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PLAYMONSTER INVITES KIDS TO BUILD TO BATTLE IN AN EPIC NEW MISSION WITH THE LAUNCH OF SNAP SHIPS

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The Innovative Line is the First of its Kind to Incorporate a Building System with Action Play, and is Supported by an Epic Storyline, Multi-Million Dollar Marketing Campaign and Complementary AR App

BELOIT, Wis. (July 6, 2020) — Welcome to the future, where the world is under constant attack from a brutal alien threat. Are YOU ready to BUILD TO BATTLE?!  The fate of the universe lies in your hands!

PlayMonster, the Big on Fun company, is pleased to announce the highly anticipated launch of its new line of building toys, Snap Ships™—a collectible, durable and versatile modular building system that stands up to action play. Snap Ships invite kids to build, battle and display an exciting array of cool spacecrafts, merging two of the biggest play patterns for boys—action-play and construction.

Designed for kids ages 8 and up, the exciting new Snap Ships fleet launches with eleven ships at a suggested retail price of $9.99–$39.99, each coming with a mysterious UJU tech piece that holds special value hidden inside the box. Snap Ships come with multiple build options and are available today in early release on Amazon and will hit shelves at Target and other retailers later this month.

More than just a toy line, Snap Ships creates a 360-degree play experience inviting kids into the Snap Ships universe through an immersive animated series from acclaimed content studio Wind Sun Sky Entertainment, and a free interactive AR app from highly successful video game developers.

“Snap Ships is so much more than a great toy line; it is a content-driven franchise that allows kids to not only build, but also play, battle, rebuild, customize, watch content, engage with the app and then do it all over again,” said Tim Kilpin, PlayMonster’s newly appointed President. “We set out to change the building play experience, and it is the biggest launch in Play Monster’s history.”

To tell the epic story of the Snap Ships universe, PlayMonster needed a partner as powerful as the best in its fleet, and has joined forces with award-winning content studio Wind Sun Sky to produce a fast-paced and edgy animated series. Season one of the series, Snap Ships Dawn of Battle will launch this August on YouTube, with new episodes releasing each week.

Wind Sun Sky, led by Catherine Winder, whose credits include Star Wars: The Clone Wars, TheAngry Birds Movie, and Super Dinosaur, has brought the Snap Ship’s universe dynamically to life in CGI animation with non-stop action.

“We knew right away that we wanted to be a part of Snap Ships because of its all-around potential,” said Winder, “We’re excited to partner with PlayMonster, one of the fastest growing toy companies in the industry, to bring the Snap Ships story to life through creative content.”

The vast storyline introduces viewers to The Forge, an elite team assembled to pilot a fleet of versatile and specialized Snap Ships defense attack craft, and The Komplex, an alien species determined to annihilate all life, that has invaded with no warning. Along the way, The Forge discovers mysterious UJU tech, left behind by an ancient civilization, that can be added to their Snap Ships to give them unheard-of abilities.

Rounding out the Snap Ships launch is the release of the free interactive Snap Ships app, designed to complement the toy line and animated series, allowing users to explore the vibrant world of Snap Ships. Highly detailed digital versions of the constructible toys come to life in the app and can be summoned into your room via Augmented Reality. Kids are invited to “Build to Battle” with digital building instructions for the core Snap Ships kits, as well as a huge assortment of custom ships unique to the app. Track your collection, prep ships for flight in AR, and test fire your ship’s weapons as you battle against the ever advancing Komplex.

Developed by Scott Pease and Jeff Swenty, AAA video game veterans (Tony Hawk, Guitar Hero, Call of Duty) and the inventors of Snap Ships, the app, rated E for everyone, is available now for free for iOS on the Apple App Store and for Android via the Google Play Store.

“To us, Snap Ships are more than toys—we imagine them as real, working spaceships,” said Pease. “The Snap Ships app brings that fantasy to life: summon life sized ships in Augmented Reality, walk around them, test their weapons, and fly them into Battle. You also get access to an endless supply of unique ships with detailed, 3D building instructions, so you can build them all with your real-life toy kits!”

