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Welcome to Your Weekly News Brief!

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Happy Bloomin' Friday! 

 

Happy Mother's Day! To celebrate, I suggest everybody buy a puzzle, toy, or game for the whole family to play together. Tara McGrath of Mattel shares the story of doing crafts with her mom and later, her own kids. Tara's grade school photo brought back memories of my mom braiding my hair every day before school. If my mom was still here, we would enjoy a couple of old fashioneds over a game of rummy on Sunday. Hug your mom!

Let’s keep sharing our stories through our networks and coming together to document and detail how tariffs impact every part of our industry is powerful. Most importantly, share your personal story with your elected officials— that’s what truly moves the needle. Our Senators and Congressional Reps should hear from us in every state and district. www.congress.gov/members  And don’t stop there—send your story to local news outlets, too. The more voices we amplify, the stronger our impact.

​Thank you for reading the Bloom Report here or on the Bloom Report 24/7 News Feed! Please support our work by advertising and/or setting up a POP profile. 

 

Mary and the POP Team

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Person of the Week - Mattel's Tara McGrath

Toys that have Shaped Me

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“Mama, let’s make a project!”


Those were the words I remember waking up to early on Saturday mornings when my 4-year-old twins would tug at my arm while I was still asleep.

I truly believe that supporting a child’s creative needs through play is vital for their development. It fuels growth and builds confidence.

 

Growing up in the suburbs of New Jersey with four siblings, a stay-at-home mom, and a dad who was a fourth-grade schoolteacher, I can’t thank my parents enough for encouraging my love of creativity and art. Even though we were on a tight budget, my parents always found a way to support my hobbies. Their encouragement meant the world to me.

 

Some of my fondest memories are of summer vacations spent creating things that made me feel proud. I made entire villages out of paper and drew constantly. I received craft toys for birthdays and Christmas—gifts like a pottery wheel, candle-making kits, Jon Gnagy drawing books, acrylic paints, charcoal pencils, and my coveted Crayola Caddy. These were such cherished memories.    READ MORE...

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Toy Association Advocacy in Action

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At The Toy Association, advocacy is an everyday commitment to protecting and advancing the interests of the toy industry. While tariffs continue to be the most critical issue and remain the central focus of our advocacy efforts for a "zero-for-zero” global tariff policy on toys , our Global Government & Regulatory Affairs Center of Excellence (CoE) is working on many other essential issues. From international toy safety standards alignment to U.S. state-level regulations, our team is working to ensure the toy community’s voice is heard at every level government.

 

Here's a snapshot of the critical work our team is currently engaged in on behalf of your business:

​ READ MORE...

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How Well do You Know Your Colleagues? Play Here!

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Cartoon Lovers, Lexophiles & People in Need of a Smile! 

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Cartoon of the Week: Thank you to the person who wishes to remain anonymous for the cartoon this week! 

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Memorable Quotes: "What I regret most in my life are failures of kindness.” – GEORGE SAUNDERS

 

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

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Happiest of Birthdays to our colleagues celebrating birthdays this past week!   ​​

Ogeday Samatli

Jim McCafferty

Morgan Russo

Michael Dox

Bruce Lund

Weston Gardner

Kristen Gunn

Amy Holden

Marcelo Montecinos

Captain Tall Tale

Corinne Marcot-Jones

TODD LUSTGARTEN

​Remembering colleagues who have passed...

Mel Appel RIP

Russell Lees RIP

Emilio Delgado RIP

Don Rickles RIP

Brendan O Brien RIP

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Financial and Legal

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News from CNBC’s David Faber: Warner Bros. Discovery Moving Towards Splitting Company. What would that split look like? Well, most likely, or almost definitely, it’s the linear cable networks and then you have the studio coupled with Max.

The net worth of Diamond Comic Distributors has declined over $2 million in the last two months, according to operating reports filed with the court.  The operating reports were filed late, after the bankruptcy trustee filed a motion last month asking the judge to convert the case...

 

*** the above posted after tBR circulated ***

 

Rite Aid files for bankruptcy 8 months after exiting Chapter 11. Rite Aid said it never really had a chance to right itself following its 2023 bankruptcy, saying many vendors failed to live up to agreements to ease their terms.

 

Trump says he'd give TikTok another extension. President Trump said in an interview aired Sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press" with Kristen Welker that he'd give TikTok relief if a deal isn't struck during the already extended timeframe.

Wobbling economy will push the Fed to cut interest rates later this year, CNBC survey finds. Amid a decidedly stagflationary forecast, including higher inflation and unemployment and surging odds of recession, respondents to a CNBC Fed Survey believe the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates this year.

 

Court Approves Universal Distribution LLC and Ad Populum Bid to Acquire Diamond Comic Distributors and Related Assets. Diamond Comic Distributors announced that the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maryland has approved a combined bid by Universal Distribution LLC and Ad Populum.

 

Trump’s administration axes the Ready to Learn grant. The DOE sent a termination notice to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (which distributes the grant’s funding) last Friday, sparking a race to issue stop-work orders to all of this year’s Ready to Learn recipients, including PBS.


FTC loses appeal to stop Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard deal that already happened. In 2023, the FTC requested a preliminary injunction to prevent the companies from finalizing the deal while its legal challenge to the acquisition from 2022 was in progress.

 

Trump says he's ending federal funding for NPR and PBS. They say he can't. President Trump issued an executive order late Thursday directing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting's board of directors to "cease federal funding for NPR and PBS," the nation's primary public broadcasters, claiming ideological bias.

GameStop Canada says it has been acquired by entrepreneur Stéphan Tétrault from the video game retailer’s struggling parent company. Officially named Electronics Boutique Canada Inc., GameStop Canada says it will relaunch its 185 stores as EB Games Canada — a name associated with retail gaming until it was rebranded in 2021.

A local card game company, Rookie Mage Games, has filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump, claiming that his trade war with China is severely impacting its business. The company, along with other gaming firms, argues that the tariffs on Chinese imports, which can reach as high as 145 percent, are a political maneuver for attention.

 

Epic Games has claimed victory in its legal battle against Apple, after a US court enforced an injunction which prohibits the tech giant from collecting fees on app purchases made outside its App Store. In addition, Apple is no longer allowed to stop developers from..

 

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Financial Reporting, Tariffs

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Shares of Mattel, Hasbro, Jakks and Funko rallied on Monday after the U.S. agreed to temporarily reduce tariffs on China. The agreement will pause most tariffs and other trade barriers for 90 days, including reducing the 145% levy President Donald Trump had in place on Chinese imports to 30%.

