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: Battat’s Bug Explorer Line for Kids

3 weeks ago | thetoyinsider.com | Ali Mierzejewski

Bug Catch ‘n’ Free is a bug-catching vacuum that catches insects safely. Insect Inspector is a two-way bug viewer to fuel curiosity. Bug Hideaway is a five-piece bug hotel with accessories to house insects. These bug-forward toys from Battat are easy for little hands to use and encourage kids to discover things in their own backyards. Three new standout bug exploring toys are in the line. The Bug Catch ‘n’ Free is a bug-catching vacuum.
Pop Quiz with Wendy Smolen: Hot Licensed Toys

4 weeks ago | toybook.com | Ali Mierzejewski

Whether it’s plush, movies, action figures, or collectibles, playful iterations of kids’ favorite characters keep coming. In celebration of this year’s Licensing Expo in Las Vegas, test your knowledge of popular brands in the toy industry. 1.
Raising the Bar: The Power of Representation

4 weeks ago | toybook.com | Ali Mierzejewski

by Stephanie Pottick, Esq., Pottick Law PC & Protect for SuccessOften, I am asked whether working with a licensing agent is worth it. As with most questions, the answer is, “It depends on your situation,” but I can tell you that having a good licensing agent on your side can supercharge your business. From strategic introductions to leveraging your IP to managing deals, licensing agents can help to create new opportunities, take on some of the burden, and streamline the licensing process.
Expert Review: Melissa & Doug’s Water Wow! Multi-Activity Drawing Pad

1 month ago | thetoyinsider.com | Ali Mierzejewski

Create art with water-reveal rainbow drawing boardIncludes a zip-up travel case to take on the goComes with double-sided activity cardsThe Melissa & Doug Water Wow! Multi-Activity Drawing Pad features a built-in rainbow drawing board on which kids can color with water again and again. It comes with four reusable activity cards, stencils, stamps, a sponge stamp pad, a large water pen, and a cap with a tether.
Decora Ponyz Review | The Toy Insider

1 month ago | thetoyinsider.com | Ali Mierzejewski

Sticker and style these collectible poniesFeatures movable wings and a turning head for posingComes with a stable and trailer runway accessoriesThe Decora Ponyz from Cepia mixes two fun play patterns that kids already love: stickers and ponies. These collectible ponies feature fully rooted manes and tails that kids can brush and style. They also come with tons of stickers for kids to decorate them. Thanks to the movable wings and turning heads, kids can pose these ponies in three different ways.
Expert Review: PlayMonster’s Koosh Kornhole

1 month 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 months 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

2 months 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

2 months 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

Mar 14, 2025 | 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.