TLL Staff People of Play will recognize three of the toy and game industry’s most influential figures at the 18th annual Toy & Game Innovation Excellence (TAGIE) Awards Mike Moody and Phil Orbanes will each receive Lifetime Achievement Awards, while Judy Ellis will be honored as this year’s Industry Game Changer. Themed “Friendship,” the 2025 ceremony will highlight … [Read more...] about People of Play to Honor Three Toy Industry Icons at 2025 TAGIE Awards
toy licensing
Barbie Puts on Some Muscle With New Rugby Models
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Barbie is getting stronger—literally—as Mattel introduces a new lineup of dolls honoring female rugby stars from around the world. The collection was created in celebration of International Day of the Girl on October 11. The initiative, called Team Barbie, features four professional rugby players who have become global role models for … [Read more...] about Barbie Puts on Some Muscle With New Rugby Models
Cloudco and Hunter Unveil Some Sick New Madball Toys
TLL Staff Cloudco Entertainment has just unveiled the next evolution of its Madballs line, the 'Sick Series', produced with licensee Hunter Products. Cloudco is, of course, best known for its sweet as sugar Care Bears IP, but it also is the owner of the Madballs franchise, known for its monstrous designs and gross-out humor. Cloudco says the ‘Sick Series’ marks a major … [Read more...] about Cloudco and Hunter Unveil Some Sick New Madball Toys
Robosen’s Disney-Themed Robots Show Resistance is Futile … and Adorable
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Humanity’s long-feared robot uprising has officially been downgraded to 'playtime', as Robosen Robotics announced the launch of its MINI Robots collection featuring beloved Disney and Pixar characters. Available for pre-order starting Sept. 25, this new lineup of autonomous bots transforms Toy Story and WALL-E favorites into programmable, … [Read more...] about Robosen’s Disney-Themed Robots Show Resistance is Futile … and Adorable
Who’s News: Toy Association Names New CFO and VP of Government Affairs
TLL Staff The Toy Association Inc. has named Jeff Snyderman (photo at right) as its new Chief Financial Officer and Maria Sierra as Vice President, Government Affairs. The Toy Association is a business trade association representing a wide array of toy manufacturers, retailers, licensors, and others involved in the youth entertainment industry, Snyderman brings nine years … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Toy Association Names New CFO and VP of Government Affairs
Hasbro Expands Women Innovators of Play Program for 2025
TLL Staff Hasbro has announced the return of its Women Innovators of Play program, with the 2025 event launching on October 9. The initiative, now in its third year, is designed to inspire women and girls to pursue careers in toys, games and creative industries. The free, 90-minute virtual event will feature leaders from Hasbro, Scopely, Amazon, Target, IDEO and other … [Read more...] about Hasbro Expands Women Innovators of Play Program for 2025
Walmart Releases Its Top Toy List for the Holidays
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The holiday season is coming, bringing with it the inevitable anxiety over finding just the right toy for your kids, and for licensing professionals, figuring out the hot toy trends for the coming year. One traditional source of intel is the annual Top Toys List from Walmart, which was just released for 2025. Walmart has just unveiled … [Read more...] about Walmart Releases Its Top Toy List for the Holidays
Mattel Partners With Cottage Door Press For Luna StoryTime Projector Content
TLL Staff Mattel Inc. has announced a licensing agreement with Cottage Door Press to expand the content library for Luna StoryTime Projector. The projector is a 3-in-1 screen-free storytelling device designed to encourage early literacy through immersive play. The deal with Cottage Door will bring some of Mattel’s most popular brands—including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Thomas & … [Read more...] about Mattel Partners With Cottage Door Press For Luna StoryTime Projector Content
Santoki to Launch LEGO Clock Collection in 2026
By Gary Symons Editor in Chief Santoki will preview a new line of timepieces inspired by LEGO building bricks at the LA Fall Preview before launching in the second quarter of 2026. Santoki is the exclusive U.S. distributor of officially licensed LEGO lifestyle products. The company says the LEGO Clock Collection is designed to merge the creativity of LEGO play with everyday … [Read more...] about Santoki to Launch LEGO Clock Collection in 2026
Wildbrain CPLG Unveils New Collabs in Expansion of the Playmobil Brand
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief WildBrain CPLG is expanding the global licensing program for Playmobil, unveiling new collaborations designed to support its refreshed strategy for 2025. As Playmobil’s master licensee, WildBrain CPLG manages worldwide rights across the Horst Brandstätter Group’s core and franchise programs. The expansion includes promotions with global … [Read more...] about Wildbrain CPLG Unveils New Collabs in Expansion of the Playmobil Brand