Feb 20-27, 2026
Welcome to Your Weekly News Brief!
Happy Bloomin’ Friday!
“I love struggling, actually. It makes me feel alive.” — Alysa Liu, American Olympic Gold Medalist Figure Skater.
Jeremy Padawer reflected beautifully on Alysa’s words in his recent LinkedIn post. Her words resonated with me as well — especially as an entrepreneur who began with little more than a passion for the toy community and a belief in what we could build together.
The struggle is real. But so are the coaches, mentors, friends, and colleagues who lift us up along the way. I am deeply grateful to those who have supported me and continue to do so — and paying that support forward remains incredibly important to me.
Stepping back, this sentiment feels true for our industry as a whole. The recent and ongoing challenges haven’t just tested us — they’ve made our bonds even stronger. We all felt that contagious energy and sense of collaboration, resilience, and shared purpose at New York Toy Fair, and it felt fantastic!
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Onward and Upward,
Mary and the POP Team
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Dr. Amanda Gummer on Children’s Digital Wellbeing Framework (CDWF):
A practical route to better-designed digital experiences for children
Children’s digital lives are no longer a side-issue. Games, apps, platforms and connected toys are where children learn, play, socialise and explore identity, often long before adults have a clear line of sight on what “good” looks like.
For years, the conversation has swung between two unhelpful poles: panic (“ban it”) or permission (“it’s the future”). What families, educators and responsible creators need is a third thing: a credible, practical framework for building and recognising digital experiences that support children’s wellbeing.
That is why we’re developing the Children’s Digital Wellbeing Framework (CDWF); a cross-sector, evidence-informed approach to defining what responsible, child-centred digital design looks like. READ MORE
Bob Moog’s Tribute to Cris Lehman, Co-founder and CFO of University Games
Cris Lehman, co-founder and CFO of University Games passed away on January 31, 2026 from complications in his treatment for pancreatic cancer. Cris was 69 years old.
Cris and I met freshman year at Colorado College in 1974. I was impressed by the tan, big smile and puca shells around Cris’s neck. He was the stereotype of an LA surfer even though he actually grew up in Pasadena and never did more than a little body surfing. The nickname LA stuck from that first week and for the next 50 years he was known as LA. He was my best friend and I introduced him to his wife, was in his wedding and am Godfather to his oldest daughter. We ran the company together and worked in the same room for 12 years. He was the “back office” for University Games and I was the University Games portal to the industry. The Company needed both of us to succeed and we were a formidable team in the early years. LA ended up graduating from UC Berkeley with a business degree in 1978. He took a job at Price Waterhouse where he focused on both tax and audit for the next 7 years. READ MORE
Cartoon Lovers, Lexophiles & People in Need of a Smile!
Cartoon of the Week: Why are figure skaters often holding plushies? Who are the stuffed animals given to medalists at the 2026 Olympics?
Do you have a cartoon, quote or a joke to share? Send it to Mary.
Memorable Quotes: “I love struggling, actually. It makes me feel alive.” — Alysa Liu
Jeremy Padawer shares why this sentiment resonates with him.
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
Financial, Legal and Tariffs
On February 20, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a 6–3 decision ruling that President Donald Trump’s tariffs on products entering the United States from multiple countries were not authorized under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA)
Trump’s actions were unprecedented. Moreover, the rules seemed arbitrary, changing every 24 to 48 hours.
Jay Foreman, CEO of Basic Fun, comments on what this means for the toy industry and advice on how to respond and how to move forward.
President Trump said on Saturday that he would raise his new, global tariff to 15 percent, a day after he took steps to replicate some of his previous tariffs.
Companies that hedged their bets by selling potential tariff refund claims to investors celebrated on Friday after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump's sweeping emergency tariffs. Now comes the hard part.
Rick Woldenberg, owner of the Chicago-based small toy manufacturer Learning Resources, joined Geoff Bennett to discuss the ruling and what comes next for his business.
Billions in U.S. cargo are still being slapped with Trump's "reciprocal" tariffs even after being struck down by the Supreme Court ruling.
New York attorney general Letitia James called loot boxes 'quintessential gambling.'
That drop saw the US fall behind both France and the UK in Q3 in terms of the company's highest-performing countries for net sales, with France surging 47% year-on-year to over €111m, and the UK growing 41% to €82.7m.
