Welcome to Your Weekly News Brief!
Happy Bloomin' Friday!
We’re still glowing from a phenomenal POP/CHITAG Week. This week, I’m sharing posts from Rob Yusim and Lisa Orman to offer their perspectives—because I may be just a little biased!
Rob Yusim: Every year The Chicago Toy & Game Fair is the #1 event I look forward to attending. It’s a 4 day event packed with seminars, mentoring sessions with inventors, as well as a public fair where consumers can try out the latest toys, the TAGIE Awards and much more. My favorite event of the weekend though is the Young Inventor Challenge where hundreds of kids create, display and pitch their inventions. I have been a judge at the YIC for over 10 years and it always heartens me that there is a generation of very smart, innovative and motivated kids that will soon be leaders of our world! I am thrilled that I get to be a very small part of their journey!
Lisa Orman: It was a whirlwind trip to Chicago for CHITAG. I jammed so much into one day of fun at all the events. My spirits were lifted to see how mobbed CHITAG was starting at 9:30 AM on Saturday morning. Families showed up, big time, and there's nothing better than the "whoops" and laughter of kids having fun playing. 10/10 recommendation for anyone in the play business!
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Mary and the POP Team
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Innovation World Young Collaborators Podcast Series Hits the Road Again!
Young innovators Aarin Bothra and Max Miller team up at their second annual visit to the Young Inventors Challenge hosted by People of Play at the Chicago Toy and Game Fair!
The podcasting duo interviewed judges, volunteers, sponsors and of course young inventors. What an amazing day, event and experience for all!
Listen in on the amazing podcasts from the 2025 Young Inventor Challenge:
Check out the full article and more interviews here.
A Legacy of Play: Inside the Carlson Family’s Multi-Generational Journey Through the Toy Industry
When Bill Carlson walked into Doughboy Industries as a young college graduate, he had no idea he was stepping into a career that would shape not only his life, but an entire family legacy. Doughboy was best known for its above-ground swimming pools, but tucked inside its plastics division was a single whimsical product: Bobo the Punching Clown. The inflatable weeble-wobble toy didn’t just bounce back when kids hit it—it sparked Bill’s lifelong fascination with what toys could be.
That plastics division, however, was under pressure. Doughboy’s flamboyant CEO, E.J. Cashman—famous for his fur coat and walking cane—once strode into the department and asked pointedly, “When are you guys going to make some money? If you don’t soon, I’ll close you down.” It was a moment that stayed with Bill for decades. That urgency, he later said, made him better.
But the true turning point came in 1962, when Bill’s boss, Jack Kohler, left Minnesota for Southern California to join Eldon Industries. Before long, Jack urged him to follow. It was a life-altering ask. Minnesota was home—family, roots, comfort—but opportunity called. 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: "Great difficulties may be surmounted by patience and perseverance." - Abigail Adams
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
Atsuko Tanaka
Allison Miller
Alan Chau
Brian Fried
Marc Rosenberg
Jillian Lakritz
Kazuhisa Hashimoto
M. Brett Duncan
Alan Hassenfeld
Gene Murtha
Joao Igor
Marty Estrin
Zoe Burkett
Steve Lightle
Darrell Grani
Brett Mich
Suvda Ulaankhuu
Tariffs were expected to cause discomfort. Few product leaders expected them to reshape their operations so deeply that redesigning or discontinuing goods
Incoming Target CEO Michael Fiddelke has upped its investment plans by a $1 billion as he seeks to turn the retailer's fortunes round after another tough earnings update.
But Shows Overall Loss in Most Recent Quarter
As tariffs make overseas sourcing and manufacturing more expenses, local independent toymakers have to contend with stress on their finances.
In Circana's November insights, Melissa Symonds, executive director, UK Toys, EuroToys, looks at what types of collectibles are driving the most growth this year.
We explore how a former Blackpink K-pop star launched a global blind-box collectibles obsession.
Board game sales in Germany, one of the world’s biggest tabletop markets, are continuing to grow despite an ongoing economic slowdown in the country, according to new research.
