Wildbrain Announces Strawberry Shortcake Holiday Rollout

WildBrain, a global kids’ and family entertainment company, has new products and experiences for fans of the Strawberry Shortcake brand this holiday, with licensees lining up for new launches into 2024.  

The holiday activations and events align with the release of WildBrain’s new CG-animated Netflix special, “Strawberry Shortcake's Perfect Holiday,” which features Strawberry Shortcake and friends preparing for the Winterswirl holiday celebration. The new Strawberry Shortcake original micro-form content (60 x 15s) will premiere on the official Strawberry Shortcake YouTube channel Jan. 15, giving glimpses into the moments between Strawberry’s big adventures. 

Strawberry Shortcake recently appeared at L.A. Comic Con, where fans saw all four eras of Strawberry Shortcake costume characters come together for the first time at a meet and greet, complete with exclusive merchandise and giveaways. The appearance at Comic Con highlighted a partnership with artist, Spooksieboo, and online retailer, Threadless, for a global apparel and accessories collaboration that features an exclusive Spooksieboo x Strawberry Shortcake holiday collection for the Strawberry Shortcake Threadless shop. It also follows a dedicated seasonal Spooksieboo x Strawberry Shortcake art installation at the Rockefeller Center as part of The Candy Cottage of Christmas Magic. 

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“It’s such a joy to spread Strawberry Shortcake’s seasonal cheer this holiday with activations and partnerships focused on engaging with fans in ways they love,” says Melissa Goodrich, director, franchise strategy, WildBrain. “These festive collaborations build on an already strong licensing and content program. With the addition of brand-new and original YouTube shorts for audiences to enjoy, and new partners and existing licensees lining up robust product launches for next year, we are set for a very sweet 2024.” 

New partnerships secured by the WildBrain franchise team include Crisco, which is joining Strawberry Shortcake as a nostalgic holiday baking partner. Crisco brings its expertise to crafting five recipes available online, inspired by the classic sweetness of Strawberry Shortcake and her friends. 

Julienne Fine Foods & Celebrations hosted a Perfect Holiday Tea Party Dec. 10 in San Marino, Calif., where fans indulged in an array of Strawberry Shortcake-inspired sweet treats, including some special cinnamon-dusted items inspired by “Strawberry Shortcake’s Perfect Holiday.”  

For fairytale and podcast fans this holiday, Strawberry Shortcake is teaming up with Starglow Media’s “Girl Tales,” created by Rebecca Cunningham, for a new, festive crossover episode that celebrates the holiday season. “Girl Tales” is a short story podcast that reimagines fairytales to put empowered girls center stage. The new episode, “Strawberry Shortcake and the Winterswirl Storm,” launches Dec. 18 and builds on the story from WildBrain’s new animated holiday special. It’s the second of four Strawberry Shortcake podcasts inspired by WildBrain’s seasonal Netflix specials. Strawberry appeared in a “Girl Tales” episode for the brand’s Halloween special earlier this fall. “Girl Tales” is available across all major podcast platforms.  

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In the U.K., fans will have a chance to win a Strawberry Shortcake prize pack this month with free-to-air broadcaster, Tiny Pop, for its “Guess Ho Ho Ho” campaign.  

WildBrain's dedicated licensing agency, WildBrain CPLG, has brokered deals with long-time Strawberry Shortcake partners for new product launching in 2024.  

In the apparel category, Sweet Peas is launching its first Strawberry Shortcake collection of signature accessories and apparel this month, including its iconic headwear and a matching mommy pajama set featuring a brand-inspired red ruffle trim. Available online in the U.S. and shipped to the U.K., Spain and France, the seven-part collection will kick off a partnership that will continue with a second collection next year. 

Strawberry Shortcake Dolls Kill apparel.

In the digital arena, gaming partner, Budge, is marking the festive season with a promotion to celebrate the launch of “Strawberry Shortcake’s Perfect Holiday” on Netflix. Budge’s Strawberry Shortcake Bake Shop game allows users to immerse themselves in the sweet world of Strawberry Shortcake by digitally recreating the delicious strawberry shortcake treat featured in the winter special.  

The Loyal Subjects, toy partner for classic Strawberry Shortcake, has launched new collectibles in the U.S. at Five Below stores, featuring Strawberry Shortcake and friends, in addition to a Strawberry Shortcake ragdoll, which is available at retailer, Cracker Barrel. Boss Fight Studio has also launched a fully poseable action figure collection featuring characters, Strawberry Shortcake, Orange Blossom, Lime Chiffon and Huckleberry Pie, available online globally and in-store at Hot Topic and FYE retailers. A second collection featuring even more characters is coming in 2024 and 2025.  

Also, specialty puzzle partner, Blue Kazoo, has released a 1,000-piece Strawberry Shortcake puzzle available to purchase on its website. At the same time, Blank Tag Co. has created a range of waterproof and stylized stickers featuring Strawberry and friends, available online. A second sticker collection is also planned for 2024, expanding to include five new characters from The World of Strawberry Shortcake.