US President Donald Trump has stated that he will impose global tariffs of 15%, after a Supreme Court ruled his previous tariff imposition unconstitutional.
The move was a stunning development in the long-running corporate battle for the storied media giant.
Trends, Lists, Market Research, and State of the Industry
The President of Toy and Game at Hasbro, sits down to discuss the company’s performance, new products, and future outlook.
The President and Chief Commercial Officer at Mattel, sits down for an update on the company’s performance, new products, and big opportunities
The Vice President of Global Brands at Make It Real shares an update on the company’s performance, new products, and the next era of DIY play.
The CEO at PMI Kids’ World offers a quick update on the company’s performance, along with highlights of the new products set to hit retail this year.
Funko CEO's shares an update on the company’s performance, new products, and future.
The Founder and CEO of The Nacelle Co. shares an update on the company’s performance, new products, and the challenges and opportunities for a growing brand.
Oliver, the CMO at ZURU, gives an update on the company’s performance, new products, and speed to market
The Managing Partner and Co-Owner at MAGNA-TILES offers an update on the company’s performance, new products, and battling knockoffs
Paramount's President of Global Products and Experiences, provides an update on the company’s performance, new products, and big opportunities at retail
An inside look at what toys will be hot this holiday season.
Stories, Comments, and Advice
In an ever-evolving toy industry where engaging multiple senses enhances the play experience, the addition of fragrance has emerged as an innovative way to boost appeal.
The original footage was taken by Ira Gallen. Thanks for capturing this beautiful moment!
Tenements crowded with Jewish immigrants from Russia and Eastern Europe furnished the American toy industry with inventors and entrepreneurs.
"Fear gets a bad reputation. But a little bit of fear? That’s normal. In fact, it’s often a signal."
It’s Black History Month, and a time to recognize the Black inventors like Ken Johnson, who created Phase 10 in 1982.
Executives say it’s all about learning how to better run their businesses, but some corporate watchers question if this is just a PR move.
Some of the world’s most famous entertainment brands fail to grow in difficult markets. At the same time, much smaller brands manage to launch products and build long-term partnerships.
History and Nostalgia
Released in 1975 by Child Guidance, the Kentucky Fried Chicken playset brought the fast-food chain into children’s playrooms, allowing them to recreate familiar dining experiences through imaginative play.
Released in 1969 by Ideal, Grand Slam was a large-format action game built around striking plastic discs across an elevated play surface.
Licensing and Entertainment
David Norman, CEO of Stormin’ Studios, said there is “significant potential” for the UK toy brand in America.
First-ever officially licensed Star Trek Shashibo launches with collectible designs inspired by the iconic franchise in the year of its 60th Anniversary.
The dice and card-focused combat game has become a crowdfunding heavyweight following its original $180,000 Kickstarter project from Mind Bottling Games in 2018, going on to raise almost $13m across a string of subsequent campaigns.
Hasbro builds on the excitement surrounding the FIFA World Cup 2026 by launching four games inspired by the soccer competition.
From $5 keychain capsules to $280 sixth-scale collector figures, the HUNTR/X toy empire spans six manufacturers and a dozen product categories.
DC x Sonic the Hedgehog is back and will be returning with a new five-issue event which is titled DC x Sonic the Hedgehog: Metal Legion.
Yoko Taro, the man in a creepy mask behind the popular Nier franchise will be penning a brand-new Evangelion anime, as announced during the 30th anniversary event held in Yokohama on Feb. 23.
Funko has announced a new Funko Pop! Premium Pokémon collection being launched as the world celebrates 30 years of Pokémon, one of the world’s most beloved and influential entertainment franchises.
Building on its established collaboration with Toei Animation, YuMe Toys is expanding its One Piece portfolio with the launch of an all-new surprise capsule range.
The newest collection of retro figures will be available in just a couple of months. It's going to be 1986 all over again!
Iconic Dr. Seuss characters The Cat in the Hat, Thing 1 and Thing 2 make their duck debut in the latest Tubbz release.
Expect FIFA-themed collections to grow this spring.
TeeTurtle is entering a year-long agreement with Walmart to bring its lineup of licensed loot to shelves, starting with new One Piece plush.
