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.
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
The deal is a watershed for Hollywood, which has been trying to sort through the possible harms and upsides of generative artificial intelligence.
The company said the new law, which makes it illegal for children under 16 to have social media accounts, infringes on children's rights.
As Overall Sales Tank, Missing Expectations
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.
An Illinois company is behind one of the major court cases attempting to rule tariffs imposed by the Trump administration illegal.
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.
Gov. Tim Walz has already announced he is running for reelection
Spin Master’s Natalie McArthur joins Ross Hull to talk about the season’s must-have toys, why the company is committed to giving back through the annual Toy Drive, and more.
Ahead of this year’s show, ABC Kids Expo is offering families a preview of the toy trends coming down the pipeline in 2026.
In a nod to one of this year’s most recognizable digital moments, Cra-Z-Art is introducing a new “6-7” slime to its growing lineup of compounds.
The holiday season's best toys that teach.
Got $30? You can score these great holiday toys.
Nostalgia, collaborations and affordability are driving the growth of the global toys and games market, bringing the market value to USD287 billion in 2025.
Discover the best Christmas games for family, friends, and solo fun.
From Catan to Monopoly, here are this year’s top games to play with family and friends.
Owner Ann Kienzle talked toys, play, and giving back with the Sunday morning team at ABC Chicago.
Pantone has officially announced its highly anticipated 2026 Color of the Year—and this time, it arrives on a wave of creativity and nostalgia.
Check out the hottest toys this holiday season.
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.
Mark Buschhaus and Stephen Barnes reflect on their strong sales, the DreamToys list and the Budget.
Those Netflix specials aren’t made with (just) Christmas magic.
There are few books my nephew and I agree on. This is because he is 4, and I am 34,
With Black Friday finally behind us, retailers can focus on making the most of the last 20 trading days before Christmas.
1978 marked the 25th year Matchbox diecast vehicles were available to fans and collectors.
Six intriguing articles related to toys, games, and nostalgia that have hit the news this week.
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.
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.
Spiralcute and Jazwares have announced a multi-year partnership to produce a hotly anticipated lineup of toys and collectibles.
Asmodee and Dreamstar Farms are partnering to launch bilingual editions of Lotería, the beloved Mexican bingo game.
Upper Deck is expanding its sports lineup by teaming up with two major names in athletics: Team Golf League (TGL) and Hockey Canada.
As the global licensing agent for Skip Barber Racing School, Surge Brands will elevate the institution’s branding for mainstream consumers.
This set builds a 1:1-scale replica of the famous trophy.
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.
This trailer touches on many of the big moments from Book Two: Earth, but two reveals are especially exciting.
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.
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 partnership strengthens the brand’s U.S. merchandising program amid rising audience engagement.
Hallmark and Earthbound Brands bring holiday cheer with a licensing program that brings festive products across various categories.
Super7 adds time-traveling nostalgia to its collection with new Back to the Future ReAction+ Wave 1 figures.
The No Filter Series, designed by Baby Three exclusively for T-Mobile, features mystery boxes containing collectible plush characters.
Author Mary Pope Osborne has chosen a buzzy tech startup to adapt her 33-year-old kidlit franchise.
Discharged from the navy after injury, Gordon Russell has turned his recovery into creativity with the launch of Mhairi The Midge.
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.
Mykil Frenetic says crafting his detailed figures has been therapeutic and rewarding for him.
Fanning leads sales strategy, retail expansion, and channel development as the company strengthens its leadership team.
The former LEGOLAND executive is joining the company to help expand its domestic and international presence.
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.
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.
While most 14-year-olds are folding paper airplanes, Miles Wu is folding origami patterns that he believes could one day improve disaster relief.
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.
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 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.
Toy industry professionals are reminded to sign up for “Trends in Retail & Holiday 2025 Update,” an upcoming Toy Association webinar.
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.
What Mary Couzin started back in 2003 is not only the pulse of the toy industry, but also its best kept secret.
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’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 took place on Saturday, and once again the evening saw an impressive amount raised for the industry charity.
Over 1.7m watched the Late Late Toy Show across the weekend, and over €4.6m was raised for the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal.
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.
The specialty store is hosting it's fourth annual holiday toy giveaway, helping families in need celebrate the season through play.
The Toy Business Forum will return to next year’s Spielwarenmesse, giving visitors insight into the trends shaping the global toy industry.
The Toy Business Forum will include a fireside chat, Value of Play conference and TIE presentation, alongside ToyPitch, live podcasts and ToyAward ceremony.
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!
This news helps in marking a milestone in its global giving campaign focused on inspiring curiosity in future innovators through STEM-focused play.
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.
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.
As trade and manufacturing uncertainties disrupt the toy industry, even a giant like Mattel Inc. is feeling the squeeze.
The dramatic demise of the decade-old publisher comes after it raised more than $19m from board game crowdfunding campaigns in just five years.
With its latest acquisition, Moose Toys is bringing its North American shipping, warehousing, and distribution operations all under one roof.
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.
As Bioworld celebrates its 25th anniversary, it’s establishing its own corporate venture fund to help shape the future of consumer brands.
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.
The veteran developer will exit the Japanese company this month.
Outfit7 and Miraculous Corp grow on their existing partnership by adding Ladybug and Cat Noir to ‘My Talking Angela 2.’
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.
Much of Roblox’s $3.6 billion revenue in 2024 was made via in-game microtransactions, particularly through purchases of its virtual currency, Robux.
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.
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, as the product poses a risk of serious injury or death to kids.
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)
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
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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.
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