Ali Mierzejewski

New York

Editor in Chief at The Toy Insider

Editor in Chief at The Licensing Book

Editor in Chief at The Pop Insider

Writer. Improviser. Doling out the charm. Editor: @thepopinsider, @thetoyinsider

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Articles

Expert Review: PlayMonster’s Koosh Kornhole

1 week ago | thetoyinsider.com | Ali Mierzejewski

Play the classic game indoorsLightweight for easy setup and transportComes with six neon Koosh balls and the board with two legsThis new summer game from PlayMonster combines two classic favorites: Koosh and cornhole. Since the beanbags are replaced with six soft, neon Koosh balls, this version allows kids to also play Koosh Kornhole inside. The board is lightweight and easy to set up.
18 Toys That Improve Mental Health for Kids

2 weeks ago | thetoyinsider.com | Ali Mierzejewski

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and even though the holiday may resonate strongly with adults, we don’t want to leave the kiddos out. There are many options available for toys that improve mental health and can support kids’ emotional wellness. Mental health is just as important as physical health, especially when it comes to kids’ development. We want to help kids develop healthy habits for their brains, just like we promote staying physically active and fueling their bodies with food.
Expert Review: Basic Fun!’s Lite-Brite Touch Mini

1 month ago | thetoyinsider.com | Ali Mierzejewski

Small, travel-friendly sizePress the buttons to change the colors and createThree games includedThis compact Lite-Brite Touch Mini from Basic Fun! combines fidget fun with classic play. It features 25 light-up buttons that kids can change through seven different colors with a simple touch. Like the full-size Lite-Brite Touch, this version also has a game mode featuring three games: Lite-Tac-Toe, Lite Remember, and Lite Dot-to-Dot.
50 Fun Easter Toys for Kids’ Easter Baskets

1 month ago | thetoyinsider.com | Ali Mierzejewski

If you’re not quite into stuffing your Easter baskets full of candy, we have you covered. We rounded up our top picks for Easter toys for kids, so those basket stuffers can offer a little bit more bang for your buck. The products below range from Easter-themed toys like LEGO sets and cuddly GUND plush to travel toys and books of all kinds. We know that picking out Easter toys for kids may be a daunting task, so this list has a little something for everyone.
Expert Review: Elevator Up’s Fourth Down

2 months ago | thetoyinsider.com | Ali Mierzejewski

Easy to learn and playSpecial cards add a bit of strategy to gameplayTravel-friendly packagingElevator Up’s Fourth Down challenges players to discard different football-themed cards with the goal of being the first one to completely run out. On each turn, a player must discard a card featuring a yardage equal to or greater than the last card discarded.
Raising the Bar: The Essential Guide to Hiring a Lawyer for Your Toy Company

2 months ago | toybook.com | Ali Mierzejewski |Stephanie Pottick

by Stephanie Pottick, Esq., Pottick Law PC & Protect for SuccessLegal issues can be especially important in the toy industry. From product liability, intellectual property, and contracts to manufacturing and licensing, many areas of the law affect the toy industry, your business, and even your bottom line.
Expert Review: Mattel’s Fisher-Price Wooden Picnic Basket Set

2 months ago | thetoyinsider.com | Ali Mierzejewski

31-piece set that includes play food and accessoriesEducational and fun playset for rainy daysPieces made from wood from FSC-certified forestsThe Fisher-Price Wooden Picnic Basket Set is a new addition to Mattel’s wooden toy line. This 31-piece wooden toy set comes with pretend-play accessories, including plates, cups, cutlery, 17 food pieces, a gingham blanket, and, of course, the basket to carry it all.
The LEGO Group Introduces Tires Made from Recycled Material

2 months ago | toybook.com | Ali Mierzejewski

The LEGO Group continues its effort toward more eco-friendly products with the innovation of more sustainable LEGO pieces. The company introduced a more sustainable material, made from recycled fishing nets, ropes, and engine oil, for selected LEGO tires. The material is made of repurposed discarded ropes and nets from ocean vessels, which are then combined with recycled engine oil to reduce reliance on virgin fossil fuel-based ingredients.
Just Play Expands into the Games Category

2 months ago | toybook.com | Ali Mierzejewski

Just Play, known for its contributions to figures, playsets, dolls, plush, role-play, and dress-up on the toy shelves, will roll the dice and expand into the games category. The company’s initial product launch will feature new formats of classic game brands, board games, mat games, and travel games. The line will include collaborations with licenses from Hasbro, Sony Pictures Television, and Five Nights at Freddy’s.
Brightkins Brings Brainteasing Kanoodle Puzzles to Furry Friends

2 months ago | toybook.com | Ali Mierzejewski

Interactive pet toy company Brightkins will bring the TikTok-viral Kanoodle brain teaser to man’s best friend. Kanoodle Dog Edition is a brainteasing challenge that turns snack time into an interactive puzzle for dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds. The colorful twist-and-nudge puzzle features multiple compartments to hide treats or kibble to encourage their pets to sniff, nudge, and paw.