The limited-edition collectibles launch March 6.
Upper Deck celebrates the Grateful Dead’s 60th anniversary with trading cards honoring the band’s legacy, music, and iconography visuals.
Skrein is the latest actor to join the cast of Prime Video's God of War, the TV series based on the hit video game.
'Smiling Friends' creators announce that the adult animated show is ending with Season 3 on Adult Swim, will get two extra episodes airing April 12.
As the growth of licensing in various sectors worldwide continues to grow, the Licensing China show is responding to the market in a big way.
People of Play
"You can't tell the story of toy design without Eddy Goldfarb, Marvin Glass, Ralph Baer, and Reuben Klamer."
Xbox president Sarah Bond is also leaving Microsoft, in what is a major shake-up to the management of Xbox and Microsoft's gaming efforts.
Liz has a unique creative vision, with a talent for understanding what makes a game resonate with players.
ICv2 caught up with Kayou U.S. COO Sergio Godinho at New York Toy Fair to learn more about the company’s U.S. launch of the My Little Pony TCG.
What if creativity isn’t something you are — but something that happens when you stay curious long enough?
Companies and Brands
American Girl marks its 40th anniversary after five quarters of sales growth, but revenue remains far below its peak as Mattel faces industry pressures.
A ten-year-old’s careful card collection, the psychology of care and the $147bn global Pokémon economy from kitchen tables to the Natural History Museum
Cardboard Alchemy has taken the next step in its rapid expansion by shifting to distribute its own games into retail, powered by the evergreen success of its dragon-themed design Flamecraft.
The Pokémon Company just held an event in Japan detailing how it will celebrate the franchise's 30th anniversary this month, and boy, is Pikachu's steward pulling out all the stops.
The latest deal comes eight months after Asmodee kicked off its reignited strategy of buying up smaller board game publishers, distributors and IPs by acquiring CMON's flagship IP Zombicide.
The change in ownership will mark a significant structural shift for Kosmos' operations in the British market, adding to existing strategies for long-term growth while offering new benefits.
The new card game brings a cheeky twist to classic Go Fish, with adults fishing for embarrassing cards to match.
PMI Kids’ World unveils its 2026 product lineup, featuring new collectibles and figures for Fuggler, Supergoal, and more.
Mainframe Studios and Cookbook Media enter a partnership to establish a creative and business engine for the studio’s intellectual property.
Together with its costume division, Disguise, JAKKS Pacific is launching a new, large-scale product platform dedicated to all things anime.
The collector-focused line draws inspiration from cryptids, global conspiracies, UFOs, and paranormal phenomena, introducing an original universe set in a near-future world where legendary creatures confront an evil uprising.
The LEGO Group is pledging millions in additional funding to its sustainability strategies, specifically targeting carbon removal.
“America’s big retailers passed over 90% of their tariff costs onto you, their customers, by marking everything up,” the Chicago-based game maker said in an online post.
This first-ever collaboration brings nostalgic heritage to life in a fresh, modern way — inspired by the beloved and iconic Cozy Coupe and translated into apparel that’s fun, functional, and built for real play.
Gaming: Digital, Video, Hardware, and Development
It's a good list, and she's a Chrono Trigger fan too!
Konami has announced that a whole host of classic Marvel games will be arriving on the Nintendo Switch in the form of MARVEL MaXimum Collection and it includes 13 “comic-to-console and handheld counterpart titles from the past.”
Keep your ID in your pocket for now.
As the Pokémon brand celebrates 30 years, The Pokémon Company group will mark Pokémon Day 2026 with a special Pokémon Presents video presentation on Friday, February 27, at 6am PT / 2pm UK time.
Zelda's ability to endure over decades is a miracle.
Overwatch Rush is described as "an entirely new game – not a port" that's being developed internally at Blizzard by a team separate from Team 4, the group that works on Overwatch.
The upcoming Insomniac Games title that centers on everyone's favorite adamantium-fueled mutant will be released on September 15.
The Toy Book speaks with Mob Entertainment’s George Krstic to discuss the popularity of the ‘Poppy Playtime’ franchise.
From classic UNO experiences with a fresh twist to competitions between friends, these new digital experiences are a part of Mattel's ongoing commitment to make game night bigger, bolder and more interactive.
