You know I love celebrating a toypreneur's full-circle moment and today’s episode is just that.

We're revisiting the incredible journey of TCA alum Chrissy Fagerholt of EAP Toys and Games, from her very first appearance on this podcast to her latest game launch and ongoing success in self-publishing.

This episode is a special highlight reel of Chrissy’s growth: from pitching her very first ideas at our Toy Creators Academy Virtual Pitch Event, to getting a game into Barnes & Noble, and even deciding to manufacture her own products. You’ll hear snippets from episodes 88, 131, and 239, packed with real-world insights to help you grow from creator to confident toypreneur.

Chrissy’s journey is a reminder that growth in this industry doesn’t happen overnight but every pitch, every prototype, and every connection adds up. These highlights will leave you feeling inspired, energized, and ready to take your next step.

If this episode sparked something in you, it might be time to explore your own path in the toy industry. Join us inside Toy Creators Academy and start building the skills, confidence, and connections you need to bring your toy ideas to life. Learn more at www.toycreatorsacademy.com

Listen for these Important Moments!

• [01:49] - Get a behind-the-scenes peek at what real toy pitches look like and how you can gain the confidence to pitch before everything is perfect.
• [02:34] - Learn what it takes to move from concept to store shelf, and how to prepare your game for big retail opportunities.
• [11:34] - Discover how to spot weaknesses in your game design before showing it to others, saving time and costly mistakes.
• [16:03] - Understand the pros and cons of licensing vs. self-publishing so you can make the best decision for your toy business.
• [17:26] - Learn how to manage burnout and reignite your passion when business tasks start to dim your creative spark.

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Popular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy Ideas
Your Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps
>> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass <<

Toy people, I see you. You’re trying to run your business, deal with tariffs, build your brand, pitch your ideas, and maybe even answer customer questions at 3AM. But what if I told you that AI could actually help you make the most out of your time and money as you build your toy business?

In this episode of Making It in The Toy Industry, I’m breaking down 3 powerful and unexpected ways to use AI tools to save money, reclaim your time, and scale smarter even if you’re just getting started.

Here’s what we’ll get into:

• How I’m using AI chatbots to help toypreneurs boost conversions (without hiring a 24/7 team)
• Why ChatGPT is officially my new Facebook Ads assistant, and how it cut my ad costs nearly in half
• The wildest one yet: AI playtesting. Yep. I asked ChatGPT to playtest a game… and what happened next blew my mind

This episode will show you how AI can help you work smarter, stretch your dollars further, and keep your momentum going even when resources are tight. The truth is, we can’t afford to ignore these tools, not when costs are rising and expectations are higher than ever.

And if you’re ready to bring your toy or game idea to life with the help of AI, join me for my upcoming bootcamp on September 23rd at learn.thetoycoach.com/bootcamp

Listen for these Important Moments!

• [00:46] - Learn how AI tools can help you save time, reclaim profits, and compete in a rapidly changing industry.
• [04:43] - Discover how to set up a smart chatbot that handles customer questions 24/7 and recovers missed sales.
• [11:32] - Hear how I cut my ad costs in half and created better campaigns without hiring a pricey ads manager.
• [18:09] - Simulate real player feedback with AI and test gameplay changes before you invest in physical prototypes.
• [27:06] - Get inspired to take action with AI and learn how to validate and pitch your idea with confidence.

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Popular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy Ideas
Your Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps
>> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass <<

Should you launch your toy on Kickstarter? That’s the question that we’re going to explore today.

TCA alumni Michael Harring, launched Wayward Ghouls and his line of Squeaks toys on Kickstarter as what he says is “just a test.” With the goal of $49,000, Michael’s almost at 50% with a $19,000 pledge but he shared in our interview that for some reason, pledges have stalled.

In this week’s episode, you’ll hear a real coaching call between Michael and myself, where we dig into what’s actually working, what might be holding things back, and how to make progress when your audience is small and your campaign starts to stall. I’ll share why embracing “done is better than perfect” can move your launch forward, how even a tiny list can lead to big results, and how to tweak your offer without losing your creative vision. Plus, you’ll get tips for building long-term IP loyalty, even on a budget.

If you're planning to launch your toy on Kickstarter or wondering if you should, this is the episode you’ll want to hear before you hit publish.

Learn more at www.toycreatorsacademy.com

Listen for these Important Moments!

