Happy Birthday NINJAGO! LEGO Celebrates with Brand New Sets in 2021

by Karly WoodJanuary 15, 2021

Can you believe LEGO NINJAGO is 10 years old? To celebrate the popularity of the masters of Spinjitzu, LEGO is releasing new sets, collaborations and more throughout 2021.

First you can head to the LEGO website and take a journey through the last 10 years of NINJAGO history. LEGO is featuring fan created content including art, LEGO builds and toy photography, in addition to hosting an in-depth exhibition celebrating ten years of NINJAGO fandom.

Throughout this year, LEGO will release 11 Legacy sets, six of which will come with a limited edition collectible golden ninja minifigure. On Feb. 1, a LEGO retail exclusive three-level LEGO NINJAGO City Gardens will launch, which showcases some special moments of the TV series––plus a golden master Wu.

LEGO will also be releasing four sets linked to the TV series in March and another five sets in June, plus three LEGO NINJAGO sets for ages 4+ in March and June. You can already shop four of the Epic Battle sets and four of the Legacy sets that released earlier this month, including:

(71730) LEGO® NINJAGO® Epic Battle set – Kai vs. Skulkin
(71731) LEGO® NINJAGO® Epic Battle set – Zane vs. Nindroid
(71732) LEGO® NINJAGO® Epic Battle set – Jay vs. Serpentine
(71733) LEGO® NINJAGO® Epic Battle set – Cole vs. Ghost Warrior
(71735) LEGO® NINJAGO® Tournament of Elements
(71736) LEGO® NINJAGO® Boulder Blaster
(71737) LEGO® NINJAGO® X-1 Ninja Charger
(71738) LEGO® NINJAGO® Zane’s Titan Mech Battle

LEGO is also pairing up with tons of streetwear and clothing brands for several special anniversary merchandise collections. The first collaboration is LEGO NINJAGO x HYPE, a streetwear collab inspired by “the Prime Empire” from the 2020 LEGO NINJAGO TV series. You can shop the collection at justhype.co.uk.

Head to lego.com to keep up with all the new releases and the celebration of NINJAGO all year long.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of LEGO

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Idina Menzel Is Hosting a Special Concert & Here’s How to Watch

by Karly WoodDecember 14, 2020

‘Tis the season for many things, especially festive music! To say goodbye to 2020, Idina Menzel wants to celebrate with a one-time-only holiday concert through an Airbnb Online Experience.

Fans can book Idina’s Online Experience beginning Wed., Dec. 16 at 12:00PM ET, with the event taking place on Thur., Dec. 17th at 7:00PM ET for up to 100 guests, starting at $10 a person. All proceeds will benefit The Actors Fund, a national human services organization for performing arts and entertainment professionals that fosters stability and resiliency.

Menzel says, “Song is a huge part of my life and the holidays have always had a special place in my heart. This year, connecting with others is more important than ever and I am excited to hopefully bring a little bit of joy and holiday sparkle to your families by hosting this experience.”

Head to the website for Airbnb’s Online Experiences to get all the details.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of Idina Menzel

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Ryan’s World Is Coming to Roblox & Here’s How to Play

by Karly WoodDecember 4, 2020

Your fave kids YouTuber is now on Roblox! Sunlight Entertainment and p.w Games have announced that that Ryan Kaji of Ryan’s World will now have his own immersive digital world in the famed game.

Gamers will be able to experience the first-ever digital world inspired and built by a YouTube creator. To celebrate the debut of his digital Ryan’s World experience, Ryan will be hosting a virtual meet and greet this Sat., Dec. 5 at 10:00 a.m. PT / 1:00 p.m. ET at roblox.com.

photo: Ryan’s World

During the launch party, Ryan and all of the Ryan’s World characters will be giving away digital items to players inside the experience. Gamers can get everything from free pets to a car specifically designed by Ryan.

Inside Ryan’s World, kids will also be able to play with Ryan, Combo, and the whole Ryan’s World crew, choose “skins”, take selfies and videos, play hide-and-seek and discover jobs. Existing Roblox users can access the new game as soon as it launches, but New Roblox users will need to create an account to access Ryan’s World.

––Karly Wood

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This Roller Rabbit x Etsy Collab Is the Thanksgiving Decor You Need

by Karly WoodNovember 10, 2020

Just because you may not be hosting a large gathering for Thanksgiving this year doesn’t mean you can’t go all out when it comes to decor. Thankfully, Etsy has just launched a colorful new lineup that is nothing but cheery.

In collaboration with Roller Rabbit, a company committed to vibrant bedding, accessories and sleepwear, Etsy has launched the limited edition Roller Rabbit x Etsy collection that’s packed with detailed entertaining must-haves. A group of seven Etsy makers were selected to interpret the classic Roller Rabbit style into their own, with items ranging from $4.50 to $100.

