Joeydolls celebrates Asian heritage and culture by producing a high quality, and authentically representative toy line. Now available in 19 stores across the world, you may be surprised to know that this small toy business began during the COVID-19 Pandemic, and was funded by 1 powerhouse mom, Samantha Ong. The brand has won three awards for its effort towards creating more inclusivity and diversity during a period of Asian-hate, has just paired up with five new retailers to make its diverse, award-winning dolls more readily available to the public.

When it comes to toy creation and design, safety is arguably the most crucial to focus on because kids will not want to play with a toy that can put them in danger. It is the toy creators and innovators responsibility to ensure the well-being of the children as one slip up could potentially lead to a lot of trouble. In an interview on “Making It on The Toy Industry”, Azhelle Wade shares an in-depth guide into the crucial aspects of toy safety, from understanding regulatory requirements to implementing practical design considerations that go beyond the basics.

A former marketing executive launched his own toy line! Meet, Gerardo de Villa, a TCA alumni who launched Angelitos Magicos after joining the program. In an interview with  “Making It In The Toy Industry” Gerado shares his experience, offering valuable insights for anyone looking to make their mark in the toy industry, regardless of their background.

The toy manufacturing industry is filled with creativity and innovation. In 2024 the amount of adults purchasing toys exceeded that of preschool toy sales! The toy industry is responsible for creating memories for millions of kids and adults from across the globe.

You may be surprised to know that the creation of each toy involves the skills of toy designers, brand managers, marketers, and factory worked from across the globe with an exceptional attention to detail. Safety standards play a crucial role in the process of toy manufacturing, with rigorous testing protocols ensuring that every product meets or exceeds international regulations.

Modern toy manufacturing factories feature state-of-the-art machinery operates alongside skilled artisans, each playing a vital role in transforming raw materials into cherished playthings.

Kids' are wanting access to social media at a younger and younger age. But given the addictive nature of likes and comments, the potential danger of unmonitored DM’s, the negativity of troll users, most parents are rightfully hesitant to give their young kids access to social media at all. But kids are watching their siblings, parents, and caregivers interacting in an online world that they want to be a part of. Is it time to introduce a kid safe social media platform? A space they can call their own? In an interview on "Making it in the Toy Industry '' The president of Zigazoo, Ashley Mady, talks about how a groundbreaking social network designed specifically for kids is changing the landscape of how young users interact online.

In recent years, sustainability has become more apparent across industries, with consumers increasingly demanding eco-friendly products and practices. However, the toy industry has been slower to adapt compared to other industries. This slow movement is partially due to consumer sensitivity to the price points of toys and games, and partially due to safety concerns and restrictions of production materials that can be used in toys. In an interview on the "Making It In The Toy Industry Podcast", Helen Townsend, the co-founder of Sustained Fun whose company creates climate-focused toys, shares valuable insights on what makes a toy sustainable, how companies can reduce their carbon footprint, and the future of eco-friendly play.

Are you bursting with excitement over your brilliant toy idea? Ready to make your dream a profitable reality? Look no further – the ultimate guide to licensing your toy idea is here to help you navigate the path to success.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through every step of the licensing process, from protecting your intellectual property to finding the right licensing partner. Whether you're a first-time inventor or a seasoned entrepreneur, our expert tips and insider knowledge will give you the tools you need to bring your toy idea to market.

With a strong focus on maximizing profits and minimizing risks, we'll show you how to create a winning pitch, negotiate a fair licensing agreement, and protect your interests throughout the process. Our proven strategies and real-life success stories will inspire and motivate you on your journey to toy industry stardom.

Don't let your toy idea gather dust on the shelf – get started on your licensing journey today and turn your dream into a lucrative reality.

Toy licensing is the intersection of entertainment and consumer products, playing a crucial role in the modern toy industry. Licensing involves obtaining rights to use popular characters, brands, or intellectual property (IP) from various media sources to create and market toys and merchandise. This practice allows toy manufacturers to tap into the immense popularity of beloved franchises from movies, TV shows, video games, and books.

The process benefits both parties involved: toy companies gain access to recognizable and marketable properties, while IP owners expand their revenue streams and increase brand visibility. This symbiotic relationship has led to countless successful toy lines based on everything from blockbuster films to classic cartoon characters.

