Welcome to Your Weekly News Brief!
Happy Bloomin’ Friday!
Here’s hoping the Easter Bunny delivered big this year—meeting (or even hopping past!) the projected $24.9 billion in holiday spending. The toy coverage has been colorful, creative, and everywhere you look—just the way we like it!
We also have a new POP Pub event! Join us and retailer Games by James on July 10th In Bloomington, MN (next to Minneapolis) to kick off the Association of Games and Puzzles International’s (AGPI) Annual Conference. Details are below, with more exciting updates to come. As always, everyone is welcome!
Alan Dorfman’s words from a year ago have been popping back into my mind these past few weeks, so I thought I’d share them with you again below.
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Mary and the POP Team
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Revisiting a timely perspective from last spring…
Super Impulse's Alan Dorfman: Don't Panic
(Mary): A year has passed since Alan first shared this perspective. While the opening reflects a different moment in time—with tariffs top of mind—we now face a new set of challenges. Even so, his message resonates just as strongly today: we will get through this period.
Rather than beginning with his opening paragraph, as we typically do in these features, we’re starting with his closing words—because they feel especially relevant right now:
“Look, things look pretty dire right now. But it is early days. We are all in this together, and together, we’ll find a way. Most importantly, be concerned, but DON’T PANIC!”
Photo Caption: Alan Dorfman with his adorable grandson, Cameron, born during NY Toy Fair 2025!
POP Pub July Event: Celebrating Minnesota’s Game and Toy Community and Kicking off the AGPI Conference
Friday, July 10th, 2026!
The Association of Games and Puzzles International (AGPI), Games by James, and People of Play invite you to attend a social celebration of Minnesota Board Games & Puzzles: Past and Present. People of Play is well know for their pub events around the world and is excited to host their first in the greater Minneapolis area. Everyone in the toy and game industry is welcome to attend! Register HERE!
This event kicks of the 2026 AGPI Annual Convention. A complete schedule can be found at www.gamesandpuzzles.org. 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: “The pleasures of spring are available to everybody, and cost nothing.” – GEORGE ORWELL
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

The purchase price of ATM Gaming, on a cash-free and debt-free basis, amounts to EUR 180m, with payment in cash and issuance of class B shares.
With this new crackdown, online marketplaces like Temu and Shein can face fines for selling unsafe or illegal goods within the EU. It has recently been announced that the European Union (EU) has agreed to a major overhaul of its customs regime.
Mulaney says he's a huge Supreme Court arguments nerd, and explains why he was in the gallery to watch recent proceedings during the Learning Resources Court case.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is now issuing all refunds electronically, following a federal rule published January 2, 2026.
The Trump administration can’t end federal funding for public media via an executive order, a federal judge ruled, siding with National Public Radio and Public Broadcasting Service in their challenges.
Growth is fueled by increasing parental focus on early childhood development, rising demand for safe and non-toxic materials, and expanding e-commerce accessibility.
Timeless Toys celebrates 30 years and talks about exciting new toy trends they have been seeing.
Here are the stories that the toy industry couldn't stop reading and talking about last month.
License Global explores how the trends observed across London Toy Fair, Spielwarenmesse and New York Toy Fair in Q1, help shape the strategy for major toy companies.
With the National Retail Federation (NRF) projecting consumers will spend an average of $195.59 this Easter — the highest figure on record — The Toy Association’s trends team has been promoting members' toys as must-have items to fill kids’ Easter baskets.
As I am writing this week’s Blog on April Fool’s Day, I’ve been looking at the usual crop of corporate ‘look at me’ gags across social media and one in particular caught my eye. It was from someone pretending to be the US President, Donald J Trump.
Jerome Fletcher comments on the multimedia artist, Francis Alÿs, and his collection of videos that document the games children play on streets and in courtyards around the world.
Playtime might look like a behavior without a purpose. For kids, it is essential for their development.
Q1 is over! The real bosses have taken over Tuco 🤪 Don’t be an April Fool!
The April issue of Toy World contains all the latest developments in the Games & Puzzles, Pocket Money, Pre-School and Back to School & Stationery categories, plus a whole host of profiles and insights from the industry.
As the UK distributor of the brand, Brainstorm revealed its plans for StikBot's anniversary milestone throughout the year, including marketing campaigns and PR activity.
With premium tickets reportedly costing up to $449 for Barbie Dream Fest, the gap between expectation and reality shows how expensive disappointment has become in the modern experience economy.
In an environment shaped by shifting consumer trends, digital influence, retail pressures, and evolving play patterns, structured idea development and strong creative execution are no longer optional—they are strategic imperatives.
While legend has it that the Easter Bunny is a long-eared, furry, cotton-tailed creature who hops from house to house to deliver candy-filled baskets, there's more to his history you might not be familiar with.
