Govt to set up modern testing facilities for toy clusters to boost exports, global competitiveness.

The Court of Appeal in Nuremberg ruled that a plush version of a common bakery item with human elements is not protectable, and the general idea cannot be monopolised by IP rights.

This is the company's first Annual Report prepared in compliance with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, reflecting their commitment to greater transparency, accountability, and long-term value creation.

E-commerce spend during this year’s earlier June dates reached $26.4 billion, according to Adobe data.

The gift retailer behind Menkind and The Source is celebrating the most profitable year in the company's history and announces continued UK and European expansion plan.

The nearly 45-year-old franchise boasts more than 500 licensing partners and $12 billion in lifetime retail sales.

The Indian toy market offers substantial growth potential due to the country’s large young population, according to May Liang, Chair of the China Toy & Juvenile Products Association.

Toy World sat down with indie retailers at the Toymaster May Show to get their thoughts on the event.

Blooms by Play-Doh gives your favorite childhood toy an adult-centric glow-up.

A new FAO Schwarz partnership brings collectibles, premium plush and experiential retail to department store customers nationwide

Meanwhile, social media is influencing the segment, fueled by ASMR content and unboxing videos.

This month, Emilie Erktan examines the impact of the growth of Sports-inspired toys on the overall market, as the UK continues to enjoy strong sales in the first half of the year.

Summer's here and so are these hot new toys.

"As the glorious weather continues, there is no doubt that it has been helpful to my recovery – convalescing in the sun is by no means the worst way to recuperate."

More than 11,000 pre-loved Lego bricks were donated by the community for the project.

The August issue of Toy World will include a feature covering the latest trends and innovations in the Plush category.

The August edition of Toy World will include a specialist feature on the STEM category of educational toys.

The July issue, which contains features on Construction Toys, Tech Toys, Dress-Up & Role Play and Beauty, Jewellery & Fashion, can be read now.

In Playful, Cas Holman explores the power of play and how open-ended, everyday play can support creativity, connection, wellbeing, and growth.

Toy World pulled focus onto Beauty, Jewellery & Fashion, analysing how toy suppliers and manufacturers are adjusting to the influence that social media aesthetics and trends are having on young children.

Toy World’s Caroline Tonks speaks to a selection of key suppliers within the Construction space and examines how the category is currently fairing.

Toy World’s Caroline Tonks looks at the importance of the Dress-Up and Role Play category in early years development.

Toy World’s Caroline Tonks speaks with a selection of leading suppliers within the category to hear their thoughts on what consumers are actively seeking out and how they’re balancing the evolution of AI within the industry.

Glenn Waller, Associate Director at Generation Media, discusses the proposed social media ban for under-16s and considers the potential implications for children's media consumption and brand engagement.

It teaches probability, strategy, and emotional control. It has even helped N.F.L. teams win the Super Bowl. Stephen Dubner explores why this ancient game is having a renaissance.

 A newly established Stuffed Animal Shrine in Miyama, Nantan City, Kyoto Prefecture, proposes an unusual addition to Japan’s long tradition of memorial rituals.

Test your toy knowledge with Toy Book and Wendy Smolen's latest Pop Quiz!

Somebody needs to introduce the England team to Blood on the Clocktower, because boy, do they love deduction board games.

Leslie Scott reviews Carlin’s story of Nelson Mandela and the game of rugby.

The U.K.’s top woman Scrabble champion reveals her winning tips, including starting off by learning simple two-letter words.

This month, Toy World spoke with Michelle Lilley, Managing Director for UK and Ireland at MGA Entertainment, to take a look at the origins of the beloved collectible brand and how it’s solidified its place in the market.

It was lovely to chat to so many people at the BTHA Industry Day on Wednesday. Because I have been effectively grounded for a little while, this was my first chance to catch up with the UK toy community en masse since the London Toy Fair.

The August edition of Toy World will include a specialist feature on the popular Wooden Toys category.

To launch Twist ‘N Turn Barbie in 1967, Mattel offered the new doll for $1.50 with the trade-in of any old Barbie.

