Disney’s first Mando Monday reveals swathe of new Mandalorian products, including a new scene-stealing The Child plush

It was a new remote-control plush version of The Child – affectionately otherwise known as Baby Yoda – from Mattel that stole the show when Disney Consumer Products and Lucasfilm finally lifted the lid on a swathe of new Star Wars toys and products during its first ever Mando Monday this week.

Star Wars fans from across the globe tuned into a special Star Wars Mando Monday digital event yesterday (Monday, October 26th) where acting talent from Disney’s The Mandalorian, including Pedro Pascal, Carl Weathers and Giancarlo Esposito, revealed the latest products and digital content to arrive, inspired by the series.

However, it was Mattel’s new plush The Child that outshone them all, as the global consumer product event revealed the latest in products, games, and publishing to arrive from Disney Consumer Products and its global portfolio of licensing partners.

Mattel’s Real Moves Plush allows fans to assume control of the Child through the use of a wrist strap remote control unit featuring a joystick, in order to make him spin around, move his ears, head and arms, play hide and seek, make sounds and more.

The new launch was one among over 60 new toy product reveals that included launches from Star Wars licensing partners Hasbro, Funko, Sideshow Collectables, Bandai, Diamond Select Toy, and more. Mando Mondays is an all new global consumer products, games, and publishing programme that will debut new goods inspired by the Disney+ series every Monday from now until December 21st.

Products now available for pre-order include the Star Wars Retro Collection from Hasbro, the The Child Real Moves Plush from Mattel, a Mandalorian Flying with Blaster bobblehead from Funko and The Art of Star Wars: The Mandalorian from ABRAMS.

A new line of skateboards, accessories and apparel inspired by The Mandalorian are also available now from Element, and starting this week, new themed content is coming to multiple Star Wars games such as the recently launched Star Wars: Squadrons from Motive.

Speaking at the event, Paul Southern, senior vice president, licensing and franchise, Lucasfilm, said: “Today’s global digital event celebrates the first of many Mando Mondays to come.

“Over the course of the next eight weeks, we look forward to unveiling the widest assortment yet of highly anticipated products and digital content inspired by beloved characters and moments from The Mandalorian.”

Fans can check out the full list of products revealed on MandoMondays.com and catch a replay of today’s event on Star Wars YouTube.

Stay tuned to MandoMondays.com each Monday through December 21 for the latest new reveals, interviews, videos and more and join the conversation via social media with #MandoMondays.

Jazwares to launch The Smurfs master toy line in 2022 as Belgian franchise looks for revival with kids

Jazwares has been named the global master toy partner for the popular animated franchise, The Smurfs. The toymaker will develop a new toy line inspired by the classic Belgian franchise, with plans for a 2022 launch.

The partnership is part of International Merchandising Promotions & Services plans to revive the internationally popular brand for today’s generation of children.

Created by Pierre Culliford (known as Peyo), The Smurfs first appeared in 1958 as a comic strip running in the Belgian magazine, Spirou. The brand quickly became a runaway success, and in the decades since, The Smurfs have permeated every aspect of pop culture, evolving into one of the world’s most beloved family brands.

Jazwares’ Smurfs toy line will include plush, figures, and playsets featuring the eternally young, little blue imps and their mushroom village that fans of the classic franchise will immediately recognize.

“The Smurfs is an evergreen franchise with a rich history and timeless values that has ignited children’s curiosity and creativity for decades,” said Laura Zebersky, chief commercial officer at Jazwares. “We are looking forward to working with IMPS to create a toy line that appeals to today’s kids while also capturing the nostalgia that other generations feel for the brand.”

Véronique Culliford, president and founder of IMPS / Lafig and daughter of Peyo, added: “I am extremely proud of this beautiful partnership with Jazwares. It is a family company like ours that advocates for the same human values. I’m sure that with their legendary creativity, many beautiful toys will invade the world to the joy of young and old children.”

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.

