LEGO pledges support to Sustainability in Licensing Conference 2020 with keynote talk

LEGO has pledged its support to the Sustainability in Licensing Conference 2020, the first of its kind for the consumer products and licensing community, set to take place virtually on November 24th and 25th.

Sine Klitgaard Møller, The LEGO Group’s licensing sustainability transformation lead, will take to the digital stage to speak of the importance of change within the toy sector. She will discuss ‘a playful approach’ to sustainable packaging in the licensing industry on the show’s first day, November 24th at 12.30 pm.

Klitgaard Møller began her LEGO career as global licensing creative director over 15 years ago and is now leading the change towards the company’s strategic ambition to have a fully sustainable portfolio for the LEGO licensing portfolio by 2030, starting with packaging transformation by 2025.

“Children are our role models in the LEGO Group and it is their planet we are using, we must protect their future,” she said.

Helena Mansell-Stopher, Sustainability In Licensing Conference curator and director, added: “We are extremely proud to have LEGO join the SILC line up of speakers to present their sustainable journey so far, and learn from the great inroads they are making in this complex area.”

Klitgaard Møller joins a speaker line-up which includes leaders from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, Tesco, Asda, Marks and Spencer, Teemil Tech/Rapanui Clothing, Retail Economics, Central Saint Martins, Breakdown Plastics, Wastebusters, Kids Insights and the R&A (The Open) Sustainable Sporting Events covering a wide spectrum of topics.

Click here for the full agenda and speaker information.

The cost of attending SILC 2020 is £95 (+VAT) per delegate. Bookings can be made by clicking here.

A number of companies have already pledged their official support to SILC 2020, underlining their commitment to change within the industry. The Products of Change group is the headline supporter of SILC 2020 while the official supporters include Amscan, BBC Studios, Brandgenuity, Change Plastic for Good, Character World, Discovery, Dreamtex, GB eye, Global Brands Group, Hasbro, MDR Brand Management, Natural History Museum, Smiffys, TDP Textiles, Those Licensing People, University of Oxford, ViacomCBS, and Warner Bros. Consumer Products.

LEGO pledges support to Sustainability in Licensing Conference 2020 with keynote talk

LEGO has pledged its support to the Sustainability in Licensing Conference 2020, the first of its kind for the consumer products and licensing community, set to take place virtually on November 24th and 25th.

Sine Klitgaard Møller, The LEGO Group’s licensing sustainability transformation lead, will take to the digital stage to speak of the importance of change within the toy sector. She will discuss ‘a playful approach’ to sustainable packaging in the licensing industry on the show’s first day, November 24th at 12.30 pm.

Klitgaard Møller began her LEGO career as global licensing creative director over 15 years ago and is now leading the change towards the company’s strategic ambition to have a fully sustainable portfolio for the LEGO licensing portfolio by 2030, starting with packaging transformation by 2025.

“Children are our role models in the LEGO Group and it is their planet we are using, we must protect their future,” she said.

Helena Mansell-Stopher, Sustainability In Licensing Conference curator and director, added: “We are extremely proud to have LEGO join the SILC line up of speakers to present their sustainable journey so far, and learn from the great inroads they are making in this complex area.”

Klitgaard Møller joins a speaker line-up which includes leaders from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, Tesco, Asda, Marks and Spencer, Teemil Tech/Rapanui Clothing, Retail Economics, Central Saint Martins, Breakdown Plastics, Wastebusters, Kids Insights and the R&A (The Open) Sustainable Sporting Events covering a wide spectrum of topics.

Click here for the full agenda and speaker information.

The cost of attending SILC 2020 is £95 (+VAT) per delegate. Bookings can be made by clicking here.

A number of companies have already pledged their official support to SILC 2020, underlining their commitment to change within the industry. The Products of Change group is the headline supporter of SILC 2020 while the official supporters include Amscan, BBC Studios, Brandgenuity, Change Plastic for Good, Character World, Discovery, Dreamtex, GB eye, Global Brands Group, Hasbro, MDR Brand Management, Natural History Museum, Smiffys, TDP Textiles, Those Licensing People, University of Oxford, ViacomCBS, and Warner Bros. Consumer Products.