• [05:12] - Why testing your toy idea on Kickstarter is still worth it even with limited reach.
• [17:35] - How to assess your offer, pricing, and product mix when momentum slows down.
• [28:10] - Why perfection can hurt your progress and how to get feedback that leads to clarity.
• [41:20] - Simple strategies that turn tiny lists into powerful backer communities.
• [53:45] - How to think beyond the campaign and build lasting fan loyalty on any budget.

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Popular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy Ideas
Your Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps
>> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass <<

For years, international toy sellers had a semi-secret shortcut to ship goods under $800 tariff free. That shortcut? Gone. And if you’re not prepared, your business could feel it fast. As of August 29th, the De Minimis Exemption was officially eliminated for many international shipments to the U.S. The change, quietly confirmed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, caused immediate disruption. Over 25 countries (including the UK, Germany, and Japan) paused shipments to reassess compliance. Platforms like Temu and Wish began overhauling logistics, while DTC creators abroad faced surprise duties, delays, and frustrated customers.

In this episode of Making It in the Toy Industry, I’m breaking down what the end of the De Minimis Exemption actually means for creators like you. This change isn’t just about shipping fees and forms, it’s about who wins, who loses, and how you can thrive in a newly leveled playing field.

Using a mind map, I’ll guide you through the four big areas impacted by this shift: the immediate chaos it’s caused, what strategies and tools are suddenly more valuable, what old tricks are now holding brands back, and who’s rising to the top as this new landscape takes shape.

This episode is a wake-up call and a strategic roadmap, all in one.

Listen for These Important Moments:

• [00:09:12] - Avoid tariffs and delays. Warehousing in the U.S. now gives you speed, savings, and a serious competitive edge.
• [00:11:53] - New customs rules are hitting Temu and Shein hard, giving legit brands room to shine and reclaim their sales.
• [00:21:00] - Stable SKUs and digital add-ons help offset costs and keep products flowing under new import rules.
• [00:25:50] - Solo sellers outside the U.S. now face bigger delays and thinner margins. Without a warehouse, you’re stuck.
• [00:29:54] - U.S.-based creators, brands with warehousing, and fulfillment partners are leading the pack.

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Popular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy Ideas
Your Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps
>> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass <<

I’ll never forget the time I asked a factory to “just move the pen and scissors down a little” on a packaging layout. What came back? A sample where the entire arrangement was totally rearranged and the design I’d worked so hard on was completely off. Communicating with factories is one of the most exciting parts of the toy-making journey, but one vague email can lead to total toy-making mayhem.

If you’re not specific, clear, and intentional with your feedback, even tiny comments can snowball into major delays, color mismatches, or products that completely miss the mark.

In this episode of Making It in the Toy Industry, I’m breaking down the three most common mistakes new toy makers make when working with overseas factories and how to avoid them with confidence.

Inside this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why vague feedback like “a little shorter” can lead to big problems (and what to say instead).
• The reason Pantone colors are your best friend in product development.
• How rushing to approve samples from photos or video can completely backfire.
• What a pre-production sample is and why it’s absolutely essential.

If you’ve ever felt unsure about what to say to a factory, how to give feedback, or when to say “go,” this episode is your crash course in clear communication and smart production practices. It’s packed with tips that will save you serious time (and money) as you scale your toy business.

Listen for These Important Moments

• [00:01:05] - How using Pantone colors protects you from costly color mismatches and miscommunication with your factory.
• [00:09:52] - Discover why vague comments lead to bad samples and how to give clear, factory-friendly directions that save time and money.
• [00:14:37] - Hear my story of how one vague request wrecked an entire product layout and how you can avoid the same frustrating (and expensive) result.
• [00:16:55] - Find out why approving samples from photos or videos is a huge risk and what has to happen before you say “go” to production.
• [00:21:10] - Learn how hands-on sample reviews reveal hidden issues with materials, weight, or function and how this one step can prevent bad reviews, safety issues, and recalls.

Send The Toy Coach Fan Mail!

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Popular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy Ideas
Your Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps
>> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass <<

Even with the recent increased tariffs on India, many of my clients and students have been seeking out new factory partnerships in this country. For decades, China has been the go-to destination for toy production, and they are indisputably the best at producing high quality goods quickly, but what happens when rising costs, shipping delays, and shifting global policies force toy makers to look elsewhere?

