Marketers should think strategically about data practices, looking for opportunities to build trust by respecting privacy and protecting personal information.

Streaming revenue improves as HBO Max expands subscriber and advertising base.

The live-auction marketplace said it raised $545 million from investors.

GameStop is reportedly considering withdrawing its $56 billion proposal to acquire eBay.

After the Supreme Court struck down the IEEPA tariffs, the administration shifted to a temporary Section 122 tariff and then, effective July 24, to new Section 301 tariffs of 10%–12.5% on imports from 80 countries, with China facing 12.5% and these duties potentially stacking on existing tariffs.

HMV and The Works have both recorded increase in footfall and sales as more young people seek out physical stores to find products and share interests with other fans.

The European Commission plans to subject ChatGPT and Roblox to stricter oversight under the EU’s Digital Services Act after both reportedly crossed the user threshold for designation as Very Large Online Platforms or Very Large Online Search Engines.

Net sales increased 7% to $207.7 million, while its core collectibles category grew 9%, reinforcing that consumers are still spending on products tied to the fandoms they love.

The global toy industry posted 14% dollar growth from January to June 2026 compared to the same period last year, according to new data from Circana.

Learn how distinct regional trends and consumer preferences across North America, Latin America (LATAM), Europe and Asia-Pacific (APAC) are creating differentiated growth paths and unique opportunities for manufacturers, licensors and retailers.

Toy World's Caroline Tonks and Anna Whyte spoke to a selection of indies about what's currently selling and what's to come in the second half of the year.

Here's what licensors, retailers and manufacturers need to know to take advantage of the growth.

Social media fueled NeeDoh's popularity, but experts say the viral toy trend comes with safety concerns for children.

Kids are making, trading and hunting for squishies, or squeezable, malleable blob toys that come in a variety of forms.

This month, Toy Barnhaus’ Stephen Barnes and Mark Buschhaus discuss the ongoing squishy craze, how the recent World Cup affected sales and the impact the summer heat has had on footfall. 

We really are in the midst of peak holiday season – the sun is shining, the roads are quiet, the number of ‘out of office’ replies has skyrocketed and we’ve already had a few ads move back to the October issue because copy or approvals can’t be pushed through in time for September.

In jail, there were no dog pieces. There were top hats and tiny thimbles, silvery wheelbarrows and shabby boots. But every single Monopoly set in the Tompkins County Jail was missing the best thing: the dog piece.

For emerging toy companies, developing an innovative product is only half the challenge.

Toy World’s Caroline Tonks speaks with a selection of leading STEM and Educational Toys suppliers to get their thoughts on how the category promotes value and discovery to satisfy both parents and children alike.

Spring & Autumn Fair has launched a national campaign after new research reveals retailers and consumers agree on one practical step that could help bring people back to Britain's high streets.

Caroline Tonks speaks to a selection of leading Wooden Toys suppliers to learn more about the current trends in the category and how they’re keeping their offering fresh in today’s market.

CBS talks with Ahren Hoffman, director of the Young Inventor Challenge hosted by People of Play.

Older adults are overlooked by the toy industry, yet games tailored to their needs promote cognitive function, social connection and healthy ageing.

Crocs is the latest to join a parade of new brand characters with Niles, a 6-foot crocodile.

A dealer advertisement from 1963 for the “Sewhandy” Singer Sewing Machines toy line from The A. C. Gilbert Company.

Watch Eric from the Celebrating Vintage Model Kits YouTube channel showcase the TWA Future Mach 3 Jetliner from Lindberg.

Released by Ideal Toy Company in 1983, Yipes! used the spooky backdrop of a haunted castle and secret laboratory to transform a simple race game into a monster-themed pursuit.

As breakfast cereal sales fall, some of the biggest brands are placing limited-edition prizes back inside the box.

RMS’ hot collectible brand has sold more than 40 million units worldwide, and Earthbound Brands is set to expand it into a range of products.

The Bluey collection is coming to the Toniebox alongside a brand-new Tonieplay Game, bringing Bluey to life through screen-free audio and interactive play.

The Yoda Puppetronic combines lifelike features with authentic character movements and over 120 sound and action combinations.

As part of a licensing deal, WildBrain and Kids Preferred's new plush collection is based on 'Strawberry Shortcake' and her television show.

