Toys & Family Entertainment, October 2012

TM

And The Jet Set Pets

Have you met her?

LON DON

PARIS

The hottest new toy line to be introduced for 2013!

– Toynews.com

TOK

YO

This will be the biggest new toy line since Bratz!

– Toytalk.com

World Premiere at Fall Toy Preview Show Dallas 2012!

Pinkie Cooper and the Jet Set Pets TM & © The Bridge Direct, Inc. All rights reserved.

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OCTOBER 2012 VOLUME 7, NO. 6

features

24 Moms Drive Infant & Preschool Innovation

by Jennifer Lynch

26 ABC Kids Expo: Product Presentation

by Nancy Lombardi

32 State of the Toy Industry: Uncertainty Is the New Norm, But the Toys Must Go On

by Chris Adams

46 Fall Toy Preview: Product Presentation

by Laurie Leahey and Jennifer Lynch

76 Specialty Emporium: MOGO

by Jennifer Lynch

78 Specialty Emporium: Product Presentation

by Laurie Leahey

departments 8 10 12 16 18 20 22 80 82

Observations & Opinions Sizzlers The TICKER Industry Forum: TIA Industry Forum: ASTRA Industry Forum: Design Edge Merchandise Makers: TCG You’re Hired Calendar of Events

On this page from the left: Ha! Ha! Moustache Game is from Haywire Group.

Just Play introduces Skylander figures. Storybots is a new property from the creators of JibJab. Fisher-Price’s “Joy of Learning” and “Just Like Mom and Dad” campaigns target today’s tech-savvy parents. MOGO offers the J’adore Paris charm set.

The Monster High Share or Scare Game is from Cardinal. Wipeout Inkoos are from The Bridge Direct. Storage Wars The Game, from Spin Master, is based on the TV show.

On the cover starting in the center and moving clockwise: Bananagrams’ Jumbo Bananagrams, Folkmanis’ Monkey in Barrel, Goldie International’s Mario Kart Die-Cast, Silverlit’s Mercedes-Benz R/C, Famosa’s Pinypon Snow Collection Ski Chalet, Basic Fun’s Fisher-Price View-Master. The background image is USA Time Puzzle from 4D Cityscape.

cover created by Jennifer Lynch

OBSERVATIONS & OPINIONS

WWW.ANBMEDIA.COM

Trade Show Season Kicks Off BOB GLASER

elcome to Dallas for the Toy Industry Association’s annual Fall Toy Preview. A majority of the industry will be in attendance previewing new product, most of which is intended for holiday 2013. I always find this cycle of the toy industry very interesting. This year’s holiday season is just getting started and manufacturers and retailers are already looking a year ahead. The all-important question right now is how will this holiday season perform compared to last holiday season? Of course, as with all industries—especially those focused on consumer products—there is a lot of concern and uncertainty.

As of press time, there is the possibility of an East Coast and Gulf Coast port strike. Given that a majority of all products destined for the East Coast flow through these ports, there is the real possibility there could be a shortage of goods for the holiday season. Let’s hope this strike does not happen.

Another concern for some in the industry this holiday season is the lack of a clear-cut must-have toy. While there are a number of great toys in the marketplace for this holiday season, there isn’t one specific item motivating shoppers to get to stores now. On September 28, TimetoPlayMag.com announced its Most Wanted List, showcasing this season’s hot items. Visit TimetoPlayMag.com to see the list, which had not yet been announced as of press time.

According to one of the first forecasts for the holiday season by ShopperTrak, retailers can expect to see sales gains for this holiday season although they predict the pace should be slighty below last year. (One of the new financial mantras these days is “down a few percentage points” is the new “flat.” Apparently we are supposed to be happy with this.) ShopperTrak predicts that revenue for November and December should be up 3.3 percent.

That may be good news given that globally many consumers are still facing unemployment, underemployment, and other challenges.

And, of course, let’s not forget that there is always uncertainty leading up to any U.S. presidential election. Consumers should settle into their normal holiday shopping patterns once the presidential news cycle is behind us.

All the hard work that began at this time last year is about to get underway once again. Let’s hope 2013 marks a global turning point toward a positive direction.

Safe travels and much success to all in Dallas as the trade show season gets underway. The team at aNb Media looks forward to seeing 2013 product lines.

BY

W

8 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT OCTOBER 2012

October 2012 • Volume 7, Number 6 PUBLISHER BOB GLASER BOB@ANBMEDIA.COM ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER ANDY KRINNER ANDY@ANBMEDIA.COM ADVERTISING MANAGER 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 CONTRIBUTING EDITOR CHRIS ADAMS CHRISA@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 KATHLEEN MCHUGH; KRISTIN MORENCY; MATT NUCCIO 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 six times per year by aNb Media.

Copyright 2012 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.

SIZZLERS

Sizzlers: What’s Moving Off Store Shelves?

What Are the Hottest Web Orders?

Here is an alphabetical listing of the hottest-selling items in the toy industry, based on a combined survey of both offline and online retailers, reflecting the previous month’s sales.

Winx Deluxe Doll Assortment

My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic Pony Princess Wedding Castle

ANGRY BIRDS SPACE GAME Mattel

Doc McStuffins Time for Your Checkup Doll

LEGO FRIENDS ASSORTMENT LEGO

DOC MCSTUFFINS TIME FOR YOUR CHECKUP DOLL Just Play

MONSTER HIGH GHOULS RULE ASSORTMENT Mattel

JAKE AND THE NEVER LAND PIRATES JAKE’S MUSICAL PIRATE SHIP BUCKY Fisher-Price

MONSTER HIGH ROBECCA STEAM AND VENUS MCFLYTRAP DOLLS Mattel

DORA THE EXPLORER FANTASTIC GYMNASTICS DORA Fisher-Price

LALALOOPSY SOFT DOLLS AND MINI DOLLS ASSORTMENTS MGA Entertainment LEAPPAD2 EXPLORER LeapFrog

LEAPSTERGS EXPLORER LeapFrog

10 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT OCTOBER 2012

MONSTER HIGH HIGH SCHOOL Mattel

MY LITTLE PONY FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC PONY PRINCESS WEDDING CASTLE Hasbro

REGULAR SHOW COLLECTIBLE FIGURE SET Jazwares WINX CLUB DOLL ASSORTMENT Jakks Pacific

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THE TICKER

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

JIBJAB CREATORS L AUNCH STORYBOTS

Brothers Evan and Gregg Spiridellis, co-creators of the web brand JibJab, announced the launch of its latest digital venture—StoryBots, a multi-platform entertainment property for kids and parents. The StoryBots are brightly colored, infinitely curious little creatures that live in the world beneath our screens (iPhones, iPads, computers, televisions). Their mission is to make learning fun for kids, and life easier for parents, by offering personalized eBooks, videos, activity sheets, and more.

StoryBots Starring You StoryBooks is a free iPad app that enables parents to create personalized, animated eBooks that include their child’s name and face in the stories. The app comes with one free book. Parents can sign up to receive a new book every month for $3.99, and buy additional titles for $1.99 each. There are currently 18 books available with themes ranging from giant pizza and circus escapades to trucks and princesses. StoryBots Starring You Band is a free video series on the web that allows parents to insert their kids directly into music videos and jam out alongside the StoryBots. Together, the child and the StoryBots sing and dance to a series of updated classic children’s songs. There are four free videos available now with a new video scheduled for release each month.

ALBIE HECHT TO CREATE ORIGINAL ENTERTAINMENT CONTENT FOR MINICLIP IPS

Miniclip.com entered into an exclusive agreement with Albie Hecht, CEO of digital entertainment studio Worldwide Biggies, to bring Miniclip’s top gaming properties to TV and the web.

Hecht, who was responsible for the development and launch of Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants, Kids Choice Awards, and Dora the Explorer, will evaluate some of Miniclip’s most popular games, including Gravity Guy, Hambo (pictured right), Sketch Star, Canyon Defense, Monster Island, Extreme Skater, iStunt, Minipets, and 8 Ball Pool. These properties will fuel the initial development deal aimed at creating fully immersive entertainment experiences that will appeal to Miniclip’s young audience.

The partnership with Worldwide Biggies is part of a long-term global brand extension campaign that will leverage Hambo Miniclip’s established online brand with consumers in a variety of ways and build it at retail and beyond. Miniclip also unveiled a new site design, which includes new features such as the ability to play Miniclip’s mobile titles online.

SABAN, MARVISTA PARTNER FOR JULIUS JR. TV SERIES

Saban Brands has introduced the new animated preschool series Julius Jr. and named MarVista Entertainment the international television distributor for the 2-D animated series.

Saban Brands and Brain Power Studio are currently in production on 26 half-hour episodes of Julius Jr., which will star characters based on the Paul Frank brand. MarVista will debut the series to international television buyers at this month’s MIP Junior market.

Saban Brands will support Julius Jr. with a global consumer products campaign, which is currently in development.

12 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT OCTOBER 2012

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THE TICKER

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

DISNEY OPENS DISNEY BABY STORE

Disney opened its first Disney Baby Store last month in Glendale, Calif., at The Americana at Brand, offering an exclusive array of baby products. In addition to the first store, the Disney Baby online boutique launched at DisneyStore.com/disneybaby, and a selection of Disney Baby products is also available within Disney Store locations nationwide.

In addition, Disney says that a focused assortment of Disney Baby products is also available at Amazon.com, Babies “R” Us, Kmart, Sears, Target, and Walmart.

BUILD-A-BEAR PARTNERS WITH CODY SIMPSON

Build-A-Bear Workshop announced that teen pop singer Cody Simpson is the compaDisney Baby store opening at The Americana at Brand on ny’s new brand ambassador. He is working with Build-A-Bear Workshop on a number of September 6, 2012, in Glendale, Calif. (Photo by Rebecca Sapp/WireImage provided by Disney Consumer Products) company initiatives including charitable efforts. The company will also introduce branded Cody Simpson merchandise in 2013.

Starting this month, Simpson will participate in the company’s efforts for Stop Cyber Bullying month and will help launch the national Stuffed with Hugs program, where Build-A-Bear Workshop will invite consumers to visit stores to make a special bear for free to be donated to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.

STAN LEE’S MIGHTY 7 TO HIT SMALL SCREEN

A2 Entertainment and Stan Lee’s POW Entertainment announced a number of licensing and branded content deals for “Stan Lee’s Mighty 7” (SLAM7), a new comic book series created by Stan Lee, including plans for the original feature film Stan Lee’s Mighty 7, set for a world television premiere next year on The Hub . The feature film will serve as a springboard for a potential future television series. Gaiam Vivendi Entertainment will handle home video distribution.

Licensing deals were also signed with Hot Topic and GreenSource to introduce an exclusive SLAM7 apparel program in 2013.

Archie Comics, publisher of the Stan Lee’s Mighty 7 comic book, also announced another series of original SLAM7 comic books, which will continue to be released bi-monthly through 2013.

CORUS ENTERTAINMENT INVESTS IN APP MAKER FINGERPRINT DIGITAL

Fingerprint Digital, Inc., a mobile gaming startup that creates apps for kids, announced that Corus Entertainment, Inc., has made an investment to further grow and expand Fingerprint’s learning and entertainment platform known as Fingerprint Play.

As the lead investor, Corus will bolster Fingerprint’s position as one of the key contenders in the growing children’s app market as Fingerprint adds more content, expands its product offering, and names Corus’ Colin Bohm, managing director at Nelvana Enterprises, to its board.

The Fingerprint Play platform, which launched in December 2011, is available on iOS and offers a range of content for children and parents.

Fingerprint offers 14 apps, which have been played more than 20 million minutes, according to the company. With this investment from Corus, Fingerprint Play says it plans to expand to Android devices and add eight new gaming apps by the end of this year.

Through this deal, Corus plans to bring some of its properties to the Fingerprint Play platform.

14 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT OCTOBER 2012

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9/14/2012 11:07:26 AM

INDUSTRY FORUM

It’s All About Play!

BY

KRISTIN MORENCY, TIA

he annual Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards program is gearing up for another celebration of the industry’s most outstanding play products. Bigger and better than ever before, this year’s activities will put a renewed emphasis on play value, creativity, originality, and innovation.

“It’s an important part of our mission to keep pace with the innovative spirit of our industry,” says Stacy Leistner, Toy Industry Association (TIA) vice-president of strategic communications. “TIA is continuously updating and improving the TOTY Awards program in response to feedback and evolving marketplace needs. This year we are introducing a new category for ‘e-connected’ toys and games because we’ve seen such an influx of app-cessories and physical toys that interact with smartphones, tablets, and gaming devices.”

TIA also simplified the nomination process so that submitters could focus more on key information about the product and how it meets the awards criteria and less about the mechanics of the submission process.

“Our goal is to help sponsors communicate persuasive information about their products that will help the nomination committees make better-informed decisions than ever before,” says Leistner.

From mid-September through October 12, toy companies, inventors, retailers, and others in the industry were invited to submit toys, games, and properties for consideration in a total of 12

T

16 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT OCTOBER 2012

TOTY categories (see sidebar).

Nomination committees comprised of play experts, journalists, academics, retailers, and other toy experts will determine which toys and products for each category will be selected for the official TOTY ballots. They will consider a product’s creativity, originality, and innovation; design and promotion; excellence of product; and marketplace acceptance.

Public voting will begin when the finalists in each category are unveiled during a press conference on November 19 in New York City. The five weighted ballots—one each for consumers, mass, and specialty retailers, media, and members of TIA—will remain open through midJanuary 2013. Families will be encouraged to cast their votes at ToyAwards.org, where they will also be able to register to win category prize packages containing all of the finalist products.

One winner in each category along with an overall Toy of the Year winner will be announced at the awards ceremony held Saturday, February 9 at The Plaza Hotel. The annual celebration will also salute the industry icons being inducted into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame. Inductees will be announced on November 19. Tickets for the event are now on sale. For more information visit TOTYawards.org.

Kristin Morency is communications specialist for The Toy Industry Association (TIA). Toy of the Year Awards (TOTY) is the annual TIA-administered event in support of the Toy Industry Foundation.

2012 TOTY CATEGORIES

• ACTIVITY TOY OF THE YEAR Toys that inspire creative play through various forms of activity • BOY TOY OF THE YEAR Toys developed for boys of any age • E-CONNECTED TOY OF THE YEAR An app-cessory or physical toy that interacts with a smartphone, tablet, or gaming device • EDUCATIONAL TOY OF THE YEAR Toys that help children to develop special skills and knowledge through play • GAME OF THE YEAR Children’s board, card, CD-ROM, or electronic game formats (All electronic games must have an ESRB “Early Childhood” rating.)

• GIRL TOY OF THE YEAR Toys developed for girls of any age • INFANT/TODDLER TOY OF THE YEAR Toys developed for infant children and toddlers (ages up to 36 months) • INNOVATIVE TOY OF THE YEAR Toys that utilize innovative design, technology, or manufacturing processes to enhance play value • OUTDOOR TOY OF THE YEAR Toys designed for outdoor play • PRESCHOOL TOY OF THE YEAR Toys developed for preschool-aged children (ages 3–5) • PROPERTY OF THE YEAR Property that had the greatest success spreading its brand throughout the industry • SPECIALTY TOY OF THE YEAR Toys primarily distributed through specialty retailers

INDUSTRY FORUM

PLANNING NEIGHBORHOOD TOY STORE DAY ON SHORT NOTICE

t’s time for Neighborhood Toy Store Day again. . . already? This is the time of year when the calendar does not feel—shall we say—friendly to the independent toy store owner. The pressure is on. The all-important make-orbreak fourth quarter is here and our to-do lists seem endless. How is it that the holidays pop up so quickly every year? How can you find the time to create a Neighborhood Toy Store Day celebration on top of all the other priorities you are facing?

The good news is that The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) designed Neighborhood Toy Store Day with the understanding that each retailer would participate in whatever way works best for his or her community and business. If this year’s Neighborhood Toy Store Day has crept up on you, relax. By tailoring your participation to fit the time you have, your store can still participate on SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2012.

I

FOCUS ON THE OBJECTIVE

When you think about what you can do to make Neighborhood Toy Store Day a win for your business, keep your focus on the objective. It’s all about delivering a message to moms, dads, grandparents, and other toy buyers. That message explains the specialty toy difference, which is higher quality products, more play value, and unique items you won’t find in big box stores. It is also to explain the advantage of shopping at your store, which is outstanding service by a locally owned business that is committed to the community. Plan your participation around how you can deliver the message.

18 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT OCTOBER 2012

BY

KATHLEEN MCHUGH, ASTRA

TIPS FOR PLANNING ON THE FLY

Here are some ideas for creating a special event even though the time is short: • USE ASTRA RESOURCES. ASTRA members have access to easy-to-use, downloadable resources to help you brainstorm and execute. Visit the Neighborhood Toy Store Day information at www.astratoy.org for press release templates, ideas for activities, and much more.

• KEEP IT SIMPLE. Some retailers may make Neighborhood Toy Store Day their biggest event of the year with live music or clowns or face painting, but you can do whatever fits your store. The easiest event of all may be to do what you already do: put out a variety of toys for children to play with.