Released by Ideal in 1976, Tin Can Alley was an electronic target game for ages 9 and up that challenged players to knock over miniature soft-drink cans with a beam of light rather than bullets.

Published by Ravensburger in 1987, The Squirrel Game cast players as squirrels racing to gather enough pinecones to survive the winter.

“The Romper Room Talk About has pictures that talk, and talk, and talk, and talk.”

Innovation does not always begin with a breakthrough. Sometimes it begins with people having fun.

From bike rides through neighborhood streets to Saturday morning cartoons, these memories capture the freedom and fun of growing up.

Illustrating the Engineering Around Us. By pushing down and pulling the car back just a little, the car builds up significant energy and can shoot forward at super high speeds.

Captain Power toys turned Mattel’s 1987 sci-fi series into an interactive TV battle with ships, figures, VHS missions, and light-sensor play.

In 1943, Richard T. James, an engineer who was out on a trial run of a ship for the United States Navy, discovered the Slinky when he knocked a spring off of his desk. 

Japanese toy manufacturer TAKARA TOMY announced that the "Transformers x Back to the Future" crossover character, Gigawatt, is making a comeback in special 40th Anniversary packaging.

The dating board game, a sleepover favorite of the ‘90s, still strikes a chord with women today, as proven by Hannah Young’s stroll down memory lane.

The project is poised to be a new take on the graphic novel IP that previously spawned a multi-season Netflix animated series from Atomic Cartoons.

Mysterious Prime changes from a 6-inch-scale robot figure to a Mystery Machine vehicle in 19 steps.

Cardsmiths enters the Metaverse with officially licensed Persona 5 Royal Series 1 Trading Cards.

Pop Mart has released new soccer-themed collection of Labubus in time for the FIFA World Cup. Shop Pop Mart's new Labubu World Cup collection here.

Olivia Rodrigo gets the LEGO treatment in five new collectible sets inspired by Rodrigos's albums and tour style. Shop Olivia Rodrigo Lego sets here.

The LEGO Group's partnership with The Pokémon Company International continues to evolve with five new building sets for teen trainers.

Megalodon and other famed trucks join the construction line from Jazwares.

Europe has cemented its position as a powerhouse of the global brand licensing industry, and France sits firmly at its heart. According to the last study published by Licensing International, the European licensing market reached $79.

The 8,000-square-foot space spans two levels, with every corner designed with immersive Hello Kitty inspired details.

In the second episode, “Lodging,” Mayor Tom Loftis (Matthew Rhys) spends a night at the local inn to prove it isn’t haunted and discovers a closet filled with vintage board games, all of which are deeply disturbing in appearance.

A more tactical approach to localization is pushing dubbing and adaptation upstream to expand reach and improve returns.

Ampere Analysis breaks down the biggest commissioners, which services have the most kids content, and who's got the most popular titles.

And the faith-based platform is "100%" looking to commission and acquire more children’s content with "universal values" to make that happen.

Netflix will soon add videos from digital media outlets such as BuzzFeed and Tastemade to its homepage. The videos range from three to 20 minutes long.

Every weekend, the magical workshop opens its doors for the public to see how legendary film and television characters are made

The first products in Hasbro’s "KPop Demon Hunters" line are here to entertain fans of Netflix’s animated movie musical phenomenon.

Originally scheduled to premiere in 2025, the film was delayed, had its theatrical release scrapped, and then had footage leaked. But now you can get a first official look at Team Avatar back in action with a trailer for the film, which will debut on July 24 at San Diego Comic-Con.

The collection marks the Miniso Yoyo IP's first collaboration with Disney or Pixar, continuing its focus on licensed collaborations and proprietary IP development.

The theatrical release of Talking Tom Heroes: Suddenly Super kicks off in the UK this July with a brand-new 60-minute big-screen event.

The line-up includes three 500-piece jigsaw puzzles and a paint-by-numbers set featuring illustrations inspired by the Fourth Wing book series.

The new Lego Editions Olivia Rodrigo collection showcases five new sets inspired by defining songs, symbols and fan-favourite moments.

Miley Cyrus joins other musicians, such as Stevie Nicks, David Bowie and Elvis Presley, to have a signature collectible Barbie celebrating her achievements across pop culture.

