Welcome to Your Weekly News Brief!
Happy Bloomin' Friday!
Congratulations to the TAGIE Finalists! Voting for the 18th Annual Toy & Game Innovation Excellence (TAGIE) Awards is Open through October 24th. TAGIE Awards Dinner Details and Voting HERE.
The People of Play Young Inventor Challenge® (YIC) 20 Years - 20 Days - $20K campaign has officially wrapped up, and while we didn't quite reach our goal, we are deeply grateful for every single donation and the generosity shown by our community.
Donations are always welcome! Support for the YIC goes far beyond a single campaign and helps us keep inspiring kids all year long by providing scholarships to support the $25 submission fee, offering school discounts, creating materials, covering convention center costs to make the in-person pitching possible, and so much more.
The support of our incredible sponsors and the individuals who believe in empowering kids to invent, create, and share their ideas with the world make this program possible.
Thank you for investing in the future of play and innovation!
Ahren Hoffman, Tim Walsh and Mary Couzin
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Azhelle Wade: Contestant On Brand With Jimmy Fallon
The Toy Industry's Azhelle Wade Appears "On Brand with Jimmy Fallon" Premiering Sept. 30 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.
The On Brand Agency is officially open for business!
The 10 creatives working to disrupt the marketing profession in NBC’s newest innovative business competition series have been revealed. Hosted and executive produced by Fallon, "On Brand with Jimmy Fallon" is set to premiere Sept. 30 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on NBC. The series rollout will be eventized with new episodes airing twice a week – Tuesdays after “The Voice” and Fridays at 8 p.m. All episodes will be available next day on Peacock.
Fallon is joined by the On Brand Agency’s Chief Marketing Officer, Bozoma Saint John, whose storied history in the C-suite of companies such as Uber, Pepsi and Netflix makes her the perfect expert judge and mentor to the creatives during their season-long competition.
The contestants are a competitive and creative group of everyday people who will use Fallon and Saint John’s guidance as they answer the call of household brands such as Captain Morgan, Dunkin’, KitchenAid, Marshalls, Pillsbury, SONIC, Southwest Airlines and Therabody. READ MORE
Person of the Week - Doug Cass of Tree Town Toys
Hi Doug! Thank you for taking time to answer a few questions. Let’s start with talking about what you do in our industry.
Proud to have been part of the toy industry for over 35 years, with some fantastic organizations. Price Stern Sloan (1992), Landoll Books (1995), Giddy Up (2002), Kahootz (2010) and now Tree Town Toys (2024). My role in each organization has been primarily sales and marketing focused, but since 2002, my role has been expanded as founder and one of the key leaders of the organization with responsibilities including finance, operations, supply chain, and product development.
What is it about the Toy and Game Industry that you love?
The people that I’ve been proud to work with are passionate about creating something special. From Blendy Pens, Surprize Ink, Spirograph, Colorforms, Fashion Plates and many other innovative and great products for kids. Also, I very much enjoy the camaraderie of the folks I’m competing with—they have been there for me as I have faced challenges, and we always support each other.
What is your claim to fame?
With every company I have been associated with, we have produced products that the retail customers connect with, and also that produce excellent margins for our retail partners, as well as great bottom line results. Proud to say that for every organization I’ve been a partner, we have delivered great financial results. READ MORE
Resilience Can Be Taught: New Report Charts the Path Beyond Pandemic Recovery
MESH Helps today announced the release of its second white paper, Post-Pandemic: From Recovery to Resilience, a call-to-action for families, educators, and toy industry leaders to shift the focus of childhood back to what kids need most: purposeful play.
The white paper emphasizes two essential truths about resilience:
● Resilience is a skillset, not a trait. Children are not born resilient—resilience is built through relationships, practice, and play.
● Resilience is contagious. Just as stress spreads, so can resilience. When children model coping and adaptability, they strengthen not only themselves but also their peers, families, and communities.
Drawing on recent data, including findings from the CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey and the Harvard Human Flourishing Study, the white paper highlights the urgent need to address the persistent youth mental health crisis by going beyond treatment to focus on prevention and skill-building.
