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Welcome to Your Weekly News Brief!

Happy Bloomin’ Friday!
 
I’m loving all the posts about how companies are celebrating the holidays with their teams! Julie Doverspike’s post about the Goliath team watching an industry film together in their pajamas — sounded like the perfect blend of festive and on-brand fun.

Still searching for something special for a colleague? It can be tricky! One of our feature articles this week rounds up a wonderful assortment of industry books — a reliable (and meaningful) go-to gift.

And speaking of meaningful… I received the most generous surprise this week. Steve Rad of Abacus Brands created an engaging fun video capturing the heart and value of POP/CHITAG Week. Thank you, Steve — it brought happy tears of appreciation!

Thank you for reading the Bloom Report — whether here or on the 24/7 News Feed! Please support our work by advertising and/or setting up a POP profile.

Happy Holidays,
Mary & the POP Team

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Catching up with Eric Olsen, The Inventor of Flip 7 and Co-Creator of Messy Table Games

Eric, it was great to meet you in person at the Chicago Toy and Game Fair and the TAGIEs! Congratulations on your extraordinary success. Can you share with our readers when and how you got into game design?

I got into games in the summer of 2020, right in the middle of Covid. I grabbed some knick-knacks on the kitchen table and arranged them into a picture. Since I take way too many pictures for no reason, I actually have a picture of the picture. Can you guess it?

My kids reached over and started making their own pictures. One thing led to another and within a few months I began using a 3D printer and sending baggies full of shapes and word cards to my friends to play. That eventually turned into my first game, Glyphics. It is still hard to imagine that something this simple can lead to putting a product on the shelf at Target and creating a game company. You have heard the saying “A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step”. That little Christmas tree was my first step. READ MORE

A book about our industry makes a great holiday gift!

Explore 30+ reviews in POP Book Reviews — including Julia’s latest, Happytronic

Happytecture is the photography art book of Anna Devís and Daniel Rueda, two architecturally trained artists who have a knack for turning what may initially appear to be ordinary architectural elements into striking, playful images.
 
The book consists of three mini collections: What the Hat, Curiocities, and Pink-a-Boo! What the Hat introduces the use of props: interesting and unique hats become the centerpiece of each photo, rather than large architectural backdrops. In Curiocities, everyday urban elements like doors, windows, and facades are reframed to look extraordinary. Pink-a-Boo! is centered around a post-modern apartment complex in Calpe, Spain, called La Muralla Roja, which was designed by Ricardo Bofill. Anna and Daniel describe this collection as a sort of “visual hide-and-seek,” moving through all the different corners of the building and photographing from all different angles to reveal new perspectives.
 
Anna and Daniel met while studying architecture in Valencia, Spain. They bonded over their love and appreciation for the craft, and as they began traveling together, they happened upon architectural moments they felt deserved to be shared with the world. Some are grand feats like La Muralla Roja, while others are as simple as a square window on a pink building.

READ MORE

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

Cartoon of the Week: Another wonderful cartoon submitted this week! Do you have a cartoon, quote or a joke to share? Send it to Mary.

Memorable Quotes:  "We are more fulfilled when we are involved in something bigger than ourselves."  - John Glenn   

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

 

Happiest of Birthdays to our colleagues celebrating birthdays this past week

Arlene Mathews
Tracy Dudkiewicz
Brian Yu
Ryan Mortensen
Stan Resnicoff
Lauren Petroff
Ana Ofelia Murguía
Marilyn Dick
Patrick Matthews
Peter Willy Gygax
Holly Dempsey
Sam Wechsler
Michele McKenzie
Hope Henderson
Emile Kalis
Jeff Halter
John Lloyd Wright
Daniel Walsh
Scott Brown

Financial, Legal and Tariffs

Disney Agrees to Bring Its Characters to OpenAI’s Sora Videos

The deal is a watershed for Hollywood, which has been trying to sort through the possible harms and upsides of generative artificial intelligence.

Reddit Sues Australian Government to Block Social Media Ban

The company said the new law, which makes it illegal for children under 16 to have social media accounts, infringes on children's rights.