 

Oldest toy store in Los Angeles fights to survive in face of tariffs. Kip’s Toyland has sold toys to children in Los Angeles for almost 80 years, through wars, recessions and a pandemic. But now tariffs of 145% on most Chinese imports threaten the livelihood of the city’s oldest toy shop, considering that nearly 80% of toys sold in the United States are made in China.

 

This US-owned factory in China made toys for Walmart. Tariffs put it on life support.   The emails started pouring in on April 9, the day President Donald Trump’s 145% tariff on Chinese imports took effect. Clients were canceling orders for toys from Huntar Company’s factory in Guangdong Province, China.

President Donald Trump has threatened to place a 100 percent tariff on Barbie maker Mattel, after the company's CEO said it would continue to manufacture outside the U.S. but would be reducing its reliance on Chinese imports. "I've heard [Mattel] said: 'Well we're going to go counter, we're going to try going someplace else,' " Trump said in the Oval Office on Thursday. "That's OK, let him go, and we'll put a 100...

*** The above posted after tBR circulated on May 9th ***

Paramount Global, Swinging to Q1 Profit, Maintains Skydance Deal Will Close by June. The New York owner of CBS, Comedy Central and the Paramount movie studio said net income in the first quarter came to $550 million, compared with a loss of $417 million in the year-earlier period.

 

Disney posts 7% revenue growth in a strong Q2. Strength in streaming and domestic parks helped drive US$23.62 billion in earnings for the media giant this quarter.

Mattel kicked off 2025 with solid momentum, reporting Q1 net sales of $827 million — a 2% uptick as reported, and 4% in constant currency.

Funko posted net sales of $190.7 million, dropping more than 11% from $215.7 million during the same period last year. 

Roblox revenue increased by 29% to exceed US$1 billion this quarter, while its daily active user count climbed to 97.8 million.

 

Jay Foreman, CEO of Basic Fun!, told Morning Edition the concern with the rising prices is even more dire than it sounds. His company produces some of the most iconic toys in America, including Care Bears, Tonka Trucks, Lincoln Log. And he says he's already had to halt shipments because of a 145% tariff that would double the price of toys...

 

Barbie at Risk: Mattel Raise Prices but Adapts to Trump's Tariff War. In an interview, the CEO of the multinational, Ynon Kreiz, emphasized that the uncertain macroeconomic landscape and the new U.S. tariff policies make it impossible to make concrete predictions for future sales, highlighting the difficulty of navigating such a volatile environment.


Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz told CNBC he does not foresee toy manufacturing coming to America. Instead, the company expects to raise prices in the U.S. to offset President Donald Trump’s 145% tariff on Chinese imports. By the end of the year, less than 40% of Mattel’s product will be sourced from China, with a goal of reducing that to below 25% in the next two years.

Temu Stops Shipping Products From China Directly to US Consumers. Temu has reportedly stopped shipping due to the elimination of the de minimis exemption that shielded small packages from tariffs.

 

Cold play: Toy industry faces ‘devastating’ impact from tariffs. Around 96% of American toy companies are small- and medium-sized businesses. Nearly half of them could shutter from tariff policies.

 

Trump promises 100 percent tariff on movies ‘produced in foreign lands’. President Donald Trump says his administration will institute high tariffs on movies that fit the nebulous category of "produced in foreign lands."

 

Trump film tariffs to be part of UK-US trade talks. It comes as moviemakers worry the UK's thriving film industry could be hit by the new tariff threat.

 

Tariffs Leave Retailers’ Lenders Feeling Nervous. With tariffs threatening to raise prices, creditors that lend to the retail space are reportedly worried.

 

The Impact of Trump’s Tariffs on April Jobs Report: WSJ Analysis. The U.S. economy added 177,000 jobs in April, signaling a solid job market despite the rollout of President Trump's tariffs.

 

How Trump tariffs may change what you buy and how much you pay on Amazon Prime Day, July 4 and during winter holidays. Big box retail suppliers say price and sales surprises are in store for consumers.

 

Here's how China could retaliate against U.S. tariffs. The U.S. government under Trump is headed for a showdown with China, the world's second-largest economy.

 

Trump trade tariffs take U.S. imports, exports to near Covid-level event: 'Haven't seen anything like this since 2020'. U.S. exports are dropping at nearly all ports.

 

China’s biggest trade fair breaks records despite US tariffs. China’s largest trade fair achieved surprise growth in deals signed during its three-week spring edition – driven by a record high in overseas attendance.

 

UK and India agree 'landmark' trade deal. The deal will give better access for UK whisky and cars to the Indian market.

 

How Tariffs Are Reshaping Retail Hiring Strategies. How tariffs are reshaping retail hiring strategies and how retailers must weigh priorities and make difficult trade-offs in order to adapt.

 

Trump downplays tariff deals as U.S. trade talks falter. U.S. markets moved lower after Trump's comments on trade deals.

 

Trump’s tariffs are unmasking US economic vulnerabilities. The US economy’s 0.3 per cent contraction during the first quarter offers an early glimpse into the vulnerabilities being exposed by Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff policies.

 

Magic: The Gathering looks set to escape a tariff price hike, says Wizards of the Coast parent company Hasbro. Compared to its competitors, Hasbro doesn't believe it will be impacted as much by the astronomical tariffs. 

 

US and UK agree deal slashing Trump tariffs on cars and metals. It will leave a 10% import tax on most goods shipped from the UK to the US.


May 2025 State of Freight. We’re five months into the new year, and so far it’s been a rollercoaster ride! It’s the kind of ride you can’t get off of fast enough.

 

Trump says American kids will be fine with fewer dolls, but the toy industry is bracing for a 'nuclear bomb'. China is the world's toymaking powerhouse, making its relationship with the US all the more crucial. Several experts told BI that the tariffs could have dire consequences for the US economy.

Trump threatens the “country” of Mattel Toys with a 100% tariff if they counter his policies. He threatens that they wouldn’t be able to sell one toy in the USA. Is Donald Trump deranged?

Girls Need to Be Told Having Fewer Dolls a Good Thing: White House. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has defended President Donald Trump's comments that children may have fewer toys this Christmas, arguing that they should take solace in the administration's efforts to create a stronger economy in the long term.

 

The first boats carrying Chinese goods with 145% tariffs are arriving in LA. Shipments are cut in half. Expect shortages soon. Ships now pulling into US harbors from China are the first to be subject to the massive tariffs that America is imposing on most Chinese imports. 

