Five Below crushes Q2 earnings as it makes a bigger play for toys, collectibles, and all things fun.

The $356.3 million in sales in the category were up 57% over the $227.6 million in sales in Q2 2025, and accounted for 45.1% of sales, up from 23.4% of sales in the year ago quarter.

The market is projected to grow from USD 2.51 billion in 2026 to USD 5.23 billion by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 9.61% during the forecast period.

Surprise toys and collectibles are becoming big business in South Africa, with Toys R Us selling more than 41,500 blind collectibles since March.

Back in May, Supercell announced plans to acquire Merge Mansion developer Metacore. Now, said acquisition is expected to close at the end of September.

CMON has warned that its core business is suffering a "prolonged structural downturn" and is still consuming more cash than it generates, despite a drastic restructuring which has seen the board game crowdfunding major halve its workforce, sell off some of its biggest game IPs and halt new crowdfunding campaigns.

New digital guide brings together exhibitors, locations and essential information to help the international toy industry make the most of LA Preview season. 

With Christmas just over 100 days away, The Entertainer has revealed its Top 10 toy predictions for this Christmas and CEO Andrew Murphy OBE tells Toy World his thoughts on this year's list.

Here are the stories that the toy industry couldn't stop reading and talking about last month.

Faire’s Top Toy Trends for Holiday 2026 Based on Retailer Search Data

Good Housekeeping got a sneak peek at all the new toys, and these are the ones we think kids are going to want the most this year.

"Kendama" traditional Japanese cup-and-ball toys made by Iwata Co., the only remaining manufacturer of the models in this western Japan city, are attracting attention in Japan and overseas for being both easy to use and beautiful enough to display.

Teddy Bear Day is celebrated on September 9 annually, a day set aside for everyone to bring out all their teddy bears to thank them for their companionship, the wonderful moments we’ve had with them, and all the days and nights they’ve comforted us.

Movie icons, interactive animals and great value toys headline Smyths Toys Superstores’ Christmas line-up for 2026.

The annual list features trending toys across categories, price points, fandoms, and play patterns for the holiday season.

From bilingual books to board games, colorful dolls to crafts, The Toy Insider has rounded up their favorite toys that celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.

What will kids be asking for this holiday season and what will ultimately make it into parents’ shopping carts?

Krishna Yadlapalli, Founder of Game Guru, tells Toy World readers about the company’s extensive games offering and how important the category is to the business.

As children head back to school, Toy World’s Anna Whyte caught up with a selection of retailers and leading suppliers to discuss the latest trends and potential that the Playground Crazes category offers.

From emerging risk to collective responsibility in global supply chains.

Toy and collectible companies are appealing to adult audiences with artist-driven product.

With a global portfolio spanning toys, stationery, accessories, and licensing, the U.K.’s “Consumer Product Playhouse” is heading to LA with fresh product and bigger North American ambitions.

Overture by Maestro Media offers game designers, publishers, licensors, and retail partners access to Maestro’s resources and infrastructure.

Mattel’s Día de Muertos Barbies celebrate the holiday through intricate designs and collaborations with Mexican artists.

Rex, a 4-month-old rescue kitten with “wobbly-cat syndrome,” took his first steps thanks to a custom wheelchair built out of Legos by a North Carolina toy store employee.

Halloween costumes reflect the times. Read on for the most popular Halloween costumes by year! You'll find out what everyone was wearing!

Coin flips aren't truly random. Studies show a slight bias (50.8%) towards the starting side, and they can be easily manipulated. Trust the flipper!

What happens when AI plays the horses?

Online shoppers who try to send back their purchases are discovering surprise fees, shorter return windows and delayed refunds.

Katherine explains the wonders of a Bop It's Test Mode and Revision Numbers, as well as what a person can do in Test Mode, and the uniqueness of the revisions of different versions of Bop It, as identified by the Revision Number.

Toy World's Caroline Tonks and Anna Whyte speak to a selection of independent retailers to find out how the Games & Puzzles category is important to their business, which ranges are performing well and more.

Toy World’s Vicky Doe speaks to leading suppliers about the growing appetite for quick-play and social games, the influence of licensing and social media and why creating a memorable experience is increasingly the name of the game.

A look back at the playful past, present, and future of Paramount's Star Trek franchise.

Released in 1964 from Ideal, The Fugitive Game brought the suspense of the popular television series to the tabletop.

You've been eating the same batch for 100 years

The characters first appeared in the cartoon titled "Fast and Furry-Ous" (1949).

“It’s my beautiful Playskool Dollhouse, and I love everything I see.”

The first episode of Jim Henson's "The Muppet Show" premiered in the United Kingdom on September 5, 1976. Enthusiasm for the eclectic ensemble has endured ever since.

