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SPIROGRAPH® REVEALS SIX ART CONTEST WINNERS TO DISPLAY AT THE STRONG NATIONAL MUSEUM OF PLAY ON WORLD ART DAY

Museum

The Timeless Brand Celebrates 57 Years of Creations at The Strong Break Week from April 15-24

 

 

BELOIT, Wis. (April 13, 2022) — The highly anticipated Spirograph® National Art Contest comes to an exciting conclusion as artwork submissions by six rising artists have been selected to display at The Strong National Museum of Play on World Art Day! In recognition of their pieces, each artist will also receive an exclusive Spirograph® Retrospective Prize Pack and a $400 Michaels Gift Card to keep creating!

Throughout the month of March, passionate art enthusiasts from across the US submitted their unique creations to the Spirograph® National Art Contest. Today, six awe-inspiring submissions have been chosen to be displayed at The Strong National Museum of Play, during a Spriograph® activation and exhibit running throughout April Break Week (April 15-24). Visitors will have a chance to make their own Spirograph® creation with a communal design experience, on site, and a Spirograph® retrospective that showcases Spirograph® products throughout the ages.

Congratulations to the Spirograph® National Art Contest Winners:

  1. Abby, Massachusetts, Category 5-7
  2. Myles, Pennsylvania, Category 5-7
  3. Audrey, New York, Category 8-12
  4. Bella, Texas, Category 8-12
  5. Gale, California, Category 13+
  6. Jules, New York, Category 13+

 

Special honorary mention goes out to @spirographgirl from the UK.

“There’s an artist in everybody, and seeing all of these kids and their families celebrate Spirograph® by showing us how they create and bring joy to their artworks is an incredible gift in itself,” says Wendy Hartling, Director of Activity Toys at PlayMonster. “We hope everyone who has joined us for this event continues to be inspired and show their artist side with the spinning gears of Spirograph!!”

Stay tuned for more Spirograph® reveals for 2022! For more information about PlayMonster, visit www.playmonster.com.

About PlayMonster

PlayMonster, a leading international toy and game company, believes in the power of play to make a positive difference in people’s lives and strives to keep play alive for all ages by delivering great play value through designing, manufacturing, and marketing innovative and fun toys, games and activities. PlayMonster’s diversified portfolio includes popular brands and products such as “TOTY Game of the Year” Yeti in My Spaghetti®, plus THINGS…®, 5 Second Rule®, Relative Insanity®, Farkle, Five Crowns®, Spirograph®, Colorforms, My Fairy Garden®, Fashion Plates®, Latchkits®, Snap Ships®, Koosh® and the recently acquired Ann Williams Group including Loopdedoo®, Craft-Tastic®, Craft Crush™ and Sticker & Chill™.

 

About The Strong

The Strong is a highly interactive, collections-based museum devoted to the history and exploration of play. It is one of the largest history museums in the United States and one of the leading museums serving families. The Strong houses the world’s largest and most comprehensive collection of historical materials related to play and is home to the International Center for the History of Electronic Games, the National Toy Hall of Fame, the World Video Game Hall of Fame, the Brian Sutton-Smith Library and Archives of Play, the Woodbury School and the American Journal of Play. Together, these enable a multifaceted array of research, exhibition and other interpretive and educational activities that serve a diverse audience of adults, families, children, students, teachers, scholars, collectors and others around the globe.

 

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For More Information, Please Contact:

Lisa Wuennemann
PlayMonster LLC
(800) 524-4263 x275
lisa.wuennemann@playmonster.com

Sierra Percy-Beauregard
Beacon Communications (on behalf of PlayMonster)
416.659.5807
spercy-beauregard@beaconmediagrp.com

Posted on

PLAYMONSTER WELCOMES NEW DIRECTOR OF INVENTOR RELATIONS

Lauble

Industry Veteran Dianne Lauble Grows PlayMonster’s Commitment to the Inventor Community

BELOIT, Wis. (April 1, 2022) — PlayMonster Group LLC is pleased to announce the appointment of Dianne Lauble to the role of Director, Inventor Relations, effective immediately.

Lauble will expand the company’s growing relationships with the inventor community, while working to develop the company’s leadership and innovation with the next wave of inventors, creators, and designers in the toy, activity/craft and games industry.

As a seasoned creative with over 35 years of experience in the toy industry, Lauble brings a rich history of toy invention and design, as well as directing global brands. As the new Director of Inventor Relations, Lauble’s collection of experiences bring forward an in-depth understanding and business acumen that exemplifies the creative spirit of the inventor community.

“Dianne has a true eye for innovation and design that encapsulates the entrepreneurial passion of the inventors we connect with,” said Gary Aigner, Chief Product Development Officer at PlayMonser.  “Her tenure in the inventor community makes her an exciting partner as we grow our presence and innovation on an international scale.”

Throughout her multidimensional career, Lauble brought hundreds of toys to market, working alongside a notable variety of organizations within the industry, including: Hasbro, Mattel, SpinMaster, Tomy, Pressman, Infantino, Ohio Art, Parker Brothers, Fisher-Price, and most recently, McDonalds as a Creative Director of Happy Meal Toys. Dianne lives in downtown Chicago with her family.

