The US and China have reached a “framework” deal to divest TikTok from its Chinese parent company, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told reporters during trade talks in Madrid on Monday.

Amid continued trade tensions, top teams from world’s two largest economies are meeting in Madrid in their latest effort to reach a deal.

Move comes after Trump struck a more conciliatory tone in statements last week and expressed optimism that he could finalise a trade deal.

Diamond, Sparkle Pop, and the publishers who initially consigned the goods are currently arguing about who actually owns them.

In its initial motion, TD Bank stated that it decided to end its relationship with Everest Toys in February due to failure to satisfy reporting covenants and “deteriorating financial circumstances.”

A California bill to check kids’ ages online is heading to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk, after it secured rare support from major tech giants, including Google, Meta and Snap.

The two companies will also build a new digital comics platform under the auspices of their partnership.

Since Trump’s tariffs took effect in April, inflation has been showing up in categories that rarely see big swings.

President Donald Trump's tariffs face an uncertain future as the Supreme Court is poised to hear the administration's appeal of lower court rulings.

Hearing on 5 November sets up major test of the president’s use of executive power to drive his economic agenda.

From toys for any budget to nostalgic relaunches, the annual list for 2025 spotlights the biggest toy trends, making it easier to find the perfect gift for everyone.

Every toy business—no matter how whimsical its product line—eventually hits a wall if its warehouse operations don’t evolve.

By tapping into this trend — whether through creative branding techniques, personalization, or unexpected collaborations — companies are finding new ways to connect with audiences and differentiate themselves in saturated markets.

Smyths Toys Superstores has announced the return of its free 300 page Christmas catalogue, which is available from Friday (19th September) in all stores across the UK and Ireland.

This year’s Holiday Gift Guide delivers more value than ever, with 70% of featured toys priced under $50 and more than 175 picks available for $25 or less.

This complete guide covers market trends, inventory management, marketing, and navigating seasonal risks.

China has long been the world's largest toy producer and exporter, and a tariff war with such a manufacturing powerhouse has undoubtedly also hit European toy makers, many of whom have production facilities in, as well as a substantial sales revenue from, China.

European toymakers, known for their strength in storytelling and brand building, stand to benefit greatly from China's fast-evolving toy market, where an increasing number of young adults believe they are never too old to play, experts said.

In this episode of Making It in The Toy Industry, host Azhelle breaks down 3 powerful and unexpected ways to use AI tools to save money, reclaim your time, and scale smarter even if you’re just getting started.

Plus, the five pitches with the best buyer attendance at the annual animation event are revealed. 

Two years before The A.C. Gilbert Company closed its doors in 1967, it released 65 The Year to Go Gilbert, a catalogue showcasing its active toy lines.

Watch Dave from Lucky Penny Shop demonstrate how to play the SlikSilver Aquabattle game from Mego.

In the 1960s, Ideal released KliKiT, a line of Build n’ Play sets designed to encourage creativity and help young builders develop construction skills through a unique interlocking system called “Press-Fit Assembly”

Published in 1981 by Colorforms, Lollypop Game was a journey along Gum Drop Avenue to Candy Castle, with plenty of sweet surprises and colourful obstacles along the way.

The team shared a short teaser in the Nintendo Direct, Presumably Mario will visit other worlds teamed with numerous characters both old and new.

The Dune collection showcases iconic movie moments with Chrome technology, elite autograph signers and chase-worthy inserts, and is available to pre-order now.

With a partnership between The Pinkfong Company and Mattel, the 'Pingu' relaunch will bring classic episodes to Korean audiences.

Stern Pinball’s latest cabinet is a Force to be reckoned with. The arcade company is launching a trilogy of Star Wars pinball machines inspired by the original saga. 

Projects pitched last year that are nearly fully financed will get promo and networking opportunities to help them 

Its haul more than doubled the $31 million benchmark that had been set by 1999’s “Pokémon: The First Movie – Mewtwo Strikes Back.”

The featurette above includes behind-the-scenes video and details on the cast as they discuss how the series adds STEM concepts into kids’ content adventures.

HBO's Game of Thrones prequel series House of the Dragon finally has a season 3 release date, following 2024's epic season 2, but the second installment won't come for another year.

Dynamite Entertainment will make both its backlist and new releases available on the startup digital comics platform Neon Ichiban, which is currently in beta and will launch a public beta soon.

With more than 46 million subscribers and 19 billion views, the brand continues to expand its reach far beyond the screen.

The toyco has launched a licensed line of nurturing dolls based on Mouse House IPs, and has extended their costume deal across Europe.

9 Story has partnered with Future Today on this new AVOD platform featuring the kids publisher's nostalgic catalogue.

PAW Patrol is coming to CBS. A PAW Patrol Christmas animated holiday special is set to air on the network, Friday, Nov. 28.

WildBrain's Strawberry Shortcake licensing is expanding globally, featuring new partners and collaborations.

The range of collectibles, figures and plush will arrive amid a high-profile legal battle that has rocked the video game world.

The company will roll out its Naruto, My Little Pony and tokidoki collections to stateside retailers next month. 

The Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato are on board to revive yet another dormant early-2000s property.

Wocka wocka! Jim Henson's iconic variety series will be revived in a new special that may just be a backdoor pilot.

Vince Klaseus, president of Universal Products & Experiences, is among the latest raft of content sessions confirmed for Brand Licensing Europe 2025.

As VP, she will handle business development in Yamaguchi has held several business development roles in the media industry over the past 15 years, often building connections between North American and Japanese businesses..

The industry vet previously spent more than 15 years with Hasbro in roles spanning brand management, marketing, and commercial leadership.

Plus, former TikTok and Meta exec Erik Jordan has landed at Little Dot Studios as VP of US content strategy. 

The new COO hired by GAMA is Melinda Prickett. She is new to the games industry, having the majority of her experience in the nonprofit organization space.

Arnold, a veteran of ESPN, will manage all communications for Disney's ad sales division, led by Rita Ferro.

Hasbro has appointed President Kim Boyd, who replaces Olivier Dumont looking after 'Peppa Pig', 'My Little Pony' and 'Dungeons & Dragons'.

With a strong passion for the toy and gift industry, Nicola has worked with several leading brands during her career of over 20 years.

The world’s largest board game fair expects more than 200,000 visitors, 890 exhibitors, and a diverse supporting program across seven halls this October.

With topics covering AI, trends, community building and retail in focus, the Toy Business Forum 2026 will include inspiring presentations, panels and networking.

The competition is open to designers from over 120 countries and regions, with entries covering diverse categories such as AI interactive toys, intangible cultural heritage IP, and trendy blind boxes.

Held during The Toy Association’s LA Fall Preview Market Weeks, the event welcomed toy professionals for an evening of networking, friendly competition, and giving back at Topgolf in El Segundo.

About 200 toy companies are currently set up in the El Segundo “Toy District,” which includes the Toy Building as well as nearby temporary and permanent showrooms.

Matt Nuccio of Design Edge Creates Lasting Iconography for the Industry’s New LA Hub

The 12 finalists for induction into the hall include Battleship, Catan, Connect Four, cornhole, Furby, scooter, slime, snow, Spirograph, Star Wars Light Saber, Tickle Me Elmo, and Trivial Pursuit.

The first annual Game Store Day aims to raise awareness of brick-and-mortar game stores and emphasize their impact on local communities.

Since its founding in 2005, HCA has focused on supporting its members through advocacy, education, and resources that help strengthen a safe and thriving marketplace.

Taking place at Mercer Labs (21 Dey Street, Manhattan), this highly anticipated experience will open to the public on Thursday, October 9, 2025, and run through Sunday, November 30, 2025.

The Licensing Awards were hosted by author, podcaster and media entrepreneur, Cally Beaton, and Caroline Mickler was presented with this year’s Honorary Achievement.

In Organ Attack, each player protects their vital organs while using affliction cards to challenge opponents’ bodies. From gallstones to the common cold, the goal is to be the last player with at least one organ still in play.

Launching in September 2025—just in time for the fall shopping season—this partnership will debut in all Books-A-Million retail locations and online at www.booksamillion.com, with ongoing availability in-store and online.

Under the agreement, Moose Toys will leverage its robust distribution network to propel Wigglitz beyond its current footprint of more than 1,500 specialty stores.

The Transformer Action Edition 03 Soundwave nods to the Decepticons’ classic communications officer while keeping screen-continuity flexible to other versions.

Zuru says the acquisition of Tytan Toys, known for its magnetic building tiles and construction sets, will accelerate the brand's growth trajectory around the world.

Playmates Toys is teaming up with New York Times bestselling author Matt Dinniman to create a line of collectibles inspired by the hit book series Dungeon Crawler Carl. 

Crayola took a fresh approach for this year’s back to school campaign, with its brand-new collection, Foodie Friends, created by Hunter Price.

The Entertainer plans to further invest in its successful Dropship programme to drive more customers directly to its own website, as the retailer withdraws from the Amazon platform.

At this year’s Comic-Con International: San Diego (SDCC), NECA’s turtle-powered Garfield figures were a hit among fans and collectors alike. Now, the set is finally available for preorder. 

In the U.S., 10 new flagship stores and 20 seasonal shops are set to open this fall.

Kidz Forts introduces their line of children’s play fort kits which utilize a patented twist-lock connector assembly, enhancing the strength and durability of their kids' play fort kits, encouraging creativity and family fun.

Goliath's revivial of this '90s classic game gives new parents the chance to reminisce with their kids.

