Welcome to Your Weekly News Brief!
Happy Bloomin’ Friday!
I’m just back from Washington, DC, where, in celebration of the United Nations’ International Day of Play, nearly 200 industry colleagues and friends gathered on Capitol Hill for The Toy Association’s Annual Day of Play. The event featured hands-on activations from leading toy and game companies and remarks from bipartisan Congressional Toy Caucus co-chairs U.S. Representatives Ted Lieu and Rob Wittman. In this week’s issue, we share articles highlighting how our industry and communities around the world celebrated this important—and fun—day.
The toy industry lost a legend this week. Michael Kohner was a dear friend to many, a passionate advocate for inventors, a champion and supporter of People of Play, and a familiar face at Toy Fair for more than 60 years. He never missed reading the Bloom Report, mentored countless people throughout the industry, and helped bring joy to generations through games including LOOPIN' LOUIE, MR. BUCKET, GIGGLE WIGGLE, DON’T PANIC, PENCIL NOSE, and MAGIC TOOTH FAIRY.
Michael came from a family of toy industry pioneers. His father, Paul, and uncle, Frank, helped shape the industry, and the Kohner family was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 TAGIE Awards.
We have created a tribute page where friends and colleagues can share memories and celebrate Michael’s remarkable life, legacy, and contributions to the world of play. Michael touched countless lives throughout our industry. While he will be deeply missed by many, I will especially miss his friendship, encouragement, and the love and generosity he brought to our community, as well as his memorable advice to “give with warm hands.”
Celebrating Play and Those Who Make It Possible,
Mary and the POP Team
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In Memory of Michael Kohner — A Toy Industry Legend and a True Gentleman of Play
The toy and game world has lost one of its most treasured figures, and I have lost a dear friend.
Michael Kohner's legacy stretched from his family's founding of Kohner Bros..."., through iconic products like Trouble and the Busy Box, to his own remarkable run with the Michael Kohner Corporation.
He was a gentleman in every sense, patient, fair, and ethical to his core. His word was his bond, and in a business built on relationships, he set the standard for how those relationships should be conducted. READ MORE
Reyn Guyer’s Next 15 Minutes of Fun
Reyn Guyer claims he hasn’t grown up yet. “I don’t feel like I’ve achieved maturity,” the 91-year-old Guyer says honestly, but with a hint of a smile. “Maybe someday I will, but for now, I’ll just go where the ideas pull me.”
That’s right, the creator of Twister and Nerf and member of the Hasbro’s Inventor’s Hall of Fame is still at it. Embracing ideas and creating new products like the 15 Minute Fun & Done collection his company just released.
What keeps him from retiring and spending his days golfing by the ocean? There are simply too many good ideas coming to him and they’re still fun to explore.
The one that changed everything and the one that got away
Guyer began his career in his father’s Point of Sale advertising business, creating sales displays for Fortune 500 companies in the 1960s. In fact, he was attempting to create a sales incentive for a shoe polish company when he hit on the idea for what was to become the legendary board game Twister. He realized that there had never been a board game where the people were the playing pieces.
“There was no other concept like it in the market,” Guyer says. “That’s what kept me inspired, the ‘who knows?’ of it all.”
Boaz Coster Talks Creating Elefun, It's Return, and More!
Thank you Boaz for taking time to share your story with our readers. While I’ve known you and your wonderful and creative family a long time, some of our readers have not had the pleasure. What do you do in our industry?
I am a second-generation toy inventor. My late parents, Ora and Theo Coster (Theora Concept), filled my childhood with playful creativity. Among many other projects, they designed, invented, and licensed Elsie Stix to Borden, Guess Who? to Hasbro’s Milton Bradley, Zingo to ThinkFun, and Last Mouse Lost (Pop It) to FoxMind. The family tradition continues through Theora Concept, as my brother Gideon, my wife Aliza, and I carry on the creative journey my parents started.
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: “Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.” ― Fred Rogers
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

Nintendo of Europe has agreed to pay a $40 million fine in a settlement of an investigation regarding Joy-Con drift.
UP International has been ordered to halt all sales of its Glossy Glue after it was found to have infringed on Moose Toys' design.
The deal expands the company’s wellness and plush portfolio.
US-China Business Council survey points to lost sales for American companies, with few signs of reshoring.
Paizo, Inc. revealed that they had almost $2 million in losses in 2025, forcing the company to undergo restructuring in 2026.
New research from Asmodee suggests tabletop games can help Brits connect and rediscover the art of conversation.
Hot products that should be on specialty retailers' radar.
Why Choosing the Right Name for Your Business or Brand Can Make All the Difference
Specialty retailers are in a prime position to connect with consumers on ethics.
Early sales data suggests that excitement surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup is already translating into strong toy sales globally, with soccer-related toy sales from January to April increasing 160% in dollar value across the 12 countries that Circana tracks.
