09/27/2012 | The Strong Announces National Toy Hall of Fame Finalists
After reviewing thousands of nominations submitted this year by toy lovers of all ages, The Strong in Rochester, New York, has announced the 12 nominees for induction into the National Toy Hall of Fame. Two finalists will be inducted into the prestigious hall on Thursday, November 15th.
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09/27/2012 | Don’t Forget: Nominate Toys, Games and Properties through Oct. 12 for TOTY 2013
The Toy Industry Association (TIA) is reminding toy industry stakeholders to nominate their most creative, innovative and excellent toys, games and properties for the 2013 Toy of the Year Awards! Submissions must be received by COB on Friday, October 12th.
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08/30/2012 | Licensed Toys: A Growing Phenomenon with Year-Round Appeal
Character licenses based on blockbuster movies have the ability to propel products to stratospheric success, creating memories that last a lifetime for millions of fans. Recent sales for licensed toys reflect this growing phenomenon: in 2011, licensed toys and games were up 2% over 2010 and for the first half of 2012 those numbers have climbed further to 27% of total toy sales.
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08/28/2012 | TIA PR Team Begins Trend Tracking at Fall Toy Preview
The Toy Industry Association (TIA) communications team is reminding all Fall Toy Preview exhibitors to maximize product exposure by booking preview appointments with TIA trend spotters at Fall Toy Preview, taking place October 2-4, 2012 at the Dallas Market Center in Dallas, TX.
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08/21/2012 | Record-Breaking Number of Toy Companies to Showcase Products at Fall Toy Preview
The Toy Industry Association (TIA) reported today that it is expecting a record-breaking number of exhibitors at this year’s Fall Toy Preview (Oct 2-4, 2012), with more than 300 toy companies already registered to preview product – marking a year-to-date increase of 34%.
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08/13/2012 | Holiday 2012 Trend Spotting: Save ‘n’ Splurge
Trends identified by Toy Industry Association (TIA) experts at the 109th American International Toy Fair are piping hot this summer and expected to sizzle well into the 2012 holiday shopping season.
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08/06/2012 | Toys Transform Toddlers into “Little Learners”
Back-to-school season is just around the corner for millions of kids across the country … but there’s no need for younger siblings who are not yet in school to feel out of the learning loop. Thanks to toy innovation in the infant and pre-school categories, there are tons of great new playthings on the market that build cognitive and developmental skills at a young age.
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05/11/2012 | U.S. Celebrates Older Americans Month; May 2012 Theme is “Never Too Old to Play”
In celebration of May as Older Americans Month, people of all ages across the nation will come together to honor the unique impact and influence of the elderly on their local communities. This year’s theme – “Never Too Old to Play” – will help celebrate the accomplishments of older Americans and encourage them to find even more ways to stay engaged, active and involved in their own lives and in their communities.
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04/10/2012 | PERSPECTIVES: A Conversation with Claire Green and Wendy Smolen, Co-Founders of Sandbox Summit
In 2008, Claire Green and Wendy Smolen launched Sandbox Summit – a series of conferences designed to address how technology affects the ways kids play, learn and connect. This year’s conference, Going Mobile, Going Global: Tracking the Anywhere/Everywhere State of Play, will take place April 17-18, 2012 at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) (registration for the Summit is now open.) Toy News Tuesday editors spoke with Claire and Wendy to gain some insight into how the mobile revolution has impacted the “tools” and “rules” of play.
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03/27/2012 | PERSPECTIVES: A Conversation with Warren Buckleitner, Children’s Technology Expert
Toy News Tuesday editors recently sat down with Warren Buckleitner, New York Times children’s technology reviewer, to get his opinion on the future of technology, toys and play.
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02/27/2012 | Sandbox Summit@MIT Tackles Mobile Revolution & Play; Discounted Hotel Rates Available through March 12
Educators, toy and game designers, developers, child psychologists, digital media producers, analysts and more will come together to present discussions and lead workshops at the 2012 Sandbox Summit, Going Mobile, Going Global: Tracking the Anywhere/Everywhere State of Play, held at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) from April 17-18, 2012.