Watch as this vintage 1970s family gathers 'round, captivated by the amazing Trouble Bubble handheld game. Young and old alike are mesmerized by the challenging maze and colorful balls!
Remco built a lasting legacy in the toy industry through its innovative use of recovered electrical parts, television advertising, and established pop-culture properties.
Blake Changnon, president, CEO, and founder of The Changnon Family Museum of Toys and Collectibles, reflects on 40 years of American Girl dolls and the stories, characters, and history behind their enduring appeal.
Published by Whitman in 1969, Swoop was a strategy board game in which teams of spacemen raced around a grid, aiming to reach the centre of the board.
The ‘Star Wars’ prop was likely the only C-3PO head from the 1980 film to appear on the collector market. It features working light-up eyes, including one with the original wiring.
Marking a new category for Casdon, and the first time the business has partnered with a manufacturer as a distributor, My Vibe offers make your own fashion mini bags.
The debut licensed product line from HABA, which will launch in August, also includes products for the animated feature, “Arnie & Barney.”
A federal judge says last year’s game-changing mandate is unconstitutional—but it doesn't mean PBS KIDS will get back the funding it lost.
In MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE, Director Travis Knight brings the legendary franchise back to the big screen in this epic live-action adventure.
The new The Mandalorian: Bounty Hunter and Grogu: Mandalorian Apprentice stands are designed to hold a controller, smartphone or personal tech.
While the debut Lego collections centre on colouring and creative expression, future phases will expand the concept through Let’s Create Together and Let’s Build Together ranges.
Hundreds of classic Sesame Street episodes will be available for free on the Fox Corporation's streaming platform, Tubi.
A translation of the traditional tabletop game Lotería is on the way to mass retailers across the U.S. — thanks to Asmodee.
Super Mario Bros. and Minecraft became movie blockbusters, and Call of Duty and Legend of Zelda adaptations are on the way. Fans of the video games are watching closely.
The launch of two brand-new tabletop games inspired by the breakout hit Fourth Wing brings the high-stakes drama of the Riders Quadrant straight to game night.
In the last decade Paramount and Warner Bros. have each released eight animated features, meanwhile Disney has released 21 and Universal has launched 23.
Glen Powell has confirmed in an Instagram Reel that he will be the voice behind the iconic Fox McCloud from Star Fox in the upcoming Super Mario Galaxy Movie.
The Clickeez brand has expanded with a new series and is introducing Hello Kitty and Friends and Care Bears additions, presenting new ways for fans to click, connect and collect.
Bandai Namco has appointed The Hobby Company to distribute its Bandai Hobby range as a strategic move to further strengthen its presence within the independent sector.
The company is expanding its character portfolio with a new licensing agreement featuring characters from across the Sanrio portfolio including Hello Kitty and Cinnamoroll.
Bontempi, the Italian brand that brings musical instruments and educational games to consumers, will be serving the independent sector with stock from April.
A teaser for "PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie" has dropped, giving fans a taste of the adventure scheduled to hit theaters this summer.
Five episodes of the beloved children’s program are coming to the streamer on April 6, including songs like “Ka-Pow! Superhero Dance” and adventure games like “Escape From Tiger Island.”
Tracy will head up sales in the UK, while Sunny Walia is promoted to SVP Sales, North America and Graham Gardiner will lead sales across EMEA, APAC and LATAM, alongside global sales.
This moves is bringing in a new era for the popular children’s entertainment franchise.
Julie Schou Andersen and Mette Tørnkvist Gade take on LEGO's 2x4 questions - from what they love about LEGO Campus to the moments that have shaped their careers.
David is The Op Games Events & Community Programs Manager! If you've had fun at one of our local events or enjoyed a demo at our convention booth— you can say thanks to David!
In this role, they will be working closely with international partners to further grow the junior aged brands at Smart and strengthen their presence in key markets.
In 1982 the toys came first. The story expanded the world of play with the Filmation animated series in 1983, and it took off from there. He Man and his epic story, again at THEATRICAL scale.
After more than 50 years of spreading positivity, optimism, and joy across the globe, it’s time for a new direction. On April 1st, they launched a new brand: Frowny. It promises collaborations with the world's most pessimistic brands.
This appointment marks the culmination of Morleys' efforts to bolster its senior leadership team, with Melanie bringing over 30 years of senior retail leadership experience to the role.
A second-grader's plush toy design has rocketed to space alongside astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen on board the Artemis II moon mission launch.
Leadership transition aligns U.S. sales and marketing under one structure.
The executive brings more than 30 years of experience to the role.
“Each brand is tackled as its own animal”
Voice actor Roger Craig Smith has voiced dozens of video game characters. This year, he's celebrating the 35th anniversary of Sonic the Hedgehog.
As Little Concepts positions itself for further growth and expanded retail reach across the UK, Michael is set to help cover the North of England and Scotland.