ASTRA’s Best Toys for Kids award winning toys would be good choices because they highlight the quality of specialty products and they represent the expertise of retailers like you around the country.

• REACH OUT TO YOUR CUSTOMERS. If you’re like most retailers, you already have multiple ways to reach your customers: through newsletters, e-blasts, Facebook, and on your website. You have your ongoing outreach to customers that you will do anyway, so just add the Neighborhood Toy Store Day message and invitation to visit your store on November 10 to those marketing efforts. Remember, the message has already been written for your use in the form of press releases and other resources that ASTRA provides to its members.

• TIE-IN WITH A LOCAL CHARITY. If you don’t already have a local charity you support, call a non-profit preschool or child care center. Agree to give them a percentage of your

sales for the day and you can be sure that they will help you promote your Neighborhood Toy Store Day event to the parents they serve. This is another simple way to expand your reach.

• REACH OUT TO YOUR LOCAL MEDIA AND BLOGGERS. Pick three to five local reporters and bloggers who cover family issues and send them the press release. Follow up with a phone call to invite them to your store on Neighborhood Toy Store Day. Toy lists are often attractive to journalists as the holidays approach, so use ASTRA’s Best Toys for Kids list as a hook to interest reporters. And send a notice to the calendar listings in your local parent publication or website.

• MOUNT A SIMPLE WINDOW DISPLAY. Your window display for Neighborhood Toy Store Day doesn’t have to be complicated.

Again, Best Toys for Kids award winners may help attract attention and highlight the specialty difference, and a poster about the advantages of shopping local further reinforces the specialty message. Go to www.neighborhoodtoystoreday.com to download a Neighborhood Toy Store Day logo and 10 reasons for shopping local.

That’s it—check out ASTRA’s resources and select what will work for your store.

Plan three or four activities, think about a window display, and make half a dozen phone calls. It can add up to a quick and simple way to get the specialty message to your customers this holiday season.

Kathleen McHugh is president of The American Speciality Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA).

Visit astratoy.org for more information or visit neighborhoodtoystoreday.com

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INDUSTRY FORUM

RIDING BY

THE

TRADE SHOW ROLLERCOASTER

MATT NUCCIO, DESIGN EDGE am writing this column late on the night of Tuesday, September 4. It’s the day after Labor Day weekend— the unofficial end of summer. Over the past few years, this day has morphed into a day of insanity at Design Edge.

The phone rings off the hook and my inbox fills up fast. This is the day that the toy industry returns from its collective summer vacation and realizes, “Oh $h#*!

The Dallas show is just around the corner.

We need to get moving!”

This panic is not a new phenomenon in the toy industry. It’s so predictable that I think we have gotten used to it. It’s just that the timing of the panic has shifted. Years ago, this same scenario would unfold on January 2. Everyone returned from holiday break and realized “Oh $h#*! New York Toy Fair is right around the corner! We need to get moving!”

However, the pressure was far more intense in those days. New York Toy Fair was the make-it-or-break-it toy trade

I

20 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT OCTOBER 2012

show. Everything was taken to the extreme because New York Toy Fair was the only toy trade show that mattered. At that time, it felt like there were months to prepare for that one great show. The market has shifted so much that now there are a series of shows where it seems that the industry demonstrates the progress of a product. It seems that today’s trade shows guide a product from concept all the way to the retail shelf.

Now the majority of the toy industry will kick off 2013 with this month’s Fall Toy Preview in Dallas. It’s the starting point of a rollercoaster ride where, behind closed doors, package front panels and rough prototypes first make their way in front of retail buyers. Once all the input is gathered from those meetings in Dallas, it’s time to dial up the intensity and start planning for the Hong Kong show. What was once package fronts and rough protoypes must now be turned into a proper prototype with a defined package in a Hong Kong showroom. In the few short months between Dallas and Hong Kong, concepts are defined, repositioned, fine-tuned, refined, and sometimes even discarded entirely.

From there it’s off to more trade shows. Some companies, depending on the market, are off to Nuremberg, while others turn their sights to New York Toy Fair. These are the shows where many toys are first debuted to the industry— and, in a sense, the world at large—as buyers, the media, Wall Street analysts,

and the entire toy industry get a peek at what’s new. After all these shows, buyers make their decisions, orders are written, and production starts. Then the ball really starts rolling even faster.

After New York Toy Fair, much of the time is devoted to crossing the T’s and dotting the I’s assuring that the final design and production are perfect. By the time it’s all summed up the ASTRA Show pops up on the calendar and it’s June. ASTRA is different from the other trade shows. I can only describe ASTRA as a wonder show with a great vibe. It’s a show that is growing in importance with each passing year. ASTRA is all about the speciality retailer and the companies that cater to them. You won’t find Walmart walking those aisles. The toys on display tend to put individuality and creativity at the forefront. You don’t see mass market products here. At the ASTRA show it is no longer a question of “will this toy be made?” It’s a question of “when will it be ready to ship?”

The ASTRA Show ends this rollercoaster cycle of trade shows for the year.

At that point, summer begins and R&D is underway for the next year or two.

Summer vacations will kick off and the inevitable panicked cycle will kick off again on Tuesday, September 3, 2013.

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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MERCHANDISE MAKERS

TCG PUTS THE FOCUS ON FUN

BY JENNIFER LYNCH

hen Jerry Smith, George Fegan, and Michael Albert, three toy industry veterans with a combined 80 years of experience, established The Canadian Group (now TCG) in 1998, their goal was to provide a full-service distribution group for toy manufacturers. The company quickly grew to be a key distributor in launching popular products such as 20Q into the Canadian marketplace.

But it was the launch of its Sure-Lox puzzle brand, which features patented SureLox technology so pieces would stay together to create a clearer image, in the U.S. and worldwide that extended the company’s growth into more than 40 countries.

“The transition to becoming a global toy manufacturer was a natural one,” says Albert, partner at TCG. “Given the collective experience of my partners and myself.

We felt we had something unique and compelling to offer from our shared vision.”

What was also natural for the three vets was working in the games and puzzles category. “Coming from Canada Games, which was a manufacturer of games and puzzles with a focus on entertainment licenses, these categories were well understood by us,” Albert says. “We had our finger on the pulse of what the market wanted.”

And puzzles and games aside, TCG recognized that its success has been built on staying on trend. “Our focus is on what entertainment properties consumers are engaging with right now,” says Albert. “Our strength lies in translating those trends quickly into innovative toys, games, and puzzles

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22 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT OCTOBER 2012

with strong branding.” The company really began its foray into licensing after an agreement with Bravado in 2010 to create a line of Justin Bieber-branded games, puzzles, and room accessories. Since then it has added other top brands, such as Spider-Man, Marvel’s The Avengers, Lalaloopsy, and 1D, which TCG credits in helping drive the company’s innovation. “The more we are able to do in this regard, the more opportunity there is for us to carve out additional shares,” says Albert. “It is a clear focus for us to be on trend with the best licenses, in order to provide that excitement to the consumer with our product offerings.”

In order to better reflect its growing global presence in the marketplace, the company rebranded itself from The Canadian Group to TCG, with the tagline “The Best in Fun,” last year. “We felt it was necessary to communicate both to the trade and our consumers that we are a global toy company,” Albert says. “TCG was a simple and effective way of making that transition while honoring our origins.” This also resolved a common misconception that its business was restricted to Canada.

The past year has had TCG focusing on a new major product, Roxx, a collectible, playable game of skill targeted to tween boys.

“It’s the single biggest initiative we’ve ever undertaken,” says Albert. Albert says since working on Pogs, the hit collectible game of the early 1990s, he has been searching for a way to replicate its success yet update the concept for today’s kids. After meeting the Roxx inventor in Germany in 2010, Albert felt he

Roxx Trixx Stadium

had found it and bought the world rights to the game. TCG spent the next two years developing the concept and its companion website before launching it at last year’s Toy Preview in Dallas, tapping Imperial as the exclusive U.S. toy partner. “When we did Pogs, we never had the luxury of the web to communicate with kids and meet them at that level,” Albert says.

“There’s a real value added that has allowed kids to understand much more about the product than they ever were able to before. I can’t even quantify or gauge how powerful that is.”

(The property is now expanding with global licensing and distribution deals.)

An interactive app has also allowed kids to upload their Roxx to their own personal Roxx online locker to trade and play with virtually, or actually trade through the site.

But Roxx is not the only initiative in TCG’s playbook. The company has also partnered with Fisher-Price for licensed games and puzzles. “The future for TCG is an exciting one,” says Albert. “Our focus will remain on hot licenses and product innovation, in order to offer what we believe to be the ‘best in fun.’”

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MOMS DRIVE INFANT & PRESCHOOL INNOVATION

BY JENNIFER LYNCH

ith technology and innovation making huge waves throughout the toy industry, these topics are obviously top of mind in the infant and preschool category as well. “The infant category, as we look at it today, has been starved for innovation,” says Melvin Wells, vice-president, sales and marketing, Blue Box Toys, which offers the baby and toddler toy line B kids. “There hasn’t been innovation in terms of what the product actually does, just deco changes or more megahertz.” But thanks in large part to their ability to more directly engage with moms and dads, toymakers are starting to offer product that address the needs of new parents in more innovative ways. This fall, B kids launched its Watch Over Me Dream Station, a modernized mobile that seeks to address one of the biggest concerns for new parents—sleep, for both baby and parent. The product, which was two-and-a-half years in the making, features sensors that detect the sleeping stage of the baby and automatically provides a different set of lighting, sound, and temperature that is most conducive to baby’s needs for each stage of sleep. “It was definitely a consumer need, and not even a hidden need,” says Wells. “It’s a need that every new parent has experienced.” Another need parents will always be focused on is safety. It is a top priority for toymakers.

Fusing safety seamlessly with innovation is TOMY International’s main focus when it comes to products such as its IAlert car seat.

“We’ve taken innovation and safety to the next level by monitoring a child in the car seat and notifying parents via their smartphone if their child rides in a rear-facing position not installed correctly, becomes unbuckled while the vehicle is in motion, is left in the car seat when the vehicle is not in motion, or is at risk due to an elevated or freezing ambient temperature in the car seat.”

This also taps into the no-fuss convenience today’s parents are looking for in product for baby. “It can be a scary time for first-time parents,” says Larry Balaban, CCO of Genius Brands International and co-creator of the Baby Genius brand. “Parents are really looking for guidance and information to help them make that time less daunting.”

W

Social media has made imparting information to parents easier for toymakers to accomplish, says Tim Martin, vice-president of product development, infant toy at Kids II. “We use demonstration and instructional videos linked to QR codes so consumers can learn more about the prod-

Mom’s the Word

24 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT OCTOBER 2012

Infantino’s Pop & Play System is one example of toys in the category that are growing with baby.

uct while in the store or when they are researching on the internet,” he says. This information is also more often coming from mommy bloggers, who are seen as reliable and relatable sources for new parents. All companies interviewed discussed how working with top mommy bloggers can help better anchor their product. Most companies also rely on their own panels of mommy bloggers to engage with consumers. “We view digital and our interaction with moms via digital as an important aspect, not only for our marketing communications but as a way to understand and appreciate what moms are looking for in our products and our messages,” says Melissa Kustell, vice-president of marketing, baby toys, Fisher-Price.

Companies and brands in the space have put such high priority on the opinions of moms that most have their own panels of mommy bloggers or manage online blogger communities. Last November, The Walt Disney Co. acquired Babble Media, Inc., creator of the parenting site Babble.com, which features hundreds of blogs offering advice about pregnancy, kid products and activities, child development, and more.

Blue Box Toys even describes its latest B kids Watch Over Me Dream Station as tailor-made for this online community. “As far as our positioning, this product is made for bloggers, because so many consumer purchases, especially for infant and first-time moms in particular, are based on the advice they receive on products,” says Blue Box Toys’ Wells. And because

a sleep aid like the B kids product is a one-time purchase for parents, good feedback in the blogger community can be the key to its success.

As the upcoming presidential election draws closer, consumers remain cautious with their spending and unsure of the economic outlook. Thus they continue to seek product that offers more bang for the buck, particularly during their child’s first years when baby goes through multiple stages of development. “Parents are still spending money on their kids, but they are doing it in a smarter way,” says Colette Cosky, senior brand manager, Infantino.

Toymakers are trying to respond to this as we look forward to 2013 with more multifunctional product that can grow with baby.

The basis for such toys starts with a simple play pattern, then evolves to foster new skills. “What may start out as a ball for teething could eventually become part of a game that you play together as the child develops and gets older,” Cosky says.

Infantino’s new Pop & Play System is one example. The gym starts by supporting baby in overhead play that encourages reaching and grasping then converts into a tummy time floor activity center. Parents can also swap out activities to keep things interesting for baby. “Parents are certainly looking for something they feel is specific to their child,” Cosky says. “They want that higher level and degree of personalization and customization.”

One of the newest ways to offer baby a more personalized experience can be seen in one of the year’s biggest trends—apps and toys that interact with apps. As children grow up with these new technologies, companies look for new ways to incorporate the technology into toys. However it does raise the question: Is there an age that is truly too young for this type of play? The general consensus among those interviewed mainly comes down to how the technology is used.

Toys across all categories have historically been a reflection of what’s happening in society, says Fisher-Price’s Kustell. “There’s a reason why we are seeing this adoption of digital technology into younger children’s and babies’ lives,” she says. “Moms with babies very much see this as a component and part of the future of play and learning.” So for toymakers in a category where the emphasis on developmental skills is high, striking the right balance in integrating these technologies in a way that is age-appropriate is critical. The Laugh & Learn Apptivity Monkey is the newest addition to Fisher-Price’s Apptivity offerings for baby, which features a kid-tough case in a plush monkey’s tummy that holds a parent’s iPhone that baby can then interact and engage with safely.

The App-Effect on Baby

left: VTech’s InnoTab2; above: Part of Fisher-Price’s “Just Like Mom and Dad” campaign, featuring the Fisher-Price Apptivity case.

Two companies leading in this area are LeapFrog and VTech, both of which have updated their kid-focused tablets for the year. “We understand there may be parental concerns out there over whether it’s too much too soon,” says Laurie Honza, director of product development, VTech. “So we make sure to integrate technology into our infant items that provide stimulation in how even the youngest child is learning about the world—through sight, sound, and touch.”

LeapFrog, in creating the updated LeapPad2 and launching the LeapsterGS, believes that these new technologies should be part of a child’s well-balanced toy box. The company worked with a team of parents, educators, and pediatricians to ensure the content it delivers is not only age-appropriate but that it’s also fun and educational. “We believe the hardware is only as good as the available content,” says Jill Waller, vice-president, mobile learning, LeapFrog Enterprises. “Parents can quickly and confidently find well-rounded learning solutions that help children at any age reach their potential.”

One indicator of just how much of an impact these technologies will have on 2013 will be on display this month at the ABC Kids Expo, October 14–17 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky. Today’s moms are seeking something more in addition to classic play,” says Infantino’s Cosky. Innovation and new technology is making its way into all aspects of our lives. There are smarter ways of doing so many things now, says Cosky, and there’s no reason that shouldn’t also translate into baby gear and toys.

OCTOBER 2012 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT 25

ABC Kids Expo

BY

NANCY LOMBARDI

Louisville, Ky. will once again host The ABC Kids Expo from October 14–17. Shown here is just a small sampling of items that will be on display for the infant and toddler market. Show attendees will see a wide range of toys, gear, apparel, feeding and sleeping items, and much more, all targeting the youngest members of the family—and those that care for them.

Baby Deedee

The Baby Deedee sleep nests offer two unique features—a center oversized zipper and shoulder snaps to make it easy to place a sleeping baby into the sleep nest without waking baby up.

Baby Deedee says that The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the use of wearable blankets to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Baby Deedee sleep nests eliminate the use of loose blankets while keeping baby warm and comfortable throughout the night.

The sleep nests are available in two styles and three sizes. There’s the original, which is a soft cotton quilted version and there’s a light version made of a double layer of cotton jersey, ideal for warmer climates. It is available as a small (0–6 months, 22-26 inches, 10–18 pounds), medium (6–18 months, 25 –32 inches, 16–26 pounds), or large (18–36 months, 31–39 inches, 25–35 pounds).

Green Toys

The Green Eats Tabletop Set features an environmentally friendly plate, bowl, and tumbler. It’s dishwasher safe and designed to be used for any meal. The Tabletop Set is made from 100 percent recycled plastic milk containers, which Green Toys says saves energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

This set is safe for food use and has no melamine, BPA, phthalates, PVC, or external coatings.

Additional packs are available, offering multiple large plates and snack plates, feeding spoons and forks, divided plates, and tumblers.

Cloud b

Cloud b enhances its Sleep Sheep (shown) with a sound-activated sound sensor. Now when baby wakes in the middle of the night, Sleep Sheep-Smart Sensor responds and restarts its soothing soft sounds of nature or the reassuring sound of a mother’s heartbeat. Sleep Sheep-Smart Sensor, featured in a night cap, offers the choice of a 23-minute or a 45-minute timer option, activated by sound to restart. The Sleep Sheep-Smart Sensor requires two AA batteries, which are included.