Byrne, aka The Toy Guy, presented toys such as the Amazing Flip Spider-Man from Jazzwares and Emotion Friends from Solibot Toys, each designed to engage children in imaginative play.
Unless your child has made you a detailed list, you might still be looking for the hottest toys to make them happy this Christmas.
Child lifestyle expert Elizabeth Werner highlights the season’s best arts and activities sets. Imaginative inventors can explore must-have toys that turn playtime into epic adventures.
Circana’s latest market report names Disguise as the No. 1 costume manufacturer in the U.S. for the year-to-date.
New data from Circana shows a mix of superhero, princess and video game IPs at the top of the market.
The Dr. Seuss icon, played by Walton Goggins, appears in new ads and a Times Square takeover showcasing deals on products like the Switch 2.
Labubu dolls have been all the rage, but experts project that the trend may be on the verge of collapse – like the Beanie Babies before them.
Shares in the firm behind the highly-addictive children's song rose by more than 9% in their stock market debut.
In this month’s indie viewpoint column, Mark Buschhaus and Stephen Barnes reflect on the toy trade‘s bestsellers and predict areas of growth within sales.
Nearly 30 years since the Beanie Babies Boom, Ty Inc. has another hit on its hands with the patented Beanie Bouncers. Ty Warner is on a mission to protect the innovation.
Women lead market expansion as toy companies rethink how to reach a broader, more engaged audience.
Toys can take over your whole house. A professional organizer shares her best toy storage tips to reduce clutter.
When you create products that invite curiosity and connection, you’re not just selling—you’re sparking joy.
Listen in as Christopher Byrne talks to Audrey Birner, U.S. Insight Director for Beano Brain. They discuss key insights on how to connect with Gen Z and Gen Alpha.
As the weather in the UK turns from mild to bloody freezing, at least toy retailers will be happy – unseasonably nice weather at this time of year is always cited as one of the reasons /excuses why consumers are holding back on their festive purchases.
Watch as Dave of the Toy Polloi YouTube channel repairs articulated action figures produced by Galoob in support of the A-Team television series.
Released by Playmates in 1989, the Muppet Babies Imagination Park Playset capitalized on the popularity of the Muppet Babies characters that were introduced in the 1984.
Toy inventor Tim Walsh gives you his list of the best-ever toys.
“Lock blocks here; snap panels there; and BLIPPO, there’s a tower in the air!”
The movie studio closed a deal this week to develop the toy phenomenon as a feature film.
Nintendo has announced on the Nintendo Today app that The Legend of Zelda Movie has started filming in New Zealand and has shared the first official screen shots from the movie.
After its record-breaking preorder launch last year, Robosen’s full-size Megatron robot is rising up for a toy aisle takeover.
The collaboration brings Baby Einstein characters into DIY and retail-ready plush.
The Mouse House has inked a streaming bundle pact with TVING to strengthen its IPs in the region and establish itself as a K-content distributor.
The brand-new Uno Elite Formula 1 takes everything fans love about the traditional game and combines it with the speed, drama and strategy of the popular racing series.
Danny Go! is partnering with Just Play to launch a toy line that’s all about music, movement, and making new playtime adventures.
Inspired by the beloved RPG series, Wizards of the Coast is launching new MTG drops inspired by the world of ‘Monster Hunter.’
The tabletop title debuts with a hands-on preview at PAX Unplugged.
The family board game was first released in 2017. “Shark Bite” centers around five 20-foot animatronic sharks, each with their own unique personality and name.
Featuring the voices of the original movie cast, The Wicked Tonie features Elphaba, alongside a new Toniebox 2 in Cloud Pink.
Fans of the hit Netflix show can now recreate the GMC WSQK Squawk Van from the final season, complete with interior detail in exacting 1:25 scale.
MGA’s Miniverse has teamed up with Minecraft for a new 12-piece line of Minecraft-inspired miniature DIY collectibles that fans can build and customise as in-game tools, weapons and more.
Inspired by ’90s virtual pet toys, Cra-Z-Art is launching an exclusive GigaPets toy inspired by the Raising Cane’s mascot.
The acquisition merges two global brand licensing leaders, forming the world’s largest brand management agency.
