By Gary Symons Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WiT) has announced the finalists for the 2025 Wonder Women Awards. The event is held annually to celebrate the outstanding women shaping the future of toys, consumer products, licensing, and entertainment. The annual gala will take place on Thursday, September 11 at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, under the … [Read more...] about Women in Toys Unveils 2025 Wonder Women Awards Finalists
toy licensing
Cottage Door Press Expands Into Toy Market With Launch of Luna StoryTime Projector
TLL Staff Cottage Door Press, a children’s book publisher celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2025, has announced the launch of the Luna StoryTime Projector, a new 3-in-1 device designed to make storytime more immersive and screen-free. This marks the company’s first official move into the toy category. Luna combines a projector, audio and music player, and night light in … [Read more...] about Cottage Door Press Expands Into Toy Market With Launch of Luna StoryTime Projector
Mattel’s Barbie Puts on Some Muscle as She-Ra: Princess of Power
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Toy manufacturer Mattel has released a new collector’s edition Barbie doll based on She-Ra, the iconic heroine from the Masters of the Universe franchise. The launch commemorates the 40th anniversary of She-Ra's debut in 1985, and comes as Mattel is celebrating its own 80th anniversary. Officially titled Barbie Masters of the Universe … [Read more...] about Mattel’s Barbie Puts on Some Muscle as She-Ra: Princess of Power
Barbie as a Chatbot? Mattel and OpenAI Unveil Strategic Partnership
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The toy industry giant Mattel, Inc. and artificial intelligence company OpenAI have announced a new strategic partnership to develop AI-powered products and experiences based on Mattel’s portfolio of brands. The partners say their collaboration will focus on integrating OpenAI’s technology into Mattel’s toy and game offerings, with an … [Read more...] about Barbie as a Chatbot? Mattel and OpenAI Unveil Strategic Partnership
Toy Foundation Distributes $3 Million in Toys for International Day of Play
TLL Staff The Toy Foundation is marking the International Day of Play with 15 toy companies, distributing more than 290,000 new toys and games valued at $3 million to children in need across the U.S. and around the world. The Toy Foundation is the philanthropic arm of The Toy Association. The large-scale donation initiative highlights the vital role of play in child … [Read more...] about Toy Foundation Distributes $3 Million in Toys for International Day of Play
Beyond Barbie: Mattel Launches Mattel Studios to Expand Film and TV Ambitions
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief In a move with major implications for licensing, Mattel, Inc. has announced the formation of Mattel Studios, a new division that consolidates the company’s film and television operations under one banner. Mattel says the move is part of a broader strategy to expand the entertainment footprint of the toy and media giant. The formation of … [Read more...] about Beyond Barbie: Mattel Launches Mattel Studios to Expand Film and TV Ambitions
Focus on Expo: Teddy Mountain Expanding Rapidly in Branded Plush
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Not everyone knows that the plush producer Teddy Mountain was the first to put a smile on a teddy bear. Before that time, teddy bears traditionally had the V-shaped frown, until Teddy Mountain decided that everyone deserves a smile. This year the company also hopes to put a lot of smiles on the faces of attendees at the 2025 Licensing … [Read more...] about Focus on Expo: Teddy Mountain Expanding Rapidly in Branded Plush
Wilder and Hasbro Partner for Interactive NERF Gaming Toys
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Wilder and Hasbro have developed a new collaborative collection of NERF branded toys and accessories that combine immersive gaming with real-world play. Scheduled to launch in July 2025, the NERF Battle Play Experience collection offers a selection of themed targets and accessories. The new licensed products will introduce … [Read more...] about Wilder and Hasbro Partner for Interactive NERF Gaming Toys
PLAYMOBIL Creates a Truly Miraculous Toy Line
TLL Staff Miraculous Corp and PLAYMOBIL are marking the 10th anniversary of Miraculous with a new wave of themed play sets. The new sets will be the second installment for the PLAYMOBIL x Miraculous line, and will launch globally on June 27, 2025. It follows the success of the initial collection introduced in 2024. Praised for its attention to detail and appeal among both … [Read more...] about PLAYMOBIL Creates a Truly Miraculous Toy Line
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