Mattel and Hasbro Want Tariff-Free Toys—But They Could Benefit From Tariffs, Too. The toy giants do less of their manufacturing in China than the broader industry, J.P. Morgan said. If the import taxes strain competitors, Mattel and Hasbro may stand to gain display space...

Donald Trump Versus Barbie. Can the Administration retain public support for a trade policy that could force Americans to buy less stuff? Trump was trying to make the argument that the trade war would be less damaging to the U.S. than to China, which is facing a slump in factory orders. 

The Bubble Blasters and Other Chinese Goods That Are Paralyzed by Trade Chaos. American importers cancel orders and scramble for alternatives, while Chinese factories cut staff and offload goods

Cold play: Toy industry faces ‘devastating’ impact from tariffs. Around 96% of American toy companies are small- and medium-sized businesses. Nearly half of them could shutter due to U.S. tariff policies.

Trends, Lists, Market Research, and State of the Industry

Creators Are Building Their Own Supersized Studio System As Hollywood Cuts Back. YouTube stars now reach as much people as legacy media — and they’re poaching some of the top players to grow even bigger.

 

APRIL 2025 CIRCANA BOOKSCAN - TOP 20 ADULT GRAPHIC NOVELS.

APRIL 2025 CIRCANA BOOKSCAN - TOP 20 AUTHOR, MANGA, SUPERHERO GRAPHIC NOVELS

*** The above posted after tBR circulated May 9th ***

 

List of Toys Facing Price Increases Due to Tariffs.

TOP 50 COMICS - APRIL 2025

As toys go viral, Hong Kong must grab a 300 billion yuan opportunity. Readers discuss the economic potential of cuddly characters, the excitements of Nicholas Tse’s concerts, and the dollar peg.

 

Traditional Toys And Games Market Analysis: Trends, Demand, Size, and Key Player Forecast 2032. This thorough study looks at the competitive landscape, value chain analysis, and more.

 

A Toy Trend That’s Taking Over Aussie Kitchens. With party expectations at an all-time high, parents are hacking birthday cakes with one simple solution: toys.

 

10-Year-Olds Tell Us That These Are the Gifts Tween Girls Want Most. While it might seem like 10-year-olds are picky and hard to please, the truth is that shopping for gifts for kids is actually really fun.

 

Is Pop Mart's Popularity in the Toy Business a Passing Fad or a Lasting Threat to Hasbro and Mattel?. Pop Mart is not as well-established compared to Mattel and Hasbro, yet its market cap eclipses both.


Toy Industry Braces for Price Increases. As publicly traded toy companies released earnings this past week, the potential impact of proposed tariffs imposed on Chinese imports came into sharp focus.

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Toyjobs has been the dominant recruiting

Stories, Comments, and Advice

 

Inside Target’s terrible, horrible, no good, very bad year. The mega-retailer has been battered by boycotts and tariffs in 2025. But the company’s woes go back longer than you think.

 

Park district compromises with parents to allow hand-me-down toys back in city playlots. Last summer, Chicago Park District swept toys left by parents for other children to use. After parents advocated to bring them back, toys can now stay in designated boxes.

Is Barbie’s Empowerment Tied to the Angle of Her Feet? Researchers in Australia found that the doll’s feet have, over time, gone from arched to flat — a shift that correlates with each Barbie’s designated career or hobby.

Mike’s Tariff Update:  A 90 Day “Reprieve”. Overlooking Lake Geneva and nestled on cushy sofas, the smart people agreed that for the next 90 days, the tariff would drop to 30%. So, what does this all mean for all of us in the Toy & Game Industry?

 

World’s First Mass-Produced Flying Car Prototype Unveiled. Eager teens reaching driving age in the next few years may be able to take their inaugural spin in a car … in the sky. The world’s first mass-produced flying automobile prototype has been unveiled, and we’re ready for a ride.

 

New Lego-building AI creates models that actually stand up in real life. Carnegie Mellon "LegoGPT" system uses physics checks to ensure models don't collapse.

When does a kid become an adult?  Not everyone grows up at the same pace, even though U.S. law holds that you reach adulthood when you turn 18. This is the age where you are treated like an adult in terms of criminal responsibility. However, states differ on the “civil age of majority,”...

How curiosity rewires your brain for change. The brain often responds to change and uncertainty by activating the amygdala, triggering the same stress responses as physical danger. Curiosity helps reframe uncertainty as an invitation, not a threat. Neuroscientist Anne-Laure Le Cunff shares five ways to cultivate curiosity in times of change.

Emily Horgan on content performance success. Emily Horgan is an independent kids’ media consultant and author of the Netflix Kids Content Performance Report. Here she looks at girl-targeted animated shows on the platform.

Elmo LinkedIn Post About Being Laid Off Because of Trump Budget Cuts Is Fake, but It’s Pretty Funny. A LinkedIn post purportedly written by the lovable red Muppet — in which Elmo says he “was recently laid off because of the federal budget cuts” — has gone viral on social media.

ToyWorld - In this month’s Viewpoint, Nick Gibbs-McNeil, publisher/editor at Kidzcoolit.com and youthgottit.com, discusses the current media landscape and the overuse of Content Creators. Before the pandemic there were always challenges, but by and large, the toy and media markets had a symbiotic relationship and were relatively successful – and profitable. Then came Covid...

It ‘keeps Walt alive in the medium he pioneered’: Imagineers defend new Walt Disney robot. “Walt Disney — A Magical Life,” a new show debuting at Disneyland in July, will feature a robotic Walt Disney. Walt Disney Imagineering says it will be one of the most lifelike figures it has ever created. The animatronic has raised ethical questions and debates on whether such creations are exploitative.

*** The above posted after tBR startted circulating May 9th ***

 

John Baulch, Toy World - Hollywood ending… it’s the Friday Blog! I had a strange dream last night. Sir Alan Sugar – the UK host of The Apprentice, for the benefit of our international readers – was in the boardroom, trying to decide who should be fired this week. He pointed across the table and said: “Donald, you’ve made a right bluddy mess of this – tell me why I shouldn’t fire you.”

 

Hong Kong creator of Carbi the rice ball shares how the soft toy increased her confidence. With a round, huggable body and an assortment of mischievous expressions, Carbi the rice ball is a soft toy making waves in Hong Kong.

 

Berkshire meeting 'bazaar' features Buffett Squishmallows, 60th anniversary book and giant claw machine. The conglomerate's yearly convention kicked off Friday with a shareholder-only shopping event, called the "Berkshire Bazaar of Bargains."