CultureFly's exclusive Monster Mosh figure set features Frankenstein’s Monster, Dracula, The Gill-Man, and Bride of Frankenstein.
The legendary hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan is taking over fans' tabletops with a musical new edition of Monopoly.
Collectors can build their Mobile Strike Force ahead of upcoming pre-orders.
Mark Rober collides with Sesame Street in Elmo & Mark Rober's Merry Giftmas, hitting the streamer on December 8.
It's the first nomination for Ms. Rachel, and she's going head to head with Tab Time, another preschool-focused YouTube channel.
The series follows adventurous siblings Max (a dog) and Maple (a beaver), whose everyday moments turn into imaginative outdoor adventures with the help of their fun-loving Grandpa Tony (a squirrel).
Together, the two powerhouses will launch challenges that empower kids to express themselves in a safe, fan powered community.
Mark brings over 30 years of experience in buying, trading, merchandising and commercial retail management across leading toy and general merchandise.
Persy Arcement, now 14, invented Drizzle when she was 8 and bored during the pandemic.
Revenew Sales is pleased to announce that Kim Lannan has joined their team to help manage Key Account Retailers across the US and Canada.
The marketing leader joins to strengthen U.S. retail growth and expand the brand’s presence.
The attorney, business strategist, and Toy Book columnist walks participants through key licensing terms and negotiation fundamentals Dec. 6.
Few board game designers score the kind of rapid success that has come to Connie Vogelmann - with her debut design Apiary from 2023 flying high in the BoardGameGeek rankings.
Persy invented the board game, Drizzle to stave off boredom during Covid when she was just eight years old.. and worked with her dad Erich to develop and produce it.
In collaboration with Los Angeles-based manufacturers, companies with showroom space in El Segundo, and the International Toy Board, The Toy Association™ is confirming April 20 to 24, 2026 as market week dates for LA Spring Preview activity.
This holiday giving season, The Toy Foundation™ (TTF) is inspiring new and existing donors to give back to children in need by launching its first-ever Holiday Gift Catalog.
Tickets are now on sale for The Toy Foundation’s 2026 Toy of the Year® (TOTY®) Awards, which will unveil the industry’s top toys, games, and properties.
Winners were selected based on their inventive concepts, compelling pitches, and strong potential for market success.
Board Game Club hosted its final event of the year on 12th November 2025 with a packed party games special that welcomed both casual gamers and tabletop enthusiasts.
From thousands of vehicles, Pewel Czamecki's mid-engine rally-inspired build was chosen by Hot Wheels to be immortalised as a 1:64 die cast car to be sold around the world.
At Mattel’s 80th Anniversary event, the Mattelves’ Workshop welcomed celebrities, influencers and their families, showcasing the Ruby Anniversary collection in aid of Save the Children.
From Nov. 19 to Dec. 21, guests can visit the Sloomoo Institute to experience a pop-up event inspired by Slime Life products.
From TOTYs to TAGIEs — explore the stories behind this year’s biggest honors.
Special Toys for Kidults is set to open for Spielwarenmesse 2026, targeting adult toy enthusiasts through collectibles, creative fantasy, tabletop games and a lecture programme.
The Toy Trust has presented a cheque for £50,000 to children’s mental health charity Kids Inspire at the organisation’s headquarters in Chelmsford.
The sixth European Play for Change Awards recognised 11 winners across three categories: Diversity and Inclusion, Life Skills and Sustainability.
Steve Totzke and Chris Beardall are recognized for leadership and innovation in the toy industry.
Barbie in BarbieLand, an immersive experience based on Greta Gerwig's film, is coming to London's West End next year.
Fourth-grade students in the Accelerated Learning Program at Palos East & West Elementary won awards in 5 categories.
The 2025 Creative Play Awards has announced its winners and highly commended brands across a wide range of categories.
The mega-popular YouTuber is on deck to share with event-goers how he built a kid-friendly following of more than 33 million subscribers.
From Nov. 20-27, every donation through Charity Navigator’s Giving Basket triggers a toy donation to children in need.
New to next year's event are a limited number of networking requests, which industry members will need to factor into their budgets to get the full market experience.
