The Halloween & Costume Association (HCA) is hosting its inaugural Spooky Awards, a costume and decor contest recognizing exceptional designs across the industry. Each entry will be judged by a panel of industry representatives using the criteria of Innovation, Marketability, Trendsetting Potential, Appeal, and Usefulness. The awards include a Costumes category with the following subcategories:  Adult Child Licensed Most Unique Non-Character (Non-Human, Inanimate Object) Scary/Horror  Other categories include Accessories (Wigs, Shoes, Hats, etc.); Decor (Electronic, Inflatable ..read more

With just over a month until Inside Out 2 hits theaters, Just Play is unveiling its collection of toys featuring the new emotions in Riley’s head: Anxiety, Embarrassment, Envy, and Ennui.  Shaking with Anxiety Feature Plush | Source: Just Play It's Okay to Feel… Embarrassment Comfort Plush | Source: Just Play Talk it Out Small Talking Plush | Source: Just Play Flip-A-Mood Reversible Plush | Source: Just Play There are four kinds of plush in this collection: the Shaking with Anxiety Feature Plush ($24.99), which kids can articulate into different fidgety positions ..read more

The Rainbow Brite revival continues. Hallmark’s Rainbow Brite brand has been revitalized once more. As the nostalgic franchise celebrates its 40th anniversary, Hallmark has a full lineup of licensed goods on the way. The colorful Rainbow Brite got her start in an ’80s animated series. | Source: Hallmark We’ve previously covered The Loyal Subjects’ new line of dolls and toys, but there is more on the way in the toy world. Rainbow Brite will be partnering with Funko for Rainbow Brite and Friends Pop! figures as well as Super Impulse for toys. There are also plans for activity offerings. Partner ..read more

Zigazoo, a social media network for kids, is launching Social Media Wellness Month to encourage healthier relationships with the internet.  The new campaign is designed to educate kids, parents, and lawmakers on how to improve social media to be a healthier experience, including emphasizing safety and privacy. Several resources will be available throughout the month, including content created by Zigazoo’s Gen Alpha Superstars, conversations with experts, and toolkits for families.  Instead of scaring and restricting kids, we should be empowering and equipping them to navigate social ..read more

Squishmallows is once again taking its adorable IP into the consumables space.  The Jazwares collectible plush brand inked a co-branding deal with See’s Candies, a California-based confectionery company, to bring a gift set to market in October. The set will include an 8-inch version of the Squishmallows character Emily the Bat, as well as a custom box of chocolates and candy, sold in a one-of-a-kind tote bag.  The partnership will result in a Halloween-ready gift set. | Source: Jazwares “This will be the perfect Halloween treat for fans of both brands, and we’re eager to add this u ..read more

Mattel has promoted PJ Lewis to Senior Vice President, Global Head of Action Figures and Fisher-Price Entertainment. In this expanded role, Lewis will report to Lisa McKnight, Mattel’s Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer. Lewis’ position as Executive Lead for Action Figures and Fisher-Price Entertainment will include the management of Plush, Action Figures, and Preschool Entertainment such as Barney and Imaginext. Prior to this promotion, Lewis spearheaded several initiatives and capabilities at Mattel over the past 18 years. This includes leading the Games category team in the N ..read more

Richard Keats, founder of Kaywood Industries, died on April 7 at the age of 97, leaving behind a legacy of toy innovation. Keats was a U.S. Navy Veteran as well as a graduate of Brown University. Following his degree, Keats joined his father’s company — Buddy L Toys — in 1948. After his father’s retirement in 1976, Keats took over and ran the company until it was sold to SLM in 1990.  This wasn’t the end of Keats’ toy industry career. With experience from his time at Buddy L, he founded Kaywood Industries and continued to design and invent new toys. The company went on to license product ..read more

10:10 Games, in collaboration with pop culture lifestyle brand Funko, Universal Products & Experiences, and physical distribution partner Skybound Games, is slated to release a new video game, Funko Fusion, Sept. 13.  Funko Fusion will incorporate IPs from NBCUniversal and Skybound Entertainment, such as Jurassic World, Back to the Future, Invincible, The Umbrella Academy, JAWS, Battlestar Galactica, Masters of the Universe, The Thing, Shaun of the Dead, and Chucky, into its gameplay. Artwork on the Funko Fusion website suggests characters like M3GAN, Ramona from Scott Pilgrim vs. th ..read more

TOMY International is expanding its team and licensed goods offerings. The company has brought on Jeff Jackson to serve as Executive Vice President of Fat Brain Toys and launched a limited-edition Club Mocchi-Mocchi- Giant Kirby plush. Jackson will work with founders Mark and Karen Carson to expand Fat Brain’s reach. He has a long history in the toy industry and brings with him more than 25 years of experience across eCommerce, marketing, sales, and brand development. Prior to his role at Fat Brain Toys, Jackson held several leadership positions at Hasbro, including General Manager of Hasbro ..read more

Hidden Pigeon Co. (HPC) has appointed Kristofer Updike as its Senior Vice President, Creative. He will report directly to CEO Karen K. Miller. Updike will collaborate with HPC Founder Mo Willems and Executive Producer and Showrunner Tim McKeon to oversee all TV and theatrical endeavors. This includes developing the company’s character IPs, such as Elephant & Piggie, Knuffle Bunny, and The Pigeon.  With decades of experience across all key aspects of the kids and family space, from television and film to theater production, Kristofer will be invaluable in helping HPC achieve many impo ..read more