According to the latest data from Circana, adults, emerging markets and digital behaviours are shaping the industry’s future.
Mattel's new study highlights how brands need to leave room for imagination.
According to new research released to mark International Day of Play on 11th June, three-quarters of parents still feel emotionally connected to the toys, characters and fictional worlds they grew up with.
Thanks to everyone who got in touch to say they were pleased to see the Friday Blog return last week. It will be a gradual reintroduction to the world of work: I spent a day in the office for the first time this week, and I am still leaving most of the day-to-day activity to the team.
Toy World touched base with a host of suppliers and retailers about the category's potential.
The Wheeled Toys category continues to resonate with riders of all ages, and Toy World’s Caroline Tonks speaks with several leading suppliers to get their insights on the category’s place at retail all year round.
Timed with Astra Marketplace & Academy in Milwaukee, The Toy Book's annual Specialty Toys & Gifts Issue focuses on new products and trends geared toward independent toy stores, hobby shops, card shops, and more.
It’s June, and that means it’s time for Astra Marketplace & Academy, the annual mid-year gathering built to strengthen the specialty toy industry from the inside out.
The studio helps brands and creators turn ideas into reality.
The company taps into its inventive heritage for products in new categories designed for active, repeatable play.
In the world of online shopping, human interactions make the final sale.
For the average person, running a toy store is a fantasy. It’s also a fantasy for Troy Cefaratti, owner of Sir Troy’s Toy Kingdom, but that fantasy is purely for aesthetic purposes.
What Real Social Impact Requires from Toy Leaders
Test your toy knowledge with Toy Book's latest Pop Quiz!
Pioneering architect Antoni Gaudí’s plans for the basilica were ambitious and complex, drawing on creative geometric forms and ancient inspiration, which is one reason why it remains unfinished after 144 years.
Within June’s Talking Shop feature, Toy World's Caroline Tonks and Gabriela Jiménez García spoke to a selection of indies about how their year has been so far.
Toy World’s Caroline Tonks speaks with a selection of leading players to gather their insights on the current outlook of the market and discover what trends are shaping its growing success.
Harry Pearson on how the cultural landscape was littered with literary wargamers.
"I returned from the Astra Marketplace in Milwaukee last night intending to write a brief, polite thank-you post before starting my day. But the longer I sat in my office reflecting, the more I realized I had thoughts."
For a generation of younger moviegoers who have spent the last two decades fed a constant stream of projects based on 60+ year old licensed superheroes from the Big Two (DC and Marvel), it’s easy to be unaware of the sheer prevalence of “superhero adjacent” original cartoons given to kids in the 80s.
2016 was packed with fun tech and cool collectibles.
Published by Milton Bradley in 1971, Swing Swang was a skill-and-action game that challenged players to guide a wooden ball suspended from a string through a numbered course before time ran out.
Great news for Nintendo and animation studio Illumination as The Super Mario Galaxy Movie has now surpassed $1Billion in revenue worldwide.
The collectibles range features a Harry Potter and Hedwig bag charm, as well as a Crystal Art Pin Badge Blind Bag.
Mystery Eggs kick off with a Minions collection to capitalise on the hype for the new Minions vs Monsters movie that drops on 4th July.
With Love Island: Villa Life, fans of the show can experience the villa energy for themselves with fun questions and challenges.
The 11-inch action figure arrives alongside fan events at select stores.
Excitement is building for 'Toy Story 5,' and The LEGO Group is claiming a piece of the action with new building sets inspired by the series.
New collections spanning fashion, accessories, plush, and collectibles roll out across more than 26 countries.
Miraculous Corp and WildBrain extend their partnership to bring the Miraculous franchise to new locations beyond the Americas.
Youtooz is letting fans stay longer at the cottage by releasing three figures as part of its Heated Rivalry collection.
The studio giant could potentially sell Nick or other kidsnets if it means easing the European Commission's regulatory concerns.
As the next wave of Marvel Rivals statues release later this month, Marvel Comics joins the excitement with new McFarlane Toys Marvel Rivals variant covers.
Amazon MGM Studios is developing a 'Jem And The Holograms' live-action series with Lisa Joy and Jonathan Nolan’s Kilter Films & Hasbro Entertainment.
Nickelodeon has picked up additional seasons of its longest-running series, SpongeBob SquarePants, and its spinoff The Patrick Star Show.
The BBC said the decision was made "after careful consideration" and had "not been taken lightly".
The new STEM range features science kits focused on geology, crystal growing, excavation and experimentation.
With Spider-Man’s latest adventure only a month away, Hasbro has unveiled its entire lineup of toys and collectibles inspired by the film.
Topps puts magic in collectors’ hands with trading cards featuring Disney and Pixar characters, including new faces from 'Toy Story 5.'