 

Factories: The Human Touch. When consumers think of China factory manufacturing, they don’t have a clear picture of what that really means. A lot of people think that factories are essentially just robots that churn out products.

 

Crossing the Finish Line: Hot Wheels Reveals Winner of Legends Tour. Mattel and Hot Wheels proudly unveil the winner for the Hot Wheels Legends Tour Atlanta stop. With more than 120 cars participating, Jared Pink comes out on top with his 1990 Nissan 300ZX, “Earl Leekers.”

 

Sensational Screen-Free Toys on CBS 2 New York. Toy Insider Editorial Director Jackie Breyer joined CBS 2 in New York to talk about the best unplugged toys ahead of Screen-Free Week.

 

12 Toys for a Summer Full of Bubbles. Whether your little ones like calm, bubble-blowing days or prefer to wield a bubble machine around the yard, there’s a perfect fit ready for your toy box. From Tiki Bubble Torches to soap-and-water powered bubble blasters, these toys will keep those hot summer days occupied.

 

FEATURE: Humie is all about the feels. This innovative kids app weaves itself into scenes from popular TV shows on YouTube to teach social-emotional lessons, boosting views on the platform for IP owners.

 

Character keeps cool with ChillFactor campaigns. With summer well underway and people already reaching for cool drinks, Character Options is celebrating a season full of marketing for its ChillFactor brand.

 

Unboxing art toys. To boost the Thai art toy industry, Thailand Creative & Design Center (TCDC) under the Creative Economy Agency (CEA), organised the exhibition "Unbox Thai Art Toys", which provided opportunity to 35 Thai artists, designers and creators to showcase their work.


Retail’s Path Forward Lies In Reinvention And Resilience. The retail industry is no stranger to disruption. Eroding consumer confidence, ongoing supply chain issues and labor shortages are just some of the many challenges retailers face on a daily basis.

 

‘$%&$*!’: Jon Stewart roasts Trump’s new ‘toy-rationing’ plan. Trump has gone viral in recent days for suggesting that it is OK if children have fewer toys because of the costly tariffs. Stewart roasted Trump’s latest comments, saying that the president was suggesting “toy rationing” for children. “Quick story. I have a niece, 11 years old, loves dolls. I was going to get her 20 or 30 of them for her birthday, just to see the joy of a child.

 

What if the Giving Tree said "no" to the boy? Thousands of adults online are resonating with alternate endings to classic children’s books that may not have aged well in light of modern-day gentle parenting.  But in Payne’s reimagined “The Tree Who Set Healthy Boundaries,” the Giving Tree stops at the apples.

75 Most Iconic Star Wars Quotes True Fans Must Know.  From wise words to wisecracks, from brags to battle cries, and from pep talks to putdowns, the heroes and villains that populate the formidable Star Wars franchise haven’t found themselves at a loss for words since 1977 when the original movie, aka Episode IV: A New Hope, debuted.

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History and Nostalgia

 

Top-10 Most Valuable! How Much Are My Halo Funko Pop! Figures Worth. Created in 2001, Halo is a military science fiction video game franchise featuring the likes of Master Chief, Spartan Warrior and beyond. And as a result, their Funko Pop! figures can be quite valuable. hobbyDB takes a look at the most valuable among them.


The Sudoku Cube, which was based on Rubik's Cube, was invented in 2006 by Jay Horowitz.  But that's only part of the story!  Jay told us about the role that both stuntman Evel Knievel and Luck played in this creation, a series of "wonderful coincidences" that led to a smash hit toy!  Stick with this episode to the very end for an exciting announcement that you won't want to miss!
 

*** The above posted after tBR circulated May 9th ***

 

The rich history of Monopoly. Hasbro's SVP of board games Brian Baker breaks down how a heater salesman from Philadelphia developed one of the world's most popular board games as a means of escape from The Great Depression.

 

Ghost in the machine? How a 'haunted' N64 video game cartridge terrified children around the world. It was Christmas Eve and 10-year-old Saarthak Johri couldn't sleep – but not because of excitement. He was shot through with fear.

Napa Toy Museum – Napa, California. Located in Napa, California, the Napa Toy Museum preserves childhood artifacts of the 19th and 20th centuries. Founded by Charles and Maggie Hall in 2024, the museum houses the couple’s personal collection of vintage toys, games, and ephemera.

 

Rod Serling: Altering Realities. Rod Serling’s radio and television productions are steeped in intrigue. As screenwriter, producer, host, and narrator of The Twilight Zone, Rod Serling challenged television audiences to open their minds to new realities and break free of social conventions.

 

Electronic Detective from Ideal. Released in 1979, the Electronic Detective game from Ideal required one to four players to match wits against a “fiendish computer brain” to solve an imaginary crime.

 

Steel Tec from Remco. In 1992, Remco released Steel Tec, a model construction system that offered junior engineers builds combining metal parts, such as brackets, strips, and plates, and polystyrene components that were inter-connected using metal screws.


M*A*S*H from Milton Bradley. Released in 1981 from Milton Bradley, the M*A*S*H board game aimed to capture the spirit of the beloved television series, tasking players with the challenge of ushering the wounded to safety.

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Licensing and Entertainment 

 

MAGNA-TILES is amplifying its reach in the United States and Canada through a strategic new partnership with Beanstalk, the global licensing agency. Driven by its commitment to Meaningful Play, MAGNA-TILES aims to dive into new product categories in addition to its well-known magnetic building items. 

Toy World caught up with Luca Bonecchi, VP of Licensing for Europe at Miraculous Corp, to discuss upcoming partnerships and product launches, and how the brand will be celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Miraculous has thrived over the past decade due to its captivating storytelling and visually stunning animation that continues to thrill audiences of all ages.

*** The above posted after tBR circulated May 9th ***

 

The LEGO Group hops into the playful spirit of Pixar with the reveal of its latest building set. The LEGO Ideas Luxo Jr. Collectible Display model captures the charm of the iconic character, with hidden Easter eggs for Disney and Pixar fans. 

 

Winx Club is coming back to screens with a brand new reboot series later this year, and the new reboot has revealed what its new transformations are going to look like ahead of its premiere. Winx Club first made its debut in the early 2000s, and is likely one of the most memorable action cartoons for fans of that generation.

Mattel’s Barbie is partnering with iconic Brooklyn-based artist and designer Colm Dillane, also known as KidSuperKidSuper is best known for being a leader in streetwear fashion. He styled the first Ken doll to be part of Barbie’s Styled By series.

