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Happy Bloomin’ and Brewin’ Friday!
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ASTRA Marketplace & Academy begins today! I’m looking forward to seeing many of you in Milwaukee. If you're looking for something fun after the show, here are a few local favorites:
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Book Review: Playful: How Play Shifts Our Thinking, Inspires Connection, and Sparks Creativity by Cas Holman
Review by Julia DeKorte
If you’re looking to reconnect with your inner child, or perhaps just add a bit more joy—or as the cool kids call it these days, whimsy—to your life, Cas Holman’s Playful is the perfect next read. Playful: How Play Shifts Our Thinking, Inspires Connection, and Sparks Creativity is a wonderful book from Holman, an accomplished educator, inventor, designer, and play expert, and science writer Lydia Denworth. Holman explains what play really means, breaking through the notion that it is reserved for children and offering ways to incorporate it into your adult life.
Holman dives into the concept of “free play,” exploring what that might look like in childhood: imaginary play or making up games with sticks and rocks and whatever else might be in your backyard, and how it shines through differently in adulthood, if only you let it. You might think to yourself that you don’t have any interest in pretending you’re on an expedition to discover new species (turning rocks and logs over in your backyard to see what kinds of worms and beetles are waiting), but Cas has an answer for you there, too. In fact, many answers. Cas breaks down what play, especially free play, can look like in adulthood. You’d be surprised—you might even be playing more than you think.
One of the most memorable parts of the book for me was Cas's breakdown of the different types of play for adults. Meditative play can include activities like yoga, knitting, puzzles, or even assembling IKEA furniture. 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: "A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men." - Gene Wilder (from Milwaukee)
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

| Justin Discoe Sandra saidi Valencia Garcia Pip Hancock Lynn McLaughlin Lee Volpe |
Beatrice Pardo Steven Anne Walter Sayers Krysten Altenburg |
The move strengthens The Glo Companies’ position in sensory play space while continuing Meavia Toys’ mission “to aid in the development of Autistic children and kids with other learning and developmental challenges.”
Surging collectible sales, now over 40% of sales, drove a record quarter at GameStop, which had the highest Q1 operating profit in its history in its fiscal Q1 ended May 2, 2026.
Personalized product recommendation carousels drive three times higher digital conversion rates than usual, CFO Gary Millerchip said.
Higher gas prices could end up benefiting Amazon’s e-commerce business as consumers focus spending on household essentials.
The retailer continues to draw inflation-weary consumers, including to its fuel pumps.
USTR has proposed a 10% duty rate for economies that have adopted a full or partial prohibition on forced labor trade, and 12.5% for all other economies.
In Circana's June insights, Rory Partis, Director of UK Toys, examined the dominant themes and trends that have been driving toy market growth in the UK this year.
The Bath Pop range introduces Wind-Up Sprinkly Croc, Funny Octopus, Sea Life Spin and Sprinkle, Magnetic Catch-a-Fishy and Colouring Book & Bath Sticks.
Here are the stories that the toy industry couldn't stop reading and talking about last month.
Anime fans can find new ways to connect with their favorite mangas, series, and live-action adaptations,
After a temporary hiatus, the Friday Blog returns to its traditional slot. The good news is that my operation went ahead as scheduled this time, and I am now in the process of recuperating.
American toymaker Bonnie Zacherle tells Josephine McDermott how her idea to make a pony you could play with like a doll was turned down several times.
Mark Hooper, Head of Pop Culture at HMV, discussed how the category is continuously shaping the business, both in the UK and abroad.
Sixth Wall demonstrates how AI can power iconic characters beyond static media while preserving voice talent, brand guardrails, and fan trust.
Anthony Reeve on why toffs came off their high horses to scoot along on two wheels
As headlines focus on tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and economic uncertainty, a quieter story is unfolding behind the scenes.
For Toy World's June edition, Gabriela Jiménez García caught up with the company’s CEO, John Styring, and Brand Marketing Manager, Codie Goddard, to discover new developments launching this year.
This month, Gabriela Jiménez García looked at the latest trends and introductions in the Infant Toys space and examined the key features toys in this category should include with the help of leading suppliers.
For the June edition, Toy World's Gabriela Jiménez García spoke with leading Arts & Crafts suppliers to discover the hottest trends dominating the category, and how they are being applied to some of the newest launches.
For Toy World's June edition, Emilie Flanders, Associate Director at Gen Media, considers how kids consume content across online platforms and analyses how brands can maximise the alignment of their campaigns for the biggest impact.
The Bricks & Minifigs / Reckless Ben beef is breaking containment and can no longer be ignored.
"When we first moved to the 14,000 sq ft building in 1995 we needed more business so we asked our super talented illustrator/toy inventor, Dan Bryce, to make us a brochure we could hand out at toy fair."
Released in 1986 by Kenner, The Real Ghostbusters Ghost Trap encouraged would-be parapsychologists in their quest to find and capture mischievous spirits.
“There are 50 adventures for your G.I. Joe with kung fu grip.”
