TFE, October 2015

Fall Toy Preview toys & family entertainment October 2015, Vol. 10, No. 4

2015

TOMY Mixes Innovation & Classic Brands page 22

SCIENCE IS TRENDING

Craft Aisle Brings New Consumers, Product

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tfe toys & family entertainment

contents | 10/15 Volume 10, No. 4

Departments

Features 26 Science Is Trending

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Observations & Opinions

30 Science & Exploration: Product Presentation

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The TICKER

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by Nancy Lombardi

by Nancy Lombardi

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32 Craft Aisle Brings New Consumers, Product

by Jennifer Lynch

34 Arts & Crafts/Activity: Product Presentation

by Jennifer Lynch

36 2016 Preview: Experts Assess the Toy Industry

by Nancy Lombardi

42 2016 Toy Preview

by Nancy Lombardi

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Trending

Industry Forum: Toy Industry Association Industry Forum: ASTRA

Industry Forum: Design Edge Merchandise Makers: TOMY

Entertainment Marketplace: Peppa Pig Calendar of Events

62 ABC Kids Expo 2015

by Nancy Lombardi

80 Specialty Emporium: Galt

by Jennifer Lynch

On the Cover

Lamaze Sonny the Glowing Bunny is shown on the cover. Image provided by Lamaze, a division of TOMY. TFE cover designed by Jennifer Lynch.

TFE Licensing cover features the following properties: Teletubbies, Care Bears, Regal Academy, The Secret Life of Pets, Halo 5, and Breaking Bad. TFE Licensing cover designed by Jennifer Lynch.

Page 73

LICENSING

74 Brand Licensing Europe 2015

by Jennifer Lynch

On this Page

Roominate Townhouse Shopkins Shoppies from Moose Toys Austlen Baby Company’s Entourage Stroller

OBSERVATIONS & OPINIONS

WWW.ANBMEDIA.COM

THE CUSTOMER AWAKENS WITH

SOME HELP FROM STAR WARS

his year’s holiday shopping season kicked off on Friday, September 4 at 12:01AM. Known as Force Friday, it was the exact moment that toys for Star Wars: The Force Awakens went on sale. The film doesn’t open until December 18 but everyone participated in the global frenzy welcoming the toys to retail. BY BOB GLASER Walmart even launched its layaway plan earlier than usual this year so shoppers could participate in Force Friday. It was part of an overall Toy Week celebration hosted by Walmart for the first time.

This is great news for the toy industry. Anything that gets shoppers into stores is positive. But when it is a globally coordinated event, launched by none other than Disney, consumers are sure to sit up and take notice.

Anecdotally, I visited a local Target near my home on Long Island that Friday and noticed that many shelves were picked clean with others half full.

Reports on just how much in retail sales Star Wars will account for vary from $1.3 billion to $3 billion. (There were no final reports as of press time.) But even falling somewhere in the middle of these projections will be great news for all involved in the toy industry.

Sales of Disney’s Frozen merchandise have slowed over the past few months so the timing of the new Star Wars products is welcome news. Toy consumers are visiting brick-and-mortar stores as well as online portals in droves to support Star Wars. As Star Wars products become harder to find at retail during the holiday season, consumers will—most likely—purchase other items instead. The toy industry has always believed that a hot license benefits everyone because it drives sales for all toy products. And, the industry has been riding a good wave as of late. Disney’s Frozen benefitted many aspects of the industry. Next up on the film front is Star Wars: The Force Awakens (December 18) as well as The Good Dinosaur (November 25). Earlier this year, the industry found success with Jurassic World, Inside Out, and Minions.

The industry’s selling cycle begins again this month. This issue of TFE will be distributed at the Fall Toy Preview in Dallas as well as the ABC Kids Expo in Las Vegas. The Fall Toy Preview will remain in Dallas for the next three years but it moves into late September. See page 14 for future show dates. Previews will also take place in Los Angeles this month. aNb Media staff will be in all three locations to keep you up to date with industry news.

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October 2015 • Volume 10, Number 4 PUBLISHER BOB GLASER BOB@TTPM.COM ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER ANDY KRINNER ANDY@TTPM.COM ADVERTISING DIRECTOR DONNA MOORE DONNA@TTPM.COM CONTROLLER MARY GROGAN MARY@TTPM.COM EDITOR IN CHIEF JIM SILVER JIM@TTPM.COM EDITORIAL DIRECTOR NANCY LOMBARDI NANCY@TTPM.COM CREATIVE/EDITORIAL MANAGER JENNIFER LYNCH JENNIFER@TTPM.COM WEB DEVELOPER BRENDAN SANABRIA BRENDAN@TTPM.COM CONTRIBUTORS KATHLEEN MCHUGH; KRISTIN MORENCY GOLDMAN; 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 (TFE) is published four times per year by aNb Media. Copyright 2015 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, SPECIALTY EMPORIUM, and TFE LICENSING 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.

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What’s Trending?

This trending list is taken from aNb Media’s consumer website, TTPM.com. TTPM’s Trending Review is a list of the

most popular items on the site, as determined by consumers. It’s generated by the number of page views for that item in the previous seven days, updated every 24 hours. Here is the list, in trending order, on September 14, 2015.

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STAR WARS THE BLACK SERIES KYLO REN FORCE FX LIGHTSABER Hasbro

STAR WARS STORMTROOPER VOICE-CHANGING MASK The Disney Store

STAR WARS MILLENNIUM FALCON R/C QUAD (2) Spin Master

STAR WARS THE FORCE AWAKENS MICRO MACHINES BLIND BAGS (3) Hasbro

STAR WARS ELITE SERIES REY AND BB-8 DIE-CAST ACTION FIGURE The Disney Store

STAR WARS THE FORCE AWAKENS BB-8 DROID Sphero SQUISHY BAFF Spin Master

STAR WARS AIR HOGS R/C X-WING STARFIGHTER Spin Master CHUBBY PUPPIES Spin Master

LEGENDARY YODA (1) Spin Master

STAR WARS THE FORCE AWAKENS BB-8 R/C Hasbro

STAR WARS INTERACTIVE R2-D2 ASTROMECH DROID Hasbro

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DISNEY DESCENDENANTS JANE CORONATION OUTFIT DOLL Hasbro

LEGO STAR WARS THE FORCE AWAKENS MILLENNIUM FALCON LEGO STAR WARS IHOME SPECIAL FORCES TIE FIGHTER SPEAKERS eKids THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN MEGA BLASTER WEB SHOOTER Hasbro ELMO LOVES 123S Sesame Street

STAR WARS AT-AT U-COMMAND WITH REMOTE CONTROL Thinkway Toys STAR WARS MICRO MACHINES STAR DESTROYER Hasbro BARBIE DIGITAL MAKEOVER Mattel

They play. They learn. They surprise us every day with new insights into their imaginations and talents. We design all of our products with your child’s development in mind.

For the little moments of play you enjoy together every day. For the big milestones you celebrate along the way. And for the special gifts you give to make dreams come true — we love being part of your child’s best possible start.

#1 most trusted and loved brand by moms* Dance & Move BeatBo

Smart Touch Play Space

*Based on a 2015 survey of 1,549 moms in the US, Russia, and China.

Little People® Big Animal Zoo

©2015 Mattel and Smart Toy LLC. All rights Reserved. ® and ™ designate U.S. trademarks of Mattel, except as noted.

Smart Toy® Bear

THE TICKER

A Recap of Industry Headlines • For More News, Visit www.aNbMedia.com

• Sign up to Receive FREE Weekly News Alerts

Financing Now Available to Help Toy Companies Grow

Bambini Partners, founded in 2012 by toy industry veterans John Lee and Jerry Welch, announced that it is currently working with TAB Bank to provide financing to toy manufacturers. TAB Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of Utah-based FJ Management, is an FDIC-insured commercial bank.

“Working capital is the lubricant ensuring that the system works,” says Jerry Welch, general partner of Bambini Partners.

“Especially in a highly seasonal business like the toy business.” Yet, Welch says that since the Great Recession many companies have had a hard time connecting with the right bank to provide the funds needed for growth. Welch says he saw this firsthand while working with a client. This toy manufacturer—a family-owned $50 million toy company—had always self financed.

But the company reached a point where it needed outside financing to reach the next level of growth. Welch says he stepped in to help thinking that in a few phone calls the company would achieve the financing it needed.

However, he says he soon realized that post-recession many regional and community banks no longer exist and that is where many mid-size companies turned to for help. At that point, Welch started working with TAB Bank and realized it could be an incredible resource for the toy industry.

“Our relationship is with TAB and we think they will be a huge resource for the toy industry,” he says. “We’ll introduce companies to TAB. These are companies that have $70–$80 million in revenues and it could be as small as a company with $5–$6 million in sales. But the companies have receivables to finance and inventory. They will be candidates [for financing from TAB].”

Welch says that this program will focus on the toy, infant, juvenile, and pet industries. The program is now in effect, officially launching at Fall Toy Preview. For more information, contact John Lee (jlee@bambinipartners.com) or Jerry Welch (jwelch@bambinipartners.com).

Kimberly Mosley Named President of ASTRA

The board of directors for The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) announced the appointment of Kimberly Mosley as president. She assumed the role of president on September 28, 2015. In May 2015, Kathleen McHugh announced her decision to leave as president of ASTRA after 15 years with the organization.

“Kim is an experienced, award-winning, results-oriented association executive with a long track record of success in managing association operations, developing innovative programs, and growing revenue,” says Dean May, chair of the ASTRA board of directors. “A skill set of particular interest to ASTRA is her background in leveraging technology to better serve members and to try new business strategies. Kim is the right person to lead ASTRA through the opportunities and challenges we see ahead for the specialty toy industry.”

ASTRA conducted a nationwide search to fill the position that was held by McHugh. Mosley is coming to ASTRA from the American College of Healthcare Executives.

“It is with great excitement that I have accepted the role of ASTRA’s president,” Mosley says. “ASTRA is a fiscally and programmatically strong organization with a long tradition of responsiveness to the business needs of its members. I will continue that important tradition. I am eager to work with members to strengthen the segment of the toy industry that is committed to quality toys with high play value, and to bring specialty toy professionals together to help each other succeed.”

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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

Fall Toy Preview Stays in Dallas; Show Moves to Late Sept.

FALL TOY PREVIEW UPCOMING DATES: September 27–29, 2016 September 26–28, 2017 September 25–27, 2018

The Toy Industry Association’s (TIA) executive committee and board announced Fall Toy Preview will remain in Dallas through 2018. However, the dates of the show have shifted into late September. Upcoming dates are as follows: September 27–29, 2016; September 26–28, 2017; and September 25–27, 2018.

TIA’s Trade Show Committee, made up of a range of member company types and sizes, conducted a 10-year review of Fall Toy Preview to determine whether the event’s current timing, location, and strategy position the show for short- and long-term success. Alternate sites, date options, rental fees, and ancillary costs were explored before it was determined that either Dallas or Los Angeles would be the best fit for the show. Because Los Angeles posed several challenges, including a lack of available venues for 2016 and 2017, the Trade Show Committee submitted a consensus proposal to keep the Fall Toy Preview in Dallas through 2018. The proposal was recently approved by TIA’s executive committee and board.

ToyFest West Revises 2016 Dates

REVISED TOYFEST WEST 2016 SCHEDULE Sunday, March 6, 2016, 10AM–6PM Monday, March 7, 2016, 9AM–6PM Tuesday, March 8, 2016, 9AM–6PM

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In response to a 2015 post-show survey, exhibitors and attendees of ToyFest West 2015 asked for a revision of 2016 dates saying that all involved are able to conduct business in three full days. As a result, the fourth day of the show, which was to be a half day of business has been dropped for 2016, according to the Western Toy and Hobby Representatives Association (WTHRA), the organization that produces the show.

The WTHRA board voted in May to adopt the following revised schedule for ToyFest West 2016 at the South Point Hotel Casino & Spa in Las Vegas: Sunday, March 6, 2016, 10AM–6PM Monday, March 7, 2016, 9AM–6PM Tuesday, March 8, 2016, 9AM–6PM In addition, the annual gala will be moved to the last night of the show. The evening will include a banquet, Hall of Fame induction, Retailer of the Year award, entertainment, and other additions that will be announced at a later date. There is now a Game Night for retailers scheduled for Sunday evening.

“Our goal is to continue to grow ToyFest West by supporting our attendees and responding to their needs and concerns,” said Bill St. John, president of WTHRA. “Three full days will give everyone time to complete their business and socialize with their peers while respecting this busy time of year. We are excited about the changes for 2016 and look forward to seeing everyone in Las Vegas next March.”

INDUSTRY FORUM

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SPOTTING TRENDS AT FALL TOY PREVIEW BY

KRISTIN MORENCY GOLDMAN, TIA

ny seasoned toy professional will tell you that trends—particularly in the toy and youth entertainment product space—move at the speed of light. That’s why the Toy Industry Association’s (TIA) annual Fall Toy Preview is such fertile ground for global buyers, who annually participate in the marketplace to preview the hottest new toys and games for Q4 of the following year.

The show is equally important for the members of TIA’s trends team, who hold one-on-one appointments at the Dallas Market Center with more than 100 exhibitors in order to scope out the latest developments in toys and play. This year, TIA’s trendspotters will once again be in attendance to collect details (under embargo) about cutting-edge toys and games that can be included in future broadcast, print, and online media opportunities.

“Fall Toy Preview is an exciting opportunity for TIA to meet with companies and see what they have in the pipeline as we begin to map out trends,” says Adrienne Appell, TIA director of strategic communications. “We use this information to highlight our industry’s innovations in front of media and consumers as various promotional opportunities arise throughout the year. Our main goal is to stay up to speed on what’s trending among today’s youth, so that we can accurately speak to our members’ products and promote the valuable impact their toys have on the healthy development of children.”

The October show is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to TIA’s trend-tracking activities. Following the fall trade show, the team continues to meet with companies both in person and over the phone, before sitting down as a group to discuss major themes and fads that are emerging across the board. For example, last year it was apparent that a number of companies were introducing water-themed products of all

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kinds—from bath toys to mermaid- and sea creature-inspired dolls. Maker Movement toys also seemed to be gaining traction, especially building sets—a category that ultimately grew in sales through mid-year 2015.

Initial observations are kept under wraps as TIA works to develop its final list of the hottest trends for the coming year, which is announced to media and buyers in February at TIA’s North American International Toy Fair.

“What we see at Toy Fair helps us to confirm our early trend predictions—as do a variety of outside factors, including developments in education, pop culture, fashion, technology, and the economy,” says Appell. “Having a deep understanding of what’s happening in both the toy space and in other industries helps us to ensure that we are in-tune with the likes and dislikes of millennial families and what influences their purchasing habits.”

TIA members are encouraged to reach out to TIA’s public relations team as trend experts begin collecting data to determine the “it” toys of 2016. The team will do its best to accommodate last minute requests for product previews at Fall Toy Preview. Those who are unable to catch up with the PR team at the show are encouraged to reach out to TIA leading up to the holiday season. Preference for all preview appointments and media opportunities is given to TIA members. To book a meeting, contact TIA’s Adrienne Appell (646) 520–4853 or aappell@toyassociation.org. For additional information on past toy trends and trends spotted in parallel industries, visit www.ToyAssociation.org/Trends.

Kristin Morency Goldman is communications specialist for The Toy Industry Association (TIA). Visit toyassociation.org for more information about Toy Fair, toy trends, and other industry-related issues.

INDUSTRY FORUM

What I Know for Sure BY

KATHLEEN MCHUGH, ASTRA

fter 15 years of leading the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA), I am leaving that role with much gratitude and many fond memories. This is my last column for TFE. Practically every day at ASTRA, I learned something new that’s worth knowing. Here are some of the biggest lessons I learned along the way: • COMPETITION IS A CONSTANT. Competition is a condition of doing business. Specialty toy stores are small, typically familyowned bricks-and-mortar businesses that add character and value to their communities. It is easy to wish that they could exist in a business environment that was less demanding and more appreciative of their unique value. But intense competition will always be there, whether in the form of online retailers with advantageous cost and sales tax structures or big box stores that can offer lower prices or new types of competitors we haven’t even seen yet. Almost every business problem that a locally owned toy retailer needs to solve—staffing, training, merchandising, marketing, you name it—is about making your store more attractive than the other choices your customer might have for buying toys. And that is hard work. Every day.

• CHANGE IS TO BE EMBRACED, NOT FEARED. Speaking of constants, change is another one. As soon as you figure out how to work around each competitive challenge, things have changed and another issue is at the top of your list. Business is fascinating because it is so dynamic, and the only way to deal with it is to welcome the next new thing. Fear of change is a waste of your time and energy.

• There is DAZZLING YOUNG TALENT IN OUR INDUSTRY. I have seen our future in the form of young toy professionals at ASTRA’s Marketplace & Academy, at Toy Fair, in focus groups, and participating in ASTRA’s professional education. These specialty toy store owners, store managers, designers, manufacturers, and sales reps are smart, energetic, creative, and passionate about toys. Get to know them. If you are part of the dazzling

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older talent in our industry, they want to learn from you and work with you. They are the future buyers of your store, the new product developers who will make specialty toys well-differentiated from mass market items, and the sales reps who see the big picture of the industry and know how to connect the dots in new ways. It goes in the other direction as well—if you are relatively new to specialty toys, find yourself a mentor from whom to learn.

There is much relevant wisdom and experience to tap.

• ASTRA IS MORE THAN A TRADE ASSOCIATION. What’s so special about ASTRA is the sense of community. Trade associations can feel like they are all about business, but ASTRA is so much more than that. Owning and managing a successful small business is not easy, and ASTRA is a place where members can go to get that extra something—advice, encouragement, and even emotional support—when days are long and times are tough. We work together to support one another and to support the stability and growth of the entire industry.

Give your time and talents to the ASTRA community, and I guarantee you will see a payoff in terms of useful business relationships and better yet, lifelong friends who will be there when you need them.

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity I have had to work with ASTRA members, to contribute to ASTRA’s success, and to build resources that support the sustainability of the specialty toy industry.

ASTRA has evolved from a focus on basic member services and networking, which it still provides, to an organization with the capacity to address industry and public affairs infrastructure issues that impact our members’ short-term and long-term business interests.

My greatest satisfaction is that ASTRA is the most important association in the specialty toy space, with a reputation for quality, caring, and community. It is a legacy that I am proud to leave behind. Thank you to the industry for 15 great years!

Kathleen McHugh was president of the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) as of press time. However, she is retiring from the role and this is her last column for TFE. Meet her successor, Kimberly Mosley, on page 12.

INDUSTRY FORUM

Working in the New Chinese Economy BY

MATT NUCCIO, DESIGN EDGE

he meaning of the term “China Syndrome” is “a hypothetical series of events following the meltdown of a nuclear reactor in which its core melts down through its own containment structure.” There was a movie with this same title starring Michael Douglas, Jack Lemmon, and Jane Fonda in 1979 when I was hardly a tot.

Recently, I watched it on Netflix. It was not only a great movie, but it got me thinking about the toy industry and China—especially during these times of immense change.

President Richard Nixon is generally credited with opening the door to China in 1972. His meeting with Mao Zedong on February 21 of that year (during New York Toy Fair!) ended 25 years of acrimony between the U.S. and the People’s Republic of China. There were those who thought this was a deflective move by Nixon to take the pressure off his mounting Watergate issues, but in reality, it had been set in motion by Henry Kissinger long before these problems surfaced. Regardless of your opinion of either man, they knew the time had come to deal realistically with China.

The toy industry has always been one to take up a challenge, an opportunity, and a vision. With labor rates climbing in the U.S. and the costs of manufacturing, tooling, and raw materials rising, the industry was beginning to change how it operated—building expensive tooling in other countries, such as Portugal, and looking to source some parts outside the U.S. and integrate them into products on the domestic manufacturing lines. It was not the larger companies but the smaller companies, which were already dealing in imported toys from a then-British Hong Kong and elsewhere that were the first to exploit this newly opened door.

The small companies such as Illco, Playtime, Nasta, and many others jumped at the chance to exploit any tooling already existing in China and integrate it into their lines. The goal was also to build better but cheaper tooling to make better toys than what had been possible at that time. Labor costs were minimal on mainland China and Chinese businessmen worked in conjunction with the government to build more and better plants over the years.

Economically, the U.S. dollar value against the Hong Kong

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dollar, which was the standard then, worked very favorably for U.S. companies doing business there. In many cases profits could also be sheltered there. It was thought to be a win-win situation for everyone.

But, as we all know, the only constant is change and today we face a rapidly changing China. It is a China that is in some ways maturing, overreaching, and fumbling at the same time. We, as an industry, must address this. In order to remain in the game, toy companies must push every button they can to reduce prices from China sources, given the present global economy. There are new opportunities to partner with suppliers— share expenses that were once not possible. Bargain for better plastic material costs given the substantial downturn in oil prices.

This will offset the costs of Chinese labor, which has been on a constant rise the past few years.

The soft world economy means less orders for the Chinese manufacturer unless he can drop his costs on printed materials, boxes, and even shipping rates. We have yet to see where the Chinese government’s revaluation of its currency will take us, but all these factors must be kept front of mind as toymakers develop, market, and manufacture new lines.

In addition, there are other countries that are becoming more sophisticated in the manufacturing process. They can’t be ignored as China now needs to supply its own population with trendy goods. These other countries may have the ability to supply the toys needed worldwide. These upcoming sources such as Mexico, Thailand, Vietnam, India, and the Philippines are just a few examples.

So yes, there are issues in dealing with China and we must work with it but I doubt there will be a “China Syndrome.’’ I think it will end up being a healthy restructuring of how both sides work together for mutual benefit. After all, isn’t that what diplomacy is all about?

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

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TOMY: Mixing Innovation, Classic Brands

by Jennifer

Lynch

S

ince it was founded in the 1920s, TOMY has focused on its one main mission, “making the world smile.”

Its mission is achieved by following three principles says Willie Wilkov, CMO: investing in innovation, quality, and play value.

These principles will be on display when the company unveils its 2016 offerings this month at ABC Kids Expo and leading into Toy Fair 2016. Some of the most notable innovation is taking place within the John Deere, Chuggington, and Pokémon brands.

“Over the decades of working on the John Deere brand we have broadened our focus beyond our original offering of die-cast collectibles into a full line of preschool toys, vehicles, ride-ons and playsets,” says Wilkov. “Each year we look to thoughtfully deepen our line, always with an eye toward the essence of the John Deere brand, but through the lens of the dynamic changes happening both on shelf and in consumer behavior.”

In a similar vein, TOMY is delivering small yet innovative changes to its Pokémon and Chuggington offerings that seek to elevate the products for long-time followers and consumers.

Pokémon fans will appreciate the new scaling of TOMY’s figures, which will be made relative to one another. Chuggington’s new Wooden Railway 1-2-3 Track also offers a new design with hinges that flex up and down and rotate 360 degrees to easily reconfigure the direction of the track without taking it apart.

“The 1-2-3 Track gives our retailers something truly unique in a classic category and it fills an age-old consumer need: how to make that first train in your child’s life full of fun, simple to set-up on their own, and stable enough for hours of energetic train play,” says Wilkov.

With this kind of value and quality, it’s no wonder the company was tapped to handle toy lines for three 2015 Disney properties, including the Disney/Pixar blockbuster Inside Out and the new Disney Junior series Miles from Tomorrowland. As the master toy partner for Inside “I Cry Candy” Bing Bong 22 tfe October 2015

TOMY’s baby program is a growing focus. The program is anchored by iconic brands such as Bumbo (pictured).

Out, TOMY brought to life the emotional characters of the movie with plush, figures, and playsets, such as the “I Cry Candy” Bing Bong (pictured) that sings, cries candy tears, and smells like cotton candy—capturing all the main qualities of this character.

“From our biggest TV driver items through to our deluxe figures and plush, and all the way down to the small figures, we design toys to bring out the nuances of the characters in a way that truly reflects what kids are seeing and experiencing on-screen,” says Wilkov. The next line for TOMY centers on another Disney/Pixar film, The Good Dinosaur, with a range of figures, plush, bath, roleplay, and interactive items such as Galloping Butch, a T-Rex with soaring sounds and real galloping action.

Baby also continues to be an important focus for TOMY as the company seeks to meet demand with a robust program that relies heavily on consumer insights. This year the company revamped The First Years brand to better meet the needs of millennial moms, which was positively received by both consumers and retailers alike, says Wilkov. “We are continually looking at ways to take what’s worked in our infant and toddler business and make it even better,” he says. “As we roll up 2015 and head into 2016, we continue to challenge our entire team to find ways to spread TOMY magic by building innovation, quality, delightful surprises and amazing play value into our brands and products.”

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ENTERTAINMENT MARKETPLACE

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KNOW Peppa Pig and George Peppa Pig, George, and grandparents

he cutest brother and sister team out of the UK is not Prince George and Princess Charlotte. It’s none other than Peppa Pig and her little brother, George. Together with Mummy and Daddy Pig, these toddlers spend their day much like the toddlers who are watching the series globally spend it— visiting grandparents and cousins, attending playgroups, and going to the playground, among other adventures.

Peppa Pig was created, directed, and produced by Astley Baker Davies. The London-based animation studio also created the UK’s The Big Knights and Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom. The series is not only popular with the preschool set but it has garnered numerous global awards since its UK debut in 2004.

Peppa Pig won The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Award in 2005, 2011, and 2012 for Best Preschool Animation. The series has been nominated for a BAFTA 14 times.

The series also won the Best Preschool Animation prize at the British Animation Awards in 2006, won the top TV Crystal Award at Annecy, and won three awards

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at the Cartoons on the Bay Festival including two Pulcinella awards.

The first series of 52 five-minute episodes of Peppa Pig originally aired on Channel 5 in the UK on May 31, 2004. In 2005, it launched in the U.S. on Cartoon Network, which at the time had a TickleU preschool programming block. It aired on Noggin in December 2007 and January 2008. Now, the series airs on Nick Jr. in the U.S., reaching an estimated 76 million households daily. An extensive licensing program is now launching at retail with Jazwares as the master toy licensee. Spin Master, The Bridge Direct, Scholastic, Baby Boom, and TCG are just a sampling of the licensees on board.

In addition, a live stage show called Peppa Pig’s Big Splash will visit 23 East Coast cities in November and December with a second segment visiting additional cities planned for 2016. It’s produced

by Red Light Management, Fiery Angel, and eOne Entertainment. eOne, the co-owner and worldwide distributor of Peppa Pig, says that the property is on track to exceed $1 billion in retail sales in 2015. Now that is nothing to snort at.

The main characters in the series are Peppa Pig, her little brother George, Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig, Grandpa Pig, Granny Pig, Uncle Pig, Auntie Pig and cousins Chloe and Baby Alexander.

Peppa Pig has more than 700 licensees worldwide. The TV series airs in more than 180 territories and has been translated into more than 40 languages.

Peppa Pig merchandise was initially available at Toys “R” Us and is now launching at major mass market retailers this fall. Jazwares is the master toy licensee. eOne, co-owner and worldwide distributor of Peppa Pig, say that this year, the global Peppa Pig licensing program is on track to exceed $1 billion in retail sales.

Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana was named as exclusive licensing and branding agent for Canada.

THE BRIDGE DIRECT’S INKOOS COLOR N’ CREATE PEPPA PIG comes with three markers so kids can draw, wash, and redo Peppa holding Teddy. Designed for ages 4 and up, it will be available at Toys “R” Us in November. • SCHOLASTIC introduces a series of books. Shown here is BEDTIME FOR PEPPA. Best Friends is another title in the line. • PEPPA PIG TUMBLE & SPIN is an electronic memory matching game for two to four players, ages 3 and up. Spin Peppa and follow the instructions to collect all six matching cards for your Peppa Pig friend. Also available is the Peppa Pig Merry-Go-Round Game.

Be the last player on the ride to win. The Peppa Pig Mega Mat Jumbo with two vehicles is also part of the Peppa Pig line. All three items are from TCG. • PEPPA PIG TREE HOUSE PLAY CENTER WITH BALL PIT from BETTER TOYZ is an inflatable playhouse featuring peek-through windows and two large crawlthrough openings, plus 45 ball pit balls. • PRIMARY COLORS introduces the PEPPA PIG COLORING TOTE-BOOK. Designed for ages 3 and up, it features 24 illustrated coloring pages, 12 colorful twist crayons in a plastic see-through pouch positioned on the book, and character sticker sheets. Also available is an On the Go Coloring Pouch. • This eight-inch PEPPA PIG from FIESTA TOY is available for the amusement channel. • Master toy licensee JAZWARES is introducing an extensive range of products including plush, figures, toy vehicles, playsets, and bath toys. Shown here is PEPPA PIG AND GEORGE’S PIRATE SHIP CONSTRUCTION SET. The 82-piece set includes Peppa and George figures, a ship, and firing cannon. Also available this fall is Peppa Pig’s School House, Grandpa’s Train, Rainy Day Peppa Figure, Peppa Pig Family Campervan, Peppa’s Red Car, the Deluxe House, Peppa Pig Family Pack, Bath Squirtees, Two-Pack Figures, and Small Plush with Sounds featuring Peppa Pig, Danny Dog, and Suzy Sheep.

OCTOBER 2015 tfe 25

Science Is Trending BY

NANCY LOMBARDI

The Young Scientists Club, founded in 1999, works with a local camp called The Young Scientists Club Summer Science Camp.

Pictured here is one the campers.

ew Horizons. Tesla Model S. Drones. Apps. Video Games.

Apple Watch.

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge. Weather Forecasting. Solar Panels.

Organic Farming. These incredibly diverse ideas, concepts, and products all have one thing in common: each is possible because of science. Yet oftentimes science is one of those catch-all phrases that evokes a ho-hum response from both kids and adults alike. Both enter the science and exploration category of toys with preconceived notions of boring school assignments and dry teachers.

Luckily, what today’s generation of kids is realizing is that science is anything but boring.

In fact, it’s the crux of daily life starting with the phone in everyone’s hand. Science is measuring

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out ingredients for a favorite recipe. It’s the video games everyone plays. Science is the apps we use to make life easier. It is the latest musthave gadget. And, of course, science still takes us to places far, far away as we saw this summer with New Horizons’ amazing images of Pluto.

So after all these years of playing second fiddle to a lot of the cooler categories in the toy industry, science is having its moment in the sun thanks to everyone jumping on the STEM bandwagon. STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. (In some circles, STEAM, adding in Art, is gaining in popularity as is STREAM, adding in Reading.) The term STEM was first coined as an educational term by the National Science Foundation (NSF) in the early 2000s. The acronym gives the media, politicians, educators, retailers, and parents a simple phrase to latch on to. It has been used to illustrate everything from shortcomings in the education system to the importance of developing skills to navigate tomorrow’s workplace. Of course, it has also been used to sell all kinds of products.

In the meantime, it has made many stalwart science-focused companies in the toy industry “overnight” successes, so to speak. Companies such as The Young Scientists Club, Uncle Milton, Thames & Kosmos, Elenco, SmartLab, and many others are now finding their products are the cool kids at retail. And, the demand is focusing on two distinct segments of kids: preschoolers and young girls.

Can Toddlers Crack the Code?

The best way to foster interest in just about anything is to get children involved at a young age. That may be especially true in science.

Many companies are making preschoolers a top priority when it comes to product development. The hot science topics for preschoolers are engineering and coding. Simplistically put, coding is the language that creates and runs computer software, apps, websites, and just about every aspect of daily life.

LightUp is a newcomer, launched through KickStarter, whose kits are designed to get kids interested in engineering principles with a special focus on electronics and programming, according to Josh Chan, co-founder and CEO. The company’s LightUp Edison Kit is for ages 5 and up.

Kids build upon that set by moving into the Tesla set, which is designed for ages 7 and up.

In a similar vein, an important initiative for Thames & Kosmos are kits focusing on preschool engineering. The company’s assortment features Kids First Automobile Engineer, Kids First Aircraft Engineer, and Kids First Amusement Park Engineer.

“You can’t get into advanced scientific concepts at this age,” says Andy Quartin, CEO of Thames & Kosmos. “But you can teach them about asking questions such as ‘how?’ and ‘why?’, which are some of the questions that children of that age ask anyway.”

The Young Scientists Club introduced kits for kids ages 3 and up a few years ago featuring Scholastic’s Clifford the Big Red Dog. The kits are designed to excite and intrigue young children—and their parents—about science.

The Clifford license was chosen to give a friendly, non-gender-specific face to science, according to Esther Novis, president and CEO of The Young Scientists Club.

Elenco is introducing a younger version of its classic Snap Circuits this year. Originally designed

for ages 8 and up, Snap Circuits Beginner is for ages 5 and up. Like many of those interviewed, Jane Stephens-Smith, national sales manager for Elenco, points out that young kids are capable of grasping concepts and developing a love of learning. But the big challenge for toymakers is creating the product manuals. For this young age group the manuals need to be simple and completely illustrated. These tiny tots may be learning about science but they can’t read yet so a detailed manual of text will only frustrate their parents.

“The manual is the real point of distinction because instead of having all the detailed program and project information it’s completely pictorial,” says Stephens-Smith. “If a child can follow an arrow, they can put the project together. There are 20 different projects to follow. It really does start a child on a very simple format for Snap Circuits. They will move very quickly into the regular Snap Circuits from there.”

Likewise Thames & Kosmos says it offers storybooks featuring a brother and sister team with its preschool kits to serve as an instruction manual. LightUp offers an app to help kids navigate the product.

Let’s Hear it for the Girls

Part of the reason science—and science toys—are getting so much attention lately is because of the lack of girls venturing into science and related STEM careers. (See sidebar for more information.) The thought is if young girls are introduced to science through toys at a young age, then they will develop an interest, which could lead them down a career path.

While everyone agreed that more women in science is a good thing, toymakers disagreed a bit on how to get girls there. Some

toymakers think girl-specific products will help to spur interest. While others say science itself is gender-neutral and great toys are enough to spur interest.

“We are remaining gender neutral,” says Elenco’s Stephens-Smith. “We support kids being smart. Our products are interesting and engaging enough that it doesn’t matter if you are a boy or a girl.”

Thames & Kosmos and The Young Scientists Club agree. “Our kits are gender neutral,” says Thames & Kosmos’ Quartin.

“Science is a gender-neutral category and it shouldn’t go in the boy or girl aisle. It should be in the science or educational aisle.”

The other side of the debate says that keeping kits gender neutral keeps the focus on boys. So some companies have decided to pinpoint common interests for girls with their kits. For example, Scientific Explorer, part of Alex Brands, says its Spa Science Kit, Heavenly Hair, and Perfumery Kit, are top sellers for the company.

Educational Insights has Nancy B.’s Science Club, which is named for former teacher, scientist, and product manager Nancy Balter. The products feature journals and numerous activities that are tied into NancyBScienceClub.com.

The website and the product’s packaging feature female scientists so girls can picture themselves in a potential career.

A new player in this category is Roominate.

Launched by two women who became friends in the masters engineering program at Stanford, the product line allows girls to build, wire, and design a studio apartment, chateau, or estate. There’s also an architect accessory pack. The website offers girls a gallery of ideas on what and how to

build and celebrates girls with #LetGirlsBuild.

“It’s important that girls have an option when it comes to playing with building toys,” says Alice Brooks, Roominate co-founder.

“Bettina [Chen, co-founder] and I were both inspired to become engineers because of our childhood play experiences, but we both realized that there wasn’t anything in the toy aisle that offered girls this type of experience.

That’s why we created Roominate, to let girls know that no career is off limits to them.”

Women in Science

Women make up 47 percent of the total U.S. workforce, but are less represented in certain science and engineering occupations. Here are some findings: • 39 percent of chemists and material scientists are women • 27.9 percent of environmental scientists and geoscientists are women • 15.6 percent of chemical engineers are women • 12.1 percent of civil engineers are women • 8.3 percent of electrical and electronics engineers are women • 17.2 percent of industrial engineers are women • 7.2 percent of mechanical engineers are women.

(Source: The U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Women in the Labor Force: A Databook, 2014).

OCTOBER 2015 tfe 27

Roominate Townhouse

Now that toymakers have successfully piqued the interests of kids, it’s time to get the adults on board.

Sparking Parental Interest

Think back to your own school days and for most of us science was a very dry topic. It was hard to get through, didn’t seem to have much application in real life, and oftentimes a lot of the learning materials were quite dated.

An exception to that may be the generation that experienced the excitement of space exploration in the 1960s. But for the rest of us, science was a chore. That stigma is something that today’s toymakers have to overcome when talking to parents. Those interviewed repeatedly cited fear on the part of adults as one of the barriers for a child’s success in the category. The child comes to the category as a blank slate ready to learn. But the parents fear that their child will need help with the project and they won’t be able to do it. To alleviate this concern, it’s important to help parents and grandparents see that science is everywhere, according to Ellen Metrick, educational marketing manager for Learning Resources.

“It’s the books that kids read, it’s the nature walks in the park,” says Metrick. “Math can be incorporated when you are measuring how tall the child got or measuring out Cheerios [to eat],” she says. “All of that is STEM in everyday situations so making parents and grandparents aware of the possibilities is key. It doesn’t have to be scary because you are already doing it.”

Now Sold in Stores

Retail buyers can also serve as a barrier in

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the category. Remember, much like parents they may view science as a chore based on their own childhood experiences. Traditional science products have historically done very well in independent toy stores where education is the focus and the retailer can explain the product to shoppers. Mass market stores have never gone too deep with science, yet many are jumping on the STEM bandwagon and featuring products that focus on coding and engineering skills. Amazon.com is one of the most notable examples. The online retailer recently created a STEM store featuring products from littleBits, LightUp, LEGO, Roominate, K’NEX, Ravensburger, Be Amazing Toys, GoldieBlox, and many others.

The tide at retail certainly is turning, according to The Young Scientists Club’s Novis. “At a recent trade show, more retailers came in [to the booth] saying, ‘I’ve never carried science products but the word is that I should,’” she says. Novis adds that more stores are also hosting birthday parties and events themed around science.

This is certainly great news for a category that has never really been given the chance to shine.

But it is a category that’s very broad and is filled with companies making great products.

“STEM will continue to be an opportunity,” says Ken Malouf, vice-president of marketing and product management for Uncle Milton. “But we, as an industry, really have to think about approaching it in a way that is responsible to the objectives of what the ini-

tiative is all about.” In the end, “it’s about inspiring kids to learn about the world around them,” he says.

“E” Is for Engineering

Science—and STEM—is a broad topic that goes beyond a few chemistry sets in the toy aisle. The term “science” can encompass construction toys as well. After all, the “E” in STEM stands for engineering and we can assume that most of today’s engineers played with construction toys whether it’s LEGO, K’NEX, or Alex Brands’ Citiblocs or Zoob.

Like many of those interviewed, LEGO says it works with schools, camps, and after-school programs across the country.

LEGO says that, “One great example of our efforts is called First LEGO League (FLL), a national organization that engages more than 250,000 boys and girls in middle school to design, build, and program a LEGO Mindstorms robot to respond to an annual themed challenge related to a real societal issue,” says Michael McNally, LEGO’s senior director of brand relations.

“Teams collaborate, research, prototype, and finalize solutions that they take to regional competitions. FLL is often referred to as ‘sports for the mind’ because of the spirited and competitive nature of the regional tournaments. What these kids come up with is nothing short of amazing.”

For more information, visit firstlegoleague.org

Science & Exploration Science Is Trending

BY

NANCY LOMBARDI

STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) concepts have become an important and fun aspect of play. Stalwart science companies are competing with many newcomers who see endless opportunities in the category for all kids from preschoolers through the teen years. It’s a category that has become cool with kids as they realize that science is the fuel for everyday life.

GIRLS ONLY! SECRET MESSAGE LAB from SMART LAB TOYS comes with two kits that include everything girls, ages 8 and up, need to create codes and write secret messages, including message masks, an invisible ink/UV reveal pen, code wheels, and more. In addition, the booklet includes activities that teach girls about chemistry and coding. • THE YOUNG SCIENTISTS CLUB’S GROWING CRAZY CRYSTALS features Ms. Frizzle from Scholastic’s The Magic School Bus. Kids, ages 5 and up, can explore sugar and salt crystals, make a crystal star, create crystal art, and more. It comes with an observation chart to keep track of the growth. • K’NEX’s Education line focuses on STEM learning. The INVESTIGATING SOLAR ENERGY KIT teaches kids, ages 9 and up, how to harness the energy of the sun into electricity to power K’NEX models. The set includes 128 K’NEX parts, solar panel, and motor. This set builds three models. • LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 allows kids to create and command robots that walk, talk, or do anything else a kid can imagine. Follow the step-by-step 3-D building instructions to create TRACK3R, R3PTAR, SPIK3R, EV3RSTORM (shown for ages 10 and up), or GRIPP3R. Bring each to life with an icon-based programming interface. Use the enclosed remote control and take on challenging ready-made missions or download the free app and command the robot using a smart device. • GEARS! GEARS! GEARS! PET PLAYLAND BUILDING SET from LEARNING RESOURCES contains 83 pieces for ages 4 and up. There’s four pets, two ferris wheel carriages, a teacup, an airplane, and more. Watch as the items spin with the simple twist of the gear handle. Mix-and-match pieces allow for endless combinations. This is compatible with all Gears! Gears! Gears! sets.

