On the anniversary of the change of ownership, the team has confirmed that it has set an all-time record for its company turnover.

Kids@Play has undergone a major transformation in the last 12 months which has seen a new personnel structure, the introduction of new ranges, a major warehouse overhaul, and the onboarding of nearly 100 customers.

Nathaniel Southworth, managing director, commented: “It has been an epic first year and I cannot thank everyone enough for their support and encouragement. We have assembled a great team and we are working very hard to broaden our ranges to support a vibrant year-round toy business. We remain extremely grateful to all the customers who weren’t afraid to give us a go in 2018, and we look forward to building on this success. We have a fantastic line up of product for 2019 with new introductions that work for both national and independent retailers. We kick start 2019 with our company rebranded and more exciting product news to come, but until then we wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.”

Kids@Play will be showing at:
3rd – 10th January 2019 – Hong Kong, Room 616, Houston Centre, 63 Mody Road
22nd – 24th January 2019 – London Toy Fair, Olympia, Gallery 180
3rd – 7th February – Spring Fair, Birmingham NEC, Hall 5 Stand L55

For all appointments and enquires please contact the team via info@kaptoys.com or by calling 01291 429007.

Company is promoting its award-winning BrainBox range through a series of fast paced in-store demonstrations.

Inspired by recent Ofcom research findings, which revealed that the average person in the UK checks their smart phone every 12 minutes, Green Board Games has taken BrainBox on a ‘Digital Detox’ tour to encourage families to unplug and enjoy a traditional-style game.

John Lewis & Partners shoppers were put to the test with oversized BrainBox cards, timers and dice. Generations of grandparents, parents and children went head-to-head to outwit each other using memory and observational skills, with each battling to be crowned the official BrainBox of the family.

Georgina Dobie, marketing manager at Green Board Games, added: “Designing games that facilitate inclusive play and learning is at the heart of what we do. We were thrilled be able to demonstrate how easy it is for both adults and children alike to get involved and play a game, even with only 10 minutes to spare at a time when technology seems to be overtaking our everyday lives. The week-long tour was a fun way to introduce the portfolio of BrainBox games to shoppers looking for something different. It was also a great way to reinforce our values by bringing people together through play.”

The Green Board Game Company has a variety of marketing support packages available, from point of sale materials to a multitude of demonstration ideas for retailers of all sizes. The company also presents monthly retailer awards to support the independent channel.

To find out more, contact the GBG sales team on sales@greenboardgames.com or call 01494 538999.

A host of celebrity parents have helped debut Mattel’s brand new interactive toy.

Singer and TV Personality Peter Andre, singer Una Healy, CBB Winner Ryan Thomas, I’m a Celeb Star Becky Vardy and CBB and The Apprentice star Luisa Zissman have been debuting Mattel’s hot new toy Lil’ Gleemerz exclusively before Christmas.

With rainbow coloured light-up fluffy tails that respond to touch and sound, the interactive Lil’ Gleemerz feature over 100 reactions for children to discover, and three ways to play. In hangout mode, kids can pet and pinch the Lil’ Gleemerz for purrs, growls, jokes, funny phrases and more. In light party mode, clapping or playing music will cause the Lil’ Gleemerz to flash their eyes and tails to the beat for a dazzling light show. In game mode, kids can play three different games (Catch the Kiss, Tail Tennis, and Stop the Spot), with travelling lights in the Lil’ Gleemerz glowing tails adding to the fun.

Lil’ Gleemerz are available in a variety of bright colours, with four to collect. Cheat Codes will be dropped throughout the year so kids can unlock even more reactions.

In addition to the celebrity endorsement, marketing support will include an extensive TV campaign launching on Boxing Day, plus kid influencer content and digital activations that will follow in the new year.

After its high profile launch this month, Character Options is already planning stage two of its marketing.

Golden Beanstalks are scheduled to take root in UK retailers during February half term.

Mighty Beanz launched in early December and kids can collect the bean shaped characters that can be flipped, rolled, raced and battled. TV, kids press and digital activity marked the launch and will continue throughout spring. Character is now adding to its marketing plan with experiential retail activity.

Blind bag laden sampling kits will be distributed through 150 stores in February, but the pinnacle of the activity will be 60 Golden Beanstalks packed full of Mighty Beanz Golden Slam Packs appearing at stores during the half term break.

Brand manager Kathryn Ludlam, commented: “Where the Golden Beanstalks will grow is a closely guarded secret. But on the day they sprout we will ensure that fans will be the first to know with a live online map detailing where they are available. The Golden Slam Packs will be highly collectible and we expect there to be a rush for kids to get their hands on them.”

Golden Beanstalk locations will be announced to fans on a dedicated webpage on launch day and will be seeded through digital and influencer activity. TV, print and covermounts will all coincide with the campaign ensuring heightened consumer awareness throughout the spring.

For more information about Mighty Beanz and other collectible brands from Character Options call 0161 633 9800.

Since the brand’s launch, Zuru X-Shot has experienced huge success and growth.

Latest figures (as at end 2018) show that the X-Shot brand has grown globally by 66% YOY, with Zuru reporting that it produced 35m blasters for the whole of the year and 3.4m darts produced daily throughout 2018. In addition to the huge upturn of growth, the innovative X-Shot Flying Bugs was also nominated for Toy of The year, reflecting the popularity of the range and its product lines.

Available in the UK from spring 2019, the X-Shot Fast Fill is set to revolutionise the water blaster category. Due to its speed and ease of use, consumers are offered maximum performance. With a fill-time of just one second, children can refill their blasters incredibly fast increasing valuable play time by getting back to the water-blasting action long before their opponents.

The blaster has been designed to be filled anywhere and is equipped with a superior Rapid-Seal Technology that closes the blaster tank instantly. The tank holds up to 700ml of water and the blasting power reaches distances of up to 10 metres.

Erika Sava, communication manager from Zuru, commented: “We are so excited to be launching the Zuru X-Shot Fast Fill in 2019. We are always looking to create innovative and impactful products and we believe that the Fast Fill can transform the water blaster category due to its incredible speed and ease-of-use. The product is already available in the Southern Hemisphere where it is proving a phenomenal success. The outdoor toys sector is a major category for us, and we will continue to develop and grow this along with the X-Shot brand.”

The blaster will be available from March 2019 with the launch supported by a robust PR and marketing campaign, including a global television commercial, as well as engaging social media content across all channels.

For UK sales enquiries, please contact Geemac: +44(0)1604 401 719 / sales@geemac.biz.

Range includes action figures, role-play items and more, inspired by the upcoming Captain Marvel movie set for release in March.

Products will include the Captain Marvel Movie Cosmic Doll. This 11.5″ scale figure includes accessories, rooted hair, and two superpower-inspired blast accessories. Poseable, and featuring five points of articulation, the figure can be put in dynamic poses, ready for action.

Also available is the Captain Marvel Movie Photon Power Fx Glove. Children can press the star button to activate effects and imagine blasting down villains.

Companion Goose the Cat is available with the 11.5-inch scale Captain Marvel Doll And Marvel’s Goose accessory.

Also available in the range are the Marvel Legends Figures. The 6″ Legends range includes the Captain Marvel Figure, the Captain Marvel in Bomber Jacket Figure, the Talos Figure, the Nick Fury Figure and the Star Force Commander Figure.