Strong licensing and kids’ brands presence in DreamToys Top 12 Toys for Christmas listing

It’s a strong selection of children’s licenses that make up this year’s DreamToys Top 12 Toys for Christmas selection, not only a line-up that underlines a shift towards ‘slow play’ over the course of 2020, but a further lean into the brands and entertainment franchises that parents and families have taken comfort in throughout a rocky past 10 months.

PAW Patrol, Star Wars, Peppa Pig, and Super Mario have all managed to find their place on the big dozen products selected by the DreamToys committee this year, further cementing the intrinsic relationship between the toy and licensing communities and the brands that have powered an industry through a pandemic.

On top of this, it is the ‘slower play’ toys that have come out on top this year, with brands like LEGO, Barbie and Monopoly featuring in a list that has in previous years been dominated by the surge in demand for collectables. Lockdown restrictions and access to shops has fueled a shift in consumer mindset over the course of the coronavirus crisis, with parents making more considered purchases over the ‘fast sell’ pocket money pick ups.

While the list has been revealed to inject some festive spirit into a year mired by lockdowns, social restrictions and economic woes, the coronavirus situation remains present even still. The DreamToys committee has, alongside its listing, released a call to action from the UK’s shoppers to get their Christmas shopping done early, avoid the usual final weeks Christmas dash, and avoid disappointment on missing out on products in short supply.

“We implore consumers not to leave their Christmas shopping to the final few weeks of the year,” explained Gary Grant, chair of the DreamToys selection committee. “Due to Covid-19 restrictions across the country, retailers will simply not be able to service as many people in store due to social distancing.

“In addition, couriers are already overloaded and will struggle to meet the demand to get presents to people before Christmas. Added to this is the limited availability of stock compared to previous years; our advice is to shop early to avoid missing out.”

The DreamToys list is selected by a panel of retailers and industry experts, the list is independent of toy manufacturers and makers.

This year’s Top 12 list is dominated by the big classic toy brands and licenses that have entertained children for generations such as Barbie, Monopoly, Harry Potter, LEGO and Star Wars as well as the massively popular Peppa Pig, Paw Patrol, Pokémon and L.O.L Surprise.

The complete Top 12 list is:

5 Surprise Mini Brands Mystery Capsule – Zuru – £6.99

Barbie 3-in-1 DreamCamper – Mattel – £79.99

Harry Potter Hedwig – LEGO – £34.99

LOL Surprise OMG Remix Fashion Doll Asst – MGA Entertainment – £39.99

Laser Battle Hunters Vehicle – Character Options – £59.99

Monopoly For Sore Losers – Hasbro – £22.99

PAW Patrol Dino Rescue Dino Patroller – Spin Master – £64.99

Peppa Pig Peppa’s Shopping Centre – Character Options – £39.99

Pokemon Carry Case Play-Set – Character Options – £39.99

Present Pets Asst – Spin Master – £54.99

Star Wars The Mandalorian The Child “Baby Yoda” – Mattel – £29.99

Super Mario Adventures with Mario Startercourse – LEGO – £49.99

Toys and play has been highlighted as a major form of entertainment for children and families throughout the UK’s period of lockdown, as statistics from the NPD show that toy sales have increased by six per cent on the first nine months of 2020, while Games and Puzzles saw a surge of 32 per cent.

A survey conducted by the Toy Retailers Association of 2,000 parents showed 56 per cent of parents have spent more time playing with their children since lockdown, while 88 per cent felt that toys had helped them bond more closely with their children.

Frederique Tutt, vice president, global industry expert, toys, The NPD Group, said: “Toys and games have proved their value in 2020. As in other markets, Britons turned to toys and games to help fill the long weeks of lockdown.

