The list was selected by a panel of independent toy retailers and experts.

“This year’s DreamToys list offers an exciting and diverse range of toys and games designed to spark imagination and fuel creativity,” said Paul Reader, Chairman of the DreamToys Selection Panel at the Toy Retailers Association.

“Whether you’re a gift-giver in need of some inspiration, or you’re simply looking for a helping hand when it comes to choosing the perfect present, the list provides a brilliant reference point for shoppers ahead of the festive season.

“After an incredible year for the toy industry, it’s reassuring to see families are back to supporting in-store shopping. It’s not surprising, given we only stock high-quality, safe toys and we all have experts on hand to help pick the perfect gift, but it is really great to see the support for both local, independent toy stores and larger chains at a crucial time of year.”

The DreamToys 2025 list is detailed below:

• Dress to Impress Mystery Model Dolls (PhatMojo)
• Gui Gui Shimmer Deluxe Pack (Moose Toys)
• Hot Wheels Racing F1 Grand Prix Circuit (Mattel)
• Human Controller (TOMY)
• Jurassic World Primal Hatch T-Rex (Spin Master)
• Marshmallow Madness (PlayMonster)
• Mini Brands: Fill the Fridge Playset (Zuru)
• Monster Jam Smash & Bash Grave Digger RC (Spin Master)
• LEGO One Piece Going Merry Pirate Ship (LEGO)
• Peppa Pig Oinks & Snuggles Evie Doll (Hasbro)
• Pokémon Trading Card Game: Mega Evolution Elite Trainer Box – Gardevoir (Pokémon)
• LEGO Speed Champions F1 Racing Cars (LEGO)
• Sticki Rolls Sticki Rolluxe (Sky Castle Toys)
• Disney Stitch Ultimate Stitch Interactive Feature Plush (Just Play)
• Wicked for Good Singing Dolls (Mattel)

“What this tells us across the Global Licensing Group is just how smart the toy industry is,” said Anna Clarke, SVP Licensing at Informa Markets’ Global Licensing Group.

“When it comes to recognising the wealth of benefits licenses bring, the toy industry is way ahead of the curve. In addition to tapping into the powerful fandoms, which are driving so many customer purchases, branded consumer products can help retailers achieve differentiation, new customers, increased loyalty and spend – and bigger margins.”

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The fundraiser – taking place between September 24th and 28th 2025 – offers the choice of scaling the heights of the UK and Ireland 5 Peaks Challenge, the UK 3 Peaks Challenge, or the Snowdon 1 Peak Challenge.

Full details – including pricing and payment options – can be found here: https://www.lightfund.org/files/uploads/5-3-1%20Peak%20Challenge%20Flyer.pdf

The challenge will be attempted with the support of the well-established and family-run adventure travel business, Adventurous Ewe. The first challenge sponsor has been confirmed, with Brand Licensing Europe pledging its support.

“BLE is honoured to be sponsoring the 5-3-1 Peaks Challenge and continuing our support of The Light Fund,” said Anna Clarke, SVP of the Global Licensing Group at Informa Markets.

“This is one of the most exciting challenges that we can remember as everyone can get involved, and we really hope to see record numbers of industry friends and partners signing up to participate. The Light Fund raises a phenomenal amount of money for many charities in the UK and around the world and we couldn’t be prouder to associate with their work and their impact. We’ll see you all at the top of those peaks!”

Jonathan Baker, CCO at Fabacus and part of the 5-3-1 organising committee, added: “Do you like a challenge? Inspired by those that do great things for charity? Got a love for the great outdoors? The 5-3-1 challenge promises to be an amazing experience designed for people of all abilities and we’re looking to smash the record of the amount of people taking part in a Light Fund charity raiser.

“There really is something for everybody and if hill walking’s not your thing, then there are plenty of sponsorship opportunities available to be involved with. We’re looking to finalise numbers, so please do get in touch.”

For more information or to book your space, contact Mark Kingston or Jonathan Baker at mark@libertasbrands.com or jonathan.baker@fabacus.com

The post The Light Fund details 5-3-1 Challenge appeared first on Brands Untapped.

“To celebrate the concept of play, we are dedicating 2024 to Brands in Play,” said Anna Clarke, SVP Licensing at Informa Markets.

“This theme will run as an undercurrent across BLE and Licensing Expo to spotlight the incredible innovations in play, the power it holds in every stage of life and the creativity it allows when building brands.

“Immersive entertainment, storytelling and fan engagement are changing – and the concept of play is changing with it. Today, brands are creating multi-generational, omnichannel play patterns that permeate video games, tabletop, board and card games, location-based entertainment, immersive theatre, sports and esports, toys and kidult culture. Brands are also playing in new spaces, building ground-breaking new extensions and bringing the brand licensing business to life in increasingly creative ways.”

Licensing Expo will take place in Las Vegas at Mandalay Bay from May 21st to 24th 2024, while BLE will return to London’s ExCeL from September 24th to 26th 2024.

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