With the animated shorts, young fans will be able to enjoy seeing their favourite Bluey and Bingo games and moments in Lego brick form.

The new board game by Goliath celebrates Rebecca Yarros's fantasy series, Fourth Wing, with original artwork depicting fan-favourite moments and characters.

Tiny Chef has had a big year since The Tiny Chef Show was cancelled. The team will reveal its upcoming plans at SDCC.

The company is releasing 250 copies of a 1,000-piece puzzle inspired by the world's largest free online encyclopedia.

Paramount Pictures reveals the first trailer for ‘The Angry Birds Movie 3,’ premiering in theaters on Dec. 23.

Jazwares celebrates the one-year anniversary of Netflix’s ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ with a new plush collection.

After collaborating with Miffy for the brand's 70th anniversary, Kids Preferred is continuing their partnership with a new collection.

New retail experiences featuring Jurassic World, Gabby's Dollhouse, and more debut when the park opens.

Round1 expands its offerings with a ‘One Piece’ collaboration, bringing prizes, activations, and giveaways inspired by the anime series.

Summer is still in full swing, but Hasbro Pulse is getting a head start on Halloween with a spooky new wave of Star Wars action figures.

It’s been three decades since Tickle Me Elmo gave stores the sillies, and Super7 is celebrating by giving the little monster a makeover. 

Exclusive to Target, the collectible line transforms surprise packaging into reusable display cases featuring licensed brands.

The Toy Association’s Adrienne Appell, executive vice president of marketing communications, and Laura Mangiaracina, senior director of sales for global experiences, have been named finalists for Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment’s (WiT) 2026 Wonder Women Awards in the PR & Communications Excellence and Rising Leader (Under 500 Employees) categories, respectively.

Scott is set to join the team as the Senior Buyer for Heathside's Closeout and Clearance Division, bringing with him extensive industry experience.

Julie holds extensive experience within the toy industry and will be responsible for leading Canal Toys UK and Ireland commercial strategy.

L.O.L. Surprise! has partnered with Kelsey Parker to launch social media content aimed at families and focused on reinforcing the brand's message of inclusion, empowerment and creative play.

Meet Nathalie Gauthey, a Customer Marketing Manager supporting France, Benelux, and Italy. From collaborating with cross-functional teams and meeting with retail partners to visiting exciting brand activations like Star Wars pop-ups, no two days are the same.

Michael has been brought on to support international growth and the development of integrated licensing and product solutions.

Games entrepreneur Rachel Lowe has provided an opportunity for Portsmouth businesses to be part of a board game celebrating 100 years of Portsmouth’s city status.

Merchantwise Group is strengthening its executive team by hiring two big names in brand licensing: Jacqui Shilson-Josling and Felicity Drake.

"My favorite part of my job is the people that I work with and the vendors that help bring our products to market."

Creative House 2 is one of the video game company’s Creative Houses that brings together Ubisoft teams and brands such as “Tom Clancy’s The Division,” “Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon” and “Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell.”

Autism activist, ally and activist Marlene Sharp has been named a Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment Wonder Women Awards Catalyst for Change Finalist.

While many indie game designers and small publishers view moving to overseas manufacturing as an inevitable step once demand grows, Eurydice believes its experience demonstrates that remaining in-house can make commercial sense for certain types of games.

The publisher will debut 'Season One' of Shelfy at Gen Con later this month, featuring 28 miniature recreations of board game boxes for titles including Gloomhaven, Dune Imperium and Boop.

The collection pairs celebratory card designs with iconic Playmobil figures across four key gifting occasions: Birthday, Good Luck, Love and New Baby.

The apology tour comes as new research by Hasbro finds that Optimus Prime ranks among the UK's most emotionally impactful fictional character deaths.

Riders of the Hamleys Puppet Party Bus will enjoy live family entertainment, games, songs, dance and complimentary puppets.

Wizards of the Coast is launching cards with 'Magic' characters as part of a philanthropy drop supporting Global Fund for Women.

These studios will join previously announced cornerstone partner, Universal Products & Experiences, summoning an unparalleled collection of horror heavyweights.