Bulldog Licensing extends Sesame Street’s reach in the UK through deals with ToyTopic and PS International Group.

Mattel's collection includes playsets inspired by princesses Ariel, Belle, and Tiana. The stackable sets have figures, accessories, and more.

Kevin Smith to Bring Luke and Leia to Earth-616

In collaboration with The Pokémon Company, Tonies is launching four new Tonies featuring brand-new stories, as well as a special edition of the Toniebox 2 in Lightning Yellow.

Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory will have a six-week window on the big screen—signaling something new for the studio's family animation.

The human and puppet hosts introduced themselves on YouTube today, with more short-form and longer-form videos on the way this fall.

How should licensors and retailers adapt their strategies to make that leap?

The collaboration between the industry's largest brand owner and one of its most successful licensees demonstrates how modern licensing is shifting from individual transactions to strategic partnerships built around shared investment, innovation and sustained engagement.

After winning his IEEPA case, Rick Woldenberg is suing the government again over new levies.

Mattel released the Barbie Signature Whitney Houston Doll, which celebrates the iconic singer’s “record-breaking career, legacy and timeless music that inspired generations of artists and continues to resonate with fans around the world,” per a press release.

The former Warner Bros. Animation exec has a history of expanding franchises into new demos and formats, and translating IPs for new generations of kids.

"This viral moment is so overdue, and sensory toys aren’t going anywhere."

As President, Goldsmith will oversee Just Play’s global organization, driving alignment across teams and leading strategic initiatives to support the company’s continued growth.

Hues and Cues designer Scott Brady, Sagrada co-creator Daryl Andrews and Friendly Skeleton CEO Jacob Way said Best in Play will offer everything from interim executive leadership and designer representation to publisher submission management and crowdfunding strategy.

The hire puts a familiar face from board game media in charge of planning and delivering one of the tabletop industry's largest event programmes.

Hamilton joins Funko from Crunchyroll and will lead the company’s global commercial organization, with responsibility for driving revenue growth, market expansion and strengthening customer engagement across the Funko, Loungefly, and Mondo brands.

Although Yogi is stepping back from leading the Group in April 2027, he will remain on the Board as a Non-Executive Director.

WildBrain CPLG continues to build on its portfolio of evergreen franchises globally.

Sanrio, known for the Hello Kitty and Friends brand, is naming a new Chief Brand Officer for its U.S. and Americas branch.

Disney has promoted 20-year company veteran Joss Hastings to lead marketing for its consumer products division amid its reorganization.

Business Insider's Sarah E. Needleman interviews Ronnen Harary of Spin Master, the toy company behind PAW Patrol.

Founders of Jelly Armchair, the creatives behind University Games’ new Pundamental games and puzzles range, thrilled visitors in Harrogate last month Jelly Armchair founders Liz and Cat brought their much-loved illustrations and infectious enthusiasm to Harrogate Home & Gift last month, where they joined the University Games and Lagoon team to support the retail launch of the new Pundamental games and puzzles collection

G2 has partnered with Wizards of the Coast, one of the world's leading game publishers behind franchises including Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons, to bring the publisher's games to its Counter-Strike jersey through a new long-term creative collaboration, beginning with sci-fi action game Exodus.

Tree Town Toys’ collaboration with Hasbro shows how legacy brands can create new growth by combining familiar IP with fresh play formats.

Chinese brands like Pop Mart are winning over American consumers by projecting a global image and targeting niche markets.

PlayPacks is an innovative new activity backpack range, offering families a screen-free entertainment solution.

Inside Out Toys will be responsible for distributing both Vilac and Jeujura's premium collections of wooden toys within the UK.

Tomy's The Traitors games portfolio features One Night of The Traitors – Castle of Lies and the refreshed The Traitors Board Game.

One Love has also been awarded a Good Play Guide Recommendation, a milestone that celebrates the well-being benefits at the heart of its gently weighted designs.

Build-A-Bear Workshop brings spooky surprises to families with the launch of its 2026 Halloween collection.

The first permanent Five Nights at Freddy’s restaurant experience will mix dining, arcade games, animatronics, and survival horror in 2027.

Little Tikes is serving up a new play kitchen collection that families can mix and match to meet their tastes. 

Small Rice Studios has launched its flagship game across the U.S. and U.K. — Roast: A Game of Sinister Sweetness and Cozy Betrayal. 