PlayMonster continues to aggressively build its portfolio of brands and significantly scale the company’s growth and leadership position within the toy industry. To learn more about PlayMonster brands, visit www.playmonster.com and follow @playmonsterfun on social media.

 

About PlayMonster

PlayMonster, a leading international toy and game company, believes in the power of play to make a positive difference in people’s lives and strives to keep play alive for all ages by delivering great play value through designing, manufacturing, and marketing innovative and fun toys, games and activities. PlayMonster’s diversified portfolio includes popular brands and products such as “TOTY Game of the Year” Yeti in My Spaghetti®, plus THINGS…®, 5 Second Rule®, Relative Insanity®, Farkle, Five Crowns®, Spirograph®, Colorforms, My Fairy Garden®, Fashion Plates®, Latchkits®, Snap Ships®, Koosh®, and the recently acquired Ann Williams Group including Loopdedoo®, Craft-Tastic®, Craft Crush™ and Sticker & Chill™.

 

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For More Information, Please Contact:

Lisa Wuennemann
PlayMonster Group LLC
(800) 524-4263
lisa.wuennemann@playmonster.com

Sierra Percy-Beauregard
ChizComm (on behalf of PlayMonster)
Spercy-beauregard@chizcomm.com
416.659.5807

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PLAYMONSTER CONGRATULATES THEIR RISING STAR SAKITA WITHERS FOR WINNING A 2022 WOMEN IN TOYS WONDER WOMAN AWARD

Sakita Withers

PlayMonster’s Sakita Withers Wins Big at the Women in Toys 30th Anniversary Awards

BELOIT, Wis. (March 2, 2022) – PlayMonster is proud to announce that Sakita Withers has won a 2022 Wonder Woman Award in the Rising Star, Marketing/PR category. This is  one of the most prestigious awards for women in the toy industry, and PlayMonster could not be more proud to have one of their own recognized in this way!

The Wonder Women Awards is an annual event held by the Women in Toys (WiT) Licensing and Entertainment organization that recognizes and honors remarkable leaders, entrepreneurs and changemakers for their outstanding contributions in the toy, licensing and entertainment industries.

Award winner Sakita Withers is a Brand Manager at PlayMonster, and has been with the company for two years. Sakita’s leadership has been instrumental in the successful launch of Snap Ships, Koosh, and BriteBrush brands, and now the much-anticipated relaunch of the beloved Playskool line. Under Sakita, Snap Ships built an engaged and loyal fanbase by leveraging content and the expansive product line. Her background in toys (Manager, Global Brand Development and Marketing—Hasbro My Little Pony) and infant products (Brand Manager—Evenflo) gave her the experience and perspective to efficiently and effectively lead a team of product developers, creative associates, content developers, marketers and more to make Snap Ships a success.

Sakita Withers, Brand Manager at PlayMonster, says: “To be awarded WiT’s Rising Star Award is an absolute honor. Women in the industry have come so far over the past 30 years, and it’s gratifying to see recognition for our hard work! I first fell in love with toys in my late grandmother’s playroom. From He-Man to Barbie, she encouraged discovery and play, and was truly a role model in all respects. This award was made possible thanks to her.”

Lisa Wuennemann, Vice President, Marketing at PlayMonster, says: “I’m proud of what Sakita has accomplished in a short time at PlayMonster.  She ensured that every aspect of the Snap Ships launch was consistent and impressive with a great-looking product with huge playability that appealed to boys, parents and collectors; launch events; and supporting YouTube content. This year she is applying the same strategic thinking and level of detail to PlayMonster’s launch of Playskool. She is just getting started!”

Women in Toys is a non-profit organization that champions and advocates for the advancement of women through leadership, networking and educational opportunities. WiT members open doors for one another and are eager to share what they’ve learned, and are dedicated to change in the industry. Through the critical resources and programming the organization provides, and the connections they help to forge, WiT creates limitless opportunities for women to thrive at all levels of their career.

For more information, please visit www.playmonster.com.

 

About PlayMonster

PlayMonster, a leading international toy and game company, believes in the power of play to make a positive difference in people’s lives and strives to keep play alive for all ages by delivering great play value through designing, manufacturing, and marketing innovative and fun toys, games and activities. PlayMonster’s diversified portfolio includes popular brands and products such as “TOTY Game of the Year” Yeti in My Spaghetti®, plus THINGS…®, 5 Second Rule®, Relative Insanity®, Farkle, Five Crowns®, Spirograph®, Colorforms, My Fairy Garden®, Fashion Plates®, Latchkits®, Snap Ships®, Koosh®, and the recently acquired Ann Williams Group including Loopdedoo®, Craft-Tastic®, Craft Crush™ and Sticker & Chill™.

 

###

 

 

For More Information, Please Contact:

Lisa Wuennemann
PlayMonster Group LLC
(800) 524-4263
lisa.wuennemann@playmonster.com

Sierra Percy-Beauregard
ChizComm (on behalf of PlayMonster)
Spercy-beauregard@chizcomm.com
416.659.5807

Posted on

Calling All Artists! PlayMonster Unveils Spirograph® National Art Contest to Celebrate Young Creators and 57 Years of Iconic Spirograph® Designs

Spiro Contest

Winning Submissions will be displayed at The Strong National Museum of Play on World Art Day

 

BELOIT, Wis. (March 1, 2022) — Launching today, families across the US are invited to participate in the Spirograph® National Art Contest for the opportunity to have their Spirograph® art featured at The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York! Using the simple magic of pens, gears and paper, artists four and older are encouraged to create a unique design with any Spirograph® product and add their own personal flair with color or added materials.

