefits parents want, but they also engage and empower the child to be active.

At retail, Diggin conducts play dates where kids can get active right in-store using our products. We offer free demonstration product so retailers can stage their own play dates in-store.

Additionally, our weekly blog gives ideas for getting active in any weather. Some of the blogs include information about our products, but most are just fun ideas for staying active.

Schools use many of our products for group activities. One of the favorites is DodgeTag. Every kid gets a Velcro vest, they split into two teams, and run around throwing soft, safe balls at their opponents trying to stick the ball to the vest.

It is wonderful to see a schoolyard filled with running, laughing kids playing with our products.

We also donate quite a few of our products to school auctions all around the country. This is a great way for schools to raise money and to expose our active products to parents.

Toys “R” Us puts out an amazing publication called Differently-Abled Toy Guide. Every year we are proud that our products are included in that publication and that we are helping all kids maintain an active lifestyle.

FASHION ANGELS, MARK MILLER, CEO

T&FE: How does Fashion Angels stay ahead of trends—especially when it comes to this fickle age group of girls?

MARK MILLER: Fashion Angels’ appeal is grounded in our expertise and singular focus on serving the needs of tween girls and providing them with products that speak to their inherent interest in fashion and personal expression. Next we provide them with highquality materials that allow them to leverage their imaginations to create things that are real, lasting, and tangible. These inherent interests are not fads that will be disappearing among tween girls anytime soon.

Fashion Angels utilizes a variety of proprietary trend-spotting activities along with triedand-true research tools in order to first discern and then validate emerging trends among tween girls and be the first to bring them to market.

T&FE: How have your varied licenses helped you reach a wide variety of consumers? Project Runway is one of particular interest. It seems that license would appeal to a much older girl who is no longer interested in toys. How do you market the products to this demographic?

M.M.: We enjoy a highly collaborative relationship with all of our licensing partners and these relationships enable us to bring an engaging open-ended play experience to girls worldwide within the interest area or theme of their choos-

ing. Our Project Runway products do reach a modestly higher age range, however we’ve received rave reviews for the products from girls as young as 8 through adult design students. The most compelling element of all of our products is really the opportunity for open-ended creation and self-expression and that has no age limit.

Fashion Angels works in partnership with retailers, serving as their tween girl expert. By working together and sharing insights, we are able to identify emerging trends, interests, and opportunities and create meaningful innovation that delivers on those insights.

GREEN TOYS, LAURIE HYMAN, VICE-PRESIDENT, CO-FOUNDER T&FE: How do you get the message across to retail buyers and ultimately consumers about the importance of your products?

LAURIE HYMAN: Whether it comes to play, product design, manufacturing, or packaging, at Green Toys we believe “less is more.” We’ve thrown out bells and whistles and complicated business practices and tried to simplify how we do things. We focus on what is important to the environment, parent, and child. Our eco-friendly, U.S.-made products are ones that parents can feel good about. We do our best to convey our message through transparency at every opportunity—packaging, website, and marketing programs. However, the Green Toys message is mostly spread by those that love our products—online and offline—through good, old-fashioned word of mouth.

T&FE: What challenges is the toy industry facing as we enter 2014?

L.H.: After years of recession-driven sluggish-

38 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2014

ness, the toy industry might actually have the wind at its back in 2014. Green Toys’ retailers are reporting general satisfaction with holiday sales, and there is cautious optimism for the coming year. A big challenge for the industry is to not get ahead of itself. While retailers and manufacturers are getting tired of “recession fatigue,” the industry will be well served to continue the responsible practices of the past few years until a recovery is firmly underway.

INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS, DAVID SHAPIRO, VICE-PRESIDENT OF MARKETING

T&FE: How do you reach the retail community, and ultimately consumers, especially across so many lines?

DAVID SHAPIRO: International Plaything uses three main mediums to convey the importance of our products to retail buyers and consumers. The first is our product development and packaging. At International Playthings we strive to create quality products and design our packaging to clearly represent the value included in each product.

Our second medium is our sales staff. Our highly trained sales force effectively communicates product messaging to the retail buyers.

Afterward these specialty retail stores can use this knowledge to assist their consumers to make well-informed purchasing decisions.

Lastly, we find the digital landscape is providing an important platform for communication. We utilize online advertisements as well as direct communication with consumers through social media.

T&FE: What economic challenges are consumers still facing as we enter 2014?

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1/27/2014 1:17:54 PM

D.S.: There are still a number of challenges facing the U.S. consumer as we enter 2014. One key challenge remains unemployment. The U.S. unemployment rate dropped to 6.7 percent in December 2013, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, according to some experts, it seems the drop is in part due to large numbers of long-term unemployed (more than 27 weeks) no longer looking for work or, accepting part-time and lower-wage jobs in place of full-time work. In addition, a national unemployment rate of 6.7 is still historically high.

Before 2008, the last time, unemployment reached 6.7 percent was in 1993.

A second challenge is household income. The median household income is just now reaching the pre-2008 recession level. However, when adjusted for inflation (using the Consumer Price Index) incomes are actually down 8 percent from 2008 levels resulting in less consumer-spending power.

LEARNING RESOURCES, RICK WOLDENBERG, CHAIRMAN

T&FE: How do you get the message across to consumers about the important skills kids learn from your products?

RICK WOLDENBERG: Tech toys currently enjoy big mindshare but the fundamental value of hands-on educational toys still matters a lot to parents. They know that their kids learn and develop essential skills through experience and by interacting with their world. They definitely want their children to get their hands dirty. We try to emphasize what our products deliver— active, engaging learning that fosters critical skills such as early language, social, reasoning and critical thinking, observation, and more.

The fact that teachers are such strong advocates for our products speaks volumes to con-

sumers. To help communicate what our products are all about, we encourage consumers to share their experiences and stories on social media. That makes a huge difference. Our products are also great for family time, another important driver for parents. That social experience is an important way kids learn.

T&FE: What economic challenges are families still facing as we enter 2014?

R.W.: We think we are finally seeing recovery.

The economy made progress in 2013 with modest growth. The latest data indicates that the American consumer is feeling more upbeat now and spending more freely, so we expect further improvement in 2014. Nevertheless, the consumer still loves a bargain. Consumers want to be smart about their purchases and are researching more, trying to get the most value for every dollar they spend.

MANHATTAN TOY, KELLY ANDERSON, VICE-PRESIDENT OF MARKETING

T&FE: With so much focus on tech toys in today’s market, how does Manhattan Toy get the message across to retail buyers and ultimately consumers about the importance of your products?

KELLY ANDERSON: We pride ourselves in offering innovatively designed, classic play toys.

These types of toys offer creative and developmental skills that can differ from what tech toys offer. It is important for kids to have toys that offer a variety of benefits, especially at a young age. Classic toys offer hands-on play that promotes physical stimulation to assist in developing key motor and social skills as well as the freedom for kids to be imaginative and creative.

40 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2014

T&FE: What have been the strongest licenses in your line? Why do you think they resonate with consumers?

K.A.: We have a very small portfolio of licenses but I would say our strongest is our partnership with Dr. Seuss. We have had the license for more than 10 years. It is a fantastic, bookbased, evergreen property that everyone knows. It is well loved by parents and kids from generation to generation. Classic characters such as Cat in the Hat and The Grinch are staples that are constant sellers for us from year to year. In addition, Dr. Seuss does a fabulous job of marketing its characters and stories as well as bringing them to life in amazing movies and television programs that keep the property relevant and engaging.

PATCH PRODUCTS, BRIAN MAXWELL, PRESIDENT

T&FE: What is your message to retail buyers and consumers about Patch’s product line?

BRIAN MAXWELL: Our message to buyers and consumers is that there needs to be a balance between tech toys, which are typically solo or faceless activities, and toys that allow for social interaction. Children and adults are always going to want electronics, but there is also a need to spend quality time interacting face-toface with friends and family. A great way to do that is with a toy, puzzle, or board game.

T&FE: What economic challenges are families still facing as we enter 2014?

B.M.: According to the U.S. government, one in every five children in America is experiencing poverty. Alongside this, the costs for childcare,

healthcare, and college continue to rise, while wages remain steady. Unfortunately, these are all big challenges and issues that concern today’s families. These families are not thinking of what toys to purchase throughout the year, but rather how to put food on the table and how to buy warm coats and clothing for their children.

Because of this, members of the toy industry always look for ways to give a bit of happiness and fun to children in these situations.

RAVENSBURGER USA, THOMAS KAEPPELER, CEO T&FE: How does Ravensburger keep families—and retailers— focused on games and puzzles?

THOMAS KAEPPELER: With the exception of building sets as a super category in The NPD Group’s consumer panel, most other super categories in toys have been trending downward over the past couple of years. Smartphones, tablets, and the apps being offered for these have been diverting buying power and interest from traditional toys. There are certain categories, which in our opinion, are more prone to be replaced by apps than others (e.g. board games vs. ride-on vehicles). We believe that combining the latest developments in the smartphone and tablet markets, such as augmented reality with traditional toys, enhances play patterns and the experience that consumers have with our games and puzzles. We launched an extremely successful line of augmented reality puzzles in 2012.

We expanded on that product line in 2013 and sales results have been fantastic and growing.

We are actively working on bringing this technology to board games as well.

T&FE: How is Ravensburger expanding beyond games and puzzles?

T.K.: We launched a hugely successful line of science products last year called ScienceX. The product lineup features exciting activities designed by science experts and tested by kids.

Children learn to understand everyday phenomena through hands-on, easy projects and learn fascinating facts about biology, chemistry, and physics. The most important addition to the line in 2014 is a science kit that was developed in cooperation with Mercedes Benz.

Mercedes Benz is a leader in fuel-cell technology and our science kit is all about cars being powered by fuel cells.

We expanded our successful MandalaDesigner product line with a range of outdoor Mandalas that feature waterproof plastic stencils and chalk in fun colors that can be used on a patio, driveway, or sidewalk.

THINKFUN, BILL RITCHIE, PRESIDENT AND CO-FOUNDER

T&FE: Explain Robot Turtles and the Kickstarter campaign. Why did you choose to do a Kickstarter campaign? What type of publicity did you receive by taking that route?

BILL RITCHIE: Robot Turtles was not a ThinkFun game that we launched on Kickstarter. Rather, we were looking there for inspiration and discovered the game in the process. Kickstarter has become a powerful way to find out what resonates with consumers across many industries; in this case, a game inventor discovered that he was onto a very powerful idea. We discovered the inventor and managed to license the game rights. For ThinkFun the opportunity for publicity lies ahead. Already there is an enthusiastic fan base and a buzz around the game concept, which is that Robot Turtles teaches coding skills to preschoolers. We are now planning our own commercial launch using a

42 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2014

Kickstarter-inspired model, to include special offers and heavy doses of social media.

T&FE: Explain the Games for Groups. How long has ThinkFun had that line? Who purchases products from that line?

B.R.: Games for Groups is not exactly a product line. It is a free giveaway program for schools and organizations that we use for creative inspiration. It’s for our team to get out into communities of interest to build ThinkFun awareness. The program is designed as a “Do It Yourself Organizer’s Kit” that we deliver digitally through screen-based instruction and PDF downloads, so there’s no cost to manufacture or to ship. We don’t charge customers. It sounds crazy, but in this new world you need to give things away for free to make money. This specific idea isn’t making us money yet, but it has opened up new ideas and new ways of thinking that we hope will lead us into new markets.

T&FE: How does ThinkFun’s products tie in with Common Core as well as the new emphasis on STEM education?

B.R.: ThinkFun games are all about reasoning ability and logical thinking, there is no question that they are educational in a broad sense. With regard to STEM education, we have great success by identifying where STEM is taking place and going there to have a market presence.

Everybody gets the connection once they play our games. We have not had much luck when we try to describe how our games map to educational standards so we tend not to do this. Several years ago, we consciously gave up on explicitly promoting educational values and moved our focus to brain research community values with more of a focus on the whole child. It feels genuine to say that our games help strengthen reasoning ability because they really do.

See us at

TOY FAIR

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Tough Competition in Doll Category BY

CHRISTINE SULLIVAN

T

he doll category is one of the most

told the story of how our core cast of six ponies

says. “Little Mermaid is trying out for the swim

on. Meanwhile, tablets and other

vice-president of global marketing for Hasbro.

That’s stuff that girls can relate to.”

challenging in the toy industry. The

battle for retail shelf space rages tech items draw girls’ interest away

from dolls earlier than it did a generation ago.

Those interviewed say most 8-year-olds will no

longer play with dolls—especially if a younger sister plays with them. It’s just not cool.

The one doll line that has been able to make

strides in reversing this trend has been Mattel’s

Monster High. The line carries a lot of “cool” factor with its fashions and well thought-out story-

lines, yet, it differs from the average fashion doll in many ways, including the multi-media approach that launched it.

“To capture the older girls, we’re developing

franchises that are rooted in a transmedia storyline brought to life through entertainment, digital play,

fashion dolls, and other consumer products,” says Evelyn Mazzocco, senior vice-president of cre-

ative, global girls, and games brands at Mattel.

“Original content and entertainment—from DVD movies to TV specials to web series—have

become an integral element because they inspire storytelling. For example, our Monster High and

Ever After High webisode series introduces girls to new characters and storylines that they can

identify with and express themselves through.”

Not surprisingly, other manufacturers have

taken notice and are also supporting their new

entered a parallel world where they exist as teenage girls,” says Samantha Lomow, senior

“We made the storytelling relevant and aspirational for older girls, exploring more complex themes and lessons in friendship.”

there are times when the gamble pays off big.

demographic through its My Little Pony brand. In

Hasbro has tapped into a specific niche of con-

sumers now known as Bronies (bro+ponies), which are adult male fans of My Little Pony.

Meanwhile, newcomer S-K Victory is one com-

pany that has gone back to the classics, but with a

contemporary spin. Its Fairy Tale High line features teenage versions of fairy tale favorites.

“A lot of people think the classic princesses were

developed by this guy named Walt Disney,” says Scott Coff, co-founder of S-K Victory. “But these stories were written in the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. The Toon Studio of Beverly Hills, the licen-

sor for Fairy Tale High, was able to create a license through publishing with these characters. We have an agreement to co-exist with Disney as long as our dolls don’t look like their characters,” Coff says.

When launching a new company and a new

line, it helps to enter the market with something

that consumers can identify with. Coff attributes S-

K Victory’s success to the fact that consumers

trendy mode. We didn’t have to spend a lot of

line based on its My Little Pony brand called My

Little Pony Equestria Girls.

“We launched with a 72-minute movie that

The more traditional way to link story to doll

addition to finding success with young girls,

gained for when it comes to reaching an older

a winning combination.

Hasbro, for instance, introduced a fashion doll

BLOCKBUSTER LICENSING

is by licensing from films or television shows. It

already know the characters.

mixing in classic brands, names, and concepts

teenage cat fights and then they’re best friends.

Hasbro may have gotten more than it bar-

lines with a multimedia approach. Many are also

that consumers are familiar with, hoping to strike

team and Alice is her arch enemy. They have their

“Practically every kid knows who Cinderella

is,” he says. “We’re just putting her in a more

energy on building awareness.” The line is sup-

ported with original eBooks and webisodes and

interacts with fans on social media. “The fun is

having these iconic characters interact,” Coff

44 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2014

can be risky to gamble on the success of a proper-

ty and the toyetic appeal of the characters. But Most recently, Disney’s Frozen has exceeded all expectations. The film, which opened on

November 22, 2013, has grossed nearly $750 million globally as of press time.

“Frozen has been tracking way ahead of

Tangled, which was huge,” says Lisa Whitaker, vice-president of marketing at Jakks Pacific.

“Disney Princess movies aren’t just in and out the way other movie properties are. They stay as part

of the culture and we can continue to sell that

princess long after the movie is released.”

Similarly, Jakks is enjoying strong sales with its Sofia the First products based on the Disney

Junior TV series. Likewise, the Sofia the First doll has also been a hit for Mattel.

Disney has the magic formula for girls at the

moment. There is Frozen, Sofia the First, Doc

McStuffins, and Disney Princess Palace Pets—all of which were hot this holiday season. Just Play’s Doc McStuffins line includes dolls but roleplay is the crux

of the property. Just Play’s Doc McStuffins Get Better Check Up Center was nearly impossible to find last holiday. (Just Play declined an interview.)

SMALL DOLLS, BIG BRANDS

Small dolls were once a big part of this cate-

gory but it’s a niche that is becoming harder to navigate. It’s also a niche that is moving into the

preschool years, making the doll category even

has high hopes for this category, which proved

“They’ll remember the Strawberry Shortcake they

and The Bridge’s Strawberry Shortcake would

he says. “Our Palace Pets continue to grow in

wrong with a Strawberry Shortcake?” It’s a strate-

younger. Jay Foreman, president of The Bridge

Direct explains that Just Play’s Doc McStuffins have probably been small doll lines for girls a

generation ago. Now those properties are moving into the younger preschool demographic with

larger dolls and roleplay, says Foreman. (Spin Master, which introduced the small doll line Kawaii Krush in 2013, declined an interview.)

Nonetheless, there is still optimism for small

dolls. “Small collectible dolls have the potential to

successful for the company last year. “Small dolls

are showing nice positive comps with last year,” strength and we’re very excited about our Hello Kitty launch.”

Along with 2.5-inch fully poseable Hello Kitty

dolls, Blip offers a full line of larger Hello Kitty dolls from four to 14 inches.

NOSTALGIC APPEAL

Nostalgia still plays a big role in this category.

reach a very broad audience,” says Mary Beth

Sanrio is celebrating the 40th anniversary of Hello

around entertainment brands, it can be challenging

Fisher-Price has Little Mommy. Hasbro has Baby

King, vice-president of sales for Famosa North

America. “But since they’re often built largely

and expensive, since quick turnover of assortment is key.” To wit, Famosa will be creating many new items for its Pinypon small doll line.

Likewise, Bill Nichols, president of Blip Toys

DIVERSITY

Kitty. Some other key items with retro appeal include Jakks Pacific with the Cabbage Patch Kids.

Alive. The Bridge Direct has Strawberry Shortcake.

“The opportunity with these classic brands is

when someone who’s buying for the child is not

really sure what the child likes,” says Foreman.

had when they were young. They don’t know much about the toys on the shelf, but how can you go gy that continues to work not just for this category but for the industry overall.

The classic brands in feature baby dolls, such as

Hasbro’s Baby Alive and Mattel’s Little Mommy

continue to perform well. Yet, new entries are gain-

ing a foothold with a fresh look, such as MGA’s Baby Lalaloopsy and paper-doll inspired Mooshka.

“Baby dolls are most promising if they’re

unique,” says Isaac Larian, CEO of MGA

Entertainment. But just as important as the look, “the doll must have good play value and inspire imagination and creativity first and foremost,” he says.

Ultimately isn’t the best story the one the

child makes up herself? Whether small dolls or large dolls, this category continues to foster roleplay and self expression for girls of all ages.

DOLLS: THE ONE WORLD DOLL PROJECT

“Our mission is simple. We want to let little girls out there know someone is thinking of them,” says

IN

Trent Daniel, founder of One World. “When they go to a toy store, they should be able to see dolls of all

kinds of races and diversities.” Daniel started the company with Stacey McBride-Irby, creator of Mattel’s Barbie So In Style line of African-American dolls.

The One World Doll Project’s Prettie Girl line consists of multi-cultural fashion dolls representing

African-American, Hispanic, East Asian, African, and Caucasian ethnicities. The dolls are currently being

marketed and sold online. The goal is to build awareness to move into mass market stores.

“We have been able to pick up three major distribution deals with online retailers, so our brand has

really been able to expand,” Daniel says. “We wouldn’t have been able to do what we do without the

internet. It would have been too cost prohibitive. But by maximizing our web presence, keeping costs

down, and drop shipping direct to the customer, we set the foundation for attracting the big box stores.

That way we won’t face the big battles of fighting to put a new product on the shelves. Our goal is to

make Prettie Girls the must-have toy for Christmas 2014.”

One World is also carving out a niche in the African-American celebrity doll market. Its most recent

introduction was a doll for reality star Cynthia Bailey (Real Housewives of Atlanta). Dolls of Bern

Nadette Stanis (Themla from Good Times), singer/songwriter Chaka Khan, and actress and comedian

Mo’Nique are currently being developed. Visit oneworlddolls.com.

FEBRUARY 2014 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT 45

Doll Product Presentation BY

CHRISTINE SULLIVAN

Dolls continue to be a competitive category. The clear emphasis is on fashion, fantasy, and self-expression. For the youngest girls, there is a host of offerings in large character dolls as well as classic baby dolls—both licensed and non-licensed. Here is a sampling of new items for 2014.

Fashion doll Ashlynn Ella is part of Mattel’s new Ever After High line. Ashlynn Ella, the teenage daughter of Cinderella, is obsessed with shoes and her companion Hunter Huntsman, teenage son of the Hunter from Snow White and Red Riding Hood. The high school sweethearts can be purchased as a pair at mass retail and girls’ clothing shop, Justice.

MATTEL

The Tollytots Disney Classic Toddler Dolls is an 18-inch doll line. This line features dolls wearing outfits inspired by their favorite Disney characters. Pictured is the Mickey Mouse doll. A doll with a Winnie the Pooh outfit is also available.

The line is available exclusively at Toys “R” Us.

JAKKS PACIFIC

The online retailer offers five Prettie Girls, which are multi-cultural dolls representing the African-American, Hispanic, East Asian, African, and Caucasian ethnicities. The fashion dolls sport outfits that are equally diverse with apparel showcasing trends from the 1970s–1990s along with today’s latest styles.

Prettie Girl designer Stacy McBride-Irby created Mattel’s Barbie So In Style line.

ONE WORLD DOLL PROJECT

46 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2014

Based on the book series which reimagines fairy tale favorites in high school, Fairy Tale High is a line of fashion dolls that includes contemporary teen versions of Peter Pan, Prince Charming, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Belle, Little Mermaid, Alice in Wonderland, Tinker Bell, Snow White, and Rapunzel, and Pocahontas. Each doll has modern traits that provide a new twist for princess-loving girls who have outgrown traditional princess play.

S-K VICTORY

The Spanish doll maker introduces Nancy Like You at School as a cheerleader or artist.

The 17-inch doll comes with two outfits and a backpack. It will be available in specialty shops starting in July.

FAMOSA

The Lalaloopsy line expands with the introduction of soft-bodied dolls called Lalaloopsy Babies. Each comes with a petshaped bottle, a pacifier, and a hat. Each doll has a unique sewn-on date on its bottom, as well as a “sew” cute belly “button.”

MGA ENTERTAINMENT

The Dream to Be Waterbabies uses water-filled body technology to simulate the look and feel of a real baby. These nine-inch fillable dolls are styled in aspirational themes, such as ballerina, mermaid, soccer player, cheerleader, and fabulous fashionista. Playmates also offers six-inch prefilled Wee Waterbabies and 13-inch Giggly Wiggly Waterbabies.

PLAYMATES

With the Baby Alive: Baby Gets a Boo Boo Doll, a child can treat the “boo boo” with ointment and a bandage and then watch the boo-boo “heal.” The doll also drinks a bottle and wets its diaper.

Other new offerings from Baby Alive include Baby Alive Plays & Giggles Doll, which laughs when a child plays with it, and Baby Alive Luv ’N Snuggle Doll that can hold a pacifier or its thumb or toes in its mouth.

HASBRO

Corolle has designed a baby doll for real babies—the Grenadine Mini Miss & Baby Teether. This mini-sized first soft doll features a sweet face and a vanillascented baby teether. It is designed for ages birth and up. For toddlers and young children, Corolle continues to offer a line of high-end baby dolls with a realistic feel, look, and vanilla scent.

COROLLE

The Beatrix Girls are a line of collectible fashion dolls with their own music. Designed to inspire and empower young girls, the four rockers— Brayden, Ainsley, Lark, and Chantall— each have a distinctive personality and back story. The line is available at Toys “R” Us and Justice.

POP STAR CLUB

Blip Toys’ current line of Hello Kitty 13-inch fully articulated dolls expands into mass retail this year. The line is currently an exclusive at Target.

Retail outlets will expand this spring to include Walmart and Toys “R” Us. Rounding out the line will be large plush Hello Kitty, small plush, small dolls, and Color Me Plush Hello Kitty.

BLIP TOYS

FEBRUARY 2014 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT 47

TOY FAIR 2014

COMPILED

BY

NANCY LOMBARDI

AND JENNIFER LYNCH

The following companies represent a sampling of what will be on display at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City during this year’s Toy Fair.

MATTEL

for content updates or manually change the learnMattel will continue to introduce new offering stage with a switch. The Laugh & Learn ings across its brands for 2014. This is a samSmart Stages Chair uses Smart Stages learning pling of some of its latest introductions. to know when baby sits and stands, activating The Barbie Iron On Style Doll comes with interactive learning songs and phrases. It feafashions and tools girls can use to create their own tures a light-up remote, a flip book, and a lift-up printed T-shirts. Barbie comes with more than 30 cushion that teach baby about numbers, shapes, and decals, an iron, dress form, three decal sheets, three more. It offers three learning levels of play that tops, two skirts, one vest, one pair of shoes, and include fresh songs, phrases, and sounds that necklace. It’s for ages 5 and up and available now. match baby’s age and stage. It is for ages 6–36 Mattel’s latest doll line, Ever After High, folmonths and will be available in June. lows the stories of the teenage sons and daughThis fall Thomas & Friends TrackMaster ters of famous fairytales as they decide whether motorized engines have been redesigned with or not to follow in their parents’ fabled footsteps. enhanced speed, power, and performance to make The Ever After High Ever After Royals doll assortSmart Stages engines go faster and climb higher. In the Thomas ment features the Royal characters, including Chair & Friends TrackMaster Avalanche Escape playset, Apple White (daughter of Snow White), Briar Beauty (daughter of Sleeping Beauty), and more. The Ever After Thomas charges up a steep 30-degree incline, crosses a gap in the Rebels include Raven Queen (daughter of the Evil Queen), Madeline tracks, then races down the mountain through a landscape of surprises.

Hatter (daughter of the Mad Hatter of Wonderland), and more. Each Trackmaster sets are for ages 3–6. This set will be available in August.

The new Fisher-Price Little People Musical Preschool playset, feadoll comes with a doll stand, doll hairbrush, and bookmark that tells a unique character story. These dolls and others in the line are now avail- tures an outside entry for getting off the bus and lots of places to discover action and musical rewards, such as an art easel, a hamster wheel able for ages 6 and up.

Hot Wheels will introduce an all-new way for boys to play with its (spin it), a dino (push on its head), and a fish tank (push on top). It is classic track system. With the Hot Wheels Track Builder System for ages 1–5 and will be available in June.

Based on the Paul Frank brand, Julius Jr., which airs on Nick Jr., foldesign, create, and customize your own track challenge. It features a variety of car-activated, action-oriented stunts, and connects all-new lows the adventures of Julius and his friends. Fisher-Price is launching a track sets to other new sets. A universal plastic connector to extend the toy line for the series this year. In the Julius Jr. Rock ‘n Playhouse Box Hot Wheels play experience is included. With the Hot Wheels Track playset, skate up the ramp, dance on the light-up dance floor, ride the eleBuilder 5 Lane Tower Starter Set, now available, race five cars in four vator that knows which floor you’re on, travel through the hall of doors, different directions, jump through “flames,” compete in a furious side- and more. The Julius Jr. Rock ‘n Playhouse Box can also connect to other by-side race, or race a plane with the radar tower stunt. It also features Julius Jr. playsets. It is for ages 2 and up and will be available in June.

Mattel and Marvel will introduce a line of co-branded Hot Wheels places to add additional track, which is sold separately. The line is now cars and playsets featuring the brand’s most iconic superheroes. The available and it’s for ages 4 and up.

Fisher-Price will roll out new Smart Stages technology into its Hot Wheels Marvel Character Car Assortment features Marvel’s most Laugh & Learn product line, enabling parents to input their child’s age popular heroes and villains reimagined as a Hot Wheels Car. 48 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2014

TOY FAIR 2014 HASBRO Hasbro introduces an extensive lineup of products for this spring.

Key items are highlighted here. In the Baby Alive brand, there’s The Baby Alive Plays & Giggles Baby doll. The doll reacts to a variety of playful movements and activities. Simply swing it around in your arms or bounce it up and down on your knee and it will respond with sounds.

Baby Alive Luv ’n Snuggle Baby Doll allows kids to wrap the doll up in its swaddle blanket to help get it ready for bed or cuddle it while they pretend to feed it the bottle or give it the pacifier (doll will come with one or the other). Kids will also be able to put the doll’s thumb or toes in the doll’s mouth, like a real baby. All Baby Alive dolls are for ages 3 and up.

My Little Pony Equestria Girls dolls feature Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack, and Fluttershy. Each has a rocker outfit and a rainbow-fied hairstyle to match. Additional dolls will be available this fall, including fan favorite DJ Pon-3 doll, complete with signature headphones. Each doll is sold separately and is designed for ages 5 and up.

My Little Pony Equestria Girls Super Fashion Doll features Trixie.

Dressed in colorful, multi-layered fashions, each doll comes complete with a variety of accessories including a hair clip that girls can also wear and a musical instrument. Later in the year, girls can make music alongside the pop princess Twilight Sparkle or the rival Adagio Dazzling. The Equestria Girls line is for ages 5 and up.

In the Sesame Street line, The Elmo Guitar lets toddlers sing along with Elmo to “This Old Man,” “Row, Row, Row Your Boat,” and “Elmo’s ABC Song,” or they can switch to free play mode. Tots can also switch modes to play a color game with Elmo.

In the Sesame Street Hugs Forever Friends Assortment, Abby Cadabby plush wraps its arms around a child’s arm for a cuddle, or it can wrap around strollers and car seats. Elmo, Ernie, and Cookie 50 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2014

Monster are also available; each is sold separately.

In Hasbro’ games division, there’s the Pointing Fingers Game, for four to six players, ages 12 and up. Pointing Fingers is the game of who did what. Friends and family wear oversized foam fingers and point out hilarious and outrageous things about each other. Have you ever sleepwalked?

How about eaten something off the floor?

Point out the person who you think is most likely to do so and earn points for being right.

The Elefun & Friends Mouse Trap Game is for two to three players, ages 4 and up. It features the Elefun & Friends characters in one game. With an updated look and quick set-up time, the new Mouse Trap game will have preschoolers racing to trap the mice.

Land on the “boot” space to set the trap in motion and try to trap your opponent’s mouse to win. It comes with four collectible figures: Hungry Hippo, Sneakers Mouse, Pepper Mouse, and Nacho Mouse.

In the activities category, there are new sets for Play-Doh. Play-Doh Double Desserts Playset (shown) allows kids to create colorful PlayDoh cakes and pies. The set includes two two-ounce cans of Play-Doh and two two-ounce cans of Play-Doh Plus.

The Play-Doh Cupcake Tower allows kids to use the book mold to give each Play-Doh cupcake the most realistic-looking shape, then top off each one with decorative Play-Doh Plus frosting.

Display the treats on the three-tiered tower or remove the plates to serve friends. The set includes two two-ounce cans of Play-Doh compound and two two-ounce cans of Play-Doh Plus.

The Play-Doh Diggin’ Rigs Bommer the Fire Truck allows kids to use the book mold and stampers on the fire truck to create Play-Doh bricks, blocks, and even flames to set up a dramatic scene. Load the water canon with Play-Doh and shoot water to defeat the fire. The ladder extends and rotates for realistic play. The set includes two 3 ounce cans of Play-Doh. All Play-Doh sets are for ages 3 and up.

TOY FAIR 2014 SPIN MASTER

Spin Master grows its lineup for 2014 Flutterbye Flying Unicorn with new introductions and expansions to existing lines. Here is a sampling of what will be featured at Toy Fair. Flutterbye Flying Fairy flies, guided by the palm of a hand. It launches from its decorative display stand and can be stopped with the push of a button. Two new characters will be added to the collection for fall: Rainbow Mist and Raindrop. The Flutterbye Surprise Butterfly Diary opens to reveal a butterfly that flies across the room. Open the secret compartment to reveal your own journal.

Available this spring comes Flutterbye Dance and Fly Fairies. Place the fairy on its perfume bottle and pull the string to see it fly. Disney’s Tinkerbell also joins the line of Flutterbye Fairies with the Magic Flying Tink for spring. Tink launches from the display stand and stops with a simple push of a button. Flutterbye’s Flying Unicorn is made for indoor use only and will be available this fall. Control its flight with the palm of your hand. It easily launches from the floor or a table with the simple push of a button. All Flutterbye products are for ages 5 and up.

Expanding its games line for 2014, the Logo game gets a billion dollar makeover. With the new edition, Logo Billionaire, collect famous brands to build companies in six brand categories: transportation, snacks, sweets, tech, and home. Collect three or more brands in the same category, then press your luck for big bucks as you launch your company. But watch out—a Bust card will set you back. Be the first to earn a billion dollars to win. The Best of TV & Movies game is the entertainment version of Logo. It features logos and trivia questions about popular TV shows and movies. It will be available this fall.

Spin Master celebrates Air Hogs 15th anniversary in 2014 with a diverse line of products. The Air Hogs Skywinder is an R/C stunt rocket. Squeeze the trigger and watch as its counter rotating blades pull off incredible stunts. Its flexible design makes it suitable for indoor flight and its crash-resistant materials allow the Skywinder to stand up 52 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2014

against emergency landings. It will be available this spring and is for ages 8 and up. With the Air Hogs Zip Wing, build it then launch it.

Its engine will fire for 12 seconds, propelling it into the air. It features a 22-inch wingspan, folding props, and crash resistant materials. It is for ages 8 and up and available this spring.

Ionix construction bricks shape-shift and change to become mini figures, action figures, weapons, gear, gadgets, and more. The bricks also snap together with other leading construction systems. Utilize the Ionix bricks to bring your favorite Pokémon characters to life. With Ionix Pokémon mini-figure assortment, build Pikachu, Ash, and more characters using Ionix shape-shifting bricks, including the Pokémon-inspired shape-shifting, sphere brick. Or use the Ionix Pokémon Evolution Pack to build and evolve Pokémon characters through three stages of evolution.

Ionix also adds How to Train Your Dragon 2 construction sets, based on the anticipated sequel to the 2010 blockbuster movie from DreamWorks. Shape-shift and build your favorite dragons with new shape-shifting Ionix bricks. Recreate the adventures of Toothless, Hiccup, and their friends as they battle against new foes. The line includes Ionix Dragons mini-figure assortment and Ionix How to Train Your Dragon 2 Playsets (Mini Battle Playset and Deluxe Toothless Set).

Items in the Ionix line are for ages 6 and up.

Zoomer is back for 2014 and new breeds include a Beagle and a German Shepherd. Zoomer Minis are teacup sized versions of Zoomer with their own personality and style. Each features the same iconic LED eyes as Zoomer. They have five ways to play, including interactive moods, touch sensors, music player, mini games, and poseable legs. Zoomer Minis will launch for fall. Zoomer products are for ages 5 and up.

Spin Master also expands its NASCAR Authentics line for 2014, as well as Tech Deck, Paw Patrol, Spy Gear, and more.

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TOY FAIR 2014 THE BRIDGE DIRECT The Bridge Direct is introducing an extensive line of licensed prod- StackDown Universe where superstars John Cena and The Miz batucts including Strawberry Shortcake and WWE as well as an assort- tle it out to become the ultimate StackDown Champion. Three C3 ment from newly acquired Basic Fun. For Strawberry Shortcake, The figures are included—John Cena, The Miz, and Referee—as well as Bridge Direct launches The Strawberry Shortcake Sweet Beats Band tons of features, from the TitanTron screen to real working ring ropes. The set has more than 350 pieces.

Dolls, for ages 3 and up. Launching this fall are the The Train ’n Rumble Playset recreates the WWE’s characters from Berry Bitty City that will join brawling action as superstars Rey Mysterio and Strawberry Shortcake and new character, Cherry Sheamus train to become the next WWE StackDown Jam, in a new musical group called the Sweet Beats.

Champion. Experience the excitement as lockers slam, Girls can choose from Strawberry Shortcake, Plum water coolers are thrown, and punching bags swing.

Pudding, or Raspberry Torte as each six-inch doll The playset features two levels of action-play and features sharable outfits and accessories. more than 200 pieces, including a weight rack, bench The Strawberry Shortcake Sweet Beats press, brawlin’ dummy, and battle discs for ages 6 and up.

Stage Playset, for ages 3 and up, launches this fall Lite Brite With the WWE StackDown Undertaker’s Entrance and coordinates with the dolls above. The stage sparkles with bright lights and plays musical clips of two popular Sweet Beats Playset, the Undertaker rides his chopper through the gates and into songs—“Invincible” and “The Real Music in You”—from the TV the action, ready to become the next WWE StackDown Champion. series, Strawberry Shortcake’s Berry Bitty Adventures, which airs on Build the chopper, gates, and Undertaker pedestals, and then pay The Hub Network. Strawberry and Cherry dolls are included, along tribute to the Urn. The set comes with more than 120 pieces includwith Cherry’s guitar and a microphone with stand. Other Sweet Beats ing swinging gates, flames, custom statue, and the Undertaker figure.

The WWE Starter Sets each include one superstar figure and more Band dolls are sold separately.

Strawberry Shortcake Sweet Beats Singing Doll, for ages 3 and up than 70 pieces to build. Authentic and unique accessories, such as launching this fall, brings to life the CG-animated TV series, Santino Marella’s Cobra Cage and sock puppet snake and Kofi Strawberry Shortcake’s Berry Bitty Adventures. Standing 11-inches Kingston’s ladders and chains, are featured in each set to bring the tall, Strawberry is dressed in a sparkly ensemble and comes with a gui- action to life. The collection includes four starter sets: High Flyin’ Sin tar, microphone, comb, and a wear-and-share hair bow for girls. When Cara, Kofi Kingston with Ladder Match Set, Damian Sandow’s School Strawberry’s microphone is raised to her mouth, she sings and gives of Hard Knocks, and Santino Marella’s Cobra Cage.

This fall, The Bridge Direct’s Basic Fun division launches Lite“shout-outs” to the audience. Girls can also hear her strum the guitar, Brite in collaboration with Hasbro. Basic Fun will reintroduce the play some music, and hum along with the push of a button.

For the first time, the WWE Universe is coming to the construc- Lite-Brite brand with fresh new features including new character pegs.

Little girls, ages 3 and up, can wear, collect, and trade My Little tion toy aisle this spring for ages 6 and up. Kids can build, brawl, destroy, and rebuild the entire WWE StackDown Universe. Each Pony Charmlings. Each package contains one brightly colored charm WWE StackDown figure has a snap-fit design to brawl and pose bracelet and three pony charms. There are 12 pony charms and assortwith the most dynamic action. The WWE Universe is part of The ed colored bracelets to collect throughout the series.

The My Little Pony Rainbow Dash Keychain is for ages 3 and up.

Bridge Direct’s new C3 Construction brand that lets kids “Create, Touch the bottom of the magic cloud and watch Rainbow Dash Construct, and Customize.”

The StackDown Ring Playset is the center of the WWE change through a rainbow of colors.

54 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2014

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TOY FAIR 2014 ALEX BRANDS

Propel Equity Partners combines its brands under one company, now called Alex Brands, debuting for the first time at Toy Fair 2014.

The Alex toy line will feature multiple new craft items for 2014. For toddlers ages 18 months and up, the Tots Finger Paint Party features a paint can package filled with six plastic finger paint tools, four three-ounce colors of finger paint, four colored paint trays, and a plastic apron. Toddlers can also use the Sound & Play Busy Table, which features eight musical activities, including a xylophone and drum. It also features two peek-a-boo doors, spinning gears, a curvy bead maze, two track sliders, and a wooden mallet. Up to three kids can play with it simultaneously. Toddlers, ages 2 and up, can use the Bubbalooka to blow super long bubble snakes in the tub or outside. It comes with one bubble horn, a 4.5-ounce bottle of bubble solution, and a suction-cup dipping tray.

For aspiring jewelry makers, Alex offers new jewelry making kits.

With the Spike Jewelry kit, make seven bracelets with neon satin cords, spikes, and studs. It’s for ages 6 and up. With Chain Bracelets, create six cord-and-chain mash-up bracelets. Use the suction hook for easy braiding and knotting. It’s for ages 8 and up. With Pixel Jewelry, create 17 accessories from 40 pixel designs, including earrings, necklaces, rings, keychains, brooches, and barrettes. Adult supervision is required to operate an iron. It’s for ages 6 and up. With the Ultimate Friendship Bracelet Party kit, kids, ages 8 and up, can make 30 friendship and beaded bracelets.

With the Deluxe Hair Chalk Salon, color your hair with 12 bright colors including glittery metallics. Apply 12 Hair Chalk Pens to dry hair of any color and wash it out with shampoo. It contains 12 washable Hair Chalk Pens in a plastic storage case, 30 metallic beads, a hair-beading tool, 30 hair elastics, and instructions. It’s for ages 8 and up. Additional 56 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2014

new sets include the Ultimate Hair Accessories Salon, the Ultimate Tattoo Glitter Party, Colossal Art Set, Sidewalk Mandala, Ultimate Easel Accessories, and more.

Zoob introduces new Z-Bricks, which are half Zoob, half brick. They easily connect, pull apart, and can be re-used. Z-Bricks swivel on their brick bases, which adds articulation and creativity. The starter set includes 12 ZBricks (three of each of the four Z-Brick shapes). Each shape features either a Zoob “Ball” or “Jaw” end connection, in either an upward and downward orientation. Also included are 18 classic Zoob pieces.

New classic Zoob sets include the Creepy Glow Creatures set. Build spiders, bugs, scorpions, and crabs then mount or hang them anywhere. Users get 60 Zoob pieces in special colors including glow-in-the-dark. There are complete instructions for eight creepy creatures. Suction cups and string are also included. Additional sets include Zoob Dinos, Glow Zoobtube set (with 20 charge-up glow-in-the-dark pastel Zoob pieces), a 20-piece Neon Brights Zoobtube set, and the Fastback Monster Truck Zoob set, which uses pullback friction motors for vehicle play.

Scientific Explorer expands with the new Scientific Explorer My First Backyard Explorer Kit. Find out what lives in the backyard or in the park. Build a worm house and put worms in it. Find and collect bugs, seeds, and rocks, and look at everything under the microscope. Included is a two-way viewer, tweezers, string, crayon, collecting case, chalk, bug net, rubber bands, sticks, and activity guide. Or dig for treasure with the My First Pirate Treasure Kit. In the digging block, find coins, gems, and a ring that can be kept in the treasure chest. Learn the science of the seas, some pirate history, and how to use a compass to make and read a treasure map.

Included is a digging block, chisel, treasure chest, treasure map, eye patch, flag, marker, bandanna, compass, tattoos, and activity guide.

Both kits are for ages 4 and up.