The company behind Barbie and Hot Wheels plans to lay off 65 workers in May, the latest in a series of mass layoffs that have plagued Mattel in the past year.
The state-of-the-art facility represents a significant milestone as Hasbro's first U.S. warehouse fully developed, leased, and branded by the company, strengthening the company's omni-channel distribution capabilities and supply chain efficiency across North America.
An EightyTwo production for Natural Habitat Shorts. Sold out in 36 hours. Created with one of social media's most original animation voices (6M+ subscribers and counting).
The maker of the iPhone, iPad and other popular consumer gadgets hits a milestone this week, reaching its 50th anniversary.
The Nestlé response to the stolen chocolate shows how there’s no bad news if you can turn it into a meme
While the Rhode Island-based firm says its operations remain open, it warned the incident may cause some delays in certain business processes.
With Flippers, children can effortlessly switch between vehicles using the flip-action mechanism while strengthening their motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Shoppers at further select locations can browse and buy limited-edition collectibles from Pop Mart, including Labubu, Molly, Hirono and Skullpanda characters, among others.
Spanning nearly 450 pages, the new catalogue showcases Reydon’s most comprehensive offering to date across the Sport, Toy, Outdoor and Leisure markets.
Mini Brands Really Works Vinyl blends music merchandise with pop culture, tapping into the vinyl resurgence and growing demand for functional, displayable collectibles.
Build-A-Bear’s Alien Cow plush offers a clear example of how playful, culturally timed campaigns can deliver real business results.
Mattel announced on Sunday that Demon Jinu of the Saja Boys won the fan poll against Sleeping Bag Mira, revealing the details of the doll.
Emma Recher, who will head up a three-person team at Don't Panic's new US office in California, told BoardGameWire, "Several recent titles have reinforced our confidence in expanding more directly into the US market."
CMON's $23m losses across 2024 and 2025 are now almost 5.5-times larger than its profits from the preceding nine years combined - and have led an independent auditor hired by the company to question whether it has the resources to stay in business for the foreseeable future.
Players created penguin avatars, dressed them up, and roamed a virtual world of igloos, ski lodges, and mini-games.
Starlight has partnered with Stealth to launch and distribute dedicated gaming support boxes to children’s healthcare settings across the UK.
The new title launches June 5 alongside the theatrical release.
Starting April 22, 2026, companies will be required to comply with the updated requirements under the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) rule, as amended last year by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Toymaster is once again inviting all bricks and mortar independents across toy, model & hobby and gaming to attend its yearly trade show, members or not.
Devotees who paid $450 for a fun-filled “experience” in Florida last weekend were met with a concrete-floored warehouse and a $1 Barbie-branded hand sanitiser. Could this licensed event top the notorious Willy Wonka Experience?
Key retail space within Selfridges London and Manchester Trafford stores has been transformed into a themed pop-up and used as a launch pad for MGA's hotly anticipated Bratziez brand.
A new report published by Consumer365 highlights Panda Crate as a trusted choice for families seeking structured learning toys for toddlers.
Submit your application by 11:59pm (PST) May 1st, 2026 to be considered for the 2026/2027 Paramount Writers Mentoring Cohort.
President Nicole Brady, who runs review site SAHM Reviews, was re-elected to the board by GAMA's media and events member group, while treasurer Tiffany Reid from Southern Hobby Distribution won re-election from the wholesale group.
The Oink Games-published design fought off competition from 2025 winner Isao Mukai, who was nominated for Banana Governance - a card-based drafting and bidding game which sees players attempt to satisfy the needs of hungry monkeys better than their opponents.
Little Tikes celebrated the new Bluey the Ride: Here Come The Grannies! with an adult-sized Cozy Coupe pop-up at Alton Towers Resort.
Following last year's huge success which saw a rapid sold-out phenomenon, the Hong Kong Art Toy Story makes a grand comeback as a premier highlight of Thailand Toy Expo 2026 at Eden Zone.
With about 1,700 new products expected to hit the toy aisle in Brazil this year, there is a growing focus on proprietary brands that offer a faster time to market.
The Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WiT) 2026 Wonder Women Awards, honors top female executives, entrepreneurs, and other changemakers for their extraordinary accomplishments and impact within the toy, consumer products licensing, and entertainment industries.
There's been no official word yet on what's to come from Pokemon's long-overdue foray into Lego, although we now know one of its next sets will be a buildable Pokemon card, and you get to design it.
Mike sadly passed away last weekend. A “Toy Boy” through and through for over 50 years, Mike’s career began in the 60s with Mobo Toys, followed by Triang Toys before he became an agent in the early 70s.
The animator and director known for 'Animaniacs' (1993-'98) and 'Osmosis Jones' (2001), has died. He was 68.
Gomez, who was Vice President of Digital Operations at Scholastic, tragically passed away on March 30.
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)
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
Fort Worth museum packs classic cars and vintage toys — all for free
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