Games and Toys

Jamie Cygielman, right, general manager and president at American Girl, leaves a youngster browsing the company’s latest holiday showcase doll set, Friday, Dec. 2, 2022, in New York. Cygielman said roughly half its sales went to adults after a relaunch of the first six American Girl dolls in May 2021 to celebrate its 35th anniversary. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)

Not just for kids: Toymakers aim more products at grown-ups

Ages 18 and older represented 14% of U.S. toy industry sales for the 12 months ending September 2022

 

Do you know when the Slinky was first created? (Pixabay.com)

QUIZ: How much do you know about toys and games?

This is the season when new games and toys capture the attention of young and old alike

 

This image released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows Ryan Gosling as Ken, left, and Margo Robbie as Barbie in the upcoming film "Barbie." (Jaap Buitendijk/Warner Bros. Pictures via AP)

Think Barbiecore and all things pink for holiday gifts

Etsy saw a 34% increase in searches for hot pink fashion items over last year

 

FILE - Scrabble games are displayed at a store in Palo Alto, Calif., on Feb. 9, 2009. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma, File)

Happy hygge! Scrabble dictionary adds hundreds of words

Changes put some word-nerd glitter into the eyes of fans of the popular game

FILE - Scrabble games are displayed at a store in Palo Alto, Calif., on Feb. 9, 2009. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma, File)
D. Bentley, left, and Don Hack ponder their next moves during Nanaimo Chess Club play Oct. 13 at the MGM Restaurant. (Chris Bush/News Bulletin)

Nanaimo chess players always looking for their next checkmate

Club members play twice a week at two different locations

D. Bentley, left, and Don Hack ponder their next moves during Nanaimo Chess Club play Oct. 13 at the MGM Restaurant. (Chris Bush/News Bulletin)
This photo, provided by National Toy Hall of Fame at The Strong museum, in Rochester, N.Y., shows the class of 2022 finalists for induction, announced Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2022. (National Toy Hall of Fame at The Strong museum via AP)

WOLF: Which toys would make the cut for induction into your own Hall of Fame?

COLUMN: Table hockey, Intellivision, Hot Wheels and Nerf balls stir memories

This photo, provided by National Toy Hall of Fame at The Strong museum, in Rochester, N.Y., shows the class of 2022 finalists for induction, announced Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2022. (National Toy Hall of Fame at The Strong museum via AP)
In this photo released on February 23, 2020 the NERF FORTNITE GL ROCKET FIRING Blaster is debuted at the Hasbro, Inc. Showroom during Toy Fair New York. . (Charles Sykes/AP Images for Hasbro)

Bingo, Lite-Brite, Nerf among Toy Hall of Fame finalists

Public invited to vote online for their favourites

In this photo released on February 23, 2020 the NERF FORTNITE GL ROCKET FIRING Blaster is debuted at the Hasbro, Inc. Showroom during Toy Fair New York. . (Charles Sykes/AP Images for Hasbro)
A Wordle game is seen on a mobile phone, Friday, July 15, 2022, in Boston. Hasbro Inc. and The New York Times, which owns Wordle, announced Thursday that Wordle: The Party Game will be available for purchase in North America in October. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

5-letter word for fun? Hasbro, NYT create Wordle board game

Board version will give players opportunity to play against others, and play as much as they want

A Wordle game is seen on a mobile phone, Friday, July 15, 2022, in Boston. Hasbro Inc. and The New York Times, which owns Wordle, announced Thursday that Wordle: The Party Game will be available for purchase in North America in October. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Riddle painting by Maureen Bruinsma (Contributed)

From B.C. to Nova Scotia: Mom and son duo sharing love of riddles

Hunting dragons and chasing snowballs could earn you over $10,000

Riddle painting by Maureen Bruinsma (Contributed)
Jadyn Harris, shown in a handout photo, and his sister have been searching for hidden cash since the hunt began on May 2. Their search lead them to French Fort Cove park. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Savannah Harris

New Brunswick town captivated by mysterious figure offering clues to hidden cash

No one knows who’s behind the Miramachi game, started by a Facebook user

Jadyn Harris, shown in a handout photo, and his sister have been searching for hidden cash since the hunt began on May 2. Their search lead them to French Fort Cove park. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Savannah Harris
Kate Alton shows off a 29 hand of crib, the first 29 she’s had in more than 50 years playing the game. (Photo submitted)

Nanaimo crib player dealt a perfect 29

Kate Alton ‘hits the big one’ after 50 years playing the game

Kate Alton shows off a 29 hand of crib, the first 29 she’s had in more than 50 years playing the game. (Photo submitted)
The Nanaimo Model Train Show happens Sunday, May 1, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Beban Park social centre. (News Bulletin file photo)
The Nanaimo Model Train Show happens Sunday, May 1, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Beban Park social centre. (News Bulletin file photo)
Lego has gone through considerable changes over the years. When was this toy introduced? (LEGO via AP)

QUIZ: How much do you know about toys and games?

From long-lasting traditions to fads, there’s a lot of history to play and recreation.

Lego has gone through considerable changes over the years. When was this toy introduced? (LEGO via AP)
Island Corridor Foundation says this year’s Holiday Train will be even more brightly lighted when it makes stops to collect donations for the Great Nanaimo Toy Drive. (Photo submitted)

Island Corridor Foundation all aboard with Holiday Train supporting toy drive

Charity event supporting Great Nanaimo Toy Drive takes place at two locations Dec. 10

Island Corridor Foundation says this year’s Holiday Train will be even more brightly lighted when it makes stops to collect donations for the Great Nanaimo Toy Drive. (Photo submitted)
Nanaimo fantasy writer Joshua Gillingham has created a viking-themed card game called Althingi. (Chris Bush/News Bulletin)

Nanaimo fantasy writer creates historically accurate Viking-themed card game

Joshua Gillingham is launching a Kickstarter campaign to support ‘Althingi’

Nanaimo fantasy writer Joshua Gillingham has created a viking-themed card game called Althingi. (Chris Bush/News Bulletin)
Tim Hortons delays hockey Barbie roll out to rush production of Black doll

Tim Hortons delays hockey Barbie roll out to rush production of Black doll

Currently, stores are selling the white version of the doll

Tim Hortons delays hockey Barbie roll out to rush production of Black doll
The puzzle, benefitting Food Banks Canada, is available beginning Tuesday, May 19, 2020. (Kraft Heinz Canada photo)

Heinz releases ‘ridiculously slow, all-red’ ketchup puzzle in Food Banks Canada fundraiser

COVID-19 social distancing protocols have allowed for many to pass the time with a puzzle or two

The puzzle, benefitting Food Banks Canada, is available beginning Tuesday, May 19, 2020. (Kraft Heinz Canada photo)
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