NERDY
LeBron James Brings Monopoly to the Basketball Court
Nike, Monopoly, and LeBron James joined forces to bring an iconic shoe to the (game) table. The Nike Zoom LeBron NXXT Genisus QS “MONOPOLY” shoe highlights James’ favorite board game while maintaining style and practicality for athletes. Fans will find little touches of Monopoly’s design throughout the shoe, from the game logo on the insoles to the vibrant purple and aqua colors featured throughout. The shoe also features a lightweight mesh upper with Air Zoom cushioning, providing speed and comfort during the big game. This pair goes for $160 and is available exclusively through Nike. ✪
Keep Your Drinks Ice Cold with Igloo’s
WWE Stone Cold Steve Austin Merch
You don’t need pay-per-view to get these WWE coolers inspired by Stone Cold Steve Austin. Give your thirst the K.O. with the Smoking Skull 1L Beer Mug. Each sip will make you feel like a champion when you drink beverages from this stainless steel container featuring a gold smoking skull design. The mug also showcases Austin’s 3:16 emblem and the Texas Rattlesnake’s rebellious spirit. Plus, the Stone Cold Steve Austin Smoking Skull Championship Fanny Pack Cooler features a unique three-panel design, a slip pocket, and an insulated pocket for up to four cans. These coolers and additional WWE options are available now at igloocoolers.com/wwe. ✪
It’s
Im-PAW-sible
to Deny These Girls Crew x Disney Pets Pieces
Disney fans and pet lovers can add adorable accessories to their jewelry boxes with pieces inspired by The Aristocats and Lady and the Tramp. While your eyes may not shine like sparkling sapphires, your jewelry collection can with The Aristocats Bejeweled Bracelet ($55) and Stud Set ($58), featuring Marie, Berlioz, and Toulouse. If you’re “feline” these pieces, you’ll adore the Disney The Aristocats Marie Dangle Earrings ($58), which feature the sassiest kitten in Paris with a heart stud. If you’re not a cat person, you might want to fetch these Disney Lady and the Tramp Studs ($45), which feature one half of the studio’s most iconic couples on each stud and are available in gold, rose gold, and silver. To grab the full collection, visit girlscrew.com. ✪
Disney The Aristocats Stud Set, Marie Dangle Earrings, and Lady and the Tramp Studs.
Source: Girls Crew
Source: nike.com
Source: Igloo
In 2002, the world asked for the “nicest angel you have” and a pop-culture icon came home from the pound.
When Lilo & Stitch hit theaters, the fuzzy, chaotic, lovable, and blue Stitch immediately stole the affections of Disney fans worldwide.
“Aside from the fact that he is incredibly cute, he has a multi-faceted personality that all fans can gravitate to, and despite his mischievous and adventurous nature, his family loves and accepts him,” says Liz Shortreed, senior vice president of North America and global softlines at
Disney. “His story is one of love, acceptance, and resilience, which resonates with people globally.”
Since Lilo & Stitch hit theaters 23 years ago, the character has appeared in three animated sequels, Lilo & Stitch: The Series, and now the live-action adaptation of the animated movie. As the years have passed, the furry blue creature has exploded in popularity.
Travis Hammock, a Disney influencer and fan who goes by @ohana_trav on Instagram, chose Stitch as his favorite Disney character when he participated in
the Disney College Program.
“Stitch was a clear option for me,” Hammock says. “That was also back when they still had [the ride] Stitch’s Great Escape in Magic Kingdom. It was really nice to see the recognition in the park and then, of course, all the merch and stuff that‘s there. That initial, ‘I need to pick a favorite character,’ has now turned into a full-blown situation.”
For the past five years, Hammock has shared his love of the character on social media, earning more than 22,000 follow ers on Instagram. He is not alone: #stitch
Bottom: Disney’s new adaptation of Lilo & Stitch brings the beloved characters into the real world. | Source: Walt Disney Studios Right: The Stitch Buds Pro set adds fandom flair to any desk or gaming station. | Source: EXG Pro
The new Lilo & Stitch film is reminding fans about everything they love from the original movie. It is also bringing about a revival of Stitch-themed merch and toys from popular toymakers including Just Play, Jazwares, and more. But Ex
“I was lucky enough to be in the studio with him and talk to him and the team at Disney who were directing the sound about the character,” says Jim Wyatt, chief innovation officer
“I love Angel,” Hammock says. “I love that they‘re adapting even more Stitch characters. Stitch is Experiment 626. There are more than 630 experiments. [I love] the fact that they‘re able to diversify and add more characters, like Angel, and Reuben (Experiment 625) has been starting to get a lot of recognition.”
SOMETHING FOR THE BIG KIDS
Kids may be the target audience for many of the Stitch collectible toys, but adults are always welcome to get in on the fun. The Stitch and Angel Puppetronics are designed for kids ages 6 and up, but they are also perfect for collectors to add to their shelves.
“It’s a beautiful piece of engineering,” Wyatt says. “It’s a lovely plush, and it‘s something that you can put in your
The Disney Puppetronics by RealFX family expands with the new Angel puppet. | Source: Wow! Stuff
room. Even the packaging that it comes in is designed to be used as a display stand. If you are a fan of that product, it‘s like having a life-size Stitch in your room, and he‘s just adorable.”
In addition to toys, adults can find a plethora of merch to shop for, from apparel and accessories to high-end col lectibles and home goods from Lounge fly, Funko, BoxLunch, and more.
Stitch has even schemed his way into fans’ gaming setups with EXG Pro’s Cable Guys and Holdems. These Stitch figures feature outstretched arms and are designed to hold phones, earbuds, game controllers, and other accessories. EXG Pro recently launched the Stitch Buds Pro, a pack of Stitch-themed tech accessories that will be right at home at your desk, including a Stitch phone holder and a pair of tropical-themed wireless earbuds in a matching case.
“Stitch is one of those characters that just works with everything,” says Alice Rayner, communications and marketing coordinator at EXG Pro. “Since we first launched our Cable Guy, we saw just how much people loved him, and it’s been
LIVE-ACTION LOVE
Kids and adult fans alike have been rewatching Lilo & Stitch for years. Now, they have an opportunity to fall in love with the characters all over again with the live-action adaptation, which hit screens May 23. Fans already know and love the story, but the live-action movie has new elements to capture fans‘ attention.
“It’s the same storyline, but for example, the actors that they have cast, I’ve
Hammock says. “I think the CGI of Stitch and what they’ve done to adapt it to fit within a live-action film is very exciting alone because they still get the sci-fi version of Stitch. I’m very excited.”
Fun, love, and community have always been important elements of Disney culture. The new Lilo & Stitch continues the tradition of making movie-goers of all ages feel like they belong to an ohana, just like Stitch.
“The movie brings Stitch into our world in a way that resonates with today’s fans, while also celebrating core elements of the original animated film like embracing one’s uniqueness and the importance of family, or ohana,” Disney’s Shortreed says. “We hope that through our product offerings, fans globally and across generations will be able to showcase their love for this film and its characters in a way that is authentic to them.” ✪
Top: Just Play launched a full line of toys celebrating Stitch ahead of the new feature film. | Source: Just Play Bottom: Loungefly offers dozens of Stitch accessories, including the BoxLunch-exclusive Stitch Carving Mini Backpack and the Stitch & Angel Cherry Blossom Pin Set. | Source: Loungefly
LEGO sets are a staple in playrooms worldwide. While kids often outgrow their favorite toys, playtime never ends for the young at heart. Sometimes, LEGO bricks can snap together to build something bigger than towers or starships. Some passionate fans
have used the iconic bricks to construct entire careers and transform their lives. Whether it’s sharing their passion for The LEGO Group with millions online, opening a LEGO-focused event space, or turning LEGO bricks into world-class art installations, these creators have turned
playtime into a professional calling.
“The most joyful thing about LEGO bricks is that they can be anything,” says Toronto-based Master Model Builder and LEGO Certified Professional Graeme Dymond.“You can really build anything out of LEGO bricks, and for so many people
who grew up playing with LEGO bricks and having this experience of building … there really isn’t a limit to what you can do with it.”
FROM PASSION
community of people who have a serious love for LEGO creations. These lifelong fans have amassed huge LEGO collections, founded communities of other enthusiasts, and even launched busi-
Robin Sather, Canada’s first is one of many AFOLs whose lives have changed drastically because of their passion for The LEGO Group. Sather has loved building with LEGO bricks since he has carried his fondness for creating into his adult years. While working as an independent data-
“My first career was in IT, but after about 15 years of that, I realized that life goes by quickly, and I wanted to work at something I loved. For me, that was building and playing with LEGO bricks,” Sather says. “So, I started to create professional quality LEGO-based events and custom builds, as a side line to my IT business.”
And people loved it. Sather’s side business evolved into Brick ville DesignWorks, which uses LEGO bricks to make extraordinary creations for public events, exhibits, and private clients. Inspired by his initial success, Sather proposed partnerships to The LEGO Group, hoping to enhance and enable these experiences for the company, the public, his business, and the growing LEGO fan community.