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TOY FAIR 2014 MEGA BRANDS

Coming fall 2014, MEGA Bloks First Builders introduces all new knock your opponent out of the arena to become the Skylands Spinner themes and characters to its preschool construction line, which will be Champion. They are for ages 5–7.

MEGA will introduce an all-new available at all major retailers. Little builders can create their own rescue scenes SpongeBob SquarePants construction line with the MEGA Bloks First Builders Mix ’n worldwide this fall, which will integrate Match City Rescue Center. This will feature detailed character designs and easy-build the MEGA Bloks First Builders Fast Tracks experiences with post-build action play. The Rescue Squad, which includes 100 pieces line will feature collectible micro action figwith three buildable cars and adjustable ures, buildable vehicles, and feature-filled tracks for expanded building in height and playsets. width. MEGA Bloks First Builders also adds Two new MEGA Bloks Hot Wheels Turbo to its preschool portfolio with the brand new Tubes will be introduced this fall. Build the Learning Train and Learning Cubes for iconic Hot Wheels cars that include custom 2014. These sets include fun and educationparts for rebuilds, a collectible Team Hot al features such as number and picture stickWheels figure, and unique storage tube packSpongeBob SquarePants buildable figure with vehicle ers for mixing and matching, along with difaging. New models include the 24Ours and ferent themes, blocks, and accessories to help growing toddlers identi- Rodger Dodger cars. fy objects with words, numbers, shapes, and colors.

Also hitting stores globally this fall are the all-new Buildable Power New MEGA Bloks Junior Builders themed bags, for ages 2–5, will Rangers Super Megaforce Megazords from MEGA Bloks. The new also hit stores this fall with tons of blocks, special parts, and a figurine assortment of three includes the Legendary Megazord, Q-Rex in each set. They will feature a new storage bag and themes such as Megazord, and the Ultimate Legendary Megazord. The seven-inch Fun Farming Day, Cool Construction Site, Fire Station Rescue, and the Megazords are fully articulated for post-build action play.

Pretty Pony Stable.

For collectors, MEGA will also be expanding its Halo line with three MEGA Bloks will also add construction sets to its girls category this new iconic vehicles to build, play with, and display in an all-new fall. The new MEGA Bloks Hello Kitty Fun at the Fair set includes miniature scale. Each set is packaged in a Spartan helmet and includes more than 200 pieces, two MEGA Bloks Hello Kitty figurines, a mov- a standard micro action figure to add to a MEGA Bloks Halo collection. ing merry-go-round, and a ferris wheel. Girls can also continue to MEGA also launched Call of Duty Collector Construction sets last build Barbie’s world with MEGA Bloks Barbie. The new MEGA Bloks month. The main battle tank of the Heavy Armor Outpost is a direct Barbie Fab Mansion features five rooms and a patio to build and dec- fire, heavy armored vehicle that measures 12 by 5 by 4 inches and orate. It also includes two mini-fashion figures, Barbie and Skipper. comes with a heavy machine gun and main cannon on a large rotating In the new MEGA Bloks Skylanders Swap Force Skylands Spinner turret and tracks that spin. The buildable improvised outpost and the Assortment, choose your hero and prepare to build, spin, and smash camouflage mesh canopy can attach to the heavy tank to offer protecyour way to victory with the Skylands Spinner. Assemble the spinner, tion for the troops. It comes with Captain John Price and a team of choose one of four interchangeable battle tips to match your battle two other special-ops troopers with extreme poseability and highly strategy, place your Swap Force hero on top and launch it into the Frost detailed, authentic interchangeable accessories and weapons. This Guard Battle Arena. Direct your hero with your spinner controller and line is for collectors ages 14 and up.

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TOY FAIR 2014 CARDINAL INDUSTRIES

Cardinal Industries, which is celebratings its 70th anniversary in 2014, comes to Toy Fair with a selection of games and puzzles featuring classic play to the hottest licenses. Cardinal announces a new line of games and puzzles in partnership with Crayola (shown here). The line incorporates Crayola’s Color Wonder technology for the Color Your Own Puzzles featuring games with the Disney, Marvel, Mattel, Sanrio, Despicable Me, and Hasbro licenses.

The licensed game line includes Hollywood Game Night, based on the NBC TV show that stars Jane Lynch. This party game can now be played at home with five mini games such as Celebrity Name Game and Take a Hint. The My Little Pony Rainbow Magic Game takes players into the magical world of My Little Pony. Players work together to form a rainbow. Thomas the Tank Engine Topsy Turvy Turntable Game challenges players to balance freight on top of a Troublesome Truck. The game comes with a Thomas the Tank vehicle and a Troublesome truck.

Cardinal continues to add new life into classic and cobranded games such as Toss Across, Tip it, Rebound, Uno, and Scrabble. Adding licenses to these classics introduces a new generation to the gameplay. Playing Cards get a new look in 2014 with Cardinal’s growing line for kids and adults. For kids, the lines will focus on Disney, Marvel, and Universal’s The Minions. Each set comes with card holders for little hands. For adults, The Walking Dead and The U.S. Army will be the featured licenses.

The pop art of Lisa Frank will be featured in the puzzle line. Each set will come packaged in either lunchbox style tins, boxes, or bags, as well as a unique Puzzle Binder with eight puzzles packed in an actual binder with compartments to store the puzzles and pages where the puzzles can be displayed when completed.

Cardinal offers an extensive line of puzzles that come packed in a variety of ways including carry bags, pencil cases, tins with handles, foil bags, tubs, shaped tins, panorama boxes, among many other options. Some of the latest licenses include the U.S. Army and Game of Thrones. Cardinal’s current licenses include Disney (featuring Marvel and Lucas), Nickelodeon, Sanrio, Twentieth Century Fox, NBC, Warner Bros., Sesame Street, Mattel/HIT Entertainment, Hasbro, and more.

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IRWIN TOY

Isabella Ballerina, for kids ages 3–6, invites girls to slip on Isabella’s hands and feet, her arms and legs stretch to heightened lengths that are just right for little girls to move across the dance floor in perfect timing and technique. This doll is based on Irwin Toy’s 1995 gymnast doll Susie Stretch.

Skwooshi is the creative, mess-free, odor-free dough that never dries out. From the downright delicious to the amazingly creative, the Skwooshi Fun Lab lets kids create obstacle courses. The set includes a black light, which allows the new rainbow of neon colors to glow. The two new items help round out the line’s current offering of action and activity sets. New accessories for 2014 include the Big Roller to flatten and imprint Skwooshi and six new neon colors.

PLAN TOYS

Plan Toys introduces the Dancing Alligator Rainbow Edition for ages 12 months and up. When pulled along, this colorful alligator moves its head and tail up and down making a click-clack sound.

Make Electro Bus a first ride-on toy for ages 12 months and up. It features a stable base, handle grip, and storage compartment. Tots can scoot and turn around with ease, according to Play Toys.

TOY FAIR 2014 HOG WILD

Hog Wild, the company known for its novelty products, will be introducing a new collection at this year’s Toy Fair.

ZipStix is an entirely new line of collectible action toys. The Shield Popper and the Squeeze Popper Huggable are additions to the company’s current Poppers line. These items are expected at retail this spring.

Hog Wild introduces the newest in stunt toys with the new ZipStix collection. These high-flying launchers come in various collectible designs and are ready to crash, jump, and race in seconds. Using a patented launching system, ZipStix fly across the table and launch off the ramps. Flatten out the ZipStix and load it into the launcher, then press the back to curl up the ZipStix and take aim. Let go and watch the ZipStix go. It is available in a single pack, double pack, stunt pack, and mega-stunt pack with accessories. This line is for ages 4 and up.

INNOVATION FIRST

HEDSTROM

Hedstrom focuses on what it calls “unplugged fun,” for kids ages 2–8. Shown here is the Sensory line, designed for and 6 months and up. The Sensory Staxx are soft and squishy to the touch yet durable enough to stack and build.

Sensory Revers-i-Ball appears to be a standard plush ball. Unzip the side panel, turn inside-out, and the ball will turn into a colorful cube.

Sensory Twistz allows baby to make fun shapes and designs with the colorful, connected foam balls.

Sensory Staxx

Innovation First is building upon its extensive line of products, which helps kids learn STEM principles while having fun. Hexbug is introducing its Vex robot line for kids ages 8 and up. Vex robots have been changing the face of STEM education for more than a decade, and are the foundation of the Vex world’s largest and fastest growing robotics competition. Now in 2014, kids can connect with the Vex Robot phenomenon through imaginative robot-building play. This collection of high-tech, tool-less robotic kits allows Hexbug fans to build and program their favorite jumbo-sized Hexbug micro-robotic creature complete with motors and sensors. Hexbug’s Vex robots can run in autonomous mode or driver-controlled mode. It challenges kids’ creative thinking and problem-solving capabilities through the activity of building a robot, and each robot can be disassembled and rebuilt in different configurations.

Hexbug Aquabots with Lights, for ages 3 and up, are water-born Hexbug micro-robotic creature with smart fish technology. It is now available in new Hammerhead shark and Angelfish body styles, and equipped with vibrant red LED lights. The Aquabot is equipped with an automatic on and off sensor that activates when submerged in water, a design element meant to get kids thinking about the science behind the robot.

When in water, the colorful Hexbug Aquabot comes to life swimming around, diving, and changing directions to explore its environment.

Hexbug Battle Spider, for ages 8 and up, is new to the Hexbug Micro Robotic Creature product line. It is the first mechanical Hexbug designed for two-person play. These sci-fi battling robots have a remote control and come fueled with futuristic voice and sound effects and high-tech infrared battling capabilities. Hexbug Battle Spiders feature realistic recoil and physical response when hit as well as while shooting.

A battle-hardened deco and high-tech life sensor that measures each hit adds to the battle experience.

Innovation First is also introducing the Hexbug Zombie Aquabot, Larva, and Scarab for ages 8 and up.

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TOY FAIR 2014 THE WISH FACTORY

The Wish Factory will showcase the following items at Toy Fair. iLumin-8 cell phone cases have been created using the hottest designs and latest technology. These interactive cases light up and change color when the user’s phone receives calls or texts. It is available for iPhone 5S, 5, 4S, and 4 in nine styles.

Hip Kicks Sneaker Jewelry is the first in a series of fashion for your feet. Sneaker Jewelry can be clipped onto any laces. The line is launching at Justice stores this month.

Wham-O and The Wish Factory entered into a strategic sales and marketing agreement in 2013. The Wish Factory is taking on product redesign, marketing, and sales for Wham-O classic brands Hula Hoop, Trac-Ball, Hacky Sack, Aqua Sports, Arctic Force, and Continuous Air Water Slides. In addition to the relaunch of these Wham-O brands, Wham-O and The Wish Factory will present an expanded fall 2014 line including WhamO Extreme Sports and Wham-O Swim at this year’s Toy Fair.

PLAYMOBIL

OOPS TOYS

Designed in Switzerland, Oops’ products were launched throughout Europe and Canada in 2012. Ginsey is the sole distributor of Oops products for the U.S. Here is what will be on display at this month’s Toy Fair.

My Magnetic Puzzle, for 12 months and up, assembles vertically. Each colorful piece contains a magnet and provides a new look to the classic wooden puzzle.

My Activity House features multiple activities incorporated into the house for ages 12 months and up. Develop fine motor skills by twisting gears or turning hands on the clock. Encourage problem-solving skills with shape sorter (four wooden shapes are included). There is a removable roof panel that provides access into the house.

My Puzzle Playmat (shown), for 6 months and up, has various shapes and bright colors that come together to make this all-in-one puzzle and play surface. Dog, car, plane, and more provide recognizable characters and objects to educate as well as incorporate into story time. The cushioned environment is a perfect addition to any activity room.

Celebrate 40 years of Playmobil with these sets for ages 4 and up, available now. Each set includes a bonus set to celebrate the anniversary. The 40th Anniversary Knight’s Tournament Compact Set and Cannon Wagon (shown) includes two figures, horse, training dummy, battle axes, armor, shield, and other accessories. The anniversary bonus set includes one figure, horse, functioning cannon, and more.

The 40th Anniversary Fire Rescue Operation Compact Set and Quad includes three figures, 40th Anniversary Knight’s Tournament working fire hose, fire hydrant, house, tree, flowers, and more. The anniversary bonus set includes Compact Set and Cannon Wagon one figure, pull-back quad car, rescue cable, and additional accessories.

The 40th Anniversary Princess Island Compact Set and Romantic Gondola includes two figures, two swans and chicks, bird bath, doves, roses, and more. The bonus anniversary set includes two figures, floating gondola, harp, and other accessories.

The 40th Anniversary Pony Pasture Compact Set and Pony Wagon includes two figures, grooming tool, birds, butterfly, and other accessories.

The bonus set includes one figure, pony with harness, vegetables, basket, and more.

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These one-day events give exhibitors the opportunity to showcase products in front of key media, encompassing print, broadcast, and online news outlets as well as the most influential parenting bloggers. TimetoPlayMag.com will also unveil its coveted Most Wanted List and the hottest trends and properties for the season.

Spring Showcase

Holiday Showcase

Thursday, May 1 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Altman Building 118 W. 18th Street, New York, NY

Tuesday, October 1 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Metropolitan Pavilion 125 W. 18th Street, New York, NY To reserve your space today, contact

Bob Glaser 646.763.8720 bob@anbmedia.com

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Donna Moore 646.763.8718 donna@anbmedia.com

1/30/2014 9:38:13 AM

TOY FAIR 2014 WINNING MOVES GAMES

Winning Moves Games offers an assortment of products for kids and adults. Connect 4 & More offers three new Connect 4 games: Backwards Connect 4, Connect 4 Any Color, and Connect 4 Teams. For ages 6 and up, the set contains 40 heavy-duty cardboard tiles (20 red and 20 yellow), and illustrated instructions for six different games. Jenga Throw-n-Go is a returning favorite from the 1990s. Gameplay is classic Jenga block-stacking fun but with a colorful twist. Players roll the die to determine which block they need to remove, or they can reverse the action and force an opponent to remove one or two blocks. The set, for ages 8 and up, contains 54 hardwood blocks, one game die, stacking sleeve to assemble the tower, and printed rules.

With Splashcards: Splash Jack, kids ages 3 and up, can play in the swimming pool, bath tub, or anywhere there is water.

The set contains 54 waterproof playing cards and instructions. Splashcards: Splashimals, for ages 2 and up, contains 30 waterproof cards and instructions. Splashcards: Splash Pals, for ages 2 and up, contains 36 waterproof cards and instructions so kids can craft their own pals.

LITTLE KIDS Little Kids’ Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle product extensions include new toys in the bubble, water, and food activity lines, for ages 4 and up. The Fubbles line, designed for beginner bubble play, will also include many new products. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Combat-A-Bubbles is available in four styles: Leonardo’s Katana, Raphael’s Sai, Michelangelo’s Nunchucks, and Donatello’s Bo Staff. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Action Bubble Blower invites kids to pull back on the turtle’s head to launch a stream of bubbles from its mouth. It is available in all four styles. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Water Blaster squirts water more than 25 feet, according to Little Kids, and is available in four styles. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Splash Out Ball is a new twist on a classic game. Fill the ball by pouring water in the top, or completely submerging the ball; then close the flip cap. No balloons are needed. Toss the ball back and forth and once time runs out the water chamber pops open. Pass it quickly or get splashed. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Frozen Treat Maker allows kids to create their own “sewer slush” treats, which Little Kids says are healthy. Using ingredients that parents have at home, kids can use the TMNT Frozen Treat Maker with frozen fruit, yogurt, juice, veggies, and more. With this kid-powered mechanism, simply drop frozen cube-sized items into 66 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2014

the sewer pipe, push the plunger down, and crank the handle. A frozen concoction extrudes out of the front opening and into a cup. The set includes Frozen Treat Tower, spoon, and sewer-slush recipe ideas.

Little Kids has launched a new bubble line designed just for beginners called EZ-2-Do Bubbles. Designed for kids ages 2 and up, these products are ergonomically designed to help beginner’s master hand-eye coordination and build confidence. The first three EZ-2-Do Bubble toys from Little Kids are the Fubbles Bubble Puppy, Fubbles Bubble Musical Recorder, and the Fubbles Bubble Froggy. Fubbles Bubble Puppy guides young users to blow through the wide end, which funnels air directly to the bubble wand and keeps bubbles away from the child’s mouth. It is available in three styles: black and white, pink, and brown. The Fubbles Musical Bubble Recorder plays four musical notes— the holes work just like a real recorder. Dip the end of the recorder in bubble solution and blow through the mouthpiece to launch a stream of bubbles into the air. Cover the holes all at once or one at a time to play different notes. Fubbles Bubble Froggy features an ergonomically designed conical mouthpiece that funnels air directly to the bubble wand and keeps solution away from the child’s mouth. Pour the bubble solution to the fill line under the lilypad, push the button to dip the wand, release, and blow.

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TOY FAIR 2014 DRAGON-I TOYS

Dragon-I Toys kicks off the trade show season with the introduction of Toy-Fi Teddy, introduces new lines to its popular Chatimals brand, and extends its portfolio of licensed toy merchandise including Talking Tom & Friends, among others.

Dragon-I’s first line using its Toy-Fi technology features the Toy-Fi Teddy. It enables the plush bear to communicate with mobile devices anywhere in the world. The marquee feature is the ability for friends and family to send messages from their mobile device to the child’s Toy-Fi Teddy. In return, kids can leave a message to their loved one from the plush itself.

Developed in partnership with Spiral, the 12-inch plush utilizes a threepronged communication and content delivery system incorporating cloud, Bluetooth, and mobile technology. Spiral’s Bluetooth-based technology inside the toy connects to the cloud and iOS and Android devices. The Toy-Fi app allows anyone with the app to connect to their toy and allows parents control of messages to-and-from the toy. Additionally, Toy-Fi Teddy brings added play with features such as voice fun, hide and seek, memorization, and more.

It is expected at retail by mid-2014 for ages 3 and up.

Dragon-I’s own toy brands include the Gunslinger, Mighty Megasaur, Blobimals, and Chatimals. In 2014, Dragon-I reinvigorates its Chatimals line with Cheeky Chatimals. The hamster returns with all-new movements—shake up and down or side to side. Cheeky Chatimals groovy moves combine with its familiar repeat-back high-pitch voice function. The initial new line of Cheeky Chatimals includes a hamster, monkey, and a penguin for ages 3 and up.

As master toy licensee for the Talking Friends franchise, Dragon-I introduces an updated Talking Tom and Friends Talk Back Animation Plush in new packaging. Additionally Talking Ginger’s and Talking Angela’s voices have improved, says the company.

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FANTASMA

Talking Tom

Fantasma introduces the PhrazCase iPad Mini Case.

The case allows users to create their own scrolling LED messages. The case works independently from the iPad Mini and comes with seven pre-programmed PhrazCase phrases. It has 15 pre-programmed emoticons and easy-to-use buttons. Fantasma says it features an impact-resistant, flexible silicone shell that allows for access to all ports and functions. It’s available in hot pink, electric blue, and jet black.

UNIVERSITY GAMES

University Games builds on its classic Brain Quest Learning System while introducing the following new products mentioned here. Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Grr-ific Game gives preschoolers the chance to become their favorite characters from the show.

Ligretto Rockin’ Dice is a game board that shows four colors of dice and six numbers per color.

Divvy up the dice and get rolling. Players race to place their dice sequentially on the game board and see who can roll and place their dice the fastest.

The Colorforms 3-D My Little Sandbox Activity Playsets includes everything needed for imaginative storytelling based on some of kids’ favorite characters, including 3-D characters and accessories, a play tray, playmat, and ultra fine sand.

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TOY FAIR 2014 LIONEL

Polar Express O Gauge Remote Set

Lionel is celebrating the 10th anniversary of The Polar Express with these new sets for kids and collectors alike. The Polar Express O Gauge Remote Set (shown) is fitted with the new LionChief Remote Control system by Lionel. Engineers young and old have complete control over their Polar Express trains with this easy-to-use remote. In addition to the famous “All Aboard!” announcement of the Polar Express conductor, there will be a host of other announcements.

The Polar Express G Gauge Set is a set that can be run on rechargeable battery technology. The set also comes with an easy-to-operate R/C remote controllers.

For the first time, Lionel presents an all-new diesel version of The Polar Express passenger set in this The 10th Anniversary Polar Express Streamliner Passenger Set. It includes three streamlined passenger cars, a full oval of FasTrack, and a powerful 80-watt transformer.

MANHATTAN TOY

Manhattan Toy is introducing an extensive lineup of products at this year’s Toy Fair.

Highlighted here is a just a sampling of what will be on display. Tattoo-rific is a custom tattoo kit. Use crayons to draw or trace the design onto transfer paper. Apply tattoo magic glue to skin.

Then place the transfer paper design face down on skin and hold up to two minutes to transfer the design. Use pearlized body writers to further decorate the tattoo; use a damp sponge to fix any mistakes or to wipe off excess color around tattoo design. The tattoos can be easily removed Groovy Girls core doll line with soap and water, according to Manhattan Toy. The kit includes 20 tattoo design templates, one bottle of tattoo magic glue, eight crayons, 30 transfer paper sheets, four colored pearlized body writers, one sponge, and instruction.

All tattoo supplies store neatly in a portable tin. With Fashion Friends, create your own fashion statement by mixing and matching outfit and accessory pieces. The kit includes 85 magnetized pieces and four paper background scenes. Place a background scene on the inside of the tin and then place magnetic pieces on the scene to create and play. The tin case with handle allows for easy storage and portability.

