The Toy Industry Association Nominates Nickelodeon's "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" For Property Of The Year In 2014 Toy of the Year Awards

The Toy Industry Association (TIA) of North America has announced the exciting Nickelodeon News in the following press release, from PRNewswire, that Nickelodeon's "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" has been nominated for Property of the Year in the prestigious 2014 Toy of the Year Awards (TOTY)!

The annual awards program is sponsored by the toy industry itself to recognize the top toys available across 12 categories -- from e-Connected and Activity to Educational and Outdoor toys. Because the finalists have been nominated from within the industry and winners are selected by a combined vote of toy manufacturers, retailers, media and consumers, the TOTY Awards are known as the "Oscars" of the industry. The 'Property of the Year' category celebrates the property that had the greatest success spreading its brand throughout the industry during the past year.

The 2014 finalists -- representing 68 unique products or properties from 41 companies -- were selected from more than 520 nominees submitted for consideration by 153 companies. Sixty academics, journalists, toy trend experts, play therapists, toy inventors and designers, and toy retailers staffed the nomination committees that narrowed the field to the slate of finalists.

Beginning today, Monday 25th November 2013, through to Monday 13th January 2014, toy lovers of all ages can visit ToyAwards.org to vote for their favorite playthings. Each vote is a chance to win one of twelve TOTY prize packages filled with the toys and games featured in each category.

Four additional ballots -- for mass retailers, specialty toy retailers, media, and TIA members -- were also launched today and will remain open through January 13, 2014. All five ballots will be weighted and used to determine each of the category winners. The overall "Toy of the Year" award will be selected based on votes received from journalists and bloggers, retailers and TIA members; the "People's Choice Award" will be selected based on votes solely from consumers on ToyAwards.org.

Congratulations and good luck, Nickelodeon!!

Original Toy Industry Association Press Release:

Toy Industry Unveils Nominees for 2014 Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards

Consumers invited to vote for their favorites at ToyAwards.org - now until January 13, 2014

NEW YORK, Nov. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Toy Industry Association (TIA) announced today the 84 toy, game and property finalists for the prestigious 2014 Toy of the Year Awards (TOTY). The annual awards program is sponsored by the toy industry itself to recognize the top toys available across 12 categories -- from e-Connected and Activity to Educational and Outdoor toys. Because the finalists have been nominated from within the industry and winners are selected by a combined vote of toy manufacturers, retailers, media and consumers, the TOTY Awards are known as the "Oscars" of the industry.

"This year's TOTY finalists embody the innovative spirit of the toy industry and transport children to magical worlds through play," said Carter Keithley, TIA President. "The TOTY Awards program also supports the philanthropic work of the Toy Industry Foundation, which partners with generous toy companies to bring brand new toys to deserving kids throughout the year."

The 2014 finalists -- representing 68 unique products or properties from 41 companies -- were selected from more than 520 nominees submitted for consideration by 153 companies. Sixty academics, journalists, toy trend experts, play therapists, toy inventors and designers, and toy retailers staffed the nomination committees that narrowed the field to the slate of finalists.

Beginning today through January 13, 2014, toy lovers of all ages can visit ToyAwards.org to vote for their favorite playthings. Each vote is a chance to win one of twelve TOTY prize packages filled with the toys and games featured in each category.

Four additional ballots -- for mass retailers, specialty toy retailers, media, and TIA members -- were also launched today and will remain open through January 13, 2014. All five ballots will be weighted and used to determine each of the category winners. The overall "Toy of the Year" award will be selected based on votes received from journalists and bloggers, retailers and TIA members; the "People's Choice Award" will be selected based on votes solely from consumers on ToyAwards.org.

See the finalists in each category below. Online images are available at ToyAwards.org/Press

The winners will be announced during an awards ceremony held on Saturday, February 15, 2014 as the kick-off to the 111th American International Toy Fair.

