The Licensing Letter

THE TOY ASSOCIATION

Toy Foundation Grants $405,000 to Bring Power of Play to Pediatric Patients

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief For many children facing hospital stays, playtime often takes a backseat to medical treatments, but thanks to a generous initiative from The Toy Foundation, play is making a comeback in pediatric care. The philanthropic arm of The Toy Association has awarded $405,000 to 23 children’s hospitals and health systems across the U.S., funding … [Read more...] about Toy Foundation Grants $405,000 to Bring Power of Play to Pediatric Patients

Who’s News: People of Play Welcomes Shannon Swindle as New Director

TLL Staff People of Play (POP), a division of The Toy Association, has named Shannon Swindle as its new Director. POP says Swindle brings deep experience and a passion for the toy and game industry to the role. Previously, Swindle served as Inventor Relations Manager for Games at Moose Toys. There, she successfully licensed 18 games over the past two years, including … [Read more...] about Who’s News: People of Play Welcomes Shannon Swindle as New Director

Parents Prioritizing Toys For the Holidays in 2024

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Parents are putting their kids' need for toys ahead of other budget items this holiday season. That's the finding of a large survey of 1,000 U.S. parents, conducted by Wakefield Research, on behalf of The Toy Association. The survey found that while families are generally keeping a tighter eye on their holiday budgets due to inflation, 69% … [Read more...] about Parents Prioritizing Toys For the Holidays in 2024

Toy Association to Merge With People of Play

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The two major associations representing the toy industry have announced they will be merging their assets, functions and events. People of Play (POP) will be merging into The Toy Association, and POP's founder Mary Couzin will be joining the senior leadership team at the Association. Couzin will be responsible for guiding the future and … [Read more...] about Toy Association to Merge With People of Play

Spin Master Named Global Distributor for Punirunes

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Spin Master has secured a licensing distribution partnership with Takara Tomy for its anime-inspired digital pet brand, Punirunes. As a new licensee for the Punirunes property, Spin Master will expand the digital pet brand's global distribution to reach additional retail markets and consumer demographics. First released in 2021 by the Japanese … [Read more...] about Spin Master Named Global Distributor for Punirunes

Who’s News: Seven New Members Elected to Board of Toy Association

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Build-A-Bear Workshop CEO Sharon Price John is the new chair at The Toy Association, as one of seven new elected directors. The Toy Association announced the election of seven new members as well as two term renewals to its Board of Directors at its annual general meeting. Price John (in photo at top) replaces Aaron Muderick, who … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Seven New Members Elected to Board of Toy Association

Top Toy Trends From The Experts At The Toy Association

TLL Staff The Toy Association has released their annual report into the top trends in the toy industry for 2024 and beyond. The association says the trends for this year are based on toys that are "spooky, sustainable, and anime-inspired playthings, to holistic toys that give young minds and bodies a boost. The The Toy Association says these top trends are expected … [Read more...] about Top Toy Trends From The Experts At The Toy Association

Who’s News: Steve Pasierb Stepping Down as Toy Association CEO

TLL Staff The Toy Association has announced President and CEO Steve Pasierb is stepping down from his role at the organization in the spring of 2024. His current contract will expire in April, following nearly a decade of leadership with the trade organization. “It has been a distinct honor and privilege to serve in the role of President & CEO of The Toy … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Steve Pasierb Stepping Down as Toy Association CEO

Toy Association Names Top STEAM Toys for Smart Kids

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The Toy Association has released its Back to School STEAM Toy Shopping List, which features 25 officially accredited STEAM toys. "As families across the U.S. get ready for another back-to-school season, our list offers parents a well-vetted guide that will help kids flourish this academic year and build skills through engaging, … [Read more...] about Toy Association Names Top STEAM Toys for Smart Kids