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Looking Back at the Most-read Stories of 2021
To close the book on another year filled with challenges and change, check out the top 25 most-read stories of the year at toybook.com. These stories stand out among the news that made headlines in the toy industry and beyond, during a year in which toy and game makers of all sizes have worked tirelessly alongside retailers to mitigate supply chain challenges and keep shelves stocked with new toys and fresh innovation. Scroll down to preview 10 of this year’s top stories here in the Toy Report or read the entire top 25 in order here.
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‘Power Kid Podcast’ Top 10 Episodes of 2021
On the “Power Kid Podcast” — presented by The Toy Book Podcasts by Adventure Media & Events — host Phil Albritton of Power Kid Design delivers fresh conversations with some of the biggest names and rising stars in the toy, game, and family entertainment industries. As we close the books on 2021, we’re suggesting a replay of this year’s top 10 episodes — as chosen by you, the listeners. Listen here…
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Hasbro Announces the Passing of Chairman and CEO Brian D. Goldner
The toy industry was dealt a major loss in October when, just two days after announcing that he was stepping away from Hasbro on medical leave, Chairman and CEO Brian D. Goldner died. The 58-year-old joined Hasbro in 2000 and led the company beyond toys and games and into a world of entertainment and new possibilities. He was appointed CEO in 2008 and became chairman of the board in 2015. Read more…
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Mattel, Nickelodeon Team up to Reboot ‘Monster High’ for a New Generation
In 2022, Frankie Stein, Draculaura, and Clawdeen Wolf are heading back to class as the doors to Monster High swing open for a new generation. When the news first hit earlier this year, the prospect of new toys and new entertainment content hooked readers with interest from retailers and consumers alike. Read more…
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MGA Entertainment Celebrates 20 Years of Bratz with the Return of the Core 4
They shook up the fashion doll aisle in 2001, and in 2021, Bratz did it again. MGA Entertainment celebrated the 20th anniversary of its Bratz brand with a yearlong run of activations with the return of the original Core 4 characters: Cloe, Sasha, Jade & Yasmin. Read more…
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Welcome to the Squishmallows Squad! Population: Squishmillion
There once was a time when it may have been considered dorky to have stuffed animals on your bed, but over the past few years, Squishmallows — from Jazwares’ Kellytoy subsidiary — have dialed up the cool factor. The collectible characters have stirred up a frenzy among plush collectors that hasn’t been seen since Ty’s Beanie Babies hit it big in the ‘90s. Read more…
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Bonkers Toys Introduces Aphmau Meemeows Mystery Plush Collectibles
Bonkers Toys unleashed its first wave of Aphmau MeeMeows Mystery Plush — the first retail toys created in partnership with the top female gaming star on YouTube. The power of the brand proved mighty as interest propelled the news to a slot in our top 10 most-read stories of the year. Read more…
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Exclusive: Funko, Disguise Ink Multiyear Licensing Deal for Pop! Masks Collection
The Toy Book exclusively broke the news that Funko was getting into a new category just in time for “Funkoween” — costumes and dress-up. Disguise — the costume division of Jakks Pacific — inked a multi-year licensing deal with Funko to design, market, manufacture, and distribute an all-new product expression called Pop! Masks. Read more…
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Watch: Neil Patrick Harris Unveils Moose Toys’ Magic Mixies Magic Cauldron at CAMP
One of the hottest toys of the holiday season made its debut in New York City. Emmy and Tony Award-winning actor Neil Patrick Harris unveiled the power of Moose Toys’ Magic Mixies Magic Cauldron at CAMP‘s Columbus Circle store. Read more…
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Jakks Pacific Takes Flight with Super Mario Deluxe Bowser’s Airship Playset
Ahead of “Mar10 Day” — Nintendo‘s annual celebration of the Super Mario Bros. franchise — Jakks Pacific unveiled the Super Mario Deluxe Bowser’s Airship Playset. The toy brings the famed flying fortress into the playroom and is scaled for Jakks’ 2.5-inch Super Mario action figures. Read more…
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ASTRA Reveals 2021 Best Toys for Kids Winners
The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) revealed its annual list of top toys in 10 key categories. According to ASTRA President Sue Warfield, “the list of winners represents the best of the fun, top-quality, high play value products consumers can find in locally-owned neighborhood toy stores around the country.” Read more…
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Toys “R” Us Canada Reveals 2021 Top Toys List
Geoffrey the Giraffe and the crew up north are on a roll, and the interest in Toys “R” Us Canada is rising. The Toy Book welcomed more Canadian readers than ever before to check out the Top Toys List as published by TRU Canada shortly after the company entered an era of new ownership. Read more…
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