GameStop Collectible Sales Boom

As Overall Sales Tank, Missing Expectations

Retail job cuts up nearly 140% from last year In the first 11 months of the year, the industry has recorded nearly 92,000 job cuts, with over 3,200 in November alone, according to Challenger, Gray and Christmas.
Jingle Bells, Empty Shelves: Inside the Toy Crunch

Global supply chain disruptions, steep tariffs, and soaring shipping costs have created a perfect storm for toy makers, forcing them to rethink strategies and timelines.

'A death sentence': Illinois toy company at center of tariff lawsuit

An Illinois company is behind one of the major court cases attempting to rule tariffs imposed by the Trump administration illegal.

American Consumer Remains Resilient, Says LA Port Executive Director Gene Seroka

The Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles, discusses the current state of shipping at America's ports and the impact tariffs have had on the US consumer. 

MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell announces run for Minnesota Governor

Gov. Tim Walz has already announced he is running for reelection

Stories, Comments, and Advice

Testing times… it’s the Friday Blog!

13 trading days to go (sing it in the style of ’21 seconds to go’ if you like, so it stays in your head all day) – and once again it looks like it will go down to the wire for toy retailers.

Exclusive: Toy Barnhaus’ December indie viewpoint

Mark Buschhaus and Stephen Barnes reflect on their strong sales, the DreamToys list and the Budget.

What the Elf on the Shelf Company Does the Other 11 Months of the Year

Those Netflix specials aren’t made with (just) Christmas magic.

The Illustrated Children’s Book I’ll Never Stop Recommending to Adults

There are few books my nephew and I agree on. This is because he is 4, and I am 34,

A Christmas miracle …it’s the Friday Blog!

With Black Friday finally behind us, retailers can focus on making the most of the last 20 trading days before Christmas.

History and Nostalgia

Matchbox Catalogue

1978 marked the 25th year Matchbox diecast vehicles were available to fans and collectors.

Original Star Wars cut returns to theaters, Uno Braille makes a comeback, BrickLink exits 35 countries, and more | Toy Tales

Six intriguing articles related to toys, games, and nostalgia that have hit the news this week.

Fist Faces Funny Face Toy from Remco

Released in 1966 by Remco, Fist Faces Funny Face Toy was an inventive but straightforward novelty item that turned a child’s fist into a moving puppet-like character.

The Game of Yertle by Dr. Seuss from Revell

Released in 1960 from Revell, The Game of Yertle used the turtle character created by Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss) as the central figure in a simple balancing game designed for young players.

Licensing and Entertainment

Spiralcute International announces master toy partnership with Jazwares

Spiralcute and Jazwares have announced a multi-year partnership to produce a hotly anticipated lineup of toys and collectibles.

Asmodee Secures U.S. Distribution Rights for Lotería Bilingual Edition

Asmodee and Dreamstar Farms are partnering to launch bilingual editions of Lotería, the beloved Mexican bingo game.

Upper Deck Scores Partnerships with TGL and Hockey Canada

Upper Deck is expanding its sports lineup by teaming up with two major names in athletics: Team Golf League (TGL) and Hockey Canada. 

Skip Barber Racing School Appoints New Global Licensing Agent

As the global licensing agent for Skip Barber Racing School, Surge Brands will elevate the institution’s branding for mainstream consumers.

The LEGO Group Launches Replica Set of the FIFA World Cup Trophy

This set builds a 1:1-scale replica of the famous trophy.

DEALS: Jazwares is making KPop Demon Hunters Squishmallows

Also, Abu Dhabi Media has forged a new content partnership with Animotion MENA, and Deliveroo is providing on-demand delivery for The Entertainer's holiday toys.

'Avatar: The Last Airbender' Season 2 Trailer Reveals A First Look At A Beloved Character

This trailer touches on many of the big moments from Book Two: Earth, but two reveals are especially exciting.

'Supergirl' Trailer Reveals A Much More Cosmic DC Adventure

In the first trailer for the movie, written by Ana Noguiera and directed by Craig Gillespie, we see just what to expect from Clark Kent’s rowdier cousin.