There are plenty of new additions in the Groovy Girls line. Princess Ella is a soft doll, for ages 3 and up, that features a light pink dress and golden blonde hair. The Royalty Ritzy Bed, for ages 3 and up, includes a quilt with satin lining and tulle trim and a satin pillow with tassels. The bed fits in the Groovy Girls Hip Happenin’ Doll House. Totally Tentastic, for ages 3 and up, features a zippered mesh door, nylon flaps that cover the tent opening and Velcro-like closures above windows that keep window coverings up. The tent is collapsible for easy storage and fits up to three dolls. Special Edition Sweet 16 Dolls, for ages 3 and up, include Skylar with blue hair and a purple dress; Fuchsia with purple hair and a blue dress; and Lilia with pink hair and a pink and blue dress. Core dolls that will be added to the line, for ages 3 and up, include Bayani with black hair, a blue and purple dress and pink tights; Brooklyn with blonde hair with yellow tights; Bailey with red hair with pink and green dress; Breanna with brown hair, dark skin, and a blue and green dress.

The Motorworks line, for ages 3 and up, features a variety of new vehicles and playsets. The Fuel-N-Shine Station is a wooden playset with a gas station and car wash in one. The fuel tank has removeable nozzles to fill up vehicles and the car wash has rollers that spin as vehicles are pushed through. It also includes 20 repositionable decals for customization. The vehicles also come with other accessories and repositionable car deals to mix and match ideas. Haul the vehicles anywhere by hitching them to the back of the Baja Buggy and Trailer. The sturdy wood Play Table sits 16 inches off the ground and features a staggered starting line and curved race track. Vehicles and additional pieces are sold separately.

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TOY FAIR 2014 PLAYROOM ENTERTAINMENT

Playroom Entertainment introduces a variety of quick-play games for almost every member of the family. A sampling of this year’s introductions are shown here. Geek Out! Pop Culture Party Edition (shown) is a party trivia game that invites every player to participate. Players can be experts in TV, movies, music, literature, and more—there will be a topic that every player can relate to. You don’t have to be a geek to win this bluffing game of pop culture lists. It is for two or more players ages 10 and up. The game is designed for 30 minutes of playing time. There are 200 list cards, 54 penalty chips, a colored die, and instructions In Pass the Pandas, be the first to get rid of your dice by rolling pandas, bamboo, or water drops. A player who rolls pandas is able to pass those dice to other players. A roll of bamboo is only beneficial if you rolled more bamboo than the previous player. A roll of water allows you to discard those dice. A blank roll does nothing to help you and you have to keep those dice for your next turn. This game is designed for 10 minutes of playing time for two to five players ages 6 and up.

With the Create Your Own Superhero Kit, kids can design their own Superhero look on the sketch paper included, then draw and color their designs or print them using their computer and printer onto the heat-transfer sheets. Next, a grown-up can iron their work onto the included accessories.

The kit, for ages 3 and up, contains a cape, multiple heat transfer sheets, two wrist cuffs, mask, belt, sketch sheets, and coloring pages.

72 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2014

WARNER BROS. CONSUMER PRODUCTS

Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) moves into Toy Fair 2014 with an extensive lineup of global licensees in support of the studio’s entertainment properties, milestone anniversaries, and upcoming theatrical debuts. The highly anticipated summer blockbuster from Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures, Godzilla, leads the licensing lineup with support from master toy partner Bandai America Inc., and many more. The Wizard of Oz, which will lead WBCP’s milestone celebrations in 2014, will see licensing support from a number of cross-category partners this year. WBCP will also spotlight its DC Comics portfolio, including evergreen superheroes Batman and Superman, Looney Tunes, The Hobbit Trilogy, The Big Bang Theory, Harry Potter, and more rounding out the studio’s portfolio.

SONY PICTURES CONSUMER PRODUCTS

Sony Pictures Consumer Products (SPCP) launches a 30th anniversary merchandising program for the Ghostbusters film franchise in 2014. SPCP will launch an all-new program targeting the core fan base with products in categories such as apparel, toys, construction, collectibles, and publishing. SPCP has partnered with pop culture art gallery, Gallery 1988 to create a travelling art show designed by top artists which will include their interpretations of Ghostbusters over the past 30 years.

Limited-edition screen prints and posters will be available during each stop of the tour, which will conclude at Comic-Con International in San Diego, Calif.

Licensees supporting the 30th anniversary proGhostbusters Minimates from Diamond Select gram are Mattel, IDW Publishing, World Tech Toys, Quantum Mechanics, Factory Entertainment, Diamond Select, Medicom Toys, Mad Engine, Titan Figures, Uniqlo, Kaientai, and BCI. Partners such as Beeline, Ubisoft, GSN, Path, XMG, and IGT will be supporting with interactive gaming and slot machines as well as MDI with state lottery programs. In the collectibles category, pop vinyl collectibles from Funko and Underground Toys will provide novelty products.

Helping toy manufacturers

expand internationally Since 1988 Gameplan Europe has been helping toy manufacturers and suppliers to develop their export sales. Here are some of our services, which cover the whole world:

Market investigations of opportunities Viability studies for business set-ups Finding distributors, sales agencies, etc.

Managing distributor networks Executive recruitment Gameplan Europe also publishes the International Directory of Retail Toy Buyers and the International Directory of Toy Importer-Distributors.

These invaluable sources of information cover 45 countries and are the essential starting point for building international business.

Tel. +44 1442 870100 Email: andrew@gameplaneurope.com

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TOY FAIR 2014 WOWWEE TOYS

Three new classic characters will be added to the Once Upon a Zombie line of dolls. Zombie Alice in Wonderland, Zombie Tinkerbell, and Zombie Pocahontas will make their debut in 2014 based on the property created by The Toon Studio of Beverly Hills.

MiP (short for Mobile Inverted Pendulum) is the latest innovation by WowWee in association with UCSD’s (University of California at San Diego) Coordinated Robots Lab. With its dual-wheel balancing feature, MIP is a fully interactive robot controlled by hand gestures or through Bluetooth linked to any smart device. MiP has an inquisitive and responsive personality that is communicated through motion, sound, and LED eyes. Along with a tray accessory that can be attached, MiP can balance multiple objects while moving or standing still, including another MiP. Noomie is an ultra-interactive best friend. Just pop in one of Noomie’s six active-themed accessories and watch it come to life as it assumes a variety of personalities, complete with traits, all with motion and sound. Whether it’s a rootin-tootin cowgirl, a sweet kissy-face creature, or just being herself, Noomie is always on the go.

Tipster, WowWee’s entry-level robot, loves to play, be silly, move around, balance, spin, and, of course, Tip. Tipster enables children to experiment with weights and balances using mini-Tipster character pieces and ladders.

UNCLE MILTON

MiP

Uncle Milton continues to grow its In My Room brand with new light and sound experiences that bring kids’ rooms to life. Uncle Milton will also be expanding Marvel Science, Star Wars Science, Fireworks Lightshow, and adding the Dino X Team to its lineup.

Uncle Milton is extending its line of light-up talking Wall Friends with Disney’s preschool property Sofia the First. With just the touch of a button, Sofia lights up and says many fun, familiar phrases for kids ages 3 and up. Sofia Wall Friends can also be used as a night light with high and low brightness and auto shut-off for bedtime.

The In My Room brand is expanding with In My Room Jr., a new line of infant and toddler room lights, including Mr. Happy Moon, Pretty Pretty Rainbow, Big Red Rocket, and Sunny Smiles. Designed for infants and babies, it features soft, colorful lights and soothing sound effects. It features nighttime cricket sounds and outdoor nature sounds and can be operated by a remote control.

Sofia the First Dino X Team, for ages 5 and up, brings to life the intrigue of dinosaurs and the adventure of being a dinosaur explorWall Friends er with fun toys and activities as well as room décor items.

Designed for ages 5 and up, Moonlight Mushroom features 10 different light show programs to match any mood and style. Watch as multi-colored lights inside the mushroom project dancing butterflies and flowers onto a wall.

With The Marvel Science Captain America Shield Trainer for kids ages 6 and up, launch and ricochet the shield to try and knock out the villain. Use the adjustable rebound beams and barrier walls to create different challenges on the large activity board. Then, calculate and launch your attack, sending the fast flying shield towards your target. It includes an activity guide and educational poster about Captain America and real world science.

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GALT

GOLDIE

PlayNest Gym & Farm (pictured) is a fabriccovered inflatable ring that supports baby during play. There are textures and sounds to explore in the four gym toys and eight activities around the PlayNest. It encourages hand/eye coordination and manipulative skills. The covers and soft toys are machine washable.

Dr. Miriam Activity Kitten is a soft plush that has textures and sounds for baby. It’s part of a range of baby toys developed with Dr. Miriam Stoppard, a UK parenting expert. It includes a play guide written by Dr. Miriam with tips on how to play with this toy in the most beneficial way. It is machine washable.

CLOUD

Goldie highlights the Transformers 30th Anniversary Figurines assortment at this year’s Toy Fair. This set of miniature figures includes favorite Transformers characters from the past 30 years, including the Prime, Movie, and Generation styles for fans ages 7 and up. The options include single-pack, three-pack, and five-pack sets.

B

In 2014 Cloud b presents its most comprehensive collection yet. which are included.

Sportz Starlites complement any sports-themed bedroom as this This spring Twinkling Firefly Frog, Cosmic UFO, Sportz Starlites, night-light will help soothe young children to sleep. The and Dreamz to Go Groovy Globes will be on retail shelves. In Sportz Starlites collection features a baseball, basketball, the fall, Cloud b will introduce two new plush characters Stay Asleep Sheep and Bernie the Watchdog. soccer ball, or football. These ready-to-go companions A fireflies effect twinkles in Twinkling Firefly Frog’s have a 45-minute auto shut-off timer. belly to create a magical glow that helps ease chilThe first sleep trainer of its kind, Stay Asleep dren’s fear of the dark. The soothing sounds of rain Sheep helps children understand when it’s and crickets and a lullaby melody enhance the nighttime to stay in bed and when it’s okay to time experience helping children transition from playwake up. Featuring a friendly-faced alarm time to bedtime. The 45-minute timer offers a conclock at its core, this cuddly interactive plush venient way to ensure complete darkness and silence engages children, while delivering gentle during children’s deep sleep. It requires three AAA reminders on bedtime and playtime.

Twinkling Bernie the Watchdog is an interactive plush batteries, which are included.

Firefly Frog puppy that helps ease children’s fear of the dark.

Dreamz to Go Groovy Globes is a new collection of lights Featuring smart senor technology, when a child vocalizes, featuring graphics of hearts, flowers, and peace signs designed for tweens and teens. It adds a stylish touch to teen décor as the the emergency barrel Bernie holds under his chin instantly lights up images project a light show of groovy shapes. The lights automati- and he responds with different comforting phrases and melodies to cally shut-off after 45 minutes. It requires three AAA batteries, help soothe children back to sleep.

FEBRUARY 2014 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT 75

TOY FAIR 2014 BEGINAGAIN TOYS

BeginAgain Toys’ Balance Boat Endangered Animals Edition helps kids develop dexterity, patience, and pretend-play skills while teaching about endangered animals. Stack the brightly colored animals as high as possible, balancing them atop the chunky wooden boat.

BeginAgain Alphabites A to Z Puzzle features one letter—uppercase on one side and lowercase on the other. The puzzle storage box also does double duty with an illustrated serving tray on one side and a stove top on the other.

Made from eco-friendly rubber wood with nontoxic, child-safe stains, each of the 16 pieces in this playset is double-sided and one inch thick. Both items are designed for kids ages 3 and up.

Balance Boat Endangered Animals Edition

FAMOSA

GREEN TOYS

Encouraging open-ended roleplay is the goal of the Green Toys Animals-on-Wheels.

These push toys for babies and toddlers are made in the U.S. from 100 percent recycled plastic milk jugs that save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, says Green Toys. The Elephant, Pig, and Turtle (shown) each feature an easy-to-grasp handle and free-spinning wheels that encourage both fine and gross motor skill development.

The compact, rounded bodies are designed with no sharp edges or metal axles and contain no BPA, phthalates, or PVC. Recommended for 6 months and up, each is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. The toys are packaged with recycleable materials and printed with soy ink.

Famosa extends its brands in 2014 ranging from ride-ons to its small dolls, baby dolls, and fashion dolls. Dareway 12V, for ages 6 and up, is part of the company’s Feber brand.

Designed for kids under 90 pounds, the sturdy platform provides stability for one rider at a time. A foot pedal accelerator controls forward action up to 3.7 MPH. Press the handlegrip buttons for left and right turns and 360-degree spins. Press both buttons together to move in reverse. It comes with a 12V battery and charger.

Famosa’s Nenuco baby doll line expands in July 2014 with Nenuco Runny Nose doll, for ages 3 and up. The doll measures 16.5-inches and is dressed for cold weather in a soft pink and white hooded outfit.

Nancy is a fashion doll brand for ages 3 and up that launched in Spain in 1968. New for July 2014 are two dolls from the themed Like You At School line. Nancy Like You At School—The Artist is dressed in a plaid school outfit and comes with a pink smock (which doubles as a jacket) to keep her stylish dress clean. Open up the wheeled backpack to find colored pencils and paper. This doll features Nancy’s long signature hair pulled back with a pink satin ribbon. Nancy Like You At School—The Cheerleader set includes a head-to-toe athletic uniform, sneakers, and backpack to hold her cheer supplies. Nancy’s long blonde hair comes tied in red ribbons to match her second outfit, a red argyle vest worn over a crisp white blouse and pleated skirt.

Pinypon is a collectible and customizable line of small dolls for ages 3 and up. Mix and match the heads, hair, bodies, clothes, and accessories to create a one-of-a-kind look. Even the heads have two faces so kids can change their mood in an instant. New for July 2014 the Pinypon Amusement Park, which includes favorite rides such as a roller coaster, bumper cars, free fall, and an airplane ride. There’s a photo booth with scenery and a camera, plus a haunted house with glow-in-the-dark ghosts. No park experience is complete without a visit to the popcorn or cotton candy stands. This set includes two girls and one boy figurine as well as accessories such as cotton candy, cupcakes, lemonade, balloons, and more.

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TOSY ROBOTICS

Tosy Robotics’ DiscoRobo invites kids to dance along and chat with this robot that uses beat-detection technology to match the music with 56 dance moves. The robot’s face will light up with funny facial expressions that change as it dances. The robot can also dance to other sounds such as beat box, drum beats, handclaps, or even footsteps.

There is an app available for iOS, Android, and Windows, that lets kids chat with DiscoRobo or even choreograph the dancing steps. In dance mode, just a shake of the phone or a swipe across the virtual DiscoRobo on screen makes the actual robot react and mimic the movements.

DiscoRobo, for ages 4 and up, has its own high-quality portable MP3 player speaker with internal memory for music storage and music-device connectivity.

U.S. GAME SYSTEMS

Joe Andrews, the author of The Complete Win at Hearts, has teamed up with Ken Fisher, the creator of the Wizard Card Game, to produce HeartSwitch—a completely new card game inspired by Hearts. The addition of special cards and unique concepts creates challenging situations that require innovative strategies.

In this trick-taking game, the objective is to have the lowest score at the end of the game. Do this by avoiding taking any hearts or the queen of spades, which brings 13 penalty points. Alternatively, a player may collect all the heart cards for a move called “Shoot the Moon.”

The 60-card set includes 52 standard cards plus two good witches and two bad witches. These cards can help or hurt a player. Just when you are about to throw in the cards, the four magicians come to your rescue. The HeartSwitch game includes 60 cards, custom scorepad, and rules. From U.S. Games Systems, it is designed for three to six players, ages 10 and up.

VIVITAR

Vivitar, a division of Sakar, has several new technologies that will be introduced for the Camelio in 2014, including Camelio ClassMates, Camelio Chat, and Camelio Beaming. Camelio ClassMates is a group video communication platform ideal for cooperative learning. The platform fosters teamwork in the classroom and at home with friends and works with any Camelio Dual Core device connected to the same WiFi network. Teachers, coaches, and parents can control all voice communications and up to six participants can view the content simultaneously. In addition, Camelio users will be able to transmit content from the tablet screen to the TV wirelessly through Camelio Beaming. The TV screen is controlled by the Camelio and users can share images, videos, and more. The new Camelio tablet will also feature Camelio Chat, accessed through the themed contacts app. Camelio Chat features customized chat backgrounds and connectivity (accessed through the internet) to chat with up to three contacts at the same time.

XO Tablet is a durable tablet that makes learning fun and creative with a full-fledged Android device parents can also enjoy. Designed and developed by One Laptop per Child, the XO Tablet comes pre-loaded with hundreds of apps, games, and e-books created by nationally recognized education experts. In 2014, Vivitar will introduce new versions of the XO Tablet, along with new XO Tablet accessories.

XO Tablet The XO2 will feature the familiar seven-inch design and functionality of the original XO Tablet, but with added features, such as Bluetooth capability and a faster quad core processor. It will run on the Android Kit-Kat operating system. The XO Large features a 10-inch multi-capacitive screen and Bluetooth capability. Bonus content and additional “Dreams” categories will be added to the 10-inch tablet. Each Dream is supported with numerous apps, games, and e-books and will provide even more fun and learning opportunities for XO Tablet users. The XO Large will run on the Android Kit-Kat operating system.

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TOY FAIR 2014 CEACO/GAMEWRIGHT

Ceaco/Gamewright highlights its 2014 lineup here. Each of these games can be played in less than 20 minutes, says the company. The goal of Sushi Go is to grab the best combination of sushi dishes as they whiz by. Score points for making the most maki rolls or for collecting a full set of sashimi. Dip your favorite nigiri in wasabi to triple its value. But be sure to leave room for dessert or else you’ll eat into your score. Gather the most points and consider yourself the sushi master. This pick-and-pass card game is designed for two to five players, ages 8 and up.

Qwixx is for two to five players, ages 8 and up. This quickplaying dice game is simple to play but each decision is crucial. The more numbers you cross off, the more points you score. With no downtime between turns you’ll have a chance to gain from every roll.

Super Slamwich is the super-sized 20th anniversary edition of Slamwich that comes in a sandwich-shaped box. Flip and stack this giant loaf of cards to build slamwiches and doubledeckers. Tomato, cheese, tomato. . . slap. Get there first and win the pile. But watch out—you’ll have to catch thieves and stop meddling munchers along the way. Collect all of the cards and you are a Super Slamwich hero. It is designed for two to six players, ages 6 and up.

Pyramix is a strategy game where players take turns removing one cube at a time from the pyramid stack. As cubes come out, others will slide down toward the base. Plan your moves carefully as the bottom-most cubes are worth big points at the end. Watch out for cobras that may drop in and take a bite out of your score. It’s for two to four players, ages 8 and up.

Collide-O-Cube, for ages 8 and up, is a magnetic mind-bender.

Arrange eight colorful cubes to form one of 28 patterns. While all of the cubes look identical, each contains a unique combination of magnets.

Make the connections and the solutions will click.

The Hive is a 24-piece Ceaco kids puzzles for ages 3 and up. It features the characters from the kids’ TV series The Hive.

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TECH 4 KIDS

Tech 4 Kids’ WWE Rumble Fists are oversized soft play John Cena, Dolph Ziggler, and the Rock fists that come with motion-activated sound effects for realistic roleplay.

Prepare for the fight with your very own WWE Spar Bag, which comes complete with a full size John Cena graphic and a water-filled base. Each roleplay toy is sold separately.

Tek Recon blasters feature real trigger-and-recoil barrel action and high-capacity quick-load cartridges that can blast up to 75 feet, says Tech 4 Kids. To optimize the real battle and team experience, Tek Recon has developed a free iOS and Android app that uses GPS technology to bring video games into real life. New for 2014, the Predator blaster can hold 100 NRG rounds and includes six accessories that can be customized and mounted on six tactical rails.

Fash’Ems are soft, squishy fashionable characters for girls who like to dress up and play with their favorite characters. Style Packs include one Fash’ems character and two fashion accessories. Some licenses in the line include My Little Pony and Hello Kitty.

Lite Friends and Action Lites are toys that offer new ways for kids to see in the dark. My Little Pony Lite Friends is the bedtime pal that glows. The soft and squishy pony friend will help kids fall asleep and keep them company throughout the night. Transformer Action Lites are light-up action figures, ready to protect kids who are scared of the dark. Lite Friends are available in a wide variety of top licenses including Transformers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Spider-Man, and Hello Kitty, among others.

My Little Pony Lite Friends

OHIO ART

Ohio Art continues to build on its nanoblock line of construction sets with licensed sets featuring Hello Kitty. nanoblock Hello Kitty Sea Cruise features more than 210 assorted size pieces, to create a finished project of 3.25 inches by 3.25 inches by 2.5 inches.

The finished piece fits in the palm of your hand. nanoblock Deluxe Space Shuttle has more than 1,600 assorted pieces and includes two ways to build and display: Flight State and Standby State. The finished size is 6.25 inches by 5 inches by 8 inches. This set, designed for ages 12 and up, includes detailed color instructions.

In addition to the nanoblock line is Hello Kitty Travel Doodle Sketch. The Doodle stylus makes drawing simple and fun. The go-anywhere handle makes carrying easy. It is designed for ages 3 and up.

S-K VICTORY

After this year’s launch, S-K Victory’s Fairy Tale High line of fashion dolls will introduce new characters in 2014.

Fairy Tale High is a place where fairy tale characters come together in a modern-day high school setting. Toting the latest accessories and sporting designer fashions and hip hairstyles, these are modern day teenage versions of favorite characters before they became the wellknown storybook characters everyone knows.