Safety and Regulatory
On February 20, The Toy Association™ submitted comments to the New Mexico Environment Improvement Board in response to the organization’s request for information regarding the proposed adoption of 20.13.2 NMAC (aka the PFAS Protection Act).
The supermarket chain and toy manufacturer explained that the sand in it may contain trace levels of asbestos.
Associations, Foundations, Shows, Awards, Events, and Festivals
The Toy Association’s 120th Toy Fair® brought the global play community to New York City’s Javits Convention Center from February 14 to 17 to increase holiday orders, build business connections, and explore the latest trends and innovations in toys.
On special assignment from Zigazoo, creators Chase & Mars from 'On the Scene Adventures' team up with Stella & Jameson from 'The Stella Show' to check out the annual TOTY (Toy of the Year Awards) in New York City.
The Cardboard Edison Award recognizes great unpublished board games
Learn more insights during an upcoming Toy Association webinar that will share the influence Generation Alpha has on the U.S. toy market, where their attention and their parents’ spending is moving, and how to drive targeted advertising solutions.
The major regional Speed Puzzling Championship event took place in Cardiff, with Ravensburger providing 500 and 1000-piece puzzles for the contest.
The NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins celebrates the legacy of Mister Rogers by hosting the first Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Day.
Licensing Expo is returning to Las Vegas this May, bringing together merchandisers and retailers to celebrate the global licensing industry.
The celebration launched with a 1:5000 Squishmallows for both the women’s and men’s game against major SEC rivals!
The iconic toy company behind Hot Wheels, Barbie and Fisher Price is planning a huge new indoor waterpark in Illinois.
RIP - Rest in Play - Remembering Those that have Passed
Co-founder and CFO of University Games passed away on January 31, 2026 from complications in his treatment for pancreatic cancer. Cris was 69 years old.
John built an accomplished 30-year career as a prolific toy designer with Hasbro in Rhode Island. Talented and innovative, he helped create products enjoyed by families everywhere.
An American actor best known for his roles in 'Revenge of the Nerds' and 'Lizzie McGuire,' has died. He was 71.
Worldwide Magazines Weekly Top Stories
Some stories added Friday afternoon. Check Back for Complete Lists.
Toy Trade Monthly & Special Issues
- Toy World February Issue
- The Toy Book’s 2026 International Issue
- The Toy World Nuremberg Preview supplement is out now
- Innovation Insider - Youth
- The Toy Universe Magazine — Edition 19
- Casual Game Insider Winter 2026 issue
- The Toy Insider’s 20th Annual Holiday Gift Guide
- The Pop Insider’s 2025 Holiday Gift Guide
- Edplay January 2026 Issue
- Bugg Report Edition 52
Adventure Media & Events (US)
Toyworld (UK)
- Thank you for your attention to this matter … it’s the Friday Blog!
- Further US tariff confusion as President Trump reacts angrily to Supreme Court defeat
- YuMe Toys unveils new One Piece Barrel Capsule collectibles
- Hasbro launches official FIFA World Cup 2026 board games
- Funko unveils new Funko Pop! Premium Pokémon Collection
- Orchard Toys announces distribution agreement with Stormin’ Studios
- Ravensburger sponsors inaugural UKJPA regional
- Kosmos takes full ownership of Thames & Kosmos UK as founders retire
- Spite House Studios reveals newest version of Go F*** Yourself card game
- Pokémon enters agreement to acquire Excell Brands
Licensing.biz Powered by Toyworld
- New trailer and poster released for Toy Story 5
- The Pokémon Company launches collection with JimmyPaul by Difuzed
- Tubbz unveils new Dr. Seuss collectibles
- Winnie the Pooh celebrates International Women’s Day with new partnership
- Cryptic Killers hosts immersive Peaky Blinders launch event
- Mattel unveils expansive Masters of the Universe publishing programme
- Animaj teams up with Magic Star and Sony Music Publishing to expand music globally
- Alton Towers Resort unveils giant Bluey portrait made from bean cans
- Bing and Balocco release sweet Easter collaboration in Italy
- Diane Kruger hosts Bluey Book Reads event in Munich
ICv2: The Business of Geek Culture (US)
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
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