WHO: Everyone four and older (Parents enter on behalf of kids!)

WHAT: Use any Spirograph® edition to create an original design!

WHEN: Enter between March 1-31, 2022

HOW:  Visit Playmonster.com/contest/ to learn how to upload a photo of your artwork!

Six winning designs will be chosen by a panel of judges to be displayed at The Strong National Museum of Play on World Art Day (April 15, 2022).  Winners will also take home an exclusive Spirograph® Retrospective Prize Pack and $400 Michael’s Gift Card to keep creating.

As part of the promotion, families are also invited to get their creative juices flowing by visiting Michael’s stores across the US for a free Spirograph® event. On Saturday, March 26, 2022 from 1:00-3:00 PM CST, families will be able to try out various Spirograph® products and take part in a demo to learn  Spirograph® tips and tricks. Visit Michaels.com to find a store near you.

Wendy Hartling, Director of Activity Toys at PlayMonster, says: “This household brand has delighted generations, including my own, because of its ability to make everyone feel like an artist. Whether you’re eight years old or an adult with kids of your own, Spirograph brings out the creator in all of us. We know how proud kids feel when their art is displayed at home or at school. We want to celebrate these budding artists and give them the opportunity to potentially have their art featured at a National Museum on World Art Day.”

First introduced in 1965, Spirograph® has made it possible for aspiring artists of all ages to make beautifully intricate designs. Originally developed as a drafting tool by a British mechanical engineer, the distinctive wheels and rings of Spriograph® cleverly combine the principles of art and mathematics in a way that has inspired generations. Always innovating, Spirograph® has earned industry acclaim and recognition through American Speciality Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA), Parents Magazine Best Toys Awards, and National Parenting Product Awards (NAPPA), among others. Stay tuned for more Spirograph® reveals for 2022!

For more information about PlayMonster, visit www.playmonster.com.

About PlayMonster

PlayMonster, a leading international toy and game company, believes in the power of play to make a positive difference in people’s lives and strives to keep play alive for all ages by delivering great play value through designing, manufacturing, and marketing innovative and fun toys, games and activities. PlayMonster’s diversified portfolio includes popular brands and products such as “TOTY Game of the Year” Yeti in My Spaghetti®, plus THINGS…®, 5 Second Rule®, Relative Insanity®, Farkle, Five Crowns®, Spirograph®, Colorforms, My Fairy Garden®, Fashion Plates®, Latchkits®, Snap Ships®, Koosh® and the recently acquired Ann Williams Group including Loopdedoo®, Craft-Tastic®, Craft Crush™ and Sticker & Chill™.

 

About Hasbro

Hasbro (NASDAQ: HAS) is a global play and entertainment company committed to making the world a better place for all children, fans and families. Hasbro delivers immersive brand experiences for global audiences through consumer products, including toys and games; entertainment through eOne, its independent studio; and gaming, led by the team at Wizards of the Coast, an award-winning developer of tabletop and digital games best known for fantasy franchises MAGIC: THE GATHERING and DUNGEONS & DRAGONS. The company’s unparalleled portfolio of approximately 1,500 brands includes MAGIC: THE GATHERING, NERF, MY LITTLE PONY, TRANSFORMERS, PLAY-DOH, MONOPOLY, BABY ALIVE, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, POWER RANGERS, PEPPA PIG and PJ MASKS, as well as premier partner brands. For the past decade, Hasbro has been consistently recognized for its corporate citizenship, including being named one of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens by 3BL Media and one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute. Important business and brand updates are routinely shared on our Investor Relations website, Newsroom and social channels (@Hasbro on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.) © 2022 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

 

About The Strong

The Strong is a highly interactive, collections-based museum devoted to the history and exploration of play. It is one of the largest history museums in the United States and one of the leading museums serving families. The Strong houses the world’s largest and most comprehensive collection of historical materials related to play and is home to the International Center for the History of Electronic Games, the National Toy Hall of Fame, the World Video Game Hall of Fame, the Brian Sutton-Smith Library and Archives of Play, the Woodbury School and the American Journal of Play. Together, these enable a multifaceted array of research, exhibition and other interpretive and educational activities that serve a diverse audience of adults, families, children, students, teachers, scholars, collectors and others around the globe.

 

PURCHASE REQUIRED (EXCEPT ND AND MD). US/DC 16+ (Parents or legal guardians must enter if Under 16). Void where prohibited. Ends 3/31/22. Sponsor: PlayMonster LLC. See Official Rules at playmonster.com/contest.

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For More Information, Please Contact:

Lisa Wuennemann
PlayMonster LLC
(800) 524-4263 x275
lisa.wuennemann@playmonster.com

Sierra Percy-Beauregard
ChizComm (on behalf of PlayMonster)
416.659.5807
Spercy-beauregard@chizcomm.com

Posted on

PLAYMONSTER PARTNERS WITH HASBRO TO DEBUT FLIX STIX, THE LATEST KOOSH® INNOVATION BASED ON LACROSSE

Koosh

The Easy to Catch, Hard to Put Down!™ Koosh Brand Levels-Up in 2022

BELOIT, Wis. (February 23, 2022) – PlayMonster and Hasbro partner again in 2022 to reveal sensational new ways to Koosh®, with Koosh Flix Stix! Drawing from lacrosse, one of the fastest growing sports in America, the Koosh Flix Stix is inspired by the fast-flowing game where two teams scoop, pass, and shoot a ball as they move across a field. Now families can enjoy a new twist on this game with the Easy to Catch, Hard to Put Down!™ Koosh Ball and Koosh Flix Stix!

