Kahootz Toys
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Toy manufacturing |
| Founded | 2012 |
| Founder | Doug Cass, Colleen Loughman, Joe Yassay, Brent Oeschger |
| Defunct | 2019 |
| Fate | Acquired by PlayMonster |
| Headquarters | Ann Arbor, Michigan , United States |
| Products | 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) |
| Parent | PlayMonster (from 2019) |
Kahootz Toys was a toy company headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, primarily recognized for bringing back the iconic toy Spirograph. The company was founded in 2012 by Doug Cass, Colleen Loughman, Joe Yassay, and Brent Oeschger, and later became part of PlayMonster through acquisition in 2019.
History
In January 2012, following the sale of their former venture Giddy Up, the founders launched Kahootz. Their first offerings featured Spirograph and Pomz. Doug Cass mentioned in a 2013 interview that the decision to revive Spirograph was driven by an intent to tap into nostalgia, with initial shipments delivered just before the Christmas season of 2012.
Both the Spirograph and Kahootz’s version of Lite-Brite were presented at the 2013 Sweet Suite 13 event in Chicago, Illinois and later at the 2014 American International Toy Fair held in New York City. Over time, Kahootz broadened its portfolio considerably.
In 2019, Kahootz introduced Y'Art™, a craft kit line centered around color-by-number yarn creations. This collection debuted at that year's Toy Fair and earned the ASTRA Best Toys for Kids award in the Arts & Crafts: 7+ category for its puppy-themed kit.
Later that year, in November 2019, Kahootz was purchased by PlayMonster.
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
| Award | Year | Product |
|---|---|---|
| ASTRA Best Toys for Kids | 2019 | Y'Art™ Craft Kit - Puppy |
| The Toy Insider Top Holiday Toys | 2016 | Spirograph Jr., Spirograph Shapes, Fashion Plates Superstar |
| The Toy Insider Top Spring and Summer Toys | 2016 | Fashion Plates Superstar |
| Cool Mom Picks Editor's Best | 2015 | Action Plates |
| ASTRA Best Toys for Kids | 2015 | Fashion Plates Deluxe Kit |
| The Toy Insider Top Holiday Toys | 2015 | Spirograph My Little Pony Design Set |
| EdPlay The Fabulous Award Runner-Up | 2015 | Original Spirograph Deluxe Set |
| Toy Industry Association Toy of the Year Finalist | 2014 | Original Spirograph Deluxe Set |
| ASTRA Best Toys for Kids | 2013 | Original Spirograph Deluxe Set |