The Snap Ships Fleet includes:

  • Snap Ships™ Lance SV-51 Scout – SRP: $9.99
  • Snap Ships™ Locust K.L.A.W. Stealth Craft – SRP: $9.99
  • Snap Ships™ Sawfly K.L.A.W. Minelayer – SRP: $9.99
  • Snap Ships™ Scythe AV-19 Tank – SRP: $9.99
  • Snap Ships™ Sabre X-23 Interceptor – SRP: $14.99
  • Snap Ships™ Scarab K.L.A.W. Interceptor – SRP: $14.99
  • Snap Ships™ Scorpion K.L.A.W. Troop Dropper – SRP: $19.99
  • Snap Ships™ Battle Set: Wasp K.L.A.W. Heavy Fighter and Falx SC-41 Escort – SRP: $29.99
  • Snap Ships™ Gladius AC-75 Drop Ship – SRP: $39.99
  • Snap Ships™ Trident ST-33 Gunship (Target Exclusive) – SRP: $19.99

Following the recent announcement of former Mattel President and Chief Commercial Officer Tim Kilpin’s appointment as President at Play Monster, the launch of Snap Ships marks the company’s move into more content-driven franchise development and continued innovation in play.

For more information about Snap Ships, please visit www.snapships.com.

About PlayMonster LLC

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 The Game of THINGS…®, 5 Second Rule®, Relative Insanity®, Farkle, SET®, Five Crowns®, Spirograph, Colorforms, My Fairy Garden®, Face Paintoos™, Fashion Plates®, Y’Art®, Latchkits®, and Snap Ships™.

About Wind Sun Sky

Wind Sun Sky Entertainment is a Canadian multimedia entertainment company led by former LucasFilm executive, Catherine Winder (Invincible, The Angry Birds Movie 1 & 2, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Robert Kirkman’s Secret History of Comics). Based in Vancouver Canada, Wind Sun Sky Entertainment (WSS) builds franchises with a focus on creator-driven content for the global marketplace producing in all mediums including interactive, film, television (live action and animation) and games. Under the WSS umbrella is Skybound North, who use expertise in building global brands to expand IP from Skybound’s vast library as well as new IP into the right forms of content, merchandise and beyond. WSS is currently in production on an animated TV adaptation of Invincible for Amazon, and in development on the successful Canadian mobile game My Singing Monsters, which is being adapted into television, interactive, merchandise and more.

About Snap Ships LLC

Scott Pease and Jeff Swenty are the inventors and founders of Snap Ships LLC. They are also AAA video game veterans, having guided some of the biggest video game franchises in history: Scott led the development of the original Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater franchise first as a producer, and later as a Studio Head of Neversoft, an Activision studio. Jeff joined Neversoft in 2005 and helped Scott and the team ship the action game Gun, seven Guitar Hero games, and one entry into the Call of Duty franchise. In all, Neversoft worked on three distinct billion dollar franchises and shipped over 100 million video game units worldwide. Snap Ships LLC is dedicated to developing original, creative, and long-lasting toy and game IP that can expand across all mediums. The Snap Ships app can be found at app.snapships.com.

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For More Information, Please Contact:                                        

Lisa Wuennemann                              Jonathan Siemens
PlayMonster LLC                                Director, Marketing and Communications – ChizComm
(800) 524-4263 x1275                        (416) 551-0822 x330
lisaw@playmonster.com                    jsiemens@chizcomm.com

 

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PlayMonster Names Tim Kilpin President

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Strategic brand-building and franchise development among the many strengths industry veteran Kilpin brings to PlayMonster’s leadership team

 

Beloit, WI (June 22, 2020)PlayMonster LLC is pleased to announce the appointment of Tim Kilpin as President of PlayMonster, effective immediately.

Kilpin, a leader and executive in the toy and children’s entertainment industry for over 35 years, has set brand strategies and creative direction for many of the world’s most iconic and successful children’s brands, including Monster High, Hot Wheels, Disney Princess, Winnie the Pooh, Barbie, and Mickey Mouse, having served in senior roles at Mattel, Disney and Activision Blizzard.

