Thames & Kosmos, Wondery Announce New Toy Line

Podcast studio, Wondery, and makers of STEM toys, Thames & Kosmos, have announced a new collaboration. The companies will debut a Wow in the World line of STEM toys and science kits inspired by the science podcast for kids and their grown-ups. Launching at retail in the fall, the Wondery Kids Wow in the World toy line is designed by Thames & Kosmos and combines classic science learning toys and audio content to offer kids and families a new way to play. The toy line further builds on Wondery’s vision, giving fans additional ways to engage with their favorite podcast shows.

Developed for kids ages 4 and up and their grown-ups, the Wondery Kids Wow in the World toy line invites kids to tap into their curiosity and connect to the world around them. Launching with the release of seven unique products – from a classic volcano experiment kit with a twist to a high-flying air rocket – each toy incorporates durable, high-quality materials and open-ended play patterns and includes a classic science tool that can be used beyond the scope of the toy itself. Each toy also features exclusive companion audio content from Wow in the World hosts, Guy Raz and Mindy Thomas, and a complimentary 3-month subscription to Wondery+ for grown-ups to explore Wondery’s full catalog. The toy line will introduce kids to a range of STEM subjects, including physics, geology, biology and the natural world. 

The toy line joins a New York Times-bestselling book series published by HarperCollins, a sold-out live tour that meets fans across the country and TinkerClass, the first-of-its-kind “podject” (podcasts and projects)-based learning that invites students in grades K to 5 to listen, wonder, tinker and make. Additional consumer product partners will be announced in the coming months. 

“Podcasts are the perfect complement to families’ existing routines, whether it’s their daily school commute, bedtime and even playtime,” says Nicole Blake, head, franchise development, Wondery. “As the leading innovators in STEM toys, Thames & Kosmos was the ideal partner to level up playtime by bringing together premium audio content with physical toys for the first time to offer a truly unique play experience. We feel confident that these are toys kids will want and that adults will feel good about giving – and that will have everyone saying, ‘WOW.’” 

“As a toy company rooted in sparking curiosity, imagination and a genuine love of learning, we are thrilled to work with Wondery to develop a toy line based on Wow in the World,” says Andrew Quartin, chief executive officer, Thames & Kosmos. “Wondery is a true innovator in developing podcast IP beyond audio content into lifestyle franchises and they share our commitment to making STEM learning fun and relatable.” 

“At Thames & Kosmos, we pride ourselves on pushing the boundaries of STEM learning through play and wanted to take this opportunity to level-up classic products and play patterns in a whole new way with toys that kids will learn something new from every time they play with them,” says Ted McGuire, president, Thames & Kosmos. “We really feel like we’ve achieved that with these new products and can’t wait for kids’ reactions this fall.” 

“It has been incredible watching how Wow in the World inspires today’s generation of kids to follow their curiosity and we are thrilled to see our mission extending into the world of physical play through this new collaboration,” says Meredith Halpern-Ranzer, chief executive officer, Tinkercast.