That’s the exact question that international toy expert and Source 4 India co-founder Joshua Punin has been exploring for the past 16+ years. With firsthand experience helping major brands expand across Asia and deep ties to India’s emerging toy manufacturing scene, Joshua has become a powerful voice advocating for alternative sourcing strategies.

In this episode of Making It in the Toy Industry, Joshua and I cover:

• Why a shift in India’s import tariffs sparked a nationwide manufacturing movement.
• The surprising challenges and advantages of producing toys in India.
• What startup creators need to know before reaching out to Indian factories.
• Why sourcing outside of China isn’t about replacing, it’s about expanding your opportunities.
• How India’s skilled labor force, tax incentives, and infrastructure make it one to watch.

If you’ve been curious about what it would really look like to source outside of China, or you’ve heard whispers about India but didn’t know where to start, this episode is your starting point. Hit play to discover new possibilities and learn what it really takes to make that shift.

Listen For These Important Moments:

• [00:19:12] - Discover how policy changes and infrastructure improvements are creating real opportunities for both startups and established brands.
• [00:25:10] - Not every toy is a perfect fit, save time and money by understanding what India can (and can’t) do efficiently right now.
• [00:27:46] - Get clarity on production expectations so you can plan your launch and scale strategy with confidence.
• [00:28:44] - Shipping from India could be cheaper and faster than you think, especially if you're selling in Europe or the Middle East.
• [00:31:19] - Hear what Joshua looks for in potential clients and how to position your startup to be taken seriously by manufacturers.

Send The Toy Coach Fan Mail!

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Popular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy Ideas
Your Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps
>> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass <<

Building forts is a rite of passage for most kids and often the bane of organized parents. I can still picture my mom, coming home late from running her business, to find chairs flipped sideways, blankets draped across them, boxes forming doorways, and my brother and I, tucked away inside playing. It was 100% an eyesore to my parents and 1000% a safety hazard.

That universal problem is exactly what architect and TCA Accelerator student Carrie Shaked, founder of Design Laughter, set out to solve. Her buildable fort system transforms messy blanket chaos into stunning, structurally sound cardboard domes that are easy to assemble, customizable, and beautiful enough to live in your living room.

In this episode of Making It in the Toy Industry, you’ll listen in on a real 1:1 coaching call with Carrie. We cover:

• How her architecture background inspired a toy unlike anything else on the market.
• Why families cried (in a good way!) during playtesting.
• Smart email collection strategies and social media tips for camera-shy founders.
• How today’s manufacturing climate might give small startups an edge.

If you’ve ever looked at your child’s chaotic fort and thought, There’s gotta be a better way, this conversation will remind you that there’s room in the toy industry for your vision, too. Hit play on this episode to get inspired, and allow yourself to imagine bringing your unique idea to this industry.

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Popular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy Ideas
Your Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps
>> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass <<

Ever wondered why all baby toys are so bright and loud? all primary and neon colors? Aesthetic-focused moms are craving a change. In this episode of Making It in The Toy Industry, I’m bringing you a powerful coaching session that spotlights someone who's filling that market opportunity. Playcor is a brand on a mission to make toys that look as beautiful as the homes they live in.

Courtney Smithee, an interior designer turned toy inventor and student of Toy Creators Academy, is the founder of Playcor, a line of high-end, neutral-colored silicone toys that blend beautifully into modern homes. These aren’t just kids’ toys in a different colorway, but they’re multifunctional age-appropriate playthings that double as home decor. Imagine a designer-quality scalloped bowl that doubles as a rattle, and decorative silicone balls that are both chic and safe for play. That’s Playcor.

In this episode, you’ll hear how Courtney is managing product development, navigating international factory communications while pregnant, and finding clarity in the chaotic early stages of launching a toy brand. We dig into her most challenging SKU, how she’s simplifying her marketing strategy as a mom of three, and the major mindset shifts that helped her go from overwhelmed to intentional.

We’ll also celebrate some BIG wins like the moment guests walked into her home, saw her toy prototypes on display, and didn’t even realize they were toys.

So if you’ve got a creative idea and you’re wondering if it has a place in the toy world, let this episode be your sign. Tune in, get inspired, and imagine what you could create, maybe even inside Toy Creators Academy with me by your side.

Send The Toy Coach Fan Mail!

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Popular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy Ideas
Your Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps
>> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass <<