September Spotlight on Toy Association Members
September 14, 2018 | This month’s Toy Association member spotlight features Hasbro, Jazwares, LEGO Group, Mattel, and Wicked Cool Toys.
Hasbro Introduces Fortnite-Licensed Monopoly and Nerf Blasters
Hasbro, Inc. has partnered with Epic Games to introduce a range of Fortnite™-inspired play experiences, including a line of officially licensed Nerf Fortnite blasters and a Monopoly Fortnite edition game, available this fall. Hasbro plans to launch additional Fortnite licensed games, role play, Nerf blasters, and accessories in 2019.
Jazwares Appointed Global Master Toy Partner for Angry Birds
Jazwares has been named as global master toy partner by Rovio Entertainment Corp. The multi-year collaboration will deliver a range of toys to fans around the world in support of Rovio's upcoming entertainment ventures, including the planned September 2019 release of The Angry Birds Movie 2. The new, action-packed Angry Birds toy line will include splat balls, blind bags, figures, playsets, and plush by Russtm that fans, gamers, and collectors can enjoy.
LEGO Launches Coding Express to Teach Preschoolers Coding and STEAM Concepts
LEGO Education, a subsidiary of LEGO Group, launched Coding Express, a LEGO® DUPLO® brick train set that comes to life when children use the five new action bricks. The train set teaches foundational coding and transferrable skills, including collaboration and problem solving, to young learners through activities by introducing concepts like sequencing, looping, and more. The Coding Express set, available in the U.S. in October, is designed to be used for up to six children at a time and includes a teacher guide.
Mattel’s Thomas & Friends Unveils Collaboration with the United Nations
Mattel Inc. debuted a brand-new season of Thomas & Friends™ which includes a new alliance with the United Nations to promote the organization’s SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) as part of a strategic relaunch for the brand. The collaboration aims to introduce preschoolers around the world to the concept of global citizenship. The new Thomas & Friends content will include six of the 17 SDGs that were most appropriate for a preschool audience and fitting to the brand’s values. The show will also have a more contemporary feel, a brand-new theme tune, and a refreshed Steam Team ensuring gender equality across the show. Parents will have access to tips, activity sheets, and short-form content through a new microsite, AllAboardForGlobalGoals.com.
Wicked Cool Toys Celebrates Cabbage Patch Kids’ 35th Birthday
Wicked Cool Toys and Original Appalachian Artworks celebrated the Cabbage Patch Kids’ 35th birthday on September 8 at BabyLand General in Cleveland, GA. The free event offered free activities for children as well as cupcakes and ice cream. One lucky family went home with a one-of-a-kind soft sculpture Little Person signed by Xavier Roberts.
Want to be considered for next month’s Member Spotlight? Email lchartorynsky@toyassociation.org with company news.