“For the period of lockdown alone, sales rose by 15 per cent. However, unit sales are down nine per cent for the first nine months of the year. As consumers have not been able to visit stores, sales of lower price point collectables have decreased in favour of ‘slow’ play toys such as those in this year’s DreamToys list.”

Grant added: “This year’s DreamToys Top 12 includes a range of products from classic brands such as Monopoly and Barbie, to popular licenses and innovative new toys to suit all price points. Toys have been an important part of families’ lives during lockdown and we believe many on this list will put a well-deserved smile on faces this Christmas.”

To see the Top 12 in more detail, and the full longlist of DreamToys, consumers can head to the DreamToys Facebook page (www.facebook.com/dreamtoysUK).

LEGO unveils 123 Sesame Street set through LEGO Ideas and Sesame Workshop partnership

The LEGO Group has lifted the lid and taken us all on a trip down Sesame Street, as it prepares to launch its LEGO Ideas 123 Sesame Street building set. Voted for by LEGO fans the world over, the set is the latest product from the LEGO Ideas collection.

Created with all the elements of 123 Sesame Street, the new set is packed with authentic details from the famous New York City neighbourhood. From Bert and Ernie’s apartment, to Big Bird’s nest, where the grown-ups finally met Mr. Snuffleupagus in person – builders can now live out some of Sesame Street’s most memorable moments.

LEGO Ideas 123 Sesame Street allows fans to pass by Hooper’s Store, Oscar the Grouch’s trash can, and plenty other quintessential Sesame Street locations. The set includes a cast of exclusive buildable minifigures that have been created specifically for the set, including Cookie Monster, Elmo, and Big Bird.

The new LEGO Ideas 123 Sesame Street set is part of the LEGO Ideas collection, which offers fans the opportunity to submit their own brick creations with the chance to have their concept brought to life with the help of LEGO master designers and a share of the profits.

123 Sesame Street is the result of the artistic efforts of LEGO enthusiast Ivan Guerrero, who said: “As a long-time fan of the LEGO Group and Sesame Street, it has been a dream come true to be able to merge my two passions into a memorable set for fellow builders to enjoy.

“LEGO bricks and Sesame Street shaped both my childhood and adult years, and the opportunity to work with the LEGO Ideas team to bring this quintessential New York street to life has been thrilling.”

Federico Begher, VP of global marketing at The LEGO Group, added: “We were instantly drawn to Ivan’s idea, as we had never created an official LEGO product with Sesame Street before. It was clear from the submission that Ivan is passionate about Sesame Street and he really brought it to life with the wide array of characters and bright, classic colours.

“For the first time in the history of LEGO Ideas, we also had the opportunity to create brand new minifigures for a set – bringing something new and exciting to our LEGO fans.

“Knowing the impact Sesame Street has had on the world for decades, sharing similar values with generations past and present, this felt like an exciting way to blend novelty with nostalgia, and pay homage to the truly iconic 123 Sesame Street through LEGO Ideas.”

Gabriela Arena, Sesame Workshop’s vice president of licensing, North America, added: “Your imagination and creativity can take you places—and with the help of LEGO Ideas, it’s now transporting fans to Sesame Street where you’re never too old for a playdate.”,

The new set weights in at 1,367 LEGO pieces, measuring 24 cm high, 35cm wide, and 21cm deep. LEGO® 123 Sesame Street will be available directly via LEGO.com and LEGO Stores from 1st November.

LEGO unveils 123 Sesame Street set through LEGO Ideas and Sesame Workshop partnership

The LEGO Group has lifted the lid and taken us all on a trip down Sesame Street, as it prepares to launch its LEGO Ideas 123 Sesame Street building set. Voted for by LEGO fans the world over, the set is the latest product from the LEGO Ideas collection.

Created with all the elements of 123 Sesame Street, the new set is packed with authentic details from the famous New York City neighbourhood. From Bert and Ernie’s apartment, to Big Bird’s nest, where the grown-ups finally met Mr. Snuffleupagus in person – builders can now live out some of Sesame Street’s most memorable moments.