New sensory lines, larger activity bundles and new colourways are set to strengthen the Tickit brand’s SiliSoft collection.

Michaels’ new store expansion elevates the retail experience with spaces that spark creativity and celebration in shoppers.

Playmobil has launched free "Art of Storytelling" prompt cards developed with presenter Maddie Moate and child psychologist Dr Amanda Gummer to encourage screen-free imaginative play.

Just in time for holiday gifting, this action-packed balloon-popping challenge transforms everyday play into unforgettable moments that families and friends will want to play, share, and challenge others to beat; available now at Target, Amazon, Walmart, and TikTok Shop.

The streaming service will get the first look before the presentation becomes available on YouTube.

Publisher Panic confirmed the news in a post on Bluesky, where the company also shared a complete list of online credits in celebration of everybody who worked on the project.

Meccha Chameleon, a hide-and-seek game where players paint their bodies to mimic the stage, has sold 20 million copies in just over two months.

Jessica Whatson, Head of Gaming at SuperAwesome, shares why Roblox is ripe with opportunity and visibility, and how it should be utilised by toy brands for advertising purposes.

New releases, brand activations, and creative digital play experiences bring fresh energy to the gaming and toy space.

New parents and friends of parents are gearing up for holiday shopping season, brainstorming ways to offer children with curious minds real, tangible toys to help develop both fine motor skills through physical play, and cognitive functioning through imaginative play. Independent toy company Miller Boys Vintage Toys understands this keenly, and has developed an entire range of high quality, sturdy, wood toys to help bring the excitement of opening presents back to the holidays.

On August 5, The Toy Association™ submitted comments to the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) requesting that non-toxic children’s arts and crafts paints be appropriately excluded from the state’s Paint Product Recovery Program (SB 1143).

The Toy Association™ advocacy to expand recognition of U.S. toy safety requirements in Israel has resulted in a significant milestone for the toy industry: Israel has formally implemented a law that will recognize products that comply with U.S. federal requirements as safe for the Israel market.

Squishy swindlers are on the rise, and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warns consumers to shop and squeeze safely.

The multi-agency operation targeted four businesses at Haywood Mall as officials warned of potential safety risks tied to fake toys.

The deadline is approaching to put your company’s innovative toys, games, and properties in the running for a coveted Toy of the Year® (TOTY®) Award!

Corgi is celebrated its 70th anniversary this week with a special event, Corgi: 70 Years of Making Memories, at Coventry Transport Museum.

The trade fair, which will take place from 4 to 6 March 2027, at the Jio World Convention Center in Mumbai, is now highlighted in the Indian government's newly unveiled "Toy Sector Playbook" as a key national trade fair that supports the growth of India's toy ecosystem.

Looking for more ways to connect, promote your brand, and grow your industry presence? There’s still time to register for The Toy Association’s upcoming member forum, which will spotlight the many ways members can get involved with People of Play (POP) throughout the year.

At the start of 2026, The Toy Foundation’s (TTF) Play Fund program awarded more than $600,000 to 37 children's hospitals nationwide to incorporate play into day-to-day care.

The annual the Game Awards is unsurprisingly set to return this December according to the host of the event, Geoff Keighley.

Located in High Wycombe, the new Eden Shopping Centre store will open its doors in time for the Christmas period.

With these nominations, The Puppet Company's collaboration with Hamleys is recognised and Co-Founder and CEO Sue Lockey is honoured for her leadership and lifetime contributions.

The Harry Potter Oxford Street flagship is inspired by Diagon Alley and will offer a range of exclusive products and immersive experiences.

For three months, fans can explore the ranges like never before through eye-catching displays and fun photo opportunities at Selfridges Birmingham.

Just two spaces remain in the sought-after showcase – get in touch today to secure your spot.

The North East Toy and Gift Show brings more than 60 exhibitors, show specials, hands-on product discovery, and networking to Springfield, Massachusetts.

The ASTRA Specialty Toy Hall of Famer and TnP contributor reports back from the event, with plenty of wisdom for UK brands looking to break into America. 

Few games win awards, but all of them offer great fun. And the “Game of the Year” awards ceremony provides thrills every year.

The finalists for The Licensing Awards 2026 have been announced, recognising achievements across brand licensing in categories spanning licensed products, retailers and properties, including preschool, children’s, teen and adult, music and celebrity, sports and classic brands.