“I wrote up a proposal that would enable talented entrepreneur LEGO builders to create LEGO-based busi nesses and partner up with The LEGO
could connect and communicate with the company to build up the fan community,” Sather says. “I presented all of this to The LEGO Group, and they loved it! These programs became the LEGO Certified Professional Program and the LEGO Ambassador Network, respectively. That was 20 years ago, and both programs are still going strong.”
Through programs like these, AFOLs like Sather can find people who share their love of LEGO bricks, sets, and more. And with today’s technological advances, builders can share their passions and creations with online communities and people worldwide.
SNAP, BUILD, AND SHARE
Many LEGO builders spread the brand’s popularity by sharing their creations via building competitions, conven-
In 2015, Forsythe and his wife bought their first LEGO set at Toys “R” Us. While it started as an after-work hobby, the two quickly amassed a variety of different LEGO buildings, attractions, vehicles, and minifigures.
Forsythe’s collection currently consists of approximately 2,000 LEGO sets.
“When I first got into collecting LEGO, I bought the [LEGO: Cre ator Expert] Detective’s Office, and then as soon as I bought that one, I was like, ‘OK, I’m going to start building a LEGO City,’” Forsythe explains. “I had one modular build ing, then I had two, then I had three, then I had four. And then I was like, ‘Oh yeah, we got to get some tables.’ So, I got a table, and I put it on a table, and I put roads in front of it and started developing it that way … and then all of a sudden, it was my entire basement.”
Forsythe is best known for his expansive LEGO City, consisting of LEGO building sets and his own original creations. The city features approximately 1,040 base plates, which comprise 720 square feet of his studio space. The massive LEGO build includes various districts, like a beach scene, a zoo, an amusement park, a train yard, a downtown area, and more.
“As soon as you go the LEGO City route, you sort of start building custom stuff because they’re not going to provide you kits that are going to show you how to build a road or a park or a fountain in the park or a mountain or how to build elevation within your city. They’re not going to provide you with guidelines on how to do that through their instructions,” Forsythe explains. “I
Nathan Sawaya with his LEGO sculpture, Big Red. Source: Nathan Sawaya
think you still need to build custom around that just to better landscape your city and make it look natural.”
attorney in Manhattan to pursue his love of art, and unlike traditional artistic mediums, he expresses himself solely through LEGO bricks.
“I think one of the cool things about my career is that I never knew it would take me to so many places,” Sawaya says. “My exhibition, Art of the Brick, has traveled to more than 25 different countries and more than 100 different cities. It has been so life-changing to meet so many different people and experience so many different cultures, and everyone still loves art made out of LEGO bricks.”
While some turn LEGO bricks into art, others turn them into opportunities. Dymond created his company, Dymond Bricks, to share LEGO bricks’ endless possibilities with others. Whether it’s building a commission for Amazon’s Canadian Headquarters or facilitating a building session for Défi Canderel’s cancer fundraiser, Dymond Bricks helps
people and companies achieve their goals through the power of building.
“Ultimately, I’m building models and selling them to clients, but it never feels like sales to me because I just really believe in what I’m building and the fun and the joy that it can bring,” Dymond says. “I get to be slotted in to make sure that these companies get to do fun and amazing things with LEGO [bricks] that are still on-brand and still align with LEGO’s core values and just have a good time bringing the joy of LEGO to people all around the world.”
While not every LEGO enthusiast will make a career or an entire city out of LEGO bricks, there’s no way of knowing where you’ll go once you start building.
Robin Sather celebrates the 2024 Chinese Lunar New Year with his LEGO Dragon Creation at the Lansdowne Center in Canada. | Source: Robin Sather
MSRP: $499.99 | Available: lionelstore.com (August)
CLUE: ONE PIECE
THE OP GAMES
Join the ranks of the Straw Hat Crew and try to find the treasure in this One Piece-ified version of the classic game of Clue. Players will try to figure out who discovered the treasure, what it is, and where it’s hidden to win the game.
Kind of Product Featuring Every Type of Fandom for Every Sort of Fan and more.
LEGO TECHNIC ORACLE RED BULL RACING RB20 F1 CAR
THE LEGO GROUP
The tension is building on and off the circuit. Formula 1 fans can assemble a realistic model of this iconic racer. This set features more than 1,600 pieces, and fans will build authentic details including a V6 engine and a two-speed gearbox.
MSRP: $229.99 | Available: LEGO.com
MSRP: $44.99 | Available: theop.games
MGA’S MINIVERSE MAKE IT MINI HONEYDUKES HARRY POTTER
MGA ENTERTAINMENT
Potterheads can craft their own collectible Wizarding World sweet treats with these surprise capsules. Fans can make mini replicas of Exploding Bon Bons, Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans, Chocolate Frogs, and more. Each one comes with a potion-like recipe card.
MSRP: $9.99 | Available: mass retailers
LIMITED-EDITION DISNEY & PIXAR’S TOY STORY LEVITATING SCULPTURE
THE BRADFORD EXCHANGE
Limited to 1,995 pieces, this collectible captures Buzz and Woody’s airborne moment from the original Toy Story film. The sculpture hovers and spins thanks to help from the electromagnets hidden in the cloud base.
MSRP: $169.99 | Available: bradfordexchange.com (preorder)
SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS SPATULA AND APRON SET
SEVEN TIMES SIX
Take your Krabby Patties to the next level with this grilling apron and spatula featuring SpongeBob, Mr. Krabs, and Bikini Bottom-inspired designs. The spatula also has a built-in bottle opener.
MSRP: $44.95
Available: mass retailers
G.I. JOE RISK
RENEGADE
GAME STUDIOS
Join the G.I. Joe or Cobra faction and complete missions, resolve plots, and earn objective points. One of five master scenarios guides the action, leading to conflicts and erupting in hot spots around the world. The faction with the most objective points wins the game.
MSRP: $70 | Available: renegadegamestudios.com (August)
UFC PUNCHING BAG CAPSULE
PMI
Find one of 12 mini action fighters hiding inside the punching bag, including octagon icons like Max Holloway, Jon Jones, and Amanda Nunes. Each fighter comes with its own unique accessories and a piece of the octagon itself.
MSRP: $9.97 | Available: Walmart
DISNEY VILLAINS CHESS SPIN MASTER
Be the villain of your own story with this bad-to-the-bone chess set, which includes 32 detailed Disney villain chess pieces, complete with bases that show their original chess piece symbols. Find Jafar, Hades, the Evil Queen, and more inside.
MSRP: $24.99
Available: mass retailers (Fall)
BARBIE: THE OFFICIAL COCKTAIL BOOK HACHETTE BOOK GROUP
Craft some Poolside Punch, Pink Pisco Sours, and a Color Magic Margarita with this collection of 50 Barbie-inspired cocktail recipes. Each boozy beverage features elements of the Barbie brand, from bright colors and refreshing flavors to sunshineinspired names and stylish presentation.
MSRP: $26 | Available: mass retailers
STRANGER THINGS JIGSAW PUZZLE THEORY11
Like Hawkins, this premium, 1,000-piece puzzle is full of mystery. It features holographic red and silver foil details, and once assembled, it unlocks a multidimensional experience. Everything comes nestled inside a carrying pouch.
MSRP: $24.95
Available: Barnes & Noble
FISHER-PRICE LITTLE
PEOPLE COLLECTOR JAWS
MATTEL
Sink your teeth into this 50th anniversary collectible set featuring Martin Brody, Matt Hooper, and Quint, all reimagined in Little People style. Deadly shark hunting has never been cuter.
MSRP: $19.99
Available: Mattel Creations
GILMORE GIRLS LUKE’S DINER COFFEE MUG WITH SOUND
HALLMARK
Drink your coffee, coffee, coffee like a Gilmore girl with this generously sized ceramic mug featuring a Luke’s Diner logo on the front and a Lorelai quote on the back. The included coaster plays one of five coffee-themed quotes from Luke, Lorelai, and Rory when you lift up the mug.
MSRP: $34.99 | Available: hallmark.com
FRAGGLE ROCK: BACK TO THE ROCK SEASON 2 VINYL
LAKESHORE RECORDS
This vinyl features music from the second season of the Apple TV+ show, including guest artists Daveed Diggs, aespa, Ariana DeBose, and Adam Lambert. The special vinyl Picture Disc features a full-color insert and 21 tracks.
MSRP: $24.98 | Available: Amazon
WWE JEY USO & JIMMY USO 24-INCH BLEACHER BUDDIES
BLEACHER CREATURES
It’s all in the family. These 2-foot plush capture the likeness of the WWE tag team champions, complete with their signature golden grills and tattoos.
MSRP: $39.99 each Available: bleachercreatures.com
DISNEY PIXAR TOY STORY COLLECTION
BOXLUNCH
Fans can celebrate 30 years of Toy Story with BoxLunch’s expansive Toy Story collection, complete with sleep pants, ringer T-shirts, sweatshirts, button-ups, jackets, and more. Giddy up with Woody and the gang with multiple cowboy-inspired pieces, step out on your next mission with Buzz Lightyear-approved space ranger apparel, or satiate your Toy Story hunger with some Pizza Planet-inspired swag.
