Archive for July, 2011
« Older Entries |This post was written by Jill Feigelman
The Toy Book Attends K’nex Mario Kart Wii Building Set Launch Event
Friday, July 29th, 2011
Last week, The Toy Book saw a sneak peek of the new K’nex Mario Kart Wii Building Set collection at the Nintendo World Store in New York City. At the launch event, there were tons of building activities, plus a special opportunity to take a photo with Mario and Luigi!
The K’nex Mario Kart Wii Building Sets include characters, buildable and interconnecting tracks, vehicles, and obstacles from the Mario Kart Wii game. The more sets that a child collects, the bigger and more complex tracks he or she can build for Mario, Luigi, and Yoshi.
The Mario, Yoshi, and Luigi Standard Kart Building Sets allow children to build standard karts from the game. Once the creation is completed, the karts feature a pull-back motor allowing them to race off. Accessories, such as the mushroom from the game, are included as well.
Tags: Bowser's Castle, K NEX Event, Luigi, Mario, Mario Kart Wii Building Sets, tracks, Yoshi
Posted in New Products, News | No Comments »
This post was written by Jill Feigelman
Recall: Little People Builders’ Load ‘n Go Wagon
Friday, July 29th, 2011
Fisher-Price, in cooperation with The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada, has issued a voluntary recall of the Little People Builders’ Load ‘n Go Wagon due to a laceration hazard.
The wagon’s handle has a molded-in reinforcement, which adds stiffness and if a child falls on it, it can cause lacerations. CPSC advises consumers to take the recalled toy away from children and contact Fisher-Price for information on how to get a free repair kit.
The recalled wagons have the model number P8977 that can be found on the bottom of the product. The wagons are red with a yellow handle, and include multi-colored plastic blocks and a dog figure. Approximately 208,000 of the wagons were sold in the U.S. and in Canada between June 2009 and July 2011 for around $25.
CPSC and Fisher-Price are aware of seven reports of injuries, including five reports of children requiring surgical glue or stitches. Consumers with incident or injuries reports are asked to contact the CPSC by visiting SaferProducts.gov.
Tags: CPSC, Fisher Price, Health Canada, Little People Builders Load 'n Go Wagon, recall
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This post was written by Elizabeth A. Reid
McDonald’s Revamps Happy Meal, Launches Nutritional Marketing Initiative
Friday, July 29th, 2011
After being accused of using toys to lure kids to its restaurants and blamed for promoting unhealthy eating habits, McDonald’s is introducing a new Happy Meal that the company says adds “more nutritionally balanced choices,” as part of its “Commitments to Offer Improved Nutrition Choices” initiative.
Starting in September, and by Q1 2012, all McDonald’s Happy Meals will automatically include both apple slices (without the dipping caramel) and a smaller portion of French fries (1.1 ounces), along with the choice of a hamburger, cheeseburger, or chicken McNuggets, and a choice of beverage, including the new fat-free chocolate milk and 1 percent low-fat white milk. Customers can also request two bags of apple slices instead of the French fries.
By Q1 2012, McDonald’s hopes that Happy Meals will see an estimated 20 percent reduction in calories and also a reduction in fat. By 2015, the chain hopes to reduce sodium by 15 percent in all its meals.
The company will also promote nutritional messages in all of its national kids’ communications, including merchandising, advertising, digital, and on Happy Meal packaging.
Tags: Happy Meals, McDonald's, nutrition
Posted in News | 1 Comment »
This post was written by Elizabeth A. Reid
Report: Kids Drive Household Purchases of Consumer Electronics
Friday, July 29th, 2011
Kids are driving household purchases of consumer electronic (CE) devices, according to Kids and Consumer Electronics, 2011 Edition, the latest report The NPD Group.
The report showed that, when looking at devices purchased in the past year, 78 percent of portable video game systems purchased and 56 percent of portable digital media players (PDMP) purchased were given to the child. The report also detailed that 73 percent of kids use computers purchased, 74 percent use televisions, and nearly 60 percent of kids are using a portable or console gaming system.
For households with kids ages 4 to 14, newer devices, such as e-readers and media tablets, were acquired at single-digit rates (8 percent and 5 percent, respectively). The report also notes a slight decline in the average number of days in which kids use cell phones, PDMPs, and portable video game systems since last year. For all other devices, the average number of days has remained stable or declined, suggesting kids are maxed out on time.
Among households with kids ages 4 to 14, many consumers are purchasing CE devices online (for example, 46 percent for e-readers and 31 percent for desktop computers). In comparison, only 9 percent of toys are purchased online for kids in this age group.
Tags: consumer electronics, The NPD Group
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This post was written by Elizabeth A. Reid
Relativity Media Options for Voltron Movie Rights
Friday, July 29th, 2011
A live-action adaptation of 1984 animated series Voltron: Defender of the Universe is slated to hit the big screen. Relativity Media announced that the studio has optioned the feature film rights for Voltron from World Event Productions. The project was brought to Relativity through its deal with Atlas Entertainment’s Charles Roven and Richard Suckle, whose company will shepherd the project.
The live-action film will be produced by Roven (The Dark Knight) and Suckle (The International), along with Kickstart Entertainment’s Jason Netter (Wanted). World Events Productions’ Ted Koplar (Voltron Force) will executive produce. The script is being penned by Thomas Dean Donnelly (Conan the Barbarian) and Joshua Oppenheimer (Sahara). World Events Productions was represented in the deal by UTA.