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02/21/2012 | American International Toy Fair – Largest Toy Trade Show in Western Hemisphere – Grows in 2012
The 109th American International Toy Fair opened its doors to colossal crowds last week as nearly 27,000 industry professionals from more than 100 countries converged in New York City to scout 100,000+ fun and innovative products at the largest and most successful U.S.-hosted toy trade show to be held in recent years.
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02/21/2012 | TIA Seeks Member Products for ToyInfo.org Trend Videos & More
The Toy Industry Association (TIA) is always looking for hot new products and information for ToyInfo.org videos and articles, TIA’s Facebook and Twitter pages, broadcast segments, and more.
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02/21/2012 | 8th Annual Wonder Women of Toys, Licensing and Entertainment Awards Honor Achievements of Women
Female executives and entrepreneurs who made an impact in the toy, media/entertainment and licensing industries in 2011 were honored at the 8th Annual Wonder Women of Toys, Licensing and Entertainment Awards Dinner held February 12th, 2012 at The Light House at Pier 60 in New York City.
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02/13/2012 | 2012 Toy Trends Unveiled by Industry Experts at American International Toy Fair
A slate of hot new toy trends for 2012 that keep pace with advancements in the tech world, mirror societal trends and aim to produce well-rounded, lifelong learners was unveiled today by the Toy Industry Association (TIA) at its 109th American International Toy Fair.
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02/12/2012 | Play is Happening in New York City as the 109th American International Toy Fair Opens its Doors to 34,000 Global Visitors
More than 34,000 toy lovers from all corners of the globe are expected to swarm New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, where the 109th American International Toy Fair opened its doors this morning to an unprecedented surge of international registrants from a staggering 110 countries.
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02/11/2012 | Top Toys and Games of the Year Unveiled at “OSCARS®” of the Toy Industry
More than five hundred toy industry executives and guests from around the globe gathered in New York City tonight to honor their peers at the 12th annual Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards and Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
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02/01/2012 | MEDIA ALERT: Exclusive Access to the Hottest Toys for 2012 at Largest Toy Trade Show in Western Hemisphere
Looking for the toy story of the year? From tech toys geared to “Generation App” … to innovative toys influenced by pop culture … and classic playthings that foster learning, creativity, active bodies and more, the 109th American International Toy Fair (www.ToyFairNY.com) has it all.
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12/20/2011 | “Toy of the Year” Nominated Games Bring Families Together over the Holidays
The holidays are all about family bonding – and what better way to connect than through play? Games that are exciting for all ages and help bridge the gap between generations are an excellent way for kids, parents and grandparents to build new memories and have fun.
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12/19/2011 | Tickets for TOTY 2012 on Sale; Sponsorship Opportunities Include Benefit to TIF
Tickets are still on sale for the 12th Annual Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards – also known as the “Oscars” of the toy industry and the “it” gathering of the year for industry professionals.
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11/21/2011 | Toy Industry Unveils Nominees for 2012 Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards; Announces Inductees into Toy Industry Hall of Fame
Giving families an exciting first-look at the most coveted toys and games of the year, 77 finalists for the 2012 Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards were unveiled by the Toy Industry Association (TIA) today in New York City. Toy lovers of all ages who visit ToyAwards.org now through January 15, 2012, can vote for their favorite toys and register to win fantastic prize packages.
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10/19/2011 | TIA Shares Toy Safety and Trend Tips for the Holidays at NYC Blogger Event
The Toy Industry Association (TIA) participated in a New York City blogger event hosted by MomTrends on October 18th. During the “Glamorous Entertaining” evening, about 30 bloggers received tips on throwing dinner parties in “style,” as well as information from TIA experts about toy safety and trends for the upcoming holiday shopping season.
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10/07/2011 | NRF Reports “BOOming” Halloween Sales
Halloween consumer spending this October is forecasted to be the highest that it has been in the past 10 years with product spending expected to reach $6.8 billion, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF).
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09/13/2011 | Trend Tracking for Toy Fair 2012 Begins at Fall Toy Preview – Appointment Bookings Now Open
The Toy Industry Association (TIA) public relations team is reminding all Fall Toy Preview exhibitor PR and media contacts to maximize product exposure by booking preview appointments with TIA trend spotters at Fall Toy Preview, taking place October 4-6, 2011 at the Dallas Market Center in Dallas, TX.