Spin Master recently revealed the cast for the franchise’s third feature film, PAW Patrol: A Dino Movie. Leading the pack is a host of well-decorated stars, including Jameela Jamil, Terry Crews, Paris Hilton, Snoop Dogg, Bill Nye, Meredith MacNeill, and PAW Patrol veteran Ron Pardo. They’ll join previously announced cast members Jennifer Hudson...

The Teletubbies are leaving the Tubbytronic Superdome for greener, international pastures. WildBrain is spearheading a global expansion of the franchise with new licensing collaborations brokered by WildBrain CPLG.

Minecraft video game franchise has continued to grow with licensing and brand deals promoting the movie and the video game, bringing the total number of licensing partners to more than 200 globally. 

Wham-O Partners with PlayMonster to Reimagine the Iconic Hacky Sack®. Tristan Lee of Wham-O recently shared insights on how the company is navigating industry challenges, including tariffs, and their excitement about the relaunch of Hacky Sack.

Aardman is developing a new Shaun the Sheep movie for 2026Working with a seasonal Halloween hook this time, global distributor StudioCanal will kick off its sales effort in Cannes later this month, with Sky managing domestic rights.

 

Disney and Marvel's 'Thunderbolts*' snares $76 million domestic opening. A group of unconventional antiheroes has jump started the summer box office. Disney and Marvel’s “Thunderbolts*” tallied an estimated $76 million during its domestic opening weekend, the third highest debut of 2025.

 

DC x Sonic toys coming from JAKKS Pacific autumn 2025. JAKKS Pacific a leading designer and marketer of toys and consumer products, is thrilled to announce its latest licensing partnership that brings together the iconic Sonic the Hedgehog and DC’s Justice League.

 

Squishmallows Reveals New Star Wars Plushes For The First Time Since 2020. Star Wars Day is over for another year. However, Squishmallows has kept the BB-8 rolling with the reveal of the first new additions to its Star Wars collection in five years.

 

Powerline's Disney Lorcana Debut Reminds Us Why This Game Is So Special. SPowerline is coming to Disney Lorcana in August’s Fabled set.

 

Little Tikes® Becomes the Playground Super Hero with New Justice League™-Themed Toys.  MGA Entertainment, one of the largest privately held toy and entertainment companies in the world, is extending its partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products(WBDGCP) in 2025.

 

Licensing Hall of Fame Duo Deliver Must-Have Tools with ‘Licensee Survival Handbook’. Licensing legends Greg Battersby and Danny Simon wrote a must-have guide for manufacturers and licensees. Licensee Survival Handbook breaks down everything licensees need to know.

 

The LEGO Group is counting down to the lift-off of its latest LEGO Icons set. Thankfully, adults won’t need to be rocket scientists to piece it together. The LEGO Icons Shuttle Carrier Aircraft Set recreates a modified Boeing 747, originally used to ferry NASA Space Shuttle orbiters from landing sites back to base until 2012.

Rubies secures licensing rights for Netflix properties. Rubies has announced a milestone partnership with Netflix to secure the licensing rights for some of the biggest properties on the globe including Stranger Things, Squid Game, The Witcher and One Piece.

 

PMI Kids’ World Teams Up with UFC for Punching Bag Capsule Launch at Walmart. PMI Kids’ World and UFC are partnering to release an officially licensed product that collectors of all ages will enjoy: The UFC Punching Bag Capsule.

 

Chuck E. Cheese launches FAST channels with Future Today. PMI Kids’ World and UFC are partnering to release an officially licensed product that collectors of all ages will enjoy: The UFC Punching Bag Capsule.

 

California, Once a Mecca for Animation Work, Is Rapidly Losing Ground, Report Claims. According to a new study from the Animation Guild and partner organizations, California’s share of the highest-grossing animated films dropped 40 percent between 2010 and 2023.

 

‘Thunderbolts*’ Rolls To $162M+ Global Opening; ‘Minecraft’ Nears $900M WW & ‘Sinners’ Has Another Saintly Hold – International Box Offices. Marvel Studios/Disney’s Thunderbolts* has opened to $162.1M globally, including $86.1M from the international box office.


Matthew Wood To Voice H.E.R.B.I.E. In Marvel’s ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps. One key character in The Fantastic Four: First Steps universe found its voice in sound editor and voice actor Matthew Wood.

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People of Play

 

How did Hasbro’s biggest campaign ever come together across channels, teams, and continents to earn over 13 billion impressions?

Meet Kristin McKay: SVP and GM – Global Brands – Fashion & Preschool, and the leader of the teams behind Mummy Pig’s recent pregnancy announcement.

 

INTERVIEW: RAVENSBURGER NA CEO STEPHANE MADI. "For the remainder of 2025 (in the United States only), Ravensburger has decided to internalize and subsidize the tariff costs on our non-China-produced products that make up about 75% of our portfolio. As for our China-produced items, there will be pricing impacts as you have heard from our recent trade communication.  We are committed to using lower tariff...

*** The above posted after tBR circulated on May 9th ***

 

Smart Toys and Games, a global leader in educational and imaginative play, is pleased to announce the appointment of Tres Patten as Sales Manager. In this role, Tres will work closely with Corey Funkey, Vice President of Sales, to strengthen partnerships and drive the company’s continued growth across all channels.

The Toy Coach Podcast - The Truth Behind Being a Game Inventor with Jeremy Posner. Behind every “yes” in the toy industry, there’s a mountain of “no’s,” countless hours of hustle, and more trial and error than most people expect. At one point, he came close to walking away from it all—until a single line from an episode of Bluey reminded him that making games was exactly what he was meant to do.

The Reiner Knizia Alphabet - The Letter ‘I’. The year 2025 marks the 40th anniversary of Dr Reiner Knizia’s career as a board game designer – his first published game, Complica, was released in a magazine in 1985 (although he’d self-published games before then as well). Since then, Knizia has designed and published over 800 games, many of which are critically acclaimed.

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David Ozer, who was President of IDW Entertainment from its founding in 2013 until his departure five years later, has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to two counts of wire fraud, the U.S. Attorney's office for the Central District of California announced.  Ozer was also ordered to pay $399,344.52 in restitution. The two cases both related to embezzlement from productions...

Ten Toes Down and FanGirl Consulting Form Strategic Alliance. Industry veteran Glenda Beltran is launching Ten Toes Down Consulting, a consulting firm, and joining forces with FanGirl Consulting and Brand Management, founded by Anita Castellar.

 

Cobi appoints two new agents. Cobi has announced the appointment of two new ‘secret’ agents in its ranks. Damien Leahy and Paul Hayward have recently joined Cobi to manage the Midlands and North of England.