Tags: Kickstart Entertainment, Relativity Media, UTA, Voltron, World Event Productions
Posted in Licenses, News | No Comments »
This post was written by Elizabeth A. Reid
CTA Renamed as China Toy and Juvenile Products Association
Friday, July 29th, 2011
According to a letter released by the Ministry of Civil Affairs of China, China Toy Association (CTA) has been renamed China Toy and Juvenile Products Association, effective June 24.
Tags: China Toy and Juvenile Products Association, China Toy Association
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This post was written by Elizabeth A. Reid
FAO Celebrates The Smurfs with Activities and “Blue-Tique”
Friday, July 29th, 2011
The Smurfs opened in theaters nationwide today, and viewers will see the legendary FAO Schwarz Fifth Avenue store prominently featured in a chase scene in which the Smurfs encounter the evil wizard Gargamel. To celebrate the store’s role in the movie, FAO Schwarz hosted daily themed activities during a special Smurf Week (July 25 to July 29), highlighted by an appearance by Hank Azaria, who plays Gargamel in the film.
In store, customers can bring The Smurfs home with FAO’s assortment of toys, games, and more items in the store’s “blue-tique.” The main attraction of the “blue-tique” is the Smurfalator, a machine used by Gargamel to extract the Smurfs’ magical essence. Also featured are images from the movie, toys from Jakks Pacific, a classic assortment of Smurfs from Schleich, collector dolls from Madame Alexander, and apparel from Junk Food Clothing.
FAO.com is also receiving a “Smurfy” makeover and Facebook.com/FAO will join in the celebration.
Tags: FAO Schwarz, JAKKS Pacific, Junk Food Clothing, Madame Alexander, Schleich, The Smurfs
Posted in Licenses, New Products, News | No Comments »
This post was written by Jill Feigelman
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 Video Game Releases
Wednesday, July 27th, 2011
Don’t worry Harry Potter fans, the film’s magic is not over yet. Fans can now step into their favorite character’s shoes and face Voldemort for a final time, thanks to the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 video game by Electronic Arts Inc. and Warner Bros. Interactive. The game allows fans to experience what they saw on screens in the final movie installment.
For the first time, players can assume the role of their favorite wizard heroes—such as Harry, Hermione, Ron, Ginny, Seamus, Neville, Molly Weasley, and Professor McGonagall—in the final battle of Hogwarts. The player’s mission in the game is to find and destroy the remaining Horcruxes to defeat Voldemort. The enhanced game play features an all-new spell casting mechanic and intuitive cover system, which makes dueling seem even more realistic for players.
Players also have the chance to break into the high security vaults of Gringotts Bank, escape Fiendfyre in the Room of Requirement, and battle Voldemort’s allies as they defend Hogwarts.
The game is available now for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system, PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system, Wii, Nintendo DS, and Windows PC.
Tags: Ginny, Harry Potter, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 video game, Hermione, hogwarts, McGonagall, Molly, Neville, Ron, Seamus, spells, Voldemort
Posted in New Products, News | 1 Comment »
This post was written by Erika Graham
Jakks Named Master Toy Partner For Men In Black 3
Tuesday, July 26th, 2011
Jakks Pacific, Inc. has announced a master toy licensing agreement with Sony Pictures Consumer Products to manufacture, distribute, and market a line of toys and products based on the upcoming Men In Black 3. The licensing program, due to launch next spring, will include action figures, accessories, play sets, role play, youth electronics, novelties, games and puzzles, Halloween costumes, and more. The agreement covers the entire Men in Black franchise.
The 3-D action comedy, slated to open on May 25, is directed by Barry Sonnenfeld and stars Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones, and Josh Brolin. The screenplay was written by Etan Cohen, based on the Malibu Comic by Lowell Cunningham, and the movie is produced by Walter F. Parkes and Laurie MacDonald and executive produced by Steven Spielberg and G. Mac Brown.
Image Credit: Collider.com
Tags: Barry Sonnenfeld, JAKKS Pacific, Josh Brolin, Men In Black 3, Sony Pictures Consumer Products, Tommy Lee Jones, Will Smith
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This post was written by Erika Graham
Third Annual Kids II And SCAD Design Contest
Tuesday, July 26th, 2011
The 2011 Kids II and SCAD program’s gear design class
The 2011 Kids II and Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) program and contest for toy and gear design was a success for both the students and the infant toy company; the program resulted in innovative designs and exciting opportunities for several of the outstanding participants.
Under the guidance of Jesus Rojas, SCAD professor and associate chair of industrial design, and the Kids II design team, SCAD industrial design students collaborated with Kids II during one of two 10-week interactive courses to develop new concepts for the company’s toy and gear product lines.
Twelve of the participants, six from the toy class and six from the gear class, earned top honors with their product concepts and were selected to travel to the Kids II offices in Hong Kong and China. Additionally, two students were offered continuing positions with the Kids II company. Qing Xu, a student in the gear design program, was awarded a summer internship with Kids II in Guangdong, China, where he will work directly with the Kids II product development team. Aaron Floss, a student in the toy design program, will join the toy design team at the U.S. corporate headquarters as the newest full-time member.
Tags: Aaron Floss, Jesus Rojas, Kids II, Qing Xu, SCAD
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