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09/13/2011 | The Strong Announces 12 Toy Finalists for National Toy Hall of Fame
The final nominees selected for potential induction into the National Toy Hall of Fame were announced by The Strong in Rochester, NY today. The final 2011 toy inductees, determined by a national committee, will be announced on November 10, 2011.
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08/23/2011 | “Got Toy Cars?” … Auto-Related Toys and Games Needed for Unique Promotional Opportunity
TIA members and Toy Fair exhibitors are reminded of a promotional opportunity to feature car-related toys and games in a free exhibit targeted for attendees (including retail buyers) of the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo. Product nominations are due by August 31st, 2011. Other than the cost of the product and shipping, there is no additional fee to participate.
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08/23/2011 | Hot Toy Trends Discovered at Toy Fair ’11 Continue to Sizzle All Year Long
The 108th American International Toy Fair may have closed its doors six months ago, but the hot toy trends identified by Toy Industry Association (TIA) experts at the show have been sizzling all summer long – and are expected to hold strong well into the 2011 holiday shopping season.
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08/08/2011 | Toys and Games Build Skills as Kids Head Back-to-School
The long, lazy days of summer are coming to an end and that can only mean one thing for kids and parents – it’s time to gear up for the new school year! Getting back into classroom-mode will be easy with the assistance of a fun crop of educational toys and games that span every subject, enhance creativity and sharpen memory, retention and strategic thinking skills.
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07/26/2011 | TIA to Organize “Where the Love Affairs Begins” Display at AAPEX 2011
Recognizing the tie-in between a favorite childhood toy or game and adult enthusiasm for a hobby or vocation, the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association has invited the TIA to develop a display of automotive toys for this year’s Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo. The exhibit will take expo attendees on a stroll down memory lane while showcasing today’s hottest car-related innovations in toys. TIA members are invited to submit appropriate toys and games for consideration – as well as archival advertisements (both print and broadcast) – in the exhibit.
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07/21/2011 | TIA Seeks Member Products, Photos and Promo Materials for ToyInfo.org and More
The Toy Industry Association (TIA) is always looking for hot new products and trends, interesting industry news and photos, and press materials and information for ToyInfo.org videos and articles, TIA’s Facebook and Twitter pages, broadcast segments, and more.
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06/30/2011 | Independence Day: Patriotic Toys Teach Kids about their Country
July 4th isn’t just about cookouts and fireworks – it’s also the perfect opportunity for families to come together to enjoy toys, games and puzzles that teach children about American history, past presidents, geography and iconic landmarks.
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06/06/2011 | Toy Variety Encourages Kids to Be Active: Study
One of the perks of summer is that kids across the country will take to their neighborhood streets, parks and backyards to enjoy a season filled with physical, outdoor play. And children who have more play options to choose from are bound to be the most active and burn the most calories, according to a recent study reported by HealthCanal.com.
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06/06/2011 | Kids Become Superheroes with Blockbuster-Inspired Toys
From Green Lantern to Captain America, action-packed blockbusters are lighting up big screens across the country this summer and toy companies are rolling out a batch of products that tie-in to this season’s kid-friendly flicks.
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06/02/2011 | President Obama Names Director of Walt Disney Co. John E. Bryson as Commerce Secretary
John E. Bryson, a member of the board of directors at Walt Disney Company since 2000 and senior advisor to private equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co, was nominated by President Obama on May 31 as Commerce Secretary.
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05/13/2011 | Spring and Summer Toys and Games Inspire the Imaginations of Young Artists
While the park, pool or Pacific are sure to beckon kids of all ages during the warmer spring and summer months, toy and game makers have tapped into some creative ways for kids to have fun while keeping both minds and bodies engaged and active across the seasons.
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05/03/2011 | 2011 Sandbox Summit Buzzes with Creativity and Ideas
Toy designers and developers, scholars and educators, authors and entrepreneurs, technology gurus and innovators of all kinds came together at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) on April 28th and 29th for the 2011 Sandbox Summit … Game Changers: People, Products and Policies That Empower 21st Century Kids. Conference participants were buzzing – both at the conference and on Twitter.