Moose Games and MrBeast add high stakes and adrenaline-fueled fun to family game nights with the launch of MrBeast: The Ultimate Game.
The live-action "Scooby-Doo" series at Netflix has revealed its entire main cast.
The new spot follows the cuddly crusaders as they find themselves storm-swept onto a mysterious island, where they meet a new friends and discover a lost world of enormous, endearing dinosaurs.
The collection blends 90s Premier League sticker collecting with modern technology to reimagine the football collectibles for a new generation.
Yoto's new audio card pack features life stories from five beloved soccer stars. The collection was launched to celebrate the World Cup.
Philipp brings extensive experience through a variety of national and international leadership positions in the toy industry.
The founders will be downsizing operations and working with brand partners to re-distribute core ranges as part of a planned transition.
Netflix’s Heather Tilert also promoted to VP of kids and family series and Lindsay Turner joins BBC Studios Digital Brands.
Shares in the restaurant chain shot up after Julie Felss Masino unveiled a more profitable outlook and said diners were returning
Tobias Wann's leadership so far has included the successful introduction of Toniebox 2 and an increased revenue from EUR 361m to EUR 630m.
The partnership with Roblox is aimed at delivering brand-safe advertising for all ages on the platform, including Gen Alpha.
Majority shareholders Steve Haines and Duncan Spence are set to exit the business, marking a planned and positive step in Carte Blanche’s evolution.
The collaboration will see WeCool Toys partnering with Just Ameerah under the popular Compound Kings banner.
Particula's flagship GoChess platform provides players with a tournament-grade smart chessboard that connects them to a global community of over 200m competitors.
The LEGO Group reveals the LEGO Architecture Sagrada Família, the largest LEGO building set ever released, with more than 12,000 pieces.
Luki Lab is gearing up for Fall 2026, with three new products set to debut at Astra Marketplace & Academy.
Hasbro brings rizz and aura to family game nights with Monopoly Brainrot Billionaire, a game designed for Gen Z and Gen Alpha.
Specialty toy store Five Little Monkeys celebrates 25 years of serving the Bay Area.
Inspired by loss, Chris Zaccaria turned his art into purpose-driven plush.
These collectibles feature all-new characters and click sounds.
Meet Peach Riot – original characters created by artist Libby Frame turned POP MART IP’s & musicians – and their newest drop & first-ever plush pendant: Fruit Punch Series.
The two cat-themed games gained positive responses at the UK Games Expo for their quick-to-learn mechanics and interactive gameplay.
Toy World’s Caroline Tonks spoke with Julian Garner, Managing Director of Inside Out Toys, to discover more about the company’s retail proposition and how it continues to strengthen its partnership with the independent trade.
The collab of the year?
Beehub, the Netherlands-based global strategic partner of On Top, has organised an exclusive hosted buyer trip to Shantou, taking place from 1st-4th September.
The World Football Stars Top 200 Top Trumps collection features six collectible packs showcasing many of the world's leading male and female footballers.
Toy World sat down with Marion Sakowski, Director of Business Development of the platform, to discuss how Walmart Marketplace has evolved since its launch in 2009 and how it can help toy businesses grow.
The first-ever Puppet Company window display highlights the joy of puppets for six weeks with a summer scene in one of Hamleys' iconic windows.
90s PlayStation fans, rejoice: California studio Toys for Bob is making Spyro: Realms Beyond, intended to ‘inspire love, joy and laughter’
The game was briefly showcased during The Game Awards but platforms were not announced, so folks will have to wait and see where it lands.
After being accidentally leaked earlier today ahead of the official reveal at Summer Game Fest, the next Hot Wheels game has now been confirmed for Nintendo Switch 2.
Capcom and Square Enix have announced a collaboration to bring Tifa Lockhart from the Final Fantasy VII Remake series to Street Fighter 6 in early 2027.
The final game announced during Summer Game Fest is the long-awaited final part of the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy which is officially titled, Final Fantasy VII Revelation.
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has lofty ambitious for the company as she said that she wants to become the number one gaming and entertainment company by 2030.
The talented team at Yacht Club Games have announced that the spectacular Mina the Hollower has now sold over 500,000 copies.
Nintendo and its third party developers have announced a brand new Ninjala video game. You may remember Ninjala for the original Switch which was a free to play multiplayer title.
Monolith Soft has finally unveiled what it has been working on all this time and it is a brand new Xenoblade adventure which is coming in 2027.
Deltarune got a surprise announcement during the latest Nintendo Direct.
The news was accompanied by a new trailer which shows off some of the intense action sequences you will play through when the game arrives possibly next year.
A collection of Kingdom Hearts games has been announced for Nintendo Switch 2. Previously released as cloud versions, save data can be transferred to the upcoming native ports.
Nintendo finally unveiled the eagerly-anticipated The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake for the Nintendo Switch 2.