Reporting to CEO Bob Wann and based in the company’s corporate headquarters in Beloit, WI, Kilpin will focus on expanding and accelerating PlayMonster’s business with an emphasis on sales, marketing, design, and business development.  Wann, in addition to continuing strategic and operational oversight, will increase focus on international growth and acquisition.

“Tim is one of the most experienced, highly accomplished and respected executives in the whole of the industry,” says Wann. “His tremendous stature and knowledge in the industry, along with his complementary skill sets make Tim the perfect fit, at the perfect time, to further PlayMonster’s growth and evolution towards becoming one of the industry’s top toy companies.”

“The PlayMonster team is an outstanding, experienced, talented group of people with a strong vision, who love what they do and love working together,” says Kilpin. “I really fundamentally believe that finding ways to build brands that offer quality play experiences for families and kids today is more important than ever and I am excited to be part of that.”

Prior to joining PlayMonster, Kilpin most recently served as President and CEO of Activision Blizzard’s Consumer Products business, overseeing the category strategy and creative development of multiple product ranges in support of key franchises.  Before that, as President and Chief Commercial Officer for Mattel, Inc., Kilpin directed all aspects of the company’s global $5.5 billion Sales and Marketing operations, overseeing a staff of 1,500, working closely with both key internal stakeholders in Operations and Supply Chain Management, as well as with critical external partners in Retail, Studio Entertainment, and Consumer Products. In addition to other senior roles at both Mattel and Disney, Kilpin has also 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 currently a Board and Executive Committee member of the Toy Association.

Having built its success in a deeply rooted commitment to the power of play, PlayMonster has demonstrated a unique ability to interpret and innovate classic play patterns, keeping them fresh for new audiences, and will be aggressively continuing to build its portfolio of brands and content-driven IP across categories, both organically and through acquisition.

Kilpin’s appointment also signals a continuing emphasis on recruitment of key talent aimed at supporting this growth, bringing added resources and experience to the PlayMonster team in key functions.

“Following the successes of our acquisition of Interplay in 2017 and our most recent acquisition of Kahootz this past year, our future growth will continue to focus on adding internal resources and external partnerships that bring even more industry-best practices and experience to everything we do across PlayMonster worldwide,” says Wann.  “It’s a very exciting time.”

 

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 The Game of THINGS…®, 5 Second Rule®, Relative Insanity®, Farkle, SET®, Five Crowns®,  Spirograpgh , Colorforms, My Fairy Garden®, Face Paintoos™, Fashion Plates®,Y’Art®, Latchkits®, and Snap Ships™.

# # #

 

For More Information, Please Contact:                                        

Lisa Wuennemann                              Jonathan Siemens
PlayMonster LLC                                Director, Marketing and Communications – ChizComm
(800) 524-4263 x1275                        (416) 551-0822 x330
lisaw@playmonster.com                    jsiemens@chizcomm.com

 

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PLAYMONSTER HONORED WITH AN INDUSTRY-LEADING SIX FINALISTS FOR ASTRA BEST TOYS FOR KIDS

BELOIT, Wis. (April 28, 2020) — PlayMonster is proud to announce that it has six finalists for the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) 2020 Best Toys for Kids list. Out of hundreds of nominations, the following products have been named as finalists in six of the 14 categories: Spirograph® Scratch and Shimmer for Arts & Crafts, Mirari® SkillDillies for Early Play, Drone Home™ for Games 7 and under, TAG™ for Games Teens and Adults, Face Paintoos™ for Pretend Play, and Snap Ships™ for Pretend Play Vehicles.

PlayMonster is known for being “Big on Fun” — and its 2020 lineup reaffirms its dedication to bringing new, exciting and innovative products to independent toy and specialty retailers. ASTRA is the only program of its kind and its goal is to heighten consumer awareness of the value of open-ended play and the role these independent retailers have. PlayMonster is a proud member of ASTRA and recognizes the shared value of the “Power of Play” and the importance of supporting small businesses and the communities they serve.

“PlayMonster is committed to innovation, and we think these finalists reflect that. It’s an indication of the hard work and determination of our entire team to be recognized by independent toy and specialty retailers,” said Scott Flynn, VP Sales & Marketing of PlayMonster LLC. “We know the positive impact ASTRA and its retail members have on their communities, which is why we continue to create innovative toys and games for them.”