“While mental health professionals continue their critical work supporting children in crisis, the broader community must do more upstream,” said Rachele Harmuth, Founder of MESH Helps.
Cartoon Lovers, Lexophiles & People in Need of a Smile!
Cartoon of the Week: Thank you to Robert Fuhrer for the cartoon this week.
Memorable Quotes: "I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles." -- Christopher Reeve
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!
Have a cartoon, quote or a joke to share? Send it to me! Mary
Happiest of Birthdays to our colleagues celebrating birthdays this past week!
Jerry Robson RIP
Frederic Nicolas Barre
Brian Weinstock
Robbie Kaplan
Shajan Clay
Russell Williams
Micki Grover
André Cassagnes RIP
Peter David RIP
Brad Ross
Sean Dempsey
Ittay Takomi
Valentina Pereyra
Sam Harwell
Rick Gurolnick
William Textores
Katherine Kaiser
Jack Placidi
Christopher Byrne
Justin Aram
Graeme Thomson
The Association’s comments highlight how a patchwork of state regulations, particularly around packaging, chemical reporting, and outdated product restrictions, creates unnecessary burdens for toy companies while doing little to improve consumer safety.
Even as the retail industry faces headwinds, Build-A-Bear Workshop is riding on its momentum borne out of nostalgia, legacy branding and diversifying.
Learning Resources hasn’t laid off any employees, but it has stopped filling some vacant positions. The company also raised prices on some toys by around 5% and cut expenses.
The sales decline was around 8% to $6.7 million in the 2025 quarter, compared to $7.3 million in the same quarter in 2024.
The OECD noted that many economies have been more resilient than expected so far this year.
While the majority of consumers anticipate price increases this season due to tariffs, 73% still plan to participate, according to the National Retail Federation.
The generation has full control over family spending habits. And a new study reveals how to get their attention.
Names Millennials as Experiencing the Most Joy in Gameplay
Despite its potential to play a vital role in Bangladesh’s export diversification, the toy industry is struggling with inadequate policy support, weak infrastructure, and compliance challenges, which stakeholders warn could stall its global ambitions if not urgently addressed.
From nostalgic crossovers to interactive play, these festive picks are ready to capture wish lists and gift guides this season.
Target unveiled its Bullseye's Top Toys List, featuring more than 40 must-have toys starting at just $5.
Full of great gift ideas for kids for those who love to get an early jump on holiday shopping.
Labubus will grace $2,500 handbags by Moynat this fall. These character collaborations have paid off for other luxury labels like Omega and Jimmy Choo.
A new competition designed to showcase Vietnam's burgeoning local board game design scene at the world's biggest board game fair, Spiel Essen, has unveiled its first winner from almost 150 entries.
Stephen Fazio was an engineering student at the Georgia Institute of Technology when he came up with an idea for a toy. He collaborated with buddy Austin Hillam, then an engineering student at Brigham Young University, to create the ZipString.
Recess is crucial for a child's development, but it's disappearing from schools. Learn why organizations like NYSUT are advocating for guaranteed daily recess as a child's fundamental right, not a privilege.
Play matters, regardless of your age – that’s what 94% of global consumers believe. Rather than just ‘something kids do’, there’s growing recognition of its role in our lifelong wellbeing and social connectedness.
My LinkedIn feed has been largely dominated by posts from people living it up in LA this week. Nice work if you can get it. From what I hear from numerous sources, the trip seems to be going well.
Harry Faulkner, an undergraduate at the University of Portsmouth, set up a record-breaking 27-gallon tank for Bandai's popular Sea-Monkeys.
We’ve spent a few days away with our daughters and granddaughter this week. Poppy has been reminding us each day of the joys of Peppa Pig and Hey Duggee, and we have introduced her to the delights of Tiny Chef.
In the mid 1930s, the Kiddie Brush & Toy Co. of Jonesville, Michigan, released a line of housekeeping toys under the brand name Susy Goose.