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Craft Aisle Brings New Consumers, Product

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by Jennifer

Lynch

verall, the state of the toy industry continues to see yearover-year growth with the NPD Group predicting the U.S. toy industry to grow by 6.2 percent in 2015 by year’s end. But a closer look at individual category performance reveals that while 2014 might have been dubbed the year of the maker movement by some, this year is proving to be less than stellar for the overall arts & crafts space—it’s the only super toy category that NPD is predicting to see a double-digit dollar decline of 16 percent.

What’s interesting about this data isn’t so much the figures but rather what they mean. As arts gets further grouped into the world of STEM to form STEAM (Editor’s Note: see page 26 for more on this category), it’s not so much that arts & crafts has become obsolete but rather the growing cross-over between the categories of art, science, and engineering have become so intertwined that the category as a whole is in a state of transition. And as we move into 2016, the industry will continue to see this category shift gears both in terms of its target consumer and its product drivers.

THE CRAFTY BOY

One key factor driving this change is the shifting focus at retail away from girls and boys toy labeling and toward those that are gender-neutral. While the arts & crafts aisle has never been specifically for girls—one look at product and craft themes and it’s evident who the target consumer has been. “Families today are more diverse and less traditional than ever before, which has helped to break down the gender divide in the toy industry,” says Paul Solomon, co-CEO of Moose Toys. “The toy industry follows consumer demand when creating and marketing prod-

32 tfe October 2015

Moose Toy’s Qixels lets kids design 8-bit characters with just a little water and square beads.

ucts that are geared toward a specific gender, so as consumers ask that gender labels on toys be diminished, companies develop more gender-neutral products to meet their needs.”

While this could be looked at as a hindrance on the historically girl-focused category, many arts & craft makers see the timing as just right to reach boys with new types of play. “The maker movement is a true reflection of an important philosophy at Klutz—empowering kids to play, tinker, and create things and to us, a maker and a crafter are the same at heart,” says Netta Rabin, vice-president, product development, Klutz.

“We talk a lot at Klutz about what makes a craft especially exciting for boys, and it often comes back to play.”

This year, Moose Toys launched Qixels, a line of water-fusible bead art kits inspired by the 8-bit trend and its own Beados line. “Boys want to showcase their creativity with craft activities just as much as girls—it’s evident by all the boys wearing their Rainbow Loom bracelets,” says Solomon. “With Qixels, Moose has carved out the ‘craftstruction’ category, the newest creative activity play pattern appealing to boys and girls.”

“Boys want to showcase their creativity with craft activities just as much as girls,” —Paul Solomon, co-CEO, Moose Toys

Likewise long-time player Alex Brands taps into the trend with its launch of Guy Gear earlier this year, which builds on the classic fun of friendship bracelet making, but with a more boy-friendly design. “Our customers have been asking for boys’ crafts for a while,” says Eric Von Stein, director of product development, Alex Brands. “With the increased media attention on the maker movement, we felt the timing was right to launch with kits using utilitarian materials like paracord and duct tape in sporty and glowing colors. We focused on the right activities for the age and skill set and created bold branding for a strong statement at retail.”

The Bridge Direct also innovated friendship bracelets with a unique peel-apart material in its Strand Bands line in 2015, and plans are in the works to extend the line with more boy-friendly

KIDS AT HEART

If the maker movement has taught us anything it’s that everyone can be a maker, no matter the age. And a niche that is growing is the unique trend of intricate adult coloring books. “I never would have guessed it, but complex ‘adult’ coloring books have become all the rage,” says Klutz’s Netta Rabin, vice-president of product development. Look no further than Amazon’s Best-Sellers book list to see the extent of the trend—with adult coloring books holding top spots for months. Klutz now offers colorings book with mini-tutorials that delve deeper into color theory with illustrations by web artist Hello Angel. Skyhorse Publishing also offers an array of adult coloring books. “It allows adults a way to unplug in a way that you can’t do with a device in front of you,” says Sam Caggiula, director of publicity, Skyhorse Publishing. designs this fall and into 2016, says Cindy Jaffy, director of marketing, The Bridge Direct. “It’s something our retailers requested as well,” she says. “We launched in Learning Express and they participated in a lot of summer demo days where boys were coming in requesting their own [Strand Band] Stylers.”

RoseArt found success with its gender-neutral Graphic Skinz line last fall and this year the company expands with its Roto Motion Mixer Dino Lab, a boy-focused craft to cast their own dinosaur. “It’s the perfect combination of science and crafting,” says Shantelle Taylor, senior manager, global brand marketing for RoseArt. “Many boys love completing science experiments but don’t have interest in traditional jewelry-making, sewing, or fashion-focused crafting. Reinventing a traditional craft activity like plaster crafting in a more science-like manner and overlaying the play pattern with a dinosaur theme allows boys to enter the craft category and enjoy the process of creative crafting.”

COOKING UP SUCCESS

Gender becomes less of an issue on the activity side of the aisle, especially when looking at classics such as compounds, food, and coloring.

But while subcategories like compounds continue to offer innovation—Spin Master’s Kinetic Sand and Kinetic Float and Hasbro’s DohVinci are examples—this year it seems like everyone

is heading back into the kitchen. Hasbro’s Easy Bake Oven has long dominated the space and this holiday the company is relaunching the iconic toy with a new look and new offerings.

But as big a player as Hasbro is, it’s no longer the only player. Others are moving into the category, hoping to offer points of differentiation with new innovations and pricing strategies.

Wicked Cool Toys is challenging the Easy Bake Oven with its Girl Scout Cookie Oven, which brings the Girl Scout’s iconic cookie creations to the toy aisle for the first time. “Clearly we could have just made another oven, put the Girl Scouts label on it, and called it a day,” says Michael Rinzler, co-president and founding partner of Wicked Cool Toys. “But we wanted to do something that was really different.” That difference is seen in the oven’s key features such as its tile heating plates located on the top and bottom of the oven, which allows for a window to watch the cookies bake, cuts the baking time in half, and creates more evenly baked cookies.

“It might not be actual Girl Scout Cookies,” says Rinzler. “It is still a toy oven, but it makes a cookie that tastes really good.”

Price is another way to offer differentiation.

Even today, the food activity category continues to be thought of as a traditionally fourth quarter business—helmed by a lead item supported with refill packs. Blip Toys is looking to change that thinking with its Yummy Nummies line,

which launched earlier this year. The majority of its food activity kits are priced around $6.99, and it’s contributed to the line’s success thus far, says Rick Mershon, Blip’s vice-president of sales. “We found great success Q2 when we launched in June,” he says. “We’re seeing the same success now, and we expect that to continue through Q4. No one’s ever really lived at $6.99 with a really meaningful food program but it’s what we’re doing.” Yummy Nummies miniature food kits run the gamut from bakery classics like donuts and cookies to more savory offerings like its best-selling burger kit. “We wanted things to be familiar but we also wanted there to be some intrigue, and that intrigue came with the savories,” says Mershon.

In addition to the strictly food-focused activities, shaking up the space is Skyrocket Toys’ new Chocolate Pen, which toes the line between food play and 3-D maker. “There is a lot of emphasis on creativity and on kids being able to express themselves and build their own thing,” says John Ardell, Skyrocket’s vice-president of sales and marketing. “The chocolate pen incorporates both those pieces—free play where you are writing with the pen and making your own creations but then there is more structured play in the molds, following a template. It’s really more of an activity that just happens to be food.

Even if you were writing in puffy paint, this would still be a great activity. The fact that it is food, that just brings it over the top.”

But no matter if a child is whipping up a batch of Girl Scout Cookies, casting their own dinosaur model, or pixelating an 8-bit style character with a little water and beads, for kids, it’s that factor that brings a craft or activity over the top and the end result that will keep them coming back. Now, it’s up to toymakers to think outside the box to get them there.

October 2015 tfe 33

Arts & Crafts

Trending Crafts & Activity Toys

by Jennifer

Lynch

The maker movement continues to drive the overall growth of the arts & crafts and activity space, with an increased emphasis on crafts for boys, 3-D printing, and innovation in food activity.

• The Bridge Direct’s Strand Bands Deluxe Designer offers a new way for kids to make colorful bracelets out of stretchy, peel-apart material. This set comes with a deluxe Styler, in purple, pink, or teal, to hold the strands in place while braiding. For ages 8 and up. • The Crayola Creations Thread Wrapper lets kids use any thread to wrap and customize their gear. Create custom thread colors and draw designs on top of a thread-wrap pattern. For ages 6 and up. • SkyRocket Toys’ Chocolate Pen is a motorized 3-D pen that let kids draw, write, and create in chocolate. For ages 6 and up. • Wicked Cool Toys’ MasterChef Junior line, based on the Fox television show MasterChef Junior, gives junior home cooks fun and technical challenges using each kits included kid-sized cooking tools and recipe cards for all skill levels. For ages 6 and up. • Blip Toys’ Yummy Nummies line continues to expand with new offerings for holiday 2015 and beyond. Pictured is the Yummy Nummies Best Ever Burger Maker, which includes everything needed to make a burger, fries, and cola without an oven or stovetop. For ages 6 and up.

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Hasbro’s Easy-Bake Ultimate Oven Baking Star Edition is a modern white electric oven with gold, glittery accents for young chefs-in-training.

For ages 8 and up. • Spin Master’s Bunch’Ems are squishy bits that connect together to create almost anything. They stick and stay together, then pull apart for endless play. For ages 4 and up. • RoseArt’s Roto-Motion Mixer Dino Lab lets kids cast dinosaur figures using RoseArt’s Fast Cast Powder. For ages 6 and up. • Alex Toys’ Guy Gear DIY Cobra Bands is a craft kit for boys that uses paracord to craft thick sporty cobra bands with buckle closures. For ages 8 and up. • Moose Toys combines its popular Shopkins with its water-fusing bead line Beados in the new Beados Shopkins Sweet Spree Design Station. Use the templates, add Beados, spray them with water, and dry with the Quick Dry Design Station to create beaded Shopkins characters. For ages 5 and up. • Wooky Entertainment Charmazing Charmastation features a bottom storage compartment to stow materials for easy access and foam slots to hold Charmazing bracelets in place while designing. For ages 8 and up.

Klutz’s Design & Dye with No-Heat Batik uses special doodling gel to trace designs onto any fabric and safely dye to create wearable art. For ages 8 and up. • Cra-Z-Art’s Crystal Craze Clutch lets kids stick and style gemstones to create a clutch purse. For ages 6 and up. • The Fashion Angels It’s My Biz Cupcake Bakery and Vintage T-Shirt Shop kits. The Cupcake Bakery Kit comes with all the essential tools to bake, decorate, and merchandise homemade sweets. For ages 8 and up.

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2016 PREVIEW: EXPERTS ASSESS THE TOY INDUSTRY BY

NANCY LOMBARDI

TFE spoke with experts in the industry for their insights on products from the classic to the cutting-edge, navigating the retail landscape, mining untapped categories, challenges in manufacturing, engaging kids in play, and what’s ahead for 2016. Here are their responses, presented alphabetically by company.

The Bridge Direct/Basic Fun Jay Foreman, President and CEO The Bridge Direct seems to be focusing on the classics—Lite-Brite, Strawberry Shortcake, Fisher-Price, Simon, View Master. How do you keep these toys fresh for today’s kids?

Actually, it’s not easy to keep them fresh as the point of a classic is that they remain the same from our perspective on our lines. The key is a fresh approach at retail and a fresh approach to the gift-and-toy end user. With our retail partners we’ve created “classic retro” sections at retail adding new items every year and enhancing the section with attractive signage. From the public relations and social media perspective, it’s about reminding consumers that these toys are available to share with their kids. Other toy companies marketing classics from the past are refreshing them but our strategy is to give the consumer and end user the classic play experience.

The Bridge Direct is featuring the Strand Bands line. How do you innovate on classic activity sets for today’s fickle tweens? How do you stay one step ahead of today’s tweens?

Strand Bands is an interesting case. In this regard kids are actually not fickle. They love bracelet and accessory making whether it’s 36 tfe OCTOBER 2015

looming, weaving, or stringing beads. It’s a timeless play pattern since early man (or kid) strung horse hair together and tied a sea shell on it to make a necklace or bracelet. The key is innovating the play pattern. That’s what we’ve done with Strand Bands. With our patented peel-and-pull stands and styler we’ve given kids a fun, new way to express their creativity and easily make great bracelets and accessories. The point is not always to create a new trend or play pattern but make a classic one better or take it to a new level, which we have done with Strand Bands.

What do you see as the next untapped category in the toy industry?

We still think construction is the most untapped category. There is still one player taking 90 percent of the volume or more in the category, so Marketing 101 would tell you there is room for other players. Of course, that is much easier said than done.

Given the masterful job that LEGO does it’s extremely difficult to break into the category—not to mention the cost of entry both in terms of product development and tooling and in technical expertise. It’s been a multiyear process for us to break into this category first with WWE, next with NBA, and now with Shopkins. It’s certainly not for the faint of heart, but if you can crack it, then there’s a big market to exploit.

Jakks Pacific Stephen Berman, Co-Founder and CEO Jakks Pacific has staged a turnaround in the past few years. What contributed to the comeback? What can the industry expect to see from Jakks within the next few years?

Jakks Pacific underwent a strategic reorganization mid-year in 2013. We started to see the benefit of that reorganization in 2014, and we hope to fully see the benefit this year. That said, we continue to take a conservative approach to our business, and we’re happy batting singles and doubles. Benefitting the industry is the sales of entertainmentlicensed toys and consumer products, which is accelerated around the globe. Jakks has a very strong, by category, licensed portfolio. We will continue to have a laser focus on developing new products and initiatives to better position our portfolio for growth in 2016, and beyond in three key areas: successfully extending many current licensing agreements with our major partners and adding popular new licenses across many of our core categories; complementing our portfolio with our own intellectual properties within each category, business unit, and international territories; and, expanding into new areas of business that utilize Jakks’ core competencies.

What are some of the challenges that you see facing the industry?

Children encompass technology more and more in their day-to-day lives, and we must keep that perspective in making physical products that combine creative play. That’s not changing and it means looking into the future combining various technologies, where appropriate, with physical goods. That certainly may be a challenge for some in our industry.

Whether it’s a low-tech or a high-tech toy, there is staying power in toys but they have to be relevant. Jakks has the unique ability to create and manufacture products that are of-the-moment and relevant, with incredible speed to market.

We are much more nimble than the larger toy manufacturers; it’s a tremendous point of difference, which gives us a great advantage.

Where do you expect industry growth to come from in 2016?

Over the past few years the toy aisle has experienced shrinkage. Today, kids have a much stronger voice than I did as a kid, and are driving purchase decisions at a much younger age. Retailers are paying attention and there seems to be a renewed focus on the toy and kids’ consumer products aisle at major retailers, as well as emerging channels, to create compelling experiences in the store.

Just Play Geoffrey Greenberg, Co-President Doc McStuffins and Frozen continue to be popular with kids. What additional Disney

properties are on the horizon that may prove to be as popular?

In addition to Disney Jr.’s Doc McStuffins, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse has been a strong performer this year. From iconic plush that sings the “Hot Dog Song” to construction roleplay toys, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse continues to capture new preschoolers and has seen phenomenal growth this year. Sheriff Callie has also proven to be a strong seller as well with success across plush, figures, and roleplay.

And in spring 2016, there is a lot of excitement about the launch of The Lion Guard, a series targeting a new generation of boys that builds off of the heritage of The Lion King, as well as our product launch for Sofia the First.

Puppy in My Pocket and Peanuts are two properties that are generating a lot of buzz.

What role is nostalgia playing in their success vs. today’s kids simply enjoying the toys?

Great brands, toys that are fun to collect and play with, plus the nostalgia factor are all contributing to the excitement around Puppy in My Pocket and Peanuts. Since hitting the shelves in August, Puppy in My Pocket is quickly becoming the “must-have” collectible for kids today. Kids love the huge range of adorable, flocked puppies to play with, wear-and-share, and collect. Plus, tons of new puppies are coming as we speak.

With Peanuts, the buzz surrounding the upcoming movie launch this fall combined with parents’ desire to share their favorite childhood moments with their own children

is shaping up to make the Peanuts line a big success. The character personalities shine through in the toys and make playing out stories, old and new, fun for generations to come.

What trends do you see for holiday 2015 and spring 2016?

Kids want to play out stories, as well as be a part of a story. Toys based on great content that enable story-telling and roleplay continue to be important. Collectibles will continue to be popular, giving kids a new way to play and explore themes, characters, and create personalized collections that represent what they’re into. The shared experiences between parent and child focused on a favorite toy or character paves the way for continued relaunches of beloved brands.

Moose Toys Paul Solomon, Co-CEO Shopkins is the hottest property in the industry. What is Moose doing to protect as well as grow the brand?

Moose Toys is thrilled that Shopkins is bringing smiles to so many kids’ faces.

However, it is not uncommon for very successful toys to encounter counterfeit product in the market, trying to capitalize on the brand’s popularity. Moose works hard to protect the Shopkins brand to ensure that fans are purchasing the genuine product they know and love.

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2016 TOY PREVIEW Recently, Moose worked with local police to seize more than 150,000 counterfeit Shopkins. By ceasing illegal activity and prohibiting fake Shopkins products from being produced and distributed, Moose is dedicated to ensuring the safety and happiness of children. In addition, kids are truly the experts at spotting fake Shopkins a mile away, memorizing each character’s name, color, and design. So when a Shopkins product is not authentic, fans also help protect the brand by calling out the counterfeit products and only purchasing the real ones.

Beyond diligently protecting the brand, Moose is also constantly looking for new ways to grow the Shopkins brand and keep it exciting for kids. Each new season brings all new adorable characters in brand new categories.

Most recently, characters in stationery, fashion, and housewares joined the Shopkins family. Additionally, Moose offers unique experiences for loyal fans, such as the nationwide Shopkins Swap-kins fan event. With these engaging experiences, Moose hopes to celebrate the Shopkins craze with passionate fans who helped grow the brand over the past year.

Moose Toys has had a lot of success creating collectible toy brands. First there was Trash Pack and now Shopkins. What is Moose’s magic formula that entices kids to play and collect for the longer term?

Kids have always been fans of collecting, from baseball cards many years ago to Shopkins now. As a strong player in this cate38 tfe OCTOBER 2015

gory, Moose understands that several elements must be present to create a successful collectible line. Collectibles lead to imaginative play among children, who find joy in creating their own worlds and stories with the characters. To ignite that creativity in kids, Moose ensures that the collectible characters are created with their own unique personalities and animated expressions. Kids pay attention to the small details on each character. Additionally, Moose keeps kids engaged with new seasons that offer fresh characters and innovative playsets. Finally, Moose offers a webisode series on YouTube so that kids can watch the characters’ personalities develop as they engage with each other. Along with an engaging theme and the creativity and passion that Moose embodies, these elements can result in a collectible craze, as proven by Shopkins. Looking forward, Moose is eager to continue growing the Shopkins brand, as well as the newest collectible line, The Ugglys Pet Shop.

Thus far, Moose has developed all of its own brands. Is the company interested in taking on licenses?

Moose Toys is in the business of developing strong properties, supported with digital content, to attract licensees and further expand their brands. In addition to working with licensees to add new offerings to their brands, Moose’s craft activity brands have included licensed items. For example, Glitzi Globes featured both Disney Princess- and Frozen-themed products.

Spin Master Anton Rabie, Chair and Co-CEO What opportunities are there for Spin Master now that it is a public company?

