toys and kids electronics
3, 2, 1… GO! The LEGO Group Unveils First-Ever LEGO Super Mario: Mario Kart Sets at gamescom
Last Updated on September 27, 2024 by Rod Washington
At gamescom 2024 in Cologne, Germany, The LEGO Group dropped some exciting news: the highly anticipated LEGO® Super Mario™: Mario Kart™ sets are racing into the spotlight! For the first time ever, Nintendo’s iconic Mario Kart universe is coming to life in the form of LEGO bricks. Fans of both LEGO and Mario Kart can gear up for this all-new immersive experience launching on January 1, 2025.
LEGO Mario Kart
These six brand-new LEGO Mario Kart sets were first teased during the MAR10 Day celebration in March, but today’s unveiling offered a full, tantalizing look at the new collection. The sets bring beloved Mario Kart characters like Yoshi, Donkey Kong, Toad, Baby Mario, Baby Luigi, and Baby Peach into play, allowing fans to build, customize, and race their favorite karts on creative, brick-built tracks.
What makes these sets even more thrilling is the seamless integration of digital play. By adding a LEGO® Mario™, LEGO® Luigi™, or LEGO® Peach™ (sold separately) to the mix, players can enjoy interactive features like Mario Kart sound effects, scanning Item Boxes for extra coins, and even boosting their race score! The digital and physical elements collide to create a truly dynamic experience.
A Closer Look at the Sets:
- LEGO® Super Mario™: Mario Kart™ – Yoshi Bike (72031): For fans of the ever-popular Yoshi, this 133-piece set includes a Light-Blue Yoshi figure and a brick-built bike. Perfect for drifting through creative obstacles and launching shell items.
- LEGO® Super Mario™: Mario Kart™ – Standard Kart (72032): The classic Standard Kart set (174 pieces) features Toad in his red pit crew uniform and a detachable Super Glider, along with a buildable model of the Mario Kart vehicle.
- LEGO® Super Mario™: Mario Kart™ – Donkey Kong & DK Jumbo (72033): Featuring Donkey Kong’s signature DK Jumbo kart, this 387-piece set is packed with launchable items like bananas and shells to slow down your competitors.
- LEGO® Super Mario™: Mario Kart™ – Baby Mario vs. Baby Luigi (72034): Get ready for a Balloon Battle! This 321-piece set features Baby Mario in his Biddybuggy and Baby Luigi in his Tri-Speeder, plus six buildable balloons.
- LEGO® Super Mario™: Mario Kart™ – Toad’s Garage (72035): Customize and tune up your karts with two Blue Toads in this 390-piece set, featuring the B Dasher kart and a functional garage.
- LEGO® Super Mario™: Mario Kart™ – Baby Peach & Grand Prix Set (72036): The largest set (823 pieces) features Baby Peach, Lemmy, and Toad on their respective karts, ready to race through an obstacle-packed course.
Simon Kent, Design Director at The LEGO Group, expressed his excitement: “We are beyond excited to turbo-charge our LEGO Super Mario universe with these Mario Kart sets. We can’t wait for fans to bring Mario Kart races to brick-built reality with their friends and family.”
More Fun with LEGO Animal Crossing!
In addition to the Mario Kart news, The LEGO Group also announced three new sets from the LEGO® Animal Crossing™ universe:
- Stargazing with Celeste (77053)
- Leif’s Caravan & Garden Shop (77054)
- Able Sisters Clothing Shop (77055)
These charming sets invite fans to continue building their own Animal Crossing villages, expanding the fun of Nintendo’s cozy life simulation game into the LEGO world.
The LEGO Super Mario: Mario Kart™ and LEGO Animal Crossing sets will be available globally starting January 1, 2025, giving fans of all ages plenty to look forward to as they get ready to build, race, and explore!
Stay tuned for more highly classified, top-secret intel on two of the most pressing matters of our time: the thrilling Mario Kart escapades at www.lego.com/themes/super-mario/mario-kart/about and the cute yet undeniably crucial happenings in Animal Crossing at www.lego.com/themes/animal-crossing/about.
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Entertainment
Sharpie and Elmer’s Go “To Infinity and Beyond” With a Limited-Edition Toy Story 5 Collection
Sharpie and Elmer’s unveil a limited-edition Toy Story 5 collection—markers, S-Note highlighters, glue sticks, and slime kits—ahead of the film’s June 19 debut.