New characters in the 2014 line include Teen Prince Charming, Teen Peter Pan, Teen Victoria the Wicked Witch of the West, and Teen Pocahontas (shown here in a rendered image).

The four new characters join the current lineup of students, which includes Snow White, Rapunzel, Belle, Sleeping Beauty, Little Mermaid, Alice in Wonderland, Tinker Bell, and Cinderella.

The Fairy Tale High dolls are fully articulated and stand 11.5-inches tall. Designed for ages 3 and up, Fairy Tale High is licensed from The Toon Studio of Beverly Hills.

Fairy Tale High’s Teen Pocahontas is shown here in a rendered image.

PATCH PRODUCTS

Patch Products extends its preschool toy line Mirari, which comes from the Latin word for “wonder” and “amaze.” Introduced in 2013, it features back-to-basics play with a unique twist. myPhone is a 5.5-inch durable play phone that features a touchscreen with 12 colorful lightup icons that children can press to hear the “ABC Song,” a lullaby, snapshot sound, and more.

Additionally, this phone has a record-and-ring feature—parents can record a message on the phone for children. Then, using the included remote control heart, adults can activate the phone ringer from up to 25 feet across the room (unobstructed), and children will hear their loved one’s message.

It is designed for ages 6 months and up.

With the Bouncy Bop Shape Sorter, children will enjoy fitting the six colorful shapes into the coordinating holes on top of the eight-inch tall sorter. And when the shapes fall inside and hit the bouncy surface, each makes a “boing” noise. Once all the shapes are inside, children can push the side handle to activate the paddle and watch the shapes bounce. This toy is designed for ages 12 months and up.

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TOY FAIR 2014 BLUE ORANGE GAMES

Blue Orange Games is adding to its collection of 40 titles with nine new games at Toy Fair for kids, families, and adults.

Blue Orange says it’s bringing new game formats, materials, and different packaging designs to its brand. A sampling of some of the new games is highlighted here.

Puzzle Battle, for two players ages 5 and up, invites players to race to put together two jigsaw puzzles depicting very similar images.

All the pieces are chosen from a mixed up pile, so players must make fast but careful decisions to find the right ones for their puzzle.

The fastest player to solve the puzzle wins. Puzzle Battle will debut with two designs: a pirate theme and a fairy tale theme.

For ages 8 and up, Spot it! Freeze pits players against an electric timer and heats up the match-fueled frenzy with three new games. Players race against the clock to spot matches between temperature-charged symbols, all while looking for their chance to freeze their opponents. Depending on the game, the clock can grant an advantage or cause a drawback.

Escape the frost and win. The handy timer opens up to hold the cards. The game is for two to eight players.

Spot it! Splash, for ages 7 and up, is a new waterproof version. Surf and sand are no match for these plastic cards, so players can play all five game variations any time, any place. Spot the single match between the most card combinations to win. Store the cards in the waterproof bag. The game is for two to eight players.

Niya is for two players age 7 and up. Set in the Imperial Garden of Classical Japan, this strategy game centers on a dark political conspiracy among two influential clans. On every turn, players replace a garden tile with one of their clan tokens. The next player can only exchange a token for a garden tile that has an element in common with the previously chosen tile. The first to position their clan in a row, square, or blockade will win control of the garden and power at court.

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PEACEABLE KINGDOM

Peaceable Kingdom is expanding its line of games and stickers. A few of the products are highlighted here. In Noodle Speedoodle, you have 30 seconds to draw a picture and get the other players to guess what it is. The twist in this game is you have to include a noodle in your doodle. Spin the spinner to determine the style of play. Pick a noodle, pick a card, and choose a word to draw. Then flip the timer and draw. Guess correctly and everyone wins. It is designed for three to six players, ages 8 and up.

In Say the Word: The Repeat-After-Me Silly Story Memory Game, take a zany character, some silly words, and an offbeat challenge and put them all together one phrase or sentence at a time. Can’t recall a word? Have the other players “charade” it for you. Repeat the story from start to finish to win. It is for three to six players, ages 10 and up.

For kids interested in stickers, Peaceable Kingdom has an extensive assortment. Each pack of the Cootie Catchers stickers includes a pre-folded and pre-printed cootie catcher, a sheet of stickers, and instructions to create the cootie catcher and play. These sticker packs have designs targeting both boys and girls.

Also available from Peaceable Kingdom are 3-D, glitter scratch and sniff, foil, and glow-in-the dark stickers Peaceable Kingdom’s Super Sticker Books each have 500 stickers packed into an eight-page book. The Blue Super Sticker Book features favorite themes including dinosaurs, sports, vehicles, and more. The Orange Super Sticker Book offers themes such as princess, unicorns, alphabet cupcakes, and more.

The Reusable Sticker Totes are vinyl cling stickers and two foldout play scenes make for imaginative play. The New York City tote features many Big Apple landmarks and a map of Manhattan. The Ninjas tote offers various ninjas and their accessories.

DIGGIN ACTIVE

Diggin Active announces the expansion of its MaxSport line of products with the addition of the MaxSport Lazer Pitch Baseball for this spring.

The new product, targeted to kids 5 and up, includes an R/C bat, five balls, and pitching machine.

Press the button on the bat and the ball shoots out allowing the child to control the timing for each hit. The pitching machine features adjustable pitching angles including a 90 degree angle for beginners.

PLAY VISIONS

Play Visions is launching Sands Alive sets at this year’s Toy Fair. Sands Alive is an organic compound that feels like a soft, sandy, doughy mixture that can be molded, packed, or poured, just like real sand. The sensation is similar to that of dough, yet dry to the touch, non-sticky, and residue-free, according to Play Visions. Sands Alive can be packed to create paths or roadways with a rolling tool, or molded into shapes to build castles, forts, and other creations. But lift it up and Sands Alive cascades through fingers, just like real sand. Tools and molds are included in the Sands Alive playsets. It doesn’t scatter like playground or beach sand so clean up is simple, says the company.

MaxSport Lazer Pitch Baseball

ROUNDABOUT Roundabout, a division of Babalu, Inc., expands its Ragtales collection of soft toys, with 11 new products for 2014. A sampling of the line is highlighted here.

Inspired by the heritage of English life and designed with a fresh French flair, Ragtales are an assortment of dolls, teddy bears, soft toy characters, playsets, books, and more. Each toy is an Rag Tags original design crafted with hand-picked fabrics, assortment high quality velour, and hand-knitted clothing.

The line consists of Baby Bo, which looks like a real bunny with fluffy beige fur. Baby Bo has a weighted torso and an embroidered identification patch on the sole of its foot.

Baby Darcy is a baby bear featuring a soft, white coat, a velvety chocolate brown nose, embroidered eyes, and an identification patch

on the sole of its foot.

Chester the Fox is made with soft two-tone brown velour. It has a long bushy tail and is dressed in a hand-knitted vest and purple striped pants. It comes with its own beige linen drawstring bag with its name embroidered on it.

Rag Tags are the Ragtales assortment of petite animal friends. Primrose the Pig (shown) is wearing a delicate rose petal print dress with a handknitted collar. Its ears are lined with a contrasting floral fabric. Parker the Bear (shown) has a round belly and sports a hand-knitted woolen hunter’s cap. Paxton the Fox (shown) is made from ultra-soft velour and features a long bushy tail. Paxton has purple polka dot fabric in its ears and wears a hand-knitted striped beige and brown top.

FEBRUARY 2014 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT 81

TOY FAIR 2014 MOOSE TOYS

4D CITYSCAPE

4D Cityscape expands its line of puzzles that add in the fourth dimension of time. Dubai Time Puzzle recreates Dubai’s famous skyline spanning more than 100 years of architectural history. The 1,200-piece puzzle includes 72 plastic building replicas that depict the city as it appeared as far back as 1787 through 2013 with the addition of the Infinity Tower, and into the future to 2014 with the completion of the Khalid Al Attar Towers. The puzzle includes such iconic structures as the Burj Khalifa, Princess Tower, Burj Al Arab, which also allows users to recreate the famous waterways of The Palm and The World.

The buildings fit into pre-cut holes in a traditional 2-D jigsaw puzzle that form the city’s street layout. The product, for ages 8 and up, includes a time poster that directs puzzlers through time as you rebuild Dubai’s skyline history.

Barcelona Time Puzzle recreates Barcelona’s famous skyline spanning more than 100 years of architectural history. The 1,200-piece puzzle includes 42 plastic building replicas that depict the city as it appeared as far back as 1326 through to 2004 with the addition of the Torre Agbar. The puzzle includes such iconic structures as the Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, Casa Mila, and the Montjuic Communications Tower. The buildings fit into pre-cut holes in a traditional 2-D jigsaw puzzle that form the city’s street layout. The product, for ages 8 and up, includes a time poster that directs puzzlers through time to rebuild Barcelona’s skyline history.

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Moose Toys expands several of its lines for spring and fall 2014 and plans to introduce new brands in fall 2014. The company continued to grow in the U.S. in 2013 with Trash Wheels, Glitzi Globes, and The Ugglys.

The Trash Pack, Moose’s popular line of trash-inspired collectibles that first hit shelves in 2011, is growing in 2014 with the launch of another series. Packaged in bright purple eggs, Series 6 will feature more than 100 new Trashies, including Eggstinct Trash, Eggs-cavated Trash, and limited-edition Metallic Trash. Moose is also expanding its Trash Wheels collection in 2014 by rolling out new playsets, accessories, and vehicles.

The Ugglys, the farting and burping electronic pets that launched at Toys “R” Us in fall 2013 will continue at Toys “R” Us in the spring and will be available at mass and specialty retailers in the fall.

Moose is expanding Micro Chargers in 2014 and adding an all-new way to play in the fourth quarter.

This spring, new Glitzi Globes themes to design, collect, wear, and share will hit shelves, as well as a new Mega Dome playset.

The company says it is set to introduce three new brands for both boys and girls this fall.

Stack ’n Spray Fountain

ROSEART

RoseArt, a division of MEGA Brands, introduces Washable Sidewalk Chalk Paint. Add water, mix, and paint straight from the convenient paint containers. Sidewalk Chalk Paint can be painted or rolled onto sidewalks and driveways. RoseArt says to watch the colors brighten as they dry. RoseArt says the paint simply washes away with water. Designed for kids ages 3 and up, the product is set to launch this month in mass retailers nationwide.

BKIDS

PARADISE KIDS

Paradise Kids’ Pocket Prehistorics feature a detailed, hand-painted soft skin and a friendly, whimsical expression. Flip the switch underneath its belly and each will walk on its own, says the company. Pocket Prehistorics are expected to encompass a full line of dinosaurs, accessories, and playsets.

Bkids Hippo-Poppin’ Piano Pal invites babies to drop one of three colorful balls through the opening on top, watching it pop out of the hippo’s mouth, which will open and close at random. Three musical key notes magically light up.

Take bath time to a whole new level with the Stack ’n Spray Fountain. The floating base becomes a fountain that can create different spray effects and patterns when the included sea animals are swapped or stacked. The set comes with whale, octopus, and turtle figures. Both toys are designed for ages 12 months and up.

MCFARLANE TOYS

McFarlane Toys is creating a line of Ubisoft Rabbids action figures, plush, and novelty toys based on the Rabbids video game franchise and Rabbids Invasion, the 26-episode CG-animated television series, which debuted in August 2013 on Nickelodeon. The extensive toy line will start hitting retailers in spring 2014.

The spring product line includes Rabbids Plunger Sound Blaster for ages 5 and up. Command your wacky army of Rabbids with 15 unique Rabbids sounds: Bwaaah, burp, fart, flush, laugh, and scream your way into the unpredictable Rabbid’s world. Once you’ve mastered the Rabbids language, put the Plunger Sound Blaster into prank mode and play a joke on unsuspecting friends.

Rabbids Invasion Sound and Play Action Figures Two Packs comes with play-action and assorted Rabbids sounds. Each figure has a hang clip that attaches to coats, zippers, backpacks, purses, and more.

The Rabbids two-inch collectible figures come in blind bag for ages 5 and up. Collect all seven Rabbids figures. Rabbids Mini Invasion Pack is a deluxe boxed set that collects six of the two-inch Rabbids collectible figures.

Rabbids Invasion Standard Plush are five whacky plush Rabbids with multiple costumes and facial expressions.

FEBRUARY 2014 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT 83

TOY FAIR 2014 SCHOLASTIC

Scholastic Media, in conjunction with its licensees, will introduce a variety of products for 2014. Clifford the Big Red Dog is expected to have another big year as LeapFrog releases Clifford Ready to Read for its educational entertainment platforms. Douglas Cuddle Toys will release a new Clifford infant plush and plush pencil case and A&A Global will release new carnival plush.

Smart Toys is launching educational toys, including a Clifford branded Word Builder and Alphabet Maker. The Young Scientists Club will release two new science-themed kits—one focusing on food and another about science.

Bendon Publishing will release a new Carry Along Activity Pad, which includes crayons and stickers. Andrews Blaine will release a magnetic Clifford bookmark. Rubie’s will release Clifford costumes and The Foland Group will release Clifford toys including banks, balls, and playing cards.

For the I Spy seek-and-find franchise, Briarpatch will launch the I Spy Storybook Theater Game and Tara Toys continues to release new I Spy party favors.

The Magic School Bus will see two new releases from The Young Scientists Club that explore math and engineering and Scholastic Trade Publishing will release five new non-fiction paperbacks about the planets, sea creatures, Earth, weather, and human body.

Cross Strategy will launch Scholastic-branded wooden infant toys.

Baby King will release more than a dozen products including rattles and crib toys, and Tara Toy continues to release branded crafts and activities. In early 2014, Sonic restaurants will feature a Scholastic-branded promotion that will provide customers access to a free digital book.

For Goosebumps, there will be new Halloween costumes and masks from Gemmy and a Slappy Ventriloquist Dummy Doll from Goldberger Doll.

Scholastic Media is also actively seeking toy partners for Astroblast, which is a new series that will launch on Sprout in the U.S. this summer, and for Wordgirl, which is currently in its sixth season on PBS Kids.

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THAMES & KOSMOS

With Smart Car Robotics, kids can construct a sleek, high-tech car, and then use an iOs device to control the car’s motorized wheels and steer it in any direction. On the device’s screen, watch the car as it drives through a virtual, augmented reality (AR) cityscape. Use the free app to write a simple program that instructs the car to automatically follow a predetermined course through the city.

To build a virtual city, spread the AR code cards out across the floor and point the tablet’s camera at them. The app interprets the AR codes as buildings and houses so that a virtual city springs up on the tablet’s screen. Once the city is built, manually steer the car through it or program a route using a draw-and-drive function in the app. But if the car gets too close to a building or runs a stoplight, users will hear police sirens.

With the construction system in this kit, users can build seven models in addition to the smart car. The special Bluetooth Low Energy interface means the model’s batteries will last longer, says the company. It is designed for ages 10 and up, has 219 pieces, and a 64-page manual.

SILVERLIT TOYS

Heli Beast from Silverlit is a two-channel R/C that features realistic walking action. Launch the Heli with the touch of a button on the remote. It features a propeller system with auto-stabilization technology and has precision speed control for a smooth flying experience. It’s easy to recharge through its transmitter, says the company.

Use the power of a smart phone to control the Bluetooth Blue-Bot. Slide your finger over the screen to move it forward, backward, left, and right. Speak into the smart phone and broadcast through the Blue-Bot. Record messages and playback with voice changer. Add in personalized mixing sound effects using the smart phone. Blue-Bot can also be used in stand-alone mode to program up to 50 moves without using the phone. Both items will be available in spring 2014.

Heli Beast

THINKWAY TOYS

Thinkway Toys is extending its partnership with Universal for its Despicable Me franchise as well as with Disney for its Toy Story, Cars, and Planes Fire & Rescue properties. As of press time only Planes Fire & Rescue and Cars were ready to be highlighted. Thinkway Toys will release several new R/C toys as well as flying Planes based on the upcoming Planes Fire & Rescue film. The movie is slated for release July 18, 2014, in North America.

Thinkway Toys has partnered with Disney to produce a line of R/C vehicles based on the popular Cars franchise. The line will feature several scales of R/C vehicles featuring Lightning McQueen and Mater along with other new items. Two new Cars toys are expected to debut in spring 2014 with the rest of the line slated for fall.

WORX TOYS

Worx Toys is introducing its line of toy vehicles called Edutech. The line of vehicles, accompanied by a storybook manual, is designed to teach kids about how things work. When the coded buttons are pressed, the translucent plastic vehicles come to life with real motorized lights and sounds.

New for 2014, Edutech introduces The Bulldozer and The Mighty T-Rex. With lights, sounds, and moveable parts, The Bulldozer will illustrate how this machine works to help clear land and build everything from houses to the tallest skyscrapers. The Mighty T-Rex, the lines first non-vehicle-based SKU, will teach kids what makes dinosaurs eat, breath, and dominate their territory.

A partnership with Haynes Manuals kicks off in 2014. The Haynes Manuals have been staple DIY books for mechanics for more than 50 years and it’s now expanding to reach kids. All Edutech toys will be accompanied by a Haynes Manual.

Worx Toys reintroduced the 1980s roleplay toy Bo-Po (brush on, peel off) nail polish. With 10 vibrant new colors, kids can change designs as often as they want—no remover required. Packaged in a no-spill container, girls can brush on Elegant Red or alternate colors to create fun and unique looks. New for 2014, Bo-Po will introduce a full line of lip gloss, hair products, and accessories.

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TOY FAIR 2014 TRENDS INTERNATIONAL

Trends International will introduce The World of Eric Carle collection of stickers, sticker flip packs, and grab-and-go sets, which features 190 stickers, three play scenes, and six activity sheets.

The World of Eric Carle licensing program is managed by The Joester Loria Group.

TECHNO SOURCE From Techno Source, a division of LF Products (a Li & Fung company), and KD Interactive, makers of the Kurio Android family tablets, comes the first-ever Kurio Phone made just for kids.

Kurio Phone has all of the sophisticated smart phone features that kids want, combined with the advanced parental controls and safety features that parents have been waiting for. Parents can enable features that allow them to know who their kids are in contact with, to manage their phone usage, and to know they are safe online.

The Kurio Phone features robust parental controls including app management, time control features, and the Kurio Genius Internet filtering system (with advanced security levels and daily auto-updates covering more than 450 million websites in 170 different languages).

Additional parental control features developed for the phone include phone directory control, so parents can restrict who their kids can call or receive calls from, as well as usage controls that can limit their volume of data and text messages.

Kurio Phone will also feature technology that allows kids to contact parents in case of emergency, as well as geolocation and geofencing technologies that allow parents to know exactly where their kids are and receive an alert if they leave a designated area.

Parents also have remote control of the phone’s settings, and can lock/erase the device’s content remotely in case of theft.

Kurio Phone’s parental controls are built into the device. No subscription is required. It will run on the Android 4.2 (Jellybean) operat86 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2014

ing system. It has a multi-core processor and 1 GB RAM, a 480 x 800 4-inch screen, front and rear-facing cameras, 3G, WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, GPS, FM radio, and 8 GB of internal memory for their apps and files, which is expandable to 40 GB with a micro SD card.

In addition, the companies are announcing the Kurio 7x 4G LTE, the kid’s tablet with wireless WAN. A Verizon Wireless exclusive, the new Kurio 7x 4G LTE tablet will provide high speed wireless freedom, allowing families to stay connected on the go.

Kurio 7x 4G LTE features the Kurio suite of parental controls. Using the Kurio interface, families can create up to eight unique user profiles, each offering full separation of files, apps, game progress and scores, downloads, parental control settings, and more. Parents determine each child’s level of internet access, choosing from recommended settings by the child’s age, blocking specific websites and inappropriate terms, or by creating safe lists.

The Kurio Genius internet filtering system with advanced security levels and daily auto-updates covers more than 450 million websites (and counting) in 170 different languages. Parents can also set daily time limits and manage applications by profile, including restricting web access by app.

The new Kurio 7x 4G LTE device also features advanced controls designed especially for mobile access via the Verizon cellular network, including geolocation, data management, and remote administration. This Kurio tablet also adds Bluetooth connectivity.

CJ PRODUCTS

CJ Products introduces Poucheez by Pillow Pets, a new way for kids to stash their things. Just pinch the sides and this plush backpack clip becomes a pouch to store items, such as keys, earbuds, spare change, or lip balm. Poucheez are available in a variety of Disney characters such as Eeyore, Kermit (shown), Minnie Mouse, Perry (from Phineas and Ferb), and Winnie the Pooh.

WOOKY ENTERTAINMENT

Wooky Entertainment expands its lines of Style Me Up (for ages 8 and up) and Design Masters (for ages 7 and up) at this year’s Toy Fair.

Style Me Up Sweet Links Bracelet Maker features a crafting tool that enables young designers to weave mini barbell beads into their bracelet designs for one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces. The kit contains the bracelet maker, hundreds of beads, seven different colors of cotton thread, needle, link bead pen, and color instructions.

Style Me Up Sequin Stackers Combo Pack invites girls to make their own bracelets, necklaces, and more. The package contains three sequin jewelry makers, eight containers of sequins, stylish beads, clear elastic thread, needles, and color instructions.

Style Me Up Nautical Jewelry kit includes more than 45 feet of stylish cord, six ribbon clamps, four different clasps, charms, metal chain, stylish beads, a jump ring, and color instructions.

Design Masters Micro Charged Sketchbook to Go is a new line of travel-ready sketchbooks for Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 and Ford GT. The easy-to-carry, 26-page hardcover sketchbooks features 25-plus stencils, two illustrated inspiration sheets, official graphite pencil, 96 stickers, and color instructions.

