Monthly Archives: September 2018

IMC launches Great Little Mummy campaign

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The campaign, which launches today, focuses on traditional play values.

IMC Toys has announced the launch of Great Little Mummy, the new brand campaign from Cry Babies. Great Little Mummy focuses on traditional play values and inspires little ones to love, nurture and care for their dolls, just like a real parent cares for their baby.

The Great Little Mummy campaign launches today (27th September) and is supported with a dedicated TV spot, digital pre-roll campaign, along with broad influencer activity and PR programme.

The campaign is based on traditional role-play, where little ones are encouraged to show how they love and care for their Cry Baby dolls. The activity is supported with a competition to win one of 50 exclusive Cry Babies Unicorn dolls, which are not yet available in the UK. The consumer promotion is hosted on Cry Babies’ new dedicated website www.crybabies.toys and is designed for little ones to explore with parental guidance.

New this year are Dotty, Nala and Lady, bringing more styles to this special feature doll collection with their unique themed onesies.

Paul Lamond launches new football lines for autumn

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Paul Lamond’s football lines boosted by new Rubik’s Cubes, 3D Stadium Puzzles and new Nanostars range.

The new Rubik’s Cube range, featuring the much-loved 3D puzzles which began life in the 70s, is branded with some of the world’s top football clubs including Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal, Newcastle United, West Ham United, and Manchester United.

Each sporty Rubik’s Cube features the football club’s imagery and is packaged in a branded box, making it an ideal gift for dedicated fans, collectors and Rubik’s Cube addicts.

As an extension to Paul Lamond’s popular 3D Stadium Puzzle range, two new licensed models are now available – West Ham United’s London Olympic Stadium and Newcastle United’s St. James’ Park. In 3D format, the puzzle range features some of the UK’s most famous football stadiums recreated in spectacular colour and detail.

Also new and now in stock is the Nanostars range, an ingenious new brick-based construction range with top football licences. Created by the team behind the Nanostad 3D Football Stadium Puzzles, the colourful range includes Liverpool FC, Chelsea FC, Arsenal, Manchester City, FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. The range features Pitch Sets, Stands, Changing Rooms and Team Bus sets.

Richard Wells, managing director at Paul Lamond Games, commented: “Our nation’s passion for the beautiful game knows no limit, and we’re delighted to be offering retailers a host of opportunities to tap into this passion with our new football lines. These high quality products are for all the family and combine puzzle fun with collectible appeal. Now that these new football-themed arrivals are in stock, retailers can provide inspiration for customers as their thoughts turn to festive gift-buying.”

Nickelodeon acquires new live-action series The Bureau of Magical Things

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The Bureau of Magical Things will premiere in the in UK on 5th November.

Created by Australian television producer Jonathan M. Shiff (H2O: Just Add Water), the 30-minute episode will premiere in the US on the 5th October, followed by Nickelodeon’s channels and branded blocks across 170+ countries and territories. The series will comprise 20 episodes.

Filmed in Brisbane and the Gold Coast of Australia, The Bureau of Magical Things combines magic, mystery, and a unique mythology to tell the story of Kyra, an ordinary teenage girl who is caught in a clash between an elf and a fairy and becomes magically transformed.

Layla Lewis, senior vice president, global acquisitions and content partnerships for Nickelodeon, commented: “The Bureau of Magical Things introduces a captivating fantasy world while promoting real world concepts like individuality, diversity and acceptance. We think kids everywhere will find something relatable in these characters’ journeys to finding their true selves, while learning to embrace and accept what makes them different.”

Jonathan M. Shiff, founder and executive producer, Jonathan M. Shiff Productions, commented: “We are thrilled to see The Bureau of Magical Things so strongly supported by Nickelodeon who will introduce it to a global audience. It’s a real delight to bring children all over the world into a story full of surprise and adventure brought to life by an extraordinary cast of magical heroes.”