As a newly public company, we have strong operating momentum and financial strength, positioning Spin Master for continued growth. Our strategies for growth are the same ones we have successfully executed to date. Specifically, we intend to continue to innovate across our portfolio of brands and product lines, develop evergreen global entertainment properties, grow our international sales, and further leverage our global platform through strategic acquisitions.

Spin Master recently acquired Cardinal Industries. What can the trade and consumers expect to see from Spin Master’s game division?

Cardinal has been a leader in games and puzzles for more than 60 years and we look forward to building on that legacy. [Editor’s note: Spin Master’s acquisition of Cardinal was expected to close on October 1. This issue went to print before that time.] Once closed, Spin Master will be the No. 2 player in the North American games business. The acquisition allows us to expand our award-winning selection of games, puzzles, and licensed products both in North America and internationally, and

that’s what consumers can keep looking forward to. Even in the digital age, people around the world still love board games and we want to continue giving them the best of the best.

We always strive to push the envelope and develop new innovations, which consumers can look forward to seeing in our game portfolio. Traditional games remain stable, but they are being complimented by new styles of gaming like our Pop Stream game, which combines a physical game board with a digital component, using your tablet as part of the game play.

Spin Master will launch Teletubbies toys in 2016. What can consumers expect to see from the line?

The brand is coming back in a big way in 2016, with a completely new and fresh look for Teletubbies, including new outfits and environments. We are very excited to be launching toys to go along with the new episodes and helping bring this iconic brand to life for new parents and their young children. Spin Master will distribute a range of products, including figures, playsets, plush and vehicles. Consumers can expect the products to have all the ingredients from the past with a new Spin Master twist.

Paw Patrol has been a big success. What are the long-term plans for the brand?

We are always amazed by the passion fans have for Paw Patrol and will continue to work with Nickelodeon to ensure our fans are getting the most out of the brand. Our

goal is to build a global franchise. In the toy aisle, we have a full line of Paw Patrol toys and licensed merchandise to delight our amazing supporters.

Toy Industry Association (TIA) Steve Pasierb, President and CEO TIA recently launched The Genius of Play initiative and The Play Pledge. Briefly explain these initiatives. How can the industry get involved to promote this initiative to consumers?

TIA members, our staff, and industry thoughtleaders have long believed that more needed to be done to create an industry-wide movement to proactively champion the many benefits of play. So TIA formed a task force, which included representatives from a wide range of company types and sizes, and set to work on gathering extensive research from pediatricians, academics, play experts, and child psychologists. What did we learn? Perhaps not surprisingly, research showed that children who play on a regular basis are more likely to grow into adults who can think outside the box, deal properly with conflict, and manage their stress in a healthy way. What is surprising is that despite those amazing developmental and social benefits, multiple studies show that playtime in America is on the decline.

This treasure trove of facts and expert insights informed the launch of TIA’s Genius of Play campaign, which rebrands play as an essential element of a happy and healthy life, and inspires parents and caregivers to take time out of their hectic lives to play with their kids. In digital and social media and via the flagship website thegeniusofplay.org, parents can watch and share videos and browse play tips, fun facts, cool toy picks, expert advice, and much more— all designed to get the whole family excited about playing together.

We’re also encouraging families to take the Play Pledge on The Genius of Play website to help guarantee one million hours of beneficial play this year. Once the goal of a million play hours has been reached, a charitable donation will be made to The Toy Bank.

This will be a sustained effort through the years—and we need everybody’s help. The success of the campaign hinges on the active, ongoing participation of toy companies, retailers, and consumers. We are igniting a conversation about the importance of play, and this message needs to be shared as much as possible, particularly on social media. Getting involved is easy. Companies can share the campaign’s animated video series and play facts with fans on social media, and include promotional assets, including videos and video stills, infographics, and other information on their own websites. These resources can be downloaded at www.thegeniusofplay.org/assets.

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2016 TOY PREVIEW What do you think are some of the biggest challenges facing the industry as we move into 2016?

It’s an exciting time for the toy industry.

After several flat years, we saw a 4 percent uptick in U.S. toy sales for 2014, and this year is forecasted to end on an even higher note, with NPD predicting sales to be up 6.2 percent [over last year]. As of this writing, the toy industry has already grown 6.5 percent for the first half of 2015, and NPD has reported gains in categories across the board—from youth electronics to board games and puzzles—putting the toy industry on track for a successful fourth quarter.

Innovation is key to succeeding in the highly competitive youth market, and toymakers are certainly pulling out all the stops as they continue to churn out an endless array of jaw-dropping, inspiring, and magical playthings for kids.

But no industry is without its challenges, and the toy industry is no exception. We continue to be confronted with sensationalized media statements and consumer group accusations about the safety of toys, despite our industry’s tireless commitment to product safety and responsible business practices. These allegations have even instigated the creation of new unnecessary state and county laws that overlap or conflict with our nation’s tough federal standards for toys. TIA will continue to be unrelenting in our work to educate the public about the 40 tfe OCTOBER 2015

safety of toys and how to make good play choices for families and we’ll debunk the dubious claims made by consumer groups.

In fact, we just launched a new online resource for parents at www.PlaySafe.org that everyone in our industry should visit and share widely. TIA’s efforts in this area will expand in 2016, as we replace toy safety myths with toy safety facts and share accurate information with consumers, media, and policymakers.

As costs continue to rise in China, do you see manufacturing moving to other countries?

What will the TIA do to guide its members into potential new countries and/or continents?

China remains the No. 1 manufacturing location for U.S. toys, though rising labor costs in the eastern coastal regions have forced Chinese companies to look inland for cost-saving production alternatives. Toy manufacturers are also exploring and expanding into other regions for production of certain toys, including Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and Mexico (which is particularly desirable due to its proximity to the U.S.).

U.S. production is becoming an increasingly viable option for some companies, thanks to advances in automation and lower shipping costs, so we are seeing some manufacturing returning stateside. But whether or not this is the right choice for a business depends on a variety of factors, including product type and costs associated with cer-

tain manufacturing locations.

TIA’s extensive market research into Australia, Brazil, China, Mexico, and the U.S. addresses manufacturing locations, safety standards, and taxes/duties that companies should be aware of when importing and manufacturing in those regions. Our upcoming market research reports addressing the UK and Canada will delve into business intelligence, consumer brand preferences, and manufacturing opportunities for those countries; these reports will be available in full by February 2016.

Finally, as an association we’re becoming even more international every day. TIA continues to serve as the secretariat for the International Council of Toy Industries (ICTI), which brings together toy associations from around the globe to advance best practices. TIA’s regulatory and external affairs staff now travel even more extensively worldwide as international markets play a vital role in our member companies’ health and growth.

The TIA recently announced that the Fall Toy Preview will remain in Dallas through 2018. Will February Toy Fair remain in New York City?

The North American International Toy Fair is the Western Hemisphere’s go-to-market event and remains vital to our industry.

Buyers and other toy, licensing, and youth entertainment industry decision makers

from 100 countries on six continents attend because they know they are going to find the next big sellers. Toy Fair also has phenomenal media impact as more than 1,000 global media attend to discover the next big toy story. While Toy Fair is thriving, was sold out, and had a waiting list in 2015, those are not necessarily good things—we want new companies to enter the show, we want exhibitors to be able to show their expanded lines, and we want to innovate around Toy Fair. We’re working now on each of those issues consistent with the realities of the Jacob Javits Convention Center, since New York City and its built-in media and financial communities, remain so important to many exhibitors and attendees.

Advancing the cause of toy safety, educating the public on the developmental benefits of play, and focusing on the needs of children and families all fit incredibly well with our dedication to creating membership excellence that advances the health and growth of the toy industry. Our role at TIA is to remain vigilant on all of these fronts and work to do the right things that benefit those we exist to serve.

This is great work and a fantastic industry— one that will always see change and evolution.

VTech Electronics, North America William To, President VTech recently developed successful brands

such as the Go! Go! Smart line and Flipsies.

What is that magic formula to reach kids and bring them into a line for the long term?

There are many factors that go into creating successful brands. VTech is always monitoring the market so we can identify opportunities where technical innovation can breathe life into an established category, improve play patterns, and attract a new audience of parents. The Go! Go! Smart line is a great example of how that innovation has translated into success.

We have the best product developers to bring our ideas to fruition and we test out concepts through research and focus groups to refine parental tastes in each market. We also work closely with our retail partners to understand buying trends and customer feedback. With Flipsies, we spent years incorporating these elements to ensure we were not only satisfying an unmet demand, but also injecting innovation to revolutionize the play experience.

Additionally, we have had success monitoring technology trends, as many kids are looking at their parents’ devices and wanting the same features. With our Kidizoom Action Cam and Smartwatches, we have successfully harnessed the latest technological trends and brought them to children in a fun, interactive, and safe way.

Most of all, we never abandon our mission

to create innovative products that enrich children’s development, so we continue to remain a trusted resource for parents.

What are parents looking for when they purchase an InnoTab for their kids?

We have conducted a lot of research to ensure our InnoTab tablets continue to deliver the features both kids and parents want. We know parents want a tablet that will meet their child’s needs for several years, with a wide variety of age and stageappropriate learning content. They also want a tablet that is durable, designed specifically for kids, and offers parental controls. Finally, parents want a reasonably priced tablet that offers a great value. We’re proud to say our InnoTab tablets deliver all these features and more.

What challenges and opportunities do you see for the toy industry as we move into 2016?

The digital landscape is continuing to change the way kids learn and play. As more companies look to the tech industry for inspiration, VTech will continue to survey tech trends for adults and ways to adapt them in a meaningful way for kids.

Also, retail space is always changing to reflect consumer demand, and the toy aisle is no exception. As we move into 2016, we will continue to work with our retail partners to identify any opportunities for VTech to inject innovation in the toy aisle.

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2016 TOY PREVIEW COMPILED BY

NANCY LOMBARDI

As consumers prep for holiday 2015, the industry is gearing up for 2016 and beyond. Exhibitors at this year’s Fall Toy Preview—as well as those on the West coast for “Los Angeles Toy Fair”—will show lines featuring the newest licenses, the latest in tech, and the reintroduction of some retro favorites. Shown here is a sampling of what will be available.

FUNRISE Gigantic Dump Truck and Gigantic Loader

AMERICAN PLASTIC TOYS

American Plastic Toys is introducing an extensive lineup of products at this year’s Fall Toy Preview, a few of which are highlighted here. The Beauty Salon is a large heart-shaped mirror that is adorned with working lights and built-in sink. The set comes complete with 15 salon essentials including a hair dryer, scissors, makeup, and more. Everything can be stored in additional shelving, which is featured along the sides. The Beauty Salon, for ages 3 and up, also comes with a stool. Designed for easy assembly, no screws are needed and the company says this set can be put together in minutes.

Trail Biters are large-sized vehicles in silly shark and alligator characters. Each features a mouth that opens and closes for jaw-chomping fun. Big knobby tires make it easy for push-and-play action for ages 1.5 and up.

Gigantic Dump Truck and Gigantic Loader (pictured) are nearly two-feet long and feature strong steel axles to withstand even the toughest young truckers, ages 1.5 and up.

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Tonka Climb-Overs Croc Canyon

The Funrise Tonka Climb-Overs feature motorized 4x4 action so these vehicles can maneuver through any obstacle that kids devise, says Funrise. The line features single vehicles, vehicles with basic track pieces, and two levels of playsets, Croc Canyon and Snake Pit Pass. There are also two larger playsets Ripsaw Summit and Boulder Escape. The track pieces include straight pieces and 90degree angle pieces that click to connect to create endless track configurations. Each item is sold separately for ages 3 and up.

HOG WILD

Hog Wild is expanding its Poppers line with Major League Baseball Poppers for ages 4 and up. Sixteen team mascots will be decorated in full uniform as part of the initial rollout. Each popper comes with five foam balls. Squeeze the belly and shoot the soft foam ball up to 20 feet.

St. Louis Cardinals Popper

BLUE ORANGE GAMES

In Ring It, players race to ring the bell first when a winning combination is shown on the table. In each round, players add new actions to perform before ringing the bell, which leads to all sorts of silly sounds and gestures. There are enough cards for up to nine players and each round lasts just a few minutes. Blue Orange Games says this game works on visual perception, processing speed, and math. It is for two to eight players, ages 5 and up.

In Dr. Eureka, players pick a challenge card, three test tubes, and six colorful balls and solve the doctor’s scientific formulas by moving materials from tube to tube without touching them with bare hands. This game is a great brainteaser that can be played solitarily or competitively. Blue Orange says that Dr. Eureka works on visual perception, fine motor skills, problem solving, and processing speed. It is for one to four players, ages 6 and up.

HEDSTROM

Ring It

Sensory Bumpeez

Hedstrom’s Sensory line is built for babies and preschoolers.

The Sensory Bumpeez is a ball built for babies—soft, plush, and surrounded by bumpy knobs that make grasping easy for tiny hands.

Bright colors and high-contrast patterns capture the attention of young eyes learning to focus and track. Senses awaken when this toy is shaken with sounds from the rattle and sights from the bright lights.

Sensory Stackerz Ball is part play ball and part ring stacker. Each colorful layer of the Stackerz Ball has a different tactile feature that keeps kids engaged and entertained.

Sensory Shape Ball is a foam ball that has six two-sided, foam-shaped pieces that fit into the ball like a puzzle with different numbers, letters, and tactile designs for each one. The ball is covered with different textures inviting kids to explore the features using touch. Plenty of grooves make this play product perfect for young hands to grasp during play.

Sensory Puzzle Mat is a colorful puzzle that has two-sided pieces featuring a zoo theme on one side, with letters (upper and lower case) and numbers on the reverse that offer matching opportunities. This puzzle is meant for learning ABCs and 123s.

With tactile shapes and designs, the Sensory Play Mat will keep children exploring. It features a shape-sorting puzzle with textures on one side, and letters and number on the other.

COLORFORMS

The Colorforms line recently launched in September at mass and specialty retailers nationwide. It combines the classic storytelling play pattern with elements important to parents such as storage and portability, with never-before-seen technology and new features such as glow-in-the-dark, glitter, and magic reveals. Some sets feature sound effects with record and playback capabilities. Designed for ages 3 and up, Colorforms also has a robust website, social media presence, and a free app on iOS. New Colorforms are based on today’s key brands such as Disney’s Frozen, Doc McStuffins, and Cars; Marvel’s The Avengers and SpiderMan; Universal’s Minions and Curious George; Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer, SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Paw Patrol.

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2016 TOY PREVIEW WOWWEE

WowWee is introducing CHiP, an artificially intelligent dog that recognizes its master, responds to commands, and knows that when the lights are out, it’s time to head to the dog bed to recharge. With a 360-degree system of play that’s physical, digital, and tactile, CHiP offers all the fun of having a real pet without the fuss.

Next up is Emojibot, where science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) come together to turn simple texting into robotic commands. Program the Emojibot, then sit back and enjoy the surprising reactions that are Emojibot triggered via the robotic emojis. Complete with an LCD screen, dynamic audio, and more than 10,000 animations, Emojibot takes STEM to the next level with content that can be customized and shared in the language of your choice.

REV Omnicycle + Turret is the latest addition to WowWee’s Robotic Enhanced Vehicles (REV) series that offers innovative motion with forward, backward, and sideways driving capabilities. It comes with a stationary oscillating weapon that tracks enemy vehicles and delivers a round of ammo against an opponent. Equipped with futuristic designs, cool games, and new enemies to fight—Omnicycle makes battling computer-controlled A.I. drivers or favorite human opponents more epic than ever, says WowWee.

RAVENSBURGER

Ravensburger is introducing an assortment of games and puzzles at this year’s Fall Toy Preview. In Hundreds of Horses, for ages 6 and up, players must use their imagination to match 100 horse tiles with stories, phrases, and awards. After reading the story, word, or award description aloud, players secretly decide which of the four horses on the game board best matches up. Players earn tokens when they agree with other players on the same horse. The one with the most apples on their tokens wins.

Monkey Beach is an adventure game of pirates and treasure seeking for ages 3 and up that requires players to use their sense of touch to advance play. Pirate players must feel for the hidden treasures and move them to the correct opening in the fabric island. On each turn, players select two cards to see which treasure they have to find and in which opening to seek their treasure. Players must quickly collect their treasures before the volcano erupts and the game ends.

The follow-up game to Bugs in the Kitchen, Buggaloop features a Hexbug nano V2 from Innovation First, which hides in the hidden places of the 3-D game board, popping out unexpectedly to interrupt regular gameplay and delight competitors trying to advance their bug tokens. This is designed for ages 6 and up.

A range of puzzles featuring Disney/Pixar’s Inside Out are also part of the lineup. The new puzzle offerings feature the film’s characters Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust, and Sadness. Inside Out: Emotions, for ages 8 and up, is an extra-large 200-piece panoramic puzzle with an up-close look at all of the Inside Out characters. Inside Out: Mixed Emotions, for ages 6 and up, is a large 100-piece puzzle featuring the five main characters against a rainbow background filled with icons from the movie. Inside Out: Emotional Adventure, for ages 5 and up, is a collection of three 49piece puzzles with different scenes for puzzlers to assemble: Riley’s Mind Map, featuring all five main characters; an up-close portrait of Joy and Sadness; and a puzzle of Anger, Disgust, and Fear.

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AURORA

Aurora is highlighting its Valentine’s line of products. Two new items of note in this year’s line include Winks and So Sweet.

Winks is a cute, cuddly, and soft octopus. Featuring playful legs complemented by a sweet smile, these loveable companions come in five styles in various sizes from seven to 13 inches.

So Sweet are little owls measuring 6.5-inches tall. This owl assortment features soothing color shades and an embroidered heart that is soft to the touch.

Winks

DUNECRAFT

DuneCraft is introducing the newest edition to its glass terrarium line, the Double Bubble. Designed for the office or home, these lush miniature landscapes make for relaxing scenery all year long. DuneCrafts says they require minimal watering and care: plant, place on windowsill, and watch them sprout to life. Choose from one of five different themed terrariums such as the Exotic Escape, Desert Oasis, Color Explosion, Fragrant Flowers, and Tropical Trees. Each style comes with the double bubble glass terrarium, soil, seeds, and instructions.

CEACO/GAMEWRIGHT

By the Book: A Novel Stacking Puzzle is a 3-D puzzle where you stack up to 12 differently shaped books and one clever cat so that the upper shelf lies evenly across the top. Use the included level to make sure everything is perfectly aligned. This is designed for ages 8 and up to master all 40 challenges.

Rolling America The Star Spangled Dice Game is a dice game where the goal is to fill in a map of the United States with the numbers rolled. The trick is that neighboring states can’t have numbers that differ by more than one. Everyone plays at the same time, so plot your moves carefully to outdo your opponents. Designed for ages 8 and up, complete the map with the fewest mistakes and emerge as the champ.

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2016 TOY PREVIEW MANHATTAN TOY

Manhattan Toy is showcasing items that feature the Baby Genius license. Baby Genius Interactive Wooden Puzzles Let’s Learn Sounds and Let’s Learn Shapes are designed for ages 18 months and up.

With the Let’s Learn Sounds Puzzle, baby will hear a musical sound when each piece is put in its place. With the Let’s Learn Baby Genius line of soft books Shapes Wooden Puzzle baby will hear the name of the shape when each piece is put in its place.

Baby Genius soft books are available in three varieties for ages 6 months and up. Baby Genius What Do You Hear? soft book features colorful, tactile fabrics with a ribbon-tie closure. Press the music note attachments to hear five different instrument sounds. Baby Genius Colors and Shapes soft book features colorful, tactile fabrics with a ribbon-tie closure. Press the music note attachments to hear seven different songs about colors and shapes. Baby Genius 1-2-3 Count soft book features colorful, tactile fabrics with a ribbon-tie closure. Press the music note attachments to hear five different characters count fruits and vegetables.

ROOMINATE

Roominate is a customizable line of wired building systems that inspire open-ended, Roominate Amusement Park hands-on play through the use of circuits, modular pieces, and universal joints. Girls can build and create their own original structures or vehicles that can be joined together or taken apart and remade into something completely new and different.

New in 2015 is the Roominate rPower, a physical controller that brings technology into the hands of girls by allowing them to program and control their creations using the Roominate app for iOs and Android from their phone or tablet. rPower is compatible with all Roominate kits, allowing girls to activate their creations by regulating motors, lights, buzzers, and more. Girls will be able to turn motors, lights, and buzzers on and off, adjust the speed and direction of motors, and set lights to blink at varying intervals, allowing for an infinite amount of possibilities for open-ended and hands-on learning. Kits require the use of rPower (purchased separately) in order for creations to be programed and controlled remotely, but can also be played with using the included contents.