Persy Arcement's Award Winning Game, Drizzle, is now licensed and will be on the shelves of Target for the holidays in December.
Craft Buddy's licensed range has seen major retail success across social media platforms like TikTok, demonstrating the power of combining a globally recognised licence with an engaging collecting experience.
The anime giant has plans for guest panels featuring talent in front of and behind the camera as well as first looks and interactive experiences at the July event.
Care Bears characters join Aurora World’s plush lineup this fall.
Claire’s expands with new slimes made in collaboration with Sloomoo Institute, Dope Slime, and Peachybbies.
Thumbs Up! enters a licensing agreement with Toikido to develop a new product range for the Piñata Smashlings brand.
Strategically timed around the franchise’s big summer movie, the series is meant to give kids an entry point into the Gen X-coded IP.
Bringing that passion for fashion to your workout routine.
Young filmmakers from the internet are beating big franchises at the box office
The latest film sees Woody, Buzz and the other toys compete with a new tablet for children's attention.
Disney’s presence at Primavera Sound Barcelona reflects its continued expansion into brand activations in cultural spaces.
Inside Out Toys is set to bring Santoro’s Bangoberry stationery and accessories range to independent retailers across the UK.
NFL Ballers unites officially licensed player figures, blind-box collectability and the NFL's most recognisable names in a single capsule.
Rudolph prances into Palm Pals, Spudsters, and Classic Cuddle formats.
McDonald’s brings the thrills of soccer to fans of all ages with two meal deals celebrating the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The collection pairs music artists with minor league teams for limited-edition apparel and game-day activations throughout the season.
The interactive sets arrive Aug. 1.
The new card game will release into retail on August 5, 2026 according to Cryptozoic.
Warner Bros has unveiled a title for the 'A Minecraft Movie' sequel: 'A Minecraft Movie Squared'
Taylor Swift has penned an original song for the fifth film in Disney Pixar's 'Toy Story' franchise.
They intend to thoughtfully curating the playlists, clips, compilations and episodes that will be on the channel so you will find favorite moments and discover new ones.
Toys and media brands are increasingly joining forces.
Taylor Swift is tying her commercial and promotional power to "Toy Story 5" with an original song for the film's soundtrack. It's a smart business move.
Anna has joined Toy World and will be working alongside the editorial team moving forward.
Founder and chief executive officer of the company behind Bratz, L.O.L. Surprise! and more delves into the latest toy trends and how the company has found its success.
The company has become a significant publisher of German language board games, including last year's Kennerspiel des Jahres winner Endeavor: Deep Sea and big name titles such as Andromeda's Edge and The Elder Scrolls: Betrayal of the Second Era.
The former Playmobil and Craze sales leader is open to confidential conversations across senior commercial, interim and consultancy opportunities.
The sales rep agency has appointed Sarah McQuiniff, former Mattel manager, as director of key account sales to boost retail partnerships and brand growth.
Meeta Sharma Gupta completed her BTech from IIT Delhi and later pursued a PhD at Harvard University, building a strong foundation in engineering and research.
Ikeda worked at the Japanese company for two decades.
Philipp brings extensive experience through a variety of national and international leadership positions in the toy industry.
Isle of Penguins creator Frank West told BoardGameWire he used data from over a million plays to create a game that plays 20% to 30% faster than The Isle of Cats standard mode, while also giving players more to do.
The puzzle series features a 1000-piece, 500-piece circular and 100XXL piece format celebrating Diddly Squat Farm and Farm Shop.
The classic 90s game Elefun has been given a new design for a whole new generation of young players to enjoy with their family.
The plush celebrates and supports LGBTQIA+ youth.
Sixth Wall's CharacterOS software Focuses on Behavioral Licensing; Possible Applications to 'D&D'?
Asmodee's acquisition of Zombicide from financially troubled CMON last June set the stage for the company's drive into crowdfunding - an area it had previously barely touched through any of its myriad studios.
The new flagship expansion in Manila, Philippines creates a world-class destination for play, joy and family fun.
Asmodee will work alongside Spin Master to spearhead the arrival of Hellbreak, the horror trading card game.
Buki France has designed a special kit for the whole family to watch the eclipse safely across the UK and Europe.
Star Wars: Unlimited Icons is a 194-card mini-set that includes a mix of returning reprints and new artwork from the Star Wars: Unlimited TCG series.
The 2026 Mini Collection from Hess Toy Truck brings historic twists with a special-edition set celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
For the latest expansion of its Vibes trading card game (TCG), Pudgy Penguins is joining forces with a fellow flock of NFTs: Moonbirds.
The Walt Disney Company is joining the America 250 festivities with a star-spangled series of events: the Disney Celebrates America campaign.
Board said it would unveil an AI platform later this year which will allow users to build their own games using natural language prompts, saying taking a game from idea to playable prototype can be done in less than an hour.
Nintendo has confirmed that future Nintendo Switch 2 models will be slightly different as they will feature replaceable batteries to align with EU battery regulations.
Atlus’s remake of the acclaimed Persona 4 Revival has just been rated by the Entertainment Software Rating Board and is also listed on the Xbox Store.
