Have you ever wondered how toy inventors pitch their ideas to executives in major toy companies like Toys R Us? The process might be more personal and varied than you think! This article will give you a deep dive into insights from Azhelle Wade, aka The Toy Coach, who spent almost three years working at Toys R Us as a design manager and a product development manager. Here's a glimpse into her journey at Toys R Us and the key details that could help you get ahead when it comes to pitching your ideas in the toy industry.

Once upon a time, Gerardo Davila worked at Mattel, managing their commercial operations in Latin America. Today, he's a TCA Alumni who credits the program with keeping his toy dream alive and getting his products onto shelves. Gerardo shares his story of launching his toy on Episode #219 of the Making It In The Toy Industry Podcast.

On September 9th, 2024, MESH Helps, Inc. announced the first-ever group of toys and games to receive the MESH (Mental, Emotional, Social Health) Accreditation. 

The Underconsumption Core TikTok trend has rapidly gained traction in 2024, resulting in major impacts on the toy industry. Underconsumption Core, a term coined by Gen Z and millennials on TikTok, is characterized by making every dollar count by being more selective and mindful of your spending by searching for products that provide lasting value. Driven by the increase in living costs and widespread budgeting efforts, this trend is almost a reflection of what we saw in the 2008 recession when low-cost, high-value toys and games were the heroes of the toy industry. The only difference? Customers aren’t just looking for cheap thrills. They want toys that matter, worth the effort they’ve put in to get them. 

Here’s some solid toy advice: before you even create your product, you need to have a marketing plan. Having marketing at the core of your toy creation will allow you to do more than just make it, it will allow you to sell it!

This 3-step toy marketing triangle creates a solid foundation and lets you know where you can begin with your marketing plan. This plan is accessible to anyone, and can be scaled up or down depending on your needs and budget.

Being a toy designer is an extremely rewarding, inspiring and creative job. But the big question is, how do I get a job as a toy designer? You may find yourself also wondering; What do I do to gain toy design experience? How do I cross over from other industries if I already have experience as a product developer, graphic designer, or industrial designer? Whether you are making a change from a different industry to come into the toy industry, or looking to change roles in your already thriving toy career, these 10 tips are sure to help you land the toy job you’ve been dreaming about.

The digital age is here and just like everyone else, toy inventors need to embrace the internet and social media in particular. E-commerce managers, distributors, licensors and other professionals who scour the web for new toy inventors to work with look at social media, in addition to sites like Kickstarter to find the next big thing. How will you “wow” them? Keep reading to find out.

You’ve got this great idea for a product but now you realize you’re drowning in the prospect of toy safety testing. The whole process seems overwhelming and a bit scary. But here’s a guide to get you started on the process. Don’t let the safety rules intimidate you.
Why are there so many regulations? Well, in 2008, there was a big safety scandal that led to the creation of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act(CPSIA). The toy industry had to quickly adapt to the new regulations.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to write and illustrate a children's book? Maybe you have a few ideas but you’re not sure if they’re good. Or maybe your book is complete but you don’t know what to do next. How do you find a talented editor, agent, or publisher? Most people have a great idea to create something but they get caught up in the little things, which stops them in their tracks. Instead they watch other people’s ideas come to life.

Finding the right factory doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. But there are very specific steps you should follow on this journey. It’s a journey that you should document in as much detail as you can in an Excel file.

Amazon Live video is an interactive product commercial. The show’s host, whether it’s an Amazon influencer or the product’s manufacturer, can interact with the live attendees of their show via Chat. This offers a unique opportunity to answer product questions and concerns in real time, while showing the benefits, features, and value of your product on the exact platform where your ideal target market (ITM) is shopping for them.