ACTIVITY TOY OF THE YEAR
Arts and crafts, construction and other indoor toys that inspire creative play through various forms of activity

* Hot Wheels® Car Maker by Mattel, Inc.
* Rainbow Loom® by Choon's Design LLC
* Crayola Melt 'n Mold Factory by Crayola
* LEGO® Minecraft by The LEGO Group
* PLAY-DOH PERFECT TWIST ICE CREAM Playset by Hasbro, Inc.
* GLITZI GLOBES™ GLITZI SHOWCASE by Moose Toys
* Spirograph™ Deluxe Kit by Kahootz Toys

BOY TOY OF THE YEAR
Toys developed for boys of any age

* Battroborg 3-in-1 Battle Arena by TOMY
* Despicable Me 2™ Special Feature Minion Dave Talking Action Figure by Thinkway Toys©
* DISNEY INFINITY by DISNEY
* LEGO Legends of Chima™ by The LEGO Group
* Skylanders SWAP Force™ by Activision Publishing, Inc..
* TRANSFORMERS™ CONSTRUCT-BOTS by Hasbro, Inc.
* Disney© Planes U-Command® Supercharged Dusty by Thinkway Toys©

E-CONNECTED TOY OF THE YEAR
A physical toy or game that is app-enabled or otherwise interacts with a smartphone, tablet or gaming device

* LEGO® MINDSTORMS® EV3 by The LEGO Group
* Skylanders SWAP Force™ by Activision Publishing, Inc.
* DISNEY INFINITY by DISNEY
* Barbie® Digital Makeover by Mattel, Inc.
* LeapPad Ultra™ by LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.
* Kurio Touch 4s Handheld by Techno Source
* Photo Mix & Mash by Crayola

EDUCATIONAL TOY OF THE YEAR
Toys that help children to develop special skills and knowledge through play

* GoldieBlox™ and the Spinning Machine by GoldieBlox™ Inc.
* LeapPad Ultra™ by LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.
* LeapReader™ by LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.
* LEGO® MINDSTORMS® EV3 by The LEGO Group
* Demolition Lab: Triple Blast Warehouse by SmartLab Toys
* Magformers® 62 Piece Set by Magformers, LLC
* Nancy B's Science Club MoonScope™ and Sky Gazer's Activity Journal by Educational Insights®

GAME OF THE YEAR
Children's board, card, electronic or other physical game formats and puzzles
(does not include video games or apps).

* BOOM BOOM BALLOON™ by SPIN MASTER LTD
* Chain Letters® by Patch Products
* DRAW SOMETHING™ PARTY Game by Hasbro Inc.
* HEDBANZ ACT UP by SPIN MASTER LTD
* Settlers of Catan® by Mayfair Games
* Skylanders SWAP Force™ by Activision Publishing, Inc.
* WordARound™ by ThinkFun

GIRL TOY OF THE YEAR
Toys developed for girls of any age

* Disney Princess Palace Pets: Furry Tail Friends by Blip Toys
* FLUTTERBYE FAIRY by SPIN MASTER LTD
* FURREAL FRIENDS CUDDLES, MY GIGGLY MONKEY by Hasbro, Inc.
* LEGO® Friends Heartlake High by The LEGO Group
* Monster High® 13 Wishes Doll Assortment by Mattel
* NERF REBELLE HEARTBREAKER Bow by Hasbro Inc.
* Rainbow Loom® by Choon's Design LLC

INFANT/TODDLER TOY OF THE YEAR
Toys developed for infant children and toddlers (ages up to 36 months)

* BIG HUGS ELMO by Playskool
* Fisher-Price® Laugh & Learn™ Crawl Around™ Car by Mattel
* Go! Go! Smart Wheels™ Train Station Playset by VTech®
* Lamaze® Franky the Hanky Whale by TOMY
* Farm Mash-Up by LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.
* Mirari® Pop! Pop! Piano® by Patch Products
* Skwish® Stix by Manhattan Toy

INNOVATIVE TOY OF THE YEAR
Toys that utilize innovative design, technology, or manufacturing processes to enhance play value

* Barbie® Digital Makeover by Mattel
* Battroborg 3-in-1 Battle Arena by TOMY
* FLUTTERBYE FAIRY by SPIN MASTER LTD
* GoldieBlox™ and the Spinning Machine by GoldieBlox™ Inc.
* Laser Maze™ by ThinkFun
* Skylanders SWAP Force™ by Activision Publishing, Inc.
* Zoomer by SPIN MASTER LTD

OUTDOOR TOY OF THE YEAR
Toys designed for outdoor play

* Crayola Washable Sidewalk Chalk by Crayola
* Razor® Crazy Cart™ by Razor USA LLC
* SKY RIPPERZ™ by Zing
* Sky Viper Stunt Quadcopter by Skyrocket Toys
* SkyTrix® by Daydream Toy
* Y Glider 3 in 1 by Yvolution
* Ziggle™ by Radio Flyer®

PRESCHOOL TOY OF THE YEAR
Toys developed for preschool-aged children (aged 3-5)