Tranquil Turtle is the first Cloud b product that combines both sight and sound features in one soft, soothing character. Glowing in a relaxing aquamarine or ocean blue color, the shell projects an underwater light effect with a gentle wave motion and plays the soothing sounds of ocean waves and undersea melodies. The total effect provides for a calm and relaxing environment, giving children a peaceful night’s sleep.

Tranquil Turtle features a 23-minute sleep timer with auto shut-off and includes an illustrated storybook, adoption certificate, and endangered sea animals guide. It requires three AAA batteries, which are included. Both items are designed for all ages.

26 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT OCTOBER 2012

Blue Box Toys’ B kids

Blue Box Toys is expanding on its B kids line of infant and toddler items. A sampling of what is available in the line includes the Dedee Duck Bath Organizer. It features soft fabric with an easy-grip handle design, which is ideal for storing toys and other items to keep the bathtub organized. It also comes with a tote bag for outdoor use.

Scoop ’n Hoop Pals (shown) invites babies to aim the ball into the whale’s mouth net that attaches with suction cups to the bathtub spout. It also scoops up the included sea animals and comes with a tote bag for outdoor use.

Shape ’n Slide Pals is a two-in-one shape sorter that resembles a turtle and features a sliding rattle that adds fun to bath time for babies.

Scoop ’n Hoop Pals

BestEver

BestEver introduces new soft plush to its ever-growing line of products. The multi-colored Pizazz Plush Monkey and Pizazz Plush Giraffe are available in 12-inch and 18-inch sizes. Pink Elephant Fun Seat (shown) is 30 inches and offers toddlers a great place to sit.

ParentLab

The new journeyBee portable crib, from ParentLab, is a lightweight crib that’s easy to set up and requires no tools.

Only weighing 10 pounds, the journeyBee comes complete with a durable outer case, handles, and shoulder straps.

Here is how the set-up works. Open up the outer case, unzip it, and remove the straps. Then simply open journeyBee with one fluid motion. Unfold and insert the mattress into the bottom compartment, and then attach the fleece sheet to the bottom of the journeyBee. Parents can choose to play a lullaby on an iPhone or iPod by simply slipping it into the side pocket. The front and back panels of the journeyBee are a mesh material providing clear visibility in and out of the crib.

ParentLab says it is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use, on the beach or at home.

It is available in a variety of styles and colors.

Accessories will be sold as well, including a sun shade and a heavy duty bag for checked luggage. In addition, a bassinet version of the product, the miniBee, will be available for babies 0–6 months old. The original is recommended for ages 0–18 months.

Zoobies

Zoobies is unveiling its Glow-in-the-Dark Zoobies for fall 2013.

Using a new technology, the newest line of Zoobies utilizes soft fabric that glows-in-the-dark and is recharged by natural or artificial light.

Zoobies also announced a new patent-pending concept for the Blanket Pets, in which the blanket will emerge from behind the head of the pet rather than from the back of the pet. This strategy eliminates the need for zippers. Zoobies says this new concept allows the company to offer the new Glow-in-the-Dark Zoobies line at the same price point as previous lines.

Blanket Pets

OCTOBER 2012 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT 27

Bobee, Inc.

The Bobee Diaper and Wipe Dispenser is a wall-mounted diaper and wipe caddy that doesn’t take up valuable surface space at baby’s changing station. It simply wall-mounts in minutes wherever it’s most convenient. The dispenser holds all brands and sizes of diapers—up to 50 at a time. It even holds cloth diaper inserts, says the company. The wipes fit neatly below and stay moist and ready to use in seconds. The Bobee Diaper and Wipe Dispenser is made in the U.S. with nontoxic materials. The company says it’s BPA-free, phthalate-free, and PVC-free.

Wonderworld Toys

Wonderworld Toys introduces the glow-in-the-dark City Skyline Glow Blocks. The 19piece assortment features wooden structures that resemble landmarks of the New York City skyline, such as the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty.

The line of Mini Vehicles all feature real rubber tires. The Mini Dumper comes equipped with a truck driver and a dumper that moves forward and backward. Mini Fire Engine comes with a firefighter and a ladder that moves up and down. The Mini Loader features an operator and a front loader that moves up and down to assist in any construction site. A Mini Police Car is also part of the line, which is designed for 18 months and up.

BabyBjörn

The BabyBjörn Cradle Harmony’s gentle rocking helps baby to relax and sleep peacefully. The low height and transparent mesh fabric provide secure supervision of baby, and the cradle is lightweight and easy to move. It comes complete with a waterproof mattress cover, while the sides of the cradle are made of an airy and soft mesh fabric that is breathable and machine washable.

The BabyBjörn Booster Chair, which is suitable for children ages 3 and up, is perfect for when a child has grown out of the high chair. The booster seat, which is small and portable, helps a child sit at the correct table height. The seat features a non-slip strap and mini pads, and a two-stage safety lock to prevent a child from releasing the booster when it is strapped to a chair. The seat is equipped with a practical handle, making it ideal to take along for traveling or to restaurants. The smooth surface also makes clean-up easy. The seat is PVC-, BPA-, and phthalate free.

28 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT OCTOBER 2012

P’kolino

P’kolino’s Travel Art Sets combine the company’s European-made art supplies with these easy-to-clean canvas travel cases. P’kolino says the canvas coating is BPA free. It is available in four playful characters—monkey, robot, bug, or frog.

The Artist Journal includes 10 hexagon colored pencils, a pad of white paper, and an easy-to-clean carrying case. The Artist Set includes 12 triangle crayons, 12 colorful markers, and an easy-to-clean canvas carrying case. The Artist Travel Set includes 12 triangle crayons, 12 colorful markers, a pad of white paper, and a carrying case.

H.I.S. Juveniles

H.I.S. Juveniles is the licensee for a variety of Animal Planet Baby items. Animal Planet Baby Plush Strap Covers help avoid chafing and keep little ones comfy during travel. Each cover attaches securely with Velcro to most infant carriers, car seats, and strollers.

The new Animal Planet Baby bath line will include bath visors, bath mirrors, bath puzzles (penguins shown here), bath activity book, kneeling pad, corner caddy, bath toy organizers, a finger puppet glove, mommy and baby bath mitts, tub of fun (including toys, squirtees, foam stickers, etc.), and flash cards.

Alex

Alex is introducing more than 100 new products in 2013 across its distinct categories of Alex Jr., Bath, Little Hands, Art, Craft, Wearable Art, and Play. Here is just a sample of two items that will be on display at ABC Kids Expo.

Tots Collage by Color, for 18 months and up, includes three sticky boards with printed cutouts, oversize buttons, crepe paper, tissue paper, and additional textured papers allowing a child to focus on matching colors within a project and create a multi-textured collage.

The Owl Music Center and Musical Gator (shown) are both crafted out of wood and house four instruments in one. A rainbow xylophone, two mallets, cymbal, drum pad, and wash board are strategically placed on each animal. They are designed for ages 18 months and up.

BeginAgain Toys

Scented Scoops, from BeginAgain, is an ice cream party playset. The six-inch x nine-inch beechwood serving tray holds six three-inch maple wood cones. Each cone can be topped with one or more of the six scented two-inch scoops of “ice cream,” which are made from corn starch bioresin. There are two vanilla, two chocolate, and two strawberry. Scented Scoops is recommended for ages 4 and up and will retail for $30. Scented Scoops Singles—one cone and a scoop—will be sold separately for $5 each.

BeginAgain’s newest ecotoys are 100 percent compostable, says the company. Designed in collaboration with Green Dot Holdings LLC, the toys are made in the U.S. from plants—a corn starch bio-resin and wood. The companies say the toys decompose and nourish the Earth.

Green Dot GDH-B1 was developed

by Kansas-based Green Dot Holdings LLC and is made into toys by BeginAgain in Illinois. It molds at a lower temperature than traditional plastic, using less energy for manufacturing.

Products made with Green Dot GDH-B1 degrade within several months in an industrial composting facility and produce no toxic residues.

OCTOBER 2012 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT 29

Miyim

Miyim has a line of Disney-licensed products for baby available now. Winnie the Pooh Musical Pull Toy is a soft organic plush musical that plays “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” when Pooh is pulled down.

The Winnie the Pooh Bowling Set (shown) is a five-piece set that includes four organic plush pins featuring favorite Winnie the Pooh characters and a soft, cotton Hunny Pot bowling ball.

Mamas & Papas

Baby Bud is Mamas & Papas’ new three-stage booster seat. Mamas & Papas says it’s easy to secure and fits to most chairs. The Baby Bud provides added comfort and support with removable seat insert and three-position tray, with carry handle for easy portability and adjustable independent feet for the perfect position. The booster also comes with the Universal Play Tray, encouraging baby’s development with nine interactive features and 24 different toy arrangements to grow with the child.

Infantino

Infantino’s Pop & Play Collection helps parents nurture their babies from the newborn to the crawling stage. The entertainment system features interchangeable activity pods that parents can move around, take on the go, or update with additional pods. Each product in the collection was designed with maximum use in mind to keep babies engaged and happy on the floor, in the crib, or in the car.

This past spring Infantino introduced HappiTaps Puppi Love, which is a plush cover that turns any iPhone or iTouch into an educational and nurturing companion for toddlers. After purchasing the cover and downloading the free PuppiLove app, toddlers will enjoy singing songs, playing peek-a-boo, and even hearing toddler jokes.

30 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT OCTOBER 2012

Plan Toys

Plan Toys, a green manufacturer of ecofriendly rubberwood toys, debuted its newest collection of sustainable toys, PlanWood.

Created to maximize the usage of the reclaimed rubber trees, PlanWood is made from the sawdust and wood chips left over from the standard PlanToys production. By adding some organic pigments for color, mixing it with less than one percent of their non-formaldehyde E-zero glue, and pressure molding the mix, a new safe and nontoxic material was created, says Plan Toys.

The Chalet Dollhouse with Furniture (shown here) is an eco-friendly dollhouse that features two units, a larger unit with three levels and a smaller unit with two levels, which can be arranged and rearranged in various ways. The skylight roof comes with two movable staircases and is easy to access from every side. The entire set comes complete with five sets of furniture including a living room, bathroom, kitchen, children’s bedroom, and master bedroom.

The PlanToys Airport is a two-level airport terminal, which features a flight control tower and an elevator. The parking garage is on the ground floor, and the second floor features the check-in counter, luggage conveyor belt, and the runway to the plane. This playset includes an airplane, cargo truck and trailer, a pilot figure, and an airport agent figure.

Fisher-Price

The Rainforest Friends Deluxe Cradle ’n Swing is from Fisher-Price. This swing combines all the benefits of a cradle swing with deluxe fabrics and a cozy papasan seat. Its features include a three-position seat with two ways to swing (side-to-side and head-to-toe), premium woven fabric, and an overhead mobile with a cast of characters and dome mirror. The sleek new frame design folds for easy storage. There’s an AC adapter option to save on battery use. It is expected to be in stores July 2013.

Combi

The Catalyst Three-in-One Modular Stroller, from Combi, is a stroller option that offers multiple configurations. It can be used as a bassinet stroller, travel system, or toddler stroller.

Available in red, blue, or black, the system’s key features include a 3-in-1 modular design for customized travel, a lie-flat bassinet position for sleeping baby, a multi-position toddler seat, and the travel system adapter, which is included.

The Catalyst has a 50-pound weight capacity, a telescoping handle, one-step brake, all-wheel suspension, five-point harness, and expandable canopy. The infant seat adapter is included and there is a removable front bar. The Combi Car Seat Adapters are compatible with the following infant car seats: Combi Shuttle, Combi Shuttle 33, Combi Navette 22, Chicco Key Fit 30, and Graco SnugRide 35 Infant, according to Combi.

TOMY

TOMY will be at this year’s ABC Kids Expo featuring products across all its divisions—The First Years, Boon, JJ Cole, and Lamaze.

Here is just a sampling of what is expected to be on display at the show.

From The First Years comes the Safety Shield Digital Video Monitor.

The easy-to-use parent unit remotely sets a virtual safety zone around baby in the crib. Once set, a green rectangle will appear on the Parent Unit and, if the zone is broken or disturbed (for example, by your child trying to get out of the crib or a curious sibling), the monitor alerts you with both a visual change of the rectangle from green to red, as well as an audible alarm that will sound on the Parent Unit. It also features a large 3.5inch screen, nursery temperature display, and remotely activated nightlight.

From the Boon division comes The Orb Bottle Warmer. It’s a sphere-shaped bottle warmer that steam heats bottles and baby food efficiently and effectively without hotspots. The warming cham-

ber fits most bottle types and includes a basket for baby food jars, graduated tube for measuring water to be steamed and an integrated auto-off feature once heating is complete. TOMY says it features a stable non-skid base, is BPA-free, phthalatefree, and PVC-free.

From JJ Cole comes the Changing Clutch, which is a portable kit that fits a wipes case and three diapers, while the wipeable changing pad features a padded head rest and attach-anyChanging where handle. It is PVC- and phthalate-free.

Clutch From Lamaze comes Shearemy Sheep, shown which offers different textures from soft fleece opened to satin. Not only will the sheep stimulate and closed baby’s tactile senses, but the surprise squeaker, crinkle, and clacking rings awaken baby’s auditory senses. The knottie legs are also perfect for teething and soothing sore gums.

OCTOBER 2012 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT 31

as the tOy industry PrePares FOr 2013, uncertainty is the new nOrM, But the tOys Must GO On BY

CHRIS ADAMS

s the Fall Toy Preview gets underway and the toy industry not only gears up for holiday 2012 but also starts the selling cycle for holiday 2013, it seems that since the Great Recession kicked off in 2008 that an uncertain economy, which makes for value-driven, uncertain consumers, is the new normal. Still, the toys must go on.

Below, a host of toy industry executives give their thoughts on the state of toy retail as we enter holiday 2012 and head into 2013.

A

Vic Bertrand,

ciO, MeGa Brands TO

WHAT DO YOU

ATTRIBUTE

MEGA’S

STEADY GROWTH IN

2012? WHAT

YOUR FOR

IS

STRATEGY

CONTINUING

THIS TREND AS WE MOVE INTO

2013?

In toys, MEGA Brands has achieved sales growth year over year in nine of the past 10 quarters. The enduring appeal and growing interest in our core MEGA Bloks brand has facilitated this momentum and helped push the sales of MEGA Bloks construction toys to record levels.

In stationery & activities, our turnaround is bearing fruit with year-over-year growth in the past four quarters. We are investing in innovation and focused on creating the best

programs for our customers.

Looking ahead, we will continue to focus on our three strategic pillars of innovation and content, international growth, and global efficiency. Successful execution in these areas will allow MEGA Brands to increase sales, profitability, and value creation in 2013 and beyond.

WHAT

ARE RETAILERS LOOKING FOR IN

TERMS OF BALANCING PROPRIETARY AND LICENSED TOYS?

We think retailers spend more time thinking about the demand and lifecycle of various toys than they do the balance of licensed versus proprietary. While licensed toys range from highly volatile to evergreen, the same is true for proprietary products.

At MEGA, in addition to our own proprietary content, we focus on licensed content with enduring appeal under a co-branded strategy. As a result, all our licenses for construction toys are co-branded with MEGA Bloks. This approach adds value to the licensed property by increasing demand and stability by leveraging our proprietary brand.

Jay FOreMan,

President and ceO, the BridGe direct

WHAT CHALLENGES ARE AFFECTING TOY MAN-

UFACTURERS ON THE RETAIL END AND HOW ARE THEY ADDRESSING THOSE CHALLENGES?

32 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT OCTOBER 2012

There are too many challenges to discuss in one issue of this magazine! I think continued and long-term increases in the cost of manufacturing as well as the reduction of retail floor space for toys are two of the biggest hurdles we face.

Wages and other inflationary factors in China, whether they affect production of the toys or raw materials, continue to be the biggest challenge for our industry. There is still no good alternative to China. So now it’s just a matter of looking within China for the best sources of value in labor and efficiency in manufacturing, from lowering the amount of material and complexity in a toy or package, to more efficiently shipping the product in larger case packs and full containers to our accounts.

The floor space issue at retail is a bit hard since we can’t do anything to control that.

We are just working hard to get our fair share of what’s there.

WHAT ARE YOUR PREDICTIONS FOR THE Q4 TOY-SELLING SEASON?

Sales are going to come this year, but very late, like they did in 2010. People are unsure, given the tone of the election, if things are getting better or worse. In 2010, we had a very tough economy, as well as a major election cycle

happening. There was both political and economic uncertainty, as we seem to have today.

The fact was, in 2010 things were getting better like they are now. Of course if someone isn’t working it’s bad, but for those who are working things are getting better. The stock market has doubled since 2009. However, until the election is over and the rhetoric is flowing, things will be tight. Once the election is over, no matter who wins, people will loosen up and spend for their kids.

I feel comfortable things are going to work out this year, and we’ll have a solid holiday season. Since there are no breakout toys so far this year, everyone has a fair shot at the consumer dollars.

Ronnie FRankowski, Vice-PResident sPin MasteR

oF

MaRketing,

WHAT DO MEDIA EVENTS AND TOURS OFFER A BRAND? WHAT ELEMENTS ARE NECESSARY FOR A SUCCESSFUL EVENT?