Perfect for hours of outdoor fun, families can test their skills and go head-to-head with Koosh Flix Stix. Each set comes with 2 Flix Stix and 1 Koosh Ball. Koosh Flix Stix retails for $24.99 and will be available at retailers everywhere by Fall 2022.

For more information visit Playmonster.com.


About PlayMonster

PlayMonster, a leading international toy and game company, believes in the power of play to make a positive difference in people’s lives and strives to keep play alive for all ages by delivering great play value through designing, manufacturing, and marketing innovative and fun toys, games and activities. PlayMonster’s diversified portfolio includes popular brands and products such as “TOTY Game of the Year” Yeti in My Spaghetti®, plus THINGS…®, 5 Second Rule®, Relative Insanity®, Farkle, Five Crowns®, Spirograph®, Colorforms, My Fairy Garden®, Fashion Plates®, Latchkits®, Snap Ships®, Koosh® and the recently acquired Ann Williams Group including Loopdedoo®, Craft-Tastic®, Craft Crush™ and Sticker & Chill™.

 

About Hasbro

Hasbro (NASDAQ: HAS) is a global play and entertainment company committed to making the world a better place for all children, fans and families. Hasbro delivers immersive brand experiences for global audiences through consumer products, including toys and games; entertainment through eOne, its independent studio; and gaming, led by the team at Wizards of the Coast, an award-winning developer of tabletop and digital games best known for fantasy franchises MAGIC: THE GATHERING and DUNGEONS & DRAGONS. The company’s unparalleled portfolio of approximately 1,500 brands includes MAGIC: THE GATHERING, NERF, MY LITTLE PONY, TRANSFORMERS, PLAY-DOH, MONOPOLY, BABY ALIVE, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, POWER RANGERS, PEPPA PIG and PJ MASKS, as well as premier partner brands. For the past decade, Hasbro has been consistently recognized for its corporate citizenship, including being named one of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens by 3BL Media and one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute. Important business and brand updates are routinely shared on our Investor Relations website, Newsroom and social channels (@Hasbro on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.)

© 2022 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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For More Information, Please Contact:                                              

Lisa Wuennemann

PlayMonster LLC

lisa.wuennemann@playmonster.com

 

Sierra Percy-Beauregard

ChizComm (on behalf of PlayMonster)

Spercy-beauregard@chizcomm.com

 

To learn more about PlayMonster, visit playmonster.com

Posted on

TIMELESS SPIROGRAPH BRAND EXPANDS WITH THREE NEW PRODUCTS IN 2022

Pm Spirograh

BELOIT, Wis. (February 22, 2022) — The classic Spirograph craft activity reaches a new generation of creators in 2022, with the help of PlayMonster and The Walt Disney Company. The latest innovations will introduce 3D play, sets and clips inspired by various The Walt Disney Company franchises, and trending Mandala designs to captivate children and adults of all ages.

Developed in 1965, Spirograph stimulates children’s creativity, by giving them the power to create endless spiral designs using gears, precision rings, wheels, and colored markers. With 16 variations of the Original Spirograph, PlayMonster is excited to welcome three new styles to the household brand. 2022 highlights include:

Spirograph 3D | $14.99 | Ages 8+

The classic way to create countless amazing designs, Spirograph, turns a blank page into a beautiful work of art. Inspiring generations of artists for over 50 years, Spirograph is taking their classic spiral-design sets to new heights with new 3D sets. Combining the time-tested creativity with 3D fun, Spirograph 3D allows young artists to create amazing art that pops right off the paper! Make endless dimensional designs that will dazzle your eyes! For kids 8+.

Spirograph Cyclex Clips and Spirograph Cyclex Studio | $5.99 and $19.99  | Ages 5+

Stepping into the world of Disney, Spirograph is now available in on-the-go fun with Cyclex Clips, featuring popular characters from kid’s favorite movies and shows! Clip Star Wars™ The Mandalorian’s Grogu, Disney Frozen’s Elsa, Disney and Pixar Toy Story’s Buzz Lightyear, and Disney Mickey Mouse on a backpack or gym bag, and show off your love of Disney. Then, unclip it to use the Spirograph drawing tool whenever you’re feeling crafty! Featuring a special Cyclex drawing tool that combines the wheel and gears together, Spirograph Cyclex Clips make drawing fun and easy for kids 5+.

Fan-favorite designs inspired by Grogu and Elsa are also available in the new Spirograph Cyclex Studio sets, which include multiple stencils, with pens and paper for endless art designs!