* BIG HUGS ELMO by Playskool
* Dino Construction Company™ by Educational Insights®
* Doc McStuffins Get Better Check-Up Center by Just Play
* FURREAL FRIENDS CUDDLES, MY GIGGLY MONKEY by Hasbro Inc.
* Go! Go! Smart Wheels™ Airport Playset by VTech®
* Shelby's Snack Shack Game™ by Educational Insights®
* Sofia the First Talking Sofia and Animal Friends by Mattel

PROPERTY OF THE YEAR
Property that had the greatest success spreading its brand throughout the industry

* Despicable Me 2™ (Universal Partnerships & Licensing)
* Disney Junior's Doc McStuffins (Disney Consumer Products)
* Disney Junior's Sofia the First (Disney Consumer Products)
* Minecraft™ (Mojang AB)
* Monster High® (Mattel)
* Skylanders SWAP Force™ (Activision Publishing, Inc.)
* Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Nickelodeon)

SPECIALTY TOY OF THE YEAR
Toys primarily distributed through specialty retailers

* Animal Parade A to Z Puzzle by BeginAgain
* Bunny Peek A Boo™ by Smart Toys and Games, Inc.
* Laser Maze™ by ThinkFun
* Nanoblocks Deluxe Space Shuttle by Ohio Art
* Rainbow Loom® by Choon's Design LLC
* Spirograph™ Deluxe Kit by Kahootz Toys
* Magnetic Wooden Blocks 42-Piece Set by Tegu®

About the Toy Industry Association (TIA)

TIA is the not-for-profit trade association representing all businesses involved in creating and bringing toys and youth entertainment products to kids of all ages, representing more than 600 companies who account for approximately 85% of domestic toy sales. Toy safety is the number one priority for the toy industry. TIA has a long history of leadership in toy safety including the development of the first comprehensive toy safety standard more than 30 years ago, and working with government, consumers and industry on ongoing programs to ensure safe and fun play. For more information, please visit www.toyassociation.org or www.toyinfo.org.

Follow TOTY on Twitter at #TOTY14

Media Assets Available at www.ToyAwards.org/Press

SOURCE Toy Industry Association

RELATED LINKS
http://www.toyassociation.org

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Nickelodeon Presents The Legendary "Bubble Guppies" Tale "The Puppy and the Ring", Premiering Thursday 5th December 2013 on Nick USA

After Frodo and Bilbo, there was Bubble! Nickelodeon, the number-one entertainment brand for kids and families, has announced in the following press release, from TV By The Numbers, the exciting Nickelodeon News that, in advance of the US theatrical release of the brand new movie "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" on Thursday 12th December 2013, Nick USA will premiere and show the brand new epic "Bubble Guppies" primetime special "The Puppy and the Ring" - the must-see movie of this holiday season that will feature magical creatures, wondrous realms, and one "precious" puppy - on Thursday 5th December 2013, 7-8 p.m. (ET/PT)! Inspired by "The Lord of the Rings", the mythical adventure features Jeffrey Tambor ("Arrested Development") as the voice of an evil Night Wizard who has stolen the Ring of the Sun. The Emmy Award-winning preschool series "Bubble Guppies" is currently the number-one rated preschool show in its time period (11am-12pm).

In the all-new "Bubble Guppies" primetime special "The Puppy and the Ring", preschoolers are welcomed into Bubbledom, a land of secrets and sorcery where the magical Ring of the Sun has always kept night and day in perfect balance. But when the evil Night Wizard takes the Ring from the benevolent Sun King, Bubbledom could be thrown into darkness forever! Join Molly and Gil as they accompany their puppy on a quest through three magical realms so they can return the Ring of the Sun to its rightful owner by sundown.

At NickJr.com, Nickelodeon's award-winning website for parents and preschoolers, fans can experience "Bubble Guppies"'s online transformation into the world of Bubbledom; watch a online streaming video featuring a sneak-peek of "The Puppy and the Ring" and print exclusive "Bubble Guppies" games and activities. Additionally, the special will be available for download beginning Friday 6th December 2013 on iTunes, Amazon, Xbox, Playstation, Vudu, Target Ticket, Samsung and VDIO.

Original Nickelodeon Press Release:

AFTER FRODO AND BILBO, THERE WAS BUBBLE!

