Mattel unveils the first-ever toy line available at mass retail to be certified CarbonNeutral® with new MEGA BLOKS Green Town

  • The new Mega Bloks Green Town line is certified CarbonNeutral® by Natural Capital Partners, the leading experts on carbon neutrality and climate finance
  • Green Town building bloks is designed to help teach green behaviours through play patterns, like waste sorting, using electric transport, protecting honey bees and choosing renewable energy sources.

New MEGA BLOKS Green Town™ Line

MEGA, the global leader in preschool construction toys, is helping to create a brighter, more sustainable future with MEGA BLOKS Green Town, the first-ever toy line available at mass retail to be certified CarbonNeutral. Just in time for Earth Month, four new MEGA BLOKS Green Town building sets support a greener way to play for little builders ages 1 and up in the following ways:

  • Each playset, like the Build & Learn Eco House™ and the Grow & Protect Farm, is made from specifically a minimum of 56% plant-based materials – and a minimum of 26% International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC*) certified bio-circular plastics (mass balance approach).
  • Each product is certified CarbonNeutral by Natural Capital Partners, the leading experts on carbon neutrality and climate finance. To achieve the CarbonNeutral®product certification, MEGA purchased carbon offsets (less than 500 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents) from the Darkwood Forests Conservation project in Canada.
  • Packaging is created with 100% Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC)-certified paper or paperboard, plus soy-based inks and water-based varnishes to enhance recyclability.
  • Each set is designed to help teach green behaviours through play patterns, like waste sorting, using electric transport, protecting honey bees and choosing renewable energy sources.

Products available at leading toy stores

https://toykingdom.co.za/product/mb-green-town-build-n-learn-house/
https://toykingdom.co.za/product/mb-green-town-grow-n-protect-farm/
https://toykingdom.co.za/product/mb-green-town-charge-n-go-bus/
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How The Elf on the Shelf Makes School Breaks Easier, Happier, and a Little More Magical!

The December school holidays are long, full of energy, and can often leave parents wondering how to keep children entertained, engaged, and inspired—without spending every day running activities or relying on screens. That’s where The Elf on the Shelf comes in. More than a festive tradition, your Scout Elf becomes a small, magical companion that helps create moments of joy and surprise throughout the holidays.

Ready to make your mornings merry, magical, and stress-free? Here are seven ways The Elf on the Shelf can bring a little extra sparkle to your festive season:

1. Start the Day with a Spark of Magic

A Scout Elf brings anticipation into the mornings. Each night, your Scout Elf returns to the North Pole, and in the morning, they reappear somewhere new in your home. Whether perched on a shelf, resting on a kitchen counter, or “reading” a tiny book, the Scout Elf’s new spot sparks excitement, curiosity, and joy. These small surprises can set a positive tone for the day, giving children a moment to pause, wonder, and smile before the day begins.

Here’s a glimpse into how @baileygeorgiades brings the Scout Elf tradition to life in her home, filling each day with festive joy.

2. Introduce Gentle Structure

Long summer days can feel unstructured for children. Your Scout Elf can provide subtle guidance without pressure. For example, a small note next to your Scout Elf can suggest a creative activity for the day, such as drawing a festive picture, or helping with a quick household task. The Elf on the Shelf becomes a fun way to encourage routines, responsibility, and mindfulness, while still keeping the magic alive.

3. Keep The Elf on the Shelf Moments Simple

You don’t need elaborate setups or complicated props. Children are delighted by simple, relatable scenarios. A Scout Elf sitting inside a shoe, peeking from a cereal shelf, resting in a sunny spot, or even taking a “cooling break” in the fridge can create just as much excitement. Simplicity is often the key to creating memorable mornings without extra stress.

4. Inspire Creativity and Independent Play

Without touching your Scout Elf—so its magical powers remain intact—children can still engage with the tradition by creating little surprises nearby: leaving a tiny note for their Scout Elf, crafting paper decorations, or building a festive scene. These activities spark independent, imaginative play while giving parents a few peaceful moments during busy days.