MSRP: $29.90-79.90 | Available: BoxLunch
THE SIMS BOARD GAME GOLIATH
The Sims turns 25 this year, and you can celebrate the milestone by bringing the computer game off the screen and onto the tabletop. The board game introduces immersive storytelling and the same chaotic fun as the on-screen game.
MSRP: $19.99
Available: Amazon, Meijer, Target (August)
BATMAN (SUPER FRIENDS) 6-INCH ACTION FIGURE
MCFARLANE TOYS
This 6-inch-scale, retro-style figure features 12 moving parts and a fabric cape. It comes with multiple accessories and a collectible art card, all packaged inside the rainbow Super Friends blister.
MSRP: $19.99 | Available: Entertainment Earth, GameStop, Walmart
NASCAR JEFF GORDON 1997 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO BUILD-UP MODEL SUBSCRIPTION
DE AGOSTINI COLLECTIBLES
This 1:8-scale replica features the same chassis, paint job, and details as the No. 24 stock car Jeff Gordon drove during his second NASCAR Cup Series Championship. Different parts will ship each month, along with a full-color magazine with information about Gordon’s life and career.
MSRP: 22 subscription-based monthly payments varying from $1.95-89.70 Available: deagostini.com
DISNEY CLASSICS: DOT COLORING IGLOO BOOKS
Your new cozy hobby is here. Fans can color in the numbered dots in different sizes to reveal abstract illustrations of characters from The Lion King, Alice in Wonderland, Pinocchio, and more.
MSRP: $12.99 | Available: Amazon, Barnes & Noble (August)
MARVEL ANIMATED-STYLE JEFF THE LAND SHARK RESIN STATUE
GENTLE GIANT
Marvel Comics mascot Jeff takes on an animated form in this 3-inch statue, based on the It’s Jeff No. 1 comic book cover. Sculpted by Casen Barnard and limited to 3,000 pieces, the collectible comes in a full-color box with a numbered certificate of authenticity.
MSRP: $59.99
Available: gentlegiantltd.com
Along time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, action figure collections were pretty limited.
One company was appointed the master toy licensee for a movie or brand, and that company would create one line of collectibles for fans to enjoy. If you were searching for Han Solo and Chewbacca action figures in the early ’80s, you’d look for the bright blue Kenner logo on the packaging. But the days of the master toy licensee have practically gone the way of the Empire: caput.
Due to “splicensing,” there are several options to choose from when growing your galactic gallery. This common practice occurs when several different manufacturers share the licensing rights for one brand, but carve out niches for themselves in terms of scale, design, and
quality. Collectors could once acquire every single action figure in a single series with relative ease, completing their branded pop-culture collection. Now, you can choose from 1:32 scale, 1:10 scale, 16 points of articulation, 32 points of articulation, metal die-cast, art statues, Chibi styling, and so much more — each manufactured by a different toymaker.
Since collecting action figures requires a passion for pop culture, a keen eye for your next addition, and enough physical space to house each piece, the growing number of options can make or break a collection.
While some collectors aim to assemble every figure in one series or line, others might look to amass a variety of action figures featuring their favorite character. We’d never tell you the odds of finding your desired figure, but the variety of products available as a result of
splicensing, impacts fans (and manufacturers) in different ways.
OVERWHELMING OPTIONS
Fans have the collectibles world at their fingertips with instant access to upto-the-minute information on new drops and the ability to purchase with a single click. This level of 24/7 access is available to everyone, generating more competition for collectors and toymakers alike.
“One of the cons that can arise is the oversaturation of similar form factor,” explains NECA Brand Manager Blaine Rodenbaugh. “It can become challenging when you have multiple figures of the same character by different companies all in the same scale.” A simple quest for a figure of a popular character, like Marvel’s Spider-Man, can result in thousands of options — and some fans comb through all of them for the perfect representation
of their fandom fever.
With so many options available, some collectors get both excited and overwhelmed, including Sydney Cardoso. Known as @sydneymcardoso on TikTok, Cardoso showcases her and her father’s collection to almost 30,000 followers, with some videos amassing more than 1 million views. The father-daughter duo has hundreds of action figures, spanning multiple manufacturers and numerous licenses, including Transformers, Gundam, G.I. Joe, Star Wars, Fallout, and more.
Cardoso is familiar with the mixed emotions, commenting, “It is hard as a collector sometimes being like, ‘Which toy line am I going to dabble into?’ And then a year down the road, that’s the most popular thing, and I should have hopped on the train a long time ago. Now it’s harder to pick up those items, especially since we do try to complete a collection.”
Of course, these feelings aren’t lost on the companies creating physical representations of your favorite superheroes, video game characters, and anime protagonists. When searching online for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) action figures, fans could face pages and pages of all four Turtles in different sizes, variants, poses, and styles — and NECA strives for fans to hit “add to cart” on their carefully crafted figures.
To combat the overpopulation of similar specs, scales, and even superheroes, NECA focuses on hyper-realism. “We go above and beyond to make sure the detail and likeness are as close to the source material as possible,” Rodenbaugh says. “Direct inkjet technology provides lifelike deco, seamless articulation ensures functionality in the figure without compromising proportions or aesthetic, thoughtful accessories that embody who the character is, and artistic packaging that uniquely reflects the look and feel of each IP.”
SCALE, SIZE, & SERIES
When fans choose to dedicate time, space, and money to a collection, there are several factors to consider. Collectors must decide what scale they’d like to pursue, what TV series, anime, movie, or comic book they enjoy, what action figure manufacturing companies they trust, and more.
For Cardoso, the collection comes from the heart, and passion drives her purchases. “What we’re collecting is what we’re truly passionate about, but we are open to obscure other little things. When we’re collecting, we’re kind of seeing it as a series together versus a standalone [figure],” she says.
Cardoso and her father approach scale by looking at the figures in the spe cific series — and how much room they have in their designated display area.
“It’s mostly about the love for the line and the amount of space we have … [We ask ourselves] ‘Do you like the line?’ OK, great. ‘How can we fit it into our collection?’ Because we truly don’t purchase a standalone character. If I love Chewbac ca, I’m not just going to buy every Chewbacca that they ever come out with, it’s going to be [part of] a line.”
Cardoso notes that their collection features action figures in different scales from McFarlane Toys, NECA, and more.
According to Rodenbaugh, “1:12-1:10 scale (6-7 inches) has really become the standard in collector figures. We have produced our figures in the 7-inch scale since our inception and find it’s the ‘sweet spot’ scale for being large enough to capture the essence and detail of
JAWS — 50th Anniversary Ultimate Matt Hooper (Amity Arrival)
7-inch Scale Action Figure
Source: NECA
Sydney Cardoso showcases a large action figure collection to avid followers on TikTok. Follow her @sydneymcardoso. Source: Sydney Cardoso
Fans can collect dozens of different iterations of Captain America in different styles, scales, and prices. From left to right: Captain America (The Amazing Spider-Man No. 323) 1:6-scale Posed Figure with Scene & Comic (McFarlane Toys), 3.94-inch Captain America: Endgame Edition DX Version Nendoroid figure (Good Smile Co.), 6-inch Marvel Legends Series Secret Wars Captain America figure (Hasbro), 6-inch Marvel Legends Series Captain America figure (Hasbro), Captain America (Classic) Select Action Figure (Diamond Select Toys), and Captain America SixthScale Figure (Hot Toys)
a character, without taking up too much space on collectors’ shelves or breaking their bank.”
STYLE IS EVERYTHING
With so many manufacturers cranking out collectibles for the same pop-culture powerhouse brands, fans like Cardoso can find several Transformers or Nightmare Before Christmas lines in scales that truly fit their space — but there’s more to collecting than the height and width of a fan’s display case.
When adding new figures, fans also determine how many points of articulation are important to them, if accessories matter, how detailed the likeness should be, the artistic styling, and more. To Rodenbaugh, this is where splicensing might come in handy for the collector. “The first [pro of slicensing] that comes to mind is scale and price. Many collectors have their preference on size and style, so being able to offer the same character in a bobble head, 7-inch action figure, larger doll, or statue is great to cover all bases,” he says.
A diverse selection also leads to diverse collections. While it might be tedious to look through the numerous figures of your desired IP, it can make the end result all the more worth it. As Cardoso states, “I also think there’s beauty to it because since everyone isn’t collecting the same thing, it makes your collection more unique.”
DISPLAY OR PLAY
For McFarlane Toys, which produces action figures for fandoms like DC, NHL, and Stranger Things, determining the design and scale for different series often depends on IP.
“For brands that skew younger, a smaller, more approachable scale often makes sense,” says Cristy Collins, vice president of licensing at McFarlane Toys. “On the other hand, for source material rich in detail and vibrant color — particularly adult-oriented properties — a larger scale can better showcase those qualities,” she continues.