Keep scrolling to see our faves!

The collection is only available while supplies last, with some items already selling out!

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of Etsy

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Scare up Some Halloween Fun on Roblox

by Jennifer SwartvagherOctober 26, 2020

Halloween may look different this year but kids still want to have fun. The Roblox community is here to help. The popular gaming platform is offering a way to have some trick-or-treating fun with a new Halloween Game Sort that includes Halloween specials and a great selection of spooky Halloween-themed games for players of all ages.

The top Roblox games like Ghost Simulator, Field Trip Z, Roblox High School 2, and ZombieRush include a variety of Halloween-themed challenges and twists. For example, in ZombieRush players can earn a special badge for eliminating pumpkin-headed zombies, which also helps them earn an exclusive new weapon, or maybe they’d rather hop into Ghost Hunt to get some special awards in exchange for captured ghosts.

In addition, iD Tech, one of Roblox’s preeminent education partners and leaders in youth STEM education, is hosting a Halloween Block Party Oct. 30 through Nov. 1 on the Roblox platform. In their exclusive game created for the party (going live Mon., Oct. 26th) players between the age of 7-17 can participate in virtual trick or treating challenges and explore Halloween activities including a corn maze, hayride, and haunted house.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Roblox

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Walmart Highlights the Season’s Hottest Toys with Meghan Trainor & DJ Khaled

by Jennifer SwartvagherOctober 23, 2020

America’s Best Toy Shop is coming to your screen. DJ Khaled and Meghan Trainor are hosting Walmart’s first-ever nationally broadcast 2020 Top Rated by Kids Toy Awards Show, airing Sun., Oct. 25 on FOX immediately following the NFL game. The show will also stream live a 4:30 p.m. ET on Walmart social channels including YouTube with co-hosts Collins Key, TikTok with co-hosts WeWearCute as well as Instagram and Facebook with co-host Laurie Hernandez.

Matthew McConaughey, basketball star Chris Paul and pro skaters Tony Hawk and Ocean Brown will all be presenters for Sunday’s program joining the hosts for an hour of hilarious skits and family-friendly fun. Also, Trainor will be performing a new song off her upcoming holiday album, A Very Trainor Christmas, for the first time ever.

Walmart wants to offer customers special, exciting experiences that bring them together while spending more time at home, and the 2020 Top Rated by Kids Toy Awards Show will bring the hottest holiday toys to customers’ living rooms in an exciting, family-friendly way Walmart has never done before.

Viewers are in for a fun-filled night that celebrates the top toys of the holiday season and supports The Salvation Army Angel Tree Program, which provides new clothing and toys to more than one million children in need each year. Visit WalmartAngelTree.org for more information.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Walmart

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Miss the Movies? AMC Is Now Renting Theaters

by Karly WoodOctober 19, 2020

The pandemic has ground many industries and sources of entertainment to a halt, and that includes movie theaters. If you’ve been missing the smell of buttered popcorn and action-packed flicks, your choice to return to the theater has arrived.

AMC Theatres is now allowing private rentals for up to a group of 20 people, and it won’t break the bank. Starting at $99, guests can select their movie, location and add-ons such as food, drink, microphone rental and additional time to gain access to the auditorium through the AMC website. While the specific movie and extras can add up, it’s more than doable to host your own private showing on a budget.

photo: iStock

When you select your movie, the site will show the cost for the film, which can range from $99 to $349 plus tax. Currently, AMC is hosting some classics that include Monsters Inc., Jurassic Park and The Nightmare Before Christmas in addition to newer films like The War on Grandpa. Newer films will cost more than an old fave.

All you have to do is fill out the Events Inquiry Form, wait a few days to be contacted, then head to the theater to enjoy your AMC Safe & Clean auditorium.

––Karly Wood

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Etsy Reveals Top Holiday Gifting & Decor Trends

by Jennifer SwartvagherSeptember 30, 2020

With the holidays approaching many people are looking for unique gifts to send to family and friends near and far. Etsy just released its 2020 Holiday Trend Guide, filled with top gifting and decor trends for a very different holiday season. From thoughtful long-distance gifts to cozy outdoor decor, this year’s trends are all about finding ways to celebrate those we love.

This year’s top holiday trends on Etsy include:

Gifting

First-time hosting essentials: Many people will be hosting holidays for the first time this year, making entertaining essentials a priority. There has already been a 49% increase in searches for housewarming gifts. Searches for hostess gifts such as candlestick holders, tea towels and personalized cutting boards are also up.

Long-distance gifting: With many unable to see family and friends in person this year, Etsy sellers are helping shoppers let their loved ones know they are thinking of them from a distance with personalized care packages. Searches for care packages are up 235%. There has also been a noticeable increase in searches of greeting cards and holiday cards.