Moose Toys to launch One Piece line ahead of new season

The One Piece line will be available ahead of the new season, giving fans everywhere a new way to immerse themselves in the world of Luffy and his band of Straw Hat pirates.

The Wiggles Name Kaufman Licensing as North American Agency

The partnership strengthens the brand’s U.S. merchandising program amid rising audience engagement.

All Is Bright with Hallmark’s New Licensing Program

Hallmark and Earthbound Brands bring holiday cheer with a licensing program that brings festive products across various categories.

Super7 Expands with New ‘Back to the Future’ Figures

Super7 adds time-traveling nostalgia to its collection with new Back to the Future ReAction+ Wave 1 figures.

T-Mobile, Baby Three To Launch Limited-Edition Mystery Boxes

The No Filter Series, designed by Baby Three exclusively for T-Mobile, features mystery boxes containing collectible plush characters.

Magic Tree House is traveling to TV

Author Mary Pope Osborne has chosen a buzzy tech startup to adapt her 33-year-old kidlit franchise.

People of Play

Ex navy serviceman launches Mhairi the Midge

Discharged from the navy after injury, Gordon Russell has turned his recovery into creativity with the launch of Mhairi The Midge.

Science creator Mark Rober expands his kids empire with Scholastic

The publisher's range of handbooks and activity books will roll out in stores, at book fairs and even as part of a brand-new STEM-focused travelling event. 

How this B.C. animator-turned-toy designer finally found joy

Mykil Frenetic says crafting his detailed figures has been therapeutic and rewarding for him.

MAGNA-TILES appoints Heather Fanning as Vice President of Sales

Fanning leads sales strategy, retail expansion, and channel development as the company strengthens its leadership team.

Play Social Names Phil Royle as New Chief Executive Officer

The former LEGOLAND executive is joining the company to help expand its domestic and international presence.

Connect with Toy Design Students through FIT's 2026 Summer Internship Program

Toy and game manufacturers looking to connect with up-and-coming toy designers are invited to participate in the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) Toy Design Department’s Summer 2026 Internship Program.

The Man Who Wrote Songs for the Muppets and the Carpenters Takes a Bow

Paul Williams is known for his ability to elicit both laughter and tears. This week, he and his decades of music will be celebrated at the 92nd Street Y.

14-Year-Old Wins Prize For Origami That Can Hold 10,000 Times Its Own Weight

While most 14-year-olds are folding paper airplanes, Miles Wu is folding origami patterns that he believes could one day improve disaster relief.

Ethan Rappaport to depart from Marky Sparky

After almost 5 years, Ethan has made the difficult decision to head to new opportunities. His father, Mark Rappaport, will be stepping back in as President.

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

The Toy Association Helps First Lady Spread Holiday Cheer

The Toy Association™ and its charitable arm, The Toy Foundation™, helped spread holiday cheer in the nation’s capital with a donation of toys to the annual Marine Toys for Tots Holiday Drive held December 8 at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia.

Toy Companies Support The Toy Foundation's Mission at the 2026 TOTY® Awards

Toy companies are pledging their support of The Toy Foundation’s mission to create a world where every child has access to play by serving as sponsors for the 2026 Toy of the Year® (TOTY®) Awards.

Dec. 11 Webinar: Circana’s Retail Outlook for the Holiday Season

Toy industry professionals are reminded to sign up for “Trends in Retail & Holiday 2025 Update,” an upcoming Toy Association webinar.

Spotlighting Your Brand at Toy Fair®: Creative Ways Exhibitors Can Stand out on the Show Floor

As the industry prepares for Toy Fair, taking place February 14 to 17 at the Javits Center in New York City, exhibitors can take advantage of a host of promotional opportunities to stand out in front of buyers, media, and more.

The Toy Industries Best Kept Secret | An Inside Look at the Chicago Toy and Game Fair

What Mary Couzin started back in 2003 is not only the pulse of the toy industry, but also its best kept secret.

Exclusive: 75 years of Spielwarenmesse

Toy World sums up what visitors can look forward to at Spielwarenmesse's 75th anniversary year, taking place at the Nuremberg Exhibition Centre in January 2026.