Spirograph Mandala Maker | $24.99 | Ages 8+

Mandala designs have been a popular trend in both art and social media for quite some time now, and you guessed it, Spirograph is joining in on the fun. Spirograph Mandala Maker picks up on the popular trend of Mandala and appeals to the older crafting artist! With this set, artists can create beautiful large-scale Spirograph artwork using the interchangeable Mandala wheel. Color in and add to the Mandala art as you want! It’s a great way to inspire tweens, teens, and adults to reconnect with Spirograph fun!

 

For more information, please visit www.playmonster.com.

Lucasfilm, the Lucasfilm logo, STAR WARS and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. © & TM Lucasfilm Ltd.

About PlayMonster

PlayMonster, a leading international toy and game company, believes in the power of play to make a positive difference in people’s lives and strives to keep play alive for all ages by delivering great play value through designing, manufacturing, and marketing innovative and fun toys, games and activities. PlayMonster’s diversified portfolio includes popular brands and products such as “TOTY Game of the Year” Yeti in My Spaghetti®, plus THINGS…®, 5 Second Rule®, Relative Insanity®, Farkle, Five Crowns®, Spirograph®, Colorforms, My Fairy Garden®, Fashion Plates®, Latchkits®, Snap Ships®, Koosh®, and the recently acquired Ann Williams Group including Loopdedoo®, Craft-Tastic®, Craft Crush™ and Sticker & Chill™.

 

###

For More Information, Please Contact:

Lisa Wuennemann
PlayMonster LLC
(800) 524-4263
lisa.wuennemann@playmonster.com

Sierra Percy-Beauregard
ChizComm (on behalf of PlayMonster)
Spercy-beauregard@chizcomm.com
416.659.5807

Posted on

PLAYMONSTER BRINGS HASBRO’S PLAYSKOOL BRANDS TO A NEW GENERATION OF LITTLE ONES IN 2022

Playskool

Playskool’s Glo Friends, Little Wonders, and Magnatab Grow PlayMonster’s Toddler Category

 

BELOIT, Wis. (February 21, 2021) – The iconic Playskool® brand will reach a new generation of children in 2022, as PlayMonster partners with Hasbro to reimagine the beloved brand. For over 90 years, the Playskool name has been synonymous with quality toys and classic, learning fun. Today’s Playskool products continue this reputation, with new evergreen toys that will grow with families, and the launch of the first ever preschool brand that teaches Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in fun and playful ways.

 

Pillar brands in 2022 will include:

 

Playskool Glo Friends™ | Ages 2+ | From $12.99 – $39.99

This community of adorable, glow-in-the-dark bugs will illuminate a child’s world from morning to night. Each bug and playset in the Playskool Glo Friends line has fidget features and elements designed to teach the cornerstones of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) with kids. Using unique guides such as fidget features, movement moments and breath breaks, this collection brings learning and fun together into one fun toyetic play expression. The Playskool Glo Friends collection includes Glo Friends Story Packs, which feature softcover storybooks and a light-up Glo Friend toy; interactive fidget playsets that can also function as a night-lights; and an interactive soft character with four modes of play!

 

Playskool Little Wonders™ | Ages 6+ | From $12.99 – $34.99

These beautiful sensory playsets are made from sustainable wood, and infused with pops of color and engaging delights like lights, sounds and music. These toys encourage children to learn and grow while making discoveries about themselves and their world. The Playskool Little Wonders collection includes a Gimme-A-Ring™ play phone where you can record a special message for your little one; See-A-Key™ keyring with light-up buttons and adorable animal keys; and Pop-A-Tune™ piano with traditional and silly piano sounds.

 

The Original Magnatab® | Ages 3+ | From $19.99 – $29.99

This Montessori-learning, sensory-based drawing tablet uses magnets and a stylus to teach letters, shapes and numbers, with the possibility to free-draw whatever a child can imagine! Hear the click of the beads as they rise to the surface, then push them down to draw again. This tactical, interactive toy brings sensory and fidget play to every-day learning. Magnatab highlights include a selection of products that are great for at home use or the classroom, including Magnatab Free Draw;  Numbers & Shapes; A–Z Lowercase; and A–Z Uppercase.

PlayMonster Playskool brands will be widely available across retail, starting early 2022. For more information visit Playmonster.com.

 

About PlayMonster

PlayMonster, a leading international toy and game company, believes in the power of play to make a positive difference in people’s lives and strives to keep play alive for all ages by delivering great play value through designing, manufacturing, and marketing innovative and fun toys, games and activities. PlayMonster’s diversified portfolio includes popular brands and products such as “TOTY Game of the Year” Yeti in My Spaghetti®, plus THINGS…®, 5 Second Rule®, Relative Insanity®, Farkle, Five Crowns®, Spirograph®, Colorforms, My Fairy Garden®, Fashion Plates®, Latchkits®, Snap Ships®, Koosh®, and the recently acquired Ann Williams Group including Loopdedoo®, Craft-Tastic®, Craft Crush™ and Sticker & Chill™.

 

About Hasbro

Hasbro (NASDAQ: HAS) is a global play and entertainment company committed to making the world a better place for all children, fans and families. Hasbro delivers immersive brand experiences for global audiences through consumer products, including toys and games; entertainment through eOne, its independent studio; and gaming, led by the team at Wizards of the Coast, an award-winning developer of tabletop and digital games best known for fantasy franchises MAGIC: THE GATHERING and DUNGEONS & DRAGONS.