Decorative games and puzzles: The classic games we all know and love have gained momentum throughout the year.

Greener gifting: Shoppers are looking to minimize waste from the gift to the wrapping. There has been a 53% bump in searches for eco-friendly gifts and a 70% bump in searches for eco-friendly gift wrap. Shibori is taking hold as a surprising and eco-friendly take on the tie-dye trend, with a 50% increase in searches for tie-dye and shibori items.

Decor

Sculptural candles: Sellers are putting a creative spin on holiday decor staples and reinventing traditional taper, pillar, and votive candles. Searches for abstract, modern and geometric candles has jumped 86%.

Cozy outdoors: Many festive gatherings are moving outdoors this year, and shoppers are already making plans to transform their outdoor areas into inviting and warm spaces for guests. There has been a 186% spike in searches for outdoor blankets, a 197% spike in searches for fire pits, and a 52% spike in searches for outdoor holiday decor.

Homespun holidays: This year, shoppers are opting for nostalgic holiday decor that is reminiscent of a time filled with simpler pleasures and activities. On Etsy, there has been a 16% increase in searches for crochet, knit, or embroidered ornaments and an 18% increase in searches for holiday quilts. One remerging trend from years past is incorporating citrus into holiday decorating. There has been a 126% spike in searches for citrus decor.

Pet Advent Calendars: Advent calendars are a holiday mainstay, but this year the holiday countdown is about to get a lot more fun for our four-legged friends. There has been a 43% jump in searches for advent calendars and an 89% jump in searches for pet treats.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Etsy

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Freeform Is Hosting “3-Day Disney Weekends” All September Long

by Karly WoodSeptember 8, 2020

Got weekend plans? Well, now you do with Freeform’s 3-Day Disney Weekends! The network is airing Friday through Sunday showings of your favorite Disney flicks that include classics like Chicken Little to newer films like Finding Dory.

In addition, Freeform is hosting an Instagram sweepstakes from Sept. 7 to Sept. 11 9/7 to 9/11 where fans can enter for a chance to win a pair of Mickey or Minnie Ears and a caricature of themselves! To see the schedule for this weekend, keep scrolling.

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A post shared by Freeform (@freeform)

Fri., Sept. 11

7p/6c – 101 Dalmatians (1996) 9p/8c – Freaky Friday (2003)

Sat., Sept. 12

8:30a/7:30c – Freaky Friday (2003)

10:30a/9:30c – 101 Dalmatians (1996)

12:35p/11:35c – Disney’s Hercules

2:40p/1:40c – Disney and Pixar’s WALL-E

4:50p/3:50c – Disney and Pixar’s Finding Nemo

7:20p/6:20c – Disney and Pixar’s Finding Dory

9:25p/8:25c – Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 3

11:55p/10:55c – Disney’s Bolt

Sun., Sept. 13

8:30a/7:30c – Disney’s Chicken Little

10:30a/9:30c – Disney’s Hercules

12:35p/11:35c – Disney and Pixar’s WALL-E

2:45p/1:45c – Disney and Pixar’s Finding Nemo

5:15p/4:15c – Disney and Pixar’s Finding Dory

7:20p/6:20c – Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 3

9:50p/8:50c – Disney’s Bolt

12a/11c – Disney’s Chicken Little

––Karly Wood

Feature photo: Quick PS via Unsplash

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Our Fave Products From Disney’s Biggest Sale

by Karly WoodAugust 25, 2020

Calling all shoppers! shopDisney is hosting its biggest sale of the year, with deals on all things magical. From back to school essentials and clothing to home and toys, the limited sale won’t last long. Keep scrolling to see some of the biggest steals you can nab now,

$12 Backpacks

Whether your kiddos are headed back to in-person school or their book bag just needs a big update, shopDisney's sale has seriously marked down prices. For $12, you can select from your fave princesses, Marvel superheroes, Star Wars and Disney classics.

Shop all $12 backpacks here.

$6 Lunchboxes

Whether your littles love Lightning McQueen or marvel at The Mandalorian, there are plenty of options on sale. Choose from options in lunch totes, bags and boxes.

Check out all the $6 lunchboxes here.

$10 Swimwear

It's not too late to stock up on summer essentials. shopDisney has everything from rash guards and swimsuits to wetsuits and coverups on deep discounts.

Shop all swimwear here.

$8 Action Figures

Can you ever have enough action figures? Kids don't think so! Head to Disney and check out all things action, including Marvel, Toy Story and Star Wars figures.

Search all action figures here.

$13 Shirts

While many Disney parks remain closed, you can still gear up for the magic! Kids and adults shirts are on major discounts, with everything from classic and vintage styles to all the newest characters.

Check out all sale T-shirts and tops here.

––Karly Wood

All photos Courtesy of shopDisney.

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