Over the years we have placed a strong emphasis on developing a first-hand, in-person relationship between our brands and our consumers. Today’s marketplace is more saturated and proliferated with content, story, and product offerings than ever before. The fragmentation of broadcast television and proliferation of digital and mobile platforms has made it more difficult to develop an impactful and lasting personal connection with consumers. Event marketing is a complementary tool that we use to strengthen that connection and dialog with our consumers.

While sometimes the true return on this

type of marketing is difficult to measure, we truly believe that creating one-on-one time between our brands and consumers will have a long-term positive net impact. The biggest benefit we see is in creating that lasting moment where the consumer gets to experience our brand, interact with it for an uninterrupted period of time, and truly experience the magic of the product. It’s that moment that creates the potential for a longer-term relationship for our brand.

For this type of marketing to be truly effective there are several key aspects that are necessary. First is to ensure you are targeting and attracting the right audience.

And you would be surprised at how many events miss the mark on this topic. We spend an inordinate amount of time ensuring that our audience and attendees are the ultimate end users of our brands as well as key influencers around our brand perception. Secondly, it’s critical to deliver an experience that is both unique and meaningful. Once you’ve delivered the right audience, it’s imperative that the audience experiences something new and fresh as well as something they will want to experience again in the future. And, finally, the event must be fun.

Delivering fun is one of the most enjoyable parts of working in this industry and, interestingly enough, probably the most effective tool in our marketing tool kit.

John FRascotti,

global cMo, hasbRo HOW

DOES

HASBRO

MAINTAIN A GOOD BAL-

ANCE BETWEEN THE CLASSIC AND THE NEW?

34 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT OCTOBER 2012

We are constantly reinventing, re-imagining, and reigniting our classic brands as well as introducing new brands.

Both approaches have served us well. A tremendous amount of thought and research goes into developing brands that will provide consumers with a great experience. This involves combining insights relating to what has made a brand popular over the long term with insights into what is most relevant and impactful for today’s consumers. As an example, when we introduce a new twist to an already popular brand, we are looking to do so in a way that captures what made it special before as well as what will make it emotionally engaging today.

One of Hasbro’s key points of difference is our ability to provide immersive, branded experiences globally across a wide range of platforms including entertainment with TV and movies, digitally through partnerships with companies like EA and Activision, and with impactful global licensing programs.

WHAT

ROLE DOES

HASBRO’S

ENTERTAIN -

MENT AND LICENSING DIVISION PLAY IN THE OVERALL COMPANY ?

Entertainment and licensing (E&L) plays a critical role in our re-imagination and reinvention of brands. Hasbro is a global branded play company, and the E&L group ensures that our brands are leveraged strategically across a vari-

ety of forms and formats. In the motion picture arena, we are developing several of our brands in partnership with a number of studios. Hasbro Studios is developing a range of television programming, which airs on The Hub in the United States, in more than 170 countries around the world, and through Netflix.

Our licensing team works with top-tier licensees around the world to bring our brands to life in a diverse range of categories from publishing to video games, accessories, apparel, social expressions, fashion, and home products.

WHAT ARE THE KEYS TO GETTING NEW PRODUCT PLACEMENT AT RETAIL?

The key is to be collaborative and innovative in everything we do with our retailers. Retailers around the world understand and value all the ways we bring our brands to life in their stores and online. And our long-standing relationships with retailers allow us to work closely together as we look to maximize Hasbro’s brand portfolio and marketing initiatives. Working collaboratively and providing our retail customers with top-notch product and programs allow us to play a key role in driving consumer traffic and demand for Hasbro brands. In addition, our consistent year-in, year-out success in terms of product sell-through builds confidence with our retail partners.

Søren Torp LaurSen,

preSidenT, LeGo SySTemS, inc.

HOW

HAVE ECONOMIC CONDITIONS CHANGED

OVER THE PAST YEAR AND HOW WILL IT INFLU-

ENCE

THE

INDUSTRY

APPROACH AND

2013?

AS

TOY

WE

Q4 2012

The U.S. economy is tenuous right now and likely will continue to be with the upcoming election, which could explain why the toy industry overall is seeing a decline YTD. The decline in toys is very concerning, as we don’t know specifically what’s driving it. It doesn’t appear that other macro retail categories are declining as sharply, so the question becomes: Are children asking for fewer toys or are we as an industry simply not good enough at innovating exciting toys?

We see a bright spot for LEGO toys at the moment. Our seven years of consecutive growth continues and our sales versus last year have increased sharply. As is often the case in times of economic uncertainty, LEGO sets are a countertrend—less susceptible to conservative shoppers—which we believe has something to do with consumers choosing those trusted products and brands that are known to deliver quality experiences with extended play value. Our core business is up, our overall active buyer base is growing, and our average retail price has increased by $5 over last year, so it’s difficult for us to say that people aren’t asking for/purchasing toys right now.

W HAT

CHALLENGES ARE AFFECTING TOY

COMPANIES ON THE MANUFACTURING END

AND HOW ARE THEY ADDRESSING THESE CHALLENGES ?

36 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT OCTOBER 2012

Many manufacturers are dealing with the rising cost of goods resulting from increased oil prices. Additionally, the ongoing complexity of toy safety certification and legislation, as local governments continue to roll out their standards, presents challenges, but the TIA offers great support in this area. Perhaps the biggest challenge right now is the uncertainty around demand and how to properly plan and supply the remainder of the year, especially this year, when retailers seem to be taking a cautious approach to placing big inventory bets way ahead of the season.

We’ve made some adjustments to our plans based on the rolling data we have and the increases we’ve seen, but we’re also mindful of the fact that things can change quickly.

Because our manufacturing footprint is close to market, we have a bit of flexibility to follow consumers, but, of course, we all reach a deadline on calling supply for the year.

WHAT ARE RETAILERS LOOKING FOR IN TERMS

OF BALANCING PROPRIETARY AND LICENSED CONSTRUCTION TOYS?

There has recently been an influx of licensing to the construction category as manufacturers dip their toe in the business to see if they can grab some of the strong growth construction delivers to the industry. Our experience shows that not every property works in construction. We also know, now more than ever in our 80th year of business, that construction is a business of balancing original themes and open-ended offerings with strong licenses to create a sustainable business in the category. Our core business is mostly made up of original themes and open-ended building sets and is very strong right now; our lines

Transform‌

bigger fun into miniature.

Octopus

Twinkles to go Take our calming star projections with you wherever you go.

TM

TM

sales @ cloudb.com

1-888-4CLOUDB (425-6832)

See us at Fall Toy Preview, Oct. 2-4, #4225 and ABC Kids Expo, #2301, Oct. 14-17

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such as LEGO Star Wars, LEGO Super Heroes, and LEGO Lord of the Rings are all doing very well; and we’re adding new themes to bring new builders into our brand, such as LEGO Ninjago, LEGO Friends, LEGO Games, and LEGO DUPLO. This wide breadth of opportunities for builders of any interest and age helps us deliver the strong growth we’re seeing.

Our retailers have responded to the balanced portfolio approach with increased space, feature, and promotion, at the same time that they have been able to sell our products with strong margins and thus maintaining the premium nature of the LEGO brand. We strive for the LEGO portfolio to be one of the most productive and profitable in their stores.

Eric LEvin,

Division HEaD, TEcHno sourcE, a Division of Lf ProDucTs What state

is

of

sumers’

the

con-

minds

and Wallets as We enter the

Q4

selling season?

are

still

consumers in

recession

the

mind-

set or have they

begun to loosen the purse strings?

As we enter the fifth holiday season since the Great Recession of ’08, it seems to us that consumers are getting used to a new reality. Things have gotten better, but not fast enough, and most people aren’t even

close to where they were financially in 2006 and 2007. Thus, we see consumers as valueconscious with a strong bent toward making considered purchases. It seems as though people continue to buy the top things on their shopping lists, but they avoid impulse purchases and they avoid paying full price.

What is your outlook for 2013 in terms of toy selling and the economy?

We don’t see much change on the horizon.

We just continue to trim the sails, and to adjust our plans to the shopping patterns of consumers and the stocking patterns of retailers. Since we see the market as very considered-purchase-oriented, we have tightened up our lines to focus on key driver brands and avoided stand-alone items as they seem to get lost in today’s environment.

The biggest challenge we face is the desire of retailers to have much more of a just-in-time inventory position. This is very challenging given the fact that the supply chain in toys was never built to support this. It requires better communication, better planning, and more commitment to carrying inventory at the factories.

PaT LinDEn,

vicE-PrEsiDEnT, Boys MarkETing, PLayMaTEs Toys

at licensing shoW, lima announced

that

sales

of

licensed goods had

38 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT OCTOBER 2012

groWn for the first time in five years.

What is your take

on the current state

of licensed products, especially as it pertains to the toy industry?

While many challenges exist, I think we will continue to see growth (albeit slower) in licensed products within the toy industry.

Target audiences are even more fragmented, marketing costs continue to escalate, and retailers are less likely to take the risk of trying something completely new and unproven.

Licenses provide instant name and character recognition and those licenses that have entertainment behind them, whether it’s a TV show or motion picture, have advantages over properties that do not. In addition, if licensors put together a program that includes categories other than toys, it makes the brand that much stronger and appealing to retailers.

Two challenges facing licensors and toy manufacturers are how to cut through the clutter, capture kids’ attention, and launch a new licensed brand, and how to reinvent a mature brand and toy line year after year so it looks and feels fresh. There are many good, mature licenses in the marketplace that are starting to see diminishing returns and need to be reinvented so they look and feel fresh to kids and parents.

A good example of how to reinvent a brand is what Nickelodeon and Playmates Toys is doing with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. I think Nickelodeon’s reinvention of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is right on the mark. First, they cleaned out the marketplace of any old Ninja Turtle product and put the licensing program on hiatus and gave the entertainment a break as well. Second, they are reinventing the entire brand with an allnew look and feel to the TV show, charac-

An essential ingredient to every toybox, every childhood, every generation.

See more puppets at www.folkmanis.com 0r call 1-800-654-8922 for a free catalog.

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ters, and toys, which are hitting a whole new generation of kids. However, while doing so, they are keeping the essence of what makes the Turtles so appealing to kids—a balance of action and humor and great characters with distinct personalities.

WHAT

TYPES OF PROPERTIES ARE WORKING

WELL AT TOY RETAIL?

On the boys side, the types of properties that are performing well at retail are tied to some form of quality entertainment. The focus is on a good-versus-evil dynamic, great characters, compelling storylines, and incredible visual appeal. Walk down the action figure aisle and you will see that it’s dominated by licensed entertainment properties from Star Wars, Transformers, WWE, and various superhero properties to reinvented “newcomers” such as Power Rangers and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The latter two are being driven by TV shows featured on Nickelodeon.

Take a walk down the construction aisle and you will find that it’s dominated

by LEGO and M EGA , with both companies having a bit more of a balance between licensed and non-licensed brands. Not surprisingly, you now see many of the same brands that make up the action figure segment also being found in the construction aisle, still being driven by the same powerful elements—story, character, and great entertainment.

The vehicle aisle continues to be dominated

by Hot Wheels and Matchbox with their collectible licensed and non-licensed 1:64-scale vehicles. Plus, you are starting to see a couple

of new brands of micro vehicles attempting to re-establish a presence in the aisle.

whether through our website, mobile applications, Facebook, or other social media.

Lisa Mancuso,

toM MccLure,

senior Vice-President Marketing, fisher-Price WHAT

of

ARE YOUR

EXPECTATIONS FOR

2013

AND

HOW

WILL YOUR PRODUCT

INTRODUC-

TIONS AND MAR-

KETING STRATEGIES ADDRESS THOSE EXPECTATIONS?

We are optimistic for 2013 and will continue to focus on traditional and tech toys, and everything in between, making for a “wellrounded toy box” to help children grow and develop across the world. We created great momentum in 2012 across our Apptivity line of products that includes cases, toys, and ageappropriate apps, and we will continue to build upon this initiative with new products in 2013.

As we look ahead to future marketing strategies, we will continue our “Joy of Learning” advertising campaign—which has been well received by consumers since its 2011 launch—that features real families enjoying our products with their children and creating memorable moments through everyday, engaging play. We will also continue our focus on digital marketing, which is now at the heart of everything we do. We want to be where moms are, to fit their digital lifestyles seamlessly and effectively,

40 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT OCTOBER 2012

director of Marketing, Vtech eLectronics

WHAT IS THE STATE OF CONSUMERS’ MINDS AND WALLETS AS WE ENTER THE

Q4 SELLING SEASON?

Consumer sentiment and confidence regarding the U.S. economy still appears to be fairly shaky, and retailers are being somewhat cautious about their expectations for the holiday selling season. While tablets like our own InnoTab family of products and key learning toys seem to be faring well, we are expecting only modest growth within the overall infant/preschool category. Similarly, we also expect the toy industry to be flat or only see very modest growth year over year.

It will be interesting to see what kinds of promotions the retailers will engage in to lure consumers to shop at their stores this season.

In the past couple of years we saw layaway programs become key strategic efforts for the larger retailers, but it’s not clear at this point if there is a major tactic that will resonate with consumers this holiday season.

MOVING

INTO

2013,

WHERE CAN TOY MANU-

FACTURERS FIND OPPORTUNITIES?

HOGWILD_TOYFAM_9X10875.pdf

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1

9/12/12

10:07 AM

9/14/2012 11:20:24 AM

Diversification is not a new strategy, but, if applied correctly, it is a way for toy manufacturers to find new opportunities. The key is to leverage your core competencies and build on your strengths. This year we launched a line of dinosaur toys that easily change into vehicles and change back again. Switch & Go Dinos are not the typical learning toys that moms have come to expect from VTech, but they do have innovative electronics, great designs, and offer some learning about dinosaurs along the way. These products came to life out of the things that we know how to do well, and it now allows us to play in a new space at retail that we think will be an even bigger opportunity going into 2013.

AS

CONSUMER ELECTRONICS ARE INCREAS-

INGLY ACCESSIBLE TO EVEN YOUNG CHILDREN,

on their devices can be a handy distraction at times, but they also see value in hardware and software that is truly designed for learning and helps to develop good tech habits.

Add to this the idea that mom wants her expensive new tablet and smartphone back from her child and there is a real need for electronic learning aids that deliver a great learning experience just for kids.

Jean-Christophe pean,

exeCutive viCe-president, north ameriCa division, mattel WHAT

DO HIGH-

PROFILE

MEDIA

EVENTS OFFER A BRAND?

WHAT

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF YOUTH ELECTRONICS

ELEMENTS

We have welcomed the rise of educational apps on consumer electronics devices as it increases awareness of educational software and how moms can use smart devices to help kids learn. Electronic learning aids still play a crucial role since moms are looking for products they can trust.

Since VTech pioneered the electronic learning aids category more than 30 years ago, we know how to make devices such as tablets and handheld gaming platforms that are truly appropriate for kids. Not everyone who is trying to sell an educational app has the experience or knowledge to create software that will really provide the learning and developmental benefits that are important for kids ages 3–8. Moms certainly see that apps

Creating quality and innovative products is a paramount to us. However, as brand builders it is equally as important that we create experiences for consumers to connect and engage with our brands in authentic and meaningful ways, which ultimately help impact sales.

A great example is what we have been doing with the Hot Wheels brand for the past two years. Last year, we created an eventwithin-an-event at the Indy 500 in front of hundreds of thousands of spectators on-site and millions of viewers on TV. Hot Wheels broke a world record by successfully landing a 332-foot-long jump, suspended from a 10-story-high door. This year at the X Games in Los Angeles, Hot Wheels set

AND ELECTRONIC LEARNING AIDS?

ARE

NEEDED FOR A SUCCESSFUL EVENT?

42 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT OCTOBER 2012

another world record by sending two drivers through a six-story-tall double vertical loop, which was broadcast on ESPN. Both stunts placed Hot Wheels in a top position in the news cycle, while creating greater brand affinity and social interaction among brand fans of all ages. One of the biggest challenges in successfully leveraging an event is furthering engagement afterward.

Post-event, Hot Wheels was able to skillfully leverage its retail presence as well as grow its fan base on social channels.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO SUCCEED IN THE COMPETITIVE FASHION DOLL SPACE?

We do an incredible amount of consumer research at Mattel, so I can tell you firsthand that we know girls, and it is this knowledge that has enabled us to keep our fashion doll brands relevant while also positioning us to successfully introduce a new franchise. From Barbie to Monster High to Disney Princess, we offer a variety of distinct propositions, delivering something for everyone.

We constantly innovate our fashion doll lines, while staying true to each brand’s DNA. Whether it is putting a digital camera in Barbie so that girls can customize fashions with this season’s Barbie Photo Fashion Doll, breathing life into a new Monster High character with the help of the Monster High Create-a-Monster Design Lab, or a Disney Princess doll that sings its iconic fairytale songs, we are delivering fresh new ways to play with fashion dolls.

We also keep our finger on the pulse of what is relevant to our brand fans and extend play beyond the toy aisle to where girls are today. The rich content of our Monster High

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and Barbie Life in the Dream House webisode series have generated hundreds of millions of views. Later this year we will be bringing these fashion doll brands to the tablet with our new Mattel Apptivity segment.