With Roominate Townhouse, for ages 6 and up, girls can use the included circuits and modular pieces to construct a customized townhouse for their Roominate dolls by creating a working doorbell, spinning fan, elevator, or whatever their imaginations can dream up. Roominate Townhouse is compatible with rPower so girls can control their moving creations using the Roominate app from a phone or tablet. Included in this 121-piece set are four pluggable wall/floor panels, 52 furniture building pieces, 40 connectors, 12 columns, two wheels, two axles, one motor, one battery pack, one screwdriver, three sheets of stickers, one sheet of wallpaper, and one doll and pet. This requires two AAA batteries, which are not included.

Additional sets that are compatible with the rPower system include Roominate Amusement Park, Roominate School House, Roominate RV, and Roominate School Bus. 46 tfe OCTOBER 2015

ALEX BRANDS

Alex Brands is introducing more than 200 new product during this year’s Fall Toy Preview. Covering multiple categories of play, including crafts, science kits, active play, construction, and many more, some of the highlights include the following items.

Alex is teaming up with MGA Entertainment to create a science collection for MGA’s new Project Mc2. The assortment will supplement MGA’s full Project Mc2 dolls and other science- and spy-inspired experiment kits.

Project Mc2 launched this fall as an entertainment-supported franchise for MGA, with a Netflix Original Series and short form content on YouTube with AwesomenessTV and DreamworksTV. The property offers a geek chic lifestyle approach for tween girls through STEAM-inspired play.

In the Buzz Bee Toys division, there’s the Extreme Range Master and GunSmoke dart blasters, which are launching this fall. The Extreme Range Master is the perfect dart blaster to complete any mission. This bolt-action dart blaster will hit the target up to 60 feet away using Extreme darts, says Alex. GunSmoke delivers a puff of smoke with every blast. Simply load the dart into a shell, pull the trigger, and see a puff of smoke when the dart is launched up to 30 feet away.

Joining the spring 2015 launch of Zoob’s Z-Strux and Galax-Z themed building play, Zoob’s fall offerings include a fresh new look for BuilderZ and RacerZ. These popular building themes feature open-ended building play sets, as well as pull-back motion, remote-control race car sets.

The newest members of the Alex Brands family, Kaloo and Janod, continue to feature contemporary design elements and materials. Kaloo debuts the Petite Rose collection of plush featuring poetry for little girls. Janod is France’s leading wooden toy brand, according to Alex. The company introduced more than 130 new products in 2015. Building sets, roleplay toys, and games and puzzles are included in the line.

2016 TOY PREVIEW WONDER FORGE

Wonder Forge partnered with Disney to expand beyond games with the Disney Imagicademy line, which is currently exclusive to Target debuting later this year.

Designed for ages 4 and up, these toys move Wonder Forge into many new categories.

Disney Imagicademy Mickey Mouse Animals Activity Book is a 60page activity book that focuses on insects and animals and shows kids the reason behind animal conservation. It comes with eight colored pencils, eight sticker sheets, a pair of magnifying glasses, a four-piece roller stamper, a UV pen, and a storage pouch.

Disney Imagicademy Frozen Science Activity Book teaches kids about the four seasons through activities, puzzles, and experiments. There’s a 60-page activity book, eight colored pencils, eight sticker sheets, one pair of rainbow viewer glasses, a spray bottle, color dye tablets, and a storage pouch.

Disney Imagicademy Storymation is a stop-motion movie kit with which kids can get creative with a collection of Disney characters, backgrounds, clay, and costume molds. Download the free app to make movies inspired by Disney films. The set comes with 36 paperboard characters, eight backdrops, six tubs of modeling clay, two animation wands, six bases, two character armatures, two disks, one storage tub, and one device stand with four parts.

Disney Imagicademy Make It and Play It allows kids to mold game pieces of Disney characters and then play with them in a game format. This kit contains 10 two-sided playing boards, four tubs of modeling clay, four hinge molds, one suction cup spinner, and one clay cutter.

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UNCLE MILTON

Disney Imagicademy Storymation

In 2016, Uncle Milton will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Ant Farm brand by introducing new products for kids of all ages to discover the underground world of ants. Uncle Milton is also launching many new STEM-inspired science and activity items under its various licensed and proprietary brands. In addition, the In My Room brand will continue to introduce new ways for kids to customize their space. The Fireworks Lightshow will introduce creative new light-andsound experiences while Scare Factor introduces new ways to scare friends and family. Uncle Milton also says it will introduce new brands in fall 2016.

ENDLESS GAMES

Endless Games is releasing several new games in 2016. Party Encore is a new twist on the company’s classic Encore game that tests a player’s knowledge of song lyrics. The new Party edition replaces the game board with a slap-timer to ramp up the intensity of the song-singing excitement.

The next new game is Best of the Worst. This is an adult party game of telling the best stories (real or completely fabricated) from your worst moments. Shamburger is a family bluffing card game with a hamburger theme. There’s also a new Family Feud: Deluxe Edition, which replaces the recently used wipe-off answer boards with the classic game console from the 1980s home version.

PLAYMOBIL

Playmobil is highlighting two new sets that will be available in early 2016. The Large City Zoo offers kids the opportunity to explore species from around the world. The Playmobil figures can enter through the rocky-style arch topped with decorative animal cutouts and a colorful zoo sign. This set features a penguin habitat, a souvenir shop, and a lion enclosure. The set includes seven figures, two adult lions and one cub, two adult and four baby penguins, peacock, fish with bucket, wheelbarrow with meat, child stroller, mouse, postcards, cash register, camera, fencing, and numerous additional accessories. It is designed for ages 4 and up.

Explore life in the great outdoors as depicted in the Adventure Tree House (shown). The set includes two figures, tree house with grass platform, bears, geese, foxes, owl, bald eagle, bird with nest, rock caves, fish, fishing pole, snake, walkie talkie, computer, supply boxes, and numerous accessories. This is designed for ages 4 and up.

Adventure Tree House

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2016 TOY PREVIEW SUPER IMPULSE TOYS

Talos

In spring 2016, Super Impulse Toys will introduce Precision RBS, the new Rubber Band System, globally. This is a rubber band launching line with three models to choose from, designed for ages 8 and up. The lightweight Talos (shown) holds up to 20 rubber bands in two sizes; launches up to 30 feet, according to the company; and includes a built-in extender for even more power when needed.

It’s perfect for quick, smooth action. The Chiron has storage for up to 100 rubber bands. Other features include the quick-loading design and a release option to separate into two completely different RBS shooters, including a hand launcher. The Hyperion offers pinpoint accuracy 50 feet downfield, says Super Impulse Toys. There are three different band sizes, for a capacity of 26 loaded bands, plus extra side storage. This also has a blast feature that launches 14 bands at once.

Super Impulse’s World’s Smallest Toys are designed with the same working functions as the original, classic toy, but in a small size. New for 2016 are four classic toys for ages 4 and up. There is the Fisher-Price Chatter Telephone, Fisher-Price Rock-A-Stack, Doodletop, and Sock Monkey.

Tap Bubbles let kids, ages 3 and up, easily blow thousands of little bubbles to touch, catch, and stack. Tap Bubbles are merchandised in an all-inclusive display featuring built-in video display screens that attract today’s media savvy kids to promote the products at retail. cJax are the latest trend in phone, tablet, and mp3 player accessories. These miniature figurines clip directly onto earbuds or headphone cords.

Designed for ages 5 and up, the cJax feature the Minions.

Klippets, also featuring the Minions for ages 4 and up, clip directly to backpacks, clothing, luggage, and more.

WOOKY ENTERTAINMENT

Wooky Entertainment is highlighting a number of its fashion-forward kits for girls. The Color One Collection is three different beauty products in one convenient travel system. There is hair chalk, lip gloss, and nail polish in pink and blue in one kit. The hair chalk in this kit is loose and girls can use the attached cosmetic sponge cylinder that is included for the application.

Beauty Tips is a book-and-kit combo that is filled with new hairstyles and nail art ideas. The book offers step-by-step instructions for medium to long hair styles. Kids can also use the included nail polish to craft their own designs. Polish Duo is a collection of kits that allow the user to customize their accessories to match a manicure. There is Polish Duo Necklace, Polish Duo Rings, and Polish Duo Purse. Electric Nails Art is a kit that contains a full collection of neon polish, a white base coat, a clear topcoat, and metallic nail tape. The designs are two in one because the colors glow in the dark.

Light My Style comes with a nail dryer, chalkboard nail art, and a nail file to get started on easy-to-achieve trendy manicures.

The i-loom Starter Pack by Style Me Up is for girls ages 8 and up for use with an iPad, which is not included. Attach the i-loom device to the iPad. Download the i-loom app included with the kit to learn various knotting techniques and complete simple to complex projects. Choose from an ever-growing library of bracelet i-patterns or create your own using the pattern creator. Visit the app to unlock included i-patterns such as Always Chevron and Jagged Arrowhead to get started. Use the six spools of colored string, numbered spool tags, and three basic and two deluxe locks to help complete the creations.

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TARA TOY

The Star Wars excitement continues into 2016 with a brand new line of activity toys from Tara Toy. Kids can design their own X-Wing Fighter to display in their room with an easy-to-assemble 3-D Paper Model Kit, customize their very own Vinyl Stormtrooper Helmet, or learn to draw favorite Star Wars characters with a light-up Tracing Projector.

These and many more Star Wars activity toys will be available this fall and in 2016 timed for the release of Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens.

In addition, Tara Toy continues to expand its line with new activity toys featuring Disney Princess, Frozen, Disney Junior’s Sofia the First, Doc McStuffins, Marvel, Barbie, Monster High, Hot Wheels, and Universal’s Minions. Joining the portfolio for 2016 is Disney’s Finding Dory and Moana.

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2016 TOY PREVIEW MAYA GROUP

The Maya Group’s Orbeez brand continues to grow with the addition of numerous new sets for girls. Orbeez start off as very tiny pellets, but with the addition of water, they expand into squishy balls that feel wet to the touch. They can be used for craft projects or for at-home spa treatments.

The Crush ’n Design Playset comes in two different themes: Hearts & Happiness and Butterflies & Fairies. The Crush ’n Design set comes with two Crush ’n Design templates, two suction cup hook stands, two injectors, and 300 Orbeez in four different colors. The crushing tube allows kids to crush more than 30 Orbeez at once, and the injector makes it easy to fill in the designs. Because of the suction cup hook stands, the designs can hang or stand on a smooth surface.

The Crushkins assortment allows kids to customize Crushkin animals in a different way every time they play. Crushkins come in two themes: Pets and Safari. The set includes two Crushkin pets, 20 mix-and-match plug-in accessories, six sets of eyes, an injector, and 1,200 Orbeez in four different colors. The crushing tube is used to crush more than 30 Orbeez at once. Once the Orbeez have been crushed, the injector makes it easy to fill and customize the Crushkins.

The Sweet Treats Studio comes with everything needed to create a bakery. The Studio comes with a Crush Center to create the compound and sweet ‘treats’ to decorate including a layer cake, two cupcake molds, two cookie cutters, two icing bags with two different-size nozzles, and 1,800 Orbeez in six different colors.

Orbeez is also introducing the updated Ultimate Soothing Spa, now featuring a cascading waterfall of Orbeez and a built in strainer. The foot area has been enhanced and enlarged to make the Spa perfect for all ages. It now comes in a purple, white, and pink color scheme. This set comes with one Ultimate Soothing Spa and 2,000 Orbeez. The built-in strainer makes it easy to heat the Orbeez. Also updated this year is the Relaxing Hand Spa and the Massaging Body Spa, which fits up to 6,000 Orbeez.

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Sweet and Sour Grapes from Strawberry Shortcake’s Berry Bitty Adventures

THE BRIDGE DIRECT

The Bridge Direct is offering a sneak peek at some of its items for 2016. The Strand Bands line will grow in 2016 with several new kits featuring fresh material and an innovative new deluxe styling tool. Every kit includes peel-apart Strand Bands and matching beads and charms to make one-of-a-kind accessories. Tweens and teens will continue to engage with Strand Bands to create, wear, and share their own fashion-inspired designs.

Preschoolers can explore and discover in the FisherPrice Classics Village Playset. This retro classic offers a lot of kid-powered play based on familiar destinations around town like the fire station, post office, and café.

Sliding doors, ringing siren, rolling fire truck, and multiple figures engage busy little hands. Expected in fall 2016, the playset includes a fire truck and fire fighter figure that fit inside the fire station.

Strawberry Shortcake’s friends, Sweet and Sour Grapes, have arrived in Berry Bitty City. As featured in season four of Strawberry Shortcake’s Berry Bitty Adventures on Discovery Family this summer, these berry different twin sisters come to life as six-inch dolls in the Strawberry Shortcake Sweet & Sour Grapes Doll Set two-pack. With completely different looks and comically sweet and sour personalities, this set will be available in fall 2016.

CRA-Z-ART

Cra-Z-Art is highlighting a few products that will be out later this year. There’s Peanuts Lite Brix, which lets kids build a 3-D construction set of Flying Ace Snoopy. This set is compatible with other brick systems. There are six different Peanuts playsets available and each is sold separately.

With Magic Dough Machine, kids can color, mix, and create their own customized softee dough. It is kid-powered, easy to use, and makes colored dough in five minutes, according to the company.

Crystal Surprise are collectible crystal pets that focus on friendship and creativity. Each comes with a charm and booklet to learn more about the specific character.

PARTY ANIMAL

WWE TeenyMates are one-inch collectible figures in the form of favorite WWE Superstars.

Featuring both current Superstars and Legends alike, Series 1 includes a total of 32 wrestlers.

Collect all the stars such as John Cena, The Rock, Macho Man Randy Savage, and more. They are sold in blind packs containing two wrestlers and two puzzle pieces delivered in a peggable 32-pack display. Collect all 35 puzzle pieces to build a double-sided wrestling ring playset.

The TeenyMates NFL Big Sip 16-ounce character cup features a 3-D character design representing NFL teams. Each Big Sip is BPA-free with a straw and stop cap included.

ENTERTAINMENT ONE

Entertainment One’s Peppa Pig will have a host of new products at retail in 2016. Here is a sampling of what’s available from select licensees. For more on Peppa Pig, turn to page 24.

Cra-Z-Art, a partner for craft and activity products, will introduce a range of items for Peppa fans including paint-by-numbers, activity fun packs, velvet posters, Mold N’ Play 3-D Figure Maker, Travel Magna Doodle, Learn to Lace, Pop Beads Jewelry, and Coloring & Activity Backpack. In addition, Cra-Z-Art will introduce a transfer tattoo maker, stickers, Aqua Magic Mats, squiggle pen or markers, easels, color-your-own playhouse, paint sets, scratch art, roller desk, make-your-own banks, and color-your-own backpack or bag.

As master toy licensee, Jazwares will expand its offerings to include construction toys. The new offerings include Peppa’s House Construction Set for ages 2 and up. The 100-plus piece set lets kids create Peppa’s home complete with Peppa, George, Mummy, and Daddy. Peppa Pig and George’s Pirate Ship Construction Set is an 83-piece set for ages 2 and up that includes Peppa and George figures and a large, powerful-looking ship with a spring-loaded cannon.

In addition, licensee TCG is expanding its Peppa Pig offerings. Among the new introductions is the Peppa Pig Mega Mat Jumbo. Printed on more than five feet of super-durable EVA foam with finished borders, this full-color take-anywhere artwork lets fans have a picnic in the park or make sandcastles on the beach. When playtime is over, the mat wipes clean and rolls away for easy storage.

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2016 TOY PREVIEW MOOSE TOYS

Moose Toys introduces the Shopkins Shoppies, which are launching this fall.

Kids can join Poppette, Jessicake, and Bubbleisha as they discover the fun of Shopville where the Shopkins and their friends love to hang out. Each character includes two exclusive Shopkins.

Shopkins Shoppies

FABER-CASTELL/CREATIVITY FOR KIDS

Based on the light marquee trend in home décor and Faber-Castell’s existing Light-Up Marquee, the Heart Marquee is designed for kids ages 7 and up. This kit from Creativity for Kids includes everything needed to create a 14-inch by 15-inch heart marquee. It is fun to color and fun to decorate. Rhinestones, glitter glue, and the foil frame add extra sparkle to the finished project. Slide the LED lights into the pink mesh tubing and then turn it on. Or kids can create their own art by flipping the heart over and making their own unique design. Turn on the heart light and enjoy the glow. It operates on two AA batteries, which are not included.

MAGFORMERS

Magformers is highlighting a variety of its sets. There’s the Heavy Duty 73-piece set (shown) where kids can build heavy duty construction R/C vehicles by combining STEM learning with 14 geometric shapes and 15 accessories. Use Magformers’ STEAM engine blocks, elevator blocks, and sliders to create moving forklifts, bulldozers, dump trucks, and more. Follow along with the idea booklet to create nine different vehicles.

With the Racing 39-piece set, kids can build, create, and race. Children can design 14 different cars and 10 different motorcycles by following the step-by-step included idea booklet. This set includes 12 shapes and eight accessories.

The Walking Dinosaur 81-piece set lets kids build 15 walking dinosaurs including T-Rex, Triceratops, Stegosauraus, and more.

Click and connect new Magformers Engine blocks and walking legs accessories to bring these dinosaurs to life. This set contains 15 geometric shapes, five accessories, and a step-by-step booklet.

The Walking Robot 45-piece set allows kids to build eight walking characters using Magformers’ STEAM engine block and walking accessories. This set contains seven geometric shapes, eight accessories, and a step-by-step booklet.

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2016 TOY PREVIEW PILLOW PETS

Pillow Pets is offering an assortment of licensed characters. There is the 18-inch Sven from Disney’s Frozen, Marshall from Nickelodeon’s Paw Patrol, TMNT’s Leonardo, Veggie Tales’ Bob, and Hasbro’s My Little Pony Twilight Sparkle. All Pillow Pets convert from a plush character to a pillow by undoing the Velcro strap on the belly.

SET ENTERPRISES

Mobito

MOBO

The Mobo Mobito features a simple steering system that requires no balance and a low-tothe-ground chassis. Designed for ages 4 and up, it is for a rider up to four feet, eight inches and up to 180 pounds. Caliper handbrakes, ergonomic seating, and inflatable rubber tires are just a few of its many features. It comes in black, red, and yellow.

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Paw Patrol’s Marshall Pillow Pet

Set Enterprises offers mini versions of its classic games, a few of which are highlighted here. Set Mini Round is a quicker, easier version of the original Set game in a tin. Each round card has three features: color, shape, and number.

There are no turns and no luck in this speed game. It’s perfect for on-the-go use since any surface becomes the game’s board. The original Set game has three cards in which each feature, when looked at individually, is either all the same or all different. In the Mini Round version each card contains three features: symbol (oval, squiggle, or diamond), color (red, purple, or green) and number (one, two, or three). The first player to see a set, calls out “Set” and picks up the three cards that make the Set. Race to find as many Sets as fast as possible. Be the one with the most Sets when the cards are gone to win. The game is designed for ages 6 and up. It takes about 10 minutes to play.

Quiddler Mini Rounds is a short word game made even shorter. The tin contains a quicker four-round version of the original Quiddler game. Each round card has the same Celtic lettering and point value as the original game. Quiddler Mini Round was created with the traveler in mind. It is easy to learn and makes a great two to four person game with unlimited replay value. The challenge in Quiddler is to arrange your entire hand into words. Draw and discard in turn. Try to use high point letters but don’t get caught with them uncombined. Quiddler is fast-paced because it uses everyday words. A bonus is given for the most words in each round (so short words can help to win), as well as for the longest word.

Quiddler is a delightful challenge for both rookies and word game lovers. It is designed for ages 8 and up and takes about 15 minutes to play.

Five Crowns Mini Rounds and Karma Mini Round are also available.

COGNITOYS

CogniToys Dinosaur is a 7.5-inch cloud-based, internet-connected smart toy that engages children in intelligent conversation, explores different topics, answers questions, and even participates in storytelling. Featuring voice recognition and response capabilities, CogniToys utilizes natural language, which is powered by the IBM Watson platform, providing access to massive, interactive logic and data processing. Children can personalize the dinosaur and change its name. Because it’s cloud based, the dinosaur can remember the child’s name, favorite sports, previous stories, conversations, jokes, and more. Parents can tap into the parent panel, allowing for unique insight into their child’s learning skills and allowing for moderation of content. It is available in pink, green, or blue.