Design Masters Backlit Tracing Studio features two options. There is the Ford Backlit Tracing Studio and the Lamborghini Backlit Tracing Studio. Both kits highlight the car’s details to enable the artist to trace and then personalize their dream vehicles. Each one includes 10 sketch pages, six official Lamborghini or Ford color pencils, and are fully compatible across the entire Design Masters sketchbook line.

SMARTLAB TOYS

Use your brain to solve the case of the zombie outbreak with the Inhuman Squishy Zombie. Designed for ages 8 and up, it comes to life in a graphic novel where characters race against time to diagnose the mysterious symptoms and stop the contagion.

The 12-inch zombie model includes four squishy organs; poseable arms with removable, squishy flesh; and detachable limbs.

With the Room Defender, for ages 8 and up, kids can program the device’s lights, sirens, and sound effects to warn trespassers to keep out. If you know the secret code or have a special key card, then you are granted access. The universal mount attaches to any bedroom door.

Point, click, and share microscopic images with the Smartphone Science Lab for ages 8 and up. The attachments in this set transform any smartphone or tablet into a science instrument. No downloads required. Includes universal smartphone/tablet mount, microscope, four filters, specimen slide, a carrying case, and 24page experiment book.

It’s Alive Slime Lab, for ages 8 and up, allows kids to make slime grow, dance, and mutate with the motorized Slime-o-nator. These projects teach the science behind slime.

FEBRUARY 2014 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT 87

TOY FAIR 2014 DUNECRAFT

DuneCraft has a variety of new products launching at Toy Fair. Grow an underwater adventure and watch it come to life with the Sea-Quarium. Incubate the included eggs and the Sea-Sauruses will grow and swim. The tank is injection molded in one piece and has five magnifying portals on the front curved pane.

Included in this kit are LED lights that have blue, red, and mixed settings. The set also includes an exclusive Notchster Sea Friend.

New Mini Science Fun Kits includes Unreal Upchuck, Slick Sand, and Super Snow. Learn the science behind these kits. Express yourself with the new Message Beans. New styles include the Peace Out Bean and the OMG Bean. The beans will sprout within a week, according to DuneCraft, with the message inscribed on the bean and on the first set of leaves that emerge.

DOUGLAS COMPANY

The Douglas Company’s Douglas Dogs lineup includes Chap the Golden Retriever, Bear the Black Lab, Zach the Yellow Lab, Tucker the Chocolate Lab (shown), Puddin’ the Yorkie, Blaze the Husky, Dellwood the Beagle, and Rhea the German Shepherd. Each is created from soft faux fur in the likeness of its true-to-life counterparts.

In addition to the dogs, Douglas is adding a bounty of wildlife animals to its lineup. In total, 18 new Wildlife Animals will be introduced including Bushy the Red Fox, Dancer the Wolf, Ulysses the Moose, Harriet the Cow, Swift the White Tail Deer, Ranger the Raccoon, a smaller Pauline the Pig to complement the larger Pauline the Pig, and Wizard the Snowy Owl to complete a set of eight styles of Owls offered by Douglas.

Douglas also adds larger wildlife animals that range in size from 11 inches to 24 inches in length. They include Dawn the Fawn, Missy the Moose, Carrots the Red Panda, Snow Queen the Arctic Fox, Bruno the Grizzly Bear, Irbis the Snow Leopard, Tundra the Wooly Mammoth, Loper the Elk, and Chops the Beaver.

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LEARNING RESOURCES

Primary Science ViewScope, for ages 3 and up, features a soft eyepiece, simple magnification, and a clear case for viewing specimens. Featuring 20x magnification and a focusing knob, it also has a detachable viewer for on-the-go discoveries.

The Smart Snacks Number Pops, for ages 2 and up, build number and fine-motor skills with these ice cream pops. Pop the numbered shell over the ice cream pop with the matching number of dots. It is perfect for practicing with numbers 1–10 and for color matching. The set includes 20 pieces total—10 pops and 10 matching shells.

Smart Snacks Stack ’em Up Doughnuts teaches size-comparison and color-recognition skills. Stack the five doughnuts from biggest to smallest and fit the doughnut hole on top. Designed for ages, 2 and up, it is ideal for fine-motor skills. It includes five colorful doughnuts, the largest measuring five inches in diameter.

New Sprouts Shop It!, for ages 2 and up shown here, includes everything to stock and run a pretend store. The set includes a shopping basket, seven play food items, and a price/bar-code scanner with sound. It features modern design with rounded parts.

Coordinates with New Sprouts Ring it Up! as well as the New Sprouts line of play food.

Mobo Lady Rocker

X6 Zoom Rocket

ZING

Zing has a full line of activity, action, and archery toys designed to get kids moving. Here are some highlights of the company’s 2014 introductions.

The Zano Bow is an all-new bow-and-arrow combo that is about one-third of the size of the company’s best-selling Z-Curve Bow. Designed for ages 4 and up, this mini version still uses the patented Zing launch-system technology.

Combined with new mini Zartz arrows and a wall target, kids will have a complete indoor archery set that is safe and “parent-approved” for use around the house. Zing says the Zano Bow can launch arrows more than 30 feet and it will stick to most flat-surface targets with the mini Zartz arrows’ soft-foam suction cup tips.

X6 Zoom Rocket is an auto-rotating, multi-launching Zoom Rocket. The multi-rocket launch tower has six softfoam rockets, which can be loaded in a rapid fire, air-powered auto-rotation system. The rocket can launch more than 100 feet in the air and it’s kid powered. The harder they stomp, the higher it flies. It comes packaged with six rockets, tower, and stomp pad. It is designed for ages 8 and up.

The Sky Gliderz soft foam stealth planes loop and glide more than 120 feet, according to Zing. Using the same RipZip bungee-launcher as found on the Sky Ripperz handheld rockets, kids can lock and load Sky Gliderz and send them off with whistle-screaming action. To prepare for takeoff, hook the planes on the bungee loop, pull back, flick the wrist, and watch it ascend into the sky. Designed for ages 8 and up, it comes with two foam planes and the Rip-Zip.

ASA PRODUCTS

The Mobo Rocker and the Mobo Lady Rocker (shown) are the newest three-wheeled cruisers from Asa Products. These new, highperformance rides features an ergonomic design for children ages 6–10, with a maximum weight of 180 pounds. To steer, kids simply need to shift their weight right or left to maneuver the cruiser. Lean your body for swift twists and sharp turns. The maximum weight is 180 pounds.

POP STAR CLUB

The Beatrix Girls, a new line of collectible pop-star dolls driven by original music, expands its reach in 2014 with all-new original music, new fashion accessories, outfits, musical instruments, playsets, and hair kits. Just like a true pop-star band, The Beatrix Girls debut album Meet the Beatrix is currently available on iTunes, Amazon Mp3 Store, Spotify, Pandora, and all digital music outlets.

The Beatrix Girls

COROLLE

Corolle’s line of classic-style dolls continues to grown in 2014. The Grenadine Mini Miss & Baby Teether (shown) is a mini-sized first soft doll with a sweet face and a vanilla-scented baby teether. For ages birth and up, the teether is ideal for massaging baby’s gums.

Mon Premier Calin Maria (shown) is a first baby doll for the littlest mommies ages 18 months and up. This multi-ethnic, 12-inch baby doll is just the right size to cradle in a young child’s arms. It has a soft beanbag body, so it can be posed like a real baby, and vinyl skin that is delicately scented with vanilla, which is a Corolle signature feature.

Mon Premier Calin Maria

FEBRUARY 2014 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT 89

TOY FAIR 2014 KIDS PREFERRED

Kids Preferred adds a new line of kids’ furniture and wooden ride-ons to its Buildex brand, which be available worldwide this spring.

Developed in conjunction with toy designers at Chelona Wooden World, the Buildex line is designed to encourage three-dimensional thinking and an appreciation for construction, movement, and design. Its construction systems offer strong and safe assembly without the need for glue and tools. It also features a patent-pending Grid-Lock system that creates natural suspension in combination with functional steering.

The furniture line includes the Rocketeer table and chairs set, Daisy table & chairs set, and the Freedom line. Riding vehicles include the Max-Tractor (pictured), the Super-Scoot, and the Big Boss.

CARTWHEEL KIDS

ORB FACTORY

With Orb Factory’s Imaginista Paint ’n Lace Jewelry, kids 8 and up, can cut and paint two yards of lace to make dozens of unique pieces of jewelry. Use its illustrated booklet for instruction and inspiration.

New to the PlushCraft line is the PlushCraft Fancy Fish Pillow for ages 5 and up. Use the stylus to punch oversized fabric pieces into the fish-shaped pillow and create high-quality fabric-by-number creations.

With the latest Sticky Mosaics Owls, kids 5 and up can make their own Owl Pals. Follow a numbered legend and add more than 2,200 sparkling jewels and tiles to create four mosaic masterpieces. Then use hangtags or stands to display.

Cartwheel Kids designs and manufactures products for children ages infant to tween, including preschool toys, figures, playsets, dress-up, roleplay, seasonal, and novelty items. Cartwheel Kids is producing a range of products for the Nickelodeon preschool series Peter Rabbit. The range, which is launching this fall at mass retailers, includes Hopping Peter Rabbit, a plush Peter Rabbit that dances to “The Bunny Shake” song from the series. It features two play modes that encourage kids to get up and hop along with Peter Rabbit. It also aids in basic beginner letters and numbers, with phrases such as, “B is for Benjamin” and “Three hops for my friend, Benjamin!” It is for ages 2–5. Peter Rabbit Plush is also available, for ages 2 and up, in three versions: a seven-inch bean plush, a 12-inch plush, and a 12-inch talking plush. The seven-inch plush will be available exclusively at Walmart this spring, while the 12-inch basic and talking plush will launch at mass this fall. Characters include Peter Rabbit, Lily Bobtail, and Benjamin Bunny.

Cartwheel Kids is also designing roleplay toys for Hello Kitty, Ever After High, and My Little Pony.

The Hello Kitty Cupcake Café is a kitchen and café all in one. The playset features a real fabric awning, an “ice” maker, and a sizzling oven that lights up. More than a dozen accessories are included, such as a baking pan, two “cupcakes,” a serving tray and spoon, coffee pot, timer, cup, and “ice” cubes. It is for ages 2–5 and will be available at mass retailers this fall.

With the Ever After High Magic Mirror, fans can ask the mirror a question and get a “Royal” or “Rebel” response. It includes secret drawers and two makeup color palettes (Royal and Rebel) and features magical sound effects. It is for ages 6 and up and will be available at mass retailers this fall.

My Little Pony fans, ages 2–5, can style the 12-inch My Little Pony Styling Pony with its included “magical” comb, which lights up as you comb its hair. It also features more than a dozen other accessories for styling. It will be available at mass retailers this fall.

90 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2014

ALIQUANTUM INTERNATIONAL

AURORA

Aliquantum International (AQI) is bringing the Japanese brand Rilakkuma to North America. The new line consists of five plush sizes for the characters Rilakkuma, Korilakkuma, and Kiiroitori, as well as accessories and apparel. The Rilakkuma Rilakkuma characters encourages imagination and creativity, and everything about these characters is left up to interpretation. The craze that has built up around the brand stems from having the control to make each Rilakkuma character unique.

Aurora grows its collection of My Little Pony plush with new designs including characters in a seated pose as well as a new keychain assortment, in which each pony includes a clip for hanging just about anywhere. The products are based on the characters from My Little Pony Friendship is Magic, including Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Princess Twilight Sparkle.

Sea Sparkles, a line of mystical mermaids and sea life, expands for 2014 to include all new mermaids and sea friends’ characters called Sea Sprites. They feature colorful yarn hair and sparkling, shimmering fabrics.

For 2014, Aurora is rolling out Unlikely Friends to its Miyoni line, bringing cats and dogs (pictured), rabbits and chicks, and other different species together.

PLASMART

PlaSmart is adding to its games line for 2014. Squashed is a 3-D board game that adds a whole new dimension to board games. A game of strategy and chance, players eliminate other players by squashing one pawn at a time.

Or flip the cube for a total wipeout. Be the last pawn on the Squashed cube to win. The game is for ages 6 and up.

In Drop Shot, players work their way to the top, navigating both vertically and horizontally to avoid the gates that opponents have positioned to block their progress. But, if anyone rolls the Drop Shot Ball (the yellow ball on the die), it’s time to release the Drop Shot ball down the tower. And even if you made it to the top, the Last Chance Drop may send you right back to the beginning. It’s for two to four players, ages 6 and up.

Blind Spots is a simple but challenging two-player game for ages 6 and up. Take turns rotating the cubes a Squashed quarter turn in any direction until one player completes a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal row of any single color. The first player to complete a row on his own turn wins the round. The first player to complete five rows (one of each color) wins the game.

In the activity category, PlaSmart’s Gelli Baff is a completely harmless powder that soaks up to 400 times its own weight in water. Add 42 quarts of water to a bath, sprinkle Gelli Baff powder evenly over the surface, and let the goo form for about two minutes. Stir well, get in, and have fun. When the fun is done, add the dissolver, and the goo disappears. Gelli Baff two-packs are available in blue, red, green, and pink. It’s for ages 5 and up.

New in vehicle play comes Wonky Wheels. Start moving Wonky Wheels with your finger and they will wobble and rotate. They also help enhance fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination for kids ages 3 and up.

Threadz Mini Kits are new fashion accessory and jewelry kits that are quicker and easier versions of PlaSmart’s full-sized Threadz kits. The kits feature step-by-step illustrated instructions. Choose the Fashion Accessory kit to make a headband and bracelet. Choose the Jewelry kit to make a necklace and bangle. They are for ages 6 and up.

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TOY FAIR 2014 4K MEDIA

EDUCATIONAL INSIGHTS

Educational Insights’ Magic Moves Jammin’ Gym (pictured) motivates kids, ages 5 and up, to get moving with fun commands, flashing lights, and music. Shaped like a standard free weight, the eightby-three-inch Jammin’ Gym includes traditional exercises as well as active breaks with its “Let’s Surf” and “Dance Party” commands. It includes 65 randomly generated exercises with corresponding tunes and features a rubber grip and tether.

The Chet the Cat Yummy Adventures Playsets invites children, ages 3 and up, to pretend to cook and eat with Chet, Parfait Poodle, Ready Rabbit, and Marv the Parrot. Each melamine set is food grade, dishwasher safe, and long lasting. Sets include the Dish Set (four sets of plates, bowls, cups, forks, spoons, and knives), the Baking Set (one rolling pin, mixing bowl, pie pan, three measuring cups, mixing spoon, spatula, and cookie sheet), and the Cooking Set (one stock pot with lid, one large and small frying pan, a 6.5-inch spoon, slotted spoon, and spatula).

New in the GeoSafari line is the GeoSafari Jr. My First Microscope for ages 3 and up. It is a fully functional microscope that kids can use to view leaves, rocks, grass blades, and more. The microscope has extra-large eyepieces, so it’s one size fits all. The eyepieces maximize 3-D effects and eliminate the need to close one eye. It has a right-side up and left-right correct along with simple focusing. The dissecting microscope also allows viewing of anything in 3-D, such as a rock or penny.

Also new is The Riddle Show talking electronic microphone so kids 6 and up can host their own comedy show. The talking microphone features more than 145 pre-recorded jokes, riddles, and tongue twisters, along with music and sound effects. Press a button for a joke or riddle then another for the answer. It also doubles as a working microphone.

It’s 10 inches-by-2.5 inches and requires three AAA batteries that are included.

92 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2014

Jammin’ Gym

Through a licensing partnership with 4K Media, WizKids Games, the wholly owned subsidiary of Konami Digital Entertainment, welcomes the world of Yu-Gi-Oh! to its games.

In HeroClix, Yu-Gi-Oh! fans can duel with HeroClix tabletop game, which uses miniature figures on a rotating base. The base tracks players’ progress and allows them to use special abilities without keeping score. Yu-Gi-Oh! HeroClix figures are fully compatible with HeroClix core rules. The Yu-Gi-Oh! HeroClix: Series One set debuted in January with a starter set that contains six collectible mini-figures, two exclusive maps, and more. The full Series One consists of more than 50 figures from the classic YuGi-Oh! series, available this March as individually blind-boxed HeroClix mini-figures in gravity-feed displays. WizKids will also offer a Yu-Gi-Oh! Series One Organized Play Kit for in-store Series 1-themed events. Yu-Gi-Oh! HeroClix: Series Two will arrive in May, adding more than 50 additional figures to the line. Series Two will be released as individual blindboxed figures in a gravity feed along with an Organized Play Kit. WizKids will release Yu-Gi-Oh! Dice Masters in mid-2014. Yu-Gi-Oh! Dice Masters is a dice-building strategy game patterned after WizKids’ Quarriors game. Players build a team and battle for supremacy using custom Yu-Gi-Oh! dice representing characters from the classic animated series. The game will be available as a starter set that includes 44 custom dice, 38 cards, two dice bags, and a core rulebook. Supplementary dice HeroClix Series One will be available in a blind-boxed Starter Set gravity-feed display.

K’NEX

The K’NEX Building Sets: 52 Model Building Set includes instructions/ideas for 52 unique models, so kids, 7 and up, can do one build for each week of the year. The set comes with more than 600 K’NEX rods and connectors to build trains, planes, animals, and tall structures. Parts can be stored in the plastic storage tub.

New to K’NEX Thrill Rides is the Hyperspeed Hangtime Roller Coaster Building Set. Use more than 600 K’NEX pieces to build a roller coaster that is more than 2.5 feet high. The exclusive inverted blaster motor launches the hanging coaster car through 18 feet of track. Three C batteries are required but not included. The coaster is for ages 9 and up.

The Tinkertoy line is expanding with a 100-piece essential set. The set includes spools, rods, flags, washers, end caps, and more. Building ideas for 13 models plus building tips are also included. All components are compatible with other Tinkertoy sets. It is for ages 3 and up.

ADORA DOLLS

Adora’s SnuggleTime Dots feature ultra plush bodies weighted with beans and made of microfiber plush. Available in three bright polka dot patterns, each SnuggleTime baby features a vinyl face, removable hooded sweatshirt, and yarn pigtails. SnuggleTime Dots are 100 percent machine washable.

SafariTime Pals come with their own animal-themed removable hooded sweatshirt made of cuddly microfiber plush. These beanweighted, thumbsucking plush dolls are available in six different animal costumes and are 100 percent machine washable.

SafariTime Giraffe Pal

ENTERTAINMENT ONE K’NEX brings Plants vs. Zombies to the construction aisle with the Plants vs. Zombies Pirate Seas Plank Walk Building Set, a buildable replica of the Pirate Seas level in Plants vs. Zombies 2 and includes special “rumble grid” action. Turn on the battery-powered motor to make the zombies move down the rows toward the plants, just as they do in the game. It includes a Pirate Zombie, Pirate Conehead Zombie, Pirate Captain Zombie, Coconut Cannon, and Cabbage-pult. The set is for fans ages 7 and up.

Entertainment One’s master toy partner Fisher-Price will launch new toys for Peppa Pig for 2014, including the Peppa Pig Singing Ballerina Peppa. This interactive plush Peppa is dressed as a prima ballerina. Give the soft friend a squeeze and Peppa will talk and sing a ballerina song. In the Peppa Pig Peppa’s Ballet Bag playset (shown above), Peppa Pig and Candy Cat are getting ready for their big ballet recital. Help them warm up on the ballet bar and choose which of three tutus they will wear on stage. The set also features a mirror and everything stores inside the ballet bag. These toys are for ages 3 and up.

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TOY FAIR 2014 TCG

PLAYHUT

Playhut’s Mystixx Zombies is part of the Mystixx doll line, in which each doll features two faces and comes with two wigs that are interchangeable. With a turn of the head (shown), the dolls can have a sweet face or a glamorous Zombie face. The dolls are for ages 6 and up.

Band-Ups are a shoe-styling system for kids. Band-Ups come with 14 decorated laces and two interchangeable charms. The laces are a silicone stretch material that can be used on any shoe and the elasticity of the laces turn a traditional lace shoe into a slip-on shoe. Charms can be laced onto the silicone laces for a customized look or use on traditional shoes laces. They are for ages 4 and up.

INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS

Mystixx Zombie

International Playthings is introducing new brands and products to its 2014 lineup. With the Beezeebee’s Zeeland (shown), create an imaginary island in or out of the tub.

The toy suctions securely to any smooth surface and comes with four colorful friends that fit in its holes and squirt water. It is for ages 12 months and up.

In the new Craft Scene line, the Craft Scene Pick ‘n’ Zeeland Mix Jewelry Kit makes fashion accessories to wear and share with friends. Follow the full-color illustrated activity guide and learn to make colorful beads using self-adhesive felt to create up to eight jewelry pieces. Or mix and match the different felts to make your own designs.

It’s for ages 8 and up.

The new Kidoozie Princess Castle Toy Box features princess castle graphics on this colorful sturdy toy box. The top removes completely and there are no hinges to pinch fingers. It is sized 18.5 by 12.5 by 11 inches. It’s for ages 18 months and up. The easy-to-assemble Pirate’s Den Playhouse is sized to fit two or more kids. It features a flap front door, two mesh windows, and sturdy material. A carry case is included.

It is for ages 3 and up.

Monkey Basketball, for ages 9 months and up, is part of the Earlyears line. Discover rattle or crinkle sounds in four different colorful appliqued soft balls. Monkey’s head folds over and closes securely for storage.