Safe Harbor Development, in partnership with Kingsmen Xperience, Inc. and under license from Hasbro, has unveiled plans for The Play District: Powered by Hasbro, an immersive multi-attraction family entertainment destination set to open in summer 2027 in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Studio Woe was founded ten years ago with the goal of creating what could be called “catastrophically amazing” products.

The nearly 250,000-square-foot Elgin facility is equipped to reduce handling touchpoints while increasing product visibility, a spokesperson said.

BULLMART's first public release introduces a new collectible brand built around the ideals of fortune, strength, and protection.

Simm Spielwaren has announced its collaboration with Jeremy Robinson to develop the UK/I market across its entire product portfolio.

The LA showcase will include Orchard Toys' best-sellers in their new packaging, as well as its 2026 launches and 2027 previews.

It has also been revealed that The Entertainer has made the decision to withdraw from its trial arrangements with Modella covering the TG Jones and Hobbycraft stores.

The Chaos Origins set will feature Yami Yugi the King of Games and popular monsters from the original Yu-Gi-Oh! manga and anime.

The range launches with two distinct designs: a 500-piece circular Stonehenge puzzle and a 1000-piece Castles of England puzzle.

During UK Games Expo, Toy World’s Caroline Tonks sat down with Asmodee’s CEO, Thomas Kœgler, to discuss the latest chapter of the business, what he’s learned since stepping into the role and much more.

Across every area of the business, the past six months have been defined by forward-thinking and clear ambition.

Melissa & Doug is partnering with iconic ice cream maker Van Leeuwen to create new toys, treats, and more for the summer celebration. 

FAO Schwarz is expanding its retail footprint through a new partnership with Nordstrom, complete with new locations and activations.

In the fall of 2027, Simon & Schuster and Fred Rogers Productions will release a new book series honoring Mister Rodgers and his legacy.

These sets feature elements new to the brand, such as curved tiles.

Chester dances and jiggles his way to store shelves later this month.

Timeless Toys offers new resources and educational tools to help families ahead of the back-to-school season.

These multi-piece floral-themed sets inspire hands-on, imaginative play.

Sony PlayStation said it plans to end production of physical video game discs by January 2028.

Nintendo has announced that service for Mario Kart Tour will end in September of this year, with no plans for an offline version set in place.

Unlike bespoke icon systems created by publishers for individual games, Francisco and Eastridge hope they have created a universal visual language that players can learn once and recognise across multiple titles.

Sony is laying off 'most' of the Destiny team, 'some' Marathon devs, and making reductions across SIE teams that support the Bungie's operations.

"I leave the Game Boy out, I urge her to play it, and she never picks it up."

Big shifts at Xbox to try and right the ship.

Most of the job losses are in Microsoft’s Xbox and commercial sales organizations.

Nintendo is making a new version of the Switch 2 with a replaceable battery in Europe - but its predecessor has a very different future.

Microsoft is spinning off four of its Xbox game studios - Compulsion Games, Double Fine Productions, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs - as part of the restructuring announced today.

Newly-appointed NBCUniversal CEO Michael Cavanagh said the company is eager to 'explore adjacent businesses where we have the right to play.'

Mat Piscatella said it all remains up in the air, but the firm has held a “very strong share” of physical software with the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 and that retail has “leaned into Nintendo support more and more.”

The animation features some fast and frantic fight scenes staring characters such as Metal Sonic, Knuckles, Amy and more.

WayForward has teased on X that they have been busy working on a new Shantae game which is scheduled to be released on multiple platforms in 2027.

While the former Niantic games team has officially rebranded as Scopely Explore, this is not a renaming of Niantic as a whole.

Attendees at San Diego Comic Con this year are in for a treat as legendary toy designer and concept artist Howard “Quiggly” Chang is set to debut an all-new passion project – a series of toys fully designed from the ground up through his toy company Glorius Inc. The Ancientz series of figures is Chang’s original collectible IP, which reimagines biblical characters into an awesome, mysterious and mechanical aesthetic.