 

Mark Handley seeks new CFO/COO opportunities. Chuck E. Cheese (CEC) has teamed up with OTT channel operator Future Today to launch the LBE company’s first FAST channels and build out its existing in-venue advertising network.


Terry Crew bids farewell to Pat Avenue. Terry joined the company in 2019, leading the integration and helping expand the brand portfolio with several notable launches. After 40 years in the industry, he has decided that the time is right to finally retire.

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Companies and Brands

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Goliath is proud to announce that its patent-pending Jelly Blox Creative Kit, an innovation in preschool sensory play, has achieved MESH Accreditation, the industry’s benchmark for toys and games that strengthen children’s resilience through play. 

 

License Global speaks with Pierre Ortolan, SVP, interactive business development and licensing, Asmodee Group about the evolving board game market, strategic licensing partnerships and how the company is expanding its iconic games beyond the tabletop into entertainment, digital spaces and lifestyle categories while celebrating its 30th anniversary.

 

Toys R Us Asia launches Live Toyful campaign. The Live Toyful campaign expands the Toys R Us brand’s appeal to embrace kidults, celebrating play as a vital part of everyday life for all ages.

Thomas & Friends, the beloved children’s franchise that has captured hearts for generations, marks 80 years of storytelling this year.  Since its debut in 1945, created by the Reverend Wilbert Awdry for his son Christopher Awdry, the Thomas & Friends show has delighted audiences worldwide through books, toys, content, theme parks, experiences and more.

*** The above posted after tBR circulated May 9th ****

@Mattel #BrickShop Unveils First Product Collection with #HotWheels Collector Builds. Mattel, Inc. announced the launch of the first-ever product collection under its new Mattel Brick Shop™ brand in collaboration with Hot Wheels®.

 

The LEGO Group is broadening its reach in the United States with a $366 million investment into a regional distribution center (RDC) in Prince George County, Virginia. Construction on the 2,000,000-square-foot RDC begins later this year, with projected operation by 2027. 

 

Zigazoo is gearing up to celebrate its second annual Social Media Wellness Month. Lining up with May’s Mental Health Awareness Month, the company is teaming up with celebrities like tennis star Serena Williams and NASCAR driver Erik Jones to encourage kids to learn how to navigate social media in a positive way.

Gazillion Bubbles is excited to announce that it has been named the #1 Selling Toy in the U.S. Bubble Toys/Solution category for 2024 by Circana’s Toy Industry Awards. We are also proud to announce that the Gazillion Bubbles VorTech Wand has been chosen as a Top Summer Toy in The Toy Insider’s 2025 Spring & Summer Gift Guide.

 

Walmart debuts ‘Grow with US’ program for small businesses. As small businesses brace for tariff impacts, Walmart is pairing them with mentors and showcasing their products as part of its new initiative.

@Hasbro Reveals New #STARWARS Products to Celebrate STAR WARS Day #Maythe4th. Hasbro brand team hosted a new Hasbro Pulse Fanstream featuring the latest Star Wars collectibles coming to THE BLACK SERIES and THE VINTAGE COLLECTION product lines!

 

Spin Master Corp. Announces Election of Directors. Spin Master Corp. announced that the nominees listed in its management information circular were elected as directors of the company at its Annual Meeting of Shareholders held May 1.

 

SEGA Levels Up Retail Presence With Shanghai Flagship Store. As the video game company’s first foray into retail, SEGA is pulling out all the stops. The shelves are full of toys, plush, and other collectibles featuring the company’s legendary IP, from Sonic the Hedgehog to Shinobi.

 

The LEGO Group Strategically Relocates Its London Hub. The company will take just over three floors of the new location, which sits on the banks of the River Thames and is in the heart of the culinary and art scene in London’s Southbank.

 

Atomic Mass Games Announces Product Delay Due To Tariff Situation. Another batch of products from Atomic Mass Games has a delayed release date. Yesterday, Atomic Mass Games put out a statement about more delays coming to expected products.

 

Walmart opens its first “Store of the Future” as part of a US growth strategy. Featuring local touchpoints and QR codes to give consumers more info, the mighty retailer’s new supercenter is designed to make shopping "faster, easier and more connected".

 

Come to the Dark Side with Revenge of the Sith Disney Store Collection. Come to the dark side with Disney Store’s Revenge of the Sith collection! The collection is in honor of the film’s 20th anniversary and the first Disney Store Revenge of Sixth Day celebration on May 6.

 

Duo and Idee+Spiel announce merger for a shared future. This far-reaching, forward-looking decision follows the guiding principle: “Those who have the courage to take the first step write their own history and shape the future.”

 

Lego F1 big build cars leave the starting grid. In partnership with Formula 1, the Lego Group has created 10 fully drivable big build Lego cars – one for each team – which were driven by the Formula 1 drivers during the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix 2025 Drivers’ Parade.

 

Moose Toys inks global toy deal with YouTuber Mark Rober. CrunchLabs and Moose will leverage the YouTuber’s NASA and engineering background to co-develop a new range of STEM toys for kids. Expected to roll out to retailers next summer, these products aim to teach kids problem-solving skills and inspire their creativity. 

 

Relatable Expands Its Global Presence with Strategic Partnerships. Relatable, known for its Emotional Support plush line and party games like What Do You Meme?, is taking its products across the globe with several new distribution partners.

 

Fat Brain Toys Adapts Magnetic Tile Play For Tweens with Magshuto. Magnetic tiles have been all the rage for a while now, and Fat Brain Toys has created this magnet toy specifically for older kids. The new Magshuto line is a magnetic construction and battle play system designed for kids ages 8 through 12.

 

Funko Warns of Price Increases. Funko will pair the price increases with a number of other steps, including “better sculpts and more detailed figures,” and premium packaging printed directly onto the box, the company said.


RAFM Miniatures and Silver Fox Productions Close Up Shop. This company was started back in 1977 in Paris, Ontario, as RAFM Company Inc. by Jack Van Schaik and John Laing. The company produced lines of 15 mm, 20 mm, and 28 mm scale miniatures for historical campaigns and fictional settings.

 

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Gaming: Digital, Video, Hardware, and Development

 

From Digital to Dragons: Nintendo Adds Fantasy Games for Upcoming Console. Gamers can engage in fantastical adventures with the Nintendo Switch 2 system.