Sharpie and Elmer’s Launch Limited-Edition Toy Story 5 Collection
If your summer plans include crafts at the kitchen table, labeling school supplies before the first bell, or simply chasing a hit of nostalgia, Sharpie® and Elmer’s® just dropped something that checks every box. Ahead of Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5 theatrical debut on June 19, 2026, the Newell Brands staples are launching a limited-edition lineup inspired by the film’s iconic characters, colors, and “let’s make something” energy.
The idea is simple: take the everyday tools people already trust—markers, highlighters, glue sticks, and slime kits—and give them a Toy Story glow-up that feels equally giftable and useful. It’s designed for kids discovering the franchise for the first time and adults who grew up with Woody, Buzz, and Jessie.
What’s in the limited-edition collection?
The collection is rolling out nationwide at major retailers including Amazon, Walmart, and Target, timed for peak summer crafting and back-to-school shopping.
The Sharpie side
- Sharpie Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5 Permanent Markers Collectible packs featuring Toy Story 5character artwork and limited-edition barrel designs with the official film logo printed on each marker. The set leans into bold, film-inspired colors—think Buzz Lightyear greens and purples—built for everything from labeling supplies to character-inspired doodles.
- Sharpie Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5 S-Note Creative Highlighters A vivid, high-contrast set with a versatile chisel tip for both highlighting and creative lettering. It’s the kind of tool that makes note-taking feel less like a chore and more like a mini design project.

The Elmer’s side
- Elmer’s Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5 Glue Sticks The classic disappearing purple formula—teacher-trusted, kid-safe, and now wrapped in Toy Story 5 character designs for a little extra fun in the supply bin.
- Elmer’s Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5 Slime Kits DIY slime kits with themed glue colors, activators, and “out-of-this-world” textures and scents. Each kit is built to be an all-in-one experience: mix, customize, and take your slime creations “to infinity and beyond.”
Why this collab makes sense (and why it’ll sell)
Sharpie and Elmer’s are already part of the creative routine for a lot of households—school projects, office organization, crafts, and rainy-day activities. Newell Brands’ Kris Malkoski framed the partnership as a way to celebrate creativity in a moment that feels “nostalgic and fresh,” especially as families shift into summer mode and start prepping for the school year.
Disney echoed that creative angle too, with Lylle Breier (EVP, Partnerships Promotions and Special Events) calling Toy Story 5 a celebration of storytelling—and positioning the collection as a way for fans to express their imagination through hands-on making.
A :30 spot ties it into the movie’s marketing push
This isn’t just packaging and product placement. Sharpie and Elmer’s also collaborated with Disney and Pixar on a bespoke 30-second ad showing the collection in use, created to support the film’s theatrical marketing campaign. Translation: expect to see this collaboration show up where Toy Story 5 hype already lives.
Availability and pricing snapshot
The collection will be available in multiple pack sizes for different needs in and out of the classroom:
- Sharpie Toy Story 5 Fine Permanent Markers: 5ct (coming soon to Target.com); 12ct (coming soon to Walmart); 24ct (available now on Amazon) — MSRP: $4.99–$19.99
- Sharpie Toy Story 5 S-Note Highlighters: 12ct, 24ct — MSRP: $9.99–$19.99
- Elmer’s Toy Story 5 Glue Sticks: 4ct, 12ct — MSRP: $3.47–$7.49
- Elmer’s Toy Story 5 Slime Kits: 4pc, 10pc — MSRP: $19.99–$29.99
For shoppers, the timing is the point: the products are positioned as easy add-ons for summer gifting, creative downtime, and back-to-school lists—right before the movie hits theaters.
Quick Toy Story 5 refresher: “Toy meets Tech”
Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5 brings the gang back with a new twist: “Toy meets Tech.” Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), Jessie (Joan Cusack), and friends face a new challenge when Bonnie gets Lilypad, a tablet device voiced by Greta Lee, with her own ideas about what playtime should look like.
The film is directed by Andrew Stanton, co-directed by Kenna Harris, produced by Lindsey Collins, and written by Stanton and Harris. Randy Newman returns with an original score—his fifth Toy Story feature.