ViacomCBS details raft of UK partners for Blue’s Clues & You following ‘overwhelming demand’

With a master toy line already in the works from the global toy company, Just Play, Nick Jr’s hit pre-school series Blue’s Clues & You has now confirmed a raft of UK partners that include Kids Designs, Imagine8, and Kimm & Miller.

The news of the latest signings was announced during the Festival of Licensing’s Americas week by ViacomCBS Consumer Products, vice president for the UK and Ireland, Venetia Davie. It supports a major licensing programme for the property that is now scheduled to hit shelves in July 2021.

Earlier this year, VCP partnered with Just Play to develop a master toy line for the pre-school series. The toy line, targeting pre-schoolers aged two to five years old, includes plush and interactive toys, developed to ‘enhance the key brand attributes to translate success from screen to shelves across the UK.’

Additional partners for Blue’s Clues & You now include Kid Designs for consumer electronics, Imagine8 on accessories and Kimm & Miller who will work on novelty food gifting.

Meanwhile, Fashion UK, who also partners with VCP for PAW Patrol: The Movie, will cover daywear, while Character World will focus on bedding and Amscan on costume and dress up.

In the publishing space, Egmont have acquired the UK rights for Blue’s Clues & You! themed magazines and Signature Gifts on personalised books.

Since launching in April this year in the UK, Blue’s Clues & You! has quickly become a key driver for Nick Jr. The show now ranks as the number fourth show on the channel, only behind ratings juggernauts PAW Patrol and Peppa Pig as well as recently launched The Adventures of Paddington.

A remake of the curriculum-driven interactive series Blue’s Clues, Blue’s Clues & You! follows Blue as she invites viewers to join her and the host Josh on a clue-led adventure and solve a puzzle in each episode. With each signature paw print, Blue identifies clues in her animated world that propel the story and inspire the audience to interact with the characters.

“It’s indicative of the huge popularity of Blue’s Clues & You! that toys and products have been in such overwhelming demand since the series relaunched earlier this year,” said Davie.

“It’s fantastic that Just Play is on board as master toy licensee, and I cannot wait to see how they, together with our other partners, turn Blue and her universe into toys and playthings for this next generation to enjoy.”

Blue’s Clues & You! will be launching this month on Channel 5’s Milkshake! with a second season heading to Nick Jr. in November and a third season already greenlit for 2021.

The property is also available in different formats, including a dedicated YouTube channel which received over 98M global views between March and July this year alone and the Storytime with Josh & Blue podcast which launched this summer on Spotify, reaching over 100k people in just three weeks.

ViacomCBS details raft of UK partners for Blue’s Clues & You following ‘overwhelming demand’

With a master toy line already in the works from the global toy company, Just Play, Nick Jr’s hit pre-school series Blue’s Clues & You has now confirmed a raft of UK partners that include Kids Designs, Imagine8, and Kimm & Miller.

The news of the latest signings was announced during the Festival of Licensing’s Americas week by ViacomCBS Consumer Products, vice president for the UK and Ireland, Venetia Davie. It supports a major licensing programme for the property that is now scheduled to hit shelves in July 2021.

Earlier this year, VCP partnered with Just Play to develop a master toy line for the pre-school series. The toy line, targeting pre-schoolers aged two to five years old, includes plush and interactive toys, developed to ‘enhance the key brand attributes to translate success from screen to shelves across the UK.’

Additional partners for Blue’s Clues & You now include Kid Designs for consumer electronics, Imagine8 on accessories and Kimm & Miller who will work on novelty food gifting.

Meanwhile, Fashion UK, who also partners with VCP for PAW Patrol: The Movie, will cover daywear, while Character World will focus on bedding and Amscan on costume and dress up.

In the publishing space, Egmont have acquired the UK rights for Blue’s Clues & You! themed magazines and Signature Gifts on personalised books.

Since launching in April this year in the UK, Blue’s Clues & You! has quickly become a key driver for Nick Jr. The show now ranks as the number fourth show on the channel, only behind ratings juggernauts PAW Patrol and Peppa Pig as well as recently launched The Adventures of Paddington.