Spielwarenmesse Toys meet Books zone to be expanded

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The special area now includes a presentation zone, and will be also be appearing at the Frankfurt Book Fair for the first time. 

The special area Toys meet Books celebrated its debut at the Spielwarenmesse this year. The concept, which was created with the aim of opening the world of toys to booksellers, was a resounding success, prompting a sharp 41% jump in the number of book retailers compared to the year before. At the next event, which takes place in Nuremberg from 30th January – 3rd February 2019, the content is being expanded and the partnerships extended.

Situated in a high-exposure location at Entrance Mitte, manufacturers show non-book articles that lend themselves to the book trade. Christian Ulrich, marketing director Spielwarenmesse eG, commented: “We’re introducing some new ideas to target booksellers more effectively. We’re paving the way for relevant ranges whilst providing valuable knowledge to assist this retail group in the daily running of their stores.”

The Special Area is being extended to more than 200m² as it enters its second year. Attractively designed product and theme worlds give trade buyers plenty of inspiration on presenting selected toys at the point of sale. Rather than focusing on German-speaking booksellers, Toys meet Books has widened its scope to the international market. As a result, Friday and Saturday’s talks will be interpreted into German or English, and the subsequent speed-dating feature gives visitors the opportunity to speak to the experts in person.

The Spielwarenmesse is also stepping up its cooperation with the Frankfurt Book Fair, with the two fairs now preparing to stage exchanges at both events. The Spielwarenmesse will appear alongside this year’s ToyAward winners at the book fair’s Frankfurt Kids Foyer 5.1/6.1 from 10th-14th October, and Verena Urbschat, senior visitor marketing manager at Spielwarenmesse, is holding a presentation in English on toy trends in the same location, 2pm on Wednesday 10th October.

Snapchat to let users search for products on Amazon

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Visual Search was reported earlier this year as Snapchat’s new method of differentiating itself from competitors.

As reported by Sky News, Snapchat is about to let users search for items on Amazon using their smartphone’s camera and the app to identify products.

A potential affiliate deal with Amazon could see the company generate significant revenues if consumers decide to purchase the products that the tool is suggesting.

It isn’t yet clear how effective the Snapchat camera will be at identifying physical products, but it could offer Snap an opportunity to integrate other forms of image-based searches into its app.

“Beginning this week, we’re testing a new way to search for products on Amazon right from the Snapchat camera,” the company announced. “We’ll be rolling it out slowly, but we wanted to announce it to everyone at the same time,” it added.

Users just point the camera at an item or bar-code which will prompt the app to present them with an Amazon card with a link for that product or similar ones.

It was unclear if the tool was something Snap built in-house or has borrowed from Amazon, but the potential revenue-gain will be important for the company as its user base shrinks and cash losses grow.

However, the announcement could potentially cause consternation among retailers who are already facing challenges on the high street. With shoppers able to browse products in-store before searching for them cheaper online, Snapchat’s move into the retail space could spell trouble for some.

Hasbro announces Family Game Night for Nintendo Switch

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Video game company Ubisoft has created a Hasbro game compilation for the system.

Hasbro Family Game Night is set to make its debut on the Nintendo Switch starting on 30th October, featuring three games in one convenient package.

Monopoly For Nintendo Switch was previously released, but is also available as part of this compilation. It’s an accurate recreation of the classic board game, built for multiple players as they attempt to take over properties and make themselves millionaires without going to jail.

Two more games will be making their debut on the eShop on 30th October, and will automatically be included in the Hasbro Family Game Night package.

The first is Risk: The Game of Global Domination, based on the board game of the same name. In it, players guide armies to take over their enemies, using a number of strategies to get the job done.

The second is Trivial Pursuit Live!, a variation of the classic trivia game rebuilt like a quiz show. Up to four players can compete in answering questions, earning ‘pies’ as they go and attempting to clear the board in the hopes of landing a first place victory. This game features over 1,800 up-to-date questions, including 650 kid-friendly ones.

The games are modified to work in both big-screen and handheld mode, so players can enjoy the games wherever they like.