CogniToys Dinosaur

EDUCATIONAL INSIGHTS

Educational Insights is highlighting a few of its newest products. GeoSafari Jr. Subscope is a submarine-shaped scope that is designed for magnifying life in streams, ponds, lakes, and even tide pools. It features three LED lights for underwater discovery under rocks or on cloudy days. Plus, kids, ages 3 and up, can even use the Subscope on land for magnified viewing of bugs, plants, and other backyard finds.

Sophie’s Seashell Scramble is for two to four players ages 3 and up. Help Sophie the Otter find delicious shells by spinning the spinner and matching the patterns on the spinner to the patterns on the shells. But watch out—you might spin a “steal a shell” or “lose a turn” or you might have to toss your shells back into the water. The first to collect a shell with each pattern is the winner. This game helps develop pattern discrimination skills, a critical pre-reading skill, as well as strategic thinking, hand-eye-coordination, and fine motor skills.

Nancy B’s Science Club Mighty Microbes Lab and Germ Journal aims to demystify oft-maligned germs and allows children to make their own discoveries about bacteria. Watch bacteria grow, count the bacteria colonies, and learn about different types of germs and how they impact you and the food you eat. It includes a 22-page journal full of hands-on activities and interesting facts about these abundant micro-organisms.

This kit, for ages 8 and up, helps stimulate an interest in microbiology and biology.

Playfoam is a molding material that never dries out and features a no-stick formula, according to Educational Insights. Each SKU includes eight unique Playfoam colors in themed pods, which are designed for ages 3 and up.

Design & Drill Power Play Vehicles feature movable vehicle parts, a colorful mini motorized drill, and imagination-fueled design fun. Kids, ages 3 and up, can snap together their own vehicles and personalize their creations with 15 colorful bolts.

Dino Construction Crew Rescue Crew is a set of three all-new dino vehicles for ages 3 and up. There is the Turbo the Triceratops Police SUV, Blaze the Plesiosaurus Fireboat, and Cyclone the Pteranodon Helicopter.

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2016 TOY PREVIEW OHIO ART

Ohio Art is exploring its archives to reintroduce some of the company’s classics with updates that conform to all of today’s safety standards. AstroRay Gun was first introduced by The Ohio Art Company in fall 1962. Originally packaged with six assorted plastic darts with rubber suction cup tips, the AstroRay remained a staple in Ohio Art’s toy line until 1970, selling almost 800,000 units, according to the company. The 2016 version, now called the AstroRay Blaster, will look just like the original and will come with four safe foam darts. It will include a light-up feature to replicate the original play pattern.

Bizzy Buzz Buzz was first introduced by The Ohio Art Company in fall 1966. Bizzy Buzz Buzz sold more than two million units in the 15 years it was the company’s line. Bizzy Buzz Buzz was advertised on TV and in print in the early 1970s.

Originally described as the magic drawing toy, where kids can “make colorful scrolls, circles, and doodles. Write, draw, and design. Sturdy plastic.

Cordless. Motor Driven.” The 2016 edition will include an instruction pamphlet and three color ink pens. This will function just the original.

Spudsie, the Hot Potato Game was introduced by The Ohio Art Company in spring 1966 and remained a very popular item in the line until 1980, selling more than one million units. Sporting a wind-up mechanism with a bell, it was a classic game of Hot Potato. Spudsie was advertised in print and on TV for several years in the early 1970s. The updated 2016 version of the original will be made from nonphthalate PVC but will function just like the original.

Wind up the toy, toss it around to other players, but don’t be the one holding it when it rings.

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WINNING MOVES

Winning Moves will kick off 2016 with two new games. Pass the Pigs: Big Pigs is a take on the company’s classic game Pass the Pigs. In this game, the pigs are made of durable, soft safe foam. Great for indoor and outdoor fun, these swines can hit all the same pig poses as their little pig-dice counterparts from the original game. The game contains two oversized foam Pass the Pigs, scoring pencil, oversized scorepad, drawstring Pig Pouch, and instructions including The History of Pass the Pigs. It is for two of more players, ages 7 and up.

Brainspin is a creativity game for two to 10 players, age 7 and up. Challenge yourself to create a new perspective on the same old lines. Learn what your friends see and how their brains work.

Players take one minute to write down all the things they see on the face-up card. It contains one deck of 54 cards.

ZING

Zing is introducing StikBot, the instant stop-motion animation toy that is designed for sharing on social media.

StikBots are easy-to-pose figurines with suction cup hands and feet, designed to stick to almost any flat surface. Using the free mobile apps for iOs and Android, kids can shoot their own stop-motion movies starring StikBot. The app snaps individual photos and stitches them together into a film complete with built-in music and sound-effect options. Kids can upload and share their creations on social media using #stikbot. It is available for ages 4 and up, as a single pack figure or as a studio pack.

PLASMART

Smart Noodles Linkems allows users to cut, connect, and create with the first pool noodles that link to themselves laterally. Simply slide them together. Make a raft or an air mattress; slice them with a plastic knife and use your imagination to create interesting critters and other objects. Use them as traditional pool noodles, or opt for unlimited play possibilities in the water, in the yard, or even inside the house. PlaSmart says they cut cleanly and leave no mess or residue.

Also from PlaSmart is Kick Flipper, which is a fun way to learn the balance, footwork, and coordination basics that are essential for skateboarding, snowboarding, and surfboarding. Kick Flipper can be used on carpet, grass, or sand, so beginners can safely learn techniques in their own homes and yards. Boys and girls in the five-to-teen age group will have fun while perfecting beginner and advanced tricks learned from the step-by-step instructions found on Kick Flipper’s website. Users will not only exercise while having fun, they will increase levels of balance and skill, build muscle tone and cardio strength, along with creativity and imagination as they develop and practice their own awesome tricks. Kick Flippers are lightweight enough to slip into a backpack to take to school, the park, or the beach, and rugged enough to support up to 200 lbs. Designed for ages 5 and up, they are available in red or blue.

GOLIATH GAMES/PRESSMAN TOY

Goliath is showcasing new products under Goliath Games as well as its Pressman Toy division. In the Magic Carpet Game, one of two new additions to Goliath’s skill-and-action game line, players carefully place secret treasures on a flying carpet that is magically suspended in midair. The object of the game is to keep the carpet hovering in air—the last player who keeps it flying wins. The Magic Carpet game is for two or more players ages 4 and up.

Giggle Wiggle is the moving, grooving caterpillar who loves to dance. Kids race to place their colored marbles on Giggle’s hand while he is dancing to the music. When he wiggles the balls fly everywhere. The first player to get colored marbles on all of Giggle’s hands wins the game.

It’s a race to escape in Wrist Race, a new active game by Goliath. Players take turns transforming their opponent’s cuffs into a tangled web using the ball and string. Players then race each other using only flicks of their wrists to see who can escape first.

Goliath’s newest assortment of micro-games, Spicy Games are big-playing games in small packages. Each spice jar includes its own game; titles include Chili Cheat, Spicy Dice, Salt and Pepper, and Cafe Cafe.

In the Pressman Toy division, one of the newest additions to the family game line, Ink in a Blink, adds a whole new dimension to drawing games: time. Players race to draw images that the other players must guess, but as they draw the tip of the pen retracts. When the tip disappears, they pass the pen to the next player, who continues the same drawing. Players score points when they guess correctly, and when their drawing spurs the correct guess.

Spotography is a new twist on the ever-popular spot-the-difference activity. One player secretly makes changes to one side of an image, and the other player must spot all the changes that were made. It sounds easy, but the players only get 90 seconds to spot all 10 changes.

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2016 TOY PREVIEW EKIDS

IMPERIAL TOY

The 16-inch R2-D2 Bubble Machine blows hundreds of bubbles, makes authentic sounds, rotates its head 90 degrees, and features light effects. The R2-D2 Bubble Machine includes an eight-ounce bottle of Super Miracle Bubbles solution and three bubble-performance function modes. Kids, ages 3 and up, can decide if R2-D2 will blow bubbles continually, side to side, or at random.

Marvel Power Poppers, made of soft durable foam, fly more than 24 times their own height, says Imperial. Each Power Popper comes with its own easy-loading base. Push Power Popper into the base to load, then drop low or high to watch it fly up to six feet. Release at an angle to soar across the room or hit a target. Kids, ages 8 and up, can invent their own high-flying tricks to challenge friends.

Lumination Glow Stick Markers, for ages 6 and up, are glow sticks that write. No blacklight is needed to watch your creations glow in the dark.

Create cool designs that last up to two hours while the marker glows up to four hours. With five colors and Tekfelt sticker sheets to customize, the creations are endless. The markers draw on paper, fabrics, and more. Crack, shake, decorate, and luminate the creations.

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Minion Mania Walkie Talkies

eKids is offering an assortment of tech accessories as well as tech toys for kids featuring the hottest licenses. Items featuring the Minions include Minion Mania Walkie Talkies, which have a sculpted design of the Minions. The set of two walkie talkies lets kids talk to friends with the push of a button.

The One in a Minion Headphones are kid-safe, high-quality headphones that connect to any device. The adjustable headband offers a soft, comfortable fit. There is also the Minions Over-the-Ear Headphones with Volume Control featuring a padded headband and ear cushions with an in-line dial that puts volume control within easy reach. Also available in this line is The Despicable Me Minions Alarm Clock with Night Light.

From the Star Wars brand comes Star Wars FRS Walkie Talkies. Designed for long-distance communication, these walkie-talkies feature an LED power indicator and rotary volume control.

The Star Wars Rechargeable Mini Speaker is available in a variety of characters such as R2-D2, C-3PO, and Darth Vader. Connect any audio device via line-in jack for high-quality sound in a small, space-saving speaker. It features a power and charging LED indicator, there’s a supplied cable for charging speakers and connecting to an audio source, a built-in rechargeable battery, and it plays audio from devices equipped with 3.5mm headphone jack.

Darth Vader Voice Changing Boombox lets kids sound just like Darth Vader using key phrases and real sound effects from the films. Kids can also connect an MP3 player to listen to music.

Star Wars Smart Stylus + App allows kids to draw all their favorite Star Wars heroes, villains, droids, and vehicles. Kids can create with vivid colors and Star Wars-themed tools and then animate their own stories and add in their own narration.

From Jurassic World comes the Jurassic World Indominus Rex Kids Stereo Headphones featuring dinosaur graphics and eyes on the ear pieces. There’s an adjustable headband and kid-friendly sound levels protect against hearing damage. These connect to any device. The Jurassic World FRS Walkie Talkies feature an LED power indicator and a one-mile range of usage.

From Disney comes Inside Out Headphones with kid-friendly sound levels and a headphone jack that is compatible with most audio devices.

K’NEX

K’NEX is previewing a few key items in its 2016 line. K’NEX Thrills: Classic Ferris Wheel Building Set (name not final) is a 740-piece set for fall 2016 that will be over three-feet tall and featuring motorized rotation when complete. The set comes with two additional building ideas included in the booklet.

Mighty Makers: K-Force Flash Fire Rapid Shot Lights, Camera, Blaster features new motorized Action building set action that allows kids to fire 10 (name not final) shots as fast as they can pull the trigger. Set for release in spring 2016, the set comes with a 10 dart magazine, 10 foam darts, and one quick-fit grip. There are instructions for six custom blasters and buildable targets.

Mighty Makers: Lights, Camera, Action building set (name not final) is expected for fall 2016.

It will teach kids about filmmaking through interactive instructions. The kit contains approximately 320 parts and pieces including toy camera and stand, theater seats, adjustable clip that fits most phones or tablets, Lily figure, and dog figure.

Build & Learn: Roller Coaster is a 500-plus piece set that lets kids build a working roller coaster, plus two additional models. Scheduled for fall 2016, this set contains three experiments—one for each model. A battery-powered motor is included. Kids will learn about the relationship between time, distance, and speed.

THINKFUN

ThinkFun will release three new games with a yoga theme in January 2016. Designed to introduce kids to the practice of Yoga, the lineup includes Yoga Cards: The Game for ages 6 and up, Memory Yoga for ages 3 and up, and Yoga Spinner Game for ages 5 and up.

DIGGIN ACTIVE

Slimeball, the new active roleplay line from Diggin Active, is expanding in 2016. The Slimeball Slimeball line brings a lot of active slime fun with no mess. Slimeballs stick to Diggin’s materials but won’t stick to anything else or leave any marks, says the company. The new product line, which features slime gear, slingers, and slimeballs is targeted to kids ages 6 and up.

Slimeball Dodgetag is the ultimate game of dodgeball. The slimeballs stick to the vest targets. Each player wears a vest and picks three slimeballs. Players throw the soft, squishy balls and try to stick them to their opponent’s vests. If the ball sticks, it’s a hit. Slimeball Dodgetag comes with two adjustable vests and six slimeballs.

Kids can perfect their aim with the Slimeball Target Practice. The target features an interlocking technology so multiple targets can link together to create larger targets.

The Slimeball Slinger shoots slimeballs up to 30 feet. Pull back the Slinger and let the slimeball fly. The Slinger has a gel grip and a unique, easy-to-use aiming system. Slimeball Slinger comes with one slinger and two slimeballs.

The Slimeball Battle Pack includes six no-mess slimeballs for the ultimate fight. The soft and safe slimeballs are fun for dodging and throwing.

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ABC KIDS EXPO 2015

COMPILED BY

NANCY LOMBARDI

Exhibitors at this year’s ABC Kids Expo are introducing products featuring everything from cutting-edge technology to simple wooden toys, the trendiest designs, and latest fabrics—all to make life easier with baby. A sampling of exhibitors are shown in this section with just some of what will be on display at this year’s show.

CHICCO

Chicco’s Stack Chair is a three-in-one multi-chair that grows with baby. In high chair mode, it features a padded reclining seat, adjustable footrest, and snap-on tray. In booster seat mode, it securely attaches to a chair with included straps and can be used with or without the tray. In youth stool mode, it offers a sturdy welded frame with contoured seat and pop-up backrest for older children. It is designed for babies 6 months to 3 years old. In high chair and booster seats modes, it offers a five-point harness and a three-position seat recline. Chicco says its small footprint and lightweight design makes it easy to move around.

The snap-on tray is dishwasher safe.

Stack Chair

ROOMMATES

RoomMates, a division of York Wall Coverings, is introducing a new twist on licensed wall decals featuring a range of more sophisticated looks. This new line will feature many of the licenses RoomMates currently works with such as Disney’s Marvel and Lucasfilm divisions, Warner Bros. and its DC Comics properties, Nickelodeon, Hasbro, Nintendo, Activision, and many more.

CANDIDE

Candide is introducing a line of products at this year’s ABC Kids Expo, two of which are highlighted here.

The Luxury Swaddling Blanket wraps baby in the ultimate comfort to sleep more soundly and feel secure. With its smart design, baby can be swaddled in three simple steps and can be swaddled with an arm or leg left out for changes in weather or to gradually transition to unswaddled sleep.

Candide’s Luxury Baby Wrap is an easy-to-use baby wrap sleeping bag. It is specially designed in lightweight or padded material to suit the changing seasons. With no zippers or snaps, this soft and comfortable wrap is available in padded jersey material for cool winter nights or lightweight cotton for hot summer nights. Both items are designed for 0–3 months.

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Luxury Swaddling Blanket

TREND LAB

Trend Lab is introducing a host of new items at this year’s ABC Expo, two of which are highlighted here. The Plush Character Chairs featuring an Elephant and Lamb are comfortable companions for reading, relaxing, and snuggling thanks to the soft velboa material. They are kid-sized and offer contoured support.

The Deluxe Duffle Diaper Bag offers sophisticated style with spaciousness and versatility. It is large enough for parents with multiple children and features several organizational pockets and a durable wipe-off exterior. It is available in a variety of styles and colors.

Deluxe Duffle Diaper Bags

MOOZI

Moozi is a stylish countertop feeding solution for the kitchen or nursery. Similar to a pod coffee brewing system, Moozi dispenses an exact amount of formula, at the perfect temperature, in less than a minute. There are only three steps required: load the reusable pod with any brand of powdered formula, fill the water tank and position the bottle, and simply press the start button. Steps one and two can be done in advance.

Pods are dishwasher safe. It comes with three reusable pods. Moozi works with all upright bottle sizes and makes up to an eight ounce bottle.

Moozi Countertop Feeding Solution

WALLPOPS

WallPops will be at ABC Kids Expo with a new line of wall décor for kids’ rooms of all ages.

The Ships Ahoy Wall Art Kit features blue, beige, and cream sailboats complete with anchors, fish, and the ocean. The decal set comes with 91 pieces on two 17.25 inch by 39 inch sheets.

Harmony Wall Art Kit features 30 geometric decals to arrange in any pattern to create a relaxing atmosphere for baby. The set comes on two 17.25 inch by 39 inch sheets.

Teepee Wall Art Kit is an 80-piece wall kit with four 9.75 inch by 17.25 inch sheets.

Elephants—A Ton of Love Wall Art Kit features chevron elephants and stars to create a scene that is both easy to install and remove. The kit comes on two 17.25 inch by 39 inch sheets and contains 110 pieces.

Elephants—A Ton of Love Wall Art Kit

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ABC KIDS EXPO 2015 MIXED PEARS

Mixed Pears introduces BiteSizers Mealtime Scissors, which are convenient toddler and baby food scissors for use by adults. These help parents prep and share food with baby anywhere, quickly and easily. The company says BiteSizers are certified food-safe, are portable, are designed for all hand sizes, and can be used by both right- and left-handed people.

SNUZA

The Snuza Pico monitors abdominal movement by using a patented contactless sensor array, which detects deflections of baby’s abdomen. The company says this means that Pico does not need to be in direct contact with baby’s skin and reduces the false alarms caused by loss of contact.

With Snuza’s technology, the portable Pico can be used with a smartphone. Parents can now connect via Bluetooth LE to a smartphone app, which allows them to monitor and control Pico remotely (within a 65- to 100-foot indoor range). The smartphone display shows baby’s abdominal movement, skin temperature, sleeping position, and whether there is any potential risk. The Pico unit can be accessed by multiple smartphones so that parents and/or caregivers can monitor multiple Pico units from one or more smartphones.

Pico’s carry case has a unique power charger, which recharges the built-in battery by simply placing the Pico in the carry case. Battery life is around one week before recharging. Pico clips to baby’s diaper with a mechanical clamp to prevent it from slipping off.

SLEEPBELT

Snuza Pico Unit

SleepBelt is a hands-free, skin-to-skin support system that eases the transition from womb to world for baby. The company says that studies have found that skin-to-skin contact between mom and baby stabilizes baby’s heart and respiratory rates, improves oxygen saturation rates, better regulates baby’s body temperature, and conserves baby’s calories. With SleepBelt, which was developed by sisterduo and moms Hayley Mullins and Ashley Wade, new parents can easily and safely secure their newborn to them for long periods of doctor-recommend skin-to-skin time. Since its launch in Canada, SleepBelt has been marketed to hospitals, doulas, and health professionals; has been endorsed by “Sweet Sleep” by La SleepBelt Leche League International; and is now prepped to make its retail debut in the U.S. Sleepbelt’s four-way stretch design provides that feeling of confinement that newborns love, while also being comfortable for both parent and baby. There is no strain on the neck, back or shoulders, no knots, clips, or buckles to dig in and no positioning restrictions for baby, making it ideal for long, secure periods of doctor recommended skin-to-skin for baby and parents. Once baby passes the newborn stage, the company says it can be used to secure baby forward-facing on the parent’s lap or can serve as an ad-hoc high chair, securing baby to a chair once baby can sit on his/her own.

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CUDLIE ACCESSORIES

GREEN TOYS

The Green Toys Block Set features 18 boldly colored, lightweight blocks that have been re-engineered for easier grip and better stacking action. This set includes a variety of shapes for building castles, towers, or any imaginative structure. This set is recommended for ages 1 and up.

Green Toys Mini Construction Set features a chunky, sturdy, and durable fleet with a front loader with a movable scooper, cement mixer with a revolving drum, and a dump truck with a classic open-box bed. Perfect in a sandbox, toy box, or gift box, these pint-sized trucks are just right for little hands, and can easily be tossed in a diaper bag. Each vehicle comes with its own bulldog construction worker, and the figures are interchangeable among all three. This set is recommended for ages 2 and up.