The company’s unparalleled portfolio of approximately 1,500 brands includes MAGIC: THE GATHERING, NERF, MY LITTLE PONY, TRANSFORMERS, PLAY-DOH, MONOPOLY, BABY ALIVE, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, POWER RANGERS, PEPPA PIG and PJ MASKS, as well as premier partner brands. For the past decade, Hasbro has been consistently recognized for its corporate citizenship, including being named one of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens by 3BL Media and one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute.

Important business and brand updates are routinely shared on our Investor Relations website, Newsroom and social channels (@Hasbro on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.)

© 2022 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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For More Information, Please Contact:                                             

Lisa Wuennemann

PlayMonster LLC

lisa.wuennemann@playmonster.com

 

Sierra Percy-Beauregard

ChizComm (on behalf of PlayMonster)

Spercy-beauregard@chizcomm.com

 

To learn more about PlayMonster, visit playmonster.com

Posted on

PLAYMONSTER ANNOUNCES NEW LEADERSHIP TEAM AND GLOBAL APPROACH FOR 2022 AND BEYOND

CEO Tim Kilpin Shares New Global Structure with Accomplished C-Suite at the Helm

 

BELOIT, Wis. (February 11, 2022) — PlayMonster reaches a new milestone, as CEO Tim Kilpin announces a global organizational structure that will unify the company’s mission around the world. Today’s announcement signals a move towards unified initiatives and planning as one global company. PlayMonster’s Global Executive team will now include:

  • Gary Aigner, responsible for Global Design as PlayMonster’s Chief Design Officer
  • Rich Rooney, responsible for Global Operations as PlayMonster’s Chief Operations and Logistics Officer
  • Scott Flynn, responsible for Global Sales as PlayMonster’s Chief Commercial Officer

 

This news comes after PlayMonster announced a significant capital injection from global private equity firms Adams Street Partners and H.I.G Capital and the promotion of tenured industry leader Tim Kilpin to the role of CEO.

 

Tim Kilpin, CEO at PlayMonster, said: “We are stronger than ever as a global company, and we’re pleased with the opportunities ahead of us as we prepare to roll out our 2022 initiatives around the world.  We have great unity as an organization, as demonstrated by the strength of our senior leadership team, who are respected authorities in their departments, and bring incredible strategic insights to our mandate as a global company.”

 

For more information about PlayMonster, visit www.playmonster.com.

About PlayMonster

PlayMonster, a leading international toy and game company, believes in the power of play to make a positive difference in people’s lives and strives to keep play alive for all ages by delivering great play value through designing, manufacturing, and marketing innovative and fun toys, games and activities. PlayMonster’s diversified portfolio includes popular brands and products such as “TOTY Game of the Year” Yeti in My Spaghetti®, plus THINGS…®, 5 Second Rule®, Relative Insanity®, Farkle, Five Crowns®, Spirograph®, Colorforms, My Fairy Garden®, Fashion Plates®, Latchkits®, Snap Ships®, Koosh®, and the recently acquired Ann Williams Group including Loopdedoo®, Craft-Tastic®, Craft Crush™ and Sticker & Chill™.

###

  

For More Information, Please Contact:

Lisa Wuennemann
PlayMonster LLC
(800) 524-4263 x275
lisa.wuennemann@playmonster.com

Sierra Percy-Beauregard
ChizComm (on behalf of PlayMonster)
416.659.5807
Spercy-beauregard@chizcomm.com

Posted on

PLAYMONSTER BRINGS AWARD-WINNING BLUEY LICENSE TO NEW ACTIVITIES IN 2022

Bluey

The Bluey License will come to life with Spirograph® and Colorforms®

 

BELOIT, Wis. (February 9, 2021) – Australia’s favorite Blue Heeler pup, Bluey, will be coming to exciting new brands in 2022, as PlayMonster announces a strategic licensing agreement with BBC Studios in 2022. Bluey has won the hearts of families around the world since it first launched in Australia in October 2018, and has quickly become a global hit. Now families in North America can share their love for Bluey with the award-winning license making its debut with Hasbro’s Spirograph® and 9 Story Brands’ Colorforms®.

New products in 2022 will include:

 

Bluey Spirograph Cyclex Studio | Ages 5+ | $19.99

Spirograph has made it possible for aspiring artists to create intricate geometrical designs using STEAM principles for over 50 years, and now this iconic, award-winning brand will inspire creativity with a new generation through the Spirograph Cyclex Studio featuring Bluey! This non-slip frame and self-advancing stencil wheel makes it easy for young artists to draw intricate Spirograph designs, and now they can have Bluey and Bingo help them along the way! Each unique character-shaped tool comes with Bluey branded stickers to enhance designs and make creating art fun for the whole family.

 

Bluey Spirograph Cyclex Clips | Ages 5+ | $5.99

Draw AMAZING Spirograph designs on the go with Spirograph Cyclex Clips, featuring Bluey! Take your favorite Bluey characters wherever you go by adding your Spirograph Cyclex Clips to backpacks, jackets, bags and more! When it’s time to get crafty, unclip the Spirograph drawing tool which combines the wheels together, and show off your love for Bluey while making beautiful drawings.