Independent specialty toy retailers have begun voting to select the winning products, and the deadline for ASTRA member retailers to vote is May 10, 2020. Winners of the 2020 Best Toys for Kids list will be announced in early July 2020.

About PlayMonster LLC

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 The Game of THINGS…®, 5 Second Rule®, Relative Insanity®, Face Paintoos™, Mirari®, Farkle, SET®, Five Crowns®, OK to Wake!®, My Fairy Garden®, Fashion Plates®, Marbleocity®, Y’Art®, Latchkits®, Kid O® and Snap Ships™.

# # #

 

For More Information, Please Contact:                                        

Lisa Wuennemann                              Jonathan Siemens
PlayMonster LLC                                Director, Marketing and Communications – ChizComm
(800) 524-4263 x1275                        (416) 551-0822 x330
lisaw@playmonster.com                    jsiemens@chizcomm.com

 

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PLAYMONSTER SHOWS IT’S BIG ON GIVING BACK BY DONATING MEDICAL MASKS TO LOCAL HEALTH CARE FACILITIES

BELOIT, Wis. (April 23, 2020) — Beloit-based toy and games company, PlayMonster known for being “BIG ON FUN” shows it’s also big on giving back by donating 4,500 medical masks to local Beloit Health Systems.

PlayMonster is very appreciative of its success and knows that success would not be possible without the support of its hometown, Beloit, WI, and surrounding communities. To show its appreciation, PlayMonster has donated 4,500 medical masks to the local Beloit Health Systems to help their frontline workers stay safe during the COVID-19 crisis.

“Giving back to our local community is something we pride ourselves on, and we are incredibly grateful and appreciative of all the frontline workers,” said Bob Wann, Chief PlayMonster at PlayMonster.

The masks will be donated to local health care facilities including the Beloit Hospital, Beloit Clinic, Beloit Health System UW Cancer Center, NorthPointe Health and Wellness, as well as other facilities belonging to the Beloit Health System.

Since its founding in 1985, PlayMonster has grown from a small game manufacturer to a global toy industry leader, creating learning toys, STEM products and educational games and activities for children and families that promote the power of play at home and around the world.

About PlayMonster LLC

Beloit, WI-based PlayMonster is a toy and game company that believes in the power of play to make a positive difference in people’s lives. Delivering great play value by designing, manufacturing and marketing innovative, fun products such as “TOTY Game of the Year” Yeti in My Spaghetti® and “TOTY Doll of the Year” Wonder Crew®, along with other award-winning toys and games like The Game of THINGS…®, 5 Second Rule®, Relative Insanity®, Mirari®, Farkle, SET® games, OK to Wake!®, My Fairy Garden®, Automoblox®, Marbleocity®, Kid O® and Super Spinner® is how PlayMonster helps keep play alive for all ages.

# # #

 

For More Information, Please Contact:                                        

Lisa Wuennemann                              Jonathan Siemens
PlayMonster LLC                                Director, Marketing and Communications – ChizComm
(800) 524-4263 x1275                        (416) 551-0822 x330
lisaw@playmonster.com                    jsiemens@chizcomm.com

 

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PLAYMONSTER GROWS THEIR FUZZIKINS FAMILY WITH NEW FUZZI BABIES

Fuzzi Babies

New, Adorable Fuzzi Babies Craft-and-Play Sets Deliver Creative and Fun Play Value for Children

BELOIT, Wis. (March 20, 2020) — PlayMonster’s Fuzzikins™ line, new for 2019, has gained popularity quickly and will now be extended for 2020! Now, there will be babies and all new animals for children to color, design and play with on their own or with other Fuzzikins sets.

Launched in the UK in 2016, Fuzzikins has become a very popular customized toy line in the UK. Bringing it to the U.S. in 2019 was a seamless expansion, much like My Fairy Garden was for PlayMonster a few years earlier.