Kids of the 1960s could “try on” space exploration with the Lost in Space Helmet from Remco.
Released in 1973 by Milton Bradley, the SeaLab 2020 board game immerses players in underwater missions to explore the depths and retrieve research samples.
“…you better be sharp, you better be quick.”
Kidscreen's readers are divided right down the middle on whether recent lawsuits from media giants will have a concrete impact.
The French company will finance and distribute the kidlit-based film, with Bertie Ellwood directing.
A cinematic adaptation of the '80s talking toy IP is in development at Amazon MGM Studios.
A new trailer for Avatar: Fire and Ash, due out in December, is packed with surprises in a way no one was expecting.
Production on Spaceballs 2 — apparently not the movie's official title — is now underway, Amazon MGM Studios announced Thursday, alongside a photo reveal of the cast and crew.
Barbie and Joanna Gaines, co-founder and co-owner of Magnolia, have teamed up for a new collaboration.
The film moves up a week, to June 18, 2027.
Disney announced price hikes of roughly $2 to $3 for its subscription packages on Tuesday.
Fifty years ago, a feisty, imaginative girl from Brooklyn named Rosie burst onto the scene, reshaping children’s media with her unapologetic creativity and leadership.
Watch the brand new trailer for The Mandalorian and Grogu and experience it only in theaters May 22, 2026. Poster #1
Craft Buddy has signed a licensing deal with Hasbro to launch Peppa Pig, Transformers and My Little Pony art & craft ranges.
The cross-category product approach has seen the Stranger Things signature style be brought to life across hair accessories, water bottles, stationery and more.
The company will launch a toy line for Paris & Pups, a series inspired by Paris Hilton and her real-life pets.
2026 will also see MGA Entertainment expanding the Armorsaurs universe across toys, digital content, lifestyle products and games.
The new Mini Robots lineup from Robosen marks the debut of the world’s first smart toy platform, offering high-precision robotics and lifelike movements and voices.
The Toy Association announced that Jeff Snyderman will be joining as Chief Financial Officer and Maria Sierra will join as Vice President, Government Affairs.
Anthea brings her iconic Tracy Island build out of retirement, as Corgi launches a Thunderbirds die-cast anniversary collection.
Her extensive experience includes growing specialty accounts, national retailers, and e-commerce platforms.
Claudio Ludovisi enters the role of Chief Growth Officer after serving as Chief Growth Advisor since May. In his new full-time role, he will oversee brand strategy, marketing, and fan engagement.
Toy lovers and hobbyists of all ages flocked to Pearkes Recreation Centre for the 32nd Ultimate Toy Fair
This year, The Toy Foundation™ Play Fund distributed $405,000 to 23 children’s hospitals to support a variety of play-focused projects that will benefit more than 245,000 children in need.
Voting for 18th Annual Toy & Game Innovation Excellence (TAGIE) Awards Opens Today through October 24.
People of Play’s Annual Fall Events Will Bring Together Inventors, Influencers, Consumers, Media, and Industry Leaders from Around the World.
CTA is pleased to announce the 2025 inductees into the Canadian toy industry Hall of Fame. This is the most prestigious event of the year to honour and recognize individuals who have impacted and positively changed the toy industry.
The Australian Toy Association’s Toy Fair in Melbourne is not simply a trade show, it is a focal point for the toy industry across the region. Below are reasons why the Toy Fair deserves serious attention.
An exclusive, invitation-only Playroom Supplier Meet and Greet for AIS Members, specifically targeting toy buyers and suppliers, is scheduled for March.
The Cranbourne Boutique within the Museum will be transformed into a Pokémon pop-up shop experience with exclusive products designed especially for the collaboration.
Miniso's Vinyl Plush Festival is coming to the US with the theme of Hang Out With Miniso, running from 20th September to 26th October.
The games menu will be a mix of titles to help everyone get into the spooky seasonal spirit, with free tickets available now.
The 75th annual Spielwarenmesse opens its doors Jan. 27, but the celebration is already beginning.
The free, virtual event brings together voices from across the industry.