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04/19/2011 | Consumer Insights Summit at PlayCon to Deliver Experts’ Research on the Value of Toys and Play
The Consumer Insights Summit at PlayCon 2011 will explore the myriad ways that 21st century children, adults and families view and value toys, play, brands and trends. Research presentations – given by three key players in the industry – will impart invaluable information tailored specifically to PlayCon’s audience of youth- and play-focused professionals attending the May 4-6, 2011 conference at the Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch in Scottsdale, Arizona.
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04/18/2011 | Sandbox Summit 2011 Focuses on Game Changers That Will Empower 21st Century Kids
Toy industry stakeholders are encouraged to meet with designers and developers, scholars and educators, authors and entrepreneurs, technology gurus and innovators of all kinds later this month as the 2011 Sandbox Summit, Game Changers: People, Products and Policies That Empower 21st Century Kids, convenes at MIT (Cambridge, MA) on April 28-29 to explore how innovations are inspiring new ways for children to play and how that evolution is challenging, engaging and empowering today’s youth to become leading “players” in the 21st century.
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04/05/2011 | Toy Industry Association Suggests “Mini” Toys and Games as Egg-Cellent Additions to Easter Baskets
For those Easter bunnies who want to balance the jelly beans and chocolates with a few alternatives in this year’s colorful holiday baskets, the Toy Industry Association (TIA) says the fantastic range of small toys and games now available on store shelves can extend the fun of springtime play to the entire family.
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02/15/2011 | 108th American International Toy Fair Welcomes Global Toy Industry to New York City
Welcoming the talent and innovation of the $75 billion global toy industry, the 108th American International Toy Fair opened its doors Sunday, February 13th for a four-day run in New York City. The largest toy tradeshow in the Western Hemisphere, Toy Fair 2011 has seen year-to-date increases in trade guests (+28%), overall attendance (+3%) and international buyers (+4%). As of press time, more than 9,500 buyers (2,200 of which are first-timers) and attendees from 91 countries had checked in to view the 100,000 products destined for toy shelves throughout the year and into the fourth quarter holiday shopping season.
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02/14/2011 | 2011 Toy Trends Reflect 21st Century Values and Desires
NEW YORK, February 14, 2011 – From toys that inspire kids to be “everyday heroes,” to miniature product lines at affordable prices, to “geek chic” games that make learning “cool,” Toy Industry Association (TIA) experts have identified the freshest toy trends for 2011, currently on display at the 108th American International Toy Fair and destined for store shelves between now and the 2011 holiday season.
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02/13/2011 | 108th American International Toy Fair Opens Today in New York City
Welcoming the talent and innovation of the $75 billion global toy industry, the 108th American International Toy Fair opened its doors today for a four-day run in New York City.
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02/12/2011 | Toy Industry Pays Tribute to the Best in Toys and Games at TOTY Awards Celebration
Hundreds of toy industry executives gathered to honor their peers tonight at the 11th Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards program and Hall of Fame induction ceremony. A Toy Industry Association, Inc. (TIA)-administered event in support of the Toy Industry Foundation, the gala served as the kick-off to the 108th American International Toy Fair. Held in The Allen Room at New York City’s Jazz at Lincoln Center, the evening paid tribute to the best in toys and children’s entertainment and the outstanding achievements made by individuals and companies.
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01/28/2011 | U.S. Toy Industry Grows 2% in 2010, Generating $21.87 Billion in Sales, Reports The NPD Group
U.S. retail sales of toys brought in $21.87 billion in 2010, compared to $21.46 billion in 2009, according to leading market research company The NPD Group. Significant increases in sales were seen in the Plush (18%), Building Sets (13%), Outdoor & Sports Toys (9%), Dolls (6%) and Infant/Preschool (6%) categories.
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12/14/2010 | Beating the Winter Blues with Games and Puzzles that Offer Innovative Play
The winter months are all about keeping warm and family bonding over hot chocolate on snowy weekend afternoons. But when cabin fever inevitably sets in, parents will ward off their children’s winter blues with fresh versions of classic games and revolutionary ways of play that are educational, inventive and exciting for the entire family.
