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INFLUENCERS SELECT TOP 25 TOYS OF SPRING & SUMMER

Families Can Now Shop “Influencer Choice List” Presented by Toy Association & Powered by Clamour

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NEW YORK /PRNewswire/ — From outdoor water play and active toys to creative art kits and family games for rainy days, 25 of the hottest toys and games of the season as voted on by top-tier toy and family content creators were unveiled today just in time for Memorial Day weekend. Families are now invited to shop for toys from the “Best of Spring & Summer 2024 Influencer Choice List,” presented by The Toy Association and powered by Clamour.

“The ‘Best of Spring & Summer 2024 Influencer Choice List’ brings together the best of both worlds: the top toy picks from esteemed influencers and reliable brands that parents can trust to bring their kids endless fun all summer long,” said Adrienne Appell, executive vice president of marketing communications at The Toy Association. “As families are eager to kick off the summer season, they’re sure to find something to fit every age and interest, whether it’s a new outdoor staple, travel-ready game, or creative toys that will keep minds sharp over summer vacation.”

More than 500 leading digital content creators and influencers in the Clamour network were invited to vote on products submitted by toy brands this spring. Influencers were required to have at least one million monthly views on their main platform and a social reach of more than half a million. They reviewed product details, photos, and physical samples (when available) before voting for their favorites.

The Spring & Summer 2024 Influencer Choice List
(Listed alphabetically by product name)

“As parents continue to turn to influencers for recommendations and reviews, it’s important for us to provide a reliable and curated list of toys that meet their expectations,” said Victoria Fener, COO of Clamour. “Our goal is to help families find products and brands that ignite imaginations and educate children through play.”

For more information about the Spring & Summer 2024 Influencer Choice List powered by Clamour, contact Clamour’s Victoria Fener or Jonathan Katz. No employees or representatives of Clamour or The Toy Association had any role in determining the selected products. 

About The Toy Association™  toyassociation.org / toyfoundation.org / thegeniusofplay.org / playsafe.org
Founded in 1916, The Toy Association™, Inc. is the business trade association representing all businesses involved in creating and delivering toys and youth entertainment products for kids of all ages. The Toy Association leads the health and growth of the U.S. toy industry, which has an annual U.S. economic impact of $102.8 billion, and its roughly 900 members drive the annual $41 billion U.S. domestic toy market. The Toy Association serves as the industry’s voice on the developmental benefits of play and promotes play’s positive impact on childhood development. The organization has a long history of leadership in toy safety, having helped develop the first comprehensive toy safety standard more than 40 years ago, and remains committed to working with medical experts, government, consumers, and industry on ongoing programs to ensure safe and fun play. https://www.toyassociation.org/

As a global leader, The Toy Association produces the world-renowned Toy Fair™ in New York City; hosts marketplace activities in Los Angeles; engages in state, federal, and international advocacy on behalf of its members; sustains the Canadian Toy Association; acts as secretariat for the International Council of Toy Industries and International Toy Industry CEO Roundtable; and chairs the committee that reviews and revises America’s widely emulated ASTM F963 toy safety standard. The Toy Association’s philanthropic arm is The Toy Foundation™, a 501 (c)(3) children’s charity that acts as the uniting force for the collective philanthropy of the toy industry. To date, The Toy Foundation has delivered the joy of play to 32 million children in need worldwide.

SOURCE The Toy Association

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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.

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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.
Elmer’s Toy Story 5 Slime Kit, 10pc Infinity and Beyond

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.
Newell Brands Sharpie S Note Highlighters ToyStory 5
Sharpie Toy Story 5 S-Note Highlighters, 12ct

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.

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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.

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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.

Colorful fantasy toys with dragons and characters. Dungeons & Dragons Questers
The DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Questers toys from Basic Fun! will debut at retail in July 2026.

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 playworld-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:

  • D20 die
  • 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
  • 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.

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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

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

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.

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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.

Muscular toy figure in red shorts.Stretch Armstrong “Power Plasma” action figure from Basic Fun and Hasbro, shown stretching and returning to its original shape.
Basic Fun!?s new Stretch Armstrong toys are expected to arrive at retailers worldwide starting in fall 2025.

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.

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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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