A remake of the curriculum-driven interactive series Blue’s Clues, Blue’s Clues & You! follows Blue as she invites viewers to join her and the host Josh on a clue-led adventure and solve a puzzle in each episode. With each signature paw print, Blue identifies clues in her animated world that propel the story and inspire the audience to interact with the characters.

“It’s indicative of the huge popularity of Blue’s Clues & You! that toys and products have been in such overwhelming demand since the series relaunched earlier this year,” said Davie.

“It’s fantastic that Just Play is on board as master toy licensee, and I cannot wait to see how they, together with our other partners, turn Blue and her universe into toys and playthings for this next generation to enjoy.”

Blue’s Clues & You! will be launching this month on Channel 5’s Milkshake! with a second season heading to Nick Jr. in November and a third season already greenlit for 2021.

The property is also available in different formats, including a dedicated YouTube channel which received over 98M global views between March and July this year alone and the Storytime with Josh & Blue podcast which launched this summer on Spotify, reaching over 100k people in just three weeks.

Menkind is expanding licensed ranges and adult party and card games to meet lockdown trends

The gadget and gift retailer, Menkind has highlighted its plans to expand on its licensed products and exclusive ranges as it heads into the Christmas shopping season, a move that has been driven by the increased consumer engagement with pop culture TV, films, video games and entertainment throughout the pandemic.

Licensed products, according to the retailer, who recently detailed its plans to open concession stores with the UK department store giant Debenhams in the run up to Christmas, have become a “comfort blanket for consumers in difficult times,” and as a result will be increasing its listings as it adapts to current demands.

Last month, Menkind revealed that it was opening 23 concession stores within select Debenhams department stores across the UK, planning to open each from the start of October. The new concessions will be staffed by over 50 new recruits across all locations, and will stock all the core Menkind product range.

Among those ranges will be key trends to have emerged from 2020, including the greater lean on licensed products, as well as a trend for adult party games driven by the increased time consumers are spending socialising from home over virtual gatherings and group chats.

“Being stuck at home, people have turned to movie and TV show online streaming services, as well as games and video gaming as their main entertainment,” Fred Prego, director of marketing and e-commerce at Menkind, told ToyNews.

“Licensed products have become a comfort blanket in these difficult times. We have always stocked a quirky and unique range, so it’s definitely in our plans to expand our offering with new products and exclusive lines that are in high demand. I think it’s crucial to really listen to what consumers want during these times and adapt to trends very quickly.

“Meanwhile, with limited socialising in pubs and restaurants across the country, the biggest trend in my opinion is friends getting together virtually to have fun and relax with a drink. For that reason, we have extended our range of adult and party games that can easily be played in group chats.”

With the nation staring down localised lockdowns in the run-up to Christmas and restrictions in place in varying degrees across the country, Menkind has acted to adapt to the new model of Christmas shopping likely to be adopted this year. Its partnership with Debenhams places the brand within destination shopping zones ahead of the festive season.

Confirmed Debenhams store locations where Menkind will open include Bath, Birmingham, Cardiff, Colchester, Guildford, Manchester, Luton, London Oxford Street, Middlesbrough, Warrington and more.

“With Christmas markets and fairs likely not happening this year, we created an omni-channel proposition called ‘Menkind Wonderland’, to offer our customers a variety of toy, gift and gadget stalls online and in-store,” continued Prego.

“Debenhams felt like the perfect partnership to give shoppers a safe and fun pre-Christmas experience, and their widely accessible network of stores will help us best serve customers throughout the country during the busy holiday shopping period and beyond.

“Our Christmas range includes a wealth of unique gifts, gadgets and licensed merchandise, so we are determined not to have Christmas cancelled this year.”

When lockdown was first announced in March this year, Menkind swiftly began to introduce new products ranges such as puzzles and card games, in order to tap into the rising trend for family entertainment over the earlier part of the year.