The Safe Sleep Campaign addressed a leading cause of preventable infant deaths, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and delivered life-saving guidance and tips.
Around 250,000 visitors are expected at the four-day annual extravaganza held at Makuhari Messe convention center in Chiba, near Tokyo, according to the organizer, the Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association.
The house of Hot Wheels and Barbie will be up for a total of 10 trophies at the November ceremony.
This move will initially run as a six-month trial across 150 stores, with The Entertainer reviewing feedback and results before deciding whether to make this a permanent change.
This autumn, Disney Store comes to Selfridges London, bringing an array of exclusive Disney Parks treasures to the UK high street for a limited time.
Crunchyroll Manga is a new digital manga app from the anime streaming juggernaut, launching on Oct. 9 for iOS and Android in the U.S. and Canada, with a web version to follow on Oct. 15.
Discovery Centers offer visitors a hands-on LEGO play experience, eye-catching builds, and various activities.
The acquisition of My Creative Box builds on the global momentum of Australian toy company Brave Toys, parent company of Connetix, as it continues its expansion.
Piccalio, the design-forward brand redefining kids' spaces, announced the launch of a refreshed brand identity that reflects its evolution from a beloved wooden toy company to a leading voice in children's furniture.
Airfix is releasing a plethora of new sets, from the new 1:48 scale Westland Lysander Masking Set to the Lockheed Hudson and Westland Puma HC.1.
The robotics line features popular characters from 'Toy Story' and 'WALL-E.'
These Poppy Playtime Squishmallows feature Huggy Wuggy, Kissy Wissy, Catnip, and Doey the Doughman from the horror video game franchise.
BEYBLADE X took center stage on Kai’s legendary stream battling it out for title of BEYMASTER.
The Game Guru concept will combine board games and collectibles with play spaces, tournaments, learn to play sessions and a full food and drink offer and is expected to roll out to further stores at a later date.
The new Lego Store in Cardiff has taken up residency in Dewi Sant St David’s shopping centre, offering visitors opportunities to fully immerse themselves in the world of Lego building.
The IQ Deluxe collection has four new sophisticated puzzle games to collect and complete, each including a hardback challenge book with 120 challenges.
10,000 dolls will be donated globally each year in partnership with leading research and care organisations to support children experiencing illness-related hair loss.
From carpentry to cooking and storytelling, Little Tikes is expanding its world of imagination with bold new launches for 2025.
This Halloween, Rubies and Smiffys are teaming up to bring consumers looks that shine from the pumpkin patch to the dance floor.
The partnership will focus on building awareness of VR Distribution’s extensive portfolio, including its new releases and focus games for the upcoming festive season.
Zuru is expanding its UK portfolio with Slime Mart, the new trend-led arts & crafts line, following its success in North America.
Opening on Saturday 4th October, this will be The Entertainer's first outlet store that will offer customers an exclusive range of toys and games.
Inspired by the film Jurassic World Rebirth, Bandai Namco’s virtual pets are going prehistoric with new devices and accessories.
The Origins release features She-Ra and Swift Wind in deluxe packaging.
Yoonique is celebrating both Halloween and Christmas with adorable holiday Candy Bears, so kids can have sugary-sweet snuggles all season long.
The brand celebrates Wicked and the upcoming film Wicked: For Good with two collector series dolls and two pajama sets.
Uglydoll’s reach expands with new licensing, retail, and global collaborations.
NSI International Inc. is bringing big fun to little bakers with the launch of the YumYum! Real Baking Oven – a kid-friendly oven that lets children safely bake cakes, cookies, blondies, and more!
The collection includes two new vehicle building sets: an Audi Avant RS2 in 1:32 scale and the Audi R8 LMS in 1:16 scale. The building sets are available now for pre-sale at select retailers globally, including Amazon, Target, Walmart and directly via Mattel Creations.
The Ms. Rachel Tonie shares exclusive audio content and fan-favourite songs, speaking with clear, sing-song intonation that helps babies and toddlers build language skills while enjoying music.
