Welcome to Your Weekly News Brief!
Happy Bloomin’ Friday!
The Licensing Show wrapped up this week with record-breaking attendance. Although I wasn’t there, the photos and posts shared by many captured the excitement and energy of the event. Keeping the momentum going, this week's featured interview is with PlayMonster President Jonathan Berkowitz, who shares the incredible Hacky Sack story. Jonathan and last week's featured guest, Matt Proulx, previously worked together at Hasbro—our industry is a small world built on great relationships.
Now’s your chance to recognize colleagues who have made a difference in our industry. Nominations are open for the 2027 Toy Association's Alan G. Hassenfeld Humanitarian Award and the Hall of Fame. Alan is deeply missed by so many of us and remembered not only for his extraordinary leadership, but for his generosity, compassion, and unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.
Applications for our part-time sales position will close Monday morning, but there are many other opportunities listed in the POP Classifieds. If you have an open position, post it yourself or send it our way and we’ll be happy to help spread the word.
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Jonathan Berkowitz, CEO of PlayMonster, Talks Hacky Sacks, Gen Z Trends, and the Value of Simplicity
Hey Jonathan! Thanks so much for taking the time to speak with us. To start off, Hacky Sack has seen a noticeable resurgence across social media and pop culture. What do you think is driving renewed interest in this classic playground pastime?
We recognized early on that consumers – and particularly teens and young adults – are gravitating toward activities that feel authentic, social, and low-pressure, especially in a world that’s increasingly digital. Hacky Sack naturally delivers on all of those needs, and we’ve intentionally leaned into this cultural shift to relaunch the brand and bring the game back into the spotlight both online and offline. It’s simple, accessible fun, and that’s resonating with people right now.
How has PlayMonster tapped into nostalgia while also making Hacky Sack relevant for a new generation of consumers?
Hacky Sack fits seamlessly into how today’s kids and young adults want to connect – through active, social, shared experiences. When we relaunched Hacky Sack this spring, we focused on modernizing how today’s consumers could discover and connect with the brand... READ MORE
The Association for Games and Puzzles International Announce Speakers and Outstanding Achievement Honoree
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: “Success is attaining your dream while helping others to benefit from that dream materializing.” – Sugar Ray Leonard
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

On the face of it, tariff refunds are slated to restore cash to firms. Instead, for many middle market firms, it has introduced a different question: who can wait?
Investigators seized more than $1 million worth of the collectibles from the Simi Valley man’s residence, according to the District Attorney’s Office. He has pleaded not guilty.
With the resurgence in popularity of trading cards, those with disposable income have developed a unique coping strategy: opening Pokémon trading card packs.
The throwback toy is selling out online, and brand licensee PlayMonster is looking to keep the bag in the air with new partnerships.
Toys R Us South Africa is seeing a major resurgence in franchise-driven toy demand, led not just by kids, but by adults buying toys for themselves and their children.
Fuelled by popular brands like Pop Mart, Pokemon and Sanrio, the collectibles phenomenon has grown exponentially in recent times beyond niche collectors and children, drawing in buyers across all age groups and walks of life.
The clock is ticking to get your toys and games into Toy Book's summer spectacular!
Kids and collectors are sticking with the category across generations—but with that increased staying power comes higher expectations.
The July edition of Toy World will contain a selection of focused category features including, for the first time ever, School Ready.
Hasbro and Basic Fun! are teaming up to age down the beloved RPG to create a new generation of fans.
The Strong National Museum of Play welcomes Take Care with Peanuts: The Exhibit as part of its summer exhibition schedule.
Kobold's Kitchen plans June opening after $1 million renovation of the former Fat Boy restaurant location in the Creston neighborhood.
Once upon a time, tennis balls had a whole different vibe. Now they're serving looks in neon—and for a very good reason.
A quick look at some of the hottest toys from 30 years ago.
In this installment from his YouTube series, Where’s the Fun From?, guest contributor Tim Walsh explores the origins of Twister.
Published in 1973, the Robin Hood board game reflected the story as interpreted by the animated film from Walt Disney Productions.
Monogram’s Colossal Cars line brought oversized 1/8th scale model kits to store shelves in 1976, including the Big “T” Street Rod, ’65 Corvette Sting Ray, and Jaguar XKE.