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12/14/2010 | Product Submissions Invited for 2011 Videos and Stories on ToyInfo.org
TIA is always looking for new products and information to help map out emerging trends and for stories throughout the year. Association members interested in print, online or video exposure are encouraged to refer to the production schedule online and contact TIA with a product recommendation.
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11/22/2010 | Toy Industry Unveils Nominees for Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards; Launches ToyAwards.org Consumer Voting Website, and Announces Inductees into Toy Industry Hall of Fame
New York, NY | November 22, 2010 – New York City served as the backdrop today for the unveiling of 70 highly anticipated nominees for the 2011 Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards. Along with the announcement, the Toy Industry Association, Inc. (TIA) launched a new website, ToyAwards.org, that allows kids of all ages to vote for their favorite toys. Now through January 14, 2011, families can vote, download a Holiday Gift Guide, and register to win fantastic prizes.
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11/16/2010 | 10th Annual Dust or Magic Conference Highlights
A select group of children’s product technology experts gathered at the 10th annual Dust or Magic Conference from November 7-9 to discuss the relationship between digital trends and child development, and to evaluate the hundreds of children’s technology products launched in 2010. The Toy Industry Association (TIA) was represented at the event by toy trend expert Reyne Rice.
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11/02/2010 | Election 2010: Games and Puzzles Teach Kids about Civic Responsibility
Just because kids aren’t eligible to cast their votes in today’s midterm elections doesn’t mean that they can’t get a head start in learning about the electoral process, past presidents, and American geography. Several toymakers have created election-themed games and geographical puzzles … and parents wishing to introduce their children to complex, timely topics will gravitate toward these educational products found on many store shelves.
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09/23/2010 | Happy Birthday to a Few Toy Industry Classics
TIA joins with kids of all ages to celebrate the toys, games, dolls and plush classics; brands and companies; movies, books and television shows; iconic characters and other industry-notables that have celebrated a significant anniversary in the past year. A special Anniversary Slideshow, launched today in conjunction with the Toy Industry Foundation’s “Birthday Bids” online charity auction, provides the inspiration for a walk down memory lane and an opportunity to reminisce about childhood favorites.
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08/31/2010 | “Aspirational” Toys Teach Kids about the Impact of their Choices
“Aspirational” toys are a new category of products that empower kids by encouraging them to think and play in ways that positively influence their emotional and intellectual development. These can be toys and games that embrace community-strengthening activities and eco-friendly attitudes, encourage trying out different careers through role-play, and foster creativity and independence through kid-inventor and mentoring programs.
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08/17/2010 | Accessible Toys: Anytime-Anywhere Availability of Favorite Toys and Games for Today’s Mobile Kids
Anytime – anywhere access is key for fast-paced kids and families. Accessible toys and games make playtime readily available to kids and families whether they’re at home, on vacation or simply on-the-go. And for kids growing up in the digital age, the options for mobile, interactive entertainment are practically limitless. Selections can be found for multiple age groups and play patterns, from multiple manufacturers and entertainment studios, and across all categories of products.
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08/11/2010 | Largest Toy Markets in U.S. and Europe Show Continued Resilience during the First Half of 2010
Traditional toy sales in the United States remained largely unchanged during the first half of 2010, while revenue growth in Europe’s five largest toy markets experienced a five percent increase reports leading market research company The NPD Group.
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08/03/2010 | Affordability — Toys Driven by Value-for-Dollar, Attention to Detail and Pennies-per-Play
Extending into 2010 is the economy-focused trend that became evident in 2008-2009. Consumers who are keeping a firm hand on their wallets and retailers who are still managing inventories very closely have each found that toy makers are continuing to pump up their products this year with details to delight both kids and adult collectors at price points under $25.
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07/13/2010 | Active Play: Challenging the Mind, Body and Imagination
Keeping kids and families engaged through physical activity is a key essential for leading happier and healthier lives. Propelled by consumer demand and initiatives such as Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Campaign, toymakers have stepped up their efforts to develop toys and games that offer active solutions for the whole family. This article, the first in a bi-weekly series of four, focuses on how “Active” toys and games can serve as a catalyst for both the body and the brain.