NICKELODEON PRESENTS THE LEGENDARY BUBBLE GUPPIES TALE "THE PUPPY AND THE RING," PREMIERING THURSDAY, DEC. 5, AT 7PM (ET/PT)

Jeffrey Tambor Guest Stars as an Evil Night Wizard in Hour-Long Primetime Event

NEW YORK – NOV. 25, 2013 – The must-see movie of this holiday season features magical creatures, wondrous realms, and one “precious” puppy. In advance of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug release (Dec. 12), Nickelodeon will debut the epic Bubble Guppies primetime special, “The Puppy and the Ring,” premiering Thursday, Dec. 5, 7-8 p.m. (ET/PT). Inspired by The Lord of the Rings, the mythical adventure features Jeffrey Tambor (Arrested Development) as the voice of an evil Night Wizard who has stolen the Ring of the Sun. The Emmy Award-winning series Bubble Guppies is currently the number-one rated preschool show in its time period (11a-12pm).

"I am going to be a hero in my own household," says Tambor. "My twin boys will go ballistic when they hear Daddy. Ah to be 'cool' in one's own living room."

In “The Puppy and the Ring,” preschoolers are welcomed into Bubbledom, a land of secrets and sorcery where the magical Ring of the Sun has always kept night and day in perfect balance. But when the evil Night Wizard takes the Ring from the benevolent Sun King, Bubbledom could be thrown into darkness forever! Join Molly and Gil as they accompany their puppy on a quest through three magical realms so they can return the Ring of the Sun to its rightful owner by sundown.

At NickJr.com, Nickelodeon's award-winning website for parents and preschoolers, fans can experience Bubble Guppies online transformation into the world of Bubbledom; watch a sneak-peek of “The Puppy and the Ring” and print Bubble Guppies games and activities. Additionally, the special will be available for download beginning Dec. 6 on iTunes, Amazon, Xbox, Playstation, Vudu, Target Ticket, Samsung and VDIO.

Bubble Guppies is created and executive-produced by Jonny Belt and Robert Scull and co-developed by Janice Burgess, the Emmy Award-winning team behind the hit Nickelodeon series' The Backyardigans and Little Bill. The CG-animated series set in a vibrant underwater environment follows a group of diverse preschoolers with colorful fish tails who go on adventures discovering their world. Bubble Guppies is set to a soundtrack of catchy, educational pop songs and features a curriculum that infuses the core elements of kindergarten readiness including: math, literacy, the arts, science and socio-emotional development.

About Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon, now in its 34th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon’s U.S. television network is seen in more than 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 18 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA).

Tags: Bubble Guppies Ratings, The Puppy and the Ring Ratings

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Synapse TV Planning To Launch VuTV On Freeview HD This Week

The broadband media industry news website Advanced Television is reporting the very exciting Nickelodeon UK News in the following article that VuTV, the brand new Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) service which will make a range of pay-TV channels, including Nickelodeon UK, Nicktoons UK, Nick Jr. UK, Comedy Central, and MTV available to homes with Freeview HD, is scheduling to launch later this week (week beginning Monday 25th November 2013)!

VuTV, co-owned by interactive TV specialist Strategy & Technology and video streaming operator Simplestream, and run by their joint venture Synapse TV, will launch on the UK digital terrestrial television (DTT) platform Freeview on channel 238 and will enable a range of premium channels from Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), A+E Networks, and Turner Broadcasting to be watched via Freeview HD boxes, through pay-as-you-go monthly payments.

The article also reports that Mike Alexander, the Business Development Manager at Strategy & Technology (S&T), has announced that VuTV is planning to add more new channels in 2014:

VuTV targets pay-TV lite market

Prior to its consumer launch later this week, executives behind TV streaming service VuTV have revealed further details of the operation’s positioning and strategy.

Speaking exclusively to advanced-television.com, Mike Alexander, Business Development Manager at Strategy & Technology (S&T), confirmed that the service would be available on Channel 238 on UK DTT Platform Freeview and deliver linear channels over-the-top to Freeview HD boxes.

A+E Networks, Viacom International Media Networks and Turner Broadcasting are the first major broadcasters to sign up to VuTV, featuring channels such as Lifetime, Comedy Central, MTV, CNN, History, H2, Crime & Investigation Network, Nickelodeon, Nicktoons, Nick Jr., Cartoon Network, Boomerang and Cartoonito.

“We believe it will be a great value proposition with the channels we have at launch and we have more channels we plan to add in 2014,” he said, adding that by using consumers’ existing Freeview HD boxes, no extra boxes, remotes or power supplies were required.

The service is powered by Synapse, a joint venture between Strategy & Technology and bespoke streaming solutions provider Simplestream, and leverages their respective technology and expertise to provide a comprehensive and fully-integrated solution for OTT delivery of linear and on-demand services to a range of connected platforms.