Spring Fair announces 2026 content programme

Spring Fair’s speaker programme will blend practical masterclasses with debate, giving buyers the tools, knowledge and connections to thrive in 2026 and beyond.

The Fence Club Christmas Ball smashes fundraising target

The Fence Club Christmas Ball took place on Saturday, and once again the evening saw an impressive amount raised for the industry charity.

RTÉ’s Late Late Toy Show enjoys another record year

Over 1.7m watched the Late Late Toy Show across the weekend, and over €4.6m was raised for the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal.

Newcastle commuters receive festive Hornby train sets

With festive travel stressing a third of Brits, Hornby has brought Christmas cheer to Newcastle commuters with nostalgic train sets distributed by Matt The Train Guy.

Five Little Monkeys Distributes Holiday Magic with Annual Toy Giveaway

The specialty store is hosting it's fourth annual holiday toy giveaway, helping families in need celebrate the season through play.

Toy Business Forum 2026 Reveals Full Schedule of Events

The Toy Business Forum will return to next year’s Spielwarenmesse, giving visitors insight into the trends shaping the global toy industry. 

Nuremberg Toy Business Forum 2026 presents highlights

The Toy Business Forum will include a fireside chat, Value of Play conference and TIE presentation, alongside ToyPitch, live podcasts and ToyAward ceremony.

Mattel Kicks off UNO Elite Tournament in U.S. Hobby Shops

Think you’re the No. 1 UNO Elite player? Well, now you can put that title to the test — and maybe even win $10,000 along the way!

GE Vernova Sets New GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the Largest Online Toy Drive in 24 Hours

This news helps in marking a milestone in its global giving campaign focused on inspiring curiosity in future innovators through STEM-focused play.

Family of Late FDNY Firefighters Go on Shopping Spree at FAO Schwarz

Families who’ve experienced the loss of their firefighting relatives were treated to a shopping spree at FAO Schwarz in New York City on Sunday, Nov. 23.

A Toy’s Journey: Ideation to creation, protection to commercialization, and sales to enforcement

Join the USPTO, in collaboration with the UIA Toy Hub, for an in-depth and holiday fun-filled look at the toy industry. Government and industry experts will provide an inside look at how toy ideas evolve from early sketches and prototypes into fully developed, market-ready products.

Companies and Brands

Mattel Adjusts Operation

As trade and manufacturing uncertainties disrupt the toy industry, even a giant like Mattel Inc. is feeling the squeeze.

Darkest Dungeon board game maker Mythic Games officially liquidated -

The dramatic demise of the decade-old publisher comes after it raised more than $19m from board game crowdfunding campaigns in just five years.

Moose Toys Unifies Supply Chain Operations with New Acquisition

With its latest acquisition, Moose Toys is bringing its North American shipping, warehousing, and distribution operations all under one roof. 

The Entertainer makes appearance on The One Show

A report on Tuesday's edition of The One Show this week featured staff and customers at The Entertainer in the run up to Christmas.

Bioworld Launches New In-House Investment Division

As Bioworld celebrates its 25th anniversary, it’s establishing its own corporate venture fund to help shape the future of consumer brands.

The Evolution of Mattel: From Toy Maker to IP Company

Mattel Chairman and CEO Ynon Kreiz explains how he has transformed the maker of Barbie and Hot Wheels from a traditional toy manufacturer into a modern intellectual property and brand management powerhouse.

Gaming: Digital, Video, Hardware, and Development

Tekken boss Katsuhiro Harada is leaving Bandai Namco

The veteran developer will exit the Japanese company this month.

‘Miraculous’ to Join ‘My Talking Angela 2’ Mobile Game

Outfit7 and Miraculous Corp grow on their existing partnership by adding Ladybug and Cat Noir to ‘My Talking Angela 2.’

‘The Boys’ Soars into Gaming with Upcoming VR Title

As the fifth and final season of 'The Boys' approaches, Amazon is partnering with a superteam of developers to create the series’ first video game.