SYBO, the developers behind the fast-action mobile game Subway Surfers, is releasing a special in-game event to celebrate the title’s 13th anniversaryBeginning May 12, players will find themselves back in the game’s home turf of Copenhagen, while also getting a surprise city to run through each day. For a limited time, players will run 

 

Polygon’s new owner says it will ‘do what’s right for Polygon’. Polygon is now owned by Valnet, a company that owns more than 27 different brands covering gaming, entertainment, sports, travel, and more. 

 

Nintendo is suing accessory maker Genki after its unofficial Switch 2 mockups. Earlier this year, accessory maker Genki showed off a 3D-printed mockup it said was based on the Nintendo Switch 2’s official dimensions just days before the console’s first official reveal.

 

'Final Fantasy 7 Remake' Director Plans to Work Closely With Nintendo. Earlier this year, accessory maker Genki showed off a 3D-printed mockup it said was based on the Nintendo Switch 2’s official dimensions just days before the console’s first official reveal.

 

Chrono Trigger creator Yuji Horii might have just hinted at a remake. At a Comicon panel in Naples, Italy, Dragon Quest and Chrono Trigger creator Yuji Horii might have just said something he shouldn’t have: a Chrono Trigger remake could be in the works.

 

Half-Life 3 is reportedly not just in development, but nearly finished. According to new leaks, Half-Life 3 is nearly complete and could release as soon as this summer. If it exists at all.

 

Nintendo of America president talks diversity. Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser sat down with Brazillian newspaper Folha de S.Paulo to talk about a range of topics and one thing which came up is the all-important topic of diversity in the workplace.

 

You will be able to customise Nintendo Joy-Con 2 side panes like PS5 faceplates. You will soon be able to make your Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Cons your own as the side plates can be removed and replaced with different colours to give them a unique look.

 

Grand Theft Auto VI delayed until May 2026. Rockstar Games has delayed the launch of Grand Theft Auto VI until 26 May, 2026. The game had been scheduled for release this autumn, but the lack of a definite date was beginning to raise concerns within the industry.

 

Nintendo passes $100 billion in valuation. Nintendo have seen significant financial success over the Switch’s lifespan. This has had an impact on the company’s valuation, and over the weekend Nintendo passed $100 billion dollars in valuation for the first time.

 

Doug Bowser talks Nintendo Switch 2 game pricing. Doug Bowser reiterates that the company will continue to use variable pricing based on factors such as “the depth and the development time” and also “its longevity.”

 

Two new classes revealed for Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition. The announcement that Elden Ring would be coming to Nintendo Switch 2 as Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition was definitely one of the more exciting and unexpected announcements, and it turns out that this version will be much more than a port.

 

New GTA 6 trailer drops with a year left to go before release. It’s our first new look at GTA 6 in nearly a year and a half, and it reaffirms Rockstar’s commitment to launching its grand, open-world crime adventure … eventually, in 2026.

 

Meta investors ask whether there is 'light at the end of the tunnel' for Reality Labs. Meta investors have asked company leadership whether there is "light at the end of the tunnel" for Reality Labs after the struggling division reported $4.2 billion in operating losses during the first quarter of the fiscal year.

 

Split Fiction has now sold over 4 million copies. The critically acclaimed video game Split Fiction, which was developed by It Takes Two developer Hazelight, has now shifted over 4 million copies. Split Fiction is one of the launch games for the Nintendo Switch 2, so it is bound to resonate with new fans.

 

Nintendo forecasts sales of 15 million Switch 2 consoles as it gears up for launch. Nintendo said it expects to sell 15 million units of its new Switch 2 console in the fiscal year ending March 2026. The console is set to release in June.

 

Palworld had to remove game features because of Nintendo lawsuit. The ongoing lawsuit between Nintendo and Palworld developer Pocketpair has forced the studio to make some changes to its Pokémon-like game.

 

PlayStation spins out new internal studio from Bungie. TeamLFG is based in Bellevue, Washington, and is billed as a hybrid studio. It's currently unclear who's leading the newest member of the PlayStation Studios family.


Switch worldwide sales top 152.12 million. In its latest earnings release, Nintendo has revealed that the Nintendo Switch has sold 152.12 million units worldwide as of March 31, 2025, with a total of 1.26 million Switch hardware and 31.43 million software sold during the three months ended March 31, 2025.

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Highlighted Press Releases

($100/week/press release)

PAPERAGE MAKES THE PERFECT PRESENT TO YOURSELF OR OTHERS FOR MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
PAPERAGE Wants to Bring the Joy of Journaling, Drawing and Organizing to People the World Over Who Crave a Fun and Eminent Writing Experience. Charlotte, NC (May 6, 2025) – Never underestimate the value of writing things down. It can help you remember important info, provide cathartic exercise or get you one step closer to developing your passion project. Sure, there are note apps on our phone but let’s be honest, do you remember that last thing you typed out in a momentary flash of thumbs? Signs point to no. With the surge of interest...

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Safety and Counterfeiting

 

The Toy Association™ to Spotlight Industry Advocacy & Toy Safety at Astra's Marketplace & Academy. The Toy Association™ will host two educational sessions at Astra’s Marketplace & Academy, providing the specialty toy community with insights into the challenges, opportunities, and regulatory changes impacting the industry.

Google will soon start letting kids under 13 use its Gemini chatbot. Next week, Google will begin allowing kids under 13 who have parent-managed Google accounts to use its Gemini chatbot, according to The New York Times. The Times reports that Gemini will be available to kids whose parents use Family Link, a Google service that enables families to opt into various Google services for their child.

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Associations, Foundations, Shows, Awards, Events, and Festivals

Sony Pictures Consumer Products (SPCP) has announced it returns next week to Licensing Expo in 2025 to exhibit its robust slate of properties, which combines highly awaited content and programming and new additions to some of the world’s most iconic franchises. Amongst the diverse portfolio are timeless classics Jumanji, Ghostbusters, and Karate Kid, and contemporary fan favorites including The Boys,....

 

Left Field Labs celebrates two wins at the 29th Annual Webby Awards. Hailed as the "Internet's highest honor" by The New York Times, The Webby Awards is the leading international awards organization honoring excellence on the Internet. Reinventing a classic, Left Field Labs infused augmented reality and AI into Twister to create "Twister Air," a fun new way for families to play and connect across generations.

*** The above posted after tBR ciruclated May 9th ***

 

Driveable LEGO big builds welcomed to Miami drivers’ parade. There was a fresh take on the Formula 1 drivers' parade ahead of the Miami Grand Prix on Sunday, with all 20 F1 drivers having the chance to get behind the wheel of fully drivable LEGO big build cars, rather than touring on the usual truck.