With numerous companies generating figures, audiences can find collectibles from mainstream fandoms and arguably less popular adaptations. Take Captain America, for example. Collectors can choose between multiple variations, including a battleworn suit and Chris Evans’ likeness inspired by the Marvel films, or Sam Wilson’s Captain America inspired by the All-New Captain America Issue No. 1 comic book.
“While many Marvel figures on the market are based on movie content, we’ve focused on re-creating iconic comic covers drawn by legendary artists like Todd McFarlane,” Collins says. “Bringing these illustrations to life in 3D, while staying true to the artist’s distinct style, creates a collectible that’s not only visually stunning, but also deeply meaningful for fans of the source material.”
IT’S ALL ABOUT VARIETY
The options are endless, from design and quality to price point, and though searching for your favorites can be intimidating, collectors can build their bookcases with confidence that most collectibles companies put their hearts (and any Jedi power they can manifest) into making these lines.
“As collectors ourselves, we understand the desire for more than just the main ‘hero’ characters,” Collins says. “Fans want the ability to build complete collections and re-create their favorite stories. Our [McFarlane Toys’] product lineup is thoughtfully curated to include a wide range of characters.”
For the kids who grew up wishing they could get their hands on those iconic Star Wars action figures from Kenner, what would they say now to a Google search that brings up thousands of results for “Luke Skywalker action figure”? As Cardoso mentions, “There are endless possibilities. I do really like that they are licensing out a little bit more. It’s letting artists have more ability to be creative within that and have more people join the scene.” ✪
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Samantha Connell is an associate editor for The Pop Insider, The Toy Book, and The Toy Insider. She loves to write, craft, and walk her dog, Willow.
Fandom Fun for the Littlest Pop-Culture Lovers
DISNEY STITCH MANY MOODS STITCH PLUSH JUST PLAY
This 13.5-inch Stitch plush features expressive LCD eyes and more than 50 sounds and reactions. Kids can scratch his head; rub his belly; “feed” him when he’s hungry; and jiggle, tilt, or hold him upside down to activate different emotions. When it’s time to wind down, gently rock Stitch to sleep.
MSRP: $39.99 | Available: mass retailers
TAMAGOTCHI COLLECTIONS KESS CO.
In this game, 2-4 players roll dice to feed, play, and care for their quirky Tamagotchi friends. They must keep up with each one’s attention, but if they host too many at the same time, they might have a big mess.
MSRP: $30 | Available: Amazon, local game stores (August)
COLLECTIBLE MINI FIGURES MOOSE TOYS
The circus comes home with these collectible 2-inch figures. Ten characters from the YouTube series are available in star, rare, and ultra-rare categories for kids to collect. Fans can re-create favorite scenes or imagine new storylines.
MSRP: $4.99 each | Available: July
MARVEL MIGHTY HEROES LOVEY MILKSNOB
It’s never too early to assemble with The Avengers. This lovey serves as a mini security blanket, designed to comfort babies. Attach it to a pacifier, teether, or other toy (not included).
MSRP: $15.99 | Available: milksnob.com
TALES OF THE TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: PET TURTLE PLAYSET
PLAYMATES TOYS
Lift the back shell to transform the pet turtle into a training arena. Explore the Ninja Turtles’ hidden hangout with a mutant battle platform, secret trap doors, a zipline, and other sewer surprises.
Separate your wet and dry items while on the go with this convenient pouch, featuring a super-cute Hello Kitty print. This travel staple’s water-resistant interior and secure zipper protect your bag from wet swimsuits, goggles, and more.
MSRP: $26.50
Available: Pottery Barn Kids
LITTLEST PET SHOP PET SURPRISE SERIES 3
BASIC FUN!
With 18 new bobblin’ pets to collect, kids can grow their LPS crew. Each Pet Surprise Singles box holds a hidden pet, a mini accessory, and a collector card that unlocks digital surprises on Roblox
MSRP: $3.99 each
Available: Five Below, Target, Walmart
ANNA AND ERIN BFF STICKI ROLL BRACELETS
SKY CASTLE TOYS
Celebrate friendship with these bracelets inspired by YouTubers Anna and Erin. Each set comes with two bracelets with four Sticki Rolls, personalized “A&E” charms, and eight additional Sticki Rolls.
MSRP: $14.99
Available: Amazon, Five Below, Walmart
POKÉMON DREAMS PLUSH THE POKÉMON CO. INTERNATIONAL
Trainers can cuddle up with these plush pals while discovering Pokémon with rare sleep styles in Pokémon Sleep, the sleep tracker app that turns sleep into entertainment. This year, Gengar, Eevee, Larvitar, and Snorlax and Pikachu join the line.
MSRP: $29.99-49.99
Available: pokemoncenter.com
DISNEY PRINCESS: LOOK AND FIND 3D PI
KIDS
Grab the included 3D glasses and join Tiana, Rapunzel, Moana, and more Disney princesses on a 3D adventure. Explore exciting scenes as you uncover more than 100 hidden objects and characters.
MSRP: $10.99 | Available: mass retailers
If SpongeBob SquarePants was playing on a TV, would you assume the person watching was an 8-year-old or a 28-year-old? It’s a toss-up.
Today, the line between childhood and adulthood interests is blurry. More adults are playing with toys than ever before, as shown by a recent Circana study based on 2024 data. The study revealed that adults ages 18 and up make up $7.6 billion in annual toy sales, according to an article published in The Toy Book’s March 2025 issue. (Editor’s note: The Toy Book is a sister publication of The Pop Insider.) Millions of adult fans flock to anime and comic book conventions nationwide, and late-night premieres of animated films are full of adults ready to laugh — and cry — as Disney tugs on their heartstrings, while companies like The LEGO Group are cranking out sets for everyone from ages 18 months to 18 years and up.
The use of the term “kidults” is on the rise as adults lean into childlike wonder, especially amid harsh realities like war, pandemics, and natural disasters. Circana data from 2024 also reveals that the adult cohort has overtaken the 3-5-year-old demographic as the most critical age group target for the U.S. toy industry. And while kidults are getting in on the fun more than ever, kids are still enjoying the simple things in life, like toys, light-hearted TV shows, and comic books.
NEVER TOO OLD FOR SATURDAY MORNING CARTOONS
Many entertainment franchises, from weekend cartoons to toddler-centric YouTube channels, may look like they are geared toward kids, but with co-viewing and time-tested longevity, they also have intense multi-generational appeal. Their merchandise sales and viewership mirror these levels of engagement.
SpongeBob SquarePants, the
"I THINK THE CHARACTERS BRING SUCH OPTIMISM AND JOY THAT THEY’RE IMPOSSIBLE TO RESIST, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU NEED A BREAK FROM THE ‘REAL WORLD’; YOU CAN ESCAPE TO BIKINI BOTTOM."
— JOSE CASTRO, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, CONSUMER PRODUCTS AND EXPERIENCES, PARAMOUNT
been airing new episodes since it first premiered in 1999. The franchise initially appealed as a brand to millennial kids who were excited to watch their weekly cartoons. As those ‘90s kids grew up, SpongeBob and his crew came along for the ride, and those millennials are still sharing memes of the Bikini Bottom bunch to this day. It’s 25 years later, and with more than 300 episodes, six feature films, and endless merchandise available on store shelves, SpongeBob is now arguably just as relevant to the latest generations of young cartoon watchers.
“The show’s original fans are adults now, so there’s a nostalgic factor there,” says Jose Castro, executive vice president of consumer products and experiences at Paramount, the production company behind the animated series. “SpongeBob’s humor and positivity are relevant to everyone, and I think the characters bring such optimism and joy that they’re impossible to resist, especially when you need a break from the ‘real world’; you can escape to Bikini Bottom.”
SpongeBob fans of all ages can enjoy apparel, collectibles, building sets, board games, accessories, and so much more. While the kids’ apparel is more tapped into the content of the show and the characters, the adult merchandise focuses on pop-culture references and meme-able moments. The more niche the retro SpongeBob reference, the better the meme material. A Google
search of “DoodleBob,” a character who appeared in just one episode in 2002 (and made one other appearance in a quick flashback in a later season), brings up collectibles from Funko and Youtooz, an official board game from Golden Bell Studio, and even a Halloween costume from Spirit Halloween.
KIDS AT HEART
While SpongeBob and his friends have grown alongside their fans for decades, other brands are hitting the scene and securing multi-generational audiences in a different way. Ms. Rachel, the YouTube creator known for making educational videos for babies and toddlers, has become a star to the parents of little ones who are obsessed with her videos.
Late last year, Ms. Rachel launched her first product line, which included a children’s book, home goods, accessories, apparel, and toys — but kids are not her only fans. Out of Print, a brand that creates apparel based on literary brands, launched a Ms. Rachel collection that focuses on her brand and values, offering products for young people and grown-ups alike. Fans can find “Ms. Rachel University” adult tops, nodding to the parents who rely on how she helps teach their kids, or snag a mug that reads “Nap, Coffee, Ms. Rachel.”