Want to see the magic in action? Here’s how @elena_pappas and her family enjoy their Scout Elves during the festive season.

5. Encourage Positive Behaviour

December is full of excitement, and sometimes high energy can lead to tension. A Scout Elf can reinforce positive behaviour in a gentle, playful way. Your Scout Elf might leave a note praising a kind action or appear in a tidy space as if “noticing” the effort. This helps children understand that thoughtfulness, helpfulness, and cooperation are appreciated—even during busy holiday months.

6. Add Variety with Accessories

The Scout Elf experience can be brought to life even further with the Elf Pets, Claus Couture, and Polar Props collections. Outfits, tiny props, and festive companions help keep the tradition fresh and exciting, giving each elf a unique personality and playful scenario. Best of all, these additions create magical mornings without any extra stress for parents.

7. Capture the Joy

The true magic of The Elf on the Shelf is in the reactions: wide eyes, surprised giggles, and delighted laughter. These authentic moments become lasting memories, whether you capture them in photos or simply enjoy them as a family.

Adopt Your Scout Elf and Bring the Magic Home

The Elf on the Shelf brings joy, creativity, subtle structure, and a little calm to the busy December holidays. 

If you’re ready to start this heartwarming tradition—or continue one your family already loves—you can adopt your Scout Elf at select Toy Kingdom, Exclusive Books, and Hamleys stores, Takealot online, and your favourite independent toy store.

A small companion from the North Pole may be the easiest, most meaningful addition to your holiday season this year.

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Bring Christmas Magic Home: How Elf on the Shelf Turns Every Morning Into a Little Adventure

Christmas is almost here, and with it comes the excitement of twinkling lights, sweet treats, and little giggles echoing through the house. But what if this year, you could sprinkle a little extra magic—and a whole lot of mischief—into your home? Enter Elf on the Shelf, Santa’s mischievous little scout, ready to make your holiday season unforgettable.

The Elf That Brings Joy (and Giggles!)

Elf on the Shelf isn’t just a decoration—it’s a tiny magical friend with one very important job: reporting back to Santa each night. But unlike a toy, this Scout Elf comes to life in your home, encouraging your little ones to be kind, thoughtful, and playful, all while keeping the magic alive.

Every morning, the elf appears somewhere new: perched on the mantle, tucked into the cookie jar, hanging upside down from the Christmas tree. And here’s where the fun really begins… it’s up to you to create the mischievous scenarios!

A Tradition Parents Love to Play

Picture this: you wake up before the kids and set up a little scene—maybe your elf is building a tiny snowman out of marshmallows in the kitchen, or reading a bedtime story to their stuffed animal friends. Perhaps they’ve left a cheeky note encouraging your kids to leave carrots for Santa’s reindeer, or maybe they’re caught “sneaking” chocolate from the pantry.

These little surprises spark laughter, curiosity, and imagination every single day. Parents rave that the joy isn’t just for the children—it’s a chance for the whole family to get playful, creative, and share in the magic of the season.

Endless Ideas, Endless Fun

The beauty of Elf on the Shelf is that no two days need ever be the same. Make a game out of it: see who can find the elf first, create tiny obstacle courses, or invent new hiding spots. Encourage your kids to talk to the elf, share their wishes, and even help them plan fun surprises for the elf itself. The possibilities are endless—and every idea adds a spark of Christmas magic that your family will remember for years.

It’s More Than Just an Elf

Elf on the Shelf comes in boy and girl elves, with charming outfits and accessories from the Claus Couture Collection, and even little beds and teddy companions for when they need to rest. These tiny touches keep the magic alive, letting your children feel like they’re part of a secret, festive world where Santa is watching and fun is around every corner.

Start Your Magical Tradition Today

This year, bring a bit of North Pole mischief into your home and create mornings full of laughter, wonder, and surprise. Let Elf on the Shelf inspire your family to craft stories, make memories, and celebrate the season in a truly magical way.