Instead of toys or cash, children are wishing for in-game currency under the tree this holiday season

Much of Roblox’s $3.6 billion revenue in 2024 was made via in-game microtransactions, particularly through purchases of its virtual currency, Robux.

Highlighted Press Releases

KIDS PREFERRED STRIKES KAIJU-SIZED LICENSING DEAL WITH TOHO INTERNATIONAL FOR GODZILLA LINE

Kids Preferred is ecstatic to announce that they have struck an exciting new licensing agreement with Toho International for one of their biggest and most historic IPs: Godzilla, the King of the Monsters! This timeless icon of cinema is as relevant as ever, with a huge resurgence in popularity thanks to 2023’s Godzilla Minus One, 2024’s Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire and Apple TV’s Monarch: Legacy of Monsters.

Safety and Regulatory

Key State Deadlines for Reporting, Registration, & Public Engagement

The Toy Association is reminding companies of several imminent reporting deadlines and an upcoming workshop at the state level to help members stay informed and compliant in the months ahead.

CreateOn Recalls Crayola-Branded Pip-Cubes 

CreateOn recalls Crayola-branded Pip-Cubes, as the product poses a risk of serious injury or death to kids.

RIP - Rest in Play - Remembering Those that have Passed

Burt Meyer

Creator behind Lite-Brite, Mouse Trap, and Rock ’Em Sock ’Em Robots leaves a multigenerational legacy.

Worldwide Magazines Weekly Top Stories

Some Added Friday Afternoon. Check Back for Complete Lists.

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

 
Adventure Media & Events (US)​

 

​Toyworld (UK)

  1. A Christmas miracle …it’s the Friday Blog!
  2. Netflix set to acquire Warner Bros?
  3. Moose Toys to launch One Piece line ahead of new season
  4. Spiralcute International announces master toy partnership with Jazwares
  5. Exclusive: December’s Circana insights
  6. Nuremberg Toy Business Forum 2026 presents highlights
  7. RTÉ’s Late Late Toy Show enjoys another record year
  8. The Entertainer and Universal team up for 12 Surprises of Christmas
  9. The Entertainer makes appearance on The One Show
  10. Exclusive: Gen Media on TikTok-style adverts

 
Licensing.biz Powered by Toyworld

 

 
ICv2: The Business of Geek Culture (US) 

- Wizards of the Coast Looks to Breathe Life into 'Magic: The Gathering's' Draft Formats at FLGS
- Next Wave of 'WizKids Deep Cuts' Miniatures Features 'Kong'
- Two New 'Pokemon TCG: Mega Charizard ex Tins' Unveiled
- New 'D&D Nolzur's Marvelous Miniatures' Incoming
- Wizards of the Coast Previews 'Magic: The Gathering - Marvel Super Heroes' Cards
- GameStop Collectible Sales Boom
- Rolling for Initiative -- Tariffs at the Court and Promo without Info
- Importers Seeking Tariff Refunds
- New Kids Version of 'Dixit'
- Trick-Taking Wrestling Game from Capstone

 

Nación Juguetes (Mexico, Peru, Argentina, Chile & Spain)​​

 


Global Toy News​​​ 

 

The Bugg Report (Australia)​

 

The Toy Universe (Australia)


 

​hobbyDB

 

 ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
BoardGameWire​​

 

 

Toy Store (Italy)

Video of the Week!

Mr Bean Plays With Christmas Toys | Mr Bean Live Action

POP Classifieds - Free and Easy

"I kept an eye on People of Play's Classifieds and now I work at TOMY!" -Jeff Hersheway, Digital Content Manager at TOMY International

Either post your job openings yourself (so easy!) to our POP Classifieds or send them to us to post for you. We all have colleagues looking now that would benefit.

You can also post IP and more to sell. We just posted a listing for US Utility Patent & Trademark: MOGO.

If you are looking for someone with particular skills and expertise, use POP's Advanced Search to fine that person or company you need!  

If you are not in the POP Directory, the largest searchable directory by skill, expertise and more, sign up!

Get Listed in the POP Toy Industry Database

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David Yakos, Founder of Streamline Design and Owner of Salient Technologies

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