While her YouTube content is mostly made for kids, Ms. Rachel’s TikTok account is for adults, and both offer helpful lessons with her famous charming and calming tone. The creator takes to the social media platform to let parents know that they are doing a great job, even when they cannot meet modern (read as: impossible) parenting expectations. Many parents feel Ms. Rachel is there to root for the whole family, not just the kids.
“Ms. Rachel has an ability to connect with people across many different ages,” says Auden George, senior product designer at Out of Print. “For adult merchandise, our goal is often finding a balance between wearable and fun products. We want the product to be a conversation starter that allows Ms. Rachel’s fans to connect with one another.”
This SpongeBob Graphic Pullover Hoodie shows that the character is for adults just as much as kids.
Source: Walmart
A TUG AT THE HEART STRINGS
In the case of Ms. Rachel, most adults love the brand simply because of how much their kids connect with her. Other “kids’” franchises spark multi-generational interest because they are relatable for kids and adults alike. Take a certain Australian family of Blue Heelers, for example.
From Uncanny Brands'
Source: Crocs/Uncanny Brands
Bluey was the top show streaming globally on Disney+ in 2024, according to Nielsen Media Research; Streaming Content Ratings — and it’s not just kids who are watching. Episodes started going viral for their sentimental value, and grown-ups started watching the show independently. A 2024 special episode called “The Sign” sparked memes and reaction videos and lit up parenting groups on Facebook. The 28-minute episode focuses on the family’s potential big move, a difficult experience for anyone to go through, and the episode shows how challenging these changes are for parents as much as for kids. The storyline struck an emotional chord, causing it to be the talk of parent chat boards and conversations around the internet. Other episodes deal with death, nostalgia, inclusion, and so many other complex situations for families.
“Bluey has created an emotional connection with parents that is as deep and authentic as it has with preschoolers,” says Suzy Raia, senior vice president of global consumer products at BBC Studios. “Show creator Joe Brumm has so brilliantly layered this show that each and every member of the family feels seen through its relatable content, creating hilarious moments that not only resonate with kids and families, but also reassure them that the experiences we have as a parent or a child are largely universal.”
And while you certainly can’t miss Bluey in the toy aisles, with offerings from Moose Toys, TOMY, Pillow Pets, and more, you can also find the Heeler family on coffee mugs, women’s sweatshirts, men’s pajama pants, and a very popular brand of footwear.
The Bluey x Crocs collab included shoes for the whole family, with options for men, women, and children. With matching Bluey-themed
Jibbitz to collect, share, and trade, these Crocs became a must-have item last year. RSVLTs also launched a fami ly-matching collection of button-down shirts, and Uncanny Brands recently released a Bluey mug warmer set and a mini waffle maker.
“The beauty of Bluey and the brilliance of what series creator Joe Brumm and Ludo Studio have brought forth is content that connects deeply with each and every person for a different reason. Some parents love it because they have kids who love Bluey,” Raia says. “Others love it because they feel seen as parents, tired at times, wanting to be the best parent they can be and persevere through real-life hardships as best they can. Many adults without children love Bluey, too, yearning for simpler times and being reminded of the love they felt as children themselves or because Bluey depicts a childhood that perhaps they never had.”
From classics like SpongeBob with proven staying power to modern marvels like Ms. Rachel and instant hits like Bluey, these brands and their merch partners bridge the generational gap to make an unprecedented cultural impact. There is no limit on the content we create or consume, and there is always an audience out there to reach. Content that is outside the box helps reach different parts of ourselves that we may not reach with just the expected, traditional content targeted toward a specific age group. The entertainment industry is infinite, and this new era of multi-generational content provides a new opportunity to create magic. ✪
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ellen Slater is an assistant editor at The Pop Insider, The Toy Book, and The Toy Insider. A big fan of reading, writing, and all things pop culture, she’s always keeping an eye out for the next exciting trend or story. A proud Oklahoma State University alumna, Slater now lives in New York City.
waffle maker to Crocs in both kids’ and adult sizes, the whole family can show off their Bluey love.
Ms. Rachel helped create merchandise for grown-ups, including these T-shirts from her drop with Out of Print.
Source: Out of Print
Sports — and the crowds that gather to watch them — have existed for centuries, and it’s no surprise that they are still among the most popular fandoms. Whether it’s baseball in the spring or football in the fall, every player and team brings something to the game that attracts fans of all ages: belonging.
Sports foster community values. Cheering on a team in a stadium full of fans or watching a game alone at home gives people something to look forward to and talk about, and, more importantly, it gives them a sense of self.
These values don’t go unnoticed by sports leagues. Major and minor associations keep their eyes on their fanbases, as they heavily contribute to the beauty of the game. Fan engagement is one of the main reasons why sports go all in for their merchandising and licensing campaigns.
While traditional officially licensed merchandise consists of the classic jersey and ball cap combo, sports leagues are expanding their offerings to fit hobbies outside of the game itself. To further
emphasize the sense of belonging, they encourage fans to celebrate their favorite teams in unique ways that speak to them and their passions. Sports leagues are collaborating with companies to help fans combine their love of the game with their individuality, whether it’s the way they dress or the figurines they collect.
A NEW UNIFORM
While styles change with each new trend and generation, fashion remains a staple for self-expression and garners its own band of fandom followers. WEAR by Erin Andrews, a fashion brand founded by the American sportscaster, recognizes the importance of defining oneself
through clothing and how fashion-loving sports fans can showcase their favorite team beyond a traditional jersey or basic logo T-shirt.
“Team support is incredibly special and unique to every individual fan,” says Lauren Fenner, vice president of operations and brand management at WEAR by Erin Andrews. “For many, supporting a sports team goes beyond just watching the game — it is an emotional investment. Wearing team colors or apparel helps fans feel connected to a larger community, and it’s a way of expressing pride and belonging to a group. Within those shared communities, people still want to show off their individual styles, and our goal with WEAR by Erin Andrews is to offer a wider, more fashion-forward assortment to accommodate all fans.”
Before founding the company, Andrews constantly traveled to different stadiums and arenas nationwide and met many women who, like her, had a passion for both sports and fashion. As a fan, Andrews adored the game, but struggled to find trendy apparel that provided the same sense of belonging and self-expression — so she created a line of her very own.
Jason Kelce and Travis Kelce Super Bowl LVII NFL 7-inch Figure 2-Pack
Source: McFarlane Toys
“Erin set out to develop WEAR to fill a void in the market as a stylish line that met the modern fan’s needs — comfortable, on-trend, and affordable. Whether it is game day, going out with friends, or just lounging around the house, it shows comfort and style mixed into one that can be worn ‘AnyWEAR and EveryWEAR,’” Fenner says.
The clothing line offers products across various leagues, including MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL, NWSL, and 35 NCAA schools, covering more than 175 teams. WEAR by Erin Andrews also features collaborations with BaubleBar, Rebecca Minkoff, and Gracie Hunt to help fans flaunt the sports teams they watch while maintaining their own personal style.
SWING FOR THE BLING
Like a uniform without the matching equipment, apparel is incomplete with-
pieces that highlight a team or league is another way fans can show team spirit at every game.
Super Smalls is an adult- and kid-friendly accessory brand that brings individuality to the sports scene with the MLB by Super Smalls collection. Fans can express themselves with this 24-piece line, which includes bejeweled velvet headbands and mini bead kits for creating custom pieces.
“When the opportunity to collaborate with MLB came up, it felt like a natural fit,” says Super Smalls Founder Maria Dueñas Jacobs. “Our brand is all about fun, creativity, and self-expression, and this collection gives kids and adults a playful way to show off their team spirit. Whether crafting a personalized bracelet or wearing a team headband to a game, we wanted to make something that feels special, nostalgic, and full of joy.”
unique pieces with their team’s signature colors and one-of-a-kind charms by making bracelets and necklaces. At the time of publication, the collection features eight teams: the New York Yankees, the Los Angeles Dodgers, the San Francisco Giants, the Philadelphia Phillies, the Houston Astros, the Chicago Cubs, the Boston Red Sox, and the Atlanta Braves.
“This collection gives fans a unique way to celebrate their favorite teams, making gameday more personal and fun,” Jacobs says.
Sporting leagues partner with companies like Super Smalls to encourage self-expression for their fans. It’s one thing to wear merchandise, but it’s something entirely different to add personalized touches to game-day outfits.
“Showing off your favorite team is more than just wearing a logo. It’s about pride, connection, and being part of something bigger. Sports bring people together, and having a fun, personal way to rep your team makes that connection
With positive responses from online buyers, stadiums sales, and retail partners, the Super Smalls team looks forward to expanding its sports line to other
MEMORABLE MEMORABILIA
As with many fandoms, collectibles are a popular merch pick for sports fans because of their versatility. Fans can place them on their shelves at home, decorate their desks at work, put them on their car’s dashboard, and hang them on their bags as accessories — collectibles can be anywhere. And when it comes to sports, there is a lot to collect, like bobbleheads offered as exclusive ballpark giveaways, baseballs caught during a game, trading cards of MVPs, and signed memorabilia. They may come in all shapes and sizes, but collectibles are a staple for those looking
Every figurine, statue, and diorama
WEAR by Erin Andrews covers more than 175 teams on T-shirts, tank tops, dresses, jackets, and more.