“We worry about all the technology, and if someone has content that they want to get onto one of these platforms, they can give us access to that content, and we can do everything else that is needed to be done to deliver that to consumers,” explained Alexander.

Noting Freeview research that suggests there are some 7.6 million Freeview HD TVs and boxes in the marketplace which have some form of Internet connectivity, Alexander estimated that there are currently between 0.7 and 1.5 million compatible and connected receivers, with that number set to grow rapidly in 2014.

Alexander said that VuTV is targeting a rapidly-growing population of Freeview HD Internet-connected homes that don’t currently have a pay-TV package, suggesting that that there are lots of people out there that would like premium TV, but are not willing to pay the levels of monthly subscriptions required by existing platforms.

For channels, Alexander suggested that VuTV was a very cost-effective way to reach the large audience of Freeview consumers compared to using a traditional over-the-air channel which could cost millions.

David Cutts, Managing Director of S&T, said the service would grow and evolve from its launch technologies and capabilities, “just as fast as we can evolve the software” while still trying to keep it simple for consumers. “We have a road map of things we are going to do to add channels and features to the service … the service can evolve from here on in; this is Step One. We think we’ll be able to extend this ‘pay-TV lite’ on Freeview quite extensively.”

While this week’s launch will confirm pricing points, VuTV plans more of a consumer push in 2014, when further channels are set to be added to the service.

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Nickelodeon And Amazon.com To Launch 'Day of Deals' On Tuesday 26th November 2013

Nickelodeon, the number-one entertainment brand for kids and families, and Amazon.com, the world's largest online retailer, have announced in the following press release, from Broadway World's TV World, the exciting news that, just in time for the holidays, Nickelodeon and Amazon.com will ignite the holiday shopping season with the launch of "Nickelodeon Day of Deals" on Tuesday 26th November 2013 at www.amazon.com/nickelodeon, where, for one day only, a online extravaganza will treat customers to a full day of lightning deals on their favorite Nickelodeon products across numerous categories including toys, board games, home goods, apparel and more. Fans and holiday shoppers everywhere will be able to enjoy deals up to 40% off, until supplies last!

Original Press Release:

Nickelodeon & Amazon.com Launch 'Day of Deals', 11/26

Just in time for the holidays, Nickelodeon and Amazon.Com ignite the holiday shopping season with the launch of "Nickelodeon Day of Deals" on Tuesday, November 26, at www.amazon.com/nickelodeon, for one day only. The online extravaganza treats customers to a full day of lightning deals on their favorite Nickelodeon products across numerous categories including toys, board games, home goods, apparel and more. Fans and holiday shoppers everywhere can enjoy deals up to 40% off, until supplies last.

About Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon, now in its 34th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 18 consecutive years. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIA.B). Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIA.B).

About Amazon

Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN), a Fortune 500 company based in Seattle, opened on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection. Amazon.com, Inc. seeks to be Earth's most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they might want to buy online, and endeavors to offer its customers the lowest possible prices. Amazon.Com and other sellers offer millions of unique new, refurbished and used items in categories such as Books; Movies, Music & Games; Digital Downloads; Electronics & Computers; Home & Garden; Toys, Kids & Baby; Grocery; Apparel, Shoes & Jewelry; Health & Beauty; Sports & Outdoors; and Tools, Auto & Industrial. Amazon Web Services provides Amazon's developer customers with access to in-the-cloud infrastructure services based on Amazon's own back-end technology platform, which developers can use to enable virtually any type of business. Kindle Paperwhite is the world's best-selling and most advanced e-reader. It features new display technology with higher contrast, the next generation built-in light, a faster processor, the latest touch technology, and exclusive new features designed from the ground up for readers. Kindle, the lightest and smallest Kindle, features improved fonts and faster page turns. The new Kindle Fire HDX features a stunning exclusive 7" or 8.9" HDX display, a quad-core 2.2 GHz processor, 2x more memory, and 11 hours of battery life, as well as exclusive new features of Fire OS 3.0 including X-Ray for Music, Second Screen, Prime Instant Video downloads, and the revolutionary new Mayday button. The all-new Kindle Fire HD includes an HD display, high-performance processor and dual speakers at a breakthrough price. Amazon and its affiliates operate websites, including www.amazon.com, www.amazon.co.uk, www.amazon.de, www.amazon.co.jp, www.amazon.fr, www.amazon.ca, www.amazon.cn, www.amazon.it, www.amazon.es, www.amazon.com.br, www.amazon.in, and www.amazon.com.mx. As used herein, "Amazon.com," "we," "our" and similar terms include Amazon.com, Inc., and its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise.

