toys and kids electronics
Harry Potter x Care Bears Plush Collection Casts a Spell on Fans for 25th Anniversary Year
Basic Fun! unveils a Harry Potter x Care Bears plush collection for the 25th anniversary, featuring all four Hogwarts houses in 8-inch and 12-inch sizes.
Two pop-culture comfort zones are colliding in the best way this spring: Basic Fun! has teamed up with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products to launch a Harry Potter x Care Bears plush collection celebrating Harry Potter’s 25th Anniversary in 2026.
The crossover brings Hogwarts house pride to Care-A-Lot, with limited-edition Care Bears styled for Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin—built for collectors, longtime fans, and anyone who wants a little extra loyalty, compassion, and friendship on their shelf (or in their arms).
What’s in the Harry Potter x Care Bears collection?
The collection arrives in two sizes, each packed with house-specific details and anniversary touches.
12-inch Plush Hoodie Assortment
These larger bears come dressed for maximum cozy: super-soft mascot hoodies, Hogwarts house robes, and iconic house scarves in matching colors.
- Gryffindor House Tenderheart Bear
- Hufflepuff House Love-a-Lot Bear
- Ravenclaw House Wish Bear
- Slytherin House Grumpy Bear
Each 12-inch bear also features the Harry Potter 25th anniversary logo on their paw.
MSRP: $17.99 each (or $34.99 for a 2-pack)
8-inch House Bears Plush Assortment
Smaller, collectible, and ready for adventures, the 8-inch “besties” include house robes, scarves, and a house crest, plus a paw design that blends classic Care Bears charm with the Harry Potter anniversary mark.
- Gryffindor House Tenderheart Bear
- Hufflepuff House Funshine Bear
- Ravenclaw House Grumpy Bear
- Slytherin House Good Luck Bear
MSRP: $9.99 each
Why this crossover works
Basic Fun! says the goal was to connect two worlds that already share a common thread: comfort, imagination, and characters that fans stick with for decades.
“As the iconic Harry Potter franchise celebrates 25 Years of Magic, in honor of the first film in the series, we are beyond excited to connect the worlds of Care-A-Lot and Hogwarts for an enchanting crossover that’s rich in character details and filled with heart,” said Lisa Doiron, Vice President of Global Brand Marketing at Basic Fun!
Cloudco Entertainment echoed that multi-generational appeal.
“Care Bears and Harry Potter have a unique ability to connect with fans of all ages,” said Robert Prinzo, Head of Global Licensing at Cloudco Entertainment. “Bringing them together was a fun and meaningful way to celebrate imagination, magic, and the comfort these brands have offered for decades.”
When and where to buy
According to the announcement, the Harry Potter x Care Bears plush are launching worldwide this spring, rolling out at retailers across North America, the UK, and the EU. Fans can also find them at major toy retailers starting this month.
For updates, follow @CareBears.
The bigger picture: 25 years of Harry Potter magic
The plush drop lands during a milestone year for the franchise, which continues to expand across films, stage productions, games, location-based experiences, and consumer products—with an HBO Original TV series based on the Harry Potter books also on the way.
If you’re the type who still knows your house without thinking about it—or you grew up with belly badges and Care-A-Lot life lessons—this collection feels like a collectible love letter to both.
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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!
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Consumer Corner
Littlest Pet Shop Partners With Like Nastya to Bring Collecting—and Storytelling—Back to the Spotlight
Littlest Pet Shop names Like Nastya as an official brand partner, launching a new YouTube content series and teasing more fan experiences through 2026.
LITTLEST PET SHOP is leaning into a very 2026 reality: kids discover brands as much through screens as they do through toy aisles.
This week, the iconic collectible toy line announced a new partnership with Like Nastya—one of the world’s biggest child creators—signaling a major push to connect LITTLEST PET SHOP’s long-running “tell your own story” DNA with today’s digital-first families.
A creator partnership built on imagination
According to the announcement, Like Nastya has more than 409 million subscribers across YouTube and reaches billions of views each month. Her content is known for positivity, imaginative play, and family-friendly storytelling—an easy brand fit for LITTLEST PET SHOP, which has always centered quirky characters, customization, and kid-led narratives.
The collaboration is positioned as a “meeting of two creative worlds,” with both Nastya and LITTLEST PET SHOP encouraging kids to express themselves, dream big, and celebrate individuality through play.
In a statement included in the release, Like Nastya said she’s excited to partner with the brand to inspire kids everywhere to tell their own stories.
What fans can expect (starting now)
The partnership begins this month with a content series on Like Nastya’s YouTube channel featuring LITTLEST PET SHOP toys. Beyond the initial videos, additional pieces of the collaboration will roll out throughout 2026—described as new experiences, surprises, and fresh ways to play.
For toy brands, that “reveal over time” approach is increasingly the playbook: keep the community engaged with ongoing drops, creator activations, and new touchpoints that extend beyond a single product moment.
A legacy brand with a modern relaunch
LITTLEST PET SHOP is no newcomer to fandom. The brand first launched more than 30 years ago and has sold over 1 billion pets to date. Its staying power has always been tied to collectability—plus the way kids (and collectors) build personalities and worlds around each pet.
The release also highlights the brand’s recent momentum: LITTLEST PET SHOP was relaunched in 2024 under a licensing agreement between brand owner Hasbro and Basic Fun!, the global toy marketer behind the current line. The Generation 7 pets quickly returned to best-seller status, driven by a new wave of young fans and longtime collectors who never really left.
Why this matters for toy marketing right now
This partnership is a clear signal that toy marketing is no longer just about commercials and endcaps—it’s about creators who can make play feel immediate, shareable, and story-driven.
Basic Fun!’s Maureen Dilger, Vice President of Global Brand Marketing, emphasized that Like Nastya reflects what LITTLEST PET SHOP stands for: imagination, self-expression, and “scroll-stopping stories.” Hasbro’s Marianne James, Senior Vice President of Global Licensing, framed the partnership as a way to connect the brand’s legacy with today’s digital generation—while still honoring collectors who have supported the franchise for decades.
In other words: this isn’t a pivot away from the core fanbase. It’s an expansion of the storytelling ecosystem.
Where to follow LITTLEST PET SHOP
Fans can find more information about the LITTLEST PET SHOP brand and product line at LittlestPetShop.com and by following the official @LITTLESTPETSHOP social channels.
Important links:
Follow on social:
- Littlest Pet Shop on Instagram
- Littlest Pet Shop on TikTok
- Like Nastya on YouTube
- Like Nastya on Instagram
- Like Nastya on TikTok
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!
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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.
Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
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