The app adds another layer of learning to the company’s wide range of educational toys.
SmartGames' Genius collection invites players to think fast to solve a host of puzzle combinations, promoting problem-solving and concentration skills.
Kidscreen has confirmed these staff cuts, which are part of the toyco’s planned brand management business reorg.
The Make the Memories multi-channel campaign showcases how Asmodee’s games bring people together and turn ordinary moments into unforgettable ones.
Debuting at IAAPA, Tentandtable's Tetris inflatables feature bounce houses, obstacle courses, and more inspired by the retro game.
USPS is bringing back its annual Operation Santa program, providing another avenue for consumers to make wishes come true for families in need.
The partnership expands the tactile play brand’s reach across EU and U.K. markets.
Mattel is taking the plunge into themed entertainment with a new series of waterparks featuring the company’s wealth of iconic brands.
Starting 1st January 2026, this new partnership brings together 4M’s high-quality STEAM products with Invento’s comprehensive service capabilities.
The company is looking to partner with publishers as part of a big push into e-books, audiobooks and maybe even physical ones, too.
BeaverBot announced BeaverBot C2, the second-generation cutting tool designed to help young creators safely cut cardboard, fabric, and recyclables, then build them into something meaningful.
National chain once had 103 stores after billionaire Doug Putman bought and expanded the Canadian operations, but only 40 remain open.
The studio has announced a restructuring program that will result in an undisclosed number of job cuts.
Bandai Namco has announced that the next entry in the Tales of remaster series is the PlayStation 3 game Tales of Berseria Remastered which is coming for 2026.
The gaming platform says it's going to be the first to require this AI-powered safety feature, which creates stronger protections for kids.
Level-5 has thanked fans as the company’s recently released Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road has seen sales top 500,000 during its first week of release.
It seems in-game digital currency for games such as Fortnite, Genshin Impact and Roblox is the most wished for gifts for children this Christmas in the United States.
The pioneering Hong Kong toy tycoon and creator of the city’s iconic yellow rubber duck, has died aged 105.
The ground-breaking programmer and game designer heralded as the 'first-ever video game champion' has passed away.
Co-founder of Blue Orange Games, was a creative force whose passion for play, infectious energy, and generous spirit left a lasting mark on everyone he met.
He was best known for his artwork on Harris’ Vampirella comics and as the co-creator of the Vertigo series Codename: Knockout.
Worldwide Magazines Weekly Top Stories
Some Added Friday Morning. 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)
- Renegade Announces 'Dungeon Crawler Carl' Deckbuilder
- Riot Games Announces 'Riftbound TCG' Rare Redemption Program
- Asmodee Bringing Back 12 'Star Wars' RPG Books
- 'Magic: The Gathering' 2026 Release Calendar
- WizKids Unveils New 'Batman' 'DC HeroClix' Set
- Wizards of the Coast Further Expands Partnership with TCGplayer
- New 'Pokemon Day 2026 Collection' Incoming
- Rolling for Initiative -- Tariff Rollback Not for Us, and Another Big Weekend
- Asmodee Reports U.S., World Sales Increases
- Game, Toy Awards, Nominees
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!
See the New LEGO Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Float
POP Classifieds - Free and Easy
"I kept an eye on People of Play's Classifieds and now I work at TOMY!" -Jeff Hersheway, Digital Content Manager at TOMY International
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.
You can also post IP and more to sell. We just posted a listing for US Utility Patent & Trademark: MOGO.
If you are looking for someone with particular skills and expertise, use POP's Advanced Search to fine that person or company you need!
If you are not in the POP Directory, the largest searchable directory by skill, expertise and more, sign up!
Get Listed in the POP Toy Industry Database
It's Linkedin + IMDb and Searchable!
"I highly recommend that if anyone in this industry wants to be found, they join POP and fill out the skills and expertise section of their POP Profiles. I've had companies and a major media network reach out to me for a show based on my skills and expertise."
- David Yakos, Founder of Streamline Design and Owner of Salient Technologies
What are you waiting for? We've got the most powerful platform in our industry!
Join here: www.peopleofplay.com