Fuzzikins are 3D adorable, fuzzy animals such as kittens, puppies and bunnies. They are all covered in white flocking, and come with special washable markers that children use to design, color and decorate their new animal friends. Children love creating toys that look like their own pets, or using their imagination to make colorful and unique animals! The best part is that the creativity can be endless because the color easily rinses off when the character is placed under running water. Once it’s dry, children can start all over!

Fuzzi Babies adds new play value with baby animals, and they’re new and different animals, too! Now the line has a precious Hamster, Lamb and Monkey! Build and design their beds, design and color the animals, and then tuck them away for their nap!

The Fuzzikins line also includes playsets and vehicles so children can create their very own animal world, which adds even more play value to this craft toy, and is fun for girls and boys, ages 4 and up.

 

About PlayMonster LLC

Beloit, WI-based PlayMonster is a toy and game company that believes in the power of play to make a positive difference in people’s lives. Delivering great play value by designing, manufacturing and marketing innovative, fun products such as “TOTY Game of the Year” Yeti in My Spaghetti® and “TOTY Doll of the Year” Wonder Crew®, along with other award-winning toys and games like The Game of THINGS…®, 5 Second Rule®, Relative Insanity®, Mirari®, Farkle, SET® games, OK to Wake!®, My Fairy Garden®, Automoblox®, Marbleocity®, Kid O® and Super Spinner® is how PlayMonster helps keep play alive for all ages.

# # #

 

For More Information, Please Contact:                                        

Lisa Wuennemann                              Jonathan Siemens
PlayMonster LLC                                Director, Marketing and Communications – ChizComm
(800) 524-4263 x1275                        (416) 551-0822 x330
lisaw@playmonster.com                    jsiemens@chizcomm.com

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PLAYMONSTER TAKES HOT RELATIVE INSANITY GAME LINE TO A NEW LEVEL

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Jeff Foxworthy’s Successful Relative Insanity Game Line Raids the Family Photo Album

BELOIT, Wis. (March 20, 2020) — PlayMonster LLC and comedian Jeff Foxworthy have once again teamed up to bring laugher to your game nights! Relative Insanity® See What I Mean?!™ combines the fun and humor of the original game with the popularity of memes to create a whole new game in this insane family humor game line!

In this newest addition to the hilarious brand made and played by comedian Jeff Foxworthy, you now have photos—crazy ones that you’d see in family albums or posted online by relatives—and you play cards that caption those photos! Captions are written by Jeff Foxworthy, so you know they’ll be funny! There are even a few photos of Foxworthy himself in the game!

The judge chooses a photo card, rolls the die so players know which caption category to use, and then players pick their funniest caption card for the photo! The Judge’s favorite one gets two points, and the second best gets 1 point! But watch out—if you toss in a baaa-aad caption, you may just be the black sheep of the family!

The game includes 100 funny photos and 900 hilarious captions on 300 cards, plus a die and some scoring doodads! Like the original game and its expansion pack, Relative Insanity See What I Mean?! is fun for 4 to 12 players, ages 14+.

Jeff Foxworthy is one of the most respected and successful comedians in the country.  He is the largest selling comedy-recording artist in history, a multiple Grammy Award nominee and best selling author of more than 26 books. In 2014, he was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.   Widely known for his redneck jokes, his act goes well beyond that to explore the humor in everyday family interactions and human nature, a style that has been compared to Mark Twain’s.  Most recently Jeff was one of the judges on the NBC comedy competition show “Bring The Funny,”  He has his own comedy channel “Jeff and Larry’s Comedy Roundup” on SIRIUSXM, which showcases the best in great American comedy.  He has a comedy special “We’ve Been Thinking” which is currently available on Netflix and released a game called “Relative Insanity” which uses bits of his material for lots of game time fun.

 

About PlayMonster LLC

Beloit, WI-based PlayMonster is a toy and game company that believes in the power of play to make a positive difference in people’s lives. Delivering great play value by designing, manufacturing and marketing innovative, fun products such as “TOTY Game of the Year” Yeti in My Spaghetti® and “TOTY Doll of the Year” Wonder Crew®, along with other award-winning toys and games like The Game of THINGS…®, 5 Second Rule®, Relative Insanity®, Mirari®, Farkle, SET® games, OK to Wake!®, My Fairy Garden®, Automoblox®, Marbleocity®, Kid O® and Super Spinner® is how PlayMonster helps keep play alive for all ages.

