After a flurry of toy purchases fueled by the pandemic, toy company Hasbro recently reported layoffs and cratering sales.
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The big toy trend this year? Surprise! Seriously, it's surprise.

Dec 17, 2019
These popular toys bring with them something of a snag.
Hatchimals come in many varieties, large and small.
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Gender-specific toys mean more revenue for toy makers

Nov 26, 2018
One growing trend in toy-buying is so-called gender-neutral playthings – toys that don’t reinforce gender stereotypes like trucks for boys or dolls for girls. But those stereotypes appear hard to shake for both toy makers and consumers. Click the audio player above to hear the full story. 
A child rides a 'Morfboard Scoot & Skate' at a 'Dream Toys' event to unveil the top twelve toys this Christmas on November 14, 2018 in London, England. 
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How to be a Lego designer

Jun 29, 2018
The company's vice president of design left fashion for his "ultimate childhood dream" of working with the plastic bricks.
Husband and wife Annie and Ed Diment put the final bricks in place on their 400,000-piece "Ice Age" display at a Lego exhibition in London in 2015. The woolly mammoth took nine weeks to build.
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For Build-A-Bear CEO, business isn't just about the toys, it's about the experience

Nov 29, 2017
Sharon Price John weighs in on what it takes to survive as a teddy bear maker in an increasingly digital age.
Build-A-Bear Workshop provides a tactile experience that can't be replaced by iPads and cellphones, says CEO Sharon Price John.
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The reason not to yell at Siri and Alexa

Nov 24, 2017
Should parents treat AI devices politely around their kids?
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For public good, not for profit.

Joy! Kinder Eggs are coming to America

May 22, 2017
The popular European treat is changing its packaging to comply with U.S. rules.
Kinder Joy is made up of two plastic halves of an egg. 
Ferrero International S.A.

Cayla, the connected doll, is a spy and must be destroyed

Apr 14, 2017
Parents who do not destroy the doll could face two years in jail and a fine of $26,500
Jayla, aged 4, plays with a 'My Friend Cayla' doll at Hamleys toy shop in London, England. The doll connects to smart devices using Bluetooth and can interact with users.
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A new 3-D pen lets kids create their own toys

Feb 22, 2017
Children can use the 3Doodler Start Pen to make sculptures.
Sea creatures made using a 3Doodler pen.
ChizComm