Have you ever had an idea for a toy, then wondered what the next steps might be in getting that toy to production, specifically by Mattel? Let me introduce The Toy Box.
In The Toy Box, toy-inventors have the opportunity to get her/his toy made and distributed by Mattel, which is a BIG deal! The steps to get to The Toy Box? Pass through three mentors and three judges. It sounds easy enough. Right? In the end, that winning toy will be sold exclusively at Toys“R”Us® after the series finale.
While on my recent trip to San Francisco, I was able to screen the first episode. I promise you will laugh along and tune in each week! The Toy Box will play at 8:00/9:00 EST on ABC (so set those DVRs!) I know my daughter will be watching, as she loves competition shows like Shark Tank. She will definitely relate to this one!
In the first show, you will see some fun and creative toy inventors, along with their creations:
- Arya Ball – a reimagining of the soccer ball with special surprises inside- Inventor: Babak from Carlsbad, California
- Wacky Worm Racing Game – a racing game where players dressed in a worm costume race to cross the finish line – Inventor: Cedric from Orlando, Florida
- Niya Doll – a multicultural doll collection who sings and speaks in multiple languages – Inventor: Darla from Columbia, South Carolina
- Swurfer – a backyard swing inspired by a surfboard – Inventor: Rob from Charleston, South Carolina
- Party Cannon – a party game that launches toys, prizes and candy – Inventor: Rick from Miami Springs, Florida
The Mentors
Each toy-inventor has to present to and pass through a panel of mentors who are represented by Dylan’s Candy Bar owner Dylan Lauren, toy guru Jim Silver and Pixar Creative Director of Consumer Products Jen Tan. Each episode will have three winners who will be competing inside They Toy Box
Dylan Lauren’s stores are considered “the most original candy emporiums on the planet” and “must-see American cultural icons.” Dylan is also the author of “Dylan’s Candy Bar: Unwrap Your Sweet Life.” Her book shares candy-centric tips for entertaining, decorating and gift-giving for every occasion—along with her chic and colorful, signature style.
Jim Silver is an energetic and dynamic innovator in the Toy and Children’s Entertainment industries, and is nationally recognized as one of the preeminent experts in play.
The Judges
The four judges are Noah, Aalyrah, Sophia Grace and Toby Grey – four small people with huge personalities! Trust me when I say they are going to be tough (and funny!)
The show moderator is Eric Stonestreet and he brings another fun twist to the show! Who doesn’t love him?
We interviewed Jen Tan, Pixar Creative Director of Consumer Products, to see just what the mentors are looking for in atoy.
Jen Tan: There’s a lot of different things in a really good toy. And it’s hard, ’cause as an adult, sometimes you forget what it’s like being a kid. And how to play, which is why I love this show! But I always look for something that is not a one-trick pony. So you can play with it multiple times and there’s various ways to play with it. You know, I have a 2-year-old now, and it’s really important, whatever I give her, she can play with it for a good amount of time.
This week’s toy inventions include:
The Arya Ball – a reimagining of the soccer ball with special surprises inside! (Inventor: Babak from Carlsbad, California)
Wacky Worm Racing Game – a racing game where players dressed in a worm costume race to cross the finish line. (Inventor: Cedric from Orlando, Florida)
Niya Doll – a multicultural doll collection who sings and speaks in multiple languages. (Inventor: Darla from Columbia, South Carolina)
Party Cannon – a party game that launches toys, prizes and candy! (Inventor: Rick from Miami Springs, Florida)
Swurfer – a backyard swing inspired by a surfboard. (Inventor: Rob from Charleston, South Carolina)
Make sure you tune In FRIDAY, APRIL 7, 8/7 CENTRAL on the ABC Network! #ABCTVEvent
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