GBI re-launches Baby Genius with Zak Designs and Manhattan Toy

By Robert Hutchins

January 14th 2015 at 10:15AM

Aimed at all kids, the Baby Genius brand will introduce its new roster of products to retail later this year.

Genius Brands International is re-launching its popular property Baby Genius with product expansion from new licensees, Zak Designs and Manhattan Toy.

Aimed at all kids, from toddlers to teens, the Baby Genius brand will introduce its new roster of products to retail later this year.

Zak Designs will be developing a line of mealtime products, offering parents and toddlers a range of themed sippy cups, plates, bowls and flatware.

“We are very excited about this line and this partnership,” said Irv Zakheim, chairman and CEO of Zak Designs.

“Baby Genius’ ability to make learning fun, and Zak Designs’ ability to make mealtime fun makes this a great partnership that kids and parents can really benefit from.”

Meanwhile, Manhattan Toy will be creating a new line of Baby Genius soft toys for boys and girls of all ages. The award-winning toy manufacturer will also introduce a range of Baby Genius developmental toys, designed to stimulate a baby’s imagination and development.

Toys will range in age from naught to 36 months and will feature activity toys, wooden puzzles, puppets, play-sets and more. The toy line will be available from this autumn.

“Manhattan Toy is pleased to be partnering with Genius Brands International in the re-launch of Baby Genius,” added Mike Klein, president and CEO of Manhattan Toy.

“The Baby Genius philosophy of products with a purpose is a great fit with our mission of creating toys that encourage creativity and development during those key early stages of life, and we look forward to bringing some exciting new toys to the market we think parents will love.”

The two new licensees have been welcomed by Genius Brands, as the firm gears up for further expansion to coincide with the brand’s re-launch this year.

Amy Moynihan Heyward, president of GBI, said: “Baby Genius has always been a brand dedicated to engaging and enriching young children, and we believe there’s an even greater opportunity now to provide content and products with a purpose, which help to encourage and enrich all of the learning opportunities throughout a child’s day, from feeding to bath time and bedtime.”