LEGO Ideas 123 Sesame Street allows fans to pass by Hooper’s Store, Oscar the Grouch’s trash can, and plenty other quintessential Sesame Street locations. The set includes a cast of exclusive buildable minifigures that have been created specifically for the set, including Cookie Monster, Elmo, and Big Bird.

The new LEGO Ideas 123 Sesame Street set is part of the LEGO Ideas collection, which offers fans the opportunity to submit their own brick creations with the chance to have their concept brought to life with the help of LEGO master designers and a share of the profits.

123 Sesame Street is the result of the artistic efforts of LEGO enthusiast Ivan Guerrero, who said: “As a long-time fan of the LEGO Group and Sesame Street, it has been a dream come true to be able to merge my two passions into a memorable set for fellow builders to enjoy.

“LEGO bricks and Sesame Street shaped both my childhood and adult years, and the opportunity to work with the LEGO Ideas team to bring this quintessential New York street to life has been thrilling.”

Federico Begher, VP of global marketing at The LEGO Group, added: “We were instantly drawn to Ivan’s idea, as we had never created an official LEGO product with Sesame Street before. It was clear from the submission that Ivan is passionate about Sesame Street and he really brought it to life with the wide array of characters and bright, classic colours.

“For the first time in the history of LEGO Ideas, we also had the opportunity to create brand new minifigures for a set – bringing something new and exciting to our LEGO fans.

“Knowing the impact Sesame Street has had on the world for decades, sharing similar values with generations past and present, this felt like an exciting way to blend novelty with nostalgia, and pay homage to the truly iconic 123 Sesame Street through LEGO Ideas.”

Gabriela Arena, Sesame Workshop’s vice president of licensing, North America, added: “Your imagination and creativity can take you places—and with the help of LEGO Ideas, it’s now transporting fans to Sesame Street where you’re never too old for a playdate.”,

The new set weights in at 1,367 LEGO pieces, measuring 24 cm high, 35cm wide, and 21cm deep. LEGO® 123 Sesame Street will be available directly via LEGO.com and LEGO Stores from 1st November.

LEGO builds multi-year partnership with Adidas to ‘inspire creativity and foster play’

The LEGO Group has struck up a multi-year partnership with Adidas to co-create a range of new products aimed at inspiring creativity to foster a more playful, positive and inclusive world for adults and children from all backgrounds and sporting abilities.

The partnership will span products such as footwear, apparel, and hardware, having kicked off last month with the unveiling of the limited edition Adidas Originals ZX 8000 LEGO sneaker.

“It’s our mission to inspire and develop the builders of tomorrow and help children be creative and learn the skills they need to thrive,” said Julia Goldin, chief marketing officer at the LEGO Group.

“Great play experiences are a fun way to learn and build creative confidence, and so is sport – and that’s is why we’re so excited about this partnership. Together, play and sport let children experience collaboration and the principles of fair-play, as well as build mental resilience. These are crucial life-skills that can help children unlock their full potential.”

Aimee Arana, SVP general manager, global training at Adidas, added “Our goal is to use the power of sport to change lives, grounded in creativity as the vehicle to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds. An innovative partner like the LEGO Group allows us to together imagine up new concepts and products that will spark creativity in an inclusive way, particularly helping the development of younger generations.”

Initial partnership discussions started in 2017, and in 2018 the LEGO Group welcomed the adidas team to LEGO House in Denmark to let creativity run wild and determine how best to foster a true fusion of the two brands.

That meeting kicked-off what promises to be a dynamic and fast-paced collaboration, with the first products scheduled to drop before the end of 2020. Products for various sports and an active lifestyle will launch in December and throughout 2021, aimed at both kids and adults and crossing different LEGO themes.

Egmont launches new LEGO Explorer monthly magazine and enters subscription market

Egmont Magazines is launching a new LEGO Explorer magazine, a monthly publication designed ‘to build curious minds’ and inspire readers to design their own LEGO models and ‘unleash their creativity.’