All Green Toys’ products have no BPA, PVC, phthalates, or external coatings. These blocks are made in the U.S. from 100 percent recycled plastic milk containers that save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, says the company. The products are packaged using only recycled and recyclable materials and printed with soy inks.

Mini Construction Set

Cudlie Accessories introduces its line of patentpending, 10-oz. light-up cups. The cups feature LED lights, are BPA-free, and spill-proof, says the company. There is double-wall protection to keep drinks cool. Tap the bottom of the cup for it to light up. Cudlie has signed the following properties to be featured on the cups: Avengers, Blaze and the Monster Machines, Bubble Guppies, Paw Patrol (shown), Spider-Man, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Paw Patrol Light-Up Cup

HABA, USA

Here is just a sample of what HABA will have on display at this year’s ABC Kids Expo. Clutching Toy Fish is a silicone teether that can be cooled in the refrigerator to help ease sore gums. The chunky fins are perfect for grasping and the different textures help develop the senses.

Clutching Toy Frog Frido is a German-made wooden teether Glove with smaller wooden rings attached to it that are designed to help Puppet develop clutching and grasping skills. It is made of solid beech Dragon wood and plastic.

Roly Poly Duck is a floor toy that makes an engaging jingle sound when nudged. The plastic base allows the toy to wobble without falling over.

Glove Puppet Dragon (shown) features three dragon characters, each with a different silly expression. The glove puppet is a great addition to any puppet collection and can be paired with HABA’s easy-to-install doorway puppet theater. It is made of soft polyester and measures about 10.5 inches.

Silicone Clutching Toy Chick helps ease baby’s gums. The chick can be removed from the egg and placed in the refrigerator to cool it for teething. It includes a strap with hook and loop with clip. It is made of food-grade silicone.

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ABC KIDS EXPO 2015 TINY LOVE

3-in-1 Rocker Napper

Tiny Love will showcase its full product line and introduce a refresh on its Rocker Napper, a Gift Box, a soft and stylish new mobile, and an under-the-sea-themed bouncer. The 3-in-1 Rocker Napper (shown) is getting a new look. The 3-in-1 rocking seat that easily converts from a seat to napper will be available in gray and turquoise. Like the other Rocker Nappers, the new look will come with electronic toys to engage and amuse baby as well as soothe baby’s senses during naptime.

Under the Sea Gymini Bouncer is a colorful multi-stage bouncer that has adjustable arches making parental access easier. The bouncer reclines in two positions allowing baby to enjoy both feeding and play time. Soft toys with baby-activated lights and music hang from the adjustable arches.

The Lullaby Mobile offers 30 minutes of continuous music with rotating animal friends in a stylish design.

The Gift Box is designed for home and away. It includes four toys: Tiny Love’s popular Woodland Take Along Arch, Crinkly Raccoon, Pack & Go Mobile, and Giraffe Teether. All four toys are great for on-the-go play and clip right onto baby’s stroller or carseat.

BABEE TALK

Babee Talk crib bedding, crib rail covers, and plush toys feature soft material and trendy designs.

Babee Talk says its products meet the strictest requirements for safety, including the highest levels of Oeko-Tex certification to guarantee the exclusion of a wide range of potentially harmful ingredients.

The company’s patented Eco-Teether Crib Rail Cover (shown) incorporates two safety features. The cover’s patented Velcro straps keep it securely in place, even as babies pull and tug on it. When attached properly, the inside of the cover is shorter than the outside, so babies don’t roll over into the fabric and risk suffocation.

Babee Talk’s Eco-Buds Take-Along Pals attach to strollers, carriers, and high chairs. They are made using organic cotton fabric and use only low-impact dyes with no heavy metals. The line is hypoallergenic, non-toxic, and phthalate-free, says the company.

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LASSIG Eco-Teether Crib Rail Cover

Lassig, which is distributed through HABA USA, has an extensive line of bags on display at ABC Kids Expo. The Gold Label Shoulder Bag features internal compartments for keys, a phone, and sunglasses.

Users will also discover that the compartments are part of a unique, removable carrying bag within that features an insulated bottle holder, zippered wet pocket for damp items as well as a variety of side pockets and inner compartments for keeping diaper essentials organized. The small removable bag also has handles, turning it into a functional stand-alone bag. A waterproof changing mat is inside the zipper pocket, which is hidden on the bottom of the bag.

Additional stroller hooks are included to secure the bag. The Gold Label Shoulder Bag is available in three different color patterns.

Gold Label Shoulder Bag

BRITAX

The Britax B-Agile Double Stroller incorporates the same quick-fold design and maneuverability as the single stroller version. This features a weight capacity of 50 pounds per seat. It features Click & Go Adapters that allow for a quick and secure connection to Britax infant car seats. Each seat reclines separately to accommodate each child. The linked parking brake locks both rear wheels with a single step. The full-swivel front wheels provide an ultra-tight turning radius. The quick-fold with automatic chassis lock closes the stroller with ease. It is available in red, black, or sandstone.

AUSTLEN BABY CO.

The Austlen Baby Co. makes its debut at this year’s ABC Kids Expo with the introduction of the Entourage Stroller set for release in early 2016. The Entourage Stroller’s patented design has a simple one-handed expandable frame with three positions that enable multi-child configurations and the ability to carry large items, such as ice Entourage Stroller chests, shade canopies, pool inflatables, and even luggage, according to the company. The Entourage can accommodate up to a 150-pound combined weight of children and cargo. Yet, it does not compromise on a compact fold, quality, style, or child comfort, says the company.

Additional features include a large market tote that expands between the handlebar and front seat to carry a wide variety of items from baby essentials to groceries. The tote adjusts in size with the stroller’s position and has integrated cup holders, a tablet sleeve, pockets for cell phones and sunglasses, and an aerated pocket for pacifiers and more. The market tote can be removed and placed in the car or home without needing to empty it.

The front seat accommodates children from birth up to 50 pounds.

There is an available second seat that can be reclined simultaneously with the front seat for napping. There is an available jump seat and integrated standing platform for preschoolers. There’s an easy, compact fold that can be done without removing secondary seating.

B-Agile Double Stroller

CLOUD B

At this year’s ABC Kids Expo, Cloud b will debut the Hugginz Collection, as well as Cozies and Comfeez featuring elements of sound, sight, scent, and touch designed to soothe children at night.

Cloud b’s Hugginz Collection includes a soft, simple Cuddly Plush featured in lightweight fabric in 15inch, 10-inch, and seven-inch sizes; a baby-sized plush rattle; and a velvety soft security blanket.

Highlighting the collection are the Magical Musical Plushies, which are designed for home or travel.

When baby pulls on the plush star, a soothing lullaby begins to play. These super soft, huggable six-inch characters can be attached to strollers, cribs, car seats, and activity gyms by Velcro tabs.

Cloud b Cozies are sized for home or on-the-go use. Cuddly Comfeez is a plush pal and soft seat all in one. Sweet Dreamz On the Go is the all-in-one baby soother to calm fussy and tired babies.

Magical Musical Plushies Bear

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ABC KIDS EXPO 2015 BABYBJORN

BabyBjorn launched a diaper bag earlier this year, bringing the company into a new product category. The Diaper Bag SoFo is a versatile, gender-neutral carry-all intended to help parents stay organized and stylish. The bag features a gray fabric with a light purple lining.

Named after one of Stockholm’s trendiest neighborhoods, Diaper Bag SoFo offers the versatility of being carried as a tote or worn as a messenger bag or backpack. The bag’s main compartment is complemented by 13 pockets of varying sizes with several magnetic closures for easy access. A machine-washable changing pad is included, making portable diaper changes a breeze. The changing pad is approved in accordance with Oeko-Tex Standard 100, Class 1 for baby products, which the company says guarantees that it is free from harmful and allergenic substances.

SoFo Diaper Bag

4MOMS

The 4moms Breeze Playard has an easy one-step function. Push down on the center hub to open and pull up to close. The latches are automatic and there’s no additional sequence of steps. No other playard is assembled with just one simple motion, says 4moms. It is a three robotics system that makes the playard easy to assemble.

The central spreader turns vertical force into horizontal motion enabling the one motion open and close; the parallelogram linkage system controls corner posts resulting in a freestanding unit; and miniaturized latches and lifters lock the side rails into place automatically. It comes fully equipped with a bassinet for infants, a leakproof portable changing pad, and convenient travel bag. The waterproof playard sheet is sold separately. It is designed for children under 35-inches tall.

The new mamaRoo is the first-ever, app-controlled infant seat, says the company. The Bluetooth-enabled seat allows parents to control motion, speed, and sound from an iOS or Android device. In addition to Breeze Playard connectivity and a new design, parents can expect all the favorite features of the original mamaRoo. It’s the only seat that bounces up and down and sways from side to side just like parents do when comforting their infants. The new mamaRoo has an updated LCD interface and one-touch, direct access to product registration and customer support from the new 4moms app. Built-In Sounds include a soothing new heartbeat sound and nature sounds. It connects to any MP3 player. It has five adjustable speeds for rest or play and color-changing toy balls. This is designed for a child up to 25 pounds or until they can sit up on their own.

The rockaRoo provides the front-to-back gliding motion that babies love in a compact size. It is one-third the size of traditional swings, has nature sounds, connects to an MP3 player, has five adjustable speeds, and holds a child up to 25 pounds.

Also available is the bounceRoo featuring three unique vibration modes (heartbeat, wave, and bee) and three intensity settings. It also entertains with a fun, natural bouncing motion created by baby’s movement. The lightweight and compact design is easy to move around the house or take on the go, says 4moms.

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GREENPOINT BRANDS

Greenpoint Brands introduces My Natural Eco Feeding Collection featuring bowls, plates, flatware, and placemats made from corn, potato, and sugarcane starch and silicone.

Free of BPA, PVC, phthalate, and latex, the collection was specially designed to make feeding baby easy and fun. It features an anti-slip design and is dishwasher safe.

The Eco-Plate features a front-lip edge and anti-topple slip-resistant base. It is available in purple owl or yellow fox. The Eco-Bowl also features a front-lip edge and anti-topple slip-resistant base. It is available in orange deer (shown) or light blue raccoon. A fork and spoon set is also available in light blue, orange, and purple.

A three-piece starter set, which includes the bowl and two pieces of flatware, is available in orange deer or light blue raccoon design. It comes in recycled gift box packaging.

The Silicone Placemat is slip resistant, easy to wipe clean, and can be rolled up. This is made from food-grade silicone. It is dishwasher safe and available in purple or green.

Eco-Bowl in Orange Deer

MAXI-COSI

A design from the Edward van Vliet collection

Maxi-Cosi is offering car seats in a number of styles for a variety of its seats. The Sweater Knit Collection features textured fabric and tailored styling that evokes a favorite sweater. This collection pairs a calming gray tone with cozy fabric for a relaxed and sophisticated look. Even with the sweater material, Maxi-Cosi says the products are easy to clean. The removable seat pads and fabrics are machine washable. The Edward van Vliet collection (shown) is designed by industrial designer Edward van Vliet. The Sparkling Grey Collection is a denim-inspired collection that conveys understated chic. At first glance, the collection features a single tone, but at a second glance, reveals a small-scale dot texture. The Watercolor Collection features a series of blue hues that brings this watery collection to life. All of the above styles are available for the Pria 85, Mico Max 30, and the Kaia style car seats.

Wooden Wagon

PLAN TOYS

Plan Toys’ Wooden Wagon is designed for kids ages 3–6. They can pile their toys inside and pull it around the house. Kids can even create a wagon train by attaching multiple wagons laced together with rope.

In Pick A Berry, kids have to help harvest the berries from the tree.

Divide into two teams, select the berry color and use the spoon with the same color to harvest. Each team takes turns picking a berry without letting it fall or move the tree. The team with the most berries is the winner. This game helps develop fine motor skills, says Plan.

The classic game of Solitaire now has a carrot garden theme.

Develop a child’s strategic, logical thinking, and social skills.

Inspired by the Cajon hand drumming box, Plan Toys’ Rhythm Box is designed for creating rhythm and tempo.

The Dinosaur set comes complete with nine different dinosaurs, four trees, three bushes, and two rock formations.

The products mentioned above are for ages 3 and up.

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ABC KIDS EXPO 2015 MAMAS & PAPAS

The Mamas & Papas Armadillo Flip XT is a compact travel-system-ready design for birth to 50 pounds. The wheels are ideal for zipping around favorite suburban and city destinations and a reversible seat means caregivers can easily switch baby’s view. The innovative patented design lets caregivers fold it down with one hand in seconds, no matter which way the seat is facing.

The Armadillo Flip XT features a big padded seat, cooling air vent, adjustable handle height, and wheels with tread for extra comfort and grip. It also includes an easy-recline seat, adjustable footrest, peekaboo window, simple foot brake, front and rear wheel suspension, five-point safety harness, easy carry handle, automatic lock, and the “sunsmart” extra-large hood is made of UPF 50+ fabric for maximum protection.

This stroller fits into the smallest of cars and is easy to store at home due to its freestanding fold, according to the company. It is compatible with coordinating bassinets and Cybex, Graco, Nuna, Chicco, and Maxi-Cosi car seats. The adapters and car seats are sold separately. The colors available include Teal Tide (shown), Mulberry, Sand Dune, Navy, and Black Jack.

FISHER-PRICE

Armadillo Flip XT in Teal Tide

Fisher-Price has a number of new offerings for spring 2016, a few of which are highlighted here. The Ultra-Lite Day & Night Play Yard— Sweet Surroundings is designed for birth and up. Fisher-Price says that at 15 pounds this portable playard is half the weight of other popular playards with all the same great features and more. There’s just a few simple steps to open it, close it, and pack it away. A supportive seat back, plush head support, cozy insert, and a three-point restraint help keep baby comfy in the inclined sleeper, which is the way many babies prefer to sleep. As baby grows, remove the sleeper and it becomes a roomy space for older babies and toddlers to rest and play.

Additional details include a padded mattress that fits any standard-size playard sheet and a builtin playard storage pocket that holds a portable changing station diaper clutch.

Roarin’ Rainforest Jumperoo lets baby (up to 25 pounds) discover music, lights, and sounds with every jump. A rotating seat gives baby 360-degree access to toys and activities including soft monkeys overhead, spinners, clickers, a bead bar, mirror, and more, all within baby’s reach. Fisher-Price says it is easy to fold for storage and portability.

Fisher-Price’s 4-in-1 Step ’n Play Piano is an entertainer with music, lights, and room to grow. There’s more than 20 toys and activities all around. Every press of the piano keys (hand keyboard and foot keyboard) gives developing coordination and gross motor skills a Roarin’ Rainforest boost. There are four ways to play. There’s a soft, removable playmat for tummy time or lay Jumperoo and play. There’s the entertainer with spinning seat for all-around play. There’s the stationary walker, which encourages first steps, and there is an activity table for toddlers. This is designed for babies up to 25 pounds.

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JUST BORN

Just Born, an infant sleepwear, bedding, and bath company, will debut its brand refresh with all-new patterns and packaging for its Well Sleep collection of products at ABC Kids Expo.

There’s the Deluxe Swaddle, which was designed in consultation with pediatricians, nurses, and physical therapists to help parents achieve the perfect swaddle every time. It features a signature cradle pad promoting the recommended back sleeping position and development of healthy sleep patterns, as well as comforting tummy wraps that provide colic relief and keep baby safely in place during sleep.

The Wear-A-Blanket is a safer alternative to loose blankets in the crib with air vents for temperature control, comforting tummy wraps, and a zipper that eases late-night changes.

Wear-A-Blanket in giraffe pattern

TOMY

The First Years Disney Baby Helping Hands Activity and Feeding TOMY will be at this year’s ABC Kids Expo with toys, accessories, and gear for baby across its various divisions. Boon’s Sprig Countertop Seat straps onto most standard adult chairs. There is a three-point harDrying Rack holds up to eight full bottles. The removable bottom tray ness for baby and storage in the back for bibs and wipes. There’s three collects excess water and the sprig bed holds smaller items for drying. removable toys and a dishwasher-safe tray that includes a removable cup holder. It is available in a Mickey Mouse or Minnie The removable sprigs are easy to clean and store as they Mouse version. are top-rack dishwasher safe. The Ripple Bathtub Mat The First Years also expands its line of Disney bath (shown) covers a large portion of a tub, has a super soft products, with new introductions available in Mickey textured surface to prevent slipping and features a built-in Mouse, Minnie Mouse, The Little Mermaid, and Finding hook for hanging and drain holes that expel water. Suction Nemo characters including a bath tea set, drain cover, cups keep the mat securely in place. spout cover, storage, squirt toys, and nest and pour cups.

Bumbo Safari Stages Adjustable Play Center conUnder the JJ Cole brand, there’s the Knit Bundleme, verts from infant to toddler with the turn of a knob. It which features a classic cable knit sweater pattern with works with a Bumbo seat or for tummy time, sitting, or plush inner faux-shearling. This eliminates the need for standing play on its own. The Stages Safari rotates to keep baby entertained with two sides of toys and easily Boon’s Ripple Bathtub Mat blankets and jackets and is for use with car seats, strollers, and joggers. JJ Cole says this is for birth to age 1 and it collapses for convenient storage.

Lamaze’s Olly Oinker makes cute baby pig sounds when squeezed. allows for safety straps to rest directly on baby. It is machine washable.

The All-Around Messenger Bag is designed for both parents with It features crinkle and rattle sounds and has soft, plush fabrics and a plastic teether apple. The Mix & Match Caterpillar has eight different an all-round zipper for easy resizing. Keep the zipper closed for a stuffed plush piece segments that can be arranged by matching colored sleek, compact bag, or unzip for double the space. There are 12 total panels, or rearranged in any order. Each segment attaches to the next pockets (interior and exterior), including hide-away bottle pockets and using Velcro. It has soft, plush features and there are sounds through a magnetic flap. It includes grips for stroller attachment, removable padded shoulder strap, and coordinating wipeable changing pad. the chime ball, squeaker, rattle, and crinkle.

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Brand Licensing Europe

compiled by Jennifer

Lynch

Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) 2015 takes place October 13–15 at the Olympia Grand Hall in London. This show brings together all facets of the licensing industry. Featuring classic brands and new film, TV, and digital properties, the show offers a broad overview of what’s happening in the global marketplace. The following pages present a small sampling of what attendees can expect.

Cartoon Network Enterprises

Cartoon Network Enterprise’s (CNE) Adventure Time continues to draw record audiences and increased demand for licensed products. More than 43 million fans regularly tune in to watch the show across EMEA and the franchise currently boasts more than 100 licensees in the region.

CNE will use BLE 2015 to share details of the brand’s journey from underground cult phenomenon to a mass-market best-selling proposition that presents long-term licensing opportunities across all key categories. A reboot of The Powerpuff Girls returns in 2016, supported by a new toy range from global master toy partner Spin Master. The brand possesses a cool credibility and heritage that positions it to capitalize upon the current trend of superhero properties for girls.

A refreshed Ben 10 will launch in fall 2016. Playmates Toys is the new global master toy partner for a franchise that has generated more than $4.5 billion in global retail sales to date. The Amazing World of Gumball and a new animated show We Bare Bears, which launched on CN across EMEA in September, will also be featured at BLE.

The Jim Henson Company

The Jim Henson Company will debut three new properties: Dot., Word Party, and Splash at BLE 2015. Global programs for all three are anticipated to launch at retail in the U.S. in summer and fall 2016.

Dot. is based on author and tech guru Randi Zuckerberg’s debut picture book of the same name. Henson optioned the rights earlier this year and is developing an animated series along with an accompanying global consumer products program, targeting the bridge market of 4- to 7-year-old girls.The series follows the tech-savvy Dot, who embarks on hilarious adventures to satisfy her imagination. Each episode ends with Dot giving the viewers a call-to-action to explore digitally and practically what excites them.

Word Party is the latest addition to Henson’s stable of preschool brands. The series will use the Henson Digital Puppetry Studio, a proprietary technology from Jim Henson’s Creature Shop that allows puppeteers to perform digitally animated characters in real time, enabling the animation to be more life-like and spontaneous. The 26-episode series was commissioned by Netflix to premiere exclusively on the platform in 2016. Word Party is supported by a curriculum that reinforces language building and music education. It follows four baby animals as they sing, dance, and play their way through their daily routines.