“We also gave our online channels extra attention to ensure our customers are having a seamless shopping experience,” said Prego. “More recently, we’ve launched a range of exclusives and have implemented all the necessary safety measures during and post-lockdown. We are constantly listening to government advice in order to react as quickly as possible to any changes that affect retailers.

“Another initiative we’ve been working on has been releasing dedicated product ranges for key events earlier, to give people the opportunity to plan their shopping better, especially if it involves trips to the store. We started selling advent calendars as early as August, and it’s been very well received by our customers.

“Whilst we are continuously implementing all the safety measures recommended by authorities, we have made it our mission to communicate the same sense of fun and positiveness our customers are used to, and offer them the best experience possible in-store and across our online channels,” Prego concluded.

Steamforged Games teams with Bandai Namco to launch Pac-Man: The Card Game

Steamforged Games has partnered with Bandai Namco Entertainment to launch the iconic 1980 arcade game Pac-Man to the tabletop gaming space with Pac-Man: The Card Game.

The game is billed as an easy-to-learn family game that will see players gobble up fruit and Pac-Dot cards for points, while avoiding ghosts Blinky, Pinky. Inky, and Clyde at all costs. The title will be distributed in the UK and Ireland by John Adams Leisure and will hit stores in November this year.

With three game modes, players can get to know the game in Beginner Mode, level up for a greater challenge, or combine both decks in Bonus Mode to create an experience for up to eight players.

Mat Hart, co-founder and creative lead at Steamforged Games, said: “We’re stoked to be collaborating with our partner Bandai Namco on another household IP. The game will be a brand new experience that feels authentically like the PAC-MAN we all know and love, with art inspired by the retro arcade classic.”

Steamforged Games teams with Bandai Namco to launch Pac-Man: The Card Game

Steamforged Games has partnered with Bandai Namco Entertainment to launch the iconic 1980 arcade game Pac-Man to the tabletop gaming space with Pac-Man: The Card Game.

The game is billed as an easy-to-learn family game that will see players gobble up fruit and Pac-Dot cards for points, while avoiding ghosts Blinky, Pinky. Inky, and Clyde at all costs. The title will be distributed in the UK and Ireland by John Adams Leisure and will hit stores in November this year.

With three game modes, players can get to know the game in Beginner Mode, level up for a greater challenge, or combine both decks in Bonus Mode to create an experience for up to eight players.

Mat Hart, co-founder and creative lead at Steamforged Games, said: “We’re stoked to be collaborating with our partner Bandai Namco on another household IP. The game will be a brand new experience that feels authentically like the PAC-MAN we all know and love, with art inspired by the retro arcade classic.”

London Toy Fair 2021 cancelled over Covid-19 restrictions

Toy Fair 2021 has been cancelled, the BTHA has confirmed in an update sent industry-wide today.

Owing to the latest in government restrictions amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the BTHA, in conversation with London Olympia, have made the decision to cancel the 2021 event. The industry body has stated that it looks forward to the show’s return in 2022.

A statement from the BTHA reads:

“We have been working closely with Olympia London and we have together taken the decision that despite all best efforts and endeavours by both parties, regrettably the Toy Fair 2021 is unable to take place.

“This conclusion is due to government restrictions now in place on large scale indoor events in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. The wellbeing of our exhibitors, visitors, staff and contractors is paramount and currently the risks are considered too great to allow the show to go ahead as dictated by the government regulations.

“We empathise with the industry’s disappointment – this is the first year that Toy Fair will not take place in 66 years. We express our thanks to all exhibitors for their patience and understanding and for the support of the wider industry, and very much looking forward to a big return in 2022 from 25-27 January.”

The BTHA has also confirmed that there will be no virtual alternative to the 2021 show, however it will be offering all exhibitors an extended exhibitor listing on its website with an opportunity to add company information, links, product photos and videos.

The organisation will also be refunding all money paid already for stand space for 2021. Those in need of refunds are asked to contact Tracey@btha.co.uk