Authentic styling in keeping with the new movie has meant the RC has proved a hit, and Simba Smoby says its marketing support is a force to be reckoned with.
In this new version of Monopoly, players can choose their favourite F1 Team and race around a bespoke board inspired by iconic circuits from across the world.
Fans will now be able to discover characters like Harry Potter, Professor Dumbledore, Batman, Superman and more in Puzzle Palz form.
The global collection spans toys & collectibles, fashion & accessories, publishing and more to celebrate the new film and classic Supergirl imagery. Warner Bros.
Award-winning titles like Rebirth and new hits Pinched!, Tenby and Red North are set to reach more UK tabletops with this partnership.
To mark the 40th anniversary of the BMW M3 E30, the Lego Group and the BMW Group have come together to extend their collaboration with a special project.
For the 'Nature’s 45th season, PBS is partnering with Sesame Workshop, BBC, and more to bring fans face-to-face with flora and fauna.
Old World Christmas expands its licensed ornament portfolio for 2026 with new partnerships spanning music, food, and publishing, including collections inspired by Elvis Presley, Def Leppard, Bee Gees, and Kiss.
For Distribution of 'Mechs vs. Minions' Product Line
After an unforgettable 2025/26 season, Arsenal supporters can celebrate a legendary campaign with the new Topps Chrome Arsenal collection.
The joint-venture created to navigate the challenging ad landscape for online kids content will handle sales for 65 Mouse House channels in the US.
Deck Boxes, Sleeves, Playmats, and More
The first two seasons of the dark-fantasy series, based on Q Hayashida's 18-year manga and produced by Jujutsu Kaisen studio MAPPA, are now streaming on Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu/Disney+ and Rakuten Viki.
Why do I collect postage stamps? by Graham C. Scott
The new Oreos feature the flavors of hotteok, a brown sugar–stuffed pancake, along with the brand's first-ever purple wafers.
As David Mordecai thanks Allen for his dedication over the years, One For Fun looks forward to a new chapter with Heather joining the team.
Watch Ynon Kreiz (PAR’26), Chairman and CEO of Mattel, Inc., deliver his graduation speech at the 2026 Wharton Undergraduate Graduation ceremony.
Tim Kilpin, Hasbro’s President of Toys, Board Games, Licensing and Entertainment, on recent highlights – and things to get excited about.
The people you're around. The conversations you're having. The books you're reading. The advisors in your corner. All of it shapes how you think, how you lead, and how far you go.
Plus, Mike Katzman, who’s been leading Blippi’s growth, is now tasked with CoComelon's franchise strategy, too.
Tamagotchi Paradise reimagines virtual pet nurturing with a built-in telescopic Zoom Dial, letting players shift between macro and micro perspectives — from observing a character’s cell composition to watching an entire Tamagotchi Planet flourish.
Discover how SleepToy is tackling the daily bedtime battle and reimagining evening routines for families with an innovative approach to children's toys....
Walmart has introduced a logistics strategy designed to simplify the way suppliers move products into its distribution network.
As the brand celebrates its 10th anniversary milestone, the new launch from L.O.L. Surprise! is perfectly timed for Half Term sales opportunities.
Entries will be judged by some of the biggest names in the automotive industry, including F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali and F1 Champion Jenson Button.
By integrating Product Stories, The Toy Shop enhances its product detail pages with richer and more interactive content.
The Starbox range features Nook Nooks, Sad Baby Animals, Sad Baby Care Bears and more, ideal for the growing Kidult market.
Mantic Games is launching a Kickstarter campaign this fall for the official licensed Plants vs. Zombies: The Board Game.
Fun In Motion Toys expands with a new series of Shashibo toys, including the launch of the Shashibo Canvas Art Kit.
Families can find the meals beginning June 9.
They do exist! Cryptozoic Entertainment is bringing back its creepy-cute collectible brand Cryptkins with a new Kickstarter campaign.
Popular Marble Shooting Game Will Release into U.S. Hobby Retail
Each of the 162-piece vase puzzles measures 18cm when built and includes a waterproof liner making them ideal for a fresh flower display.
Mattel Brick Shop and Hot Wheels are launch seven new sets featuring vehicle partnerships with Lamborghini, Chevrolet, and more.