Source: WEAR by Erin Andrews
“SHOWING OFF YOUR FAVORITE TEAM IS MORE THAN JUST WEARING A LOGO. IT’S ABOUT PRIDE, CONNECTION, AND BEING PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER.”
— MARIA DUEÑAS JACOBS, FOUNDER, SUPER SMALLS
on fans’ shelves says something about their interests and tastes. There’s a wide range of collectibles on the market, but not many companies step up to the plate quite like McFarlane Toys. While its product assortment features many popular IPs like DC, Marvel, and Demon Slayer, McFarlane Toys has a special line of collectibles dedicated to sports fans: McFarlane’s SportsPicks.
The company’s founder Todd McFarlane is a major baseball fan. From getting a baseball scholarship and trying out for the Toronto Blue Jays farm team to becoming a high-profile collector of record-breaking baseballs, McFarlane has a true passion for the game and knows how important it is for fans to honor their team spirit through collectibles.
“Once the sports licenses became available in 2001, McFarlane’s SportPicks was a natural fit to apply his passion for sports and revolutionary eye for design to produce a legendary level of detail and quality in sports figurines,” says Stephan Tetrault, co-owner of McFarlane Toys.
McFarlane’s SportsPicks showcases many fan-favorite athletes from four popular leagues, like Conor McGregor (UFC), Caleb Williams (Chicago Bears, NFL), Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers, NHL), and Bobby Witt Jr. (Kansas City Royals, MLB). Like sports fans, McFarlane Toys picks the right players for their collection by checking the stats.
“We watch stats and trending young players, as well as team success. Jersey sales and the sports card market are also leading indicators of who is trending,” Tetrault says. “Retailer and team store interest also helps us zero in on the hottest players and young emerging stars early in the design process.”
The SportsPicks line features all-star athletes like the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani, who recently became the first MLB player in history to record 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season, alongside long-time favorites like Jason and Travis Kelce, who earned Super Bowl rings with the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs, respectively.
Regardless of the player or team across the leagues, sports fans share a deep love for the game, which is also true for collectibles. McFarlane Toys recognizes fans’ dedication and encourages them to express their team allegiance in a way that best represents who they are.
“Any fandom provides a sense of community and belonging while providing an opportunity for self-expression. For many, sports are ingrained from an early age. Showing off one’s favorite team, player, or sport helps foster that identity, pride, nostal
Source:
gia, and shared experiences in a fun way. It is natural for fandom to extend beyond apparel and jerseys, and more than ever, people are dedicating space in their workplace and at home in fan caves,” Tetrault says.
Spectators have stood the test of time by fostering a sense of belonging and, more importantly, a sense of self. By allowing people to combine their teams with different creative products, these new avenues for sports merch help people better embrace what they love. As long as fans continue to cheer for the home team, merch will keep finding new ways to help them flaunt their fandom. ✪
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Taylor Battle is an assistant editor at The Toy Insider, The Pop Insider, and The Toy Book. Between reading fantasy novels and re-watching Disney classics, she can be found building houses in The Sims 4. Taylor is passionate about creating and is always looking to try new things.
Super Smalls has headbands and bead kits for the Houston Astros (left), the Philadelphia Phillies (right), and more.
Super Smalls
For many, Halloween is one day a year. For the rest of us, Halloween is reserved for days that end in “Y.” Outside of the Halloween season, horror fun is not so frightfully out of this world. Minor League Baseball teams, from the Binghamton Rumble Ponies to the Springfield Cardinals, celebrate Summerween in their stadiums. Coined in 2012 by Disney Channel’s Gravity Falls, the holiday is gaining traction offline and no longer just reflective of “social media’s insatiable need for content,” as The New York Times claimed in a July 2024 article. Last year, the Jersey Shore BlueClaws encouraged kids to come to the stadium in costume for trick-or-treating and gave fans spooky jerseys. This year, the Brooklyn Cyclones will give 2,500 fans a Kodai Senga Ghost Bobblehead featuring the famed Mets pitcher wearing a classic ghost sheet costume.
People like to be scared year-round. A 2020 study published by the Association for Psychological Science suggests that horror can provide a sense of control, amid other psychological benefits. This constant craving for chills has fueled a growing market for horror-themed merchandise. From screen-accurate props and limited-edition figures to apparel and home decor inspired by classic slashers and modern thrillers, the demand never fades. For many, owning a piece of their favorite fright film or game allows them to embrace the thrill long after the credits roll. As horror continues to evolve, so does the creativity of its merch, offering fans increasingly immersive and chilling ways to display their dark devotion.
FAN SERVICE
“‘Best-selling’ and ‘fan favorite’ are often one and the same when it comes
to horror collectibles,” says Anna Van Slee, collectible company Sideshow’s vice president of business development and strategic initiatives. For many collectors and companies, the most popular item is a favorite for a reason.
“This is always a tightrope to walk when working with a license, and the pressure increases with how big (and rabid) the fandom is,” says Julie Doverspike, director of games brands at Goliath, a games company with licensed horror offerings. “We are very thoughtful and deliberate when developing to make sure that we are not going too far in either direction. We do this often by diversifying our playtests to include both big fans and newbies alike and make sure that it is loved and approachable by all.”
Much of the horror merch is made by fans themselves. Trick or Treat Studios’ Marketing and Public Relations Manager
Alyson Furst emphasizes that the company’s roots are in horror fandom. Before founding the company, Justin Mabry was a collector of horror paraphernalia, starting with masks of Halloween villain Michael Myers. Mabry started making horror masks when he was 13 years old.
“People like to collect everything, but then there are the really hardcore fan groups,” adds Trick or Treat Studios’ Creative Lead and Graphic Designer Sam Furst. “Michael Myers has the biggest fan group we have as our audience.”
But they are very aware that there’s more to horror than the most popular franchise. “We’re not only going to do a Michael Myers or an Art the Clown figure, but we’re also doing Beast of Blood and deep cuts for long-term fans,” Alyson Furst says. “That’s a big part of our company culture.”
Trick or Treat Studios has something for everyone. Their products feature licenses spanning genres and generations, including Candy Man, The Corpse Bride, Saw, The Crow, True Romance, The Devil’s Rejects, Evil Dead 2, and Frosty the Snowman, who is decidedly not scary.
Goliath’s Doverspike also sees that being a fan first and an employee second is often helpful in creating a great product for collectors. She notes that the Goliath team consists of horror fans who are passionate about making games in licenses that they love and have a passion for in their personal lives.
Fans and collectors are noticing the added value of companies like Trick or Treat Studios and Goliath creating products curated with passion. ”We’re seeing pieces clearly made by horror fans, as they are so nuanced and subtly genius,” says Onastacia Roe, a creator in the horror space who posts as @onastaciaroe on Instagram and TikTok. ”Every piece of your wardrobe can now be horror merchandise from dresses to shoes to bags to skirts to jewelry to lingerie.”
Roe is also the co-creator of Ghoul Group, a community that provides a space for fans to enjoy horror culture together in New York City. Roe says she collects everything, but prioritizes collectible figures and has a particular affinity for dolls. Among her favorites are Living
Dead Dolls, Monster High Skullector Dolls, and a custom Blythe doll that looks like her.
”Not only does adding collectibles to my room make me feel inspired and safe to be surrounded by what I love, but my room is also where I shoot my horror content, so I’m always looking for items that will stand out on screen,” she adds.
THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS
Manufacturers know what fans want and are dedicated to providing detailed and accurate collectibles. Noting that Sideshow’s collectibles are premium items, Van Slee says, “Some might think Beetlejuice’s face paint is white and that his eye sockets are blacked out, but that is not the case. Detail is everything.” In the case of Sideshow’s Beetlejuice Sixth-Scale Figure ($330), his makeup is yellow with white highlights and complex shadows, like decayed flesh. He has bruising around the eyes, with layers of purple and brown.
TERRIFIER: ART THE CLOWN BLOOD BATH FIGURE
TRICK OR TREAT STUDIOS
The Sideshow team is committed to extensive research. During creation and execution, they work from the source material, interview makeup artists, and visit archives.
Aaron Margolin, senior global brand manager at Jazwares, agrees: Attention to detail is a must across the board. The company makes toys and collectibles featuring the Five Nights at Freddy’s brand. “I always say that fans know when a ‘circle is not a circle,’” he explains. “Fans can always tell if something is off, so we need to make sure that every figure and every plush is right.” Fans can expect plush with glow-in-the-dark embroidery and collectibles that echo prizes from Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza.