Adopt your Elf on the Shelf at Toy Kingdom, Takealot, Exclusive Books, select Hamleys and your favourite independent toy store.

Watch as every morning becomes a little adventure your kids—and you—will never forget.

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Unlocking Imagination and Development Through Play: Why Parents Love PLAYMOBIL

In a world where screens are everywhere, finding toys that spark imagination and encourage real, hands-on play is priceless. That’s where PLAYMOBIL comes in — a timeless favourite that has been inspiring storytelling and creativity for generations.

A World of Imagination in Every Set

At its heart, PLAYMOBIL is a system of imaginative, role-playing toys centred around the brand’s signature 7.5 cm smiling figure — perfectly sized for little hands. Each figure’s simple design invites children to project their own emotions and stories, turning playtime into endless adventures.

Unlike traditional construction toys, PLAYMOBIL focuses on storytelling and role-playing. Each set, whether it’s a bustling city, a space mission, or a pirate ship, encourages children to dive straight into imaginative worlds. The detailed accessories, working features, and realistic designs make every story feel alive — from a horse galloping across a ranch to a firetruck racing to the rescue.

Why PLAYMOBIL Stands Out

PLAYMOBIL sets are known for their realistic details and durable quality. Made from child-safe, non-toxic ABS plastic, the figures and accessories are built to last, ensuring years of creative play. Even better, PLAYMOBIL has taken a step toward sustainability — since 2024, PLAYMOBIL Junior toys have been made from 90% plant-based materials, and all packaging uses recycled cardboard and paper.

But beyond the quality, what truly makes PLAYMOBIL special is how it nurtures a child’s development through play.

The Power of Role Play

PLAYMOBIL understands that play is more than fun — it’s how children learn about the world around them. Role-playing encourages children to experiment, express themselves, and build essential life skills. Through imaginative play, kids learn to cooperate, share, and take turns, all while building confidence and problem-solving abilities.

Here’s how PLAYMOBIL supports every stage of a child’s growth:

  • Social Development

By acting out everyday scenarios — from visiting the doctor to having a picnic — children learn how to communicate, cooperate, and lead. Playing together fosters teamwork and empathy as they take on different roles.

  • Cognitive Growth

PLAYMOBIL play promotes language development, logic, and creativity. Whether children are explaining what’s happening in their story or solving a make-believe problem, they’re strengthening key thinking and communication skills.

  • Emotional Skills

Imaginative play allows children to explore emotions safely. They can act out feelings like excitement, frustration, or kindness — building self-expression, self-control, and confidence along the way.

  • Motor Skills

From placing tiny accessories to moving figures around a detailed playset, PLAYMOBIL enhances fine motor coordination and hand-eye precision.

Learning Through Everyday Adventures

One of the most valuable aspects of PLAYMOBIL is how it lets children act out real-world experiences in a safe, creative way. Pretending to order food at a restaurant, visit the doctor, or call for help in an emergency gives them a sense of understanding and control over their world.

For parents, these play sessions can become “incidental learning” moments — gentle opportunities to teach positive behaviours and life lessons. Imagine your child’s PLAYMOBIL figures wanting the same toy: “They both want the same toy — what can they do?” It’s a chance to guide your child through problem-solving, sharing, and empathy in a natural, engaging way.

Timeless, Quality Play — Screen-Free

In essence, PLAYMOBIL gives children something every parent wants for them — a space to imagine, explore, and grow. With endless themes to choose from and no “right” way to play, kids can create new worlds and stories every single day. It’s creativity without limits — and fun that lasts a lifetime.

Because with PLAYMOBIL, the story is always theirs to tell.

PLAYMOBIL — Inspiring Imagination Through Play.

Available at Toy Kingdom, Takealot, select Hamleys and your favourite independent toy store. For a complete list of stores where you can find Playmobil visit www.playmobil.co.za. Sign up at www.playmobil.co.za for their regular newsletters and get up to date information on new product releases.

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