Licensees celebrate 35 years of SEGA's iconic blue blur!

Sony Pictures names Funrise as the global master toy partner for its upcoming animated film, 'The Haunting of Hotel Transylvania.'

The 14-piece assortment of accessories and toys launches exclusively at Claire’s Sept. 17.

What do you get when you take the toy world’s leading lady and mix her with a truly fall, spooky-season backdrop? Simple. The first Barbie manga title from TOKYOPOP.

Hasbro announced The Legend of Zelda Electronic Master Sword, inspired by The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom!

The new edition welcomes returning Match Attax favourites as well as a host of new inserts, premium designs and gameplay boosts.

Care Bears and Starbucks collaborate for the first time on the Cheers for Sharing! collection.

The new collection features brick-built characters never before made by the toy company.

These 6.5-inch figures, dressed in their "Soda Pop" outfits, are now available for pre-order on Mattel Creations for a late September release.

Nintendo revealed a little more about The Legend of Zelda movie which is scheduled to be released worldwide on 30th April and is a culmination of the Zelda franchise.

McFarlane Toys appoints Joshua Izzo as its new president. The industry leader will bring 30 years of experience to the role.

The Rizzler has conquered TikTok. Now, he’s heading for the toy aisle, thanks to a new licensing partnership with Bonkers Toys.

Harlem’s Fashion Row and Mattel's new collection was designed by Brooke Sumpter, the 11-year-old Founder of Brooke LauRen Children’s Brand.

Calling all toy inventors, designers, and creative types! The Toy Association™ is accepting applications through Friday, November 13 for its pitch event during the Creative Factor Inventor Day program at Toy Fair® 2027.

Lucia Kreuzer, General Manager at Tonies UK and IE, shares the company’s current category growth and retail penetration plans in the UK.

The campaign invites families from across the globe to Play the Bluey Way with digital experiences, creator partnerships and more.

Blokees recently unveiled a dedicated display and experience area upgrade at Camp Hopson in Newbury, creating a more prominent retail space for its products.

Toy World’s Caroline Tonks catches up with Mitch Levene, Country Manager at Playmobil, to learn more about the company’s latest chapter and how its ‘Playmolution’ is redefining its strategic purpose.

Commotion has been appointed exclusive UK eCommerce partner for Australian wooden toy brand Anamalz, which is returning to the market after establishing a strong following in the UK almost two decades ago.

Toy World’s Caroline Tonks catches up with Katie Buford, Vice President & Global Head of Mattel Games, to learn more about Mattel’s iconic game brands and how innovation plays a part in creating enduring game franchises.

The new stackable sets feature beloved characters like Cinnamoroll, Pompompurin, and more.

MGA Entertainment’s surprise reveal toy celebrates its first decade.

Sesame Street celebrates the 55th anniversary of Grover’s adventures with new content for ‘The Monster at the End of This Book.’

Kicking off Schleich’s new Black Label collector series, Legacy of Horses re-creates iconic horse breeds as 1:12-scale figures for adults.

Little Tikes reimagines its classic toys in the Cloud Collection. The Cozy Coupe, TotSports Easy Score Basketball Set and more are included.

Two-Bad is the next MOTU Origins Mattel Creations exclusive. Club Grayskull early access starts September 23, 2026 at 9am PT.

Catan is continuing to push into professional sport in a bid to reach new players, adding a season-long partnership with NHL team the Ottawa Senators and recruiting German handball star Juri Knorr as a brand ambassador.

After building its reputation through a five-year, 16-game partnership with Reiner Knizia, Bitewing Games is looking to videogames for its next big opportunities.

Nintendo has announced the release date for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Nintendo Switch 2 in the 40th Anniversary Direct.

Nintendo has announced a concert tour for The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary, with live orchestrated music celebrating the history of the series. 

SEGA has announced that players who own the content-packed Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds will be able to play as Amigo.

Level-5 has revealed that Professor Layton and the New World of Steam will arrive on the Nintendo Switch 2 on 10th December.

A free update for Star Fox on Nintendo Switch 2 has been announced for 29th September 2026, adding three new stages to Battle Mode, as well as local split-screen multiplayer for up to 4 players.

The long-awaited Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of the charming Pikmin 4 has been announced, launching on 12th November 2026.

Capcomn has announced that three classic Resident Evil remakes are heading to the Nintendo Switch 2 in October.

The next 2D Metroid game, Metroid: Ravenous, has been announced for Nintendo Switch 2 in the latest Nintendo Direct, launching 28th January 2027.

Nintendo has announced that Mario Kart World is getting a free update today that brings classic courses from Super Mario Kart.