An interesting challenge that companies face is balancing fan perception of the characters versus what actually appears in the content, according to Alyson Furst. Collectors often find that marketing materials don’t always match the final product, and Trick or Treat Studios is committed to delivering complete accuracy. “We do a lot of figuring out
Standing 5 inches tall, this gruesome collectible captures Art’s blood-soaked glory, with the aid of ice water or cold air, complete with splatter details and a chilling stare.
MSRP: $24.99
Available: trickortreatstudios.com
what’s best there as well, which is kind of a cool thing because horror movies have such dramatic lighting,” she says. “It changes the looks of a lot of things.” Even then, Sam Furst adds, “There’s no way to please everybody.”
A SCARY GOOD TIME
Terrifier 3, released last year, is set during the winter holidays. (The franchise’s final installation, Terrifier 4, is currently in development.) The third film was a global smash, grossing $90.3 million according to Box Office Mojo. At Spirit Halloween, fans could purchase a life-size animatronic Art the Clown ($199), a 12-inch static prop of Baby Art ($54.99), or a neon LED sign ($49.99) inspired by the film. As of April, these finds are
FUNKO GAMES SCREAM THE GAME GOLIATH
Featuring the chilling voice of Ghostface himself, Roger L. Jackson, this fastpaced party game keeps hearts racing as players fight to survive.
MSRP: $19.99 | Available: mass retailers
still in stock online, and surely Art the Clown must approve. In an October viral video posted on social media channels, actor David Howard Thornton visited a Manhattan Spirit Halloween dressed as the character he plays in the film. As Art the Clown, he merrily shopped for decorations, nodding with satisfaction at the store’s replicas. The fan-favorite villain surprised fans, posing and acting alongside his namesake animatronic, scaring adults — but not a delighted kid.
Art the Clown is everywhere. Funko produced four Pop! figures, Hot Topic sells a blind box offering four collectibles ($15 each), and Mezco Toyz’s LDD Presents released Terrifier: Art the Clown Blood Splatter Edition ($60), a bloodstained 10.5-inch figure with five points of articulation. It joins the company’s figure of The Little Pale Girl, released last year in honor of Terrifier 2’s secondary antagonist, known for spreading chaos.
“I didn’t see that one coming,” Alyson Furst says of Art the Clown’s popularity. “I feel like he may end up being kind of the Freddy of this generation.”
Trick or Treat Studios has a lot to offer fans of Terrifier, from masks to hacksaws, enamel pins, and Art’s iconic (and disgusting) teeth. The company has several collectibles, including the 5-inch Blood Bath Action Figure, which reveals blood splatter when sprayed with ice water.
“We were involved with the first movie when it was very small; nobody knew it. We were the first to make anything for
it, working directly with [director Damien Leone]. So it’s been cool to see it blow up like that,” Alyson Furst says.
Virality may be par for the course regarding a successful property. Last year’s Nosferatu inspired niche merch: a perfume collab with Heretic Parfum ($125); T-shirts; and replicas from the film, including Ellen’s pendulum earrings ($89.95), her locket ($36.98), a sigil ring ($78.95), and the titular Count Orlok’s sarcophagus ($20,000).
The custom-made, limited-edition, twin-size coffin is a full-size replica that sits on a wooden base with an intricateinterior and exterior. Focus Features assured fans in its press materials that the foam lid is easy to open and close. A handful of fans purchased the 250-pound sarcophagus, which includes a certificate of authenticity.
For less money and at a smaller footprint, moviegoers could purchase the Nosferatu Coffin Popcorn Bucket ($39.95) at major theaters. “Fans, now, almost expect it and even conceptualize their own ideas for bucket designs and beg for their creation. It truly just adds to the entire movie-going experience,” Roe says.
“The Nosferatu bucket just sent horror fans into orbit! We all needed that coffin popcorn bucket more than anything.” The popcorn tins were so popular that another limited run was produced this year; AMC Theaters and the NBC Store will ship tins May 30 for June arrival.
“The buckets are seeming to get more and more elevated and innovative, and oftentimes, due to the hype and excitement around them, fans will scour theaters weeks before a film is released just to make sure they get their hands on these buckets,” Roe says. The creator notes that collectors use popcorn buckets after the movie as decor and storage; Roe’s holds makeup.
CLASSICS NEVER DIE
As new films come out, fans continue to gravitate toward modern classics.
“I think people are looking to dive into the ‘90s,” Alyson Furst says. “We’re surprised with the level of interest in the Toxic Crusaders line and just the new generation of collectors.”
Goliath’s Doverspike says the tabletop game manufacturer’s biggest hit is its Scream party game. The 1996 film inspires the company’s cooperative game ($19.99) that challenges players to survive Ghostface’s spree. There is also a com-
BEETLEJUICE SIXTH-SCALE FIGURE
HOT TOYS BY SIDESHOW
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice inspires this figure, which features two head sculpts. It includes eerie accessories like The Afterlife newspaper, Handbook for the Recently Deceased, and interchangeable hands with discolored nails.
MSRP: $330 | Available: sideshow.com
panion app that prompts a creepy phone call from Ghostface himself to bring the interactivity to the next level. “It encompasses the spine-tingling anticipation of being chased by Ghostface,” Doverspike explains. The Scream franchise totals six films and a four-season MTV television series, with the seventh film set to slash its way into theaters next year.
Tom Gilliland, Sideshow’s creative director, says authenticity is key to deciding what gets made. The collectibles juggernaut recently launched Frankenstein’s Monster ($585-595), part of a growing Sideshow Originals line full of horror- and fantasy-inspired limited-edition creations. Frankenstein’s Monster joins Vampire’s Lust ($680), and fine art prints ($75-200). “While we explore many hundreds of designs every year, we only move forward to develop the statues and figures that we feel make a genuine statement about the character,” he says. “We make the pieces that we would want to own, trusting that we are not alone in our passion.”
Gilliland notes that Frankenstein’s Monster has lived in the public consciousness since 1818. The 19-inch, 25-pound statue honors the novel’s roots. “What makes Frankenstein’s monster horrific is his tragic desire to belong, to be loved,” Gilliland says. The figure lurches through a snow-covered cemetery with a lantern, a shovel, and a broken skull at its feet. The statue includes Elizabeth Lavenza’s headstone, and the monster is cloaked in the pelt of a black bear and patchwork pants; electrodes emerge from his back, and he is painted with a “mixture of rotting yellows and irritated reds,” per the website’s listing.
DARK MOON ON THE HORIZON
While the horror genre is full of tropes, some horror mainstays didn’t begin as films or even classic pieces of literature. Take Five Nights at Freddy’s, for example. This point-and-click indie survival game developed a cult following, leading to a full licensing program and a 2023 feature film grossing nearly $300 million worldwide at the box office.
“We’re still in the early stages of our Five Nights at Freddy’s product line, so this is just the beginning,” Jazwares’ Margolin says. “No matter what, we know that fans are always going to want great quality products of their favorite characters in many different forms.” The line will debut this year; the film sequel Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 will premiere Dec. 5.
NOSFERATU
EAU DE MACABRE
HERETIC PARFUM
This scent captures the essence of Count Orlok with top notes of wilting lilacs and ambrette, violet, and orris.
MSRP: $125
Available: hereticparfum.com
NOSFERATU COFFIN POPCORN BUCKET
AMC THEATERS
For Jazwares, that’s not just plush and collectibles, but action figures designed for play and display, as seen in the company’s World Of series, which will include a Mangle figure with removable, interchangeable pieces. In 2026, the company will release a 6-inch collector Endo-Series of figures that focus on the characters’ iconic skeletons. Margolin says that Five Nights at Freddy’s franchise creator Scott Cawthon approves everything they design.
Jazwares doesn’t have just one horror property: a Poppy Playtime collaboration with Squishmallows will hit shelves later this year.
Trick or Treat Studios will release a Michael Myers action figure from Rob Zombie’s 2007 Halloween soon. And collectors can expect more from the Scream Greats line of 8-inch action figures, including a second wave of Killer Klowns from Outer Space. “We love those designs, and each one is so fun that we wanted to do a bunch of ’em for that format,” Sam Furst says. Trick or Treat Studios has also signed licenses for Sleepy Hollow, Fallout, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Army of Darkness — which is close to Sam Furst’s heart. He remembers the excitement he felt buying an Ash action figure made by Todd McFarlane. “We’re not losing Freddy Krueger; we’re not losing the interest in Michael Myers,” Alyson Furst says,
The intricate design pays homage to the haunting aesthetic of Nosferatu while offering space for your favorite movie snacks. Whether watching the film or displaying it as a chilling piece of memorabilia, this coffin bucket is the perfect way to add a little horror to your movie night.
MSRP: $39.95
Available: amctheatresshop.com, nbcstore.com
noting that fans are embracing old and new. “It’s a much bigger community than it ever was, and it’s great.”
Doverspike says that Goliath is excited to keep expanding its horror offerings in the coming years: “The best part about this genre is that there are properties that span decades.”
Despite its gruesome themes, the outlook is bright for horror merch.
