Toy of the Year

The Toy Foundation Announces Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards Finalists

Retrieved on: 
Monday, August 15, 2022

NEW YORK, Aug. 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- A magical crystal ball, a giant pyramid climbing tower, and the most diverse assortment of dolls ever are among the 122 innovative finalists for this September's Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards. A long-treasured event, The Toy Foundation's (TTF) TOTY Awards celebrate the creativity of the toy and play community and recognize the industry's collective philanthropy for the benefit of children in need.

Key Points: 
  • A long-treasured event, The Toy Foundation's (TTF) TOTY Awards celebrate the creativity of the toy and play community and recognize the industry's collective philanthropy for the benefit of children in need.
  • The overall Toy of the Year and People's Choice award winners will be announced November 21, 2022, adding an element of excitement for the holidays.
  • The Toy of the Year will be determined by a panel of expert judges.
  • "The finalists are marvelous examples of innovation and imagination to deliver the power of play to children and adults alike," said Pamela Mastrota, executive director of The Toy Foundation.

Educational Toy Companies Learning Resources, hand2mind and Educational Insights Support Local Highland Park Community Foundation and Affected Families Through Donation

Retrieved on: 
Monday, July 11, 2022

VERNON HILLS, Ill., July 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- In the wake of the tragic event that occurred in Highland Park, IL on July 4th, Learning Resources, hand2mind and Educational Insights, a family of educational toy companies, are supporting their local community with a monetary donation to the Highland Park Community Foundation as well as a donation of educational products to HP Unites. The funds will help the non-profit organization address the needs of those directly impacted by the mass shooting. Since its establishment in 1992, the Highland Park Community Foundation has served to maximize community resources, providing its residents with extensive social services, youth support, cultural programs, and more.

Key Points: 
  • Since its establishment in 1992, the Highland Park Community Foundation has served to maximize community resources, providing its residents with extensive social services, youth support, cultural programs, and more.
  • For families with children who have been tragically affected, Learning Resources, Educational Insights, and hand2mind are donating social-emotional learning toys, including Express Your Feelings Sensory Bottles, a calming sensory toy that aids in understanding one's emotions and working through feelings.
  • Educational Insights is donating Playfoam, the learning compound, as a way for kids to connect with their feelings using this sensory learning tool.
  • Our team at Learning Resources, hand2mind and Educational Insights wanted to help," says Rick Woldenberg, CEO.

Are You Team Cat or Team Pickle?

Retrieved on: 
Monday, May 23, 2022

In addition to entertainment content, Curiosity Ink Media has also signed on to develop multiple publishing titles, planned for 2022 and 2023 release.

Key Points: 
  • In addition to entertainment content, Curiosity Ink Media has also signed on to develop multiple publishing titles, planned for 2022 and 2023 release.
  • The first book in the series, Everybody Loves Cats vs Pickles is slated for release in September of 2022.
  • Cats vs Pickles has all the ingredients of a character-based toy property that can successfully expand into various categories of business, said Wolfson.
  • Our CvP community have been actively asking for licensed product in all categories they cant wait to show their true colors of Team Cat or Team Pickle.

JAZWARES MAKES LICENSING EXPO DEBUT WITH SQUISHMALLOWS

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, May 24, 2022

LAS VEGAS, May 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Celebrating 25 years of innovative play, leading toy and licensing powerhouse Jazwares brings a new level of fun to Licensing Expo Las Vegas with its wildly successful Squishmallows® plush brand. The monumental growth of Squishmallows,  the #2 Toy Property* and #1 Plush** according to The NPD Group's April 2022 report, has fueled exciting new cross-category collaborations across beauty, games, apparel, home decor, and more, adding to the brand's robust portfolio of best-in-class licensing partners.

Key Points: 
  • LAS VEGAS, May 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Celebrating 25 years of innovative play, leading toy and licensing powerhouse Jazwares brings a new level of fun to Licensing Expo Las Vegas with its wildly successful Squishmallows plush brand.
  • Attendees of Licensing Expo are encouraged to experience the Squishmallows lifestyle at booth #0214 in the Bayside Exhibit Hall at Mandalay Bay.
  • In Europe, an expansive consumer products licensing program will also be supporting Squishmallows with a wide array of cross-category support.
  • More than 1,000 Squishmallows ranging from two- to 24-inches in size have gained the attention of bona fide Squishmallows fans in more than 40 countries.

VTech® Announces New Bluey Toys in Latest Expansion of Its Preschool Line

Retrieved on: 
Monday, May 16, 2022

CHICAGO, May 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today VTech® announced new products as part of a licensing partnership with BBC Studios for Bluey, the Emmy® Award-winning animated hit series which airs in the U.S. on Disney Junior, Disney Channel, and Disney+. VTech will expand its preschool offerings with a debut collection that will include Bluey's Book of Games, Ring Ring Phone and Bluey and Bingo Wackadoo Watches. The new Bluey products will be available at retail later this year in the U.S., Canada, UK, and Australia, followed by a future roll out in France.

