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Toy Association Unveils Holiday Shopping Insights & Trends

Discover the latest holiday shopping insights and trends unveiled by the Toy Association, shaping the toy industry this season. Toy Association

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Last Updated on September 13, 2025 by Rod Washington

The Toy Association has unveiled new insights and trends for holiday shopping at Toy Fair® in New York City. According to their research, parents are not only buying toys for their kids but also for themselves and other adults, with 89% of parents planning to purchase toys for grown-ups. The trend of “Kidults” is on the rise, with adults of all ages embracing toys and play. Sustainability, diversity, and representation are key themes influencing toy purchasing decisions, and parents are increasingly interested in toys that promote education and skill development. Additionally, toys inspired by movies and nostalgic toys from the past are gaining popularity.

The Toy Association  https://www.toyassociation.org//

To stay updated on the latest news regarding The Toy Association: https://www.toyassociation.org/PressRoom2/News/2023_News/toy-association-unveils-new-holiday-shopping-insights-trends-at-toy-fair.aspx

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    Rebecca Jo is a mother of four and is a creative soul from Phoenix, Arizona, who also enjoys new adventures. Rebecca Jo has a passion for the outdoors and indulges in activities like camping, fishing, hunting and riding roller coasters. She is married to Rod Washington

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Rebecca Jo is a mother of four and is a creative soul from Phoenix, Arizona, who also enjoys new adventures. Rebecca Jo has a passion for the outdoors and indulges in activities like camping, fishing, hunting and riding roller coasters. She is married to Rod Washington

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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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!

https://stmdailynews.com/category/consumer-corner

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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.

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LITTLEST PET SHOP is leaning into a very 2026 reality: kids discover brands as much through screens as they do through toy aisles.

Littlest Pet Shop names Like Nastya as an official brand partner, launching a new YouTube content series and teasing more fan experiences through 2026.
Like Nastya, one of the most popular child creators in the world, has signed on as an official brand partner of top toy brand, LITTLEST PET SHOP.

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.

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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:

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!

https://stmdailynews.com/category/consumer-corner

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