# # #

 

For More Information, Please Contact:                                        

Lisa Wuennemann                              Jonathan Siemens
PlayMonster LLC                                Director, Marketing and Communications – ChizComm
(800) 524-4263 x1275                        (416) 551-0822 x330
lisaw@playmonster.com                    jsiemens@chizcomm.com

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PLAYMONSTER WRAPS ITS ARMS AROUND AN EXCITING NEW KIDS GAME

Stack

It May Not Be Easy Being an Octopus in a Kid’s World, But it Sure is Fun with Stacktopus!

BELOIT, Wis. (March 20, 2020) — PlayMonster cast a wide net in search of a new, exciting kids game, and caught a winner with Stacktopus™, where kids Slip on Silly Sea Fingers and Go!™

The fun kids game Stacktopus may seem easy—kids have to simply race to stack color cups to match the configurations on the colorful cards—but there’s a twist! Each player must wear three silly sea fingers and use only those fingers to grasp, hold and maneuver the cups! It ends up getting really silly and really funny!

It’s even more amusing when adults play with kids because everyone is on even ground, and what’s not funny about watching your dad or grandma wear octopus arms and try to pick up cups?! Even when not playing the game, kids end up wearing the silly sea fingers and having tons of fun with them!

Stacktopus is fun for ages 5 and up, and is great for 1 to 3 players.

 

About PlayMonster LLC

Beloit, WI-based PlayMonster is a toy and game company that believes in the power of play to make a positive difference in people’s lives. Delivering great play value by designing, manufacturing and marketing innovative, fun products such as “TOTY Game of the Year” Yeti in My Spaghetti® and “TOTY Doll of the Year” Wonder Crew®, along with other award-winning toys and games like The Game of THINGS…®, 5 Second Rule®, Relative Insanity®, Mirari®, Farkle, SET® games, OK to Wake!®, My Fairy Garden®, Automoblox®, Marbleocity®, Kid O® and Super Spinner® is how PlayMonster helps keep play alive for all ages.

# # #

 

For More Information, Please Contact:                                        

Lisa Wuennemann                              Jonathan Siemens
PlayMonster LLC                                Director, Marketing and Communications – ChizComm
(800) 524-4263 x1275                        (416) 551-0822 x330
lisaw@playmonster.com                    jsiemens@chizcomm.com

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PLAYMONSTER UPDATES ITS POPULAR MAGNATAB LINE WITH AN IMPROVED STYLUS AND STORAGE

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Magnatab Becomes More Kid-Friendly with a Larger Drawing Area, Improved Grip and Easy Stylus Storage!

BELOIT, Wis. (February 22, 2020) — PlayMonster has updated the Magnatab® line after working with parents and retailers to determine what aspects needed improvement to keep Magnatab a favorite among kids and parents! The new Magnatab will be unveiled at North American International Toy Fair in New York, February 22 – 25 at booth #435.

In 2020, Free Play Magnatab and Jumbo Glow-in-the Dark Magnatab will keep their distinct coloring, but feature a white back for 2-tone visual interest. They will also have a larger drawing area, along with an easier-to-grip stylus that acts as a “drawing” tool and “eraser”, and stores easily inside a top slot. Soft edging, a padded back “feet”, and gripper back handle indent make the toy more comfortable to hold and easier to carry. The alphabet and number Magnatabs will feature the updated stylus, edging, feet and handle indent as well. All items will feature updated packaging that calls out distinct features.

Magnatabs were designed with the Montessori learning style in mind, creating a sensory-based learning and play experience. Using the magnetic stylus, children pull the beads up to the surface to make letters, numbers or creative images. In doing this, they feel the pull of the magnets, hear their clicking sound, and see what they are drawing. The beads are magically “erased” when pushed down by the tip of a finger or the swipe of the stylus.

The Magnatab line consists of two drawing styles, ABCs upper and lowercase, and well as numbers. Magnatab is a fun learning tool for children ages 3 and up.