Atlus has finally announced that Persona 4 Revival and Persona 6 are coming to the Nintendo Switch 2.

A brand new 3D Kirby game developed by Hal Laboratory, Kirby and the World Beyond, has been announced for Nintendo Switch 2 in the latest Nintendo Direct, launching Spring 2027.

The official Spyro account has been busy celebrating Spyro the Dragon’s 28th anniversary and as part of the celebrations has revealed Spyro’s character model in the upcoming Spyro: A Realm Beyond.

The new Magnificent Monsters set features 18 iconic cards reimagined with new abilities and introduces a major new rarity, Grand Master Rares.

The Binding of Isaac: Four Souls and Clash of Clans: The Epic Raid publisher has launched Overture by Maestro Media, through which it plans to co-publish games from other companies, partner with them during development or production, or potentially acquire titles outright.

Nintendo has announced it’s launching a big sale in North America which is titled the Customer Appreciation Sale.

Weak sales for Death Stranding 2 may have led Sony to ditch Kojima's return to stealth action.

The gaming landscape features sequels, collabs, and plenty to look forward to in 2027.

Another cozy game on Apple Arcade.

On September 2, The Toy Association™ joined Amazon for a special Amazon Live session in honor of Baby Safety Month, sharing practical guidance to help parents and caregivers make informed, safe choices for their youngest children.

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill that prohibits social media platforms from providing addictive features to users under 16.

As one card recently sold for £12m, opportunistic thefts have surged – envelopes are being opened en route, costing small businesses thousands.

The signatories range from family-owned SMEs to internationally recognised brands.

100,000 Square Feet of Artworks, Continuous Film Screenings, Free Research Library, and Destination Restaurant Greet the Public in Landmark Building, Designed by Ma Yansong.

Board Game Club will return on Tuesday 29th September with a curated menu of fresh, award-winning tabletop games.

This year's board games exhibition offers attendees a diverse new programme of talks, presentations and events, providing fresh opportunity for networking.

Ahead of the its launch at the LA Toy Previews, the brochure introduces the Foundation and its plans for the international toy community.

Iconic franchises, next-generation storytelling and strategic brand investment drive new opportunities for partners across the licensing landscape.

Returning to Excel London from 6th-8th October, visitors can register for this year's BLE for free until 5th October after which a Standard Pass costs £30.

To celebrate National Teddy Bear Day, Build-A-Bear is launching a fundraiser for Build-A-Bear Foundation. The fundraiser starts Sep. 9.

It's 20 years since the story of Lightning McQueen's rookie season in the Piston Cup first captivated cinemagoers around the globe.

Richard North receives Honorary Achievement award, and Mattel’s Hot Wheels Formula 1 range claims Best Licensed Toy or Game The winners of this year’s Licensing Awards were crowned at the Grosvenor House Hotel in central London on Tuesday.

The Toy Foundation™ (TTF) is calling on the toy industry to come together to assemble up to 300 toy-filled gift bags for children undergoing treatment at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and children living in poverty throughout the LA area.

The countdown to LA Fall Preview® Market Weeks is nearly over, with the global toy community set to converge in El Segundo September 14 to 25 for two weeks of business, connections, and industry events centered around The Toy Association’s Toy Building.

Toy industry professionals are invited to join the “El Segundo Creative Economy Breakfast” on Friday, September 18 at Mattel’s headquarters (2031 E. Mariposa Ave.).

The beloved "Peanuts" character’s many costumes and brand collaborations are featured in a new showcase.

PAX is doubling down on the success of its tabletop-focused Unplugged show by launching a second event in Houston, after growing the original into the second-largest tabletop gaming convention in the US after Gen Con.

DSV has landed a nomination in each of the three Nederlandse Spellenprijs categories with Reiner Knizia design Rebirth, Tomáš Holek's Pondscape and Ants from Renato Ciervo and Andrea Robbiani - equalling veteran Dutch publisher White Goblin Games and industry giant Asmodee as the most-nominated company this year.

Battlefields of the Napoleonic Wars, Chicago ‘68, Molly House and Onoda will compete for the fifth edition of the award, which is run by the San Diego Historical Games Convention - an organisation which aims to create a diverse and supportive gaming community dedicated to playing, discussing, designing, and promoting historically-based board games.

Peter was born in Cardiff, South Wales in 1941. Educated at the local secondary school, Peter by his own admission didn’t really get school, however he was selected to play for Cardiff Boys at the Arms Park.

Geoghan created the Cole and Dylan Sprouse-led Disney Channel sitcom alongside Danny Kallis in 2005.

Mike McFarland, known as the English voices of Master Roshi and Yajirobe in Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z, and Buggy the Clown in One Piece, has died