94 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2014

TCG will expand its Fisher-Price games line for fall. In Fisher-Price Sgetti Scatter, preschoolers 3 and up must pull out “S’getti” noodles before the meatballs tumble and S’getti Scatter tips over. It’s a colorful action game with two levels of play to teach children fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Whoever collects the most “S’getti” pieces before the meatballs drop, wins. Also in the line is the Fisher-Price Little People Gigantik Ups & Downs and Fisher-Price Little People Photo Discovery for ages 3 and up.

TCG is taking on Grumpy Cat with an assortment of toy and gift items launching this spring, including a fiveinch and 10-inch Grumpy Cat plush featuring one of her four favorite phrases. Give the interactive Talking Grumpy Cat’s paw a squeeze to hear authentic meowing, hissing, or growling from the real Grumpy Cat. Plush are for ages 4 and up. There will also be four different 100piece Grumpy Cat puzzles for ages 12 and up.

TCG will launch a line of Sesame Street wooden toys and puzzles for ages 18 months and up this fall. A wooden pull toy assortment features three of kids’ favorite Sesame Street characters: Elmo, Abby Cadabby, and Big Bird.

Additional products include the Sesame Street Mix and Match Dress Up puzzle, Sesame Street Character Stackers, the Sesame Street Block Train, and more.

TCG’s Yomega Star Wars String Bling are Fireball yo-yos featuring Star Wars characters and a sculpted character ring that protects fingers from tight strings. Star Wars Yo-Men Action Stands (pictured) also feature Fireball yo-yos with collectible Action Stands. They are for ages 8 and up.

Yo-Men Yoda and Darth Vader

GOLIATH GAMES

Goliath is launching Juggle U, an electronic juggling game, this spring. Juggle U continually shoots balls into the air and you have to move fast to catch them. Turn up the challenge by increasing the speed or adding tricks such as bouncing the balls off walls or catching balls shot from a friend’s Juggle U. Quizamajig is the newest addition to Goliath’s party game category. This crazy quiz contraption dials up questions with the push of a lever. When you think you have the answer, cast your marble into the unique funnel to see which player gets to answer.

Goliath is also launching two new games from France to its skill-and-action game line for 2014. In Jumping Jack, children flick the spinner to see how many carrots to pull from the rabbit’s garden. Pull the right carrot and Jack will jump up into the air. Catch him to win. Or find out who will be the grill master in Barbecue Party. Take turns putting food on and taking it off the grill, but watch out for the jumping grill.

In outdoor toys, the Zoingo Boingo Pogo is a flexible freestyle pogo that can be used on pavement or grass. The pogo features a tethered cord and ball that work together for better control and higher bounces, according to Goliath.

Throw a disc or catch a ball with Phlat Ball, Phlat Ball Jr., and the Phlat Ball Football. Each ball’s design allows it to easily transform from a ball into a disc by simply squeezing the top and bottom together. Throw the disc and watch it pop back into ball form.

New to Goliath’s Let’s Cook line is the Chocolate Truffle Maker, which lets children create amazing chocolate-covered marshmallow bear treats. Or with Zip Whips children can turn a boring glass of milk into a delicious foamy treat in less than 30 seconds.

FOLKMANIS

Folkmanis is introducing new puppets to its lineup for 2014, including animals and royalty. More cuddly than fierce, Wolf Pup is a tawny brown and white 13-inch puppet with fluffy, soft fur. His sweet expressive face features perky ears, blue eyes, and a movable muzzle.

The Perched Eagle is a 17-inch tall puppet that is realistically rendered with piercing eyes and plumage of dark brown with a white head and tail. Its hooked beak and powerful talons are featured in gold-hued leatherette.

New to the bunny hutch is the 12-inch tall Standing Lop Rabbit puppet, which features distinctive long ears and cashmere-soft fur in a creamy white and brown color pattern.

Known as the “King of Terriers,” the new 20-inch long Airedale Terrier puppet features the signature markings of the breed: wiry looking yet soft fur with a black and tan head, ears, and legs, as well as a black nose and dark eyes.

Cradle this canine in your arms to work his mouth while your other hand wiggles his playful tail.

The 14-inch Grunting Pig puppet features a silky soft plush body of pale pink with gray patches and a curly tail that comes to life with a workable snout, mouth, and front trotters. Squeeze his pot belly to make him grunt.

The 11-inch Royal Prince puppet comes dressed in richly colorful regalia, including a noble crown and a scarlet robe Royal Prince and Princess puppets bearing the royal Folkmanis crest. It also features detailed embroidery stitched eyes and a movable mouth and arms.

The 11-inch Royal Princess character puppet is demure and graceful in her tiara and formal gown. The puppet features detailed, embroidered blue eyes, a movable mouth and arms.

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TOY FAIR 2014 I-STAR

i-Star Entertainment is debuting the World of Ani-Mei at Toy Fair.

The new collection of talking characters come to life through a unique application of lights and sounds for an engaging and magical experience with kids’ favorite characters from the world of entertainment. The new technology animates the plush with LEDs and sound, and a patented algorithm brings the characters to life as their eyes and mouths light up and move in sync with the words each character says. This approach to talking plush offers the engaging experience of animation without the interference of noisy motors.

Jr. Astronaut Helmet

AEROMAX

New for 2014 from Aeromax are Firefighter and Astronaut Drawstring Backpacks. The tot-sized backpacks measure 14 by 16 inches. Kids, ages 3 and up, can wear them as an addition to Aeromax’s firefighter suit or NASA-inspired astronaut head-to-toe outfit. The Firefighter Drawstring Backpack features rich details including a solid black pack with red and yellow accents. The center focuses on fire rescue symbols such as a fire helmet, ax, ladder, and hydrant. The Astronaut Drawstring Backpack features a white backpack with red, white, and blue accents. It also features the NASA logo, an American flag, and the word “Commander.”

Also for little astronauts is the Jr. Astronaut Helmet for ages 3 and up.

An alternative to Aeromax’s deluxe Jr. Astronaut Helmet, this helmet features the same quality and durability without sound effects. Details include a moving visor, NASA logo, and additional decorative features.

The Alien Invasion Light Up Flying Saucer, for ages 8 and up, is a flying disc that features a green and purple flying saucer design with multi-color LED lights.

96 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2014

Wonder of the World & Landmarks 3D Map

POPAR TOYS

With Popar’s new Interactive Human Anatomy 3D Chart, a headshot on this wall chart means zooming in on the frontal bone, mandible, and temporal bone. Pinch to zoom and swipe to rotate on a mobile device to explore the torso. Click on the clavicle and see a screen shot that explains its location in the body and its importance of connecting the scapula and the sternum.

Turn the skeletal structure sideways to get a different view.

With the Periodic Table 3D Chart, young scientists can uncover all the secrets hidden among the wall chart that features atomic mass, boiling point, density, structure and description. Match compounds or learn elemental composition by total mass in a graph format. Use the legend to sort the table by only the categories you wish to see.

With the Solar System 3D Chart, explore space through AR. Zoom in on Earth or Saturn to learn about its orbit or moons. Space probes such as Magellan and Mariner hover above the chart and reveal photos, drawings, and even greetings in different languages.

Popar also offers two fabric wall charts made of a soft doublethickness material: Wonder of the World & Landmarks and Solar System 3D. Download the Popar app, and scan every section of the Wonder of the World & Landmarks 3D Map. Zoom to a foreign country and see its sights in 3-D. Use your smart phone or tablet, download the Popar App and scan the Solar System 3D Chart, to travel to distant planets and explore deep space in 3D. See the Mars Rover, discover a Black Hole, and learn about Saturn’s several hundred rings.

The chart measures 42 inches by 32 inches and features grommets for easy hanging.

TOMY

TOMY International is offering a sneak preview of its new product highlights, some of which are shown here, including Battroborg, John Deere, Pokémon, Lamaze, and TOMY Toys.

New in TOMY’s Battroborg line is the Battroborg Warrior, for ages 6 and up. These are new Battroborg robots that have interchangeable parts for customized battling play, taking motion-controlled battling to an all new level. Choose your Warrior and customize your borg for intense arena battling.

Additional features include new robots and

Battroborg Warriors

warrior themes (Samurai, Alien, Roman, Knight, and Viking warriors); a new katana blade controller (single and double-bladed warriors with interchangeable weapons); and a new battle arena.

The Lamaze Sit Up and See Gym is an all-in-one system that grows with baby, features many ways to play, and is easy to fold up. First, the gym can be positioned flat with the arch above baby. Second, the rainbow headrest may be used as a tummy time pillow. Third, the gym may be propped up with easy pivoting handles so parents can strap

baby into the safety harness. Fourth, once baby can sit up on their own, the arm may be removed altogether so baby can play with the plush activity toys on the mat.

The gym arch can be positioned at any angle. When baby bats at the mobile, it spins and the sun mirror lights up and plays a fun ocean song. It also includes three removable dangling plush with sounds to stimulate babies’ senses. It is designed for newborn and up.

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TOY FAIR 2014 DISCOVERY KIDS

Discovery Consumer Products has new offering for 2014, including from new licensees Cypher Kids Club and Tek Nek. Cypher Kids Club is developing a new line of Jurassic Action toys divided into two product packs, Dino Excavation Kit and Interactive Dinosaur Kit. Kids will be able to assume the role of an archaeologist using enclosed digging tools and protective glasses to excavate fossilized bones and reconstruct their dinosaur. The product includes augmented reality 3-D technology that allows children to immerse themselves in a world of prehistoric fun via mobile devices.

Tek Nek adds a new line of outdoor adventure and roleplay products to the Discovery Kids brand. The line encourages nature exploration and bug observation and includes ride-on toys and vehicles as well as an electronic talking puzzle map of the U.S. Merchsource will display a wide variety of toy and gift items, including tents, magnetic tiles, train sets, garden sets, toy tool sets, dinosaur sets, a kinetic space lab, and musical water limbo game.

NKOK will spotlight a line of interactive tech toys including a battery operated T-Rex, infrared bugs, pull-back bugs, R/C vehicles and helicopters as well as a laser tag game.

Good Stuff will introduce a Discovery Kids View-Master Reel Pack (Age of Dinosaurs). The reel pack comes with three reels capturing 21 3-D images and facts. It will also offer a Discovery Kids View-Master Gift Set, which comes with one red viewer, one case, and three reels featuring Safari Adventures, Marine Life, and Age of Dinosaurs.

TLC will be expanding its licensing program into the kids’ space with a Cake Boss children’s line and Discovery is actively seeking partners.

Discovery is also seeking to grow its Animal Planet partners in multiple toy categories.

Separately, new licensee Pay Dirt will launch The Gold Rush Panning Kit, based on Discovery Channel’s highest-rated series, Gold Rush. The kits include a bag of authentic pay dirt guaranteed to contain gold, professional gold pan, snuffer bottle, vial to store the gold, and a certificate of authenticity.

98 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2014

i-Mat Under the Sea

CREATIVE BABY

New from Creative Baby comes interactive talking play mats for ages 18 months and up. The classic i-Mat My Animal World features a full-color illustration of animals from around the world.

Name bubbles are included to start the visual connection of words and the names with images. By touching the Voice Pen to the mat, the animals “talk” and songs play.

As a child grows, parents can begin teaching their child up to three languages (English, Spanish, Chinese) simply by touching the pen to the image.

When the child is old enough to hold the pen and activate the mat on his own, he can play learning games on the mat that challenges him to seek things out while learning about the animals and the world around them.

Additional i-Mats include Under the Sea (pictured), which introduces shapes, opposites, colors, and more than 50 under-the-sea animals; and Alphabet, which teaches pronunciation and phonics and letter recognition. The Voice Pen is only included with the i-Mat My Animal World. As new i-Mat themes are introduced, connect the Voice Pen to any computer with internet access (with the USB cable provided in the package), and download the new sound file from Creative Baby’s website to the i-Mat Voice Pen.

CREATIVITY

KIDS

This is a sampling of Creativity for Kids 2014 lineup. With Creativity for Kids’ Rhinestone Wrap Bracelets, combine faux-suede cord with rhinestone trims to make 15 sparkling, fashion bracelets. It will be available in March. Complete the look with the matching Rhinestone Wrap Headbands, now available, by creating 10 sparkle-flocked headbands with rhinestone trims. The kit features large, easy peel-and-stick rhinestone accents and shimmery ribbons. Creativity for Kids is putting its own spin on the rubber band craze with its Rubber Band Snap Wraps. Add latex-free rubber bands to five soft, silicon bracelets and customize them with accent charms. No tools or looms are required, just slide and wrap. Or use its Rubber Band Studio, now available, to create traditional rubber band bracelets using the hand-held, portable loom. This studio includes 1,000-plus latex-free rubber bands and everything you need to create bracelets, necklaces, flowers, earrings, hair accessories, and more. A storage tray is also included for organizing. These kits are for ages 7 and up. With the Charming Chains Accessory Set, turn classic silver and gold chains into necklaces, bracelets, and headbands. Weave faux suede cord in the chains, add faux suede flowers and sparkling rhinestones, then accent with four charms. It’s for ages 7 and up. With Mermaid Jewelry, for ages 6 and up, make necklaces and bracelets with colorful sea-themed beads like dolphins, starfish, sea horses, shells, and pearl beads. Add ribbon and safe, snap-off closures for everyday wear. It is now available at retail.

FOR

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Lum Lums

IMPERIAL TOYS

Lum Lums (pictured above) is a new collection of light-up, pocket-sized dolls, pets, and accessories. Hold Lum Lums dolls by both hands to make all the dolls in the circle light up.

Lum Lums feature interchangeable skirts, boots, and accessories. A puzzle enclosure on their skirts makes it easy to change their looks. Girls can also swap out hair charms and change Lum Lum’s boots with a simple pull on/off feature. The new Lum Lum collection features four light-up dolls including: Floressa, Trindi, Yummie, and Valerina. Each Lum Lum comes with her own pet NuNu, interchangeable fashion accessories, and playsets. The NuNu pets also light up with a touch from any Lum Lum doll or when they touch noses with another NuNu. Girls can also create a Lumination Village with a complete collection of light-up themed playsets, including a fashion boutique, a flower vase, vanity set, tea set, and fashion set. Three button cell batteries are required and included with each product. Lum Lums will be available this spring. They are for ages 4 and up.

100 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2014

Jazwares

Minecraft fans can bring home their favorite characters from the indie building video game in Jazware’s Minecraft toy line.

Series 1 Minecraft collectible action figures include Steve, Zombie, Enderman, and Creeper. Each figure comes with accessories from the game such as a sword, pick axe, and a stone or grassy block. A deluxe Core Player Survival Pack is also available and includes a workbench, pick axe, sword, chest, torch, and Steve figure. All figures are for ages 6 and up. Also available is an assortment of Minecraft plush characters for ages birth and up. Baby Pig and Baby Mooshroom plush are in the Overworld Animal Mobs collection. The Overworld Mobs collection includes Creeper and Enderman. Fans can recreate the world of the video game at 1:16 scale with the easy-to-build Minecraft paper crafts, available in 30-piece, 48-piece, and 90-piece kits.

Jazwares brings to life the characters of Yo Gabba Gabba for ages 2–6. Its toy line includes Roto and classic figures, chunky freewheeling vehicles, toy microphone with lights and music, and a playset. The Yo Gabba Gabba playset features a boombox that opens up to reveal Muno Land with accessories, Foofa Land with a slide, Brobee Land and Brobee’s clubhouse, and Toodee Land with accessories. It also features lights and sounds. Additional plush characters include a 16-inch feature plush Brobee with lights and music and classic Foofa, Brobee, Plex, Muno, and Toodee plush.

Jazware’s lineup of Teen Titan toys for 2014 include a six-pack of two-inch figures, fully articulated eight-inch Cyborg and Robin figures, which feature removable rocket launchers and a cybernetic eye, and fully articulated five-inch Robin, Cyborg, Raven, and Beast Boy assortment figures. An assortment of seven-inch Teen Titan plush consists of three versions of each main character: Robin, Cyborg, and Trigon.

Jazware’s branded electronics for Star Wars fans include the new Star Wars Headphones, which feature graphics of Darth Vader and R2D2 on the exterior, an adjustable head band, and soft cushioned ear cups that swivel for comfort on the interior. Also available are assorted Star Wars earbuds shaped like characters in three sizes, including C-3PO, Darth Vader, Darth Maul, and Yoda. Earbuds are for ages 4 and up.

For WWE fans ages 6 and up, Jazwares’ WWE John Cena Headphones feature soft cushioned, swiveling ear cups for comfortable use. They are also collapsible and come with a carrying case. Fans can also use the new WWE SmackDown vs.

Raw Walkie Talkies to keep in touch with friends. Batteries are not included. They are for fans ages 6–8.

Jazwares will also expand its line of One Direction electronics and introduce a new line of NBA bungees and Plants vs. Zombies toys.

SABAN BRANDS

Digimon Fusion, the sixth installment of the Digimon franchise, is set to roll out globally later in the year. The show premiered on Saban Brands’ five-hour kids programming block, Vortexx on The CW, in the U.S. in January. Featuring all-new Digimon action, the series follows Mikey, a human boy, who is transported into the digital realm and must team up with his new Digimon, or Digital Monster, friends before their world is deleted once and for all. The allnew Digimon Fusion product line will launch early this year, with Bandai serving as global master toy licensee. There will be a full consumer products rollout starting with toys, trading cards, and digital apps, with more categories to follow. Products will highlight the show’s core element of new powers allowing Digimon to combine and fuse their abilities, creating endless battle possibilities.

Julius Jr., Saban Brands’ animated preschool series inspired by the Paul Frank brand, will air daily on Nick Jr. starting this month in the U.S. and will premiere in international markets starting this fall. Following Julius Jr. and his friends, the show encourages cooperative play, using imagination, exploration, and creative problem solving to teach children how to share and play together.

Fisher-Price will serve as the global master toy licensee for Julius Jr. The full consumer products rollout will start with toys, apparel and accessories, craft and activity, publishing, and roleplay.

Product is expected to hit shelves beginning this fall, with more categories to follow.

Power Rangers Super Megaforce, the newest season of the Power Rangers franchise, will feature special morphers and keys, allowing the Rangers to morph into the Power Rangers Super Megaforce and any team of Power Rangers from the past. The series is set to launch this month on Nickelodeon and will be distributed globally later in the year. Additionally, the series currently airs in 150 markets and is also available on demand with Netflix, Hulu, Xbox, iTunes, and Amazon.

Power Rangers product can be found in all major markets throughout North, South, and Central America; Europe; Australia; India; and South Africa, with toys leading as the strongest product category, followed by back-to-school products, sporting goods, apparel, and publishing. Saban Brands currently works with more than 200 licensees globally for the franchise, including global master toy licensee Bandai, and produces merchandise across a range of categories including toys, apparel, games, party goods, and more.

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TOY FAIR 2014 PLAYMATES

Playmates is introducing an extensive line of products for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The Half Shell Heroes line is highlighted here. Designed for kids 3 and up, the line will be available this fall and includes figures, vehicles, and playsets. The basic 2.5-inch figure two-packs are available in an assortment of characters, including the following: Leo with Luge, Don with Glider, Mikey with skateboard, Raph with mini cycle, Splinter and April, Metalhead and Casey Jones, Shredder and Foot Soldier, Kraang and Leatherhead, Dogpound and Fishface, Baxter Fly and Mousers, Snakeweed and Spider Bytez, Bebop and Rocksteady, and Tiger Claw and Newtralizer.

Kids can drive the Turtles into their next battle with the Shellraiser. The vehicle features more than 30 phrases and sounds, ninja actions, and trash cannons. The Lair/City Playset with Mikey and Splinter includes a try-me feature, more than 100 phrases and sounds, more than 12 ninja actions, exclusive T-Rawket vehicle, and exclusive Mikey and Splinter figures.

The Five-Inch Talking Turtles feature more than 20 phrases and sounds and ninja action. The line will include Leo, Don, Mike, Raph, and Shredder. The 10-inch Mega Mutant gives kid control over Leo’s moves and features more than 100 phrases and sounds.

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TINY LOVE

In 1993, Tiny Love introduced its first Gymini activity mat and millions have been sold in the past 20 years. Now Tiny Love’s newest addition to the line is the Gymini Developlace, which is a versatile activity center that converts from a floor mat to a crawling tunnel to keep children engaged from newborns through the toddler years.

As a floor activity center, newborns can enjoy play on their backs as they bat and grab at colorful dangling toys with ease. The dangling toys can be repositioned so parents can keep the environment interesting and stimulating. The Gymini Developlace also promotes tummy time with vibrant mat graphics and activities.

As infants start to move and crawl, the sides fold up to create a tunnel. The sides also double as activity walls with drop play and 1-2-3 soft cards, among other activities. The Gyminini Developlace is currently available.

Gymini Developlace

FEBRUARY 2014 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT 103

TOY FAIR 2014 KLUTZ

Klutz, a division of Scholastic will add new activity books for spring 2014, including Air Power, a 48-page book with instructions for four easy-toassemble rocket-propelled vehicles. Vehicles include a hot rod, a hovercraft, a helicopter, and a balloon-powered rocket. It is for ages 8 and up.

Straw Shooter Jets, now available, is a 60-page book that comes with everything you may need to make a fleet of puff-propelled flyers. Once the jet is mounted on a special launch straw, use a concentrated breath to send it soaring. It’s for ages 8 and up.

With Felted Friends, transform fluffy fuzz into cute critters using the 52-page book. It includes step-by-step illustrated instructions, felting tool, foam block, and 100percent natural wool in six colors. It is for ages 10 and up.

The 44-page Washi Tape Stickers is a book that makes it easy to turn strips of the Japanese tape into stickers. Originating in Japan, washi tape easily adheres and peels off most surfaces.