Summer road trips are in full swing, meaning lengthy car rides which may leave kiddos antsy and in need of something to occupy their attention. After all, sitting in one spot quietly is a big ask for kids with growing minds and insatiable curiosity. Bright Stripes is here with innovative solutions, offering unique, crafty and creative experiences in a compact and clean way. Chief among them is a timeless classic, back and reimagined with true Bright Stripes ingenuity – Splash*Tastic Wonderful Wings ($8.99 | Ages 3+).

Gray Matters Games is proud to announce that its newest party game, Cross the Line, has been selected as Walmart’s Game of the Month for July, bringing one of the summer’s most engaging new games to Walmart stores nationwide. The recognition highlights Cross the Line as a must-have for backyard barbecues, family vacations, reunions, and game nights all season long.

Circular Action Alliance (CAA), the producer responsibility organization implementing California's packaging extended producer responsibility (EPR) law (SB 54), has recently submitted its program plan to the state.

Parents urged to warn offspring about the dangers of microwaving squishies

Registration is now open for People of Play's (POP) 2026 Global Inventor Pitch & Innovation Conference, where the global toy and game inventor community comes together to learn, collaborate, and pitch their ideas.

The Toy Association announced that nominations are officially open for the 27th Toy of the Year® (TOTY®) Awards, taking place February 19, 2027 at Pier Sixty in New York City.

The Toy Association™, producer of Toy Fair®, has announced Central PLAYce, a brand-new destination at the heart of Toy Fair 2027 designed to bring the global toy community together for networking, meetings, and interactive experiences.

The Toy Foundation™ (TTF) is teeing up its annual Golf & Give FUNdraiser, taking place Wednesday, September 16 at Topgolf El Segundo, by announcing the event’s initial line-up of sponsors.

From the family-friendly film that took home three prizes, to a few key trends spotted at this year's festival and market.

The new store, officially named One Piece Mugiwara Store (Mugiwara means "straw hat"), will be located in Westfield Century City, a 1.3 million square foot outdoor mall, in Los Angeles.

The awards, one of tabletop gaming’s longest-running prizes voted on by industry professionals, has crowned its latest group of winners after whittling them down from 120 nominees.

Attendees registered for this year's Brand Licensing Europe can search the Exhibitor List and Brand Directory, send meeting requests and plan their calendars by adding in conference sessions and networking events. Brand Licensing Europe’s free online Event Planner is now live.

Ella Haynes, BLE’s Event Director, shares with Toy World readers everything they need to know in the lead up to this year’s show, taking place at Excel London from 6th-8th October.

The Franklin Institute celebrates 50 years of Star Wars history with Star Wars: The Experience – A Journey Through the Galaxy.

Despite midsummer temperatures, BRANDmania transformed the Zeche Zollverein site in Essen into the hotspot for the licensing industry and brands looking for partnerships on 24 and 25 June.

Excel London will host the most ambitious edition of IAAPA Expo Europe yet, and for the licensing industry it is fast becoming an unmissable stop on the calendar.

Exhibitors are encouraged to ensure their details are listed and up to date to maximise visibility at this years Fall Previews in LA.

At the RHS Sandringham Flower Show this summer, the Smoby Life collection will be stationed within the Family Village for young ones to explore.

The store’s grand opening will take place on Friday 3rd July and will be officially declared open by Mr. Takanori Nishikawa, a popular Japanese singer.

There’s still time to get involved in our Autumn Fair Preview which will showcase a variety of lines of interest to toy retailers.

Distributed in the UK by VR Distribution, Skyjo is a fast-paced, family-friendly card game that combines memory, strategy and luck.

The London event returns to Greenwich Park July 5.

X Tracks names Jeremy Padawer, President of Jazwares, as the opening keynote speaker for the Toy Previews X Tracks Licensing Summit.

VIZ Media celebrates the 'Bleach' anime series with an art gallery featuring original work from acclaimed artists.

The annual awards program continues to recognize standout Halloween products.

Bubble Planet is set to open in Mall of America this August. The experience includes virtual reality simulation, themed rooms and activities.

A man known for his kind Midwestern demeanor, unwavering integrity, and genuine fairness. He was a member of the original team that launched the Tomy U.S. operation in 1974, introducing the company's inaugural product line to the American market. He will be deeply missed.