Key Points: 
  • VTech will expand its preschool offerings with a debut collection that will include Bluey's Book of Games, Ring Ring Phone and Bluey and Bingo Wackadoo Watches.
  • "VTech and Bluey are the perfect partnership because we both see the importance of encouraging creativity and imagination through the world of play."
  • "We are delighted to partner with VTech, a leader in children's technology toys and educational products," said Suzy Raia, SVP Consumer Products and Business Development, BBC Studios.
  • The interactive Blueyintroductions from VTech will give kids the opportunity to play alongside the series' characters in creative new ways.

VTech® Announces Interactive New Robotic Puppy, DJ Beat Boxer™

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, May 12, 2022

CHICAGO, May 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --Today VTech announced the addition of DJ Beat Boxer to its popular robotics line.

Key Points: 
  • CHICAGO, May 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --Today VTech announced the addition of DJ Beat Boxer to its popular robotics line.
  • Available this fall, the adorable DJ Beat Boxer lets kids move and groove with beatboxing, mixing music and nurturing play.
  • "We are excited to introduce our new pup, DJ Beat Boxer, who brings the perfect mix of music and creativity," said Andy Keimach, President, VTech Electronics North America.
  • "As with our other popular robotic pets, DJ Beat Boxer uses innovative technology and offers an exciting new way for kids to have fun with different sounds and beats."

VTech® Offers More Thrilling Stunts and Challenges with New Additions to Popular Marble Rush™ Line

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, May 10, 2022

CHICAGO, May 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today VTech® announced the expansion of its popular Marble Rush™ line with the addition of the Marble Rush Corkscrew Rush Set™ and Marble Rush Raceway Set. The introductory line, offering children non-stop fun while stimulating creativity and imagination, launched last year and received the esteemed STEAM Toy Accreditation Seal of Approval. The new products will be available later this year at retailers nationwide.

Key Points: 
  • CHICAGO, May 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today VTech announced the expansion of its popular Marble Rush line with the addition of the Marble Rush Corkscrew Rush Set and Marble Rush Raceway Set.
  • Marble Rush lets kids build thrilling courses, send marbles into motion and compete with family and friends in exciting challenges with sounds and lights.
  • The Marble Rush Corkscrew Rush Set is a 112-piece building set with an electronic corkscrew tumbler that plays an exhilarating musical light show when a marble passes through.
  • The new Marble Rush sets, available this fall, include:
    Marble Rush Corkscrew Rush Set: Construct thrilling stunts, exciting challenges and watch marbles go for a spin with the Marble Rush Corkscrew Rush Set.

VTech® Expands Popular Switch & Go® Line

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, May 5, 2022

CHICAGO, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today VTech® announced exciting new additions to its popular, interactive Switch & Go® line, which introduces children to the world of prehistoric creatures that transform into vehicles. Offering hours of endless entertainment, the Switch & Go Dragon Roadhog, Gorilla Muscle Car and Velociraptor Motorcycle will be available later this year.

Key Points: 
  • Offering hours of endless entertainment, the Switch & Go Dragon Roadhog, Gorilla Muscle Car and Velociraptor Motorcycle will be available later this year.
  • "Switch & Go continues to be a kid favorite, and the new toys introduce even more exciting innovation and technology," said Andy Keimach, President, VTech Electronics North America.
  • The new Switch & Go toys, recommended for ages 4 years and up, will be available this fall at retailers nationwide.
  • Stomp through your Switch & Go world with a rowdy roadhog that changes into a fire-breathing, head-butting dragon with one-touch transformation.

VTech® Announces New Additions to Spring Baby Line

Retrieved on: 
Monday, April 25, 2022

CHICAGO , April 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today VTech® announced the availability of new additions to its engaging baby line, featuring a playgym, soothers, books, on-the-go toys, plush and more. The new products are sure to add some fun to every little one's nursery and help reach developmental milestones!

Key Points: 
  • CHICAGO, April 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today VTech announced the availability of new additions to its engaging baby line, featuring a playgym, soothers, books, on-the-go toys, plush and more.
  • "We are so excited for parents and their babies to experience our new toys," said Andy Keimach, President, VTech Electronics North America.
  • Watch your baby achieve motor-skill milestones with a multi-stage play mat and accessories.
  • (Ages birth +)
    VTech 3-in-1 Starry Skies Sheep Soother: Find sleep without counting sheep with the 3-in-1 Starry Skies Sheep Soother.

VTech® Introduces New Additions to Its Popular Tech Line-up

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, March 31, 2022

CHICAGO, March 31, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today VTech® announced the expansion of its popular line of children's electronics with innovative new additions to inspire interactive play through technology. The new items, available later this year, include My First Kidi Smartwatch™ and KidiGo™ NexTag™.

Key Points: 
  • CHICAGO, March 31, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today VTech announced the expansion of its popular line of children's electronics with innovative new additions to inspire interactive play through technology.
  • "And for family fun, KidiGo NexTag will get everyone active and moving with our high-tech upgrade to this classic playground game."
  • The watch also introduces kids to time-telling through the Time Master app and by speaking the time.
  • As a pioneer in the learning toy category, VTech develops high-quality, innovative educational products that enrich children's development and make learning fun.