 

About PlayMonster LLC

Beloit, WI-based PlayMonster is a toy and game company that believes in the power of play to make a positive difference in people’s lives. Delivering great play value by designing, manufacturing and marketing innovative, fun products such as “TOTY Game of the Year” Yeti in My Spaghetti® and “TOTY Doll of the Year” Wonder Crew®, along with other award-winning toys and games like The Game of THINGS…®, 5 Second Rule®, Relative Insanity®, Mirari®, Farkle, SET® games, OK to Wake!®, My Fairy Garden®, Automoblox®, Marbleocity®, Kid O® and Super Spinner® is how PlayMonster helps keep play alive for all ages.

# # #

 

For More Information, Please Contact:                                              

Lisa Wuennemann
PlayMonster
lisa.wuennemann@playmonster.com

 

Jonathan Siemens,
ChizComm (on behalf of PlayMonster)
jsiemens@chizcomm.com

 

To learn more about PlayMonster, visit playmonster.com

 

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PlayMonster Jumpstarts the #FacePaintRevolution at KIDZ BOP World Tour Concert in Los Angeles

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Photo caption: The KIDZ BOP Kids and influencer Hails_World wearing Face Paintoos™

 

December 16, 2019 – BELOIT, Wis. – Last night, PlayMonster LLC launched Face Paintoos in grand fashion with a kick-off at the sold-out KIDZ BOP World Tour concert at The Wiltern in Los Angeles, CA.  Joined by prominent fashionista and influencer Hails_World, and her hundreds of thousands of fans online, attendees got the opportunity to jam out to their favorite songs and be some of the first consumers to get a look at Face Paintoos live!

Created to change the way people think about face painting, Face Paintoos is the mess-free, inexpensive way to paint a child’s face. Face Paintoos makes the process easy and long-lasting with no professional artist required. All you have to do is apply the design like you would a temporary tattoo for a smudge and transfer-proof design!

The #FacePaintRevolution encourages children everywhere to get creative and join in on the endless designs that can be created with Face Paintoos, making each design their own in a unique way. Perfect for dressing the part at a KIDZ BOP concert, hosting a birthday party or a day out at the zoo!

“We wanted to create something that allowed kids to express their personalities and make parent’s lives easier… and we’ve done that with Face Paintoos,” said Lisa Wuennemann, Associate Vice President of Marketing at PlayMonster. “Kids can switch their Face Paintoos with ease and don’t need to worry about smudging their face or transferring it onto clothing.”

The removal process is just as easy. Simply use one of the wipes that are included in the package to wipe off the Face Paintoos. With three different theme packs (wild, magical and pet), there’s a design for every mood — and song!

We’re ready for the #FacePaintRevolution…are you?! Follow the action on the PlayMonster social channels:

About PlayMonster LLC

Beloit, WI-based PlayMonster is a toy and game company that believes in the power of play to make a positive difference in people’s lives. Delivering great play value by designing, manufacturing and marketing innovative, fun products such as “TOTY Game of the Year” Yeti in My Spaghetti® and “TOTY Doll of the Year” Wonder Crew®, along with other award-winning toys and games like The Game of THINGS…®, 5 Second Rule®, Relative Insanity®, Mirari®, Farkle, SET® games, OK to Wake!®, My Fairy Garden®, Automoblox®, Marbleocity®, Kid O® and Super Spinner® is how PlayMonster helps keep play alive for all ages.

 

About KIDZ BOP

KIDZ BOP connects with kids and families through its best-selling albums, music videos, consumer products and live tours. In the US, KIDZ BOP is the No. 1 music brand for kids, featuring today’s biggest hits “sung by kids for kids.” KIDZ BOP has sold over 21 million albums and generated over 3.5 billion streams since the family-friendly music brand debuted in 2001. The best-selling series has had 24 Top 10 debuts on the Billboard 200 Chart; only three artists in history—The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Barbra Streisand—have had more Top 10 albums. For more information, visit www.kidzbop.com.

 

KIDZ BOP is a part of Concord.