 

Bluey Colorforms® Boxed Playsets | Ages 3+ | $9.99

Colorforms® repositionable sets have inspired creative expression, imaginative storytelling, and fun for over 70 years, and now a generation of preschoolers can connect with the brand through their love for Bluey! Bluey Colorforms® Boxed Playsets come with over 100 repositionable Colorforms® pieces, 2 play scenes, and idea guide featuring Bluey!

 

Bluey Colorforms® Travel Sets | Ages 3+ | $4.99

Colorforms® Travel Playsets, let families take Bluey on-the-go! With over 50 repositionable pieces, double-sided scenes, and a resealable pocket, families can have fun creating anywhere with Bluey Colorforms® Travel Sets!

 

PlayMonster products featuring the Bluey license will be widely available across retail, starting early 2022. For more information visit Playmonster.com.

 

About PlayMonster

PlayMonster, a leading international toy and game company, believes in the power of play to make a positive difference in people’s lives and strives to keep play alive for all ages by delivering great play value through designing, manufacturing, and marketing innovative and fun toys, games and activities. PlayMonster’s diversified portfolio includes popular brands and products such as “TOTY Game of the Year” Yeti in My Spaghetti®, plus THINGS…®, 5 Second Rule®, Relative Insanity®, Farkle, Five Crowns®, Spirograph®, Colorforms®, My Fairy Garden®, Fashion Plates®, Latchkits®, Snap Ships®, Koosh®, and the recently acquired Ann Williams Group including Loopdedoo®, Craft-Tastic®, Craft Crush™ and Sticker & Chill™.

About Bluey

Bluey follows a loveable, inexhaustible 6-year-old Blue Heeler pup, Bluey, who lives with her Mum, Dad and her 4-year-old little sister, Bingo. The series showcases the everyday events of family life – from going to a restaurant and visiting the hairdressers to catching the bus or having a playdate – and celebrates these moments, turning ordinary experiences into extraordinary imagination-packed adventures. Bluey is produced by Ludo Studio for ABC KIDS (Australia) and co-commissioned by ABC Children’s and BBC Studios. Financed in association with Screen Australia, Bluey is proudly 100% created, written, animated, and post produced in Brisbane Queensland, Australia, with funding from the Queensland Government through Screen Queensland and the Australian Government.

About BBC Studios

BBC Studios, a global content company with British creativity at its heart, is a commercial subsidiary of the BBC. Formed in April 2018 by the merger of BBC Worldwide and BBC Studios, it spans content financing, development, production, sales, branded services, and ancillaries. BBC Studios’ award-winning British programs are internationally recognized across a broad range of genres and specialties. It has offices in 22 markets globally, including seven production bases in the UK and production bases and partnerships in a further nine countries around the world. The company, which makes over 2,500 hours of content a year, is a champion for British creativity around the world and a committed partner for the UK’s independent sector.

In the Americas, BBC Studios’ operates two production units – one in Los Angeles, responsible for ratings juggernaut and Emmy®-nominated Dancing with the Stars and multi-award-winning Life Below Zero, and the other in Brazil, where local productions Dancing Brasil and Bake Off Brasil have become breakout hits. The company manages joint venture relationships with AMC Networks for flagship channel BBC AMERICA (U.S.) – home of original series Killing Eve and global brands Dynasties, Doctor Who, and Top Gear – and with ITV for SVoD service BritBox (U.S./Canada), as well as strategic partnerships in Canada with Blue Ant Media for BBC Earth Channel and Corus for BBC Canada. The company also boasts a franchise management business and a robust linear and digital content sales and co-productions operation.

About Ludo Studio

Ludo is a multi-Emmy® and Logie award-winning Australian studio that creates and produces original scripted drama, animation and digital stories that are authored by incredible local talent, distributed globally and loved by audiences everywhere. ludostudio.com.au

About 9 Story Brands

9 Story Brands is the dedicated brand management and consumer products division of 9 Story Media Group, a leading content creator, producer and distributor of kids and family focused intellectual property. 9 Story Brands builds international entertainment brands for kids, with expertise across creative, brand marketing and licensing. 9 Story Brands manages merchandising rights for top children’s properties including Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Clifford The Big Red Dog, Colorforms®, Wild Kratts, Super Why! and Karma’s World.

About Hasbro

Hasbro (NASDAQ: HAS) is a global play and entertainment company committed to making the world a better place for all children, fans and families. Hasbro delivers immersive brand experiences for global audiences through consumer products, including toys and games; entertainment through eOne, its independent studio; and gaming, led by the team at Wizards of the Coast, an award-winning developer of tabletop and digital games best known for fantasy franchises MAGIC: THE GATHERING and DUNGEONS & DRAGONS. The company’s unparalleled portfolio of approximately 1,500 brands includes MAGIC: THE GATHERING, NERF, MY LITTLE PONY, TRANSFORMERS, PLAY-DOH, MONOPOLY, BABY ALIVE, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, POWER RANGERS, PEPPA PIG and PJ MASKS, as well as premier partner brands. For the past decade, Hasbro has been consistently recognized for its corporate citizenship, including being named one of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens by 3BL Media and one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute. Important business and brand updates are routinely shared on our Investor Relations website, Newsroom and social channels (@Hasbro on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.)

