Mark Your Calendars: The BIG Toy Book Is Coming!

On Tuesday, Feb. 28, the 2023 edition of The BIG Toy Book is hitting the streets! Our 39th volume kicks off with a global reveal, our biggest State of the Industry Q&A roundtable ever, and a look at hundreds of new toys and games that retailers will want to be aware of in the months ahead. The rest of the content is under wraps for now, but stay tuned for the big debut at 9 a.m. ET.

The Play Date Partners with WIT to Celebrate International Women’s Day



Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment will host a dedicated space at The Play Date to showcase products from women-led small businesses. The Play Date takes place March 8 in New York City as a joint venture between The Toy Association and Adventure Media & Events. Learn more…

Trefl, Hasbro Ink U.S. Licensing Deal for Puzzles



The multiyear licensing deal begins with a range of puzzles designed “for kids and kidults” that feature artwork from properties including Peppa Pig, My Little Pony, Transformers, Magic: The Gathering, and Dungeons & Dragons. Read more…

Mattel, Wow! Stuff Ink North American Distribution Deal for Nano Pods Line



The “connectable collectible” brand includes small-scale hexagonal pods that come with a licensed character figurine inside. Mattel plans to sell the line to all of its retail accounts in North America. Read more…

Jazwares’ Black Panther Toys and Costumes Will Have Kids Feeling Like Little Superheroes



Following the Disney+ debut of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Jazwares is highlighting an extended range of action figures, plush, and costumes for the whole family. Explore the range at The Toy Insider…

Sky Castle Toys, Character Options Ink Marvel-ous Deal for DoodleJamz



Marvel superhero styles will join the DoodleJamz line of squishy, sense n’ shape drawing pads this spring. The line of tactile toys has become a TikTok hit in recent months with nearly 150 million views on the platform. Read more…

Fred Rogers Productions’ ‘Donkey Hodie’ Unveils Plans for Licensed Toys, Apparel, and Costumes



The PBS Kids series Donkey Hodie will soon have a presence at retail. The previously announced line of toys and feature plush from Jada Toys is set to roll out later this year alongside costumes from Rubies, sleepwear from Komar, and apparel from Mad Engine. Read more…

Madame Alexander Doll Co. Celebrates 100 Years of Doll-Making



Madame Alexander will host a number of events and experiences to celebrate its anniversary this year. The 100 Years of Madame Alexander display at the Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York, focuses on the history of the company, its founder, and the dolls created throughout the decades. Read more…

‘Monster High Live’ to Bring Mattel’s Fang-tastic Ghouls to the Stage



Monster High Live will feature Clawdeen Wolf, Draculaura, and Frankie Stein in a storyline centered on preparing for the school’s annual Monster Ball. Mattel and Family Entertainment Live tapped Full Stop Productions to create and design the show. Read more…

Crayola, Dan Dee Enter Licensing Agreement for Plush



The new deal will spawn plush, home decor, and additional products that combine Crayola’s crafting prowess with Dan Dee’s plush design. The new line will include items that kids can draw on directly using washable markers. Read more…

Warner Bros. Unveils Shazam! Fury of the Gods Merchandise



The consumer products program for the next DC film includes toys and collectibles from Spin Master, McFarlane Toys, Funko, and more. See the line at The Pop Insider…

Melissa & Doug Teams Up with Nonprofit to Recycle E-Waste



Melissa & Doug’s retired technology will be sent to PCs For People, a national nonprofit dedicated to recycling, refurbishing, donating, and selling older tech to support low-income families. Read more…

Hasbro Confirms 2022 Earnings, Reveals Outlook for Another Challenging Year



Looking ahead, Hasbro is focusing on building “fewer, bigger brands,” including Transformers, Dungeons & Dragons, Magic: The Gathering, NERF, Peppa Pig, Play-Doh, and Hasbro Gaming. Learn more…

Disguise Welcomes New Members to International Sales Team



The seasonal and costumes division of JAKKS Pacific added a trio of new faces to its sales team in the UK, Ireland, and EMEA. In recent years, the company has seen growth across its international businesses. Read more…