WHAT IS THE TOY-SELLING CLIMATE AT RETAIL Q4 AND ON INTO 2013?

AS WE HEAD INTO

Heading into Q4, the toy industry to-date has been fairly recession resistant. As a parent, I am willing to sacrifice and spend less on myself, but when it comes to my children, I am more willing to spend on them, and I believe most parents share this sentiment.

Going into 2013, we are all looking for growth in the toy industry.

Our retailer partners continue to look for brands with equity, advertising scale, and a track record of innovation and on-trend products. Simultaneously, they are also looking to drive omnichannel growth and build partnerships to create the best in-store experience possible in order to capitalize on shoppers researching online before purchasing in-store.

Parents are looking for affordable entertainment for their kids. They are gravitating toward brands that provide play value and are relevant and innovative to spark a child’s imagination. Name-brand recognition isn’t necessarily enough these days and, like retailers, consumers are also looking for on-trend brands that truly engage kids.

Jim Pressman,

President and CeO, Pressman tOy COrP.

WHAT

IS THE LAY

OF THE LAND IN

THE BOARD GAME AISLE AS WE ENTER HOLIDAY

2012?

Retailers are being very careful and selecting only the highest profile and proven licenses, thus minimizing their risk. They are limiting licenses to what they consider proven properties. Pressman Toy’s strongest properties satisfy these criteria.

Scooby-Doo and Hello Kitty have been successes for us for many years. They have been consistent and have increased their sales almost every year. New properties for Pressman Toy with high visibility are Power Rangers, recently relaunched by Saban, and The Hobbit from Warner Bros., which has the first of three movies making its theatrical debut this winter.

For holiday 2012, the game business seems to have stabilized. We anticipate that online sales will continue to grow. Black Friday and other key ads will have a greater and greater impact on the cost-conscious consumer. Board games should hold up as a value and feel-good purchase.

Jill Waller,

VP, mObile learning, leaPFrOg WHAT

44 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT OCTOBER 2012

ARE

THE

KEYS TO LEAPFROG’S TURNAROUND? WHAT IS

LEAPFROG’S STRATEGY MOVING FORWARD?

LeapFrog is dedicated to helping children reach their full potential through educational entertainment. While continuing on this same mission, we have responded to a changing market, and transitioned from an educational toy company to a company that develops and curates all that’s best in educational entertainment. We will continue to respond to consumer needs, as well as to educational and technology innovations to provide total solutions to help kids reach their potential.

WHAT

IS THE ROLE OF YOUTH ELECTRONIC

AND ELECTRONIC LEARNING AIDS IN TODAY’S

MARKETPLACE?

We believe that children learn best when they are having fun. Tablets, gaming handhelds, and touch-enabled technology continue to grow in popularity among all ages—and the technology offers an incredible opportunity to deliver new and innovative educational solutions. It is important to provide children, regardless of their age, with the tools that meet their interests, grow their skills, and help them reach their potential.

LeapPad2 is just one example of a new LeapFrog offering that engages kids in their learning through creativity, reading, motionbased games, and more. LeapPad2 offers a solution developed just for kids—safetytested to be kid-tough and all content available is age-appropriate. It is not a familyshared device, but instead a fully kid-optimized device at a reasonable price, which is attractive for both kids and parents.

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2013 Toy Preview

COMPILED BY LAURIE LEAHEY AND JENNIFER LYNCH

October 2–4, toy manufacturers and retailers will converge in Dallas for the Toy Industry Association’s annual Fall Toy Preview. A precursor to February’s Toy Fair, this show gives attendees a look at the hottest toys for 2013. The following pages give a sampling of some of the toys that will be exhibited inside the Dallas Market Center. Toys & Family Entertainment also offers a sneak peek at items that will be unveiled during mid-October’s unofficial “Toy Fair” in Los Angeles.

Famosa

Famosa’s Pinypon Fairies Assortment comes apart so kids can swap outfits, accessories, hairstyles, and wings to create a customized Pinypon Fairy. Each Pinypon Fairy comes with a magical unicorn friend. It will be available in spring 2013.

The Pinypon Snow Collection Pinypon Snow Collection Ski Chalet includes a Ski Chalet, a Car & Tow that comes complete with Pinypon Friends & Pets in winter gear, and the Ski Lodge. The collection lets girls take Pinypon Friends on a ski adventure where they can ice skate, ski, ride a snow mobile, build a snowman, and warm up in the Ski Lodge. The collection also includes Fun in the Snow Figures Assortment and Figures & Pet Gift Set. The collection will launch June 2013.

Pinypon is for ages 4 and up.

Buggy Bites is a new baby doll in the Nenuco line. Girls can help treat Buggy Bites bug bites and keep away other bugs with accessories such as “magic” ointment and a fly swatter. With My Little Nenuco Travel with Me, little girls can place the doll in its own special car seat and buckle the doll in for safe riding. The baby doll comes with a bottle for feeding. New Nenuco baby dolls will launch in spring 2013. They are for ages 3–6.

The Nancy Goes for a Stroll with Baby Sister Set features a 17-inch Nancy doll and her baby sister. The set includes a stroller with a secret compartment for storage and converts to a baby carrier. It also includes Nancy’s pet rabbit Princess, a backpack, hair brush, mirror, and changing accessories. Little girls can also help Nancy feed her baby sister with the feeding accessories, or give Princess the rabbit some food. The new Nancy Pink Sports Assortment includes Ballerina, Skier, and Equestrian dolls. The Nancy Ballerina doll is articulated and poseable. It comes with a detailed pink leotard, dance skirt, tights, leg warmers, ballet slippers, and headband.

Nancy dolls are for ages 4 and up. New offerings will launch fall 2013.

46 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT OCTOBER 2012

Thinkway Toys

Thinkway Toys has developed a line of large-scale R/C vehicles and figures in addition to roleplay items based on the anticipated live-action Superman movie Man of Steel, set to hit theaters June 2013. The toy line will launch next summer.

As the master global toy licensee for Despicable Me 2, Thinkway has developed a collection of electronic and non-electronic toys based on the movie’s characters and many Minions. Toys will be timed to the film’s launch next summer.

The new direct-to-DVD Disney Planes is releasing fall 2013 and will introduce a whole new lineup of Disney characters based on different models of planes.

Thinkway has developed a lineup of electronic, R/C, and flying toys based on the characters in the new film.

The line will be timed to the film’s release next fall.

Disney and Marvel will launch a new animated television series, Avengers Assemble, in 2013 featuring the characters from the movie as well as new characters from the popular comic book series. Thinkway will offer toys to coincide with the new series, due in stores next fall.

Thinkway Toys has developed a line of electronic toys based on the characters from the new Ultimate Spider-Man animated TV show, developed by Disney and Marvel. The line is expected to launch fall 2013.

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2013 toy Preview Learning resources

Learning Resources has two new portable flash card games. ABC & 123 Electronic Flash Card will help prep kids for kindergarten.

The handheld game boosts alphabet and early number skills. Match uppercase and lowercase letters, fill in the missing letter or digit in a sequence, and pair up number values. Sound effects provide helpful feedback. Count & Color Electronic Flash Card encourages color identification, early counting, and matching skills. Follow directions and press the corresponding color button once, twice, or three times. Both devices are five inches by four inches. Three AAA batteries are required but not included.

In tri-FACTa Multiplication & Division Game, dish out the numbered playing cards. Using the triangle board as a visual cue, fill in the missing spots to complete number families. The first player to play all his cards and call out “tri-FACTa” wins. The game includes a triangle game board, 100 cards (facts up to 100), and four trays. It is for two to four players, ages 3 and up.

New to the Sprouts toy line, Sprouts Cook It! is a modern, sixpiece set featuring soft, rubberized parts and easy-grip handles. It includes a pan, strainer, pot, lid that works on the pot and pan, slotted spoon, and serving spoon. Pieces stack for compact storage and extended learning (stacking skills). The set coordinates with other new Sprouts items, including play food. The new Sprouts Picnic set also encourages early dramatic play and social interaction. The 15piece set includes a plastic basket with handles, divided plates, minihamburgers, watermelon wedges, cupcake, and ketchup and mustard bottles that “squirt.” Both sets are for ages 2 and up.

The Primary Science Plant ‘n’ Grow is an early science kit for ages 3 and up. It includes a sprouting jar and rooting tray to encourage kids to explore the growing cycling at home. Flower pots are clear for observation and the shovel is sized for little hands. It also includes 10 activity cards.

48 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT OCTOBER 2012

Moose Mountain

From Moose Mountain, a division of Jakks Pacific, comes the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Totally Turtles Tabletop Pinball Game, which features electronic lights, sound effects, and LCD scoring. Launch the ball into action and watch it ricochet off the bumpers and obstacles. The goal is to rack up as many points as possible on the LCD scoreboard. Play alone or against friends to see who will get the highest score.

With the SpongeBob Electronic Ball Blaster, blast balls at the jellyfish targets, which hang on any door or wall, to activate the sound effects. The ball blaster features a pump-action ball shooter and six balls.

Whoever scores the most points wins the game. The blaster hooks onto the target for storage.

The Sesame Street Oscar the Grouch Playtent is an easy-to-assemble play tent featuring graphics of Oscar in his trash can. The play tent has a large crawl-through tunnel for easy access to the interior play area and the pop-up roof. It is for children ages 2–6 and made for indoor and outdoor use.

Disney’s Jake and the Never Land Pirates Pirate Ship lets kids join the crew of Never Land Pirates as they get ready to set sail.

The inflatable pirate ship features a masthead, cannon, and ship’s wheel that turns.

The Fisher-Price Golf n’ Go Ride On is a golf cart ride-on that folds out into a putting green for kids. It includes a golf club, two golf balls, sounds and song buttons, a fold-out putting green, and storage on the ride-on for Jake and the Never Land all golfing accessories.

Pirates Pirate Ship

EXCLUSIVE HOTEL RATES FOR TOY FAIR NYC • FEBRUARY 10-13,2013 RATES FROM $109.

ACE HOTEL AVALON BLAKELY CANDLEWOOD TIMES SQ. SOUTH CARLTON (MARRIOTT) CHANDLER COMFORT INN CONVENTION CENTER DISTRIKT FLATIRON HOTEL GANSEVOORT PARK GEM MIDTOWN WEST GOTHAM HOTEL

*

20 West 29th St. 16 East 32nd St. 136 West 55th St. 339 West 39th St.

$205-$295 $149-$179 $219-$259 $149

88 Madison Ave. 12 East 31st St. 442 West 36th St.

$199-$279 $195-$245 $109-$129

342 West 40th St. 160 West 25th St. 420 Park Ave. South 449 West 36th St. 16 East 46th St.

$185-$215 $159-$189 $280-$360 $109-$129 $175-$195

HAMPTON INN CHELSEA HAMPTON INN MSG HAMPTON INN TIME SQUARE SOUTH HILTON GARDEN INN CHELSEA HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS TIME SQUARE SOUTH HYATT 48 MANSFIELD MAVE PEARL HOTEL SHOREHAM

*

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108 West 24th St. 116 West 31 St. 337 West 39th St.

$169-$189 $169-$189 $199-$209

119 West 28th St.

$209

343 West 39th St.

$169-$189

517 Lexington Ave.. $239 12 West 44th St. $195-$235 62 Madison Ave. $149-$189 233 West 49th St. $195-$295 33 West 55th St. $205-$245

* Includes breakfast. All prices are based on availability.

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2013 Toy Preview ASA ProducTS

ASA Products’ Mobo 360 Degrees LED Light Helmet allows riders to cruise in style with maximum safety. It is equipped with a PC microshell, black EPS, bug- and heat-resistant meshes, a bottom fabric shell, and a roll cage that increases the strength of the helmet. A special ventilation design with 19 functional vents and 2-in-1 Mobo Tot stainless steel mesh actively flush the warm air out of the helmet. The rotary position system allows riders to easily adjust the size of the helmet. The helmet also includes an inmold, one-of-a-kind embedded LED light with a 360-degree optic fiber to provide added safety at night and in other conditions. It is for ages 7 and up.

The 2-in-1 Mobo Tot is an ergonomically designed cruiser for ages 2–5. The adjustable push bar is designed to help develop a toddler’s motor skills and hand-eye coordination. With a waist-high comfortable grip push bar, parents can also push their children in the Mobo Tot. The Parental Push Bar has a comfortable foam grip and is easily detachable from the cruiser. There is also a footrest with gripping surface to keep riders from spinning when they are being pushed. The Mobo Tot also comes with customized decals.

ASA Products calls its Mobo Mini “The World’s Smallest Luxury Three-Wheeled Cruiser.” Mobo Mini, for children ages 2.5–5, features an ergonomically designed steering system to aid in the development of hand-eye coordination and muscle strength. The Mobo Mini is made of sturdy material and has a comfortable seat and chainless chassis to keep small fingers safe and prevent snagged clothing. With the Mobo Mini’s adjustable frame, the cruiser can grow as the child grows. A safety flag and “never-flat” rear tires are included.

50 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT OCTOBER 2012

AurorA

New for Valentine’s Day 2013 is Aurora’s Rita Sweetie, a super soft Dachshund with a red ribbon at its ear.

Aurora will also offer special Valentine’s Day Raggedy Ann dolls in 12-inch and 16-inch sizes. The dolls will wear a heart-printed dress with Peter Pan collar. Raggedy Ann’s white cotton apron will be adorned with a gingham heart appliqué, fine embroidered detail, white eyelet trim, and the traditional Raggedy Ann text. The doll will also have pink satin hair, an apron, and pantaloon bows, with the traditional I Love You heart embroidered on its chest.

Pammee, part of the Yoohoo & Friends line, is “gaga 4 you” with a pink oversized bow and pink rhinestone at its heart. Squeeze the five-inch and eight-inch sizes, and Pammee will give you a smooch.

A 16-inch size is also available.

I Love You Big Time is an elephant character fashioned in a silky-soft two-tone material.

The elephant features oversized ears and a heart print. It is available in three sizes.

Each new Valentine’s Day plush is for ages 18 months and up.

I Love You Big Time

The Bridge direcT

In spring 2013, The Bridge Direct’s Inkoos line of draw, wash, and redo plush is taking its signature play pattern to a new material.

Wipeout Inkoos are vinyl figures that can be decorated and then fully wiped clean with a damp cloth. The all-white five-inch figures come with three mini markers, three glitter glue pens, and one sheet of glow-in-the-dark removable stickers.

The No. 1 Source for All Things Play

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2013 Toy Preview basic Fun

Basic Fun is expanding with more key chains, electronic games, and heritage toys in 2013. The key chain assortment will see new introductions across various brands, including Spider-Man, Power Rangers, and Hello Kitty as well as continuing with Moshi Monsters by offering a new series 4 across three skus.

Basic Fun is offering more electronic games, including Bop It! XT Handheld. The pocketsize version of the game features all six of Bop It! XT’s commands: pull it, bop it, twist it, flick it, spin it, and shake it. New Mini Electronic Board Games will feature Monopoly, Candy Land, and Trouble. These electronic take-along games combine real board games with electronics for kids 3 and up. Simon, the classic electronic memory game, is being reintroduced with a sleek new look and features. Simon challenges one or two players to memorize the hypnotic lights and sound sequences.

Basic Fun will add more recognizable favorites to its Fisher-Price Classics line, including Puffalumps. Originally launched in 1986, Puffalumps became a best-selling toy line in the 1980s and 1990s. The new Puffalumps give parents the opportunity to buy the toys that they loved as kids. These cuddly, soft animals will be available in both 16-inch and 10-inch sizes. The Fisher-Price Play Desk lets parents and children play together using letters, numbers, and stencil cards as well as chalk and an eraser. Everything stores inside the desk.

Fisher-Price and Basic Fun have expanded their licensing relationship, through which Basic Fun will develop and market the iconic View-Master brand as part of its Fisher-Price Classic Toys line. Beginning in 2013, Basic Fun will re-imagine and reintroduce the Fisher-Price View-Master, giving it a fresh look as well as adding new licenses. Enhancements will include vivid new graphics that enhance the 3-D viewer’s iconic design, including total front surface coverage for licenses; and a new internal design that provides a 50 percent brighter and larger image with a smoother operation. The Reel Package is also being enhanced for 2013 with a focus on 3-D adventures. The interactive storytelling aspect is highlighted with 21 images that tell a story with each “page.”

52 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT OCTOBER 2012

Mini Monopoly

DayDream Toy

Daydream Toys’ TOOP Lightning Tops are non-stop motorized spinning tops with super bright LED lights that automatically turn on when spinning. The tops spin on any hard surface or even on kids’ hands. Stack the tops and make a spinning top tower or flip them and catch them mid-spin.

They are available in a variety of colors and styles.

With the TOOP Lightning Top Battle Set, players use the Gravity Controllers to have full control of the tops from the top, side, and bottom. The set includes two TOOP Lightning Tops, two Gravity Controllers, a Space Arena, collectible cards, and a story.

rubie’s

Rubie’s will produce costumes based on the video game Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure. The Spyro costume includes a jumpsuit with attached shoe covers, wings, and mask. The Trigger Happy and Gill Grunt costumes include a jumpsuit and mask.