“Horror has now moved away from being equated only to Halloween, especially outside the U.S. market,” Doverspike says. “The future is spooky, and we are here for it!” ✪
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Katherine M. Hill is an associate editor at The Pop Insider. Her favorite scary movie is The Shining, but given the chance, she’d rather watch Paddington 3. You can find her in the bleachers at her local Summerween celebration.
GILMORE GIRLS
DRAGONFLY INN
FIGURAL TEAPOT
CROSSBODY BAG
LOUNGEFLY
Celebrate the 25th anniversary of Gilmore Girls with this whimsical teapot bag, which will transport you straight to the Dragonfly Inn.
MSRP: $80 | Available: BoxLunch
UNIVERSAL MOVIES UT GRAPHIC T-SHIRT | JAWS
UNIQLO
This spring, let your wardrobe reflect your streaming obsessions with unique pieces showing your film and television prowess. compiled by Annie Marino, editorial assistant
DAREDEVIL
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HEROES & VILLAINS
Channel your inner Marvel superhero with this Daredevil T-shirt, featuring the Masked Man wielding his billy clubs.
Available: heroesandvillains.com
DISNEY CATS & DOGS COLLECTION
BLUE ARISTOCATS PRINT
COTTON SWING DRESS
UNIQUE VINTAGE
This purrfect dress features characters from The Aristocats and is a great spring-to-summer piece. It’s serving Duchess elegance with a pastel flair.
MSRP: $118 | Available: unique-vintage.com
HER UNIVERSE THE LORD OF THE RINGS FELLOWSHIP JOURNEY CARDIGAN
HER UNIVERSE
Mordor’s hottest new merch has dropped with this Lord of the Rings cardigan, which
PLAYSTATION X ROCKLOVE THE LAST OF US ROCKLOVE
Represent the Fireflies with this three-piece jewelry collection, including a necklace, stud earrings, and a Hamsa bracelet that will boost any fan’s accessory game.
MSRP: $65-135 | Available: rocklove.com
CHEETOS X GOODR EYEWEAR COLLECTION GOODR
This Cheetos-inspired eyewear collection is available in three frames and features black, white, and yellow spotted and speckled colorways — cheesy, but chic.
MSRP: $30 | Available: goodr.com
’R SW DEATH STAR BLACK
Carry the Force with you. This water-resistant Star Wars back pack comes with a laptop sleeve, side pockets, adjustable straps, and more, perfect for any trip to a galaxy far, far away.
MSRP: $65
Available: us.eastpack.com
GOOFY FLANNEL CAKEWORTHY
Flashback to ‘95 in Goofy style. This flannel rocks Goofy’s signature colors, Goofy’s silhouette on the back, and “Goofy Family Trip ‘95” embroidered on the pocket, as well as his autograph and trusty fishing rod on the front pockets.
MSRP: $59.95 | Available: cakeworthystore.com
At malls all across the U.S., pop-culture fanatics of all ages are toting around bright red bags that read “Life is for fun.”
These eye-catching paper bags come from a brightly lit store packed wall-to-wall with adorable plush, collectibles, home goods, and other licensed merch: Miniso.
DISCOVER THE FUN
Miniso is a Chinese lifestyle brand that sells merchandise from some of the most popular franchises, including Harry Potter, Disney, Peanuts, and Sanrio. In the past year and a half, the company has opened more than 200 stores in the U.S., from Santa Monica, California, to Times Square in New York City. Drawing in shoppers young and young at heart, the store is a whimsical wonderland full of fandom-infused, officially licensed products that shoppers never knew they needed.
“Miniso is all about bringing fun and joy to everyday shopping,” says Tom Bartlebaugh, CEO of Miniso USA.
“We’ve transformed a simple store visit into a playful, immersive experience. From the moment you walk in, it’s all about discovery, which is often missing from typical retail. We’re constantly launching
new items, so there’s something fresh to find with every visit. Our store layout is designed to spark curiosity, encourage browsing, and turn everyday shopping into something more inspiring.”
And no two stores are the same. Each Miniso location features unique elements that encourage shoppers to explore different locations when they visit a new city. Some stores are themed around a specific license, such as the Santa Monica store, which features a beachy Stitch facade and a giant Stitch display.
As Miniso expanded in the U.S. over the last few years, the company has tweaked its strategy, shifting from primarily home goods and other lifestyle items to offering more toys, plush, and collectibles on its shelves. Some stores even specialize in mystery box toys that fans buy in hopes of collecting a full set of stylized figures, plush, or dioramas.
“You never know which one you will get until you open it, and that’s a big part of the fun,” Bartlebaugh says. “With so many collectible themes and characters, there is something for every fan.”
Whether it’s encouraging fans to
Miniso has tons of merch based on the biggest fandoms, including Harry Potter surprise toys.
Source: Miniso
discover what’s in store at Miniso’s locations or uncovering what’s hiding inside a tiny surprise box, Miniso’s unique retail strategy hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Funmaker, a collectible brand created by Funko co-founder Mike Becker, launched its Japanese-inspired lifestyle brand, Rokimoto, at Miniso in Times Square in March.
“If you went back a year, our perception of Miniso was that it was fantastic, but it wasn’t as collectible-driven or toy-driven,” says founder and president of Golden Sombrero (Funmaker’s licensing agency) Bart Silberman. “Now, they’re opening stores that are collectible forward, toy forward, and blind box forward. The way they’re putting that out there, in our minds, is the best in the business.”
Silberman also says that Miniso immediately understood the Rokimoto brand and was eager to make it a hit with fans and shoppers.
“[Miniso] just embraced it almost before they had even seen one of the toys,” Silberman says. “We admired the way that Miniso presented the product. The stores are clean and bright, they have great service, and they’re organized incredibly well.”
Funmaker saw that Rokimoto would fit right in on the retailer’s shelves, which led to the brand’s exclusive launch in Miniso stores. Silberman likened Miniso to a “beacon” in mall complexes nationwide, with its bright overhead lights luring in shoppers to a world of fandom-fueled fun.
“Miniso is doing the job in a way that is different than others and presenting collectibles in a light that is fresh and fun,” Silberman says. “It doesn’t just feel like doing the most obvious thing, going to the usual suspects and loading action figures or toys up to the ceiling.”
PICTURE PERFECT
The bright, clean aesthetic of Miniso stores has made them popular with influencers and other social media users around the world. The hashtag #miniso has more than 1 million Instagram posts at the time of
Miniso's specialty is adorable collectibles and plush that both kids and collectors love.
Source: Miniso
publication. It is filled with images of immaculately displayed toys and products, shopping hauls, and fans reacting to all the pop-culture goodness Miniso has to offer.
Dawn, an influencer from Scotland who goes by @itsnintendawn on Instagram, was invited to check out Miniso’s new location in Edinburgh when it opened in March. As an avid collector of Pokémon, One Piece, and Sanrio products, Dawn was grateful to experience the collectibles and plushies Miniso offers first-hand in her home country.
“My favorite thing to shop from Miniso is its unique selection of blind box toys,” Dawn says. “It has so many different collabs with different characters, you can get lots of variety. I personally love the Disney and Sanrio selections. I used to always pop into the London Miniso near Chinatown when I visited. I’m so happy I have one nearby now.”
In April, TikTok was flooded with
videos of influencers checking out a new Stitch pop-up at Miniso locations across the U.S. The new pop-ups celebrated an expansion of existing Stitch merch at Miniso ahead of the live-action movie’s launch in May. If Experiment 626 didn’t invade a Miniso near you, there are even more special events to come that will highlight other brands and characters.
THE FUTURE OF FANDOM
Throughout the rest of the year, Miniso will continue its speedy expansion through a “cluster-based” approach, opening multiple stores in cities that don’t have their own Miniso yet. Miniso also hosts limited-time pop-up shops, interactive campaigns, limited product launches, and more for fans to test the waters before diving into a full-blown Miniso addiction.
“We’re excited about what’s ahead for Miniso in the U.S. in 2025,” Bartlebaugh says. “We want to bring the
“Miniso is doing the job in a way that is different than others and presenting collectibles in a light that is fresh and fun.”
—
Bart Silberman, founder and president, Golden
Sombrero
brand’s fun, design-driven experience to more communities nationwide, but it’s not just about adding more stores; it’s about doing it thoughtfully ... Ultimately, our goal is to bring joy through our products, create meaningful moments, and build lasting relationships with every community we serve.”
The next time you are at your local mall or shopping center, keep your eye out for the red paper bags and Miniso’s bright beacon of pop-culture fun. ✪
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ashley Pelletier is an associate editor for The Toy Book, The Toy Insider, and The Pop Insider with a master’s in journalism from Quinnipiac University. When she isn’t writing her latest story, she is reading a fantasy novel or re-watching one of her three favorite TV shows over and over again. She’s also a big fan of showing people pictures of her two dogs and cat.
Miniso is expanding to more U.S. cities in 2025 through pop-ups and permanent stores. The expansion will focus on specific regions, with multiple stores opening in the same area.
Source: Miniso