Inspired by the classic '90s toy, 'Bop It! The Video Game' has high-energy gameplay, dynamic backgrounds, and competitive leaderboards.
The latest Famitsu video game hardware and boxed software sales have come through and nothing can budge Mario Kart World from the top spot.
SEGA revealed during this evening’s Sony State of Play event that both Mega Man and Proto Man will be coming to Sonic Racing CrossWorlds as new playable characters as part of Season Pass roster.
After the overwhelming financial success of Fire Emblem Heroes, Nintendo has announced another new Fire Emblem mobile game, Fire Emblem Shadows.
Sony revealed a fall 2026 release window alongside a new trailer showcasing just how violent we can expect Insomniac’s next Marvel endeavor to be.
We’re now getting a better look at exactly what OD is, in a new three-minute teaser trailer that holds true to Kojima’s promise that the game will be unique and immersive.
Punishing trials in a long-awaited sequel tend to obscure its narrative and atmosphere.
Steamforged Games, the tabletop publisher behind licensed video game adaptations including Elden Ring and Monster Hunter World, has expanded its retailer-focused trade team as the UK-based company looks to continue its recent rapid growth.
Not only is it an extensive reworking of the original game, but it comes with Dark Ties, an entirely new spinoff game starring Yakuza Kiwami 3's antagonist, Yoshitaka Mine.
Oh goodness, is it that time again? The holidays are already on the horizon, and Alpha Toys is here to make your gift considerations easy as can be. Thanks to Alpha Groups’ broad portfolio of eclectic brands under their ownership, they can spend all year developing innovative new toys that will excite and delight kids of all ages and interests.
Of the 259,000 fake toys seized so far this year, 236,000 were counterfeit Labubus, the Home Office says.
That’s according to the findings of a CNBC investigation published Friday (Sept. 19), which showed that customers on the Walmart website sometimes receive counterfeit and potentially dangerous products.
family is organizing a celebration of Mike's life on Friday, October 10 in Livermore, CA, and Emily has extended an invitation to us all. Here's the link to the celebration details and to RSVP: https://www.paperlesspost.com/go/YrARQ2qCpRW3yETWWKQZV
A visionary leader at the intersection of toys, technology, and payments, Don served as President of Consumer Products at Atari. In 1985 he co-founded Worlds of Wonder, launching Teddy Ruxpin and Lazer Tag, and helping bring the Nintendo Entertainment System to major U.S. retailers.
The senior Commercial manager at Jazwares, has passed away. Jonny Taylor, SVP Europe at Jazwares, said: "Adrian was a hugely respected team member and vital part of the Jazwares Europe team for over nine years."
A memorial and celebration of David Strang, who passed away earlier this year, is to take place in London in October. David Strang, founder of Wicked Vision, sadly passed away unexpectedly earlier this year on 21st April.
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)
- Asmodee Reveals Research Study Results on Board Games
- Wizards of the Coast Looks at Phasing Out At-Home 'Magic: The Gathering' Prereleases
- Wizards of the Coast Reveals 'Nickelodeon x Magic: The Gathering' Panel
- Steamforged Announces 'Terra Mystica: Special Edition'
- 'Magic: The Gathering - Marvel's Spider-Man' Will Launch at Select Disney Retail Stores
- Rolling for Initiative -- Well, That was a Fun Weekend, Wasn't It?
- Heritage Will Host 'Dungeons & Dragons and Roleplaying Games Showcase' Auction
- Night Crew Games Launches 'Cyberpunk Legends' Card Game
- Hasbro Announces Monopoly Deal: NFL Edition
- Sirius Dice Will Release 'Stranger Things: Adventure Dice'
Nación Juguetes (Mexico, Peru, Argentina, Chile & Spain)
Global Toy News
The Bugg Report (Australia)
The Toy Universe (Australia)
hobbyDB
BoardGameWire
Toy Store (Italy)
Casual Game Insider
Casual Game Insider: Fall 2025 Issue
Video of the Week!
Roofman | Toys "R" Us Featurette (2025 Movie)
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.
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