Chris Byrne, known for decades as The Toy Guy®, is an independent toy analyst, researcher, and consultant. Most recently, Byrne has spent the past year talking with industry experts alongside co-host Richard Gottlieb on their new podcast, The Playground, discussing everything from retail, licensing, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the toy industry, and more with a variety of guests.

Does your company have a fun activity, game, or play idea that can help parents looking to engage their kids in more play at home? If so, be sure to take advantage of a unique opportunity to be featured in the new Genius Play Portal, launching this May. To be considered, applications must be submitted by April 16, 2021.

For Marissa DiBartolo, play isn’t just a pastime of her youth but an integral part of her daily life as the editor-in-chief of the Toy Insider and the Pop Insider, two leading toy and pop culture news and review sites produced by Adventure Media & Events.

Toy News Tuesday editors sat down with Bob Moog, president of University Games and chair of the Toy Industry Hall of Fame subcommittee on posthumous selection, to learn about recent changes to the program’s selection process for deceased candidates, and why the Hall of Fame continues to be so important to the toy and play community.

Toy Association member companies are invited to take advantage of a new opportunity to feature their resources in The Genius of Play’s new Genius Play Portal, which will launch in May.

Stacy Lellos, president of Klutz, has a long history of working in both children’s publishing and toys, having held a variety of executive-level positions at companies such as Scholastic and Toys“R”Us. In her current role, she helps leverage the rich history of Klutz, a division of Scholastic, while driving innovation with new products that tap into the hottest youth trends and inspire creativity. Toy News Tuesday editors chatted with Lellos about her role as a Play Ambassador for The Toy Association’s Genius of Play initiative, and how she incorporates play into her daily routine.

The Toy Foundation (TTF), the 501(c)3 children's charity that provides philanthropic support and the vital commodity of play to children and families under stress and in dire situations across the country and globe, announced today that it has launched a redesigned website at www.ToyFoundation.org.

Toy News Tuesday editors had the opportunity to chat with The Toy Coach's Azhelle Wade about her newest role as a Play Ambassador for The Toy Association’s Genius of Play initiative and how gamification of everyday problem-solving could help society.

This spring, The Genius of Play is teaming up with six social media influencers to demonstrate the six benefits of play that contribute to raising a well-rounded child through an Instagram campaign.

Toy News Tuesday editors discuss with 7 Days of Play's Michelle Savett, as a Play Ambassador for The Toy Association’s Genius of Play initiative, how important play is to her work and her own family’s approach to learning.

Are you a toy professional who wants to help promote the benefits of play for all ages? If so, The Genius of Play invites you to apply for The Genius of Play Ambassador program.

The Toy Foundation is calling on the toy community to donate products for children in underserved communities through its signature Toy Bank program.

New research commissioned by The Genius of Play and conducted by OnePoll revealed seven out of 10 parents are concerned COVID-19 will have a lasting impact on their children’s social and emotional growth and development.

Play professionals and toy fans from around the globe gathered virtually today to honor the year’s most outstanding playthings and inspiring individuals at The Toy Association’s 21st annual Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards and Toy Industry Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Proceeds from the TOTY awards program support the charitable work of The Toy Foundation.

To help spread awareness about the many proven benefits of play, PlanToys' Rudy Valenta recently became a Play Ambassador for The Genius of Play. Toy News Tuesday editors chatted with Valenta about what play means to him – and why it was important to become an ambassador for this cause.

Members of The Toy Association’s Genius of Play committee joined the Power Kid Podcast for daily chats last week about the benefits of play and how play has informed their own work in the industry.

Toy News Tuesday editors chatted with Tinkertini's Trina McFarland about how, as a Play Ambassador for The Toy Association’s Genius of Play initiative, she incorporates play into her own routine.

While the dress code for this year’s Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards gala might be a bit more casual (PJs welcome), the “Oscars” of the toy industry will live on in an exciting new virtual format that invites play-lovers around the world to the industry-exclusive party for the first time ever.

Help families incorporate more play into their daily routines and discover your products through The Genius of Play’s upcoming ‘Genius Play Hacks’ campaign, taking place this spring.