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06/29/2010 | Product Suggestions Invited for Upcoming Videos on Summer Travel, Back to School and More
To better accommodate summer production deadlines, the TIA calendar of upcoming editorial opportunities has shifted slightly. Members that are interested in submitting product recommendations for video and print exposure relating to summer travel toys and camp care packages, back to school and tech toys, and more are requested to contact TIA’s Communications Team as soon as possible.
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06/15/2010 | TIA Calls for Product Suggestions for Upcoming Editorial / Video Opportunities
To assist in TIA’s efforts to map emerging trends and editorial content during the next few months, staff has developed a calendar of opportunities to feature member products in TIA-produced videos, press release and blog/social-media content. TIA members (or their PR agency representatives) are encouraged to submit product recommendations for use in print, online or video coverage.
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06/01/2010 | Special Needs Children: Brands Struggle To Reach Out To A Growing Niche
Reprint of article from Youth Markets Alert (June 1, 2010). Reprinted with permission of EPM Communications, Inc.
According to the U.S. Department of Education there are more than seven million children aged 6-17 living with disabilities in the U.S., ranging from speech impediments to mental retardation. Many companies and brands find reaching out to this group a tricky situation since they are unsure whether to celebrate (or acknowledge) these children’s differences or to treat them as they treat other kids.
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05/24/2010 | Kids and Families Reach for New Mobile Interactive Media Options
Reyne Rice, toy trend expert, attended the First Annual Children’s App Design Institute (“App Camp 2010”) Conference in Monterey, California earlier this month. In this report, she shares with members of the toy industry her observations of how “App Fever” is taking hold in the toys, games, entertainment and licensing markets.
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05/03/2010 | Augmented Reality: What are the Prospects for Licensed Toys, Books, Games and Other Products?
Reprint of article from The Licensing Letter (May 3, 2010). Reprinted with permission of EPM Communications, Inc.
With the number of 3-D movies seeming to increase exponentially with each new release, and with the consumer electronics industry trying to push 3-D into the home, what are the prospects for licensed 3-D toys, books, card games and other products incorporating the technology known as Augmented Reality (AR)? There is definitely buzz about Augmented Reality in the toy, publishing, and entertainment industries. Back at this year’s Toy Fair, one attendee went so far as to say he has “seen the future of toys and it is Augmented Reality.”
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04/27/2010 | The Evolution of Fast Food Toy Premiums: From Physical to Digital, Exploring Niche Brands, And Making Mom Happy
Reprint of article from Youth Markets Alert (April 1, 2010). Reprinted with permission of EPM Communications, Inc.
Quick service restaurant (QSR) chains spending a collective $360 million on toys annually, according to the Federal Trade Commission. A recent article from Youth Markets Alert (reprinted by TIA with permission of EPM Communications, Inc.) explores the evolution from a simple toy to a more nuanced branding effort.
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03/30/2010 | Sandbox Summit Conference Announces Keynote Speakers and Panelists for 2010
The 2010 Sandbox Summit conference, iPlay, YouPlay, WiiPlay: How Play is Changing Media & Media is Changing Play, has announced several new sessions and speakers to its program line-up. The two day conference will kick-off on May 18th at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, MA.
The event brings together leading innovators in children’s media, books, toys, virtual worlds, and education for an exploration of the impact that emerging media and technology platforms have on kids’ play – and to share their predictions on how the new playrooms will impact 21st century literacy. TIA is a sponsor of the Sandbox Summit.
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03/18/2010 | NRF Predicts Easter will be a “Warm Welcome” for Shoppers and Retailers
The National Retail Federation (NRF) predicted this week that consumers would spend slightly more this year on Easter holiday shopping. Total retail purchases are expected to reach $13.03 billion with an average per-person spend of $118.60 on items ranging from gifts, candy, clothing, food, flowers, decorations and greeting cards.
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03/15/2010 | Listen and Learn: ENGAGE! EXPO Provides Free Audio Recordings of Content Presented in Conjunction with Toy Fair 2010
Last month’s Engage! Conference and Expo brought together more than 100 engaging experts to discuss the latest tools, technologies, products, and services being used in building web-enabled toys, social games, virtual worlds, mobile apps and more. Audio recordings of all sessions – including new monetization strategies, proven ways to strengthen customer relationships, and essential marketing solutions to maximize reach – are now available.
