Several creator-led collectible brands are expanding their reach with new retail launches and entertainment initiatives through License 2 Play. The launches are timed to Toy Fair New York, highlighting continued growth in character-driven collectibles and social media-fueled toy properties.
MushyKinz is making its U.S. retail debut with a lineup of character-based squishy collectibles. Created by Erin Degan, Anna Altamirano, and Christian Owens, the digital-first brand is expanding from online content into physical products following retail launches in the U.K.
“MushyKinz has always been about character-driven collectibles,” says Altamirano. “Each character represents a personality and a story our fans already recognize, which makes collecting feel more meaningful.”
The initial assortment includes OG MushyKinz boxed collectibles, Mini Mystery Mushies rarity-based three-packs, Jelleez sensory squishies, ICEEZ glitter-filled designs, Sweetz Treatz dessert-inspired items, and Pocket Petz bag charms.
“Our audience helped build MushyKinz from the very beginning,” shares Degan. “Now they finally get to collect the characters they’ve watched come to life online.”
The brand centers on character-driven storytelling and collectible formats designed to encourage repeat engagement and social sharing. The company reports more than 400 million organic brand views and a combined creator audience generating billions of video views across digital platforms.
“MushyKinz represents exactly what modern retail is looking for,” said Jayson Esterow, President of License 2 Play. “This is a creator-owned brand with a proven audience, authentic storytelling, and real conversion power. We are excited to bring MushyKinz to retail partners who want brands with built-in momentum and long-term franchise potential.”
Deddy Bears expands into original entertainment content, including YouTube animation debuting later this spring and a feature-length theatrical film currently in development. The collectible plush brand, developed by Innov8 Creative Academy, is growing its presence beyond retail through gaming integrations, AR and AI collectible cards, and licensing programs across apparel and accessories.
“Seeing Deddy Bears grow from an idea into characters that people genuinely connect with has been incredibly gratifying,” says Gavin Lawler, inventor of Deddy Bears and co-founder of Innov8 Creative Academy. “These characters have their own personalities and emotional stories, and bringing them to life through animation and film is an exciting next step for the brand and our fans.”
The new content initiative, led by Chris Dicker, aims to extend the brand’s character storytelling across digital and cinematic formats.
“Deddy Bears is expanding into a multi-platform entertainment franchise, spanning both short-form and theatrical storytelling,” Dicker says. “We’re launching with original YouTube animation, bold, character-driven comedy that pairs classic physical humour with a distinctly modern, offbeat edge. It’s designed to deepen engagement with an already passionate global fanbase that has embraced the brand across retail and online gaming platforms.”
Attendees at Toy Fair can preview the upcoming content at the brand’s exhibit at Booth No. 2557.
Also debuting at the show, Bad Date Bears introduces a line of plush collectibles inspired by recognizable dating archetypes and cultural trends. Created by Laura Frerichs and distributed by License-2-Play and Innov8 Creative Academy, the brand features character-based plush designs packaged in dating app-inspired formats. The initial lineup includes characters themed around common relationship behaviors, with each product highlighting a distinct personality and backstory.
“Unlike dating, you can see what you’re getting,” remarks Frerichs. Characters include Situationship Steve, Gaslight Gus, The Ick, Love Bomber Louis, Friendzone Fred, and Frank the Fish, a tribute to the many dating profiles that feature men holding recently caught fish.
Together, the launches reflect broader momentum for creator-driven brands that combine digital engagement, character storytelling, and collectible product strategies to build long-term franchise potential across retail, licensing, and entertainment.
Learn more about these properties at license-2-play.com.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source toybook.com ’
