There is always a particular energy around the LA Toy Previews. It is one of those moments in the calendar when conversations about next year suddenly become very real – new products are put on the table, buyers and suppliers reconnect, and ideas that have been developing behind the scenes begin to take shape. With this edition releasing alongside the Previews in Los Angeles, it feels like the perfect time to look at where the toy industry is heading and, importantly, the people and businesses helping to move it forward.
For our Australian readers and partners, LA continues to be an important international meeting point. This year marks the third year of the Toys Down Under collective, bringing Australian businesses together in one showroom and giving global buyers a concentrated look at the creativity, innovation and breadth coming out of our market. CONNETIX and My Creative Box under Brave Toys, Jellystone Designs, Good Idea Global and first-time participant Bensons are all part of that story this year.
That spirit of discovery also runs through much of Edition 22. Our cover feature speaks with 4M founder Rance Chu about more than three decades of science and discovery toys, the enduring importance of hands-on play, and how STEM is evolving in a world increasingly shaped by screens and AI. We also look at Moose Toys’ CrunchLabs partnership with Mark Rober, where entertainment, experimentation and science come together for a new generation.
Beyond STEM, this issue reflects just how broad the business of play has become. We explore Sanrio’s expanding licensing universe, the growing influence of fandom and collectibles, new thinking around experiential retail and live shopping, and the continued strength of Australian ideas on the global stage. Circana’s latest figures also provide an encouraging backdrop, with the Australian toy market recording 13% value growth in the first half of 2026, driven by categories including trading cards, building sets and licensed products.
As always, The Toy Universe is about connecting the industry – sharing ideas, recognising innovation and giving a voice to the people shaping what comes next.
For everyone in Los Angeles this week, we hope the meetings are productive, the conversations lead somewhere unexpected, and you find a few great toys along the way.
Enjoy Edition 22 of The Toy Universe!
This article also appeared in Edition 22 of The Toy Universe Magazine