The takeaway
Whether you’re a parent building a summer activity stash, a teacher restocking for fall, or a longtime fan who wants a small collectible piece of the franchise, the Sharpie and Elmer’s Toy Story 5 collection is built to be both practical and fun. It’s a smart, seasonal collaboration that turns routine supplies into something you’ll actually want to pick up—and maybe even keep.
If you’re shopping, look for the limited-edition collection at Amazon, Walmart, and Target ahead of Toy Story 5’s June 19, 2026 release.
Related Links
- Amazon (search/product landing for the collection): https://www.amazon.com
- Walmart (search/product landing for the collection): https://www.walmart.com
- Target (search/product landing for the collection): https://www.target.com
Brand / official info links
- Newell Brands (company info / press): https://www.newellbrands.com
- Elmer’s official site: https://www.elmers.com
About the Movie
- Disney (official studio hub): https://www.disney.com
- Pixar (official studio hub): https://www.pixar.com
STM Daily News’ Entertainment section delivers the latest on movies, television, music, pop culture, events, and industry buzz. From breaking news and trending stories to feature coverage and community-centered entertainment reporting, it keeps readers connected to what’s happening on screen, on stage, and beyond.
toys and kids electronics
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Questers: Basic Fun! and Hasbro Bring D&D to Gen Alpha in July 2026
Basic Fun! has partnered with Hasbro to launch DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Questers™, a collectible action figure line aimed at kids aged 5 to 8, debuting in July 2026. Designed to foster imagination and storytelling, these customizable figures will feature blind packing and include a D20 die, creating an engaging experience for young adventurers.
Basic Fun! is rolling a natural 20 on nostalgia-meets-next-gen play.
In a Feb. 10, 2026 announcement, the global toy company revealed a worldwide licensing agreement with Hasbro (through Wizards of the Coast) to launch DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Questers™, a new collectible action figure line built specifically to introduce Gen Alpha to the world of D&D. The line is expected to hit major toy retailers worldwide in July 2026, targeting kids ages 5 to 8.
What is DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Questers?
Questers is Basic Fun!’s take on translating the spirit of the World’s Greatest Roleplaying Game™ into something tactile, collectible, and kid-friendly—without losing the fantasy DNA longtime fans recognize.
The pitch is straightforward: imagination-led play, world-building, and storytelling—packaged in a format that matches how kids play today: personalization, discovery, and surprise.
Questers is also positioned as a bridge between generations. It’s designed not only for kids discovering fantasy for the first time, but also for fan parents looking for a hands-on way to share D&D’s creatures, heroes, and archetypes with their children.
Built for collecting, customizing, and creating stories
Basic Fun! says the Questers line will feature three collectible scales:
- Creatures
- Adventurers
- Monsters
Each figure will be:
- Blind-packed (surprise-style collectibles)
- Fully buildable
- Designed with interchangeable parts so kids can mix, match, and customize
And the D&D tie-in isn’t just a logo on the box. Each figure will come with:
- A D20 die
- A storystarter prompt to encourage kids to create adventures with their collection
That combination—collectability + customization + storytelling prompts—signals exactly what the brand is aiming for: repeat play that feels different every time.
Why D&D, and why now?
D&D’s cultural footprint has been expanding across entertainment, publishing, and digital platforms, and the press release points to a clear shift: Gen Alpha gravitates toward play patterns rooted in personalization, discovery, and world-building.
Questers is designed to meet that moment by turning D&D’s iconic fantasy elements into a “discovery-driven” toy experience—one that doesn’t require reading a rulebook, building a character sheet, or learning game mechanics to start having fun.
In other words: it’s D&D energy, scaled to the toy aisle.
What the companies are saying
Dan Westcott, Senior Vice President of Global Brand Marketing at Basic Fun!, framed Questers as an on-ramp into the franchise:
- Approachable, creative, and fun for young adventurers
- A meaningful way for fan parents to share a universe they already love
Kara Kenna, Franchise Creative Director for D&D at Wizards of the Coast, emphasized the “hands-on” fantasy exploration angle—positioning Questers as a way for kids to engage imagination and play in a physical format.
Release timing and what to watch for
The big headline for retailers and parents: Questers debuts in July 2026, with a worldwide rollout planned at major toy retailers.