With the 64-page Tissue Paper Crafts, follow the colorfully illustrated guide to transform tissue paper into everything from pom-poms to garlands, and fluffy little birds. Included is glue, string, wire, and tissue paper.

In My Style Studio, design and trace your own fashions with the new Klutz-formatted 48-page book. Clear line art on mix-and-match vinyl clings make it easy to assemble different outfits. Use the provided paper and pencil to trace looks, adding your own stylish touches freehand. Colored pencils and textured pattern plates make adding color and pattern easy to do. A box also provides convenient storage for art supplies and finished drawings.

104 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2014

THINKFUN

ThinkFun’s Robot Turtles, for ages 4 and up, is a game for little programmers. Players move their Robot Turtles around the game board using forward, left, and right Code Cards.

Reach a jewel to win. Make a mistake and use a Bug Card to undo a move. As players advance through the multiple levels, they will encounter obstacles such as Ice Walls and more complex Code Cards, such as lasers to melt the walls. Play continues until all players collect a jewel—so everyone wins. It will be available in June.

For kids ages 5 and up, Zingo! Word Builder is a word-building version of Zingo! With two levels of play, it’s designed to engage and support both beginner and more experienced readers. Slide the “Zinger” and claim tiles to fill your Zingo! card with three letter words.

Zingo! Time Telling is a time-telling version of Zingo! Kids, ages 5 and up, learn to read the hour and minute hands on an analog clock and make the translation to digital time.

For ages 8 and up, ThinkFun has an assortment of new games. Gravity Maze is a logic maze in which players use colorful, translucent towers to build visually stimulating structures. But, for each challenge, you must think carefully to build a path that will successfully carry a ball to its target.

It features 60 challenges, ranging in difficulty. It will be available in May/June.

In Last Letter, now available, race to come up with and blurt out a word from one of the picture cards in your hand.

The word must begin with the last letter of the word previously called. Get rid of your cards first to win.

In Brain Fitness Shell Game, available April/May, players rely on their memory to shuffle the crabs to their correct position.

MARVEL

Marvel Entertainment and Disney Consumer Products will showcase product lines for some of Marvel’s most popular classic franchises along with this summer’s movie release, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, at this year’s Toy Fair. Hasbro expands its recently launched Super Hero Mashers lineup; continues to support The Avengers and Spider-Man franchises with new classic, TV, and film-based offerings; and introduces new toys for Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy.

LEGO will also extend its legacy of Marvel offerings with a new line devoted to Guardians of the Galaxy that will be revealed at this year’s Toy Fair. KIDdesigns will showcase a line of Guardians of the Galaxy-inspired consumer electronics, including FRS walkie talkies and iHome headphones and earbuds that will launch in time for the movie in August. Finally, C-Preme, known for its protective gear designs, will show off a line of 3-D helmets and protective gear that incorporate stylized designs based on Marvel’s superheroes, which will be joined by Huffy’s line of bicycles, tricycles, scooters, and accessories based on Marvel’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier, The Amazing Spider-Man 2, and Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy.

Huffy’s Captain America bicycle

FEBRUARY 2014 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT 105

TOY FAIR 2014 BLIP TOYS

Blip will launch its new Dancing Hello Kitty this fall. Attach Hello Kitty to any glass surface, or place her on the included stand, and dance along as the doll grooves to two songs. Hello Kitty features motion and touch activation and dances with or without sound. It is for ages 4 and up.

Blip Toys is expanding its line of Disney Princess Palace Pets with Magic Dance Pumpkin. Cinderella’s pet, Pumpkin, comes to life with this interactive, remote-controlled puppy. Magic Dance Pumpkin says more than a dozen phrases and sounds, follows movement commands from the light-up magic wand controller, and performs dance moves, including two pre-programmed sequences. It features soft fabric ears, removable fur cuffs, a stylish satin tutu, oversized plush tail, and a pearlized shimmer. It is for ages 4 and up and will be available this fall.

CUDDLE BARN

The Cuddle Barn collection of laughable, clever plush introduces two new superstars for 2014. Lil Bub, the female cat known for her “perma-kitten” appearance, ever-protruding tongue and wide eyes, is an internet feline sensation, and now a soft plush that fans 3 and up can take home.

Available this February is the interacLil Bub tive, singing Billy Gold. Decked out in a metallic gold jacket, Billy Gold takes on the popular song “Blurred Lines.” This plush billygoat also features sunglasses. Batteries are included. Squeeze his hoof to start the music. Billy Gold is for ages 3 and up.

106 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2014

RAVENSBURGER

Ravensburger’s Tula Moon Edition: Eiffel Tower is a 216-piece 3-D puzzle with precision-cut plastic flat and hinged pieces that click into place, with no glue required. The colorful version of the iconic structure reflects the artistic style of British artist Steph Dekker.

When complete it stands 18 inches tall. It is for

ages 12 and up.

Dream Cakes is a bakery-inspired game, in which players work on multiple cakes at one time, spinning the wheel to determine their pieces. They must stack layers and toppers to complete their cakes and judge their competitors’ finished creations for points. The game is for ages 4 and up.

A modern day version of hot potato, Spy Tag is a high-speed race to spot the spies and tag them before time is up. Players take turns drawing spy cards and slapping them on the matching agent cards laid out in front of their teammates. Get caught with a match when the timer goes off and you must draw a card from the secret attaché pile. If the card is empty, you’re safe. But get the Stolen Gizmo card and you’re out. The game is for ages 5 and up.

Ravensburger is also updating its fairy tale search-andfind game, Enchanted Forest, for 2014. A magical twist on classic memory match, Enchanted Forest requires players to roll the dice to move round the board, sneaking a peek at treasures hidden in the Enchanted Forest all along the way. The first player to find the treasures the king seeks wins the kingdom. It is for ages 4 and up.

HABA

Haba offers new kitchen and sand toys for 2014, including a yellow Hand SandClaw for digging deep and shifting sand into neat piles. The green Sand-Water Rake leaves precision tracks in the sand.

Little gardeners can mold sand into flower art with a three-piece Sand Gardening set or pick sand or pour water with the Sand Sieve Magic set. In the Spielstabil line, Baby’s Watering Can Hippo is a hipposhaped watering can for use in the sandbox, at the beach, or in the bath.

Haba’s line of soft fabric foods is expanding with some all-American favorites, including Apple Pie and a Hot Dog with Ketchup & Mustard (sold separately) that “squirts” red or yellow string. Separately, there’s a sushi set that comes with chopsticks, a wooden block, and bite-size Japanese foods (shown).

Haba also introduces three new soft dolls for spring 2014 including sisters Lennja & Elin and Shona, who arrives with a globe-trotting suitcase that unfolds into an apartment with a dooropening closet. a sushi roleplay set

WICKED COOL TOYS

Wicked Cool Toys comes to this year’s Toy Fair with the license for WWE novelty, roleplay, collector, and electronics. The line, which is expected to debut this spring, includes Superstar Bands, ThumbPERS, key chains, microphones, Superstar Banks, and collectible bobblehead figures. In the fall, Wicked Cool Toys will introduce the Real Scale Collector Ring (22 inches by 22 inches) and fully articulated 31-inch figures (shown here).

John Cena 31-inch action figure

JAKKS PACIFIC

Jakks Pacific comes to Toy Fair with an extensive lineup of brands, two of which are highlighted here. Jakks has teamed up with Nintendo to bring fans the latest toys featuring favorite characters from Nintendo.

Nintendo Wall Climbers, for ages 8 and up, is based on the Mario Kart 8 game debuting this spring. The remote-controlled vehicles have a vacuum suction feature that activates to keep it adhered to the wall as it moves forward, backward, left, and right. Choose from Mario, Luigi, or Yoshi.

The 7.5-inch Nintendo plush is available in classic characters such as Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, and Princess Peach. Designed for ages 3 and up, the line will also include never-before-seen characters from upcoming games such as Pikmin, Zelda, and Donkey Kong.

The 2.5-inch Nintendo figures bring to life many characters from games such as Metroid, Kid Icarus, F-Zero, Pikmin, and more. Kids, ages 3 and up, can collect all 16 characters.

Switching gears to preschoolers is Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. Daniel Tiger is always ready to give a big hug Good Night Daniel or as he says “Ugga Mugga.” Little ones can touch foreheads Tiger & Tige-y and rub noses to hear Ugga Mugga Daniel Tiger say “Ugga Mugga” and hug just as it happens at the end of every episode. Daniel’s ears and nose wiggle and he also sings a song about friendship. The plush is for ages 2 and up.

Dressed in Trolley pajamas, Good Night Daniel Tiger & Tige-y (shown) are ready for naptime or bedtime. Encouraging phrases and a song from Daniel will provide all the comfort a child needs to drift off to sleep. For ages 2 and up, it features a soft, glowing light with two modes of play: phrases, light, and song or light only.

FEBRUARY 2014 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT 107

Alex Brands: Six Brands, One Vision

BY JENNIFER LYNCH

n 2012, news broke that private equity firm Propel Equity Partners had acquired Poof-Slinky, makers of products under the Poof, Slinky, Ideal, and Scientific Explorer brands. At the time, it was unclear exactly what kind of strategy the firm had planned for its acquisition moving forward.

But slowly, over the course of almost two years, its objective has become clear. Following its acquisition of Poof-Slinky, Propel moved to acquire other toy makers, including Fundex Games (December 2012), Alex (March 2013), and most recently Zoob (September 2013). For Propel, it marked its foray into the toy industry, and for the acquired toy makers, it marked the opportunity to, together, become a major player in the toy business.

The newly formed company has taken major steps to make this goal a reality, the biggest indicator of this being its new name—Alex Brands.

Of course, this begs the question, why Alex Brands? And it’s something the company put a lot of thought into.

“There is certainly a lot of brand recognition with several of the product brands that we have,” says Andy Bailen, executive vice-president of merchandising and retail, Alex Brands (formerly of Alex). “Slinky, for example, is as iconic as you can get. But Slinky is much more of a product-driven brand rather than an assortment or offering-driven brand.” Alex, however, had already established itself across multiple categories, from arts and crafts and D.I.Y. to baby, bath, and more. Alex Brands will also allow the company to leverage some of its existing equity, which also resonates with retailers and consumers.

I

The umbrella brand will be the designator of all future product brands underneath it. And while the company may still be working out of Alex’s original offices in Northvale, N.J., “We are certainly thinking and acting as one business,” says Bailen.

For the smaller specialty brands that were brought under the umbrella, the new business’ proposition especially has a lot to offer. “For a retail consumer, it creates more of a one-stop shopping experience,” says Bailen. “But more importantly for brands such as Zoob, it allows them to reach a much broader base of potential customers.”

Achieving this, however, does revolve around the ease in transitioning to a one-company mindset. And part of that comes down to consolidation efforts. To date, the company has already consolidated its product development team under one roof (in Alex’s Northvale, N.J. location). This group also handles packaging. The 20-plus team members are now charged with identifying trends and needs within the marketplace and developing related packaging across all six product brands.

And as of the start of Q1, Alex Brands has also integrated its sales and marketing teams to sell across all six product brands as well as ensure its implementing a consistent message across its

108 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRAURY 2014

communication channels. “Now with our sales team expertise across all channels and our product design team creating items fit for all channels under any one of the brands, we can really go to market wherever a consumer may be.” Each brand will maintain its current look and feel, although the product development team will continue to seek new ways to improve those designs in stores and for consumers.

Alex, for example, has already established itself as a lifestyle brand for tweens with its line DIY kits that incorporate fashion and technology, says Bailen. “Not only are we trying to be on trend but also set the trends based on what we are seeing from our consumer response to other products within the line,” says Bailen. “We will continue to go down that road for all brands.”

This year, the company will expand its successful line of hair chalk with the introduction of the Deluxe Hair Chalk Salon kit, which features glittery metallics to color hair.

For licensors, working with Alex Brands, will also offer the opportunity to work together to build product across different categories from construction (Zoob) to science (Scientific Explorer) to crafts (Alex) and more. “We now have the opportunity to leverage the strength of a [licensed] brand and incorporate that, potentially, under products that fit under a different brand within our portfolio,” says Bailen.

[Editor’s Note: Turn to page 56 to see the company’s 2014 lineup.]

Alex Brands will continue to leverage its knowledge, experience, and the equity value of each of its brands to create what Bailen says will make a great story of growth in the toy business.

Download the FREE App from

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by TimetoPlayMag.com

• Real-Time Price Comparison/Availability at major retailers: Walmart, Toys “R” Us, Target, Amazon.com, Kmart • In-Depth Expert Reviews • Daily Giveaways “It’s an all-in-one mobile shopping tool that takes the guesswork out of finding the best products for the kids in your life at the best prices.” —Jim Silver, CEO and editor-in-chief of TimetoPlayMag.com

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YOU’RE HIRED

BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP, INC. GINA COLLINS, CMO

Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc., announced the appointment of Gina Collins to chief marketing officer. Collins will lead the Build-A-Bear Workshop marketing, public relations, entertainment, and creative teams to drive sales growth and profitability. She will be responsible for branding, marketing, public relations, creative, licensing, and corporate sales and will report to Sharon John, CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop.

Collins is a seasoned executive with more than 15 years of experience in senior leadership roles of increasing responsibility with The Coca-Cola Company.

CANAL TOYS

BILL UZELL, PRESIDENT AND CEO, NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS

Canal Toys announced the appointment of toy industry veteran, Bill Uzell, as president and CEO for its North and South American operations.

“We are overjoyed to have Bill lead our company in the Americas,” said Patrick Krief, founder and international CEO of Canal Toys. “His vast experience and successful career makes him the perfect leader for our company as we aggressively extend our success in Europe and Asia into North and South America.”

Uzell arrives at Canal Toys from his previous position as executive vice-president of Fashion Angels Enterprises, where he spent four years leading the company to international prominence in the tween girls’ craft category. He has also held positions at Oregon Scientific, Digital Blue, Intel Corporation, Mattel, SEGA, and Sony.

110 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2014

TIA NOMINATING COMMITTEE ANNOUNCES CANDIDATES

The Toy Industry Association’s (TIA) Nominating Committee has submitted the following candidates for consideration by the membership and election to the association’s board of directors for a two-year term expiring at the annual meeting in 2016.

• Drew Brazer, vice-president of sales, North America, LEGO Systems, Inc. • D. Hugo Malan, senior vice-president and president of sporting goods, Sears Holding Corporation • William To, president, Vtech Electronics North America The proposed board members will be filling the seats of retiring board members Jay Foreman, president and CEO of The Bridge Direct/Acorn Management Group, and George Irwin, Toycoon of iToys USA, Ltd. and one seat that became open in accordance with Article 6.2 of the TIA by-laws.

Members of the TIA Board under consideration for re-election for a subsequent (third) term include Andrea Barthello, chairman and founder of ThinkFun, Inc.; William Beebe, managing director of Playmates Toys, Inc.; Sam Harwell, CEO of Big Time Toys, LLC; Shirley Price, CEO of Funrise Toy Corporation; and Robert Wann, CEO of Patch Products.

Jeffrey Kennis, president of Enchanted Moments, Inc., will be considered for election for a subsequent (second) term.

The election of new board members will occur during the TIA annual business meeting that will convene at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, February 18, 2014, in Room 1E19 of the Jacob Javits Convention Center.

FUNRISE TOY CORPORATION

KATHY HAWK, VICE-PRESIDENT OF MARKETING

Funrise Toy Corporation announced at the end of 2013 the promotion of Kathy Hawk to the role of vice-president of marketing. Hawk will oversee all areas of marketing for Funrise, which will include supervising company and brand awareness, public relations, media relations, advertising, promotions, and social media. She joined the company in 2004.

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YOU’RE HIRED

MOOSE TOYS

LARRY FALCO, U.S. HEAD OF SALES

AND

DARREN GAFFNEY, NATIONAL ACCOUNT MANAGER

Moose Toys announced the hiring of two new employees to its U.S. division. Larry Falcon is Moose’s new U.S. head of sales, while Darren Gaffney will focus on the company’s Walmart account as national account manager.

Falcon’s proven track record and extensive background in sales administration, merchandising, forecasting, and supply chain management will help him in leading the U.S. sales team at Moose Toys. Most recently, Falcon served as senior vice-president of sales and marketing at Bandai. He has previously held similar roles at MGA Entertainment, Hasbro, and Parker Bros.

Gaffney will manage Walmart, one of the company’s largest retail accounts. Gaffney has a strong background in sales with more than 18 years of experience in managing national accounts.

Previous posts include Vtech, where he managed its Walmart account (both physical and online stores) as well as Sam’s Club, Atkins Nutritionals, Georgia Pacific, and Treat Entertainment.

WALMART INTERNATIONAL DAVID CHEESEWRIGHT, CEO

Walmart Stores, Inc., announced that David Cheesewright will be promoted to president and CEO of Walmart International, the company’s second largest operating segment. Cheesewright, currently president and CEO of Walmart’s Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), and Canada region, will report to Doug McMillon, who was named on November 25 to succeed Mike Duke as the company’s president and CEO. Both assumed their new roles on February 1. Walmart says Cheesewright’s successor will be named at a later date.

Cheesewright’s career spans more than 25 years across the international retail and manufacturing sectors. His Walmart career began in 1999 at Asda, the company’s UK operation, where he held leadership positions in operations, merchandising, logistics, strategy, and format development.

112 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2014

VARIOUS PROMOTIONS AT WWE

WWE announced changes to position itself for growth including the renegotiation of its four largest television rights agreements, the launch of the WWE Network on February 24, expansion in key international markets, distribution of content on emerging platforms, and new strategic partnerships.

Michelle D. Wilson, George Barrios, and Stephanie McMahon have been promoted to lead WWE in the execution of these strategic growth initiatives.

Michelle D. Wilson, formerly CMO, has been promoted to chief revenue and marketing officer and will now oversee all of the company’s revenue lines and assume responsibility for WWE’s $900 million retail consumer products business. Wilson retains her current revenue-generating responsibilities for sponsorship sales, Pay-Per-View, and new business development and will continue to oversee all WWE marketing and corporate communications. Wilson is also spearheading the company’s efforts to launch the WWE Network and will continue to report directly to WWE chairman and CEO Vince McMahon. Casey Collins, executive vice-president, consumer products will report to Wilson.

George Barrios, formerly CFO, has been promoted to chief strategy and financial officer and will now oversee all of the company’s strategic planning processes and take over management of WWE’s day-to-day television operations. He will retain his management of financial planning and investor relations. With Wilson, Barrios is co-leading WWE’s television rights negotiations and will continue to report directly to WWE chairman and CEO Vince McMahon. Will Staeger, executive vice-president, television production will report to Barrios.

Stephanie McMahon, formerly executive vice-president, creative, has been promoted to chief brand officer and will lead WWE’s efforts to further enhance its brand reputation among key constituencies including advertisers, media, business partners, and investors. McMahon will also lead WWE’s targeted youth and moms marketing programs and will continue to report directly to WWE chairman and CEO Vince McMahon.

Kevin Dunn will serve as executive producer of all WWE programming, including Monday Night Raw, Friday Night SmackDown, WWE Main Event, and Total Divas and will continue to report to Vince McMahon.

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EVENTS OF

CALENDAR

Industry-Related Trade Shows MARCH 5–7

Playworld Middle East

playworldme.com

Dubai Int’l Convention & Exhibition Centre

Dubai

Australian Toy, Hobby, & Nursery Fair

toyfair.com.au

Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre

Melbourne

Kazachok Licensing Forum

forumlicence.kazachok.com

La Halle Freyssinet

Paris

Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair

hkgiftspremiumfair.com

Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre

Hong Kong

8–11

Ed Expo

20–23

Halloween & Attractions Show

9–12

16–19 24–27

APRIL 1–2

7–10 8–10

27–30

MAY 1

7–9

18–21

ToyFest West

Bologna Children’s Book Fair

MIPTV

London Book Fair

TIMETOPLAYMAG SPRING SHOWCASE

PlayCon

edexpo.com

toyfestwest.com haashow.com

bookfair.bolognafiere.it

mipworld.com

londonbookfair.co.uk

Licensing International Expo

licensingexpo.com

JULY

24–27

AUGUST 16–20

Origins Game Fair

Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3)

bookexpoamerica.com

originsgamefair.com

Westin Kierland Resort & Spa

Jacob Javits Convention Center

Jacob Javits Convention Center

Scottsdale

New York City New York City

Phoenix Convention Center

Phoenix

Mandalay Bay Convention Center

Las Vegas

Greater Columbus Convention Center

Columbus

e3expo.com

Los Angeles Convention Center

Comic-Con

comic-con.org

San Diego Convention Center

San Diego

NY Now

nynow.com

Jacob Javits Convention Center

New York City

theabcshow.com

Las Vegas Convention Center

Las Vegas

SEPTEMBER 7–10

London

Chicago

17–19

10–12

Earls Court

Cannes

McCormick Place

astramarketplace.org

11–15

Palais des Festivals

Bologna

sweetsandsnacks.com

toyassociation.org

ASTRA Marketplace

BookExpo America

Bologna Fair Centre

St. Louis

NEW YORK CITY

8–11

JUNE

Sweets & Snacks Expo

America’s Center

Dallas

Las Vegas

THE ALTMAN BUILDING

nationalstationeryshow.com

29–31

South Point Hotel

TIMETOPLAYMAG.COM

National Stationery Show

20–23

Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center

ABC Kids Expo

114 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2014

Los Angeles

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©1996 Kazuki Takahashi ©2011 NAS • TV TOKYO

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North America: Jennifer Coleman at jcoleman@4kmedia.com • 00 1 212-590-2100 Europe: Sandra Arcan at saukar255888@konami.com • +44 1753 271 721

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