Kahootz Toys was a toy company based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, best known for the relaunch of the classic toy Spirograph. Kahootz was founded in 2012 and acquired by PlayMonster in 2019.
History Kahootz founded in January 2012 by Doug Cass, Colleen Loughman, Joe Yassay, and Brent Oeschger after their previous company, Giddy Up, was sold. Kahootz' initial product offerings were Spirograph and Pomz. In a 2013 interview, Cass stated that they brought back the Spirograph because they saw an opportunity for success in the nostalgia market and felt that it would do well. The first shipment of Spirograph arrived just before Christmas in 2012.
The Spirograph (along with Kahootz' Lite-Brite) was exhibited at the 2013 Sweet Suite 13https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-big-toy-book-sweet-suite-event-2013-tickets-6770004265 The Big Toy Book Sweet Suite Event 2013 show in Chicago, Illinois and the 2014 American International Toy Fair in New York City, New York. Since then, Kahootz Toys has expanded and released numerous new products and lines.
In 2019 Kahootz launched Y'Art™, a brand of craft kits that allows consumers to color-by-number with yarn. The craft kits were debuted at Toy Fair of the same year and led to the puppy kit winning the ASTRA Best Toys for Kids award in the Arts & Crafts: 7+ category.
Kahootz was acquired by PlayMonster in November 2019.
Brands
Spirograph Y'Art Fashion Plates LatchKits Waterfuls Colorforms Fashion Press Stitchkits Popoids Plasticine HypnoGizmo Action Plates Rotodraw Creative Galaxy Romper Room Lite-Brite (discontinued) Pomz (discontinued)
Awards
AwardYearProductASTRA Best Toys for Kids2019Y'Art™ Craft Kit - PuppyThe Toy Insider Top Holiday Toys2016Spirograph Jr., Spirograph Shapes, Fashion Plates SuperstarThe Toy Insider Top Spring and Summer Toys2016Fashion Plates SuperstarCool Mom Picks Editor's Best2015Action PlatesASTRA Best Toys for Kids2015Fashion Plates Deluxe KitThe Toy Insider Top Holiday Toys2015Spirograph My Little Pony Design SetEdPlay The Fabulous Award Runner-Up2015Original Spirograph Deluxe SetToy Industry Association Toy of the Year Finalist2014Original Spirograph Deluxe SetASTRA Best Toys for Kids2013Original Spirograph Deluxe Set
References
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