ToyDirectory
March 31, 2025

TDmonthly Magazine

November 2023 | Vol. XXII - No. 11


Toys in the News 11/10/2023

By Laura N. Larsson
November 2023

New Predator figure from the sci-fi thriller "Prey," and it's more than just an action figure—it's a tiny, terrifying work of art. Standing at 37 cm, this Predator boasts a hand-painted head with rubber hair (because even intergalactic hunters care about coiffure), lamellar skirt, and interchangeable mandibles with fangs. For $395, you get not just a figure but a whole arsenal, including a shield, batons, whip, forearm gauntlet blades, and a spear. Plus, an LED light-up Predator mask for those dimly lit alien hunting nights. Pre-order now and turn your shelf into a battleground. Sixth Scale Figure by Hot Toys


Ashley Spires, the wizard of the "Most Magnificent" universe, has conjured up more than just books. Brace yourself for an alphabet adventure in her latest release, "The Most Magnificent Maker’s A to Z." This time, the unnamed Girl and her trusty dog tackle the creative process from A to Z, proving that learning is as easy as ABC. But wait, there's more magic! Fat Brain Toys turned Spires's brilliance into a board game that's not just child's play—it's a problem-solving extravaganza. As if that weren't enough, get ready for the small screen premiere of "Millie Magnificent," where the Girl's ingenuity takes center stage in a 3D animated series. From books to games to TV, Spires's enchanting universe keeps on growing


Fisher-Price's Corn Popper has officially popped into the National Toy Hall of Fame, strutting alongside baseball cards, Cabbage Patch Kids, and NERF foam wonders. Fans rallied for this iconic toddler walker, part of the elite "Forgotten Five" that also included the pogo stick, My Little Pony, PEZ dispensers, and Transformers. While Barbie's beau, Ken, couldn't cut it, these inductees now party permanently at the National Toy Hall of Fame, showcasing a kaleidoscope of play. It's official: Fisher-Price just walked its way to legendary status.


Prior to 11/08/2023:

Families in the UK are expected to delay Christmas gift shopping due to financial strain from rising living costs. Toy sales in 2023 have declined, leading parents to wait until after December's payday for purchases. Physical stores have seen a 3% sales increase. The Toy Retailers Association's DreamToys list includes various items, with robotic and interactive toys on the rise. Retailers hope for a strong festive season, despite a 4% drop in sales value. Plush cuddly toys are popular, and some families are considering opening gifts on Christmas Eve, according to the BBC: bbc.co.uk/news/business-67347824


Just Eat is giving your takeaway an exciting twist! In collaboration with Asda, customers can now order LEGO toys on demand from selected Asda stores starting November 8. Just in time for the festive season, this trial brings LEGO blocks to your door along with your groceries. And here's a little extra holiday cheer: Just Eat is offering a whopping 50% discount on selected LEGO items until November 19. Amy Heather, the director of strategic accounts at Just Eat, envisions this as a convenient gift for parents during the Christmas rush. Asda is equally enthusiastic about this partnership, expanding the range of options available to customers, whether it's groceries or Christmas toys. So, Just Eat's ever-growing menu now includes restaurants, groceries, and a sprinkle of LEGO magic. For more, check out the details here



Radio Flyer, the wagon wizard, is finally setting up shop! Their 15,000-square-foot retail haven in Woodfield Mall is a wagon wonderland. From stroller wagons to electric bikes, they've got it all, plus a race track to test drive their scooters. This Friday's grand opening is like a red carpet event, complete with free gifts and an exclusive discount code for the early birds. So, if you've ever dreamt of cruising in a little red wagon, now's your chance! Welcome to the ultimate Radio Flyer experience. Hop on board! Details are here.



Senator Jon Ossoff's latest mission: to make sure Thomas & Friends toys don't turn into tiny terrors. Fisher-Price recently recalled their "Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Troublesome Trucks" due to choking and magnet munching risks. Senator Ossoff has fired off a letter to Mattel's CEO, demanding answers about product safety and its impact on Georgia's kids. He's not new to this game - previously, he championed baby bib and blanket safety and battled lead-contaminated child drinking cups. With a track record of protecting children, Senator Ossoff's not just a toy story. 

Name of Product:
Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Troublesome Truck & Crates and Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Troublesome Truck & Paint
Hazard:

The small plastic piece containing a high-powered magnet that connects one train to another can detach or become loose, posing choking and magnet ingestion hazards.

Remedy:
Refund
Recall Date:
October 19, 2023
Units:

About 21,000 (In addition, about 400 were sold in Canada)


Recalled Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Troublesome Truck & Crates (Model: HBJ89)
Recalled Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Troublesome Truck & Crates (Model: HBJ89)
Consumer Contact

Fisher Price Inc. toll-free at 855-853-6224 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or online at www.service.mattel.com/us/recall.aspx or at www.service.mattel.com and click on "Recalls & Safety Alerts" for more information.

Recall Details

In Conjunction With:
Description:

This recall involves Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Troublesome Truck & Crates and Troublesome Truck & Paint. The push along wooden trains are designed to look like the characters from Thomas & Friends called the Troublesome Trucks. The Troublesome Truck & Crates is a black and gray train car with cargo of brown crates. The Troublesome Truck & Paint is a gray and black train car with cargo of gray paint cans and a yellow paint splatter on the side. Both train cars have faces on the front of them. The trains come with magnetic connectors to attach to other vehicles. The train cars measure approximately 3.6 inches long by 2.1 inches high. Model numbers HBJ89 (Troublesome Truck & Crates) and HBJ90 (Troublesome Truck & Paint) can be found on the bottom of the train cars.

Remedy:

Consumers should immediately stop using the toys and go to www.service.mattel.com and click on “Recalls & Safety Alerts” for instructions on how to receive a pre-paid return label via email from Fisher-Price. Upon receipt of the returned product, consumers will be sent a full refund.

Incidents/Injuries:

Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway has received one report of the plastic connector becoming loose and detaching from the product. No injuries have been reported.

Sold At:
Online at Amazon.com and other websites and at Barnes & Noble and specialty stores nationwide from February 2022 through August 2023 for about $17.
Distributor(s):
Fisher Price Inc., of East Aurora, New York
Manufactured In:
Indonesia
Recall number:
24-010
Fast Track Recall

Note: Individual Commissioners may have statements related to this topic. Please visit www.cpsc.gov/commissioners to search for statements related to this or other topics.

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