The magazine has been developed by Egmont Publishing with the support of official LEGO designers and aims to combine the creativity central to the LEGO brand with Egmont’s experience in magazine content. The new title will be focused on learning, discovery and creativity.

The LEGO Explorer magazine will have a STEAM focus, encouraging young readers to go on a journey through the worlds of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths, as well as teaching them new LEGO skills with inside info from LEGO designers themselves.

Each issue will also offer readers innovative tips and tricks to make the most of their LEGO collection, as well as a collectable LEGO toy. The first issue of LEGO Explorer is dedicated to Marvellous Machines and explores the world of robots and artificial intelligence.

The magazine will be hitting newsstands from October 21st, however, Egmont will also be entering the subscriptions market with subs already available online.

Laura Adnitt, publishing director, said: “We’re sure that LEGO Explorer will be loved by both kids and parents, and the STEAM themes are sure to engage young readers in educational topics alongside their much-loved LEGO bricks.

“We’re delighted to be launching this magazine with a direct to consumer subscription offer. We know that young readers will love collecting all the themed issues, and will revel in building the exclusive LEGO covermounts every month.”

Another win for licensed toys as Star Wars, WWE and Super Mario land Smyths’ top toys for Christmas top spots

WWE, PAW Patrol, Pokemon, and Super Mario have all made the top billing as this week sees the international toy retailer, Smyths Toys, take its turn in listing its top toy predictions for Christmas 2020, pitting some of the world’s biggest and long-lasting toy brands against new launches in the space this year.

Licensed toys have once again featured heavily in the retailer’s top ten picks, with LEGO Super Mario, Star Wars Mandalorian, and Barbie making their appearacne alongside pre-school staple PAW Patrol, and the universally popular Pokemon and LOL Surprise toy brands.

Sinead Byrne, joint head of marketing at Smyths Toys, said: “We are excited to announce our Top 10 Toys for Christmas, and it was a difficult choice again this year. We have some cool characters from L.O.L. Remix and Pokémon to Mario and The Child, as well as our exclusive Wrekkin’ Slambulance, as seen live on WWE last week.

“PAW Patrol has entered the age of dinosaurs, and Barbie’s Princess Adventures are hot to trot. Mix up game night with Monopoly for Sore Losers, Mini Brands Mini Mart shelves are full and ready to go and the Present Pets unboxing experience is sure to delight any child this Christmas.”

The toys all feature in the newly released Smyths Toys catalogue and are available in all stores nationwide. 

Smyths Toys Superstores now trades from over 130 stores across the UK and Ireland. Catering for all ages, the leading toy retailer offers a huge range of toys, video games, bikes and baby products, including all the top brands.

Top Toys 2020 – Click here 

Smyths Toys Superstores Top Toys List:

  • WWE Wrekkin’ Slambulance
  • Pokémon Carry Case 
  • Star Wars Mandalorian The Child Animatronic 
  • L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G. Remix 4-in-1 Plane and Remix dolls 
  • Barbie Princess Adventure Prance & Shimmer Horse
  • Present Pets 
  • LEGO Super Mario Starter Set
  • Monopoly Sore Losers 
  • PAW Patrol Dino Rescue Dino Patroller Motorised Team Vehicle with Chase & T-Rex

  • Mini Brands Mini Mart

Another win for licensed toys as Star Wars, WWE and Super Mario land Smyths’ top toys for Christmas top spots

WWE, PAW Patrol, Pokemon, and Super Mario have all made the top billing as this week sees the international toy retailer, Smyths Toys, take its turn in listing its top toy predictions for Christmas 2020, pitting some of the world’s biggest and long-lasting toy brands against new launches in the space this year.

Licensed toys have once again featured heavily in the retailer’s top ten picks, with LEGO Super Mario, Star Wars Mandalorian, and Barbie making their appearacne alongside pre-school staple PAW Patrol, and the universally popular Pokemon and LOL Surprise toy brands.