Retailers launch money saving initiatives for early-bird Christmas shoppers

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Smyths is offering shoppers the chance to save £10 on every £50 they spend, while Argos has launched a 3 for 2 deal. 

In-store shoppers at Smyths Toys Superstores can now receive £10 off every £50 they spend.

This offer, which excludes video games & consoles, as well as in-store home delivery, is running until Sunday 30th September in all Smyths Toys Superstores across the UK.

Meanwhile, Argos has launched a 3 for 2 toys sale across thousands of toys. The deal starts today and runs until Tuesday 2nd October.

The deal includes big-name brands, such as L.O.L. Surprise!, Lego and Paw Patrol.

All shoppers have to do to take part in the deal is mix and match three of their favourites from a huge range of toys, and they will receive the cheapest item free.

Argos’ 3 for 2 offer on toys extends across thousands of products.

Argos is also offering two toys for £15 at the same time, but customers won’t be able to stack the deals as they can only use one offer at a time.

BLE announces finalists of License This! competition

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Three finalists have been chosen in both the Character & Animation category and the Brand & Design category.

Brand Licensing Europe has announced six finalists for this year’s License This! competition following a record number of entries and an intense judging day last Friday in London.

For the first time in the competition’s 10-year history, there are two award categories: Character & Animation and Brand & Design. The final will take place in the BLE Brands & Lifestyle Theatre at 12:30 pm on Thursday 11th October.

Character & Animation category finalists

Gail Grisham – Gail Grisham is a vintage doll that posts regularly on social media about family life. Her observational comedy truths are relatable and funny, particularly to mothers.

Oddcats – Oddcats is a pre-school property from Zara Picken; a mob of mischievous creatures with a taste for adventure and socks. Cute and colourful, the Oddcats borrow odd socks to help them along on their globetrotting travels.

The Real Monster Show – Hailing from Argentina, the Real Monster Show is a world full of colourful monsters targeting 6-11 year olds with an anti-bullying and diversity message.

Brand & Design category finalists

Animals – Sarah Burman’s colourful and characterful animal designs have a unique patchwork texture, strong colours and a hint of retro.

Blubz -Blubz are funny, heartwarming blobs of fun illustrating great copy from Drew Bristow.

Pabuku – Vintage inspired imagery with a contemporary twist, Pabuku’s designs are high end and refreshingly unique.

This year’s two License This! winners will receive a free exhibition stand at BLE 2019, one year’s LIMA membership, PR support and advice from a panel of industry experts. For the first time, all finalists will receive legal consultation from competition sponsor Wynn-Jones. Previous entrants have also signed lucrative agent and licensing deals off the back of the competition.

LIMA UK managing director and License This! chair Kelvyn Gardner commented: “This year, we had the most entries we’ve ever had for License This!, which is testament to the growing appeal and importance of the competition. We were especially impressed by the diversity of the 2018 submissions and the clear depth of thought that the entrants had put in to their applications – we’re sure our shortlist will provide a compelling spectacle for the final at BLE next month.”

Toymaster releases new autumn/winter catalogue

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This year’s catalogue features 36 pages of toys, games, puzzles and STEM products to browse for Christmas. 

Toymaster, the independent toy buying group, has released its 2018 autumn/winter catalogue. Brimming with ideas for the festive season, this comprehensive catalogue features all the biggest and best toys and kids’ products for this Christmas, including best-selling board games, licensed toys and figures, collectibles, plush, remote control toys and much more.

Those reading online can click on a product to be taken to the Toymaster website, where they can view the toy in more detail and find their nearest stockist. And for those who prefer the more traditional print version, there’s a handy area on the back cover for jotting notes.

To read this year’s autumn/winter Toymaster catalogue, click here.

BlogOn Toy Awards winners announced

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Over 200 entries were received, and each one was judged by bloggers from all over the UK.

The Kids@Play Harry Potter Real Talking Sorting Hat won the Blogger’s Choice Award at this year’s event.