Licensing is a viable option for small brands and small manufacturers to grow their reach and revenue. But before you can join the world of toy licensing, you’ve got to understand 2 key terms, licensor and licensee.

This blog post will dive into the details shared by Azhelle Wade and her guest Jingle in their insightful podcast episode on how to leverage brand experiences to boost sales and brand loyalty, specifically within the toy industry.

As a new mom living in the suburbs, Joanna Paul found herself observing her daughter's imaginative play with stuffed animals. She noticed how her daughter would create different scenarios and personalities for her plush toys, sparking an idea in Joanna's mind. What if there was a toy that could respond to these various play scenarios by changing its facial expressions? This thought marked the beginning of a journey that would span over 15 years, culminating in the creation of Moodles, a revolutionary emotional plush toy.

In 2023, the global Toy Collectibles Market experienced substantial growth, being valued at $19.92 billion USD. Leading the market surge are The Lego Group, MGA Entertainment, FUNKO, Mattel, Jazwares, Hasbro, and Spin Master. So when an indie creator aims to tap into this competitive market, they’ve got to have a clear voice and vision that stands out from the crowd. Brandon Braswell found himself inspired to break into this market, and his journey started over 10 years ago with just a sketch and an idea. Brandon’s story is not just about creating toys; it's about perseverance, adaptability, and learning from the mistakes you make along the way.

9 to 5 Warriors represents an attempt by an 80's kid to bring back the unique toys that existed in his youth, bringing to the toy industry a new look for nostalgic toys. Brando Braswell spent almost 10 years curating and perfecting this line of nostalgic toys, and his efforts have come to fruition as his toys are available through several retailers, including his own website, the official 9 to 5 Warriors store.

Explore Barbie: The Exhibition at the Design Museum in London. There’s so much pink nostalgia on display from Barbie dolls, DreamHouses, vehicles, playsets and so much more. This is your ultimate guide around the first major Barbie exhibit in London in time to commemorate Barbie’s 65th anniversary, you won’t want to miss this blog post.

Exciting news from The Op Games! They've just announced the release of their newest game, Blank Slate Challenge, and it's a must-try for anyone who loves a good mix of cooperation and competition.

ToyCourses.com introduces learners to a diverse range of programs including the foundational Toy Creators Academy, the practical Toy and Game Idea Starter Guide, the immersive Toy and Game Idea Bootcamp, and the expert-led Tabletop Game Design Masterclass. Each program is meticulously crafted to ensure learners are well-equipped to bring their innovative ideas to life.

From March 3rd to March 5th, one of Las Vegas' biggest Toy Trade Show's occurred: Toy Fest 2024. Check out this article to read more about the hottest inventions and categories driving the industry. In fact, if you're new to the toy business or want to start the toy development process and have the question of how to start a toy company, this article is a great place to start. You can gauge the latest trends and the thoughts behind great toys all from the comfort of your home.

Dreaming of launching a toy store that becomes a beloved fixture in your community? Follow these expert steps outlined by Theresa Duncan, owner of Villa Villekulla Toy Store, to transform your passion into a successful business. Learn the essentials, from identifying your niche in the toy market to developing a robust business plan and selecting the perfect location. Discover the importance of curating a unique inventory, building a strong brand identity, and implementing an effective marketing strategy. Plus, explore the power of community engagement to foster a loyal customer base. For an in-depth journey into Theresa's successful launch of Villa Villekulla Toys and her focus on community connections as a marketing tool, watch the full interview. Turn your toy store dream into reality with these expert tips and Theresa Duncan's inspiring story.

Celebrate the Lunar New Year with this ultimate gift guide! From dolls and collectibles to Plush Toys, Arts & Crafts and Games - there is a toy for everyone to bring joy and good fortune this Lunar New Year.

When it comes to choosing Valentine's gifts for your children, why not pick something that symbolizes love and care? Consider items like heart-themed plush toys, engaging games, adorable dolls, creative building sets, and charming mini toys. You can select gifts based on the emotions you wish to evoke, such as calmness, caring, or love, or choose traditional Valentine's symbols like roses and hearts.