All I want for Christmas… is the Mariah Carey Holiday Collection

Mariah Carey has launched her very first Holiday Collection, announcing the news with a commercial shared across her social accounts. The range will be available in the US at Target and Wal-Mart, while fans can shop the collection now at MariahCarey.com.

Developed in partnership with NECA, the range is inspired by Mariah’s record-breaking classic “All I Want for Christmas Is You”, and the popular song title, as well as animated versions of Mariah and her beloved dog Cha Cha, are incorporated throughout the designs.

“I’m not sure if you’re aware but Christmas is kind of my thing,” she says. “Putting together this line was so much fun because I added my own festive spin to traditional holiday merchandise. I worked on it all year long and now it’s finally time to share my holiday collection with you all. Merry Christmas!”

The collection ranges from cosy – including blankets, throw pillows, socks and slippers – to festive, with pet outfits, stockings, an ornament, a plush Mariah and Cha Cha, holiday cards and an extensive wrapping-paper kit.

Mariah Carey has consistently dominated the airwaves with 19 Billboard Hot 100 #1 Singles and more than 200 million albums sold to date. Mariah’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” is not only a 6x platinum song, but also a worldwide phenomenon that is played year-round and even more heavily during the holiday season.

NECA (National Entertainment Collectibles Association) is a leading creator, marketer and global distributor of licensed consumer products based on some of the world’s most recognisable movies, video games, comic books and pop culture influences. The NECA group of companies includes game developer and publisher WizKids, urban vinyl icon Kidrobot, and Joseph Enterprises, Inc, the creator of Chia Pet, The Clapper and other iconic American Products.

Heritage month | The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh partners with US toy firm Open the Joy on curated children’s kits

The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh has partnered with the emotional intelligence and educational toy company, Open the Joy, to launch a new product range based on the museum’s exhibit XOXO: Love and Forgiveness.

Under the new partnership, Love and Forgiveness Boxes are going to be available in Target stores across the US from June 21st this year, drawing on teachings from the popular Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh exhibit that made its debut back in 2014 and has continued to inspire children and families since.

Open the Joy provides curated kits filled with therapeutic and educational experiences for children, with products designed to bring fun and entertainment through a variety of hands-on and off-screen activities that develop motor skills, reduce stress, build confidence, and provide bonding opportunities for families.

“We are so excited to have a product on the shelves at Target nationwide. This is an  opportunity to spread the mission of Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh and bring kids and families a hands-on experience that promotes letting go and embracing love,” said Jane Werner, executive director of Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh.  

The origin of Open the Joy began when its founder, Shalini Samtani’s daughter was diagnosed with a one-in-a million rare disease. While the doctors were caring for her physical health, Shalini had to search for play options that were therapeutic and  educational.

“We have taken lessons learned from some of the hardest moments in life and transformed them to create products and experiences that help kids develop, heal, and grow,” said Samtani, Open the Joy founder and CEO. “By expanding our line into Target we are able to reach a larger audience, and by working with Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh we can take their expertise in social and emotional learning and share it with even more kids and families.” 

The development of the product has taken place over the past few months. It is part of a larger product line from Open the Joy, that includes The Kindness Mission Box, The Anger Management Box, and the My Gratitude Box. Each kit is designed to build  emotional intelligence for kids through play.

Every kit contains hours of hands-on activities that can be done alone or in collaboration with a caregiver. They are recommended for ages four through to 12.  

“It is very exciting to have a nationwide toy launch based on one of our exhibits,” said Anne Fullenkamp, senior director of design at Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh.

“We love seeing kids playing and learning when they are at the museum interacting with our  art and exhibits. Launching this product with Target and Open the Joy lets us share that  experience with even more families.” 

Heritage month | The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh partners with US toy firm Open the Joy on curated children’s kits

The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh has partnered with the emotional intelligence and educational toy company, Open the Joy, to launch a new product range based on the museum’s exhibit XOXO: Love and Forgiveness.

Under the new partnership, Love and Forgiveness Boxes are going to be available in Target stores across the US from June 21st this year, drawing on teachings from the popular Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh exhibit that made its debut back in 2014 and has continued to inspire children and families since.

Open the Joy provides curated kits filled with therapeutic and educational experiences for children, with products designed to bring fun and entertainment through a variety of hands-on and off-screen activities that develop motor skills, reduce stress, build confidence, and provide bonding opportunities for families.

“We are so excited to have a product on the shelves at Target nationwide. This is an  opportunity to spread the mission of Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh and bring kids and families a hands-on experience that promotes letting go and embracing love,” said Jane Werner, executive director of Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh.  

The origin of Open the Joy began when its founder, Shalini Samtani’s daughter was diagnosed with a one-in-a million rare disease. While the doctors were caring for her physical health, Shalini had to search for play options that were therapeutic and  educational.