Gastronomic concept inspired by the world’s favourite board game
Matt Proulx, senior vice president, global experiences, partnerships and music, Hasbro, discusses how Hasbro keeps coming out on top, and what’s next for the company.
The game's next live service content update will be its last.
The company is reportedly planning to assemble 20 million units during the current fiscal year—a total that exceeds its latest hardware sales forecast.
Groups claim game platform’s design and business model conflict with children’s developmental needs
The Pokemon Company has announced today that the Pokemon series of video games have now sold over 515 million units worldwide since its inception back in 1996.
The Rayman Legends remake which has been in development at Ubisoft appears to be titled Rayman Legends Retold.
It seems the hype for the new James Bond game from IO Interactive, 007 First Light, was deserved given some of the review scores the game has received over on Metacritic.
The 1999 game will be added on Wednesday, June 3, for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers.
The Heelers take over Apple Arcade while Aang bends the elements across titles and platforms.
The long-established US company is leaving France for the Grand Duchy in July
Toys for babies and kids are important for their development into imaginative, intelligent little people – but giving your children the world doesn’t have to mean giving up on a cohesive living space! These toys can be technicolor jumbles that clash with an aesthetically-minded and intentional home. But that’s where Playcor comes in, showcasing for the first time at Astra Marketplace & Academy in Milwaukee June 5-8 at the Baird Convention Center in The Toy Coach’s Booth #435!
We all see it this time of year: kids start the countdown until they can play in the backyard pool, head to the beach, or enjoy other water activities. They are just waiting for the water to warm up so they can jump straight in and officially welcome summer 2026. For kids with beloved plush pals and a yearning need for raucous water play, it’s always been an either-or situation – you can’t have both. That is, until now!
Ohio Representative David Thomas introduced House Bill 873, which would modernize the state’s outdated stuffed toy law by allowing the use of recycled materials in stuffed toys manufactured and sold in the state.
The 10th Crunchyroll Anime Awards celebrated a big year for anime series like Dan Da Dan and The Apothecary Diaries, which led the group with nominations.
Seven riders from across the industry are set to cycle from London to Paris in 24 hours, covering 188 miles, for charity.
Visitors to UK Games Expo can expect to get hands on with games such as Magical Athlete, Hot Streak and the UK retail rollout of Skyjo.
The DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel & Spa hosted another successful Toymaster May Show this year from 19th-21st May. Toy World reports back on the event.
The momentum from Licensing Expo continues in London.
The longtime toy company showcases sensory toys, mini collectibles, bubbles, and impulse items.
Baby Jack & Co. welcomes Astra to Milwaukee and will debut its Lovey multi-sensory toys at the trade show.
Retailers and manufacturers connect ahead of fourth quarter sales.
Licensing Expo 2026 has officially come to a close with record-high levels of participation, setting the stage for a year of major growth.
These Greek goddess dolls will be showcased at Booth No. 1831.
Playcor is making its first-ever appearance at Astra Marketplace & Academy this year at The Toy Coach’s Booth No. 435.
The mother-daughter founders introduce hands-on learning kits and plush companions designed to make STEAM more accessible.
Odd Squad and Old Enough took home multiple trophies at the children's-focused ceremony.
Universal Kids Resort, designed for families with young children, will officially open on July 1 in Frisco, Texas.
Pokémon fossils and real fossils are displayed side-by-side in a new exhibit at the Field Museum
The partnership, with the International Rescue Committee, is expected to touch over five million children in conflict zones over the next five years.
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)
- CATAN Studios Licenses 'Bluey'
- White Wolf Announces New 'Vampire: The Masquerade' Project
- U.S. the Only Market Where Asmodee Sales Declined
- Hasbro Brings Back 'Crossfire'
- 'First Partner Collection Series 3' Revealed for 'Pokmeon TCG'
- Mark Rosewater Confirms There is Only One Infinity Stone in Next 'Magic' Marvel Set
- Monolith Will Launch 'Conan' Kickstarter Campaign
- Sirius Dice Will Release 'Vox Machina Adventure Dice' Sets
- Rolling for Initiative -- False Logic and 'Chaos Rising'
- heo Group Unveils 'One Piece' Xenoskin Accessories
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
What toys have kids played with throughout history?
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