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03/04/2010 | TIA to Sponsor May 2010 Sandbox Summit Exploring the Relationship between Media and Play
TIA has signed on as a sponsor of a May 18-19, 2010 Sandbox Summit conference that will bring together leading innovators in children’s media, books, toys, virtualworlds and education for an exploration of the impact that emerging media and technology platforms have on kids’ play – and to share their predictions on how the new playrooms will impact 21st century literacy.
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02/01/2010 | U.S. Toy Industry Sales Generate $21.47 Billion In 2009
According to The NPD Group, U.S. retail sales of toys generated $21.47 billion in 2009 compared to $21.65 billion in 2008, a decline of under 1 percent. In contrast to fourth quarter (Oct. - Dec.) 2008, Q4 2009 sales reveal that, while revenues were flat due to heavy promotional activity at retail, unit sales were up 4 percent vs. Q4’08.
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01/08/2010 | The Next Decade of Innovation Heralds Tech Options for Kids and Families
The Consumer Electronics Show has always been about the gadgets, but this year it was really the marriage of technology and content that took center stage. For toy and game manufacturers, the key message is that alliances and connectivity to communication devices and partners will be an important and integral part of marketing and product development strategies for the future. Aligning their vision for brands, choosing the right technologies and partners to implement that vision and ensuring accessibility for loyal consumers will be key strategic decisions that will impact their core brands.
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12/15/2009 | TIA Spots Top Trends for Holiday 2009
Toy Industry Association “elves” have been busy supplying consumer and business media with product and trend information to report during the 2009 holiday shopping season. Based on months of effort cataloging product data and monitoring the marketplace, Reyne Rice, TIA’s toy trend specialist, has organized the season’s top trends carry through the five “E’s” introduced earlier in 2009.
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09/28/2009 | Powered by Imagination and Technology: Digital Kids Engage with Toy Brands Through Online and Offline Play
Children have become as comfortable using multimedia tools and digital technology as they are throwing a ball or jumping rope. They have no fear of technology and adopt it easily and without fanfare. This constant engagement with television, the internet, digital cameras, cell phones and mobile devices is giving rise to increasingly popular online and offline play patterns. Driving the latest innovations in the world of play are web-connected toys and new online worlds.
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09/01/2009 | Toy and Licensing Community Buzzes as Disney Announces Acquisition of Marvel
Mickey Mouse and Iron Man joined together in the same family when The Walt Disney Co. announced on August 31, 2009, that it will purchase Marvel Entertainment Inc. for $4 billion in cash and stock. Under the deal, which is expected to close by the end of the year, Disney will acquire the rights to 5,000 Marvel characters. The deal makes “perfect sense” report toy trend experts as both companies are responsible for the most prominent characters found in the toy marketplace today.
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08/30/2009 | Educational Toys Help Kids Head Back to School with Fun in Mind
Heading back to school after the lazy days of summer can pose a challenge to kids who are not quite ready to hit the books again. Because they learn in so many different ways, it’s important for parents to find ways to engage their children and keep them stimulated with new activities. Using toys and games, adults can promote a love of learning that builds upon a child’s natural curiosity. In a recent article for HealthNewsDigest.com, TIA’s trend experts identify three trends that reinforce the basics of reading, math and science and that encourage the development of problem solving skills and creativity before or after class.
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07/28/2009 | Toys Turn on the Heat for Kitchen Play
The four-day International Tokyo Toy Show wrapped up on Sunday, June 19, at Tokyo Big Sight, the city’s international exhibition center. The event drew 132 companies displaying 36,000 toys.
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06/30/2009 | Brands and Value Perception Trump Price in Purchase Decisions
As seen at Toy Fair 2009, toy makers have responded en masse to the soft economy by serving up oodles of merchandise in the $25 and under retail range. Hasbro introduced a wide assortment of new products that sell for $10 or less, 80% of all Bandai America products retail for under $25; Wild Planet Entertainment only introduced items under $25 at mass retail, something CEO Danny Grossman is adamant about.