The official Elden Ring X account has finally announced the release date of August 2 for Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition.
From Masters of the Universe and Pokémon to Roblox, the industry delivers fresh content across platforms.
Understanding intellectual property from a business perspective can make or break a successful game launch.
Games are overwhelmingly made by and marketed to younger generations, argue analysts, while the older demographic is being ignored
Launching in the UK this month, this new pint-sized console revives the motion-controlled video game boom of the 00s – with better, safer tech.
Sony Interactive Entertainment returned with a new State of Play to kick into high gear a summer that will be full of new trailers, new game announcements, and more.
Yacht Club Games previously indicated the title's performance would 'make or break' the studio.
The decline has been steady during the last couple of years. FY21 saw 43.9 million sales, FY22 saw 43.5 million, and FY23 saw 39.7 million.
The next big Tomb Raider title from Amazon Games, Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, has been confirmed for the Nintendo Switch 2.
The Pokémon Company International (TPCi) announced that Pokémon Champions will launch on iOS and Android on June 17, 2026, and players can pre-register via the iOS App Store and Google Play.
Astra Marketplace attendees will have to add another stop to their must-see route, as Bright Stripes is showing off an assortment of 44 new items available for retail order this Summer. Bright Stripes is the arts and crafts brand that has cemented a brilliant reputation with customers and stores alike in just a few years of operation.
Several proposals advancing in California and New York could directly impact toys that incorporate AI-powered conversational features, while a growing number of states have enacted broader AI companion chatbot laws this year.
As previously reported, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) mandatory eFiling framework will take effect on July 8, 2026, introducing new electronic compliance data submission requirements for all imported products subject to CPSC rules, bans, standards, and regulations.
Taking place on November 6, 2026 as part of POP Week, this year’s event marks the TAGIEs’ 19th year honoring the best and brightest innovators, designers, retailers, suppliers, PR professionals, and marketers who drive creativity and success across the global toy and game industry.
As the countdown to Toy Fair® begins, The Toy Association™ has announced that general exhibitor applications are now open for the largest toy show in the Western Hemisphere, taking place February 20 to 23, 2027 at the Javits Center in New York City.
BLE, taking place from 6th-8th October at ExCel London, is on track to break records again with confirmed exhibitors 16% up year-on-year.
A team from Gift Universe has successfully completed the National Three Peak Challenge, raising more than £10,000 for Alzheimer's Society.
Brand Licensing Europe is returning to ExCel London this October for what is shaping up to be the trade show's biggest year yet.
The character-themed destination debuts in California June 13 with exclusive menu items, merchandise, and opening-day activities for fans.
The winners of a recent LEGO Design Student Challenge have been revealed, with four unique creations interpreting contemporary culture.
Beyond the data, one simple idea resonated throughout the conversation: games help people (re)connect. Quality time, fully present, around the table.
TTF highlights its partnership with Jazwares, whose long-term support has helped put TTF’s belief into action.
The surging visitor numbers - up 64% in just three years - mean UK Games Expo is now pushing steadily towards the 70,000-plus visitors recorded by giant US tabletop convention Gen Con each year since 2023, and is more than two and a half times larger than last year's Origins Game Fair.
The immersive fan experiences are set to take over Westfield this summer in collaboration with Disney & Pixar, celebrating the cinema release of Toy Story 5.
The Puppet Company is expected to showcase multiple new seasonal collections as well as extensions to popular lines.
The two-day event brings together collectibles, trading cards, gaming, fashion, and fan experiences June 13-14.
Miniso’s YOYO art exhibit will make its New York City debut starting June 20 at The Oculus at the World Trade Center.
Asmodee is launching its largest location-based entertainment activation for Spot It! to date, and it’s turning to Chuck E. Cheese for help.
Nominations are now open for the 2027 program celebrating the brands, builders, breakouts, and big ideas shaping the business of play.
Hamleys will take passengers to London's most iconic landmarks on board its first-ever bus tour, before finishing at its Regent Street store.
The veteran R&B singer best known as the singer behind the Disney film hits 'Beauty and the Beast' and 'Whole New World,' has died.
Legendary Games Workshop illustrator John Blanche passed away on June 1, 2026.
Creator of the acclaimed graphic novel Persepolis as well as Embroideries and Chicken with Plums, died on June 4, 2026, at the age of 56.
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)
- Ultra PRO Unveils Massive Wave of New 'Magic: The Gathering' 'Final Fantasy' TCG Accessories
- PSA Will Temporarily Shuts Down Value Grading Tiers
- Hasbro Launches AI Studio
- R.I.P. John Blanche
- Rolling for Initiative -- WotC is Trying New Things with 'D&D'…Again
- Darrington Press Will Release 'Daggerheart RPG' Expansion Book
- GameStop Collectible Sales Drive Record Quarter
- Cryptozoic Reveals 'Peanuts: Many Faces of Snoopy' Card Game
- City of Games Announces 'The Isle of Penguins'
- Good Games Publishing Reveals Two Tabletop Games
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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