What to watch for as the launch gets closer:
- Character/creature reveals (and how deep they go into classic D&D lore)
- Price points and pack formats (single packs vs. multipacks)
- How the “storystarter” system works across the different scales
- Whether the line ties into broader D&D content (books, digital, or entertainment releases)
The takeaway
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Questers is shaping up to be a smart, modern entry point into fantasy play—one that blends classic D&D storytelling with today’s collectible toy trends.
For longtime fans, it’s another sign that D&D’s influence keeps widening. For kids, it’s a new way to build heroes, mash up monsters, roll a D20, and start telling stories—no dungeon master required.
Source: Basic Fun! press release distributed via PRNews
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Consumer Corner
Stretch Armstrong Gets a “Newstalgic” Comeback as Basic Fun! and Hasbro Reintroduce the Iconic Toy Line
Basic Fun! has partnered with Hasbro to relaunch Stretch Armstrong toys starting in fall 2025, featuring classic designs and new materials allowing for enhanced stretchability. The collection will introduce both Stretch Armstrong and his nemesis, Vac-Man, along with potential licensed character crossovers, targeting both kids and adult collectors in a nostalgic yet modernized line.
Stretch Armstrong is stretching back into the spotlight.
Basic Fun! has secured a worldwide licensing agreement with Hasbro to manufacture and distribute classic and reimagined products under the iconic Stretch Armstrong brand — one of the original super-stretchy action figure lines that first made its mark nearly 50 years ago.

The relaunch was initially announced in early 2025, and new trade coverage is keeping the story alive as the toy line moves toward broader retail availability.
What’s coming in the new Stretch Armstrong line
According to the announcement and follow-up trade reporting, the new Stretch Armstrong collection will feature super-stretchy, multi-scale figures designed for twisting, battling, and repeat play.
A key upgrade: the figures will include a unique “Power Plasma” filling that allows kids (and nostalgic collectors) to stretch them up to five times their original size — then watch them return to their original form again and again.
That stretch-and-snap-back loop is the core appeal of Stretch Armstrong, and Basic Fun! is leaning into it with new materials and a modernized play feel.
Classic character energy, plus a modern “newstalgic” twist
Basic Fun! says the lineup will preserve the classic Stretch Armstrong character design that multiple generations remember, while also introducing a reimagined version aimed at today’s kids — what the company describes as a “newstalgic” approach.
In other words: familiar enough for longtime fans, updated enough to feel current on shelves.
Stretch Armstrong won’t be alone: the villain returns
The relaunch isn’t just about the hero figure.
In addition to Stretch Armstrong, the lineup is expected to include his longtime nemesis — often known to fans as Vac-Man (trade coverage has also referred to the character as Van-Man). Either way, the message is clear: Basic Fun! is building out more than a one-figure novelty. It’s bringing back the recognizable character ecosystem that made the brand feel like a “world,” not just a toy.
Licensed crossovers are also in the works
Beyond the core Stretch Armstrong characters, Basic Fun! has also indicated it’s partnering with “several leading entertainment brands” on a co-branded portfolio of Stretch Armstrong-inspired licensed character action figures.
Specific partner brands weren’t named in the materials available so far, but it’s a signal that the relaunch strategy likely extends beyond the classic lineup into crossover territory — an approach that’s become increasingly common as toy companies look to connect evergreen play patterns with today’s entertainment fandoms.
What Basic Fun! and Hasbro are saying
Basic Fun! Senior Vice President of Marketing Dan Westcott framed the deal as a multi-audience play — built for kids, but also for adult collectors:
“We are honored to work with Hasbro to reimagine this legendary brand for a new generation of children, as well as long time kidult fans and collectors.”
Hasbro also emphasized the brand’s legacy of imagination and open-ended play. Bradley Bowman, Senior Director, Licensed Consumer Products, Global Toy at Hasbro, said the company is focused on bringing its brands to life for new generations — and pointed to Basic Fun!’s track record reviving classic Hasbro properties like Lite-Brite and Tonka.
When to expect it (and what to watch for next)
Basic Fun!’s first Stretch Armstrong toys are expected to arrive at retailers worldwide starting in fall 2025, and trade coverage as of Jan. 29, 2026 continues to position the line as a major “newstalgia” revival.
Next up, the details most shoppers and collectors will be watching for:
- Exact release dates by retailer/region
- Pricing and figure sizes (SKUs)
- Which entertainment brands are part of the co-branded character lineup
- Whether the line expands beyond figures into additional formats
Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!