Splash! is a new children’s brand that aims to transform the relationship between children and the oceans across multiple platforms: TV, consumer products, digital content, and community engagement through coordinated outreach to children. Splash! is a collaboration between Henson and KPBS/San Diego. Henson is developing an all-new animated series, Splash and The Deep Dive Crew, which looks at the natural undersea world. Kids 4-7 will join Splash, an inquisitive yellowtail fusilier fish, and his friends on adventures to discover more about the world of marine species and ocean phenomena.

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DHX Brands

Beanstalk

Beanstalk has added several new additions to its client roster while also launching a new proprietary online tool, the Brand Extension Indicator (BXI), under its dedicated consulting division, Blueprint–Powered by Beanstalk.

Beanstalk now represents Baileys and Guinness, on behalf of Diageo, a global leader in adult beverages. Beanstalk is tasked with the management and expansion of the brands’ already extensive licensing programs, comprised of more than 40 licensees globally in the categories of food, gift, fashion, and lifestyle. Additionally, Beanstalk has signed pop-artist Romero Britto for representation. Capturing Britto’s visual style and universal themes of love, happiness, and hope, Beanstalk has been tasked with strategically extending the brand across Europe and North America.

Beanstalk’s dedicated digital division, Tinderbox, was appointed as the licensing agent for Halo, supporting Microsoft Studios and 343 Industries in further expanding the game’s licensing footprint in Europe. The agency will also collaborate with Mexico City-based licensing agency, Tycoon Enterprises, on pursuing consumer products opportunities for Halo in Latin America. Tinderbox also signed action-adventure video game, Ori and the Blind Forest, for global representation while kicking off consumer products programs for several of its existing clients within the Microsoft Xbox portfolio.

Blueprint–Powered by Beanstalk announced the launch of a powerful and customizable online tool, designed to help brand owners evaluate prospective brand extension opportunities. The BXI uses proprietary quantitative and qualitative metrics to guide brand owners through opportunity and partner-selection processes.

DHX Brands, the dedicated brand management and consumer products arm of DHX Media, heads to BLE with a slate of properties headlined by Teletubbies. The original Teletubbies is one of the most successful children’s brands of all time and was voted one of the Best Children’s TV Programs of the last 50 years by international kids’ television experts at the 2014 Prix Jeunesse International. The anticipated new series, set to air late 2015 on CBeebies, features the characters with a refreshed, contemporary look that will be supported by national PR and advertising campaigns. Licensing activity continues to ramp up with a significant Teletubbies ELA UK deal recently announced with VTech to bring its cast to life via electronic learning toys. This follows earlier core deals with Character Options as master toy partner and Egmont for master publishing. With 20plus licensees already on-board for the UK, DHX also began appointing agents in key territories.

International broadcast rollout is set for 2016, including a number of leading broadcasters in key territories: Nickelodeon (U.S.), Family Jr. (Canada), Rai (Italy), and Gulli (France).

Teletubbies’ Tinky-Winky, Dipsy, Laa Laa, and Po return to the small screen this fall on CBeebies with a refreshed look.

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Brand Licensing Europe Discovery Consumer Products

Discovery Consumer Products (DCP) will focus on its outdoor adventure property, Discovery Adventures, at BLE. Discovery Adventures’ consumer product extensions have a central goal of making outdoor exploration and adventure possible for all ages.

DCP will debut an innovative range of hard goods and travel products in the outdoor living category across camping, luggage, travel accessories, and more.

This year, Animal Planet partnered with Chrisco in Denmark and 151 Pets in the UK to launch a line of Animal Planet pet treats appealing to a core pet lover audience.

DCP seeks to establish partners across EMEA in toys, bedding, pet accessories, and housewares. DCP has also partnered with Wild Republic Europe to create a line of plush and toy items based on the Animal Planet brand, including Too Cute and Shark Week. The line will debut this fall as an expanded partnership with Wild Republic, which currently develops and distributes product in the U.S. A new deal with Retail 3000 also creates a partnership across toy stores on behalf of the Animal Planet brand in Israel. The partnership includes toys and games as well as dress-up. Retail 3000 will source from its existing licensees to create a cohesive retail presence for the brand. They are developing new product for 2016. DCP will also feature product offerings across key properties under the flagship Discovery Channel network brand including Shark Week and How’s it Made.

Regal Academy

Rainbow

Regal Academy is the new animated comedy with a unique take on classic fairy tales. The Regal Academy is a school founded by famous fairytale characters to pass on wisdom to the next generation. Thrust into this new place of learning is Rose Cinderella, a normal girl who finds out Cinderella is her grandmother.

My American Friend is the live-action production that celebrates Italy as seen through the eyes of Meg, a young American girl who dreams of being a fashion designer. When she wins a twoyear scholarship at the prestigious Milan Fashion Academy, she meets Bianca, a self-proclaimed Italian “princess” and together they discover secrets that will change their lives forever. The series started shooting in September in Italy.

Winx Club enters its seventh season this year, and Mia and Me, a co-production with Hahn & M4e, now has a toy line from global toy partner Mattel. Other partners include Ravensburger, Egmont, Unilever, Nestle, and Panini.

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Epic Rights

AC/DC released its latest album, Rock or Bust, in December 2014; opened the Grammy Awards’ telecast in February 2015; and just concluded the European leg of its Rock or Bust world tour. Thanks in part to Perryscope Productions and Epic Rights licensing program, the brand entered new categories, including gaming, spirits, costumes, sporting goods, and electronics.

In 2019, in partnership with Perryscope and Woodstock Ventures, Woodstock celebrates its 50th anniversary with a series of commemorative events, including a global licensing program that kicked off last year domestically and expanded globally this year.

KISS’ licensing and merchandising program continues to grow worldwide. The latest licensees include Charlotte Olympia (worldwide for footwear), FIPO (Germany, Austria, Switzerland for apparel, accessories, home goods), Winning Moves International (worldwide for KISS-themed Monopoly); and more. KISS extended its North American 40th Anniversary tour to Europe, Latin America, and Japan in early 2015.

eOne Licensing

American Greetings

American Greetings Properties’ (AGP) Care Bears are on nearly every platform with distribution in 450-plus million households in 50 languages worldwide. Care Bears: Welcome to Care-a-Lot has grown on all fronts in Europe with the UK (Tiny Pop), France (Gulli), Germany (KiKa), Spain (Clan TV), and Italy (Cartoonito).

It will premiere on Portugal’s Panda TV in February 2016. On November 6, Care Bears & Cousins, a Netflix Original Series, will launch simultaneously in approximately 150 countries in 19 different languages. Care Bears toys are available in more than 45 countries worldwide in territories including North America, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East with Just Play as the U.S. master toy partner and Vivid as the distributor in key European territories such as the UK. Global partnership highlights include Build-A-Bear for stuffable plush toys and toys accessories, launching in 2016; Benetton and Zara for apparel; and Iron Fist for apparel and accessories. The Care Bears have a strong online presence in the U.S. and are rolling out responsive websites in seven global markets in 2015 including the UK, France, Brazil, Mexico, Australia, Canada, and Germany. There is also localized social media in the U.S., the UK, France, Brazil, and Mexico. This fall will bring the global rollout of Ubisoft’s Care Bears Belly Match gaming app. With a new partnership with Little Dot, the Care Bears brand will continue to build on its more than five million views on YouTube.

Entertainment One Licensing’s (eOne)’s Peppa Pig launched in China and at mass market retail in the U.S. this year. eOne is rapidly expanding the brand’s retail footprint in Australia, Latin America, and Central Eastern Europe, and merchandise will launch at retail in Canada in 2016.

Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom continues to build momentum in the UK following a brand refresh and new toy line from Character Options. On the back of strong broadcast ratings, the brand is also gaining a foothold in Spain, Italy, and Australia where merchandise is rolling out.

SO SO Happy’s new partnerships include cosmetics partner Kelly Teegarden Cosmetics, boutique fashion label Iron Fist, and accessories supplier Loungefly. With a pop-up shop launched in the UK in September, eOne is building momentum for the brand across Europe and will use BLE as a platform to introduce it to new partners. eOne will also boost the lifestyle division’s credentials with licensing opportunities for the record label Death Row Records, acquired by eOne Music in 2013. eOne will also showcase pan-European licensing opportunities for the movie adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic The BFG. The new movie is co-produced by DreamWorks Studios and Walt Disney Studios, directed by Steven Spielberg, with Mark Rylance in the title role and a score by John Williams. The BFG movie is set for release in summer 2016 to coincide with Roald Dahl centenary celebrations. eOne will distribute the movie in the UK. Ricky Gervais will revive his character David Brent from The Office in the upcoming spin-off movie Life on the Road. Written and directed by Gervais, Life on the Road follows Brent 15 years after his redundancy from Wernham Hogg as he pursues his dreams of becoming a musician. eOne will distribute the film in the UK, which is set for August 2016, and eOne Licensing will manage consumer products in Europe with a focus on the adult gift and novelty sector.

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Brand Licensing Europe Warner Bros.

Warner Bros. Consumer Products’ (WBCP) DC Comics heads up the slate with Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice fronting a lineup that includes nine new DC Comics movies set for launch by 2020. Targeted licensing programs, including DC Super Hero Girls, a multi-platform universe of animated shorts, books, apparel, and toys featuring Wonder Woman, Supergirl, and Batgirl for girls ages 6–12, will also be highlighted.

New Scooby-Doo content and LEGO Scooby-Doo rolls out across EMEA as WBCP continues to build upon its 15-year relationship with Character Group with new toy lines and distribution in new markets.

Looney Tunes continues to drive new trends with new partnerships such as Hare Jordan for Nike and haute couture apparel and accessories with Moschino.

Warner Bros. Animation will bring life to WBCP’s classic animation slate with Wabbit—A Looney Tunes Production, Be Cool Scooby-Doo!, and a reboot of The Tom and Jerry Show. All will be supported by top-tier licensees.

In production as part of an expanded creative partnership between Warner Bros. Entertainment and J.K. Rowling, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is the first in a new film series inspired by Harry Potter’s Hogwarts textbook Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and the adventures of the book’s fictitious author Newt Scamander.

The film marks Rowling’s screenwriting debut and will be fully supported by WBCP and a global licensing and merchandising program.

The Harry Potter franchise continues to expand in the themed entertainment space.

Universal

Universal Partnerships & Licensing (UP&L) oversees NBCUniversal’s consumer product and digital licensing for Universal Pictures, NBC Television, Focus Features, and Sprout Channel. It is also responsible for film, home entertainment, and television promotions. Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment’s The Secret Life of Pets, a comedy about the lives our pets lead after we leave for work and school each day is slated for summer 2016. Spin Master is the global master toy partner and will develop a variety of toys, including traditional plush and figurines as well as interactive and motorized toys.

UP&L will also focus on two of its blockbuster film franchises, Minions and Jurassic World. UP&L will refresh both programs with all-new creative and ongoing marketing campaigns from licensees including Thinkway Toys, Hasbro, Mega Bloks, and EA for Minions and Hasbro, LEGO, and Ludia for Jurassic World, leading into Despicable Me 3 in 2017 and the Jurassic World Sequel in 2018.

UP&L will also introduce the next installment of Universal Pictures’ Fast & Furious franchise, which is slated for spring 2017.

Sony Computer Entertainment

Sony’s Horizon Zero Dawn

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Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) will showcase new action gaming brand Horizon Zero Dawn, set for release on PlayStation4; the latest installment of the successful Uncharted series, Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End; and lifestyle licensing opportunities for the PlayStation brand. Other titles including Bloodborne, God of War, Tearaway, RIGS, LittleBigPlanet, Invizimals, The Last of Us, Journey, and retro titles Lemmings, WipEout, and Parappa the Rapper, also seek licensees. There’s also a sneak preview of Sony’s anticipated Project Morpheus virtual reality headset.

Fox Consumer Products Outfit7 Limited

Outfit7 Limited’s flagship property Talking Tom and Friends has garnered more than 2.8 billion app downloads, with more than 250 million active players each month worldwide. Its first app launched five years ago, and today its suite of apps includes 15 titles. Combined, the franchise has also amassed three billion views of its various content on YouTube since its creation.

Talking Tom and Friends: The Animated Series reached 70 million views since its launch in late spring on YouTube and the YouTube Kids app. The 52x11 minute episode series features a voice cast led

by Colin Hanks (Fargo) and Tom Kenny (SpongeBob SquarePants).

Outfit7 is seeking domestic and global partners to support and further develop the brand’s consumer products program, which now has 50 licensing partners from all parts of the world.

Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products (FCP) will showcase its portfolio of top entertainment brands, available for multi-category licensing programs, anchored by the upcoming release of Ice Age: Collision Course (July 2016), the fifth film in the $6.2 billion Ice Age franchise. FCP will also showcase upcoming franchise films Independence Day, Planet of the Apes, and the all-new movie Alvin and The Chipmunks: The Road Chip. New TV series, including Fox’s Empire and the anticipated Scream Queens, will be showcased alongside The Simpsons and Family Guy. FCP is also gearing for the 30th anniversary of the iconic film Aliens in 2016.

Rocket Licensing

For Sony’s July 2016 reboot of Ghostbusters, deals have already been signed for global toy and video game publishing. For the first phase of the UK licensing campaign, Rocket is targeting publishing, apparel, nightwear, underwear, posters, calendars, stationery, confectionery, gifts, and housewares. Rocket’s Classic Ghostbusters licensing campaign with licensees in numerous categories will boost the new film.

The UK licensing campaign for The World of Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar, managed by Rocket through the brand’s worldwide agent The Joester Loria Group, has category signings in toiletries, housewares, puzzles, crockery, party paperware, and nursery furniture, with more to come. The Very Hungry Caterpillar recently partnered with Dean Heritage Centre to feature scenes from Carle’s timeless story in a woodland trail. The global consumer products program has grown to more than 35,000 retail doors in more than 15 countries and extends to all major categories including: toys, games, apps, apparel, accessories, home décor, social expressions, stationery, gift, feeding utensils, and school supplies.

Breaking Bad’s licensing program continues to grow as the franchise seeks to satisfy its dedicated fan base. The Breaking Bad spin-off Better Call Saul averages 5.9 million viewers per episode and has inspired a product rollout across categories.

Other properties include Mrs Brown’s Boys, Rocky, Dr Seuss’ The Grinch, CBeebies animated preschool series Ruff-Ruff, Tweet and Dave, Smurfs, Gas Monkey Garage, and UK design brands A-Z and Model’s Own.

Breaking Bad’s Walter White played

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Specialty emporium Galt Brings Classics to U.S. Market

G

by Jennifer

Lynch

alt is a company that has a long and storied history of leading the UK’s toy industry—beginning with school supplies at launch 175 years ago, adapting those products for at-home learning in the 1960s, and then moving away from the educational category with Galt Toys when the company’s two divisions split in the 1990s.

Since that time, while Galt has remained steadfast in its commitment to offer basics across a wide range of categories (infant and preschool, crafts, construction, puzzles and games, activity books, and more), its approach has shifted to tackle new challenges and position itself for growth. “Over the past 30 years, many companies have developed products that move away from the educational descriptor toward the creative, fun, and developmental,” says Beau

THE HIGHLIGHTS • James Galt & Co. started making school supplies when it was established more than 175 years ago in Manchester, England.

• In 1961 the Galt Toy division was formed.

• The Ambi range is now available in the U.S. in its entirety for the first time. This includes all 44 pieces.

• The Ambi range will reintroduce its iconic Bird & Fish bath toys. The line earned British toy designer Patrick Rylands the title of the youngest person to win the Duke of Edinburgh’s Prize for Elegant Design.

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Fish & Bird bath toys James, director of North America for Galt Toys. “In the process a great deal of thought is given to how a child will use the product and the benefits of that play. This can be seen across Galt’s entire product range.”

When Galt was sold to the Ohio-based Elmer’s Products in 2008, it essentially took the name out of the U.S. market for five years.

And while the venture was short-lived, as the company was then bought by an English firm in 2012, reestablishing the brand since that time remains a challenge.

One way the company is engaging consumers with the brand is by digging back into the archives and bringing back classic designs—particularly for bath and baby. This year, Galt is rolling out the entire Ambi Toy line in the U.S. for the first time and relaunching the line’s iconic Bird & Fish bath toys, designed by renowned toy designer Patrick Rylands. “They’re really attractive to both parents and children because of their simple, smooth shapes that are easy for small hands to grasp with a comforting tactile quality; only

the eyes for decoration,” says James. For most of its life, Ambi has been distributed by many importing companies, often in competition with each other, says James. Galt acquired the license to manufacture and distribute Ambi Toys worldwide in 2013. And since then, Galt has been focused on the brand as a whole, and with the reintroduction of products it will build the line from 13 to 44 SKUs, along with new packaging and pricing strategy. “It was the perfect time to bring everything back, but particularly something as special as the Bird & Fish toys,” says James.

Galt has also worked closely with Dr. Miriam Stoppard for another toy range targeting baby’s early developmental years. While Stoppard is a well-known and trusted parenting expert in the UK, her name isn’t as recognizable stateside. Thus, the strategy for building the line’s momentum at retail has had to differ. Instead of letting Stoppard’s name aid the product on shelves, Galt is relying on its play value and guides to pave the way. Each item in the line was created to address various aspects of a child’s development and each comes with a play guide offering tips so that baby gets the most benefits from the toy— an important quality for today’s parents. In addition, the company will focus heavily on key offerings in its First Years line with the PlayNest, and its activity line of nursery trampolines and construction sets, including the Mega Marble Run. As the company moves into 2016, one thing is for sure, while the North American market may still be a goal and a challenge for the English company, it’s one Galt is ready to tackle.

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CALENDAR

OF

EVENTS

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OCTOBER

Industry-Related Trade Shows

NOVEMBER 19–20

21–22

Toy & Games Conference

Chicago Toy & Game Fair

DECEMBER 6–9

8–10

Grand Strand Gift Show

International Halloween Show

JANUARY 6–9

6–9

11–14

22–25

24–26

27–2/1

30–2/3

International CES

Kids@Play

Hong Kong Toys and Games Fair Halloween & Party Expo

The Toy Fair

Spielwarenmesse Int’l Toy Fair

NY Now

FEBRUARY 8–11

13–16

TBA

MARCH 1–3

6–8

9–11

17–20

19–22

APRIL 4–7

4–7

8–9

12–14

MAY 2–4

Kidscreen Summit

American International Toy Fair

tandgcon.com

chitagfair.com grandstrandgiftshow.com

Navy Pier

Navy Pier

Myrtle Beach Convention Center

Chicago

Chicago

Myrtle Beach

hiaonline.org

Halloween Tower

New York City

cesweb.org

Las Vegas Convention Center

Las Vegas

kidsatplaysummit.com

Las Vegas Convention Center

Las Vegas

toyfair.co.uk

Olympia London

London

hktoyfair.com

halloweenpartyexpo.com

toyfair.de

Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Center

New Orleans Morial Convention Center

Nuremberg Exhibition Center

Hong Kong

New Orleans

Nuremberg

nynow.com

Jacob Javits Convention Center

New York City

summit.kidscreen.com

InterContinental Miami

Miami

toyassociation.org

Jacob Javits Convention Center

New York City

Digital Kids Conference

toyassociation.org

Jacob Javits Convention Center

New York City

Playworld Middle East

playworldme.com

Dubai Int’l Convention & Exhibition Centre

Dubai

ToyFest West

Ed Expo

toyfestwest.com

edexpo.com

Halloween & Attractions Show

haashow.com

Bologna Children’s Book Fair

bookfair.bolognafiere.it

Australian Toy, Hobby, & Licensing Fair

austoy.com.au

South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa

Las Vegas Westgate Resort and Casino

America’s Center

Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre

Bologna Fair Centre

Las Vegas

Las Vegas

St. Louis

Melbourne

Bologna

MIPTV

mipworld.com

Palais des Festivals

Cannes

PlayCon

toyassociation.org

The Miami Beach Edition Hotel

Miami

Kazachok Licensing Forum London Book Fair

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forumlicence.kazachok.com

londonbookfair.co.uk

La Halle Freyssinet

Earls Court

Paris

London

e t a e r

C

an

! ar

o r Up

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Makgional, impre a d i r re edia ck F a m l eB r o f e ht b g i .comGame R g a t chi oToyN g hica C @

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Jennifer Coleman • jcoleman@4kmedia.com • +1.212.590.2120

www.yugioh.com

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