 

Peabody Awards: ‘Baby Reindeer,’ ‘Ripley,’ Shogun’ Among Winners. Netflix leads with six awards across the entertainment and documentary categories, followed by HBO/Max with four.

 

High IQ society Mensa has revealed this year’s recipients of its Mensa Select seal, following its traditional four-day gaming marathon to determine the winners. 25th Century Games saw two of its published titles scoop Mensa Select awards this year, with Agueda: City of Umbrellas and Diatoms both among the seven games recognised.

 

North America’s biggest board games industry trade show, GAMA Expo, is moving to Baltimore after surging attendance numbers left the event straining at the seams again – just two years after the show shifted to Kentucky to handle growing interest.

 

Toy Association Credit Group to Discuss Global Tariffs on May 15. This exclusive, hour-long forum will provide qualified manufacturer members of The Toy Association™ with the opportunity to exchange information and best practices related to global tariffs.

 

Submit for The Toy Association’s 2025 ‘Back to School STEAM Toy Shopping List’ by May 2. Toy and game companies are invited to submit products for consideration in The Toy Association’s “Back to School STEAM Toy Shopping List.” 

 

Join the Canadian Toy Association’s Annual General Meeting & Reception. Open to all toy industry professionals, the evening will follow a robust agenda featuring presentations on the state of the industry and updates on Canada’s tariff landscape, followed by the CTA’s formal Annual General Meeting.

 

Trump tariffs portend bleak prospects for China’s toy exporters at Canton Fair. Unlike the previous two weeks, when foreign buyers eagerly sought out Chinese tech products, the toy exhibition halls saw relatively low foot traffic and a lack of blockbuster products.

 

China’s Canton Fair Proves Toys Are for All Ages. This year, the event proves the changing dynamics of the global toy industry, emphasizing a focus on consumers of all ages and their love for toys, rather than solely targeting children.

 

Step into Happily Ever After at CAMP’s Fairytale Family Event. This May, Fairytale CAMP will transform stores in Los Angeles, Dallas, and Chicago into whimsical wonderlands for families to discover.

 

Spielwarenmesse eG Offers Exclusive Delegation Trip to Mumbai. The Indian toy market is establishing itself as a growing toy manufacturing destination. Spielwarenmesse eG and its subsidiary, Spielwarenmesse India, are presenting an exclusive delegation to Mumbai this fall, October 6-8.


Gibsons Games achieves King’s Award for Enterprise. Gibsons Games is one of 197 organisations nationally to be recognised with a prestigious King’s Award for Enterpri

RIP - Rest in Play - Remembering Those that have Passed

If you know of a colleague's passing, please send us information so we may share with our readers. Archives can be found HERE

JUDITH BLAU - Renaissance woman, artist, author and illustrator: "The Bagel Baker of Mulliner Lane," toy designer: Baby All Gone, environmental educator: Treetures. A woman of unending creativity, light, and magic; she will be missed. Judy was honored with a TAGIE Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017. Here is her story.

 

Jackson “Butch” Guice, a penciler whose 40-year career in comics included runs on Micronauts, Dr. Strange, The Death of Superman, and Ruse, died on May 1, 2025, at the age of 63. Guice began working in comics in 1981 with “Warlords of Light,” a sword-and-sorcery tale in Galaxia Magazine.

 

Geoff Smith. It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Geoff Smith, a well-known and cherished figure in the toy industry whose career spanned an impressive 50 years. As a former director of A.B.Gee, Geoff played a central role in shaping one of the UK’s most enduring toy companies.

 

Rob Stull. Best known to comics fans as an inker whose work included Spider-Man, X-Force, JLA, and Vampirella, he was also the first Black Artist in Residence at Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts, and the creator of the traveling exhibit "Sequential Art: The Next Step," which debuted at Ohio State University in 1995.


Jack Katz, creator of the early graphic novel The First Kingdom, died on April 25, 2025, at the age of 97. During much of his career Katz was a journeyman artist, working under his own name and the pen names Vaughn Beering, David Hadley, and Jay Hawk.

David Strang, founder of Wicked Vision, sadly passed away unexpectedly, on Monday 21st April. Wicked Vision became well known for products like boomerangs, discs, high bounce balls and yo-yos, as David built the company into a global brand centred on active play. In 2024, the brands and intellectual property assets of Wicked were acquired by Eolo Toys, following a challenging period for the company. 

 

Mike Wood, founder of Leapfrog and Smarty Ants to Achieve 3000. After selling his businesses, Mike went back to Oakland, CA schools to teach children how to read, three or four days a week. His passion and dedication to helping kids read is a great loss for our community. Read tributes from colleagues here.

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Toyworld (UK)

  1. Paying the price  … it’s the Friday Blog!

  2. Lego F1 big build cars leave the starting grid

  3. Mattel Q1 sales up, but company wary of tariff issues impacting US business

  4. Craft Buddy unveils Crystal Art Junior

  5. Character keeps cool with ChillFactor campaigns

  6. Relatable expands global toys and games footprint

  7. Gibsons Games achieves King’s Award for Enterprise

  8. Exclusive: More than just a doll

  9. Mattel Brick Shop unveils Hot Wheels collector builds

  10. Last call for the Toy World June Kidult supplement

Licensing.biz Powered by Toyworld

  1. Exclusive: Stitch’s impact on the global licensing and toy landscapes

  2. Disney Lorcana TCG reveals ninth set: Fabled

  3. Rubies secures licensing rights for Netflix properties

  4. Minecraft expands global CP programme

  5. Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie confirms casting

  6. Moose Toys teams up with CrunchLabs and Mark Rober

  7. Exclusive: Stumble Guys continues to delight

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  9. Exclusive: Get ready for Las Vegas Licensing Expo 2025

  10. Temi’s World launches on YouTube Kids

ICv2: The Business of Geek Culture (US) 

​- Jeremy Crawford Steps Down from Wizards of the Coast
McFarlane Toys Co-Owner Buys GameStop Canada
Wizards of the Coast Announces New 'Magic: The Gathering - Festival in a Box'
'Unmatched Adventures: TMNT' Slated for Retail Release
New Wave of 'Pathfinder Battles Deep Cuts'
New 'Pokemon TCG' Split Expansion Announced
New App-Driven Co-op Adventure Game
Rolling for Initiative -- Tariffs Getting Real; FCBD Report
Funko Warns of Price Increases
Czech Games Editions Announces Gen Con and Spiel 2025 Releases

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Founding Editor and Publisher (1998-2020, Retired): Philip Bloom

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and we've loved working with him. Here is a fun and interesting interview with Phil.

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