PBS released its first ever PBS Kids toy line designed to extend off-screen learning for preschoolers. The toys will be available exclusively online at PBSKidsshop.com until this fall, when they will become available at additional online and in-store retailers as well.The new toy line will initially consist of more than 20 individual wooden toys for preschoolers across key toy categories. Highlights include the Sounds of the World rhythm set, puzzle play sets, exploration blocks and three-layer puzzles.
In addition to the new toy line, the PBS Kids launched its online shop, which offers educational books, games, toys, DVDs and customizable apparel, backpacks, water bottles, room décor and birthday supplies.
The online store was developed with Brand-Xpand, and proceeds from the PBS Kids Shop will help fund free, educational PBS Kids programming for all children.
“We’re excited to extend the educational benefits of PBS Kids programming to a new platform,” says Lesli Rotenberg, senior vice president of children’s media at PBS. “Toys are a very natural extension of our ongoing mission to offer learning opportunities to children, and parents’ trust and familiarity with PBS Kids will help foster valuable co-play opportunities. The toys facilitate hands-on learning and parent-child interaction through creative play, which we know can help kids build critical skills to prepare them for success in school and in life.”