For The Muppets, Rubie’s will produce a Miss Piggy Ez-On Romper that includes a romper with attached tutu and headpiece. The Gonzo Ez-On Romper includes a romper with attached cape and headpiece. The Animal Ez-On Romper includes a romper with attached jacket and headpiece.

The Hello Kitty Blue Dress costume includes a dress and headpiece Miss Piggy Ez-On Romper with bow.

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2013 toy Preview duneCrAft

Kids can grow a variety of plants anywhere with DuneCraft’s brand new Light Cube, which includes 15 powerful micro LEDs. The Light Cube has red lights to promote flowering and blue lights to foster foliage. Both lights promote overall growth. The Light Cube plugs into any USB port.

In addition to its initial offering of Seed Bombs, DuneCraft is adding two more varieties to the line, including Deer Mixture Seed Bombs and Wild Game Seed Bombs. Just drop a bomb and get plants growing.

New science kits include Dynamite Dinosaurs, Fabulous Flowers, Silly Sea Horses, and Water Marbles. All these mysterious polymers will grow in water.

Kids can grow strawberries hydroponically with DuneCraft’s brand new Everbearing Strawberry Hydro-Dome. This deluxe kit includes everything needed to get strawberries growing.

Arete LLC

The Adventures of Zylie & Friends is a new line of 18-inch jointed stuffed bears, fashionable outfits, accessories, and storybooks that send children on a journey around the world. Follow Zylie as she travels from country to country, meeting new friends and learning about new cultures.

Collect a new character with every new adventure, and read all about their travels and tribulations in illustrated storybooks as well as content on the web. The collection is designed to inspire imaginative doll-like play during the day, while also offering cuddly companions at bedtime.

54 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT OCTOBER 2012

GoLdie internAtionAL

Goldie International’s Mario Kart Die-cast Collection features five characters from the world of Mario Kart racing. Series One characters include Mario, Yoshi, Luigi, Donkey Kong, and Toad.

The die-cast vehicles come in 1/64th scale and are sold as either single packs or in a five-pack collection. They are for ages 7 and up.

The company’s Mini Super Mario Collectible Figure Assortment Series 3 consists of six classic standing characters from Super Mario ranging from 1.75 inches to three inches tall. Series 3 characters include Fire Mario, Yoshi, Peach, Donkey Kong, Toad, and Dixie Kong. They are for ages 7 and up.

The Super Mario Small Collector Plush assortment consists of five classic plush Super Mario Kart Die-cast Mario characters: Collection Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, Koopa Troopa, and Toad. Each character, ranging in size from eight to 10 inches, is detailed in their classic attire. They are for ages 7 and up.

There is also a collection of Super Mario Large Collector’s Plush featuring a 12-inch Mario, 12-inch Luigi, and 11.5-inch Yoshi. They are for ages 7 and up.

Kids can control a real Mario Kart with the Radio Control Yoshi or Radio Control Mario. The karts include a 1/24th scale Mario or Yoshi with a controller. Rechargeable batteries are included in the kart, but three AA batteries are also required and not included. Hook up the controller to the kart to charge it. The radio control karts are also available in a two-pack with Mario and Yoshi. They are for ages 8 and up.

For a larger kart experience, Goldie is producing a 1/8th scale Radio Control Mario and Radio Control Yoshi in corresponding karts with controllers. Each kart comes with a 9.6 volt battery charger and a 9 volt battery for the controller. They are for ages 8 and up.

M CO ING SO !

ON

Awesome new musical comedy for Cartoon Network Andrea Brent Vice President, Consumer Products US Email: andrea.brent@fremantlemedia.com Tel: 818-748-1387

brought to you by

www.fmekids.com Produced by Fresh TV for Teletoon Š2012 Grojband Productions (Season 1) Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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9/18/2012 2:36:18 PM 18/09/2012 16:28

2013 Toy PrevieW PlasmarT

The Wish FacTory

For fans of the boy band One Direction, The Wish Factory has created 1D Dioramas. The dioramas are nine inches tall and feature each member of the boy band One Direction (1D) standing on part of a stage. Fans can collect and connect all five band members to create their own personal 1D concert experience.

Fans can also create their own 1D fan gear with the 1D Braided Bracelet. The bracelet features hooks for 1D charm attachments, which include individual band member charms, group shot charms, and the 1D logo charm.

Kid consTrucTions

Wearables by Kid Constructions is a collection of creative constructible toys that transforms into roleplay items as children create, construct, and wear their creations. Each Wearables kit comes with die-cut corrugated pieces that kids and grown-ups construct together to create a three-dimensional Wearable play airplane, bulldozer, or princess carriage.

Wearables feature at least one moveable part. The Wearables line is eco-friendly, biodegradable, and recyclable. All products are designed, produced, and packaged in the USA. The line is for ages 5 and up.

56 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT OCTOBER 2012

PlaSmart, Inc., has been signed as the exclusive North American distributor for mass and specialty retailers for The Original DoodleArt, an intricate, color-ityourself poster kit.

DoodleArt posters will be rebranded in new plastic tubes with large label inserts. Each poster kit will include 12 felt pens featuring a calligraphy tip on one end and a fine tip on the other end. The pens will be filled with environmentally friendly vegetable-dye inks. Twenty of the original DoodleArt posters have been digitally recreated with 10 currently in print including Flowers, Jangle, Butterflies, Fairy Tales, and Prehistoric designs. A new design will also be unveiled at the 2013 New York Toy Fair. DoodleArt was originally launched in 1972, achieving large-scale retail distribution in 16 countries.

Zing Toys

The Sky Ripperz are new super sonic bungee-launched rockets in Zing Toys’s Blast Off line. Attach the launcher to the launch hook on the Sky Ripperz’ Whistle-Screaming Rocket, pull the tab, and watch it fly. The rockets can fly more than 250 feet high with whistle-screaming in-flight action. The Sky Ripperz are for ages 8 and up.

Sky Ripperz

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2013 Toy Preview Cardinal indusTries

skyroCkeT Toys

Skyrocket Toys’ Fuze bicycle accessories offer even more ways to stylize rides. The updated Wheel Writers, which mount directly on bike wheels and display images and patterns as the wheels turn, now let riders upload their own images and text messages to be featured in the computer-controlled LEDs on the bike’s wheels.

The Illumivor line of glowing radio-controlled predators is also expanding with new carnivorous creatures across various price points. Mechanized and menacing, Illumivors feature realistic sound effects and synchronized light effects that mimic the movements of the creatures, such as the Illumivor Mecha-Shark.

Green Toys

Cardinal Industries is expanding its partnership with Mattel under a new deal that grants Cardinal the right to produce some of Mattel’s classic games such as Toss Across, Tip-It, and Rebound. Some games will be co-branded with licenses to introduce the games to a new generation. Co-branded Uno games are also currently available at specialty retailers. Barbie, Monster High, and Hot Wheels games and puzzles are among the licenses being applied.

Cardinal will also work with Hasbro to bring brands such as Mr. Potato Head and Play Doh into new categories. The Play-Doh brand will be applied to an interactive puzzle line.

Cardinal will relaunch the Big Ben Puzzle line in a new artists series featuring new and noteworthy artists.

Cardinal has also acquired Puzz 3D, a line of three-dimensional puzzles known for their detailed replication of renowned icons. A Disney version and a Star Wars version will be the first offerings in the line under Cardinal.

The Green Toys Rocket is a red and blue toy spacecraft that features a main booster, three auxiliary fin boosters, and two astronaut figures sporting molded spacesuits, helmets, and dual-tank backpack detailing. A large shuttle door flips down to double as a set of steps up into the main cavity.

The detachable nose cone capsule also has its own door that opens to reveal buttons, dials, and the signature Green Toys 8-track. The rocket will launch at retail in March 2013.

The Green Toys Ferry is an eco-friendly teal and white, two-story vessel made for bathtub or pool time fun. Use the slide-out ramp to load up the ferry’s bottom level, which accommodates up to four Green Toys Mini Vehicles. The open top deck features two benches on each side for taking in the view as well as 11 windows looking down into the main level. It comes with two Green Toys Mini Fastback cars and a detachable hull for easy cleaning.

The Green Toys Tractor features chunky, go-anywhere tires and a detachable rear trailer. No metal axles or external coatings are used so it is rust- and chip-proof.

Green Toys products are made in the USA from 100 percent recycled plastic milk jugs. They use no BPA, phthalates, PVC, or external coatings and are dishwasher safe. They are packaged with recycled and recyclable materials and printed with soy inks.

Green Toys Ferry 58 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT OCTOBER 2012

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9/17/2012 3:49:41 PM

2013 toy preview Fashion angels enterprises

Fashion Angels Enterprises expands on its trend-setting branded products and adds to its portfolio of licensed lines, including all-new additions to its Mattel product lines for Barbie, Monster High, and Hot Wheels, as well as Project Runway and MGA’s Lalaloopsy.

The company will have an increased emphasis on its own branded craft kits and products, including new Color Rox Hair Chox colors. Fashion Angels has dozens of new Tapeffiti patterns, including exclusive mass-market designs, along with Tapeffiti style guides and decorating kits. The company also plans to redesign some of its successful Fashion Angels sellers in the specialty toy and gift market to offer them to mass-market channels.

Fashion Angels will add new products to each of its licensed lines with more theme-specific sketch portfolios, stickerzine selections, and activity kits. Specific emphasis for Fashion Angels in 2013 will be expanding its cornerstone Project Runway line, a license that Fashion Angels has held since 2008, with even more advanced style and design kits that increase the suggested age range into the teen years. Another concentration will be the addition of more products to Fashion Angels’ product line for Monster High and for Lalaloopsy.

60 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT OCTOBER 2012

BananaGrams

Bananagrams, Inc., is releasing super-sized versions of two of its word games. Jumbo Bananagrams is a giant version of the original word game. It features 144 waterproof, three-inch square tiles packaged in a giant yellow banana tote bag. Just like in the original Bananagrams, players race against each other to build giant crossword grids and use all their letter tiles. The game is for ages 5 and up.

Jumbo Zip-It is a high-speed crossword race featuring 24 two-inch wooden square letter cubes and colored scoring zips that come built into the pouch. Each person takes 12 cubes and races to form a crossword grid using any side of the cubes. The first player to use all of his cubes calls “Zip!” and marks a point by moving his scoring zipper up the pouch. The first person to 10 points calls “Zip it!” and wins.

Bananagrams recently worked with fans to help tweak two of its existing educational games, Appletters and Pairs in Pears. The improved games feature all-new fan-inspired levels of play and activities that grow along with children.

Appletters is a word construction game for ages 5 and up.

Players work together to create word worms. The game comes in a portable apple-shaped cloth pouch containing 110 letter tiles. Pairs in Pears is a word construction game for ages 3 and up. Players work together to match patterns and pair words. The game comes in a pear-shaped cloth pouch containing four full alphabet sets in four different suites. There are activities and game instructions for pre-, beginning, and advanced readers.

Jumbo Bananagrams

University Games

University Games’ latest party game is Pub Trivia. The game is based on trivia games that take place in pubs and bars across the nation. At these weekly events, friends are arranged into teams and compete against one another by answering trivia questions. In Pub Trivia, every correct answer earns the team points and the team with the most points wins. A designated host poses questions about history, pop culture, sports, and more, while other players figure out the answers. The game has more than 1,000 questions covering five different categories.

The Spot the Difference game allows players, young and old, to increase their concentration and awareness of details as they search through images and laugh at the scenarios. In one minute, players find as many differences as possible between the two images on their cards. As they search for the hidden differences between the two very similar pictures, players mark what they find in order to win points for each correct identification. The game comes with 250 Spot the Difference cards.

In Brain Box, players look at a card of images for 10 seconds, then try to answer questions about the card they’ve viewed. For example, what color was the boy’s shirt? There are a variety of Brain Box games, including Brain Box Chicago, Brain Box Boston, Brain Box My First Pictures, and Brain Box ABC, giving players of all ages a chance to build their memory skills.

Poppin Hoppies is a classic game being reintroduced by University Games. Two to four players set their Poppin Hoppies in a squat position until the youngest player says, “Go!” Then the Poppin Hoppies are released to pop up at their will. As they pop up, players try to grab as many Poppin Hoppies as they can at the same time.

OCTOBER 2012 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT 61

2013 toy PrEviEw safari ltd.

Safari Ltd. has three new items it will showcase including the Glow-in-the-Dark Snow Dragon.

This hand-painted replica measures six inches long by five inches wide by 5.5 inches tall. It is for ages 4 and up. Also new is the hand-painted Glow-in-the-Dark Snow Dragon miniature Wild Safari Sealife Sunfish, which is 3.25 inches long by 3.5 inches tall. It is suitable for ages 3 and up.

New to its Toob line is the World Landmarks Toob. Packaged in a reusable acetate tube, the World Landmarks Toob contains eight replicas, including the Great Wall of China, Mount Rushmore, Stonehenge, Buddha of Lantau, Easter Island, Neuschwanstein Castle, and the Colosseum. Hand-painted figures measure 1.5 inches to three inches tall. They are for ages 3 and up.

62 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT OCTOBER 2012

EndlEss GamEs

Scruples from Endless Games is a new adult party game that challenges your moral compass as you debate how you and your friends would react to categories such as Sticky Situations or Provocative Predicaments.

Crazy Legs is a new kids game that gets players up and moving. Each space on the game board represents a different physical challenge for children and families, so players must jump, twist, shake, and exercise their way to the finish line. Both games are expected to launch June 2013.

OhiO Art

Ohio Art’s Bottle Brains are collectible figures made out of repurposed plastic bottle caps that can be used for trading, stacking, and gameplay. Each bottle brain has a secret compartment under its cap where you can store items right along with the “brain” (eraser). Each includes four stickers for customizing, repurposed bottle caps, a stunt cap for cap tricks, and a carabiner. Bottle Brains are for ages 4 and up. They will be available fall 2013.

Launching in spring 2013 in the nanoblock series is nanoblock Octopus, part of the nanoblock Under the Sea series. Using the micro-sized building blocks, kids can create a miniature 90-piece octopus. Once complete it is 3.25 nanoblocks inches wide by three inches long by 1.44 inches tall. It is for ages 8 and up. The Under the Sea series also includes Clown Big Ben Fish and Manta Ray. Additional new nanoblocks sets include: a 4-inch by 2.875-inch by 2.75-inch, 130-piece Giant Hornet (Insect Series) and a 3.125-inch by 3.625-inch by 4.875-inch 460-piece nanoblock Big Ben (Sights to See Series).

Appets are collectible, personalized bracelets that feature miniature toy pets. Appet pets spring to life with a light touch to the top of their compact box. The pets come with three beads that represent key features in the Appet world as well as a bead specific to that pet. Each Appet comes with a collector card with a secret code that you can enter into the Appet app to populate a new digital Appet land. Collect all six Appets to populate the new land and unlock new features. Appets are for girls ages 5–12. They are expected to launch fall 2013.

OCTOBER 2012 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT 63

2013 Toy preview Moose Toys

Moose Toys will debut Series Four of The Trash Pack, its popular line of trashinspired collectibles, and the expansion of its line of Micro Chargers micro vehicles with new track sets that let kids perform even more stunts.

This year Moose Toys launched brands for both boys and girls, including Micro Chargers; Blingles, gem stickers for girls to “bling” their accessories; Gelarti, an arts and crafts line that lets kids create their own reusable gel stickers; and Fortune Cookie Maker, an all-in-one kit for creating fortune cookies at home. The company also expanded its Trash Pack line, introducing Series Two and Series Three of the gross gang, and is launching the brand’s licensing program this fall.

64 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT OCTOBER 2012

Hape

Hape’s UFO is a fully-equipped threepiece UFO. The alien pilots the saucer with bright silk-screened graphics and can roll down the ramp in his mobile chair. UFO is made of birch and maple and colored with waterbased paint. It is for ages 3 and up.

2013 Toy Preview Haywire

Haywire’s Ha! Ha! Moustache challenges players to “name that ‘stache.”

There are three different decks to play: Living People, Dead People, and Awful People. Players are given clues one at a time from the player wearing the moustache card. Points are given depending on how many clues it took to name the famous mustachioed person. The Haywire Group will be adding to the Ha! Ha! Moustache line of products in 2013.

66 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT OCTOBER 2012

ravensburger

Ravensburger is adding London’s iconic Tower Bridge to its collection of 3D Puzzles. The 216-piece 3D Puzzle replicates the historic London landmark and features Ravensburger’s Premium Puzzle Softclick Technology of precision-cut plastic flat and hinged pieces that snap together without glue. It is for ages 10 and up.

Ravensburger’s introductory collection of Tinga Tinga Tales puzzles includes three puzzles for preschoolers that feature vivid artwork to bring to life the scenery and sights from the African-inspired TV series. The assortment includes Tinga Tinga Tales: Sing-Along, a 24-piece floor puzzle featuring the show’s animal cast engaged in a song; Tinga Tinga Tales: Funny Monkey, a 35-piece puzzle of the animal cast smiling; and Tinga Tinga Tales: Go Lion Go!, a 60-piece puzzle with the lion character on the run in the forefront.

