Lisa McKnight’s Post

There are people actually angry about this right now on #LinkedIn. So Mattel, Inc. released a modern take on the classic game of #Scrabble to make it more accessible to a broader audience while preserving the classic game. The new version encourages face-to-face interaction, group play, and less screen time. All good, right? Not so fast. Somehow, this has become an opportunity to generalize the younger generations in the worst possible ways. Why are progress and change so often seen as proxies for fear of losing, participation trophies, and a reluctance to engage in challenging things? How on earth do we take a new Scrabble board game that isn’t replacing the old one as a reflection of broader societal issues around effort and competition? It's like the difference between chess and checkers—both classic, strategic games yet accessible in different ways to different players. This, for me, is one of the worst parts of social media. And I have to add, I seriously doubt that those screaming loudest even play the classic Scrabble game! https://lnkd.in/eBbCybSB CNN #inclusion #mattel Televerde

The most expensive Pokémon card ever sold went for $5.27 million dollars to YouTube celebrity Logan Paul. It features Pokémon's poster child, Pikachu, holding paint brushes against a gold speckled background and blurred art pieces. It is the only Pokémon card labeled Illustrator with the pen symbol in the lower right corner. Unlike other cards, it can't be used during a Pokémon card game. Atsuko Nishida, the creator of Pikachu, did the artwork for the card. Only 39 copies were made and were directly sent to the winners of a Pokémon illustration contest held by CoroCoro Comic in Japan in 1998. Pokémon cards are officially graded by the Professional Sports Authenticator. The copy Logan Paul purchased had an extremely rare PSA of 10 — meaning it’s virtually perfect. The first edition shadowless holographic charizard card is another famous high-seller. PSA 10s have sold for $400K+. Instances such as these and the Poke-boom of 2020 stirred card holders to resurface their stashes. During the pandemic, Pokemon Go resurged in popularity and the value of cards shot up exponentially. While this has since subsided, it’s still possible to make a profit from "flipping" Pokemon cards. The determining factors of a card’s worth are rarity, condition, PSA grade and demand. As a non-member of their Collector’s Club, the PSA charges $24.99/card for basic grading with a 45-business day turnaround. The PSA’s postage and handling fees begin at $35.50 for a shipment of $1-10 items from Canada. This process can become costly, however, could be well worth your while — especially if you’re confident in your card’s worth. Gaming platforms IGN and TCGPlayer all offer resources and lists about the most valuable Pokemon cards. So before shuffling those cards into a donation bag, do your research and take a closer look at the hand you’ve been dealt. You may just have a winning card. #eauclairepartners #pokemoncards #pokemon #investing #financecanada

Inclusivity is important

Say goodbye to screen time struggles! Explore our blog for a refreshing selection of board games that promise both entertainment and learning for your kids. Get ready to make unforgettable family memories! Check it out now. Read More: https://lnkd.in/dvqSFiEh #BoardGamesForKids #boardgames2024 #FamilyBonding #BestParentingBlog #ParentingTips #ParentingBlogIndia #BabyBlog #KidsBlog #BabyHubBlog

I grew up playing snakes & ladders🐍🪜which might explain a lot. Brian Baker, SVP Board Games at Hasbro was on 🎙️ Armchair Expert Flightless Bird last week with David Farrier and they discussed the surprising origin of Chutes and Ladders as well as Candyland and Monopoly. Snakes & Ladders originated in India as a way to teach children counting, number recognition and morality lessons. The squares with ladders represented virtues and the squares with snakes represented evil - and there were more squares with snakes. The ladders represent good feelings that take you higher to nirvana and the snakes represent negative feelings that take you further away. England kept it as is: Snakes & Ladders. So why is it Chutes & Ladders in the US? Because Uncle Milton thought snakes were too scary for children so it was changed to playground equipment. The top of the board shows a child enjoying a reward while the bottom shows children engaging in mischievous behavior. Wait, so why was I playing snakes & ladders if I grew up in Michigan? Because my dad is from England. You know the saying "back to square one?" It's from this game! Honestly, I never thought of any of those things while I was playing and thought the snakes were cute, but I did grow up to be resilient, anti-corporate, a strategic thinker AND I HAVE A PET SNAKE 👀 He's a banana ball python and his name is Gordon. It's an interesting episode and has a lot of insight into branding, cultural differences, and interesting explanations behind the creation of specific games. Listen here: https://lnkd.in/gSWJBXss

