December Member Spotlight
December 6, 2019 | Check out The Toy Association’s “Member Spotlight” for the month of December, including updates from LEGO, Magformers, MGA Entertainment, Spin Master, and more.
2019 CHITAG TAGIE Awards Winners Revealed
The winners of Chicago Toy & Game Week (CHITAG)’s 12th annual TAGIE Awards were announced on November 22 during The Power of Magic gala held at the Navy Pier Grand Ballroom in Chicago.
Richard Dickson, president & COO of Mattel, gave the keynote address and industry icon Ivan Moscovich was honored with the Lifetime Achievement. Karri Bean, senior licensing manager at Disney Parks Experiences & Products, hosted the evening. Click here for the full list of winners.
Hot Wheels Helps Debut New 2021 Jaguar F-Type
Mattel’s Hot Wheels debuted its own die-cast vehicle alongside the unveiling of the new 2021 Jaguar F-TYPE. This marks the first time in Hot Wheels history a 1:64-scale die-cast version of a car was released concurrently with an actual vehicle.
LEGO Acquires BrickLink
The LEGO Group acquired BrickLink, the world’s largest online community of adult LEGO fans from NXMH. The BrickLink platform has more than one million members and comprises an online marketplace of more than 10,000 stores from 70 countries; a digital building software where builders can design and showcase their creations; and an online community where fans share ideas and build.
Magformers Gives Back This Holiday with Toys for Tots
Magformers kicked off its holiday partnership with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program by donating more than $25,000 worth of toys through a buy one give one program available now on Magformers.com. The partnership runs until December 31.
MGA Entertainment Unboxes New Surprise
MGA Entertainment unveiled its new line of collectibles, Na! Na! Na! Surprise. At launch, the line features an assortment of six characters, animal poms, and fashions. Characters include Minna Moody, DJ Cuddles, Britney Sparkles, Sarah Snuggles, Aubrey Heart, and Roxie Foxy. To unbox, pop multiple balloons to reveal a collectible clip-on pom, with a soft fashion doll inside. Pop another balloon to unbox a confetti surprise and another to unbox an outfit and shoes.
Mojo Nation Announces Dates for Play Creators Festival 2020
Mojo Nation’s Play Creators Festival 2020 will take place September 7 to 9 at London’s Stamford Bridge. The three-day event will feature conferences, pitching sessions, awards, and networking opportunities for members of the toys and games community.
Shopkins Real Littles Sell Out for Holiday
With the current wave of Shopkins Real Littles, which feature miniatures of iconic brands with a matching Shopkin inside, sold out for holiday, the next wave will hit shelves in January 2020. The new series will feature tiny versions of new brands – including Popsicle, Good Humor, Klondike, Breyers ice cream, Marie Callender’s pie, Morningstar Farms foods, and more – and a new water-based unboxing experience.
Spin Master Buys Orbeez from Maya Toys
Spin Master has acquired the Orbeez brand and other select brands from Maya Toys. The acquisition marks Spin Master's 21st acquisition since the company was founded in 1994 and the 11th since its initial public offering in 2015.
Toys"R"Us Marks Comeback with New Stores
Toys“R”Us (TRU) opened the doors to its second new U.S. retail store at The Galleria, a Simon Mall in Houston, Texas, on Saturday, December 7. The new store features expertly curated toys and branded product across a smaller, yet more experiential retail format.
The first new TRU store opened ahead of the critical Thanksgiving shopping weekend, in Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus, New Jersey, on November 27.