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06/24/2009 | Parental Concerns about Child Obesity Provide a Platform for Innovation
Pediatricians, parents, and policymakers alike are increasingly concerned about obesity among our nation’s children and its effect on their future health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over the past three decades the childhood obesity rate has more than doubled for preschool children aged 2-5 years and adolescents aged 12-19 years, and it has more than tripled for children aged 6-11 years. With concern about diabetes and other chronic, obesity-related diseases on the rise, toys which get sedentary kids up and moving are of great appeal.
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06/23/2009 | Burgeoning Virtual Worlds Build Engagement and Strengthen Brand Recognition
For many toy brands, virtual worlds are becoming the go-to strategy for reaching kids online and extending brand recognition. Propelled by the phenomenal success of Ganz’ Webkinz.com and Disney’s Club Penguin, toy companies continue to invest heavily in virtual worlds: game-like web environments where users can create avatars – a computer user’s representation of his or her alter ego – in a fantasy landscape and interact with other users.
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06/09/2009 | Entertainment Properties Energize Prospects for Toy Licensing
Entertainment provides toy makers with a distinct competitive edge and the 29th Annual Licensing show was the perfect stage to view more than 7,000 properties from 500 exhibitors under one roof. An abundance of new characters and entertainment properties gave the industry a virtual B-12 shot after the Licensing Industry Merchandiser’s Association (LIMA) announced its estimates that licensors collected $5.7 billion in royalties in 2008, a 5.6 percent drop from 2007. Character licensing, which greatly impacts the youth business, accounted for 46% of total annual royalties.
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05/19/2009 | Memorial Day Kicks Off Official Start of Summer Movie Fan Fare
Toys and summer movies are inextricably linked, and toy makers are optimistic that the strong start to the summer 2009 movie season will continue to sizzle.
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04/14/2009 | It's Fun Being Green
Generation Z kids (born from 1995-present) who care about the environment will celebrate Earth Day 2009 with a range of toys made from sustainable or recycled materials and multimedia entertainment products that will foster a strong sense of altruism.
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03/31/2009 | TIA Trends Specialist Attends Bologna Children's Book Fair and Kids Licensing Forum
The 46th annual Bologna Children’s Book Fair just wrapped up in Bologna, Italy (March 23-26th). More than 5,000 attendees from 69 countries attended this annual event to see more than 1,300 exhibitors representing the best in children’s literature and licensing.
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03/24/2009 | 3-D Movie Trend Carrying Over to the Toy Aisle
Moviegoers will be reaching for their 3-D glasses in 2009. Experts anticipate that 25% of the family-targeted films slated for release this year will be in 3-D, and that the number of screens that can support digital 3-D projection will more than double by year’s end. At the moment, only about five per cent of American cinemas (roughly 38,834 screens) can support the technology.
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03/10/2009 | Plastic, Classic and Fantastic
Barbie celebrated her 50th birthday in pink carpet style at her own “Real” Malibu Dream House. At this over-the-top, unapologetically pink mansion, an elite crowd gathered to bid homage to this chic, five-decade young fashionista.
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03/03/2009 | Trend Watch: Toy Fair ’09 Showcases the 4 E’s
TIA toy trend specialist Reyne Rice noted the emergence of Economics, Exercise, Entertainment, and Engagement – the 4 E’s of toy innovations – as she scouted the show floor during Toy Fair ’09:
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12/02/2008 | TIA Reports on Black Friday and Holiday Shopping Trends
Toy Industry Association (TIA) representatives were in the stores all day on “Black” Friday, November 28th – checking store merchandise, sales activity, special sales offers, and other indicators of seasonal toy sales trends.
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08/05/2008 | A Playdate on the Cyber-Playground
Where are kids playing these days? Kids are spending more time on the internet, which is fast becoming the new Cyber-Playground. Web-enabled toys represent one of the fastest growing segments of toy products in 2008.
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03/25/2008 | Social & Gaming and Education Web Sites Shown to Drive the Online Experiences of Kids Ages 2 to 14
According to the new research study, Online Play: Earning Mom's Trust and Children's Interest, gaming is the primary activity driving the online experiences of all kids ages 2 to 14, with 76 percent of all kids on the Internet drawn to social and gaming sites, and education sites rivaling the attention of Tweens (9-12) and Young Teens (13-14).
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