Casa Grande is a new addition to Ravensburger’s strategy game line. It challenges players to become wealthy master builders by erecting large structures.

Building one story at a time, players work to cover as great an area as possible, often resulting in a huge house or Casa Grande. It is for ages 8 and up.

Indigo is a game that features intricate pathways and twists as players compete to gather precious gems, including the prized blue sapphire. Players work together or separately to lay tiles that provide the paths players must travel. It is for ages 8 and up.

The Moshi Monsters 54-piece 3D Puzzle Ball Collection includes four new designs of characters Poppet, Katzuma, Diavio, and Luvli. The puzzles are for ages 8 and up.

uncle Milton

Building on the success of its Fireworks Lightshow Launcher, Uncle Milton has expanded into a full line of fireworks-inspired toys under its proprietary Fireworks Lightshow brand.

Recently launched toys in the line include the Roman Candle Fireball Blaster and the Dragonfire Night Rocket. Some of the new products for 2013 include the Screamin’ Sky Weasel, the Whirlwind Ground Flower, and the Cyclone Pinwheel.

Uncle Milton is also launching new products under its In My Room brand that will deliver more creative and unique in-room experiences for kids. The expanded line of Nat Geo WILD toys, games, and puzzles will also continue to get kids closer to the amazing looks and abilities of animals in the wild. And there will be new, innovative toys under the Star Wars Science brand to coincide with Star Wars movie releases in fall 2013.

Zydeco StudioS

Ilyse Brainin, a reading teacher and mom from Chicago, created Zydeco Studios’ Floppets. These customizable characters can be attached to anything: fingers, backpacks, flip flops, shoe laces, and more.

Each Floppet has a versatile connector and Velcro tether so kids can attach them to almost anything.

Floppets can also be linked together by simply connecting the tethers to create instant wrist bands, rings, anklets, and necklaces.

FlopJox are the newest addition to the Floppets line. These sportsthemed characters include baseball, basketball, hockey, football, soccer, and more. Munchkin Monsters are also a new line of Floppets. The line features nine kooky monster characters complete with antennas, ghoulish grins, and silly eyes.

FlopJox

Spin MaSter

Spin Master’s Storage Wars game is based on the A&E TV series Storage Wars. This auction game lets players bid on four abandoned storage lockers. You can see some of the contents, but most is hidden. Players must decide if they should bid on what they can see or try to win the unseen treasure. Play along as your favorite Storage Wars bidder. The game is for ages 8 and up.

The Air Hogs Saw Blade is a disk-blasting helicopter with a five disk payload, allowing kids to fire farther, faster, and with more precision.

Blast disks up to 30 feet in single- or rapidfire bursts. Fly solo or take on an opponent in head-to-head aerial combat. The remote control has a built-in cord management system and additional disk storage. Eight disks are included. The Air Hogs Saw Moto Meltdown Track Set Blade requires six AA batteries, which are not included. It is for ages 10 and up.

The Cool Baker Cake Pop Party Pop Maker lets kids make and decorate their own cake pops. With the Party Tray, kids can create cake pops shaped like squares, hearts, cupcakes, and flowers. Each Party Pops kit allows kids to make, decorate, and enjoy eight pops.

Decorate with pink and yellow icing and confetti sprinkles. The Cake Pop Party Pop Maker is for ages 6 and up.

The new Nano Speed Riderz are the smallest and fastest Nano Speed motorcycles. Just pull them back and let them fly.

There are six different motorcycles to collect. Launch your Nano Speed Rider into mid-air and knock the barrels off the motorized elevator with the Moto Meltdown Track Set. The set comes with one Nano Speed Rider. All Nano Speed items are for ages 6 and up.

Squishy Baff turns ordinary water into colorful goo and then back to water again. Create one gooey Baff color to play in, and then change it to a new color as it transforms back to water.

When you’re done playing, add the dissolving powder and watch it go down the drain. Squishy Baff is for ages 5 and up.

OCTOBER 2012 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT 67

2013 toy Preview Just Play

Just Play will launch an entire range of basic and feature plush, key chains, and more based on Activision’s Skylanders, the bestselling kids’ video game. The line will include the new fighting action, sound, and light Skylanders Power Slam Tree Rex.

68 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT OCTOBER 2012

NatioNal sPortiNg goods National Sporting Goods (NSG) is launching its new Flight and Grom pogo sticks. The 36inch Grom is a slightly smaller junior pogo stick for kids 40–80 pounds, while the 41-inch Flight is larger in size accommodating jumpers from 80–180 pounds. Each is engineered for durability rides, amateur level jumps, control, and safety. Performance goals offer amateur jumpers cushioned jumps up to three feet.

Techno source

For 2013, Techno Source is introducing new line extensions for Glow Crazy. New Glow Crazy activity kits will allow kids to draw, write, and play games in the dark using its patent laser and LED light technologies that activate special glow doodle surfaces. The kits will include new multi-feature glow tools. Also new is Battle Lights, a new line of laser tag toys that use real, but safe, lasers for glow-in-the-dark combat.

Jazwares

This past year, Jazwares, Inc., announced the development of six new plush, figure, and electronics lines featuring licenses such as Lalaloopsy, 1D, Plants vs. Zombies, Fruit Ninja, Regular Show, and Scribblenauts. In addition to expanding these lines in 2013, Jazwares will release its Yo Gabba Gabba! toy line based on the preschool series. The line will include three-inch figures, a boombox playset, plush, pull-back vehicles, and a microphone. The entire assortment is set to hit store shelves in spring 2013.

Jakks Pacific

Jakks Pacific brings the animated sci-fi/action adventure series Slugterra to life with the new Slugterra toy line. The new line includes figures, transforming accessories, and roleplay items that allow boys to recreate their favorite scenes from the TV show.

The line is expected to launch in North America beginning spring 2013, targeting kids ages 6–11.

Based on the upcoming film Smurfs 2, Jakks will launch a new lineup of collectible figures, plush, fashion dolls, and playsets. Jakks will also introduce a new platform called Smurfs Micro World, a line of highly detailed one-inch figures and playsets with connecting platforms that allow kids to expand and bring the Smurfs village to life. Girls can also play with Smurfette in an all-new way with collectible figures, playsets, and a fashion doll with mix-and-match accessories.

Cabbage Patch Kids celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2013 and to mark the occasion Jakks will introduce Cabbage Patch Kids in party-themed fashions with brightly colored hair streaks. It will also feature the nostalgic baby powder scent. Also new for 2013 is Cabbage Patch Kids Babyland, an all-new line of mini figures and playsets.

Jakks’ Monsuno toy line continues to grow in 2013 with the addition of more than 100 collectible transforming monster figures. The toy line, which brings the excitement of the Monsuno boys action/adventure series to life, will offer all-new action-oriented gameplay integrated with season two of the animated series, Combat Chaos. New performance accessories, wild cores, combat sets, and more will also be released in 2013.

In 2013, Winx Club fairies are introduced to their newest power, Harmonix. Jakks will bring this power to life with a new line of dolls and roleplay items inspired by the animated series. Jakks will also introduce new fashion and music-themed playsets and roleplay items.

CDI, a division of Jakks, will continue to build its Black & Decker offerings in 2013 with the introduction of My First Project, a new line that offers parent and child the opportunity to build a working toy vehicle or craft. CDI will also roll out new dress-up and roleplay for entertainment properties including Iron Man 3, Man of Steel, and Thor 2.

OCTOBER 2012 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT 69

2013 Toy pReview RainbowbRush

RainbowBrush will debut a new line of connectable color-blending marker sets that include 3-D glasses. The RainbowBrush 3-D sets include five RainbowBrush markers, 16 ready-to-draw coloring pages, 40 stencils, a jumbo poster, a pair of 3-D glasses, and a 20page step-by-step instruction booklet that illustrates how to draw 3-D designs.

RainbowBrush color-blending markers connect to one another using special clips. Once connected, the soft and extra-wide marker nibs join together to produce brush-like strokes that create new secondary color blends. The sets are for ages 5 and up.

70 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT OCTOBER 2012

Mudpuppy

Mudpuppy’s Starter Stencils help little artists get started on their drawing skills. Each set comes with 10 colorful stencils in a fully illustrated hinged tin box. The sets are available in six themes, including On the Farm, Pretty Princess, In the Garden, Sweet Treats, Retro Robots, and Things That Go!

Tech 4 kids

Mash’Ems is a line of liquid-filled collectibles that Tech 4 Kids is expanding to include new licenses for 2013. The new licenses will include Smurfs, Hello Kitty, My Little Pony, Littlest Pet Shop, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, WWE, Power Rangers Mega Force, Power Rangers Mighty Morphin, Marvel’s The Avengers, Marvel Universe, and more Angry Birds. Mash’Ems have a unique tactile feature that allows kids to twist, squash, stretch, and launch them. Launch the sticky Mash’Ems to splat and stick to any hard surface. Clean your Mash’Ems with just warm water. They are for ages 6 and up.

Expanding on the success of its Angry Birds Splat Strike slingshot shooting game, Tech 4 Kids will launch a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Splat Strike in 2013. Hang the Strike Zone target poster on the wall. Hook the sticky Ninja Star on the Splat Launcher. Then load, stretch, aim, and shoot to defeat Shredder and the Foot Soldiers. It comes with a Splat Launcher with three sticky Ninja Star shots and a hanging Strike Zone target. Clean your Ninja Stars with just warm water. The Splat Strike is also available in Ultimate Spider-Man. It is for ages 6 and up.

Power Rangers Mash’Ems

The orb FacTory

With The Orb Factory’s PlushCraft Cupcake Pillow, kids 5 and up use a stylus to punch fabric and make a fabric-by-number craft. Add colorful jewels to the pillow once it’s decorated. The kit comes with a stylus, a plush cupcake pillow, more than 325 fabric pieces, seven button connectors, and a jewel kit.

The Stick’n Style Owl Notebook is a 100-page notebook with denim cover that kids can decorate. Follow a numbered legend to add more than 150 sparkling jewels to the cover. The jewels can be used and reused on other standard-sized books. It is for ages 5 and up.

My First Creative Collage Birds lets kids 3 and up create collages of birds. Just peel, stick, and reveal the pictures. The kit comes with three designs with stick-back templates, three plastic hangers, two bags of pompoms, a container of fun foam, and two bags of glitter.

PooF-slinky

Poof-Slinky has a variety of new products for 2013. New in the Fuzzoodles line is Fuzzy Flora, a kit that lets kids make eight flowers; Message Board, which lets kids make a message board; and Room Décor, which lets kids make six decorations. The kits are for ages 6 and up.

For Mythbusters, kids can fly a drone glider with the Freaky Flight Toolbox; blast a bottle rocket with the Hyper-Hydropower Toolbox; build a marshmallow shooter with the Burp, Barf & Blow Toolbox; and construct a crash test track with the Crashes & Crack-Ups Toolbox. The kits are for ages 8 and up.

Folkmanis

Folkmanis’ Monkey in Barrel Puppet is a 10-inch tall puppet. When you pull the monkey down into the soft microfiber barrel, the barrel lid closes. Pop the monkey out for a playful surprise.

OCTOBER 2012 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT 71

2013 Toy PrevieW PlayWoW

PlayWow’s Giant Peek ’n Learn Tunnel is an inflatable play tunnel that encourages toddlers to explore and crawl.

The soft, durable tunnel features bright colors and animal characters such as Lenny the Lion. It also includes two windows for peek-a-boo. Available spring 2013, it is for ages 12 months and up.

The new Pretty Princess Castle Playset is a pink and purple inflatable castle featuring four turrets and fun graphics. For indoor and outdoor use, it comes with a princess skirt, tiara, magic wand, and foot pump for easy inflation. The Pretty Princess Vanity is an activity center for little princesses that encourages imaginative play and roleplay. It includes two plastic accessories for hair play.

Both playsets are available spring 2013 for ages 3 and up.

The Soft Sports Soccer Set is an inflatable playset for aspiring little soccer stars. It features Lenny the Lion and bright colors. It includes one inflatable soccer ball and can be used for indoor or outdoor play. Available spring 2013, it is for ages 18 months and up.

TCG

DraGon-i Toys

Animal Motion is a brand new line of toys from Dragon-i Toys realistically modeled after some of kids’ favorite animals including a crocodile, snake, and puppy. Each animal features different sounds and movements.

The infrared-controlled Nile crocodile snaps its jaw and walks in all directions with life-like sound effects.

Using the remote control, kids can maneuver the life-sized infraredcontrolled King Cobra left, right, forward, and backward. The snake looks, hisses, and moves like the real thing.

The Alive Labrador Puppy has a variety of touch points such as a kiss on the nose and a pat on the back that activate interactive play features. The puppy barks, pants, and recognizes when it is lying on its side and needs help getting up.

Dragon-i Toys is also bringing new play to the Alive Labrador Puppy Moshi Monsters with messenger balls that kids can record their own messages into to share with friends. There are four Moshi Monster balls: Black Jack, Ned, Pirate Pong, and Mustachio. The Moshi Monster will repeat the message in a fun, high-pitched voice.

TCG, formerly The Canadian Group, is adding to its games with three new offerings for spring 2013. In Sqworm, players roll the dice to choose their worm and the number of spaces to move. The goal is to use your worms to surround and eat the most apples. The player with the most apples eaten wins. It is for two to four players ages 3 and up.

Didi Dotter is a fast-paced game that challenges players to find their matching egg halves before their opponent steals the other half of the egg to complete their own. The player to match the most eggs and find complete matches for all of their tokens wins. It is for two to four players ages 5 and up.

Loopin’ Louie challenges player’s hand-eye coordination when Louie starts loopin’. Players use their springboard to bounce Louie back into the air before he knocks down their chickens. The player with the most chickens in their coop wins. It is for two to four players ages 4 and up.

TCG will add a unique, new category of puzzles to its product line up for 2013. It’s Framed is a new line of puzzles for puzzlers who want to save their puzzle art. Each It’s Framed puzzle kit includes a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle, puzzle glue and applicator, printed cardboard frame, all the materials needed to mount the puzzles on the wall, and instructions. It’s Framed puzzle images include Wolves Howling at the Moon, Spirit of Flight, and The Gathering. These puzzles are for ages 8 and up.

72 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT OCTOBER 2012

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sIlverlIt

The first set of eight characters in Silverlit’s new iConnect line RocksTerz will launch in fall 2013. These digital characters featured on the RocksTerz App let kids stage their own concerts, select costumes for their rocking monsters, and pick a venue to perform, while also rocking out to unique blend of music that kids can customize. The characters will also be available as three-inch collectible electronic, music-making figures. When the figures come in contact with their digital counterparts, they will interact with the virtual band to play on the iPad in 4-D Rock Mode. The RocksTerz work with or without an iDevice, but the combination of the figure on the iDevice unlocks new songs, new sets, new costumes, new band members, and new game power ups. The figures are also light-controlled and trigger the sensors with the ambient light in any room or by using the light from the iDevice.

InnovatIon FIrst

Tagamoto is the first fully interactive and customizable motorized vehicle line from Innovation First, targeted to boys ages 4–7. Tagamoto motorized vehicles are capable of reading and reacting to codes placed on the road. When powered on, Tagamoto cars zoom around the customizable track as lights, sounds, and vehicle movements are activated by codes. Users can modify their track layout and placement of the codes so that each Tagamoto driving experience is different every time. Tagamoto motorized vehicles are powered by patented Hexbug Nano technology.

Innovation First will add to its Hexbug line for 2013 with items such as the Hexbug Spider XL. The Hexbug Spider XL is 65 percent larger than the Original Hexbug Spider and features 360-degree steering, an LED forward eye, and two-channel, user-selectable radio-controlled remote. The two-channel remote control operates in three speeds (slow, medium, and fast) when moving forward, and one speed in reverse, enabling the user to operate multiple bugs independently or at the same time and at varying speeds.

4D CItysCape

New to 4D Cityscape’s three layer patent puzzle line is the USA Time Puzzle, featuring more than 950 pieces including 93 plastic building replicas such as Arches National Park, Mount Rushmore, and the St. Louis Arch. Starting with the base layer, 4D’s unique jigsaw play showcases the evolution of the U.S. based on territorial expansion from 1783 to the 1900s. Assemble the second layer, a modern jigsaw puzzle map that showcases the formation all 50 states in a time sequence based on each state’s date of established statehood. The third layer is constructed using the 4-D time poster on which 93 of the most famous U.S. monuments and buildings are placed into the puzzle in the order that they were constructed. The buildings fit into pre-cut holes in a traditional 2-D jigsaw puzzle that form the country’s layout and Rocky Mountains.

4D Cityscape will also offer an updated New York City Time Puzzle featuring more than 715 pieces. The puzzle recreates the Manhattan skyline, not only in three dimensions using scale-model buildings, but also along the fourth dimension of time, spanning 201 years of architectural history. The puzzle includes 120 plastic building replicas that depict the city as it appeared in 1812 through 1971 with the addition of the World Trade Towers, and into 2013 with the completion of the One World Trade Center (Freedom Tower).