© 2021 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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For More Information, Please Contact:                                              

Lisa Wuennemann

PlayMonster LLC

lisa.wuennemann@playmonster.com

 

Sierra Percy-Beauregard

ChizComm (on behalf of PlayMonster)

Spercy-beauregard@chizcomm.com

 

To learn more about PlayMonster, visit playmonster.com

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PLAYMONSTER TAKES OFF IN 2022 WITH SIGNIFICANT CAPITAL INJECTION AND NEW CEO

Adams Street Partners and H.I.G Capital Help Fuel PlayMonster’s Growth in 2022, Under the Leadership of New CEO Tim Kilpin

 

BELOIT, Wis. (January 27, 2022) — PlayMonster launches into 2022 with fresh capital from global private markets firms Adams Street Partners and H.I.G Capital, and promotes tenured industry leader Tim Kilpin and former PlayMonster President to the role of CEO. This significant capital investment and leadership change symbolizes PlayMonster’s latest chapter as a top international toy and game company, and sets the foundation for continued growth and innovation in 2022 and beyond.

Bill Sacher,  Partner, Adams Street, said: “PlayMonster has gained the trust of countless families with their iconic toys and games, and nearly 40 years of rich company history. We believe in the PlayMonster vision, leadership, and values, and we’re eager to support the company’s growth.”

“It’s an exciting time of strategic development and expansion, charting further success for PlayMonster,” said John Yeager, Managing Director of H.I.G Capital.  “Not only is the business strong, but the inherent value in what PlayMonster brings to kids and families in all of its products is something incredibly positive that we are proud to be part of.

Tim Kilpin, CEO at PlayMonster, said: “Our relationship with Adams Street and H.I.G Capital greatly accelerates our goal to become one of the industry’s top global toy companies, and echoes our steadfast dedication to delivering great play experiences for consumers. We’re eager to work with two firms that share our vision and values and have what it takes to create magic in 2022.”

As CEO, Kilpin will focus on expanding and accelerating PlayMonster’s strong retail relationships, product innovation, brand development, licensing and international expansion. PlayMonster is entering an exciting year, as the company prepares to bring Hasbro’s beloved Playskool brands to a new generation of parents. This comes on the heels of several major brand launches in 2021 ‒  including Koosh, Spirograph Animator and THINGS…Schitt’s Creek Edition and the acquisition of award-winning crafting company, Ann Williams Group.

Before joining PlayMonster, Kilpin served as President and CEO of Activision Blizzard’s Consumer Products business, and President and Chief Commercial Officer for Mattel, Inc. In addition to various senior roles at both Mattel and Disney, Kilpin has served on the Boards of Build-A-Bear Workshop, the Make-A-Wish International Foundation, and the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation; he is also a Board and Executive Committee member of the Toy Association.

Former PlayMonster CEO Bob Wann, whose dedicated leadership over the last 13 years was instrumental in shaping the global company that PlayMonster is today, is retiring from the company.

“Bob’s passion for the power of play and delivering innovation to consumers has been transformational for the company, and his overall dedication to the entire toy industry truly inspiring,” says Kilpin. “We offer him our sincerest thanks and best wishes as he moves into a new chapter.”

Adams Street is a global private markets investment manager that manages more than $49 billion in assets.  H.I.G Capital is a leading alternative assets investment firm with over $45 billion of equity capital in management.  Together, they bring significant scale and services to the PlayMonster brand. Both companies have acquired or invested in hundreds of mid-sized private companies..

For more information about PlayMonster, visit www.playmonster.com.

About PlayMonster

PlayMonster, a leading international toy and game company, believes in the power of play to make a positive difference in people’s lives and strives to keep play alive for all ages by delivering great play value through designing, manufacturing, and marketing innovative and fun toys, games and activities. PlayMonster’s diversified portfolio includes popular brands and products such as “TOTY Game of the Year” Yeti in My Spaghetti®, plus THINGS…®, 5 Second Rule®, Relative Insanity®, Farkle, Five Crowns®, Spirograph®, Colorforms, My Fairy Garden®, Fashion Plates®, Latchkits®, Snap Ships®, Koosh®, and the recently acquired Ann Williams Group including Loopdedoo®, Craft-Tastic®, Craft Crush™ and Sticker & Chill™.

About Adams Street Partners

Adams Street Partners is a global private markets investment manager with investments in more than 30 countries across five continents. The firm is 100% employee-owned and has more than $49 billion in assets under management. Adams Street strives to generate actionable investment insights across market cycles by drawing on nearly 50 years of private markets experience, proprietary intelligence, and trusted relationships. Adams Street has offices in Austin, Beijing, Boston, Chicago, London, Menlo Park, Munich, New York, Seoul, Singapore, and Tokyo. Visit www.adamsstreetpartners.com

About H.I.G. Capital

H.I.G. is a leading alternative assets investment firm with over $45 billion of equity capital under management. Based in Miami, and with offices in New York, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Atlanta in the U.S., as well as international affiliate offices in London, Hamburg, Madrid, Milan, Paris, Bogotá, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, H.I.G. specializes in providing both debt and equity capital to small and mid-sized companies, utilizing a flexible and operationally focused/value-added approach.

 

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For More Information, Please Contact:

Lisa Wuennemann
PlayMonster LLC
(800) 524-4263 x275
lisa.wuennemann@playmonster.com

Sierra Percy-Beauregard
ChizComm (on behalf of PlayMonster)
416.659.5807
Spercy-beauregard@chizcomm.com