The latest Nintendo Direct put the spotlight on anticipated games and updated titles coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch systems – as well as some new reveals.
As anticipation builds for the next chapter in Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story universe, EXG Pro is tapping into the nostalgia with the new Buzz Lightyear Cable Guy.
Nintendo unveils its latest Switch 2 lineup.
The BTHA hosted a special industry event at Parliament yesterday to share the findings of its latest investigation, which showed shocking numbers of dangerous toys are still being sold across online marketplaces.
The events will bring together toy business owners and policymakers for meetings and interactive experiences to spotlight top industry priorities, the value of play, and the toy industry's contributions to the U.S. economy.
Booth space is now open for the 2026 Chicago Toy & Game Fair (CHITAG), taking place November 7 to 8 in Rosemont, Illinois, offering toy and game companies a unique opportunity to connect directly with media and consumers in an engaging, hands-on environment during the holiday shopping season.
The Toy Association™ has announced that Toy Fair University, the official education program of Toy Fair®, is now accepting speaker proposals for the next edition of the show, taking place February 20 to 23 at the Javits Center in New York City.
At Spin Master, purpose and philanthropy are deeply intertwined with the belief that every child should have the opportunity to grow, explore, and learn through play, regardless of their circumstances.
Running a small toy business often means wearing multiple hats — from product development and sourcing to sales and marketing — all within a lean team.
To celebrate this year's International Day of Play, Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast are highlighting how games bring families together.
Duelists can take part in a two-stage qualifier for the World Championship 2026, alongside a special Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel campaign.
Originally started by Gary and Cath Grant, this is Restore Hope's third year of running a live auction and it continues to grow in popularity each year.
Seven riders from across the industry have successfully cycled from London to Paris in 24 hours covering 188 miles for charity.
Learn What’s Next for Astra
From kidults and collectibles to cross-generational fandom and entertainment-based IP, BLE returns to Excel London with a sharp focus on the future of play.
She's the fashion icon in the toy box, a billion-seller with a career spanning 200 jobs and the eternal youth of a 19 year old as she approaches her 70th birthday.
Britain’s toy shop, The Entertainer, has announced that it has raised £4m for four UK children’s hospitals across the UK through its partnership with micro-donation charity, Pennies.
Taking place from 6th-8th October at Excel London, BLE opened online registrations last week and there are now four pass types to choose from.
The awards showed that fresh air can still be the best playground as children tested multiple outdoor toys and games.
Cat Earth gained popularity at the UK Games Expo, with visitors eager to learn more about the game that combines strategy and interaction with feline chaos.
2026 marks 40 years of The Transformers: The Movie, and Hasbro is celebrating the anniversary with a tour, a concert, and a new soundtrack.
Hasbro returns to Comic-Con International: San Diego (SDCC) with new exclusive collectibles featuring popular fandoms.
Thanks to generous donations, The Toy Foundation is celebrating International Day of Play by bringing joy to 450,000 families in need.
Michael Kohner's legacy stretched from his family's founding of Kohner Bros..."., through iconic products like Trouble and the Busy Box, to his own remarkable run with the Michael Kohner Corporation.
The founder of French publisher Cocktail Games in 2001, passed away at the age of 60.
Worldwide Magazines Weekly Top Stories
Some stories 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 Announces Delays for 'Magic: The Gathering - Marvel Super Heroes' Products
- Sirius Dice Unveils Images of Chonky 'D&D Themberchaud 55mm D20'
- WizKids Unveils New Wave of 'D&D Nolzur's Marvelous Miniatures'
- Fantasy Flight Games Unveils 'Star Wars Unlimited: Icons'
- WizKids Reveals New 'D&D Icons of the Realms' Dragon
- Paizo Reports Almost $2 Million Loss in 2025 Due to Diamond Bankruptcy
- 'Neon Odyssey TTRPG' Funding Total Passes Both 'Cosmere RPG' and 'Dungeon Crawler Carl RPG'
- Mothership Games Announces Two U.S. Hobby Game Distributors for 'Cataclysm Arcade TCG'
- Become an 80s Rock Hero in 'Garage Rock'
- Hasbro Unveils Two 'Monopoly' Games
Casual Game Insider
In this issue: Face your fears, collect cheese, and escape a mousy nightmare in Bézier Games' new ladder-climbing and card-shedding game, Haunted Mouse. Plus: best board games for the non-convert, how 'game feel' shapes the emotion and experience of gaming, the evolving trend of two-player games, tips from an educator about teaching game design in school, an interview with Happy Camper's Jason Schneider about his trek from circus performer to indie game publisher, and a FREE print-and-play game: Tooth & Talon by Aaron Lambert. Our readers also discuss the games at the top of their wishlist.
Read Online: https://online.fliphtml5.com/oabsj/tgcw/
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
Ken Thrives Under Pressure While Eating Spicy Wings | Hot Ones
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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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