"The Primal Hatch Jurassic World T. REX offers an unforgettable experience that immerses kids in a new level of play," said Doug Wadleigh, Spin Master's President of Toys.

This new collection, built with Montessori experts, offers timeless wooden designs to foster independence, exploration, and hands-on learning. The collection is available exclusively on Amazon.

Manhattan’s Sloomoo Institute, an interactive museum for slime where more than a thousand kids and adults can be seen elbow-deep in the substance on any given Saturday, is opening two new smaller locations at Faniuel Hall in Boston and the King of Prussia Mall in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. 

ArsEdition said it will focus on family-weight games for ages 6, 8, and 10 and up, with the opening slate of seven titles including Reiner Knizia designs Oshiya Tokio and Guardian of the Treasure, and Sophia Wagner’s Twilight Watch.

This year's initiatives begin with a new Secret Lair drop, Secret Lair X Play-Doh: Squishful Thinking, which includes four cards that are staples of the Commander format, now available with exquisitely cute art inspired by the popular modeling compound.

The collaboration merges Rainbow Loom’s iconic band-weaving system with Nebulous Stars’ imaginative universe, encouraging kids to craft, share, and express themselves.

Throughout 2025, the brand hosts campaigns, events, and collaborations designed to showcase the joy of caring, sharing, and storytelling through play.

Set around the story of The Wolf and The Seven Goats, the adaption of the fairy tale classic in game format has been designed to captivate young minds as they enjoy hours of fun, educational play.

This partnership marks a major milestone for the brand, whose award-winning range of Islamic educational toys, dolls and books will now be available on the shelves of one of Britain’s best-loved toy stores.

Topps has unveiled the highly anticipated new edition of the popular Match Attax UCC Collection for the 25/26 season for collectors and football fans across the globe.

Mattel honors the astronaut and STEM leader with a doll designed to inspire.

As the ultimate holiday destination, Macy’s offers curated and exclusive holiday gift ideas across price points to guide customers through the season and every shopping list.

Raquel joins the beloved collection, following in the footsteps of Lila Monetti in 2024 and Summer McKinny in 2025. And Raquel's history goes back even further. Turns out, she's a direct descendant of another one of American Girl's historical characters.

September 17 is an important day for Transformers fans, as it marks the latest Transformers Day event. Unsurprisingly, Hasbro has some new figures to unveil as part of the event, including a very cool Soundwave figure inspired by 1985's Transformers: The Movie.

Launched under license from Hasbro, the Peppa Pig Whizz-Around range introduces vehicle and track-based play pattern to the Peppa Pig toy portfolio.

The Photo Creator Video Projector Camera is the ultimate tool for creative kids who want to share their stories, make memories and enjoy big-screen fun at home.

The partnership will see The Entertainer running two Disney themed campaigns in stores over the coming months, as well as sponsorship of The Entertainer’s festive gift guide catalogue.

A 42,000-square-foot hub where fans get answers, support, and plenty of brick-fueled care.

As Asmodee marks its 30th anniversary, the company commissioned a global consumer study highlighting why tabletop games continue to win over families.

A study ordered by the Australian government found that age checking can be done ‘privately, efficiently and effectively’.

 The game has a beautifully illustrated 2D look and you can discover various plants and creatures.

 The digital version will launch as a timed Switch/Switch 2 console exclusive on 25th September and the physical version on 20th November 2025. The Switch 2 Edition will be able to run at 1080p 120 FPS.

SEGA is looking up heat up its rivalry with Nintendo once again as it unleashes its new Sonic Racing CrossWorlds commercial and it’s brilliant to see.

The new Nintendo Music update includes over two hours of music from Super Mario Galaxy 2, with 70 total tracks added.

The collection includes X-Men: Children of the Atom, Marvel Super Heroes, Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes, Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes, Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter, X-Men vs. Street Fighter, and the Punisher, is available on the Nintendo Switch eShop.

The Phantom Thieves are making their move in Overwatch 2 with the game’s latest collaboration, on 16th September through 30th September.

The Roblox game Dress Up BFF was developed with tech and entertainment firm Invisible Universe, whose backers include Serena Williams.

The latest Japanese boxed video game software and hardware charts have come through and there’s no change at the top for Mario Kart World.

Following millions of pre-registrations and installs, Mattel’s new mobile game UNO Wonder is now available on the App Store and Google Play. 

Who says math can’t be fun? Make Music Count, the innovative new STEM educational system created by Marcus Blackwell, will be used for teaching math in 16 elementary schools across Glendale, Cal. The Glendale school board recently approved the measure, and programming will begin in October of this year, shortly after the beginning of the academic year.

Operation Dark Smile from ASAE, targeted toys and products aimed at children that could put the health and safety of younger consumers at risk.

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Gary Wyatt, founder of the Green Board Game Company, who died on Saturday 13th September in Portugal at age 68.