“We have taken lessons learned from some of the hardest moments in life and transformed them to create products and experiences that help kids develop, heal, and grow,” said Samtani, Open the Joy founder and CEO. “By expanding our line into Target we are able to reach a larger audience, and by working with Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh we can take their expertise in social and emotional learning and share it with even more kids and families.” 

The development of the product has taken place over the past few months. It is part of a larger product line from Open the Joy, that includes The Kindness Mission Box, The Anger Management Box, and the My Gratitude Box. Each kit is designed to build  emotional intelligence for kids through play.

Every kit contains hours of hands-on activities that can be done alone or in collaboration with a caregiver. They are recommended for ages four through to 12.  

“It is very exciting to have a nationwide toy launch based on one of our exhibits,” said Anne Fullenkamp, senior director of design at Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh.

“We love seeing kids playing and learning when they are at the museum interacting with our  art and exhibits. Launching this product with Target and Open the Joy lets us share that  experience with even more families.” 

Female fitness channel Blogilates launches first signature sporting goods through Semaphore Licensing partnership

The female fitness YouTube channel, Blogilates has developed its first line if signature sporting goods in partnership with the US retail giant Target in the brand’s first foray into licensing. The partnership was brokered by the channel’s rights and merchandising agency, Semaphore Licensing Solutions.

Semaphore Licensing is continuing to create opportunities for its ‘new media’ brands to expand their reach within the retail world. The Blogilates deal follows from the previously detailed licensing expansion for the YouTube skateboarding channel, Braille Skateboarding in deals that took the brand into toys and recently into footwear.

Blogilates is recognised as the leading female fitness channel on YouTube with over 812 million lifetime views and 5.36 million subscribers. The channel features full-length POP Pilates, HIIT, and total body sculpting workouts that can all be done at home, led by certified Pilates an fitness instructor, and the CEO and founder of Blogilates, Cassey Ho.

The brand’s extended reach currently engages nearly 11 million wellness loving fans across several other social platforms, including 2.1 million TikTok followers and 1.9 million Instagram followers.

The licensing opportunity with Target will allow Blogilates to bring stylish sporting good essentials into the hands of consumers who value quality fitness equipment, as at home workouts become the new normal. The line of products that will be available via Target stores and Target.com will include items such as luxurious vegan suede yoga mats, beautiful gold dumbbells, and blush toned resistance bands.

Our goal is to create licensing opportunities that connect consumers with their favorite brands via retailers they trust,”said Lisa Berlin Wright, senior vice president of licensing, Semaphore Licensing Solutions

“Target understands the emotional connection that new media stars have with their audience. We are thrilled to be elevating the at home fitness experience through high-quality products at accessible price points for consumers nationwide,” added Michael Bienstock, founder and CEO, Semaphore Licensing Solutions.

YouTube skateboarding channel Braille turns to footwear after successful toy range debut

The leading skateboarding YouTube Channel, Braille Skateboarding, is building on the international success of its officially licensed range of toy fingerboards and skate ramps with a leap into the world of footwear. In a partnership brokered by Semaphore Licensing, the skate brand has teamed with R&R Footwear to develop a new range of functional skate shoes.

Braille Skateboarding launched onto the consumer products scene in July this year when it brought its first collection of toy fingerboard and skate ramps to the international market. The range – which also comprised mystery surprise sets – became a hit with retail giants Amazon and Target, as fans ‘went wild for the toys’ inspired by the channel’s popular Skate Everything series.

Skate Everything features a collection of videos that showcase Braille Skateboarding’s founder, Aaron Kyro, creating skateboards from anything other than what you would think to use, such as computer keyboards, ironing boards, electric guitars, and even gummy bears.

The toy range was quickly met with ‘huge demand from skate fans from across the globe’ and soon after retailers and stockists were reportedly placing reorders to meet the elevated consumer demand. According to Semaphore Licensing, this demand was fuelled by the brand’s YouTube Channel and its more than 5.6 million subscribers.

Braille Skateboarding has also secured its first international retailer in Smyths Toys, who has brought the brand to the UK market. Projections currently show that by the end of 2020, close to one million finger boards will have been shipped to retailers.

Following the initial success, Braille is now positioned to expand its licensing efforts into new categories. The company has since partnered with R&R Footwear in a move to develop and roll out a ‘stylish and functional skate shoe’ that would appeal to skaters and non-skaters alike.

Braille Skateboarding now plans to chronicle the development journey of the new shoe in partnership with R&R Footwear as it aims to launch the product to retailers in summer 2021.

“We are ramping up to bring unique products to shelves globally on behalf of Braille Skateboarding,” said Michael Bienstock, founder and CEO, Semaphore Licensing. “We join Aaron in his mission to ensure the entire world knows what a Braille board is.”