The puzzle includes iconic structures such as the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, and the United Nations. The buildings fit into pre-cut holes in a traditional 2-D jigsaw puzzle that form the city’s street layout and islands. The included time poster directs you through the city’s timeline. It is for ages 8 and up.

OCTOBER 2012 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT 73

2013 Toy PrevieW Wooky enTerTainmenT

Wooky Entertainment’s Block Crayon Color & Stow Farm is a farm-shaped storage case in the Block Crayon line. It features a red roof that contains 18 Block Crayons, including character shapes and a 25 foot roll of illustrated paper for farm-themed creations. The farm’s roof features stacking nubs for creative building and all pieces stow away neatly in the case. Block Crayons are stackable, chunky crayons in a rainbow of colors designed specifically for small hands to easily grip and maneuver for coloring and building. The colorsaturated, non-toxic, and odorless crayons are made in single and double-tipped blocks and are embossed with letters, numbers, or objects such as a flower, bunny, or apple. They are for ages 1 and up.

Mathable Classic is part of the Mathable collection of games that help reinforce math skills. Designed for two to four players, Mathable challenges players to use basic equations—addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division—to achieve the highest score by crossing numbers on a game board. Contents include the game board, four tile racks, and 108 tiles. It is for ages 9 and up.

Style Me Up! Romantic Scarf is a wearable crafting kit for girls. Use a knitting loom and hook, rainbow color yarn, soft yarn, and ribbons to create a one-of-a-kind scarf using a loop. The kit also includes rhinestone stickers and color instructions. It is for ages 7 and up.

GoliaTh Games

Goliath Games is reintroducing the classic 1980s brand Domino Rally with all new tricks and stunts. Five new items will be launched including Fortress Attack and Crazy Factory.

Gnip Gnop is back with a whole new look. The game is based off of ping pong with the added twist of rapid fire fun. Press buttons to launch three ping pong balls through the holes and land them in your opponent’s court. The first player to get all three of their colored balls to the other side of the game wins.

Goliath is bringing Don’t Panic, a best-selling franchise from Australia, England, and France to the U.S. In this party game, quick thinking is rewarded as players try to name items from specific categories. Spin the dial to see how many items must be named before the clock runs out.

Goliath will expand its action game line in 2013 with Gooey Louie.

Put your finger up Gooey Louie’s nose and try to pick a winner. But pick the wrong gooey and Louie’s eyes will pop, he’ll flip his lid, and his brains will fly out. It is for ages 5 and up.

74 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT OCTOBER 2012

Pressman Toy

For 2013, Pressman Toy will introduce a line of games and puzzles based on The Trash Pack collectible characters from Moose Toys.

Garbage can spaces can help players win in the Trash Pack Dash for Trash Game of collecting and racing. It is for two to four players ages 5 and up.

The Trash Pack Who is it? Game is a guessing game featuring kids’ favorite Trashies such as Rotten Apple, Sludge Slug, Junkosaur, and more. It is for two players ages 6 and up.

In the Trash Pack Flip and Filth Game, players land Trashies into the pail for the highest score. It is for two to four players ages 5 and up.

The new Trash Pack puzzle line will include Trash Pack 100piece Puzzles in a box and Trash Pack 100-piece puzzle assortments in Garbage Can Tins.

December 2012 February 2013 December 2012 Features:

Sporting Goods, Impulse

Roleplay and Dress-Up, Halloween Show Coverage

Distribution:

Hong Kong Showrooms, Int’l Halloween Show

Supplement:

Hong Kong Vendor Pocket Guide

Coming soon: February 2013 Toy Fair Coverage Distribution: NY Toy Fair, ToyFest West For advertising opportunities contact Donna Moore (donna@anbmedia.com)

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BY JENNIFER LYNCH

MOGO: Self-Expression That Clicks

lthough her previous job title listed her as a lawyer and CPA, Paige Clark has always been an inventor at heart. She dabbled in solar lighting and created a business model for interior space planning as well as a home grocery delivery service 30 years ago. “I still have a million ideas,” she says. “I think inventing is just in my blood.” Her inventions have certainly run the gamut, but it was one invention in particular two and a half years ago that led her to the specialty toy industry.

She was working with rescue horses at the time and trying to find a way to repair old tack (equipment and accessories worn by horses) using magnets when she saw the technology’s potential for something else. “The tack shop had jewelry at the front of the shop for little horseback-riding girls,” Clark says. “I thought, ‘These magnets aren’t going to work for the tack but they could make really cute charm bracelets.’”

And that’s exactly what she did.

Using magnetic charms that easily click onto eight different spots on a rivoted bracelet, Clark created a fashionable line of jewelry that girls could also adjust and link together to create longer wrap bracelets, headbands, belts, and more. She named the collection and the company MOGO Charms, after her first childhood pony.

While Clark lacked experience in the kids’ sector, having an accounting and legal background proved indispensable in getting her idea off the ground and into the marketplace. “Whether I’m dealing with artists, sales representatives, or my employees, it’s much easier when you already

A

New MOGO J’adore Paris charms and The Stella bag and The Iza wristlet

know some of the more business-related applications and questions that might come up,” she says.

Clark says she knew right away that the magnet system was something that could easily be applied to a wide range of product. But expanding the line beyond its initial offerings came down to what MOGO consumers wanted. “I talked with girls both informally and formally, such as with a Girl Scout troop,” she says. “The nice thing about kids is they tell you exactly what they want. They are very consistent too and aren’t afraid of hurting your feelings.” Today, the line has expanded to include MOGO shades (customizable charm sunglasses), Click Flops (customizable charm flip flops), and more than 400 charms. Clark has also drawn product inspiration from perhaps her two biggest critics, her nieces Stella and Iza. She even named her new purse collection after the girls— The Stella cross-body bag and The Iza wristlet, which launched for back to school this fall.

MOGO works to stay on top of current fashion trends, incorporating them into its latest collections. MOGO’s online design studio, where girls can click and drag charms to create a cus-

76 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT OCTOBER 2012

tomized MOGO charm bracelet, which they can shop for on the site or share with friends, is another way the MOGO team gets insight on which charms and colors are most popular based on girls’ selections. Regional charms such as the Carolina Girl charm along with the classic peace, heart, and flower symbols are among the most popular items. “We can’t accommodate everybody but we try to do things when we get a lot of interest,” Clark says.

But, ultimately, the appeal of MOGO is about self-expression, says Clark. “When a girl wears a MOGO bracelet, she feels as if, ‘This is who I am,’” she says. “And because girls can swap a charm quickly and easily, it lends itself well to trading as well as changing charms to suit their mood.” The collectibility and interchangeability of the charms are qualities that have added to MOGO’s success among its target audience— preteen and teenage girls. In fact, the introduction of its Paige Collection, which features a wider bracelet band and classic gemstone charms, has also aged the brand up to older teens ages 16–18, Clark says.

MOGO will continue to grow as the company moves forward in 2013. Plans are already underway to continue expanding the line with customizable rings, earrings, and pendant necklaces as well as a licensed Hello Kitty collection, all of which will help extend the brand into an even wider collectible audience. MOGO will also introduce flower add-ons that will slide on between the magnetic rivets and charms.

“Everything will always revolve around that interchangeability for us,” says Clark. “It’s what defines us and will always be at our core.”

The Toy Industry Foundation has delivered smiles and hope to over 9 million children in need.

Through the Play Matters for Millions campaign, we have raised over $440,000 to fund our programs.

You can help us reach our goal of $1 million dollars by the close of 2013.

Join the movement visit www.ToyIndustryFoundation.org

to make a donation today!

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Kids Preferred

Kids Preferred’s Disney Princess Baby line features princess-themed toys designed specifically for the youngest of princesses. The line includes a Princess Coach Rattle, Princess Keys to the Kingdom, Princess Tiara Water Teether, Princess Jewel Teether, Princess Mirror Rattle, Princess On-the-Go Chime Toy, Princess Tower Rattle (shown), and Princess Activity Storybook for ages birth and up. There is also a Princess Water Teether for ages three months and up.

Pritty Imports

Pritty Imports released three new lines to its Cozy Collection of fully microwaveable plush. The first line is Warmhearts (pictured), a collection of heatable rag dolls. Hooty is a range of colorful owls. And Socky Dolls are colorful characters with distinct personalities. Every three months a new character will be added to the line. Each item can be heated in a microwave and is scented with French lavender.

Wowopolis

Wowopolis merges puzzles with memory games in its Puzzle Match. The ocean-themed game is designed for ages 3–7. Rather than searching for two identical images, kids have to find two halves of a whole image, such as the bottom and top of a seahorse.

Once kids match all the interlocking pieces, they can assemble the pieces like a traditional puzzle.

eeBoo

With eeBoo’s About Face, kids 3 and up can create an endless cast of characters out of leaves, ribbons, coins, seashells, paper clips, and a variety of found objects. About Face comes with 160 double-sided cards with images of different objects on each side. The objects are photographed to resemble a body part: hair, eyes, nose, and mouth. Kids place the different pieces together to create a face out of leaves for the hair, beads for the eyes, a Christmas light bulb for the nose, and a necklace for the mouth.

78 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT OCTOBER 2012

Tucker-Jones House

Tucker-Jones House’s Tavern Puzzles are reproductions of a type of puzzle traditionally forged by blacksmiths to amuse their friends at country taverns and inns. Keeping with tradition, Dennis Sucilsky, co-owner of Tucker-Jones House and a museum-trained blacksmith, reproduces some of these antique designs as well as original designs. One of the newest Tavern Puzzles is Smartypants. The object of the puzzle is to remove the ring. A display stand is sold separately. Tavern Puzzles are for ages 13 and up.

Zoocchini

Zoocchini’s new styles of hooded towels include duck, frog, owl, shark, polar bear, and flower (pictured). There are now 15 different styles from which to choose. The towels can be used at the beach or in the bathroom. Each hooded towel measures approximately 20 inches by 50 inches and is made of 100-percent cotton.

Beanpatch & Co.

Beanpatch & Co. is the exclusive U.S. importer of Danish toy company Franck & Fischer. The brand’s products include Frederik and Friday, which are monkey cuddle toys made from 100 percent organic cotton.

Children can also dress them and put them to bed in their cots or sleeping bags.

Additional clothes and accessories can be purchased separately.

Adora Dolls

Adora’s Playtime Babies are designed to be a child’s first baby doll. Each doll weighs about 12 ounces and has lifelike features from button noses to tiny hands and feet. Each handmade doll is created in Adora’s exclusive, lightly baby powder-scented, Gentle Touch vinyl. Adora Playtime Babies also have beanbag weighted bottoms, which gives the dolls a lifelike feel. The Playtime Babies Rolling Back Pack is made of a soft fabric and has a baby doll carrier on the front. It comes with pockets and room for baby bottles, bibs, clothes, and anything else kids might need on a day out with their doll. The backpack and dolls are for ages 12 months up.

Gamewright

The latest addition to Gamewright’s 2012 lineup is IOTA. IOTA was previously self-published by Newton, Mass., inventor Gene Mackles, who sold it online and regionally. Gamewright secured the exclusive worldwide rights and will now add it to its line of family games. IOTA is a compact card game for two to four players ages 8 and up. The object is to score the most points by creating lines of cards in which three attributes—color, shape, and number—are either all the same or all different across the line. The game will come in a pocket-sized tin travel case.

North American Bear Co.

Items in North American Bear Co.’s new Baby Long Legs collection are made of silky plush with lanky limbs in soft velour. The pink- or blue-striped animals are available in an 18-inch huggable friend version and an eightinch squeaker version.

Animal styles include rabbit, elephant, and mouse.

OCTOBER 2012 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT 79

YOU’RE HIRED

Toy inDusTry associaTion

anDrew r. hackMan, Vice-PresiDenT, goVernMenT affairs

The Toy industry association (Tia) promoted andrew r. (andy) hackman to vice-president, government affairs. in his new position, hackman will oversee Tia’s advocacy programs at both the state and federal levels as well as activities of the toy industry’s Political action committee (ToyPac).

Previously, hackman served as senior director of state government affairs where he was responsible for managing Tia’s legislative and regulatory outreach in states across the country and assisted in coordinating grassroots and coalition activities at the state level.

Before joining Tia in 2009, hackman served for seven years as manager of state affairs programs and director of state affairs for the consumer specialty Products association (csPa). earlier in his career, he worked in congressional and provincial relations for the canadian embassy in washington, D.c.

Dragon-i Toys

John s. Tsien, senior Vice-PresiDenT of sales anD MarkeTing

Dragon-i Toys hired John s. Tsien as senior vice-president of sales and marketing. Tsien will be responsible for further strengthening Dragon-i Toys’ product development and sales processes, and will be a key part of the senior management team’s continuing aggressive growth strategy. Tsien last served as ceo of Toy state international.

TiMeToPlayMag.coM launches ParenT Panel

last month, TimetoPlayMag.com introduced a Parent Panel, adding another facet of expertise to its current in-house team of toy experts. The panel features six parents from around the country who are sharing their experience and advice with Time to Play’s audience. each parent will lend a unique voice and point of view to the site that focuses on the adventures of parenting. The new Parent Panel members are ana lilian flores, emily Vanek, Jen rabulan-Bertram, Maria colaco, Meredith sinclair, nadia Jones, and christine young.

80 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT OCTOBER 2012

reVerB PuBlishing

ProMoTion & new hires

reverb Publishing, a dedicated digital publisher, promoted Jerry whitehead iii to director of public relations. having been with reverb Publishing since its inception in 2010 and with reverb communications since 2007, whitehead now oversees all communications efforts and campaigns for each published title. reverb Publishing also hired steven hopper as senior public relations manager. he joins the company with 11 years of experience as a journalist with a focus on the gaming industry. Most recently he was the executive editor of ign’s Xbox 360 channel.

Balázs horváth was hired as senior producer. he joins the company after entering the game industry in 2008 by setting up his own game studio. horváth soon joined Digital reality where he led the publishing arm to bring multiple titles to market. reverb hired scott Jenkins as creative director. he previously served as creative director for acclaim entertainment, and as vice-president of creative for southPeak games.

Tim Page was hired as vice-president of sales. he has held various sales and sales management positions with criterion software (a subsidiary of electronic arts) and emergent game Technologies. Page started his own sales and business development firm in 2009.

The wish facTory, inc.

DaViD scher, eXecuTiVe Vice-PresiDenT, sales

The wish factory, inc., named David scher as executive vice-president of sales. he started his career at Mattel before launching David scher, inc., a full-service sales and marketing company, representing some of the largest names in the toy industry. scher has worked on many key brands including hit clips, Talkboy, furby, wwe action figures, and Paper Jamz. Beyond his sales expertise, scher has also served on the executive management teams at startup companies Zizzle Toys and The Bridge Direct.

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EVENTS OF

CALENDAR

Industry-Related Trade Shows NOVEMBER 14–18 27–28

27–28

Chicago Toy & Game Fair Dubai World Game Expo

Dubai Int’l Character & Licensing Fair

DECEMBER 2–5 3–7

JANUARY 7–10

Grand Strand Gift Show

International Halloween Show

Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair

chitag.com

gameexpo.ae character.ae

grandstrandgiftshow.com

Hong Kong

halloweenpartyexpo.com

George R. Brown Convention Center

Houston

toyfair.co.uk

30–2/4

New York Int’l Gift Fair

Spielwarenmesse International Toy Fair

FEBRUARY 5–8

10–13

MARCH 3–6

5–7

7–10

10–13 25–28

APRIL 8–11

15–17

Myrtle Beach

Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre

The Toy Fair

26–30

Dubai, UAE

hktoyfair.com

22–24

Halloween & Party Expo

Myrtle Beach Convention Center

Dubai, UAE

New York City

cesweb.org

Ed Expo

Dubai Int’l Convention & Exhibition Centre

Halloween Tower

International CES

19–22

Dubai Int’l Convention & Exhibition Centre

Chicago

hiaonline.org

8–11

16–18

Navy Pier

edexpo.com nyigf.com toyfair.de

Las Vegas Convention Center

Georgia World Congress Center Olympia Grand Hall

Jacob Javits Convention Center Nuremberg Exhibition Center

Las Vegas Atlanta

London

New York City

Nuremberg, Germany

Kidscreen Summit

summit.kidscreen.com

Hilton New York

New York City

Australian Toy, Hobby, & Nursery Fair

toyfair.com.au

Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre

Melbourne, Australia

American International Toy Fair

Playworld Middle East

Halloween & Attractions Show

toyassociation.org

playworldme.com

Jacob Javits Convention Center

Dubai Int’l Convention & Exhibition Centre

New York City

Dubai, UAE

ToyFest West

haashow.com

toyfestwest.com

America’s Center

Bologna Fair Centre

Bologna, Italy

MIPTV

mipworld.com

Palais des Festivals

Cannes, France

Bologna Children’s Book Fair

London Book Fair

82 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT OCTOBER 2012

bookfair.bolognafiere.it

londonbookfair.co.uk

South Point Hotel

Earls Court

St. Louis

Las Vegas

London

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Š2012 Mattel, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Girls fashions, sold separately, available at BarbieWow.com. 123504