Sinead Byrne, joint head of marketing at Smyths Toys, said: “We are excited to announce our Top 10 Toys for Christmas, and it was a difficult choice again this year. We have some cool characters from L.O.L. Remix and Pokémon to Mario and The Child, as well as our exclusive Wrekkin’ Slambulance, as seen live on WWE last week.

“PAW Patrol has entered the age of dinosaurs, and Barbie’s Princess Adventures are hot to trot. Mix up game night with Monopoly for Sore Losers, Mini Brands Mini Mart shelves are full and ready to go and the Present Pets unboxing experience is sure to delight any child this Christmas.”

The toys all feature in the newly released Smyths Toys catalogue and are available in all stores nationwide. 

Smyths Toys Superstores now trades from over 130 stores across the UK and Ireland. Catering for all ages, the leading toy retailer offers a huge range of toys, video games, bikes and baby products, including all the top brands.

Top Toys 2020 – Click here 

Smyths Toys Superstores Top Toys List:

  • WWE Wrekkin’ Slambulance
  • Pokémon Carry Case 
  • Star Wars Mandalorian The Child Animatronic 
  • L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G. Remix 4-in-1 Plane and Remix dolls 
  • Barbie Princess Adventure Prance & Shimmer Horse
  • Present Pets 
  • LEGO Super Mario Starter Set
  • Monopoly Sore Losers 
  • PAW Patrol Dino Rescue Dino Patroller Motorised Team Vehicle with Chase & T-Rex

  • Mini Brands Mini Mart

Barbie, Star Wars and LEGO Super Mario among leading licenses in Amazon’s top toys for Christmas

Classic and retro licenses including Barbie, Star Wars, Back to the Future and Super Mario have been billed among the top picks for predicted best-selling toys this Christmas by Amazon UK, proving the might of nostalgia in 2020 as we head into the critical Christmas shopping season.

Amazon.co.uk is betting big on some of the biggest franchises in the world of children’s entertainment this year, listing Mattel’s Barbie, Spin Master’s PAW Patrol, and MGA Entertainment’s LOL Surprise alongside the likes of Star Wars The Mandalorian, Back to the Future, and the innovative new collaboration between LEGO and Nintendo for LEGO Super Mario.

In fact, Amazon points out that Star Wars continues to be among the top searched keywords for toys on its UK platform, and suggests that ‘kids can’t get enough of the Disney+ original series, Star Wars The Mandalorian. It’s to that end that Star Wars The Mandalorian Bounty Hunter Transport Starship has been listed as a potential best-seller this year, available exclusively on Amazon.co.uk.

The Child Animatronic Edition AKA Baby Yoda also takes a top for most lovable character.

Meanwhile, the VTech Kidizoom in red is another Amazon exclusive. A child friendly camera that includes video editing, the HD camera comes with 20 virtual backgrounds, and includes six games.

“We know Christmas is going to be a little different this year, and at Amazon, we are doing everything we can to bring the magic of the festive season to our customers,” said Naman Agarwal, head of vendor management for toys at Amazon.co.uk.

“The joy of being with friends and family, in person or virtually, will be the greatest gift of all, and we’re predicting that the bestselling toys will be those that can bring people together. No matter the celebration, we are making a big effort to deliver smiles and make Christmas extra special.”

Amazon’s full list of top toys for Christmas 2020 is:

The Barbie Fresh ‘n’ Fun Food Truck – Mattel


LOL Surprise OMG Remix Plane – MGA Entertainment


LOL Surprise OMG Remix Honeylicious Fashion Doll – MGA Entertainment


Squeakee Interactive Balloon Dog – Moose Toys


Uno Showdown – Mattle Games


KidiZoom Studio – VTech


Star Wars The Mandalorian Bounty Hunter Transport Starship – LEGO


Star Wars The Child Animatronic Edition – Hasbro


Back to the Future DeLorean Toy – Playmobil


PAW Patrol Dino Rescure Dino Patroller Motorised Team Vehicle with Exclusive Chase and T-Rex Figures – Spin Master


Present Pets – Spin Master


Super Mario Adventures Starter Course Interactive Figure and Buildable Game – LEGO