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For More Information, Please Contact:                                        

Lisa Wuennemann                              Jonathan Siemens
PlayMonster LLC                                Director, Marketing and Communications – ChizComm
(800) 524-4263 x1275                        (416) 551-0822 x330
lisaw@playmonster.com                    jsiemens@chizcomm.com

 

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PlayMonster Expands its Kids Arts and Crafts Line with the Classic Spirograph Brand Through its Acquisition of Kahootz Toys!

Pm Kahootz 400x400

November 14, 2019 – BELOIT, Wis. – PlayMonster LLC has taken its next big step in solidifying its fast growth as a multi-category toy and game company by acquiring the assets of the kids arts and crafts company, Kahootz Toys, based in Ann Arbor, MI. Kahootz Toys is the company behind 17 award-winning brands including Y’ART®, SPIROGRAPH®, COLORFORMS®, FASHION PLATES®, LATCHKITS®, PLAY-DOH® and WATERFULS®.

Kahootz, founded in 2012, grew quickly with several programs, including the relaunch of the iconic brand Spirograph, under license with Hasbro. Today that brand stands as one of the strongest performers in the category. More recently, the company has experienced great success with other classic brands like Colorforms in partnership with 9 Story Entertainment, and the girls’ favorite Fashion Plates. This year the company was excited to be awarded the ASTRA Best Toys for Kids award, and is a TOTY finalist for Creative Toy of the Year with a new line, Y’ Art, where kids can “color with yarn”!

Over the past few years, PlayMonster has made several acquisitions to strengthen their position in the toy industry, and Kahootz Toys was a natural fit with its commitment to classic and quality play, an initiative PlayMonster strives for, to meet the needs of today’s consumers.

Bob Wann, Chief PlayMonster of PlayMonster LLC said, “This is PlayMonster’s largest acquisition to-date and we’re thrilled to continue our multi-category growth strategy building and adding classic brands while expanding our footprint in the activity and stationery aisles. Kahootz has shown a commitment to providing innovative products to kids of all ages, and this philosophy aligns with our mission to make a positive difference in people’s lives through the power of play. Their team has done an outstanding job, and with our help, will continue to grow the Kahootz brand at retail.”

“We are very excited to be joining PlayMonster and the Audax Private Equity family of companies,” said Joe Yassay, CEO and founding partner of Kahootz Toys.  “The addition of our products to PlayMonster’s already impressive portfolio of children’s toys and games is a win-win for everyone involved–our companies, licensors, suppliers and customers.  We look forward to helping PlayMonster champion the power of play by supporting continued growth and market penetration in the mass, specialty and international marketplaces.”

Bambini Partners, LLC acted as Special Advisors to Kahootz Toys in connection with this transaction.

 

About PlayMonster LLC

Beloit, WI-based PlayMonster is a toy and game company that believes in the power of play to make a positive difference in people’s lives. Delivering great play value by designing, manufacturing and marketing innovative, fun products such as “TOTY Game of the Year” Yeti in My Spaghetti® and “TOTY Doll of the Year” Wonder Crew®, along with other award-winning toys and games like The Game of THINGS…®, 5 Second Rule®, Relative Insanity®, Mirari®, Farkle, SET® games, OK to Wake!®, My Fairy Garden®, Automoblox®, Marbleocity®, Kid O® and Super Spinner® is how PlayMonster helps keep play alive for all ages.

 

 About Kahootz Toys

Kahootz Toys has been on a mission to use our skills and passions to bring great kids’ products to the world, founding our company with an award-winning relaunch of the classic brand, Spirograph® in 2013.  Since then, we’ve successfully launched a broad portfolio of children’s toy, craft and activity products, including Fashion Plates® fashion drawing sets, Colorforms® playsets, Latchkits®, Y-Art™ yarn crafts, and many others.  Kahootz believes in “Retro Fun for Everyone”!

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For More Information, Please Contact:                                        

Lisa Wuennemann                              Kassandra O’Brien
PlayMonster LLC                                Director, Marketing and Communications – ChizComm
(800) 524-4263 x1275                        (416) 551-0822 x356
lisaw@playmonster.com                    kobrien@chizcomm.com