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Nickelodeon And Sprayground Team Up For Limited-Edition SpongeBob SquarePants Deluxe Backpacks

Nickelodeon, the number-one entertainment brand for kids and families, has today, Monday 25th November 2013, announced in the following press release, from PRNewswire, the exciting news that Nickelodeon and Sprayground, a graffiti-inspired fashion brand, have teamed up to release the Sprayground x SpongeBob: SpongeBob SharkPants Deluxe Backpack! The limited-edition brightly-hued unisex backpack has a 360 degree print design, featuring elements of SpongeBob SquarePants' Bikini Bottom pals including Mr. Eugene Krabs, Patrick Star and Sandy Cheeks. The Sprayground x SpongeBob: SpongeBob SharkPants deluxe backpack retails for US$65, and is available to buy now exclusively at SprayGround.com!

On the Sprayground x SpongeBob: SpongeBob SharkPants Deluxe Backpack's front panel is a wide-eyed SpongeBob face with Sprayground's iconic shark mouth. Made of canvas, the backpack features cushioned shoulder straps with SpongeBob's iconic knee-high sock design, two side pockets, organizing pockets in the front compartment, and a laptop compartment in the main internal compartment. It's the perfect Christmas present for all SpongeBob fans!

The collaboration marks Sprayground's first-ever co-brand with an animated character.

Original Nickelodeon Press Release:

Nickelodeon And Sprayground Team Up For Limited-Edition SpongeBob SquarePants Deluxe Backpacks

Collaboration Marks Sprayground's First-Ever Co-Brand with an Animated Character

NEW YORK, Nov. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Nickelodeon and Sprayground, a graffiti-inspired fashion brand, team up to release Sprayground x SpongeBob: SpongeBob SharkPants Deluxe Backpack. The limited-edition brightly-hued unisex backpack has a 360 degree print design, featuring elements of SpongeBob's Bikini Bottom pals including Mr. Krabs, Patrick and Sandy Cheeks. The Sprayground x SpongeBob: SpongeBob SharkPants deluxe backpack retails for $65, and available now exclusively at SprayGround.com.

(Download Image - Photo - Nickelodeon and Sprayground Team Up for Limited-Edition SpongeBob SquarePants Deluxe Backpacks. (PRNewsFoto/Nickelodeon): http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131125/NY22726 )

"SpongeBob is an iconic and versatile brand that lends itself to be reimagined through innovative products," said Julie McKenzie, Senior Vice President, Softlines and Packaged Good, Nickelodeon Consumer Products. "Our Sprayground collaboration is a creative expression of all of the attributes that have made SpongeBob beloved around the world, mixed with cutting-edge style that both of our brands' fans will love."

The Sprayground x SpongeBob: SpongeBob SharkPants Deluxe Backpack's front panel is a wide-eyed SpongeBob face with Sprayground's iconic shark mouth. Made of canvas, the backpack features cushioned shoulder straps with SpongeBob's iconic knee-high sock design, two side pockets, organizing pockets in the front compartment, and a laptop compartment in the main internal compartment.

Since its launch in July 1999, SpongeBob SquarePants has become one of the most beloved animated characters in TV history and a global pop culture phenomenon. Currently in its 14th year, the series continues to be one of the most-watched animated series with kids, with one third of its audience 18-49. SpongeBob SquarePants is one of the most 'liked' animated series on Facebook, with more than 84 million fans. As the most widely distributed property in Viacom history, SpongeBob is seen in over 170 countries and translated in more than 35 languages. Over the past several years, SpongeBob has averaged more than 100 million total viewers every quarter across all Nickelodeon networks.

About Sprayground

Founded by street artist DBD in 2006, Sprayground (sprayground.net) originally started as a blank bag company aiming to offer street artists a new medium for expression. Since then, Sprayground has expanded its range of street-inspired bags and accessories for style-savvy creatives. Now an established street wear brand, Sprayground maintains its devotion to street art through a fashion-focused aesthetic, innovative designs, and collaborations with internationally known artists.
Based in New York, Sprayground is available nationwide at retailers like Kitson, Goliath, Atmos, Vault, Bodega, Food Soldiers, and more.

About Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon, now in its 34th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 18 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIA.B). [...]

SOURCE Nickelodeon

RELATED LINKS
http://www.nick.com

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