Want to keep your kids engaged without screens then try these board games. Unlock endless fun and skill-building with these top 5 board games for kids in 2024! From honing strategic thinking to fostering creativity, these games offer valuable learning experiences for the whole family. Elevate your game nights today! 🎲 Read More: https://buff.ly/4aSSWxi #BoardGamesForKids #boardgames2024 #FamilyBonding #BestParentingBlog #ParentingTips #ParentingBlogIndia #BabyBlog #KidsBlog #BabyHubBlog

The humble Squirtle may not be the flashiest of Pokémon, but it's still a favorite of players and collectors all over the world. Squirtle was one of the original starter Pokémon and it's been making a splash in numerous card sets over the years. Read about the most valuable. ➡ https://lnkd.in/gMpjWhcV ------- If you like this post and want to learn more about collectibles, the hobby and the industry, please: 👍 LIKE ✍ COMMENT ♻️ REPOST #collectibles #tcg #pokemon #collectors #tradingcards | The Pokémon Company International

What is the Health Risk of Playing Used Jigsaw Puzzles? I love jigsaw puzzles. New. Used and even Irregular (yes, there is such a thing.) Still, I am using caution when it comes to the health risk of playing used jigsaw puzzles. Why? Well, what might seem like a box of pieces can set off issues. All it needs to do is have mites, perfume or dust in the box or worse, be exposed to poison ivy. I fully believe we need to recycle jigsaw puzzles. Yes, we should share our puzzles with others. And Yes, it's a great idea to give your puzzles to pals. Then you should use a little precaution before spreading it on the table to play. It's important for your health to consider a few ideas to make the best of a used puzzle. What I do is air out the puzzle on the patio table. Opening up the box, I make sure it's piece and nothing but pieces. The things I've found in the puzzle boxes besides pieces from the local thrift stores has been shocking to say the least. Then I spray the pieces with air freshener spray. Like right on the pieces. This does help with the smells of perfumes, mold and other smells that come from the box. Ultimately I let the puzzle sit in the sun for a while. I'm excited to play, but I know a few hours in direct sun can help the pieces. This all sounds sort of elaborate, doesn't it? Well, about four months ago I got a rash from a used jigsaw puzzle on my hand. Thought nothing of it at first. Until it spread up my arm. And I ended up itching in the worst way before heading to the doctor and I was shocked to learn where this puzzle had been. Apparently, the jigsaw puzzle was exposed/next to poison ivy before being given away. When I played with the pieces, it transferred on my skin and up my arm. An extremely itchy lesson to learn about jigsaw puzzles. Now I am extremely careful with every used jigsaw puzzle I buy. Hopefully you will be too! #puzzles #games #jigsawpuzzles #jigsawpuzzle #indiegames #game

Are you ready for the Artificials? In this month's Toy World article, our Managing Director, Lisa Morgan, delves into the realm of Gen-Beta: More AI, More Adaptation, More Growth 🌱 Check out the article below! https://lnkd.in/eYW_nwa #GenerationMedia #GenBeta #ArtificialIntelligence #FutureTrends #TechInsights #Leadership #NextGenAI

Video games can be good for children…? Yes, they can!   Recent research from our colleagues at UNICEF Innocenti, covering a variety of studies in many parts of the world, demonstrates how digital games can positively influence children's lives when designed correctly.   We encourage video game studios and designers to incorporate these insights as they shape the future of children's play experiences.   Learn all about the research findings here https://lnkd.in/dMbbHdJa   #ForEveryChild, a digital future. The LEGO Foundation