The BlogOn Toys Christmas Event, which took place on 16th September at Hotel Football in Manchester, saw the voting and winners announced of the 2nd BlogOn Toy Awards.

The BlogOn Toy Awards are made up of 15 categories, plus a Blogger’s Choice Award which is given to the toy with the most votes overall.

Laura Seaton, BlogOn founder, commented: “We have been amazed by the huge number of entries and want to say a big thank you to all the toy companies who took part. Our attendees thoroughly enjoyed the judging process and selecting their favourites and in turn make the definitive list of top toys for Christmas 2018 as chosen by parent bloggers/influencers. We can now say without doubt that following another successful Toy Awards it will certainly return next year.”

Laura added: “Our first dedicated event for toys has been a real success, and we hope it will now become a must-attend event for both bloggers and toy brands.”

The winners are as follows:

Adult

1st: Scrawl – Big Potato Games
2nd: Gutterhead – Gutterhead games
3rd: Sh*t Happens – Cheatwell Games

Baby/toddler toys

1st: Kullerbü – Play Track City Stroll – Haba
2nd: Baby Unicorn – Clementoni
3rd: Playmobil 9118 1.2.3 Pirate Ship – Playmobil

Collectibles

1st: Hatchimals Colleggtibles Season 3 – Spin Master
2nd: Untamed T-Rex – Wow Wee
3rd: Icon Lights – Paladone

Construction toys

1st: GraviTrax Starter Set – Ravensburger
2nd: Engino STEM Heroes Greenhouse Set – Re:creation
3rd: Geomag Confetti – 88 pieces – Geomag

Creative

1st: Kinetic Sand Beach Sand Kingdom – Spin Master
2nd: Paint Sticks – Little Brian
3rd: Kumi Kreator – Spin Master

Educational toys

1st: 2 in 1 Globe Earth & Constellations – Brainstorm
2nd: Tobbie the Self-Guiding AI Robot – MenKind
3rd: Pepper Mint: Great Treehouse Adventure – Thames & Kosmos

Family games

1st: Colourbrain – Big Potato Games
2nd: What a Performance! – Orchard Toys
3rd: Kersplatt! – Paul Lamond

Imagination toys

1st: Playmobil 9060 Aquarium – Playmobil
2nd: Fairy Light Garden – Interplay
3rd: Dream Tents – Re:creation

Interactive/tech toys

1st: Clementoni Science Museum Robomaker – Clementoni
2nd: Smart Globe Adventure AR – Oregon Scientific
Joint 3rd: Boxer – Spin Master
Joint 3rd: Robo Alive Dino – Zuru

Licensed toys

1st: Harry Potter Real Talking Sorting Hat – Kids@Play
2nd: Children’s Range Rover Evoque Ride On Car Toy – ToyStar
3rd: Playmobil 9225 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup – Playmobil

Outdoor toys

1st: Light up unicorn scooter – H Grossman
2nd: Tonka Steel Mighty Dump Truck – Funrise
Joint 3rd: Colour In Skateboard – Wilton Bradley
Joint 3rd: Discovery Young Explorer Kit – Trends UK

Plush/dolls

1st: Fingerlings Hugs – Wow Wee
2nd: Talking Peter Rabbit Movie Soft Toy – Rainbow Designs
3rd: Fuggler – Spin Master

Puzzles

1st: World Map – Orchard Toys
2nd: Addict a Ball – Brainstorm
3rd: Escape Room – Paladone

RC toys

1st: Hexbug Robot Wars Arena – Hexbug
2nd: Teksta 360 – Character Online
3rd: Air Hogs Thunder Trax – Spin Master

Wooden toys

1st: Brio Smart Tech Engine Set with Action Tunnels – Brio
2nd: Little Friends collection – Haba
3rd: Designafriend Boutique Playset – DesignaFriend

Blogger’s Choice Award – Harry Potter Real Talking Sorting Hat – Kids@Play