Is your latest toy design capable of teaching kids valuable life skills? Creating a toy that's both a blast to play with and packs a punch in the personal growth department isn't child's play. So, how do you shake things up and make a toy that's not just another shiny object in the toy box but a true game-changer in a kid's development? Get ready to level up your toy-creating game with some insider knowledge from this must-listen episode.

Welcome Rachele Harmuth, Head of ThinkFun who is back on the podcast to highlight her latest work in the toy industry. Rachele's got the lowdown on something called "MESH" - think emotional veggies for your kid's growing mind - and she's here to spill the beans on why it's cool (and crucial) to weave problem-solving and emotional smarts into playtime. She's not just talking the talk; she'll guide you through what it really means to create a toy that earns the MESH stamp of approval.

If you're ready to toss the old playbook and craft toys that'll stand out in a heart-and-brain-healthy way, plug into this episode and learn all you can about the new MESH Accreditation program. Oh, and once you're all fired up, don't forget to bounce over to thetoycoach.com for links from today's episode.


📝 Episode Cliff Notes:

• Learn about the birth of MESH [02:30]
• Find out how the MESH accreditation process came to be and its crucial role in identifying skill-building in children's products. [06:45]
• Find out how the Mesh platform is responding to the increased mental distress in children exacerbated by the pandemic, beyond what comfort toys can offer. [09:55]
• Discover the long-term vision of the MESH accreditation, including how it plans to encompass digital products and create a library of skills-enhancing toys and games. [18:20]
• Dive into the nuanced differences between standard and enhanced accreditation levels and the unique insights each level offers. [25:10]
• Learn how the industry is reacting to the mesh movement and the key players getting on board from retail to children's entertainment. [21:40]
• Discover the advantageous pre-sale pricing tiers for Mesh accreditation reviews and the deadline you don't want to miss. [33:30]
• Gain insight into ThinkFun's considerations when selecting which products to submit for Mesh accreditation and the advice for creators eyeing the accreditation. [37:45] 

Mentioned In This Episode:
Visit thetoycoach.com/164 for the links mentioned in today's episode.

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